Burning My Travels Clean

Normally, as writing on my blog has gone in the past, I try and avoid writing anything that is too, perhaps, important.  I prefer to stay with topics that are much lighter on the pallet and don't weigh as heavily on the conscious.  I suppose this is partly because of how difficult it is to translate certain emotions into words, but mostly, I assume, because looking too deeply into anything, to acutely analyze it to any particular degree of specificity, makes me strangely uncomfortable.  This weekend though, a series of events with no one in particular carrying more influence over the others, collectively made me realize that my life is fucking wonderful.  

My younger brother graduated from high school this past weekend and that to me is almost beyond my comprehension.  To think about him as a freshman when he first came to LaSalle my junior year and then to see him walk across that stage, graduating four years later is one of the strangest things I've seen a long, long time.  I just find it so peculiar how everyone around me is either growing up or growing old!  Case in point, my brother and my parents.  The thought that time has been progressing at the same pace my entire life and yet feels like it's flying by faster than ever is truly mind boggling.  It's like everything and everyone around me is changing quicker than I can adapt and that is nothing if not exciting.  That being so, I'll just say that I am so proud of everything my brother has accomplished in high school and am excited and hopeful as to the great things he'll achieve in college. 

Some things though never change, and I love it.  My brothers grad party was also this weekend so naturally all my family from around Portland came but more so to my surprise, my family from Sacramento and Los Angeles flew in for the commencement and the after party as well.  It was so great to see everyone and catch up after so long.  Also, I think it's safe to say that I still have a boner from all the delicious food!  Oh, and I'd also like to note that my Grandpa Howard is in every sense, the quint essential man.  He's sort of a mix between a badass military vet fighter pilot, a cowboy, a super good arm wrestler, a part time comedian, a nonchalant lades man, and the dos equis guy.  He could probably still kick my ass.  My friends also came down, the regulars but also some who I haven't seen in forever.  It was good to see them all of course, but in seeing everyone, I realized that regardless of how long it has been, the strength of those friendships has not wavered in the least in the years since high school, and because of that, I am convinced that I have the best friends in the world.  Further, on Sunday night, my good friend James threw a bbq/house party that did nothing but strengthen and reinforce that belief.  It's also becoming strikingly apparent to me that the further you get from high school, the better your relationship with kids you were "sort of friends with" becomes.  It's awesome!

Becoming a parent, I've decided, is one of the most selfless and completely altruistic things a person can ever do.  My parents live for me and my brother.  Anyways, as long as my parents are paying for it, I've decided I should probably go to more classes.

Well, I'm tired of writing so I'm just going to expedite this whole process and give you the reasons for my life high in an alphabetical list.  Actually forget alphabetizing, random order is easier.

-My car, while it is a piece of shit, is slightly less shitty with new tires and a new windshield

-I don't have classes right now

-I don't have any warrants for my arrest

-The sun was out today 

-Henry Weinhards Belgian Style Wheat is delicious

-My ex-girlfriend and I are friends again

-Pre ordered my new iPhone

-Got a free text book for my summer course

-Full gas tank

-I'm healthy . . . still no health insurance though so i'm keeping my fingers crossed!

-Hoopin like a fiend

-My baby cousin Danielle cracks me up

-I love my piano

-I've learned to love what I'm studying

-I'm studying

-Paranormal Activity is stupid, not scary

-This picture is super funny

Sorry if this post didn't really make much sense, mostly I guess I just wanted to say that I am happier with my life right now than I've been in a long while.  I love all of my friends and all of my family and am so thankful for everything.  My life is remarkable because of you guys!

Focus on floating, your focus is tight

-Brian