Sunday, November 27, 2011

A Look at "Time"

I had to take a little break from blogging. I will just say that I had to go back and look at myself again. I had to reevaluate some moments and try to repair them. We all make mistakes right? No matter what, those mistakes ring harder and louder than those moments that made a positive impact. It coincides with that notion that people will remember bad experiences more than good experiences. This notion itself is a whole blog post by itself, but that is for later...

But for "time", why is it so important?
Time is very limited. We never seem to have enough of it. There are moments in time that we, especially myself, wish would just stand still so we could relish in it forever. But I even believe that forever is also limited. There is never a true meaning of "forever." Everything is always changing, We constantly seek out those forever-moments in time with no success. 

No matter what time is a fleeting dream. It is here one minute and gone the next (sorry for the horrible pun). There will still be moments in my passage of time that will continually resonate within me. They are memories that I am unable and unwilling to give up. I still wish I could return to those moments where everything seemed right, but I know it will never be like that again. Whether it will be better or worse down the road, only time will tell. 

All I can do is just Fight for a better tomorrow...

Thursday, November 17, 2011

What it Means to Me

I kind of hinted in my last post on what music truly means to me. Well this entire day (actually everyday if I am honest with myself) I have been flooded with memories of the past. I know that we should not dwell too much in the past and push ourselves to live in the future, but there are moments that I can and will never forget.
Sharing the joy of music is one of my life's goals. Being able to portray what I am feeling to everyone around me is a never ending quest for me. It is my emotions, my memories, my past that fuels the connection I have with music. It is what makes music special to me. It gives me passion and strength to look beyond the notes on the page and make it an act that lets people relate to what I am feeling or have felt. It gives an open door to my soul. It lets me speak in ways that ordinary words cannot. 

I once told a very dear friend to pick a strong, powerful, and meaningful moment in their life, and let that be the guide to release the emotion in the music. They sat and thought for a second, prepared themselves and performed like I have never seen someone perform. At the end, both teary eyed, I knew they understood what it meant to put your feelings into the music. I felt their joy, their past, their memory. I will honestly never forget that moment. Being able to see that strength and passion in just a 3 minute span really left a mark in my soul. 

Music is my language. I can never give it up. It is something that I always can turn to when I have no other way to express myself. These moments this past year have given me drive to never lose hope. My music can never lose hope. I sit here with pith and vigor in my heart to once again show you all the greatness you did for me.

I have so much more to say, but I honestly cannot put it into words rights now...

Fight for a better tomorrow

Sunday, November 13, 2011

The Audacity

As you may know already, I have a new job. I no longer work at one of the hospitals in Knoxville, I actually work at The Olive Garden. Right now I am a host, but I will soon be training for bartending/serving. Since I have had no restaurant experience in my life, they thought I would be best transitioned into the restaurant field through hosting. I did not complain because I needed a job. My interviews went really well and the management REALLY liked me. I have a way with words and charm...I always do well in interviews haha. Anyways today at work was a little different. Here is a little  back story...

There was one other host that was hired at the same time I was. She was in the same orientation, we had the same training. She is younger than I am and is still in college. She only works weekends and maybe one or two nights a week. I work full time with maybe only one or two days off a week. We both have been working there for almost 4 weeks.


Well today the lunch crowd finally slowed down so there was nothing to do at the front of the house but to just talk and wait. This girl flat out asks me why I make a dollar more an hour than her (I already was aware that she knew of my higher wage because I caught her eyeing down my personnel file during orientation and she had  recently talked about it with another host). Well I told her it was probably because I actually have a degree and currently am working on a professional degree, and that I have had long lasting jobs in the past to boost my broad-spectrum experience. She did not take that as a legitimate answer...

What I wanted to say to her is that she is a moron who cannot do her job very well. There are four versions of hosts at Olive Garden and she can only do one version in an "okay" manner. She is very slow and never around to do her job when you need her the most. She is constantly texting even after being told by a manager that if they catch her again the phone will be in the toilet and she will be written up. She never remembers any of the vital details and still continues to asks repetitive questions on things she already learned.

It really made me mad because she does not value her job at all. I am extremely thankful for my job and I work hard to keep it. I strongly believe that your work ethic should relate to your pay (most often that does not happen, but it can). She had no right to complain about me making more money than her. I have more long lasting experience and I have a degree. She barely has any experience and is a sophomore in college. I had less than a week of training; she had two and a half weeks. I have received multiple compliments from the management and a few free meals for my hard work, she has received nothing. Yes, we were hired to do the same thing, but we are not on the same level. Thank you and have a good day. Quit your whining and learn how to be better at your job. Try to be thankful for once that you have something that most do not.

