Alright, that was a weak/vague title, but perhaps the ends will justify the means or the means justify the begins or whatever.
But basically what I'm referring to when things seem way better in theory than they do in practicality. Most recently in my life is taking finance.
Now, when I started thinking about taking this course and went to the first "syllabus and go" lecture, I decided that this course wasn't going to be so bad. I mean, it is interesting and very informative to know how financial markets work and how to best spend/save/use money. Well like in many things in life, the picture is considerably more messy when you try to sort it all out and write it down on paper. Once you start looking at annuities and at the scary look at inflation rates, it is not so hunky dory.
There are definitely other things like this too.
Like biscuits in a can, it sounds intriguing, but we all know that is implausible and would never be marketed everywhere. Oh wait.
I apologize for that, it was a brief attempt at a few laughs but mostly is a salute to my grandfather. That is one of our favorite sayings, anytime we talk about technological things, we throw that in there, so I guess it just holds a special place in my heart.
But moral of the story, some things are better left on the drawing board. That being said stick your neck out and try something if you believe in it, just don't come back whining to me when you've let it become an obsession which now consumes your finances and life.
-MJM
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Broadening My Horizons
So attempting to persevere through the obvious extended hiatus, I apologize for the time that I have been gone and for leaving you with such a dramatic cliffhanger. Spoiler Alert: I'm fine, my CT scan proved normal (though I'm not sure if it means normal for me or the average person, we all know what I am getting at). I could try and blame my concussion for my constant forgetting to update my blog, but it obviously has considerably more to do with my chronic laziness.
But , I digress, you probably don't actually care why I've been gone or much less about this blog post, but its not all about you, unless you are me, if so continue in your narcissistic tendencies.
If you know me very well, you know that I'm not very specialized ("look with your special eyes", thats for you sis), I just sorta get by in all the different aspects of life. Retrospectively, I'm not at all surprised that I ended up in the Liberal Arts College. I chose to continue my endeavor to learn a little about a lot. I seem to always get into something but never really ending up going too far off the deep end.
This has never been too much of a problem, but it gets kinda frustrating when you are middle of the pack at everything, you never really have the chance to excel. I am fully confident in my potential and talent, but for some reason the drive for perfection is not in my skill set. So when do I throw in the towel on an endeavor, I usually just work for a while before giving up? My latest issue is piano, I was working for a while on learning to play but its hard learning to play "more difficult songs" when you have no formal training. Maybe that is the real issue, is that I'm too independent and self reliant. I am too do-it-yourself. Though Dad is probably happy that my hours watching This Old House with him growing up will be potentially helpful.
That brings me to my final point of the evening, I'm really good at two things for sure. Watching TV and talking. but usually not at the same time. Don't you dare talk to me while my one of fifteen religiously-watched TV shows are on. But I think both of these two would be considered my strengths, if only I could make a career out of them...
-MJM
But , I digress, you probably don't actually care why I've been gone or much less about this blog post, but its not all about you, unless you are me, if so continue in your narcissistic tendencies.
If you know me very well, you know that I'm not very specialized ("look with your special eyes", thats for you sis), I just sorta get by in all the different aspects of life. Retrospectively, I'm not at all surprised that I ended up in the Liberal Arts College. I chose to continue my endeavor to learn a little about a lot. I seem to always get into something but never really ending up going too far off the deep end.
This has never been too much of a problem, but it gets kinda frustrating when you are middle of the pack at everything, you never really have the chance to excel. I am fully confident in my potential and talent, but for some reason the drive for perfection is not in my skill set. So when do I throw in the towel on an endeavor, I usually just work for a while before giving up? My latest issue is piano, I was working for a while on learning to play but its hard learning to play "more difficult songs" when you have no formal training. Maybe that is the real issue, is that I'm too independent and self reliant. I am too do-it-yourself. Though Dad is probably happy that my hours watching This Old House with him growing up will be potentially helpful.
That brings me to my final point of the evening, I'm really good at two things for sure. Watching TV and talking. but usually not at the same time. Don't you dare talk to me while my one of fifteen religiously-watched TV shows are on. But I think both of these two would be considered my strengths, if only I could make a career out of them...
-MJM
Monday, September 13, 2010
Head Check
So this past week has definitely been an interesting one. It started off normal enough and it was filled with much excitement as my first intramural game of the semester occurred.
I had an indoor soccer scrimmage on Tuesday and I even went out to buy new gloves for the occasion. Spoiler Alert: I play goalie. The game was going fairly well, until... I took one to the head, the ol' noggin, my coconut. A quick shot and pass had caught my head turning and I took a soccer ball to my left temple area.
I figured it probably wasn't good when all my vision went blurry for 30ish seconds and I was forced to hold on to he post. But rest assured they did not score at this point. I pretty much shook it off (I figured that no immediate swelling, so no problem) by halftime and headed back out and finished the game. I made some pretty sweet stops, not that I can really remember any of them now...
To answer your question, yes a defensive breakdown caused another goal to slip by me, resulting in a 1-2 loss for my team. But it was just a scrimmage, so it won't happen again.
After the post-game sportsmanship ceremony, where everyone congratulates each other on good games, I headed over to the sideline to watch my roommates' team play. Spoiler Alert: They didn't win either.
I got checked out my the medic at the rec after the game at the insistence of some of my friends, they deduced after the very basic concussion test that I was ok(no concussion), but probably should not go to sleep for a couple of hours. Spoiler Alert: They were wrong.
So after a day and a half of headaches and a few memory lapses(forgetting why I went in a room, forgetting which faucet was hot/cold, forgetting words to songs) and at the persuasion of my mother, I contacted my favorite nurse via my mother only to find that I should probably head to a real doctor in the fairly near future.
So I did, his diagnosis was a mild concussion but apparently my memory loss concerned him, so he suggested a CT scan on my head region. For the record, I am genetically predisposed to a bad memory(from my dad, not my sister). I went and had the scan done.
I won't know the results until sometime today, but it didn't bode well when the nurse doing the CT scan told me to lay on my back, and I remember her saying the word 'back', but I proceeded to lay on my stomach. Thats another issue I've had, my mental sharpness/processing is not what it typically is. My usually quick wit has been muddled by poor verbal execution, which is usually a particularly strong skill of mine.
