Z is for Zeus

When I was a kid I read whatever I could get my hands on. I still do, but back then I had plenty of time. Not having very much to do while my mom was at work at school, I would have to sit around for hours. And since she worked at my school, I could spend plenty of time in the library.

And that I did, with whatever books would interest me. I would scan the titles of the books and pull the ones that I thought might be good. After reading the book cover I would choose read it if it still held my attention.

And in the third grade I was introduced to Greek mythology. The stories of the gods, and their children who would go on these impressive adventures. And all of these stories were so old, ones that were retold and retold until they eventually found themselves written out.

But it grew from there, first venturing into its roman counterparts. Although very similar, each myth could be very different all at the same time. Then I found myself reading myths from other countries, whatever was the next book over.

But no matter what, I would find a commonality between them all, and it was in regards to their god of the sky. It would always seem to be a man, one who was always all powerful and very arrogant. This personality which might be able to describe the sky, would always occur. So maybe these myths would build upon the first ones ever told, or maybe it just shows that no matter how different we are, people can see the same things in the world around them.

Z is for Zero - Hawk Nelson

Y is for YouTube

My first interaction with online videos were these music videos I use to watch. All I remember was how I would select a genre that I fancied and it show suggested music videos. And that is where I found music I would come to enjoy. These songs are ones that I have yet to see a large presence on the radio and otherwise may never have discovered those bands.

But that was all the online videos I would experience at the time. Then along came YouTube. At first I would come to use it to listen to music videos. It was free and I had the power over what I would watch.

Then I discovered content creators. The people that would bring out there own material created from places as simple as their living room. Especially the musicians, the ones who introduced me to both covers, parodies and mash-ups. These people put themselves out there to take something already established, yet put their own spin on the music. And all the time I find better and better content, that shows the strength of YouTube.

Y is for You and I - Anarbor

X is for Xylophones

It was third grade when I got my first real interaction with music. The class pretty much boiled down to two parts. First off there was singing and then there was the instrument part.

Simple enough, two crucial parts to music in a very basic form. Thing was, I couldn't sing, and I still can't. No matter how much I love to belt out when driving, I have definitely not improved.

Then there was the instrumental portion of the class. And the instrument of instruction, the xylophone. It was easy enough, cause all we were thought was when to hit which notes at what time, even removing the bars not needed for song.

I still had a problem with that. I would rush through the notes, going way beyond the tempo. I needed something more challenging to play, to try, but simplicity was the order for the class.

Beyond those elementary classes, I never had any hands on experience with instruments. And then there was senior year. I finally got the opportunity to play the guitar. And that was a great experience, finally learning to read music, understand how things go together, and even a little bit of theory. And maybe my improvement was small, but it was something. And I hope that I will be able to find the time to continue to work on it, and improve a lot more.

X is for XO - Fall Out Boy

W is for Waiting

Practically all gratification is instant. The movie you wanted to watch, quick download online. That item you wanted to buy, two days later at your doorstep. Even my phone can do most things that I would used to have to wait till I had access to a computer and an internet connection.

Our world is so high speed, waiting has become more and more unlikely. But that also means things are rushed. In exchange for quality, it just seems easier to have the quicker route taken.

I know it would be better to appreciate life at a good normal pace. To simple take the time to sniff the proverbial flowers would be wonderful. But truth is, I'm impatient and I look forward to certain things, and can't wait till they finally surface rather than to wait.

W is for Wavin' Flag by K'naan

V is for Vendetta

Sometimes there are just people who rub you the wrong way. And when someone wrongs you, it would be easy to hold a grudge. And from then on whenever you might happen to see this person, you become unkind. Turn a cold shoulder. Shrug off any sort of kindness they might throw your way.

It is easier to just hold this person out of your life as much as possible. And whenever you're expected to cooperate, it seems worthwhile to be as unhelpful if not a destructive factor in whatever process you're taking a part in.

But is it really worth the time to hold on to this vendetta? Wouldn't life simply be better if we let go of that sort of long term anger? I feel that moving pass whatever bad blood there might be is the way to seeing happiness much sooner. 

V is for Vertigo - U2

U is for Universe

Looking out at the night sky, there are so many stars. And each one is an unfathomable distance away. Yet these are only the stars we can see. The universe is beyond just huge, it feels infinite.

What freaks me out is the fact that there is the possibility of other life in the universe. With these other planets that have the ability to support life, how many do? And of those who do, how many have sentient life? Lastly, how many of those have the ability to travel the universe, or at the very least send some sort of object to our planet?

I think these intelligent beings are just so smart that they feel no need to fear monger themselves into believing they need to invade or attack us. That they know it serves no purpose to make their existence known to us.

Despite this vast universe that exists, our daily lives pertain to our own little worlds. Not the planet as a whole, which has no much possibility, but our own special universe that revolves around the daily things we do.

I love exploring and trying new things, but my universe contains the important things to me. Things like schools, my friends, sailing. All these things are what make me happy, and despite the difficulty that comes with balancing them all, I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Also, in my universe, there is this girl. I've known her ever since that day I've asked her dad for a candy bar some six or so years ago. I'm so happy to have Robyn back in my life, and she makes such an amazing girlfriend. I want to thank her being so understanding, and forgiving me for being so busy with all the other things in my hectic little universe.

