I'm my worst enemy...

I'm my worst enemy. I'm self-defeating. I set myself up for failure. But I blame everyone else for my failure. I make any excuse I can to do/not do x, y, and z. I want things now, not later. If I don't get it now, I'm not patient enough to wait. I wear my heart of my sleeve. I get crushed emotionally and mentally all the time. I secretly despise beautiful people. Okay, maybe it's not so secret anymore. I can't take compliments because I feel I can always be better and do better. I will never be completely satisfied with myself. There are very few things I want out of life, and I'm afraid a few of them will never happen the older I get. I wish more people could look past my faults. Just maybe I don't deserve to be loved because I constantly disappoint them. I hate routine. But maybe that's what I need most. I'm not looking for pity...I'm just beating myself up right now. I wish I could re-live most of my life; I'd do a thousand things differently. I guess I shouldn't live in the past.

2009 Trans-Amazon Expedition

In September, expedition leader Joseph Hochman from Austin, Texas and his expedition partner, Timothy Hawkins, will embark across the South American continent on an ambitious descent of the Amazon River in a canoe. The trip will span three months and 2,500 miles through breathtaking rainforest ecosystems from Yurimaguas, Peru to the river's terminus in Belem, Brazil.

The expedition has a higher purpose than mere adventure travel. The team is collaborating with Rainforest Partnership, an Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to the cause of equatorial deforestation. Rainforest Partnership has an innovative approach in that it links deforestation's global impact on climate change to people who can help in local indigenous communities. The journey provides a personal account of a vibrant ecosystem facing these living, ongoing issues of human-environmental interactions.

Tim is a good friend of mine, and I am excited about this wonderful opportunity that he has. Joseph and Tim are tracking their trip through TripTracker.net, and also maintain a group on Facebook. Please join them on their journey through the Amazon!

Universal Health Care Coverage

Now through the end of July, you will have the ability to vote on whether or not the United States should implement a bill that allows every American to have health care coverage. This has been a very hot topic, and each week I will highlight something for you to consider. So vote now if you want to, or wait until the last moment; it's all up to you!

Africa: The Uganda Flag

The black stripes symbolize the African people. The yellow symbolizes the sun and the red stands for brotherhood and fraternity. The crested crane is a national symbol of Uganda - which was first used during British colonial times. Black, yellow and red were also the colors of the Uganda People's Congress party, who came to power in elections in April 1962.

Health Alert! Excessive Cola Consumption

Excessive Cola Consumption Can Lead To Super-sized Muscle Problems, Warn Doctors

ScienceDaily (2009-05-20) -- Doctors have issued a warning about excessive cola consumption after noticing an increase in the number of patients suffering from muscle problems. Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can lead to hypokalaemia, in which blood potassium levels fall, adversely affecting vital muscle functions. Symptoms can range from mild weakness to profound paralysis. Worldwide consumption of soft drinks was 83 litres per person per year in 2007 and is expected to rise to 95 litres in 2012. But it has already hit 212 litres in the USA. ... > read full article