Nostalgia is the New Black

Hallo, I'm baaack! So sorry, my reader(s). It's been a crazy few months. And not just in Westeros. Life got in the way as 'they' say. Who is the 'they' in that statement? I don't know, the IRS? Btw, I am super mad at the IRS right now. Can you guess why? :)

If you haven't been watching GoT, then SHAME!

Anyways, like I said, I've been busy, yo. Fellowships, weddings, job searching, Game of Thrones. STAR WARS casting news. It's just too much! But, I found some time to finally update the blog. You Are Welcome.

Cousin Got Hitched!

The theme of this post is: Nostalgia! How did you know?

I guess I've always been the sentimental type. When I started high school, I yearned for the happy and comfortable days of middle school. When I started college, I yearned for the happy and comfortable days of high school. When I left college, I just cried and consumed lots of alcohol. The real world? It sucks!

I realize every time I leave a place, I often find myself thinking about all the great friends, experiences, and times I had in that past place. It's hard for me to let go of the past. I cling on to friendships. I continually talk about my past crazy stories, like the one time I slept on a fountain in France. Nostalgia isn't bad, but you can't live in the past. You must move forward in life.

I recently realized this (I know, after 25 years, I finally realize this). I started a new job last month and it happens to be very close to my old office. Close enough that I actually walk past my old office on the way to my new office. I spent close to two years in that old office. So many good times, bad times, and exciting times. Yet, now when I pass it, it feels like a total stranger to me. Everything changes so quickly.

To quote fictional character, Benjamin Button (my life coach) as he returns home: "It's a funny thing about comin' home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You'll realize what's changed is you." I can't ever go back to the places and the times of my past. If I did, it wouldn't be the same. The people will be different. I'll be different.

This is probably very obvious to everyone else, but I've had a hard time coming to terms with moving on and letting go. Life is full of change. We move from one place to the next. From experience to experience. From people to other people. Don't hold on to the past. Appreciate the time and experiences you did have, but then keep on truckin' on. Life doesn't wait!

This has been Ben José 

With a Danny Tanner lesson. 

cue sentimental music. 

P.S. I am indeed still writing my novel, among other things. Yas.

P.P.S. Still not over it. Don't let me down, Episove VII.

Lupita & Brienne of Tarth. DARTH YEAH!

This Too Shall Pass

*Warning: Overly dramatic and sensitive "life-inspiring" blog post to follow!

Currently listening to a song called "Moving On" from the "Lost" Soundtrack by Michael Giacchino and realizing that "this too shall pass." That quote harkens back to a story about a king who thought everything was going well and he wanted his council to give him advice that would help him weather any hardship. They said to him "this too shall pass." At first he didn't understand what it meant, but soon his kingdom was attacked and he had lost everything and had his back against a wall. And then he remembered those words: "This too shall pass." And he was content, for even his hardship would pass. Change is the only permanent thing in this world. Everything changes. Emotions, circumstances, hardships, joys... they are not constant.

It's been a tough few weeks for me, trying to focus on writing while also looking for a new job. Life keeps getting in the way. I'm an ambitious individual with a grand imagination and high expectations for my future. It pains me so much everyday to be stagnant and stuck. I know things will change though. This feeling of hopelessness and entrapment will pass. I just need to keep moving on and not looking back or to far forward.

Be in the present. I hope this for everyone. I stumbled upon a YouTube video entitled "Top 5 Saddest Pixar Moments" and I decided to watch it at work for some reason. [Side Note: Don't ever watch a 'sad Pixar' clip at work. You'll regret it]. Damn you, Pixar, you know how to make a grown man tear up. Perhaps the saddest story for me was that of Carl & Ellie from "Up."

If you've never seen "Up," be prepared to cry within the first ten minutes. Carl and Ellie were adventurous and fun and loved each other dearly. They had dreams of exploring the world. But life got in the way. Over and over again. And they never got to live their dreams and see the world...

One of my worst fears. Life is short... I don't want to waste it. I want to see the world, meet new people, share in experiences with the ones I love.

Sorry if this is a depressing/weird/unrelated post, (aka Dear Diary), but I just needed to get these things off my chest. I've deactivated my Facebook (or what I like to call, WasteBook) for the time being. Time to focus on the more important things in my life: my loved ones, my passions, adventure, travel, cats, nature, writing...

Adventure is out there! Don't wait...

So, everyone go out and do what you want to do. Don't be afraid, or wait, or make excuses. Life is too short to not take that risk or that chance.

This has been benjosé with your cliched inspirational post.

P.S. My book is still coming along, so don't worry, my intrepid readers. You will see it one day. I'll leave you with this: #LeNoWriHo