What's the "N" stand for? North.

Today I watched Into the Wild for the third time this summer. From June to August last year, I watched the movie 12 times. I honestly can say that I could watch that film over and over again and never reach the point where I want to turn it off. In life, there are some things that can re-route your existence. Some may be rewarding like witnessing that lottery drawing between Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune that includes those same numbers that you've etched so delicately on a piece of paper for the last 15 years. Or seeing that pink plus sign on a plastic stick that screams out "Welcome Aboard the Mommy Train." It's possible the re-route may just be a simple change in scenery that paints the new landscape of retired life. Well Christopher McCandless and his story will never be considered simple, but they definitely have figured out a way to make me more aware of myself. I plan on watching Sean Penn's brilliance at least 17 more times this summer, mostly because my tv has decided on dishin' out Showtime and it's been playing frequently, but also because there is nothing more refreshing than opening a can of wanderlust. Who can deny that feeling to live, to escape? There may be two of three handfuls of people out there who think the sole purpose of living is to surround yourself by humanity. That can be part of it, but don't reject the part where you grow as a result of seclusion. Part of finding out who you are is based on the interactions...completely. I am a strong believer in that. (I wrote about everyone having a story. it's true.) But there's another part of yourself, the part that relies on being alone with your thoughts to gain a deeper understanding of strength. But who am I to tell you what not to reject...live your life the way you see fit, even if that means being surrounded by the chattering non-stop of the world. But I'm pretty sure you'll always have that desire to be footloose, just like good ol' Supertramp :) ...expect another entry about this before the summer ends. it's inevitable!

A year and 4 days ago I graduated from high school. About an hour ago, close to five hundred fresh faces were introduced to their diplomas as well. Now all that's left is a graduation celebration tonight, about 52 parties and two summer months before a gaggle of new kids on the block can finally rid themselves of their 13 year old public school titles. Once these kids move on to their higher education, the football player that everyone in school knew only by a single name, just like Aristotle, Jesus and Beck, might have to settle on being called "that kid in my Psych class" from now on. The girl who was notorious for having a bird nest of frizz perched on her head can forget the way she used to style her hair and buy a flat iron. No more name calling or misunderstood personality traits. The dork can finally date the suave intellectual. A year ago, I hated the fact that I was leaving behind the comfort of public schools and I'm sure there are a lot of others in that same boat as I sit here and type. But they don't know how good it is. How good it will be.