Let's take a drive...

So, I was surfing CNN.com, which is typical of me, and I came accross an article I found quite interesting. The article was talking about President Obama and his driving. Or, rather, his lack thereof. Naturally, the President of the United States doesn't drive - its not completely safe! Or at least that's what I assume the reason is.

Anyways, that got me thinking tonight as I was out on my drive. There's nothing like going for an aimless drive, out on the high way with the windows down and your music blaring (or perhaps even talking on the phone to a friend).

Such an activity could and most likely does help you clear your mind, work through problems, or even in some situations simmer down and regain composure.

So, as I was driving aimlessly on highway 34, I was sorting through some of the clutter in my mind. And out of the blue it hit me...

"Tomorrow is only a day away...."

The sun will set, and with it the worries of the day, the hustle and the bustle of the day will set with it. But the beauty of it all... the sun will rise anew. And with it there are new opportunities, new experiences, new people to meet, and all that jazz. :)

So, anyways, of course, I'm wondering how on earth the President can stand not being able to drive. How does he clear his head and have oddball discoveries? :O Eh, maybe he's the shower thinker?

At any rate, DRIVING FOR THE WIN. :D

To wear a mask...

So, I fear that as of late, I have a strange obssession with the idea of 'masks'. Now, as to whether or not this is good or bad, I'll leave up to you. But, as a bit of trivia, masks are generally related to the super hero's and villians... I've always been a fan of Darth Vader and the 'villians' in general - what does that tell ya?

I mentioned Darth Vader for a reason. When in his uniform/mask which are his essential life sustaining devices, Darth Vader is a powerful foe. He is a master of the force, he is feared among men, and he is strong.

However, take the mask off as Luke did in episode six, and what do we see? A broken man beneath the mask.

Many times I think this is the reality for many of us. Behind the strong front we put up for our family, for our friends, for the random people we don't know... We hide behind the mask of strength, the mask of resolve, the mask of confidence, etc.

But what do we find underneath? We find our struggles, our brokenness, our fears, our heart-breaks, our insecurities, and so much more.

So, I suppose my wandering thought has been focusing, lately, on why we don't seem to do anything about it?

Is it because we are faced with what is under our own mask every day? Or is it because we are to scared to see what is underneath the mask of our of best friends? Or one of our family members?

Well, I suppose maybe there is merit to that fear. We go to such great lengths to hide our all of our flaws and insecurities that many times its almost impossible to even consider looking at someone else's.

Yet, one can't help but wonder how different we could be if we had just one or two people... In which the masks could come off with.

A trip, where you say? New York, silly!

It has been no real secret that this summer I have been looking forward to New York quite a lot. I've been all over the West Coast, all through the mid-west, and even to Florida. But, the North Eastern part of the country still alluded me, that is until about a week ago when we crossed into New York!

The trip started promptly at 5:00AM on a Friday morning. Although, for me that day began more at 3:30AM, but I won't bore you with the details as to why. Anyways, our day started at 5:00, and surprisingly, we only had to turn around once for a forgotten item!

Since our drive was approximately 15 1/2 hours and there was three of us; we decided to split the drive into five hour shifts. It was a great idea, except I was the one stuck driving through Cleveland, OH. And let me tell you something, that was a nerve-wracking experience! But, I'm proud to report I only missed a turn once! And it was quickly fixed with the help of my lovely GPS. But, we all got through Cleveland in one peice, so all was good.

We arrived to our destination, a small community about an hour away from Syracuse, around 10:00PM. And, boy, was it good to finally get out of the car and to know we were there.

Truthfully, the trip got off to a bit of a rough start. But we quickly worked pass that and found that the trip became increasingly amazing. I saw many farm animal, watched a donkey try to eat my brothers shorts, and then watched the donkey proceed to chase him to our car. (It was a priceless moment.)

I was privileged to learn how to kayak out on the lake that our friends live next too. And let me tell you, kayaking was never something I thought I would do. But I did, and it was AMAZING! I also got to see Laura (family friend), tip the canoe on accident and by doing so, she sent my aunt flying into the lake. I think that was probably the most priceless moment of the week!

But, the fun was just beggining! Since, I'm in New York and wasn't to far from Rochester, I made plans with my friend, Jennifer to hang out at her campus! And let me tell ya, whether its been meeting cool people, eating odd food, or seeing an epic movie... Rochester thus far has been a blast!

(Yes, even the part where I locked myself out of the dorm room... And had to ask Alana for help! She quickly found the solution by finding an R.A.!)

And with that, I end this post. For, I have several others I want to begin!