I'm doing 31 things
A few years ago (I’m a little late on this one!) I took a trip with Ohio State to Chicago for Spring Break, and we spent the week volunteering in various places. The most incredible experience was at Inspiration Cafè, where people who are struggle to make ends meet not only get fed in the morning, but also get help with housing and job searches. What makes them unique is their approach- those who need a job are first trained and employed in a local cafè owned by I.C.! Their approach is so amazing, and I was really inspired by the people I met there. One woman, (whom I kept in touch with a bit after the experience) told me her heart-wrenching experience of the brain damage that left her unemployable after an accident ruined her ability to retain long term memory. As she detailed her story, she scribbled my name and a description of what I looked like and what I talked about into her planner, on the calendar day that I met her. She moved on to ask me about my family and encourage me toward building a more loving relationship with my mom. Another man, who I emailed back and forth with for a few years after the trip, played board games with me during our stay at the I.C. and we bonded over our mutual love for electric guitar, irish punk music and classic rock bands. It was such a life changing experience and I loved every second of it! I honestly think working at the food pantry was the least rewarding part of the trip, though we were eager to help there as well. I even got to go to see Yo-yo Ma, and somehow ran into a man who had extra tickets for the 1st tier of seating (something I would never be able to afford.) What an amazing trip!
Vivaperamore's Life List
-
1. Write and Produce a CD
2 cheers1 person -
2. build a house with habitat for humanity
1 cheer309 people -
3. Finish building the recording studio
1 person -
4. finish 3 of the pieces of art that I have started. Preferably the painting for my dad, the frappuccino cap collage, and the NYC scene.
1 person -
5. Learn and memorize 5 full songs on guitar
1 person -
6. write a book
1 cheer31,072 people -
7. Start an Italian-House.
1 person -
8. join the peace corps
1 cheer2,482 people -
9. do chalk art on the sidewalk
1 cheer1 person -
10. go on a spiritual retreat
91 people -
11. keep a journal
3,675 people -
12. design, build, and decorate a house
1 person -
13. visit all of the continents
14 people -
14. open my own business
415 people -
15. see a tornado
1 entry . 1 cheer330 people -
16. volunteer with the red cross
1 cheer16 people -
17. organize a service project meaningful to me
1 person -
18. Design and make 3 awesome shirts
2 cheers1 person -
19. volunteer abroad
454 people -
20. start a school
109 people -
21. learn to screen print
1 cheer88 people -
22. throw a dart at a map and travel where it lands
3 cheers52 people -
23. design/sew/ make a whole outfit (including jewelry and shoes)
1 person -
24. leave poems/quotes in public
18 people -
25. meditate at least once per week
1 person -
26. see David Garibaldi live
1 person -
27. start my sketchbook
4 cheers1 person -
28. get a tattoo gun
1 entry . 3 cheers3 people -
29. intern at a commune
1 cheer1 person -
30. Teach TEFL overseas
1 person -
31. Be involved with a refugee resettlement organization
1 person
How I did it: I played guitar for one of my friends once, and he was surprised that I had never performed in front of an audience before. With his support and encouragement, he finally convinced me to do it. So on a tuesday night, I went to the Espresso Yourself Cafe and played. First, I played guitar while my friend Jacob sang I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab, then I played piano and sang Lady Madonna and Let it Be.&… Read how I did it…
How I did it: Sometimes, it is best not to try to make it my goal to do things that are out of control. I approached this summer with optimism and kindness, and that is all I could do. I couldn't control the fact that it wasn't the best summer ever, but because I kept positive, I'd say this goal is just about as accomplished as it could be. Read how I did it…
