Welcome to the year 2009, faithful reader:
I hope you all enjoyed yourselves this past New Year's Eve.
My goal this New Year's Eve was to do something different. Something that was outside of my comfort zone. I did accomplish that goal. Yet, I wasn't surrounded by friends and loved ones and I underestimated how lonely that would make me feel (despite having a decent time on NYE). It was strange to be surrounded by goombas and guidettes who are rolling in their tight little circles with a male-to-female ratio of nearly 3-to-1.
As the ball dropped in Times Square, the countdown was on. Despite watching it on the flat screen TV's scattered around the bar, the patrons still managed to mess up the countdown with loud, inebriated voices. I found myself seated next to a little old Italian man in a tan sweater and thought to myself "Is this what my life has become?" LOL. I'm kind of glad I didn't have a kiss at midnight considering the options immediately around me. (it was a sausage factory, after all)
Don't get me wrong. Free booze and free dinner on NYE is not a terrible consolation prize especially when considering a female friend was my benefactor last night. (Wait... now that I think about it... was I expected to put out? LOL) It certainly wasn't the way I thought I'd end up spending this NYE but I don't regret it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I suppose in the spirit of the season, I'm obligated by social norms to lay out a series of resolutions that I plan to work on throughout the year (or completely ignore and bitch about later in the year as I start a self-induced pity party). I personally think resolutions are BS. If we were serious about making a change in our lives, we shouldn't rely on January 1 to be the start date (though I certainly understand how symbolically useful it is). It's the old "Be the change you want to see in the world" philosophy. Rather than provide you with a list of resolutions, I'll leave a checklist of things (life goals, if you will) that I hope to accomplish in my lifetime. Let's see how many of these things I can scratch off the list in 2009:
- Teach a class (this is imminent but it stays on my list until the first day of class. I take nothing for granted.)
- Drive cross country (East-West)
- Drive cross country (North-South)
- Have kids (yes plural... I think kids need a sibling)
- Travel for the first time to (international): Egypt, Italy, Greece, Australia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, southern France, Japan
- Travel for the first time to (domestic): Washington DC, Pheonix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Alaska
- Revisit: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Colombia, Miami
- Go on a cruise
- Karaoke (for real: with the desire to actually sing a little and not due to peer pressure... lol)
- Write a short story
- Learn to play the guitar
- Learn to make paella
- Buy a house
- Fall in love again
- Have LASIK surgery (I love wearing glasses but sometimes it's a bit of a drag)
- Create a new alcoholic beverage to serve at parties
- Forgive my father rather than simply live with who he is and what he did
- Walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding (clearly I would NEED a daughter first to be able to do this... lol)
- Learn to fluently curse in 3 languages, then 5 languages, then 8, then 10 (I think I'd stop at ten...lol)
- Get a tattoo (one that is meaningful and has personal value to me. Not just one that I picked out of an artist's portfolio)
- Learn to dance the tango
- Take a yoga class (I'd probably hate it but I'd like to try it at least once)
There's more... I know there is... I just can't remember any other things I'd like to add. I'll throw more things on here as they come to me. Consider this a starter list for my life goals. =)
I also have a short list of things I'd like to work on for the year. These aren't resolutions, per se. They're just a list of things I'd like to start correcting during the next phase of my life. Considering this is more personal and not something I'm willing to openly share, I'm leaving some words "blank". You can then play along by trying to guess the words (like a lame version of Mad Libs - without the parts of speech):
- Learn to separate ---------ship from --------ity
- Learn to ---st others
- Learn to eliminate lingering s--- d---t
- Learn to not question the m-----s of others
- Don't sweat the details. Simply, enjoy the ride and live life!
Until next time, faithful reader....
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Last post of 2008: My Fitness Goals
This is the last post of 2008!!! (In case you didn't read the title... hahaha)
Thanks for those of you who've been following my journey thru the last few weeks. This blog has been a lot of fun to maintain (and to vent on). I hope the new year will bring many new memories that I will remember for years to come: new experiences, new places traveled to, reconnecting with old friends, and cherishing the times spent with those around me.
One of the things that has helped make the end of this year so special for me is seeing the results of my "hard work" as it relates to my health and fitness.
During the holiday season of 2007, I tipped the scales at 225 (roughly... it may have been more but that's the heaviest I ever actually saw on a scale). I didn't think anything of it but I knew I was the biggest I had been in my life. I knew any change would have to be gradual and I couldn't expect to drop 25 pounds in 5 weeks. I also felt like I didn't have much time to dedicate to the gym or to working out at home.
I made small changes early in the year. I had decided (around the early Spring) to stop snacking cold turkey. Any time I had an impulse to reach for a cookie, brownie, piece of cake, etc. that was lying around the house, I'd reach for something else. Other times I'd stop and consider whether I really wanted the snack or if it was merely a reflex reaction to seeing the snack nearby. I've stopped drinking soda years ago and replaced it with water so I knew that small changes such as these would benefit me greatly.
