Weekends / In Favor of the Four Day Work Week

Now that I'm in the "real world," I'm starting to live for weekends. When you're in school, everyday that you don't have class is a weekend. So for me I had like 4 day weekends every weekend. Needless to say, only having two days when I had four is an adjustment. Considering I also had 6 some months of unemployment where I had 6 straight months of weekend, it's another adjustment.

I personally am struggling with the change. I'm exhausted by the end of the work day (even though I work virtually - that post to come later) and just want to veg out and relax. Maybe I'm just lazy. Personally I was never the kid that enjoyed going from work to dinner to someones apartment and then be home around 10 or 11. I like to have time to myself. Just to watch TV or go to the gym or do whatever. Not enough hours in the work day to do everything I want.

A popular thing to do is travel. Especially now that I'm out of school, go travel to see my school friends who aren't in NY. Yet I hate that weekends are so short. If I wanted to go to anywhere but Philly, I will not get in until at least 11 PM that Friday night. And that's being generous. Good luck getting out of New York City on a Friday night on time. It's a massacre. So if I get in at 11 or midnight, that night is pretty much done.

So you have all day Saturday, and then really half of Sunday because you have to get back home. All that traveling for a day and a half? That's brutal. Weekends are way to short to begin with, but it's even shorter when you spend 10 of the 50 some hours traveling.

I've been having this discussion a lot with my buddies lately - who the hell decided it should be a five day work week? If you work the normal weekday, you're working roughly 250 days a year, while you get off for 115. I don't understand why there's that imbalance. When I was job hunting, a lot of places talked about a Life/Work balance. I don't know what they're talking about, because there is no balance here. If we changed to a four day week, it would be more of a balance - still favored towards the work side of it, but less so. I think everyone would be less stressed. You have more time to do the things you want to do, as opposed to not having the time (or having to take time off from work) to do much of anything.

I think me and my friends are just in the rebellious phase. It's our first year out in the world and it's not the same as school. It's a drag for the 5 days a week and only 2 days to ourselves. And this is "how it is" unfortunately. It makes no sense. I don't know why anyone set it up like this. I don't like it at all, but I am nowhere near enough to change society or the way we live. I'm just a kid on my small digital soapbox.

Now, back to work!

Batteries

Let's be honest, we run on batteries. I don't mean humans. I mean our well-being. Cell-phones, Laptops, iPods, iPads, Cars, Remote Controls, Watches, etc etc.

It's reached somewhat of a breaking point. I know I use my BlackBerry a lot, but the thing won't last me 5 hours on a full charge (and I turned it off for 45 minutes cause I was in a job interview.) What is the point of having a phone that can't even last a full day?

Again, I know I use the thing too much. I also know I'm not alone with this problem. Our phones have become like a third appendage, especially if it is a smart-phone. We have too many options on these devices that can keep our attention but drain our battery. I use it for Twitter, Foursquare, when I'm lost (which is often in NYC) I use Google Maps to GPS me to the subway.

I'm not sure what the right solution is. I can only think of two: Either downgrade the phone's and make them simpler, or enhance the power/lasting ability of the phone. I can't be tied down every 5 hours to find an electrical outlet. In today's world, you HAVE to be in touch at all points in time. If I can't have a device that lasts me all day, then I need to find something else. The problem lies in that I'm stuck in the stupid contract - for another 18 months. 5 hours a day for 18 months. I literally have to take my charger with me everywhere I go and HOPE for an outlet.

It's become absurd. We're obsessed with our devices. We shouldn't be, but we are.

In the meantime, does anyone have an extra BlackBery Tour battery, or a new phone for me? Thanks!

I Love That Dirty Water

If you're not in Boston, then you're missing out. We've had a massive (and unprecedented) water mane break in the city - leaving the place under a "boil order" for all water and honestly causing a sense of chaos for no real reason.

People are going to grocery stores and buying water as if they're stocking up their bomb shelters for the impending nuclear winter. I saw one woman get 10 cases of water yesterday. That's 240 bottles. I'm hoping it was not all just for her.

Boston University, in all of it's great service to it's students (and senior's final two weeks of college before we get hit with a) reality and b) them asking for "donations") can only give you water if you've got a meal plan to their dining hall. I'm serious. Me and my roommate stopped by yesterday to try and pick up one bottle of the great "Terrier Water" and were told no, I need to sign up for a meal plan. WHAT KIND OF INHUMANE PLACE IS THIS? NO WATER UNLESS YOU PAY AN EXTRA THREE GRAND. SORRY.

