As per status quo, I have waited ages before providing you with another fine blog entry. Well, last time I blogged not much was going on. But now that fall is among us, quite a bit has gone down and there is quite a bit to look forward to.
Tis the season for chilly weather, pumpkins, apple picking, and Halloween-esque activities. I'm excited for fall as we have officially bid farewell to the season of heat and beach trips. Sit back, relax and enjoy what I have to say. As usual, it's going to be vague as I try to provide you solely with the fundamentals of things I learn on my daily excursions. Here we go.
Yeah, so remember how my last post said variety was removed from my life?
I was wrong.
I think I was going through what I would like to call the "break in period". I will classify this as a several month interval where a recent college grad has to adjust to the working life. This involves a lot of dedication and settling in to the new environment. With this comes a LOT of sleep. Work, sleep, (and of course eat)...but not much else.
I think I am moving past the break in period. Energy has been restored to me and I've been actually doing a lot of stuff. Life is actually starting to be fun again!
That being said, I pushed my move-out date up. Uh, it's this coming weekend. Did I really say I was going to wait until next summer!? To any college graduate who is happy going back home permanently after college. MORE POWER TO YOU. I can't do it anymore. I miss my freedoms and this commute is a burden. BUT, this coming weekend that all changes. I can look forward to a new life, new friends, and new memories to build in Connecticut.
You may be wondering what I was referring to when I said I was wrong about variety being removed from my life. Or, maybe you don't care. I figure if you've read this far, you might as well go the extra mile and hear. The question is, how much do I want to tell you?
Let's just say...life has a funny way of biting you in the ass. You'd like to think you could believe in simple concepts like Meritocracy and that if you do good by people, you will be repaid. By the same logic people love to state how much "karma is a bitch" and think that because someone wronged them, that person is doomed to some sort of terrible fate. Well, sorry to break it to you guys, but its all bullshit. The universe has no fucking idea what 'good' and 'bad' are. It simply understands that matter interacts and that a cause will yield an effect. I'll explain what I mean.
In an effort to make yourself think you are a good person, you could try to do what you think is the right thing. Let's call this action A. Because you are proceeding with action A, and in your mind action A is 'good', you expect to be reimbursed with positive results.Your results will be called results B. If you think for a second that a 'good' action A guarantees a 'good' results B, you need to brush up on your logic. There will certainly be a results B. That's guaranteed. BUT, a 'good' action A can in fact yield a 'bad' results B. The 'good' and 'bad' is in the eyes of the observer; in this case you. YOU are just one piece of the puzzle. What am I getting at?
Use your mind when making decisions. Don't act through instinct. As humans we are emotional creatures and we act with feeling. We're all guilty of it and in tons of cases we cannot help it. A lot of times we will try to justify one action with another. Sometimes that second action makes things worse; even if you believe straight down to your core that it told your instincts it was the right move. What I would want you to take away from this is, before proceeding with action A, spend some time thinking about all possible result B outcomes. Also think about the benefits of NOT proceeding with action A. Don't sit back and wait for the universe to find you and commend you on your 'good' actions.
Follow this and your life will have less regret. That's a guarantee.
Hope you enjoyed the post. I think that's everything.
Well, one last thing. Having money is amazing. AMAZING.
Is a 21 year old college grad too old to dress up for Halloween? Decisions, decisions.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Summer's....Over?
It's an interesting moment when you head directly to the gym from work and join the hoard of middle aged businessmen changing into their sweat shorts to attempt to get in shape before going home to dinner. You feel like you've officially crossed over into adulthood; until you realize you forgot your running shoes. At this point, you either work out in your shower shoes, go home and get proper shoes, or give up. I'd like to call it the fat child within me to use this as an excuse to blow off the gym and get food, which is precisely what I did. That little bit of immaturity saved me from believing that I had really become an adult.
On that note, the last days of summer are among us and for once, I am not among the swarm of happy college kids excited to go back for a year of friends, fun, and time away from their parents. I passed through my old campus this weekend, and it was such an odd feeling to be around without a sense of belonging. Ironically enough, it was the oldest college memories that flashed back to me. The first days as a scared freshman; the progression into second semester and sophomore year. Why were those thoughts so crystal clear over the most recent, happier ones? I have no idea. But it made me realize that college didn't exactly fly by the way I thought it did. There were many memories forgotten, lost deep within my mind that for some reason were surfacing. I really didn't mind, it was actually a happy feeling.
