What is wrong with the below sentence? (Nah, this isn't a grammar quiz!)
"Live each day as though it is your last."

Sure, everyone (at least, it feels like it's everyone) is saying this...I hear it, read it, everywhere. People say this to encourage others to live life to its fullest. It may seem encouraging, but there's always something I don't quite like about that "encouragement" but never could really point out (to myself) why; personally, I've never used this phrase. But recently, it suddenly hit me when I was lying in bed—which is usually the time when ideas come knocking on my brain door. For the first time, I publicly had a chance to point out why during my last radio show interview on The Namaste Show with host Jennifer Clark.

I told the audience that my motto is: "Don't live each day as though it is your last; live each day as though it is your first!"

That surprised the host (she said so herself). She had never realized that "living each day as though it's your last" is really so negative.

I said that live in a way that is like a new experience for you. Just like a child receiving a brand new present, you are experiencing the present for the first time; life is the gift from God; explore and discover new things, and live as though each day is your first day!

Death is inevitable, but why let it hover over your head like a dark cloud? Why live each day as though you're going to die tomorrow? Subtract the negativity! So enjoy your new day!

Last issue, I mentioned that I was working on a new book (my fourth); this issue, I'm telling you that pre-publication copies of my book will be out next month! Yes, I do work fast, don't I? I'll send out a special edition of the newsletter spotlighting this new book in due course, so stay tuned! And after this book, I'll be working on my fifth book right away, and I'm looking for contributions...

As an advocate of parental rights in children's medical care, I will be writing about the injustice in the American medical system that strips God-given rights away from parents and that snatches the child away from his or her primary source of love and security just because the parents object doctors' recommended treatments. When doctors ask yes or no, parents should have the right to say no!

I am looking for articles (unbiased, factual), personal experience stories, case studies from medical personnel (doctors, psychiatrists/psychologists, etc.), lawyers, reporters, journalists, writers, parents, survivors (children), and anyone who has personally been involved in this issue one way or another (or has written about this issue), about this unjust system. I am especially interested in the cases of Abraham Cherrix (Virginia, 2006), Edward and Michele Wernecke concerning their daughter Katie (Texas, 2005), Corissa Mueller (2002), Pam Anderson concerning her son, Anthony Mitchell (2000), Miguel Regino and Adela Martinez concerning their daughter Anamarie Martinez-Regino (New Mexico, 2000), Sherry and Paul Lipscomb (Ohio, 2000), Valerie Emerson (Maine, 1998), and Tina Phifer concerning her daughter Amkia (1997); and I'd also be very interested in any articles anyone has written concerning my own mother Juliet Cheng's custody case in 1990 that made international headlines (Connecticut).

I will need permission to reprint any contribution in my new book and will give full credits to the contributors at the back of the book. No monetary rewards will be given, but every contributor will receive a free copy of the book and can buy the books at a discount. Please e-mail me (reply to this e-mail) and visit http://www.shirleycheng.com Thank you and please pass the word on!

As promised, below are the answers to the riddles I posted last month. There is no winner (I wished there could be at least one lucky winner, but no matter—there's always a next time).

1. "Far away, it looks like a wall; up close, it looks like a row of houses; and it can travel 1,000 miles in a day."
Answer: Train
This answer popped into my head as fast as the trains travel...

2. "What's a witch's favorite subject in school?" (Yes, Halloween has passed, but what the heck, right?)
Answer: Spelling
Haha! But personally, if I were a witch, my favorite subject would be arts & crafts!

I am honored to have one of my stories published on True2LifeStories.com. My autobiographical story, Those Unforgettable 180 Days (which, by the way, is one of the stories in my new book), can be read on: http://true2lifestories.com/True_Inspirations.html It is my tale of how passion and determination had fueled me to master grade level in all areas, including a foreign language—English, after about 180 days of school attendance ever...

Upcoming Radio Show Appearance Schedule

I only have one interview scheduled for now. I'm slated to appear on A Fresh Start with Sallie Felton on December 6 at 3:00 p.m. EST for an hour. Details are on my site at http://www.shirleycheng.com under "News Flash!"

Well, I am keeping my last issue for 2006 relatively short and sweet. Until we meet again in the New Year, I want you to cherish the moment you live in right now. When you open your presents for the holidays, remember that it isn't the only time you unwrap a gift; you are really opening a brand new gift each and every day upon awakening. The present is the vital moment where you can make a difference to the future of your life and the world. Enjoy the gift that has been given to you!

Have a wonderful holiday season, and I wish you much happiness, peace, and love for 2007!

Shirley Cheng, www.ShirleyCheng.com