To Thine Own Self

I think I am constantly disillusioned by friendship. Maybe I expect too much of friendship. It's probably my own fault. I realize friends come and go. It's all part of the circle of life (see graph). Still, you want to continue friendships although they are ending. Or perhaps you are trying to make a bigger investment in a friendship than is being returned. "He's just not that into you." So you make your effort, and continue to make an effort, and one isn't given back...so the relationship dies. In time you move on and you find someone else to fill that gap in the number of relationships that you can balance at one time. I know it's not possible or realistic to be friends with everyone you meet or for others to continue when their time is up. I still get disappointed at this occurence though. It's more frustrating when someone you'd like to be better friends with or whatever doesn't seem to feel the same way you do. But what can you do? It's nice that there are some people that no matter what time or space is between you, you are able to start again, even where you left off. It's good to have. I guess it comes down to deciding what's important and what you value and how much - and making an effort to sustain those things. Maybe that will be returned and maybe it won't. Maybe it's just time to accept that you have to move on to something else. And maybe some relationships don't need all this fuss because you know they'll always be there, no matter what happens even if you are far away and can't always catch up with each other. Anyway...this is just based on 25 years of experiences and observations - not directed at anyone specific at all. I'm blessed to have the friends that I do have and I love them very much.

Something I wanted to mention was how I was appreciative of the boldness of Governor Tim Kaine's (Virginia) and even the President's remarks at the memorial service for the Virginia Tech victims. They referred to scripture and God and finding comfort there, or even questioning and being angry. It's nice to see someone being true to who they are and what they believe even if they are a public person and in politics especially. Our nation doesn't generally want people like that in such positions - if it means bringing God into the picture. I believe that the governor used to be a church leader of some sort. It surprises me that he was even elected to his position. Maybe that area is more receptive to faith, I know it wouldn't go over too well in this part of the country.

Spring Break '07

Maybe you're thinking, "Jamie, you're not in school, you don't have a spring break." WRONG! I took a few extra days off work last week and went to Sin City, with my parents....

It was a party, let me tell you. Ok - my parents drove me absolutely insane a few times, but I didn't have to pay for a thing which is the greatest thing about traveling with your parents.

I did get to go to dinner with Laura and Patrick so that was nice. The weather was not so nice. I just wanted some sun! It was pretty nice overall though. I think my parents had a good time. It was the first time my dad has flown in 7 years. About time too. I gambled my mother's money and lost it all. My mom had much better luck than I did, but I think she just about broke even.

My mom kept mentioning how I should go on the New York New York roller coaster and I kept saying that I wouldn't go by myself. I never expected my dad to say that he would go with me. I would've been glad not to go at all. He doesn't even like rides. But we went. He was pretty nervous. Sweating while we were standing in line. He used a few choice words during the ride. Haha. It was the worst roller coaster I have ever been on. I generally enjoy a good coaster ride. But this one was so jerky and uncomfortable!! I kept hitting my head on the shoulder restraints and it was just a bad experience! I do not recommend it.