20. This house is not a home...possibly.

The word home is definitely something that some have trouble defining. I know people that live on different sides of the country and are still able to say that their heart is back home here in Miami, some who say they feel more at home with their new life far away, and some even here in this city that have issues with knowing where it is they feel like home.

I guess I can say that that's becoming more of a debate for me now as well. Especially during the first week back from Boston I've felt torn apart, even after such a short amount of time because there are people and things that have become a part of me that I miss and want back. The feeling lessened a little bit after that first week of recuperation and adjustment since, but still. It's not the same anymore.

It's worse knowing that there are people and things that hold me back from going too...it's a little dilemma I'm not really able to sort out just yet.

Summer is coming soon. Already some changes then too. It just never ever stops does it?

19.

No title for this. I can't really think of anything catchy or a song lyric to describe the last ten days that I've spent. Holy mother, it's been so much. Regardless of whether there was good or bad, it all just ended so quickly. I still remember getting off the place at Logan like it was even just a few hours ago.

I've done and felt so much since last Thursday. I've also learned a lot of things about the people that live in the apartment I stayed in that I guess was good/bad to know? It's a little strange. You seriously think you know a lot about your friends and they, themselves or someone else throws something at you to take you by surprise. That's always an interesting experience.

I've also been able to get a taste of what it's like to live on my own I suppose. I mean the apartment was shared between five other people, but it was a different way to live from being in the BU dorms last year. Actually buying groceries and cooking for yourself and all that. It is a great experience that I'd like to indulge in...not yet, but soon.

Here at home, money is actually pretty tight what with working a full 40 hour week and having class at the same time, which is something I'd definitely like to change at some point but I sadly don't make enough money to merit a change of pace like that.

It's so stupid, money. It always comes back and I don't mind spending it for other people on something small or stupid, yet you can't help but need it.

Got a haircut and shaved while I was up. That was something I guess I really didn't need to mention but eh. I always think it's something fun or interesting. New look! A time to experiment! I wonder what people will think back home. I know my parents will like it. They hate the whole scruffy thing. According to other friends from back home and friends from here it's quite a good look. I know it all really depends on what I think, but whatever. I have my people that I need to impress.

Ugh, home. It's so strange that I feel like I've already made a second home in so short at time back in Boston. Maybe it's because I'm well remembered by the people that go to school there. Maybe it's because I just needed a break from being in Miami. I always feel a relief when I get out...who knows? All I know is that especially considering the extensive amount of fun that I had there (even more than my last trip if you can believe it), I've left (once again) a piece of me in Boston that I'm gonna return to find every single year.

18. Leaving on a jet plane

So the time that I've long waited for approaches. I'll be making my (hopefully it'll stay) annual trip to Boston for Spring Break to visit old and new friends. I've never been more excited this time around, because not only am I staying longer that I did the last time, but I'll be hanging around a whole new area of Boston and the Massachusetts Bay area that I don't think I ever saw in passing the last time I went.

There are also new acquaintances to meet with too. That's always been a great thing. I've probably mentioned it before and you've definitely seen it before that I take a heavy value on my friendships. They mean a lot to me, mostly because they relate to me and my interests and I don't like to associate myself with people that wouldn't do for me what I would do for them. Obviously this might seem a little crazy, especially if its people I've just met and won't really speak with on a regular basis....but still, good to know more and more people.

And all these new things and people I'm going to see and meet are great too, but then I can't help but get the feelings that people get when they leave things behind. Sure I'll be enjoying myself spending long nights out on the town, playing video games, and just vegging out in the apartment I'll be staying in...but I'll be away from home and my friends down here as well. I don't doubt that they'll make amends without me being there (they always do), but recently we've been spending a lot of time together. Probably very close to almost every day, save a few days for the weekend. Some of them took a weekend trip to Orlando this past weekend and it felt strange to not have them around, even if it was just as a failsafe if plans that I had made went through.

