It turns out that I may not be going to NY any more. It also turns out that I have way more emotional problems than was once thought. Why? Given the opportunity, I've reverted immediately back to 'What the fuck am I doing with my life?'-mode.
For those of you that have been reading since the beginning, you have some idea of the chaos that was my life at the beginning of this year. (Quitting school, peeing in bottles while driving, pooping myself, constant angst [go back to January and enjoy those posts]). On Wednesday, Annie got a call that was supposed to solidify our plans in moving back east. The call didn't go so well, and now it doesn't make sense for Annie to leave her current job. So, she's likely staying in the Bay Area.
I am trying to settle on the fact that I no longer want to not be with Annie and Angel, so I'm planning on giving up the job I was offered in Schenectady. It is not going to be easy, since it may complicate (or outright impede) any future attempts of getting a security clearance. Also, I signed something, though I can't find it, so I can't wait to hear what the stipulations are for backing out. Career search starts over, and now I return to the constant feeling of impending doom (at least I have a small income right now).
Why is being a real person so difficult and depressing? (Real person means not-a-student, though grad school in L.A. was certainly difficult and depressing.) I should just go back to UCLA and stick it out.
I can't go back to UCLA...
O.M.G.
~RoB
Showing posts with label UCLA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UCLA. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
My Two Regrets
I've gone through life thoroughly considering decisions and accepting whatever choices I've made. Consciously deciding that you are going to stick to your decisions, no matter how they turn out, is one of my suggestions for staying sane. Too many 'what if..'s add complications to your life that are unnecessary. That being said, there are two big regrets I have so far, and I think one will surprise you.
1. Not attending U-Wisconsin for graduate school.
I interviewed at U-W, and I had an absolutely amazing time. The research was interesting, and the grad students were both active and social. It was spring break when I visited, and I got quite drunk with a big group of them. The guy whom I immediately wanted to be my best friend was a big Chicago Bears fan, and he went to a few games a year at Soldier Field. They showed me the desk they had waiting for me, and they were confident that I would succeed there. I've seen several of them at national conferences, so I'm more than aware of their department's productivity. Instead of going to another school in the BigTen, and having to root for a team that I rooted so boisterously against, I accepted a research position at UCLA.
UCLA was a chance to do something drastically different from Michigan, and it was in the same time zone as the amazing job offer Annie had accepted. Originally, the plan was to go to UC-Berkeley, but a strong argument with one of the interviewing professors both turned me off to the department and turned them off from me. I burned that bridge, making it impossible for Annie and I to live together with her new career, so I figured UCLA would be the next-best option. Plus, who doesn't want to live in L.A. for a few years just to say you did?
I made amazing friends down in L.A., and strengthened some old friendships, but I just never really felt comfortable with the students or lifestyle or traffic or cost of living. I didn't really fit in at UCLA, and my lab ended up being a big hoax. It was the worst grad student experience I can imagine. I remember regularly waking up and thinking, "Had I just gone to Wisconsin, my life would be dramatically better." Maybe it was this regret that held me back from fulling involving myself in my research or in the student life at UCLA, but I really think that it was just an honest realization.
2. Quitting high school football.
I love football. I'm intelligent. I have huge shoulders and a fair amount of weight to throw around. I think it is fair to say that I was a good offensive guard leading into high school, and I had all the qualities to be great in high school. I was in the starting line throughout 8th grade, and later in my high school career, the freshman football coach (who doubled [though clearly not his strong suit] as a U.S. History teacher) told me that I was in line to be moved up to J.V. by the end of summer practice. That would have made me one of about 5 kids (2 of which got moved to Varsity for our State Championship run that ended with a 1-yd fumble in the semi-finals).
However, I let two things get to me, and I quit before school started. First of all, my shoulders were much wider than they were thick. So, pads fit me awkwardly, and if I was in any position other than standing, they would rotate back and start choking me. I had to wear a 'toilet seat' to keep them in place. This was continuously frustrating. Secondly, one guy was a complete ass to me. I dyed my hair throughout middle school. It was all types of colors and patterns, from Ronald McDonald's red hair to a calico cat. (Hey, I was a Chicago Bulls fan in the Dennis Rodman era, and I guess it left an impression!) Anyway, I had dyed my hair red again before football practices began. While sweating through the first week of practices, the hair dye ended up running into my helmet and down my shirt. I looked a hot mess. I pretty much put a ginger curse on myself.