I know she will continue to think about, and the day might come where I will tell her what I actually think. I am known for making people cry, so what is just one more person? haha

Anyways, there is my rant and vent for the day.

Fight for a better tomorrow...

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Needing that health motivation

I love to exercise. I hate to exercise alone. I do not know what it is. I cannot find the motivation to exercise alone. I am in serious need to have a workout partner.
Anyone want to face the workout program of INSANITY with me? I have done it before, I just need to do it again. I hate doing it by myself. It seems weird for me to suffer through it alone. Why not share the pain and misery? Or does anyone know any good tips to keeping the motivation to exercise on your own?

Fight for a better tomorrow...

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Same ol', same ol'

I have been one to always try to find the fullest of each and every day. To try to live each day as happily and "life-driven" as possible. I am due for something crazy and out of the ordinary. I need something just flat out stupid and non-routine to do.

I have spent this past month and a half trying rebuild everything. I am sure that  my life is close to being whole again. Like I said a few posts ago, time is what I need to heal. But I think what will help me is just a "life affirming" act.

Its time for an extreme adrenaline rush. I have been thankful enough to see the support and love from the ones I care the most about. I could not have asked for more. Now I just need to go out and show that my life is back in order (mostly anyways). It might not actually ever the same, but I am needing to break this routine of reliving the past. I have to live for the future with every hope and drive. My routine will be new but similar in several aspects.

Who knows, I could just walk out the door with nothing on...but maybe in the spring, the weather is getting a little brisk.

Fight for a better tomorrow

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sacrifice


I had to take a few days to get my thoughts organized on this topic. It is a huge one for me and a huge one for all of mankind really. It covers so many facets of life, and not just on the religious level. No matter your type of personality or lifestyle, instances of sacrifices are bound to present before you. It can either be sacrificing your time to pick someone up, your sandwich to a homeless person, or your life to protect the ones around you. I'm basically saying that no matter what you will sacrifice something in your life. I believe it is the amount that you sacrifice and the goals that it meets that really define a man.
Whenever I start out new Drum Majors (marching band stuff) one of the first things I make sure they understand that in order for them to be successful is to be sacrificial. They must sacrifice their "everything" in order to help their band succeed. I firmly believe Drum Majors are always the first to arrive, and the last to leave. Even though you are technically the leader of the band, you do everything in your power to make sure no one falls. You follow them to support them, to carry them when they need it. You make sure you use every fiber of your being to make sure no one is left behind. You have to sacrifice yourself to make them reach their goals.

I used to be one of those types of people that only looked out for themselves. The type of life I lived, I guess I needed to be like that to protect myself until I could get out on my own. I am extremely grateful for all that I had in my young life, but there were events that just pushed me into a state of "every man for himself." I was popular, but a loner at the same time. I did not understand that I actually needed the help of others.

I have learned the past few years that it is no longer all about me. I have learned recently that it will never be all about me. It is about the people around me. I went through some really hard times, and will continue to go through hard times, but it cannot derail me from giving my entire being to help and protect the people around me.

I currently face hatred right now (as does everyone else, it is humanity). But even through that hatred I know that I have to be there to sacrifice if the moment warrants it. We have the opportunity to choose how we sacrifice, but I am slowly learning that I do not need to choose. I must sacrifice the same for the person that loves me the most and the person that hates me. It also applies to the person I love the most and the person that I hate the most.

I am working on myself to get to the point that no matter who it is, I will sacrifice. So you can hate me, not understand me, not know me, not be in my life, but I will still give up everything and anything I can to make sure you can actually live.

Nothing will change the person I want and need to be.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Missing


I have to keep telling myself that it is going to take time to heal. That something of this magnitude is not going to go away instantly. I sure do miss every reality I conjured up when we
were friends. I have had to give up a lot lately. For better or worse there is still somethings that I will never be able to give up. They just mean WAY too much to me. They were, actually are my
life. I invested my entire being into their lives that I know I will remain there. It definitely will not happen by tomorrow or next week, but I pray that I can enter back into everyone's lives at some point in the near future. I would still stake my life on their everything. Some will still hate for it but I guess that comes with the meaning of sacrifice.