Does this seems to be a little bit emotional of me? I can openly admit that its true. Just because I had set out to make these changes that I specified at the beginning of the year to become a new me, doesn't mean I can't reflect and think as well. It's all a part of the learning and changing process. It doesn't change because we all really do learn something new every day. And that's fine by me. The more I can learn from books, movies, music, and experiences in my future, past, present, the better I can consider myself to be. It's my opinion of myself and mine only that matters, so whatever helps me to make me feel better is nothing but beneficial. I've had plenty of self-esteem issues in the past that I'd like to stay away from for good.

Enough of the contemplation. My flight is now coming later today (technically). I need to be happy about it. And I am, because I spent a night out with my friends and people that care about me. I could never ask for anything more.

To those that I'm leaving behind, I know you'll be fine without me while I'm gone. It would be stupid of me to assume otherwise, and probably even stupid for me to have that thought in the first place.

To my friends that I'm going to visit, here I come! I hope to have the time of my life there once again, so be prepared to take me to places I've never been and to show me the time of my life. I'm ready for it.

17. Playing the sweet tunes

So I was actually going to check out my friend's band here at a club on Saturday. Lemme tell you, these guys are actually very talented and they know how to start a party. Sadly there weren't many people there, but they sure made it worth everyone's while.

I'm not here to talk about my friend's band of course. That would be too...conventional(?) of a blog post for me to write. You know "Situation A happened and I had a good time. kbye". I was actually thinking back about when I met that friend of mine. He was very knowledgeable about music and very open to it, which is always a good thing for me. I like to think I come from a strong musical background. He had actually asked me if there was some stuff that I play because he was looking for someone in his band, and for the life of me I can't remember what it was exactly but I turned him down because I wasn't able to make the time with school and work.

Now I seriously regret it.

I was watching them just go to town and love it up there, and I thought about how much I would have loved to be up there doing that same thing. I think about how I enjoy playing for my friends at our little get-togethers and stuff, and I see how much happier and good I would feel if I could get people to sing along to my stuff, memorize my lyrics, and come to see me no matter how many times I was in the area.

Is it the fame that draws me to it? Nah. Fame is whatever and it drives people to retardation. I'm in it for the music all the way. Local bands have the most fun. They can party here all the time, and still make their money or whatever it is that drives them. They have their creativity in check and are in control of their lives to an extent.

Would I want to make it to the big time? Well it all depends on where things actually go, were I actually in a band or whatever. I've been saying a lot recently that you can't plan so much for the future. You just need to think of something recent and follow it wherever it takes you.

Hell, if I were to think about a place to start for my "music career" or whatever, there's a place where I can play on Monday nights with just me and my guitar. Like I said, something to just take and run with.

Just a little thing I wanted to bring up.

Album of choice?

Sondre Lerche - Duper Sessions

A guitarist with a bit of a jazzy thing going for him. This older album is a lot more chill when compared to his latest album, but it's all good. Enjoy that.

16. The things that make you YOU

I was actually able to get things all sorted out a lot quicker than I expected, so here goes. It's a big group of things so enjoy.

Oh and excuse the terrible formatting. This took me forever, so I hope I can be forgiven.

These are the people and things that make me who I am today, the ones responsible for my changes and the things I need to keep it up.


These are my dogs. The girl pug just had a litter of puppies that are going to be two weeks old next Monday. Her name is Bella.








This guy here is Butch. He's the youngest of my three dogs. He's also the father of the litter of puppies. He's my own personal dog as well. I take care of him and feed him. I'm glad to call him my own, although he's not the smartest dog there is.





This is Sam, he's the oldest and the biggest. He's always very friendly and very caring. He's nothing but a big joy to have around the house.




I include my dogs because they've always been an important part of our family. We love to take care of all our animals and they always return the love and care. I can't imagine how things would be without these guys running around the house, panting.

My coworkers. So many of them to name, but they have made me a much better person and have taught me a lot of things throughout my time working there. They're the reason I don't complain when I wake up in the morning to go to work. They even make me consider working there for a long time, post-education. That's crazy. Here they are.

