Look at Us now...

My Dad at Ground Zero, ten years ago.

I'm not going to do the cliche thing here. Sure, everyone is sharing their "where was I" stories from 9/11 but who is reading them? Do you all honestly care where I was ten years ago? Some 13 year old kid in science class, oblivious to everything... no, you probably don't care. What I am interested in is what everyone as a whole is doing differently now, as compared to then?

What do we have today that we wouldn't necessarily have if all of that never happened? Ridiculous airport security, and some good movies... no, it's more than that. Because of those idiots who hi-jacked those planes I am a paranoid little asshole.

I really enjoy flying, and the whole airport experience. It's a little bit stressful, but it's a rush. I love seeing all the people who have places to go and things to do, and I love knowing that they see me, wearing my ninja turtle backpack, and I too have a place to go, and things to do. In it's own weird way, being at the airport makes me feel like I have a bit of meaning. Along with that though, I feel like all eyes are on me. I don't do anything wrong, or have anything illegal in my luggage, but no matter what I ALWAYS think I'm going to be singled out for something. I've pictured walking through the terminal and being tackled by huge TSA agents and then being dragged off to Guantanamo Bay all because I have a tattoo of a gun on my side.

I guess it sort of goes hand in hand with why I love flying, but I also love heights. Some people are deathly afraid, but not me... I love being up high in the air and seeing for miles and miles. EXCEPT if I'm in a building. I hate tall buildings. I dont know what lead me to think I was this big old target who people were gunning for, but I always feel like I'm going to be in a big building at the same moment as some jackass decides to bomb the place. It's nothing to joke about, and I know this, and I legitimately get scared and nervous in really big buildings.

In the end, 9/11 was horrible and tragic and life changing. Yes, everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing, but think about how it effects you now. How much have you grown? What do you do differently?

p.s. I don't want to hear about any more conspiracy theories... no matter what the fuck happened, people suffered, died, and became heroes that day-- don't take away from their memory by pointing fingers. Put that shit away, and just honor them like they deserve to be honored.