So yes, the last time I blogged was at the beginning of summer. I had just gotten back from Europe, and was in the first few days at my new job. I'm still there, and really settling in. Having money is awesome. Three day weekends? Also a nice perk. I can't say after getting home from Europe that I did anything exciting this summer. I've settled into a routine, which makes the time fly. The next big step in my life will be moving out of the house, which won't start being looked into until January of 2013.
So to give an update, there's not much of an update. Variety has been removed from my life, and I'm going through the motions. Sadly, I have this feeling of waiting inside me. Like everything in my life is temporary, and I'm biding time for something bigger to happen. What exactly am I waiting for?
Sunday, July 1, 2012
I'm Back.
And employed. And it's exactly what I thought it would be. It's a job, I go to it, I get paid. I work all week and have weekends off. Really not much else to that. The scary thing is realizing there's no big lifestyle change coming after summer, since college is obviously over. Still coping, and once again the shitty feelings are exactly what I predicted. I've kept in touch pretty well with friends, actually better than I thought. However, the most exciting thing I have to look forward to this year is...Christmas I guess?
Next year, I'd like to get a place close to work. Perhaps with room mates, we'll see what works out. For now, I'll stick to the 45 minute commute and living rent free at home. Luckily, I've got all my friends still around this summer. Some will go away to finish school in the fall, but the real changes will come next summer.
Oh yeah, I forgot...Europe was pretty awesome. Let's begin with a breakdown, shall we:
London.
The flight was long. But, after a long-ass customs line and a couple-hour bus ride, we made it to our hotel. We were on the outskirts of London, probably so the touring company can save $$. However, I didn't mind. The area wasn't bad and was being built up because the Olympics were close. When we got to London, I feel like people still didn't break out of their groups too much. I was with a few people but everyone was so tired since we were exploring on zero sleep, that stimulating conversations weren't exactly flowing. We effectively were touring London as zombies. We also didn't know where to go, got lost a few times, you know how it is. Later that night we hit up some pubs, and that was a good time. Allowed me some time to get to know some of my fellow travelers.
The next day was better. We had a tour guide and covered all the bases we missed the night before. The London Eye was great, saw such a great view. All in all, a great day in London followed by a great night out, in which we wandered our way to a pub a good ways away from the hotel. Again, at this point our group was still pretty divided.
Paris.
Sorry to all you French people and french loving people, but the French suck. Very arrogant and very rude to foreigners. Yes, Paris was beautiful. Everything about it except the people. Enough of that though, Paris was huge. Like, tons of walking. We did the obvious, like Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. I also had a McBaguette, Mcdonald's influence on France. The highlight by and far, was the group of us that went to the Moulin Rouge followed by a night club. A very fun night, and now I can say I've been to a French show...in France!
Roma.
The quarters for our overnight train to Rome...four people to a tiny ass train car. But we did it. The best part was we got to drink with the people in the train car next to us (on our trip also), and the bonding was awesome. When you're combining seven college kids in Europe with a tiny train car and alcohol, you're bound to make some friends.
Actually arriving in Rome was great. This being my second time after being there on a high school trip, I was slightly less excited than the other places. However, the oppurtunity to experience the same thing with new people seemed exciting enough. Our hotel, was inside of the same building as a church. It was the most old-style hotel I've ever seen, but a great experience nontheless. Of course, we experienced all of Rome's wonders. (The Trevi Fountain still being my personal favorite). Bars by night sealed the Rome experience. Our last night in Rome was a sad one, as those who only came for Part 1 of the trip would head home the following morning. However, it was a great time and one I won't forget soon.
Sorrento.
The tour bus was so empty without the other 60% of our travelers that departed. With not much of a choice, the rest of us made our way to Sorrento. I have to say, it has to be the most beautiful place I have ever witnessed. Absolutely, drop dead, gorgeous views. We arrived in a hotel that did the job, on the top of a hill outside the town. The small group of us made our way down into the city, and had some delicious pizza at the referral of a local souvenir shop owner. After, we took a boat to the Island Capri, about a half hour away. It was a great experience, and I got some awesome photos. After a long day out and great dinner, we headed back to the hotel before a long day of travel the next day.
Pompei.
As much as I hate to say it, I was sick of ruins by this point. Pompei was cool and all, but I was so done with the touring around. Luckily, in the afternoon we made our way to an overnight ferry, which would take us to Greece. Getting on the boat was awesome, since I understood what the sailors were saying. Unlike the past three countries where I had no idea what anyone was saying. The seven years of Greek school paid off and I felt more at home.
Poros.