From left to right, Javi. We call him Chamo. Very good at what he does. Next is David, excellent taste in music and movies, and knowledgeable in more things than one. Next is Jorge. I'll get into him later. Lastly, is Lucas. He is still a student like myself, but he has extensive hardware and software knowledge. Hard working, and always willing to help.





This is Steven, he's a coordinator for our team, and one of the many who has come from a background at Best Buy tech or Geek Squad. Always sure to give his two cents on anything you ask. Likes old school gaming. That's always a plus.







This is Richard. Laid back, but hard working. He's cool people to know. I've had plenty an interesting conversation with him, and plenty a joke with him. He knows that I mess with him the same way I mess with everyone else.






This is Mark and his girlfriend, Yasmary. He's not a part of the team anymore, but he has helped and taught me a lot more than most, and I'm still learning from him. I know he has more to teach, and he's definitely someone to keep in contact with for a long time to come.



This is Jorge, once again. He's the coordinator for my team, and I haven't met a more laid back adult in a long time. He might still be in school, and still living with his parents...but if I can get to his age and enjoy myself half as much as he does I know I'll be a lot happier.


And this is the big guy. Papa Bear for the whole team. Josh. He is the coolest boss I have ever had and he never seems to disappoint when it comes to doing his best for making the workplace a lot more fun for everyone. He is the model example of a boss, and a friend. I hope that if I progress to a position like his in the future, I can be the boss that everyone likes to have around. Just like him.



Now for the bigger group of friends. These are the guys that made the world go round for me.



If you can ignore the total douche bag thing I'm doing in this picture, let me introduce you to Lydia. One of my newer acquaintances, but one of the most valued. I've been able to find a special connection with her like I find with all of my other friends, and I say that with the utmost sincerity.



This is Josias. He is one of my good friends that I've come to know since I first started college. I have been taken classes with him ever since and now he is also one of my co-workers. Thanks to him and my other friend, Alex, I've been able to maintain some part of my sanity in school, in the workplace, and just life in general.






This is Alex. He's another really good friend of mine that I've been associated with since the beginning of college as well. Again, he is a co-worker and he's more the big techie of the group. Always trying out something new just to see how it works..or to play a prank.









This is Cindy. She swears she's the favorite, but she does have a special place in my heart. I've known her since halfway through high school and I couldn't think of anyone else to run to when I want to be told the straight up truth and called a dumb ass. She keeps it real, just like a friend should.






This is me with the girls. From left to right, Janely, whom I've known for way too long to even get started with all the things we've done and seen together. Next is Catherine, who along with Gloria (far right) have become better friends strangely after high school than in high school. These girls like to poke fun and keep me in check and I'm glad I have them around.




And this is the trio of trios. Named the Geo Trio by others, but no names can describe these other two guys here. From right to left, we start with Danny, in the darker shirt. He's been in the "group" since 6th grade and he's come to be one of the best acquaintances I've ever had. Never held out on me or anyone else, and always willing to lend a hand. Last but most certainly not least, Geo. This guy has been there through thick and thin, best and worst, and never falters. I've known him for fifteen years and he is hands down the best best friend anyone could ever ask for, and he knows it. I hope everyone can find a friend as good as him at some point in their lives and stay as close as we have. Nothing separates us, everything brings us together.

So there you have it. Just another big part of my life that I want to introduce you guys to. Just thought it would be cool to work on these things that make me happy and give me inspiration.

15. Looking back at me.

The day begins anew once more and I have really nothing to say, other than it's about damn time. I don't want to get into too many details but there are things that have been a long time in the making and fruition. Things are finally coming to light. Maybe it might actually instigate some changes for once. Maybe if things change this time around, they'll stay the same.

That's always been a difficult thing to do, maintain the changes that we've all wanted to make or have made. Even since the beginning of this year I've made changes in my life, and before that who knows how many things I decided to do for myself to make myself a better person in the long run. We all have our moments of regret and regression to the way things used to be, because for just that one small second, we let things slip and they go awry.

