Positive

So, today makes 6 years.

While I was walking into the lab this morning, it occurred to me that from now on, for the rest of my life I'm going to remember at least two particularly bloody anniversaries: 9/11 and 4/16.

Seven years ago, when I started high school, I don't think there was even the most remote possibility in my mind that I'd EVER have even one such day to stick in my memory. That sort of thing just doesn't happen in the United States, right?

I remember reacting to 9/11 with a big-hearted determination to help the world straighten itself out. I still have that, although the intervening 6 years have given me a lot more perspective about the scope of the problems - cultural attitudes, and the human condition. I don't think I'm any less determined, though. Right now I'm excited about the prospect of a life ahead of me - by this time next year, I'll be out in the Real World shaping my own life and future, and hopefully contributing to something Good.

I read some articles today about how some people are using the anniversary of 9/11 as a "Do Good Deeds" day, and I think that's nothing but a good idea. I don't think that there's any value to wallowing in tragedy, but I do think that it's important for everyone to maintain the spirit of giving and of interacting on a truly human level, that seems to come most easily out of tragedy.

I hope there aren't any more days like 9/11 in my future, but no matter what, it's good to know that there are so many good people in my life, and so many good directions that my life is headed right now.

Also, today itself has just been a Good Day. I spent awhile in the lab, and I think I made some progress...not really in terms of getting anything productive done, but I played around with some of the Verilog modules and some of the hardware on the board. Thursday I'm going to start writing software, and it should be fun. I mean that. :-)

Not just that, but after a few days of that quasi-grey state that Pittsburgh is so famous for, this afternoon I stepped outside into a nearly perfect almost-fall day. The sky is this brilliant blue, and there's just barely a chill in the air.

I spent all weekend doing nothing but HOMEWORK, and the past few days doing nothing but CLASS and HOMEWORK and WORK - I'm ready for a break. I've got one paper left to finish tonight after a meeting, and then tomorrow I'm so finding something fun to do after class. I kind of wish clubs weren't so sketchy because I really, really, want to get lost in some loud music and just dance but I felt kind of uncomfortable the last time we went out. Meh. I'll find something. Definitely.