Round 2

Wanted to be in bed 30 minutes ago. Thanks to the Flyers game, which was ultimately upsetting but extremely engaging through and through, I am running behind.

To be brief: this is going to be a pretty intense week. I am running the position, supervised, having the ability to ask questions but starting to do things on my own. Week starts with 3 interviews and 2 meetings all tomorrow. I am excited.

Associations

At the party yesterday I got to spend some time with my sister's nephew. He is 2 years old and I have heard stories about him constantly in the time he has been alive. He, like most kids that age, shuts down at family parties or when he is approached by people he doesn't know. Yesterday, was no different, at least initially. He was sitting with my sister having ice cream and I went up to try to say hi and ask him about it. The attempt was a failure.

About an hour later I was outside and my sister was in the backyard with him kicking the soccer ball around. She yells up and says he wants me to play and I thought she was just trying to get me involved. Next thing I know I hear "DAANNNYY" This, then, led to the two of us playing soccer and running around for over an hour. For 2 years old, this kid is full of energy.

At one point, he said something that sounded like "er-gawn-cuboi" After having him repeat it, it turns out he was saying "Where you goin', Cowboy" I'm not sure if he got this line from a movie or not, but apparently he decided I was a cowboy based on my hat I was wearing. (picture below). The rest of the day he kept referring to me as a cowboy. He eventually even went and got a paper plate which he held to his head, stating it was his own cowboy hat. Adorable.

So for those who were not aware, this is the style of the modern day cowboy:

Relaxation

I slept in!

Today I slept in until 11 am. I woke up voluntarily. I had a mostly very laid back morning. Followed by an incredibly successful grad/memorial day party including playing The Black Keys as the party's music. Witnessing Roy Halladay's perfect game. Playing volleyball. Getting to know and play with Cooper (My sister's nephew). And topping it off with a trip to Llanerch.

All in all - very successful. Now, before I get behind on sleep again, I am getting in bed. Will open cards from people tomorrow and find out if I can afford that computer/have money again.

Finished My First Week

It seems like graduation and finals were more than a week ago. This past week has been absolutely packed to the gills. I realized tonight that I have not gotten more than 6 hours of sleep in 2 weeks now. No wonder I was closing my eyes at work. That is to be no commentary on the job.

Regardless, its 11 pm on a Friday night at the end of my first week and I am too exhausted to tell you about it. Take that how you'd like. Let me know when I wake up.

Memorial Day/Graduation Party tomorrow! (just found out its being catered - bummed by the lack of grilling, pumped about the lessening of work/prep).

(the job has many perks - getting to walk passed City Hall as a backdrop for Love Park is one of them. Beautiful area.)

Where Will It Go?

I have a lot of stuff. People who know me are aware of this. Recently I occupied an apartment in NY for a year. Moving back into my parents' house has posed several problems in regard to this stuff. It was difficult enough to find places for everything from my dorm room. Now, I have an apartment's worth of stuff to fit into this house somewhere. Clothes alone do not fit - then there is boxes of books and lamps, music equipment, etc.

Oh and did I mention there is a time line on it. Every night this week so far I have had stuff to do. Tonight I did not get back home until 10:30. We have a Memorial Day party this Saturday in the afternoon. Somehow between after work tomorrow and the party I have to totally put away everything from NY as well as help prep the house for the party.

In other breaking news - I have 90 dollars left the in bank. It costs 10 dollars a day to get into the city by train. My car inspection is scheduled for next Tuesday and I also need an oil change. Because I don't start working on the books until next week and it is a bi-weekly pay schedule I am really wondering how this is going to work out.

Talk About Bogie

Today, things started off great. I drove to work giving myself 10 minutes to find somewhere to park near by and still have enough time to get inside. As I approached my office I realized that there is a parking garage right behind it, and it's one of the cheapest city garages I've parked in. Success!

Then, I was hoping to get approval to leave a bit early today as I was going to a show in NY and needed to beat the traffic. Little did I know, but Meghann was also planning on leaving early and told me that I had no reason to stay after she left - got to leave early without having to ask. Success.