One guy went out of his way to make fun of it. He was a year older, and redneck neanderthals tend to do things like that. I can't remember names or anything, the only thing that I haven't repressed was one break where he was punting balls in my direction. Retrospectively, I should have just fought him. Win or lose, it would have put me higher on the pecking order for all things, including play time on the team. Instead, I let him get to me, and I walked off one day. At that point, I was too embarrassed to ever return. I truly believe that football would have changed my lifestyle if I had kept up with it. Instead of being scared of weight rooms and being completely uninformed about nutrition (both things that I still continue to struggle with), I would have continued working out as I had done coming into high school.
Every other decision I've made, good or bad, doesn't haunt me nearly as much as those two do. That's the thing with regrets, I guess. I suppose I should be happy in that these are the only mistakes that haunt me.
Happy with 99.9% of where life has taken me,
~RoB
1. Not attending U-Wisconsin for graduate school.
I interviewed at U-W, and I had an absolutely amazing time. The research was interesting, and the grad students were both active and social. It was spring break when I visited, and I got quite drunk with a big group of them. The guy whom I immediately wanted to be my best friend was a big Chicago Bears fan, and he went to a few games a year at Soldier Field. They showed me the desk they had waiting for me, and they were confident that I would succeed there. I've seen several of them at national conferences, so I'm more than aware of their department's productivity. Instead of going to another school in the BigTen, and having to root for a team that I rooted so boisterously against, I accepted a research position at UCLA.
UCLA was a chance to do something drastically different from Michigan, and it was in the same time zone as the amazing job offer Annie had accepted. Originally, the plan was to go to UC-Berkeley, but a strong argument with one of the interviewing professors both turned me off to the department and turned them off from me. I burned that bridge, making it impossible for Annie and I to live together with her new career, so I figured UCLA would be the next-best option. Plus, who doesn't want to live in L.A. for a few years just to say you did?
I made amazing friends down in L.A., and strengthened some old friendships, but I just never really felt comfortable with the students or lifestyle or traffic or cost of living. I didn't really fit in at UCLA, and my lab ended up being a big hoax. It was the worst grad student experience I can imagine. I remember regularly waking up and thinking, "Had I just gone to Wisconsin, my life would be dramatically better." Maybe it was this regret that held me back from fulling involving myself in my research or in the student life at UCLA, but I really think that it was just an honest realization.
2. Quitting high school football.
I love football. I'm intelligent. I have huge shoulders and a fair amount of weight to throw around. I think it is fair to say that I was a good offensive guard leading into high school, and I had all the qualities to be great in high school. I was in the starting line throughout 8th grade, and later in my high school career, the freshman football coach (who doubled [though clearly not his strong suit] as a U.S. History teacher) told me that I was in line to be moved up to J.V. by the end of summer practice. That would have made me one of about 5 kids (2 of which got moved to Varsity for our State Championship run that ended with a 1-yd fumble in the semi-finals).
However, I let two things get to me, and I quit before school started. First of all, my shoulders were much wider than they were thick. So, pads fit me awkwardly, and if I was in any position other than standing, they would rotate back and start choking me. I had to wear a 'toilet seat' to keep them in place. This was continuously frustrating. Secondly, one guy was a complete ass to me. I dyed my hair throughout middle school. It was all types of colors and patterns, from Ronald McDonald's red hair to a calico cat. (Hey, I was a Chicago Bulls fan in the Dennis Rodman era, and I guess it left an impression!) Anyway, I had dyed my hair red again before football practices began. While sweating through the first week of practices, the hair dye ended up running into my helmet and down my shirt. I looked a hot mess. I pretty much put a ginger curse on myself.