We are human.

We cannot completely change who we are.

We are capable of making mistakes that we've made in the past.

Can they be forgiven? Of course. Should they be?

...mother of all questions right there.

Aside from all that noise, I was actually taking time to look over my photos and I was able to find some photos of things that I've seen and people I know that really just describe where I come from and who I am today. That's gonna have to wait though. I gotta compile pictures with everyone and make sure that I have the definitive list for today. Until then...

Album of choice? Hmmm..

Incubus - Fungus Amongus

Definitely one of the more unheard of Incubus albums from their earlier days. It's a little bit different for the people who are fans of Make Yourself, Morning View, and even S.C.I.E.N.C.E. Incubus has had so many different styles over the last ten years. Yes, ten. Fungus Amongus was re-released under a major label in 2000. It first came out in 1995 and Incubus keeps on rockin' it. Enjoy Incubus (I wonder how many people will catch that).

14. The present is a gift and I just want to BE

The only thing I can see that's really backfired on me in the long run is my effort to maintain a social life. Sure it's all well and good, but when do I need to just take a break? I've been coming home no earlier than 10:30 for just about every night for the past two weeks I guess? A night at home just seems like too big a change in pace. I just woke up from a nap that I didn't expect to take while I was watching a movie. Am I really so exhausted that just being in my bed watching a loud movie can put me out of commission so to speak?

I know that the weekends are for relaxing, and I just leave that for one day out of the weekend. Sunday is my day of repose and relaxation, mostly allocated by default because it seems to be the day of least activity for me. Maybe its not enough. Maybe I'm just not used to it, and all I need is just a little more time to get adjusted...

...but damn I'm tired.

Got my music I guess, whether its a song to put me to bed or keep me goin' at night. Should be enough for me.

Album of choice at the moment, by the way:

Common - Be

One of the reasons I think R&B and rap might actually get to the point where all of it will be decent and enjoyable to listen to again.

13. The great communicator

In the words of Anthony Kiedis, "Music/ the great communicator". You can learn so much from it. I find that it always seems to be helpful regardless of the situation.

Many a morning I've spent just....sitting and singing or listening to something that just makes the day seem all the more significant I guess. There's the music you listen to for a Sunday stroll with the windows down in your car, the car you play when you want to swoon your significant other, the ones that bring back the regrets that you thought you had put away oh so long ago but here they are again to bring a tear to your eye.

I've always wondered what it is exactly that drives people not only to make songs that might make them sad, but other people too. I don't like to think they do it on purpose. It relates to my theory that most people express themselves better in writing. What is a piece of music, other than a long poem expressing ideals, feelings, and oddities? We can only give more credit where credit is due to musicians. I find that that is what really sets them apart from people like myself who just play the chords and sing in a circle. I seem to have a writer's block when it comes to things like that. Many times have I tried to write something simple and it just doesn't happen.

I find my ability to find an inspiration for putting the pen down and just letting my mind flow doesn't really lead to anything creative in that aspect. I have been able to figure out some chords that'll work pretty well, but words to music...eh.

I don't know I felt I should just bring that out. Listening to Nujabes changes the mood for me often. Check him out. YouTube is your friend for videos that play songs. Good for the workday when you have computers with speakers and no way of reaching the music library.

12. Old habits become new again

Not too many posts for the month of February...looking back it actually was a pretty hectic month that I can remember. Lots of different events, hanging out, parties (or just small get-togethers) that all involve nothing short of hookah, some alcohol, a little skateboarding, and pretty much some buddies getting together to sit around and listen to good music (or at least I hope people consider it to be good) as played by me.

I just can't help feeling that these are the reasons that I went to college and the things I should get from it. Once I realized that there really isn't much effort to making the most of my free time, it just comes naturally. It is such a good feeling for me to have because I take value in my friendships and spending time with them. It makes me happy.

