I never said I was going to update this blog consistently and frequently, did I? Because if I did, I have to apologize for telling a gigantic lie. The truth is, I find a million other things to do besides write blog posts, but every once in a while I feel the need to put things out there in the world just to know that someone somewhere might read them. So what is it that's been keeping me busy? Well... a few things.
I finished my freshman year of college at the end of April, and I have to say - taking 17 credits and working 20ish hours a week is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I'm glad I was doing it as a 21 year old who had some experience at being on my own though, because as far as I'm concerned one of the cruelest things this society does to kids is say "okay, you're 18? You graduated from high school, right? Then it's time for college. Everyone has to go to college. No, don't take time off, you won't go back if you take time off. And all your friends are going now." So we send these kids who may not know how to boil water or do their own laundry out into the world, and we tell them to be adults. Then we turn around and tell them they aren't adults and they don't get any respect until some mythical date in the future when they magically grow up.
Now I'm not the source of all knowledge by any means, but I can walk you through this one. Every child isn't born after the exact same number of days in the womb. Children don't learn to sit up or crawl or walk or talk at exactly the same time. Kids don't learn to read or write or do math or recite the alphabet at exactly the same time. Why do we expect that to change when they reach 18? It wasn't exactly a... traditional... method of taking time off, but I'm glad I had a few years between finishing high school and really starting college. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to do it.
Another thing that's been keeping me busy is work. I love my job, I hate my job, and I simply tolerate my job, but after almost two years I'm leaving my job. My reasons are personal, professional, and emotional, and all I can say is that I'm excited to try something new. :) Maybe this is just me trying to rationalize, but when you're only 21, two years is essentially 10% of your life. That seems like long enough to work at the same job to me.
If you've spent any time around me in the last month or two, there's a good chance I've mentioned my family reunion that's coming up next week. That's probably because Danella (my cousin and friend literally since I was born) and I put ourselves in charge of planning it. Did I mention great-great-grandpa J.D. had 13 grandchildren and all his descendants are invited? Luckily, people with a lot more experience and know-how have helped us with planning this gathering that's creeping toward 200 people strong, but it hasn't been easy! Now that the planning is pretty well done though, we're excited to hang out at a summer camp on Lake Sakakawea and eat for 3 days. Five years hardly seems like enough time to plan the next one.... :P
I do have fun though - lots of fun. If you want to have some fun too, here are some things you should check out:
Mythbusters is the greatest TV show in the world. It has science, history, comedy, tons of positive energy, and oh yeah - explosions. And you can buy all the seasons on iTunes. There are also quite a few episodes on Netflix Instant Watch, which means you really have no excuse to still be talking about bulls in china shops causing destruction, or to be wondering what happens if you put square wheels on a pickup. Also, explosions.
Cracked.com is not for those with delicate sensibilities. That being said, if you can overlook some of the crasser word choices, it's hilarious and oddly educational in its own way. Every day brings new articles by smart, funny writers who always have something interesting to point out about our world. Not necessarily positive things, mind you.
John Dies at the End by David Wong (Cracked.com senior editor) is a completely ridiculous book. Reading it is what I imagine dropping acid would be like. If that appeals to you.... I'm not sure why you haven't bought this book yet.
The Piano Guys Youtube channel is... I'm out of adjectives. It's astounding? Yes. Displays INCREDIBLE talent? Yes. Involves people who are extremely passionate about their music? Yes. Is something you should check out? Yes.
My bed is also sounding pretty excellent right about now. How's yours?