One guy went out of his way to make fun of it. He was a year older, and redneck neanderthals tend to do things like that. I can't remember names or anything, the only thing that I haven't repressed was one break where he was punting balls in my direction. Retrospectively, I should have just fought him. Win or lose, it would have put me higher on the pecking order for all things, including play time on the team. Instead, I let him get to me, and I walked off one day. At that point, I was too embarrassed to ever return. I truly believe that football would have changed my lifestyle if I had kept up with it. Instead of being scared of weight rooms and being completely uninformed about nutrition (both things that I still continue to struggle with), I would have continued working out as I had done coming into high school.
 |
| Yep, this was our uniform. |
Every other decision I've made, good or bad, doesn't haunt me nearly as much as those two do. That's the thing with regrets, I guess. I suppose I should be happy in that these are the only mistakes that haunt me.
Happy with 99.9% of where life has taken me,
~RoB
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"A Day in L.A." - Craziest Day of My Life
I posted this on facebook June 25th, 2009, but it fits as a great blog post. Enjoy the craziest day of my life:
~RoB
I woke up knowing that my only real commitment was a Red Cross presentation in Beverly Hills. I did the regular morning routine. I had to drive to the Red Cross to pick up a projector and a laptop, then I paid to park for the day at UCLA.Hope you enjoyed that little novella,
Farah Fawcett died. Not really a big deal, but it gave me something to Tweet about. Life stayed pretty uneventful until about 1pm, when I headed to Beverly Hills. Just before leaving I made sure to check the Sprinkles Facebook page to see if they had a 'word of the day'. They did (some French word, calubear?, for the chocolate they use).
I was giving a Disaster Preparedness Presentation for low-income seniors in Beverly Hills. I had to call the service coordinator to let me in to the building (their building is over a Whole Foods). I was starving and hoping I could set up quickly and grab a snack before starting. Out comes this HOT girl (apparently the coordinator is a 25?-year-old, Beverly Hills hottie). They provided ice cream sundaes to the people who showed up, so at least I got to eat something. The laptop was password protected, so it took me 4 phone calls and discussions with a few people to actually get my presentation running (I was sweating-- a little worried that it wasn't going to work). The presentation was actually for twenty or so old ladies, which some of you know is a perfect audience for me. It couldn't have gone more perfect (except for the argument that broke out between two old ladies: "Don't you tell me. I survived World War II!" As I was wrapping up, the coordinator told me that Michael Jackson had died and was rushed to UCLA.
I had to return to UCLA, but I thought I would swing by Sprinkles and see if there was a line. Nope. I parked, walked in, got a 4-pack, and asked if I was in time to say "Cal-ah-bow". The girl laughed. I raped the pronunciation, but apparently was early enough in the day to get a free cupcake. A FREE Sprinkles Cupcake! As I was getting back in my car, I got a text asking if UCLA was a mess. I hadn't thought of that. I was on my way there, but this was the first time that I was worried it was going to be a zoo.
UCLA was a zoo. There were a half dozen helicopters over the campus. News vans lined Westwood. Traffic was moving slow enough on Westwood Blvd that we probably could have stepped out of our cars. People (mostly students) packed around the hospital. I managed to get my exact same parking spot (so the pass I bought earlier was still good). I got to tell my Chinese office-mate about MJ's death, and he asked me to come with him down to see the craziness. We did. I soon realized that it was going to be impossible to get anything done. So, I got an idea.
It was 5pm. Rush tickets for Dirty Dancing at the Pantages start selling at 6pm. I have my car on campus... there's a chance. So I got in my car and headed over there. Between getting back off campus (I took back streets through the fancy neighborhood east of campus), and getting through traffic, I got to SMB & Vine around 6:30. I had to pee so bad that I thought I was going to have to pee in a water bottle before getting out of my car. Just after Sunset & Vine, I saw an empty street spot as I was cruising by. I hit my brakes (got honked at) and backed into it. Shit, no change. I used 2 quarters to park at Sprinkles. I found 1 in my book bag. It got me 8 minutes. Can't help it, gotta make it happen. I had to pee, and I had to run to Pantages (only a block or so away). As I rushed out of the car, I saw news vans across the street and 2 cop cars parked around me. Oh well, no time to see who it is.
I ran to the Pantages. They had tickets, so I got a ticket in the Center Orchestra for $25. Awesome! As I walked away from the ticket line, I grabbed for my keys in my pocket. Nope. I must have pulled them out with my wallet at the counter. Turn around. Nope. Shit, did I drop them? Retrace my steps back to my car. Did I mention I have to pee pretty bad by now? Nope. Keys are in my ignition. Everything is locked. I guess I can go see if the cops can help. Guess what? MJ's star in Hollywood is at 1555 Vine. That's what all the commotion was about (incense and dramatic people stopping foot traffic and singing MJ songs). I asked one of the entertained cops if they could help. They offered to call AAA. No thanks, I can do that.
