It always seems like just another morning.

When I woke up on Friday July 20th, 2012 I expected to roll out of bed on three hours sleep and rush into work. I didn’t expect find myself in tears. I didn’t expect to be have a hard time getting through the day. I didn’t expect to wake to the news of a crazed gunman going on a shooting spree in a crowded movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado.

I myself had spent the better part of the last day at a movie theatre for the same purpose as those who were shot at: to see the movie event of the summer, “The Dark Knight Rises.” I viewed the complete trilogy from 6pm to 3am, and groggily made my way home. But in no way was I suffering in the ways of those who had attended the midnight premiere in Aurora.

I guess that’s why I was so broken up. It could have easily been any theatre in America that a man like James Holmes broke into and unleashed his indifferent attack upon. I couldn’t help but play out the scenario in my head and think of the repercussions if similar events were to take place in my life on that very night. While the event itself was sobering, I think it also helped me put my being into perspective.

It was one of those moments where I was indescribably thankful for what I have in my life. The family and friends, fresh air and green trees, and most importantly the simple happiness that many people — myself included — take for granted on a day-to-day basis. I never want to lose that feeling again.

And now I’ve hit my senior year. In a way I think it was good for me to have this realization. This next year will define me more than ever and I want to enjoy it more than anything — not in a “YOLO” sense, but in a “we’ve got one shot at this, let’s make the most of it and do what we can.” (I won’t bother on the acronym for that one.)

This blog, much like last year, will touch on every base in regards to music, movies, television, pop culture and anything else of interest that pops into my head. So get ready for one more year of what was one of my favorite pastimes last year: blogging to all you wonderful readers. As always you can contact me at [email protected]. It’s going to be a good year.