Having just gotten in the real-world swing of the full-time work life, I have gone through a major transition in my life. No more college. No more classes. It is all work now, and the working world makes college look like a complete breeze. Though I will say I still look forward to making more great memories with my incredible friends and family, who God has truly blessed me with.
Looking back, college did provide me with incredible memories--some of which I will never forget. Those years really are some of the best years. From UTC to UT, I look back on all the parties and football games that made my college experience so unforgettable. It is so interesting, as we are taught so much within a classroom realm, but seem to take away so much more from the life experiences we have during those four plus years. The friends. The good times. The love.
Clarifying, a college education does do a lot for someone in a lot of ways. It definitely is a supplemental relationship between the studious side of college and the social life that builds a collegian's experience.
Reminiscing, I can't help but feel a touch of nostalgia for those nights with the Knoxville and even Chattanooga crowd that made the night feel so alive. Those memories that make you smile when you remember, or recall a story or even relive for a small moment in time, are the very thing that make you who you are and your life what it is. I wouldn't trade mine for the world. So here friends, is to the nights that we felt alive and, yes, tomorrow will come too soon.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The influence of one small hamster
I have always been someone who loves animals, and I'd like to think someday I could divert that energy to my own children. In the meantime, I decided to adopt a small hamster that ended up becoming something that I loved very much.
Most people I talk to about Dimmy find the idea that someone could love such a small animal/pet so much just crazy, though I really valued him as though he were my child. I played with him daily, bought him the various hamster treats, and he always had new toys. I talked about him frequently, and prided myself on the fact that he would come out of his hamster bed to say hi if I talked to him.
One day, I came home from work and noticed that Dimmy wasn't acting like his normal gregarious self. It turns out that Dimmy had aquired a nasty eye infection that was both painful and blinding. I took him to the vet, who said that he would either suffer and die, or hopefully get better after surgery. Of course I went with the latter option, and he did do well for a few days. I had to hand feed him and give him water daily with a lot of antibiotics. I had high hopes for his recovery, but I woke up one morning to find that he had died in his sleep.
I buried him that same day in a nice area in my new back yard---crying throughout the entire process. Ok I know what you must be thinking---this is too much, but he was really important to me.
It makes me realize that he was a real source of joy for me, as most pets are to their owners. A little corner in my room, which once housed a happy, fat hamster now stands vacant. That joy people feel with their pets and loved ones is the very thing that makes life so exceptionally beautiful. Dimmy gave me that feeling, and I am glad that I had him in my life for the time that I did.
Most people I talk to about Dimmy find the idea that someone could love such a small animal/pet so much just crazy, though I really valued him as though he were my child. I played with him daily, bought him the various hamster treats, and he always had new toys. I talked about him frequently, and prided myself on the fact that he would come out of his hamster bed to say hi if I talked to him.
One day, I came home from work and noticed that Dimmy wasn't acting like his normal gregarious self. It turns out that Dimmy had aquired a nasty eye infection that was both painful and blinding. I took him to the vet, who said that he would either suffer and die, or hopefully get better after surgery. Of course I went with the latter option, and he did do well for a few days. I had to hand feed him and give him water daily with a lot of antibiotics. I had high hopes for his recovery, but I woke up one morning to find that he had died in his sleep.
I buried him that same day in a nice area in my new back yard---crying throughout the entire process. Ok I know what you must be thinking---this is too much, but he was really important to me.
It makes me realize that he was a real source of joy for me, as most pets are to their owners. A little corner in my room, which once housed a happy, fat hamster now stands vacant. That joy people feel with their pets and loved ones is the very thing that makes life so exceptionally beautiful. Dimmy gave me that feeling, and I am glad that I had him in my life for the time that I did.
Dark Corners
Why is it that you always gravitate towards whats wrong for you, and shy away from a perfect fit? Is it just too easy, or does mankind have an obession with wanting what they can't have?
Most people know whats right for them, but some little voice deep-down inside tells them that there is always something bigger and better than what is right in front of their face. Maybe it's the media, projecting an unobtainable idea of beauty and romance as something that is the status quo; setting one's expectations far beyond reach.
I have always valued a quote that I, with the rest of the human population, tend to forget. It is simply "it's not having what you want, it is having what you've got." It is so easy to assume that you need something else out there, but taking a step back can show you that you really have more than you could ever possibly ask for.For instance, I have an incredible group of friends, job and house, though life's simple speed bumps tend to produce seemingly life-altering stress.
A goal that I hope to contiously reach throughout my life is realizing what I have before I lose it, an inherent flaw in man.
So maybe you should try to do the same. Go out of your way to tell someone that you love them, or not before making a stupid, selfish move that could hurt one close to you.