Sorry, I got a little carried away. It's too easy sometimes.

The other great thing about Boston right now is the weather - the place is gorgeous. Had a beautiful day out. Until I was feeling dehydrated and bought water, which I'm pretty sure they're jacking up the prices because EVERYONE's buying water. In my lovely not-well-ventilated Boston University sponsored apartment, we have poor air flow when its hot. And in my room, there's a kind of "mystery" window that conveniently pointed east which is also conveniently where the sun rises everyday at about 6:30 AM. Let's do some math --> Dehydration + Hot room + Sunlight at 6:30AM + College student who usually doesn't wake up until 9 AM on a Monday = A dry(in more ways than one,) witty, blog post at 7AM after laying in bed until 2:30 AM because of the same situation. Honestly, I wasn't even up this early for Marathon Monday.

This isn't a rant, this is more of just like a 'When I Pictured College, It Didn't Include A Scavenging For Water" situation. I just sit and laugh. Is this real life?

I also keep making this joke that I know I'm totally killing it, but it's honestly SO FUNNY right now. The Standells did a song about Boston and called it "Dirty Water" and it's one of those Boston anthems - it's played everywhere around the city. Sporting events, in the park, it's everywhere. It's like the Dropkick Murphy's "Shipping Up To Boston" of the 60s, but everyone still listens to it now. Anyway, the repeating lyric is "I love that dirty water, I love Boston." I know someone reading this is laughing right now. YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP GUYS.

OH ALSO - It's National Drink Tap Water Week. YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.

I'm closing with another great line about drinking from the "Most Interesting Man In The World" campaign - Stay Thirsty My Friends.

ps I'm laughing really hard at that one too. Bye.

My Day as Eric Murphy

If you know me you know I'm a huge Entourage fan. I could probably quote every episode and narrow everything down to the specific detail. As most guys do, they talk about who their Entourage would be if we had a Vinny Chase in our friendship. I'm always picked to be E. I don't mind that. E's got a lot going for him. He may not be the superstar but he does his own thing setting up his own business and doing well for himself. We have two minor differences. I'm really tall, and don't have a Sloan in my life. Yet. (I'm also not a pizza boy. Yet. I graduate in two weeks people.)

So yesterday, I felt like Eric. I woke up early and got media passes to the Flyers/Bruins game (Go Flyers!) and then met up with a few friends on Newbury Street, then later to go out to a club (sorta) after a surprise birthday party, while sneaking on a party bus. If I could spend every day with that much fun, I think I would actually be Eric.

The thing with Entourage is that it's a lifestyle, one given on privilege because Vinny's got the looks and the acting skills (sorta) to get "the" lifestyle. Go to party's, hang out with gorgeous girls (I'm a little behind on that one) and really enjoy yourself.

This post is kind of weird. I don't mean for it to be a "I'm having much better time than you are" thing, because everyone's definition of a good time varies. It was just a great day (until this water situation - more on that later. It's just a commentary to get my things together and get "that" job (and maybe have the right friend) to have an amazing life where you're doing fun stuff. I don't necessarily want to be spoiled, but I want to enjoy everything I do. Work, play, even the BS. Enjoy it all. There should be no point where I feel like I have to be a "slave" to make money or I'm out on the street. It should be fun. Who wants to come with!?

I'm Starting to Panic! (But Not At The Disco!)

It sort of hit me tonight. I say sort of because it wasn't strong enough to change my life, but just to give me more perspective. In a little over two weeks, it's all over. After over 22 years, I will be done with the academic system and sent out into the "real world."

It's scary. It's real. It's coming up too fast. I'm not sure anyone is ever really ready. How do you know you're ready until you do it? That's what happens, you make mistakes and learn from them, or you flourish and keep developing.

I'm a big fan of the loss of innocence metaphor. It's the prime theme of some of the greatest novels of all time. Catcher in the Rye comes to mind. Holden Caulfield is the perfect example. This is the complete loss of innocence. No more living in fantasy land. No more summers where I can screw off and hang out on the beach all day as many days as possible and relax. No more.

It's depressing and exciting at the same time. I've really enjoyed the time I've spent - it's had many highs and many lows. Sometimes I'm not sure I want to give it up. It would be great to be a beach bum and make just enough money to get by but enjoy the time you have. I know people that have done it. I don't think that's what I've spent my time in college to do, so I think it's more of a fantasy "if I lived in an alternate reality" (or a flash sideways *LOST REFERENCE*) situation. It sounds lovely though.

