Spending the holidays with family can be a stressful time. While it is supposed to be a time for relaxation and good laughs, the reality is sometimes much different. What do you expect when you bring people together once or twice a year and put them in the same house. Many times it can turn into one big competition. Whose kids are going to the best college, or who has the better car or better house. When you don't see someone that often, sometimes there is an inclination to blurt everything out at once. This can all be very draining and suck all the holiday spirit out of you.
On the other hand, we should feel lucky that we have family around. Many families have lost loved ones or have family in the military who can't be around for Christmas. Like anything else in life it is all about perspective. Sometimes it's easy to feel sorry for yourself and annoyed at the turmoil around you. But when you think about it, it's really not that bad. Look, there have been times I've wanted to tear my hair out(the little that I have) at big family gatherings. But then I think, well it's only a few hours out of my life. Suck it up and deal.
The key is to smile and nod and not bring up anything controversial. After 24 years on this earth I've finally realized that no matter what you say you aren't going to change anyone's opinion on religion, politics, or most any other hot button issue, and why should you? As long as the person doesn't try to push their beliefs on you what does it even matter? When in doubt just talk about the weather, especially if it's cold. People seem to love complaining about cold weather.
Personally, I always prefer just to have the immediate family at the holidays. It's just too much tension to bring people with all different personalites and beliefs together and not have chaos ensue. I think the Holidays already put an intense pressure to a lot of families especially during these economic times. However, if you go into a situation with an open mind you might find out it isn't as bad as you thought.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and got everything they wanted from Santa. I got a Kevin Faulk jersey so I'm pretty much set for life. I think I might be the only person in the state of Virginia with one of those.
Next blog: 2009-Year in Review
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A lot to be thankful for
Thanksgiving is the one holiday that all American's celebrate, which is what makes it so great. It's a time for family and friends to get together and do what Americans do best; eat. It also allows us a time to reflect on the things we are thankful for. Little things in life that are often times taken for granted.
I'm thankful for my family and friends who have always been there for me. It's interesting how as kids we often take what our parents do for us for granted. We complain about not getting a new phone or having too early of a curfew. When you get older you realize that they did this because they care.
At the Old Brogue last night, I realized how many people I had lost contact with over the years. It's amazing how your friends change as time passes and life happens. I've been lucky enough to meet a lot of great people in my life, and am thankful that I still keep in touch with a core set of 4 or 5 of my closest friends.
I'm thankful that I have the freedom and opportunity to do what I want. I'm thankful for lazy Sunday's on the couch watching football. For having a job I enjoy and that I am proud of. I'm thankful for Saturday afternoons on the Potomac with good beer and a good book. I'm thankful for my health and the ability to play pick up basketball whenever I want. Most of all I'm happy that after 24 years I've finally realized that it is always better to look at things with the glass half full. There's a lot of bad stuff going on, but that makes it even more important to appreciate the good.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I'm thankful for my family and friends who have always been there for me. It's interesting how as kids we often take what our parents do for us for granted. We complain about not getting a new phone or having too early of a curfew. When you get older you realize that they did this because they care.
At the Old Brogue last night, I realized how many people I had lost contact with over the years. It's amazing how your friends change as time passes and life happens. I've been lucky enough to meet a lot of great people in my life, and am thankful that I still keep in touch with a core set of 4 or 5 of my closest friends.
I'm thankful that I have the freedom and opportunity to do what I want. I'm thankful for lazy Sunday's on the couch watching football. For having a job I enjoy and that I am proud of. I'm thankful for Saturday afternoons on the Potomac with good beer and a good book. I'm thankful for my health and the ability to play pick up basketball whenever I want. Most of all I'm happy that after 24 years I've finally realized that it is always better to look at things with the glass half full. There's a lot of bad stuff going on, but that makes it even more important to appreciate the good.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Monday, November 2, 2009
I Belong in Boston
I went to Boston last weekend to visit college friends and had a blast. After I got off the plane Thursday night at Logan Airport, I immediately saw a Dunkin Donuts and felt at home. I grew up in the DC area and love it here, but I feel like Boston is where I will end up eventually. Let's face it, a red headed, brutally honest, hardcore sports fan like me doesn't belong anywhere else. Hell, Sam Adams is even my favorite beer.
