Chillin' With Dylan: And the world went pear-shaped =(

Well, this week has been a tough one. As I'm sure you know, Saturday marked the 9-year anniversary of 9-11. Though I was not directly affected by 9-11-2001, I know many people who were. I was in either Kindergarten or First Grade, I don't recall. I do remember, as I'm sure many of you do as well, coming home from school to find both of my parents home- which rarely ever was the case. I remember them sitting me down at the kitchen table and trying to explain to me the horrific events which had taken place that day. Thankful we were that my Aunt Kathleen was off work that day; she worked at the World Trade Center. I remember nothing more than my innocent, first grade perspective. Still, it is enough. I wanted to say that much on the matter, because I feel it can't go by without me saying something. Most of you know my views on America, but of course I still feel an allegiance to the country I've lived in for 12 out of my 14 years.

Warning: this post might be a little depressing. Sorry.

Monday marked the long-awaited one-year anniversary of the accident which marked my wrist and mind forever. It also marked the halfway point to my estimated date of recovery. By this time next year, doctors are hopeful that I will be able to feel, move, react normally. I can't remember being able to use my hand fully. It's become a part of me, and in reality, I'm a little nervous to let it go. I can't notice changes day-to-day, but I definitely can tell that it's changed a lot in a year. It still trembles when I try to move it, still feels things hotter and colder than it should, still tingles when I touch things. But I can hold a soda can- I can open a soda can. Step by step, I'm moving along.

Tuesday was a graver day still. Last night, my aunt Nan passed away. After a brain hemorrhage months ago, she's been improving drastically. Everyone was really hopeful for a full recovery, so it was kind of unexpected. The funeral is tomorrow. I'm upset, but not too freaked out about it. I mean, it's a sad thing- death is always sad and unexpected. But when faced with sadness such as death, disease, or tragedy, I do the opposite of what most people would. I don't cry; I don't get mad; I don't ask questions. I simply take a deep breath and forget. I'm sure many of you are associated with that feeling in the pit of your stomach you get when you hear something terrible has happened. It's like the looming feeling of, "Oh my god..." And if you let the feeling overcome you, it totally depresses you and makes you miserable. Now, I could let this happen. I could be sad, but I chose not to. I choose to accept- not under any religion, but under my own philosophy- that everything happens for a reason. Then I just rid myself of emotion, put on a smile, and go on with my life. I don't know if it's healthy, but it's necessary for me. I doubt that many of you will understand- it probably seems heartless and cold. I can tell you that I have a heart- I have feelings. However, I think that life is too short to be sad. When I die, I don't want my family and friends to sit and grieve. I want them to remember me and the life I lived. I want them to think about me sometimes, but more than anything I would want them to move on and be happy. So, that is what I shall do.

I'm sorry to go all deep on you guys... I know it's not the cheeriest subject, but as I said, it's been a tough week.

Okay, now on to a happier subject, I'll answer some Reader Q & A. Please continue to leave questions if you want!

Q- How do you come up with your blog posts?

A- Hmm... Sometimes it's tricky! Mostly, I talk about things which have happened recently, or I make lists! Usually, ideas just come to me. I have a master list of post ideas, which I draw from frequently.

Q- What's your favorite color?

A- Haha, my favorite color is YELLOW. *Happiness* I also like purple and red quite a bit =)

Q- How did you get good at writing?

A- Well, first of all, thank you! I've always loved writing, and I think I have a little bit of a natural talent for it. Maybe not natural talent, but natural love. Since I enjoy writing so much, I write all the time. I've been writing since I was really young too! I guess the answer to your question is PRACTICE!

Q- Are you going to Laga this year?

A- Hi Victoria! I don't know yet. I have a job opportunity, so we'll have to see! (I'd say I'm about 50/50 on that)

Q- Do you like to read, and do you have a favorite book?

A- I LOVE TO READ. My favorite books are the Harry Potter books, without a doubt. However, I also love To Kill A Mockingbird.

Q- I read your post about America, and wondered if you are going to move to a different country?

A- I suppose it all depends... I would love to move to France or the UK, but we'll see! I guess it's mostly up to the two M's: money and men!

Q- What would you look for in a guy?

A- Huh, let's see.. I guess my only thing is INTELLIGENCE. And a British accent would be nice... Oh, and I would really love it if they played golf, and skied, and played tennis. And wore Polo shirts. Yep, that would just about do the trick. OH, also if their name was Olly Steeds!!! (From Solving History With Olly Steeds on the History Channel, duh!)
Alright, well that pretty much sums it up for now! Thanks so much you guys... I want to show you something. This is a chart of page views over the past few months... See for yourself!