There was some traffic on the way up and at random times but as I got to the GW bridge - nothing! Not a single MPH decreased as I approached/went across the bridge. Success!

We hopped on the 7:30 ram van. The show was advertised on Circa's website as '730' I figured - if the first band gets 30 minutes, and theres 20 between we might - at worst - miss Circa's opening song. Little did I know, the time advertised on Circa's website was not the show time, but the time of their set.

Doors opened at 6. Torche went on at 6:30. Circa went on at 7:30. So when my friend who was ahead of us said Coheed was coming on, as we approached, we called B. S. Then we realized we were wrong. Having little to no interest in seeing Coheed, we left after 5 songs. So - 2.5 hours of driving after work from Philly to NY; 40 dollar ticket, and subway rides back and forth - for 5 songs by a band I don't care for. Huge lack of success! In other words: BOGIE!

Oh well. Not all was lost. I got to see some friends, as we headed back to the BX early. The night ended hanging out on Nate's roof top watching Sarah teach Mike and Alex a new dance and singing some Monsters of Folk. Oh Jim James - you have a beautiful voice.

It is 2:00 am and I have work tomorrow. It's time to turn in. Goodnight!

Sleepy

This no-time-off is going to kill me if I don't start making smarter decisions about bed times and such. That is why I am going to NY tomorrow after work for a concert. Smart.

Endings

I think, with new birth comes ends as well.

That theory or philosophy has been stated in so many ways before and I agree with it. It is, at the very least, an optimistic way to think about endings. These ends can instead be seen as mere changes in life and lifestyle.

There have been varying levels of ends recently. As far as TV goes, and for anyone who knows me - this is significant on some level - Lost and 24, as series, have ended. Lost was beautiful. As any bold ending it - it provokes questions, controversy, hatred, and love. And I think that is how the show always was - a mixture of those, sometimes all within one person. But LOST in it's ending returned to what it was from the beginning - a story about people, finding themselves, and each other, regardless of the circumstances or obstacles the world had in store for them. For the first time in a while, LOST made me feel for the characters and care about what was happening to them, and it did so for 2 and a half hours straight - something it has not done in a while. There are plenty of other sites, and blogs, and analysts out there to delve into this more.

24 has had many its rough moments. A show that came on so strong, hit a road block in its 6th season - really teetering on the edge of ruining its legacy. It took a year off to 'find' itself and came back with a 7th season that was more high powered, more action packed, and probably more farfetched than any of the previous seasons. It was an improvement on the 6th and still entertaining to watch. In season 8, the writers took a step back. They realized how absolutely bizare the show had become in its action and toned it down. Full episodes would occur, this year, without a single physical violent act. It was never a show that functioned on a high level of acting skills or dialogue, and this was apparent, but the effort was notable.

Season 8 was not the best but it was still a very good season. It had plenty of bumps, but in the end, its finale, the farwell to the series - one that literally changed television forever (and for the better) it left me, and I assume most fans, extremely satisfied. It did not need to end on an assassination or city explosions. A show that was born out of action, ended on drama and it did so successfully. The emotional tension on screen tonight and the final scenes between the leads in the show really were prime. I could not be happier with the final hours of such a phenomenon.

TV will be different. The two biggest powerhouses (reality tv doesnt count and so you won't hear me praising American Idol despite its viewership) have come to a close. The two shows that dominated conversations in regard to tv shows for most of the decade are now over. It's been wild rides for both and I don't feel at all lacking in their departure.

Another and more life significant ending came this week with the end of my college career. This post, however, is too long and I am not quite ready to reflect on that yet. Let's just say that with endings - despite the difficulty in letting go - there comes new opportunities, change, and progress. Today was my first day of work. Looking ahead, at this week alone, I am in for a real increase in pace. Summer vacation, free time, weekly days off - things of the past. But this new adventure is one I am not only ready for, but excited for. Tomorrow is day 2.

New Beginnings

I'd write more but my internet is not being too kind. Simply - I am home. College has ended. My first day of work starts in 9 hours. Wish me luck!

May 22nd, 2010

I remember when today seemed like the most distant point that existed in the future. But like anything, you are left sitting here, the date being at hand or over, reflecting on all the times you imagined it so long ago.

