In Times Like These

Have you ever felt fully empowered and completely conquered at the same time? I don't know what it is, but right now I feel like I could do whatever I put my mind to IF ONLY... I wasn't burried in this deep dark hole. Nothing seems to take the wind out of my sails like a full schedule. Between student organizations and class work, I just don't feel like I have much time to sit back and watch the sun set. It makes me ponder every year at this time "Why do I do the things I do?" Why do we work so hard at attaining the things that make us miserable? Is this arduous routine really making me stronger? I suspect only time will tell.

I wouldn't say that I'm not learning anything, but I would admit that most of my learning comes from out of the classroom. As an RA I learn a great deal on how to listen to, communicate with, and direct different people. As an officer in fraternity, I learn how an actual business type setting is run. As a monetarily struggling student, I learn how to be most effective with what little money I have. Speaking of which, I roasted my first chicken yesterday and it turned out suprisingly well. I'll probably do that more often. But if you asked me what the most valuable lesson I've learned here has been, I'd probably say getting to know other people. I look at my problems and they seem so big and complicated, all the while the guy next to me is being stretched on a rack. So I talk to people, find out a little bit on what being them is like. In so doing, I feel that I've aquired a deeper understanding of exactly how little I am, and why I've been given the gifts that I have.

I had a good time tonight watching my boys play intermural kickball. They're called the Sticky Bandits, and they aren't half bad. I like to see them do stuff together like that. It only further displays the true prolific Pembroke spirit.

Right now I think I'm going to creat the most structure I can before I go to bed. Keep the family of Steve Radinovich in your prayers, as well as the family of, and including, my friend Matt Singleton as they have both suffered a great loss this week. I would write more on it, but I'm afraid I don't have the strength. Peace and love.