Puyallup!

In my new optimistic spirit, today I went to the Puyallup Fair, the biggest and best fair in the grand Northwest. And for the first time in a while I feel hope. Obama withdrew our missile program in Europe and the Russians removed theirs. The economy is slowly rebounding, and while not perfect there is hope in innovation and spirit. Based on the Puyallup Fair's ridiculous attendance, the recession seems a little ridiculous. Life is great. Life isn't perfect, but whatever happens, things will be alright. I love this video by Shiloh. I hope to be like the kids in the video: great friends with great futures ahead because of their optimism. If you believe things will work out, they will.

"Alright" - Shiloh



Amazing 15-year-old singer from BC. It surprises me how so many young musical artists come from Canada.

For a while now, I have been depressed, but this weekend has changed my life. I received that inspirational facebook message on Friday night when I was in the pits of despair, and then I had Rosh Hashanah. The Jewish New Year. A time for repentence and a declaration of sins. I finally felt the shackles of worry, self-pity, and prejudice slide away. I always picture the words of my sins: ignorance, gossip, self-absorption, float away above me and into the sky. I know those sins will stay with me for life, but I feel renewed hope and the ability to improve myself. I see so much hope in the world. I see so much reason to live. I don't know what was missing in my life, but this marvelous weekend showed me the spirit I needed. I had fun! True utter fun at the fair. Riding on the ExtremeScream, eating junk food, viewing Mt. Rainier. All of it was so magical and fantastic. And coming back to reality I didn't feel like the temporary happiness had disappeared when the activity stopped, rather the happiness remains inside of me, unwilling to vanish.

I am not happy in the excited way, but happy in a deeper way. I feel like my veins are embedded with joy. I am pervaded with a sense of optimism. I feel more willing to do the mundane tasks and to find the joys in life. I feel more willing to listen, open up, and hug my friends. Even if I am tired tomorrow, I am excited to be a part of the adventures and put my full energy into all of my efforts.

More change is needed in the world! Look at this legacy of apartheid:

http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/world/africa/1194811622207/index.html#
"Apartheid Haunts South Africa's Schools"

I thought my school sucked because it's outside and our classrooms are mostly low-tech and portables at the moment. But then I found out these facts about South Africa's public high schools:
-many teachers don't even show up to teach
-less than half of students reach twelfth grade
-lowest scores on achievement tests
-most do not go to college

Life is all about perspective. Life can always be better. Many things are meant to happen in life and God sent me a lot this weekend to reflect about. There is no perfection unless people are contented with imperfection.