A big day
After a holiday surprise at work, I can now cross off number 18 on the '25 in 25' list - the student loan is now officially paid in full.
I couldn't be happier.
'What do you do when the thing you most wanted, so perfect, just comes?' (Le Violon Rouge, 1998)
I couldn't be happier.
'What do you do when the thing you most wanted, so perfect, just comes?' (Le Violon Rouge, 1998)
Tags:
beginnings,
life,
money,
quotes
Things I've learned
You cannot count on anyone except yourself.
(A nod to Carolyn Burnham, from American Beauty)
I mean this in the best way possible! I learned this lesson in high school (no surprise there). I went on a three month exchange, and when I got back, [the people who I truly believed to be] my friends casually remarked, 'Oh, did you go somewhere?'
Even now, in the 'real world,' everyone has their own little life, with their own priorities, and their own obligations. It's not being selfish - it's just reality of being individuals. Ultimately, if someone had to chose between themself or you (to eat, to drink, to live), 11 times out of 10, they'd pick themself. But so would you.
I think what I'm trying to say is that you will live a fuller life if you face certain mortal realities: family members will pass on, friends will come and go (they may even come back), but life keeps on moving. And life will keep moving long after you are gone.
'We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.' (Orson Welles, 1915-1985)
(A nod to Carolyn Burnham, from American Beauty)
I mean this in the best way possible! I learned this lesson in high school (no surprise there). I went on a three month exchange, and when I got back, [the people who I truly believed to be] my friends casually remarked, 'Oh, did you go somewhere?'
Even now, in the 'real world,' everyone has their own little life, with their own priorities, and their own obligations. It's not being selfish - it's just reality of being individuals. Ultimately, if someone had to chose between themself or you (to eat, to drink, to live), 11 times out of 10, they'd pick themself. But so would you.
I think what I'm trying to say is that you will live a fuller life if you face certain mortal realities: family members will pass on, friends will come and go (they may even come back), but life keeps on moving. And life will keep moving long after you are gone.
'We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.' (Orson Welles, 1915-1985)
Infanticide!
WARNING: This entry contains graphic images from the 14th Street tater crime/breakfast scene. Parental discretion is advised. Those with an appetite for morning grits should probably look away.
EXHIBIT A: The innocent, on their bed of death
EXHIBIT B: The remains, and the blood stains
EXHIBIT C: Seasoned and cooked to perfection
EXHIBIT D (probably the most disturbing of all): Served with turkey sausages and a broccoli omelette.
There are some sick people out there.
Hide your children! They could be next!
EXHIBIT A: The innocent, on their bed of death
EXHIBIT B: The remains, and the blood stains
EXHIBIT C: Seasoned and cooked to perfection
EXHIBIT D (probably the most disturbing of all): Served with turkey sausages and a broccoli omelette.
There are some sick people out there.
Hide your children! They could be next!
The harvest
This is what happens when you put one potato...
In pot of soil...
Over the summer...
More potatoes!
I was so happy, I just about cried.
Looks like I'll be having hashbrowns on the weekend.
In pot of soil...
Over the summer...
More potatoes!
I was so happy, I just about cried.
Looks like I'll be having hashbrowns on the weekend.
Things I've learned
Follow your passion.
This became apparent the morning September 11, 2001. I was enrolled in a program I hated, living with someone who drove me crazy, confused and frustrated with the overall shape of my life. The moment the towers went down, everything changed. I was flooded with emotions - fear (of the future), sadness (for the families in NYC), anxiety (about how to cope with everything). After careful consideration, I dropped out of my program (a very difficult decision at the time) and took some time to focus my life. What is important to me? What do I have to give? How can I make it happen?
I realized that life is very short and precious, and it is your responsibility (and yours alone) to make each moment count.
This became apparent the morning September 11, 2001. I was enrolled in a program I hated, living with someone who drove me crazy, confused and frustrated with the overall shape of my life. The moment the towers went down, everything changed. I was flooded with emotions - fear (of the future), sadness (for the families in NYC), anxiety (about how to cope with everything). After careful consideration, I dropped out of my program (a very difficult decision at the time) and took some time to focus my life. What is important to me? What do I have to give? How can I make it happen?
I realized that life is very short and precious, and it is your responsibility (and yours alone) to make each moment count.
CR
Tags:
musings
Things I've learned
The true value of money.
I first realized this when I finished my degree, and found out exactly how much money I owed in student loans. I remember filling out my first student loan application, with no true understanding of the amount I was asking for. Then, two, three, four loans later, I am handed the bill for just over twenty grand. I was incredibly lucky to find a decent paying job only five months out of school, but at this rate, it will still take me up to five years to pay it off.
This is also the first time that I have ever lived completely alone and independently (wow! - I just realized that when I typed it). Unlike the last seven years, when all expenses were shared evenly with a roommate, I am for the first time feeling the financial strain of paying all my bills, all by myself.
But, having said all this, I make ends meet - I feed myself wholesome food, I indulge occasionally, and I am happier now than I've ever been.
I first realized this when I finished my degree, and found out exactly how much money I owed in student loans. I remember filling out my first student loan application, with no true understanding of the amount I was asking for. Then, two, three, four loans later, I am handed the bill for just over twenty grand. I was incredibly lucky to find a decent paying job only five months out of school, but at this rate, it will still take me up to five years to pay it off.
This is also the first time that I have ever lived completely alone and independently (wow! - I just realized that when I typed it). Unlike the last seven years, when all expenses were shared evenly with a roommate, I am for the first time feeling the financial strain of paying all my bills, all by myself.
But, having said all this, I make ends meet - I feed myself wholesome food, I indulge occasionally, and I am happier now than I've ever been.
Tags:
musings
One sweet day
Today I turned 25. A quarter of one century. A big day in a man's life.
I looked in the mirror after I stepped out of the shower this morning.
Yeah - I'm okay with this.
I walked out my front door this morning, took a deep breath of fresh morning air.
It's a good day to be alive.
'Every day above ground is a good one.' (Six Feet Under, 2001)
I looked in the mirror after I stepped out of the shower this morning.
Yeah - I'm okay with this.
I walked out my front door this morning, took a deep breath of fresh morning air.
It's a good day to be alive.
'Every day above ground is a good one.' (Six Feet Under, 2001)
Tags:
beginnings,
birthdays,
quotes
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