I love to write, and I have kept notebooks and journals full of my thoughts for about as long as I can remember. Sometimes it's actually difficult for me to think without a pen and paper - or a laptop - at hand. This morning I stumbled upon the following entry:

"November 14, 2008

Here are some things that I want out of life:

1. to be completely satisfied in a job in which I'm helping other people every day, and making a difference

2. to find my soulmate

3. to travel the world

4. to write and publish a book

5. to speak fluent French

6. to graduate University

7. to play the piano at a very high level, and possibly with an orchestra or ensemble

8. to wake up happy as often as possible"

I think that it's really interesting to look back on past goals. In two years from the day that I wrote this, I have managed to accomplish numbers 5 (ish!), 6, and 8. I think that goal #1 will be met whenever I am actually hired as a teacher... my experiences student-teaching have convinced me of this. As far as numbers 2, 3, 4 and 7 go... I have a feeling that these might happen hand-in-hand somehow. They could even be in progress, but I wouldn't want to jinx anything by suggesting it outright!

Yesterday, while sunning myself on the back porch once again, I finished reading "Yes We Can," the New York Times' best-selling biography of President Barack Obama. I know that I'm a little late to jump on the "Obama train," but I was absolutely fascinated by his life story. Talk about triumphing over challenges! I cannot imagine the struggle that he faced with his divided racial and cultural identity. It must have been very difficult to grow up the way he did - spending part of his childhood in Hawaii, some in Indonesia... all without the presence of a stable father figure, save his rather "disillusioned-salesman-grandpa." But look where he ended up! He is PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!! To me, this speaks to the power of drive and determination, as well as to the blessing of family - even if the family isn't perfect, or wholly together. I'm so inspired!!!! I'm going to do everything on that list I wrote and more. And I'm going to start right now.