Sunday, October 9, 2016

20 Days Until 30 Years

I had a super cute title: 30 days, 30 years. But, I didn't like the blog, so now I write this on my teeny-tiny phone keyboard in Munich.


Please forgive typos (more than normal) because my phone sucks)


Here's the "Diehl" I was going to write this super awesome blog with super awesome drawings I did this past summer for this post and other comics I've gathered for this (probably crappy) post, but it's not happening.


Instead, you're getting a raw post of a person closing on the "third life crisis" which is NOT a thing. Hell, half of us entering this crisis are still trying to pay off college.


But that's another post.


In twenty days I turn thirty.


do I feel older?


no.


the question nor the answer has changed since I remember.


BUT


I know no longer feel like I'm flying when I run. Instead, I feel every joint cry in pain.


I am no longer in awe of my elders for knowing every every answer, but am annoyed they do not answer how I want them to.


I still enjoy sunsets, but feel the pressure of another day passing without an accomplishment pressing on me.


"Running out of time"


Means more to me than ever before, thanks Hamilton.


When I was 10, I never felt older than nine, but 15 made me feel older than 10, just like 19 made me feel older than 13.


When I turned 20, I was so happy to no longer be a teenager. I do not know if turning 30 makes me feel happy to no longer be in my 20s.


I know my nights at the bar are not over.


I know my nights of eating takeout and watching Netflix are not over. What is over is the feeling of invincibility.


the feeling of:
Oh, might as well jump when met with a cliff.


(Sorry mom, but I jumped the many feet down while skiing, numerous times)


the feeling now, is where do I need to turn so I don't have to jump?


I don't avoid those obstacles more, I just know how to handle them. And if that's what being in the 30s means: doing stupid shit, but knowing how to get out of it alive; than I'm good for life.


I think I finally fifigure it out, maybe.


Do what you will, but survive the landing.


if I can stick the landing of turning 30, than I think I'll be able to see 31. 😊

Thursday, January 28, 2016

How to Drive in Seattle

Seattle.

The home of Boeing and Amazon, Microsoft is a short (in miles) long (in time) from downtown.

It's become a melting pot of people from around the country and the world, the roads are constantly jammed with cars. So, for all you new people, welcome to Seattle, and follow this awesome driving advice I wish I was told when I moved here nearly seven years ago.

NEVER go the speed limit, as it is much too fast. You should go a couple miles per hour slower than the posted speed, five is preferred, but you can go ten under if you want to be a real overachiever.

Also, there is no difference between the right and left lanes. It is frowned upon to pass in the left lane, and you should match your speed with the person beside you. You also don't have to worry about getting up to speed on a freeway entrance. Entering as slow as possible is preferred, especially if there is a line of cars behind you. Coming to a complete stop on the entrance ramp is best.

You don't have to use those pesky devices which indicate a turn or merging. Just go about your day and everyone will avoid you.

Do whatever you want at a four way stop. It's the custom to let everyone go before you, but you can also skip the line and do what you want.

Seattle, unlike everywhere else in the world, experiences weather. When there is weather, it is encouraged for you to take your vehicle and ram it into the nearest object you can find. Bonus points are awarded if you ram your car into another car, during rush hour, on a two lane bridge.

You also never have to check to see if your car is in danger of hitting anyone else. Drive by feel is totally okay. Want to back your car into another car so you can try to maneuver through a parking lot? Go right ahead. The scratch will buff right out.

It is always rush hour, it's a thing Seattle is trying out. What you should do is park your car in an intersection of your choosing and don't attempt to move. Just sit there. Feel free to eat a sandwich.

If you can't park your car in an intersection, feel free to park in the right lane of any major street during rush hour. Don't even pull all the way to the curb, the middle of the lane is just fine.

And feel free to ignore every traffic sign, such as "Wrong Way" or "No Left Turns" you do you, you free spirit wonderful person, we'll figure it out.

Last, but not least, don't be shy about slamming on your brakes. Why tap them, when you can slam them, right? Especially, when someone is behind you. Then not only slam, but stay on the brakes for a bit, then proceed with extreme caution, but only when you're ready.

Now that you know how to drive in Seattle, have a wonderful drive everyone!

**EVERYTHING I SAY IN THIS PIECE IS SARCASTIC. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS, PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE LIKE THIS!!!!!!**