The next thing I did, in late spring, was buy a treadmill. I was afraid that it would become an oversized coat hanger but I have been putting it to use occasionally. Even if it was just to walk, I managed to get on it frequently enough that I got used to doing some physical activity in the house (this was a HUGE mental hurdle... definitely a good thing!!). I even started dreaming of running a marathon in two years (a reasonable goal). Now that may NEVER happen but at least I felt good having goals that seemed well within my reach if I chose to go for it.
I was finishing up my graduate studies in the first half of 2008 and didn't really dedicate any serious time to working out. I only made a slight change in diet (stopped snacking). I knew this was not going to be enough and by the time I finished my thesis in August, I weighed around 216-217. By September, I had time to go back to the gym on a regular basis (and actually USE the freaking membership to Bally's that I keep paying for every year!!), I noticed a rapid change in my physique and weight.
I have been harping on my weight in this post and want you to know that I'm aware that weight isn't the end all be all to personal fitness. I weighed around 150 lbs. from junior high school through the end of high school (I grew into my body... lol). My sedentary lifestyle 'earned' me an additional 15-20 pounds (maybe more?) after graduating from high school but I stayed at that new weight for some time. I was chubby but didn't feel unhealthy. Once I started lifting weights more consistently in my early to mid 20's, I gained a lot of muscle weight. So much so, in fact, that I hit 200 lbs. (much to my shock) for the first time in my life despite being trimmer in the waist than I had been in years. I was still chubby (lol) but I felt I was definitely better off. Yet any BMI reading would have told you I was bordering on "Morbid Obesity". Clearly, I wasn't. But I also haven't been below 200 pounds since.
This is what drives my "weight loss" efforts now. Before, I used to look at going to the gym was a means to an end goal: losing weight. I now see physical fitness as a lifestyle and not simply a single season of working out hardcore. It isn't about reaching a finish line but it is more about maintaining a consistent fitness level which will allow me to be healthier for the rest of my life. I no longer see a visit to the gym as a chore. It is simply one other thing for me to do in a week. If I happen to miss a day, I don't have the guilt I used to feel because my gym days are not tied in with a finite weight loss goal. Now those goals are tied in with my overall health. It is a long term plan now and not one that is meant to produce short term results.
I currently weigh 205-206. I joked with my friend Jorge the other day that I'm officially a light heavyweight by MMA weight classes!!
My ultimate goal is to reach 185 pounds by my birthday (early May). I won't be disappointed, however, if I have a leaner body without reaching that target number. I would like to keep dropping pounds but I don't know what my actually body mass is, so I need to be realistic about my goals. For all I know, 190 might be my lower limit and I won't be able to drop below that without being unhealthy.
No matter where I end up this spring 2009, I know I will be happy with who I have become. I know that the result of the work and effort I've put in these past months (and those upcoming) will reveal itself then. This isn't a resolution. This is a change in mentality, in motivation, and in my lifestyle. It's one that is meant to help me cope with a body that is slowing down due to the aging process. By no means am I breaking down any time soon but I do notice a change in how my body works now compared to 10 years ago.
I don't want to wait until a doctor mandates me to start a fitness regimen. I don't want to be in a severe accident before I realize how out of shape I am. I am being proactive and plan to maintain this for the rest of my life.
So this new year, though I may have a finite goal for my birthday, it's all about my health and my well-being: physical and mental!
I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year 2009!
Until next year, faithful reader...
Thanks for those of you who've been following my journey thru the last few weeks. This blog has been a lot of fun to maintain (and to vent on). I hope the new year will bring many new memories that I will remember for years to come: new experiences, new places traveled to, reconnecting with old friends, and cherishing the times spent with those around me.
One of the things that has helped make the end of this year so special for me is seeing the results of my "hard work" as it relates to my health and fitness.
During the holiday season of 2007, I tipped the scales at 225 (roughly... it may have been more but that's the heaviest I ever actually saw on a scale). I didn't think anything of it but I knew I was the biggest I had been in my life. I knew any change would have to be gradual and I couldn't expect to drop 25 pounds in 5 weeks. I also felt like I didn't have much time to dedicate to the gym or to working out at home.
I made small changes early in the year. I had decided (around the early Spring) to stop snacking cold turkey. Any time I had an impulse to reach for a cookie, brownie, piece of cake, etc. that was lying around the house, I'd reach for something else. Other times I'd stop and consider whether I really wanted the snack or if it was merely a reflex reaction to seeing the snack nearby. I've stopped drinking soda years ago and replaced it with water so I knew that small changes such as these would benefit me greatly.
The next thing I did, in late spring, was buy a treadmill. I was afraid that it would become an oversized coat hanger but I have been putting it to use occasionally. Even if it was just to walk, I managed to get on it frequently enough that I got used to doing some physical activity in the house (this was a HUGE mental hurdle... definitely a good thing!!). I even started dreaming of running a marathon in two years (a reasonable goal). Now that may NEVER happen but at least I felt good having goals that seemed well within my reach if I chose to go for it.
I was finishing up my graduate studies in the first half of 2008 and didn't really dedicate any serious time to working out. I only made a slight change in diet (stopped snacking). I knew this was not going to be enough and by the time I finished my thesis in August, I weighed around 216-217. By September, I had time to go back to the gym on a regular basis (and actually USE the freaking membership to Bally's that I keep paying for every year!!), I noticed a rapid change in my physique and weight.
