Saturday, February 15, 2003

 
Well, folks, time has once again come full circle, and I am performing the obligitory blog update. Normally, I spend the entire blog telling you what's going on in my life. You know, current events and such. Not this time. This time I am writing drunk. What does that mean? That means you get to hear the inner monologue. Sure, there will be an update on the life and times of David B. Powell, but that ain't gonna be the half of it. Stay tuned, cause this is gonna be really awkward.

Before we get started, I'll give you the low down on the real world. Yes, I am still going out witht Vanessa. No, no regrets thus far. Yes, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. No, I will not give you details. End of discussion. Next.
My friend Ananth Thitte, whom I have known since junior high, re-introduced me to the circa 1996 MTV animated series, The Maxx. The Maxx is flawless. It is one of those rare television gems that you, the educated, intelligent minority knows is so good that it will never stay on the air because the lowest common denominator is just too goddamned stupid to get it. Ananth, Indo-Scottish saint that he is, downloaded all 11 episodes onto his computer. There's only one problem; MTV did not finish the series. Instead, they cancelled it. Now, due to the money grubbing of MTV executives, I have no idea how this twisted psychological oddity of a story ends. Fortunately, Image Comics plans on releasing the whole series again later this year, so the sweat is off.
On a completely unrelated subject, I burned through my Mythology 303 test like Sherman Marching to the sea. I mean it, no-one was spared.

Now to the fun stuff.
I have realized two things recently. One is about myself, and the other is about the people I respect. I'll talk about myself first, since its easier, and that way you read about others (who are probably people you know or have heard of) last, leaving them as the taste in your mouth and not my introspection. As far as I go, I have realized that I am, in fact, a good person. I know, weird, huh? I was walking back from Vanessa's dorm tonight (last night, if you want to be technical) and I found a cell phone on the ground in the middle of an ally, ringing no less. I picked it up and answered it. On the other end was not a government agent, not a drug dealer, but the ACTUAL OWNER OF THE PHONE. I was stunned to say the least. To make a long story short, I told them where I was and gave back the phone. I was smiles all the way back home. Turns out good deeds give me a confidence kick. Maybe I was meant to be a hero after all. Were I you, I'd still lock my doors just in case. Anyway, in the process of analyzing myself based on criteria that deal with ethics, morality, and personal integrity, I realized why it is that I am who and what I am. I have been criticized by many people I have come to respect as being an aimless wanderer, with no goals, no direction, and (by their reckoning, at least) no futrure. For awhile, I had thought I might simply be lazy; uncocerned with those actions that had practical money making applicaion. I think, after my time of introspection, I know differently. It turns out, as far as I see it, that the reason I have been wandering aimlessly through life is that direction has never been one of my priorities. For as long as I can remember, the differences (dar I say battles?) between Righteousness and Evil have been a major player in my psyche. Unfortunately, due to the credos by which I live, its not as simple for me as sticking to one side or the other. Because of this, I feel I have discovered that all my priorities have been directed inward, on moulding David Powell into the person that David Powell wanted to become. I'm not sure if I'm actually there, but I feel I'm closer. Maybe, just maybe, in the not too distant future, I can add something fiscally useful to my personal growth priorities list. Maybe not. We'll see.

Anyway, after all this worthless introspection, it struck me how it is that I judge people. Lets face it, some of the people that I associate and respect and consider my friends are people society at large is not nearly as accepting of. Where once this was worth pausing in mild concern, I am now in complete understanding of it, and not just accepting of my subconscious measuring stick, but embracing of it. You see, where as much of society judges its denizens based on their social acceptability, their glamour and their market appeal. I disdain these things. Take my former roommate Fred for example. Fred has marginal social acceptability, little market appeal, and questionable glamour. Hell, sometimes I wonder if Fred even has his own personality. That's not important to me. Whats important is that Fred is a dependable, honest person whose integrity is important to him. To me, there is no other measuring stick. My best friend Seth lives in the darkness of his room, playing nothing but online games and grousing about the world until his number is up and he is called upon to fulfill the contract he made with the United States Army. Despite his many vices, there is not a question in my mind as to whether or not he would and will stand by his friends in their hours of need.
I have listed two people, but that's hardly fair. There are many people I know whose values drive them to be more concerened with sincerety and integrity than this fall's J Crew catalogue. I will not attempt to name them all, for fear I'd leave one out and hurt him or her on a very deep level. Fortunately, I do not have to worry about this. If I have learned one thing by surrounding myself with people who display this grit and altruism, it is that they know who they are. Every one of them, even if its hidden deep down, knows that he or she is the kind of person who can be depended on when the going gets rough. Nothing anyone can say or fail to say will chang that fact. That said, I will close by saying this to all of you (you know who you are). I am proud to know and associate with you all. Just as you are willing to help me champion my causes, I would consider it an honor to make your causes my own. Call on me anytime.

And with that, I have become so sleepy with drink, that I am afraid I must do as Morpheus commands. Good night, all.

posted by David 1:34 AM