I'm doing my best to hold it together. I'd love nothing more than to just spend time with the people that matter and have made my college experience, but that is not a choice I get to make - for better or worse.

College. Well, that went by fast. And in that fashion, the next stage of my life begins immediately. No time to dwell, no time to reflect. Chop, chop - you're in the real world now.

Oh, god.

My, how far we have traveled.

In about 12 hours my name will be getting called. I will be trying to balance my internal social anxiety of being announced like that, being in front of that many people, remember which hand to grab with and which hand to shake with, and most importantly - trying not to fall.

It is a little disorganized, this graduation. Not the ceremony, or the preparations. The informing. All we know is the general area to be at and that we should be there by 9:30. We know almost nothing else about processing, if there is a way to submit a phonetic spelling of our names, how long it is going to take, etc. I think Fordham has this down to a science, but for the students (who hopefully never do this enough to get used to the process) it is a bit strange.

There is a lot I have been thinking about, been saying, been looking back on. The fact of the matter is - I am tired, tomorrow will be one of the more emotionally draining days I will/have gone through - the roller coaster of excitement, anxiety, embarrassment, fear, joy, celebration, sadness, and love I will run through in the next 24 hours will be enough to require a full week of emotional recovery. Unfortunately (buy fortunately) I start working at 9 am, Monday.

Without further adieu, I present to you - the class of 2010!

Fortune Cookie

"You will live the life that makes all others not envious, but proud of you."

I got this fortune cookie a while ago. These fortunes and I have had a bitter relationship ever since I opened up a negative fortune. At one point, in close succession I had eaten Chinese food twice which left me with two fortune cookies that combined to make a poor message.

The first read: "You will have a prosperous and joyous life" This is a vague but welcomed fortune cookie. Not long after I would get another cookie. This cookie read "Disregard your previous fortune" Maybe this is meant for those who may get greedy, take two, thus undoing the first through the greed of taking a second. However, combining these messages I was told that I should ignore the prospect of have such a life.

At the beginning of this school year, we went out to dinner and the top line was my fortune. I like to keep them, when I remember to, and packing to go home I just came across this again. I never thought of it before, but the negative message of my back to back fortunes seems to somehow coincide. I might not lead a prosperous and joyous life, not because I will be miserable or be unlucky/unfortunate. Instead, whatever my path is, I will be doing something that is clearly not envied by others, but necessary and good. I don't know what this thing is, but with graduation on my heels, looking at these in succession, I am left confused, but eager to find out.

I have to tell you about last night. It was magical. I was able to get 3 of my friends to join me on my Brooklyn Bridge mission. I think we all agreed, there was no other place we would have wanted to be once we got there. If you ever get a chance, put off sleep, or set your alarm, go stand on the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge. The city, the water, the world - just looks so beautiful. I'll recap soon, but here is a picture.

Senior Week

Senior week started last night with an Under The Bleachers event. I skipped it to go to Cirque. Tonight is the senior ball. I don't know when I'll be home so I am updating now.

It'll be the first time I wear my suit since the only other time I wore it. Last time I landed a job. Hopefully tonight is equally awesome.

NY Not Cursed To Bad Cirque

Well temporarily. Wintuk sucks. But recently there was a traveling/temporary show OVO on Randal's island. It is playing another week and you should get there. It's great.

Makin' It Worse

About two months ago someone or something did battle with the wall in the stairwell around the 2nd floor of my apartment building. About 2 weeks ago someone decided to make that puncture into a fist sized whole. Then some time in the past ten days, someone else contributed (or maybe this has all been the same person). It has continued to get worse, to expand, and more look like someone is standing there. It is not necessarily that it looks like the shape of a person. It is more that it is sizeable enough that, when you aren't paying attention, it looks as if 'something' is there and leads your mind to quickly jump to 'oh! someone is standing there'

Needless to say, I am very curious as to where the money to fix this hole is coming from. Clearly nowhere yet as nothing has been done in 2 months since it started. However, that 600 dollar security deposit I put down one year ago is starting to sound like the answer to that question. I have been wondering, recently, if I will see any of that money. I realize they will most likely paint the apartment over, and find any little thing to take money from it. I am curious if it is an all-or-nothing system or if it is a - take what we need- system. I would like to see some of that money back, and I am sure my roommate and I could not have created 1200 dollars worth of damage in this apartment. However, I would not be surprised if the party in the backyard (which I wrote about previously and has left it destroyed) and this kind of 'cannot pin it on one person' damage will get subtracted from everyone.