You never know when you're ready to grow up. It just happens. I'm not saying that by graduating I'm growing up. I don't know when exactly it happens. It just does. I don't believe you really transition until you're out for a few years. And I mean really out, not living with your parents or some kind of convoluted program.

I'm not really sure the point of this blog post - this isn't supposed to be my diary. I'm sure that someone reading this can sympathize with me. I really want to enjoy the final 18 some days. I'm hoping I can find the perfect job that still allows me to be myself while learning and growing. I've got a few irons in the fire with job, but not enough. It's a big dive into the deep unknown. Who wants to jump with me?

24 Is Cancelled

This isn't news. I actually said it was coming back in January on this blog. It's really unfortunate, because I believe that 24 has been one of the best action shows over the past 8-9 years. Sure, it strays a bit too far from reality (how many bad days can Jack Bauer/America really have in a few years?) but that's part of the excitement of the show.

The show is being cut because it's not bringing in the ratings it used to. How could it - the storylines are getting weaker because they're running out of things to do. There's a mole on the inside every season because it's so hard to string 24 episodes together. They need something to carry it over. Most TV shows are only 15-18 episodes (even less if your on Premium channels) so 24 being 24 episodes really pushes it towards its limit. The story has to stay within the realm of "real" but not necessarily "conventional."

The other interesting thing about 24 was how the first season happened after 9/11 - obviously the worst terrorist attack our country has and hopefully will ever see. I don't like to get too metaphorical and read into something that isn't there, but it wasn't a secret that the American psyche was shaken. It needed it's confidence back. I'm not saying that Jack Bauer/24 was that hope, but they definitely were a positive light during a negative time. (Of course, The Rising was the best positive thing to come from 9/11 - thanks Bruce!)

Regardless, Jack Bauer is awesome. He is always able to overcome any and every situation for his country. Things that have happened to Jack while on the job:

He lost his wife.
His daughter constantly is getting into trouble and endangering her life.
Jack became addicted to heroin.
He played Russian Roulette trying to save a prisoner that he would be a double agent for.
He faked his own death and had to hide it from his daughter and the woman he loved (Audrey)
His best friends Tony Almeida, David Palmer, and Michelle Dessler were slain because of him.
Entered Chinese Consulate to capture terrorist containing information of national security.
He captured and tortured the President of the United States to reveal him as a fraud, but was taken away by Chinese consulate and tortuted for a few years.
After being bartered for to return to the US, he was handed over to terrorists who were to kill him had he not escaped. His country gave him away.
Following his return, he learns his brother and father are involved in a conspiracy plot against the United States, and leaves his father to die while having to save his nephew.
Secretary of Defense told him he would have to leave his love alone because of the torture and life he put her through.
Was tried and arrested for breaking interrogation rules in attempts to save his country from terrorist attacks.
Almost sacrificed his life several times on behalf of his country to save the President.
Was infected with a pathogen bomb and could barely function.

Sure, it's not all real. It all can't possibly happen to one man. But it's awesome. Jack is the best example of a patriot. Someone who gives everything he can and has for his country. He lost it all and still is playing the game. Unfortunately, this season will be the last go around, although there is a supposed movie.

I'm starting to ramble, but I'm just trying to emphasize how great 24 is and was and how great Jack Bauer has been for America.

NA$HVEGA$

I just got home from part one of my three-part spring break excursion (although the third leg may be falling out) and wow, it was great.

I've never been to Nashville before or anywhere in the south (Disney World doesn't count as "the south") so it was all a bit of an adjustment - but because it's so laid back it was no big deal at all.

Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera out with me, so I can't share any pictures (except for two on my camera phone which maybe I'll upload if I get too bored at home) but it's pretty fun. It's a somewhat average size city with a small-town feel. It feels like there's only a few streets that matter. And it's always relaxed.

The nightlife is pretty stereotypical country, but there's nothing wrong with that. It was a great change of pace compared to the fast-paced, overcrowded Boston scene that I am becoming SO TIRED of. My favorite part was some of the places that referred to as Nashville as NASHVEGAS. There aren't any casinos (at least that I saw) but it was just a fun line that I said probably too many times.

I was around Vanderbilt's campus most of the time - really gorgeous area. Makes me wish that I went to a school that had more of a campus then Boston U's situation - although I do also enjoy the city aspect of it. I flip flop a lot. Couldn't beat the campus and the atmosphere.

