But hold on to what you believe in the light, when the darkness has robbed you of all your sight (M&S)

CAPES [something empowering] Live in freedom, but don't be reckless with your freedom.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] To study for my Hebrew vocab tests, I've been playing a memory game. Line them up, and once I've memorized them, I flip them over. It's almost fun. Almost.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Brain-fitness is said to prevent memory loss (source). Multi-tasking (like reading while spinning on your trainer) gives the brain an extra good work out. So, don't forget to do this often!

get off your horse

CAPES [something empowering] Steer clear of high horses. You don't like it when others are on them, so don't get on your own.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Lip gloss rings need no explanation as to why they are fabulous.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I listened to this song on William Fitzsimmon's "Derivatives" album all summer long, and now I'm back listening to it. It's tragic, but good. So so good.

Don't cheat yourself out of the truth.

CAPES [something empowering] The truth about the truth is that sometimes it hurts. So we lie to ourselves as a cover-up. Don't do that. Don't cheat yourself out of the truth.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I went on my first major mountain bike ride this weekend (Stinky Spoke) and now love the sport as well as the game my brother and I invented: wheel-tag.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] My favorite gun to shoot is a magnum 44 desert eagle. This is probably because it's loudest at the range and the kickback is so strong that it makes my wrists ache the next day. [Please note that this is intentionally not in the "CAPES" or "COFFEE" sections because shooting guns does not equate power nor does it represent a hot new trend. Please handle weapons responsibly.]

tomorrow you can better your best

CAPES [something empowering] Just give it the best you got today, and tomorrow you can better your best.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] The Cristy Carner salon in Fremont is super-fabulous. Treat yourself to a wax or facial...and make sure you ask for Jolene :)

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I made Cooper a cape for Christmas. He loves Elmo, so of course it features the crazy red muppet.

PS-please note the date and time of this post - it was intentional.

Leave your clutter behind.

CAPES [something empowering] I'm thinking about going to go see Country Strong by myself. Mostly because no one will go with me, but also because is there anything more empowering than seeing a movie by yourself on a Friday night? I'll let you know how it goes.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Start the year off by downsizing your wallet and purse. Get rid of the junk, and see how long you can keep the weight off. Leave your clutter of 2010 in 2010.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I used ancestory.com and found the immigration records of my great-grandfather Paulus Vander Pol. He's the last name on this record from 1910.

delusions of grandeur

CAPES [something empowering] Stop living in your delusions of grandeur. In other words, stop making excuses for people that hurt you. Leave your delusions behind, and start choosing healthy relationships in 2011.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Lately, I have been putting chocolate milk in my high-fiber-but-low-in-taste cereal. It gives the illusion that I'm eating cocoa puffs, instead of something that is actually good for me.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I love this modern décor website. It contains fun decorating ideas, as well as this cool wall sticker I just purchased.