U is  Untitled - Simple Plan

T is for Time

No matter what, there always seems to be something that needs to be done. The only varying factor is how soon it needs to be done. And usually I tend to get everything done, sometimes barely under the wire. But at those times when it piles up, I have to sacrifice one thing or another to manage it, and usually that ends up being sleep.

But how would life be different if there were more hours in the day? Would things really change?

How I see it is that with this increase in time, more would simply be expected of me. With this increase in workload, I would still be operating with the same amount of sleep. With the same amount of sleep, that leads to having to stay awake longer. So at the end of the day, I don't want more hours in the day, because things could only get worse with more.

T is for  Tell Me I'm A Wreck - Every Avenue

S is for Sailing

It all started with a friend asking me if I wanted to join the sailing team. I watched one sailing practice and then I was hooked on the idea.

My only experience on the water was one time being on a powerboat when I was in the first grade and being on a couple of U.S. Navy Warships.

I had maybe four or five opportunities to be a crew, taking orders and only maintaining the foresail of the FJ.  But then I was thrust into skippering in a race. I was the only one of my sea scout ship that had any experience racing, and I was put into a position doing something I have never done before. On a boat bigger than anything I was used to.

So with only theoretical knowledge of how to skipper, I somehow manage to finish the race. Of course, it involved a lot accidentally sailing in circles, as well as using my feet to manage the tiller, and coming in dead last just barely before the start of the next race.

Ever since then, I've loved sailing. While I might not be that great at it, I'll take any chance to race and hopefully one day I will own my own boat.

S is for Say You Like Me - We The Kings

R is for Rant

Sometimes we just need to let it all out. Of course, acts of a physical nature aren't always the best choices. Especially when out some sort of sporting form or exercise manner.

Which means we are in a need of letting out our frustrations. What better than to rant about whatever it is that is getting on your nerves.

What I notice about myself when I rant is that I don't always think clearly. Everything is simply flowing out faster than I can filter, and my filter in itself is not the best in a normal state. But I keep going and going, and even when I know I've reached a point where I'm wrong, I keep going. Yet despite that, leaving it all behind, it makes me feel so much better, and that's simply the purpose of it.

R is for Real World - Matchbox Twenty

Q is for Quirks

I would by no means necessary define myself anywhere close to normal, no matter what the definition of normal might be. I would say I have my fair share of weird things that I naturally do.

The quirks of people are what I think really define them. So if people were normal, wouldn't they be boring and not unique?

So go out there and do your own thing. Rather than be who people want you to be, strive to be the best you. No matter how weird that might be, your quirks is what defines you.

Q is for Queen of California - John Mayer

P is for Pool

For some time I've loved the sport of swimming. Although when I first started it might have been by my own accord, I'm glad I was forced into it. And I am very thankful for my five active years in the sport.

But truth is, I have too much on my plate to commit to the sport in college. So although I wish I could do it on some competitive level, swimming will have to wait till sometime down the line.

Last summer I took a step in a different direction. I volunteered to coach my old Y swim team for their summer league. I would spend over thirty hours a week on that pool deck. Half of that time life guarding  and the other half coaching.

Yet despite only being paid for half my time, it was a very rewarding experience. And I look forward to doing it again. Helping these kids become better swimmers just warms my heart. So while I might not return to the sport to race ever again, I'd be more than happy to stick to the coaching side of things.

P is for Pictures of You - The Last Goodnight

O is for Onions

When I was a kid I never like vegetables. I did like broccoli, till I started going to school. Nothing is ruined quicker than a vegetable stewing in water for hours. There was also corn and potatoes, but I don't think those count, being starches and all.

But there was some point when I had decided something. I wanted to become a master onion chef. I had barely started including them in my diet, but I had chosen to cook them for my career.

That was only temporary, for once again, just like that, what I wanted to do changed. The possibilities just kept piling up. So many things I would like to do with my life, but there was nothing I could settle my mind on.

Truth is, although it seems like I know where I'm going in life, I feel lost. So despite that career plan I spew out for the next ten years. I rely on the fact that any of it can change, that none of its permanent, and it involves doing different things, rather than sticking to one sole job.

So despite being lost, I'm gonna keep looking for what I do want to do when I grow up.

O is for One Thing - Finger Eleven

N is for Night

In a house I used to live there was this road. It passed nearby right outside the neighborhood. There was never a time there wasn't a car driving by, no matter what time of day.

But there was that one night. The lights, their normal warmness, lighting up the fog that had settled over the area. Other than that, I saw nothing moving, and there was no sound. Nothing at all. It really was dead silence.

Despite how night is associated with the end of the day, it just isn't how I see it. To me, it is more of a time of productivity. When things that really need to get done, do get done. So the thought of silence, contradicts who I am. Night, is just as much alive as the day to me.

N is for No One Can Touch Us - Sing It Loud

M is for Mindful

A lot of things happen around us everyday. Interactions between people and the environment around us that most people tend to not pay attention to. We are just not mindful of our surroundings.

People are so invested in their own life that they fail to notice the amazing things that are happening in the world. Their phones become more intriguing then that balloon just floating away from the grasp of that child. Their conversation is better than the sight of that biker helping an old lady across the road.

There are all these beautiful, interesting, amazing things to see, but we just keep finding ourselves swept up in our own little world. There is a huge world around us, we just have to take a look. 

M is for Maybe - Sick Puppies

L is for Life

Life lasts for only so long. And of course that means we need to make the best of what little time we do have on Earth.