It's strange how doing one thing or meeting one person can change certain aspects of your daily life. When I was dating my ex, I stopped biting my nails. Now I've met a good friend that shares the passion for books that I used to have when I would say to myself that I didn't have time for such things. Now after one recommendation and reading one book, regardless of whether it's a chapter or two day, I'm gonna get back into that habit once again. So many books that I haven't read that I own and I plan to finish one day. I'm open to recommendations. That's what the comments are for. I like the feedback, it's what my RSS feed is there for, so everyone knows when something new and good is going on. Take advantage of it. Google has a great RSS feed reader through Google reader or iGoogle can have it set up as a gadget.

Enough with the tech bullshit. This isn't a tech blog. My boss has that crap covered.

As a little side note, I don't know why happiness feels like such a..I guess I want to say strange feeling? I'm not sure because I feel happy on good days of course, but this is a...different kind of happiness for me I guess. I want to hold on to it for as long as I possibly can. Who wouldn't? Happiness is deserved by everyone who seeks it. And those are my two cents on that matter.

If some of this all falls through....c'est la vie. We accept what we can get for the time being and just begin our search for something new and interesting yet again. We all have our things to fall back on, regardless of whether its a different group of friends, the same friends that push out the mat for you when you fall and need it the most, or the little things like a movie, book, and your music.

11. Yes, there ARE two paths you can go by.

I do so enjoy when things just take a very different and drastic change for the better/worst. It's all relative to the situation that you were in previously and I guess I have things that are going both ways.

How do I handle these things exactly? It depends. I've made efforts to just accept change as much as I possibly can because change and time are things that coincide with each other a lot more than people think. I like to take these things as a turn for the better (or worst) that fate decided for me.

I don't even want to get into the ideals behind fate and destiny and all that, because God knows that there are so many different opinions as far as that goes. I like to believe in both things because there really ARE things that we can control, but on the other hand there are things that we cannot. These things we can't change are things that other people make the choices for, and maybe fate in general. So who knows? Great mysteries of life that are never answered.

10. Um....idkmybffjill?

How can I really describe exactly what's going on right now? I mean I feel that its really bigger than school and work and family. It's really something that I haven't dealt with for a long time, but I find that I'm coming back into something too new, since it's something I haven't felt in a while.

Is it all going to be worth the trouble this time around? I sure feel like it will be. I don't see any reason to be afraid this time. I have a good idea as to where I stand in this whole situation, as skewed and awkward it may be. I can only just wait to see where things go.

I was in a somewhat strange experience yesterday too. I only say strange because its something new to me that I don't fully understand. I had actually tried to meditate. I was told that I open up completely.

That in a way kind of bothered me because I don't really have much to hide but I did feel a tad vulnerable. Maybe if I keep it up it'll be something new to try and accept. I can learn to close myself off in that sense.

Eh, we'll see. Time will tell.

9. As we wind on down the road

Well it's been pretty close to the first month since this whole "new beginnings" idea I contrived with this new blog came along, and I guess this would be one of many key points to see if the changes I planned to make have started to show themselves in any way. Self reflection.

In retrospect of the last month, I think I have seen a few changes.

First and foremost would defintely be my urge to get a little more active in the social aspect. I've been asking myself for some time why I really spend all of my time sitting around in my room playing video games every single day after looking over course material for my classes. I've always found video games and movies to be a way to just unwind after a long day of work, school, etc. It isn't about an appeal to the supernatural or the unrealistic. I'm definitely not going to say something stupid like hand eye coordination. That's just plain dumb. I can always make my time for that during the weekend or something, but there's definitely time during the week for school clubs or just hanging out with people. I know because this is the kind of stuff I've been doing.

Second, I took the initiative to get into shape. I've gotten a group of some new friends who are actually big on going to the gym, and my friend Lydia has also suggested yoga classes, which although it seems strange I am actually a little excited about it. It is all things that can make me feel a lot better than I definitely did before. I've been dying to do something that will put me back into shape the way I used to be when I ran cross country and track my first two years of high school. I felt great, strong and healthy and especially considering all of my medical conditions it could only do me good.

