The Big Day(s)

To cite clichés and quotes, life can be many things:
A box of chocolates.
A roller coaster.
A journey.
An adventure.
I could keep on going, but I’ll spare you.
I’m 18 now, and I’ve already experienced many events that have lingered in my mind to this day. Some of these have had a great impact on me, while others are just vivid memories.

Sink or Swim
My grandmother used to run this retirement home in Venice.
…Venice, Florida. I wish it had been Venice, Italy. In any case, there was a pool in the back, and this event occurred when my family went down to visit. This was in the 90s so I was just a tyke back then. For some reason, while everyone was splashing and swimming, I decide it would be great idea to jump in—the deep end. What I remember most is that I looked back in forth, wondering—what? I suppose whether this was a good idea or not. The other image that I remember clearly is the view from underwater. I couldn’t swim, but I don’t remember panic—just that view of the water and all the bubbles rising to the surface. As this blog is being written by someone alive and well, you can assume that I was saved. In fact I was rescued by my oldest brother Brock. Who knows why? I’m the one who always wrecked his LEGO creations.
Thanks, Brock!

Virtual Affection
This next event may make my mother cringe.
During one visit to Georgia to visit family, my brothers and I experienced a “real” video game for the first time. Keep in mind that I’m ten(ish) and I’ve never owned a video game since our SEGA Genesis broke years ago. My cousin owned this game called Total Annihilation: Kingdoms. It was an RTS (for the illiterate out there that is a “Real-Time Strategy” game which is generally one of those video games where the player controls a bunch of guys and they all kill a bunch of the other team’s troops). This planted the seed for my video game love—ahem, my video game passion. What started it all was when my mother in search of this fantastic game for her own sons discovered another RTS: Stronghold. Ever since then, I was hooked. Stronghold remains as one of the best games I’ve ever played even though it’s ancient, the graphics are dreadful, and the sequels all were embarrassing. After that, it was Halo which captivated me; then it was all downhill from there.

Rescued by the Dark Knight
In all the comic books there’s always that helpless citizen saved by the caped hero. As this noble warrior dashes away the saved watches with wide eyes, a thunderstruck stupor, and a stuttered thanks. Well, I have my own story about that.
Away back in 2000-something or other between my seventh and eighth grade years the summer blockbusters were about to get obliterated by a remake: Batman Begins.
Now, now, I have always been a dedicated fan of the Dark Knight. So when I heard that this movie was coming out I was just giddy. After seeing the film (which I add is quite a great movie), myself with my siblings, who are all loyalists of the Caped Crusader, discussed it. All of us agreed it was quite good. Admittedly, I believe the sequel was better, but hey Batman Begins takes the spotlight in my lifetime. Why? Because after seeing that movie I had the first inspiration for a story. I don’t know what actually compelled me to start writing, but write I did. Ever since then it’s kind of been my passion. One day, maybe it’ll be my career.
Fat chance, Wilkie.

Oh, we’ll see about that.