tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293764662024-03-13T03:03:16.254-06:00The Inner Workings of A Crazed Man's Mind...An in-depth look to the places of my mind that I didn't know existed.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-91714022738760811922012-02-04T12:47:00.003-06:002012-02-04T13:10:42.435-06:00Oh, I forgot about this...<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lphm4tYnMc1qcbo9lo1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lphm4tYnMc1qcbo9lo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Oh me, oh my, it has been a very, very long time. No, I won't apologize for the lack of posts (it's been more than a year!) or make any half-assed promises to keep up with this. For all I know this may be a one-time thing? Honestly, I got nostalgic, read through a whole bunch of posts, and decided to write another.<br /><br />Shall I do a recap? Nope... Okay fine, super quick.<br /><br />left my job at ians to pursue a desk job at tribune did really well and loved the fact that i worked a 9-5 (really a 10-7) desk job and had free weekends but the novelty soon wore off so came back to ians as a manager and now trying to help open second store. moved in with ray but then moved back out and moved up to lakeview instead to a studio right in the heart of boystown. still have no social life and still work a shit ton.<br /><br />Wah-bam! <br /><br />So now what do I write about...?<br /><br />My life consists of the crazy antics of Wrigleyville (I just recently pushed myself into the middle of a big fight with a lot of big, and I mean big, men. No fear), trying to manage a restaurant (lots of late nights, employees getting mad at you for messing things up, and random calls that I have to go take care of), and trying to have a relationship (there's a kid in the mix too that always needs to either go poop outdoors in the cold or wants to be fed). And no social life.<br /><br />I didn't imagine my life would be here. In fact, and you can read my past posts, I really wanted to be in the Middle East with the Peace Corps right now. My life would have been so much different, but I can't really say better. I'm happy with where I'm at and the path I'm on. If I do this right, I could own my own business concept and that is incredibly exciting! I'm also very much in love with my man! Let me be honest - I am an emotional being. I love drama, fighting, and a whole lot of sass, and well, that makes a relationship difficult. But he puts up with me and loves me regardless. <br /><br />In fact, I'm kind of tired and have to close tonight anyway, so I'm going to go cuddle up with him and Dakota and go back to sleep. Adios!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-77035406846992270862010-09-03T12:34:00.005-06:002010-09-03T13:01:59.824-06:00Not a cheery, post-college carrer post...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.justinmullins.com/Surrealism%20low%20res.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 420px;" src="http://www.justinmullins.com/Surrealism%20low%20res.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Has it really been this long since my last post? February?! <br /><br />So, another short and unsatisfying recap? Let's see... February was right in the beginning of my last semester. <br /><br />Classes - Intro to Film (easy yet fun), Arabic 102 (hard but rewarding), Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt (quite possibly my favorite class I have taken), and History of African Americans in film and photography (hard, interesting class). Straight A's. Didn't even take my Egyptian final because I was doing so well! Thesis in history class had to do with transgendered African Americans. Awesome! <br /><br />Graduation! GPA - 3.51, Cum Laude, Distinction and Honors in History.<br /><br />Promotion in work?! Marketing director. Lots of work. Lots of time. Lots of headaches.<br /><br />Ramon came back from Texas. <br /><br />Death of Social Life. <br /><br />So, almost four months after graduation, I find myself dually unsatisfied yet very happy. I have a job that is not related to my field of study, requires lots of late nights (which is dissipating as I write this anyway due to many factors) and yet, I am in an incredibly rewarding relationship with a boy whom I have strong feelings for. <br /><br />What am I supposed to be doing right now? No one ever gave me any guidance for this part of my life. I look at jobs on these websites and they are all in business with strange titles that I know I am not qualified for nor do I want. <br /><br />What do I want? I want to travel, to relax, to have fun, to learn, to read. I can't do very many of these things right now. I have to pay rent, utilities, food, cell phone, and loans. I barely make enough money as is. <br /><br />I am at a major cross road in my life. I have a couple of paths before me. More are still hidden. How in the hell am I supposed to know which one to take?Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-64086329656132615752010-02-17T13:38:00.005-06:002010-02-17T14:01:54.686-06:00Month in Tweets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXgAAyqavvy6vF6Ga4soiBAea3xBzAQ1-SS-9eh7DQuYVGsOmOh2yTJYdBmar4fDoL96Q1_fzTIR5lPIMLJiikloKHDzY7jqT9dLPF4Q5aOydr4qPwMtv_GU9DcDPJqRqBuU-tw/s400/1950s-retro-photography-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXgAAyqavvy6vF6Ga4soiBAea3xBzAQ1-SS-9eh7DQuYVGsOmOh2yTJYdBmar4fDoL96Q1_fzTIR5lPIMLJiikloKHDzY7jqT9dLPF4Q5aOydr4qPwMtv_GU9DcDPJqRqBuU-tw/s400/1950s-retro-photography-6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Lately, Twitter has become a better platform for me to describe what I am feeling/thinking as well as what I am doing. This is partly the reason for my lack of blogging. Why take a larger amount of time writing a blog entry when I can quickly text anything I want to Twitter? It's a quick blurb of no more than 140 characters, and taken together my tweets may also paint a distinct picture of who I am. Since I haven't blogged in about a month, I will try to recount it through my tweets, though I will exclude retweets (those tweets written by others that I post on my page) and one's with links to other websites. <br /><br />Right wing nut jobs really bother me down to my core. Go tea bag yourselves Tea Party! 10:08 PM Jan 19th (Following the theme of my last post on the same day)<br /><br />Way to screw me on my bday CTA 1:02 PM Jan 22nd <br /><br />Empty bottles everywhere, sticky floor, massive hangover and hazy memory. It was a good night. 2:29 PM Jan 23rd<br /><br />How random is it that a bird just pooped on me? 1:28 PM Jan 25th <br /><br />Just saw "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus," at the Music Box! Both the venue and the film were fantastic! 