But fear not, general public, I'm still breathing and my other organs seem to be functioning, so I'll probably live. I'll know for sure after I get my CT scan results.
-MJM
I had an indoor soccer scrimmage on Tuesday and I even went out to buy new gloves for the occasion. Spoiler Alert: I play goalie. The game was going fairly well, until... I took one to the head, the ol' noggin, my coconut. A quick shot and pass had caught my head turning and I took a soccer ball to my left temple area.
I figured it probably wasn't good when all my vision went blurry for 30ish seconds and I was forced to hold on to he post. But rest assured they did not score at this point. I pretty much shook it off (I figured that no immediate swelling, so no problem) by halftime and headed back out and finished the game. I made some pretty sweet stops, not that I can really remember any of them now...
To answer your question, yes a defensive breakdown caused another goal to slip by me, resulting in a 1-2 loss for my team. But it was just a scrimmage, so it won't happen again.
After the post-game sportsmanship ceremony, where everyone congratulates each other on good games, I headed over to the sideline to watch my roommates' team play. Spoiler Alert: They didn't win either.
I got checked out my the medic at the rec after the game at the insistence of some of my friends, they deduced after the very basic concussion test that I was ok(no concussion), but probably should not go to sleep for a couple of hours. Spoiler Alert: They were wrong.
So after a day and a half of headaches and a few memory lapses(forgetting why I went in a room, forgetting which faucet was hot/cold, forgetting words to songs) and at the persuasion of my mother, I contacted my favorite nurse via my mother only to find that I should probably head to a real doctor in the fairly near future.
So I did, his diagnosis was a mild concussion but apparently my memory loss concerned him, so he suggested a CT scan on my head region. For the record, I am genetically predisposed to a bad memory(from my dad, not my sister). I went and had the scan done.
I won't know the results until sometime today, but it didn't bode well when the nurse doing the CT scan told me to lay on my back, and I remember her saying the word 'back', but I proceeded to lay on my stomach. Thats another issue I've had, my mental sharpness/processing is not what it typically is. My usually quick wit has been muddled by poor verbal execution, which is usually a particularly strong skill of mine.
But fear not, general public, I'm still breathing and my other organs seem to be functioning, so I'll probably live. I'll know for sure after I get my CT scan results.
-MJM
Monday, September 6, 2010
Some Things Never Change
I've returned to school, and it has basically taken me until now to get back settled. I apologize for this who came back and checked my blog only to see few, if any, updates. Hopefully things will soon return to normalcy and my desired routine will kick in.
But as I return for this home stretch, I've realized that some things are just set in stone. One of those is tech support.
It is and always seems to be a pain. I learned from my sophomore year, when I had a major issue with my laptop that proved very difficult. I've learned that there is a two tiered method of dealing with these people.
The first level is very cordial, appreciative and overall, just nice. If its a simple fix, they can take care of you.
The next is when the first level fails, when your "tech" proves incompetent or stupid. (Assuming you know exactly what you want) Begin to be aggressive, speaking precisely so the "tech" can understand what changes need to occur. Also, remember their name and prepare, should you not have success with your primary helper, to ask for their supervisor and/or where you can file complaints.
If the latter must occur, you probably need to go in guns a-blazing, aka with your demands prepared. From my way too extensive experience, I've learned that when this technique is employed, rarely will you go away empty handed, the companies make the supervisors fairly powerful so they can appease us clients so that we won't badmouth the company.
The biggest problem with all this is obviously the all-to-common language barrier between American English and Indian English, not hating just stating a fact. Try to overcome that, but seriously outsourcing is killing me. Here is my promise to all of you:
I will not outsource any company or part of a company that I control.
Pretty good deal?, it just makes me frustrated when I have to talk to people about my problems and they are thousands of miles away, so I vow not to make the public suffer as I have.
If you have any additions or need troubleshooting help or a "negotiator", let me know.
-MJM
But as I return for this home stretch, I've realized that some things are just set in stone. One of those is tech support.
It is and always seems to be a pain. I learned from my sophomore year, when I had a major issue with my laptop that proved very difficult. I've learned that there is a two tiered method of dealing with these people.
The first level is very cordial, appreciative and overall, just nice. If its a simple fix, they can take care of you.
The next is when the first level fails, when your "tech" proves incompetent or stupid. (Assuming you know exactly what you want) Begin to be aggressive, speaking precisely so the "tech" can understand what changes need to occur. Also, remember their name and prepare, should you not have success with your primary helper, to ask for their supervisor and/or where you can file complaints.
If the latter must occur, you probably need to go in guns a-blazing, aka with your demands prepared. From my way too extensive experience, I've learned that when this technique is employed, rarely will you go away empty handed, the companies make the supervisors fairly powerful so they can appease us clients so that we won't badmouth the company.
The biggest problem with all this is obviously the all-to-common language barrier between American English and Indian English, not hating just stating a fact. Try to overcome that, but seriously outsourcing is killing me. Here is my promise to all of you:
I will not outsource any company or part of a company that I control.
Pretty good deal?, it just makes me frustrated when I have to talk to people about my problems and they are thousands of miles away, so I vow not to make the public suffer as I have.
If you have any additions or need troubleshooting help or a "negotiator", let me know.
-MJM
Monday, August 23, 2010
Chapter Next
So my "existential" blog posts continue with my chapter ending post today, about my last day of work and preparing for my presumably last year in college.
NOT!
I'm not in the mood to be all reflecting today. I mean its just a return to different norm. No big deal.
However, I am thinking about my food consumption, my mother usually makes considerably more and better food. But, this year I am resolved to cook better and more often.
In light of such, I've electronically recorded several of mother's most delicious-iest[sic] recipes. So far, I've only got dessert recipes, but that besides the point. I've also done a little kitchen training, making a layered chocolate cake with homemade frosting this weekend. I will admit, it was quite delicious.
So hopefully, a little personal cooking will be a nice addition to my routine this year. Plus I may eat healthier and cheaper, probably not either, but theoretically both. It would definitely be both except I eat a lot.
-MJM
NOT!
I'm not in the mood to be all reflecting today. I mean its just a return to different norm. No big deal.
However, I am thinking about my food consumption, my mother usually makes considerably more and better food. But, this year I am resolved to cook better and more often.
In light of such, I've electronically recorded several of mother's most delicious-iest[sic] recipes. So far, I've only got dessert recipes, but that besides the point. I've also done a little kitchen training, making a layered chocolate cake with homemade frosting this weekend. I will admit, it was quite delicious.