The people of Boston live and die with their sports teams just like me. Friday night I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express across from the Banknorth Garden and ate at a Celtics and Bruins restaurant called Halftime Pizza. It was such a great feeling being around people that loved the Celtics as much as I did. Pictures of Larry Legend, Bill Russell, and Brian Scalabrini adorned the walls. Celtic green was everywhere, and you could feel the excitement in the air for the upcoming game. As much as I love repping Boston sports in DC, being around people that share your passions is a great feeling.
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Boston gets a bad rap sometimes for being front runners, but that is simply not the case. There are only a few cities in America that are more hardcore about their sports teams than Boston. My parents always used to wonder why I would revolve my day around Celtics or Patriots games. Maybe it is ridiculous to the casual fan, but to Boston fans it is a way of life.
The people of Boston may come across as angry or mean at first glance, but in reality they are honest people who will tell you what they think to your face. That is what I love about them. With Bostonians, what you see is what you get. Plus, given the weather there, I think they have a right to be short tempered every once in awhile.
Boston is a beautiful city filled with passionate people. Maybe that is why so many people that are born in the area stay there. Some of my best times in my life have been in that city, and something tells me at some point I will be back.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Turbulent Twenties
It has been awhile since I last wrote. I've been concentrating on my new Celtics blog, and haven't really been in the right mindset to write. But I'm back and ready to write more random thoughts about nothing. I thought I'd start my comeback by writing about life as a 20 something.
The 20's have long been said to be the time where you try things out. It's that transition period from college to the working world, which is a blurry line in itself. It's silly to think people become mature adults right after they graduate.
In your 20's the general thinking is you're supposed to date around, try out new jobs, travel, do things you can't do later in life. Essentially you're supposed to figure out just what the hell you want to do with your life, which is pretty scary in its own right.
The 20's are a blast in part because you don't have to feel bad about not knowing what you want in life. It's like the excuse people in college give " well it's college." You say "I'm in my 20's that is why I can still drink 12 Natty Lights and have late night 711 runs. You bar hop, date around, have money for the first time. You can live a pretty carefree life.
However, as fun as this all is, it is a scary time too. The unkown is frightening, and that is what the 20's are. In terms of your career, sure it's nice to think you can change jobs, but what about paying rent and your bar tab? Sure, it would be great to travel, but where is that money coming from? With the state of the economy, how can anyone afford to take that risk. Also, do you go to grad school, do you get certifications? How do you know if the job you are doing makes sense for your future?
For relationships, you wonder if it's the right girl, or are you too young for commitment. Or even for life in general. When are you too old to play beer pong all night and eat 711 Hot Dogs. Notice another 711 reference, I can't get away from that place.
The 20's are the most exciting and frightening time in a person's life. Sure, suburban family life may seem monotonous, but at least it's stable right? At least you have direction, experience, and an idea of what you want. In the end though, I say just enjoy the moment. I think too many people, me included, live according to societal standards. We overthink and overanalyze. Maybe it's better to just let things play out as they will.
All in all the 20's are a time in life you can never get back, so it's important to live them to the fullest. Whether that be changing jobs or changing relationships, do what makes you happiest and the rest will figure itself out.
Next blog: Things I don't understand about people
The 20's have long been said to be the time where you try things out. It's that transition period from college to the working world, which is a blurry line in itself. It's silly to think people become mature adults right after they graduate.
In your 20's the general thinking is you're supposed to date around, try out new jobs, travel, do things you can't do later in life. Essentially you're supposed to figure out just what the hell you want to do with your life, which is pretty scary in its own right.
The 20's are a blast in part because you don't have to feel bad about not knowing what you want in life. It's like the excuse people in college give " well it's college." You say "I'm in my 20's that is why I can still drink 12 Natty Lights and have late night 711 runs. You bar hop, date around, have money for the first time. You can live a pretty carefree life.
However, as fun as this all is, it is a scary time too. The unkown is frightening, and that is what the 20's are. In terms of your career, sure it's nice to think you can change jobs, but what about paying rent and your bar tab? Sure, it would be great to travel, but where is that money coming from? With the state of the economy, how can anyone afford to take that risk. Also, do you go to grad school, do you get certifications? How do you know if the job you are doing makes sense for your future?
For relationships, you wonder if it's the right girl, or are you too young for commitment. Or even for life in general. When are you too old to play beer pong all night and eat 711 Hot Dogs. Notice another 711 reference, I can't get away from that place.
The 20's are the most exciting and frightening time in a person's life. Sure, suburban family life may seem monotonous, but at least it's stable right? At least you have direction, experience, and an idea of what you want. In the end though, I say just enjoy the moment. I think too many people, me included, live according to societal standards. We overthink and overanalyze. Maybe it's better to just let things play out as they will.
