February 29, 2012
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May the Ride Last
Magical. That’s the adjective my girlfriend chose to describe how she felt about me traveling and befriending so many people I’ve initially met through an online site. Although I made fun of her for picking such a hyperbole, I could see why she saw my experiences that way. It is rather unusual, and I probably wouldn’t have believed it myself just 4 years ago.
Back then, I didn’t really have a strong desire to see the world. I felt content staying in Maryland and truly thought I would stay there all my life. I was comfortable where I was, and perhaps a little afraid to leave my comfort zone.
In January 2009, I decided to take a trip to California to meet up with a few Xangans. I left satisfied, and couldn’t wait until the next time I got the chance to see my friends from out of town. I was worried it wouldn’t happen again for some time. How would I have known that it was just the start of many more trips and gatherings to come?
3 years later, it’s all of a sudden 2012. In that span of time I’ve met up with at least 150 people from here, many of them I’ve hung out with multiple times and some even becoming my most trusted friends. It’s amazing how things worked out, and I find myself lucky to receive this experience.
In a few hours, I will turn 26 years old. I don’t know how much longer we all will continue doing this unbelievable thing. I hope it goes on for many more years, but I have a feeling that over time many of us will start to get tied down by our work, our family, or whatever else life throws our way.
I will no doubt be sad if or when this ride stops, but do know I will forever cherish the fact that my mid-20s were filled with all these vivid, happy memories with you all.
Thanks to everyone that has been on this journey with me!
Comments (115)
Disneyland is also pretty magical. Xangans + disneyland = lots of photobombs waiting to happen.. magical too
There’s always time for friendship/friends. I think everything will go exactly as it should
Living the dream!
True friendships last forever.
Thank you for using the photo where I’m eating a sandwich.
What? You just missed leap year day? Have a happy birthday.
you can keep riding me fo’eva. HIYOOOO!
jaykay.
FUN TIMES FOR 2012
@fLiPgUy31O - i’m glad he did. because you’re in it. haha, actually just thought it might have been more fitting for shawn.
a great way to start another year in your life. happy birthday alex! =)
Very Sweet. “Friends make the worlds go ’round….”
happy birthday!
Someone will have to take over your traveling ways…that of course, will be me!!!! Jk. Happy almost birthday my dear friend.
<3
Some of my best memories of 2011 were with you all
I’m glad I have you as a friend. I think things will work out and we’ll keep in contact.
that journey Alex, my friend—is far, far, far from over!!! I cannot wait to hear all about your many adventures now and in the FUTURE! Best of luck now and always, and HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!!!
bahahah magical.
@HeLLo_Bianca - yes ma’aamm
It is pretty amazing what you do!
It’s so sad we couldn’t meet up on that weekend in February. That weekend became a juggling of events and we almost made it to see you but it didn’t happen. Johnson and I were looking forward to it. I hope there will be a next time.
Happy 26th!! I hope we can meet up when you come to SoCal.
Happy early B-day! xD
(you’re a Pisces, right? though you seem more like an Aries)
so old
i ruv you
Glad to have met you too Alex!
Don’t let the ride end. The ride ends when you let it. Keep your life magical.
Who knows where else you would end up over the horizon?
@Victoriamisu - :]
This is such an endearing tribute to your friends. Hope you have a fantastic 26th birthday! You deserve it!
I know you’ll treasure those close friends Alex. Close, personal friendships are not easy to develop. I also want to wish you a Happy Birthday as well.
this is too cute. i’ve met some pretty great people on xanga too, you included, and i can’t even imagine what life would be like without you all. happy birthday alex, may it be your best one yet!
You ARE a magical person
I’m so glad to have met you and shared some great memories with you and the friends I made from Xanga through YOU! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!
They say friendship never stop, and you can pick up right where you left of.
Just in case – happy early birthday!
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING BABY
happy birthday alex
it was my pleasure meeting you. happy birthday!!
I hopped off the ride after a while, but it was a delight indeed. Live the dream, Alex!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy birthday, ALEX! hope you have your sexy time with Cindy!!
I only met you once, and you’re a cool dude in my book! I hope to hang out with you guys again in the future and I promise I won’t flake this time! LOL!!
Happy birthday!!!
Don’t listen to @Ladiiee - , Alex.
Happy happy birthday!
That was a sweet entry. Who else could say that they’ve done what you’ve done? It’s amazing and you’ve made good friends – it sounds like it is definitely worth it.
aw i loved this post (yes i read the entire thing!), i feel the same way, although i’ve only met you guys once, it’s definitely something i’ll look back on when i’m older hehe, and be glad i did it. what you said about having commitments later on, i think i’m pretty settled down.. family duties, job, commitments.. but i took the time to come meet you guys
, dont’ let that discourage you, cause rem, when ppl get busy with life and work and family, the more they want a break as well lol. that was my case, and the trip meeting you guys was exactly what i needed for a little break.
you guys should definitely have a reunion. and seeing you, flip and sonlay, i don’t think but i KNOW for sure you guys will be life long friends.