After a long day of travel, we made it to our island getaway called Poros. We were greeted by a beachfront hotel as we took our tiny boat from the mainland to the Island. I knew right away that these next few days would be the best part of the trip, having been to the island of Crete before and recognizing so many of the things I loved about it. We also had some fellow travelers on the same type of trip from Penn State. That night at the hotel bar I personally found them kind of rude/standoffish, but that's just me. The next night they peaced and Auburn's trip rolled in. Much friendlier people, confirming the theory that people from the South are friendlier.
By day, I was a badass quad rider, touring the Island. Also had some of the best Gyros and Kalamari you'd ever expect. However, I grew tired of speaking Greek to everyone we saw as every time I had to stop and explain to them why I knew Greek and how I was one of then. The views of the Island were great, and touring around led to offroad quading and mountain goats. By far, this was the most relaxing part of the trip. Basically just relaxing, eating and drinking. We also took a day sailing trip to beaches around the island, providing some more sick views. For now, the touring was put to rest.
Athens.
I really wasn't sure of what to expect in Athens. The television obviously made it out to be complete turmoil over there. However, when we got there, all I noticed is that it was a bit more run down from the last time I was there. The shop owners were very desperate for business, willing to haggle prices to as low as 80% of the list price. I think everyone was so done with touring at this point (myself included) that we didn't do our tour guide much justice. But, what can you do. We spent one two nights in Athens before our flight back to America. The flight back allowed me to reflect on the great trip I just experienced, while looking forward to the people I know and love, comforts, and conveniences of home.
Since I'm old now and I have work in the morning, I'm hitting the hay. I'll post again soon, but figured I'd at least catch you up through Europe for now.
Good night.
Next year, I'd like to get a place close to work. Perhaps with room mates, we'll see what works out. For now, I'll stick to the 45 minute commute and living rent free at home. Luckily, I've got all my friends still around this summer. Some will go away to finish school in the fall, but the real changes will come next summer.
Oh yeah, I forgot...Europe was pretty awesome. Let's begin with a breakdown, shall we:
London.
The flight was long. But, after a long-ass customs line and a couple-hour bus ride, we made it to our hotel. We were on the outskirts of London, probably so the touring company can save $$. However, I didn't mind. The area wasn't bad and was being built up because the Olympics were close. When we got to London, I feel like people still didn't break out of their groups too much. I was with a few people but everyone was so tired since we were exploring on zero sleep, that stimulating conversations weren't exactly flowing. We effectively were touring London as zombies. We also didn't know where to go, got lost a few times, you know how it is. Later that night we hit up some pubs, and that was a good time. Allowed me some time to get to know some of my fellow travelers.
The next day was better. We had a tour guide and covered all the bases we missed the night before. The London Eye was great, saw such a great view. All in all, a great day in London followed by a great night out, in which we wandered our way to a pub a good ways away from the hotel. Again, at this point our group was still pretty divided.
Paris.
Sorry to all you French people and french loving people, but the French suck. Very arrogant and very rude to foreigners. Yes, Paris was beautiful. Everything about it except the people. Enough of that though, Paris was huge. Like, tons of walking. We did the obvious, like Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. I also had a McBaguette, Mcdonald's influence on France. The highlight by and far, was the group of us that went to the Moulin Rouge followed by a night club. A very fun night, and now I can say I've been to a French show...in France!
Roma.
The quarters for our overnight train to Rome...four people to a tiny ass train car. But we did it. The best part was we got to drink with the people in the train car next to us (on our trip also), and the bonding was awesome. When you're combining seven college kids in Europe with a tiny train car and alcohol, you're bound to make some friends.
Actually arriving in Rome was great. This being my second time after being there on a high school trip, I was slightly less excited than the other places. However, the oppurtunity to experience the same thing with new people seemed exciting enough. Our hotel, was inside of the same building as a church. It was the most old-style hotel I've ever seen, but a great experience nontheless. Of course, we experienced all of Rome's wonders. (The Trevi Fountain still being my personal favorite). Bars by night sealed the Rome experience. Our last night in Rome was a sad one, as those who only came for Part 1 of the trip would head home the following morning. However, it was a great time and one I won't forget soon.
Sorrento.
The tour bus was so empty without the other 60% of our travelers that departed. With not much of a choice, the rest of us made our way to Sorrento. I have to say, it has to be the most beautiful place I have ever witnessed. Absolutely, drop dead, gorgeous views. We arrived in a hotel that did the job, on the top of a hill outside the town. The small group of us made our way down into the city, and had some delicious pizza at the referral of a local souvenir shop owner. After, we took a boat to the Island Capri, about a half hour away. It was a great experience, and I got some awesome photos. After a long day out and great dinner, we headed back to the hotel before a long day of travel the next day.
Pompei.