All in all the 20's are a time in life you can never get back, so it's important to live them to the fullest. Whether that be changing jobs or changing relationships, do what makes you happiest and the rest will figure itself out.
Next blog: Things I don't understand about people
Monday, September 28, 2009
The College Days(Part 2)
I was going to talk about my junior and senior years in college, but realized that would just be an extremely edited version of events anyway. That is the problem with trying to market this blog to a wide audience, I can't say everything I want to say. Anyway, I feel like I experienced everything there was to experience in my time at Umass. I met some of the best people around, and was able to really see how the real world lived for the first time. I encourage anyone who can afford it to live in another state for a few years, it really gives you a new perspective on life.
Like I said before, I always heard that college is the best 4 years of your life, and in a lot of ways it was. At the same time, I don't necessarily think it is the best, but rather the most unique. There are so many people you meet, and so many different experiences you have that you will probably never have again. It is the only time in life that you can have a 1 hour work day. Free time in college is immense. I wish I had started my blog then, I'd have so much more time to work on it.
What do I miss about college? I miss the freedom of not having to worry about what the hell I'm doing with my life. Sure, I worried about getting a job my senior year, but for most of the time I was in a 4 year safety net from the real world. I miss the house parties at college, and the $2 beers at the bars. Now, there is no such thing as a house party for the most part. You may pregame, but you always end up going out and paying $5 for a Bud Light. I miss going out with the Boys to cheap bars and all the stories that would come out of those nights. I miss the Patriots games at my apartment with Jim, the late night runs to Antonio's pizza, the legend of Wild Bill.
Most of the people that read this have already graduated from college. For those that haven't, make sure to live it up every chance you can and appreciate the moment. I remember driving to graduation listening to the song Learning To Fly by Tom Petty with two my best friends Jim and Steve. I realized at that moment that this was the end of an era. It was bittersweet but also exciting at the same time.
Thanks for reading everyone. Have a great week.
Like I said before, I always heard that college is the best 4 years of your life, and in a lot of ways it was. At the same time, I don't necessarily think it is the best, but rather the most unique. There are so many people you meet, and so many different experiences you have that you will probably never have again. It is the only time in life that you can have a 1 hour work day. Free time in college is immense. I wish I had started my blog then, I'd have so much more time to work on it.
What do I miss about college? I miss the freedom of not having to worry about what the hell I'm doing with my life. Sure, I worried about getting a job my senior year, but for most of the time I was in a 4 year safety net from the real world. I miss the house parties at college, and the $2 beers at the bars. Now, there is no such thing as a house party for the most part. You may pregame, but you always end up going out and paying $5 for a Bud Light. I miss going out with the Boys to cheap bars and all the stories that would come out of those nights. I miss the Patriots games at my apartment with Jim, the late night runs to Antonio's pizza, the legend of Wild Bill.
Most of the people that read this have already graduated from college. For those that haven't, make sure to live it up every chance you can and appreciate the moment. I remember driving to graduation listening to the song Learning To Fly by Tom Petty with two my best friends Jim and Steve. I realized at that moment that this was the end of an era. It was bittersweet but also exciting at the same time.
Thanks for reading everyone. Have a great week.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The College Days(Part 1)
With the beginning of fall I feel like it's an appropriate time to reflect on the college years. College was a great time, but during that last semester I was ready to move on. It's interesting to me how people miss it so much, almost not being able to accept it's over. The fact is it is like anything else in life, it has an ending.
Fun doesn't end after college, in fact in some ways it's more fun cause you have money. I don't buy the notion that you have to suddenly wake up and be responsible and stop drinking after college. You should take steps in cutting down, but you can't expect to wake up the day after graduation a new person. Life doesn't have to change unless you want it to. That is until you are married with kids, then that life is over for good.
It is true though that there is no other time in your life like college. I remember always hearing that it will never be the same, and now I realize that is true. It's not that it is bad, it's just different. You meet a ton of new people, hang out with them for four years. You keep in touch with some, but many you never see again. Kind of sad when you think about it.
College is a time like no other. It's the last time everyone is on the same playing field. It's a four year safety net from the real world. We're supposed to go to college for an education, but let's be honest, it's all about how we grow as a person. I remember when my parents left that late August day. I looked at the massive campus in front of me scared as hell, but excited too. Starting over is always tough, but especially when you are in a different state and don't know anyone. I think the moment your parents leave the dorm your adult life begins.