So stressing about things too much just does one know good. That test you just took, maybe it will tank your grade. That one mistake, it isn't the end of everything. Just take the lessons you learned, and move on to the next thing.

Enjoy the past for what it is, the past. It is an unchangeable part of you. And the future, while it is good to plan for it, life is mostly in the present. So live life now, while you're living.

L is for Live and Die - The Avett Brothers

K is for Kindness

Holding the door open for someone. Giving a dollar to cover someone who is short. Let another driver merge into your lane. Stopping to help another change their flat tire.

It isn't very difficult to do a simple act of kindness. So why is it that there are people out there that aren't willing to take a couple moments out of their day to something nice for a stranger. Think of how much it would make the world a better place.

And to those that do those random acts of kindness, I salute you. You are what help me keep my faith in humanity. I strive to be like that as much as possible, and its you who make me want to be that way.

K is for Kitten Air - Scott & Brendo

J is for Joking

Life can be really serious sometimes. But life isn't everlasting. It is something that should be enjoyed, and for me to enjoy it more, I have to stray away from the serious quite a bit.

A lot of times I joke around about things. The problem is that I tend to talk as if I'm entirely serious about the subject matter. 

At the end of the day, I'm not a serious person. I'm someone who tries to make the best of life, no matter how hard it might get.

J is for Jet Lag - Simple Plan

I is for Internet

It really is impressive what you can do with the Internet. Everyone who has experienced it knows what capabilities it has. To be able to talk to someone around the globe instantly. To upload and view media in a multitude of forms. To play games with people you have never met. The possibilities are endless.

Yet despite all the limitless potential. a large part of the internet can lead to waste. A huge cause in procrastination is due to the internet. It is easy to steer clear from what needs to be done when there is something more enjoyable just a click or two away.

I know that whenever I bring my laptop to close, it doesn't take much for me to switch from my notes to another more entertaining activity. Even though I have started to just bring just pen and paper instead to class, it is still pretty easy to get distracted. My phone does just as well as my laptop, to browse the internet and not pay attention to my professors. Even worse, the games, easy to download, and useful for short periods of time, yet more fun to focus on then a lecture. The internet might just be the destruction of my productivity.

I is for (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I want You To - Weezer

H is for Home

Having moved around a bit, the concept of home is sometimes lost on me. People will ask me where I'm from, but I can never answer the question easily. Yes, I could easily answer with where I live or with what school I go to, but that isn't really where I'm from.

I don't feel like I have much of home, but truth is, that doesn't bother me. I want to not only see the world, I want to live in it. And if that means sacrificing the idea of having a home, that is alright. Cause, maybe truly, being homeless lets me be free.

H is for Haven't Had Enough - Marianas Trench

G is for George Watsky

My favorite genre of music has for a while been based in Alternative Rock. Typically, the style just suites most of my moods the best leading to me listen to mostly rock music.

But then, typically two genres just have never appealed to me. Both Country and Rap have never appealed to me. It lies mostly in content of the music, and slightly with the musical style typically associated with each genre.

The usual image brought up by one's mind in regards to rap is about illegal activities, money, women, and cars. Truth be told, that just not what I really care to get from my music.

But then I discovered George Watsky which opened my eyes to something new. It was rap music, but it was not what you would expect. Watsky rapped with different vigor and motivation. What he rapped about meant more than just material. It was clever, intriguing, and good. Watsky brought me into this different world of rap that I could appreciate.

G is for Go To Hell - Go Radio

F is for Friends

I have always been a fan of television. It goes back to being a kid, just a habit that has grown on me since my younger days. There are people out there that feel television is an unhealthy addiction. That it is useless trash that pollutes the mind and leads to an unhealthy mental, emotional and physical state.

While maybe it could be my polluted state of mind talking but I would have to disagree. I after having watched countless hours of television am a well functioning member of society. And yes, while sometimes it might not be the best form of art, there are those memorable moments created by television that just isn't possible through other media.

My favorite form of television has been sitcoms. And it all started because of my mother. Back in the late 90's my mom really liked watch Friends. And having no control over the TV, I had no choice but to watch. And thing is, I only had a bare idea as to what any of the continuity was of the series. And maybe I didn't entirely understand all of the jokes, I still could get the gist. Yet I always enjoyed watching no matter what. And then there was the series finale. I had never watched a TV show so much as to follow it till its end. In fact, it was a mostly foreign concept.

But from there it grew. I have since always preferred the genre over other shows. And having seen some come and go, either being cancelled or going through its full run, I have enjoyed my experience. Sometimes they get really deep, they touch a deeper part of me, and then sometimes they make me laugh hard. Either way, it is always a great experience to take part of.

F is for Finders Keepers - You Me At Six

E is for Education

I have always liked school. I don't believe it really has much to do with the actual school part of it. It is more like I have always had a thirst for knowledge. There is just something about learning something that makes me happy. Its a satisfying feeling.

Sometimes pursing a college degree can carry a heavy workload. Going in the engineering direction tends to lend itself to a more continuous heavy load than some of my non technical majors. And truth is, sometimes it just doesn't end. There is usually another assignment that needs to be done, after the last one has been finished.

But its that difficulty that makes me enjoy it all that much more. How great it feels when I finally figure out how to solve a problem, or when I score that great grade on a test. Yes, free time is limited when I have school and other commitments going on, but every night I go to bed, I know I did plenty well in whatever I had to do.

