Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope that this week has been good to you and that you’ll have a safe, enjoyable weekend. Sleep in late…take a nap…eat one treat that makes you happy. I have one in mind already. I just found out that Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a restaurant with five locations in Tennessee, is about to open in my hometown. I’m so excited, because you haven’t had something good until you have tried their Philly Cheesesteak egg rolls. Oh. My. Goodness. I have a binge-prone personality, so I’m in trouble now! Whatever it is that brings a smile to your face…ENJOY!
Quote of the week: “The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.” –Walt Disney
Song of the week: This week, I want to highlight a song that you have probably heard quite a few times: “Roar” by Katy Perry. Besides the catchy tune, the thing about this song that speaks to me is the hero’s transformation from someone who never wants to “rock the boat” or “make waves” to someone who releases her inner strength and takes on whatever gets thrown at her. I have this song on my current Spotify playlist, which I listen to while I’m writing. Never allow anyone to make you shy away from who you are or to believe that your opinions and thoughts don’t matter. Instead, embrace the courage and strength you have, and be the best you there is. The world needs YOU.
Joke of the week: What do you call a droid that takes the long way around? R2 detour
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: I don’t know where you fall in the debate between Star Wars and Star Trek. Personally, I have been a space nerd my entire life. I’m definitely dating myself, but who cares? When I was in fifth grade, my class went outside for P.E., and we started playing softball. I had just gotten my book The Empire Strikes Back and had it to read while waiting for my turn to bat. Once up, I stuffed the book in my flimsy jacket and hit the ball. My book fell out halfway between home plate and first base. Once I got safely to first base, I ran back to get my book, but not before earning a terse warning from the teacher. I mention all of this to say that in the movie Star Trek: Insurrection, one of the children tells Data that it is important to have a little fun every day. This is such an important concept. Teens and adults are constantly struggling between what they feel they should do and what they can actually get accomplished. It is very stressful. Be sure to schedule yourself a little time just for you, even if it’s only 10 minutes. Read a good book. Go get some Philly Cheesesteak eggrolls. Call a good friend you don’t get to see very often. If you don’t seize such moments, they will be gone forever. Do something fun every day!
Have a great week. Remember, you are most awesome and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.