27 Is A Solid Number

Yep, there goes another year. Today is my birthday and I am now 27 years old. I can go on and on like some people I know about how “old” I’m getting and how life is just racing by me but I refuse to do that.

Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization and Wikipedia, that in the early 20th century, the life expectancy of an average human was 30-40 years? And now the current world average is 66.12... That means, if I were to die the second that I turn 66.12, I still wouldn’t even be half way dead right now... or half way done being alive... however you want to look at it.

So with these statistics on my side, I have no reason to think that I am on my way to being “old”. In fact, with the advances in medicine, I bet I can expect to live to 100... granted I don’t fall off of a mountain or get pushed into traffic. My mom’s life goal is to live to 100 and if you know anything about her, I’m sure she’ll have no problem at all doing that.

I guess what I’m trying to get at here is that I am still young and even though I haven’t accomplished.... well, anything that I’ve wanted to yet (very strong emphasis on “yet”), I am happy to be alive. And because it’s my birthday and I can do what I want on my birthday, I’m going to share with you all why I think I should be glad to be alive:

• First and foremost, I am still alive. I am in relatively good shape and health and have all my appendages, even after working as a cabinet maker for 5 years.
  

• I have the most amazing family in the world. My mom can literally kick the shit out any of your moms (refer to above picture) and she’s probably one of the smartest and bravest people in the world. My dad is a freaking rockstar and has been ever since I can remember. Always encouraging his kids to play music or be creative in some way and to follow their hearts. Not to mention he gives great hugs and can tell you stories for days. Then there is my younger brother and sister. Two of the most creative and sarcastic people I know and I’m happy to have them so well trained... ;)
  

• I have the greatest friends that anyone could ask for. One I’ve known for 17 years and counting and some only a couple years. However, these are the friends that I would do anything for and I know if it came down to it, they’d do anything for me. Being away from these people, that I’ve grown up with and grown so close to, really is hard but I know that we shall all be together once again. There’s no need to name names, you all know who you are.
  

• And speaking of friends, one of my very best friends is my amazingly beautiful and terribly supportive girlfriend. I can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done for me and all the wonderful things we’ve done together. I can’t wait to see what’s next in our lives.

These are just a few key reasons that I’m glad to be alive and kickin’. I hope this was slightly encouraging to you and makes you look at all the positive things in your life. Even though I miss all my friends and family, I think things are going to be going my way really soon here.

Rhinovirus and St. Patty's Day

You know when you wake up and your throat feels like you’ve been trying to swallow gravel all night? When no matter how many gallons of minty mouth wash you gargle, your breath always feels hot and gross? Well that was me yesterday morning and I decided to be proactive and give this pending sickness a big “Eff You!!!”

I took a few sips of this god awful echinacea herbal tea and thought, “Screw that.” So I went and purchased Airborne and I’m nearly halfway through my 4th glass. Needless to say, my pee is an awesome radioactive green color and I’m feeling much better. I recommend the Lemon Lime. It seems to taste less like ass than the rest of the flavors and it really works if you take it right when you feel like you are getting sick.

Lately, all Kendra and I can think about is this upcoming week when we are going to have a full house.... and by house, I mean, tiny one bedroom apartment. Starting early next week, my Mom, little brother and sister are coming down in a truck. I’m super stoked to see them but they are bringing a real bed for us that we’ve had in storage. I can’t stress to you guys how much the idea of sleeping on a comfy bed excites me. For the past 4 or 5 months we’ve been sleeping on an air mattress. It’s not all that bad for one or two nights, but every night and it starts to really take it’s toll on your ability to sleep well when you’re so used to having something solid under you.

That’s not the end of our guest list either. Right before my immediate family leaves, Ian, Cody, and Jane are going show up and I’m not going to make any promises, but it might get a little rowdy. I’m just saying.

Captain Listy McList-maker and I haven’t written anything down as for an itinerary but I’m sure we’ll have fun either way. I’m just excited to have friends and family around me. It’ll be a first since Christmas for the both of us.

I suppose I should wish everyone a happy St. Patrick's Day but I'm not terribly sure what this day was even invented for. As far as I can tell, it's just another reason for most people to get sloshed in the middle of the week.

And if you haven't voted yet or are one of my awesome friends and family and keep voting. I'm in an online contest and you should go vote for me so I can win. Just click right HERE and then click the "I like this" button. Each and every vote counts so hop to it.

Wayward Identity

It seems, as of late, I have been misplacing my personal items. Most recently, my drivers license. In the process of photo copying and faxing my identification, it has seems to have vanished. Best part about this situation is that I actually never had a chance to photo copy or fax it to the people who need it. I’m sure it’ll turn up. Or at least I hope so, because I’m almost certain that I do not qualify for residency in California yet, to get an ID.

Perhaps, for some strange karmic reason, someone will send it back to Oregon, to the address that’s on the license and my boys there will let me know... or keep it and sell it for $50 bucks to some underaged, Pete Wentz look alike.

Lately, the weather here has been outstanding, mid 60’s to mid 70’s. I really don’t have any complaints other than for some reason, my body thinks, “Hey, it’s nice outside. Perhaps now is a good time for me to make Jesse sneeze all the time and make him want to scratch his eyes out.” Right now, my body is in a full fledged allergy season mode. Which I find very strange, seeing as how there isn’t a single leaf on any of the trees and not one god damned flower in bloom.

Yesterday I didn’t have to work until 4:30 PM so I decided to go check out the local indoor climbing gym. Berkeley Iron Works is an outstanding facility and if i was a million billionaire, I would probably have a membership there. Maybe I haven’t completely adjusted to the fact that everything here in California costs more than it should. Regardless, I went climbing by myself and had so much fun. Unfortunately, my forearms and hands are so sore today, that I was having a hard time lifting my RedBull without trembling.

Last and certainly not least, I miss my family. I could use a hug from my dad, some encouraging words from my mom, a healthy pat on the bum from my brother, and a solid eye roll from my little sister.Photo taken by Kolby Schnelli Photography. (Check out Kolby's Flickr Photo Stream HERE)