I can’t believe it’s already been a year since you’ve left. The day was really clear to me. I was getting off the bus and walking to Nordstrom’s corporate office for a job interview when Megan Joplin called me. She asked me if I heard what happened to you. I knew it couldn’t be good. She was crying and told me that you drowned.
That was probably the hardest news I’ve heard in my life. We all miss you so much. I try to go home once in a while to see your mom and Max. They seem to be doing okay, but I know it’s tough. Did you see the Yankees win the World Series last year? I talked to Chad about how cool it’d be if they won #27 for you, and they did. Sorry man, can’t help you out with the Cowboys, haha. It was so exciting to text all of our friends (who were wearing Yankees hats throughout the playoffs) cheer on the same team. We were all in tears when they finally did it. They did it for you.
I really miss you a lot man. I was crushed when I found out you died last year. Your mom keeps telling me that’s not what you’d want, and she’s right. We should be laughing and just enjoying life. I don’t think a day passes by that something reminds me of you. The other day a cherry picker was parked outside of my apartment. I just assume it’s a nice little prank you’re pulling on me. I got dehydrated last week and ended up going to the hospital. The first thing it remind me of was you. The last time I dehydrated was when I blacked out on the track when we were working on sprints.
I don’t really know what else to say, except that I miss you very much. Some days I stay up all night thinking about all the great times we had. I don’t cry because I know you wouldn’t, but it’s hard not to. Please know that I am doing well and am in good spirits. Perhaps one day we will cross paths again, but right now there are some things I need to take care of here.
Why do some people it feels so necessary to talk all the time?
In my opinion, there’s a huge difference between having a conversation and talking. I notice this a lot on Twitter: lots of great conversations are happening, but there’s also a lot of talking. There are a lot of people who love to talk about what they’re going to do (or about to do) and end up not doing a thing. It reminds me of the Parable of the two sons (not preaching, just sharing a narrative). What causes an action…what you say you’re going to do, or what you actually do?
I’ve also get the impression that it seems like people like to create their own perception on the Internet by either exaggerating or even straight up lying about who they really are. I don’t understand why this is necessary. Has anyone else noticed this? Am I old fashion and simply think those who do are doing and don’t have time to talk? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Less talking, more conversations, in my opinion. This video is forever a classic for me…Run DMC’s “You talk too much.”
If you’re not following this guy, you really need to. I can’t begin to tell you how much of an inspiration Richard has been to me, and also a good friend. He’s one of the best people you’ll ever (or never) meet. I remember some days when I was down or uninspired, I’d get these direct messages from him to just check in and get the creative juices flowing again.
Thank you so much for your inspiration, Richard, but more importantly, your friendship. One of my goals is to come to Sweden and have some tea and talk design with you!
I like to reflect on my life about twice a year: January 1 and the month of July, which happens to be new years and the end of the fiscal year. Though I’m not a big on setting resolutions, per se, but I am a firm believer in setting goals and taking a step back to reflect on things. It also helped that I had a few hours in the hospital to sit and think about my life as well. Here’s what I came up with:
The year of User Experience:
Last year, I really focused on HTML/CSS to improve my skills. It really helped me get my current role at ExactTarget. There’s still plenty to learn, but I took the time to dedicate myself to a skill I really wanted to be really good at. In addition to that, and with the help of my friend Dave, I was able to learn some light PHP and other programming/coding languages.
This year is the year of User Experience; a field I’m definitely interested about and want to get to know more on a high level. I feel HTML/CSS is the martial practice, and UX is the philosophy.
Take better care of my health:
I need to take better care of myself. I’m pretty healthy in terms of exercise and dieting, but sometimes work myself all the way to the level of exhaustion. Water intake is something I really need to do a better job of as well. The new plan is to get a full six hours sleep, no excuses. I’m no longer going to wake up at 4 a.m. to work on stuff. Since I work from my place, I can spend the first four hours dedicated to meetings and work from the apartment—with water always handy! During lunch I’ll walk the lake to get some exercise/fresh air and grab a bite to eat. Depending on what needs to be done, I can go back to the work space or to Zoka Coffee to finish up the work.
Charity by design:
I think I’ve found a passion in being philanthropic through design. It helps me improve my portfolio and gives someone a makeover of their blog/website. For a while I’ve been half-kidding about doing a “Pimp My Blog” web series, but I am heavily considering it. Web series or not, I would like to reach out to more people and help them improve their blogs/websites.
Spend less money, dammit:
Though I don’t go out and spend much money, most of my fiscal irresponsible tend to be as a result of buying a product that gives you two free Apple stickers. Don’t get me wrong, I use these products daily. Here’s what I’m faced with…some debt via credit and student loans. It’s nothing that I will kill myself over, but I’d like to be paying these off more aggressively. I’ve vowed to not cut my hair until I do. Hopefully I don’t end up looking like Willie Nelson as a result of this. My goal is to save more money for traveling and also some other endeavors I’m planning.