I have been harping on my weight in this post and want you to know that I'm aware that weight isn't the end all be all to personal fitness. I weighed around 150 lbs. from junior high school through the end of high school (I grew into my body... lol). My sedentary lifestyle 'earned' me an additional 15-20 pounds (maybe more?) after graduating from high school but I stayed at that new weight for some time. I was chubby but didn't feel unhealthy. Once I started lifting weights more consistently in my early to mid 20's, I gained a lot of muscle weight. So much so, in fact, that I hit 200 lbs. (much to my shock) for the first time in my life despite being trimmer in the waist than I had been in years. I was still chubby (lol) but I felt I was definitely better off. Yet any BMI reading would have told you I was bordering on "Morbid Obesity". Clearly, I wasn't. But I also haven't been below 200 pounds since.
This is what drives my "weight loss" efforts now. Before, I used to look at going to the gym was a means to an end goal: losing weight. I now see physical fitness as a lifestyle and not simply a single season of working out hardcore. It isn't about reaching a finish line but it is more about maintaining a consistent fitness level which will allow me to be healthier for the rest of my life. I no longer see a visit to the gym as a chore. It is simply one other thing for me to do in a week. If I happen to miss a day, I don't have the guilt I used to feel because my gym days are not tied in with a finite weight loss goal. Now those goals are tied in with my overall health. It is a long term plan now and not one that is meant to produce short term results.
I currently weigh 205-206. I joked with my friend Jorge the other day that I'm officially a light heavyweight by MMA weight classes!!
My ultimate goal is to reach 185 pounds by my birthday (early May). I won't be disappointed, however, if I have a leaner body without reaching that target number. I would like to keep dropping pounds but I don't know what my actually body mass is, so I need to be realistic about my goals. For all I know, 190 might be my lower limit and I won't be able to drop below that without being unhealthy.
No matter where I end up this spring 2009, I know I will be happy with who I have become. I know that the result of the work and effort I've put in these past months (and those upcoming) will reveal itself then. This isn't a resolution. This is a change in mentality, in motivation, and in my lifestyle. It's one that is meant to help me cope with a body that is slowing down due to the aging process. By no means am I breaking down any time soon but I do notice a change in how my body works now compared to 10 years ago.
I don't want to wait until a doctor mandates me to start a fitness regimen. I don't want to be in a severe accident before I realize how out of shape I am. I am being proactive and plan to maintain this for the rest of my life.
So this new year, though I may have a finite goal for my birthday, it's all about my health and my well-being: physical and mental!
I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year 2009!
Until next year, faithful reader...
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Playlist #5 (The Ultimate Freestyle), Road Observations + My New Job
"Maria... the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. Maria..."
"I wonder if I take you home, will you still be in love, baby..."
"Where are you tonight, my love? In the arms of another man..."
"There's no reason for you to cry, my love, 'cause I'll always be around..."
If these lyrics mean anything to you then this list is for you!!
This weekend I've got the Ultimate Freestyle playlist for your enjoyment. I'm taking you back!! My list will lay out the tracks that are the MUST HAVES for the short lived genre known as freestyle. In it's time (mid 80's thru the mid-90's), it was a musical alternative to pop, rap (it wasn't quite "hip hop" yet), rock/metal, and the sappy music that would later be labeled as "Adult Contemporary".
Freestyle was born out the confluence of R&B, "underground" house music, latin music, and rap. Most songs were produced and sung by Latinos but adopted by everyone who loved a hot beat and lyrics that shared stories of love, heartache, and good times!!!
[Special thanks to Desi, Chulo, J, Doom, Mari, and Lizbet for their feedback]
The Ultimate Freestyle playlist
Maria - TKA
Change On Me - Cynthia
Spring Love - Stevie B
Where Are You Tonight - Coro
No Reason To Cry - Judy Torres
Without You - George Lamond
Show Me - Cover Girls
Take Me In Your Arms - Lil' Suzy
Dreamboy/Dreamgirl - Cynthia and Johnny O
Wonder If I Take You Home - Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
Within My Heart - Voyce
Silent Morning - Noel
Yo No Sé - Pajama Party
Love Letter - Giggles
Temptation - Corina
When I Hear Music - Debbie Deb
Let The Music Play - Shannon (credited as being the first freestyle single on the wikipedia entry for "freestyle")
======
The Ultimate Freestyle Artists
Freestyle is unique in that there are a handful of artists that had tremendous success and who have many great songs the exemplify what freestyle is all about. Any songs by these artists are worth having in your freestyle collection:
- George Lamond
- Judy Torres
- Stevie B
- Cynthia
- TKA
- Cover Girls
======
Honorable Mentions
Endless Night - Cynthia
Thief of Hearts - Cynthia
Bad of the Heart - George Lamond
Come into My Arms - Judy Torres
Diamond Girl - Nice and Wild
Together Forever - Lisette Melendez
In My Eyes - Stevie B
Can You Feel the Beat? - Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
Crying Over You - Coro
Point of No Return - Expose
Sincerely Yours - Sweet Sensation
[All this freestyle is taking me back... =)
There were PLENTY of songs not listed here. You can begin anticipating the release of the follow up to the Ultimate Freestyle list early in the New Year]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VALIDATION OF MY THEORY::
Three examples from a busy driving day on Saturday, Dec. 27th -
(1) A driver cuts from the right lane to the left lane on the BQE only to go slower than the surrounding traffic (driving just under 40mph when the limit is 55)... in the left f*****n lane!!! The left-most lane is known to many as the PASSING lane!!! Slow vehicles to the right, passing vehicles on the left. It's not really too hard to remember. What is wrong with these people??? When I look over to the driver of this car, I see A middle aged South Asian male.
