I had this fitting statement prepared about how I believe that we all can truly make a difference in the world and other people’s lives. That in some way I believe we can all better the world, and it was my purpose to act as a catalyst for something, you know, big and fulfilling.

Then I saw Avenue Q last week….with Princeton’s never-ending quest for his “purpose,” which heaven forbid does not change into propose (you’d have to watch the show—it’s hilarious). While it poked fun at our naïve idealism, there is truth in that when searching for your purpose, you often overlook—even hurt—what is right in front of you.

Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans, right?

You’re probably wondering, “But Angie, what are you going to do? You hate not knowing what’s going to happen.” Honestly, I don’t know. Of course I’m worried about my future–what normal person wouldn’t be? But I don’t want to spend my time fretting over what may happen and miss what is happening. I think we all need to adopt a big picture mindset of what we want to accomplish, and then as long as you know who you are, the good will naturally progress.

So maybe I can be that catalyst for something big and fulfilling, but I will never reach “my purpose” if I don’t spend my energy on the change I can accomplish now, instead of wasting it on my fears.

Of course after spending the day outside (with the most adorable chick magnet–more later), the first thing I need to do is shower because I stink, and sadly, stinky people don’t usually get too far.

6. Let’s face it, boys are stupid. Chocolate is better. However, I can’t live without either.

5. Love is sitting in LaGuardia Airport with your mom telling you that it’s based on fate AND initiative. Despite the problems and the separation, you can’t help but smile when he manages to run from his flight that just arrived in the international terminal to your flight that is about to board in the domestic terminal—even if you will see each other eventually at the same destination.  Situations may place people together, but it takes initiative to make it meaningful to someone.

4. I’m lucky that in my past relationships I’ve experienced how it feels when someone looks at you, knowing you are the most beautiful person (both inside and out). Now, I refuse to settle for anything less. So pardon my reservations to all the drink buyers, fake flatterers, hand kissers and desperados out there. You’re going to have to do better than that.

3. My dad will nitpick at me for doing something stupid. Therefore I find it ironic when he accidentally makes the same mistake, but I fix whatever it is and don’t tell him. Certain fights aren’t worth picking, and I respect him immensely.

2. I always wish I were a better sister.

13. During our childhood, Jen and I wrote and performed SNL-like skits. Not going to lie, I do have a secret desire to act. I seem to be great at acting like I’m getting my work done.

12. I’m writing a paper on fashion bloggers (as a participant observer) because I find this community fascinating. Style will always be a big interest, and I’m still working up the courage to wear some of my extravagant pieces.

11. I’m an idiot when it comes to make-up and rarely wear it. How do you put what where? Lessons please. Lucky for me, people love me in the skin I’m in–or so I tell myself.

10. I can eat a gabazillion pounds of berries and still have room for dinner. It’s a trade secret.

9. My urge to operate heavy machinery is still going strong as I have not yet held anything larger than a caulk gun. Lame. The idea of driving a monster truck over a couple cars is doubly exciting.

8. My dad likes to remind me, “You have taste, but you don’t have the means.” Just you wait for the day I have means and no taste. The Batmobile and pink plastic stripper shoes? That would suck.

7. If there is one dream that I have been sure of, it’s building and designing my home. The supersized treehouse–or a livable variation of it.

As Kristan kindly reminded me, I need to finish the 24 things so I’m going to write a couple lists instead of narratives. This way I can make room for number one, which I really would like to get out there.

19. Not a fan of public bathrooms and open toilets in that I’ve had nightmares about dirty toilets. I guess it’s better than killer alien zombie nightmares.

18. Also not a fan of odors like coconut, grease, musty jeans, crayon cars, smoke, etc. It drives me crazy after I cook or make popcorn because the apartment smells like food. Best smell in the world is clean: fresh out of the shower or fresh laundry. Bottle that up and I’ll buy it.

17. I sing and dance A LOT. Sadly, I do not sing or dance well. Sucks to be you, partner.

16. Obviously I’m a big classical piano geek. I truly believe music is a way to voice your soul. To make music is magic.

15. And when I’m not singing or dancing or playing piano, I read (besides papers for school). Let me illustrate the ways of my innate nerdiness: Name that Book from 4th to 8th grade and was captain my final year. Yeah. Hardcore. Represent.

14. I like rubbing my fingers through my sheets. Hence, I sleep in layers of thin sheets because they’re less constricting than blankets, i.e., I kick.

Okay, I’m not the greenest person out there, but I do what I can. Except I have one dirty secret. Paper. I absolutely love it. There is something intriguing about paper and the design possibilities.  Besides owning books about paper/ graphic design, I have a small collection accruing full of notebooks, cards, paper scraps and promotional pieces. My newest acquisitions are Nantaka Joy Natural series notebooks and cards, which I’m still drooling over. And don’t even get me started on my shopping bag collection (ahh versatile paper!), which I reorganized and thankfully streamlined over winter break. Shopping bags are inspiring because of the bold statement a brand can make on a simple canvas.

Maybe one day I’ll donate my collection to a museum like Cooper-Hewitt.  It’ll probably be titled, “Paper Riots: The secret love of an environmentalist”.