Here comes the future

Tomorrow is my last school day. I have my last grad class followed by my last final. At 3 pm, the only thing left will be graduation. Your entire childhood you go to school, learn, and prepare for 'the future' that follows college. You perfect what you are good at and strive to be ready for that 'when you grow up' part of the 'what do you want to do/be when you grow up.'

In less then a week I will be there - next week is that 'future' and next week I guess I will be 'grown up' Well, no use toeing the water. Here goes nothing.


CANNONBALL!

(started packing)

Last Paper (The Sky Is The Limit)

Last semester, at one point, my breadcrumb was a black piece of paper. The point originally was to have a picture of the first page of my last paper of the semester. Unfortunately, I had not finished the paper, and had to complete it in the morning, so I took a picture of the blank page instead.

Today, I do not have a similar picture. What I do have is a similar situation. Tonight, I finished the last paper of my undergrad college career. I realize many people have already gotten this far, some have even graduated already, but it is a triumph, nonetheless. For a short part of my Senior Year of high school I considered whether or not college was worth while. Plenty of people are able to have successful careers without a degree. It also gets you started four years earlier, and thousands of dollars gained in non-existent debt. My dad never went to college and look how our family is doing.

Here I am, four years later, on the verge of graduation and in pursuit of a Ph.D in psychology. I might have a mountain of debt, and I might have less than 200 dollars in the bank, but I do not at all wonder if I made the right decision.

Also, recently, I reached another anniversary. With April concluded, it has been five years since I last drank. No I am not a recovering alcoholic and I do not consider this 'sober' stretch a conquering of an addiction. But it is somewhat of an accomplishment. Maybe in the hardest time of one's life to not drink, I made it through four years of college, constantly surrounded by and tempted by drinking, and did not give in. I do not claim to plan to never drink again, and to be perfectly honest, I contemplate going back quite often. Something seems to always keep me from doing so, and until that changes I will remain sober. I don't view myself above or better than those that drink. I just feel as though I would prefer to avoid substances as 'social lubricants' or as a way to 'enjoy' myself. It has been hard, and people definitely do not always make the decision easy. I often wonder how life at college may have changed had I drank, but I do not regret it.

I was not sure if I was going to mention this on here, and for a week or so now I held off. Ultimately, this blog is a reflection on things, and a place for me to discuss whatever I choose. My choice to not drink in college has made a significant impact on my life and so I believe that this 'anniversary' or 'accomplishment' is something to make note of. I know one thing, it has definitely saved me a lot of money.

The Barge!

I was writing in my memories blog a little while back about a day, two years ago, that led to Warren and I discovering an under-rennovation barge/restaurant. This place was incredible and we really always talk about this discovery. Tonight, with the possibility of seeing it again somewhere in the back of my mind, I suggested heading south from Port Authority along the water, all the way out on 12th ave. It was humid and walking along the water with that breeze would feel nice.

After taking photo breaks and other pit stops, we found it. Now named "The Frying Pan" this barge, once a mess, is now a very popular restaurant. Mike got a beer, and the four of us just hung out. A place that we found by accident two years ago, we finally made it back to, and it was in full swing. If you live in the New York area, you should definitely make your way to or at least check out The Frying Pan.

I think it was a private party because once we left there were people blocking both entrances and checking bags. But just like last time, we were able to wander on with no problem. What a cool place.

Forming An Idea: A restrospective

I am not actually going to write about all the times I have had new ideas on this blog. I am writing about my newest idea which is a form of a restrospective. I didn't think of it until today and so it is continuing to take shape. The essential idea is to have friends record themselves (audio or video is still in question) discussing a favorite moment in college, a favorite moment having to do with the city, and a favorite place in the city. At then end I would take the clips and put them together by question and mix in footage and pictures of the campus or the city and add some music. The end result would be some personal reflections by all of our friends looking back at what stands out to them over these four years.

