Holidays at home

Holidays are stressful. Its a lot of driving for not a lot of time relaxing. It will be nice to head back to MI to see Chelsea's parents, but I am not looking forward to the time on the road in the interim. At the very least, however, there will be some new scenery to deal with, which should help perk back up my interest in running.

That's the idea at least.

In One Month: 25K

There is a good chance that I am losing my love of running...again. Once upon a time it was a great way to get out and be competitive, to blow off some steam, or to sort out the complex thoughts that built up in the mind of a 17 year old angst-riddled teen. Not anymore.

Its not that I don't enjoy running, but that I don't enjoy it like I used to. Its definitely more of a chore, more than a means of, hell, expressing yourself. And the satisfaction of running 7 miles just doesn't come as often as it used to. A lot of it might have to do with not wearing a watch, and using the stove as my official timer that kills me. Dealing with traffic, and having the unfortunate luck of hitting every single frickin' "Don't Walk" sign seems to have taken a toll on my runner's psyche.

Or maybe I'm just making excuses about it. I'm definitely nervous about the 25K back in Grand Rapids. For those of you keeping score at home, its the Fifth Third River Bank Run, which was one of the first big metric races in the nation, and was for quite some time. It served as a primer for the premier distance runners in the 1990's and into the first decade of the new millenium.

But after 26 years, I decided that I should actually run the 25K. It would have made numerical sense to have done this last year (age for every K, etc.). By that reasoning, I should be running a marathon this year. But that just doesn't interest me.

Perhaps the doldrums of getting back into running are that its becoming goal-oriented, of which turned me off from running so long ago. While this is different from my first runner's hiatus, in that I am willingly and voluntarily entering into a big race, rather than having to compete in distance races for school spirit, who knows.

In more interesting news, however, the Cinco Serrano beer that Paul and I crafted last month is finally bottled. We hit the original gravity level when we put it into the fermenter (1.058), and when I took a measurement last night, we hit the recipes' final gravity reading (1.014). So that's fucking awesome, especially for it being our first partial mash beer. 10 days to carbonate, 2 hours to refrigerate, 20 minutes to savor...ate.

Nice.

कमिंग बेक फ्रॉम अ ब्रेक

वेल, अप्परेंत्ल्य माय लन्गुअगे सेत्तिंग्स हवे चंगेद। थिस इस फस्सिनातिंग तो क्नोव इ ऍम व्रितिंग सोमेथिंग इन सम रेअल्ली ओद्द लन्गुअगे। ओह वेल।

पुल एंड इ अरे ब्रेविंग अ कोउप्ले ऑफ़ बीरस थिस वीकेंड। ओने इस तो बे अ सिनको दे मयो ठेमेद बीर, व्हिच विल बे सम सोर्ट ऑफ़ अन आले विथ जलापेनोस अद्देद इन्तो थे सेकोन्दर्य फेर्मेंटर (क्रेडिट फॉर थे आईडिया दुए तो पट...कांत वेट तो सी हाउ आईटी तुर्न्स आउट)। थे सेकंड विल बे अ बसों-बौर्बों-इन्फुसेद पोर्टर, व्हिच इस अस अवेसोमे अस आईटी सौन्ड्स। बसिकाल्ली, थिस ओने विल इन्क्लुड़े १ पौंड ऑफ़ बसों कुकेद एक्स्ट्रा क्रिस्पी, उन्तिल अस मच फट इस रेमोवेद अस पोस्सिब्ले, एंड थें आईटी इस लेफ्ट तो सोअक इन बौर्बों फॉर अ फेव वीक्स। आईटी गेट्स अद्देद तो थे बीर बेफोरे बोत्त्लिंग, सो विथ सम टाइम एंड आगे, थे बौर्बोंअब्सोर्ब्स थेस्वीट स्वीट बसों फ्लावोर। एंड मिक्सेद विथ थे प्लेअसंत-नेस ऑफ़ अ पोर्टर'स चोकोलाते-टोफ्फी फ्लावोर्स, हेअवेन विल एन्सुए।

हेअवेन.

Update: Here is a google translation into english. Sort of.

Bridge and E. Hey Braeviang of a Kouple This Weekend Bras. One the the bay to give a Sinko Temed Bir Mayo, even sort of Wahich Will Bay With non Ale was Jlhapenos Added Sekondry Into Feermenter (credit was for the board ... Kant Wait Duc idea Turns out the C HOW IT). Will was second bay a bus - Burboan - Infused Porter, Wahich Avesome The Us Us Ssoneds IT. Bsikallly, This One Will Inchlure 1 pound of extra buses Kukaed Krispe, Unthil Us explodes MCh Posssible the Aremoved Us, and Thean IT Burboan for the Left in the Soaka Weeks A Fea. Gates were then Bir Added IT Bephoare Bottling, so even With time and further buses were बौर्बोंअब्सोर्ब्स Flaoor Thasvio Sweet. And were Micsed With Pleasant - A Porter of Ness' s Chokolate - Toffi Flaoors, Haaven Ensoc Will.

Haaven.

Update2: My translation of the translated translation. Hindi-google translate-me. Here goes (with some creative adjustments).