(2) Earlier in the day, again on the BQE: To enter the highway at this particular section, you must first stop at a STOP sign then merge into the right-most lane. One especially stupid person decided (a few cars ahead of me) that after waiting at the stop sign, that it was a good idea to change lanes (into the middle lane of a three-lane road) BEFORE getting up to highway speed!!! Another driver in that middle lane, traveling at a reasonable HIGHWAY speed, had to practically slam on his/her brakes and swerve to their left to avoid hitting this car. Thankfully, no one was in that left lane, otherwise, we would have had a very messy situation. Who is driving the car ahead of me, you ask??? A young Asian woman!
(3) Another slow driver in the left most lane (once again on the BQE) holding up the flow of traffic. Everyone (including me) decides that it is better to pass this car to their right (as opposed to passing on the left). Who is driving said vehicle, you ask again?? A middle aged male.
Can't win 'em all, I guess. But like I said before... these people are the aberration not the rule. It's the 1 out of 20 that I expect to find. that means my my theory has held true 95% of the time. I'll take those odds any day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The brief story of my new job
Back Story - I have a friend who is a professor at Queens College [QC]. We actually became friends after I took a few of his classes and received a recommendation from him for a job on campus. He taught several electives in Sociology and one required course: Social Statistics. For a short time, I was the stats tutor for the department and I would see some his students and some students from other stats classes. It was during that time that I began noticing that I was making a real difference with the students I helped.
I stopped tutoring when I started in the Masters Program (in Sociology) at QC. People still came looking for me based on recommendations from friends of theirs, former stats students that had been at my tutoring sessions. While I was finishing my time in the MA program this past summer, I seriously considering teaching Sociology (specifically, stats). I knew several previous MA graduates that began teaching at QC as a springboard to something a bit more permanent in the "real world". My prof friend was one of the former grads that stuck around.
I had been asked repeatedly by some faculty members, who I happen to be friendly with, whether I would consider teaching in the Fall semester. I didn't think I was ready and I was more focused on completing my thesis, first and foremost. I also wanted to try and find a full time job. The last thing I wanted was to take on some classes during day time hours only to have a job offer come my way. I'd then be forced to either drop my day classes and potentially burn bridges or turn down the offer.
But now that my friend is newly married and planning to move out of the city, he lobbied to have me take over his courses in the Spring semester. And through some arm twisting and underhanded office politics, I managed to squirm my way into the position. OK, so it wasn't really that devious but I did ask some people to speak up on my behalf and it paid off. I e-mailed the chair of the department to let him know I was interested in teaching the evening stats class and the e-mail response was "Consider it done". I never thought it would be that easy!!
Now I'm scheduled to take over my friend's evening stats class and a day section for another faculty member who the department lost due to a severe illness and subsequent surgery. I'm going to keep working in that non-profit agency in Brooklyn, for better or worse, and simply enjoy the extra income from teaching. It will allow me to travel (which I have been DYING to do!!!!) and save some more money.
I'm leading the vanguard of new Soc Stats instructors at Queens College, bitches!!! Be ready for the revolution!
OK... maybe not. But I definitely feel like we've got a movement of some sort here. Built more out of necessity than anything else. And I know I will put my heart and soul into the class early on because I want these kids to learn. I want to know that I equipped them with the knowledge needed to use what they know in other Soc courses. Also, there are changes that will be made to stats in the next year or so and I will be there involved in the decision making process! Exciting times are ahead, folks. Stay tuned!!
Until next time faithful reader....
"I wonder if I take you home, will you still be in love, baby..."
"Where are you tonight, my love? In the arms of another man..."
"There's no reason for you to cry, my love, 'cause I'll always be around..."
If these lyrics mean anything to you then this list is for you!!
This weekend I've got the Ultimate Freestyle playlist for your enjoyment. I'm taking you back!! My list will lay out the tracks that are the MUST HAVES for the short lived genre known as freestyle. In it's time (mid 80's thru the mid-90's), it was a musical alternative to pop, rap (it wasn't quite "hip hop" yet), rock/metal, and the sappy music that would later be labeled as "Adult Contemporary".
Freestyle was born out the confluence of R&B, "underground" house music, latin music, and rap. Most songs were produced and sung by Latinos but adopted by everyone who loved a hot beat and lyrics that shared stories of love, heartache, and good times!!!