7:39 PM Jan 25th <br /><br />Large influxes of cash are always followed by even larger drains like rent or parking tickets. 1:58 PM Jan 26th<br /><br />I have a Frankenstein-like computer sitting ominously on my desk. It creeps me out each time I go into my room. 1:09 PM Jan 31st<br /><br />Dharmageddon! 4:08 PM Feb 2nd<br /><br />Whenever I enter a library, my mind reminds me that I should sleep in it. 1:57 PM Feb 3rd <br /><br />"Hello sir! Do you like animals?" "Hate them." 12:14 PM Feb 4th<br /><br />This bus driver is weaving through cars so fast that I fear for my life! 5:05 PM Feb 7th <br /><br />Ah! Snow tornadoes at UH! Awesome and dangerous! 7:51 AM Feb 9th <br /><br />After cramming Old Kingdom Egyptology in your head the entire night with no sleep, you start to think in pyramids. 8:44 AM Feb 9th <br /><br />When I walk into a bookstore I must restrain myself from buying more than one book. 12:40 PM Feb 12th <br /><br />I have a car in the city for two hours and I already get a parking ticket? *sigh* 4:50 PM Feb 12th <br /><br />Hipster dance party - the best way to kick off Valentine's Day! 1:37 PM Feb 14th <br /><br />Dear UIC, please salt your sidewalks before I break my neck. Thanks. 9:33 PM Feb 15th <br /><br />These two 9s on my quiz have to be wrong, right? about 24 hours ago<br /><br />Fat Tuesday and I just gorged down a ton of Mac 'n Cheese. Fitting. about 19 hours agoMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-12514707800443351542010-02-16T15:06:00.008-06:002010-02-16T17:07:21.149-06:00iTunes Poems<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img2.visualizeus.com/thumbs/09/09/04/black,and,white,music,photography,vintage,retro,stars-731eaf9c98e110e23c0c0a0f545a0120_h.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" src="http://img2.visualizeus.com/thumbs/09/09/04/black,and,white,music,photography,vintage,retro,stars-731eaf9c98e110e23c0c0a0f545a0120_h.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />In order to change up the sometimes dull pace of this blog, I thought I would try something different. Technology has been integrated into almost every aspect of modern human life, including my own. I thought that I would let two completely different forms of technology speak for me instead of painting an extremely biased view of myself. <br /><br />For the first one, I wanted to let my music speak for me since 2005 and onwards. Since I don't have my macbook anymore and I never really used LastFM all that much, I will be going through my iPod in a very unscientific manner and choose ten songs from each year that were important to me or that I listened to a lot. I broke this down into periods of my life, and there is going to be some overlap/errors in this. But taken together they may paint an interesting picture of my life at that specific point. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2005 and before</span><br />1. Everybody's Fool - Evanescence<br />2. Meant To Live - Switchfoot<br />3. Into the West - Annie Lennox<br />4. One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces - Ben Folds Five<br />5. Let's Get Retarded - Black Eyed Peas<br />6. Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand<br />7. I Don't Want to Be - Gavin DeGraw<br />8. Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet<br />9. All These Things That I've Done - The Killers<br />10. Can't Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue<br />11. All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey<br />12. Harder to Breathe - Maroon 5<br />13. Pop - *N'SYNC<br />14. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen<br />15. Through Heaven's Eyes - Prince of Egypt Soundtrack<br />(Since this covers many years, I allowed myself 15)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2006</span><br />1. Exit Music (For A Film) - Radiohead<br />2. I Bet You Look Good at on the Dance Floor - Artic Monkeys<br />3. Rockin' the Suburbs - Ben Folds<br />4. Everytime We Touch - Cascada<br />5. Hung Up - Madonna<br />6. I Write Sins Not Tradedies - Panic! At the Disco<br />7. Sugar We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy<br />8. Across the Universe - The Beatles <br />9. What You Waiting For? - Gwen Stefani<br />10. Only - Nine Inch Nails<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2007</span><br />1. Move Along - All American Rejects<br />2. The Way We Get By - Spoon<br />3. Fidelity - Regina Spektor<br />4. Painted by Numbers - The Sounds<br />5. Bruised - Jack's Mannequin<br />6. Maneater - Nelly Furtado <br />7. Grace Kelly - MIKA<br />8. Le Disko - Shiny Toy Guns<br />9. Take A Bow - Muse<br />10. Time is Running Out - Muse <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2008</span> <br />1. Let It Be - Across the Universe<br />2. In My Arms - Kylie Minogue<br />3. Ironic - Alanis Morrisette<br />4. Devil Wouldn't Recognize You - Madonna<br />5. Heard the World - O.A.R.<br />6. Sick and Tired - Anastacia<br />7. Damaged - Danity Kane<br />8. Dead End - The Format<br />9. Going On - Gnarls Barkley<br />10. Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2009</span><br />1. Bad Romance - Lady Gaga<br />2. You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds<br />3. I Don't Wanna Be in Love - Good Charlotte<br />4. You and I Both - Jason Mraz<br />5. Amazing - Kanye West<br />6. Just Dance - Lady Gaga<br />7. Lost Ones - Lauryn Hill<br />8. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse<br />9. Electric Feel - MGMT<br />10. Live Your Life - T.I.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2010 thus far</span><br />1. Wake Up - Arcade Fire<br />2. La Roux - Bulletproof<br />3. Alejandro - Lady Gaga<br />4. X-Static Process - Madonna<br />5. L.E.S. Artistes - Santogold<br />6. Shove It - Santogold<br />7. Imagine - Glee Cast and John Lennon <br />(It's still early in the year)<br /><br />I wonder what that says about me? Some of those songs are embarrassing and I had to exclude a lot in order to make a top ten for each year. Next post will be a Twitter poem.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-34791552719216156692010-01-19T22:29:00.006-06:002010-02-16T17:05:39.067-06:00Crazy Right Wing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mathewingram.com/work/wp-content/uploads/morans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 315px;" src="http://www.mathewingram.com/work/wp-content/uploads/morans.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />There are few things that anger me in this world. Waking me up from a wonderful sleep, bros and their bitches and right-wing nut jobs. Unfortunately, with my background in the church, I know too many of the latter group of people. With the win of Robert Brown in the Massachusetts election, a certain facebook status popped into my news feed that filled me with rage. For anonymity, I have removed the name of this individual. