Write In My Own Words

My 1/4 Life Crisis with Minka Kelly

2011-03-27T23:29:00.001-07:00

So I just saw that Minka Kelly is the Sexiest Woman Alive for 2010 for Esquire Magazine. I know it's 2011 and I'm kind of late on the news. But I read a little bit of the article of her on their website about her and what struck me was that she was 30.

THIRTY! Minka Kelly is 30.

Well first off she's hot for a 30-year-old. But damn. While others are dreading that age, she's embracing it. That made me wonder. The past few days I've been living in this sort of quarter-life crisis thinking about who I am, who I'm going to be, where I am, and where I should be. A lot of thinking's going on in my head. But the what struck me was how she embraced it and I thought, "Wow!" That's where I need to be.

Well not as the sexiest man alive, although I wouldn't mind that award if it was given to me, but at that state of mind by the time I become 30.

I want to be able to be happy at where life lead me by the time 30 rolls along. I want to have accomplished something great. Complete an amazing feat. Go to amazing places. Experience the world. LIVE. That's what I want.

Here's my take on this whole "quarter-life-crisis" thing. It's this condition that people get when their in transition. When I mean transition I mean a pivotal or key moment in life where change is either coming is about to happen. Quiting my job and finding my next career has been more of a journey to find what I really want.

I really thought it my old job was going to be my career. But now I'm off to something else.

I'm on the "other side" where the grass is greener and I'm just finding which land I want to build on.

I'm a big fan of signs. That everything happens for a reason. These next few weeks I'll find my reason. Can't wait.

Finding My Passion

2011-03-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

How to Find Your Passion

I'm in a crossroads in my life now.

And it's not one of those maybe moments where it's like I think I'm in a crossroads but I'll know it later. No. I am right in the middle of it. It all started when I quit my job a few weeks ago. There were a few factors that why I left. I wasn't making any money and I started hating the bulk of what I was doing. Now don't get me wrong a part of me still loves the job and there's many aspects of that job that I would do free, at times I felt like that's what I was doing, but there was a part of me that just wasn't happy.

Well now's my chance to do what I love. To go out there and make a difference in the world. To start making my millions. To be the entrepreneur. But I'm staring at myself right now and I'm just saying... Now what?

What do I do? And it's coming from everywhere. Because that's the NUMBER 1 question people ask you when you leave a job. What do you want to do now? Where do you see yourself working? Now I have a few things in mind. But isn't it okay to just say "I don't know?" I think it is. I was a mentor in college and whenever I asked a mentee what they wanted to major in when they were undeclared I would say, "That's okay. It sucks how society and college gives you two years to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. Chances are you probably need more time." Now I feel like them.

But what it really comes down to is to find a job that I'm passionate about. Something that I wouldn't mind working weekends on. Because the passion is what's going to drive me and make my dreams come true. I know what I need to do, I just need to do it. I only have myself to blame for this one.

How to find my passion?

developing, learning, growing, freedom. That's what makes me passionate.

Developing - Something where I can help or watch something develop is something that I would love to do. Some place where I can develop an idea into fruition or help someone gain a skill. Teach basically. That would be easy to be passionate about.

Learning - A place where I am constantly learning. A place with no last page, no final chapter to finish reading. A constant hands on learning environment. That would be awesome and never a dull moment.

Growing - Or should I say personal growth. A place where I can see myself maturing and growing every week. A place where I can see the progress I have made since I've started and seeing that what I'm doing is making me a better person.

Freedom - I want to be able to do shit. Where I can set my own hours. "Be my own boss". Work where I want to work. I want to be able to go places without worrying clocking in an out. I want the time to live my life.

Now it's time for me to find this opportunity and seize it. Where do I see myself a year from now? It's time for me to find out. I'll tell you when I do.

Palladia. Epic. Awesome. Music.

2011-03-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Palladia

One of the things that I do to pass the time is to watch Palladia. It's an HD channel that shows nothing but music.

It's like what MTV, Music Television, would be if it did what it's name said. They always have concerts, artist documentaries, and music videos. It's a great channel to just leave on while your working in your room. For instance I'm watching Jason Mraz playing in concert while I'm typing this blog. They played Mariah Carey's concert last night along with a documentary about Woodstock.

This is an HD exclusive channel, which means it's only for cable boxes who have high definition. Which sucks for everyone else but is a blessing because every program is in HD. Blu-ray quality concerts for free. Pretty sweet.