So hopefully, a little personal cooking will be a nice addition to my routine this year. Plus I may eat healthier and cheaper, probably not either, but theoretically both. It would definitely be both except I eat a lot.
-MJM
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Aftermath
So that one thing that I had to do, you know what I'm talking about right? The thing I had to do for those one people, you forgot already? Read my last blog post.
But seriously now, I had my big-ish presentation today.
Rest assured, it went very well. I was able to incorporate humor into my professional presentation.
Do you know what that means? I have two days left at work and almost if not literally nothing to do. Like I didn't have much to do before, but now the few things that I do have left to do are not even on the horizon. This gives me mucho(look Mom, I'm bilingual) time just to relax and that likely means just sitting at my desk and cruising the internets[sic]. Thats assuming the internet doesn't fail like it did yesterday, hence the lack of a blog post. It was difficult to live without internet, can anybody even imagine me without internet? Me either. So does anybody have any good recommendations of things for me to do at work for the 17 hours I have left to work?
I'll probably spend the time thinking about packing and dreaming of my ideal electronics.
But, oh yeah, the presentation went well, a fact which I'm very glad. Could've (theoretically)gone better if I would've practiced or done more than 24 hours before, but honestly I doubt whether it would've gone much better. I've been blessed with the gifts of improvisation, confidence and a tad bit of entertainment value.
-MJM
But seriously now, I had my big-ish presentation today.
Rest assured, it went very well. I was able to incorporate humor into my professional presentation.
Do you know what that means? I have two days left at work and almost if not literally nothing to do. Like I didn't have much to do before, but now the few things that I do have left to do are not even on the horizon. This gives me mucho(look Mom, I'm bilingual) time just to relax and that likely means just sitting at my desk and cruising the internets[sic]. Thats assuming the internet doesn't fail like it did yesterday, hence the lack of a blog post. It was difficult to live without internet, can anybody even imagine me without internet? Me either. So does anybody have any good recommendations of things for me to do at work for the 17 hours I have left to work?
I'll probably spend the time thinking about packing and dreaming of my ideal electronics.
But, oh yeah, the presentation went well, a fact which I'm very glad. Could've (theoretically)gone better if I would've practiced or done more than 24 hours before, but honestly I doubt whether it would've gone much better. I've been blessed with the gifts of improvisation, confidence and a tad bit of entertainment value.
-MJM
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Oops?
If you're a slacker and you know it raise your hand.
(Raises hand)
So I've had a "rough" week, well that may not be the best descriptor. Perhaps busy would be better. Its mostly because I've actually been working in the mornings, that results in me not being able to blog till the afternoon, like today, and sometimes I decide its too late because most people read my blog in the morning. But apparently that is not the case, I believe that most, if not all of my readers, read in the second half of the day, and with this information, I'll try to appropriately post future blogs.
But you'll be glad to know that after Thursday, my life will be drastically easier. Thursday, I have a presentation on my activities of the summer as essentially an intern. I wasn't too worried about it until yesterday, when my boss invited all the division directors aka "head honchos", to come hear it and my findings on a specific project. I'm not really worried, I just now have to prepare more.
I mean, I got an 'A' in my community college online version of public speaking this summer,but that was mostly because I speak well. I didn't actually prepare for any of my speechs, I improvised all three and averaged a 91ish. Yeah, be jealous, cause yeah I took public speaking through a community college and it was online, I never stepped foot on campus.
So, its not the speaking, its the fact that I need to prepare so as to have a substantial presentation that justifies the attendance of the above listed head honchos.
So hopefully that justifies my preparation.
-MJM
(Raises hand)
So I've had a "rough" week, well that may not be the best descriptor. Perhaps busy would be better. Its mostly because I've actually been working in the mornings, that results in me not being able to blog till the afternoon, like today, and sometimes I decide its too late because most people read my blog in the morning. But apparently that is not the case, I believe that most, if not all of my readers, read in the second half of the day, and with this information, I'll try to appropriately post future blogs.
But you'll be glad to know that after Thursday, my life will be drastically easier. Thursday, I have a presentation on my activities of the summer as essentially an intern. I wasn't too worried about it until yesterday, when my boss invited all the division directors aka "head honchos", to come hear it and my findings on a specific project. I'm not really worried, I just now have to prepare more.
I mean, I got an 'A' in my community college online version of public speaking this summer,but that was mostly because I speak well. I didn't actually prepare for any of my speechs, I improvised all three and averaged a 91ish. Yeah, be jealous, cause yeah I took public speaking through a community college and it was online, I never stepped foot on campus.
So, its not the speaking, its the fact that I need to prepare so as to have a substantial presentation that justifies the attendance of the above listed head honchos.
So hopefully that justifies my preparation.
-MJM
Monday, August 9, 2010
Solution Confusion
So it has become apparent that I have yet to blog for 5 consecutive weekdays, I'm not really sure why that is, but it is an interesting phenomenon, maybe I only have a maximum of 4 noteworthy thing happen to me per week. Regardless, I apologize for my "slacking".
But now that we have gotten over that hump...
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I've realized one of the hardest things to do is balance current standing with grass-is-greener syndrome.
Now, I do appreciate where I am, and I'm not trying to take for that granted, but you always wonder.
Basically, I just feel like I'm torn between what I want and what is easiest and what is logical. I honestly feel like I'm in constant battle with myself as to whether to take that risk or play it safe. There seem to be two schools of thought:
Take A Risk: Many people attest to the fact that the reason they got where they are is because they stuck their neck out, took that leap of faith. Those people (notice I'm not meaning just the crazy BASE jumping type people), believe that the only way to be successful is to never be satisfied with your current state.
Grass Is Not Greener: Another large group of people seem to be of a mind that teaches that though it looks dandy over yonder, it really is not all that great and is likely not as great as where you currently are. They believe that taking risks and pushing the envelope will eventually push you off a cliff.
So what do you do? What do I do? Both these ideas are based in truth, but how can one (namely me), be expected to do both of these things, you must choose. I suppose you can respond with " different scenarios use different strategies", but it seems that some scenarios call for a decision that is not so clear cut...
-MJM
But now that we have gotten over that hump...
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I've realized one of the hardest things to do is balance current standing with grass-is-greener syndrome.
