Reasoning behind title. Las Vegas = The Meadows. Interesting how much "Las Vegas" is different in connotation than its actual meaning. The Meadows sounds like a boring sleeper town in Nebraska.
After a mere day I am back again leaving from the same terminal in the same place I wrote from before heading to San Diego. I realized coming back was almost pointless... might have been better to just have flown from San Diego. I guess it was good to get my bearings back home... plus until yesterday I thought I'd be driving up with Aq on the 31st.
It should be much better to spend more time in the good company of J and Aunt P. Plus I have a ride back with Aq so no round trip was really necessary.
(as I scribe this post I also look back and realize those extra two days were ABSOLUTELY worth it)
Should be a fun surprise for J.
Still can't believe it was only in March that I was in Vegas last. Seems way longer.
I'll try to write in Vegas, but I'll probably be preoccupied. Maybe a few notes a day will suffice..
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/orrxx067/architecture/lasvegas.jpg
29 December 2010
27 December 2010
Back to Tuscon
Wasn't quite as diligent in writing since Christmas just from the short travel and a couple days of seeing the San Diego sights.
Aunt C and I bolted out in the mid-afternoon/evening to her place with the thought of checking out Sea World the next day.
Once we got to her house, we headed downtown to see the city life of San Diego.Gas Lamp is a very cool strip of city. You could barely tell it was Xmas by the let's-go-dancing attitude of many of the patrons of the two pubs we visited.
The first place had dance music and the second was an old-timey Irish bar complete with rock band.
The next day Aunt C and I went to Sea World. With the free admin for military--you can't beat Christmas with Shamu.
I'm now on my way back to Tuscon and home for a few days.
Aunt C and I bolted out in the mid-afternoon/evening to her place with the thought of checking out Sea World the next day.
Once we got to her house, we headed downtown to see the city life of San Diego.Gas Lamp is a very cool strip of city. You could barely tell it was Xmas by the let's-go-dancing attitude of many of the patrons of the two pubs we visited.
The first place had dance music and the second was an old-timey Irish bar complete with rock band.
The next day Aunt C and I went to Sea World. With the free admin for military--you can't beat Christmas with Shamu.
I'm now on my way back to Tuscon and home for a few days.
25 December 2010
Skype Christmas Wonder.
Was able to see Dad, Mom, the grandparents, and siblings on the webcam from San Diego with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. All at once. We underestimate how cool this kind of the thing is.
Yes, sometimes the beautifully sentimental (gag-me) parts about delayed communications are great, but being able to connect "in person" is soooo nice. We shall see how well it works out for my situations as compared to my dad's.
We spanned from San Diego to home to Afghanistan.
At least we're not sacrificing face-time.
Yes, sometimes the beautifully sentimental (gag-me) parts about delayed communications are great, but being able to connect "in person" is soooo nice. We shall see how well it works out for my situations as compared to my dad's.
We spanned from San Diego to home to Afghanistan.
At least we're not sacrificing face-time.
23 December 2010
San Diego Arrival
The man next to me asked me where I was stationed. That was all we need to spark an hour-long conversation from Tuscon to San Diego.
These types of conversations have happened a lot to me over the past 5 years or so but honestly it’s been a while since I’ve followed through with a conversation past the pleasantries.
The guy knew Joe Pa, liked traveling, and was invested in exploring. Okay guy in my book! Little kid who sat with his mom on the other side of me was the only type of kid I hope to have… happy and quiet!
After sitting down, Uncle F and I went over on a scenic roundabout that was improved greatly by some great fish tacos at a yacht club. Don’t know if the Yacht Club atmosphere is my scene, but it sure inspired me to try my hand at sailing eventually (last time, when I was ten I puked my guts out all day 25 miles off the coast of Florida).
I kept looking at the Skyline of San Diego as we drove around and couldn’t help but think about Ron Burgundy in Anchorman. San Diego… Which of course, in German, means a Whale’s Vagina.
