This is Madness!

I have heard of Clement's loss recently. I am speech-less; I am learning of life's sudden endings; I am learning to cherish every moment of my life, while making a positive impact on other's. Thanks Clement Tsai for the great memories we shared together! May you rest in peace, for you will forever be in our minds and heart.

Yesterday, Alissa and I drove out to Ohakune to get some lunch. We had discovered a hidden Forest Walk which was waaaayyyy kool. All those native vegetation really reminded me of how amazing nature and New Zealand really is! (Yes, New Zealand is more like a jungle in it's native state). There was a river there. It was feeding the forest with life and while carrying the dead leaves on it's trail. Life really is like a river-- you can not step into the same river twice and how each passing droplet of water or a debris is renewed. Anyhow, it reminded us of how trivial responsibility really is! It is all made up by us; we don't need to be stressed out by our something we have forged. It is also interesting to note that wikipedia deems the US culture as "need to be fiscally responsible and has the need to obtain economical independence right after college". That is the reason why no Americans really ever take a "gap year" or just run up and travel. It would be irresponsible in American culture. It made me really think how Alissa (grew up in a cultural mecca or San Jose) never really had friends that had strong oppositions for her to get up and go to NZ, whereas, I had almost offensive opposition (by friends...not parents). I remember I was talking to a friend during spring and was asked what I was going to do after college...I also asked the same. My buddy replied "preparing and saving up to go to a professional graduate school!" My response--"dunno, but going to NZ for a while, dunno when I'll come back". The response I got was "you're crazy, you're really going to take poor Alissa to NZ? without knowing what to do? you have no money jon, and a student loan, you're irresponsible". Crazy huh? I used to think I was irresponsible for coming here...now i dont.

two nights ago was an anti-ball party. The moutain had a "ball" but it was too expensive so we dressed up to go to Taz's massive party. It was a lot of fun! the theme was "ridiculous" so I dressed up ridiculous and taped a little cardboard ninja on my head. Alissa had a towel and a bra. A friend of ours dressed up like a dragon.

Anyhow, I gotta go, c ya!
Btw, canada's policy with work permits has gone ape shit crazy because of the olympics so I heard preference will be given to NZ, Canadians, australians and the english for work first. So I don't think canada will happen. Maybe Colorado? Maybe san fran? maybe japan? or stay here? or go to fiji? I dunno yet, but we'll see where life takes us as long as we do something Legen...wait for it....DARY!!!!! (that was for you Herrera).

bye