E is for Existentialism On Prom Night - Straylight Run

D is for Dodgeball

There was something about playing sports in P.E. that was great. I think it mostly had something to do with the fact that I have never been the greatest at sports. But P.E. was always a great equalizer, giving a fair playing field, a mixture of athletes and other students who didn't care much to be there. It gave me a chance to stand out more in whatever sports we played. And a place where I could try different things than I usually would on the playing field since it was never for real, and I was never playing to prove myself for more playing time.

Dodgeball was one of the best. It is simple enough sport, you throw a ball and either try to dodge or catch the balls thrown at you. I have never understood the point of getting rid of that in schools. Yes, the rubber balls can be painful, and probably aren't the best use for the sport, but maybe instead using foam balls. At the schools I attended, those were the ones used, and I never saw anyone have any sort of injury from it. So why remove easy, fun sports and instead rather change things around to instead suit the current climate we have in our country?

D is for Die Young - Paradise Fears

C is for Cadet Mindset

Going to a military school can be a daunting experience sometimes. While most of your civilian counterparts are living a laid back life style, you're working hard, waking up early, doing a fair amount of physical training, garnering leadership experience, all the while trying to balance a social life and keep up with your academics.

Now what can be pretty stressful at times with spending copious times with everyone here is that many have a very similar presence. Obviously, with everyone here vying for leadership positions, most of the cadets act as leaders. One should know, having way more leaders than followers can be problematic. So whenever a cadet is not followed they tend to not usually take it well, and with all these cadets who are not at the proper time in their training to take leadership, then things can become stressful.

No matter what experience one has had in the past, it should not matter so much here. One can not simply start at the top of a new organization simply because that was where they left off in there past. Simply take what you learned from your past and apply it to your current position, and progress up the leadership ladder at a proper pace, cause otherwise you might simply fall off from rushing too much.

C is for Chap Stick, Chapped Lips And Things Like Chemistry - Relient K

B is for Butterfly

I remember fondly the intensity that would come with a swim meet. That feeling of pushing myself to the peak of my limits, and even sometimes beyond.

Then there was butterfly stroke. It is such an elegant stroke in my eyes. Where effort and grace come together to what can only be done with one's all, otherwise it really couldn't be considered butterfly. And there was no greater feeling, leaving everything behind in the pool after a race in butterfly.

I did end my high school career on a good note, with finally making it to states. And that is a good way for it to end, for someone who loves doing it for the sport.

But I do miss it. Sometimes it does make me sad to think that I don't have the time to dedicate to competition. Being on the other side as a coach makes it worth it. Working with those kids last summer was a great experience and I look forward to it again soon.

And sailing does help stem the sadness of missing swimming, filling it with another form of race that still allows me time to handle the other parts of my life.

Maybe one day I'll find a way for me to race again in the pool, but until then, I've got plenty of a life to keep my happy.

B is for Best of Me - The Starting Line

A is for Autonomous and Drone Technology

More and more, the concept of autonomous robots and drones are becoming more sought after. Capable of doing things independently or remotely, the technology is supposed to be beneficial to our way of life.

But how much better is it than humans doing the same tasks? Of course simple tasks can be done much quicker, but what about those tasks that require multiple fine adjustments over many different frame of references.

The most notable of that would be the idea of autonomous aircraft. Flying planes requires many adjustments in many ways, of which can computers really detect all of them and account for it.

Of course, that's where the idea of drones come in. A human being in a remote location would control the plane. But then what about signal delays, when you see something just enough time after it actually appears, would the pilot be able to prevent a collision? On top of that, what if the signal relay goes down. At least on a plane, there are on-location solutions that may be able to save the plane.

I understand that placing technology at risk can save lives, since humans would need not be present in certain situations, but would they really be able to do the job?

A is for Absolutely (Story Of A Girl) - Nine Days

Focusing

For the most part, the last couple of weeks have been pretty busy. Well, there was spring break, but I didn't feel motivated to do very much. All I managed was to do was pick up a couple life guarding shifts as well as help out at a swim meet for the team I'll be coaching this summer.

Then for the last week I have been busy trying to keep up with all the massive amounts of homework I've had to do as well as juggle corp recruiting tasks.

This wasn't made any easier with the fact that I was at a regatta last weekend. The day started slow Saturday, but an increase in the wind made it way more fun. Then Sunday have even higher winds, with some white caps, plus then it began to rain adding to all the more fun. Overall, despite the cold and my lack of sailing footwear, and even somehow managing to get a little sun burnt, it was very worth it. Yes, I'll be busy with sailing the next two weekends, but I'll find a way to manage everything.

The tricky part next month will be to manage blogging daily on random topics. What is gonna happen is that I will be doing the A-to-Z Challenge with no real topic consistency. I will find a way to set aside enough time to post and follow the rules. If I put my mind to it, I should have no trouble with it.

 

A Letter To Your Reflection In The Mirror

Quite a bit has changed about you, hasn't it?

The hair, how horrible did it used to be. A couple months of growth. Not even a comb to make it look decent. Stopped doing that, hair cuts every couple of weeks keeping things groomed. None of that peach fuzz type stuff any more either. Shaving everyday leaves you with a shadow every night. 

A bit more larger as well. More muscular, developing with more muscular exercise then you used to. Not really built, but more there than there was before.

