Tearing at the Fabric of Mimes

Just a Passenger
Originally uploaded by The Sloan.

Is it time to say goodbye again?

Christmas has come and gone and I'm managed to remain silent on my blog now for over a week. Now it's in the last 3 hours of 2005 and I realize that I haven't really taken any of my normal reflective time to write a post about it either, so this post will have to be a hybrid of sorts. I'll spare you the skimming that would be required to read about my holiday that I'm sure was not all together different from what most people experience. The picture above was taken yesterday from a two seater plane that my friend Keith Kapral took me up in, but I have pictures to tell that story. I've spent time with my parents and I've spent time with friends, but I suppose that's what this is all about tonight, the passage of time and it's relevance to us, so I'll just lump it all together.

It really is a shame that Thanksgiving gets turned into little more than the fattening kick off to Christmas shopping, because it's so obvious that taking time to be thankful has a most powerful impact on how we perceive our lives. For this reason I'm not going to celebrate New Year's Eve tonight. I'm going to celebrate "Second Thanksgiving" by listing ten things (not in any particular order) that I'm thankful for from specifically this year. Afterwards I'll give you my 2006 to-do list.

I'm thankful for growing up.
It's almost scary to see maturity creep further and further in. I've always been told that was was mature for my age, sure, but over the past year that seems a silly thing for anyone to have said! I feel I've grown as a student and truly taken hold of what it means to learn. The public education system doesn't quite teach you how to learn, I'm afraid. I'm very grateful to be one of the few that made it though that obstacle.
I'm also thankful to see myself growing up physically...I can grow pretend facial hair now! Who knew? I don't doubt there comes a day when you don't want to get any older but I hope that day doesn't come for me.
I'm especially thankful to see myself growing emotionally (don't roll your eyes!) and spiritually. I've been tested by some of the hardest situations of my life and I feel that though I'm screwing up sometimes, I'm still on the road to some wonderful realization.

I'm thankful for my relationship with Caroline.
I don't talk about personal relationships much, and I won't now because it's just not my thing (which should tell you something) but I feel truly lucky to have met and grown close to her. It's been a bumpy road this year but I really think that just means it's a valid love, one you fight for. I don't know exactly what the passage of more time will bring us, but I do know it will be happiness in some form, and I look forward to that.

I'm thankful for my parents.
As you get older it's a fact of life that you grow less fond of spending time with your parents. Something most will tell you to just accept. I've realized even more this year how special it has been to me and how much my life would be different if I didn't have a mother and a father who love me so dearly and loved each other. They're getting to where they fuss a lot over nit-picky stuff, but I hope that somehow they'll realize what a gift they have in each other as well.

I'm thankful for good roommates.
After the first semester of my freshman year I was very worried about living with Brett Roach, and if you read my blog much you might know why. The same holds true for my fears of personality clash between me and my current roommate Devin DiMattia. Fortunately for me, however, both of them took me for surprise in their respective semesters and turned out to be (usually) a joy to live with. Devin is a fun guy, I enjoy his humor, and Roach...well, he didn't eat my stuff anymore. What struck me about both was how respectful they were of me, and for that I respectfully thank you both for treating me well.

I'm thankful for Caswell
I've said it a million times it seems like now, but Caswell has been a wonderfully influential place to me and my life. This past summer was no different. I made wonderful new years and grew closer to the Lord in powerful ways. There would never be a way for me to say thank you enough to everyone and everything that went into that place by the sea that is so dear to my heart.

I'm thankful for my friends.
True friends are hard to come by. At UNCW that is especially obvious. Thankfully I made a few in high school, I have some close ones from Caswell, and I've even started getting some on campus. To everyone who's ever taken a genuine interest in me, specifically in the last year, thank you so much! Your efforts have not been in vain. I know you each and I care for you all. Whether it's been your kindness, circumstance, or just your winning personality that made our paths cross, it's something more that's sparked the true friendship that I'd now do anything to protect. (awwww)

I'm thankful for Yam
Speaking of friends how about a specific friend? Why point out Yam (Kevin Cruise) from the long list of great folks at Caswell? Easy. He's a great guy. I'm well aware he'll likely punch me for writing this later, but going into a job that I had great anxiety over this summer it sure did wonders to have him around to make sure I didn't get in trouble and that I knew how to screw in a light bulb. I learned that a Conga with a good stage light doesn't fast leave the memory and that you can...no matter what you think, make disagreeable software and computers cooperate when you have to, just in the nick of time. Thanks for everything!

I'm thankful for special occasions.
Whether it be a romantic dinner on Valentine's day with my sweet heart or a Coldplay/Death Cab/U2 concert for the first time, they've all made wonderful impressions on me and memories that I'll carry with me for years to come (mind willing.)

I'm thankful for avoiding death.
I know I can't do it forever, but it sure is great to be alive. Guess what, "person wondering why I'm not specifically thankful for something you think I should be"? That means I'm thankful for it ALL! I know this is just a holding place for souls and that something far better awaits, but in the mean time I'm lucky to have what I have...and to not have what I don't have. Let's not forget that a lack of teeth protruding from our chest bones is, in fact, a blessing though it's a lack.

I'm thankful for Matt Johnson.
Matt's been a good friend even though we have been more distant this year than in years past. It makes me sad, but I'm certainly thankful for the fact that he's not going to let that change things. Though our friendship has been a constant, I do look forward to certain changes in our lives I'm sure must happen sooner or later. Keep making me proud with your stories hobbies and unique, but good, nature!!!

And now part of my 2006 to do list (including New Year's Resolution!!!)

-send birthday cards to my friends
-be more patient
-be a better servant
-do something with my dad just for fun
-stick to a healthy diet
-play with Bandit (my dog)
-step up to things I'm usually scared of
-read at least 3 books on my own time
-startle my girlfriend often (and laugh)
-write a script
-make a movie

Though all of these could individually be considered "resolutions" my Main (and most boring) resolution is to start being financially responsible. I don't actually have an income yet so I'm just going to assume now is a good time to start thinking about managing my money (though I really detest the stuff.) I want to keep all my receipts and record what I'm spending and what I'm spending it on. YES YES YES!!!

God bless each and every one of you. It floors me to look back on my life and know that each and every one of you have stories just as intricate of your own. I know you are all blessed to be alive and there is always time to do something else great with yourselves. All that's left is for you to pry your rump off the sofa and let me see it! (bwa haha!)

Further investigation revealed there was not a rotting badger carcass in the kitchen...