'Tis the Season

While it is definitely not Christmas time, not even Thanksgiving, It Is Halloween Time. I had no idea before tonight that Halloween could be a seasonal time of celebration. I got a taste of what that's like tonight at a close friend's pumpkin carving party. Apparently, this is an annual event where various family and friends gather to carve numerous pumpkin's to place in this friends front yard. I really enjoyed the time spent with friends carving pumpkins, eating food, throwing around the football, and chilling. As fun as this all was, I must say it was somewhat bittersweet as this will be my last Halloween before I go off to college at either the Air Force Academy, Stanford, or somewhere else. Tonight was very nice for me, especially getting to spend time with people I really care about. It was much different than any other pre-Halloween festivity I have ever participated in before. I loved it.

Go Panthers

Alright, so apparently I'm now writing to a total of 3 people now, Dustin, myself, and maybe Donnie? That is not problem, alas I still enjoy converting my thoughts to words. But if you do read, feel free to comment, even just to say hi.

I just returned home from the North vs. South Volleyball game. Much to my satisfaction South dominated, beating North 3-1, and completing a season sweep of the Black Tornado. I found myself quite stoked, but at the same time a tad melancholy as my stomach ached the whole time, and a certain someone didn't show up. Either way, a great time was had, and I even had some time to talk with my bro between one of the games. After taking a 14 page Literature final today, I feel drained, and tired. This coupled with the absence of homework makes me want to go to bed....Now. I just have one last thing to say, Mary I straight up dominated your test, What's up now?

Childhood Memories

Today I was playing tennis in Jacksonville, in the Pheasant Meadows neighborhood, and right beside our court a group of 10 or so elementary-school-age kids were playing flag football. While it is not out of the normal for this to happen, I must say, seeing this today was quite different. I witnessed the unbridled innocence of youth. Not that I feel old, but I must admit that seeing those kids made me long for those day in my youth, the ones free of any worries, hakunamatada. I can remember those days quite well. The old neighborhood, carriage lane; touch football, basketball, four-square, hockey- all in the streets or a neighbors yard. No homework to hinder our thoughts, or keep us indoors. Only dinnertime prevented us from embracing the freedom of sport and fellowship.

These days seem all too complicated. Weighed down by the nonsense of school and extracurricular activities, caught up in the drama of friendships, relationships and other foolishness. Back then time stood still, a day seems like it could have lasted a whole week. Now time is precious commodity, and in this autumn season it really does fly like the wind! I hate to sound like I'm complaining, I enjoy my life right now quite a bit. I have been blessed with a family and friends that truly care about me, and that I can truly care for. School has gone great, been easy, and I even did a play for the first time. I suppose things are neither better or worse than they were back in the days when I called myself a Jacksonville Pioneer, just different. Change is abound is all, almost constant. It sure would be nice if some parts of life were easy controlled....manipulated, but alas they aren't. The only thing we can do is play out our cards as they're dealt. Or is it possible to go back to that state of mind, one a child, and not worry about the cards? Will pretending that they don't exist simplify life, or cover the many answers and patterns that we have figured out about life as we develop? Who knows; I sure don't.

Weekend Retreat

There exists one place, special to my heart, a modern Sharngri-La of sorts called Sunriver. Located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon, Sunriver is the perfect combination of the outdoors and civilization. I have been quite blessed to be able to frequent this small euphoric sanctuary, as my Grandpa, "papa" to me, owns a house there. He bought the house as an investment, one to rent to the many tourists that flock to Sunriver, but whenever it's not occupied our family is free to head up there.

This weekend was special as my mom's side of the family, all 11 of us and 6 dogs, gathered to celebrate Papa's 71st birthday. Ironically enough we all live in the Medford/Jacksonville area, but felt it necessary to drive the 3 hours to Sunriver to spend time together. I am not going to complain in the least. My family arrived at 8pm Friday night, to the familiar fresh air, and aroma of nature that I remember so well. After settling in, we congregated in the main room to talk, eat an assortment of cheese and fruits, and watch playoff baseball. Let me tell you, getting to sleep at 10:45 on a Friday night might seem crazy at home, but in Sunriver it is normal, and welcomed.

