There is no holiday more controversial than Valentines Day. Some people love it, some people absolutely despise it. The haters claim it's a commercialized Hallmark holiday that is more about making the single people of the world feel bad, than promoting love. The people that love it see it as a chance to be closer with their signifigant other and celebrate their love for one another. Most view it differently depending on their relationship status.
I say celebrate Valentines Day no matter what your status is. Why is it that suddenly everyone who isn't in a relationship is worse off? Look, relationships can be great and being in love is one of the best feelings a person can have. However, there is nothing wrong with being single. If you're single, why not celebrate the freedom you have and your independence? Sometimes being unattached is the best thing you can do for yourself to gain perspective.
Instead of moping around or throwing I hate Valentines Day status messages on your Facebook wall, go out with friends or chill out and watch a funny movie. Appreciate the fact that you can do whatever you want whenever you want. Keep a positive outlook. Everyone is going to find someone eventually, it just happens at different times.
People are in such a rush to get everything done these days. There seems to be a timetable that we as a society feel we need to follow. Relax, it will happen when it is supposed to. Until then enjoy the ride that is life. Remember your Valentine will come when you least expect it.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
You Could be Right
A wise woman once told me the best way to handle an argument was to say, " You could be right." I just wish I had taken that advice 20 years ago. I've always been an opinionated person, though I've gotten better as I've gotten older. Look, it's hard to be open minded, it really is. We are constantly being influenced by everyone around us. Often times our families raise us to have certain beliefs, and if we don't step out of that comfort zone we believe that is what the whole world is like. Or rather should be like. The fact is we don't like change. We like what we are used to and what we are brought up to believe. One of the hardest things to do is step out of that box and look at the other side.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all just get along? Look, I'm not saying everyone should agree on everything, because that is no fun. But at least look at both sides of the story(that is a Phil Collins song by the way). To avoid any hot button topics I will take my view in music as an example. For all of high school I only listened to Tupac Shakur. I literally would rotate his CD's every week and truly believed it was normal to be like that. When anyone tried to argue that another rapper was better, like Biggie for example, I would get angry at them. Not a fake angry, it would truly really bother me. I never stopped to think that you know what, I don't agree with that person but they could be right.
While I still think 2pac is the best music artist of all time, I at least listen to other arguments now. I've been able to step out of my comfort zone, and developed quite an eclectic, albeit old fashioned taste in music. For that my life is better. What if we all could do that? What if Democrats and Republicans could stop bitching at each other and just agree that one another thinks differently and maybe there is no right answer. What if different religions could understand each other's personal beliefs and accept one another. What if Celtics fans didn't always automatically think negatively of Lakers fans. Okay, maybe that is going a little too far.
The point is that the world would be a lot better if we all realized that everyone has their own opinions, and that in the end no one is really right or wrong. Remember that saying a person could be right also means a person could be wrong. Hell, even if you know something for a fact is right, what is the use of going after someone and arguing for an hour about it? Is it really going to change that person's beliefs? I'll tell you this much, you could tell me till your blue in the face that 2pac isn't the greatest rapper ever and I'd never change my mind.
I really think people have good intentions. I know I never realize when I'm being narrow minded or judgemental until after the fact. At the end of the day does it really matter? Does it really matter if you were right or wrong? Are you going to get some kind of trophy for winning an argument? Everyone should just chill and learn to accept one another's beliefs. I will let you know when I start taking my own advice.
Been a long time since I wrote one of these. Thanks for reading everyone!
Wouldn't it be great if we could all just get along? Look, I'm not saying everyone should agree on everything, because that is no fun. But at least look at both sides of the story(that is a Phil Collins song by the way). To avoid any hot button topics I will take my view in music as an example. For all of high school I only listened to Tupac Shakur. I literally would rotate his CD's every week and truly believed it was normal to be like that. When anyone tried to argue that another rapper was better, like Biggie for example, I would get angry at them. Not a fake angry, it would truly really bother me. I never stopped to think that you know what, I don't agree with that person but they could be right.
While I still think 2pac is the best music artist of all time, I at least listen to other arguments now. I've been able to step out of my comfort zone, and developed quite an eclectic, albeit old fashioned taste in music. For that my life is better. What if we all could do that? What if Democrats and Republicans could stop bitching at each other and just agree that one another thinks differently and maybe there is no right answer. What if different religions could understand each other's personal beliefs and accept one another. What if Celtics fans didn't always automatically think negatively of Lakers fans. Okay, maybe that is going a little too far.
