If someone can think of a non-cliche title for a post about change, let me know
Tomorrow marks my last day of CGS, and the last day as an NY Commuter hopefully ever, though we will see what the future brings.
So I'm thinking. 2008 is a year for change. I think I may have said that for 2007 too, and maybe it's quite possible that every year is a year for change. Something has to shift in the course of the year, otherwise it's a pretty pointless year. (Great that Keane "Everybody's Changing" just came on; is it possible that iTunes is like the ads on Gmail that read into what you're doing? I guess if the next song is about change too...no, the opposite. Oh well.)
Okay. So what brings this on? Well, there's a whole other world that I'm exploring. In fact, multiple.
A world of emotion, with Andrea. For a long time, I've closed myself up when it comes to stresses and personal griefs, preferring to swallow it all. I opened up once in a while, sure, but especially with significant others, I shut down emotionally when upset and that's just made things worse. I'm incredibly that those days are over, and that Andrea has really pushed me to be open with her. Right before I was hospitalized I called her up and released all my fears and worries, reducing myself to a teary mess right into her ear. A few weeks later we had an intense conversation revealing all of ourselves and how our blocks were affecting our lives and our life, and the ways we felt we needed to grow. She had a sweet post in which she talked about it and her change. That's her story and I suggest you go over and read her journal if you are her friend. Thank God for her. For love.
A familial world. Since the hospitalization, I have been a lot more connected to my dad's side of the family. It's easy to forget that the world is there, and after the divorce happened it was tough to bring myself back to that side. That's past, and I am closer to Dad now than I think I was in the last year he lived here.
More recent than that, the family is starting to expand. By that, I mean I finally got to meet some of Andrea's family, like her supersweet grandmother (so many stories and so much food) and her lovable albeit slightly wild cousins, aunt, and uncle. Kinda reminds me of my cousins when they were younger. It was definitely an interesting first encounter and I'm sure there will be more. I'd never given so many airplane rides before. Also, it should be noted that 5-year-old Gianna is jockeying for flower girl. Y'know, if anyone had interest in the position you have a cute contender. Very intelligent too.
I almost get the feeling that I was given a second chance. When my cousins were younger, I didn't have the type of patience with them that I should have. Granted I was younger too. Still, I think I could have been more even-tempered and given them more of a chance. I'm starting to really see the good in them now, now that they're going into college.
A working world. Starting Monday, I'll be working in Princeton at a place called Community Options. Basically I'll be doing similar stuff to what I'm doing now, but it's closer. It's starting to come together now that I know my replacement is hilarious. Her name is AJ, she's an aspiring comedienne, and we had each other in stitches by the end of the day today. Thursday I do some paperwork at Com Op, and then Monday it's on. And with a commuting job like this, I need...
A world with new transport. Mom, Kevin, and I narrowed the field down to two cars today (good news Andrea, I should have the new car by Thursday which means that Friday can be devoted to Drew). A Hyundai Elantra (with rear wiper!) or a Nissan Altima, both 2002 and in decent condition, and Dad and I are splitting costs which is definitely helpful. It'll feel good to have a hand in purchasing my vehicle and starting to pay for insurance - granted, not so much for my wallet, but my sense of self-worth which I guess is good enough.
A world of feeling good enough. Andrea and I are setting up weekly goals, so we can feel productive, useful, and yet not overwhelmed. It's going okay so far, and helped me to do some much needed editing to my screenplay. I think that this will help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety and such.
"Maybe this weight was a gift, to see how much I could lift." - Nada Surf
So the next few days are going to be pretty exciting.
Tomorrow is my last day of work.
Thursday I get some paperwork done at the new job, get a car, and go see Linkin Park with Drew and Roberto.
Friday Andrea and I are going to Drew.
Saturday hopefully Coz and Sara will be joining us in HP (no definites yet...)
Sunday Paintball with Dad, Drew, Andrea, hopefully Coz and Sara, and Mike from MCC.
Monday new job!!!
Never a dull moment!
Now to end this with a brand new Ry Recommends!