…Anyway. The city was truly a sight to see. Gas Lamp, the navy base, the marina, the Pacific. All picture worthy.
These types of conversations have happened a lot to me over the past 5 years or so but honestly it’s been a while since I’ve followed through with a conversation past the pleasantries.
The guy knew Joe Pa, liked traveling, and was invested in exploring. Okay guy in my book! Little kid who sat with his mom on the other side of me was the only type of kid I hope to have… happy and quiet!
After sitting down, Uncle F and I went over on a scenic roundabout that was improved greatly by some great fish tacos at a yacht club. Don’t know if the Yacht Club atmosphere is my scene, but it sure inspired me to try my hand at sailing eventually (last time, when I was ten I puked my guts out all day 25 miles off the coast of Florida).
I kept looking at the Skyline of San Diego as we drove around and couldn’t help but think about Ron Burgundy in Anchorman. San Diego… Which of course, in German, means a Whale’s Vagina.
…Anyway. The city was truly a sight to see. Gas Lamp, the navy base, the marina, the Pacific. All picture worthy.
Measured/Managed. Musings from the Airport.
How to become a good writer
-Write a lot. Makes sense.
How to make changes.
-Track changes.
“What gets measured gets managed.” This quote seems particularly important to someone in my circumstance—a glorified military-manager. An officer...
What do I measure? Well I guess I should start with putting together a system for that measurement—first for myself, and secondly for others to use. After all, unless it has to do with something personal—something that only I can do, like exercise—I don’t need to do all the work in my exploits, be they professional or not.
With all the signal equipment I’ll soon be in charge of, I scarcely know how my soldiers go about measuring it. But I’m not really in charge of measuring the equipment. I’m in charge of measuring them—guiding them, and managing them through my NCO’s.
So my own personal goals I’d like to manage better…
1) Writing/Art/Guitar (spirit crap) – creative outlet I do well and want to improve
-Writing – how many pages I can write in a week. Match from there.
-Art – Measuring art? We’ll leave that one out.
-Guitar – Track hours per week. Match from there.
2) Exercise (health poop) – As learned by 4-Hour Body, just by being self-aware, I can better improve my health in the long run.
-“Start Pic”
-Food-tracking
-Measure weight, measurements
-Hobby Sport will be good
3) Financial (money sheisse) – All measured through one bank.
-AUTOMATION
-Cable – cancelled
-Auto – automated
-Savings – automated
-Rent – Pre-written checks
-Loan – Call for automated
-Electric – Shut down all, clear fridge, pay min 8 bucks…
4) Professional – MAKE NOTES! Not going to go crazy into it here.
5) Personal – Most important. Keep a bit of a tab on those you love.
-Write a lot. Makes sense.
How to make changes.
-Track changes.
“What gets measured gets managed.” This quote seems particularly important to someone in my circumstance—a glorified military-manager. An officer...
What do I measure? Well I guess I should start with putting together a system for that measurement—first for myself, and secondly for others to use. After all, unless it has to do with something personal—something that only I can do, like exercise—I don’t need to do all the work in my exploits, be they professional or not.
With all the signal equipment I’ll soon be in charge of, I scarcely know how my soldiers go about measuring it. But I’m not really in charge of measuring the equipment. I’m in charge of measuring them—guiding them, and managing them through my NCO’s.
So my own personal goals I’d like to manage better…
1) Writing/Art/Guitar (spirit crap) – creative outlet I do well and want to improve
-Writing – how many pages I can write in a week. Match from there.
-Art – Measuring art? We’ll leave that one out.
-Guitar – Track hours per week. Match from there.
2) Exercise (health poop) – As learned by 4-Hour Body, just by being self-aware, I can better improve my health in the long run.
-“Start Pic”
-Food-tracking
-Measure weight, measurements
-Hobby Sport will be good
3) Financial (money sheisse) – All measured through one bank.
-AUTOMATION
-Cable – cancelled
-Auto – automated
-Savings – automated
-Rent – Pre-written checks
-Loan – Call for automated
-Electric – Shut down all, clear fridge, pay min 8 bucks…
4) Professional – MAKE NOTES! Not going to go crazy into it here.
