so there's this guy who i think about every now and then when i'm strolling around campus. i'll be in a pissy mood or eager to get home or to class or just sort of zoning out on the world, and i'll hear the words he said to me once a few years ago. i must have been a little down, or unhappy with Cal, as i often was during my first two years, and he said: "you know, lisa, you really need to just stop and appreciate how beautiful all THIS is -- the sky, the trees, the grass. it's awesome. you don't see all of it because you've seen it so many times before and you've taken it for granted. but stop and consider how beautiful your surroundings are every now and then. it will make you happy, make you glad to be ALIVE." and it's so true; it's so simple to do, and it's all so beautiful. but at the time, i was skeptical. so he said: "you know what? one night i'll take you around campus and i'll show you what i mean -- the sky, and the stars, and all of it." it was a sweet gesture, totally honest and sincere, one of the few i've ever witnessed in a man. unfortunately, we both forgot about it, and over time, drifted apart. perhaps i'll give him a ring and remind him before i graduate. or maybe i'll just treasure the way he made the scenery, often ignored, dull and indistinct, come alive. either way, i really appreciate any person who can teach me to look at something in a different light. and if he's reading this now...thanks.