It's such a funny thing... I have been going to school for 16 YEARS of my life. Throughout those 16 years, I have always been quite studious and dedicated to my work. Career interests have come and gone with the seasons. Everything from Artist to Nutritionist to German Professor to Egyptologist have been bouncing around in my head over these last four years of Undergraduate schooling... and STILL no concrete decisions have been made. With graduation closing in on me all to quickly, a light bulb must go off in my brain. Planning has to be done, Grad applications must be filled out. The GRE must be taken. If that doesn't cause anxiety in the hearts of college students (and no doubt their parents) I do not know what does. In light of my indecision and with the skills I have picked up over the last two semesters... I probably have one of the silliest and joked about ideas possible. Yes.... I am going to run away and join the circus. Many people joke about this at one time or another as they are facing "the road diverged" situations in life. In my case however, I am all to serious. (Much to the dismay of poor mom :))
It all started the Fall Semester of 2009. It was a beautiful day in October as I was making my way to the Student Center at the University. As I was crossing the bridge I happened upon a very unusual sight... Unicycles. 3 people were riding around (only one-Dan- with any proficiency.) You know... it really made me smile. It was just so nice to see something different. Something that can take one out of the mundane of everyday life. I thought that would be it though.... something to make me smile, and then move on with my day. But.. WOW was I ever wrong. I was making my way across the scene and out of the blue, Dan offered to let me ride a unicycle. At first of course I was very skeptical. I mean... I had never pictured myself riding a one wheeled object. After some internal deliberation and with enough prompting, I agreed to give it a shot. Taking that chance.... the chance of possible injury... of making a fool out of myself... was the best one I have ever taken up to this point.
Learning to ride the damn thing however, took some time and a lot of dedication. Falling... getting back up... picking up the unicycle.... perpetual bruises from the pedals...all of this became part of my daily routine. I don't know how it became such an obsession. The challenge of it was amazing to me. Over time and with so much help and tips from fellow unicyclers, I succeeded! What a great feeling. When you finally conquer something you have been trying to do for so long. (Well.. I guess it took me about 3 weeks)
What followed is equally as beautiful. I became completely engaged with a very unique group of people and to so many new ideas and skills! Not long after, I picked up juggling and balloon art and became exposed to all manners of circus arts such as, the Diabolo, Devil Sticks, Poi, Unicycle Jump Rope... ETC ETC. The people I have met along the way has no doubt been one of the most prized experiences.
In this blog, my goal is to log improvements and all the steps that will lead to the circus. I hope to be able to try out in December following my longed for graduation. ^.^
I hope for this year to be one of great improvements and new skills!