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This person</span> is more than excited about the MA Senate election!! When Obama talked about change, I don't think he ever thought Ted Kennedy's seat would be held by a Republican!! Peace out health care, I can't say it's been real :)<br /><br />Response to that status "Amen, sister. Turns out, God is in control."<br /><br />There are many things wrong with this. <br />A) Goodbye universal health care? It makes you happy that thousands of people are without the basics necessities to live and they cannot afford even the most basic check-up? Way to be evil.<br />B) Since when has God given two fucks about what happens in the MA election? Wasn't Jesus' message one of love, understanding and compassion not defeating the evil Democrats? To me, this statement is only a stone's throw from saying God punished Haiti with the earthquake that killed over 200,000 because they are heathens. Christianity is about a personal relationship with God, at least that is how I grew up to understand it. Plus, whoever claims to know the will of God is an idiot. An idiot and a jackass.<br /><br />This person's political view on facebook is labeled "I will support Obama, just as much as Democrats supported Bush the last few years." Wow, get over yourself. <br /><br />All of this angered me so much that I went out and got a massive burrito to eat my anger away. Emotional eating is a slippery slope!<br /><br />The moral of this short blurb is that people need to relax and not let ideologies rule their political beliefs. More importantly, they should be open to other beliefs and pragmatically approach politics. I think it's a good thing this particular person is not entering politics otherwise we would all be fucked.<br /><br />Side note - Fuck the Tea Party, Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, and Rush Limbaugh.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-41677860314642378322010-01-15T19:03:00.003-06:002010-01-15T19:05:49.746-06:00Photo Op<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/S1EQ6FhJJ8I/AAAAAAAAAMI/sJTFFc-5Ev8/s1600-h/n35203013_31460302_1518.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/S1EQ6FhJJ8I/AAAAAAAAAMI/sJTFFc-5Ev8/s400/n35203013_31460302_1518.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427137616057804738" /></a><br /><br />I laugh every time I see this picture.<br /><br />"The hills are alive with the sound of music!"Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-42757646573581406882010-01-15T18:41:00.003-06:002010-01-15T18:59:19.323-06:00"It's the final countdown!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/at-at-ball.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 348px;" src="http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/at-at-ball.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The spaces at UIC are very unique from the newly created "smart" room with its array of confusing buttons to the classroom that looks and feels like a prison with white floors, large, gray brick walls and no windows. The latter is the exact room where I started my orientation as a freshman four years ago as well as a current room for my history class. It's strange how I seem to go in circles.<br /><br />First week of classes are over and I am very excited and confident about this semester. Here are my classes for those of you who enjoy voyeuristic views into my odd life.<br /><br />-Arabic 102: Pretty much the same as it was last semester. Only this time, I have to give a 10 minute presentation in Arabic about any topic I would like. Any one have any suggestions?<br /><br />-Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt: The name says it all - which is "awesome!" This is made even better by my very learned and passionate professor, Dr. Tobin. She is such a nice person!<br /><br />-African American History in Documentary Film and Photography: I was hesitant about this three-hour long class, but the professor is a very intelligent woman and it seems that we are going to cover some really cool topics. I also get to create a film or photo collection for my final. I may recruit some friends who have more experience than I do in these fields for assistance!<br /><br />-Intro to Film: Probably my least favorite class which says a lot since it is really not that bad. The work load is a little rough but this is set off by the amount of films we are watching. And I do love films!<br /><br />Oh UIC, you have surprised me once again with this amazing array of classes! Now I must hope (and pray) that the school gets more of the money the State promised! If not, UIC will close and I will not be able to graduate! The professors and administration are already forced to take a certain amount of "furlough" days where they will not be paid. I think it's time to ditch Illinois in favor of a better state. Or country. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by Eelus</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-11678000410696430412010-01-01T13:34:00.002-06:002010-01-01T13:48:25.670-06:00NYE - 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_01/17banksyES_468x606.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 606px;" src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_01/17banksyES_468x606.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Another year gone by. Holy hell. <br /><br />As I look back on 2009, I realize that I accomplished many of the goals I set out to do for the year. I started weight training and have seen measurable results, cut my laziness quotient in half, worked on my own personal happiness, remained single most of the year, and done a lot of work for my future with volunteering and the marketing I am involved with at work. I made new friends and managed to keep old ones too. Overall, I call this year a success! <br /><br />Now, I want to accomplish more this year. <br /><br />1. Financial responsibility. Time for a budget! <br />2. Get out of debt. Goes with #1, but this is more specific.<br />3. Graduate with honors in my college (LAS) and with distinction in the History Dept. <br />4. Have a baby... maybe not.<br />5. Last but not least, enter the Peace Corps.<br /><br />The last goal seems daunting. Before this year is over I may be shipped abroad for the next two years of my life with only the internet to connect me back home. I may not see many of my friends and family for those entire two years. It is a scary thought, but after much deliberation, I know this is what I want to do. But I have a lot I need to accomplish before then and it isn't going to be easy.