As much as I hate to say it, I was sick of ruins by this point. Pompei was cool and all, but I was so done with the touring around. Luckily, in the afternoon we made our way to an overnight ferry, which would take us to Greece. Getting on the boat was awesome, since I understood what the sailors were saying. Unlike the past three countries where I had no idea what anyone was saying. The seven years of Greek school paid off and I felt more at home.
Poros.
After a long day of travel, we made it to our island getaway called Poros. We were greeted by a beachfront hotel as we took our tiny boat from the mainland to the Island. I knew right away that these next few days would be the best part of the trip, having been to the island of Crete before and recognizing so many of the things I loved about it. We also had some fellow travelers on the same type of trip from Penn State. That night at the hotel bar I personally found them kind of rude/standoffish, but that's just me. The next night they peaced and Auburn's trip rolled in. Much friendlier people, confirming the theory that people from the South are friendlier.
By day, I was a badass quad rider, touring the Island. Also had some of the best Gyros and Kalamari you'd ever expect. However, I grew tired of speaking Greek to everyone we saw as every time I had to stop and explain to them why I knew Greek and how I was one of then. The views of the Island were great, and touring around led to offroad quading and mountain goats. By far, this was the most relaxing part of the trip. Basically just relaxing, eating and drinking. We also took a day sailing trip to beaches around the island, providing some more sick views. For now, the touring was put to rest.
Athens.
I really wasn't sure of what to expect in Athens. The television obviously made it out to be complete turmoil over there. However, when we got there, all I noticed is that it was a bit more run down from the last time I was there. The shop owners were very desperate for business, willing to haggle prices to as low as 80% of the list price. I think everyone was so done with touring at this point (myself included) that we didn't do our tour guide much justice. But, what can you do. We spent one two nights in Athens before our flight back to America. The flight back allowed me to reflect on the great trip I just experienced, while looking forward to the people I know and love, comforts, and conveniences of home.
Since I'm old now and I have work in the morning, I'm hitting the hay. I'll post again soon, but figured I'd at least catch you up through Europe for now.
Good night.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Shit I don't like.
An empty campus. That's that shit I don't like. But what can you do. Everyone graduated and after a string of shitty bar nights I realize it's time to depart. I'll be out of here permanently in a couple of days, still hasn't completely hit me yet what is happening. I factually realize that 95% of the people I've interacted here are automatically ruled out for ever seeing them again. As for the close friends, we'll see. I plan on staying close this summer, but time and time again people have told me that you don't stay in touch nearly as much as you would like to. I guess I just have to play it by ear. I start work next month, and I depart for Europe in a week. Speaking of that, expect some detailed posts either after or during the trip. It should be a good time, and I'm hoping for some good stories to put college to rest on a high note.
Awkward interactions. That's that shit I don't like. Like, you graduate and you see some kids at the bar that you used to know. But, you are graduated and leaving in two days. You make eye contact, but is it even worth it to go have a conversation with them? You knew them in your sophomore phase, but now you have absolutely nothing in common except for the fact that you both will never cross paths ever again. It's just an uneasy feeling. Part of you feels horrible for not trying to make conversation while your logical side realizes there is zero point. You exchange a couple more quick uneasy eye contacts and hope it ends there.
Unfinished business. That's that shit I don't like. Sadly, there are a handful of people I'm not on good terms with right now. It's kind of sad knowing the vendettas will never be settled considering I will never see them again. Sure, none of this will matter very soon. But when you take a step back to reflect on everything, it's just shitty and kind of upsetting knowing you're not on good terms with everyone.
THE GOOD.
The last couple of days, have been completely stress free. For once, I legitimately have NOTHING to worry about. I made it. Sure, when September hits and the classic college cycle is broken with no transition back to campus life I'll feel weird. But after one winter everything should feel normal. I'm moving onto the next step whether I like it or not.
As much as I like to bitch about the shit I don't like, I really have created memories here that will last a lifetime. Stories I can pass down to my kids one day in a HIMYMesque fashion, and I'm looking forward to that.
To be continued as I'm having trouble keeping my eyes. Open.
Song I'm referencing. That's that shit I DO like.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU0hor8H1uA
Awkward interactions. That's that shit I don't like. Like, you graduate and you see some kids at the bar that you used to know. But, you are graduated and leaving in two days. You make eye contact, but is it even worth it to go have a conversation with them? You knew them in your sophomore phase, but now you have absolutely nothing in common except for the fact that you both will never cross paths ever again. It's just an uneasy feeling. Part of you feels horrible for not trying to make conversation while your logical side realizes there is zero point. You exchange a couple more quick uneasy eye contacts and hope it ends there.