[Special thanks to Desi, Chulo, J, Doom, Mari, and Lizbet for their feedback]
The Ultimate Freestyle playlist
Maria - TKA
Change On Me - Cynthia
Spring Love - Stevie B
Where Are You Tonight - Coro
No Reason To Cry - Judy Torres
Without You - George Lamond
Show Me - Cover Girls
Take Me In Your Arms - Lil' Suzy
Dreamboy/Dreamgirl - Cynthia and Johnny O
Wonder If I Take You Home - Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
Within My Heart - Voyce
Silent Morning - Noel
Yo No Sé - Pajama Party
Love Letter - Giggles
Temptation - Corina
When I Hear Music - Debbie Deb
Let The Music Play - Shannon (credited as being the first freestyle single on the wikipedia entry for "freestyle")
======
The Ultimate Freestyle Artists
Freestyle is unique in that there are a handful of artists that had tremendous success and who have many great songs the exemplify what freestyle is all about. Any songs by these artists are worth having in your freestyle collection:
- George Lamond
- Judy Torres
- Stevie B
- Cynthia
- TKA
- Cover Girls
======
Honorable Mentions
Endless Night - Cynthia
Thief of Hearts - Cynthia
Bad of the Heart - George Lamond
Come into My Arms - Judy Torres
Diamond Girl - Nice and Wild
Together Forever - Lisette Melendez
In My Eyes - Stevie B
Can You Feel the Beat? - Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
Crying Over You - Coro
Point of No Return - Expose
Sincerely Yours - Sweet Sensation
[All this freestyle is taking me back... =)
There were PLENTY of songs not listed here. You can begin anticipating the release of the follow up to the Ultimate Freestyle list early in the New Year]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VALIDATION OF MY THEORY::
Three examples from a busy driving day on Saturday, Dec. 27th -
(1) A driver cuts from the right lane to the left lane on the BQE only to go slower than the surrounding traffic (driving just under 40mph when the limit is 55)... in the left f*****n lane!!! The left-most lane is known to many as the PASSING lane!!! Slow vehicles to the right, passing vehicles on the left. It's not really too hard to remember. What is wrong with these people??? When I look over to the driver of this car, I see A middle aged South Asian male.
(2) Earlier in the day, again on the BQE: To enter the highway at this particular section, you must first stop at a STOP sign then merge into the right-most lane. One especially stupid person decided (a few cars ahead of me) that after waiting at the stop sign, that it was a good idea to change lanes (into the middle lane of a three-lane road) BEFORE getting up to highway speed!!! Another driver in that middle lane, traveling at a reasonable HIGHWAY speed, had to practically slam on his/her brakes and swerve to their left to avoid hitting this car. Thankfully, no one was in that left lane, otherwise, we would have had a very messy situation. Who is driving the car ahead of me, you ask??? A young Asian woman!
(3) Another slow driver in the left most lane (once again on the BQE) holding up the flow of traffic. Everyone (including me) decides that it is better to pass this car to their right (as opposed to passing on the left). Who is driving said vehicle, you ask again?? A middle aged male.
Can't win 'em all, I guess. But like I said before... these people are the aberration not the rule. It's the 1 out of 20 that I expect to find. that means my my theory has held true 95% of the time. I'll take those odds any day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The brief story of my new job
Back Story - I have a friend who is a professor at Queens College [QC]. We actually became friends after I took a few of his classes and received a recommendation from him for a job on campus. He taught several electives in Sociology and one required course: Social Statistics. For a short time, I was the stats tutor for the department and I would see some his students and some students from other stats classes. It was during that time that I began noticing that I was making a real difference with the students I helped.
I stopped tutoring when I started in the Masters Program (in Sociology) at QC. People still came looking for me based on recommendations from friends of theirs, former stats students that had been at my tutoring sessions. While I was finishing my time in the MA program this past summer, I seriously considering teaching Sociology (specifically, stats). I knew several previous MA graduates that began teaching at QC as a springboard to something a bit more permanent in the "real world". My prof friend was one of the former grads that stuck around.
I had been asked repeatedly by some faculty members, who I happen to be friendly with, whether I would consider teaching in the Fall semester. I didn't think I was ready and I was more focused on completing my thesis, first and foremost. I also wanted to try and find a full time job. The last thing I wanted was to take on some classes during day time hours only to have a job offer come my way. I'd then be forced to either drop my day classes and potentially burn bridges or turn down the offer.
But now that my friend is newly married and planning to move out of the city, he lobbied to have me take over his courses in the Spring semester. And through some arm twisting and underhanded office politics, I managed to squirm my way into the position. OK, so it wasn't really that devious but I did ask some people to speak up on my behalf and it paid off. I e-mailed the chair of the department to let him know I was interested in teaching the evening stats class and the e-mail response was "Consider it done". I never thought it would be that easy!!
Now I'm scheduled to take over my friend's evening stats class and a day section for another faculty member who the department lost due to a severe illness and subsequent surgery. I'm going to keep working in that non-profit agency in Brooklyn, for better or worse, and simply enjoy the extra income from teaching. It will allow me to travel (which I have been DYING to do!!!!) and save some more money.
I'm leading the vanguard of new Soc Stats instructors at Queens College, bitches!!! Be ready for the revolution!
OK... maybe not. But I definitely feel like we've got a movement of some sort here. Built more out of necessity than anything else. And I know I will put my heart and soul into the class early on because I want these kids to learn. I want to know that I equipped them with the knowledge needed to use what they know in other Soc courses. Also, there are changes that will be made to stats in the next year or so and I will be there involved in the decision making process! Exciting times are ahead, folks. Stay tuned!!
