Three kinds of men

"There are three kinds of men:

The ones that learn by reading,

and the few who learn by observation.

The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves." - Will Rodgers

I made the decision to go to Columbus for last nights game just hoping to have a good time. I certainly accomplished that goal. 

It was an incredible performance.

I'm not the kind of person who tries to take every positive or exciting experience and turn it into something profound, but I can't help but feel this morning that I learned something valuable last night:

Nothing is more important than creating memories, whether positive or negative--and the chance to do so should always be taken when it's possible.

Beyond experiences and memories, what else do we have? When were gone or when others leave us, that's all that remains. 

I don't mean to get too philosophical on you. 

Last night won't be forgotten, and not because of the football game. Eventually the details of the game will fade. 

What will last: the memory of the time that I had sitting surrounded by the Spartan players families in an opposing teams stadium, getting to experience first-hand the thrill of watching loved ones accomplish something no one gave them a chance to on the biggest possible stage.

What will last: The memory of sharing a moment of pure and total exhilaration with my older brother. I'm sure that eventually I'll forget the final score and the date and how wet and cold and miserable it was, and all I remember is the time him and I hugged and jumped around like mad men who had just won the lottery.

I'm a lucky man in that I have many experiences similar to this with countless great people that I can always look back upon and smile and laugh.

As much as I wish it weren't the case, maybe it's the fact I am sick and at least a little uncertain about what the future holds for me, that allowed last night to teach me the value of creating memories and experiencing things with the people you love as often as possible. 

Slow things down, and whether good or bad, exciting or scary, experience all you can while you can.

I hate when I sound preachy, so I apologize. I know it was just a football game, I really do, but I had to get these thoughts written down.

So I guess I'm a pee on the electrical fence for myself kind a guy, and I like it that way.

I'll keep learning through experience. 

I'll just pee all over the world. 

I did it the last few days, and will until I can't. 

Some memories last forever. Some of those were created this weekend:

With just a little help from my Spartans, who peed all over the Buckeyes.

Zing. 

Go green.