Catching Up

June and July have flown by. As is to be expected. We live for our summers like we do the weekends. Even someone like myself who despises heat and strongly prefers autumn chills to summer rays can still appreciate the excitement dating back to childhood which comes with anticipation of the summer months. And like all things that excite us, the summers seem to fly...

June left something to be desired. Not that I had time for things like desiring...or breathing. My five job extravaganza continued through most of the month, though not very much outside of proctoring for the Princeton Review ever happened. The Census ended earlier than expected as well, as I was not making the alleged hourly minimum each week. As you could imagine, this came as quite the surprise to me since no minimum had ever been articulated to myself--or anyone else to my knowledge. Though technically given the option to resign and therefore keeping my record clean, I was essentially fired for a complete miscommunication on the part of my superior. This was a first for me. I doubt it to be the last. Incompetence runs rampant in so-called "professional" environments.

So, at some point in the month I was down to three jobs: Crazy Mocha, Camel, and Photobooth. I managed to bank a decent amount, allowing me to pay my bills and make my car repair. At some point in all the madness I turned 25 as well. A week long vacation to Mexico with my mom was long overdue and much appreciated. Even so, it came and went and afterwards felt like a mere hiccup in the hectic. June was a countdown to something better.

The last few days before my hiatus were maddening. Even though I regularly work without days off there was something about my final week at home that nearly sent me over the edge. Likely the very knowledge of my fast approaching holiday was adding to the pressure. Whatever it was, I was on autopilot. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I worked the photobooth job. So, I worked 36 hours in 3 days. Add to that a Monday departure and my mind was running circles around itself. Somehow I managed to get packed, become a quarter of a century old (my birthday was that Saturday. As I turned 25 years of age I worked the photobooth for a Bar Mitzvah at a country club that could not have sent the family back any less than 40K. A reminder of my place in the words, I suppose.), and actually make it to the airport for my evening flight. My ass hit the seat and I was in heaven. Six hours to Parisian bliss.

My time is sparse, more to come...

It's Been a While

The summer's going fast. Thought I would update before it's all over.

The NHL awards were incredible. Had one of the best times of my life. Meeting Ovechkin, Datsyuk, Mike Green, Bylsma, and getting to see Ray Shero again was like a total dream come true. Spending time with my friend Dawn (who I met in Stockholm) and her friends was pretty awesome too. =)

My 24th came and went. Dara was lovely enough to take me out to dinner and my parents had some really nice treats in store. Nothing too crazy.

Started my new job a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. Good times with great people and getting paid on top of it. Really can't be beat.

I bought the most beautiful road bike in the entire world and am obsessed with it. I hope to get in at least on triathlon before the season's over, but we'll see with my health the way it is...

That said, I have my second appointment with the specialist in Chi-town this Tuesday. I hope he sees something in my test results that points to what my problem is. I've been feeling much better (like night and day compared to the spring semester), but still not 100% by any means. I want to be all better. That's the goal and I have complete faith it will happen.

Mom's divorce is close to being finalized. They have agreed on a settlement and she's moving everything out of the house August 22nd. I am reminded of how blessed I am with wonderful friends as, since my mom cannot afford movers, about 12 of my friends (maybe more) from college, high school, Joyful Noise, EatnPark--everywhere--are coming to help out. It's really wonderful of them.

Just got back from a visit with Justin in NYC. Had a blast doing our usual: partying, drinking wine and playing cards, going to Olive Garden, being pampered, and taking our b&w photo shoot. Classic. Barbara and Buddy were spending the summer up there so I got to see them as well. I can't wait to be at the beach with all of them! A week of friends, drinking, and relaxation in paradise!

One of the main reasons I decided to update, however, was not on the joyous side of life. Yesterday, Caleb's friend Robby was found in his bed, unconscious and not breathing. No one even knows how he died yet. He was my age, in good health. It's just tragic. I hadn't talked to him for a while, mainly because I was upset with him over something rather petty. Now I am just devastated. Not that he and I were at all close. Acquaintances at best. But, you know, be careful how you treat people and how your pride allows you to act. You just never know. And people are worth so much more than foolishness. I was fortunate enough, however, to have him offer to help with my mom's move the day before he died. That was really moving to me. I don't know if he saw the response I posted thanking him for the offer and kindness, but it gives me some comfort at least. Some.

Lust for Life

In Myrtle Beach now. Lucky for you our ocean front condo has wireless internet. Let the updates flow!

I must say, only the first day and I've already been body boarding, played euchre, eaten at Sonic (exciting for those Yankees who don't have Sonics about), and laughed till my sides hurt.

Here's to life.

Itchin' for more?

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