Now, I do appreciate where I am, and I'm not trying to take for that granted, but you always wonder.
Basically, I just feel like I'm torn between what I want and what is easiest and what is logical. I honestly feel like I'm in constant battle with myself as to whether to take that risk or play it safe. There seem to be two schools of thought:
Take A Risk: Many people attest to the fact that the reason they got where they are is because they stuck their neck out, took that leap of faith. Those people (notice I'm not meaning just the crazy BASE jumping type people), believe that the only way to be successful is to never be satisfied with your current state.
Grass Is Not Greener: Another large group of people seem to be of a mind that teaches that though it looks dandy over yonder, it really is not all that great and is likely not as great as where you currently are. They believe that taking risks and pushing the envelope will eventually push you off a cliff.
So what do you do? What do I do? Both these ideas are based in truth, but how can one (namely me), be expected to do both of these things, you must choose. I suppose you can respond with " different scenarios use different strategies", but it seems that some scenarios call for a decision that is not so clear cut...
-MJM
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Cleaning Crisis
Back by popular demand, and necessity since these anecdotal occurrences keep happening to me.
I got an extra toothbrush and toothpaste and brought them to work this summer. I got the idea from one of the head honchos at work and thought it would be a beneficial idea for my own personal hygiene. On the typical day, I brush once after breakfast and again after lunch/in the afternoon.
Yesterday was like any other Tuesday, I suppose breakfast was a tad later than usual, and then I had errand to run, but finally got around to brushing my teeth at 10ish. I headed into the bathroom, wet my toothbrush, applied toothpaste and began the brushing process.
Within 30 seconds of starting, the fire alarm went off. Oh great!
This isn't really anything like high school or college for that matter, if the fire alarm goes off you can be fairly sure that something is actually happening. Probabilistically, it is not someone trying to get out of a test or avoiding a presentation, I knew that I probably should get out of the building. So I had to stop brushing, immediately. I didn't even rinse my toothbrush, I was secretly hoping that it wouldn't be a big deal and I could quickly finish brushing.
Yeah, not so much. I headed down the 11 stories of the building, in one of the two staircases. I waited outside for 15 minutes, separated from my group since I was in the bathroom. I finally got to head back inside, and headed back up en masse in the freight elevator to our floor. Lo and behold it was packed, but that wasn't really a problem for me.
The real problem was not getting my saliva and toothpaste covered toothbrush on anybody. This proved very difficult on both the stairs with the ups and downs, starts and stops, as well as the elevator, which was perhaps too full. All the while, holding my toothbrush and toothpaste like an umbrella handle in my hand.
Spoiler Alert: I was successful! No one got a toothbrush in the back or front or anywhere!
-MJM
I got an extra toothbrush and toothpaste and brought them to work this summer. I got the idea from one of the head honchos at work and thought it would be a beneficial idea for my own personal hygiene. On the typical day, I brush once after breakfast and again after lunch/in the afternoon.
Yesterday was like any other Tuesday, I suppose breakfast was a tad later than usual, and then I had errand to run, but finally got around to brushing my teeth at 10ish. I headed into the bathroom, wet my toothbrush, applied toothpaste and began the brushing process.
Within 30 seconds of starting, the fire alarm went off. Oh great!
This isn't really anything like high school or college for that matter, if the fire alarm goes off you can be fairly sure that something is actually happening. Probabilistically, it is not someone trying to get out of a test or avoiding a presentation, I knew that I probably should get out of the building. So I had to stop brushing, immediately. I didn't even rinse my toothbrush, I was secretly hoping that it wouldn't be a big deal and I could quickly finish brushing.
Yeah, not so much. I headed down the 11 stories of the building, in one of the two staircases. I waited outside for 15 minutes, separated from my group since I was in the bathroom. I finally got to head back inside, and headed back up en masse in the freight elevator to our floor. Lo and behold it was packed, but that wasn't really a problem for me.
The real problem was not getting my saliva and toothpaste covered toothbrush on anybody. This proved very difficult on both the stairs with the ups and downs, starts and stops, as well as the elevator, which was perhaps too full. All the while, holding my toothbrush and toothpaste like an umbrella handle in my hand.
Spoiler Alert: I was successful! No one got a toothbrush in the back or front or anywhere!
-MJM
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Mission Decision
So, I was watching Dinner for Schmucks, reviewed here!, and there was a preview for some new movie, Morning Glory, featuring Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton and Rachel McAdams. It looks mildly entertaining, but one line in the trailer, has given me a new quest. Harrison Ford's character is being obstinant because he refuses to say one word, "fluffy". That line had me cracking up, and I realized all over again that Harrison Ford is my hero. That is why my new quest is:
To see every movie that Harrison Ford has ever been in. Good idea?
That was a rhetorical question, how could that not be a good idea? Harrison Ford has been awesome for so long, since before I was born and he deserves this tribute.
I am afraid, however, that this may open a can of worms, as he is just one of the men I view as "role models". Note: Role model is reflective of the actor's roles. These guys are the ones that if there were an epic battle for survival that I would follow because I would not be able to lose.
They are (probably in order, but subject to change):
Harrison Ford
Peyton Manning
Tom Selleck
George Clooney
John Stamos
How do you get any better than those guys, short answer: you don't. But, I'm afraid that after my Harrison Ford quest is concluded that I may continue down the list. But for now, I will work on tackling (pun completely intended) the first name on that list's filmography.
-MJM
To see every movie that Harrison Ford has ever been in. Good idea?
That was a rhetorical question, how could that not be a good idea? Harrison Ford has been awesome for so long, since before I was born and he deserves this tribute.
I am afraid, however, that this may open a can of worms, as he is just one of the men I view as "role models". Note: Role model is reflective of the actor's roles. These guys are the ones that if there were an epic battle for survival that I would follow because I would not be able to lose.
They are (probably in order, but subject to change):
Harrison Ford
Peyton Manning
Tom Selleck
George Clooney
John Stamos
How do you get any better than those guys, short answer: you don't. But, I'm afraid that after my Harrison Ford quest is concluded that I may continue down the list. But for now, I will work on tackling (pun completely intended) the first name on that list's filmography.
-MJM
Monday, August 2, 2010
Flight Schedule
So I just returned from a little moving trip at college, I was moving out of my admittedly ghetto apartments to a new house that was purchased by my roommate's parents. This will definitely be the best housing arrangement that I've had in any of my four years in school.