5) Personal – Most important. Keep a bit of a tab on those you love.
19 December 2010
Settled-in, Ready to Go. Now for the Holidays.
Well, it's been a crazy ride already. Today marks my first month as a resident of the wild west.
Outside of the crazy flip-flop decisions, getting my deployment preparation done, and making some much-needed additions to the house it's been relatively boring here.
Having family in town to help out was a morale-booster though and it should be cool to take advantage of being out west for Christmas and New Year's Eve... Xmas in San Diego and NYE in Vegas should be a lot of fun! Wish I could get back home, but getting the pass for that would be tough (the ticket prices don't help either).
With the holidays rolling in, it'll be even more lax as I get prepped for Kuwait and Iraq.
More to come soon.
Outside of the crazy flip-flop decisions, getting my deployment preparation done, and making some much-needed additions to the house it's been relatively boring here.
Having family in town to help out was a morale-booster though and it should be cool to take advantage of being out west for Christmas and New Year's Eve... Xmas in San Diego and NYE in Vegas should be a lot of fun! Wish I could get back home, but getting the pass for that would be tough (the ticket prices don't help either).
With the holidays rolling in, it'll be even more lax as I get prepped for Kuwait and Iraq.
More to come soon.
02 December 2010
Flip Flop Back Again.
19NOV10. That was the day everything changed. 02DEC. Today is the day everything has flipped back around again. Not going to even waste time writing it out details for now... but here's how the past two weeks have gone:
- 17NOV. Tuscon. Great college town. Stayed the night cheap at a nice hotel.
- 18NOV. Huachuca. Great scenery, drive. Checked into hotel.
- 19NOV. You're not deploying. Rear-D time as XO. Sheisse.
- 19NOV-29NOV.
- New Car
- New APT
- Electric
- Cable
- T-giving at Denny's
- Black Friday/Scavenging
- New Furniture
- New TV
- Household goods arrive
- Visit towns of Bisbee and Tombstone briefly each
- Inprocessing
- 30NOV10. V to airport. Think to self, "It's going to be boring here."
- 01DEC10. In-processing briefs. Yep, it's going to be boring.
- 02DEC10. Oh, wait no it's not....You're deploying. PL spot. You leave soon. Sheisse.
22 November 2010
Leave
Where to begin? After almost an entire month of leave has come and gone. Wish I could pretend that it was wasted and that I was somehow shorted by the time I had, but I wasn't.
I got to see my dad while home on R & R. I visited West Point to see my brother play rugby. I partied with some old friends in Philadelphia, State College, and even saw my favorite artist play a set in Richmond.
Traveling was the staple of my leave (as I guess it always is) but I also had some good absolute-lazy-useless-person time. Usually, I get uneasy at being that way, but I think it is necessary before such a big move. Leave was topped off with a trip out to the Chesapeake to visit my grandfather. Such a serene place to visit in the fall. V and I were in blissful laziness whole time.
After getting back we made our way up to Dulles and somehow made it last minute on our flight. We were extremely lucky. A tip... airports have less people and better fares on Wednesday.
The flight was mostly uneventful--save for those satisfying moments of observing us crazy humans. Where the story really starts is Tuscon, AZ. In the past four days, I life has changed more than I would have ever expected.
I got to see my dad while home on R & R. I visited West Point to see my brother play rugby. I partied with some old friends in Philadelphia, State College, and even saw my favorite artist play a set in Richmond.
Traveling was the staple of my leave (as I guess it always is) but I also had some good absolute-lazy-useless-person time. Usually, I get uneasy at being that way, but I think it is necessary before such a big move. Leave was topped off with a trip out to the Chesapeake to visit my grandfather. Such a serene place to visit in the fall. V and I were in blissful laziness whole time.
After getting back we made our way up to Dulles and somehow made it last minute on our flight. We were extremely lucky. A tip... airports have less people and better fares on Wednesday.