Same smile though. Seems kind of goofy to me. That dimple doesn't help. But when you do smile, you just know when it feels genuine. Cause when you're forcing it, you feel like it is just way to fake, that everyone else can see it too. 

Then those eyes. Why do they just always seem so blank? You've been so lucky to have seen all that you have seen. Why don't they show more happiness more often? Are they just hungry? Ready to see more of the world? Maybe it just feels that everyday spent not experiencing the world is just another wasted day?

A Letter To The Person That You Want Tell Everything To, But Too Afraid To

I try to be honest with everyone about everything. But for some reason I feel like I can't tell you much. It might be childish of me but I feel like you might judge me badly if I was more open.

Yes, you're my parents, why shouldn't I share more about my life with you. My brother, he never was the shining example of much. I shouldn't fear that you'll compare me to him. But maybe, if there is one little thing, you might relate us.

Yeah, he's my brother, but I don't want you to think I'm anything like him. I'm not.

A Letter To Someone That Changed Your Life

Whenever we allow anyone into our lives, we typically give them the chance to influence who we are in some way or another. Even those that we have no choice but to accept into our lives can have the same effect.

Part of my decision to become an officer for the US Navy was because I want to be a leader. So what better way to become a good leader than to go to a senior military college with an extensive history of educating fine military and civilian leaders.

The five people that changed how I view leadership most directly were my cadre during my freshman year. These five cadets were examples of what the Corp of Cadets can do for their members.

So, my cadre, I thank you for what you did for me. You showed me what kind of leader I want to be. One who cares for his subordinates, but is stern when necessary. A leader that motivates his subordinates to give it their all for whatever task they are given.

A Letter To The Friendliest Person You Knew For Only One Day

I didn't know you for just one day, nor have I not seen you since the time I met you. But I have never met someone who could befriend so many strangers as quickly as you did.

You were a great roommate for our leadership conference. I personally had a really great time there, and glad things worked out the way they did there.

And thing is, we run into each other every couple of days. We share greetings, maybe even a quick catch up, but otherwise, it is limited to just that.

You're a great guy, but I suppose we were never meant to really be much more than acquaintances. And I'm totally fine with that, we have our own lives which have very little overlap, and we'll be just fine like we are.

A Letter To The Last Person You Made A Pinky Promise To

You asked me to make you a promise. That is the thing about promises, whether they be pinky, handshake, contract, or even just by word of mouth, you expect me to keep it.

That is who I want to be. A man who keeps his word. A man who stands by his honor.

So when you ask me to make you a promise, I will do everything in my power to keep it, cause I promised. 

A Letter To The Person You Know That Is Going Through The Worst Of Times

Sometimes life just seems to suck. That is how it has to be occasionally so that all those good moments feel all that much better. So just know that good times are on the horizon, and all you need to do is take the steps to get there.

But you aren't alone. You're my friend and I will stick by your side. I will help you in whatever way you need. All I ask is that you just let me try. What is a friend but someone to stick by your side when times get tough.

And I understand that I might not always know when times get tough for you. All you need to do is tell me and I'll be there for you. Cause I care, and I take care of my friends.

A Letter To The Person That Gave You Your Favorite Memory

I have always been a huge fan of board and card games. I have always been keen to the standard games, the ones you would find at a normal toy store. And then there were the card games using a standard deck of cards.

But then there was that one night in the hotel room. During our families' winter break trip, that's when my world changed. 

You showed me how to play, Bang! I've never seen a non-trading card game before that day. From there my view of gaming changed. It introduced me to a world, with specialized game shops and scouring through different websites. A world where all the time, I find more and more appreciation for gaming.

A Letter To The Last Person You Kissed

I took a shot, and it paid off. That seems to be a a recurring theme between us. I could probably name a couple other times when I would just take a chance, and it all worked out, in some sense or another.

Although, back then, I would say I hated how the times when things did not work out, in hindsight, I would say there is some benefit. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for that.

Now things are working out again, and I hope it stays that way. Cause you're an amazing girl who is making me happy.

A Letter To Someone You Want To Give A Second Chance To

You seriously messed up. Why else would you be in need of a second chance?

So in some way, you hurt me with whatever it is you did. Why should I open myself up to the possibility of letting it happen again?

That's the thing, I tend to be a trusting guy. Therefore I'm gonna give you a second chance. I'm gonna let you in, and all I ask is that I you don't hurt me. Is that too much to ask?

Well truth is, if I give you a second chance, and you mess it up, I'll probably give you one after another. Maybe I'm a sucker for punishment, but no matter how much those emotional bruises might hurt, I'm gonna keep going. My life will go on, and I'll come out if just a little more stronger, and one day I will get tired of you taking advantage of kindness. And then, that is when you'll run out of second chances.

A Letter To Someone You Judged By Their First Impression

While introducing myself I offer my hand to you to shake. That initial moment is when I start to figure out whether I like you or not. One's handshake offers little into what type of person you are. Maybe it might say that your strong grip relates to you having a dominating personality, but it could easily mean that you were raised to shake hands when meeting someone. 

From then on, your mannerisms, how you convey what you choose to say, or lack of what you say builds my first impression of you. Whenever our first encounter, I come out with an initial judgement of whether or not I like you.