I don't know how it will turn out, or exactly how it will be brought together, but thats the basis of my idea. I need to run it by a few more people to get feedback and give people time to prep what they might talk about. It could turn into something really cool, and that is what I am hoping for. I guess we shall see.

Couldn't be happier (My Roommate is crazy)

Tonight I realized - considering everything, very little could make me happier right now. It's 1 am on a day where I had nothing due, preceding a few days with nothing due, and yet I have been doing work all day. Some has been for Drexel, some has been for CT, some has been in prep for things due next week. Today was my first actual day free of tests or due dates and deadlines, and I spent it busy from start to finish.

I was living on the notion that today would bring a calm. I could not wait for Wednesday, the day where I could just do nothing for awhile. And yet, the day came and I stayed active. Despite this, I am not upset in the least. In light of everything that has happened, even though I should be hanging out with friends and wasting my time, I am still busy and I am ok with it. More importantly, I am really content. I could not be more thrilled to have a future and even though it means my present is a bit jumbled, I just keep thinking about how lucky I am and that seems to block any thoughts of annoyance or feelings of stress.

With that said, it has been a full day since I realized I would be leaving this place a week earlier than planned. That despite my new found future, my more immediate lifestyle would be ending much sooner. What was meant to be two weeks of New York adventures has been cropped significantly. With my free time nonexistent, and the weather only promoting more indoor activities, there is a slight sensation of dread or panic setting in. I know New York won't be that far away, and this is not the end for the two of us, but still - I can't help but feel a sense of urgency to visit the places I have not, and do the things I imagined I would before I graduated.

It's time to step up to the plate. Here goes nothing.

(Also, my very good friend who I have known for the better part of my life graduates from college tomorrow. I know I am graduating as well, but he is officially a college grad in a number of hours. Weren't we just hanging out during lunch recess at Saint Mary's?)

(At some point tonight, amidst the frustrations of not wanting to study, my roommate grabbed a stuffed bear in his room and danced with it.)

New Frontier

I've been lost a lot recently. That is definitely something I can admit. There were plenty of opportunities that have been available to me in my four years here that I did not take advantage of. I recently looked at a document on my computer that I had made during my Sophomore year. It was of a series of places and contacts to look into volunteer work for my major. The places were early learning centers and children psych wards. At the time, I just wanted to enjoy myself. I don't necessarily regret my decision to have time for myself through most of my college years, but I started to debate that in the past six months.

There was a lot stacked against me getting a job. I do believe I have done a fair amount in my time here. I have been a part of 3 separate research studies as well as volunteer(ed) for a full school year at a preschool. I even briefly worked for the school radio station. But in my conversation with friends it seemed like everyone had one thing that I envied, whether it was a connection, a summer internship at a mental health facility, or something else. I just felt unsure of my accomplishments. With the plan of utilizing my handed-to-me summer internship as my buffer period before needing to find actual work, I did very little to pursue a job, a career, any real next step.

Back in December, based on a recommendation by my Personality teacher, who I emailed looking for some advice on what I should get involved with in my last semester, I pursued a research assistant position (volunteer, but still) working with a professor I had had for two different classes and really enjoyed. In our conversation, the purpose of him taking me on was so he had a reference point at which he could use to reccomend me to a friend of his who worked at Drexel University. She works in the research department for Psychology there and usually takes on people, at least on a volunteer basis, to help with her studies. They would be meeting in March and so he would talk me up (based on my then two months of working with him).

Well March came, they met, and he informed me he had told her he'd send an email with me copied so the two of us could get connected. March ended, and April was passing quickly and he hadn't done anything. I asked him here or there about it, but was generally not very persistant. This may have been because I did not want to be a pest, or because I had a job for the summer and was not pressured to find something. Either way, it took me awhile to really step up.