While I was setting up the various areas where I will be spending a lot of time, presumably(couch in front of the TV, "My Command Center", and my bed) and it got me thinking.
But as an introduction, I remember when I was 11 or so and read Around the World in 80 Days, and I remember wishing that I could be like the main character, Phileas Fogg, because he had a defined schedule and every day he did the exact same thing at the exact same time. Somehow, that has always been very intriguing and it is is something that I've always planned on replicating, in my own life.
So flash forward 10 years and the reality of being able to regiment my life like Phileas Fogg is so thrilling to me. Yeah, you probably think I should've joined the military. While that might be true, I would like to be the determiner of my own fate. I want to live by a schedule, as long as its my schedule.
As I was putting my rooms together, I decided to keep them separate, previously(in dorm rooms and the like) the areas had overlapped and my schedule was all over the place. But this year, things are hopefully going to change. I've scheduled my classes so that they will start about the same time every day and have a built in lunch break and get done at similar times each day. I've separated my living quarters to divide my life up. I know that this is borderline ridiculous given the random nature of classes, homework, extra-curriculars, etc. but I want/need to try.
So, I will be beginning a regimented life on August 30, officially.
I know some of you "free birds", may think I'm crazy but I'll plan on explaining more of my rationale in further posts.
-MJM
While I was setting up the various areas where I will be spending a lot of time, presumably(couch in front of the TV, "My Command Center", and my bed) and it got me thinking.
But as an introduction, I remember when I was 11 or so and read Around the World in 80 Days, and I remember wishing that I could be like the main character, Phileas Fogg, because he had a defined schedule and every day he did the exact same thing at the exact same time. Somehow, that has always been very intriguing and it is is something that I've always planned on replicating, in my own life.
So flash forward 10 years and the reality of being able to regiment my life like Phileas Fogg is so thrilling to me. Yeah, you probably think I should've joined the military. While that might be true, I would like to be the determiner of my own fate. I want to live by a schedule, as long as its my schedule.
As I was putting my rooms together, I decided to keep them separate, previously(in dorm rooms and the like) the areas had overlapped and my schedule was all over the place. But this year, things are hopefully going to change. I've scheduled my classes so that they will start about the same time every day and have a built in lunch break and get done at similar times each day. I've separated my living quarters to divide my life up. I know that this is borderline ridiculous given the random nature of classes, homework, extra-curriculars, etc. but I want/need to try.
So, I will be beginning a regimented life on August 30, officially.
I know some of you "free birds", may think I'm crazy but I'll plan on explaining more of my rationale in further posts.
-MJM
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Flight Analysis
So there have been concerns that some of my posts have been too depressing(trying so hard not to say any names), but upon much consideration, I decided that its semi-respectable. Today, I'll try to validate my point.
I've had 10 posts so far, 1 was ultra serious(this is the "depressing" one), 1 was informational, 2 were humorous takes on serious stuff, and 6 were purely entertaining.
So, given the assumption that this blog reflects my life:
10% of my life is me actually taking things seriously,
10% of the time I'm being informational(maybe not a good stat, since I'm still in school),
20% of the time I'm dealing with real stuff with a spin,
60% of the time I'm basically useless for anything besides entertainment.
Now when you consider this very sopisticated statistical analysis, I believe that my life is accurately reflected by this data(R-squared value of .75, anybody???). But, most kidding aside, I figure I do spend more than half of my time, chillaxing(watching TV, movies, internetting, procrastinating, etc.). A small portion of my life revolves around information(when I'm paying attention in class, or watching History Channel). A bigger portion is the time where I take a look at life on the lighter side(theoretically, when procrastiantion is catching up but I still can't stopping watching Whose Line Is It Anyway?). And another small portion is when the rubber hits the road(hard-core studying or life analysis).
All these are all parts of my life, so I will continue to address all these issues, but I can't promise anymore balloon pants events. Consider yourself warned.
Just remember that life is not all ice cream and brownies, even for the best of us(me).
-MJM
I've had 10 posts so far, 1 was ultra serious(this is the "depressing" one), 1 was informational, 2 were humorous takes on serious stuff, and 6 were purely entertaining.
So, given the assumption that this blog reflects my life:
10% of my life is me actually taking things seriously,
10% of the time I'm being informational(maybe not a good stat, since I'm still in school),
20% of the time I'm dealing with real stuff with a spin,
60% of the time I'm basically useless for anything besides entertainment.
Now when you consider this very sopisticated statistical analysis, I believe that my life is accurately reflected by this data(R-squared value of .75, anybody???). But, most kidding aside, I figure I do spend more than half of my time, chillaxing(watching TV, movies, internetting, procrastinating, etc.). A small portion of my life revolves around information(when I'm paying attention in class, or watching History Channel). A bigger portion is the time where I take a look at life on the lighter side(theoretically, when procrastiantion is catching up but I still can't stopping watching Whose Line Is It Anyway?). And another small portion is when the rubber hits the road(hard-core studying or life analysis).
All these are all parts of my life, so I will continue to address all these issues, but I can't promise anymore balloon pants events. Consider yourself warned.
Just remember that life is not all ice cream and brownies, even for the best of us(me).
-MJM
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Financing My Solo Flight
So, I've seemed to gain a small following of more than 20 views of my blog per most posts, and given that a few of those may or may not be self-viewing aka me, I'm going to go out on a limb.
As previously mentioned, I seem to be somewhat at an impasse between myself and my future. I don't really know what I'm going to be doing with my life. However, I do know what I would like to do with my life.
I'd like to make a ton of money doing a miniscule amount of work. No, I don't need advice on which get rich quick scheme to try. I've already checked all those out.
I'd be really good in a management position (despite my lack of any experience), I've got a good bit of gumption (probably), and most importantly I like to wear suits and ties (all the time). I believe this qualifies me for a high-level executive position (theoretically).
So, now I'm reaching out to you, my rich, estate-owning, high level investor,blog readers.
I'm thinking your best friend's golf partner's dad(owner of one of the 100 most profitable companies globally), owes you a favor. That is why I beseech you to call in that favor, in exchange I will give you a shout-out on this ever popular blog. I know that deal sounds irresistible, but there is another option. You could just give me a huge lump sum of capital and I will invest it into a sure-to-be-successful company that I will entrepreneurially start, that will also get you a shout out.
