Forever stamps

One of the most frustrating things about sending mail is that you never know how many stamps to put on an envelope. The cost of postage increases every couple of years and one constantly needs to buy 1, 2, and 3 cent stamps to make up for the difference. An ingenious solution to this issue is forever stamps--stamps that can be use on a 1oz regular sized envelope regardless of postage increases. Thank you USPS.

Past remembered

I just found these writing samples from emotional periods many years past--one's most powerful writing definitely emanates from the heart. In a content state of being, but seeking reasons to create again.

Unnamed Sonnet

Four heartfelt jewels roll down my sunburned cheeks,

With gentleness he wipes away these tears,

A glaze so silent yet so warm, he seeks,

For any signs from whom he holds most dear.

A pensive face returns his profound glance,

The thoughts that plague within remain unknown,

That mutual silence, craving thus enhanced,

Of parted future, distance, they bemoan.

No picnics, movies they together go,

No laughs, no secrets they together share,

Of conversations, sweet memories both no,

A separation many leagues to bear.

Still left with questions, thoughts unvoiced from both,

The dismal future, clouded period loathe.

Betrayal “Peering into her eyes, I witness the raw lashes—results of the whipping my actions have brought her. Her feelings of betrayal, of lost hope, and of pure suffering leave me feeling so stupid and so cruel. We were in the mist of a crisis, and I, I loaded even more suffering upon their already sagging shoulders. I am inane, I am inept, I am worthless. I wasn’t thinking. How could I have foreseen any of this happening? Did I even bother to look, to think, to consider consequences? I hear her now—her sobs permeate the house. Like whispers, their ubiquitous presence leaves me questioning. Why? Why? Why? They demand to know. Ironic how tears catch on like laughter. Grief is contagious. I too fight back convulgens, I too try to swallow my pain. I tore her heart, I tore her soul and I tore the sacred relationship of mankind. I took all that we had, I trampled and shattered it to pieces. Now, I deliriously try to tear out my own heart to mitigate the suffering of hers. I want to present it to her, humbly with all my useless apologies. Yet she will never hear my silent pleas —but no matter, I am sorry. Please. We were connected—and we still are. Please, I beg of you. Forgive me.”

Oceanic Wonderment A hazy streetlight illuminated the beach with a soft misty glow. A cool, yet gently breeze whispered through the trees and across the sand, softly blowing waves into my hair and playfully tugging at the helm of my dress. My bare toes grasped the still warm sand as the gleaming white crystals parted at my touch and caressed the sole of my worn feet. The cool air chilled my body but could not douse the fire burning within my heart. The snow-white foam ebbed with the inundating tide; the crashing water lapped against the shore and the ocean fell into a steady rhythm. Back and forth, back and forth it rocked, matching perfectly with our synchronized steps. The ocean sang for us- she vocalized the silent song that hummed within our souls. So vast, so power yet so comforting, she wrapped her arms around us. Her misty embrace sheltered us from the peeping eyes of a thousand starts and she presented us with the gift of detachment from the world. Together, we accepted her offer and drifted contently into her welcoming arms.

Major life hurdles

As we enter each different phase of life, we tackle issues critical to each stage. Here are what I believe to be the major topics of each phase in life (in pseudo order of importance).

Middle school/high school
Social
○Finding a group of friends to hang out with
○Wearing the right clothes, watching the right shows, saying the right things and working hard to be part of the in crowd
○ Persuading parents to let you go to the movies, the dinner, the school dance
○ Asking and getting asked to the formal dances
Emotional
○ First experiences of love and lust
○ First rejections and losses
○ Learning to understand the opposite sex
Physical
○ Dealing with body image and physical changes from puberty
○ Coping with social pressures on the range of bulimia, anorexia, body building, etc.
Intellectual
○ College application and decision processes
§ Doing well in school
§ Succeeding in extracurricular activities (sports, community service, leadership, music, arts, etc.)
§ Mastering standardized tests (SATs, APs, etc.)
○ Future life questions
§ Deciding concentration/college major questions
§ Addressing issues of what you want do with your life

College
Intellectual
○ Concentration issues become more paramount if one is still undecided
○ Considering careers and graduate school options
§ Recruiting process for jobs
§ Applications for graduate school
○ Having productive summer vacations
§ Internships, study abroad, research programs, volunteer causes
Physical
○ Learning about your body and understanding it's needs
○ A continuation of body image questions
Emotional
○ Engaged in more serious relationships
○ Or less serious exploration and one night stands
Social
○ Finding a group to explore bars and clubs
○ Finding a group of life long friends

Post-College/First Job
Emotional
○ Pressure to start finding your long term partner in life begins--this becomes the topic of conversation for friends and a concern of parents/family
Intellectual
○ Keeping that first job (esp. during recession) and doing well
○ Living independently by securing apartments, paying bills, filing taxes, creating savings, etc.
○ Deciding on graduate school and applications if applicable
Social
○ Friends mostly set, not too much angst anymore
Physical
○ Learned to appreciate body, though not necessarily happy with it


Aside: I'm so sick of hearing about the depreciating asset theory.