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-24336889706833319292009-12-17T03:58:00.003-06:002009-12-17T04:01:48.873-06:00Freak outSometimes I just want to curl into a ball and scream. Nothing seems to be working for me lately. Boys suck, the CTA sucks, Chicago has sucked lately, the cold bites, my health ain't so great, friends aren't great, money is scarce, job is a killer, etc. etc. I thought the end of the semester was supposed to usher in happy times? That has not happened as of yet.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-13201162950475959062009-12-16T17:54:00.004-06:002009-12-16T18:11:22.630-06:00December Member<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://geoinfo.amu.edu.pl/wpk/pe/a/harbbook/c_viii/images/icefields/Usg0183.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1015px; height: 1022px;" src="http://geoinfo.amu.edu.pl/wpk/pe/a/harbbook/c_viii/images/icefields/Usg0183.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Whoooooaaa that was a long break! An intentional one nonetheless. Quick recap of the past three months of my life?<br /><br />-Crazy-hard classes<br />-Lots of working in Wrigleyville<br />-Volunteer programs<br /><br />That pretty much sums it up. Now that my final undergraduate fall semester is over, I can confidently say that I accomplished more this semester than any other previous. If only I had started earlier! <br /><br />Anyway, life in the city has become difficult. I love my roommates and we usually get along pretty well but lately I have been under such stress and external pressures that I can't relax with them anymore. It is also slightly annoying to have so many people personally involved in the day-to-day aspects of my life. I can't make a decision or do something without them knowing or trying to find out. The lack of privacy disturbs me. I need an extended period away from everyone. Luckily, the store will be close for about a week and I will spend most of that time in Batavia hanging out with people I don't get to see very often.<br /><br />Recap on the boy situation - as usual I get myself into bad situations that I end up running away from. In a nutshell, a boy liked me, I liked him and we hit it off at first. But within a couple of days he became possessive and moved things far too fast for my comfort, talking about long term relationships, marriage and children. He also got mad if I didn't text him every day. It weirded me out and I got out of the situation as quickly as possible! I have also met another boy who I have slowly kicked things off with. Key word, slowly. I have a hard time reading him and he gives off mixed signals so I am very unsure of what we are. But no worries! With encouragement from Miles, I think I need to have a very frank conversation with him telling him that I would like to date him! I have no idea how this will turn out though.<br /><br />So now I look forward to a relaxing winter break! I thought it was going to be fairly lazy, but to my surprise I have been finding a lot of things to do. Unfortunately I have to work on New Year's Eve, so no crazy parties for me. This will also be the first time in three years that I will not kiss a boy at midnight on the 1st! The times, they are a-changing.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-31635285447795484482009-09-20T15:44:00.003-06:002009-09-20T16:00:29.854-06:00PMS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.soulcatcherstudio.com/images/artistpages/leipzig/diverseastriver48.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 352px;" src="http://www.soulcatcherstudio.com/images/artistpages/leipzig/diverseastriver48.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Sometimes I feel like I have far too much estrogen following through my veins that is appropriate for a man, however gay he may be. For example, right now I want to just sit wrapped in at least two blankets, turn on some sappy romance movie, eat a tub of ice cream and cry. Seriously.<br /><br />My body and mind are stretched too thin lately. My schedule is as follows: School, workout, study, school, work, study, workout, school and sleep when I have time. If I fall behind in any of my responsibilities I will get in trouble. I knew this was going to be a tough semester but I clearly underestimated the level of difficulty.<br /><br />The lack of any serious romantic pursuits has really helped me time-wise, but I still long for a good boy to cuddle with. I have lost almost all interest in the dating scene. It usually is very awkward for me and I spend so much time introducing myself over and over again to new boys only to never see them again. <br /><br />Right now, I need to sit and finish "Atlas Shrugged" before I have way to much reading to do for school. I have come this far on this stupid book. I will finish it god dammit! For Christmas break my next read will be "War and Peace." It is even longer than Rand's book. Whoopie.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-36524812085825779562009-08-13T14:01:00.006-06:002009-08-15T23:39:01.864-06:00Summer Lovin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/upload/imgMap/Open_Award_69.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 665px;" src="http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/upload/imgMap/Open_Award_69.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I think my readership has been steadily falling. Maybe it's my fault for not writing enough, or maybe no one really gives a damn about my craziness.<br /><br />Anyway, something wonderfully horrible has happened! I am single! This is the time for champagne and mischievous celebratory dances! <br /><br />No, in all honesty I don't like that my current relationship had to end, "had" being the key word. But, now I am single and for once I am beginning to feel like my old self again. I had a conversation with Isaac the other day (was it Isaac or Ian...?) about how having a significant other can really change you. (Actually it was Merika). There are positives and negatives, but one of the worst things it does is that it makes you increasingly cut off from everyone but your significant other. I become much more introverted when I know I don't need other friends, just him, whoever "him" may be. (Nope it was Gabby). You only want to hang out with them and don't really want to do anything else, work, school, friends, etc etc. It is a horrible trait of mine, but I tend to be a passionate person which leads me to lose myself in the other. But now I am out of a relationship and I can learn to tone it down a bit. More importantly, I am setting my sights on many things. I am currently applying for an internship with the Chicago Council of Global Affairs, a volunteer position with the UIC Service Corps, and the Peace Corps. All of this while working! It is going to be a busy and stressful semester and I am going to love every second of it!