So think about it, either option will work for me.
-MJM
As previously mentioned, I seem to be somewhat at an impasse between myself and my future. I don't really know what I'm going to be doing with my life. However, I do know what I would like to do with my life.
I'd like to make a ton of money doing a miniscule amount of work. No, I don't need advice on which get rich quick scheme to try. I've already checked all those out.
I'd be really good in a management position (despite my lack of any experience), I've got a good bit of gumption (probably), and most importantly I like to wear suits and ties (all the time). I believe this qualifies me for a high-level executive position (theoretically).
So, now I'm reaching out to you, my rich, estate-owning, high level investor,blog readers.
I'm thinking your best friend's golf partner's dad(owner of one of the 100 most profitable companies globally), owes you a favor. That is why I beseech you to call in that favor, in exchange I will give you a shout-out on this ever popular blog. I know that deal sounds irresistible, but there is another option. You could just give me a huge lump sum of capital and I will invest it into a sure-to-be-successful company that I will entrepreneurially start, that will also get you a shout out.
So think about it, either option will work for me.
-MJM
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Plotting My Course
So here is my continual major dilemma. I'm a jack of all trades. Yeah, be jealous.
Okay, maybe you shouldn't be.
I mean, it is nice cause I don't really embarass myself in many things, but it also means that I'm not really good at anything. I've always known this to be true when it comes to sports, but now its mirrored in my impending professional life. Plus, that makes me interested in a variety of career paths.
So basically, I have tons of things I could do with my life, but I do not know which way I will go. Obviously, I don't know what may be available 10 months, due to to the state and nature of the economy, and that doesn't help things. I know that I should let go and things will take care of themselves, but I think there is a fine line between very well prepared and psychotically worried/paranoid. I've still got a way before I get close to that line.
I'm proposing that on January 1, we have a massive game of eeny meeny miney mo. I'm not saying that we all need to decide our careers but if you need to make a decision, we can do it together. Thoughts?
If we can all agree to that, it would be a nice release from my shoulders. So think about it, if you're interested, post on here
-MJM
Okay, maybe you shouldn't be.
I mean, it is nice cause I don't really embarass myself in many things, but it also means that I'm not really good at anything. I've always known this to be true when it comes to sports, but now its mirrored in my impending professional life. Plus, that makes me interested in a variety of career paths.
So basically, I have tons of things I could do with my life, but I do not know which way I will go. Obviously, I don't know what may be available 10 months, due to to the state and nature of the economy, and that doesn't help things. I know that I should let go and things will take care of themselves, but I think there is a fine line between very well prepared and psychotically worried/paranoid. I've still got a way before I get close to that line.
I'm proposing that on January 1, we have a massive game of eeny meeny miney mo. I'm not saying that we all need to decide our careers but if you need to make a decision, we can do it together. Thoughts?
If we can all agree to that, it would be a nice release from my shoulders. So think about it, if you're interested, post on here
-MJM
Monday, July 26, 2010
Ready for Liftoff
No cute incident to discuss today, perhaps this is the beginning of a more serious chapter in this blog. This probably won't gain as many readers, but it is definitely better for me, as it gives me something a little more concrete to discuss on a regular basis.
So here we go.
For the first time, this summer I'm not thrilled to return to school in the fall. It's strange, I usually am chomping at the bit to go back, be on my own and see my friends. I figure when the time comes it will be nice but the usual anticipation is surprisingly missing.
I've been doing lots of thinking about why this is, and there doesn't seem to be an easy, simple answer. but I think there are some strong contributors.
First, I'm over this whole school thing. I've known for a quite of years now that schooling and formal education is not my thing. The main reason I went to college is because it has become the norm, a rite of passage, an expectation; a Masters degree is becoming what the college diploma used to be. I don't want you to get me wrong, I love to learn. That would be learn practical things or about subjects that interest. All things that I can learn independently. I would say at least 75% of the things that I've learned in classes the were not in my major department, I was not interested in.
Second, I've been looking at various aspects pertaining to my future. From budgeting to jobs to housing, I'm doing my due diligence to prepare. I've been working and the money earned is being pulled between my desire to save and cost efficient spending for my future. I'd just assume skip this next year.
Finally, usually about this time I'd be missing my friends a lot, but this time around not so much. It has become pretty evident to me that probabilistically in less than one year most of them will be out of my life for good. I know that is pessimistic seeming, but in reality, though I feel close to my friends, I need to start getting over them. So basically, I am. I haven't seen anyone from not home this summer, and I'm kinda okay with that. Sorry if you are a friend, I'm not dooming you to this fate, just trying to be realistic; I've gotten used to living without you this summer and know it will probably return to this same scenario in 10 months.
Sorry if this was harsh.
-MJM
So here we go.
For the first time, this summer I'm not thrilled to return to school in the fall. It's strange, I usually am chomping at the bit to go back, be on my own and see my friends. I figure when the time comes it will be nice but the usual anticipation is surprisingly missing.
I've been doing lots of thinking about why this is, and there doesn't seem to be an easy, simple answer. but I think there are some strong contributors.
First, I'm over this whole school thing. I've known for a quite of years now that schooling and formal education is not my thing. The main reason I went to college is because it has become the norm, a rite of passage, an expectation; a Masters degree is becoming what the college diploma used to be. I don't want you to get me wrong, I love to learn. That would be learn practical things or about subjects that interest. All things that I can learn independently. I would say at least 75% of the things that I've learned in classes the were not in my major department, I was not interested in.
Second, I've been looking at various aspects pertaining to my future. From budgeting to jobs to housing, I'm doing my due diligence to prepare. I've been working and the money earned is being pulled between my desire to save and cost efficient spending for my future. I'd just assume skip this next year.
Finally, usually about this time I'd be missing my friends a lot, but this time around not so much. It has become pretty evident to me that probabilistically in less than one year most of them will be out of my life for good. I know that is pessimistic seeming, but in reality, though I feel close to my friends, I need to start getting over them. So basically, I am. I haven't seen anyone from not home this summer, and I'm kinda okay with that. Sorry if you are a friend, I'm not dooming you to this fate, just trying to be realistic; I've gotten used to living without you this summer and know it will probably return to this same scenario in 10 months.
Sorry if this was harsh.
