Liv Jones

First, this post is how I'm going to deal with it. So expect so irrational behavior, some ranting and raving... there is no why, it just is! No sore losing... just working through the value of my life online (that's normal right?).

So I need to write something, I've got to get it off my chest. It's not that I feel anything is owed to me, it's that I'd like to know what the heck is wrong with me? Seriously? 

I suppose I should back-up. The Gilman Scholarship is a grant given to "non-traditional" students (check), who receive the Pell Grant (thus are poor [check]). While there is a preference for non-European student exchanges, many students do get awards for the heart of Europe. Oddly, Belgium, the heart of Europe Government- only had two students awarded. Considering the scope of European politics and crisis, and its effect on the U.S., you would feel someone intending to go to Brussels would be as valuable to U.S. human capital as those in China. It…

So... I wanted to return to this post. Since it was originally written in May of 2012, I've traveled extensively in Europe, lived in Brussels for four month, and because of this it has changed my views on things. The truth is, originally, when I suggested the High Sierra product below, it was from a very American perspective. Honestly, the thing just sits and rots in my closet now, and almost everywhere I go I simply use a hiking back pack. This is what I recommend now and I will tell you why:


#1 Decathlon 40 Liter Hiking Style Pack - So as I mentioned before, I was leaving for Spain to hike the Camino-de-Santiago-de-Compostella, when I purchased this pack (60€). You could buy one anywhere, at any sporting good store. We recently acquired a second one for Shannon at Wal-Mart for under $30. If this is going to be a life-long-luggage arrangement, consider brand-names like the MEI Voyageur, North Face or REI.

Why this works. Well for one thing, I've discovered you really don't …

When I was but a little girl  I learned of 86. To die when I was thirty eight it was forever fixed.
So long from then it seemed. But alas time did creep in. On a bay carousel I dreamed Arm around pole I cling.
Once grown, and a child's mind lost. Like a small music box. Open again, but at what cost? My Mortality's clock?
Mist upon face, my wind blown hair. I spin out of control. Winding to a stop, so unaware. What's lurking for my soul.
Hands over mouths, Fingers to the sky. The stars are spiralling. She stares at me, I ask her why? "For you it is coming."
Eighty six is coming for you. There's nothing you can do.

I lived and loved with all my might The shadow in my sight. Innards rot in 86 nights the darkness and I fight.
I know not what may come of this. This year be my last one. Remember my love our last kiss, When I'm lost, and it's done.
Set me on fire, and pay Charon. Set me ablaze away, Down the river of Ephemeron, I fade into the fray.