Cassandra Smith says it well:

The golden pendulum sways methodically
Demanding thought and respect for an action that should not be
As the clock ticks, time passes unnoticed
By those who are consumed to overflowing
Patience, a quality once prevalent, is in want
Whirls of color blur past, rendezvous at the grave; too late
Too late to appreciate the simplicities
Too late to appreciate the sensations; enveloping at every turn, breath
Born, live, die…Born, live, die
The pinkness of a newborn, the healthy glow of success, the grayish, earthy tint of death
As we transition through shades, our life shortens with each turn of the color wheel
Not enough time, never enough time
Float on the clouds, paint the skies, glide down a rainbow
Pause and breathe in the elements
A pendulum’s movement is not altered by one’s inability to observe the fragility that is humanity
Let each tick…tock define a moment cherished, unforgotten, frozen in time

In a more personal sense, I have learned how to appreciate time as I continue to grow, as a man. Growing up without a father, forced me to step up and become the father figure to my younger brother. Naturally, this left no space for error, and I grew up with not much of a childhood.

I joined the Marine Corps at age 17 and left home at 18. I’ve always knew I’d miss home, though home was not a joy to be at, at the time. Deployed at 20, and never knowing when you will be home, is what made me realize how beautiful time is and how it shouldn’t be wasted.

I found my best friend and love of my life 1 year ago, honestly out of pure luck, and in total, I can count how many days we’ve spent together, period, with less than 2 hands. Months, it took, for me to build up the courage to let my guard down and trust but once I was hooked, that was it. Looking back, I cherish every minute spent.

Life can take a change for the worst within the blink of an eye. And it’s happened twice within the past 2 months. 1 gone. 1 hurt. & every day I hear some story of someone back in the US, or even worldwide for that matter, texting and driving and/or driving under the influence and dying; killing themselves and innocent bystanders as well. What if it were you? What if it were someone you loved and cared for? Gone. All because of another persons’ ignorance.

What would you do?

Having dealt with the issue within my family, that is all I will touch on this topic, but please, do not text and drive. And if you are going to drink, be smart and don’t drive. Have a plan. Have a backup plan. Have a backup to your backup, and whatever you do, do not do it alone. Having that 1 sober friend, can mean the difference between doing something stupid and having a good, and safe time.

Life is short! live it up. Get a tattoo, get piercings (if you’re into that), make a Bucket List! Carpe Diem, #yolo, the whole works . . .

Here’s a small portion of my own personal bucket list, (some of this i have already accomplished). Now when you write this, actually take the time to sit down and actually write it. Hand-written works are always more valuable to a person and are a true testament of where/what you want to accomplish in your life. Once its written, take a step back and review it occasionally.

1. Travel the world.

Cliché, yes, but seeing and experiencing another country’s culture is a beautiful thing and capturing it with someone who means the world to you will make it even better.

2. Build my own country-side home.

Doesn’t need much of an explanation.
Perfect place to raise a family. In time.