My Jam Right Now...

2011-03-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite song right now. This song is called "He Won't Go" from Adele's sophomore album, 21. The song is perfect. From the raw beginning of just the drums it builds as the haunting piano comes in. By the time Adele speaks your drawn by the song. The chorus just hits you. The best of the song is the bridge when each instrument comes in after another to just build it up again to the chorus. The song is just overall sick. Just listen and enjoy. The overall cd is pretty good but I'll chime in on that on a later time.

Homemade Skittles Vodka

2011-02-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

This sounds delicious!

Homemade Skittle Vodka

Skittles Vodka (with instructions)
Desperate times call for desperate measures. This means that K-Rudds Alcopop tax has driven girls to making their own! Here are some bottles of skittles vodka that Erin made. I actually haven't tried it yet, other than a little bit of leftovers, which seemed all right. I'll update this later to say how it is (if I remember).

The difference in colour of the two leftmost bottles is clearer than on my other photo, which is good.

The instructions are quite long, but that's because they like to state the obvious an awful lot. It really boils down to this.

1. Separate your skittles into colours
2. Mix 60 skittles and approx. 180mL vodka in empty water bottles
3. Shake the bottles well and leave them overnight.
4. Lots of white residue will be left, filter this out using a coffee filter or similar. Depending how viscous it is you may have to repeat this step.
5. Chill (in freezer) and serve.

Believe it or not, that was an 8 page email that I managed to abbreviate to five lines! I should get a job summarising government reports like on The Hollowmen (have you got a 1-pager?).

This photo was taken before they've been in the freezer.

My Country Music Picks

2009-08-09T23:27:00.000-07:00

So this blog is my picks of country music songs that I am currently listening along with some songs that I feel would be a good base for those who want to give country music a try.

* BIAS DISCLAIMER - I almost always listen to the male country artists. I feel that I can relate to them more than the females.

Brad Paisley - She's Her Own Woman - This song doesn't sound country at all. It sounds more blues/jazzy but just goes to show that country can sound different from the stereotype. Anyway, the reason I picked this song is because this is the country version of Ne-Yo's "Ms. Independent" It talks about a woman who can take care of herself as well as the man.

Brad Paisley - She's Everything - It's one of those slow country jams that every guy can relate to. It talks about how this girl is everything he's ever wanted or needed. How he doesn't mind talking all day about her and that he loves everything about her. Plus its catchy.

Brad Paisley - Waitin' On a Woman - A story about a conversation between a young and old man waiting on their women. The old man talks about how much it pays to wait on a woman. Worth a listen.

Brad Paisley - The World - I don't know how many times I've busted this song out for my explanation to why I listen to country. The lyrics in this song are cute and feel that every girl wouldn't mind hearing someone say to them "they are the world." Also, I'm pretty sure I've used that line on a girl before, that or the refrain, "You may be one of millions, but your one in a million to me." hehehe.

Brad Paisley - You Have That Effect On Me - To me, I picture this as a sweet country song. It's slow and steady. The lyrics are nice as well and if your really into it you can feel it too. Pretty much the song talks about what the girl does to Brad Paisley.

Brad Paisley - Letter To Me - Brad talks about if he could write a letter to his younger self, what advice would he would give. The song is about encouragement through the younger years and not to fret about everything cause it all works out in the end. If your feeling down in the dumps, this is a good song to listen to.

Brad Paisley - Then - Another slow country ballad about how love grows even when you think it's enough.

Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried - To best explain the awesomeness of this song is to recite the second verse of the song:

Its the little things in life that mean the most. Not where you live, what you drive, or the price tags on your clothes. Theres no dollar sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know. So if you agree, have a drink with me. Raise your glasses for a toast.

Zac Brown Band - Whatever It Is - Ever really like a girl but dont know why? Well this song talks about it.

Keith Urban - Somebody Like You - Shows the virtue of having the right girl with you and forgetting about the past and looking towards the optimistic future.

Keith Urban - You'll Think of Me - One of those sob songs that you play after a breakup.

Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying - Song about making the most of your life. Loving deeper and speaking sweeter.

Tim McGraw - Don't Take the Girl - a great county story song.

Billy Currington - Don't - Sounds like country meets the 80s. You can hear it in the guitar riff and the chorus. Song about the honeymoon stage of a relationship where you just met a girl you really like and dont want to leave each other. Plus it sort of has an 80s music vibe to it.

