I just tried to write out my thoughts for the last hour, and all of it was deleted… I wish there was a more reliable way to write this down without having it deleted just because my computer freezes up. So here it goes, the second time around. Band practice today was great, we were all exhausted, but for the most part, we listened to each other very well. We’re making progress towards playing shows soon too. Another thing that I was talking about before the great deletion (that’s what I’m calling this whole incident) was my realization that I’m starting to comprehend adult literature much better now that I’m older and more seasoned intellectually (or maybe not… *sigh*). I just like being able to understand my surroundings to a larger extent then I did say two or three years ago. I guess that’s part of becoming an adult. On the topic of adulthood though I have a few things to say. Drama. One major assumption with teenagers is the thought that with every relationship comes a larger-than-life tragedy that unfolds itself in your daily life. I think that’s probably the biggest misinterpretation high school kids make. I do realize that I’m being slightly vague, so I’ll justify my logic. It seems like there has to be some level of legitimacy to every student at my school, they have to be the most authentic of their little caste system… and if that doesn’t work, they go out on this quest, of sorts, for information. They travel all around and ask deliberately personal questions and try to gain knowledge on people without actually making a connection or even (God forbid) a relationship out of the whole charade. One of the most annoying things about kids my age is their constant reluctance to just buckle down and forgive anyone for anything. It’s always about who has issues, or who’s been broken up with. “We’re not on a talking basis at this point in time.” That is the lamest, most textbook excuse I’ve heard… and I’ve heard variations of it at least 5 times in the last week. I fail to see a purpose to this whole apathetic, rebellious mindset that floats around Saguaro like a deathly stench. I know I’m expressing my thoughts to a drastic extent, but maybe that’s what I’m thinking right now… and that’s the beauty of it, I can think that, and you choose to listen, and you can choose to form an opinion of me, that’s a beautiful thing. You have the power to know someone, and to make a connection with him or her that goes beyond secondhand gossip or a widespread rumor. I guess that brings me to the next logical step of my thought process. A motto… of course. I think I’ve actually stumbled upon an excellent fragment of advice for kids my age… it goes like this (and you can quote me on this one)… “Care.” There you have it. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be a teenager and actually care about the world around you. We’ve been given so many resources to just love people, to actually make a difference in someone lives… even if that means cheesy air-hockey games at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital or late-night Frisbee games on the football field. It’s not my time that’s important here, I think if you get anything out of my heart-felt rambling here it should be that your time isn’t yours to waste, it’s better to give it than to waste it. That brings me to one last thing. I’m sorry for being acting impartial and being all dramatic Laurie. You don’t deserve that, I can’t tell you how many days that just seeing you is the best part of my day. You know me for who I am, and not for this goofy, ska kid persona most people know me as. That’s a large part of me (don't get me wrong), but I know that at the end of the day you actually care about me, and you care about the things I amount to. You’re awesome Laurie, I guess me talking about your awesomeness qualifies me to be in an emotional, new-age indie rock… but that’s okay, they’re my thoughts anyway. I hope everyone has an excellent week, and as for now, I’m going to bed. Don’t guard your love, give it away like candy your parents bought you (mmm… Sweet Tarts). Goodnight kids.