Thursday, December 18, 2008

The More Things Change...


Graduation 2004
The more they remain the same...

Graduation 2008

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Insomnia

I'm officially done with school next Thursday. That is as long as I don't tank the final that I'm supposed to be studying for. Procrastination...I've danced with her so many times already, what's one more dance going to hurt.

I have an idea of what I want to do with my future, but not a specific one. I like that. I think I tied myself down a bit too much last time I went job hunting. I was definitely focused on what I should be doing instead of what I wanted to being doing.

After looking through my past a little, I've come to this conclusion. I like it for what it was. I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't want to relive any of it. I say that because I like the way my present has worked itself out.

There are nights when taking a nap on the couch is better than going downtown. Inner peace and all that jazz.

Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves before writing them off.

"You clear you conscience with words so weak and empty, but something your eyes gave you away."
- Vendetta Red

The only thing keeping me from thinking this is a completely bad idea is her eyes. They're nothing special, but they're full of genuine emotion -- hope, happiness, joy. There's a dreamer there, and I like that.

The thing that made me realize that I'd be making a mistake if I thought about this any further is her eyes. They may be big and beautiful, but I don't feel like there's any warmth there.

Its getting late...early. Sleep would be a good idea.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Spillage

A lot of things in life are mental. Everything else is physical. A good walk is where those two intersect. It's good for the body while at the same time increasing blood flow to the brain. Releasing endorphins and all of that jazz. Here's to making this a daily thing. Which shouldn't be too hard as I'm more wasteful with my time than I am productive.

Life's funny sometimes. Just when you thought you closed an old book, in comes a gust a wind to blow the cover open. Lovely.

I think she's pretty awesome. Definitely moreso than anyone else. Too bad I have no clue what step 2 should be. Or even if there is a chance for a step 2 to even occur.

It doesn't matter how many times I say it, no one believes me. Money isn't the solution to everything and happiness is vastly underrated in today's society. Oh well. Mom always said that sometimes the best lessons are the ones you have to learn the hard way.

"Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't."

I stopped feeling guilty years ago. Things always work out in the end.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Winter Doldrums

It's that time of year when everyone gets a little sad. I'm no different.

I'm not too fond of school right now, I'm confused as to where I want to go and what I want to do in life, and I'm a little lonely. The loneliness part surprises me because I've got a fair share of friends, but very few that I feel like I connect with deeply. Add in the fact that money is starting to run low again and I think it is easy to understand why I'm not in the greatest of moods.

But it could always be worse. In fact, it has been worse. And I'm still here.

Things will pass.

In more positive news, I just had a warm bowl of soup not too long ago. Man that felt good. :-)

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Meh

I thought about posting this over at the EAP, but it's more fitting here; seeing as how it was here I detailed my plans about going to grad school, the entire admissions process, and the early part of my grad school here. Here I am a little less than a month away from graduation and I'm simply over the whole grad school thing.

I don't know if I'm out of energy, out of motivation, or just out of overall "care," but I just have no desire to get through this semester. Now will I? Of course. I've come too far to just throw in the towel. But instead of a wild sprint to the finish line, it'll definitely be a slow limp.

Last night I looked over my undergaduate transcripts. It was a beautiful piece of paper. Lots of As, a few Bs, and a couple of Ds from freshman year (hey, no one's perfect). Then I thought back to my high school transcript -- damn near flawless. Then I looked at my graduate school transcripts -- mostly Bs. Is that bad? No. But it's not me. Or is it?

Left to my own devices, I'm a high-B/low-A student by default. And that's pretty much where I've been for most of grad school. Without the pressures of high school or the "catch-up" mentality of undergad (I had a 1.9 GPA early on) I've regressed to the mean. What could have caused this?

Working. As much as I hate to admit it, my last two jobs have broken my spirit a little. Everytime I wanted to do well or excel, I was told that "my extra effort wasn't necessary" or that I "needed to follow orders as instructed from corporate." So I did what any one else would do -- stopped trying. Combined with the fact that I quickly found out that my grades in college were worthless in the real world, it's kinda easy to see how these things quickly added up to zero motivation for grad school.

