Gunther

Playing parques with Benjamin

The following post will almost undoubtedly reveal my insanity.  Here goes.

The official trailer for the new movie The Social Network says, “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.”   This thought struck me. 

I’ve always been of the camp that I’m a good person and I am who I am, take it or leave it.  I can’t possibly make everyone happy, and I wasn’t put on this Earth to do so. Of course I like to be liked, but I don’t need everyone to like me.  I’m still of this camp.  I think.  But to an extreme, this mentality is no more than a good excuse to be unkind, unfair, perhaps a little stuck in my ways.  So I started thinking.  Who do I know that’s truly liked by everyone?  And what is this person like?  How can I be more like him/her?     

The first “person” who came to my mind was Gunther.  I’m 23 years old and I still sleep with a teddy bear.  His name is Gunther.



Gunth & Stemp

Gunther is the best listener; he’ll listen for hours on end, to anything really.  As Gunther is a bear, he’s naturally a protector, but he also likes to snuggle.  He’s the ultimate secret-keeper; loyal to a fault.  Gunther is open-minded and accepting of all others.  His best friend is named Stempy.  Stempy has no arms, and wears a silly lace collar and a mismatched, patterned sweater.  But Gunther sees through all that to Stemp’s good heart.   He knows how to forgive.  He’s humble.  Gunther is anything but manipulative.  He likes to party, but is also good for a night in.  Gunther is constant, sound, reliable, steadfast.  He’s not perfect:  his neck is a little long and he’s a tad chubby (gets the munchies sometimes) so he’s not threatening or intimidating.  Gunther is a good sharer.  He’s easygoing, far from high maintenance.  Gunther has a lot of love to give and lets you love him back.

Everyone loves Gunther; he wears easy on you, makes you happy. 

So am I going to fret and worry if not everyone I meet thinks I’m an angel in disguise?  Nope.  But I think I can learn something from Gunther about how to love and be loved.  I don’t need any enemies, just friends.      



In Colombia & At Vandy: warming him up after someone put him in the freezer.



There's No Place Like Home

Little Dorothy has had it right all along. Although I wasn’t “home home” per say this weekend; it sure felt like it.

This weekend I was reminded of so many things that I already know. But it feels good to be reminded. I was reminded of how strikingly beautiful Vanderbilt’s campus is on a warm, cloudless, October afternoon; of how you can’t go wrong with the plethora of options in a Panera’s You-Pick-Two; of how despite now being 23 I think I will always prefer a good frat party over a bar; and of how peanut butter and conditioner make a perfect combo for getting gum out of your hair. Exponentially more importantly, I was reminded of the value of true friendship; of the joy of a good surprise; of the strength of a mother’s love; of the comfort of sharing with those you trust; of the solidity of an honest, dedicated father; and of happiness so genuine it’s hard to keep down an obnoxious smile.

So why leave? Good question.

For me, the adrenaline, the leap of faith, and the test of personal strength and perseverance is just as important as the comfort of the familiar. When it comes to my room and my eating habits, I like it the same: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. But when it comes to life experiences, I’m incessantly asking for more, for new. I think I have been able to love and appreciate travel because of how much I love home, not in spite of it. So thanks; I miss you already.