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?

Avatar Review

James Cameron is the biggest name in making blockbuster movies. The only other two names that even compete: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. I don't need to waste time talking about the history.

Avatar has been 13 years in the making. I remember hearing about it as a kid. When I first saw a trailer, I really didn't want to see it. It all seemed to be TOO much. I thought it would end up like a Jason Bay film - they always turn into massive CGI fests. I knew I would end up seeing it however - it's too big to miss and I have too much free time at home over break.

I saw it the previous day with a few of my buddies in "Real 3D." I couldn't tell you the difference between "Real 3D" and IMAX 3D and all this other variations in watching film. I didn't really see any 3D, and the glasses honestly hurt my eyes. I'm not sure I buy into the whole 3D gimmick, but it seems to be sweeping Hollywood by storm.

Anyways, the movie could only be described with one word: epic. While not as long as Titanic, it certainly was not short. The length is the only thing that bothered me about the movie. The technology to create this new world was unbelieveable and honestly breathtaking. Cameron created a beautiful universe that sci-fi geeks will definitely lose themselves in (especially if they make sequels - which are rumored.)

The story is just an adaptation of the time old classic Western movie, set in 2154. There wasn't much surprise as far as how the story played out. That doesn't mean it wasn't cool to witness. There was definitely alot of metaphors towards the current American wars and our policy towards getting oil, but it didn't spoil the movie. It can't be compared to any other movie, because its on a entirely different level of blockbuster that is just starting. I wouldn't say it was the best movie I've seen all year (still goes to Up In The Air,) but it was definitely an enjoyable film, if only shorter. I couldn't see any parts to cut out though, because all of the scenes were needed to complete the story. The "final battle" scenes were as huge as those seen on the third Lord of the Rings, just set in the future.

Overall, it exceeded my expectations and was absolutely amazing to watch, but not as good as Aquaman (Entourage joke, for those not in the know)