* Make a list and carry it with you: Serious birders have their "life list," where they check off all the bird species they've identified. Everyone needs a "life list" to help mark the milestones they reach. Let your list be your guide to what's important in life, and celebrate every time you mark something off that list.
* Don't judge things by their cost: Some of the best things in life really are free. Sure, there's a price tag to some of the dozens of events planned for this weekend, but many are free and the rest are affordable on almost any budget. Life is much the same way. Don't be fooled into thinking the best things in life carry a hefty dollar value. They don't. And you'll be far better off if you don't succumb to those urges to spend, spend, spend. Living debt-free is the only sustainable way to live.
* Make learning a life-long endeavor: Birders use this weekend's festival as a chance to learn more about their hobby. Knowledge enriches every activity. Those who commit to lifelong learning are never bored. Plus, learning does for our minds what exercise does for our bodies it keeps them young, strong and flexible.
* Appreciate the wonders in your own back yard: Traveling to exotic places is a marvelous experience, but it's possible to miss the treasures all around you if you don't take time to explore where you spend most of your time. This weekend's festival is a perfect opportunity to do just that.
* Have fun: There's plenty of entertainment scheduled throughout this weekend's festival, and that's a good reminder to make time for fun in your life's routine. Life can be difficult and way too short. Take time to enjoy what's not difficult while you can. No one knows what tomorrow brings.
* Enjoy the moment: The shorebird festival can't happen at any other time. Now is the time to enjoy all those returning shorebirds. Likewise, life doesn't start at some future point when you graduate, when you marry, when you have children, when you make your first million. It's today, whatever your circumstances.
* Honor those who give you opportunities: The shorebird festival wouldn't happen without a lot of great cooperation between lots of different organizations, businesses and individuals. And very few people accomplish much of anything without the help of others. Be sure to let them know you appreciate the role they played in your success.
On that note, we say congratulations to all southern Kenai Peninsula grads for reaching this milestone and many thanks to all those making this weekend's shorebird festival possible.
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(High school graduations are scheduled at the following times: Kachemak Selo School, May 19, afternoon; Voznesenka School,May 19, afternoon; Homer Flex High School, May 21, 5 p.m., Homer Elks Lodge; Homer High School, May 21, 7 p.m.; Ninilchik School, May 21, 7:30 p.m.; Susan B. English School, May 22, 1:30 p.m.; and Homer Connections, May 22, 2 p.m., Soldotna High School.)
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Homer Alaska - Oped -
Story last updated at
11:53 PM on
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Bird festival presents fun, lots of life lessons
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