But the thing is, just because I judged you by my first impression, doesn't mean that it remains permanent. Unless, you entirely rub me the wrong way, I would be more than willing to have more encounters with you. Rather that first impression will slightly dictate how I might act around you initially  it would still be possible for me to be a welcoming individual.

A Letter To The One That Broke Your Heart The Hardest

What haven't I already told you about what you did? About how when you make a promise, it isn't supposed to be something you have any right to disregard when it is easier for you that way.

It could have been so easy for me to close myself off after that. To just shrink into my shell, and put on a mask. But no, that is not who I am. Giving up is not something I do. I'm gonna keep living life and put myself out there.

Cause thing is, that girl who is meant for me, is gonna be worth the risk of putting myself out there. Sometimes we have to take some bruises and scratches as price for what we truly deserve.

What you did hurt, but I'm stronger for it. And I'm not gonna let myself be afraid. Just gonna stand back up and dust myself off.

A Letter To Someone That Pesters Your Mind—Good Or Bad

Sometimes the day calls for a silly debate. One that has no purpose but rather to make us smile and sharpen our wits. Every time we meet, on our so called battlefield, I always leave in a good mood.

And that is why, in a good way you pester my mind. Each time requiring me to rack my head for a clever response, to top yours.

So that is why you are a good boss, and why I look forward to working during my breaks from school. And why I love my job.

A Letter To The Person That You Wish You Could Be

You give it all you've got in everything you do. You stand by the phrase, "Work Hard, Play Hard." That is what makes you the great person you are.

You workout consistently, each session, pushing yourself to your limits. You do your best academically, each assignment, each test, done so well, every grade is earned. Whenever you play a sport, you try harder than you could think possible. Any debate, you stand by your beliefs.

You are an inspiration. You are a model of pure effort. You are what I want to be.

But truth is, I am happy with who I am right now. Yes, there is nothing wrong with improvement, but if I were to stay this way, I would still be happy with myself. 

 

A Letter To Someone From Your Childhood

You were my first real best friend. That was quite a while ago. You were always the person that I would play with at recess. And at the time, I suppose that was why you were my best friend.

I don't really know how it all happened. All I can remember is that we were part of the same speech therapy group, on top of being in the same class. Maybe that was where it started. We had something in common, something only a few others were present for. But no matter what it was a good friendship.

Also, you introduced me to peanut butter and cheese sandwiches. I don't know where you got that idea, but it was a good one, and I'm glad I got the chance to try it.

A Letter To Someone Who Is Not In Your State/Country

You live across the country and that is alright. It might not be the best situation, but only temporary.

We have lived our lives with little control over the people that come and go. But this time you have the ability to not have to deal with making new friends all over again. I know how that much that sucks, and I don't want you to have to do that on my behalf. No matter how much I want you here, I don't think I have the right to ask.

That's the beauty of things like video phone calls. So, we can get the next best thing to actually talking face to face.

And we'll make due, cause you know what, you're amazing, and totally worth the wait.

 

A Letter To The Person You Miss The Most

You were a total dork. I suppose that would explain why I liked you so much. You had your weird tendencies. What kind of dog would run away at the possibility of a walk. You even tore some of my favorite shirts when we first met. But that was alright with me. You were just so cute.

Whenever I'd stop petting you, you would look at me with a sad face and place your paw on my hand. You were too big for a lap dog, but that wouldn't keep you from trying to sit in my lap whenever I was on the computer. I would have to fight you for the ball so we could play catch. And that blanket. You always liked that blanket, wouldn't go to sleep without it.

Rocky, I miss you. You were such a great dog, I was lucky to have you in my life.

A Letter To Someone You’ve Drifted Away From

Distance has a way of making friendships fade. Yeah, in this modern world it is easy enough to constantly talk through electronic means, but it still isn't the same. Real life can get in the way, and people start to change, and friends start to drift. That is just the way of the world.

That's not to say the friendship is gone, but rather that the dynamic has changed. If we were to ever run into each other, I'm sure we'd be able to start a conversation as easy as ever, but truth is, we both would know, things would be entirely different. Cause hey, we have our own lives now.

So just know this, I look forward to the next time we run into each other. It really is always nice to catch up.

A Letter To Someone You Wish Could Forgive You

I can't stand the idea of hurting someone who doesn't deserve it. I try to be a good guy, one who does the right thing, all the while trying to make other people happy, especially those who mean a lot to me.

I might not remember what I did wrong, but I want to make it right. Just tell me what it is, and maybe even what I could do to fix it. I don't want any bad blood between us.

Is that too much to ask? To make amends for my past transgressions? I hope not.

A Letter To The Person You Hate Most/Caused You A Lot Of Pain

You aren't a person. Rather you are a concept. Having a parent in the military is never an easy fact to deal with. When they get deployed, life just sometimes get hard.

But that's not why you cause me pain.

Having to live in several different places is what hurts. Having to change schools, and not really feeling like you have a true home. Well that hurts sometimes, a lot.

But I don't hate you, but I'd rather like to thank you. I never would have the chance to experience what I have in my life if it wasn't for you, nor would I have met the people that I have met. I am who I am today because of what you have done for me. So for that, thank you "moving."

A Letter To A Deceased Person You Wish You Could Talk To

Vibrant speakers. I just can't get enough of that. There are people out there that once I start listening to them, I don't want them to stop.

But I never really have the chance to talk to these people. I feel that if given the chance, a conversation would be great. Maybe one day I will have the opportunity, but sadly, not everyone gets to stay around long enough. 

