time.

It's been a super long time since I have dialed in an  entry- but today i'm feeling like I need to update this.  I'm hoping that in future years, providing these servers stay active I can read through this and have a peek into the times of my life I may forget.  Maybe i'll pass these on to my children one day, if I ever have any.  That in itself, is a whole other thought and entry, but it may come one day when I have to have that conversation with myself. Quietly, I hope sooner than later.

Today I had some time at work where I mentally checked out for a bit.  Come on; everyone does it. We daydream and reflect constantly, and we often get into our own heads.  I thought about times in my life that seemed to be monumental- first dance, first kiss, graduating high school- but they are fuzzy now.  I've realized that, although i'm still young and still have a long life to live, that I have begun to let memories slip away.  I remember bits and pieces of my teens and early 20's.  It's frustrating when I try to put a time frame (exact year dates, and chronological order to events) and I can't do it.  I also regret having very few photos of my life growing up from 15 years old on. only recently, being the last 3-4 years- do I have photos from good times and various stages of my life during these last 4 years.

How do I recover the lost ones?  You can't.  But you can certainly build now, and maintain your diligence in creating life lasting memories to show whoever in the future.  I have forgotten what it's like to graduate High School, the feeling I had of getting my License, what I felt when I had my first kiss- all is gone.  We get glimpses and small remembrances of these during similar situations, but it's funny how you will always be prepared now for that feeling; the newness is gone. First times are great, and are often lost in haste over time.   As I get a little older each year, I am trying to remember to pick up my head and view life; as it should be.  I try and savor those first time moments- as if captured on film.  I really let them sink in, as I try and slow my life down from it's ever moving, hectic nature.

The next time you kiss someone, reach a monumental achievement, fall in love, or succeed at a certain something, take a minute to live in that moment.  Sometimes we're too quick to move past what we just accomplished to realize how great it is, and if done right, you can live a life of happiness and achieve a higher sense of self while doing so.  It sounds hard; but really, it's just a conscious effort.  Surround yourself with positive people, find someone to love, and live life to the fullest.

It just gets better.

-Richie