Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Its been about 5 years since I last attended the University of California at San Diego and as I look back, I think about all the countless hours spent studying and nesting inside of its distinctive Geisel Library. Named and built in honor of Theodore Seuss Geisel ("Dr. Seuss") and featured in UCSD's logo, this unique library was my second home. The Geisel's were actually long time residents of one of San Diego's most wealthiest communities, La Jolla which is where the campus is located. What I loved most about this library was its awesome 360 degree glass view of the campus and ocean. Everyday, I chose to sit at the same corner spot on the eighth floor of the west wing. It was the best view and an awesome seat to relax while enjoying a good read. 

Listed as one of the "Top 10 Modern Libraries in the World" and the nation's top 20 public academic research libraries, it provides access to more than 7 million digital and print volumes, journals and multimedia materials to meet the knowledge and information needs of faculty, students and members of the public. Its design has been featured in the movies Inception as the snow fortress and the cult film series Killer Tomatoes Strike Back as well as featured in filming's of television shows such as Veronica Mars and Mission: Impossible.

Today, the University of California at San Diego has made preparations for one of its favorite events: the annual birthday celebration to pay homage to the campus' most beloved icon, Dr. Seuss. His birthday also coincides with the release of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, a feature film by Universal Pictures, a 3D adaptation (from the creation of Despicable Me) of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The party, which is open to Dr. Seuss fans both on and off campus, will be held at 11:50 AM at the foot of the library. This party which is marked by a giant inflatable Cat in the Hat includes free punch and cake - some 2,000 pieces of cake will be served to mark the occasion. 

Dr. Seuss at home *credit to mentalfloss.com*

In addition to the birthday party, an exhibit of materials from the Dr. Seuss collection will be on view till March 9 in the Geisel Library. The 10,000 items in his collection includes original drawings, manuscript drafts, books, notebooks, pictures, and memorabilia which documents the full range of his achievements beginning in 1919 with his high school activities and ending with his death in 1991.

What an honor it has been for me to attend this fine campus let alone study in one of the most distinctive libraries known to date. I'm definitely grateful to have been given that opportunity to "read, write, think and dream" in his library. Today is definitely a special day to remember and celebrate his life and career to devoting his time on creating entertaining and instructive books which have influenced many including myself and the initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. The sheer joy, whimsy and deep felt message of his artworks have provided such positive and uplifting messages that the world needs...

The human mind is such a fertile playground and Dr. Seuss serves up a juicy buffet of nutrition for the soul.  Happy Birthday to a legendary and striking man that has planted seeds of fantasy, multicolor and imagination to the masses.

Family Love

"All the pictures and crazy times. Sisters at heart and partners in crime."

Its been quite a while since the last time my dearest cousin J and I spent quality time together. One of things I truly yearn for the most is spending that one on one time with her, just doing the things we love to do whether that was to window shop, eat out, cruise around, hop in the pool to sunbathe, or just chat and catch up about our daily lives over a cocktail. Sometimes you just need that, but of course it depended on whether time permitted us to do so. At times it felt like a struggle to hang out, but any little time I had with her no matter what, I truly appreciated.  I did as much as to welcome her friends along if that's what it took to spend that time with her. As long as those friends were good to her, I opened my door to welcome them in. I've seen J hurt numerous times in the past, but I know her well enough to know that these days, her door is only open to those who would not do harm to her and her family or knock her down to feel negative whatsoever. There were times when I couldn't help but feel a bit protective like a big sis naturally would and wonder if these friends really had her best interest or not, but I just had to remind myself that J is a grown woman that is smart enough to know and distinguish the good and the bad. She doesn't need me to hold her hand every step of the way, but for her to know that I am there for her to give her a little nudge when she needs me the most is what's important. We've learned that friends come and go, but of course family will always remain as we are there for each other no matter what...

Our crazy rebellious days in the past are long gone and I know J has definitely matured and grown to proceed her own life with caution and value. Mind you, yes she still has youth on her side too as she is still a kid at heart :) We've had our fun adventures together, however as we get older and we spend less time together, we often become tangled within our ownselves as we deal with the pressures of school, work, making that dollar to get by and balancing time within our own group of family and friends. 

"Our family are like the branches of a tree. We may grow in different directions, however our roots will always remain as one. Each of us will always be part of each other no matter what." 

Moving forward, this morning I received quite a surprise as I was welcomed with a package labeled in my name from J. Inside this box was a mirrored metal glass frame containing a picture of both of us together from a past Thanksgiving family gathering that came with a birthday card and handwritten letter. To be honest, I was not expecting this gift, but I found it to be quite endearing. I don't have any family photos of us in my home, so for her to give this to me meant the world. Before even receiving this gift, J had never given up on us and even though we are currently thousands of miles apart, she always continues to do her best to communicate with me someway, somehow. Yes, we've had our share of misunderstandings and a lack of communication here and there, but what I do know is that no matter what, she does make the effort to reach out on her end. It may take a little time, but whatever the circumstances may be, she has a heart that loves infinitely. To me, it's the little things that count. Given J's letter, I was humbled and reminded that we aren't all perfect. We all make mistakes and have our reasons for making the decisions we do day to day. Simply put, reading her letter definitely gave me a better perspective and understanding of her as there were no grey areas.  

One thing for a fact is that I do not hold anything against her for any issues we have had in the past. It may have been difficult to forget, but I have moved forward and forgiven. I only hope that as we move along, we continue to embrace our relationship and communicate with one another so that we can have a better understanding of each other...Whenever times of sadness arises, I remind myself that our family are like the branches of a tree. We may grow in different directions, however our roots will always remain as one. Each of us will always be part of each other no matter what.  

After each passing year and spending less time with one another, it's a fact that absence makes the heart grow fonder for those we love and care about the most. I truly cherish the simplicity of J's genuine heart and even though we hardly see each other much, my dearest cousin is always a text or phone call away. J truly has a heart and soul that is deeply rooted within our family that speaks of truth and never gives up on what she believes and for that I respect her tremendously. If you are reading this cous, I thank you for never giving up and for always putting forth your sincerest heart and words of encouragement. With that said, I love you and will always appreciate your special gift from the heart!!!