Memorial Day

Here is an essay that I found on the internet that was written in 2001 by Ali M, 3rd Grader, Academy Elementary School, Madison, Connecticut.
I think it is quite wonderful!

Memorial Day

As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died.  Swimming pools open, BBQs fry.  Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered half-mast.  But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on.

I love working out at the local track.
Here is one of my favorite track workouts:
1) Run the bleachers up and down 10 times.
2) 25 incline push ups on bench
    25 triceps dips on bench
REPEAT #2 for 2 complete sets
3) Sprint track straight ways and recover on curves. 2 times around track for a total of 4 sprints and 4 recovers.
4) 25 crunches
    25 bicycles (elbow to right knee, elbow to left knee is one full rep)
REPEAT #4 for 2 complete sets

REPEAT #1 THROUGH 4 two more times for a total of 3 sets!

Great workout using high intensity cardio and strength for maximum fat burning and muscle building!
Go home and drink a protein shake!

Every time I go to the chiropractor I am reminded of Life's Little Instructions since it is posted on the back of the restroom door.
I love it!  Here it is:

Life's Little Instructions

Sing in the shower. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated. Watch a sunrise at least once a year. Leave the toilet seat in the down position. Never refuse homemade brownies. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Plant a tree on your birthday. Learn three clean jokes. Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full. Compliment three people every day. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Leave everything a little better than when you found it. Keep it simple.

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. Floss your teeth. Ask for a raise when you feel you've earned it. Be forgiving of yourself and others. Overtip breakfast waitresses. Say "Thank you" a lot. Say "Please" a lot. Avoid negative people. Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards. Wear polished shoes.

Remember other people's birthdays. Commit yourself to constant improvement. Carry jumper cables in your trunk. Have a firm handshake. Send lots of Valentine card. Sign them "Someone who thinks your terrific". Look people in the eye. Be the first to say "Hello". Use the good silver. Return all things you borrow. Make new friends but cherish the old ones. Keep secrets. Sing in a choir. Plant flowers every spring. Have a dog. Always accept an outstretched hand. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life. Wave at kids on school buses. Be there when people need you. Feed a stranger's expired parking meter. Don't expect life to be fair. Never underestimate the power of love. Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation. Don't be afraid to say "I made a mistake. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know". Compliment even small improvements. Keep your promises (no matter what). Marry only for love. Rekindle old friendships. Count your blessings.

Call you mother.