So, I call AAA. They respond "No problem. It's been a crazy day everywhere, especially over at UCLA." News reporters and crazy MJ fans having a party across the street (literally) from me, locked out of my car, doing the potty-dance. AAA shows up in a Yaris, jimmies my lock open in 30 seconds, and takes off. I figured things were finally going to calm down.
I drove to the Pantages parking lot, paid $10 for the rest of the night. I knew my best chance to pee and eat for cheap was at the McDonalds south of Sunset on Vine. So, I took a road parallel to Vine (to avoid the MJ party). I was a block south of the parking lot. Around the corner I saw a crazy accident. A taxi had hit an SUV so hard that it had rolled over on its side. It was the craziest accident I had ever seen, yet there was nobody around. Where are the ambulances and tow trucks? My eyes were huge and were clearly giving away how impressed I was with the caliber of the collision. I saw a guy in a security outfit looking at me. I figured he was there to protect my car in the lot next door. Then I realized it was a New York City Taxi. Holy shit. This is a movie set. Sweet! I kept walking knowing that I just happened upon my first Hollywood set blocking off a road.
On my way to McDonalds, there was a 3rd Eye Blind concert on the next block. It's funny when that's the least interesting thing to happen in a day. A guy out front was looking for tickets... in a Michigan Jersey. I threw out a "Go Blue" and continued to McDonalds. Upon returning from Mickey D's, I asked one of the bored-looking security guards what the set was for. Apparently, it was for the Heroes Season 3 Premiere. As we were talking, a Universal Studios Truck pulled out of the street and drove away.
Dirty Dancing was quite disappointing by Broadway Musical standards. I would have left before the curtain call if I had an aisle seat (hell, I went outside to walk around during intermission and almost left then). More than anything, the dancing (since it was mostly ballroom and they had a big name choreographer) should have been more precise. I found myself annoyed with just about all the characters (except Penny, who was hot and a great dancer). I don't think they had one amazing singer. Driving home lacked any events, and I finally passed out.
Beverly Hills hottie. Old lady presentation. Free Sprinkles Cupcake. UCLA a zoo for MJ. Managed to get Rush tickets without peeing myself or getting a parking ticket. Hollywood a zoo for MJ at his star, while I locked myself out of my car across the street. Stumble across a set for Heroes. Dirty Dancing was lackluster. That's a day in L.A.
~RoB
Thursday, January 13, 2011
It's Official
I'm officially not a registered student at UCLA, though I think they want $2000 from me for withdrawing. Don't see that happening anytime soon. I departed UCLA yesterday with my shiny new diploma (master of science) in hand. Keys are turned in and office is clear.
Granny also came home from the hospital last night. I haven't been able to reach her for the past few days (things must still be a whirlwind there), but I'm trying again in 20 minutes. Nobody has told me anything as far as prognosis (that the right word?), so I have no clue how she's actually doing. It's ok, I haven't really told them anything of my situation for most of the same reasons, so we'll just keep movin' on. By the way, thank you, seriously, to all who ignored my request and offered your sympathies for her anyway. It meant just a little bit more that you cared so much that you didn't care rather or not I wanted to hear it.
I drove another carload of stuff up yesterday. On the way I had 4 big realizations:
- I can list all the big landmarks of I-5 from L.A. to Livermore, and they're pathetic.
- I think I'm technically a transient now.
- The guy that I could see in my rear view mirror looked really awkward while he was picking his nose. I should probably stop picking my nose when I drive.
- A long time ago, I spoke with a friend about how he wanted to get each level of college degree at different universities; bachelor's, master's, and doctorate at 3 different schools. If I return to college somewhere and get a PhD in the future, I will have done that, without really trying. I'll probably also pick up an extra 2 master's degrees along the way. Crazy.