The point is that the world would be a lot better if we all realized that everyone has their own opinions, and that in the end no one is really right or wrong. Remember that saying a person could be right also means a person could be wrong. Hell, even if you know something for a fact is right, what is the use of going after someone and arguing for an hour about it? Is it really going to change that person's beliefs? I'll tell you this much, you could tell me till your blue in the face that 2pac isn't the greatest rapper ever and I'd never change my mind.
I really think people have good intentions. I know I never realize when I'm being narrow minded or judgemental until after the fact. At the end of the day does it really matter? Does it really matter if you were right or wrong? Are you going to get some kind of trophy for winning an argument? Everyone should just chill and learn to accept one another's beliefs. I will let you know when I start taking my own advice.
Been a long time since I wrote one of these. Thanks for reading everyone!
Friday, January 15, 2010
What NOT to do at an Office Party
This past holiday season many of you probably attended at least one office party. While these events are supposed to be fun filled occasions and a chance to build office camaraderie, they also are a prime opportunity to make a bad impression. The way people act away from the office is often very different than how they act in the office. On the positive side, it gives the employee a chance to feel more of a personal connection with their co-workers. On the other hand you can find out things about your co-workers you never really wanted to know.
First off, make sure to recognize that while this is indeed a party, it’s not a party like you would throw at your friend’s house. Treat it more like a meeting than a party. If you do this the following points below won’t matter and you can have a good time and keep your job.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is to drink too much. Look, even if your boss seems cool with it and is drinking themselves, it doesn’t mean you should take this as an opportunity to relive your college days. Even if most of the people at the party are friends of yours, and people you hang out with outside of the office frequently, it only takes rubbing one person the wrong way to create a bad reputation around the office.
In addition, watch what you wear, and when in doubt, play it safe. Obviously you can dress a little less conservatively than you would at work, but keep it simple. You want to be remembered for what you say and what you do, not what you look like. In short, stay classy.
Also, don’t only talk about work. Being at an office party, work will inevitably come up in conversation. However, try discussing holiday or vacation plans rather than the report due next week. It’s important for people to know that you are a well rounded person and have a life outside of work too. At the same time, don’t bring up any hot button issues, like religion, politics, Tiger Woods, etc. People are all going to have differing opinions and only bad things can happen. If this ever does come up just simply say “You could be right.”
Lastly, when in doubt just talk about the weather. This is the universal conversation starter and especially comes in handy when it is cold. Everyone seems to like talking about how much they hate cold weather, and it’s amazing how much time people can spend talking about it.
In conclusion, have fun at your office parties. But remember that you have to see these same people everyday and some of them sign your pay sheets. It’s important to have fun, but more important to stay professional. Thanks for reading everyone!
First off, make sure to recognize that while this is indeed a party, it’s not a party like you would throw at your friend’s house. Treat it more like a meeting than a party. If you do this the following points below won’t matter and you can have a good time and keep your job.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is to drink too much. Look, even if your boss seems cool with it and is drinking themselves, it doesn’t mean you should take this as an opportunity to relive your college days. Even if most of the people at the party are friends of yours, and people you hang out with outside of the office frequently, it only takes rubbing one person the wrong way to create a bad reputation around the office.
In addition, watch what you wear, and when in doubt, play it safe. Obviously you can dress a little less conservatively than you would at work, but keep it simple. You want to be remembered for what you say and what you do, not what you look like. In short, stay classy.
Also, don’t only talk about work. Being at an office party, work will inevitably come up in conversation. However, try discussing holiday or vacation plans rather than the report due next week. It’s important for people to know that you are a well rounded person and have a life outside of work too. At the same time, don’t bring up any hot button issues, like religion, politics, Tiger Woods, etc. People are all going to have differing opinions and only bad things can happen. If this ever does come up just simply say “You could be right.”
Lastly, when in doubt just talk about the weather. This is the universal conversation starter and especially comes in handy when it is cold. Everyone seems to like talking about how much they hate cold weather, and it’s amazing how much time people can spend talking about it.
In conclusion, have fun at your office parties. But remember that you have to see these same people everyday and some of them sign your pay sheets. It’s important to have fun, but more important to stay professional. Thanks for reading everyone!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Dealing with Family over the Holidays
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
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
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
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