<br /><br />After looking back, my summer was very successful. I have managed to have very unique experiences every summer of college thus far. And because this one was different, and much more relaxing than the others, I misjudged it as boring and uneventful. But it wasn't! I canoed down the Chicago river, had crazy adventures at Market Days, been engulfed in numerous books, worked a crazy job, gone to the beach, went on bike rides, saw many of my old high school friends, and had a house party. The list could go on, but I don't have the attention span for it! Basically my summer equals a "Great Success!"<br /><br />I am currently engrossed in "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. It spews the individualistic philosophy of Rand termed "objectivism." I absolutely love the premise and the way Rand writes, though she tends to be a bit exhausting at times. Her characters are the anti-heroes, they do what they do because they want to make money, not because they care about people or the world. The story is about a man (though we haven't met him yet) who stops the world because he could but mainly because the corrupt are those without a purpose. Those who have found purpose and who succeed in this world carry the rest on their backs, like Atlas. It is wonderful. Long, but wonderful and I recommend it to everyone! <br /><br />On that note, I have noticed a bit of a contradiction within my political thought. I am an individualist, and believe that everyone must achieve their own goals in life with little or no influence from everyone else. I recognize society, but put little importance on it. That said, why do I advocate a strong government? I have noticed that my socialist tendencies have been fading. Why must someone pay taxes on money they earned themselves? I advocate universal health care, but I don't know why or if I even believe it myself. My conservative upbringing has not been fully washed away like the unclean dirt it is! I think I am beginning to slip towards a slight libertarian view, though I do believe in a strong government with some public institutions. <br /><br />Anyway, the summer is almost over and school is about to begin! Oddly enough, I am so excited! I bought a new back pack yesterday! School shopping is the BEST! My last year is about to begin!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-72507350039637920682009-07-25T17:00:00.004-06:002009-08-04T13:14:13.699-06:00Bucket ListI was out with my friend the other day when he made a very interesting comment. "You have done a lot of things!" This took me by surprise because I am always feel like I haven't done enough. <br /><br />He could be right. I have gone to many places, work many jobs, met lots of people and had experiences that are incredibly unique. This caused me to go back and examine my life to see if I have made the most of my 21 years. 1/4 of my life is potentially over, and that is a scary thought. <br /><br />So, has my life been worth it? The obvious answer is yes. But I want to do more! I will not be entirely satisfied until I fully enjoy what the world has to offer me. Granted, I will most likely never be able to experience everything, but I will try goddamn it! I guess sitting here in my apartment every day doesn't help... <br /><br />Things I want to do before I die a.k.a. Bucket List (in no particular order)<br /><br />-See all the wonders of the world (ancient and modern)<br />-Travel to every continent<br />-Have a child<br />-Go skydiving<br />-Live in the Middle East<br />-Drive a Hummer (they destroy the environment, but just once I would like to have that much power under my tush!)<br /><br />Wow, I really cannot think of anything. I definitely need more time to rue this over. Any suggestions?Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-59773729587557623542009-07-19T14:51:00.003-06:002009-07-19T15:00:32.610-06:00R.I.P. Graeme<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/SmOJbM7pDaI/AAAAAAAAAK0/kTNabKj-hvg/s1600-h/5370_1175906365648_1467767053_30453713_3061886_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/SmOJbM7pDaI/AAAAAAAAAK0/kTNabKj-hvg/s200/5370_1175906365648_1467767053_30453713_3061886_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360279081921875362" /></a><br />So, Graeme was put down yesterday. I really hoped that I could have been there to hold him as he died, but unfortunately everything happened way too fast and I had no time to get home from Chicago. I had my goodbye though. I was home early last week to see the Harry Potter 6 premier with my friends. When I got home, he was lying in the kitchen, unable to get up the stairs. To see my dog so fragile was incredibly hard. I curled up next to him for a half hour and cuddled like I used to do. <br /><br />I had this unofficial, totally unimportant routine with Graeme. I would sit at the top of the stairs and he would push himself under my arm. The last night I saw him, I sat at the top of the stairs as usual. He was unable to see me however since his sight was suddenly lost and he instead collapses where he was. It was a torturing sight to see. He was stupid, dumb, smelled bad, and was afraid of most things but he was still loved. <br /><br />Do dogs have souls? Do they have an afterlife? Maybe he will be reincarnated into something else? Well, at least I have Maggie and Oliver. Oh wait, I don't have Oliver. :'(Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-82751298391461901132009-07-06T14:22:00.002-06:002009-07-06T14:36:13.094-06:00Back It Up, Turn Around!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photo444.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/blog_7169.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 610px; height: 490px;" src="http://photo444.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/blog_7169.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Lets take a look at my last post. Oh, you don't do anything Michael? Big shocker there! Wait, now your life has taken a few interesting turns? Yeah, suck it bad luck.<br /><br />I like lists, so I am going to make another one. This time with numbers instead of letters because I am BA like that. (Side-note: BA = Bad Ass)<br /><br />1. I just applied for many different volunteer positions at the Field Museum. I know it doesn't pay and isn't as prestigious as an internship (if that even is the way to describe it), but I am really excited and hopeful that I will get one. At least I will be doing something related to my future undecided career. Plus it is a great resume booster!