Sunday, August 24, 2008

In Memory of...


A year ago today someone that I cared about passed away. This past year since his death has been hard on a lot of people that I have come to love and care about and of course myself as well. So on this day I wanted to take a moment to touch on some of the qualities of this extraordinary young man in the hopes that as we all continue on we can try to incorporate some of those traits into our lives and learn from his example, and in turn, celebrate his life. Because if anything can be said of Kiefer, you can definitely say he was inspiring.

Kiefer had just an ineffable sence of joy about life. He had a thousand watt smile. He knew how to laugh at himself and he knew how to make others laugh. Oftentimes you laughed without even wanting to, so crazy and harebrianed some of the things he said were, but you couldn't help it. You would just find yourself shaking your head in disbelief. Sometimes Kiefer would laugh about some joke that he found so hillarious he'd fall helpless on the floor but was incapable of telling you WHY he was laughing. In those cases you basically just started laughing at him. It was like he just couldn't help it. The joy would bubble out of him like a spring.

Kiefer, much like his father, had a most definite sence of self. He didn't care what anyone else thought or said. He could as easily stand on a stage giving a monologue from Julius Ceasar or make a fool of himself in the middle of Walmart in front of a gaggle of girls as he could debate private heath care with a family practitioner. I called him "No Shame" for a reason. He said what he wanted and wore what he wanted. If that included wearing eyeliner to soccer practice and taking flack from the coach, so be it. He didn't define himself by what he wore one day or what people thought of him. So many people would try to shove this long boarding, black clothes-wearing, faux-hawk-coifed kid into a certain box, and so many were surprised when they found that he lettered in debate (a skill he undoubtably rendered from his mother), and loved writing short stories and poetry.

Kiefer LOVED. And of course was loved fiercely in return. He had a huge extended family of friends and seemed to make more everywhere he went. He had a special affinity for those in need and extended himself to people that maybe needed a friend or a shoulder. This wanting to help others spread to social causes as well whether it be Sub for Santa or children in Africa without shoes. He wanted nothing better then to make people happy. He loved passionately and gave freely to those who needed it.

While a mischevious teen fond of sneaking out and planning non-parental approved adventures with his friends, making his mom crazy, and single-handedly giving reason for parents of teenage girls to lock all their doors, Kiefer was, above all, a young man with a huge heart. He was ambitious and smart, loving and passionate, tallented and imaginative and chock full of more self confidence then a teenager should rightfully have.

I take away my own lessons from Kiefer. His legacy for me has been to try and appreciate those I love a bit more. To maybe be a bit more passionate, a bit more caring, to laugh a little more, be a little crazy sometimes, and perhaps to take more joy in my life.

I hope others who knew him do the same. I miss you Kiefer!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Just when you thought it was safe to delete the link...

I know that its been awhile and I thought what better way to get back on the good ole blog wagon then by going over some of the things that I am really enjoying at the moment. You know the things that make you smile right now, or make you happy, or make you drool. The basics. So without further ado...

1. My sister's Cricket flat iron. This thing makes my flat iron seem like I spent thirty dollars on it. Oh yeah. I did. Apparently this Cricket is a bit pricier. I know I will never shell out a hundred dollars on one so I basically just have to covet it. It makes my hair so straight and yet in some strange way doesn't make it look flat. I love it. Some days when I walk by I pet it. I think it likes that.

2. The Dark Knight. Come on. How could you NOT love this movie??? It was way more fantastic then I had anticipated. We promptly saw it a second time two days later and it was just as good. I think its probably the best thing I have seen this year. The Joker. The Joker people!! It doesn't need anything said further. Favorite line: "Why so serious!???"

3. Summer nights. I love the summer and summer evenings are my favorite times of the entire year! Whether its spent going on long walks, or hitting balls, or going for drives, it doesn't matter. Theres just something about them that makes me just shudder with happiness!! Best. Thing. Ever.

4. Randy, my sister, and I recently went to the Kimball Arts Festival in Park City and there was an artist there who did some fantastic original art. Usually I'm a little ho-hum about things I see there. It was the first thing that actually prompted me to wish I actually had the 900 dollars to spend on the piece. His name is Anthony Hansen and he does some incredible metal work. I totally fell in love with his hearts. They were rock and roll and whimsical and kick ass all at the same time. Check him out if you have a minute, http://www.anthonyhansen.com/. They were more fantastic in person.


5. Slurpees. I don't know why but there isn't a time when I don't think one of these sounds good. I'm usually a Coke Slurpee girl but the other day I got the orange Gatoraid one and was quite pleased. And you know what? I'm no summer icey treat snob. Oh no, I will take a Snowie and be just as happy.

6. Thats What You Get by Paramour. Love this song right now. And considering that I am always skeptical about female led rock bands thats saying a lot! Also Bust It Baby by Plies. I dunno, its hip hop and sweet in a way. I dig it.

7. El Pollo Loco. Its new. Its chicken. It comes with avacodo salsa. Whats not to like?? I would take this over KFC anyday. The Mac and cheese is really yummy too.

8. My new Ed Hardy perfume. Trendy? I guess it could be, but I didn't know it was. I just like the way it smells. Its still not better then Light Blue, but I've yet to find anything I love THAT much.


9. Golf. I suck. And sometimes I make myself frustrated and try to bludgen small mammals with my clubs, but I love it. I always have a good time even if I DO have a melt down. Randy is VERY patient with me. Everytime I hit that one shot that just works out right everything that was bad before fades away. Besides... have you seen my tan???

10. I did some pictures for G a while ago and I do have to say that he was a picture perfect little model. I bet he loves to hear that! Bwa ha ha. Anyway... these are a few of my favorites from the shoot!!

So thats what I'm feeling right now. How about you? What's really winding your clock? Got a differing opinion? Lets hear it. Either leave a comment or link up and make your own post!