Rascal Flatts - Winner at a Losing Game - Song about loving someone who doesn't love you. Because if you love her but she doesn't love you, then its like your a winner at a losing game.

Rascal Flatts - These Days - A popular song from this song that talks about how a guy still hasn't gotten over her last love even after years. In the song the guy sees the girl after years and they reminisce about old times but he still can't get over her. He just spends his days thinking of her.

Rascal Flatts - I Melt - Good song about the feeling you get when you look at a girl you really like. How you lose your cool and melt whenever you see her.

Rascal Flatts - My Wish - Sounds like the perfect Hallmark encouragement song. Talks about how the singers encourage the listener to live life and love.

Rascal Flatts - Like I Am - Great song that talks about how the girl takes the singer for how he is and encourages him to be a better person.

Martina McBride - I Just Call You Mine - There's something about this song that is amazing. When I hear the song I picture someone saying that to me and it's such an ego booster. It talks about how her man is so amazing, how the whole world adores him, calls him amazing, but to her he's just... mine. POWERFUL STUFF! *Possibly one of the rare female songs I'd recommend.

The links go to a youtube music video or lyrical version of the song. That way you can hear what I'm talking about. Enjoy!

Pain and Hunger

2009-08-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

I'm twenty-two years old, recently graduated from Towson University with a double major in Business Marketing and Electronic Business and in the process of getting a job. Granted I've only been trying the past day or so but I'm starting to feel scared of the person I'll become if nothing happens.

Most of my friends have school and classes to take care of. But as I'm playing on my PS3 I'm realizing that if I don't do anything I'll be doing this permanently. While there's nothing wrong with a little R&R, I have to do something. I just came back from my trip to Canada three days ago and I'm already applying for jobs. Would have applied sooner but I was still transitioning to life back in the States and I was trying to celebrate my birthday with a fever.

But the point is I need to work again. I need to feel that pain and hunger for something. I'm starting to think if I don't get a job soon I'll just be a bum with a degree. I want to start making something of myself and get my drive back. I feel that once I get that feeling of purpose things will start happening again.

I can easily turn on the PS3 and play a game. But I don't want to do that the rest of my life. I need to start doing something soon. I need to experience real excitement and feeling again. I think that's the only way that will get me out of this funk and start my next chapter in life. I know that I'm "in transition" right now but it's scary and I don't know what's going to happen to me. Guess we'll find out soon enough over the next coming weeks.

Last Thoughts

2009-07-28T00:53:00.000-07:00

Last thought I'll be pondering before I sleep:

If what I wanted was here, what would it be?

Guitar Lipsyncing to Arctic Monkeys

2009-07-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

My first video!

This is me lipsyncing to "Baby Im Yours" by Arctic Monkeys while playing the guitar. Guitar Lipsyncing. It was harder than I thought. That was actually my 4th or 5th attempt at it.

I have other takes on it and a clip of me goofing off and trying to fing the "right position" for the camera and the guitar. I might post it if I feel like humbling myself. But then again this is humbling in and of itself.

Anyway, at some point I tried to really sell it. Especially whenever the words "Baby I'm Yours.." came up. Hahaha.

I was trying to picture me serenading some fine lady or ladies. Hehehe. Hey, I'm just trying to cross this off my to-do list of this summer.

Anyway the clip was taken from my PS3 Eye at 2AM. Wanted to play a little louder but then I realized the time.

Anyway, my guitar skills are a work in progress but I thought I'd post something to give me some sort of timeline of my progress. I'll try and do more things next time. But for now, enjoy!

2009-06-30T19:12:00.001-07:00

Walking home from work while its raining. Dont mind it actually. Enjoying the experience, the night, and the walk.

2009-06-28T14:27:00.001-07:00

So im waiting for my mom to finish shopping in the car so i thoight id text this blog through my phone. Anyway last night i made a few videos of me playing a few songs. Sucker by john mayer and penny and me by hanson. Anyway playing the songs i just realized something. I suck and need some major improvement. Well at least i can gauge my progress by playing for myself. Anyway dont expect any videos anytime soon. Wont release any until i approve. Dont worry i might post my first attempts at video making later in the future. Just not yet.

MJ and Ben

2009-06-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Right now, as I'm working, listening to MJ, I can't help but still be in a state of shock that he passed away. He's made songs that's shaped my childhood and to know that he's gone is still surreal. I wanted him to perform live one last time. Was hoping for the MJ career comeback. He deserved it and I'm sure we were all hoping for him to do it.