Sacrifice.....sacrifice.....I have to go think some more. Tomorrow's will be on "Sacrifice"

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Simplicity


A great friend just recently told me "Enjoy the Simplicity." He could not have been more right...
Our lives, especially mine, become way to complicated. We look for that next best thing to make it easier but we actually make it more confounded (I love that word, by the way). Myself, I always have my phone by my side. I use it to stay connected to people, check my emails, look up random facts, read weird posts, play music, take pictures...the list goes on. One might argue that I made it simple by bringing it all into one device, but I would say to them "why do I actually need to have all of that?"

There are times where I forget to pay my phone bill and it gets cut off, but I actually relish in that time. I love the fact that I cannot check up on everything in every second of the day. I admire that freedom. It is too short-lived when I have to turn it back on because my mother starts worrying if I do not call her (I would rather call instead of dealing with police at my door, yes it has happened before).

But there is so much wisdom in those three words. My friend's, that I stated earlier, all time comfort food is Saltines. Yes, that is right, Saltines. In my opinion you cannot get anymore simpler than that. It amazes me that something so simple can satisfy him so much. It is something that I really look up to and respect. It is not just the fact that it is really cheap or easy to access, but that there is so much more meaning to it (as I see it anyways). To be so happy by such a simple thing is really admiring. I honestly wish there was something in my life that I could relate to like that.

I ask of you, can you name something as simple as Saltines that honestly makes you happier than anything? I am out to find something like that for myself.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Everything for a Reason

I have always been a proponent of "everything happens for a reason." I do believe there is a higher power at work that has a plan for my life. It is whether you believe or not it is the work or God or some other being of faith. There have been some major upsets in my life and generally I have been fortunate enough to know the reason for them. One of the major ones was me being denied college acceptance into Furman University. My whole high school career I "thought" I was destined for Furman. I knew that my life was supposed to follow a piano career and be a Paladin. Well that was short-lived when I received that letter of denial. I was crushed, beaten, depressed, and angry.

A few years later I understood why I was not supposed to go to Furman. I traveled with the A Cappella Choir of Carson-Newman College to Israel and sang in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. That's right! The Holy Land, on Christmas Eve. One of the biggest events of my life. Because of the connections and sense of family of A Cappella, I knew that Furman was not right for me. I understand the reason for being denied acceptance into Furman.

This most recent upset in my life, I am still searching for a reason for this. This was a huge test of faith for me. I screamed, literally screamed, at my higher being of faith for letting this happen to me. I could not understand why Someone would let this much destruction and sadness happen to someone. I still do not really understand it, but I am seeing the type of person I am changing into.

I have become more of an accepting person. A person that is starting to love everyone. I used to be a very mean and "jerky" person that only accepted a small group of people. I would not hesitate on picking out the faults of the people "I could not stand." Through this whole ordeal I have learned to be very forgiving and to start loving people for who they are. I am starting to catch and correct myself when I say something bad about a person. I honestly believe that I am becoming a better person. About a few weeks after "that" day, I played for a church service, and I sat in the sanctuary, alone, pleading to God for a sign. I later took communion and cried for a new start and transparent happiness.

I do believe that my prayers were answered. This past week or so I have had moments of unbridled joy and happiness. I have seen what it truly means to be loved. I have also learned to never give up my faith. I was tested in a huge way, and I know now to never give up hope because there is a reason for all of it. Right now there are moments where I keep on getting beat down, but I remain strong. I have faith in every person and being. I have hope that things will be opened up and made clear for those I care for. I pray that every confusion and bad mark be taken away so that the only thing left is hope and love.

But the one thing I understand most is that we are all human. We have the capacity of infinite feelings. We have that free will to think and feel whatever we want. So I want you to think whatever you feel; live out your most undeniable human right. But all I ask is that you do not judge me for my thoughts and actions, for I will not do the same to you. I have learned that in order for me to feel better about myself, I must sacrifice my all to help anyone I can. That will never change now.

I know that in today's world religion and self-belief is a touchy subject, but it is something I had to say. I know some will side with me and some will not, but like I said, it is your undeniable human right decide for yourself.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Felt it today!


Reeeeeeally felt the love today. I'm serious too haha. I was eating lunch and looking through my Twitter account (yes I do have a twitter, so don't judge too harshly lol, you can follow me at @Sweiner_wingle), and I ran across one of the tweets by my old peeps at Carter HS. There was a portion of it that said "P.S. we all like Swingle better." Man, did that put a HUGE smile on my face. And then something happened, people started to retweet that comment. I couldn't have been happier!!

