Traveling Tips from a Traveling Pikachu

All sorts of holidays are coming up soon, and with this wonderful season comes a whole lot of traveling. So, whether you're going to a foreign country or just down the road to Grandma's house, I wanted to give you some tips on how to get the most out of your travels.

1. Pack lightly
You heard me. Only pack what you need. Do you really need your entire hair care kit? Probably not. I would suggest bringing a brush, a container of scrunchies and bobby pins, and maybe your flat/curling iron.

2. Show your interest in others' culture/history
For international travelers, this would mean trying to speak the native language and asking about what people in that country do. I have found that people are much more open to conversation if you aren't just trying to force English on them or comparing your culture to theirs. Buy a book on basic conversational language. Ask them about the significance of their monuments.

For people just going to see family, this means showing interest in your family's history. What did Grandma do as a child? What was Christmas like for her? You can learn a lot if you chat with your elders instead of just watching TV all day.

3. Put the electronic devices away
How are you supposed to learn about someone else's culture or spend time with family if you're just staring at a screen all day? There is more to life than Candy Crush.

4. Be optimistic
You're not going to be happy with your vacation if you're just looking at the negative aspects. What I like doing is finding at least one good thing about your day. That way, instead of thinking about all the bad things that happened that day, you can say, "Well, if nothing else, I enjoyed this."

That should be about it for now. Maybe I'll put together some more traveling tips soon, if you guys would like me to. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! Remember to have fun!

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Psalm 119:105

~Rivendell

Anger Issues

I have learned over the past few weeks that I tend to explode when I get too angry. You see, I tend to hold all my anger in for a long time, even with little things, and when something really bad happens, BAM! All my anger is let out. It has only happened three times before, and it is only yelling at the moment, but I fear it could get worse.

I am trying to learn to give it all to God: all the little things that make me angry, and all the fears that my anger issues will get worse. I recommend this to you, too. It may not be anger; perhaps it's a fear that you know is irrational but is still there, or maybe a tendency to swear before you know what you're saying, or maybe something else. God can help you control your seemingly out-of-control problems, if you only ask.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

~Rivendell