it just clicked

I don't care about being original
or unique
or individual
looking back, how foolish of me was it to desire irreplaceability?
how vain
how irrelevant

who cares if I like music that people have heard of
who cares if I don't?
all the effort to make ourselves different, more obscure, to set ourselves apart from others.
who cares?

I say with truth, for the first time
not I.

I don't want to become anything that isn't true to my innmost essence. I want to become myself, no matter how out there or mainstream or shy or bold or weird or fickle or accomplished that person is. I want nothing more than to grow and create myself as I see fit.

Coach Jeremy

To explain what I am quoting -- after hiking ho chi minh, James, Adam, Brynne, and I got boba. I picked up a newspaper on one of the tables and read a column called the weekly message from "Coach Jeremy". I checked out his website when I got home and subscribed to his weekly messages. They all contain valuable and sage advice, but this one in particular seems applicable to the crossroads many of us are at in our lives.

When embarking upon a new path in life—whether it be a new profession, a fresh relationship, or any journey into the unknown—do not make haste. This is a sure way to miss the Truth of any warnings or obstacles, and certainly the way to elude the beauty of a new learning experience. Instead, revel in the mystery, enjoy the sense of the unknown. For soon, very likely, you will uncover the answers you seek and discover much of what there is to know about this particular Path; and perhaps then you will pine for the lost beauty of the mystery, the sense that indeed anything is possible. There will be many opportunities in life to practice this mindful movement. So, begin now! Tread slowly along the Path. Make no judgments upon yourself or the experience as you do so. Simply be aware of this amazing opportunity to learn and to live with infinite possibilities. This way, you will experience every Wisdom more thoroughly and enjoy every moment more fully.

reassurance

Days like today reassure me that I picked the right college. Jack's brother said it best: "We may do nothing, but we have a ton of fun doing it. It's all about finding a good group of friends."

Yes, the scholarship is nice and the departments are good at what they do, but in the end...I picked it because my relationships with other people are the thing I value most in the world.

August 7th, 2010

will go down in history as one of the single best days of my life.

sounds like a good life

"Hopefully adventuring and living an interesting, non-impoverished life, doing something that I love."

Madison's poetry is absolutely superior

"For the more I quench my parched pallette
The less my thirst will truly wet"
--Madison C

meaningful music

Ambling Alp by Yeasayer

"You must stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done"

"Now, the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their complement of highs"


Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi

"People Told Me Slow My Road I’m Screaming Out Fuck Thaat
Imma Do Just What I Want Lookin’ Ahead No Turnin’ Back
If I Fall If I Die Know I Lived It To The Fullest
If I Fall If I Die Know I Lived And Missed Some Bullets"

"I’m On The Pursuit Of Happiness And I Know
Everything That Shines Ain’t Always Gonna Be Gold
I’ll Be Fine Once I Get It; I’ll Be Good"


Waiting on You by Sun Airways

"Don't go down so gently into those deep wells."

"I'm guessing we wandered to close to the water.
The current's been sweeping us in."

Audrey

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone."
-Audrey Hepburn

friends

Some people mean the world to me.
Others...don't.