I have been in such a great mood today. Got tons of compliments at the new job. Got a huge lunch at Olive Garden for only $5. Saw those tweets. Kept getting messages of "we miss you." Really great day today. I'm just hoping for that one last connection to make my life whole again.

Staying optimistic!!!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sense?


It doesn't make sense. Every reality I can fathom still seems to miss one thing. That one most important thing that I thought would never leave.

You never know what you have until it is gone, right? Ain't that the freaking truth! (Sorry for my horrible redneck dialect)

Saturday, October 29, 2011

So much to think about


I took some dear friends out to dinner last night. To show my appreciation of putting up with me through the past few years and to show my gratitude of pulling me out of despair. After some hours of conversing and sharing I realized I honestly think to an exponential amount. Kind of seems weird to say, but my mind is always racing. The more I know, the more areas of gray seem to appear.
Nothing is as clear and simple as it needs to be. I have worked to truly understand how human thought-processes work, and I can rightly say that I understand human emotion and thought a lot better than most. I'm a very perceptive person and I always tend to see something happen before it happens. I'm not saying that I am any psychic (cause I really don't believe in that stuff), but I always seems to understand and "pre-adapt" to any situation.

It has not been until recently that I feel the more I seek out to understand, the more things become confused and twisted. I keep wondering "what if" and "what should I do next?" Never have I been this indecisive about anything. Life would be perfect if I could get a clear cut answer or direction...but we all know that is never the case.

My main concern, well driving question, is do I really play ignorant and forget all of my understanding so there are no more gray areas? So I can have a child's discovery and really see everything in splendid color? Do I really put away that instinct to gain understanding so that I never have to worry about the answers? Should my life always be questions? (I realized I have asked a bunch of questions...).

I want to understand the main reason of why I cannot seem to gain the most important thing I lost. I would love to be able to get it back, but I have no idea if that is possible. But I just want the reasons why. Heck, I just want a "hey," but if that seems to be a life-staking request right now.

A lot of this is very introverted, and retrospective but sometimes I just need to talk myself through somethings

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Can't seem to get enough

...Sleep, that is.

I do not know what the heck is wrong with me. I do not know if it is my mind that is so overwhelmed, that my body has drastically changed, or if I slept too much when I was kid, but lately my sleep schedule has been jacked up. I am constantly waking up at the the break of dawn and then falling asleep well into the morning hours around 3 or 4. Ultimately giving me 3-4 hours of sleep every night. And even that 3-4 hours of sleep is convoluted with light sleeping and constant "wake-ups." I used to soundly sleep for 8-12+ hours at a time and never wake up in the night. I always slept like a rock wrapped in a steel box. Unable to be roused from my sleep.

Now I just don't sleep anymore. My conjecture for this problem is that my mind is so flooded with the recent events that I physically cannot get myself to rest. It is almost like I am afraid to sleep because my dreams give me false pretenses of a world that does not exist anymore. When I actually do wake up, I wake up happy but then I lose that feeling because I realize it was only a dream. I am actually finding myself having conversations with myself in my dreams. Saying: "you idiot, this isn't real. Stop being happy. It will never be like this again."

What the hell do I do? It is like I am thinking myself to death. I am truly my own worst enemy. Damn my overactive psyche...

Monday, October 24, 2011

Good times had by all

I always find comfort in my friends in the Knoxville Choral Society. I have unfortunately not been able to sing with them this fall and winter because of work. But I was finally able to make it to the weekly get together at Chili's after the rehearsal this time. Let's just say that I have missed the feeling of being around people. Laughs and conversations were to the extreme.

Since I have been in a rut for the past month I was kind of nervous for getting around people again. Everything that happened a month ago left my self-esteem and confidence completely shot. I felt like an abused puppy trying to return to its owner. Scared, wanting love, hoping for a better experience. With my tail nervously tucked away I walked into the restaurant and there was an uproar of the entire party yelling out "SWINGLE!!!" Man, I needed that. My mind, body, and soul needed that welcome.

I will be mended...

