Yes, I turned 22 in November. If you look at aging like a mountain, from the time you're born you're climbing the mountain and age 21 is the top. Once you hit the top of the mountain, I'm sure you've all heard the saying "It's all downhill from here." Well, it's true. And I don't want to hear any of the bullshit about "Your life actually STARTS when college ends!" It's simply not true. Never will you have such a chill schedule unless you hit the lottery or day trade. I'm looking for a safe steady living, so for me that lifestyle is out. That's not me saying I haven't adjusted to this lifestyle- I've gone leaps and bounds towards fully adjusting. I think by summer the transformation will be complete.
So what has happened in a nutshell in the past four months?
-I turned 22.
-I moved to Connecticut.
-I got into graduate school.
-I attended a leadership conference in Anaheim, CA.
-I had some failed endeavors with women.
-Random less important shenanigans.
I already elaborated on my age a bit- but was set off pace rambling about my new lifestyle. In short, it's scary to think in four years my whole facial structure will be different. Yes, take a closer look to your 26-28 year old friends. 22/23 year olds look SIGNIFICANTLY younger than someone turning 26. It's crazy. That's what I've deduced and it scares me; I'll look like a full adult in four years. For now I could still pose as someone still in college and sometimes still even get the double take when I tell people I'm a professional in the workforce. But 26 is around the corner- especially with how fast time flies these days. Moral of the story: 26 is when I officially recognize people as "adults". Party hard until then, all you youngins.
So...Danbury is not exactly a bumpin city. Not so say I took advantage of the 40 minute train ride into the city I had in White Plains or the superior White Plains bar scene as much as I should have- but my friends are all back there. So I've mostly been hopping around CT and NY to visit people I know on weekends. Occasionally friends will come visit me here and we'll agree on a mediocre night at one of Danbury's so perfectly mediocre bars. I need to meet more people in the area, but it definitely won't come easy.
Yes, I got into graduate school. But my original plan that seemed so straight forward was derailed by simple logic. So, my original plan was to go in for management of technology. It makes sense, right? I want to manage one day. Get the degree out of the way now going at night- when I finish I'll be 26 with five years of work experience and two degrees- I could go anywhere. This was my vision. But have you ever seen a 26 year old manager? Who would respect him? Especially managing a bunch of senior engineers with brains three times the size of mine. So what's the answer? Go for mechanical engineering instead, better my technical skills to make me a better manager later in life? Not go to graduate school at all until I'm 30? I simply don't know. A masters in engineering is a cringe worthy notion; I'm by no means a "dumb" dude but come on, 40 hours of practical engineering and some more studying of it on the side? Damn. However, the benefits would be great. A masters makes you more marketable. Decisions, decisions.
Anaheim is a wonderful place. It was nice to escape the cold winter chill for some fall-esque and on days days May-type weather. Disneyland is pleasant- and meeting bros from other chapters makes you realize how nerdy your own chapter was. So the convention made me want to join staff- I think it's in the works. But yes- I want to go back to Anaheim at some point. Also explore more of Los Angeles. For sure the people were friendly- but anything beats New England. It triggered a long term goal of eventually leaving the Northeast for a warmer, slower paced lifestyle elsewhere in this country. But for now I don't even know where to take my next level of education, so in the immortal words of Bob Saget as Ted Moseby, "But, more on that later."
As for the failed endeavors with women. Well, let me emphasize how important communication is. And picking someone who knows what they want. But to do that, make sure you know what you want beforehand. I'm sparing you the gossipy details to discuss a bigger topic- men and women always blaming the entire other gender for sucking. Men AND women mess up. Often times men will lead women on implying a relationship-esque lifestyle to come so they can hook up. And often times women dead any guy attempting to even talk to them yet complain they can't find a man. (Either this or keep a guy around who clearly likes them because they enjoy the attention- creating false hope in the poor man's eyes). Both sides get annoying to hear about. The moral of this story is give people the benefit of the doubt. And don't use past experiences to pre-judge new people. Men, make it clear what you're looking for up front. Don't lead a girl on because you'll break her heart. And ladies, for the love of God cut a guy loose if you don't like him. That shit ain't right. I don't want to hear any of that "Oh, I don't go out of my way to talk to him- he contacts me and I respond." You're endorsing it- make it clear what you want as well. And if it's not him, communicate that. And that doesn't mean respond with vague, small glimmer of hope texts when he asks to hang out. And with regards to not having a man- be friendly at the bars. Don't cluster up with your three girlfriends all night and expect to meet anyone.
Random less important shenanigans let's just say I'm gladly staying in touch with many friends from college and the ones who counted from high school. I couldn't be more thankful for that. No one likes to be lonely.
So now you're all caught up; see you next time. Perhaps I'll have my education situation figured out by then.
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