Of Youth and Young Manhood

I'm not overtly religious but I will say that Kasich's speech last night was a nice change of discourse in the Republican Party; too often people are pitted in the "us v them" mentality and I really believe that his suggestion of just "slowing down" could really be used in today's political and social landscape. This isn't an endorsement for Mr. Kasich but his speech left me feeling hopeful - something many politicians fail at doing. Too many people are caught up in violent and dangerous vitriol that spread hate and distrust. It's a shame as a nation we still feel so divided. Hopefully one day we will begin to see each other as fellow humans rather than in classes, or races, and socioeconomic placement that we've had no control over. Anyways. It's humpday. Enjoy!

We woke up around 8. We stayed in bed till around 10 - it was nice. It was warm; the heating blanket was off. The window was open, and the birds were loud. You woke up and kissed my cheek. I smiled - your lips so soft - I rolled onto my side and kissed you back. We laid there contemplating the last few days; we agreed to move on and learn. We learned to communicate. We said our apologies. We said our stories. We made peace with our demons. I looked at you in the eyes and I asked you to be mine for the rest of my life. You said yes. It's always been the plan anyways. I just needed reassurance. After all; my anxiety never goes away. We went to the coffee shop. We went to our family of friends. We surrounded ourselves with love and energy. We made up last nights sushi. It was divine. That's also a euphemism for how today was. Divinity. We laughed and talked; we discussed our wedding plans. You said south, I said definitely. You said color and I said we need it all. Coffee carts and photo booths. We've planned a future together. I'm not scared either. I'm actually excited for something in my life. We walked around. We took some photos and tried to order a drink - we watched her melt down. So we went to 25th street. We went to Golden Hills. It was somewhere between 22nd and F - or was it 25th and E - that I realized my mistakes were in consequential to what I wanted in us. And that you'd forgiven me once and that was all I needed. It was on 22nd that you said you were mine for life. Kids and pets included. And that's when I realized I am madly in love with you. It was in Golden Hills.

Just had the most interesting and in depth conversation with a foreign exchange student from Russia. The topics ranged from Ferguson, and education, to Syrian immigrants, religious freedoms & persecutions, and to human rights. I found it completely fascinating to hear such different views on religious inclusion and seclusion; that, coupled with the human rights issues Russia is currently facing make for an interesting convo. For disclosure and sake of conversation the student was for persecution of same sex couples and marriage; also, their views on the immigration crisis were very interesting. I believe as a very stereotypical looking Russian - in my opinion - white, blue eyed and blonde haired, the feelings of immigrants coupled with a strict orthodox background met the issue with animosity. It's a clashing of cultures - but the issues that were highlighted were that of language differences, and religious differences. I don't fault the student for their views - it's a different culture from my own. But what I can say is, there is considerably less of an acceptance of someone who is viewed as "different." A label which was thrown around as a euphemism I believe. On the topic of Ferguson - the student (who I have to admit I didn't get their name) was confused as to why the police force was so huge. This was something we both agreed on. It was lightly touched as I believe they didn't understand the full context of the symbolism that is now Ferguson. However, something I did take away is that Russia has free college and healthcare. Which I'm down for. The student did describe that free college was a system of top performing students who got free tuition and less performing paid students. But still the system as a whole is vastly cheaper than here in the good ole USA. Call me a pinko commie but free education and health care sound nice to me. This was a true educational experience if there ever was any. Also, we unfortunately didn't touch on the subject of Donald Trump's bromance with Putin. That's all I got.

Friendship often starts off weird. So many times I've thought, "well how did we come to be friends?" Truthfully, I don't know. It's organic. As all good things should be (shameless plug for organic foods there). But then there's this thing called life and you grow up and keeping and maintaining said friendships is hard. It's a chore, dude! Making new friends is essentially dating in the most unromantic way possible. It could start off awkward and you hang out maybe once or twice, grab the coffee you've talked about grabbing; or drink the beer(s) you've talked about drinking. Schmooze and booze, that whole thing. And then you never hangout again save the times you bump into each other in passing. Or god forbid the virtual passing - Facebook liking. Somewhere between the first and second coffee or the first and perhaps fifth drink - you fucked up. Or maybe they did. Who knows. But you just didn't gel. You didn't vibe like you thought you would. The moments of allure are gone and the reality is that this play date didn't work out. So it's back out. To where? To there. The wild. The unknown. Here we are. Us humans, going about our business and daily lives, yet still looking for that tribe. That gaggle of proverbial geese. That battling of gorillas. That, "whatever weird group name of animals I couldn't think of," insert it. So here's to maybe making new friends and losing acquaintances in the process and hopefully coming out with some funny stories.

What I seek to make out for myself is crafted by these trail-and-error situations; don’t listen and wait for approval to make or do something. Go out and experiment with life.

I may be biased since I'm dating a feminist, but after week 2 of my women's studies course, I can truly say that the works of literature and essays exploring women's issues of femininity, sexuality, sin, shame, and desire (to name a few), are inspiring. To be a feminist isn't something I've outwardly proclaimed, since I've always held in the realm of supporting basic human rights; I guess the takeaway here is that I am one. Sure people may ostracize me or whatever but it's about time we recognize the injustices that have and still go on today against women - it's also time women are celebrated rather than shamed. Some of the most influential people in my life are women (hi mom) so why not? 

I often feel that people often "stop" after graduation; either after high school or college - there is this false notion of achievement in today's society that says, "oh you're done with school, therefore you can shut down." I find it to be completely baseless. Too many people become stagnant, and comfortable with simply living. There is no continued learning or striving for achievement. A quote I recently read: "education is the practice of freedom." Simply put, we must always continue to strive for an education - it is a means towards eventual freedom of tyranny, placement, inequality, and social injustice. When we are educated, we do not feel the need to keep the status quo, we feel the need to change it. Of course this statement feels almost contradictory to what I personally preach, as I, myself, have often said I simply want a bachelors degree (that sentiment is changing daily). Just some food for thought.

So here’s to the rest of 2016.