So here I am now. Just trying to get to the end. Not really concerning myself with grades, group projects, papers, or trying to impress my professors. Because for as much as the egotistical part of me wants to do well, the realist part of me knows that none of this shit will matter in a year's time. Like other things I've chosen to blog about in this space, I'm OK with that.

There are more important things for me to concern myself with.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Head Scratcher

A little piece of my heart would love to open itself back to her.  I think it's because I'm sitting on her couch right now after the most impromptu of any New Haven trips, but still that feeling is there.

However part of me wonders how much of that is because I may still really want her and everything that becomes with her or because I just want her to refill that open space inside of me.

Actually, I don't wonder.  I know it's the latter.  As pretty and awesome she is, know that for whatever reason, I've grown slightly cold to her.  Not by choice, not on purpose, and I doubt she even realizes it.  But I can feel it...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Listen

I'm a little amazed at my lack of emotion this weekend. Usually any time that she's in my presence I'm all doe-eyed and dreamy. But this time...nothing. It could have been the "home field advantage." It could have been because I was spread too thin between everyone who was in town this weekend. Or maybe it was because, whether I want to admit it or not, both my mind and my heart finally decided to come to the realization that it's time to move along.

Surprisingly, I think I'm OK with that.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Best Won't Do

I can't control everything that changes. I can change things that I control.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Some Things Are Better Left To Chance

"I truly enjoy 'her.' Sooo...barring anything unexpected, I guess this is the point where I pretend to not think about her daily and just hope that life works itself out."
- June 9, 2008

There's a weekend in October that I just got more excited for than I normally do.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Sadeness

"Sade, dis-moi"

I was a little conflicted as to where to make this post, as it doesn't fit in with the overall theme of this blog. But I'll post it here and see what happens.

I'm writing this post for everyone, but I'd like to pose a question to any and all bloggers that come across this. What would happen to your blog(s) if you were to no longer exist? -- be it for whatever circumstances. Death, alien abduction, witness relocation, or just plain ol' moving on in your life.

I was reading up on the Marquis de Sade, a man who was imprisoned multiple times for his pornographic, yet philosophic, writings when this thought crossed my mind. While many of his works have been perseved for generations, many of his works were lost or destroyed.

His thoughts, his words, his ideas, his musings -- lost forever.

While its pretty much a given that whatever he had to say may be more important than anything I rant and rave on about here, I can't say that the thought doesn't cross my mind of what would would happen to all the stuff I've written over the years. If I died tomorrow, would people actually know that this blog existed? And if so, for how long? If the Blogger servers perished in a fire, would there a chance that any of my writings would be spared? My memories, thoughts, and longings all gone in an instant.

But so is the pattern of life. Sure, there are tons of books and writing around today that have lasted for centuries, but think about all the ones that didn't make it. Wars, famine, sickness, climate, and time itself have all had their say on what texts would last over time.

We as bloggers should expect no different with our texts. If by chance, someone comes across this writing 1,000 years from now -- smile like you mean it, you'll thank yourself later. If not, well then...

"Sade, donne-moi"

