Skin Cancer

Since it's so sunny out, I figure we could all use a reminder on skin cancer, and what makes you more susceptible to developing it.

•  Having fair skin that burns more often than tans
• Having large moles
• Having blue or green eyes
• Light colored hair
• Family history of skin cancer

Be careful and enjoy the weather while it lasts!

Photo taken by me

Information gathered here

76º

Summer's coming early here in Chicago. I know I always feel happier when it's sunny and warm out, but is there science to back that up? According to a psychologist named Keller, pleasant weather was related to a brighter mood and better memory. These results are consistent with findings of seasonal affective disorder, which implies that after being deprived of sunshine and warmth in winter, we have much brighter moods in spring when the sun comes out.
All in all, stay outside as long as you can. You'll be happier.

Family

This weekend, my distant cousin is having his bar mitzvah in Chicago. So, all of my out of state relatives are coming in to celebrate. As I remembered this event today, I became very excited to see my family. I wouldn't have been this excited, however, if my grandmother had not taken me and the seven eldest grandchildren to Israel this past summer. Over the summer we were all able to bond, and we got to like each other a lot more. I don't think that I would've ever been able to enjoy my family as much as I do now, had this trip not happened.
So, all in all, I think that family time is very important, and should not go to waste.

Happiness

Recently, I've found that dancing and singing at the top of my lungs while driving is one of the best things I can do. I am instantly put in a good mood. And this isn't just because my childhood dream was to be the next Britney, but there's scientific facts behind it. According to several studies (here's one of them), singing releases endorphins which are your body's "feel good" chemicals.
So, if you're having a bad day, my prescription is that you get in your car, blast Sexy and I Know It, sing, and wiggle your heart out.

Responsibility

In the past week, I have come across situations where people don't take responsibility for their own actions.  And sometimes, these acts lacking responsibility affected in very devastating ways. However, it made me realize just how self-centered some people may be. We all really need to take a look at how our actions affect others, and not just what the outcome will be for ourselves. In a community that, in my opinion, seems on the surface to be a very loving and caring one, I was surprised to see these acts of carelessness, and I've decided there needs to be a change.

So please, take responsibility. While it might not always be fun, it's the right thing to do.

Game of Life

To me, everything in life is a game. The prize is whatever you hope will happen. You can play using many different strategies: saying certain things, buying someone a gift, doing someone a favor. Everything you do affects the game.
I love looking at life this way. It makes me feel less overwhelmed in times of despair. I feel that I can accomplish more with the right moves. 

Birth Chart Interpretations

The other day I decided to find out more about my Zodiac sign, Aries. What I read, that Aries are impatient, independent, curious, and intelligent all resonated with me. However, I wanted more. So I went to a site called Cafe Astrology and looked up my Birth Chart. I entered information regarding my birth (place, date, time, gender), hit enter, and was given a list of where all the planets were at the time I was born. I discovered that my sun sign is Aries, my moon rising sign is Scorpio, and lots of other planet-to-zodiac points. For the next 20 pages, I read interpretations of my Birth Chart. It was scary accurate. It said that I am impatient, independent, curious, and intelligent. But it also said more in depth things, such as I have a good sense of smell, my neck is my weak point, I have the need to be needed, I am fickle, if I begin a task or project and don't receive immediate results, I quit. There are so many more points that sounded like me, and I was astonished. I couldn't stop reading. I highly recommend anyone who reads this to look up their Astrological Birth Chart, even if they don't believe in the Zodiacs. I think it's too cool to pass up.