Until next time faithful reader....
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Happy Holidays and Thank You's
This is a special holiday blog:
I'm not one to get caught up in the holiday spirit but I felt this needed to be said:
First, I'd like to take this time to thank all of my readers for checking out my lil' ol' blog. I never expected to get any readers outside of my home base here in Queens, NY. But I've had hits in CA, SC, HI, MN, Canada, and even Italy. To all of you, thank you! I hope you hang on tight and buckle yourselves in cuz this train ain't stoppin' any time soon! :)
Secondly, for this holiday season, I'd like to take some time to thank some people for being in my life. I won't name names - sorry to disappoint you. =)
To those of who who have had my back through the darkest of nights and the worst of storms; to those who have been fair-weather friends and those who kicked me when I was down; to those with whom I've shared my greatest triumphs and successes; to those who have broken my heart and caused me pain; to those who have shown me joy and taught me to love; to those who I have known my whole life and those who I've met recently; to those who I have lost touch with and those who I have reconnected with; to those who have offered me sage advice and those who have led me astray; to acquaintances I've known for brief moments and to those who will be in my life forever; to those who overreact to me and my ways to those who totally get me; to the wingmen and the cockblockers; to my alcoholics and my non-drinkers; and to those who I will grow apart from and those who I have yet to meet...
Thank you for being a part of my life. I do not take the time to measure how big or small your contribution has been because, ultimately, without any of you I would not be the man I am today.
My hope this Christmas (and holiday season) is that you recognize the impact that others have had in your lives and that you take some time out to appreciate them even if it's in a small way. I can't ask anyone to be anything more than who they are. And for that I appreciate you, reader. Thank you for taking time to visit my page.
During this holiday season, may your days be full of joy, hope and love, may your cups be full, and may you enjoy the time spent together with family and friends for these are the moments that create memories for a lifetime.
To you, faithful reader:
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzah.
Until next time......
P.S. Be sure to check out the Special Xmas edition of the MCB on the right column of this page.
I'm not one to get caught up in the holiday spirit but I felt this needed to be said:
First, I'd like to take this time to thank all of my readers for checking out my lil' ol' blog. I never expected to get any readers outside of my home base here in Queens, NY. But I've had hits in CA, SC, HI, MN, Canada, and even Italy. To all of you, thank you! I hope you hang on tight and buckle yourselves in cuz this train ain't stoppin' any time soon! :)
Secondly, for this holiday season, I'd like to take some time to thank some people for being in my life. I won't name names - sorry to disappoint you. =)
To those of who who have had my back through the darkest of nights and the worst of storms; to those who have been fair-weather friends and those who kicked me when I was down; to those with whom I've shared my greatest triumphs and successes; to those who have broken my heart and caused me pain; to those who have shown me joy and taught me to love; to those who I have known my whole life and those who I've met recently; to those who I have lost touch with and those who I have reconnected with; to those who have offered me sage advice and those who have led me astray; to acquaintances I've known for brief moments and to those who will be in my life forever; to those who overreact to me and my ways to those who totally get me; to the wingmen and the cockblockers; to my alcoholics and my non-drinkers; and to those who I will grow apart from and those who I have yet to meet...
Thank you for being a part of my life. I do not take the time to measure how big or small your contribution has been because, ultimately, without any of you I would not be the man I am today.
My hope this Christmas (and holiday season) is that you recognize the impact that others have had in your lives and that you take some time out to appreciate them even if it's in a small way. I can't ask anyone to be anything more than who they are. And for that I appreciate you, reader. Thank you for taking time to visit my page.
During this holiday season, may your days be full of joy, hope and love, may your cups be full, and may you enjoy the time spent together with family and friends for these are the moments that create memories for a lifetime.
To you, faithful reader:
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzah.
Until next time......
P.S. Be sure to check out the Special Xmas edition of the MCB on the right column of this page.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Playlist #4 + A Week in My "New" Life
Hi again and welcome back,
This will most likely be my last entry before Xmas so milk it for all it's worth. =)
This week's playlist includes songs I'd LOVE to karaoke to but don't have the vocal range to do them justice (there are also a few that I can sing but would probably chicken out on... can you find them?). hehehe:
Hotel California - Eagles
Smooth - Santana (feat. Rob Thomas)
Hello - Lionel Richie
Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
Sueños - Juanes
Little Sister - Queens of the Stone Age
Home - Daughtry
You Sang To Me - Marc Anthony
Anytime - Brian McKnight
Save Room - John Legend
Open Arms - Journey
A Song For You - Donny Hathaway
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
I Believe - Blessid Union of Souls
Praying for Time - George Michael
There are plenty of others but these are the ones that come to mind now.
"Quick" recap of the week
I had a blast this week between seeing old friends, seeing old old friends, and making new friends. I'm sure all the drinking I did helped cloud my judgment but I certainly have fond memories of this week.
Tuesday - I had drinks with Alexis (I've known this man since the 2nd grade!!) who I had to bring up to speed regarding the recent changes in my life.