Didn't think his death would hit me this hard. I'm listening to "Ben" right now and its erie how this song he sang when he just a kid sums up his life and lifelong inner struggle. He's been isolated and alone his whole life. Growing up without a childhood for a life of fame. Growing up in the public eye and enduring a harsh upbringing with a ruthless father.

Listening to "Ben" I can understand the things he has done. As an adult he tried recapturing his lost childhood building the Neverland Ranch and inviting children there. Also befriending childhood stars like Mccully Culkin because he wanted those childhood friends he never had. Also he didn't like the way "adults" mistreated him and only wanted him for his money and fame. Even though he has kids now, I don't feel as though his loneliness has ever been filled. Also buying the remains of "The Elephant Man," a disfigured man who looks hideous, is also understandable. I believe that he can relate to the elephant man. To share a bond through their loneliness and public ridicule. There have been tabloids and endless jokes at his expense made throughout his life, which I am certain took a toll on him. A few of lines during the song and the last verse of "Ben" speaks volumes:

Ben most people would turn you away,
I don't listen to a word they say.
They don't see you as I do,
I wish they would try to.
I'm sure they'd think again,
If they had a friend like Ben.
Like Ben,
A Friend.

All his life he's been "Ben." Always running here and there, not wanted anywhere. Looking for a friend and a place to go. I don't judge the things he has done, if anything I feel that he was misjudged and ridiculed for the mistakes he has made. Hopefully now that he passed away he can truly sing this song.

FYI - Here's the lyrics to the song. Honestly, one of the saddest and emotional songs I know. It's simple but it tugs on your heart strings. To hear about someone, a rat in this case but can be used in the context of a person, who has been lonely their whole life and finally finding a friend. It's touching.

Ben
by The Jackson 5

Ben, the two of us need look no more,
We both found what we were looking for.
With a friend to call my own,
I'll never be alone.
And you my friend will see,
You've got a friend in me.

Ben, you're always running here and there,
You feel you're not wanted anywhere.
If you ever look behind and don't like what you find,
There's something you should know,
You've got a place to go.

I used to say,
I and me.
Now it's "us."
Now it's "we."

Ben, most people would turn you away,
I don't listen to a word they say.
They don't see you as I do.
I wish they would try to.
I'm sure they'd think again,
If they had a friend like Ben.
A Friend.

RIP Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

I think everyone will remember the time and place they were when they heard the news that Michael Jackson had passed away. Here's mine:

Ok. So today my childhood pop idol just passed away, Michael Jackson. He was the person that shaped the entire music industry and he will surely be missed.

I was at my internship, on a hot day and the AC not kicking in as it should. One of the co-workers, Michelle gasps and my friend Eva says, "He's not dead. Just in a coma." Didn't think much of it until I realized that they were talking about Michael Jackson. The second I figured it out I immediately checked CNN which reported, at the time, that he was just in a coma. But viewing other news outlets stated that he had passed away on the way to the hospital.

When I heard the news I was devastated and in shock. Michael Jackson had passed away. I noticed that Farrah Fawcett had passed prior to the MJ news and heard about Ed McMahon vaguely last night. But the news didn't shake me as much as MJ did. Michael Jackson is THE KING OF POP and to only die at AGE 50! That's a shame.

I was listening to his songs while I was making my calls and it didn't feel the same. I LOVE HIS MUSIC. I grew up with ABC and Billie Jean. As a child I grew up to "A Jackson 5 Christmas" where the Jackson 5 would sing Christmas songs. That cassette was played every Christmas at my house.

I don't think I've ever been more of a Michael Jackson fan than right now. As I got older I only learned to love MJ's music even more. As the years went by and as I changed Michael Jackson was always on my music playlist. He was one of those artists that I couldn't bear to take out of my mp3 player/ipod even when I had barely a byte of space. I could never imagine my ipod without any MJ. Michael Jackson is the perfect go-to song in any road trip or carpool.

Now wherenever I hear an Michael Jackson song I'll always think of my childhood and how awesome his songs where. He will always be the KING OF POP in my book.

SIDENOTE - Although I did enjoy the MJ tributes on the radio. As I was driving home all I heard was Michael Jackson music. FINALLY, good music on the radio!

