Blogs have truly become the Diary of the 21st century. Almost gone are the days where people would write down their thoughts and inner-most secrets in a tiny little book day in and day out, only to hide it in a drawer or under the bed until the next day's experiences are collected; a sacred relic that no prying eyes could ever peek into. What has replaced this pasttime is the "blog," a form of writing and expression that has become so engraved into our daily lives and current society that it is no longer considered writing, but "blogging." The word has become an action. Yet with this (fairly) new technology, we seem to have more control over how this information is presented, what with our ability to control every function of our writing, even down to the very people who can see it. The "key" to our blogs has gone digital, and with it, we presume that our secrets are more secure.

As I feel no need to hide anything, I just say "FUCK THAT SHIT!" My blog is public and open to anyone who wishes to read, truth be damned. Lend me your eyes, dear reader, for Uncle Dave has some stories to tell..

My life, so far, has been quite good. I'm still dating the girl that I love, I've been keeping up with my classes, maintaining my grades, establishing sound friendships with many great people...hell, add in a smiling sun, singing hills and a rainbow that shits Skittles and I'm fucking SET! However, with every happy life, there comes bumps along the way that, depending on the actions that you take, will either dissipate and dissolve into nothingness, or these bumps will get bigger and bigger until you're left with the task of climbing over a hill.

For some strange reason, this one bump in the road is rather large. I rub my eyes to take a second glance, and I feel like I am staring at Mt. Everest.

At the moment, I cannot pinpoint what exactly is the cause of this monumental roadblock, so immense in its size, yet probably so small in its execution. What I meant with that statement is that even though the supposed "problem" seems quite big, I could be blowing it entirely out of proportion, a mere exaggeration of size. As I go on living, I'll know if this roadblock is really as big as it seems, and with it, I will find a way to ride over it, putting the past behind, the future in front and the present close to my heart.

Aside from that, life carries on with its usual serenade of transitions. Summer is looming ever closer, and with it, Anime Expo, my first con out in the West. I have heard many grand tales of its splendor, so my interest had been piqued from the start. Let's see how this year turns out, though I'm sure that the whole experience will be encapsulated into two words: Fucking. AWESOME. I'm also continuing to exercise with cardio and swimming sessions to better my health. Obama would be proud, for progress and change has been made to my chubby self.

This past quarter has also taught me of how little I know in terms of Graphic Design, and how imperative it is to brush up on the masters of old and take their creativity into your compositions, making it your own. Study the old and new; the commercial and fine arts. In order to succeed and land the dream job in the field I'm going in, you must establish networks and connections, yes, but you must also back up your charisma with knowledge. Know your roots. SO, as "Summer Reading," I will be reading the following:

- Tschichold's 'The New Typography.'

- Bruce Mau's 'Making Changes' and 'Life Style.'

- Andre Andreev and Dan Covert's 'Never Sleep.'

- Graffiti L.A.

- Any Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign book I can find.

I also want to take more trips to L.A. and see more museums, hopefully with someone special or with a group of people. Maybe hit up Little Tokyo more. I fully endorse all of these!

And Bohtoro? He's doing fine. Still practicing his guitar, sticker bombing neighborhoods, considering a change of look. Ya know, the usual.

In conclusion, I sit back and look at my life with my feet propped up, ready to have this quarter done with and have time to relax, to recharge my batteries. I hope that all who read this do the same. Life has its responsibilities, but every once in a while, take time to live in a perpetual weekend. Take it easy. I give thanks to all of the great friends and people that I have met, my love to Devin and my family, and peace to myself for always looking up, never down, even in the most dire of times.

I leave you now with a recent quote by Napoleon Hill that I find inspiring and thoughtful:

"No matter who you are or what may be your
lifework, you are playing checkers with TIME! It is
always your next move. Move with quick DECISION
and Time will favor you. Stand still and Time will
wipe you off the board.
You cannot always make the right move, but, if
you make enough moves you may take advantage of
the law of averages and pile up a creditable score
before the great game of LIFE is ended.”

With that, you have been "blogged."

~ D