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Roll The Dice 19

Just cleaning my head out...
  • $1 to the person who actually sees that the EAP is jumping from 18 to 20 the next time I do one of these. And there I was thinking I was slick when I started at 17 when I did a Technologic post with the same title.
  • For some unknown reason, the Olympic ceremony that took place in Beijing made me prouder than normal to be a US citizen. Be it our choice of flag bearer or because this year's game is taking place in a truly foreign country (Australia speaks English and Greece is the home of the Olympics, so neither felt "truly" foreign) something inside me made me really proud to be an American. Now will that feeling be there in 17 days? Who knows.
  • I can't find any motivation right now. School. Work. Social life. It's all just more of the same. I'm in dire need of a change of scenery.
  • I eat too much. I need to stop that. Or at least exercise more. And drink less.
  • Here's a conundrum. I decide to "rebuild my ladder." An open call on dating and talking to women. Things have gone decently well. New people have entered into my life all with their own personalities. Thing is, I'm not sure if I want to even bother myself with getting to know them. Why? Because I'm not sure if I like them or not. How do I not know if I like them or not? Because I decided that it would be a good idea to forget what I like in order to try something new. Go fig...
  • One of my biggest fears in life is not living up to my potential. I feel that I'm supposed to accomplish something great. But where is the line drawn between what I'm "supposed" to accomplish and what makes me happy?
  • Backing up to this whole ladder thing, someone asked me why I can't shake Michele and what makes her different from other girls. I think the thing is I never get to talk to her. She feels so distant. That lack of contact probably makes me miss her more than I should. But now I'm just retreading old territory. I'll move on.
  • Outside of Michele, the person I probably miss the most is my little sister. Sure, she's an adult now (she's 21...wow, time flies) but I miss her company. We never have real conversations and when we do they're short and to the point -- but that's what I like about her. She knows me and I know her and that's cool. "Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future." Very true.
  • Money isn't important to me. Just happiness. But more times than not it seems as if you need one to get to the other.
  • Part of me wants a big move. If for no reason other than to reinvent myself. The person I am now wouldn't have any clue who he was 10 years ago. That was the plan. And just like how I felt that I was outgrowing my skin a decade ago, I feel the same way now. The bad thing is, while I somewhat enjoyed life in high school, I really enjoy life now. I really have no complaints. But be it not reaching my potential, not being as happy as I could be, or not getting to the life I want to get to, I know that doing the same things I'm doing now won't help me in the long run. So now it's time to hit the reset button...

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Nothing's Left



*looksup*

*heavysigh*

(Piddy proceeds to push the base of what looks to be a giant ladder, toppling it over in the process)

*ladderfalls*

(Piddy sits amongst the debris as Mr. Polk walks up)

Mr. Polk: What was that for?
Piddy: What was what for?
Mr. Polk: Was there really a need to knock that ladder down?
Piddy: Not really. But at the same time, was there a need to keep it?
Mr. Polk: Touche'.

(Both characters are left to gaze out upon the open expanse, only to wonder what comes next...)

Saturday, July 26, 2008

7.26.08

I think I'm growing up a little.

Schedules. Going to bed early. Making actual plans.

It's different, but I'm not up for fighting it.

So far, I like it.

Friday, July 18, 2008

7.18.08

When you have nothing you appreciate what you do have just a little bit more.

Monday, June 09, 2008

Off The Grid: 6/9/08

I'm just going to type until I feel better. Not that I'm upset or anything, there's just something I've got to get off my chest.

I don't think I've ever told anyone this. I don't think I've ever even told myself actually. I'm in love with Michele. Those words just look odd there, but they're true. They have been for close to the last five years or so...

So why the sudden announcement? Well its not really an announcement as its been painfully obvious to anyone who's been around me a while, but I think I'm just coming to terms with it. I don't know the exact moment when it happened, but I know I can't shake it. I've tried to. It doesn't work.

I compare every girl to her. They're not as pretty. They're not as smart. They're not as caring. They can't hold a conversation as well. They just don't measure up.

So why not go after her if no one can fill her void? Believe me, I'd love to. But there's about a thousand miles between us -- and as stubborn as both of us can be, I have a feeling that neither one of us is planning on moving any time soon. I can't blame either one of us though. She's a northern girl and I'm a southern boy. To say that one of us would have to make a lifestyle change would be an understatement. Now would I consider picking up all of my stuff and moving to suburban Connecticut? For her, in a heartbeat. Am I going to? Of course not. I like rationalizing stuff, and unless I knew there was some chance that this could actually work out, I'm not going anywhere. But given the right circumstances, I'd up and go, no questions asked. And as much as my friends and family would be upset to see me go, I think they would understand.