<br /><br />2. I just made a wonderful and awesome new friend! We hung out the other day and just talked for a long time. With the understanding that I am not on the boy market now, there was no pressure whatsoever to impress, flirt, etc. etc. and it was really nice and relaxing. Now we are going to the Oriental Institute at the U of C Sunday where we will look at Indonesian pottery or Persian artifacts! Added bonus - 1950's film "The Land of the Pharaohs," all for free!<br /><br />3. I'm working out again. Not anything super rigorous, but 15 minutes here, 20 minutes there. Makes me feel better about myself and my abs are starting to get some definition! <br /><br />4. I am very close to making a major decision in my current love life. Basically, I am not happy the way things are. You can deduce what may happen. <br /><br />5. I feel very close with my roommates. Yes, we may fight or bicker sometimes, and I am not at all pleased with the messiness of some of them, *cough*ianklein*cough*. But still, my friendships with them have started to go to new levels and I have three very important people in my life that I get to see a lot. I couldn't be more pleased!<br /><br />And I think that is about it. I feel like dancing now. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by Jim McGill</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-9306911112855774802009-07-02T16:15:00.002-06:002009-07-02T16:20:55.317-06:00Summer of LazinessSo this summer has been slightly disappointing thus far. <br /><br />1 - I have been sleeping way too much. I don't like sleeping in till the afternoon, but somehow my body is controlling everything and I am awake about 10 hours and sleep the rest. Perhaps the mono has finally caught up to me. <br /><br />2 - My job has not been giving me enough hours to work, and when I do work, it is overnight. I hardly get normal hours.<br /><br />3 - My Arabic plans have (more or less) fallen through. Who knew that stealing things doesn't always work?<br /><br />4 - All my roommates have very busy schedules. This means I am home alone a lot.<br /><br />I struggle to find things to do and I usually end up in the apartment, lounging, cleaning or working out. Some days I go on adventures with Isaac or Merika (never Ian it seems) but those aren't enough. I want a fun summer full of adventures and friends, BBQ's , swimming, water fights, etc. Someone help please! I need more friends!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-84736771223338658812009-06-19T02:36:00.011-06:002009-06-19T12:45:33.653-06:00Golf Bros and Tennis Bitches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.f.kth.se/~f93-vgu/images/frat_party.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 676px; height: 488px;" src="http://www.f.kth.se/~f93-vgu/images/frat_party.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Hm, what was this again? A blvog? Oh yes, yes, I forgot about this. As usual. <br /><br />So, getting over my last super depressed post, things are going fairly well. Living with Merika, Ian and Isaac requires some...patience sometimes, but that's all part of learning to be around each other all the time. So far, so good. <br /><br />So now you are wondering, "why the strange title?" Well, being that I work in frat-center a.k.a. Wrigleyville, I deal with young, white yuppies on a constant basis. It annoys me. A lot. <br /><br />"Dude." "Bro." "Man." These are some of their most used phrase as well as their most annoying. This is the first tell of a "bro," the annoying frat boy who dresses in polos and khakis and tries to act way cooler than they really are. For references on bros watch these links! <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zvTRQr7ns8<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaS6mlUS5Kw<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_UyP4qb6-0<br /><br />To all the bros out there - I am not your bro and never will be so take your frayed hats, shove it up your asses and get your drunk whore out of my face!<br /><br />The other day a guy, who was rather drunk, asked me, "Dude (I cringed), where's the nearest strip club?"<br /><br />I stood for a second, seriously considering if I knew where a strip club was. Just because I am gay doesn't mean I don't know where these things exist, right? Actually, I would like to go to one just for fun. I responded with a "No."<br /><br />"Of course you wouldn't," he said. What? What did you just say? Excuse me mother fucker? Do you want your pizza or maybe I can take it in the back and give it some lovin'. Anyway, he turned to my very straight (but nice) co-worker and said," Come on bro! You know where I can see some titties!"<br /><br />At this point I was utterly disgusted with him and was seriously considering spraying some bleach in his eyes so he could never gaze upon titties again. However, I would like to avoid jail as long as possible and decided against it. <br /><br />Frat girls (those girls who hang around with frat boys) are worse than their male counterparts. Too many whores come stumbling into my work and utter thing that are impossible to understand. They also expect tons of free things, like the world should stop because they happen to look hot only because they put pounds of make-up on. Sorry ladies, your "beauty" (if that's even the right word to use for them) will not work on me. You make me gay.<br /><br />Moral of the blog - I hate 9 out of the 10 people who come to my work.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-60156576546992931702009-05-30T20:22:00.003-06:002009-05-30T20:31:00.136-06:00Back to Chicago!What a strange and stressful month May has been. I am glad it is over and I hope June will be much better.<br /><br />My apartment is great! Ian, Merika and I have moved in and we have had a lot of fun thus far. Merika and I even read a part of "New Moon" together!<br /><br />My friend that I made in Greece came the other day on her road trip. I showed her and her friends many different part of Chicago, but I only had one day so it was very shortened. We went to places in Wicker Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Museum of Contemporary Art, Second City, the Magnificent Mile, State Street, Water Tower, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and the Buckingham Palace. It was a long and tiresome day, but I enjoyed being a bit of a tourist again. It only reminds me how much more of the city I have yet to see.