Tomorrow afternoon I'm hopping on an Amtrak with ten other people from my town, heading west to Denver to spend a little over a week doing volunteer work--working at homeless shelters, food depositories, community centers, etc. It's my second year of doing this and, while a little bit of an odd way to spend your vacation, I've found that my eyes were opened to those less fortunate than me, and that, as bad as my problems seem to be, I should be grateful for the life I have. Last year's trip has really helped me to keep things in perspective.

It got me to wondering if there are others who have had similar experiences. Is there something that reminds you of the specialness of your life? Someone you love? How fortunate you are? It doesn't have to be nearly as overt as my example; for instance, it could be as simple as a gesture your SO does on a regular basis--something that makes you think, "Hey. I don't have it so bad, really." Any input?

(By the way, I will be suffering from complete computer withdrawal by the time I return and will miss you all!)

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"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, then let it, and if you have to wait for what you really want, take the time because nobody said that life would be easy. They just promised it would be worth it." ~ Unknown author