Happy Birthday!
This is very sweet!
@smile4leena - Oh man, if we all ever get the chance…
@ArmyWife4Life2007 - I hope so!
@happyobligations - for now…dun dun dun
@oxyGENE_08 - May I have many true ones then!
@fLiPgUy31O - You don’t think it’s flattering?
@PPhilip - Fortunately, 1986 wasn’t a leap year so I wasn’t at risk
@CaKaLusa - You better guarantee that!
@wyrdkismet - I’m getting too old…
@armnatmom - They sure make the world easier to deal with!
@buiptammy - Thank ya
@HelloKitty0809 - I dare you to do better!
@HeLLo_Bianca - Definitely, let’s try not to lose touch for a while now, you hear?
@Endless21Echos - I hope there are many more stories to tell!
@sonychak - she so sillly
@pinktiger335 - I wish I could have met up with you two too. May be a while for the next time =/
@Ricardo98 - Thanks! Maybe next time.
@MzKeekz - I am a Pisces yes. What makes me more like an Aries?
@Timmmmmmy - http://i.imgur.com/L0XRE.gif
@junbelievable08 - http://i.imgur.com/Om5ii.gif
@Dobserver - You’re a good one! Hope there’s a next time.
@x_onholiday - I don’t want it to end!
@ClashoftheTaiten - I still have the other continents I need to explore!
@Sheegwa - They (including you) deserve it. Very fond memories!
@ElusiveWords - I agree, I’ve realized a while now that close friendships are some of the most valuable things you can obtain.
@suuperstar - Thanks, I hope to see you again someday! Say, I think you’re in need of an east coast trip…
@suefa_lee - Those NY nights with you and everyone else was definitely a highlighted memory from 2011 haha. Until next time!
@babixling - Thanks!
@eatandrant - It better be!
@Paul_Partisan - Thank you sir
@rxglasshalffull - The feelings are mutual. Now stop being a stranger, lady!
@GreekPhysique - You sure you have hopped off? Seems like you are still on it
@JustPlainMorgie - Thanks!
You have had quite the amazing journey here on xanga and it’s been pretty interesting to read all about it. Happy birthday mate!!
ossimnessssss
@Ladiiee - At least the time we met was a fun weekend! Gotta do it again sometime soon this year.
@clubsmiley - @stevew918 - @mZdejavuZ - Thanks!
@xOne_twentyX - http://i.imgur.com/jG8B6.gif
@stepaside_loser - I most certainly don’t regret it!
@Joanna_said_SO - I hope you are right…and thank you for reading it all. I feel HONORED, truly.
cherish what you love mate
@CuaSo - Thanks for being a good friend on here. Don’t leave this place anytime soon! Hiatuses I can accept…I guess…
@BenelliMan - http://i.imgur.com/65EOs.gif
@mrqtran - That’s the plan. I hope I don’t get distracted.
Hahaha there’s always fb?
@CuaSo - Perhaps, unless one day you decide I’m no longer deserving to be your FB friend. I will be like this if that happens: http://i.imgur.com/zS2No.gif
@Roadlesstaken - haha oh man, I love that gif. And on a side note: Quinn is hot.
@Roadlesstaken - how can one be distracted from his love? lol
@CuaSo - Yeahhh she is!
@mrqtran - we may take it for granted. (I’ve done it before =/)
@Roadlesstaken - home is where the heart is
That is pretty incredible
I’m glad you’ve been able to travel so much. Friendships are worth it.
Happy Birthday! It’s great when you can find quality friends online. They tend to last a long time. Here’s to many more years of your Xanga-ing and making spectacular friends along the way.
That’s so awesome!
@firetyger - hellz yeah they are!
@Brok3nSpindles - Thanks! Cheers to that!
@Muzwah - http://i.imgur.com/jG8B6.gif
I am so grateful to be your friend, Alex. We make a great meetup hosting team. I look forward to another one!
@chicbananas - http://i.imgur.com/65EOs.gif
Happy birthday, Alex!
I think the only thing you missed in the journeys is me >.<
@fabolousclown - I know I know…I need to find my way to the other side of the world someday!
@Roadlesstaken - Sounds fair :p
How amazing! I’m in Maryland. We should get a bunch of Maryland Xangans together sometimes soon.
Magical, miracle… you are.
@Roadlesstaken - I am! Planning to go to nyc sometime this summer
I’m not in the picture…. T_______T
IT’S OK, I’LL STILL REMEMBER YOU ANYWAY, ALEX, AND I STILL WISH YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY ^_-
But yeah, Xanga’s been awesome, for real. I don’t see the experiences necessarily stopping altogether, but changing, for sure. And that’s ok!
@onestepcloserto_perfection - Cool, you in PG County? I used to live in Anne Arundel but I’m now in Northern VA. Have you met up with Xangans before?
@RestlessButterfly - Ehh, I’m just okay =)
@suuperstar - Do you know when exactly? I can plan to go up to NYC that weekend too.