Guitar Track List

2009-06-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

So right now I'm thinking of making a vlog of me playing a bunch of songs I know. Its more of for learning purposes, to get me familiar with making a video blog and help me with my guitar skills by hearing myself play the songs. Plus its also a way to track my progress throughout the summer. Anyway I just made a rough list of some of the songs I know. Some the songs I have to relearn, some I'm close to learning, and others I just know. Anyway, just thought I'd put it down to show the steps I take to make this "guitar medley."

* Also this will be updated regularly to add more songs that I learn along the way. I might even color code this at one point in time.

Maroon 5
Nothing Last Forever
Sunday Morning
If I Fell
Harder to Breathe
She Will be Loved

The Beatles
Yesterday
Hey Jude

Eric Clapton
Tears in Heaven
Layla
Wonderful Tonight

Green Day
Wake Me Up When September Ends

Arctic Monkeys
The Bakery
Baby I'm Yours

Santana
Love of My Life

Stevie Wonder
Isn't She Lovely

Tamia
Officially Missing You

Monica
Angel of Mine

NSYNC
Gone
This I Promise You

John Mayer
Sucker
No Such Thing
Daughters
I'm Gonna Find Another You
Neon

Lenny Kravitz
I'll Be Waiting

John Frusciante
How Deep Is Your Love

Chris Brown
With You

James Morrison
You Give Me Something
You Make it Real
Better Man

Brad Paisley
You Have That Effect on Me

Robin Thicke
Lost Without U

Jason Mraz
Butterfly
You and I

Sixpence None the Richer
Kiss Me

Meg and Dia
Cardigan Weather

Paolo Nutini
Loving You
Last Request

Oasis
Dont Look Back in Anger
Wonderwall

Jack Johnson
Banana Pancakes
Traffic in the Sky
F Stop Blues
Questions
Angel

Just A Reminder

2009-06-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

June 21st. The first day of summer. More of a day of reflection as I go to Emittsburg to visit the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes with my mom and family friends. Not much of a morning person so I was delighted to take a nap in the back of a minivan during the 90 minute car ride instead of driving there. But during church and during the day I was reminded by my mom of the significance of this day. Not only was it Fathers' Day but also the death anniversary of my dad. How suiting to have Fathers' Day and my dad's death fall on the same day. I was constantly reminded at different times during our "pilgrimage" that my dad was there with us today. From having the driver and navigator calm while having a driver cut us off and steals our parking spot (my dad was always calm and didn't really lose his cool even when there were times he should have) but then randomly get 4 open spots as soon as the other car got ours to my mom smelling him in church and during mass, I was constantly reminded of this day and its significance.

While I honestly forgot how many years he's been gone me and my mom handle his death differently. My mom sees him in her dreams and feels his presence when she needs him the most I don't get the same effect. When my mom is freezing at home, I barely feel a breeze. At the times when I miss him the most and want to hear his voice or presence I hear nothing and dream nothing. But now I feel as though I don't need it.

Because I am his son. I think like him. I talk like him. I say corny jokes that I would see my dad saying. In pictures I see myself doing the same things my dad did. I have both my parents determination and drive to do things few people do. I have his savvy mind to think outside the box with his "work smart, not hard" mentality. So like I said, I don't need to feel or see him, because he's in me.

I can easily blame him for everything that's gone wrong in my life. Most of the problems me and my mom go through is because of him. But that would be easy to say. The truth is that while the problems that we've faced were difficult, its behind us now and it only made us stronger.

His passing away showed me that life is short and made me think of what I really want and to start getting it. So during the day today I was meditating, talking to god, talking to my dad, whatever you want to call it but I asked for help to answer this question to myself: What do I want? What will make my life content? What will help me drive my dreams? What will make me have no regrets when I die?

Throughout the day I came up with these 3 things that I want to have in my life at all times.

- To have and give love
- To feel joy and happiness
- To have Success

If I have these 3 things when I die, my life would have been worth it.

Why Love?

Because I can't live without it. To mean and say the words "I Love You" is the most powerful phrase in the world. And to have love means your needed. It means that its okay to be yourself and mess up, because you have support. Also, while feeling love is good, giving genuine love is just as nice. To be able to share the same support and necessity to someone else is worth the risk of saying it. To have that sense of necessity and support is what will make me do extraordinary things.

Why Joy and Happiness?

There are too many people who aren't happy in the world. They hate their life because of their situation. I'm at a point where I feel that I am in control of my happiness. Also being in a state of joy and happiness feels good and who am I to say reject that feeling.

