Under the hum of a jet engine

It’s no wonder that on a day where emotion runs freely, although greatly divided between utter joy from wishes of good fortune and incessant pain at the notion of leaving the comforts of home or the impending loss of good friends, I sit on the plane to LA and think of no other activity than documenting my thoughts. This reflection is of a nature of appreciation. More than a handful of people visited my party in 10 degree weather amid snow or called me the next day to wish me a safe and enlightening journey. Here, I will make it known I have no other intentions than doing just that. There is no doubt in my mind I am a few short hours away from an experience that will change my life. Know that memories and lesson learned in Guilford, CT and Ann Arbor, MI and the experiences shared with all of you who care enough to read my blog define who I am. I may return a different person, but it will be from a reevaluation of those essences rekindled with a new suite of knowledge and occurrences. I love you ALL in every way fitting to our individual relationships. I miss you already, but as it will seem all too common in the near future I am going to sequester those pangs to a place in my heart that remain yours forever, even in light of the surreal excitement I allow to engulf my senses. Find peace within, with your memories and ambitions. I am surely there somewhere. (I should hope that is the case, at least!?)

Until that day comes when I shall see your face again. ~Z

Look for the low down on campus and an EcoQuest overview comming shortly...I passed my swim test today. Yay!

Missed moments of a traveler

So for this brief memorial to moments past and still to be, let us assume that I am already a traveler, one who has left the boundaries of his childhood home to seek a life away from his kin. Please consider this only in a geographical sense and not one that removes respect and devotion from my family. Memories of your wisdom and kindness flash through my conscience, daily.

This is in regards to the moments that I will not be apart of because of my distance from where I grew up. I missed the trip to Broadway to see "Wicked" and watching Mom suit up for volleyball. Dad plays cards now, but that is not really what this is about.

Except for reminders from my mother that I had more important business in Michigan, I would have had no regrets packing and heading home to care for my father. And that one time, I was lucky to be home for a few days when Babci had her first fall.

I will probably be gone when Vanessa and Freddie have their first child or when Nicole and Damon finally save up enough.

But at this moment I am not there to pay my respects to my first ancient drum instructor and some day Mariner brother. Sean Egan, I send all of my thoughts to you while I am traveling on the day of your memorial, back home this time, but a day late. This is my thanks to you, a few brief but potent words that were inspired when I read the news.

What moment will I be gone for next?

Getting through life without an MIP

For those of you unaware of the legal slang, getting mipped means you got caught holding alcohol while under-aged, a minor-in-possession. This gets you a fine and a trip to an alcohol and drug awareness program with a $300 price tag. Avoiding being one of the 50 average students that acquire this stamp weekly in Ann Arbor, means more than just an accomplishment of running from the cops at 2a in the morning (For anyone wondering, I never ran. Walking swiftly in the opposite direction sufficed.) Beyond the authority of the A2 police, and perhaps transcending all authority in general, this accomplishment serves as testimony to life in moderation.

Someone I know, who will not be named outright, has regularly said, "It is only cheating if you get caught." In my opinion, if you brand something as cheating according to your own moral standards, then by principle, you should not be doing it. However, the moral gray area that encompasses this nation is nothing short of expansive. In other words, don't cheat, but live life to the fullest just beyond those standards you hold for yourself.

Clearly, abstaining from drinking was not my method of averting a MIP. As in many situations in life, rules are in place to serve a purpose and limit anarchy. Besides an exceptional power hungry authority, very few people are out to get you. It has been my experience (because I have so much of it now that I'm 21) that you will only get in trouble if you do something stupid and make someone do their job.

A special someone reminds me every time I leave his company, "Be smart and heads up stuff." This is not derived from definitions of IQ or athletic ability, but simply living live with common sense and practicing rebellion in moderation.

Graphic Design

Let me know what you think, so I can make them better!!

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Snareline Spotlight

That was the only source of light for this evening's snare line sectional, a single spotlight from the ceiling of the main hall at Revelli. It was an impromptu gathering of 6 of 8 members that transpired from 11-12:30p. Why? because we need the practice for the big OSU weekend...not to mention the immense dedication to the quality of performance expected my M Drumline. Loose and laid back, more so than any day rehearsal, more was accomplished than 5 hours could get done on the sidewalk. We even had a moment to recognize it was 12 12:12...and "we played that song after our team got a first down in high school." Why is that? I don't know, but perhaps more of these late night jaunts by the snare line should be more frequent. But, of course, none of this will matter if we don't retain the touch for tomorrow.

1st attempt

Test Test Test------

Family Contributions

Hi all,

If you have received permission to be an author to my blog or would like to be, this message is for you. To get permission to add posts, just ask. If you do choose to contribute, your audience will be me. I want to hear about all the great things that are happening back at home while I am far away, and soon to be farther. It is really easy to interface with blogger. Sign in. The dashboard will show up. Choose add post. Write something (add pictures if you would like). The only stipulation, under the labels (at the bottom of the text window) I ask you to write Family. This way I can keep track of what is being posted for me to read. Thanks. I love you all.