Third, school has once again become a bigger priority in my life. I make sure things get done when they need to be done. If I can keep this up, I can get back to the academic situation that allowed me to get into this school in the first place. My possibilities as far as school goes will definitely branch out from there, giving me new ideas about moving out and moving abroad.

Fourth, I'm in the market for another job, although this idea is very new (as of yesterday). I was offered a job doing visits to clients in hotels regarding IT solutions and satellite/DVR connections. Its a much better pay and it is a job that basically works with you. You work when you want to work, whether its full time or part time. I should be making a day to make visits with a current employee I'm familiar with to see how the job works and if its for me. Again. New positions, new experiences, new job opportunities.

Looking back on all of this that I wrote, I think I actually have progressed some. I guess it can only be credited to the will to actually move along with the standards I set for myself last month, and the fact that the idea is still fresh in my mind from when it was first concieved. I can only hope that my motives and drive will continue.

8. On family

Definitely was today one of those days that kinda made me glad to be home, especially considering the fact that I've had a pretty classy weekend all around. I'm surprised I'm not exhausted, especially considering that I got home at about 5 in the morning and didn't sleep until about a half hour later.

Fast forward about 10 hours and a trip to Best Buy later and my dad is saying he wants to watch movies with the whole family and cook dinner. My dad, although a drunk, can actually be kinda funny and interesting to hang around. He wanted me and my brother to go buy metal BBs for this gun my brother got from my mom's uncle.

He's got his days I suppose.

7. Following the trend of "On..." topics: On Relationships

So I can only assume that there is always a point where one must move a few steps backward in their plans to make the next few steps further, if not so much for a reminder that we should not be a certain way, but a reminder that we need to try and maintain our old characteristics that really make us who we are. No one can truly make the change to become a completely different person. It would be too difficult to change your mindset and never feel the urge to return to your old ways, as ridiculous and childish (or better) they may have been. I've been accustomed to taking those few steps back on occasions that all for some reason seem to come back to me being single.

Ever since I was in my last true relationship just after leaving high school I don't seem to be able to find what it is exactly that made me so happy back then. I've been told multiple reasons as to why it could be that I still stay in this partial state of emotional pain, if you will. One being the fact that I am still looking for something good to come along, and while that may be true, I also think that one really can't spend so much time waiting for something that they're not even sure they are waiting for. How can one simply make a choice and be happy for the rest of their life? This can't be just a spur of the moment kind of thing. Marriages don't happen because of a random meeting and it was love at first sight. Romeo and Juliet and other magical fairy tales have no place in the situations of real life. No one hears of a story where Snow White divorced the dashing prince because they finally realized that they don't really agree on much of anything.

The other reason I've heard is that I've tried too hard when it comes to actualy meeting someone I'm interested in. Again, I think it's just how you interpret it. The actions you do are correct by your standards so they are once again some of the things that can make others look incorrect. I just feel that what you do should not have any conditions and go out to see who is available, interesting, and someone you can show your unconditional care for.

Good luck to that, future lovers.

...shit, I sure would like to not be friggin' single anymore.

6. Responsibility

I've felt the need to take it upon myself to once again give myself that kick that will push me into the right direction. I've decided to speak to my boss about managing a new server that was set up here in the office by one of my co-workers who is coincidentally leaving today. He's actually taught me quite a bit and has helped all of us here at my job on a great level so it is sad to see him go.

All that aside, I feel that I could very well do a lot of good for myself by working with this machine and I could take his place and do something great for my team. Let's hope that I am given that responsibility, regardless of whether I'm getting paid for it or not.

On another note, I need to definitely remind myself to never ever work for a state university again. Stupid audits, stupid rules, and most of all, stupid people.

Never have I been to a place where everyone believes that they always have all the right to do however they please to property that isn't theirs. Someone want to explain that to me?

5. Its official

It is now official! I am now out of my teenage years and I couldn't be happier. Seriously. What a way to kickstart my 21st year of life. I spent the entire weekend with my good friends in another city going to theme parks and having drinks only to come home and have a great big surprise from my parents waiting for me in the driveway.