Finally, last Tuesday, after a conversation with my sister, I decided I needed to say something to him. Graduation was approaching, and even though I did not need a job right away, I wanted to get communications started before I left my position with him. About one hour after I emailed him I received that CC'd email written to her. He explained who I was, what I was looking for, what I could be counted on for, and basically just asked if there was anything available for her and I to talk about. An hour after that I received an email from her. She told me that she was looking to fill a position that would be opening up June 1st and she was starting the interviews for the position the next day, could I talk on the phone in the next 24 hours about the position?

Absolutely, I could. Fordham just happened to arrange it so that I have Wednesdays off and was absolutely free. The next morning, at 10 am, she called. We talked for about 80 minutes and things went well. I guess they went pretty darn well because she asked me if, despite being in NY and finals were on the horizon, I could make my way to Philadelphia to meet in person. I said yes to a 10 am meeting before I knew what I was doing. Thursday night I would be putting on a concert fund raiser and would not be home until after 12 am. I needed to be on a 5:25 am metro north train into the city to get home in time. It hurt. But I managed.

The two days between phone call and interview were torture. Every time I thought about the interview my heart raced. This position, as it was explained, would put me in a position where I'd be accepted at any Grad program I applied to because of the experience I would gain from it. It would leave me published several times over, chances to speak at conferences, manage a team of 20 people, among other things. I couldn't even believe I qualified for an interview.

The interview went well, conversationally, but certain things were said that made me realize - no chance. She told me she never had anyone as young as I was hold this position. Typically the person holding it had a Masters and some managerial or other experience. In addition she was not thrilled about my GO! trip and made it seem as though it was one or the other. Needless to say I left the interview feeling extremely mixed. I then headed to the shore for some much needed R and R. Sunday night I heard from Naomi via email. She told me she was happy to have met with me in person and was hoping to make a decision by Wednesday.

Remember how I was talking about how my heart would race when I thought about the interview in the two days leading up to it. The two days after were worse. I more and more realized the position was unlikely, and simultaneously, all the good that would come from it. I essentially decided that the course of my future hinged on this job. Every opportunity I would be afforded with this job in my future would be enhanced and different because of it. I longed for that future.


9 am. Monday, May 10, 2010

My phone rang. Luckily I sleep like a newborn (which actually means I wake up easily - that whole 'sleep like a baby' thing is backwards) and woke up immediatly. As anyone would be, I was disoriented as hell and saw a series of numbers. It was not a number I had in my phone. I thought to myself - who cares, I want to sleep. Then I realized - its Naomi! The next thought that ran through my head was 'what a terrible way to wake up' - I was automatically prepped for bad news. Before I could let anymore time pass (and likely let the call go to voicemail) I answered the phone, clearly disoriented. Naomi, who must has sensed something was off - quickly said "Dan it's Naomi. Before you worry, it's good news.

I think, had my phone not been plugged in, or had I not just woken up, I may have started dancing right then. She proceeded to inform me that she wanted to officially make me an offer for the position. Since the time I left on Friday she kept telling the staff she wanted to just make me the offer then. No matter who else interviewed, who else was more qualified, or had a higher degree - she kept saying she wanted to give me the job. Someone, someone that I must hug someday, told her that it means that that must mean that I am who she should hire then.

I very quickly understood why Alex told me he had a headache from smiling too much. I actually, throughout the day, kept looking for signs of proof that it had not been a dream. I mean I did take the call in bed, I had been sleeping before it. It was just too go to have been reality. It was such a long shot in every way. And yet, it was real.

So talk about a 180. One week ago, today, I was emailing my professor in hopes to get the ball rolling. One week ago, today, I was debating Americorp, or what other option I had. One week ago today, I was futureless. I was legitimately nervous about what would come next, dreaded every conversation I would have with anyone I would talk to in the next few months of 'so what are you going to do now?' I had many an anxiety ridden conversation over coffee in the past few months about the state of things and the likelihood that I would be without employment come the fall and how I needed to focus my energy elsewhere.

One week ago today I sent an email, based on the suggestion of my sister, to a man who I only ever sat down with due to the suggestion of my teacher from a few years ago. One week later I have job in my career, in my home town, across the street from Love Park, doing something I am excited about. I am excited. I am nervous. I am anxious. But most of all, I am hopeful and looking forward to life after graduation.