I have no clue where all of my stuff is going to go. Annie's apartment is nice, and cute, but in no way can her room handle 2 people's stuff. I'm swinging by IKEA today to see what magic they can do. Today, I also have to call and start canceling everything and changing my address. It's also time to start emailing people and notify them that I've officially left Los Angeles. I hate emails like that. I'm so awkward.
Tuesday, my apt was so busy. 2 insurance adjustors showed up to take pictures and talk with me. A lady showed up to turn off our gas. Apparently, it never got switched over to my name. I gave her $40 and she just left. She was the most unprofessional person I've dealt with in a long time: "I don't give a shit," she says. The last knock on the door was the most surprising.
I opened the door and my 2 closest L.A. friends were standing there. They had taken off work to come and make sure I was ok. They had heard a little from my blog, but they wanted me to tell them to their faces. It was heartwarming knowing that there were a few people in L.A. that cared that much for me. They offered their houses, $, help, and had the courtesy to not yell at me, even though they might not agree with me giving up on my dream of being Dr. Rob, for now. They took me out to go see The Fighter, which was amazing. We also went to Ugo's Wine Bar in Culver City, which was also really fun.
They also made me swore that I wouldn't blog about it. Come on. I blogged about DIWMGf. It's not like anybody reads this anyway. I just wanted to show how nice my closest friends are, maybe to help defend why I only have a few close friends.
Don't get pissed,
~RoB
Granny also came home from the hospital last night. I haven't been able to reach her for the past few days (things must still be a whirlwind there), but I'm trying again in 20 minutes. Nobody has told me anything as far as prognosis (that the right word?), so I have no clue how she's actually doing. It's ok, I haven't really told them anything of my situation for most of the same reasons, so we'll just keep movin' on. By the way, thank you, seriously, to all who ignored my request and offered your sympathies for her anyway. It meant just a little bit more that you cared so much that you didn't care rather or not I wanted to hear it.
I drove another carload of stuff up yesterday. On the way I had 4 big realizations:
- I can list all the big landmarks of I-5 from L.A. to Livermore, and they're pathetic.
- I think I'm technically a transient now.
- The guy that I could see in my rear view mirror looked really awkward while he was picking his nose. I should probably stop picking my nose when I drive.
- A long time ago, I spoke with a friend about how he wanted to get each level of college degree at different universities; bachelor's, master's, and doctorate at 3 different schools. If I return to college somewhere and get a PhD in the future, I will have done that, without really trying. I'll probably also pick up an extra 2 master's degrees along the way. Crazy.
I have no clue where all of my stuff is going to go. Annie's apartment is nice, and cute, but in no way can her room handle 2 people's stuff. I'm swinging by IKEA today to see what magic they can do. Today, I also have to call and start canceling everything and changing my address. It's also time to start emailing people and notify them that I've officially left Los Angeles. I hate emails like that. I'm so awkward.
Tuesday, my apt was so busy. 2 insurance adjustors showed up to take pictures and talk with me. A lady showed up to turn off our gas. Apparently, it never got switched over to my name. I gave her $40 and she just left. She was the most unprofessional person I've dealt with in a long time: "I don't give a shit," she says. The last knock on the door was the most surprising.
I opened the door and my 2 closest L.A. friends were standing there. They had taken off work to come and make sure I was ok. They had heard a little from my blog, but they wanted me to tell them to their faces. It was heartwarming knowing that there were a few people in L.A. that cared that much for me. They offered their houses, $, help, and had the courtesy to not yell at me, even though they might not agree with me giving up on my dream of being Dr. Rob, for now. They took me out to go see The Fighter, which was amazing. We also went to Ugo's Wine Bar in Culver City, which was also really fun.
They also made me swore that I wouldn't blog about it. Come on. I blogged about DIWMGf. It's not like anybody reads this anyway. I just wanted to show how nice my closest friends are, maybe to help defend why I only have a few close friends.
Don't get pissed,
~RoB
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
What Doesn't Kill You...
... will probably come back and get you next time. Granny, who was rushed to the hospital on Christmas Day was diagnosed with lung cancer this morning. One of her lungs collapsed during the biopsy. Sounds like things are a big mess. Please don't send your sympathies to me. I appreciate it, but keep it to yourself. I'm not a very emotional being, and it makes things awkward. I'll just assume that you all send well wishes.