Each year of college took on a different theme for me. Freshman year was all about adjustment. Adjusting to living with a roommate, adjusting to doing my own laundry, basically adjusting to having the freedom to do as little or as much as I wanted. Sophomore year was the party year. Junior year saw my first serious relationship, senior year the year of the wing man.
Let's start at the beginning. Freshman year was awkward for me. I knew no one and had to adjust to living with a person in a small little dorm room. Thankfully my roommate was a really chill kid and also happened to have a girlfriend who lived a few floors down, so essentially I had my own room for most of the year. I'm a loner at heart, what can I say. That first year I took classes on insects and natural disasters. I met a 23 year old hippie named Nat, who to this day is one of the chillest guys I've ever met. He'd cook up food for me and a couple girls from upstairs and we'd watch Aqua Teen Hunger Force every night during that spring semester. I played ball at Boyden gym in the winter, and at the Southwest courts in the couple months it was nice out. I witnessed campus riots after Red Sox games where the true meaning of being an angry Boston Sports fan was put on display. I went to my share of frat parties which were in retrospect, a lot like the Guards in Georgetown; hot, crowded, and dirty. The only difference was the beer was cheaper. I also probably told the story of why I chose to come to Umass about a 1,000 times. For those of you who don't know, I wanted to get out of Virginia and I figured Amherst was a lot like Cape Cod. All Massachusetts people are laughing right now.
Sophomore year was probably my most "college year." Let's just say my floor liked to do their share of partying. The good thing is, for the most part we all got along and no one got seriously injured. I lucked out again with another great roommate in Taylor Buckoski. He was 6'8 so everyone would always ask him if he played basketball. I'm not the tallest guy anyway, but looked like a smurf next to him. I also met one of the most unforgettable people I've ever met that year in Erik Draugsveld, or "Draugs" as we called him. To this day he is probably the most unique person I've ever met, a true Viking at heart. He would go on these philosophical rants that may have been far fetched, but were interesting all the same. Meeting someone like Draugs is the reason I went to Umass. There is no way I would have met a guy like that in Northern Virginia. At the end of that year I would meet my first serious girlfriend(Shannon), my best friend for life(Jim), and the person that is most like me(Steve). Steve Perry, I would never have though I'd meet someone that loves 2pac,Phil Collins and basketball as much as me. A lot of people say they like 2pac and Phil but it only takes a few minutes to know they aren't true fans.
Sophomore year was a year I'll never forget. The Red Sox and Patriots won titles that year, and I was on campus to see the deciding game 7 win against the Yankees to cap off the greatest comeback in playoff history. I even delivered pizza for a month missing the entire Super Bowl, on my first day at work. In retrospect I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I will forever hold a soft spot for all delivery drivers. My car smelled of pizza for at least a year after that. Sophomore year was the year I broke out, the year that changed my life forever.
Well that is part 1. I've probably left out a ton but I'm sure I'll be back to this topic in the future. Look out for Part 2 later in the week. Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Fun doesn't end after college, in fact in some ways it's more fun cause you have money. I don't buy the notion that you have to suddenly wake up and be responsible and stop drinking after college. You should take steps in cutting down, but you can't expect to wake up the day after graduation a new person. Life doesn't have to change unless you want it to. That is until you are married with kids, then that life is over for good.
It is true though that there is no other time in your life like college. I remember always hearing that it will never be the same, and now I realize that is true. It's not that it is bad, it's just different. You meet a ton of new people, hang out with them for four years. You keep in touch with some, but many you never see again. Kind of sad when you think about it.
College is a time like no other. It's the last time everyone is on the same playing field. It's a four year safety net from the real world. We're supposed to go to college for an education, but let's be honest, it's all about how we grow as a person. I remember when my parents left that late August day. I looked at the massive campus in front of me scared as hell, but excited too. Starting over is always tough, but especially when you are in a different state and don't know anyone. I think the moment your parents leave the dorm your adult life begins.
Each year of college took on a different theme for me. Freshman year was all about adjustment. Adjusting to living with a roommate, adjusting to doing my own laundry, basically adjusting to having the freedom to do as little or as much as I wanted. Sophomore year was the party year. Junior year saw my first serious relationship, senior year the year of the wing man.