The flight was mostly uneventful--save for those satisfying moments of observing us crazy humans. Where the story really starts is Tuscon, AZ. In the past four days, I life has changed more than I would have ever expected.
03 October 2010
An Overview of Signal BOLC to a Friend
Today I had a fellow LT that I was in my platoon at Ft. Lewis last summer send me a Facebook message asking me for advice on Signal BOLC. Thought it would be cool to post what I answered to him on here, since I'm playing the whole "catch-up" game anyway!
HIM:
hey buddy, im trying to go signal, should get it, but was wondering if you could give me a rundown of signal bolc. how long, where you are living, weekends, anything i could study to prepare, etc. thanks
ME:
hey man, it's all pretty cool down here. i'm going to be graduating on ____________. augusta is a great "hopping off" point to visit a lot of different areas: atlanta, charleston, savannah, etc. so i've enjoyed that on the weekends. went to charleston this weekend and last weekend i went to atlanta. the airport here has connection into charlotte and atlanta as well for when you want to get out of town for the weekend.
ft. gordon is very much a growing post, so they're still lacking in being able to house all the officers while here on tdy. i spent the first two months here off post in a holiday inn and now am in a hotel on post. with that said, you'll be surprised to see how big the post is and the px, comissary, etc are all nice.
for the course work, a lot of it will go right over your head, but it's not too hard to cram it in for the tests. basically the idea is to get a good understanding of how to plan based on the capabilities of the of the equipment.
i have a lot of fun with the other lts and the overall tempo here is nothing too stressful.
the course here is 4 months long (mine was ___________), and over that time there is a very varied order between each class. i shared my google calendar for the course to your ako email. you'll need to set up a google account to access it though. if you have any questions about the acronyms on there let me know.
when it comes to studying to prepare i'll recommend you a few things, but keep in mind you'll likely be okay even if you don't study up:
-read a book from sublist 1 or sublists 2 of the the csa professional reading list OR just find a military-relevant book you're interested in. there's a very short memo book review that is turned in about a month or two in.
-there is a short memo biography required.
-there is a presentation you do on a subject of your own personal interest (they're just trying to gauge public speaking). it's about 10 minutes long. for me, i just did mine on army social media.
-there are only three "hard" parts of the course:
1) CISCO. Just google it, or look up stuff on skillport (through AKO) if you really want to be a stud. Any general knowledge will help you from being clueless. A small skill that is difficult to comprehend is how to subnet a network. Learn that early and you'll look like a genius.
2) Security +. Same as above. You can get yourself a certification while you're here if you come ready to roll with it.
3) JNN. This is the "meat and potatoes" of the actual Army side of communications. If you can understand how Joint Network Nodes and Expeditionary Signal Battalions set themselves up down range at least a little bit before you get here you will be ahead of the power curve. Check out s6.army.mil for some ideas on that.
Much of the rest of the course has no high stress tests. Just show up and do what you can to learn. There are some minor quizzes along the way, but many of them (and actually even the 3 parts i mentioned above) are open books or open notes to varying degrees.
the "hooah" stuff you do here includes:
-German Proficiency Badge - as long as you can score a 270, you can get a shiny new ornament for your blues in your free time. just google the badge. there's separate pt for those who want to go for it. i got it easily and from what i remember you're a big runner so you'll have not problem getting it.
-Combatives
-Range Qual - They breeze you through. Short day, no problem.
-Convoy Ops - I'm starting this tomorrow. It's only a two day thing so it can't be too hard.
-Signal Stakes - Can't tell you much about this yet, cuz I haven't done it, but it's the culminating event in which you go with your squad between different sites on foot and plan communications to brief to the commander.
-Radio systems - Towards the end you'll actually get some hands on (which you will be happy for due to a lot of Death By Power Point) with some of the equipment.
Any more questions, just let me know man.