Unfinished business. That's that shit I don't like. Sadly, there are a handful of people I'm not on good terms with right now. It's kind of sad knowing the vendettas will never be settled considering I will never see them again. Sure, none of this will matter very soon. But when you take a step back to reflect on everything, it's just shitty and kind of upsetting knowing you're not on good terms with everyone.
THE GOOD.
The last couple of days, have been completely stress free. For once, I legitimately have NOTHING to worry about. I made it. Sure, when September hits and the classic college cycle is broken with no transition back to campus life I'll feel weird. But after one winter everything should feel normal. I'm moving onto the next step whether I like it or not.
As much as I like to bitch about the shit I don't like, I really have created memories here that will last a lifetime. Stories I can pass down to my kids one day in a HIMYMesque fashion, and I'm looking forward to that.
To be continued as I'm having trouble keeping my eyes. Open.
Song I'm referencing. That's that shit I DO like.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU0hor8H1uA
Friday, April 20, 2012
Oh Hey, It's Been a While.
Yeah I know. I dropped the ball on the whole blogging thing. What can I say? I'm a busy guy. This is it...one week left. One week left of classes to close out my entire undergraduate career. Seems like smooth sailing as long as I don't do something stupid like fail a final. Other than that, I'm excited to move on to a new chapter in my life. I think I'm pretty much over the whole college thing. Especially this weekend, being that I had to pass three checkpoints just to drive from off campus back to my apartment. Saw ten cops stationed within a couple of miles, seems like overkill. And apparently cops raided the bars. Spring weekend is obviously something of the past. But whatever, this isn't going to be a rant about how I miss the real Spring weekend so don't worry. However, I really do feel like I'm over college. You come in all excited, do mediocre in your classes and basically try to make college into everything you thought it was, mostly influenced by unrealistic movies. By junior year you either have a girlfriend, have mastered the art of picking up girls, went the bookworm route, or still haven't found yourself. I was the guy who still didn't find himself. I think I found myself this year recently, either that or it's just college wearing off and me gaining my identity back. Either way, I'm done. It's the same shit over and over again. Literally no variation.
So anyways, girls... Like, you don't want to believe that they are actually jealous creatures but somehow you're not surprised when they show their true colors. Girls you have known for a long time that seem calm and collected, can really shock you. Excuses that are obviously a sham are constantly used as their scapegoats to escape a sticky situation. After a while you get smart and can tell bullshit from the real thing. And after a while you can figure out which ones are worth keeping around and which ones aren't.
I'm tired. I'll blog more later. Song of the day is Glad You Came because it's so damn catchy.
Monday, March 26, 2012
What is this, November?
It was freezing out today. What the hell?! The weather was SO nice up until today. The shorts were put away and I had to wear jeans and...a sweatshirt. Yeah, talk about disappointment. Gloominess once again overshadowed Storrs as a recently jubilant student body put their frowns back on for a depressing day. God damnit, it makes being in the engineering lab look like a ray of sunshine. Whatever, I got a ton of work done today. That doesn't mean today through Friday won't be busy, however. Luckily a weekend full of fun festivities helps, including the Wiz concert. April's going to be packed, but hey, the madness ends in the early days of May.
I've noticed something about college, at least for me. I'm not saying this is true for everyone, because it's probably not. But I feel like college life takes away pieces of who you are. What I mean by this is, your personality and what you like to do. Maybe it's just because everyone around here is from a small town in Connecticut where there is nothing else to do, but honestly drinking does not always spell a good time for me. Call me lame, whatever. I've had my experiences and I've seen enough to know that there's way more out there to entertain me than booze. However, in a college setting, that's one of the main things people do. It's almost like a limiting factor (especially when you go to school next to cows). In addition, your routine includes Sundays almost always being for studying. Classes are at random times and in between there's not much time to do anything constructive. Basically, what I'm trying to say is college stripped me down to a class going, homework doing, facebook stalking, alcohol drinking zombie. Yeah, I said it. I want my life back!
That's where graduation comes in. Working during the week = money for the weekends. Money for the weekends = fun things to do. I'll have free time to do things I enjoy, which will probably be getting back into baseball , bowling in leagues again, starting a computer repair business, and mastering the stock trading game. No time for any of that nonsense in college. Try it, it won't work out.
So yeah, as you can tell pieces of me are starting to accept that I'll be a 9-5er in a few months. It's certainly a start, and I absolutely have a lot I want to accomplish. For now though, I think I'll enjoy not having to get up before 9am, creating legendary stories on the weekends, and pretending I know how to cook a decent meal.
Peace out for now.