Let's start at the beginning. Freshman year was awkward for me. I knew no one and had to adjust to living with a person in a small little dorm room. Thankfully my roommate was a really chill kid and also happened to have a girlfriend who lived a few floors down, so essentially I had my own room for most of the year. I'm a loner at heart, what can I say. That first year I took classes on insects and natural disasters. I met a 23 year old hippie named Nat, who to this day is one of the chillest guys I've ever met. He'd cook up food for me and a couple girls from upstairs and we'd watch Aqua Teen Hunger Force every night during that spring semester. I played ball at Boyden gym in the winter, and at the Southwest courts in the couple months it was nice out. I witnessed campus riots after Red Sox games where the true meaning of being an angry Boston Sports fan was put on display. I went to my share of frat parties which were in retrospect, a lot like the Guards in Georgetown; hot, crowded, and dirty. The only difference was the beer was cheaper. I also probably told the story of why I chose to come to Umass about a 1,000 times. For those of you who don't know, I wanted to get out of Virginia and I figured Amherst was a lot like Cape Cod. All Massachusetts people are laughing right now.
Sophomore year was probably my most "college year." Let's just say my floor liked to do their share of partying. The good thing is, for the most part we all got along and no one got seriously injured. I lucked out again with another great roommate in Taylor Buckoski. He was 6'8 so everyone would always ask him if he played basketball. I'm not the tallest guy anyway, but looked like a smurf next to him. I also met one of the most unforgettable people I've ever met that year in Erik Draugsveld, or "Draugs" as we called him. To this day he is probably the most unique person I've ever met, a true Viking at heart. He would go on these philosophical rants that may have been far fetched, but were interesting all the same. Meeting someone like Draugs is the reason I went to Umass. There is no way I would have met a guy like that in Northern Virginia. At the end of that year I would meet my first serious girlfriend(Shannon), my best friend for life(Jim), and the person that is most like me(Steve). Steve Perry, I would never have though I'd meet someone that loves 2pac,Phil Collins and basketball as much as me. A lot of people say they like 2pac and Phil but it only takes a few minutes to know they aren't true fans.
Sophomore year was a year I'll never forget. The Red Sox and Patriots won titles that year, and I was on campus to see the deciding game 7 win against the Yankees to cap off the greatest comeback in playoff history. I even delivered pizza for a month missing the entire Super Bowl, on my first day at work. In retrospect I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I will forever hold a soft spot for all delivery drivers. My car smelled of pizza for at least a year after that. Sophomore year was the year I broke out, the year that changed my life forever.
Well that is part 1. I've probably left out a ton but I'm sure I'll be back to this topic in the future. Look out for Part 2 later in the week. Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Weddings
Last night I went to my friend Brian Crane's wedding at a beautiful wine vineyard in Leesburg. It was a surreal experience and an amazing time. If you've read some of my past blogs you probably can tell I have skepticism about marriage and commitment in general. But as I watched the emotion of both the bride and groom I realized how powerful marriage is. Think about it, you are committing yourself for eternity to another person. That is some really deep stuff and not to be taken lightly.
Wedding are such happy events. In fact, besides Obama's inauguration, I've never been to a place where there is such universal happiness everywhere. Weddings are crazy in that you have total strangers with all different political,religious, and cultural backgrounds coming together to celebrate. In any other setting these people would probably never hang out but for at least that night they are all dancing up a storm. Hell, even I dance at weddings and for those unfortunate souls that have seen my dance moves, you know that isn't a pretty sight. Everyone is drinking beer, dancing to sappy love songs, just generally catching that wedding fever. Special shout out to Pat Dean who made a great speech about Brian. That guy has a career in stand up ahead of him.
I've got awhile to go before I walk down the aisle but I sure hope at some point in my life I will be able to be that sure of something. You could tell that both of them were completely in love and that is something that all of us should be lucky enough to feel at some point in our lives. Happy Labor Day everyone. Blog about college is next.
Wedding are such happy events. In fact, besides Obama's inauguration, I've never been to a place where there is such universal happiness everywhere. Weddings are crazy in that you have total strangers with all different political,religious, and cultural backgrounds coming together to celebrate. In any other setting these people would probably never hang out but for at least that night they are all dancing up a storm. Hell, even I dance at weddings and for those unfortunate souls that have seen my dance moves, you know that isn't a pretty sight. Everyone is drinking beer, dancing to sappy love songs, just generally catching that wedding fever. Special shout out to Pat Dean who made a great speech about Brian. That guy has a career in stand up ahead of him.
I've got awhile to go before I walk down the aisle but I sure hope at some point in my life I will be able to be that sure of something. You could tell that both of them were completely in love and that is something that all of us should be lucky enough to feel at some point in our lives. Happy Labor Day everyone. Blog about college is next.
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