Anyways, I saw three Vandy baseball games and a basketball game. It's great to see a sports school that passionate about their teams, rather than BU's lack of fandom - although I'm not part of the problem - but it's much more apparent at a school like Vandy. I think it's a southern thing plus the - again - not being in a city aspect. In Boston there's SO much else going on that a school with poor athletics has no reason to hold any sort of significance - why go watch a bad college team when you could watch BC or the Celtics? It makes sense.

Overall, I'm really glad that I took the weekend to go down. Obviously seeing my good buddy (and the only person that follows this blog COUGH COUGH) was great, but I'm also excited about moving on from Boston. I'm not sure Nashville is the town, but I REALLY want to get off the east coast. Something new, something exciting. Ideally California/West Coast, but life will take you where you were meant to go.

Toodles Bloggas

LOST - Season Premiere Reactions/Theories/Hopes/Dreams

DON'T READ THIS IF YOU DON'T CARE OR DON'T WANT TO KNOW SPOILERS

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What happened last night? There was so much going on so fast, it's hard for me to wrap my head around any of it, let alone ALL of it.

My current thoughts/theories:
1) The original "Others" were a servant of Jacob. Protectors of the island and thankful for his blessing. Only a select few were chosen to live behind the Temple wall. Ben was determined not worthy of ever seeing Jacob/Temple because he had to be healed by Jacob as a child to live.

What this does NOT answer is how the Smoke Monster was affiliated with the Temple for Rousseau's team. Ben was never actually in the Temple when he was "judged." Flocke cut him of before he could get to the real Temple.

2) Sayid - two potential plots here

Sayid is either the Smoke Monster or Jacob. I'm leaning towards the Monster, mainly because: The water Sayid was submerged in was dark. They said that it used to be light. By Smokey using Sayid's body, he is already inside the Temple, as the others try to protect it wish ash. Smokey went into the body of Jacob to talk to Hurley, which took Sayid to the Temple, so now Smokey is inside.

The Jacob that Hurley saw also could legitimately be Jacob, and Jacob could be using Sayid's body or had the healing power to save Sayid.

Both these ideas break my typical stance that these two entities can only inhabit people who have died prior to coming to the island. But anything is possible. Just like Kevin Garnett.

Not to read too much into color good/versus - but Sayid's shirt is black.

3) The Alternate Timeline

I think what we're seeing right now is the "What if they never crashed" and the "They did detonate the bomb but their job isn't finished," also known as the "whatever happened, happened" timelines.

It's still very complex coming out of the Time Traveling season. Faraday had too many thoughts and not enough clearly decisive visions for us to figure it out.

WHAT I AM THINKING ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW (SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN 2 MINUTES): The Island in 2004 is underwater because of the detonation. The 1977 Losties only thought about how detonation corrected THEIR timeline, but not how it would affect everyone else. The detonation may have sort of inverted the electromagnatism that kept the island visible/afloat whatever. Dharma died in 1977. The island died. But because they were ALREADY on the island, the Losties have to finish what they started in terms of the Jacob/Smokey conflict.

This also ran through my head though - Partially because I'm a huge Pirates of the Carribean nut - but in the concept of the island being underwater doesn't mean it's gone. In the third Pirates there's an alternate universe - for the dead - on the 'other side' of the water. Could be a similar circumstance here. Doubtful. The only reason that could work is the ABC/Disney connection. Longshot.

It is very interesting to note the differences between the original Losties in Season 1 vs the Reset Timeline. Hurley is lucky. Charlie believes he was meant to die. Shannon is happy with a man. Kate is still a fugitive, but apparently she didn't kill her father. Jack believes that nothing is irreversible. Locke believes his condition is. Lots of interesting changes in moods/attitudes/situations. Is it because the island doesn't exist anymore?

This also provides us with the theory that these people are still MEANT to come together. Locke and Jack. Sawyer and Kate. Somehow the alternate timelines come together.

4) Smoke Monster/Flocke "Going Home"

It's either the Temple or off the island. I doubt it's to "The rest of the world" to destroy everyone. Maybe like a mythical heaven or underworld. But first he will probably like to seek revenge on everyone on the Island who has held him prisoner - mainly on the Temple.

5) Christian's Coffin

Where is it? The Island didn't 'steal' it. Is there a chance that it never was on the plane originally? His body was never found in season 1. Yet in Season 6 Locke's dead body is found.

That's what I've got right now. I'm sure between now and next Tuesday I'll have entirely new theories. Maybe another post. This show sucks my life away.