You know those people that plan their life to a T? Their personal, financial, and academic lives planned for the next 30 years? I'm glad I've moved away from being one of those people.
Previously I'd described my life as a clusterfu$k. Not entirely inaccurate, but I'm downgrading to "controlled mess." Not styled, not a disaster, just me. A typical week involves at least 4 days (6 during football season) in a social setting somewhere in SD. In between are adventures throughout the desert, rivers, and lakes of the southwest. I've been to South America on 2 days notice and stayed 2 weeks. I've been to Hong Kong on 4 days notice and stayed for an entire month. I believe that work is just filler between vacations. Some live to work, I work to live.
A jet engine firing you through the water at 65mph is a great rush, and finding the perfect sandbar on a late summer day is the best way to unwind. I'm going to buy a dirt bike, even though I really stink, because when I do get good, I'll know it was worth the effort. I fear skydiving. Not because of heights or chute not opening, but that I'll come home with $1000 of gear and have a new ridiculous hobby.
If you don't know how bad light pollution is, I'm sorry for you. If you do know what a green sticker is I want to meet you. If you think the desert is just barren land, I want to show you how alive it is. A body of water at sunset or sunrise is the greatest 5-sense experience you can have. Sharing it with someone makes it better.
I speak freely and honestly of what I think and tend to earn an 'inappropriate bell' for my efforts. The people that see/hear me do it have no idea how I get away with some of it. Personally, I think it's because people fall into 4 categories on any given topic: fearful, respectful, aghast, or impressed. I rarely encounter people who are responsive. A put-down may win (really stall) an argument, but an open dialogue will solve a problem.
I'm a sports nut. Get over it.
I know where I've been, where I am, and where I might be going, but that road is only as long as the next crest or bend. Thank you UCSB (and mostly the people I met there) for saving my life. Live while you're alive my friends, and always call me for an adventure. 8-)