HIM:
hey buddy, im trying to go signal, should get it, but was wondering if you could give me a rundown of signal bolc. how long, where you are living, weekends, anything i could study to prepare, etc. thanks
ME:
hey man, it's all pretty cool down here. i'm going to be graduating on ____________. augusta is a great "hopping off" point to visit a lot of different areas: atlanta, charleston, savannah, etc. so i've enjoyed that on the weekends. went to charleston this weekend and last weekend i went to atlanta. the airport here has connection into charlotte and atlanta as well for when you want to get out of town for the weekend.
ft. gordon is very much a growing post, so they're still lacking in being able to house all the officers while here on tdy. i spent the first two months here off post in a holiday inn and now am in a hotel on post. with that said, you'll be surprised to see how big the post is and the px, comissary, etc are all nice.
for the course work, a lot of it will go right over your head, but it's not too hard to cram it in for the tests. basically the idea is to get a good understanding of how to plan based on the capabilities of the of the equipment.
i have a lot of fun with the other lts and the overall tempo here is nothing too stressful.
the course here is 4 months long (mine was ___________), and over that time there is a very varied order between each class. i shared my google calendar for the course to your ako email. you'll need to set up a google account to access it though. if you have any questions about the acronyms on there let me know.
when it comes to studying to prepare i'll recommend you a few things, but keep in mind you'll likely be okay even if you don't study up:
-read a book from sublist 1 or sublists 2 of the the csa professional reading list OR just find a military-relevant book you're interested in. there's a very short memo book review that is turned in about a month or two in.
-there is a short memo biography required.
-there is a presentation you do on a subject of your own personal interest (they're just trying to gauge public speaking). it's about 10 minutes long. for me, i just did mine on army social media.
-there are only three "hard" parts of the course:
1) CISCO. Just google it, or look up stuff on skillport (through AKO) if you really want to be a stud. Any general knowledge will help you from being clueless. A small skill that is difficult to comprehend is how to subnet a network. Learn that early and you'll look like a genius.
2) Security +. Same as above. You can get yourself a certification while you're here if you come ready to roll with it.
3) JNN. This is the "meat and potatoes" of the actual Army side of communications. If you can understand how Joint Network Nodes and Expeditionary Signal Battalions set themselves up down range at least a little bit before you get here you will be ahead of the power curve. Check out s6.army.mil for some ideas on that.
Much of the rest of the course has no high stress tests. Just show up and do what you can to learn. There are some minor quizzes along the way, but many of them (and actually even the 3 parts i mentioned above) are open books or open notes to varying degrees.
the "hooah" stuff you do here includes:
-German Proficiency Badge - as long as you can score a 270, you can get a shiny new ornament for your blues in your free time. just google the badge. there's separate pt for those who want to go for it. i got it easily and from what i remember you're a big runner so you'll have not problem getting it.
-Combatives
-Range Qual - They breeze you through. Short day, no problem.
-Convoy Ops - I'm starting this tomorrow. It's only a two day thing so it can't be too hard.
-Signal Stakes - Can't tell you much about this yet, cuz I haven't done it, but it's the culminating event in which you go with your squad between different sites on foot and plan communications to brief to the commander.
-Radio systems - Towards the end you'll actually get some hands on (which you will be happy for due to a lot of Death By Power Point) with some of the equipment.
Any more questions, just let me know man.
27 September 2010
So, to Summarize Almost 4 Months
Add "Free Six Flags" and "Visit and Stay in Downtown Atantla" to this list and you're pretty much caught up with the random things I've done since I graduated in May. I'm sure I forgot a bunch, but that's what came to mind the other day when I scribbled all of this crap on paper. I started this blog to keep up with my thoughts, but I think it might be best to start back in May at my graduation/commissioning. Writing in a past-tense that is more than just a couple of days off should be a better chance to reflect anyway. Right? Huh? Oh.
UPDATE: I got bored and made a ghetto map of this chicken-scratch. According to Google Maps... 4885 miles with 3 days and 16 hours.
UPDATE: I got bored and made a ghetto map of this chicken-scratch. According to Google Maps... 4885 miles with 3 days and 16 hours.
