Living In the Moment

I was sitting there next to the pool. The temperature, Im sure, was over 85 degrees. It was at the threshold of really hot where one goes from being pleasantly comfortable to being wrought with sweat and incapable of finding the best spot on the chair.

"Tom", my brother exclaimed to my slight realization that I wasn't taking a nap at home. "What time is it?"

"2:07." I replied back. As I pondered the time and the remaining hours of sunset we had left in the day, I thought of what I would be doing in Peoria, were it not Spring Break. I'd either be reading, have pleasant conversation with a housemate, or dreadfully studying. In that singular moment I realized how incredibly happy I was to be sitting their doing nothing but enjoying the breeze and perfect sunset that shroud the magnificent Mexico sky.

We barely ever truly live in the moment. It takes practice. Often years of vacations and adventures to TRULY appreciate them. Without this focus on the present these adventures can be lost to single memories of that one time I visited that one place.

At 2:07 last Wednesday afternoon I thought hard and precisely of a week in advance and how I would forever attach that time and memory to my memory bank for all time. I won't forget it now. I know what I was doing, what I was feeling, and how to keep smiling while it lasted.

That time is over now and it is time to focus on new adventures, mostly unplanned. No doubt about it, though, to smile and live in the present is the greatest adventure of all.

Cancun lessons far beyond sun-bathing

(exhale)

I really couldn't remember how to spell an exhale noise but I gave it my best shot (hehe). I've been in Mexico since Sunday with my younger brother (a freshman at Indiana University) and my eccentric mother, Theresa.

We have been staying at a behemoth of a resort in Playa del Carmen, 50 minutes south of Cancun. Its been a blast on top of being one of the most exhausting vacations of my life (I've travelled through Ireland, Singapore, England, Australia, the Rocky Mountains.) I know about tiring and amazing vacations.

I have encountered great relaxation, but also great humanity. From my observations the majority of the employees at the resort are brought in and told where to tend the needy people that insist on incredible service but neglect adequate tipping.

I've seen, so far, how far a dollar can stretch and its power (ethically or not). I now know the difference a one dollar tip and a five dollar tip can make on a person. A one dollar tip is an acknowledgment of adequate service. My experience this week tells me that people give one dollar tips when they are confused as to the correct amount of tipping required. How do you tip when the bill is not reflected at the end of a meal but rather at the beginning of the vacation when you are asked to pay a lump sum "all-inclusive price"?

One dollar is typical. It says, "I acknowledge that you are hear, heading to my every need and that you are probably not even paid an adequate wage.

A two, three, or four dollar tip lies somewhere in between adequate service and PHENOMENAL service. All these tips are understandable. Making it absolutely known to the person that their service performance is essential to their experience is eye-wateringly-satisfying. (thats not a word but go with me).

A five dollar tip makes it very clearly known that I acknowledge your humanity and understand the hard work you have been putting in to deserve a lifestyle far greater than the one placed in front of you.

Nothing brightens a persons day more than acknowledging their pure humanity. I wish I could tell them how grateful I am for their incredible service but it would take them away from what the do best. Sometimes a bright smile and handshake will do. For now the five dollars and a smile is the best I can do, Ruben.

SPRING BREAK

Man oh man who doesn't like a little nine day break in the middle of the semester!? Not me, anytime I get to catch up on some reading and general chaos of not having a schedule for a week is extremely exciting for me.

This year I'm going to Cancun with my Mom and younger brother. Really looking forward to sitting on the beach and doing nothing as I please. I guess we'll throw in some Mayan ruins as well to make the trip "semi-educational".

The best part is just the feeling that I know I'm not forgetting anything. When I'm school, I always have the feeling that I forgot to do something like Neville in Harry Potter. I need a remembrall! But not next week. Next week is for family, relaxation and adventure.

Looking forward to it, but not enough to skip class today :)

Peter Pan on Laura Avenue

We get so caught up in our busy college student lives that we forget to live with fun and happiness. Everything surrounding us demands our maturity, responsibility, and extreme daily schedule planning. Some of us stay young by playing video games, or telling stories of the past. My house celebrates youth by Nerf wars in the living room.

Since we were sophomores, the four of us have always relaxed by having a little Nerf competition. Whether that be Nerf basketball, Nerf "horse", or a full on Nerf war in the locker room or in the living room, we like to indulge in some pre-teen activities of our own.

There is nothing quite as unstressing as shooting little 4 inch foam darts at people across a dark room. It's invigorating and most importantly- extremely good at relinquishing the stresses of daily college life.

Cheers to living like Peter Pan and never growing up!

(If anyone wants in to our little Nerf party, let me know)