Shout-out to Kevin Corrigan, a gentleman and a scholar.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
It's Been a While
So yeah, kind of stopped blogging for a while. Last we left off, I was just starting my spring break. The week ended as expected with me leaving Binghamton Sunday to come back to UConn. The past week was typical, school work and then the weekend. Spent today doing work, and here we are now in the early hours of Monday for the start of another school week.
The school year, sadly, is coming to a close. April is upon us, which is the last month of my college career. Reflecting back on my years here in Storrs, I've got bittersweet feelings about leaving. It was a bumpy ride for me when I got here as a freshman. Myself and the relationships I've made here have really developed over the years, and I've made some great friends that I will try to keep for life. Let's do this... I'll highlight my years here in a nutshell.
Freshman Year
The beginning of first semester was tough. I didn't blend in well, not at all. It didn't help that I was living on a side of campus with close to no freshmen. It took me a couple of weeks to realize that something had to give for anything to change. I knew I had to get involved, because the way I was going things would have continued to suck.
I joined a few clubs, started branching out to people in my classes. It wasn't long because things got a lot better. I ended the semester with a solid group of friends, so I was content. It wasn't till my second semester that I joined APO, which obviously helped with meeting more people. Freshman year ended on a really good note.
Sophomore Year
This year was really different as I literally moved to the completely opposite side of campus. Suite style living proved to be really different than traditional dorm life. Made a lot more friends this year, and went out as well as a lot of parties in the suites. Got much more involved in APO, which at this point was the biggest thing I was doing outside my major. Ended the year on a high note as well, with APO banquet and UConn's last "real" Spring Weekend. Definitely some of the best college memories.
Junior Year
Busby Suites take two. New room mates, same suites. Lived with a friend from engineering and his friends who were in TKE. This year was different though, since more people I knew were living in the building. There were also some big changes on campus. Construction everywhere as new academic buildings were being put up. Fall was fun, having a car on campus was awesome. Tailgated at multiple football games. Hardest classes of any year by far, but I made it through. APO was starting to be different though. Friends I had freshman year, that I held onto by a string sophomore year, were now out of the picture as room was made for new ones. Things were changing, and I realized time was sadly running out as three quarters of my college career were gone.
Senior Year
Finally, an apartment. My own room, a kitchen, a living room, awesome parking, and RA's who don't give a shit. This year was definitely solid. Turned 21, secured a job, and (am still) working my ass off on senior design. The road seems paved for the next step. But I don't really want to walk down it...
I've accomplished a lot in four years here. New friends, new interests, overall a better and way less sheltered outlook on life compared with high school. Sure, there's things I wish went better. But that comes with anything you do in life. There's perks to not being in college too, like working. Steady money coming in will be nice. Free time will be valued and nice items will be purchased. And oh yeah, Europe in May.
That's it for now. I'll try post more frequently in the coming days
Song: In the End, Linkin Park
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Change of Setting.
Yep, I'm home for the week. UConn was completely deserted by 4pm Friday, making me one of the last people to leave this morning. Home has proven to be the same as usual, boring and even worse because barely anyone is home. It's kind of scaring me for after graduation, I want my twenties to be exciting. I want fun people around me but who knows what will happen to my friends in the months to come. I feel like everyone is going to do their own thing, which some already are.
So what's the deal with friendship anyway? It really is a funny thing. Think back to a few years ago. Were you hanging out with the same people you are now? Maybe yes, maybe no. I guarantee there's at least one friend that you will think of and be like, "wow, what happened to that person? we had so many good memories together." I guarantee you'll remember someone you're GLAD is out of your life, but overall you'll be surprised at how different things really are. This especially applies to my situation at college. Sophomore year, I talked to easily five times the amount of people I do now. I've noticed what has happened; as the college years passed by friends group became smaller and closer, with certain people being "weeded" out. You would think the opposite would occur, that the more time you spend somewhere the more people you'd meet over time. But no, not many people stay in the picture for very long. You could spend two years sharing laughs and spending evenings with people, only to barely know them anymore a year later. I really hate that feeling...
Ideally, I'd love to have a big group of friends who all knew each other and got along. Nothing is worse than a group of friends that are split because certain people can't get along. I know first hand, because I've been one of the people who couldn't be around another. It sucks to do that to your friends, it sucks to be the problem. Either way, the worst feeling when it comes to friendship is when you lose a friend. Whether it be through a fight, natural drifting, whatever it is. It's horrible. You are so naturally used to hitting them up and it takes you a second to remember that things are different now. Especially when you can't replace them, because your friends group just keeps getting smaller.