<br /><br />I know I haven't posted in awhile and this is hardly sufficient as a review, but like I said, it was a difficult month. I don't really wish to delve into the troubles I have been through. I'd rather let it go and look forward to summer!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-87301652646014507062009-05-06T13:30:00.005-06:002009-05-06T13:32:44.290-06:00The Swine Flue<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/SgHlkGwAiEI/AAAAAAAAAJw/C3iGjhPDFuU/s1600-h/app_full_proxy-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 130px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/SgHlkGwAiEI/AAAAAAAAAJw/C3iGjhPDFuU/s200/app_full_proxy-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332795842233403458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/SgHlevwnAbI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Lw3aNnroj-Q/s1600-h/app_full_proxy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 81px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xo0psIsCiaI/SgHlevwnAbI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Lw3aNnroj-Q/s200/app_full_proxy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332795750162563506" /></a><br /><br />"You didn't take the hype too seriously. You didn't even rush out and buy a mask... But when push came to shove and it became real, when people far too sick to survive were using up all your medicine you did ANYTHING to survive - including setting the infected on fire while you raided a derelict hospital and survive you did..."<br /><br />Oh thank God! I was worried there for a moment that I would turn into a crazed zombie with a thirst for brains. Facebook, what do you not know? Thank you!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-45313912239681566012009-05-03T22:13:00.008-06:002009-05-03T23:23:10.147-06:00Sports vs Michael<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.digitalphotographyhobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/digitalsportphotography.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 390px;" src="http://www.digitalphotographyhobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/digitalsportphotography.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Inspired by the list of "55 more things I hope you blog about," found by Kayla, I have decided to blog about other things than my life.<br /><br />http://www.darrenbarefoot.com/archives/2007/09/55-more-blog-posts-i-hope-you-write.html<br /><br />47. Why I Hate Sports<br /><br />As I looked down the list, this one made me laugh, which means to me that it must be blog worthy.<br /><br />Honestly, I do not hate sports. I hate <span style="font-style:italic;">playing</span> sports. Watching certain sports can be fun. I went to every single football game and many basketball games in high school, mainly because as a geek I was required to for marching and pep band. I enjoyed myself though and learned a lot about the games. However, I would find myself staring at #29's butt or wondering why football players could be so hot. But that's getting off topic.<br /><br />My main queef with sports is my inability to play them. I suck at any sport known to man. Period. With little to no coordination in my 6'4" (maybe 6'3") body, I find myself overly embarrassed anytime I step up to bat, or attempt to kick a soccer ball as hard as I can leading to a disastrous fall backward. Once in high school gym while I was waiting in line to bat, I found myself nervously scratching parts of my fingers so much that it bled. How could high school gym or sports make me so anxious? <br /><br />Perhaps it was because I was usually younger than those around me. Maybe I had a crush on a certain guy in the outfield. Actually during my junior year of high school, I had a huge crush on this guy in my class which made me even more nervous whenever I was playing something with him. But other than that, I really think it was because I didn't want to look like a fool around other people. My self esteem back then rested upon how others viewed me, and not being able to play sports could ruin that, or so I thought. I know better now, sometimes. My roommate kept trying to get me to play volleyball with him and his friends, and I would always refuse. I guess I really have to trust that people are not going to make fun of me when I completely fail at sports.<br /><br />Damn all you soccer balls, footballs, baseballs, volleyballs, basketballs, golf balls, eclipse balls (only found in Batavia High School), racquet balls, tennis balls, bowling balls (it's a sport!), and other various balls! You make things so hard for me! <br /><br />Immature side note: There are a lot of balls in sports. It is strange that I should fail at something so gay sounding. <br /><br />I am sure if I practiced at a sport, I could get a lot better, but that's assuming I have the time or motivation. I have neither. And when I did, I just didn't care.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-55742525008151382382009-05-01T11:41:00.003-06:002009-05-01T13:40:34.791-06:00ObliviousJoe Biden, the Vice President of the United States of America, was in the same building that I live in giving a speech while I was in my room completely oblivious. <br /><br />Fuck.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-29881396002716525142009-04-30T14:26:00.005-06:002009-05-01T20:40:59.668-06:00Disaster Averted!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wickerbydesign.com/photos/driggers2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 535px; height: 371px;" src="http://www.wickerbydesign.com/photos/driggers2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The apartment search almost blew up in everyone's faces. Here is what happened.<br /><br />We found this wonderful apartment in Logan's Square that was incredibly cheap but nice! We all agreed that Logan's Square was not a great area to live in, but for that price we couldn't say no. However, Merika's dad had a huge issue with it, and due to his bickering with Merika, it delayed the process and we had to let the apartment go. Ian told me after that he thought Merika was unsure about getting an apartment anymore and I said that if she was unsure we should continue looking for other apartments in case she does drop out. That simple sentence got "rumor-weeded" (when a small rumor gets blown out of proportion) and somehow it came into our minds that Merika was out altogether. But Merika was unaware that she had been unofficially kicked-out. When I talked to her to confirm that she was out, she was surprised and angry. I had to coax Ian to let her back in, which he did (grudgingly). Isaac was just confused but had no issues with letting Merika back in, so long as her parents don't force us to lose another apartment. <br /><br />Saturday we have an appointment with the apartment people. Hopefully it works out. I have been telling Ian to make an appointment for weeks but he never did. So I had to do it myself. I have been intentionally out of the decision making process up to this point because I didn't care, but now that things almost fell apart I feel like I need to take a more active role otherwise I may be homeless!