Things work out. Who knew. Had I waited a day to email him, had I not taken Tracy's advice in November to seek out a research assistant position, had classes ended a day later and I couldn't get home for an interview - so many small things that all could have prevented this from happening. And yet, none of them did. I don't know what that means, if it means anything at all. What I do know is I have an answer for those people now, and an answer for myself - the future? Yeah I got that covered.

Things To Come

I have some things to say but it's a busy night and I have to finish studying for a final. Updates tomorrow.

Prep Work

Today's picture is the physical representation of the prep work for my last major assignment as an undergrad. After a series of email back and forth with a classmate and several our searching through Ebscohost, I finally found my topic. Several hours later, I have my sources read, highlighted, and outlined.

Now, it is time for bed. Alarm is set for 9 am to transform this outline into a presentation. Later this week, that presentation will be transformed into essay form, making up my final paper for the course and for my college career.

I wonder if it is ever apparent to the teacher or students in the class that the assignment they're hearing about, the topic I am presenting on, was only decided upon less than a day ago, and that a decent percentage of the work was done that morning? I hope not. I believe I do my best work in these crisis situations and that when all is said and done, the final product comes across as if it had been done over time and well in advance.

Last assignments

There is a lot of bittersweet happening. I always imagined what it would be like to not be in school anymore - to not have anymore homework, tests, assignments, papers, etc. In all of those daydreams I never contemplated the other half of that. This other half is the being in the working world, being grown up, and such. So with this week comes much bittersweet endings. Currently I am in the middle of my last paper as a college undergrad. This is the last paper I will ever do here at Fordham. I never minded papers, but with the weather, and the wear of the semester hitting hard, I am ready to be done. At the same time, handing this assignment in marks the last assignment I will hand in here, leaving only two finals between me and graduation.

Jeez, Ferris, I get it.

Celebrate!

Yesterday marked the last day of classes and today I was up at 4:30 to travel to Philly for a job interview. After a full semester which culminated with a chaotic week topped off with that interview, it was time to kick back. From my interview I headed straight to the beach. I'll be back in NY tomorrow to buckle down on work for finals.

This is going fast.

Exhaustion

I know what it means now, and it's bitter sweet. Tonight went swimmingly. We may not have gotten the sizable turnout we desired, but eventually it didn't matter. The bands were great, the crowd was great, and my ears are still ringing.

Typically after a show I am comatose and tonight is no different. Realizing I need to be awake in just over 4 hours to make it home for my job interview is scary. Wish me luck tomorrow. This is an amazing opportunity, one that I am lucky to even be considered for.

Goodnight.

300th post!

I learned something today: Playing spread out/outside=unable to hear anyone. I literally felt like i was singing into a mic that had no level and the only other audible sound was the drums. Hoping tomorrow night with a stage and PA that we have a tighter set. If it's our last one, lets hope it rocks!

Oh yeah, and my phone interview today went really well. I have face-to-face interview Friday morning at 10 am. I am incredibly incredibly nervous. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but this job would be exactly what I am looking for. Fingers crossed!

So Much To Do! So Much Done!

Man, I have been busy before, but this week seems like absolute chaos. I just have found myself adding one thing after another into these few days. Today was already to be packed enough that I had made a to-do list to make sure I did not forget anything.

Little did I know that on that to do list would be connecting with and scheduling a time for a phone interview in the morning for a research position at a university near my home. Luckily, on the to-do list, already, was meet with Sarah and make my resume. What was not on the list was the conference call I had with my professor who got me the connection, nor was converting my resume into a CV (curriculum vitae). Less than 5 hours ago I never had even something resembling a resume, and now not only do I have that, but I also have a Vitae.

So to reiterate - 24 hours ago I was considering other options for the fall of this year, and without a resume. Currently I have a resume, CV, and am prepping for a job interview in the morning. Sheesh!

I Love Spring Weekend

The spring week shirts boasting that logo are everywhere right now. Every spring weekend they print a few thousand of these shirts and toss them out at various Spring Weekend-related events. This was the first Spring Weekend where I got a shirt and it's a good one to get. I just happened to catch, of all of the ones they threw out, the color and size that I wanted. Excellent.