Moral of the story? Before you stop chilling with someone, take a look at the big picture. What are you throwing away? Is it really worth it? You never know when you'll throw away the wrong person and lose a really important part of your life. So yeah, pace that shit.
Song of the day: Say It Ain't So by Weezer.
Good night everyone.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Chicken Bacon Ranch.
Also known as the best end to any day. Your day could be good, bad, or anywhere in between...chicken bacon ranch makes it just a little better. Luckily, the weather proved to be just as beautiful as yesterday's, so today realistically wasn't so bad to begin with. Of course, there was the loss to Orange. But that's life...I experienced UConn winning a championship once in my time here and that's all I could have asked for. I'll never forget how great March was last year, the campus was insane. Everyone was on the Kemba Walker train and loving it. It's part of what made junior year here fun, of course participating in the shenanigans of a suite with 5 other guys was also a good time. Sure, sometimes I was the kid getting pranked. Either way, things were always exciting. You always had people to eat with, always had people to play video games with, drink with, anything. Living with frat guys didn't exactly hurt for knowing what was going on for the weekends either. Sure, it proved to be distracting from schoolwork. And sure, my lifestyle this year has brought my GPA up and showed me the difference between working hard and being lazy. I guess that's how it's supposed to be. The older you get, the more you mature. The more you realize you need to get your shit done, and the value of doing so. That being said, I thought my last semester would be easier with just 12 credits. But of course, that isn't the case. I guess an engineering student about to graduate SHOULD be working hard. But dammit, I should be able to have senioritis without any consequences.
Spring break starts tomorrow after my last class. Some people have already headed out for home/their trips, while others anxiously await a week in some form of paradise. As for me, I'll be here until Saturday before I head home for my dad's birthday. I'll work on some schoolwork and go to planet fitness until heading to Binghamton on Thursday, where I'll see my friends. I love my trips to Binghamton. They party way later than UConn does, no one even goes out until midnight. I like it better, because I don't feel rushed to pregame. Taxis are nice too, because who needs to worry about sober drivers when there's guys begging to drive you downtown for a buck a person. Oh, and they HAVE a downtown. A change of setting will do me some good I think. I love UConn, but damnit this winter has been depressing.
So what's the deal with frat parties. Assuming you are a guy who isn't in a frat and actually gets into one of their parties, it means you must know the right people. Most frats here are full of preppy white waste products who have trouble communicating with anyone outside their own greek letters. Good luck with that mentality in the real world bros, you'll need it. Anyway, luckily I know some people. So frat parties. You've got your overly drunk freshmen who either pass out there or have to be sent home early. Then you've got the kids who look nervous the entire time, like someone is constantly going to fight them. I can't count how many times someone bumped into me and profusely apologized as if I was about to beat them senseless. Relax, guys. Of course, then you find the guys who actually will fight you if you bump into them. Get a life, guys. As for the girls. similar cliques to the bars, but usually not old enough to get into them. To be honest, I thought the bar would be the greatest thing in the world. Even as a senior, I like parties more. Probably because it's cheaper, and for some reason people are friendlier.
I'm tired, I've got work to do. And my sandwich is staring at me. So for now I'm done. Song of the day, in honor of graduating in two months (hopefully) and because it was my high school graduation song as well.
Peace out.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
It was GORGEOUS out today.
Title is self explanatory. Walked outside with a jacket expecting the same cold chill that would put me in my melancholy daze as I walked toward the dreaded busby hill and down to class. It was a pleasant surprise to be greeted by warmth, something I hadn't felt outside in ages. That aspect alone made walking around campus ten times more enjoyable than it usually is. Something about changing into Spring season up here- I'm not quite sure what it is. People are happier, the atmosphere is friendlier, and much more than personalities come out to play around this time. Whatever it is, I love it. I actually WANT to walk outside in the morning. I actually ENJOY being out and about. People were playing basketball outside, everyone seemed to be enjoying the day and I wasn't faced by a million faces tucked down into their north face jacket rushing to get inside the nearest building. Spring should really be longer, especially when you go to college in New England.
Enough about the weather. You guys were there, you know it was nice today. Perhaps you didn't enjoy it as much as I did, maybe you did. Got through with my midterm today and got to catch Project X after. Sickest movie I've seen in a while. If you're not into movies about partying, you probably wouldn't like it. But when I say this movie took it to the next level, I mean it. I don't think the previews did it enough justice. It had action, comedy, and other aspects added too. If you're in college I'd be shocked to hear that you didn't enjoy this movie.