A brand new car. I can't even believe it. I owe my parents a lot for all the trouble they went through to not only get me this car but to deal with all the issues my old car was having as well. Sadly the only downside to this weekend is that people are leaving again, particularly my good friend through all of my school days. It will be sad to once again not have my friends around all the time but it will not be for long as I will be trying to make the spring break trip to once again make my refreshing trip out of Miami.

So on that note, I return to real life and the working world, still trying to make sure I keep that fresh start an ongoing reality.

4. Taking the first step

So I took the jump and took my first step into having a fresh start. Although it might not have been successful (at least not entirely), it definitely is a good place to start I suppose. This whole weekend will only be a small part in the grand scheme of things as far as making a fresh start goes. This weekend will mark the actual climax of my teenage years and I hope it goes out with a bang.

As strange as it is to say, I feel like this really is a big turning point in my life. Almost as if it's a reality check in a sense. I'm only turning twenty. Should there really be a need to feel different? Time will tell I assume.

3. Just a little recommendation.

I was watching the DVD for an album by Beirut that is basically all of their songs recorded in or around the buildings in Brooklyn, New York. This is definitely something that I have never seen before, especially since the video and audio quality are just great. The actual idea and production value are enough make you want to see the videos. I've got a link here to a video for one of my personal favorite songs on the album/DVD. It's called In the Mausoleum.

I've also got the entire album here for you to listen to if you like what you see. Let me know if it goes down when you try to click it. I'll update the post with a new link.

2. What?

Anyone ever wonder why a class about Microsoft Word and Excel is called Introduction to Microcomputing? I seriously question the decisions of people who run colleges. I guess it really is just a means for someone to dignify taking a total bullshit class.

I never did get a little bit more into myself as far as my day to day activity goes. I work with the IT support group at my university and I am studying Information Technology at the same university. I get shit pay even though I like what I do and I like the people I work with. There's not much else to say about that, other than the people that I help on campus are stupid. Go figure.

Not much else to say right now actually. I have some pretty great stuff that will be happening within the next four days, my birthday being one of them and mass amounts of hilarity and madness will definitely ensue.

I'm just hoping its nowhere near how insane it got at the New Year's Eve party I had gone to this year. That would definitely not make this a "new beginning". Hahaha, no it would not.

1. New beginnings

Oh me and my willingness to succumb to peer pressure. Once again I am asked to start something at the request of a friend, but it's alright. I tend to find these blogs as a means of expression whenever I remember or something big comes to mind. Sadly the most of my posts will probably be composed at the time of creation. There's not a problem with that I would think. Some people are usually busy or they just never feel like posting or they never remember (myself being one of the forgetful types).

So who am I? I'm fresh out of my teenage years, starting yet another semester in college and trying to better myself. I tend to make rash decisions or slack which only brings me down, but as soon as I'm down I get all the more motivated to bring things back to normal again. I've always been considered to be way too nice and a pushover, but that makes me who I am and I'm proud of it.

I'm always a big fan of music, and you can ask any of the people I know. Not only do I enjoy listening to music, but I know how to play it as well. I play the guitar, and I used to play the trumpet and saxophone. I like to sing and play the guitar as well, though it would probably be more beneficial if I was creative enough to write songs instead of singing everyone else's. I've always been a big fan of my friends as well. Even though they all left home to go to school I still never lose contact with them and try to make the best out of the time they're here.

That's the point where I'm at right now. The end of the winter break is coming for them as well as another four months by myself (in a sense). Do I look forward to it? I don't think anyone ever would, but I just need to take my time working and concentrating on the things that matter while they're gone, namely school, work, and family.

School is definitely one of the areas I need to focus on as I tend to get sidetracked and my performance has suffered greatly because of it. So now is the time to take the measures that need to be taken and have the clean slate that inspires people to start anew. This will be the start of my new beginnings.

My name is Mike, and I'm ready to take the first step.