After waking at 8:00 and enjoying the jacuzzi with my dad, we headed to the Sunriver Coffee Co., in the Sunriver Mall for a morning Latte and Hot Cocoa. A meal was being prepared by my aunt at the house, but we decided to get drinks because we could. We got home in time to enjoy pumpkin pancakes, and homemade syrup (my aunt loves to cook if you couldn't tell). It was glorious. We headed into town for an unsuccessful day of shopping, but did get the chance to enjoy lunch at one of my favorite stores, Wild Oats Market. They have a wide selection of organic and natural foods, as well as an extensive deli. I split a slice of cheese pizza and some spicy tuna sushi with my sister Kelly. For dessert we enjoyed a triple layered mousse, again delicious. I love going to Bend, particularly for shops such as Wild Oats, because no stores in Medford can begin to compare to their uniqueness and selection.

When we got back to the house, I went for a nice bike ride with my dad, and took in the lovely views of Mt. Bachelor, the three Sisters, and the golf course. This gave me a great opportunity to get out of the house, and talk with my dad; not just another talk about the weather, the playoffs, or school, but a real discussion about life. It was special, as I haven't had the chance to spend this type of quality time with my family since the school year began. I returned to Jacksonville today, refreshed after a weekend retreat to Sunriver.

Allow me to introduce myself

A whole post into this Blog, and I must apologize for now introducing myself to the person(s)(?) that are reading this. My name is Sean David Rotbart, and I'm presently a Senior, attending South Medford High School. I'm 17 years of age, and my hobbies include tennis, sand volleyball, viola, acting, taking long naps, shopping, and reading.

I created this blog for a myriad of reasons. After reading the blogs of several friends Donnie
, Scott, and Preston I have decided that creating my own would give me the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions on various topics. I find writing an enchanting way to express my feelings, and put whatever is running though my head into words. Also, I find myself with quite a wealth of free time these days. Hopefully, I can spend some quality time blogging, and entertaining you as well.

Speaking of entertaining people; I will be performing in one of three one-act plays at South Medford, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 pm. Each of the three plays is directed by Brandon Manley, Steve Emerson, and Ralph Emerson for their senior projects. I'm in Ralph's play called "Wanted: One Groom". I play Richard, an attractive 22 year old law student, who is very interested in antiques. This play is very funny in my opinion, and you should see it, and decide for yourself. I am very excited, as this is the first time I have gotten involved in a drama production in my tenure at South. It comes with part of my "you should try most things once philosophy", that I would want to be in a play before graduating. I find myself fairly calm, considering that there is less than a day till we perform, but I am confident in the great friends that will be playing along side of me, including Jenna Johnson, Shawn Freshour, Dene Anderberg, and Bethany Finear. It should be quite enjoyable.

Unrequited Feelings...

I guess this is going to be a new extension of my 1-post-old blog. I set it up too quickly and gave little thought to its name, design, and other aesthetics. Finding myself unsure of the days ahead, i've come here to put my thoughts into words. It seems i've entered a realm, of teenage drama and passion; one i've narrowly avoided in recent years. Right now I ponder the broad spectrum of human emotion, and how the slightest action or non-action can alter one's reality. While I can't say exactly why melancholy looms over my persona right now, it seems instinctive to write. I suppose it's therapeautic.
One explanation for my muddled dispotion at this time is my car. My exquisite baby, one i've cared for immaculately for the past 14 months got hit by another car while in the South parking lot, while I was cheering South to victory. I try to love her just the same, but that love feels tainted, changed by her new appearance. Needless to say, whoever hit her drove off without leaving me a note or anything, just a damaged car. This event has just been one in a myriad, that have made this weekend a downer.
Another cause is girls, but i guess thats nothing new for teenagers. I guess it comes with great force for me, as i consider myself a nice young man. And for now, I have to agree with the old adage "nice guys finish last". Only time will tell, but lets hope the near future can disprove that. I believe i have exhausted myself for this post. Hopefully i will bring better news come tomorrow or whenever i decide to write again.