18 August 2010
"US Combat Troop Withdrawal"
Must comment here....
Balancing the realities of the slow withdrawal to the actuality of deployment to the heart of a failing democracy. It can be weird.
Although Barack Obama's speech on the "end of the combat mission" was largely a political move (but one that many will actually take seriously), it is strange to think of myself being in war that no one wants to consider a war anymore.
Balancing the realities of the slow withdrawal to the actuality of deployment to the heart of a failing democracy. It can be weird.
Although Barack Obama's speech on the "end of the combat mission" was largely a political move (but one that many will actually take seriously), it is strange to think of myself being in war that no one wants to consider a war anymore.
08 August 2010
01 August 2010
Learning and Productivity
Going through the technical portions of my most-recent classes here, I've begun to realize just how much information can be crammed into ones brain in a very short period.
Of course, cramming is nothing new to me--I did it all through college. Given 3-4 months to soak in most of my knowledge made me do just that...often leading to a strong week of brain-drilling dementia towards the end.
What's interesting to really think about is how much productivity can soar when you add two elements: a deadline and pressure.
As I have recently read in 4-hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, the 9-5 work week really is a farce and I'm starting to agree with that. At least in the sense that deadlines are spanned so far for most jobs. Instead of being productive, people just make themselves "busy".
For me right now, the 9-5 work week--however painful it may feel--is MUCH more productive in educating me on the concepts of study than were semester long classes during college.
Applying this to other parts of my life in the future should be helpful, but I am glad right now that I know that I can learn completely foreign concepts in a week--just need the pressure and the deadline.
Of course, cramming is nothing new to me--I did it all through college. Given 3-4 months to soak in most of my knowledge made me do just that...often leading to a strong week of brain-drilling dementia towards the end.
What's interesting to really think about is how much productivity can soar when you add two elements: a deadline and pressure.
As I have recently read in 4-hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, the 9-5 work week really is a farce and I'm starting to agree with that. At least in the sense that deadlines are spanned so far for most jobs. Instead of being productive, people just make themselves "busy".
For me right now, the 9-5 work week--however painful it may feel--is MUCH more productive in educating me on the concepts of study than were semester long classes during college.
Applying this to other parts of my life in the future should be helpful, but I am glad right now that I know that I can learn completely foreign concepts in a week--just need the pressure and the deadline.
27 July 2010
Air Forse Neads SplelCheck
A little light humor this morning. The picture below was on the main page of AKO. Know it's not a Wikileaks-level find, but I thought it was funny.
26 July 2010
RIP Andrew Hand
Please read this article on PFC Andrew Hand. All of my best to those who perished with him as well. I knew Andrew and remember him only to be a quiet but confident person--full of ambition.
It was interesting to read that he actually turned down an opportunity to move off the line for a new assignment but said "he didn't want to leave his brothers". Truly a tribute to his character.
Andrew's death is certainly a tough taste of reality for me. Having others in my close groups of friends and family deployed has given me my own perspective, but Andrew was the first person I have known personally to have died serving overseas. Not only did Andrew serve his country, but he did so both in Afghanistan and Iraq--twice. His sacrifices in life and in death will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Army Times Article
It was interesting to read that he actually turned down an opportunity to move off the line for a new assignment but said "he didn't want to leave his brothers". Truly a tribute to his character.
Andrew's death is certainly a tough taste of reality for me. Having others in my close groups of friends and family deployed has given me my own perspective, but Andrew was the first person I have known personally to have died serving overseas. Not only did Andrew serve his country, but he did so both in Afghanistan and Iraq--twice. His sacrifices in life and in death will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Army Times Article
22 June 2010
CU: The College Home and Atlantic City June '10
Directly after I finished up with a week of weddings and some personal disappointments, I turned around to regain some vigor for life with my best friends from school. The drive through the WV mountains turned out to be a great relief and it was really nice to be back to my hometown one last time--though this time not one bit of my stuff was there. The middle of June is an odd time to be in a college town, but it was refreshing to see the area during that time of the year because I had not done so in the 3 years my family lived in Germany. As one last "victory lap" my roommate and I went for a hike up the local mountain, which boasts a great view of our town.
