Month: April 2017

Yep we have had a few festivals around the area. Among these include the Iron City Festival, Come See Me, and Spring Fling. There are still many more to come over the next few months. 

It’s a great time and a great way to socialize and mingle, see folks you normally don’t see, and simply have fun. 

Now I believe festivals are good and perfect for socializing and mingling. However, I’m not a fan of them. They block up traffic for days, it’s a nightmare to find parking, and you can honestly find many of the things a festival offers in most cities on a given weekend. I do obviously like when a race is involved and these are good for my #imjustdrew stuff. Beyond that, I know better ways of achieving my socializing, including sporting events and the county fair. 

So I encourage any and all to do festivals, especially if you have small kids. Just don’t expect me to tag along. 

#imjustdrew 

Someone can mention “left behind”, especially in the South and they think you are referring to the Rapture, or even the Marines motto “no man left behind.”

If you truly care for a person, this should be your motto. 

I wrote last week about prom and all of the prom pics and even seeing prom attendees around. These times give me flashbacks to a rougher time when I was left out and left behind. High school was long ago for me, but myself and others often still find ourselves on the outside looking in. It could be something simple, but it can take you back to a bad place in your life. 

This is the season and time to make sure folks are included and belong, and most of all matter. I saw an encouraging pic of one of my running club mates helping a little girl as she was lapped by her friends in a local 5K race. She was down in the dumps, defeated mentally and physically. My friend helped her,used her motherly instincts, and walked the finish line with her. This photo almost brought me to tears. 

We have to do more of this as human beings. When we see someone looking like they are down and distant, give them a pick me up. I wrote another piece on Drew’s World of Random Intelligence about suicide. I mentioned 13 Reasons Why in this article also. In short, people can and will do extreme things when they don’t feel relevant and/or feel inferior. You, me, all of us have to be that shining light towards others. 

Please don’t be that person that lets another fall behind or through the cracks. Trust me, it’s never a good feeling. Also, every small gesture matters, good and bad. 

#imjustdrew 

Those high school and teen years are never easy. Peer pressure makes it much more challenging.

Biggest challenge: it never really disappears. If anything, it gets worse, at least as a young adult. 

No I’m not just talking about having an extra beer or going zip lining or riding a motorcycle. I’m referring to how it seems like we only get into things  (TV shows, music, movies, sports, etc) because our friends are into them. You seem to lose your identity and what you’re into. 

Yes the new Kendrick Lamar album is great. Yes 13 Reasons Why is the must watch on Netflix. But think of this, would you be paying attention or care of any of this if it weren’t popular? 

Many of you know my favorite sitcom is The Middle. It’s not a show you’re gonna see folks tweeting about constantly or pressuring you to watch. It’s a good show, I like it, and that’s why I watch it, period. 

Yes you want to find and have common bonds with those closest to you. Just don’t allow others to pressure you into anything you’re genuinely not interested in. 

There’s give and take in any relationship. This ties into all of that. Have your own identity, like things because you like them, and do things for you. Respect yourself as an individual first. 

Oh and before you head out to see the newest Fast and the Furious movie or try that new restaurant this weekend, be sure to make your own assessment. Don’t be concerned so much with what others say or think. 

#imjustdrew 

Ok after a week or so off, I’m back at it. This has been officially one year since I kicked off the #imjustdrew movement. Thank you all that read my stuff and watch my vlogs. I hope for further support in my future endeavors. 

Now on to this post. It’s prom season. Nostalgia for some, misery for others. I was floored when I got out of high school how many people  (especially lovely ladies) didn’t attend their prom. Heck I even went to my senior prom. It was my first official date.

Matter of fact, prom is a night of many firsts. First official date, first formal dance, first time at a fancy restaurant, first limousine ride, first, well, you get the idea. It jumpstarted dating and even sex for many teens. 

Nowadays, it seems cooler for young folks to go with their friends as one big group. Prom is still big, but now those that have other obligations or no dates have flupped the tradition. They make it a fun night for themselves and others, pressure free. This is often the final night as high schoolers that many will get to party together. 

Every occasion with friends should be memorable and fun. Whichever reason you choose to attend or skip prom, this should be your thinking. Don’t let a moment slip by. 

My prom was lots of fun, as I went with a good friend that I still keep in touch with. Again, I realize all do not have these memories. However, prom is a reminder for better or worse that making these memories are important. 

When you reach my age, you want to live each moment the best you can. Talk to as many people as possible, have lots of fun, be happy and stay out of trouble. I believe all of these are timeless staples of prom season. 

Also, there are always second chances. Adult proms have become popular. I advise anyone to try one. You may actually enjoy it, even if your high school prom was spectacular. 

Okay so go make some epic moments and have great times with the people that matter the most. 

#imjustdrew