Make the most out of any vacation.
October 13, 2008
Hey ladies! I just got back from my honeymoon in New Orleans and wanted to share how I prepared for the trip so that everyone can make the most out of any vacation.
Do Your Homework. I bought several books to help me figure out where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Preparing this way allowed me to map out the trip. I made a rough list of things to do for each day, including what sights to see and where to grab a bite to eat. Although we didn’t always stick to the list, it was nice to have an idea of what we wanted to do before we arrived so we didn’t have to waste time deciding once we got there. You’ll also learn a lot of good tips that are relevant to any trip, or specific to your destination. For example, one book suggested eating at a nice restaurant for lunch instead of dinner because you’ll pay less for the same meal.
Ask Around. See if anyone you know has been to your vacation spot. They’ll be able to share must-see attractions, favorite restaurants, and even places to avoid. Don’t limit this step to the people you know, either. Keep asking around for recommendations once you arrive at your destination.
Pack Smartly. Be realistic about what you really need. Depending on the duration of your stay, you probably won’t need an entire suitcase devoted to accessories. I like to pack slightly more than I need just so I have plenty of choices to pick from later. My secret weapon is Space Bags. I use them to store my dirty laundry because it always seems to multiply by the time I’m headed home.
Be Flexible. Make sure to consider what everyone wants to do when you’re planning your trip. Our trip to New Orleans would’ve revolved around food if I had my way, but Tim does not get as excited about eating as I do. He also likes to relax while he’s on vacation, but I like to see everything I can cram into a day. In other words, it’s important to reach a compromise that allows everyone to experience the vacation they want. No matter what someone else might want to do (unless it’s unsafe, of course) keep an open mind and enjoy yourself.
Be Considerate. Tim and I couldn’t pass up taking a Ghost Tour and a Swamp Tour while we were in New Orleans. We learned so much from the tour guides and both excursions provided such memorable experiences that we were so grateful to have had them. Whether you’re taking a tour or not, remember to be a respectful guest by being open to learning and expressing your gratitude for the experience when necessary.
Be Safe. As long as you follow the above steps, especially Do Your Homework, you should be fine. Just remember to always be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups and don’t attract too much attention to yourself.
Does anyone else have other travel tips to share or experiences they’ve learned from?
Charice Pempengco is a big dreamer!
September 23, 2008
Have you heard Charice Pempengco sing? She was featured on www.oprah.com and when I heard her sing, I was completely inspired like many others. For any of you that have dreamed of being a singer or achieving another dream of yours, Cahrice has a lot to teach us.
Growing up in Phillipines presented many challenges and hardships, but she never gave up. She also shared her “Dream Journal” where she expressed her dreams of the future. She had even placed pictures of Celine Dion and herself together. Guess what? That dream came true and she has sung with Celine.
Have you ever started a dream journal or a vision board (a place to put pictures of your dreams)? It’s a great way to get inspired to reach for your dreams.
If you haven’t heard her sing yet, you can go to
American Teens Movie
July 31, 2008
A new documentary opened at the Sundance Film Festival, and opened in select cities on July 25. It’s called “American Teens”.
The documentary follows teens during their senior year of high school, covering the drama, the competition and the fun. You can watch the trailer and learn more at:
http://www.americanteenthemovie.com/
Let me know what you think! Is it a good or bad idea? Would you want to see it? Do you think the movie will accurately show what teenage life is all about?
Reading About Rock
March 21, 2008
I have a friend who loves music. I asked her where to look to learn more about rock, and she gave me this list of books:
“The Rolling Stone Women in Rock Collection”
“Rock She Wrote” by Ann Powers
“She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Rock, Pop & Soul” by Lucy O’Brien
“Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday” by Angela Y. Davis
“Girls Rock! Fifty Years of Women Making Music” by Mina Carson, Tisa Lewis and Susan M. Shaw
“Electric Ladyland: Women And Rock Culture” by Lisa Rhodes
“The Lost Women of Rock Music” by Helen Reddington
“Hip Hop Divas” by Vibe Magazine
“Women and Popular Music: Sexuality, Identity and Subjectivity” by Sheila Whiteley
“Finding Her Voice: The Illustrated History of Women in Country Music”
Sing, Sing, Sing!
March 20, 2008
If you’re thinking about being the next American Idol or dream of having your own band someday, here are a few tips my friend Jen Moore and I came up with:
1. Figure out your favorite kind of music and start using your voice to sing along!
2. Take lessons. You can find out more at www.nats.org.
3. Practice makes perfect. Whether your’re in the shower, on a walk, or just in your room, start singing. Then, find other places you can sing with others like your school choir, a community theatre, or a youth group.
4. Join a group. Whether you start your own, or find one that is already started. Surround yourself with other people that like to sing too.
5. Read about some famous songwriters, such as Carole King, Ani Difranco, and Tori Amos.