Most people know whats right for them, but some little voice deep-down inside tells them that there is always something bigger and better than what is right in front of their face. Maybe it's the media, projecting an unobtainable idea of beauty and romance as something that is the status quo; setting one's expectations far beyond reach.
I have always valued a quote that I, with the rest of the human population, tend to forget. It is simply "it's not having what you want, it is having what you've got." It is so easy to assume that you need something else out there, but taking a step back can show you that you really have more than you could ever possibly ask for.For instance, I have an incredible group of friends, job and house, though life's simple speed bumps tend to produce seemingly life-altering stress.
A goal that I hope to contiously reach throughout my life is realizing what I have before I lose it, an inherent flaw in man.
So maybe you should try to do the same. Go out of your way to tell someone that you love them, or not before making a stupid, selfish move that could hurt one close to you.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Job Searching/Interviewing
Having just graduated in December, I have recently began the job searching/interviewing process. It has been an incredibly interesting experience, for the better and worse.
I had heard from friends that Careerbuilder.com was a great way to both submit your resume to potential employers and post your resume online to allow recruiters to see your credentials (if you are new to this process, you should definitely read this). Careerbuilder is a great way to network with companies that are actively interviewing for vacant positions, and I have received several opportunities from this web site, though one should know that not all employers are as credible or professional as their sales/recruiting pitch may sound. I encourage you to do research on the company before even taking an interview.
For instance, I applied for a sales position within an international company on Careerbuilder and was contacted within 48 hours by a soft-spoken lady, who I assumed to be the company's recruiter. We scheduled an interview, much to my excitement, and I decided to check out the company's web site just to see what I was getting into. I was a little under-impressed, but still had high hopes for my first interview.
I showed up for the interview at a nice office building in Franklin. I entered the building and walked by several very nice offices with glass facades and nice displays. I noticed a door off to the side, which at first I thought was a janitorial closet, as the other offices had glass entry ways. I passed by the door and noticed the company's name on the door. "This must be it," I thought and walked into the office.
My first impression was "dirty after hours club" and I took the walk of shame to the "reception" desk. I instantly realized that the soft-spoken lady who had called me wasn't the company recruiter---she was the receptionist. I was pretty sure that companies have specific positions to select applicants out, and act as company recruiters, so I began to question whether this interview was going to be a complete waste of time.
I sat down in an office chair and began to fill out pre-interview paperwork while listening to what sounded to be Bret Michaels being played in the reception area. That was it.
I decided to take a permanent bath room break and peaced out.. Come to find out one of my best friends Greg, had a similar experience where a company, who was also seeking college graduates, had him going to gas stations trying to sell predator's tickets for his second interview.
I had heard from friends that Careerbuilder.com was a great way to both submit your resume to potential employers and post your resume online to allow recruiters to see your credentials (if you are new to this process, you should definitely read this). Careerbuilder is a great way to network with companies that are actively interviewing for vacant positions, and I have received several opportunities from this web site, though one should know that not all employers are as credible or professional as their sales/recruiting pitch may sound. I encourage you to do research on the company before even taking an interview.
For instance, I applied for a sales position within an international company on Careerbuilder and was contacted within 48 hours by a soft-spoken lady, who I assumed to be the company's recruiter. We scheduled an interview, much to my excitement, and I decided to check out the company's web site just to see what I was getting into. I was a little under-impressed, but still had high hopes for my first interview.
I showed up for the interview at a nice office building in Franklin. I entered the building and walked by several very nice offices with glass facades and nice displays. I noticed a door off to the side, which at first I thought was a janitorial closet, as the other offices had glass entry ways. I passed by the door and noticed the company's name on the door. "This must be it," I thought and walked into the office.
My first impression was "dirty after hours club" and I took the walk of shame to the "reception" desk. I instantly realized that the soft-spoken lady who had called me wasn't the company recruiter---she was the receptionist. I was pretty sure that companies have specific positions to select applicants out, and act as company recruiters, so I began to question whether this interview was going to be a complete waste of time.
I sat down in an office chair and began to fill out pre-interview paperwork while listening to what sounded to be Bret Michaels being played in the reception area. That was it.
I decided to take a permanent bath room break and peaced out.. Come to find out one of my best friends Greg, had a similar experience where a company, who was also seeking college graduates, had him going to gas stations trying to sell predator's tickets for his second interview.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Nashville
So far my move has gone pretty well. I haven't had internet access until recently, so I haven't blogged in quite some time, but not having internet, cable or radio has been quite an experience in my new apartment.
I moved from Knoxville on the 24th of March, and into my new apartment in Nashville on March 28th. It is great.. It really is. I live off White Bridge Road in the West End/Belle Meade area of Nashville, which is a short commute to downtown or Green Hills. My apartment is a one bedroom, one bath, but considerably more expense than the ritzy University Heights of Knoxville :).