I'm far from macho, but I rarely show any emotion other than happiness. I cried when I was 16 while being a pall bearer for a close friend. I don't think I've cried since then, and it'll take something at least as bad as that to get a big stir out of me. I don't ask for help. Annie hates that I hide all emotion with humor. It's the most guy thing I do. Maybe one day I'll be mature enough to sob like Urban Meyer or John Boehner, since they are such respectable people...
I filled out the paperwork to take a Leave of Absence from UCLA today. That was a hassle (still not done). I have absolutely no intention of ever returning to L.A., but Annie demanded I have a backup plan. I have no clue how much $$ I'm going to have to pay UCLA, but it doesn't sound like they'll let me off easy. Let's make sure that those grad students don't leave without overwhelming debt, after all! I also spent 59 infuriating minutes on hold trying to change my jury duty.
I packed up my office at school. It's sad that roughly 1/6 of my possessions are text-/notebooks for college classes. Today was the first big wave of "what the fuck am I doing?" My whole life has been pretty easy. Big decisions have usually been between two things I'm good at, and most big moves were lined up so that I could dance through life without much stress. Considering where I've come from, I've been more than successful. However, in just a week or two, my credit cards will be maxed out, my checking/savings accounts will be zero, and I will not have a job. That's really scary. It also makes me fear that my ever-interesting life is going to become mundane and boring like everyone else's. I know having an interesting life (like I feel I have had for years) is mostly what you make of it, but I have had a lot of experiences to work-with/choose-from throughout the past decade.
I decided to watch True Grit in Westwood Village to kill time until my office would be empty. I really enjoy good Westerns! I invited some friends. When I showed up, the theater was a TV show set. Oh L.A., you never fail me when I'm worried about being boring. I was disappointed that I couldn't see the movie, until I asked the theater across the street (where The Tourist is playing) what was being filmed, and they slipped in that they took True Grit for the day. I went to the 5:10 show and was the only one in there, cuz everyone was too busy gawking outside to find the movie. Tourists.
Working with AAA insurance to replace some of my damaged stuff, and I'm loading my car up again for another trip to the Bay. My next departure depends entirely on other people doing their jobs quickly. I sliced my finger on the sharp edge on the box for cutting reynolds wrap. Apparently, I shouldn't scoff at all the ridiculously stupid labels that dumb people require on everything.
No job offers yet,
~RoB
I'm far from macho, but I rarely show any emotion other than happiness. I cried when I was 16 while being a pall bearer for a close friend. I don't think I've cried since then, and it'll take something at least as bad as that to get a big stir out of me. I don't ask for help. Annie hates that I hide all emotion with humor. It's the most guy thing I do. Maybe one day I'll be mature enough to sob like Urban Meyer or John Boehner, since they are such respectable people...
I filled out the paperwork to take a Leave of Absence from UCLA today. That was a hassle (still not done). I have absolutely no intention of ever returning to L.A., but Annie demanded I have a backup plan. I have no clue how much $$ I'm going to have to pay UCLA, but it doesn't sound like they'll let me off easy. Let's make sure that those grad students don't leave without overwhelming debt, after all! I also spent 59 infuriating minutes on hold trying to change my jury duty.
I packed up my office at school. It's sad that roughly 1/6 of my possessions are text-/notebooks for college classes. Today was the first big wave of "what the fuck am I doing?" My whole life has been pretty easy. Big decisions have usually been between two things I'm good at, and most big moves were lined up so that I could dance through life without much stress. Considering where I've come from, I've been more than successful. However, in just a week or two, my credit cards will be maxed out, my checking/savings accounts will be zero, and I will not have a job. That's really scary. It also makes me fear that my ever-interesting life is going to become mundane and boring like everyone else's. I know having an interesting life (like I feel I have had for years) is mostly what you make of it, but I have had a lot of experiences to work-with/choose-from throughout the past decade.
