all i know

time is a valuable thing

watch it fly by as the pendulum swings

watch it count down to the end of the day

the clock ticks life away


those words have more meaning than ever. Like... where have I been for the last year?? So much has happened it blows my mind. When I was working at Valleyfair over the summer, I always kinda laughed at one of the maintenance guys, Kevin. Every time he saw me he told me "Man youre lucky. You're so young, youve got your whole life ahead of you. My life is as good as over..." It always seemed a little depressing. Now I can kinda understand his perspective. Sometimes I wonder how I went to bed at the age of fifteen and woke up being nineteen. Freshman year seems so recent. Where did four or five years go? Theres a lot that I would go back and change, given the chance. So much I would do, and so much more that I would avoid. Like that one song says "I wish that I knew what I know now... when I was younger".



It wont be too much longer till I leave my life, my family, and my friends behind. To all you who will be noting my absence, I say this: Two years will be the blink of an eye. I moved to Minnesota in 1999. I still feel like that scared little boy walking into to my first day of fourth grade (late of course). But Im not. Weve all grown up since 1999. And we dont realize how long ago that was. We became adults and never even noticed. I know Im waxing poetic, Ill try to knock that off. But this is the biggest, most important thing that will happen to me in my young life, second only to marriage.



There are people in my life like Joe, Jimmy, Beau, Scott, Ben, Abby, and Vince, who have known me for half my life. But there are also many people who have only known me a couple years. Crystale, Boo, Tuck-tuck, Jamie Dayton, Nick, Kerstin, and Karen are just a few great examples. You guys have found your way deep into my heart as well. And Id like to think that I am in your hearts too. Most of you I havent seen in a long time, but every time we talk its like we never even missed a moment. And I cherish every minute we spent together. Especially my late nights with Tuck-tuck, or El Rancho Fuego De Los Muertos with Boo. Also in this group: Eleanor. I know youll hate me for mentioning you, but Im ok with that. She is the cause of anything respectable about who I am, and Im not afraid to say that.



There is a very large group of people who have only known me for about a year or less. My VF crew: Andy, Rachel, Robbie, Becca, Nate and Ashlee, to name a couple. And of course: Mal. You guys shared one of my greatest summers ever. We were all in it together and survived it! Friends for life. At least I hope.


I know this was a big mushy shout out to half the world... but the point Im trying to make to the world is this: It doesnt matter how long or short youve been in a persons life. When somebody gets close, love them and never let go. There is nothing more valuable in this life than family and friends. Life is too short, and time moves way to fast to waste even a moment. So World, When you love somebody: tell them. Its never awkward, let me show you. Vince, I love you man. And I know you love me. See how easy that is? Sometimes Love is the only thing in life that makes any sense at all. So make sure you have a lot of it.

And in conclusion I speak directly to anybody who knows me, who calls me a friend, or has even spent a couple hours in my company: I love you. Spend the next two years wisely. Spend your time in the company of those you love. Make yourself a better person any way you can. Make your life rich by filling it with those little moments people tend to ignore: Hold the door for a stranger, wish on a falling star, blow bubbles, act completely ridiculous, and laugh till you cry. LIVE. Do these things and sooner than you realize well all be together again. Once again: spend the next two years WELL.



Rock on World. Take care of yourself.