This move has really been a transition within a life transition. I am still job searching in an incredibly difficult job market, and fiscally speaking--my money life is certainly different than my college days. Money is tight now that I am still working at Olive Garden, though when I get a real job, my financial situation will be much better.
I do miss my friends in Knoxville, and I hope you are all doing very well. I changed my phone number, and recently put the new one on my facebook page if you haven't gotten it---I want to hear from you! If I haven't talk to you in awhile, Nashville is great and keep your fingers crossed for me job search wise!
I moved from Knoxville on the 24th of March, and into my new apartment in Nashville on March 28th. It is great.. It really is. I live off White Bridge Road in the West End/Belle Meade area of Nashville, which is a short commute to downtown or Green Hills. My apartment is a one bedroom, one bath, but considerably more expense than the ritzy University Heights of Knoxville :).
This move has really been a transition within a life transition. I am still job searching in an incredibly difficult job market, and fiscally speaking--my money life is certainly different than my college days. Money is tight now that I am still working at Olive Garden, though when I get a real job, my financial situation will be much better.
I do miss my friends in Knoxville, and I hope you are all doing very well. I changed my phone number, and recently put the new one on my facebook page if you haven't gotten it---I want to hear from you! If I haven't talk to you in awhile, Nashville is great and keep your fingers crossed for me job search wise!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dimmy
So my hamster's name is Dimmy, and he is apparently quite the con artist.
The pet store attendant was adamant about keeping his food bowl full as "hamsters always need a source of food, so keep their bowl full. You don't want them going hungry."
Dimmy is quite large, and large meaning morbidly obese, and I have discovered the cause of his weight issue. That little sh*t has been taking his food out of his food bowl and hiding it under his shavings!
Now my gluttonous hamster is like a breath away from death. Thanks Pets Mart lady!
The pet store attendant was adamant about keeping his food bowl full as "hamsters always need a source of food, so keep their bowl full. You don't want them going hungry."
Dimmy is quite large, and large meaning morbidly obese, and I have discovered the cause of his weight issue. That little sh*t has been taking his food out of his food bowl and hiding it under his shavings!
Now my gluttonous hamster is like a breath away from death. Thanks Pets Mart lady!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Knoxville
I always find myself blogging at the early hours of the morning. I suppose it is the time of night that I have nothing to do but sit and think about things..
I moved to Knoxville at the end of my sophomore year in the early months of that summer. I can remember exactly how excited I was to escape the confinements that I had managed to lock myself into in Chattanooga. Here in Knoxville, I could be myself and live however I wanted without any kind of social backlash. I didn't have to be a closeted frat guy anymore. I could just be me.
I have made incredible friends with so many people here in Knoxville. So many of them aren't here anymore and have moved on to bigger and better things. Some moved to Nashville, others to Washington D.C., and one even finally made it to New York City (haha.. which is good, because he talked about it nonstop :) ). I consider all of you to be lifelong, and I feel so privileged to have you all in my life.
I have found love in the romantic sense here, an experience that has allowed me to grow in ways that I didn't know I could.
I have seen peoples lives change for the better and for the worse; some in devastating ways.
I know that Knoxville will soon be a part of my past, but this town will always be a major landmark in my life. I will look back with a sense of nostalgia and remember the incredible times that were had and the incredible people I met.
I suppose coming and going is part of the never-ending cycle of life. Sadly, It is time to close the chapter of my life entitled "Knoxville". Though, the characters who I met here will always be in my heart and in my life.
I moved to Knoxville at the end of my sophomore year in the early months of that summer. I can remember exactly how excited I was to escape the confinements that I had managed to lock myself into in Chattanooga. Here in Knoxville, I could be myself and live however I wanted without any kind of social backlash. I didn't have to be a closeted frat guy anymore. I could just be me.
I have made incredible friends with so many people here in Knoxville. So many of them aren't here anymore and have moved on to bigger and better things. Some moved to Nashville, others to Washington D.C., and one even finally made it to New York City (haha.. which is good, because he talked about it nonstop :) ). I consider all of you to be lifelong, and I feel so privileged to have you all in my life.
I have found love in the romantic sense here, an experience that has allowed me to grow in ways that I didn't know I could.
I have seen peoples lives change for the better and for the worse; some in devastating ways.
I know that Knoxville will soon be a part of my past, but this town will always be a major landmark in my life. I will look back with a sense of nostalgia and remember the incredible times that were had and the incredible people I met.
I suppose coming and going is part of the never-ending cycle of life. Sadly, It is time to close the chapter of my life entitled "Knoxville". Though, the characters who I met here will always be in my heart and in my life.
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