Coming Back To Writing And Sharing...

Wow, it has been a long time since I've written. I'm definitely going to rectify this situation.

Recently I was reading another blog and the subject of "why bad things happen to good people" came up. The blog buddy set forth the idea that our perceptions of "good" and "bad" are thrust upon situations that occur in our lives and we make the determination of what is "good" and "bad" by how we perceive what happens.

A blog comment came forth regarding the murder of a young member of the gay community. This person asked what about that situation, was it good or bad? As I read through the comments, my human side came to bear and I wrote the following:

The world can be a cold and lonely place. At many times it is just that, very cold and very lonely. It is when we are among those with which we can identify, being open minded and truly accepting of all others, will we be close to understanding about what it is to be human in a world that still has a lot of room to grow. It is that progress that we must make together, gay/straight/bi/lesbian/transgendered/and anything else I may have left out. We must unite to ensure that selfish acts of hate, crimes against humanity, crimes against humans, do not prosper. We must join and celebrate our differences, educate those younger than us to be open minded and to be truly accepting of everyone. We must make progress together to co-exist, to thrive, to ensure our very survival as humans who need, most dire, to live together. A murder, especially of someone so young, is one of the most horrifying things that can take place in this world. There is no good to be found in that specific situation as it carries everything bad, evil, twisted, and inhumane found inside we as humans. The good, the resonating and inherent goodness inside all of us, can be sparked from a “wake up call” such as this. Did it have to come to a senseless murder for we as a people to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to a situation that, when put into perspective, is truly an asinine thing to fight about? No. But it did happen. It did take place and we have to live with the fact that part of the continent did wash away and all of Europe as a whole will forever be affected. Sad? Yes. Tragic? Yes. In need of our attention to educate those who need help in making progress towards co-existing? YES.

My love and wishes for a happier world to everyone. I hope we can make progress together. I hope we can become more open minded and accepting than we have been. I hope…

I know that things happen, life happens, and we must be accepting of it all and make due with the cards we've been dealt. Making due, and being accepting is the challenge. Let me know what you think...I'm doing my best to be the most open minded and accepting person I can be.

Ciao!

Of Thursdays, Ankles, and Remedial Teaching...

After rolling my ankle I feel like an invalid. I hate the fact that I can't run full force like I have for the last few weeks. It's getting better, but I still want it to heal immediately so I can get back out there. (Auuuggghhh....frustrating as hell!) That coupled with this asinine MME course for this second summer session is truly making the 230 - 430 hours of my life a real drag. I'm beginning to get the feeling that the professor really needs a month vacation, and a progressive education workshop. It would truly make all the difference in the world regarding her teaching style.

The days are warmer this week as the rain has finally subsided. The last couple of weeks were classic weather here in our little mountain town, beautiful mornings followed by warm/rainy afternoons and even better evenings. Today was exceptionally warm. I thought I was going to cook inside my car. (Of course, having all black interior on a black car doesn't help the situation any...) This weekend is going to be really welcome in my life. The week has seemed to drag on FOREVER. The bookmaking class is awesome. I've probably already mentioned it, but the prof. for that class is freaking sweet! Most certainly she is a great model to emulate for teaching styles. (Even her lecture days are interesting...)

Thursdays are the lost days between the middle of the week and the end of the week. I always like to think of them as the forgotten stepchild on the road to a great weekend. I'll have to find something to make Thursdays a bit more special. Any ideas???

Ciao!

The Next Session And Lots of Walking...

The chemistry class was a complete waste of time. Yes, I did attend every single day, and I did end up loathing Tuesdays (good God those labs were long!!), but in the end it was a pretty good class. I think in most part it was due to the professor. He was the kind of teacher that I really respect and he was extremely dedicated to his profession...and....you could tell he has a great time educating others about his field of study!

So, with that first summer session over, I'm now moving into the second of three. The current classes are extremely polarized in terms of their "appeal". The book making class is kick ass!!! The prof is incredible, fun, and extremely intelligent. We've already made three books thus far and I can't wait to get to the Coptic stitch! Needless to say we're all having a great time in this class. (Even the lectures are fun...) On the other hand, this media ethics course I'm taking is about as dry as Dick Cheney's ass after he applies the Gold Bond butt powder. The professor is way too into all the "media theories", and honestly, I think she's lost a little bit of what it's like to enjoy life without the media telling her every little thing to worry about. Not sure what it is, but this class is going to swiftly become the new "chemistry". Oh well, only four more weeks to go and it will be over.

Last night and early this morning, I participated in our annual American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life". It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The people, walking to support, remember, and honor everyone that has had their lives touched by cancer. The turn-out included local businesses, non-profits, individuals in support, even the local gay and lesbian association walked in support of the cause. It was a truly beautiful event, with a flame that burned all night long, during the entire event, music and live performances to keep the walkers motivated and going through the night, and a memorial luminaria lighting. The luminaria vigil, followed by a long moment of silence and then Sara McLaughlin's "I Will Remember You" ensured that there wasn't a dry eye on the entire football field/track. It was incredible and I was among those that were truly touched. I walked for our local non-profit and in memory of my late aunt. It really made me feel great to participate and enjoy some like company during the event.

Don't ever hesitate if you get the chance to walk in a "Relay For Life" event. It is one of the most genuine and rewarding affairs of which a person can be a part.