-MJM
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Return to the Skies
I have returned from my vacation to NYC, now you can all sleep well at night. Although thanks to a mysterious storm in the NYC area, I didn’t get more than 4.5 hours of sleep night before last, before I had to come back to the daily grind at work.
But it was a very good trip overall. Got to see three shows, the first of which is currently reviewed on my entertainment blog linked Here!
More to come, but tis all for now
-MJM
But it was a very good trip overall. Got to see three shows, the first of which is currently reviewed on my entertainment blog linked Here!
More to come, but tis all for now
-MJM
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Preparing for Departure
So, we have a short blog today. I’m leaving midday today to go to the Big Apple, NYC, insert other clever nicknames. I regret to tell you that I likely will not be updating this anymore until next Tuesday. I’ll try to give you updates as I’m available.
If you read my other blog, Media Juicy Morsels, which features my take on entertainment today, you will be glad to know that hopefully this week, I will be able to see a couple Broadway shows.
Also, if you read yesterday, you found out that I’ve been pretty busy. That would be because of this trip, I’m trying to make all the arrangements so we can have an awesome trip (I’ll let you know now that turns out).
I’ll be back Tuesday at the latest, but as previously mentioned I may update a few times so perhaps you can check sporadically.
-MJM
If you read my other blog, Media Juicy Morsels, which features my take on entertainment today, you will be glad to know that hopefully this week, I will be able to see a couple Broadway shows.
Also, if you read yesterday, you found out that I’ve been pretty busy. That would be because of this trip, I’m trying to make all the arrangements so we can have an awesome trip (I’ll let you know now that turns out).
I’ll be back Tuesday at the latest, but as previously mentioned I may update a few times so perhaps you can check sporadically.
-MJM
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Crash & Burn
So I’ve got some bad news for all of you avid followers (2) and my casual readers (all the rest of you). Sometimes my life is really boring, sometimes I get really busy, and sometimes there are stories that I want to tell but to protect the individuals involved I do not let all of you know. These scenarios all may result in a lame blog post or perhaps no posting at all.
Today all of the above three scenarios are true.
But, this blog is too young and my confidence is so needing the extra boost, that I am going to try and give everyone a good (or at least halfway decent) blog post. I will do this even if it means the individual that this is centered around will be humiliated, embarrassed and considered by readers to be an idiot.
Especially since that individual is me.
I was at work Friday (yes, I work. Spoiler Alert), and our new VOIP system showed that I had a voicemail, which obviously I wanted to check. Unfortunately, when I entered the default information provided, it wouldn’t let me in. I submitted this problem to the IT Service Desk and they responded later that day. I told them it could be a user error, but that I couldn’t check my voicemail. I explained it to them; they tried various things and had me attempt to enter my voicemail box with no success. I spent about an hour with them, on the phone, before they were leaving for the weekend.
Promptly on Monday morning they called me again, we tried again. I told them I entered the code and pressed pound and then it sent me to a generic directory. They couldn’t figure it out. Later that day, I got to thinking, and I realized that this * is not the pound key, this is #.
Wow, real men of genius, anyone? I tried pressing the correct key, and it worked on my first try. All because I forgot which button was the pound key.
I called them back and told them that it “just started working.” I told that whatever they did worked and they said they were just going to leave it and run, they had obviously spent hours in the national office trying to solve my problem. I felt/feel guilty about it.
Wow, I can laugh at myself because any other emotion would dent my self-esteem.
I beg you to come back to read my blog and try to forgive my complete ineptitude and idiocy about the pound key.
-MJM
Today all of the above three scenarios are true.
But, this blog is too young and my confidence is so needing the extra boost, that I am going to try and give everyone a good (or at least halfway decent) blog post. I will do this even if it means the individual that this is centered around will be humiliated, embarrassed and considered by readers to be an idiot.
Especially since that individual is me.
I was at work Friday (yes, I work. Spoiler Alert), and our new VOIP system showed that I had a voicemail, which obviously I wanted to check. Unfortunately, when I entered the default information provided, it wouldn’t let me in. I submitted this problem to the IT Service Desk and they responded later that day. I told them it could be a user error, but that I couldn’t check my voicemail. I explained it to them; they tried various things and had me attempt to enter my voicemail box with no success. I spent about an hour with them, on the phone, before they were leaving for the weekend.
Promptly on Monday morning they called me again, we tried again. I told them I entered the code and pressed pound and then it sent me to a generic directory. They couldn’t figure it out. Later that day, I got to thinking, and I realized that this * is not the pound key, this is #.
Wow, real men of genius, anyone? I tried pressing the correct key, and it worked on my first try. All because I forgot which button was the pound key.
I called them back and told them that it “just started working.” I told that whatever they did worked and they said they were just going to leave it and run, they had obviously spent hours in the national office trying to solve my problem. I felt/feel guilty about it.
Wow, I can laugh at myself because any other emotion would dent my self-esteem.
I beg you to come back to read my blog and try to forgive my complete ineptitude and idiocy about the pound key.
-MJM
Monday, July 12, 2010
Refueling Crisis & Completion
Well I apologize for the late start to my blog today (yes, I did receive a complaint), but it is finally time to update you with the latest news from my weekend.
Well yesterday, as you may know, was Free Slurpee Day at 7/11.
(For those of you that wonder why it was Free Slurpee Day, you should think about it for no more than one minute and if you can’t figure it out I recommend you google “Free Slurpee Day”, followed by “Blogs I am not smart enough for”. The former should enlighten your ignorance; the latter should link you back to this blog. Too harsh?)
But I digress, I went after church yesterday to get my free Slurpee, only to find that my local 7/11 was out of the free cups.
Ah, sharp pang in my deltoid region. I had been stabbed in the back, by one of my favorite unofficial holidays. Could there be any crueler death and suffering?
But this ultimately led me to by grand adventure, a stop at the local Taco Casa. Lucky for me, they were advertising my Slurpee-less solution, their Sweet Tea. We were going through the drive thru and we swiftly got our sweet tea, when we got it I began drinking (I was most obviously parched) and quickly had made a large dent in the amount of drink, then it hit me.
Free Refills.
Yes ladies and gentlemen, I finished off (in 30ish seconds) approximately 30 oz. of my tea, and when we got our food, we handed back our cup for a refill, which we received and proceeded along our way.