In the meantime, I enjoy her when I can. I recently got done with a trip to the northeast. Swinging two states over to go see her was not part of the original plan -- though to no one's surprise it quickly became it. And from the time I got off the train in New Haven to the second she dropped me off at the place where I was originally supposed to be (which wound up being about a full 24 hours), I was as happy as I could be.

I truly enjoy "her."

But in the same breath, I get horribly lovesick when we part ways. I try to keep the goodbyes short just so they're not awkward, but I would love to hold that hug a second or so longer. After she's gone my heart usually hurts for a little bit. A day or so maybe. There's lots of short breaths with an occasional tear or two. But that's fine. It helps me feel better.

Though once I get done reminiscing over the recent time that past, be it from looking at pictures, daydreaming, or listening to music, my very next thought is, "That was great. If only I knew when I get to see her again."

Which I guess brings me to where I am now. No one's getting married any time soon and I don't have another $350 to hop on a plane again. Sooo...barring anything unexpected, I guess this is the point where I pretend to not think about her daily and just hope that life works itself out.

If only I could think of some way to accelerate that process though...

Monday, April 21, 2008

Slow Dance

I don't remember the song.

I remember her smile. That's all I need.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Hugs

I've got a friend lately who has all the sudden started giving me the biggest, longest, most personal hugs ever. Its a little random, as our friendship has never really involved much of anything beyond a high five. But evenso, I really enjoy it. It's great to get a occasionally get a hug that says, "hey friend. I enjoy you as a person. Let me share that feeling with you." Sure, its random and sometimes a little odd, but I've never pulled back from any of her hugs...no matter how out of place they may be.


Monday, February 18, 2008

Off The Grid: 2/18/08

Seeing as how the spotlight is on the EAP and Technologic, I think I can post here without worry. It may help me ease my mind.

Do I feel bad about asking her to leave my house? Somewhat. I wanted her gone because I wanted my space and I wanted her to actually try and do something with herself. I do feel bad about the way things ended though. Sure, the girl is clinically batshit crazy, but she had some good traits about her. While I can't say that I ever want her back in my life in any shape, fashion, or form, I can honestly say that I hope life picks up for her. She'll be the first to tell you that she's had a shitty life -- and I won't disagree with her. Yes, its true that a good deal of it is her fault, but there's only so much that you can do when there's no forward momentum in your life.

I still miss Michele. As always, I could write a 5,000 word essay on that subject with lots of old pictures and bad music from The Cure, but in the end it would just be 4,996 words to much. It's been almost four years and everytime I think I've finally let go, the sinking realization sets in that she was perfect for me and I failed to move. I think its the last part that hurts the most.

I'm very much at a loss for what I want to do with my life. I've groomed myself to believe that business is where its at and what I need to be doing. Marketing, management, IT, information systems and the like with an MBA on top of all that. The funny thing is, there's a better chance of me winding up working at a newspaper than there is of me working at a Fortune 500 company. And you know what, as long as I'm happy I would be absolutely fine with that.

I love my mom. And my dad. And even my baby sister -- who turns 21 in a month -- too. I'm very blessed to have a family I love and one that loves me back. Throughout my travels, I've found out that my life is not the norm for everyone.

I'm not sure why lately, but I have been loving milk. And hot toast. Not necessarily together, but that's fine too.

Sleeping alone is fine. I enjoy my space, my covers, and the ability to fart in my sleep without waking up wondering if I farted. But there's something nice about sleeping in the same bed with a woman from time to time. Their sheets are clean, their pillows are fluffy, and the room smells good. Then there's those moments when you wake up and realize that she's rolled over to where she's sleeping on your back. As much as you want to move her because its sort of uncomfortable, you let her stay. It's actually more comfortable that way.

There's something about the breeze of early springtime. With its arrival comes the promise of new adventures and untapped potential. However it also carries with it an ocean of memories and emotions that you thought you had forgotten...