I've heard your Carnegie Mellon Last Lecture several times over the years. It was an exception to the standard. You weren't retiring from a full career of education. You were gonna die of pancreatic cancer.

This upbeat lecture, on achieving one's childhood dreams. That's the lecture you gave. Just, wow. I don't know how you could do that. But you did. And if I could, I would like to talk to you, Randy Pausch.

A Letter To Someone You Don’t Talk To As Much As You’d Like To

In this day and age, it is easier than ever to get in contact with whoever you might want to talk to. Whether by text, email, IM, or video messaging, few people you know could truly be out of reach.

So if I really wanted to talk to you more, I wouldn't have any excuse. Which is why you don't exist, for those that I allow to stay in my life, are those that I want there. Cause if not, I won't waste any more time than I have to.

 

A Letter To Someone You Wish You Could Meet

I have decided that rather than just meet one of you two, that I would much rather meet both of you. Either together or separately, meeting both of you would be an awesome encounter.

I have heard both of you talk about matters that are important to you. You're both famous on YouTube, even creating a community of people that represent and build upon what you two believed at its inception.

Ever since I picked up your first book, I have read every one you have written, and look forward to every future piece you create. And the fact that some of your work has been optioned for movies, I also look forward to watching your work come to life on the big screen.

And your music, so clever. You are what it means to become a musician on YouTube. To create your own original music and put it out there. You do it because you love to do it, and it shows on every song.

Right now, I am an outsider looking in. And I like what I see. One day I'm gonna brave the deep blue and make my way inside your community, and I know its gonna be a great day.

DFTBA John and Hank Green, see you, well hopefully someday.

A Letter To Your Favorite Internet Friend

I first started blogging almost three years ago. And since then I've had the occasional interaction with fellow bloggers. Therefore it is pretty obvious why my favorite internet friends would be in fact, bloggers.

I follow the blogs that I follow for a reason. I enjoy reading all of them, and it is always a sad day when a fellow blogger starts to fall away from posting regularly. But there have been some that while may get busy with life, but find the time to at least do an occasional catch up post, which always is an enjoyable read.

But I don't have one favorite internet friend, but rather two. You've both have been the two bloggers I interact with the most, and your posts are some of my most favorite to read. And whenever either of you comment, on one of my posts, I know it is always gonna be something good.

Thanks for the time you've put into blogging, Ada and Jillian.

A Letter To Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush

You hurt me. You betrayed me.  You ripped my heart out.

Know this, at the end of the day, it will be your loss.

I'm off to do some amazing things with my life. I'm going to travel the world, visiting places I have and haven't been to yet.  I know I'm gonna see things that I'll remember till the day I die, and pictures to show others. I'm on my way to an interesting journey.

But you won't be along for the ride. At one point I thought you were the right person to bring along, but you proved how wrong I was. I am glad though that I found out sooner than later.

I'm gonna bring along a gal who deserves it more, who would appreciate it more, and be willing to deal with the hardships the lifestyle will bring, because it will be worth it for the good times.

When people talk about their exes, they say the next girl is gonna be better. I can't say that, how can you measure apples to oranges. But I can say one thing, I love some fruits way more than I could of others.

A Letter To A Stranger

I don't know you. And you don't know me. That is the reason why our relationship is defined the way it is. I don't even have a clue as to what your name is. All I know about you in this brief moment that you have my focus is what you're wearing, and how you're acting.

They say don't judge a book by its cover. Why would I not come to some conclusion by how you appear to me? There wouldn't be any sort of stereotypes if they weren't based in truth. The fact that you might be wearing pajamas out in public says that you're more concerned with self comfort than presenting a good image. What other justifications could you have for being dressed that way?

What about the time you crossed the street? All by yourself. Everyone else was gonna let the car go. It was waiting there for plenty long, and more cars waiting behind it. But there was you, on your cell phone, who stepped onto the street. What if the driver didn't see you? You would have been a part of the pavement.

Moments like those are why I don't want to get to know you. Why I want our relationship to stay the way it is already.

So I just move on, nothing changes, and the world keeps turning. Who even knows if I'll see you again, and if I do, would I even remember. Cause you are a stranger, what would I remember about you?

A Letter To Your Dreams

You are far and few between. Maybe you're not, but I rarely remember when you visit. And when you do, you don't really make sense.

The times when I'm confronted, I never seem to act, I freeze up, despite the fact that I feel confident in being able to fight off whatever faces me. 

The one exception though, that one scared me. Why was I in a gas station? But there were those guys who were armed, one of which had a hostage. I just had to stop them, dream or no dream, one must must not stay apathetic to the plight of others. 

I made a silly mistake, why would I try to jump over a table onto a guy who had a gun.It left me wide open. And I woke up immediately afterwards. That's something that has never happened  before. Was I shot? That is why it scares me, I've never died in a dream. Was that it? Like I said, I don't understand.

A Letter To Your Sibling

You are an asshole. Yes, that is something I believe to be true about you. You never seem to care about what I want. And even when circumstances call it unfair, you will still take the unfair route. I really get sick and tired of the way you treat me whenever I am home. And whatever little excitement I might ever have of getting to go home and see you, it quickly dissipates when i re-realize that you're an asshole.