While my life's far from perfect, I still have my day-to-day drama like everyone else. But at the end of the day I'm still happy.

Who wouldn't when your a guy who has everything he needs and in the process of getting everything he wants, has family and friends he loves, and has dreams he can't wait to live out. I'm jealous that this is my life and wouldn't trade it for anything.

When I realize this I just can't help but smile and that's all I need. Whatever I get after that is just a pleasant and thankful surprise.

Why Success?

Because of my ambition, determination, and dream. A measure of a man has always been his successes. When all is said and done, I want to have succeeded.

Now Why Write All of This?

To give myself a reminder of how I thought of life at 21. Just graduated college, facing a recession and having to look for a new job in a few weeks while feeling the effects of useless drama and the significance of this day. But also having a sense of endless optimism, willingness to learn, and an earnest thankfulness for his life so far while thinking of donating part of his savings to Kiva, an online organization that lets you give money to entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Time For a Name Change?

2009-06-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

So I'm thinking of being called by my full name, Jeffrey-Lorenz, over my regular name of just "Jeff" or "Jeffrey." Thought about it and I've grown to like it.

In the tradition of things I love to do when I blog, I think I'll write a list of reasons Why JEFFREY-LORENZ trumps over JEFF or JEFFREY.

Unique - Not that many JEFFREY-LORENZ's out there.

007 Vibe to it - When you say it right, it sounds tight.

Mature - While "Jeff" seems cool when I was in high school or college, "Jeffrey-Lorenz" sounds like he's been there and done that. The name sounds worldly. The name is a departure from the norm and an arrival into the tall, dark, and mysterious.

Change - While there's nothing wrong with the name that everyone's grown and love, I feel that a new part of my life needs a new name, a new me.

Join the 3-Name Celebs - Now that I'm Jeffrey-Lorenz Rodriguez I joing the other cool celebrities with 3 names, such as:
Jennifer Love Hewitt - Gorgeous Actress
Neil Patrick Harris - BARNEY STINSON (WHAT UP?) and from Harold and Kumar

Chad Michael Murray - One Tree Hill

Johnathon Taylor Thomas - One of Tim Taylor's sons on Home Improvement

Mark Paul Gosselaar - Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell

Ashley Parker Angel - Boy band member of O-town

Anna Nicole Smith - Actress?

Nat King Cole - Iconic singer

Melissa Joan Hart - The girl from Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch

James Earl Jones - Darth Vader!

Georges St. Pierre - GSP, Canadian's Top Athlete of the Year (2009), UFC Champ/Superstar

All these people are cool and I think, just like NPH, being called Jeffrey-Lorenz Rodriguez will be LEGEN-- wait for it -- DARY!

Disclaimer - People who already know me as Jeff or Jeffrey won't have to worry about me being a prick and calling me Jeffrey-Lorenz. That would just be dumb and make me look like a douche bag. But all I'm saying is try saying it to me. If you, like it cool. If not, then no worries.

Good Time Wasters

2009-06-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

So there are times during my job when I want to get my mind off of what I'm suppose to be doing. My job can be pretty mundane and boring and can drive someone crazy if you don't have some place to vent.

So here's a list of things I do on the job to let the time fly by inbetween calls.

Blogging - Let's me put my thoughts into published words.
Facebook - Let's me keep in touch with my peeps.
Twitter - Just started tweeting and slowly getting used to it. Using the mobile tweet feature now and slowly getting the hang of it.
Card shuffling - Getting a pro and the one-hand shuffle. Need to learn some more card tricks though.
G-chat and Facebook Chat - Saves my life! Anyone who chats with me b/w the times of 5-10 PM know what I mean.
Chat with co-workers - Because we're both going through the same things and it makes going to work fun.
Read a book - Yeah, I know! I actually read a book to pass the time.
Read the News - Reading the news makes me one more step to be a more cultured and worldy gentleman. Plus I get a chance to learn a thing or two while I'm at work.
Random Google search - Ever wonder what the capital of Bulgaria is? or How much a flight costs to Buffalo, NY? Well I do, and that's why I google. [insert google ad and wait for check in the mail]

Try any or all of those next time your at work and looking for something to do. If you've got one to add TELL ME and I'll try it. As long as it's work safe and does not involve watching youtube or any videos (I know, the computer doesn't have any java player to let me view youtube or any videos) then I'm game.