After that, it was off to the famed Atlantic City to meet our other roommate. His mother frequents there to play slots, so we were able to get a room gratis. I wound up playing a good bit of "Caribbean Stud" and overall the experience was a great chance for us to relive a "light" version of our exploits from our Spring Break trip to Vegas. We could have stayed for another day, but we were just as content with heading back to my roommates home in New Jersey for a party. Writing this now is almost surreal, because I cannot believe it's been since then that I saw my old friends. Luckily, I'll be heading back there for this weekend, which should be crazy since it's Halloween weekend!
After that, it was off to the famed Atlantic City to meet our other roommate. His mother frequents there to play slots, so we were able to get a room gratis. I wound up playing a good bit of "Caribbean Stud" and overall the experience was a great chance for us to relive a "light" version of our exploits from our Spring Break trip to Vegas. We could have stayed for another day, but we were just as content with heading back to my roommates home in New Jersey for a party. Writing this now is almost surreal, because I cannot believe it's been since then that I saw my old friends. Luckily, I'll be heading back there for this weekend, which should be crazy since it's Halloween weekend!
17 June 2010
Catch-up: Weddings in WV June '10
It was an experience attending my first two weddings in a span of a week. I still had never gone to one (mainly because I am the oldest in my family). Seeing it happen in real life took the mystery out of it, both in a good and bad way. That week was pretty tough personally, but in many ways it confirmed to me a lot of questions I needed answered.
03 June 2010
Catch-up: Back Home May '10
The main thing I can say about returning to Fredericksburg for the few days I was there before getting back on the road is that it was bittersweet. I held on a bit tightly to State College... even staying an extra four days or so after graduation just to hang out.
When I got home I was so happy to relax, be with family, and just plain hang out. But it really felt much like it would feel at home for the rest of the summer... like limbo. With that said, it's not like it wasn't a great time!
I was so happy to enjoy a great graduation party with my cousin and see so much family. Again, it was much more than I could ever ask for. To friends/family... thanks so much for making it a great day for us!
I also got to catch up with the past and take it in--even seeing some of my parents' old friends from way way back. Overall, it was a great time to reflect on the end to a big chapter of my life. And contemplate the next.
Currently enjoying:
Footage from 25SEP10 Concert from Nashville. WILL HOGE
When I got home I was so happy to relax, be with family, and just plain hang out. But it really felt much like it would feel at home for the rest of the summer... like limbo. With that said, it's not like it wasn't a great time!
I was so happy to enjoy a great graduation party with my cousin and see so much family. Again, it was much more than I could ever ask for. To friends/family... thanks so much for making it a great day for us!
I also got to catch up with the past and take it in--even seeing some of my parents' old friends from way way back. Overall, it was a great time to reflect on the end to a big chapter of my life. And contemplate the next.
Currently enjoying:
Footage from 25SEP10 Concert from Nashville. WILL HOGE
15 May 2010
Catch-up: Commissioning/Grad May '10
What can be more surreal than ending college? From the moment we enter high school, we have college upon us... not really directly, but just with enough mention by your friends and family to give us a queasy since of dread that somehow we may not be ready.
I am completely amazed at the amount of nostalgia and since of longing I have ALREADY for the past four years. I graduated May 15th and I feel like I am a distant old fogey looking into the crystal ball of the past... it's September 27th.
I know this is how life usually is... after wanting so bad to move to the next stage, we keep looking back. With both of my old roommates still at school--one still at my Alma mater and the other on to law school--it makes it even harder. Those bastards.
Luckily, I get occasional reminders of my life in the bubble of college, as we still send each other hilarious links and random blurbs that fit our apartment's humor. These coupled with reminders to catch the new Family Guy, Always Sunny, a review of the latest movie, or a recent binge on Energy Drinks andTaco Bell is always nice.