Now, we always had this tradition (between him, myself, and our ragtag childhood crew) to meet at the same Dunkin Donuts and just talk and talk and talk for hours about anything and everything. It was part therapy session, part catch-up, and always fun for us all. The location of this Dunkin Donuts will not be disclosed for the sake of our privacy (and also b/c it's not the same since they've redecorated it a few years back). But since many of us have moved on, the only ones left in NYC from the old crew are me, 'Lex, and Matt.
As we were waiting on line to get coffee and snacks, we looked at each other and realized we didn't really want anything off of the menu. Rather than sit there empty-handed, and technically trespassing, we decided to hit up a bar instead. This was the first time we have EVER drank together. After nearly 25 years of friendship, and countless memories (I perhaps have forgotten more memories than I can actually remember), it took us this moment, this place, this time, to find ourselves driving to a bar. It was great. To just kick back and relax. Explain how things went down with my ex. Talk about what the future holds for me (and him).
On a side note... I hadn't drank in so long (beers, liquor, or wine) that I got really really "nice" off of 3 gin and tonics. Looking back on how I used to drink, if the old me were there he'd call me a "lightweight" and a "pussy" (not necessarily in that order... lol)
Wednesday - Went out to Brazil Brazil. I kept teasing that I had a horrible time that night but it was only because my friend Noe (who was hosting) made it seem like it would be this big party. In the end, it was basically a handful of his co-workers and two outsiders (myself and another mutual friend). If I knew it would turn out to be more like Noe's office party, I would've declined from the get-go.
The caipirinhas were pretty good. Def not the best I've had but by far not the worst. For anyone that goes there, a word of advice, don't drink the flavored caipirinhas. It's more of a gimmick to get people to drink the traditional Brazilian beverage. Though I am very much a purist with drinks (and food), the flavored drinks were over-powered with the addition of the fruit juice (which seemed to be from concentrate). If you go there and order a caipirinha, stick to the basics.
Friday - Plans to meet an old friend fizzled as the bad weather rolled into town. By the end of the night, when the weather seemed to let up a little, I tried recruiting some people to head out but to no avail. In the end, decided it was better to stay home and give my liver a break.
Saturday - Sofia has completed her first year of life today! And I was there for the festivities hosted by the Amaya family. If you've befriended me on facebook, check out the album. Had a great time with my fave lil lady!!
Then it was a rush to my house (after dropping two people off) to make my "infamous" sangria: what I like to call my BFS (Best F'n Sangria). Then, left to pick up two more people before heading in to God's Armpit (a.k.a. Staten Island).
Now, now... To be fair... I think I'm going to refrain from disparaging the borough further until I give it a fair chance. So, if any of you can give me good reason to go to SI (other than to visit friends on their b-day or to go to the Botanical Gardens), forward them my way.
Had an awesome time at Mari's house. Got to see some people for the first time in years and saw others for the second time in the day. lol. Good times, good times. I had planned to stay until maybe 11-ish so I could get home before the next bit of snowfall. I ended up leaving at almost 4:30 in the morning. Everyone liked the sangria. And I got home safe and sound despite the icy roadways. I also found a parking spot pretty quickly so I was very happy about that as well. =)
Sunday - Slept off the night before and watch the Jets lay an egg and the Giants win a big game.
Which reminds me... I have no major allegiance to either NY football team. But at the start of the season, I decided to place a bet on who I thought would win the Super Bowl this season. Last year I won a decent amount with the Giants (who weren't given much a chance in the preseason, which made it worth putting a little $$ on them).
This year, the Cowboys and Patriots were the odds on favorites to make it all the way. The Giants were listed as 25-1 to win it all. And, for as much experts argue that it is impossible to repeat as champs in this day and age, I felt the Giants were a better team this year. So I put $20 on them to win it all this year (and to give me a payout of $500 for my efforts). I also noticed that the Jets were listed at 30-1 so I put down $10 on them. A bit of a long shot I know... but it didn't seem unreasonable that Brett Favre would give the Jets a lift and who knows what can happen in the playoffs.
A few weeks ago, I looked like a freaking genius as it seemed like both NY teams would lock down their division titles. Today, I shake my head as the Jets let some games get away from them. I now have my hopes (and potential gambling earnings) in the Giants basket as they clinch home field throughout the postseason. It will be interesting to see if they can make it to the Super Bowl under completely opposite circumstances to last season (where they had to win all their playoff games on the road).
We'll what comes of this. It would be nice to have a NY v NY Super Bowl though it seems more and more unlikely by the week.
Anyway... I'm off to take care of last minute Christmas shopping, planning the next "week in the life of", and enjoying the waning days of my vacay.
Until next time faithful reader, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!...
This will most likely be my last entry before Xmas so milk it for all it's worth. =)
This week's playlist includes songs I'd LOVE to karaoke to but don't have the vocal range to do them justice (there are also a few that I can sing but would probably chicken out on... can you find them?). hehehe:
Hotel California - Eagles
Smooth - Santana (feat. Rob Thomas)
Hello - Lionel Richie
Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
Sueños - Juanes
Little Sister - Queens of the Stone Age
Home - Daughtry
You Sang To Me - Marc Anthony
Anytime - Brian McKnight
Save Room - John Legend
Open Arms - Journey
A Song For You - Donny Hathaway
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
I Believe - Blessid Union of Souls
Praying for Time - George Michael
There are plenty of others but these are the ones that come to mind now.