My Summer To-Do List

2009-06-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my to-do list for this summer (in no particular order):

Start trading in forex

Work on my guitar skills

Work on my e-biz skills with my website and blog

Find a job for the fall

Catch up on gaming (PS3 and Poker)

FOREX - I want this to be my main source of passive-to-main income for the rest of my life. I've been reading a little bit each day and want to be able to use money by the end of the summer.

GUITAR - This is more like a side-note goal. I want to learn a few more songs by heart. My goal is to be good enough to serenade a girl off her feet by the time the summer's over.

E-BIZ - My e-biz class taught me a lot about the different facets of the Internet, but mainly how to think like an e-business major. They taught me a little bit about the technical aspect but I want to know a little bit more so that I can do something more with what I've got.

JOB - At this point I'm not stressing at all about it but need to find a job for the fall so that I'm not stuck with a permanent vacation. I'm working part-time at my old internship and I'll be here until early July. But after that I have to start looking for a job. I also have a few offers in my e-mail of places to work so not too worried about it.

GAMING - Its summer! So that means its time to relax and play some video games. Got my flat screen and my games and I'm good to go. The games I either currently playing, have recently played, or waiting for the release date for are: Bioshock, Fight Night Round 4, Infamous, and UFC 2009 Undisputed...

I'm most likely going to talk about each one a lot over the course of these next few months so this is more like a heads up. More like a table of contents if this were a book... or outline.

The Most Annoying (but relevant) Question a Grad is Asked

2009-06-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

So now that I've just graduated out of college one of the number one questions people ask me, other than my job status, is: How do you feel now that you've graduated?

Honestly, it just feels like summer vacation right now. I'm hanging out with the same friends and doing the same thing minus the school work. I guess its because everyone's still accessible, more or less, and I am doing my internship job (which is the same thing I did last year). I guess it will hit me once the fall semester starts and I'm at work while my friends are back in college.

Now for a little treat. For this post I decided to give you John Mayer's first single, No Such Thing, with a special intro about how his life and how he got the title of the song. FYI there's also a little quote from The Police. Enjoy!

Newly graduated

2009-06-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

The first post talked about what to expect from this blog, I thought that this blog would talk more about me.

A month ago I just graduated from Towson University with a double major in Business Marketing and e-Business (Electronic Business). One of the main reasons this blog is up here is to hone on my blogging and tech skills so that I can make use of my majors.

Why Business Marketing and E-Business?

I knew I was going to go into business when I went to college but I was stuck between management and marketing. Eventually I want to run my own company and live the life few live and I knew that either of the two majors would get me there. But I would be active during college and learn how to be a leader and manage through hands-on experience and I would just learn how to market through my major. I used the logic that a great company can have a great product and still fail because of marketing. If I have a marketing degree, I would know how to not only market a product or company but also myself. Then when I picked the marketing degreee I saw that I could get another degree in e-business in the same amount of time. I figured that it was perfect majors for me and the rest is history.

What now?

Now I'm currently working part-time at my old internship, a research firm called Community Analytics. It is a great learning experience for me as it really helps me with my communication skills. During this time I'm reading up on forex, Foreign Exchange, and will be trying to work the money market over the summer. My part-time job ends in early July, so I will be job hunting in the next few weeks. While everyone seems worried about jobs I am somewhat optimistic about my future prospects and I'm not too worried about my job status.

So I thought I'd leave you with this AWESOME audio of John Mayer's version of California Dreaming from the Conan O' Brien show. His guitar solo and rifs made me want to pick up the guitar again. Enjoy!

The Best is Yet to Come

2009-06-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is my first post of my first blog and I thought I'd make this blog about what to expect from this blog.

This blog is about everything and anything I think about. What I find interesting, cool, funny, important, and everything inbetween. I'll also keep you posted with everything that's going on in my life. My excursions, my life lessons, my trips around the world (that I'm sure to make in the future) will all be documented here. I'm also in the process of being a millionaire so I'll keep track of my many successes on this blog as well.

So to anyone and everyone who reads this I just want to say thanks for reading and keep reading, cause the best is yet to come.

So I'll try to leave you with a little nugget of something good stuff. I was on youtube and found an Incubus documentary for their new album, Monuments and Melodies. They talk about their career and give commentary about each of their video as well as show the videos in their entirety. IT'S 50 MINUTES LONG!! Enjoy!

Since I can't embed the video here's the link.