Sunday, October 23, 2011

In the Mood


I just have to say that listening to compositions by Rachmaninoff always puts in a better mood. No matter how I am feeling, I feel comforted and at peace whenever I hear those melodious sounds. If you can't tell my favorite composer is Rachmaninoff. I have been listening to his pieces and songs all night. His ability to write a melody surpasses any composer, in my opinion. I just wish that I could be half the composer as he was in my lifetime.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Happy


I saw all of my favorite people today. I couldn't have been happier. I huge turn around for me lately. I'm still smiling. Plans for continued connections were made. Still hoping a few more will come back into play. I'm seriously in a great mood!!


Friday, October 21, 2011

A New Beginning!

Yes, my last post was a pretty depressing one in my opinion. It was a sad, sob story that seemed to end in my ultimate destruction. Well I am happy to say that is no longer the case.

I got a new job (pretty quickly actually). I applied for it earlier this week and was offered the position earlier this evening. Now, it isn't the most glamorous job in the world but it pays pretty decently, and it will allow me to continue with my masters so I will not be complaining.

I have made my connections with friends again so I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A new, but familiar, life has started for me and I am starting to become peaceful again. I actually have a genuine smile on my face right now.

Though I just did something that was probably really stupid. I bought a Christmas gift for someone that I can't talk to anymore. But heck, I'm optimistic and maybe it won't be so bad. Besides I won't be talking to them, just gifting them. So technically I could say it is a loophole (probably not but it makes me feel better) ha!

Anyways, I'm tired of being depressed and worthless. Its just not my style. Hello new, but old, me!!


Adaptation...


I can honestly say that I have been through Hell and back (not quite back yet but I'm slowly progressing). Stick with me please, this will be an emotional ride for me...

I know what it means to lose everything in your life. To be left with nothing other than your earthly body. Yes, even my soul seemed to vacant. A little over a month ago my life was perfect. I had the best friends in the world, a great paying job, and opportunities opening up left and right for me. I finally had no worries, no quilt, no problems. The majority of my friends were the younger generation, but I never saw that because as much as they learned from me, I learned tenfold from them. They were my equals. I came particularly close to one individual. Everything seemed right...but apparently it wasn't. I won't go into the gory details but there were a few people that were not comfortable with our friendship.

Losing that friendship made me lose my other friendships and my life's passion. I had no other option but to walk away. I was literally physically sick because I lost everything I have ever loved. I went home not wanting to continue my life. I welcomed that "peace," but I did not welcome the pain it would cause to others.

I was hopelessly lost after it all happened. I was a different person; an empty shell. A few weeks after this event I then lost my great paying job because of reasons that involved my previous great friendship. I spent the few weeks after being "nothing." I stayed in bed. I didn't eat. I didn't even bathe. I was more than likely clinically depressed. I had absolutely nothing to live for; no friends, no job, nothing...

I sit here now, almost a month later, trying to piece my life back together. I'm slowly, and cautiously, regaining my old friendships. Ones that I feel matter the most. I am going to continue with my schooling and hopefully find a job that lets me have some comfort. I am going to force myself to get out of bed and start living again, even if it is by myself for the time being.

I will fight to win my life back...


Sunday, June 19, 2011

A whole new world unbeknownst to people...


Why heck yes, I did just use the word "unbeknownst." Kind of feel pretty regal and smart.

But to the matter at hand. I feel that people are unaware, or at least inexperienced to this world unseen. This world provides me with some of the best moments in time. But what is the world, you ask? It is the world that is shrouded by night time (dang, I feel like this blog is going to be a winner for big words).

Now I feel that night time has a huge negative connotation to its name. When you think of night time, you think of darkness, seclusion, and ambiguity. But for me it provides clarity. And I know that seems like an oxymora; clarifying darkness, but stick with me for a sec...
I am talking more about clarity of the mind. People have asked me, and I am thinking of one person in particular, why I seem to stay awake into the wee hours of the morning. My first response was that "I started it in high school, and my body has just adapted to it." Where that is true, I have actually come to a different, and deeper conclusion.

My greatest and most creative ideas and thoughts have come to me at night time, and I know the exact reason why. When you sit in your room at night, what do you hear? Do you hear the rustling of the animals outside? Or maybe do you hear the scurrying of the cars and trucks outside rushing to get to their next destination. You generally don't hear much (unless you live in New York City or something like that). You are in a still environment; a place where you can gather your thoughts and unwind from the busyness and energy of the daylight.

At this point in the day, my mind dives deep into itself and digs out some of the best ideas I can come up with. So I have figured out the main reason why I stay up late all the time. Because my mind is needing some quiet and reserved time to finally work for itself, instead of working for everything else.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Finally got one!

Great news!!!!!!!!