"Quick" recap of the week
I had a blast this week between seeing old friends, seeing old old friends, and making new friends. I'm sure all the drinking I did helped cloud my judgment but I certainly have fond memories of this week.
Tuesday - I had drinks with Alexis (I've known this man since the 2nd grade!!) who I had to bring up to speed regarding the recent changes in my life.
Now, we always had this tradition (between him, myself, and our ragtag childhood crew) to meet at the same Dunkin Donuts and just talk and talk and talk for hours about anything and everything. It was part therapy session, part catch-up, and always fun for us all. The location of this Dunkin Donuts will not be disclosed for the sake of our privacy (and also b/c it's not the same since they've redecorated it a few years back). But since many of us have moved on, the only ones left in NYC from the old crew are me, 'Lex, and Matt.
As we were waiting on line to get coffee and snacks, we looked at each other and realized we didn't really want anything off of the menu. Rather than sit there empty-handed, and technically trespassing, we decided to hit up a bar instead. This was the first time we have EVER drank together. After nearly 25 years of friendship, and countless memories (I perhaps have forgotten more memories than I can actually remember), it took us this moment, this place, this time, to find ourselves driving to a bar. It was great. To just kick back and relax. Explain how things went down with my ex. Talk about what the future holds for me (and him).
On a side note... I hadn't drank in so long (beers, liquor, or wine) that I got really really "nice" off of 3 gin and tonics. Looking back on how I used to drink, if the old me were there he'd call me a "lightweight" and a "pussy" (not necessarily in that order... lol)
Wednesday - Went out to Brazil Brazil. I kept teasing that I had a horrible time that night but it was only because my friend Noe (who was hosting) made it seem like it would be this big party. In the end, it was basically a handful of his co-workers and two outsiders (myself and another mutual friend). If I knew it would turn out to be more like Noe's office party, I would've declined from the get-go.
The caipirinhas were pretty good. Def not the best I've had but by far not the worst. For anyone that goes there, a word of advice, don't drink the flavored caipirinhas. It's more of a gimmick to get people to drink the traditional Brazilian beverage. Though I am very much a purist with drinks (and food), the flavored drinks were over-powered with the addition of the fruit juice (which seemed to be from concentrate). If you go there and order a caipirinha, stick to the basics.
Friday - Plans to meet an old friend fizzled as the bad weather rolled into town. By the end of the night, when the weather seemed to let up a little, I tried recruiting some people to head out but to no avail. In the end, decided it was better to stay home and give my liver a break.
Saturday - Sofia has completed her first year of life today! And I was there for the festivities hosted by the Amaya family. If you've befriended me on facebook, check out the album. Had a great time with my fave lil lady!!
Then it was a rush to my house (after dropping two people off) to make my "infamous" sangria: what I like to call my BFS (Best F'n Sangria). Then, left to pick up two more people before heading in to God's Armpit (a.k.a. Staten Island).
Now, now... To be fair... I think I'm going to refrain from disparaging the borough further until I give it a fair chance. So, if any of you can give me good reason to go to SI (other than to visit friends on their b-day or to go to the Botanical Gardens), forward them my way.
Had an awesome time at Mari's house. Got to see some people for the first time in years and saw others for the second time in the day. lol. Good times, good times. I had planned to stay until maybe 11-ish so I could get home before the next bit of snowfall. I ended up leaving at almost 4:30 in the morning. Everyone liked the sangria. And I got home safe and sound despite the icy roadways. I also found a parking spot pretty quickly so I was very happy about that as well. =)
Sunday - Slept off the night before and watch the Jets lay an egg and the Giants win a big game.
Which reminds me... I have no major allegiance to either NY football team. But at the start of the season, I decided to place a bet on who I thought would win the Super Bowl this season. Last year I won a decent amount with the Giants (who weren't given much a chance in the preseason, which made it worth putting a little $$ on them).
This year, the Cowboys and Patriots were the odds on favorites to make it all the way. The Giants were listed as 25-1 to win it all. And, for as much experts argue that it is impossible to repeat as champs in this day and age, I felt the Giants were a better team this year. So I put $20 on them to win it all this year (and to give me a payout of $500 for my efforts). I also noticed that the Jets were listed at 30-1 so I put down $10 on them. A bit of a long shot I know... but it didn't seem unreasonable that Brett Favre would give the Jets a lift and who knows what can happen in the playoffs.
A few weeks ago, I looked like a freaking genius as it seemed like both NY teams would lock down their division titles. Today, I shake my head as the Jets let some games get away from them. I now have my hopes (and potential gambling earnings) in the Giants basket as they clinch home field throughout the postseason. It will be interesting to see if they can make it to the Super Bowl under completely opposite circumstances to last season (where they had to win all their playoff games on the road).
We'll what comes of this. It would be nice to have a NY v NY Super Bowl though it seems more and more unlikely by the week.
Anyway... I'm off to take care of last minute Christmas shopping, planning the next "week in the life of", and enjoying the waning days of my vacay.
Until next time faithful reader, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!...
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