So yes, you can get a refill in the drive thru lane. I challenge you to try it this week.
-MJM
Well yesterday, as you may know, was Free Slurpee Day at 7/11.
(For those of you that wonder why it was Free Slurpee Day, you should think about it for no more than one minute and if you can’t figure it out I recommend you google “Free Slurpee Day”, followed by “Blogs I am not smart enough for”. The former should enlighten your ignorance; the latter should link you back to this blog. Too harsh?)
But I digress, I went after church yesterday to get my free Slurpee, only to find that my local 7/11 was out of the free cups.
Ah, sharp pang in my deltoid region. I had been stabbed in the back, by one of my favorite unofficial holidays. Could there be any crueler death and suffering?
But this ultimately led me to by grand adventure, a stop at the local Taco Casa. Lucky for me, they were advertising my Slurpee-less solution, their Sweet Tea. We were going through the drive thru and we swiftly got our sweet tea, when we got it I began drinking (I was most obviously parched) and quickly had made a large dent in the amount of drink, then it hit me.
Free Refills.
Yes ladies and gentlemen, I finished off (in 30ish seconds) approximately 30 oz. of my tea, and when we got our food, we handed back our cup for a refill, which we received and proceeded along our way.
So yes, you can get a refill in the drive thru lane. I challenge you to try it this week.
-MJM
Friday, July 9, 2010
Ignition Delay
Well after yesterday’s debacle, I knew I had to turn on my ‘A’ game today. I was going to get up, sacrifice a little of “relaxation” time as previously mentioned in yesterday’s post. Just a little extra time to make sure I'm wearing my own clothes and looking decent in them.
Guess what didn’t happen?
I was woken up by my father at the time that we usually leave. That meant I was running 40 minutes off of my schedule. But I knew what must be done. I turned on the shower, picked out my clothes, got a shower and got dressed and left within ten minutes of waking up. Of course all of this was in the dark but, let me just say that you never would’ve guessed that were true if you took a look at me today. I turned on my ‘A’ game.
On an unrelated note, I admit to having somewhat vain and narcissistic tendencies, but I try to write those off as confidence.
Moral of the story kids, is not to let the start of your day ruin your whole day. (Wish I would’ve learned this lesson before yesterday). When life gives you very sour lemons pretend it’s a Warhead(do they even still make those?) and chomp down and make your day into a delicious day of delectable Gummy Bears.
-MJM
Guess what didn’t happen?
I was woken up by my father at the time that we usually leave. That meant I was running 40 minutes off of my schedule. But I knew what must be done. I turned on the shower, picked out my clothes, got a shower and got dressed and left within ten minutes of waking up. Of course all of this was in the dark but, let me just say that you never would’ve guessed that were true if you took a look at me today. I turned on my ‘A’ game.
On an unrelated note, I admit to having somewhat vain and narcissistic tendencies, but I try to write those off as confidence.
Moral of the story kids, is not to let the start of your day ruin your whole day. (Wish I would’ve learned this lesson before yesterday). When life gives you very sour lemons pretend it’s a Warhead(do they even still make those?) and chomp down and make your day into a delicious day of delectable Gummy Bears.
-MJM
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Failure in Launch
Well hello all. I was supposed to write a bio today, but fate has brought me in another direction.
In my morning routine, I wake up, get a shower, then get back in bed for exactly 20 minutes. I am a morning person, but out of some habit I never turn out any lights before I leave home. I also never look in a mirror as that would be pointless considering there is no light. Obviously I am a very low maintenance, and know my clothing quite well. But suffice to say that the first time I see myself in “all my glory”, is approximately 3 hours after I wake up.
Not today, I fell asleep after my shower and found myself in a rush to get to work on my regular schedule. I rushed downstairs and grabbed the pants that I had assumed were my own. They felt a little strange, but I hadn’t worn this supposed pair in a while, so I just thought I wasn’t used to them. Within 3 minutes of putting on “my” slacks, I had jumped in my car and was off to work. I walked in and didn’t think anything about it, but when I finally headed to the bathroom (2 hours after getting to work), my worst nightmare came true.
I found out that my theory was correct. I was/am wearing my father’s pants.
It isn’t extremely terrible, I mean you can barely notice when I hide my legs behind/under my desk. But the whole 3 sizes too big in the waist and 4 sizes too short in the length doesn’t really work for me. I seriously look like a skydiver, with these baggy balloon pants on.
Hope your day is off to a better start than mine.
-MJM
In my morning routine, I wake up, get a shower, then get back in bed for exactly 20 minutes. I am a morning person, but out of some habit I never turn out any lights before I leave home. I also never look in a mirror as that would be pointless considering there is no light. Obviously I am a very low maintenance, and know my clothing quite well. But suffice to say that the first time I see myself in “all my glory”, is approximately 3 hours after I wake up.
Not today, I fell asleep after my shower and found myself in a rush to get to work on my regular schedule. I rushed downstairs and grabbed the pants that I had assumed were my own. They felt a little strange, but I hadn’t worn this supposed pair in a while, so I just thought I wasn’t used to them. Within 3 minutes of putting on “my” slacks, I had jumped in my car and was off to work. I walked in and didn’t think anything about it, but when I finally headed to the bathroom (2 hours after getting to work), my worst nightmare came true.
I found out that my theory was correct. I was/am wearing my father’s pants.
It isn’t extremely terrible, I mean you can barely notice when I hide my legs behind/under my desk. But the whole 3 sizes too big in the waist and 4 sizes too short in the length doesn’t really work for me. I seriously look like a skydiver, with these baggy balloon pants on.
Hope your day is off to a better start than mine.
-MJM
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Personal Pilot
So I started an awesome blog about a year and a half ago, updated it last in March. It is called Media Juicy Morsels and is linked Here!. That blog will begin to be updated again and focuses on the various entertainment indulgences(movies, music, TV, etc.) that I have.
But there comes a time in every man's life when they feel the need for an outlet. I have decided that this is my time. I have a billion things going on in my life, nothing is actually happening though. It is more the future that lies ominously ahead. I intend to use this blog as a way and a reason to organize my thoughts so that I may make successful decisions as to my future.
Let it Be Known:
I know that I am in control of my own destiny, but I am open to any input you(assuming I have at least one reader) might have.
Tomorrow, we will begin with a full-fledged bio.
-MJM
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