I decided to watch True Grit in Westwood Village to kill time until my office would be empty. I really enjoy good Westerns! I invited some friends. When I showed up, the theater was a TV show set. Oh L.A., you never fail me when I'm worried about being boring. I was disappointed that I couldn't see the movie, until I asked the theater across the street (where The Tourist is playing) what was being filmed, and they slipped in that they took True Grit for the day. I went to the 5:10 show and was the only one in there, cuz everyone was too busy gawking outside to find the movie. Tourists.
 |
| The TV Set, an abstraction from my crappy iPhone camera |
No job offers yet,
~RoB
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Bacon-Wrapped & Blog Goggles
Too soon? I don't really know the rules for how many times I can post in one day. I'm kinda excited for this blog thing, though. Technically, it's a new day anyway.
I drank a fair bit at Bigfoot West tonight. Happy Birthday, Melinda! Then I drove home. Bad habit... eat me... they teach us bad things in the Midwest. Anyway, in between I had 3 servings of the wonderful Venice Blvd creations that are: bacon-wrapped hot dogs. An older Mexican lady stands in front of the carcineria (?) b/w S&S and Bigfoot selling her delicious wieners. I get 'em with everything: grilled onions, ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo, and a grilled jalapeno. I know, right? $3 each. Awesome.
So, blogger.com should have something similar to google's gmail goggles, where I have to do math riddles in order to post after midnight on weekend-nights. I'd call it blog goggles. It might help to avoid times like this when I might not be capable of being witty.
Finally, I tried not to tell a single friend about my current predicament. Sorry. I have big problems personally asking for help, and I really didn't want to ruin Melinda's night. Anyway, I came home after Xmas break to a flooded, moldy, and mildewy room. Considering that it was the second time this has happened in the shithole apartment I live in, and the fact that I've been considering leaving UCLA for years, it just seemed like a good sign for me to flee La La Land. I have to get up in 6 hours to let in the roach killers, cuz my apartment is awesome. These were just the final straws that convinced me to go flop on my girlfriend's couch for the next few months as I figure out where I can get a job. Let's hope this goes easier than it probably will. What? Whatever.
Go Blue.
~RoB
I drank a fair bit at Bigfoot West tonight. Happy Birthday, Melinda! Then I drove home. Bad habit... eat me... they teach us bad things in the Midwest. Anyway, in between I had 3 servings of the wonderful Venice Blvd creations that are: bacon-wrapped hot dogs. An older Mexican lady stands in front of the carcineria (?) b/w S&S and Bigfoot selling her delicious wieners. I get 'em with everything: grilled onions, ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo, and a grilled jalapeno. I know, right? $3 each. Awesome.
So, blogger.com should have something similar to google's gmail goggles, where I have to do math riddles in order to post after midnight on weekend-nights. I'd call it blog goggles. It might help to avoid times like this when I might not be capable of being witty.
Finally, I tried not to tell a single friend about my current predicament. Sorry. I have big problems personally asking for help, and I really didn't want to ruin Melinda's night. Anyway, I came home after Xmas break to a flooded, moldy, and mildewy room. Considering that it was the second time this has happened in the shithole apartment I live in, and the fact that I've been considering leaving UCLA for years, it just seemed like a good sign for me to flee La La Land. I have to get up in 6 hours to let in the roach killers, cuz my apartment is awesome. These were just the final straws that convinced me to go flop on my girlfriend's couch for the next few months as I figure out where I can get a job. Let's hope this goes easier than it probably will. What? Whatever.
Go Blue.
~RoB
Friday, January 7, 2011
Real Life Starts Now
Today, I broke my lease to my apartment in Los Angeles. Immediately afterward, I emailed my faculty advisor at UCLA, and notified him that I was dropping out of school. This blog is going to help me keep track of my experiences as I learn what it is to be a real person. I've been a student continuously since kindergarten.
I have plenty of things to complain about, and I probably have some good stories to tell. I expect that I'll cross the line every now and then. If you know me, you know that's how I usually roll anyway. For years my digital signature has been '~RoB'.
From now on, stepping over that awkward social boundary will be RoB-ing the Line. Tell your friends. Enjoy.
robbingtheline.blogspot.com
~RoB
I have plenty of things to complain about, and I probably have some good stories to tell. I expect that I'll cross the line every now and then. If you know me, you know that's how I usually roll anyway. For years my digital signature has been '~RoB'.
From now on, stepping over that awkward social boundary will be RoB-ing the Line. Tell your friends. Enjoy.
robbingtheline.blogspot.com
~RoB
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