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-82883476799476815532009-04-30T00:02:00.002-06:002009-04-30T00:18:43.832-06:00Wise Insight?In my attempt to find some answers, I turn to the source of all that is wisdom - Blogthings.com! Here is the results on whether or not my relationship will last. Kind of depressing.<br /><br /><table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>Your Relationship Will Last For A While!</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/howlongwillyourrelationshipwithyourguylastquiz/last-years.jpg" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />This may be hard for you to swallow, but you and your guy might not last<br /><br />At least not forever. He's somewhere between Mr. Right... and Mr. Right Now<br /><br />No doubt your guy is a great catch - and generally good to you<br /><br />The odds are, however, that someone better is out there!<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://blogthings.com/howlongwillyourrelationshipwithyourguylastquiz/">How Long Will Your Relationship With Your Guy Last?</a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-81135295933330704702009-04-28T12:45:00.003-06:002009-04-28T22:47:31.531-06:00From Mono to May<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://version1.itsnicethat.com/images/1055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://version1.itsnicethat.com/images/1055.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I realize that it has been a long time since I have posted any sort of update into my life. I had a sudden burst of surprising motivation to study, work, and still be social. Now, as the semester ends and my obligations to school begin to wane, I find myself bored and beginning to become unmotivated again, though I have nothing to do anyway. <br /><br />So, the largest event in my life this past month has been getting a job. I work (I don't want to say the name because my boss has a Google alert for whenever anyone mentions the name and that would lead them right to this website) at a pizza joint up in Wrigleyville. It is far away, but the environment in fun and I love the people I work with. Dealing with drunk Cubs fans is more appealing than it may seem at first. We usually just make fun of them behind their backs. Or to their faces. They really can't tell. Then after a late night (sometimes 4 or 5am) we all sit back and drink a couple of beers as we reminisce about the night. And I get paid! Not a bad deal if you ask me. <br /><br />The apartment search has had mixed results. Currently, I am trying to find a place with Isaac, Ian and Merika. We have found a few places we like, but lost them. However, it has solidified Isaac as a roommate and we are all fairly confident in our ability to coexist. I expect living with these fools will create a great deal of adventures. I can't wait! However, I don't have any money. I am working now, so I am saving what I can but after Greece and Johnny, I have $0. I need some time to work and not pay rent so I can save, but this leaves a gap from May 9th (when I have to move out of the dorms) to June 1st where I have nowhere to live. I could go home, but I have a job in Chicago that sometimes I cannot commute back from. I am hoping a miracle will happen in the next week and a half. <br /><br />My relationship has also gotten better, in some ways. I have stopped putting pressures on it and let things happen naturally, and it is good. I like being with him a lot. This creates another problem though. I fear getting to close to him since he is graduating in less than a month and is unsure about the direction of his life. Also, I am fairly certain that I am going to try my luck at getting into the Peace Corps which, if accepted, would take me away for at least two years. And yet I want to be close with someone. With him. It is all very confusing and hard to deal with. I try as hard as possible to keep myself at a distance, but I find that harder to do as time goes on. I only hope I make the right decision when the time comes.<br /><br />I think I am destined to never settle down in any one place for an extended period. With my goals of the Peace Corps, then maybe graduate school followed hopefully by the State Department (which would ship me around constantly on tours of 2 to 4 years, much like the Peace Corps) I am going to be a drifter. And I like it! Chicago is beginning to wear on me. I am excited to graduate and leave for somewhere else! The plan is hopefully Jordan. I start Arabic 101 next fall! <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by Arian Behzadi... I think</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29376466.post-10115494839493234732009-04-12T19:51:00.001-06:002009-04-12T19:51:55.071-06:00What my feet say about me?I liked this one.<br /><br /><table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>Your Feet Say You're Flexible</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatdoyourfeetsayaboutyouquiz/feet.png" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />You are pretty average in your expressiveness. You can express yourself well, but you don't always want to.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are a very passionate person. You are highly charged and easily inspired.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are an assertive person at times. You'll pull out all the stops to get what you want, if it's worth it.<br /><br /><br /><br />You take a while to fall in love, but once you do, you stay pretty attached to your partner.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are not afraid of anything. You are brave and courageous, even when most people would be terrified.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are intellectual and philosophical. You are more concerned with thoughts than action.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are very spoiled. You don't work unless you have to, and you love to be waited on.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are easily influenced by other people. You're quite impressionable, so you should only be around people who are a good influence.<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoyourfeetsayaboutyouquiz/">What Do Your Feet Say About You?</a></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978822323850894677noreply@blogger.com1