So what's the deal with UConn bars? I mean, you've got Huskies which is dead 90% of the time on weekends. Occasionally you'll get that one good night where you pass by on your way to thirsties and see that there's actually life in there. Does everyone think the same up here? Is there one sporadic moment where everyone just decided it's a Huskies night? It's bizarre. Especially since Thirsties on a Friday or Saturday is usually solidly packed. Well, whatever. It's usually pretty easy to find one bar to go to on the weekend. The whole thing is kind of weird to me though, it's like .."let's go drink with the people we came with, only talk to the people we came with, and then leave at 12:30 am". I've never met someone at a bar that I didn't already know. It's super cliquish, which in theory makes no sense. Bars, aside from alcoholics, are for social people...even more so on a college campus. However I rarely see any mingling going on between groups, including my own. I'm usually content drinking some beers with the guys and running into people I know, but damn. Try to talk to someone you don't know, they look at you like you have three heads. I'm 95% sure it's a New England thing, but who knows. You could make the argument that Thirsties is too loud because of the music and is more of a dancing atmosphere, but then you have Teds which is the same thing minus the music. (I hate Teds).
I got pretty into that topic. Maybe this is how the blog will go, a little on my day and then go off on some tangent. As always feedback appreciated.
Song for the day is in honor of Project X, since it was on the soundtrack and is pretty much a classic of our generation. Until next time, peace out.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Yeah, I guess I'm blogging...
So I don't know why exactly I'm starting this. I don't know if anyone will care to read it, I don't know if it will be any good. I think I just have a lot to say, and this is a way to get it all out. So here's the first post to my blog, I'll basically keep it to what I want to say and try to add a song on the end describing my feeling/mood for the day. Here it goes...
I graduate from college in two months. What the hell? Where did the time go. I promise you it feels like last year I was a freshman and had my parents and sister drop me off to my dorm in Alumni. It was weird bypassing all the traffic to the freshman dorms (aka Northwest) and heading to a deserted side of campus, where all of eight freshmen moved into my building. I was scared shitless to start college, coming in with preconceived notions that were completely wrong about what it was going to be like. I was looking forward to the four years ahead of me that in a way presented a bubble from the "real world", which seemed like such a long time such that it would never come to an end. Four short years later I'm facing a full time job upon graduation and talking about 401K's and holy crap how did this change occur.
But enough about that for now. I've still got two months of college left, so why not enjoy them and reminisce when I've got nothing better to do. Surprisingly, I've been managing my time well lately. I've got sort of a nerd/wannabee meathead thing going on. I wake up for lifting at the gym, then head over to the engineering building where I spend most of my day. The two just don't seem to add up. But hey, who wants to fit stereotypes anyway, and who says nerds can't get huge.
As usual the weekdays at UConn are dry and uneventful. Apartment life proves to be more lonely than dorm life, since you basically lose tons of social time because of not having a meal plan. You'd think (at least in a guys apartment) it would be a bunch of guys eating wings, drinking some beers watching some sports game. Nope, that rarely, if ever, happens. People fend for themselves and eat on their own time. I'm used to it out, but I guess I realize I'm more of someone that needs to be around others than I thought.
Fridays are (and probably everyone elses) my favorite day up at college. The routines of the school-work week are put to rest and the whole campus dynamic changes. The homebodies/antisocial people go home, your acquaintances disappear, and a few good friends you made plans with stick around for a good time. You hit up the gym in the morning Saturday after a night out you enjoyed, spend the afternoon napping or watching a movie with the roomies. Round two comes Saturday night, which is somehow not as enjoyable as Friday. Then of course Sunday comes around and you join the endless supply of facebook status about how miserable the day is because of studying/work needing to be done. Almost 4 years here and not much has changed about that routine(except for my gym attendance, that has varied...)
Spring break is somehow 3 days away. Am I doing anything? sort of. If you count visiting your friends from home up at their college then sure I'm doing something. Am I upset that I'm not going to Florida or on some cruise, not really. Why? I'm going to Europe for 17 days after graduation. I'll be visiting places I've already seen (Greece/Italy) while exploring new territory(England/France). I'll see some badass castles, at least I hope. It's going to be nice letting loose for 17 days with no homework, no senior design, no job. Just a good time overseas seeing things I'd probably never see otherwise. Any then I come back to start putting in 40 hours a week until the day I retire.
That's where I'll end this for now. I think what I ultimately want for this is to let me express my opinions, but it seems I've posted a record of my thoughts instead. How this will develop, I don't know...but I'm going to roll with it.
So I'll leave you off now. Mood? I'd say content. Things for the most part are smooth lately. So I'll post a song in honor of Wiz Khalifa, because hell yes I'm seeing him at UConn later this month.
Peace out until the next post people.
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