Regardless, I do find myself proud of the route you eventually took. You decided to enlist after college didn't work out, and I find myself in a reverent state in regards to the men and women in uniform. Hopefully you will live up to the good name of the uniform, and be the type of sailor I hope to lead one day.

A Letter To Your Parents

Almost twenty years ago, I was born. That was all you two. And for those several years I was unable of taking care of myself,  you two kept me alive.

I want to say thank you. Thank you for putting up with me. Thank you for supporting me. There is so much to thank you for that I can't really put into words, nor truly show you my gratitude. 

The best I can do is to try to make you proud. In everything I do, I try to give my best to show you that you raised a good son who does his best. So when the naysayers try to get me down, I'm gonna keep my head up. I'm gonna barrel through this curriculum, to get my degree no matter how hard it gets. I'm not gonna quit, I'm not gonna give up. Because not only would I fail myself, I would be failing you. You didn't raise someone who would give up when it gets tough, you raised a kid who is gonna make it through.

I'm on the road to do something amazing with my life, and I never would have made it to where I am without you. So thank you, so very much. Although I don't show it very much, I love you mom and dad.

A Letter To Your Crush

I've known you for quite some time, but that is another story. This story mostly started when we began to talk constantly during the summer. We were limited to just facebook, but I at least had my phone, and we would talk for hours on end. And then when you finally got a cellphone, and the conversation pretty much never stopped.

You're honestly, very wonderful to talk to, and I was and would still be content just having you as a best friend that I could talk to anytime. Something about your attitude, your sweetness, how dorky you can be just makes talking to you some of the best part of my days. How could I not start to crush on you. 

The feeling just kept getting stronger. I would be talking to you, and you would make a clever remark, and I would be just all giddy inside. I was happy all the time, life was going well.

The letters, oh the letters. How I do enjoy the letters. I don't receive mail other than from you, and seeing that someone cares about me enough to go classical with messages, truly awesome. I wish I was better about writing back, but at least I am semi capable at drawing, and using those postcards. They are very fun to create.

We were able to swing you visiting before you headed back to school, and I was ecstatic. I was gonna see one of my best friends that I haven't seen in like four years. And things went better than I could have imagined.

See, I really like you, and I keep falling harder and harder for you. I look forward to seeing what the future entails for us, and I really hope it continues on the path that it is going. 

A Letter To Your Best Friend

You and I both know that are friendship has always been based on weirdness. We first met in English class sophomore year, and those pre-class talks with the teacher were always interesting. I must say, younger teachers are usually pretty interesting to talk to, since they're still in that sort of college mindset.

Then there was junior year, another English class. AP English, we were part of the first year that class was available at our school. There was no set curriculum, and its amazing what you can get away with when your teacher is not sure of what they are doing. And we really pushed the limits, and still came out of that class with decent grades, usable AP scores, and a very interesting video. But most importantly, that video, that is what made our friendship go to the next level.

Of course we would end up wanting to go to the same college. That was just a natural selection for both of us, and it totally worked out. We would hang out pretty much every weekend, and even for certain classes prepare for tests together. And considering how smart you are, you would always do better than me on those tests. But you had a simple problem. You never did your homework, you would just sit around your room wasting time. Your GPA suffered and after another semester of that, the school put you on academic probation.

Hanging out with you is fun, but we never really do much. Just chilling in your room playing video games just can not cut it anymore. This semester I am gonna try to get out more, and do more things. So next year, the dynamic will not be the same. Hopefully you will be on board with it, cause this is college and staying in on the weekends is just isn't what it is all about.

So hopefully you will at least find a job, that you aren't that picky about, and save up some money cause you might be needing it. And get your act together, at the bare minimum you need to go to class and turn in your work, cause college would be a waste if you simply fail out.

Set V

It has been a while since the last time I posted. And I did think from there that I would be able to post continuously, but I really do find it hard to come up with topics to post about. On top of all that, my academics just consume my energy to do much of what I enjoy, but if I want to do something about it, I've got to get up and go.

I have been looking into plenty of motivational videos lately, and they really make me want to do something, and stop being lazy. That little kid, that darn little kid, is motivational, very much so to me.

Challenges, now those make this whole thing easier, while still allowing me to really enjoy blogging. I searched for something that I would like to try, and the first was the Blogging from A to Z Challenge but that is not till April. But before I do that I need to prove that I can blog consistently and on a daily basis. So first I need to start somewhere. Taken from another site, Colorfulistic, I chose the set that I would most like to start off with, that I felt would allow for me to show both a silly, and a serious side of me, among others. I will try to make this daily, but for now I will at least try my best to do one every couple of days.

Now, away from all the rambling, here is the list:

Set V: A Letter to…
-Your Best Friend
-Your Crush
-Your parents
-Your sibling (or closest relative)
-Your dreams
-A stranger
-Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush
-Your favorite internet friend
-Someone you wish you could meet
-Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to
-A Deceased person you wish you could talk to
-The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain
-Someone you wish could forgive you
-Someone you’ve drifted away from
-The person you miss the most
-Someone that’s not in your state/country
-Someone from your childhood
-The person that you wish you could be
-Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad
-The one that broke your heart the hardest
-Someone you judged by their first impression
-Someone you want to give a second chance to
-The last person you kissed
-The person that gave you your favorite memory
-The person you know that is going through the worst of times
-The last person you made a pinky promise to
-The friendliest person you knew for only one day
-Someone that changed your life
-The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to
-Your reflection in the mirror