Bro.

I got it out of my brother--he does have a crush on a girl at school!!! Didn't press him on it, but it was exciting to know. 7th grade, it's the time. I still recall my middle school years pretty clearly. My first major crush started then as well. I personally think that my brother a is quality young man. He does super well in school, which of course automatically classifies him as a "nerd," but hey, I was there too -- and probably still am, and proud of it. Continuing, my brother (credit to my mom) dresses well. None of that high water crap. He has well fitted shirts and pants (not too sagging to qualify for detention, but "cool"). Though, he does wear glasses..., which isn't the coolest thing for middle schoolers. Nevertheless, my brother is also in fantastic shape and plays a mean game of tennis. He's one of the top runners of his entire class--pretty impressive. Playing at least 2+ hours of tennis a day, he's pretty damn fit. If he keeps these sports up, he's bound to have a 6 pack. Seriously, I want to be like him, well, maybe not the 6 pack. If only I were that fit... Now, next step is to teach him how to dance and ask that girl out successfully, while working around the 'rents of course.


Conversing with X is like my daily shot of coffee, except I don't drink coffee. But it makes me giddy and gives me a shot of adrenaline! If X only knew. X very well may. X is one of the few people I am completely comfortable around. I've shared more with X than I have with most other people.

Living like "Friends"

My roommate and I have have decided to take advantage of our fire escape to live the Friends epitomized New York life.

Our plan: She will be the vocalist and I will be the guitar accompanist. We share the same tastes in music so it should work out. She already has a wonderful voice, therefore the onus of success falls on me to rapidly "up" my rocking guitar skills. At this moment, I don't even have a guitar, nevertheless know how to strum a chord.

But I am optimistic. The first snowfall was yesterday, so I will have until it gets warm to improve. My new after work life beginning December will be to drink wine while playing chords.

We're completely psyched for this. This definitely ranks as one of my coolest ideas to date.

Run A, Run

So I am officially a masochist as I am going to train for the New Jersey Marathon next May.
Perhaps I'll get closer to a Boston qualifying time???

Bracing myself for the NY winter...
http://www.marathonguide.com/races/racedetails.cfm?MIDD=501090503

NYC Dining and Drinking

Living in New York City, I’ve visit countless restaurants, bars and clubs, yet I constantly find myself at a loss when people ask for recommendations. Therefore, today, I decided to organize my life and compile a list of all the cafes, restaurant, bars, and nightclubs that I have visited since coming to the City 2 months ago. Based on the list, I’ve frequented 50+ locales in the 60 or so days that I’ve been here—for an average of a place a day. That’s pretty incredible, or should I say ridiculous? NYC definitely promotes excess. Apparently this is how I’ve been able to get by without really cooking a real meal for the past two summers and for the last two months.

I plan to continue adding to this food list as I go along. I have visited many great places and have forgotten about them soon afterward—documenting will help keep them fresh in my mind. Come next time when someone needs a recommendation for a Burmese, a Jamaican, or an Italian eatery, all I have to do is to reference my list to make a personal recommendation.

I like to believe that that I’m helping to keep the economy afloat by living the all-American consumer lifestyle. This is part of living in NYC. Our apartments are too small to entertain guests, consequentially, our social life centers around restaurants and bars. Yet I would like to believe that I’m not as excessive in my shopping or eating out habits as everyone else. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you how I’m a huge advocator of meeting up to do something off the beaten track—I’m a huge advocate of making the most of the city’s events, from architecture open houses to film screenings to volunteer efforts. Maybe I should push even harder to meet for even more nontraditional reunions?

A few selected recommendations:
3rd Floor Café— Bar in K-town (entrance is disguised by a brightly lit elevator lobby)
Nyonya – Malaysian Restaurant in Little Italy (delicious Malay food)
Stout – Restaurant/Bar near Penn Station (a huge selection of beers and great all American food)
Annisa – Asian Fusion Restaurant in West Village (elegant and new American food. Female chef and all wines are from female run vineyards)
Il Corallo Trattoria – Italian Restaurant in Soho (great pastas)
Norma's – Breakfast Restaurant in Midtown West (sumptious brunch restaurant)
Billy's Cupcakes – Bakery Chelsea (cute unpretentious bakery)