"I wish it was last September/ when we could lose ourselves in crowds everyday"
I spent a great morning reminiscing about the good ole days with Emma as we strolled down the lovely great lake shore. We talked about how sad it was that couldn't even get all of our old friends together for an afternoon. I had a bit of a revelation today, though. Maybe we've just drifted too far apart for that. I can't force friendships if the other half isn't interested. I hoped the "picnic extravaganza" would be a good excuse to get everyone together, but I guess not. I guess all I can do is enjoy the great friendships I still have, and hope to find some great connections in Ann Arbor. I think my peace bracelet might be working :)

It's a good day
"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

Ban Left Handed Marriage!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GEI7HKE_D4

"Left handed people have been getting married for almost a century!"

"No Key, No Plan" - Okkervil River
When I’m hosed and they're closing in, maybe only then,
really, I’ll try to get right with myself.
So I’ll grope down that ladder again, until I’m tumbling -
but really, I just want to slide, I want to crash-land.
While my friend, my associate, he’s a regal man.
He bindles and he twists and ties, gives the reckoning,
and then it’s back on the road again with maybe thirteen grand.
Moralize all you might like, I don't believe in it.

You’ve never earned your soul. I know, (x 3)
but I’m gonna try, though, I’m gonna try.

I’m a rich young sophisticate, I’ve got girls and friends.
I’m doing what I really like and getting paid for it.
There is no key, there’s no plan; I discovered that.
And, truly, I don’t think you'll find a happier man.

You’ve never earned your soul. I know, (x 3)
but I’m gonna try, though, I’m gonna try.
You float up high and it isn’t a sin.
And there isn’t a hell where we’ll be sent.
There’s only now, and there isn’t then. So just breathe it in.

Things That Make Me Happy
Things that make me happy:
1. Vinyl records
2. The Office
3. John Kerry
4. Peppermint tea
5. Red lipstick
6. Debating
7. Teachers who say funny things
8. Kevin Spacey
9. Singer songwriters
10. Vegan chocolate chip cookies
11. Sketch comedy
12. Inside jokes
13. Frank O’hara’s poems
14. Stationery
15. Mix CDs
16. i-anythingcreatedbystevejobs/apple
17. Geek boys
18. Tolerance and acceptance
19. Former politicians who go on to conquer the world via anti-global warming documentaries
20. Rain
21. Humanities
22. My super fantastic friends who are always there to give me a hug, or a slap in the face, whenever I need it

Why I'm Supporting Barack Obama
*Originally written for the Cedar Springs High School Advance newspaper, but I'm not sure if they're still going to use it, so I thought I'd post it here.*
Thousands of people, young, old, black, white, rich, and poor, stand together yelling and applauding for the man onstage. A chant of “Yes we can” sweeps across the gymnasium. The senator attempts to calm the crowd, but their enthusiasm continues. He patiently waits until the frenzy dies down, and begins speaking. The crowd hangs on his every word. Some in the audience cheer, others are moved to tears. Who could inspire such admiration in such a diverse group of people? Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Since giving a speech in support of then presidential candidate John Kerry at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, the senator has inspired audiences across the country to vote for him, and spread his message of hope and optimism for the future across the country. I hope this article may serve as a forum for me to do the same.
The most important issue in determining who I will support in the 2008 election is the environment. The Earth is reaching a turning point. The steps that we take in the next few years will determine whether we follow a path of conservation, or one of destruction. Senator Obama supports legislation that would lower carbon emissions eighty-percent below the levels they were in 1990 by the year 2050. He also supports investing in research in clean technology and gathering top greenhouse gas emitting countries to work towards a cleaner Earth. In the past Obama voted for legislation which provided tax cuts for gas stations that had E85 ethanol pumps and provided funds for groups developing hybrid cars. Obama’s specific goals provide clear benchmarks on the path to becoming a more Earth friendly nation.
As a student, the state of our nation’s public school system is also very important to me. Across the country children are failing and dropping out of school as a result of a lack of funding and support for overworked teachers and students. Even many high performing students are unable to go to college because of high tuition fees. Barack Obama supports reforming the No Child Left Behind Act to measure not only standardized testing abilities, but also college and workforce preparedness. As president the senator would pass the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which would refund students $4,000 on their first tax return in college. He also supports rewarding teachers who mentor their coworkers, or those who teach in a high need field or location. He has proven his dedication to students through his work in the United States Senate. He voted for legislation which provided summer educational opportunities for students and introduced legislation to increase the size of Pell Grants.
November 4, 2008 will be a day of change for our nation, no matter who wins. It means the end of George W. Bush’s presidency, but it could also mean bigger changes for our nation. We have an opportunity to elect a president who will lead this country with hope and optimism, and inspire future generations to have pride and patriotism for their nation. Together we can take full advantage of these opportunities, “Yes we can.”