To all who may read this still in college, I rely on the sentiment of Billy Madison when the fat kid says he can't wait to go to high school, "Stay here... Stay as long as you can. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CHERISH IT!"
The end culminated very well for me when it comes to the formalities. Nothing can beat your dad coming all the way from Afghanistan to swear you in to the Officer Corps...along with the grandparents and all the rest of the family. Truly a wonderful time that I will never forget. My pride in accomplishing my commission and degree is now met only with a drive to do more with my life... I guess that's the point of the whole charade anyway.
Reality really sets in when you move on from those initial jokes of "sir" and "graduate" as I often joked and refrained to my family like some proud kook: "I'm a graduate!"..."I'm a lieutenant!"
Reality sets in when you go to work. And you work. But really it's all for the better. HA! But more on this later.
PS. I finally got my security deposit for my apartment at school back today. Can I give it back in return for four more years?
I am completely amazed at the amount of nostalgia and since of longing I have ALREADY for the past four years. I graduated May 15th and I feel like I am a distant old fogey looking into the crystal ball of the past... it's September 27th.
I know this is how life usually is... after wanting so bad to move to the next stage, we keep looking back. With both of my old roommates still at school--one still at my Alma mater and the other on to law school--it makes it even harder. Those bastards.
Luckily, I get occasional reminders of my life in the bubble of college, as we still send each other hilarious links and random blurbs that fit our apartment's humor. These coupled with reminders to catch the new Family Guy, Always Sunny, a review of the latest movie, or a recent binge on Energy Drinks andTaco Bell is always nice.
To all who may read this still in college, I rely on the sentiment of Billy Madison when the fat kid says he can't wait to go to high school, "Stay here... Stay as long as you can. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CHERISH IT!"
The end culminated very well for me when it comes to the formalities. Nothing can beat your dad coming all the way from Afghanistan to swear you in to the Officer Corps...along with the grandparents and all the rest of the family. Truly a wonderful time that I will never forget. My pride in accomplishing my commission and degree is now met only with a drive to do more with my life... I guess that's the point of the whole charade anyway.
Reality really sets in when you move on from those initial jokes of "sir" and "graduate" as I often joked and refrained to my family like some proud kook: "I'm a graduate!"..."I'm a lieutenant!"
Reality sets in when you go to work. And you work. But really it's all for the better. HA! But more on this later.
PS. I finally got my security deposit for my apartment at school back today. Can I give it back in return for four more years?
14 May 2010
Blog Start
Yep, got a blog. Figured by reading, studying, and looking into them so much, it might be time for me to begin my own.
Despite the stigma of the snobbish blogger, I write--and hope to continue writing--after being inspired by blogs that bear some actual importance. Kaboom and the follow-up book by Matthew Gallagher was the main inspiration. His book outlined his blog during his experiences in Iraq in 2008.
I know that my life is not quite at that point yet, but I would like to record some of my thoughts, experiences, and gems (or junk) that I may find along my journey as a newly appointed "real person", leader, and professional.
Many times in my life I have been told, and personally realize that I am a bit of a scatterbrain... but in many ways I know that my tendency to shift focus has allowed me a better perspective on life. That's just my way of explaining some of the random-ass posts that may follow. And for the title. Kinda catchy right? Eh. Whatever.
Despite the stigma of the snobbish blogger, I write--and hope to continue writing--after being inspired by blogs that bear some actual importance. Kaboom and the follow-up book by Matthew Gallagher was the main inspiration. His book outlined his blog during his experiences in Iraq in 2008.
I know that my life is not quite at that point yet, but I would like to record some of my thoughts, experiences, and gems (or junk) that I may find along my journey as a newly appointed "real person", leader, and professional.
Many times in my life I have been told, and personally realize that I am a bit of a scatterbrain... but in many ways I know that my tendency to shift focus has allowed me a better perspective on life. That's just my way of explaining some of the random-ass posts that may follow. And for the title. Kinda catchy right? Eh. Whatever.
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