Monday, September 29, 2008

We've Got A Winner!!!

Thank you to everyone who entered our contest! We had the best time reading about all the amazing things you guys are doing to make great things happen in your lives. We know it isn't easy to stay positive and focused, but you are all on the right track. So... drum roll please... the winner of a new computer is....

LACIE! from Santee. CA

Ever since I was young, I had always wanted a quilt; maybe one from my grandma, or mom, but they were not the type of seamstresses I had hoped. So, I promised myself, that if they couldn't make one, I would find a way to make one myself. That way, I could be the grandma, to my grand kids, that I didn't have. Soon came high school, I specifically chose the school that taught sewing, only one in my school district did. I worked hard, and in the process got hurt. While cutting fabric I cut a piece of my finger off along with it. But I didn't give up, the next day I was sewing again. I made a charity quilt that went to sick children in the hospital, I felt so happy to give the thing I worked so hard on away. From then on, I knew I would do this for the rest of my life. Now, in my Senior year, and being the only fourth year student in my school of 3000, I continue to pursue my dreams. Quilting and giving, brings me so much joy, it could not be replaced with anything. Every quilt I make, is original, and one of a kind, like a finger print. At the moment I am making one for a soldier fighting in Iraq, and although I don't see the results of my work, I know they are affecting at least one individual in the world.

Congratulations Lacie! We are so impressed by your courage and perseverance. We have rarely heard from someone who knows so clearly what she wants and why. Enjoy your computer!

Also... there were some other entrants whose stories deserve an honorable mention here:

Hazel from San Diego, CA

In August 2007, I hiked to the summit of Mt. Whitney with my Girl Scout Troop. Mt. Whitney is the highest elevation point in the contiguous US. It stands at 14,497.60 feet. The trail that we took was 22 miles roundtrip. Our leader brought the idea to us in April 2007. We all immediately loved the idea, and wanted in.

My Troop loves to hike/camp, so this seemed like the ultimate goal for us. Our leader told us if we really wanted to commit, our training would have to start right away. Every weekend we went on training hikes. These varied from 8-21 miles, round trip. My favorite was when we took the train from Solana Beach Beach to Oceanside, and walked back.

After months of training, we were finally ready for the task. We spent 3 nights at a base camp, getting used to the elevation. Then on Tuesday August 14th, we started the ascent to the top. Leaving at approximately 3:45AM, and returning at 11:30PM. It was by far, one of the most difficult days of my life. But at the same time, it was definitely one of the most rewarding. I will never forget the moment I got the the summit. I saw it about 30 yards away, and even though I had a 25 pound backpack on, I started sprinting towards my goal. I crashed into my friend Jessica, and we hugged each other for what seemed like an eternity, saying thanks, and congratulations.

Getting to the top of Mt. whitney has defined me as a person. I set out with a group of friends, all of us going for one singular goal. Get to the top of the mountain.....and have fun while doing it.

We reached both those goals.


Natalie from Miami, FL

How did I meet the universe half way? Well, it all started the day I bought Click! I couldn’t be more excited to try and achieve my goals and make the decisions for a change. The universe always seemed to beat me to the punch and answer my misleading e-vites. But now, the universe and I have become pretty good friends. The issue was that I’ve always “tried” to be myself but in reality I was being what others wanted me to be. I was wearing the clothes that were in style along with the hair cuts and earrings that were to die for. Others would accept me now and then but I was never happy with the acceptance because in my eyes it was a fake. So what did I do? I read Click! and discovered myself while finding out I was actually someone worth getting to know for personality rather than looks and accessories. I decided to try out my new theory and changed my whole sense of style. I let my true self show and in exchange I gained new friends unlike any others I’ve had before. Together we are unstoppable. No thunderstorm could stop the laughs and memories to come. They helped me out through the toughest of situations without negativity and were like my life-size Click! book. They knew exactly what to say and at the right time to say it. For instance, if I was having trouble, they would take me out and enjoy myself rather than sulk over a carton of ice cream gaining no other than a couple of pounds. I’ve made finally made “It” happen! With no effort but being my own self and sending out great vibes and e-vites. Thanks Elisabeth and Annabel! Without your inspiring words I’m not sure I’ve would’ve been able to make “it happen. I’ve achieved my life goal- Happiness.