This was a great spring weekend. Last year, with TPBA, I had an incredible time. We played to the bigges crowd we ever had and will play for. It was incredible intense to perform in front of that many people, to be a memory of that Spring Weekend to so many, so sing for and sing with so many.

This year, after a year without a show, we out of the blue were offered a spring weekend show. Maybe it was the time off, maybe it was the new line-up, I'm not sure. Maybe it's just that it is hard to recall feelings to the degree they existed in their unique moment, but right now I would say I had more fun and felt more 'right' this past weekend than last year. Our set was followed by an incredible set by Penrose, who played again the next day. I recently was told that they estimated 3,500 people were in attendance for their set on Saturday. I can't even conceive what it must have looked like and felt like for them. And they deserve it.

That was the first spring weekend show I truly enjoyed (no thanks to MGMT), having followed and exhausting but amazing night. Sunday was pretty low key, but it was so, in a good way.

And now, with only days, or hours, left to give to this school I look at my Spring Weekend shirt, my only souvenir from my 4 years here, and have say once again, despite the bitching I might have about Fordham as a school, it has been and continues to be a place of incredible memories.

There are only 18 days until we graduate. That's 18 more chances to have an incredible day here. I hope to capitalize on every one.

Planning is hard!

I don't know if the people who work out the details of the Spring Weekend shows have to deal with this, but planning a concert event has been a real strain. Before I got the event approved by the school I had 5-7 bands interested in playing. 4 Days before the event, now, and I can't seem to lock down more than 3. I have messaged more people and gotten more no's than I ever thought I would.

This past Thursday we received a request to play at a bar 24 hours later. We said yes, we had no prep time, and we managed to play an 11 song set without any real problems. These bands I am asking have had anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks to prepare and still can't seem to find the time to do so. And most of these guys are all Fordham Students. I don't get it. We have a band member who does not even go here and we still manage to be more together than all of these other dudes. I get that several bands had other conflicts and had to say no because of those reasons, but several others just felt they did not have the time to prepare.

It's not like you have to pick a weekend to practice. Every one of you go here, and it couldn't take more than 2 hours to rehearse 30 minutes of material.

I know I am ranting. I just am frustrated at the responses I have gotten. Hopefully we are able to pull this event off. The last thing we need is for our Go! trip to lose money on this event.

For something that was born out of wanting to give everyone a good time, this concert has become nothing more than a chore. Hopefully as the week progresses that all changes.



(These pictures are of my backyard at 2 am this morning. I know it's hard to see, but if you click them you get the idea of what it looked like. The party lasted until 4:15am or so, having started at noon. It's a disaster now.)

Worth the money?

Every year it seems like Fordham waits to long or does not budget enough for a good act at spring weekend. This, our senior year, they managed to book MGMT. This is the most time relevant band they have booked in my time here. In the past we have had Yellowcard, Ghostface Killa, and Guster. MGMT is the closest thing they have gotten to booking a band that students are currently listening to, a band currently big.

To say that Penrose blew them away in presence, talent, and interaction with the crowd would be an understatement. This is a shame for the school because it does not bode well for them putting in the effort trying to book a 'current' band in the future. That being said, it is unfair to compare a 'band' to the musical talent of Penrose. I think it is safe to say they have a lock on opening Spring Weekend as long as Danny goes here. It is also safe to say that I'd make the trip to see them each time as well.

My voice may have been sore, my back and neck may have been strained, but I just couldnt help myself from shouting, singing, and dancing around to them. It's amazing for guys who are so young in the music scene to command the stage so well, and incredibly cool to be close friends with all of them.

(Picture today is of my backyard. Some of the guys in the apartment complex transformed out backyard into a beach/pool. The rager than ensued started around 12:30pm and at 1:45 am it is still happening. So impressed.)

365 Days. Worth It.

As of last night, the last show we played was the Friday of Spring Weekend, last year. 5 o'clock yesterday after striking out with any show options this semester and especially for this weekend, we got a gig. It's been a year since we performed live, and with a new line up, and very little notice, I was incredibly nervous.

We killed it. My head aches. My voice is shot. I am basically comatose. And above all, I am so incredibly happy.

This was fantastic.