randy pausch dies

Have you heard of the YouTube video by Professor Randy Pausch called THE LAST LECTURE that has billions of hits? Well, if not, I should fill you in. Randy Pausch was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in Sept. of 07 and given 3-6 months to live. He turned his tragedy into a positive experience by doing this now famous lecture where he teaches at Carnegie Mellon. The lecture is BRILLIANT. If you have time to kill, you should watch it sometime. He talks about living life to the fullest and having fun everyday. The positivity that seaps out of his every pore is just fascinating.

YouTube video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

He died yesterday at age 46 (I think) leaving three young kids behind. SO sad. He was a former Disney virtual engineer who then became a Professor at CMU. Please check out his book or lecture sometime. His message is was one that I truly believe in. Living life to the absolute fullest and having fun everyday. He made a great impact on me and millions of viewers and readers around the world.

Emily

gran peters

On a sad note, I just want to say a word about Gran Peters (Josh's grandmother). She was truly one of the strongest, funniest and most sincere person I have ever met. She made me feel like family from the very beginning. She always said if Josh was ever mean, she was come up to NY and "straighten him out." She is one of those rare souls who not one person can say a bad thing about. I really hope she finds a happy place waiting for her, because she deserves nothing but the best.

Geraldine Peters - In loving memory July 19, 2008

jury duty

Everyone I know complains and dreads about being summoned to jury duty. I really didn't mind. I had planned it to fall on the week I have no work, which worked out beautifully. The night before I had to go, I called this number with my instructions on where to go and they mentioned that you can bring your laptop. That was the best piece of advice I got. Taking my laptop was absolutely brilliant, because I spent 90% of my day on it with free wi-fi. I got so much done. I actually really enjoyed myself. I was forced to go through all the junk email I get and I organized all my pictures, worked on my website, wrote some overdue emails and finished the day feeling like I got a lot done.



Then, I got PICKED to serve on a jury. Out of 32 people, they picked 6 jurors and they picked me. Why, I will never know. I felt like I was opinionated in answering their questions, but obviously I was what they wanted. Anyway, I come back the next ready to serve and I end up sitting in a room waiting for my case to be called until lunch time. I am excused for a two hour lunch break, come back and wait some more. Sadly, I didn't have my laptop so I was bored out of my mind. Finally, around 3pm they call my case. All of use that were selected get to the counter and the lady announces that our case was settled. I have never been so happy. This case was supposed to be five days, so I was ecstatic. I got credit for serving as a juror and can't be summoned for 6 more years. Brilliant.

So, the moral is...don't dread being summoned for jury duty. It's a great break from life to read, compute or just sit and relax. If you do get chosen, a lot of cases settle outside court. If not, I'm sure it might be kind of interesting.

running

Went running/walking today for the first time in awhile. Every time I go, I realize I much I love doing it. I jog down to the east river boardwalk. Takes about 3 minutes. Then, I run along a flat walkway they have that goes for miles. One did 30 minutes today, but it just felt so good. Just me, the sun, the river on my side and some good tunes. I gotta start doing this everyday! It really does give you an energy boost and they say it cures depression. Not that I am depressed at all right now, it just makes you feel so good afterwards.

vacation

Just got back from a nice beach vacation. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (or as it's supposed to be called Republica Dominicana). The beaches are stunning. SO many palm trees and white sand. I don't recommend leaving the resort. The towns are a little scary and very poor. Overall, Punta Cana makes for a great all-inclusive beach destination.

did you know

Did you know that on July 2, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was actually written? So, today is really the day to be celebrated. It was not finalized and declared officially until July 4th, but today in history was the day it was drafted.

Happy Birthday, America.

Happy Birthday, Liz, too!

I LOVE NY