@Roadlesstaken - high leadership, outgoing and ambitious. (your ability to host Xanga Meets, etc)
@nimbusthedragon - Sorry! You know you’re one of my favorite people anyway, so I’m sure you’ll be alright =)
@MzKeekz - Ah, I suppose so. What were the key traits of Pisces again?
@Roadlesstaken - Yeah no. You broke me for a second there, Alex. BROKE. ME. (I’m joking. Enjoy your birthday to the fullest! 26 is an awesome age.)
@Roadlesstaken - For Pisces…they’re stereotypically the “dreamer”, poetic and intuitive. I dunno if those are your inner traits though.
@Roadlesstaken - It’ll prob be in july or august, once im done my grad trip and vegas. I’ll definitely keep you updated =)
Is always good to make friends but you have to realize that you become happy when you make friends and happier when you have someting tangible doing to keep the friendship alive.(you have to work some times)
Bravo!
I’ve met about a dozen people over the years that I knew exclusively online..and the experience is always interesting. Some are exactly the same in person…others…well…either they worked to hard being gregarious online, and were actually much more reserved f2f, or in a few sad cases, were complete put up jobs.
In any event, it’s been fascinating…and it opens a whole new world…
Ah, you’re the same age as my niece and nephew. We tell them that mid-20s is an excellent time to have kids. But then they look at their little cousins, and go, “Oh hell no!”
c:
You are so lucky to be doing what you do. If only I had the resources/time
Have a great 26th birthday!
This is cute! I fully know the feeling! Rather than Xanga, it was gaming for me! More specifically, Counterstrike 1.6 about 7 years ago. I’ve met & made close friends for a lifetime. I even had a pretty successful long distance relationship for 3 years. Who’d of thought?
–oh and, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Your life definitely sounds like it has been fulfilling so far. Happy birthday and I hope you have another great year!
Happy Birthdya again man!
And this is really nice post
Happy Birthday Alex! You’ve been on many grand adventures, indeed. I hope you continue to have more =).
I need to create more memories like you seem to do.
@nimbusthedragon - but 26…is so OLD! (don’t kill me)
@MzKeekz - I definitely see myself as a dreamer too. Perhaps I’m a hybrid?
@suuperstar - Sounds good!
@Alfredonov@datingish - Some of the best things require effort, so I agree we gotta work at it
@galadrial - Yeah you always run that risks. Fortunately, most people have been what I expected.
@rpghero27 - Great! Got me thinking….
@ShimmerBodyCream - ^_^
@jumpthenfly - Make time!
@babiipnay7o6 - From Counterstrike eh? I wouldn’t have guessed! And thanks =)
@karen0z - Thank you!
@K12N9 - Me too, me too. Perhaps one day you’ll join in?
@jennfaceee - Keep on making appearances when I visit NYC!
Great post. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday
@Lynn1013 - @EternalLove - Thanks!
May I just say that you are tremendously wordly for a 26 year old? Even though we’ve never met in person, it has been an honor getting to know you these past few years and I wish you good health and great happiness in the year ahead. Happy birthday!
It was quite awesome having met you Alex. Xanga as a whole is pretty magical thanks to folks like you who keep things real and live. I don’t think many of us expected to have people we’ve read about online, literally jump out and meet us in real life; and it’s been an exhilarating and interesting way to meet people. Most of us still have lots of time before getting married and having kids, between now and then, I’m sure there is still plenty of meeting up and exploring together to do!
@christao408 - How young were you when you started your traveling? I think you’ve traveled far more than me! One day, I’ll make it to the other side of thew world
@AzureRecollections - Indeed! How far are you from Montreal? I MAY be visiting there this year.
@Roadlesstaken - 2.5 hours, not too far from Kingston (a bit far from Toronto though if I’m back there). Let me know the deets when things are settled bud. Haven’t been there in a while!
jealous! you got to meet so many people from here!
@Roadlesstaken - I traveled some domestically as a child, but only because my father worked for United so we could fly inexpensively. Didn’t travel outside the country until 21 (Canada) and over the ocean until 25.
@JessxMaxine - I’m very fortunate!
aww you make it sound so depressing but I’m glad I met you …you popped my xanga virgin hahah & glad I met everyone else
@hollywoodfever91 - bittersweet I would rather say! I’m glad you came.
haha nice man.
hope to travel around and meet tons of people like you yo!
I’m glad I met you through Xanga, even though I don’t blog as much anymore. XD Hope you’re well
@H0Eass - Let me know whenever you do an east coast tour!
@Roadrunner28 - blog more blog more!
I missed your birthday. I’m sorry. Happy belated birthday. You missed mine too. Sunday. It’s good to be 21.
Also, I miss you in general.
@PiscesPhishie - Where you been? I remember trying to contact you when I was in TX but didn’t hear back
@Roadlesstaken - WHAT… WHAT….I am distraught at my lack of commitment to this relationship. I’m gonna make it up someway, somehow.
WOW 150?!? What a record lol. That is such a precious picture of you guys and I bet you had an amazing birthday!
@aliceandrandy - At least 150, I lost count haha