Greetings & Salutations

Ahh...The start of a new year and new semester. So far it's been grand. Already have homework, and reading piled high as far as I can see. That should keep me busy. For as much time I spend in class each week I'd might as well live on campus. But, I guess that's just a bit of complaing from me as a result of my lack of incentive to get my lisence and thus failure to drive my own car to school. Shameful, believe me- I know. Despit the hectic schedule due to the overload of credits, I enjoy most of my classes. Partially because I fared well with my professors, who for the most part are legit, and simultaneously enjoyable. With the exception of my philosphy professor who unfortunately does not know the meaning of interesting or enthusiasm, or passion or any other word that would begin to describe a slight interest in the subject you teach. I had believed that my philosophy class would be the most favored but my hopes have turned out to be a dud, a period of boredom sleeping, and of course my professors mindless tangents. My political science teacher has probably the most "bad ass" (courtesy of Pablo Morales) accent I've ever heard. My chemistry lab teacher might as well be mute. A little mean? I know. But she can't speak very coherent english, it's not her fault but it's kind of necessary to teach. Taking Chem1A and BioSci1A is a bit daunting, but for most part I can handle BioSci. Chem on the other hand is kicking my ass. A part from the teachers the reason I'm so pleased with school is because many of my friends are in all of my classes. It makes the whole experience much easier, and little less intimidating. Maybe this is just me but having friends in the class, is like a catalyst for competition. Therefore, I work harder, get good grades..blah blah blah.. you get it the jist of it. I'm so excited for my fencing class. Next monday I will check out my mask, jacket, and foil. Very exciting. Well I guess I should return to reading. Lots and lots and lots....of reading. This weekend I will probably be living in the library because of my mother's spontaneous urge to throw a dreaded kareoke party with her coworkers at our house. So it will be impossible to get any studying done on Saturday. So call me this weekend if you're on campus or if I can crash at your casa. late.goals for this semester:1. Straight A's2. Fix my exercising habits (or lack thereof)3. Eat healthier since I won't have marching band to burn the cals.4. Spend less time on the internet.5. Join the salsa club6. Recruit at least one member for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International. Any takers? Let me know.

In Loving Memory Of Danny Ray

Goodbye Danny.

til' we meet again...

I'll never forget your kind soul
your smile that could light up the darkest hearts
your eyes that saw the beauty in a person
and the quintessence of love
that you so graciously bestowed on
every person you touched.

How I wish I could see you once more
and tell you I love youand thank you for your friendship
your compassion, love, and kindness
But, for now I must say goodbye Danny
Just remember that this goodbye
isn't forever.

So until we meet again my dearest Danny
take with you to heaven
a peice of our hearts
for your life, your legacy
will stay with us forever in our steps
on this journey of life.

May you know that through you,
lives will be saved
eyes will be opened for the first time
ears will hear the truth
and hearts will be opened to the testiment
of your life.

Proposition

I'll be going to FIJI tomorrow with Chris to pay my respects. If anyone would like to come, it would be greatly appreciated. Having friends around makes this time just a little bit easier. On another note...I did a LOT of thinking today. First off let me say that this whole experience has turned me off to the idea of drinking. I can't do it anymore without thinking of what happened to Danny. And thinking about the way he died is to painful so I've decided that I'm not going to drink anymore. Yeah, I've only drank 3 times but those times I drank quite a bit, and I don't want to go down the same path Danny did. My eyes are open now. So if I'm hanging out with you and I decide not to, this is the reason why. Before this year I said to myself that I don't need alcohol in my body to have fun, and I still find it true. I don't really know why I did it in the first place now. I guess it was the fact that I was in a safe controlled setting where I had friends who would look out for me and make sure nothing happened to me. But, after last semester, I know this is the right thing to do.A Proposition...I don't judge the people that do drink, let me make that clear. Everyone deserves to have fun, socialize, experience life. The only thing I ask from you is to be safe. Be cautious of how much you drink, where you drink, and with whom. There was no car accident involved in Danny's death, but I still can't stress enough how important it is to have a designated driver. I've lost loved ones over drunk driving before, and I believe it's the most irresponsible thing to do, not to mention dangerous. When I get my lisence I would gladly drive anyone home, any time, any day. I mean that with all my heart. Secondly, know when too much is TOO MUCH. And if you know you're going to be in the position to not have that kind of judgement,drink with someone who you know will. Don't be irresponsible and drink yourself to a bloody stupor. I hate to be pragmatic at a time of so much hurt, and what I say next may seem insensitive, but what Danny did was wrong, stupid, and preventable. I guess that's what hurts the most is that there was something that could have been done to prevent this. But now it's too late. So please, I'm begging all of you too to think before you drink. A word to all my highschool buddies, I know that some of you do drink. I know I can't say anything to you that will stop you from drinking, and who am I to say anything first off? But please be safe, and remember it is ILLEGAL. When you do decide to drink, think twice, three times, four, five...think of your life, how hard you've worked to get to where you are, all the people who you love and love you. Now just think of all that being taken away from you in an instant. Everything-gone. Your family, your friends, all your dreams and aspirations completely wiped out in a second. Imagine not being able to grow old, experiencing life, graduating highschool, going to college, getting married, having children, etc...Imagine going to jail for the rest of your life because you killed an innocent person because of your irresponsible actions. Imagine seeing all your friends and family in so much hurt because they lost you. There are so many ways that people can get hurt from irresponsible drinking. Bottom line is Alcohol does not need a car to ruin lives, all it needs is one person stupid enough to not think about their actions. That's all it takes. Just one person.Please don't become that one person...

May You Rest In Peace Danny

On the subject of drinking: if and when you do it please be safe. It's great if you don't but if you do please do not do it alone, and always have a designated driver. Have fun but please be SAFE! I can't even imagine drinking after all this.I hope we all learn to appreciate and live life like Danny did. Maybe not as rebellious or as dangerous, but certainly experience every precious moment like he did. Because in an instant everything you knew, everything you loved could be taken from you--and you'll never have a chance to do the things you wanted to do; or say the things you wanted to say to the people you loved. So lets all laugh more, and cry more, and for Danny's sake love more.Dear Danny,I'll never forgive myself for the way I left things between us. I can't believe you're really gone. I can't even leave you a comment because you deleted me from your friend's list after our whole spat. And you had all the reason to. I wish I could go back and do things over. I'm sorry for taking your friendshipt for granted. I'm sorry for blaming you when I should have blamed my own stupidity. I was not a good friend. Even though I told you I was still your friend I never acted like it. I pleaded with you to be safe when you drink. That's all I ask from you. But, I should have been there to make sure you were safe. I could have given you a place to go to instead of drinking. I feel absolutley terrible. Looking at your pictures, it's hard to believe you're gone. You're too young, you had your entire life to live. I can't understand why you had to go. You could have done so many great things. I'll always remember you Danny. Of the way you lived life. You took everyday and lived it as if it were your last. When you wanted to have fun, you partied. When you wanted something, you worked hard to get it.When you believed in something, nothing would stop you from believing in it no matter how rebellious it was. When you loved somebody you weren't afraid to show it. That is something I will always be envious of you. If I could go back I would tell you how much I really do care about you, and that you had made a difference in the way I live life. You showed me that even though I had responsibilities, it's ok to have a little fun. And it's important to really enjoy life, and appreciate every precious moment you have with the people around you. I know I had some way of showing that I was your friend, but just know that I did and always will cherish and love you as my friend. Thank you for blessing my life.Thank you for opening my eyes, my mind, and my heart Danny.I will miss you terribly, and remember you always.Love,Jenny