I've been digging around, with the help of Andrea, Coz, and a bunch of others and I've found some stuff that may or may not be new but I give the stamp of approval!
Superdrag Not new, I know, but I decided to explore them after finding that they were co-headlining with Nada Surf. And I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. It's sort of a Foo Fighters/Nada Surf sound. Oh, trivia, Nada Surf did their first tour (mid-90s) with Superdrag. And now they're together again.
Great Track: "So Insincere"
Primitive Radio Gods Again, not new. But they are so much more than the "Standing Outside A Broken Telephone Booth" guys, and I think they deserve a good listen.
Great Track: "Are You Happy"
Maximo Park When Coz told me about these guys, I decided to check them out and at first I enjoyed it but wasn't blown away. Turns out that was fully because of the sound quality. They're actually pretty sweet.
Great Track: "Russian Literature"
Hurt Another Coz discovery. They're officially awesome. Two amazing albums, combining rage and sweet sad melody to really shake you and pump you at the same time.
Great Track: "Alone With the Sea"
Jimmy Eat World "Chase This Light" This I totally owe to Andrea. There's some new styles on here and it really provides for some interesting stuff.
Great Track: "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues"
Phantom Planet I have to say I'm surprised about this, but Andrea really showed me the light on this one. I dismissed them as a lame pop-punk band before but she proved me wrong. Thanks, Love!
Great Tracks: "Turn Smile Shift Repeat" and "In Our Darkest Hour"
Winterpills I may have brought this up before...their second album is awesome. Thanks, Andrea!
Great Track: "Broken Arm"
Silversun Pickups Again, not blown away at first but they totally kicked my ass. Fuzzy bits of awesome.
Great Track: "Dream at Tempo 119"
Louis XIV Yes, they're creepy and disturbing. But the second album is just as good as the first by first few listens, and the guitar work is even better the second time around. Great live, too. Electric violins rock. They may cement themselves on my favorites list.
Great Track: "Air Traffic Control"
And two singles for you to definitely check out:
People In Planes "Pretty Buildings" and The Feeling "When I Return"
That's all for now. Peace!
So I'm thinking. 2008 is a year for change. I think I may have said that for 2007 too, and maybe it's quite possible that every year is a year for change. Something has to shift in the course of the year, otherwise it's a pretty pointless year. (Great that Keane "Everybody's Changing" just came on; is it possible that iTunes is like the ads on Gmail that read into what you're doing? I guess if the next song is about change too...no, the opposite. Oh well.)
Okay. So what brings this on? Well, there's a whole other world that I'm exploring. In fact, multiple.
A world of emotion, with Andrea. For a long time, I've closed myself up when it comes to stresses and personal griefs, preferring to swallow it all. I opened up once in a while, sure, but especially with significant others, I shut down emotionally when upset and that's just made things worse. I'm incredibly that those days are over, and that Andrea has really pushed me to be open with her. Right before I was hospitalized I called her up and released all my fears and worries, reducing myself to a teary mess right into her ear. A few weeks later we had an intense conversation revealing all of ourselves and how our blocks were affecting our lives and our life, and the ways we felt we needed to grow. She had a sweet post in which she talked about it and her change. That's her story and I suggest you go over and read her journal if you are her friend. Thank God for her. For love.
A familial world. Since the hospitalization, I have been a lot more connected to my dad's side of the family. It's easy to forget that the world is there, and after the divorce happened it was tough to bring myself back to that side. That's past, and I am closer to Dad now than I think I was in the last year he lived here.
More recent than that, the family is starting to expand. By that, I mean I finally got to meet some of Andrea's family, like her supersweet grandmother (so many stories and so much food) and her lovable albeit slightly wild cousins, aunt, and uncle. Kinda reminds me of my cousins when they were younger. It was definitely an interesting first encounter and I'm sure there will be more. I'd never given so many airplane rides before. Also, it should be noted that 5-year-old Gianna is jockeying for flower girl. Y'know, if anyone had interest in the position you have a cute contender. Very intelligent too.
