I am very sad to have this be my first blog of the year and hope things turn around after this month, it has been rough for me. This past Saturday, a co-worker of mine who was 21 was taken in an incident between two rival graffiti artist gangs. He worked behind the line at my waitressing job, he was always smiling and had some rad tattoos so we would talk about that. He had only started a few months ago but we all liked him a lot. I didn't know much about his personal life. I found out through facebook and although I didn't know him outside of work, it's really startling/upsetting to have someone taken out of my life so suddenly. I have never had anything like this happen to me before and it really makes you think about your own mortality.

One of the reasons I pole is because I like to do unusual fun things other people might consider odd. That's the same reason I have tattoos (well that and because I like all my stuff to be decorated, included my body). I might look ridiculous with them I am 80 but who knows if I will live that long? My point is, today I am going to teach pole classes and have a great time doing it because I might not get a tomorrow.

That being said, I feel really sad seeing all this ugliness on here lately because ultimately that doesn't matter in the long run. If you don't like others opinions that's fine but there is a proper way to deal with it and insulting others/treating them negatively is not the answer. I'm not trying to be morbid but I think sometimes we need to be reminded that things like this happen and we need to realize what's important and what isn't.

I have also spent some time thinking about the people in my life who are important and deserve my time and those that aren't. I need to make a bigger effort to spend time with friends that I want to keep close. I want everyone reading this to text or call a friend you have been meaning to talk to. It's important to let people know how much you mean to them while you are here to say it and they are here to hear it. I don't like thinking about things like this very sad situation, but they are unavoidable. I have been pretty upset knowing that someone I know was killed, especially in such a violent and sad way. He was a great person and so young, I don't understand how something like this could happen.  

The only consolation I got out of this was that his wake/memorial service was more of a party atmosphere with people drinking 40s and hard liquor as they waited in line to say goodbye. The place was packed and I couldn't believe the difference he had made on all those people! It was a great way to send him off as he loved life and was always happy.  

So keep in mind the reasons you started pole in the first place and treat others accordingly. I didn't sign up for a catty community, one of the main reasons I have stuck with pole as long as I have is the sense of support and friends I have met through it. Last week Poledanceromance picked up my little sister from the emergency room in the college town they both live in that is three hours away from my family and I. And pole is what made me meet her. I believe true friends are here for all of us if we can open ourselves up to being able to support and encourage others, not bring them down.