Quote/unquote

Quote/unquote
"I'm a homebody. I'm lazy. I go see a movie and maybe go out to dinner, and that's like a big night out for me." -- Mandy Moore, in J-14 magazine.
"I'm a regular woman. I like to wear no shoes in the house, watch TV and eat doughnuts." -- Beyonce, in Twist magazine.
"I have straight teeth. That's my biggest asset." -- Actor Adam Brody ("The O.C."), on his strengths, in Teen People.
Deep thoughts
"Walk in the rain, smell the flowers, stop along the way, build sandcastles, go on field trips, find out how things work, tell stories, say the magic words, trust the universe." -- Bruce Williamson
This laundry list of task offers us one of the best gifts of all: inspiration! It's found on the cover of a blank book, made by Quotable. Though Quotable (www.quotablecards.com) is mainly known for their note cards and their easy-to-recognize magnets, what better place for famous quotes than the front of a journal?
The journals -- about $13 and available at Whole Foods Markets, some Barnes & amp; Noble stores or www.fridgedoor.com (click on Quotable Cards at the top of the page) -- are 7 1/4 inches square and are hard-covered in a matte finish. Each has 100 lined, acid-free sewn pages. Having acid-free pages is important if you want your notes or doodles to last, since it prevents deterioration of your hard work. So choose your favorite quote and get writing!
Bikini bag
For the majority of us mainlanders, the beach ain't just a quick jaunt away. In fact, it usually entails a fairly long drive. Or, at least, one that is too long to be sitting in a sandy, damp and itchy bathing suit. But if you change, then you're left with a sopping suit swimming in your tote and soaking everything -- including your mp3 player, magazines and everything else you brought seaside. Not exactly the best plan.
Leave it to Uncommon Goods to come up with a fashionable solution to the problem. Their Wet Bikini Bag (and similar Bathing Suit Bag) is 100 percent cotton, with a waterproof lining, and is hand-embroidered with a pink and green bikini (what else?). It's 8 inches by 12 inches, so it's big enough to fit your bikini, but not too big to fit in your tote. The bag also has a wrist strap for easy carrying. It sure beats a Ziploc! Get the Wet Bikini Bag ($18) at www.uncommongoods.com.
TV auditions
BOARDMAN -- A television pilot for Black Castle Films, "The Grace Family," is being cast here. Auditions will be 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Lemodeln Model and Talent Agency, 7536 Market St. Black Castle Films. Go to Lemodeln.com for more information. Actors should pick a character and have lines memorized.
The writer and director will be on hand. If the pilot is picked up, plans are to film the show in Youngstown, according to Linda Weaver, head of LeModeln. There is no fee to apply; scripts are available. Call (330) 758-4417 for more information.
Life after school
As hard as it is to believe when you're in it, there is life after high school. Next Step magazine (http://www.nextstepmagazine.com/NSMPages/home.aspx) can help you sort out your options for after you earn your diploma.
For high school juniors trying to figure out what colleges they should be considering, Next Step's college-university match tool is a good place to start. Choose a state then select a subject and - presto! - the site will return a list of schools that fit your criteria. Next Step includes address and contact information for each entry, as well as list of other majors the school offers.
Let's say you're more concerned about finding your dream job. Next Step's career section includes a link to a free 71-question survey that matches your temperament and aptitude to various occupations. You also can find out detailed job information such as starting salaries and future job outlook. The site will identify educational opportunities available near the zip code you enter during the survey.
The stories featured on the site explore timely topics, such as finding good summer internships, SAT prep tips and how to pay for college. There are a couple of blogs on the site that let you experience the highs and lows of senior year written by actual high school students. There are even PDF guides on landing a summer job and building your resume.
Instead of worrying about what life will be like after you graduate high school, visit Next Step to help you come up with a plan of action.