Ciao!!!

Summer...Indoors...

Today was a long day....for school...

Chemistry in the summer, yay!  (Blah!!)  I think that Tuesdays will be the day of loathing for the first 5 weeks of summer class this year.  With a two hour lecture followed by five hours of lab work every Tuesday for five weeks, I think that I'll eventually go insane and leave a few people buried under the Chemistry building.  (ha ha ha)

I haven't taken this kind of class in a very long time and as such, its definitely going to take a while to get used to.  After class ended this afternoon, I can honestly say that I was extremely frustrated.  Somehow the realization of spend a full day in one building, especially on a perfect day like today, made me crazy envious of the rest of the world who were able to get out and enjoy the day.  That coupled with the fact that I really didn't get much accomplished outside of class made me feel even worse.  But, in the end I realized that it was important to get this class done and out of the way.  Dinner at my sis' place really helped and it was just what I needed to get me out of my frustrated self.  Thanks Sis!!!

The days are getting longer and our mountain town is blossoming into full swing weather wise.  It was hot today and I get a feeling that they are only going to get hotter.  The trees are blossoming and it smells wonderful around town and all over campus.  The mountains are picturesque and the skies are extremely blue...needless to say its a little slice of heaven here in CO.

My "Uber 80's" mix is coming along and now is up to 100 titles.  I can't wait to see what my prof thinks about his copy of it.  We've been talking about it since the Reno trip.  (oh...totally have to post about the trip sometime soon.  It was awesome!!)

Ciao!

A Brief Summary...

A month has gone by and so much has happened, the world has been changed...my world anyways.

The relationship has come and gone, and the denouement was sweet and mutual.  I know that things went as far as they could and that there really was nothing else to say except goodbye.  I'm glad that we're both on good terms and that he's OK with everything.  I miss him very much, but I know that we weren't cut out to be together in a serious relationship.  They were good times with him and I'm glad to have gotten to know him as I did, so, now we're on to the good friends stage and I'm glad to have made one and kept one, instead of leaving one behind.

The world of music is ever growing, every changing and I'm moving along with it.  We are headed to Reno in two days and I'm on pins and needles.  The anticipation is literally driving me crazy.  I can't wait to get out on tour with the big band, with the rest of my fellow troubadours to make music and share it with the rest of the world.  We are slated to tour through Salt Lake City, then off to Reno for the international jazz festival and competition.  Then it's off to sunny Las Vegas for a day and night of fun and entertainment before coming home.  Reno and Vegas are going to legendary!!  The band is psyched and every, especially me and the director, and ready for a break from all this college monotony.

In other news, the world of laundry got a boost as I attained a new dryer to go with my washer.  I'm totally stoked to be able to run through all my laundry and take care of it in-house, instead of heading off to the local "mat" to get things done.  It's very gratifying to be able to do things at home and save on the cost of living every now and then.  (Thanks Grandpa, you're the best!)

As for the end of school, the undergrad is slowly coming to a close as graduation approaches swiftly.  It will have been a long time coming and the next two weeks will be the most gratifying yet.  The stage is waiting, the cap and gown are on their way, and I'm quickly approaching the light at the end of the tunnel!  Woo-hoo!!

Until tomorrow,

Ciao!

Of Art, Furniture, and PEOPLE...

The world of visual art is, most certainly, a force with which to be reckoned.  The meshing of creative minds is always something of a challenge, but when you manage the theater in which the art will be housed, that meshing becomes incredible static.  I thought that I had been doing fairly well, negotiating with groups and individuals, using my "people" skills to their best.  Little did I know that I would be in for a challenge with the folks from our local radio station, who, by the way, are hosting the little art show in question.

People are different, unique, and at times, fickle.  I'm learning that, even after years of experience of "dealing" with people, I can still learn some new tricks and tips from meeting and greeting the new ones.  Negotiating with people about individual issues is something at which I've always been very strong.  I'm now being educated, first hand, on how to retain and maintain peoples faith and good graces, while arbitrating multiple variables concerning a theater.  Lighting, sound, tech crews, seating and floor space, bar management, etc., etc., etc...

I guess you could say that my "good natured" side has become stronger and being able to stay firm while trying to "kill them with kindness" is something that is being honed as a skill.  Needless to say, thanks to hard work and numerous meetings, phone calls, and assertive discussions, the event tonight will be a hit.

So, here's to the folks from our local radio stations and the artists who are participating in the event.

Ciao!!!

Over...And Starting Again...

Spring break is finally coming to a close and the last one for my undergrad went fairly well.  I was pleased that I got to spend most of it with my guy and didn't have to venture far from home.  In fact, spending time here at home, working and taking it extremely easy was a nice change from worrying about some place to which I might travel.  Making a little extra money and not spending much is certainly better for me and makes me feel good for the rest of the month to come.

There are roughly six weeks of school left and not much time for anything else except that and work.  The final push towards the finish line will be cumbersome, and yet I can't help but feel gratified knowing that all the work is finally going to pay off.  (And yes, even some of the mistakes...)  The world will awaken anew in that time and hopefully more opportunities will open themselves up for me once the degree is complete.

Monday morning here I come, I hope you're ready world!!!

Ciao!!