Hello Everyone

First off, I loved your post Emilie, I completely agree that stepping out of our comfort zones yields untold benefits. Reid John and I have just arrived in Albany and are cooking some steaks and nachos before enjoying the rest of what I'm sure will be a very leisurely night. I have my first final tomorrow, no stress there...at all, but it will be nice to have it out of the way. I also have a Spanish clep test on Thursday and that I do need to go well. Intramural sports are done for us, our only exercise these days is done through Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, or just lifting and doing stuff in our house. 11 more days till I am officially done with college, barring a poor showing on the clep test. Hope everything is going well in Florida, I'd love to see some pictures and here some little pieces of news from the vacation.

-Ben

My dear important turkeys!

I am writing to you (while at work, because i already feel like it is the holiday!) in honor of the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving. Last night we had a monstrous party at the African Community Center (where I work) for all of those who are arriving in Denver from around the world as refugees. Since being a part of this community I have come to particularly appreciate how valuable it is to celebrate together what we are each grateful for. Each day I am reminded of the fact that somehow, someway, I live a life of utter luxury. At the moment, I attribute it only to Luck. But this does not diminish my gratefulness! For having the most loving, happy, healthy family; for the priviledge of having had a wonderful education that I can continue as I wish; for living in beautiful Colorado with an awsome roommate; for the opportunity to travel around the world; for having daily access to healthy delicious foods, and the list goes on. At the moment, one of the things for which I am most grateful is that I meet people every day coming from all parts of the globe who have faced enormous challenges and suffering and who are now courageously rebuilding their lives in Denver. The richness and perspective that this has brought to my life is immeasurable. It is amazing how much we learn about the world and ourselves when stepping out of our comfort zone, being the minority in a room, not understanding the common language being spoken. These moments are a reminder that not a second should be squandered of the richness, diversity and learning our world has to offer.


Here is the link to an article that was published on the front page of the Rocky Mountain News about the event (along with the photo above):
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/nov/25/300-refugees-give-thanks-for-a-year-in-america/

Gobble Gobble!!

The Life of Tim Nielson, by Reid Buchanan

This is actually ben doing the typing, but this is Reid's new book. Here comes the introduction:

It takes physical prowess to remain standing after taking a single gunshot to the chest. It takes purpose to withstand a second. The third requires one of two things, extreme opposites of each other, pure love, or hate. To withstand another, a fourth gunshot to the chest, requires either a really bad marksman, or a man devoted to a higher calling. Tim Nielson was shot, on videotape, five times to the chest. One bullet pierced his kidney, another his left lung, and another his heart. No one, no civilian, no police officer, no marine, no SEAL remains standing after taking 5 bullets to the chest. No, Tim Nielson didn't live. But that's not the point. The man took five slates of lead to the chest and didn't go down! This changes everything. The case has taken on an entirely new meaning for me. I am not after the killer because he's a bad person, because he murdered someone. I'm not after the killer because it's my job and it's what I'm paid to do. I'm looking for the man who murdered Tim Nielson because, after he put 5 shots into the poor bastard, Tim looked into his eyes, and made him take a sixth.

Hello!

So, everyone needs to call john (via my phone) and ask him to make a post personally, he refuses to make a post on the blog...is he busy? well...let's just say he could find the time to make a post without taking time away from anything...important. Ben (me) is going to be taking the Spanish CLEP test on Dec. 4th, let's hope that goes well. Ben is also in the process of starting a real estate development company...apparently since things with RPIC may be placed on hold because of the economy a "backup" or "sidejob" is needed. Reid is hard at work writing a paper, and all 3 of us are extremely sore from Rock climbing off the wall (no pun intended). So, call john via 585 224 5590 and get him to make a post!!! Only call if you are patient though...may not be the friendliest response. John's a lover at heart, but he doesn't like the phone too much.

Laura: GOING TO STATES!!!!! :D

Hi everyone, a new update on my tennis, this past weekend my partner and I got second place in state qualifiers and so are going to states next weekend. The best part for me is i get to miss school friday and monday lol. I love you all and look forward to see you this christmas.
Love,
Laura

Important announcement to the Importants!

There is only one of the "Nifty Nine" who has not contributed to the Importants Blog, and you know who you are. Be careful that you don't become the FORGOTTEN CHILD! We want to hear from you.