I almost get the feeling that I was given a second chance. When my cousins were younger, I didn't have the type of patience with them that I should have. Granted I was younger too. Still, I think I could have been more even-tempered and given them more of a chance. I'm starting to really see the good in them now, now that they're going into college.
A working world. Starting Monday, I'll be working in Princeton at a place called Community Options. Basically I'll be doing similar stuff to what I'm doing now, but it's closer. It's starting to come together now that I know my replacement is hilarious. Her name is AJ, she's an aspiring comedienne, and we had each other in stitches by the end of the day today. Thursday I do some paperwork at Com Op, and then Monday it's on. And with a commuting job like this, I need...
A world with new transport. Mom, Kevin, and I narrowed the field down to two cars today (good news Andrea, I should have the new car by Thursday which means that Friday can be devoted to Drew). A Hyundai Elantra (with rear wiper!) or a Nissan Altima, both 2002 and in decent condition, and Dad and I are splitting costs which is definitely helpful. It'll feel good to have a hand in purchasing my vehicle and starting to pay for insurance - granted, not so much for my wallet, but my sense of self-worth which I guess is good enough.
A world of feeling good enough. Andrea and I are setting up weekly goals, so we can feel productive, useful, and yet not overwhelmed. It's going okay so far, and helped me to do some much needed editing to my screenplay. I think that this will help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety and such.
"Maybe this weight was a gift, to see how much I could lift." - Nada Surf
So the next few days are going to be pretty exciting.
Tomorrow is my last day of work.
Thursday I get some paperwork done at the new job, get a car, and go see Linkin Park with Drew and Roberto.
Friday Andrea and I are going to Drew.
Saturday hopefully Coz and Sara will be joining us in HP (no definites yet...)
Sunday Paintball with Dad, Drew, Andrea, hopefully Coz and Sara, and Mike from MCC.
Monday new job!!!
Never a dull moment!
Now to end this with a brand new Ry Recommends!
I've been digging around, with the help of Andrea, Coz, and a bunch of others and I've found some stuff that may or may not be new but I give the stamp of approval!
Superdrag Not new, I know, but I decided to explore them after finding that they were co-headlining with Nada Surf. And I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. It's sort of a Foo Fighters/Nada Surf sound. Oh, trivia, Nada Surf did their first tour (mid-90s) with Superdrag. And now they're together again.
Great Track: "So Insincere"
Primitive Radio Gods Again, not new. But they are so much more than the "Standing Outside A Broken Telephone Booth" guys, and I think they deserve a good listen.
Great Track: "Are You Happy"
Maximo Park When Coz told me about these guys, I decided to check them out and at first I enjoyed it but wasn't blown away. Turns out that was fully because of the sound quality. They're actually pretty sweet.
Great Track: "Russian Literature"
Hurt Another Coz discovery. They're officially awesome. Two amazing albums, combining rage and sweet sad melody to really shake you and pump you at the same time.
Great Track: "Alone With the Sea"
Jimmy Eat World "Chase This Light" This I totally owe to Andrea. There's some new styles on here and it really provides for some interesting stuff.
Great Track: "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues"
Phantom Planet I have to say I'm surprised about this, but Andrea really showed me the light on this one. I dismissed them as a lame pop-punk band before but she proved me wrong. Thanks, Love!
Great Tracks: "Turn Smile Shift Repeat" and "In Our Darkest Hour"
Winterpills I may have brought this up before...their second album is awesome. Thanks, Andrea!
Great Track: "Broken Arm"
Silversun Pickups Again, not blown away at first but they totally kicked my ass. Fuzzy bits of awesome.
Great Track: "Dream at Tempo 119"
Louis XIV Yes, they're creepy and disturbing. But the second album is just as good as the first by first few listens, and the guitar work is even better the second time around. Great live, too. Electric violins rock. They may cement themselves on my favorites list.
Great Track: "Air Traffic Control"
And two singles for you to definitely check out:
People In Planes "Pretty Buildings" and The Feeling "When I Return"
That's all for now. Peace!