I finally got asked for an interview for a full time night job! Exactly what I was hoping for! It is at UT Medical Center as a Patient Access Clerk. It involves doing clerical grunt work but heck it is a job and I get to wear scrubs! Pretty good in my book!

So please send thoughts and prayers my way so that I can get this. Its perfect for what I need. I can still do band camp and teach private lessons while having this full time job. I could also still substitute and have this job too. GAH!!! I'm so freaking happy right now!


Thursday, June 16, 2011

What an Idiot!!!!!!


So, I don't know if you have seen or have heard about Sarah Palin's recent statements, but Sarah Palin is now enemy number one in my book. I'm not one to really get involved with politics. Generally I let it be how it is. The people were chosen to be there for a reason. But I have just learned that Sarah Palin believes that the National Endowment for the Arts is a "frivolous" activity and should be cut to help reduce the national debt.
Now being a person that is heavily involved with the Arts and continuation of it, this statement has seriously pissed me off. With every other country besides ours they heavily promote the funding and creation of the Arts, she is saying to get the funding for it. What kind of message do you think sends? It has already been proven that having the Arts is a crucial aspect in brain and cognitive development, and is a milestone in intelligence. She really is a freaking idiot to get rid of something that helps our children become smarter and more engaging. I can't believe something like this would even cross someone's mind. This event really makes moving to a foreign country a whole lot more appealing. Even if I don't know the native language. At least I will be appreciated for the Arts education that I provide there.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Ups and Downs

It has been quite some time since I have last put my thoughts down. Bare with me, it might be a long one.

My first semester of my Masters was great but life changing. I learned so many things about the content and about myself. There are a lot of things I have to change about myself in order to get done as quickly as possible. But the true reason for this post comes with the change into the summer. I have had some serious ups, and some serious downs.

At the start of the summer I was planning on continuing my education, but fell flat on my face when I was denied financial assistance for the summer. Little did I know that graduate students are not offered federal assistance during the summer, so that put my plans back an entire year. Couldn't change that fact, hopefully I will see the reason for that sometime. I was also planning on using that financial aid refund to sustain me through the summer financially, since I don't get paid from the county during the summer. And well, I guess you can surmise where I am at right now. With sending job applications out every single day, I still come up short. Teaching private lessons only goes so far. So just like last summer, things will be difficult again, unless one of these jobs miraculously give me a call back.

But I will share at least some successes with you guys. My private lesson students have all been progressing very well. I keep pushing them and they keep pushing back. That's what I really love to see. They are adapting and learning and becoming very good. One of my Drum Major students blew me away. His improvements and drive to be better was more than I could ask for. He turned out to be freaking amazing in several aspects. Ultimately he was chosen to be one of the drum majors. A spectacular day for him and me! Another success is this next piece I am writing. The background material is "The Song of Azrael." The music for it has been absolutely amazing. I was able to write almost 7 minutes worth of music in two days. I know that I am just an instrument of creation for this music. Divine intervention plays a huge role for this piece. Oh, I forgot to mention, it is for string orchestra and SATB choir.

But like I said, things have been rough. They are close to outweighing the good right now. I try to keep an optimistic outlook on life but it is really hard when I see so many of my friends succeed, and I can't help to wonder "why am I in this situation?" This has been one long and enduring test. I don't know how much longer mine or Reese's stomachs can hold out for this test. I pray every day for help and peace of mind. I pray for a job, for security, for freedom. My faith is still alive, but I guess you have to suffer before you can get to paradise. I'm still hoping something will come through for me. After bills, there isn't anything left; it sucks. I know that I am not the only person in this situation; there are several others just like me, having the same plea. I know I took a lot of things for granted my college years. I realize I should have been different. But I am thankful for how it was, because it has turned me into what I am today.

And I guess I can share one more success. Its about connections. I have kindled up new friendships and rekindled up old ones. Found a new best friend who I know will be there till the end of days. In my book, nothing is more successful than having people by your side.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

On the road to...

I have just started my Masters program. Let's just say that I am LOVING it! Actually being around people that think on a intellectual level is like breathing in fresh air. Since I know that I can graduate college (which I graduated with a 3.3 GPA for undergrad) without too much effort, I am going to really apply myself and graduate Summa cum Laude with my Masters. I will walk across the stage with a 4.0 GPA and a fancy cloth thing that goes around your neck and dangles down your back. When that happens I expect a key to some city! (explanation below lol)