Paul and I are brewing a couple of beers this weekend. One of the beers will be a Cinco-de-Mayo themed beer (no idea what the rest of that was supposed to be). It will be some sort of American Ale with Jalapenos in the secondary fermenter (credit for this comes from cousin Pat...can't wait to see how it turns out). The second will be a bourbon-bacon-infused porter, which sound as awesome as the name makes it to be. Basically, this one will include a pound of bacon cooked extra crispy, dried of all its fat, and soaked in bourbon for 2 weeks. It then gets added to the beer just before it gets bottled, so with time it will develop a bacon flavor that is ever so sweet. I can't wait to experience the bacon-chocolate-toffee flavors together. Heaven will ensure.

Heaven.

2x Combo

I made lasagna for dinner tonight and it was good.

Guess I could have tweeted that instead of posting this. Oh well.

Until next time...good night, and good luck.

I have a blog?

So. Forgot about this little guy. Sometimes its good to see a facebook update that 'forces' you to change your profile information. Had it not been for looking at my links, I might not have remembered this.

I remember the brilliance of keeping up with the world of me and my studies throughout my studies at DePaul. Then I realized that I'm really not an interesting person, nor do I have the attention span to just want to sit down and fucking write about what I ate for lunch, or whatever comes to mind.

A lot has happened since that last post, but chances are, if you're reading this, and you got it off my FB page, you know the basics of what's new in my life. I will post about that garbage later.

Its fucking Christmas time right now and that's awesome. There's a tree up in the house, some garland, and a little itty bitty tree in the dining room. Its got some colorful lights on it that I really don't like (give me red and white lights to remind me of xmas at home and I'm happy; also no fuscia or tourquoise bulbs, those aren't christmas).

I don't really want a lot of Christmas this year; I mean what I want is hard to wrap up and put under a tree. I want a job. Something that I'm not "underqualified" or "overqualified" for. I want to sit behind a desk, answer the phones, work on homework in my down time, and do some stuff that looks good and goes on a resume until I'm done with my program and then dash off and write policy and save the free world from the terrors of ... American Capitalism.

Or something like that.

Also, I'm brewing beer right now. I don't know what is going to happen to it, and/or how it might turn out. I am borrowing Paul's brew kit to give it a trial run. Now, before you get all doe-eyed about how awesome I am for brewing my own beer -- don't. Its from a kit with precisely measured ingredients. I figure there's enough that can go wrong with it, and its my first time, and I don't want to ruin this experience by doing something "difficult" so I'm taking the easy road.

My personal kit is shipping from Minnesota tomorrow, and should be here by Friday. At least I hope so. I want to get started with my own set up asap. I don't think Chelsea really likes it, because she didn't seem so thrilled at the notion that I would have my own kit (or at the very least two secondary fermenters). As she put it, "what are we going to do with all of that beer? We're never going to drink it!"

Hah. We.

Anyway. I'll keep writing as it comes up. I'd rather keep my personal musing off facebook. In a twist of delicious irony, if you're reading this, you probably saw the link on my profile or my status and found it this way. So add this to your RSS feeds. I won't post this to facebook.

Until next time...good night, and good luck.

random musings

In other news, today wraps up the 2010 winter games. Team USA took a hard loss in overtime in what was surely a thrilling game (they don't have TVs in academic buildings...shocking). I did manage to see espn just as they announced the final score and joined the masses on FB posting disdain for sid the kid. United We Stand (online at least).

Tomorrow starts the game of waiting. I should hear back about my interview in DC with NDN (progressive think tank). I am feeling cautiously optimistic about it, only because nerviness may have gotten the best of me. At some point I'd like to grow up and get a job; the impoverished student owned me for the better part of this last decade and I am craving some semblance of normalcy. Oh,and start paying back some of that imaginary number hanging over my head.

Last thought for today: go volunteer. It's so fulfilling to get involved with a group that provides service to a crowd that needs it. I went to Inspiration Cafe in Uptown yesterday, which provides dignified dining for the homeless. They provide dining variety, meaning they can pick what they want to eat from the menu, rather than eating whatever is cooked en masse that day. Even though it was a volunteer training I can't wait to sign up and do breakfast at 530am this week. It's seriously uplifting.

Speaking of food, my food just arrived. Signing off from Thai Aruma.

Good night, and good luck

Dusting Off

Update: Added OFA opportunity
Update2: Added NDN (2/23)

February 22, 2010. What up interwebz, I'm back!

Its been a while since bothering with the blogosphere (approximately 15 months since the last post), but all too often something comes about to spark the writing flame. In working with the mission of my blog, I will provide periodic updates of what's current with my life, so the thoughts don't get lost. It was nostalgic reading the old posts on here, as most of them were various snapshots from MI CFC (2008). Oh the good old days...when life was simpler. Har har.

First things first. CTA. Your political measure to cut routes and train services was wonderful. You don't want to raise fares, that's admirable. Your hope that people will wail on City Hall to provide more funding to restore now passed bus and train services because wait times are [now] obnoxious. Today, I experienced a 20 minute wait for a bus (which was standard and a product of dilly dallying at the Post Office; I'll concede that point CTA), as well as a 30 minute Red Line run from Addison to Fullerton. Again, I'd just missed the rain but it took 15 minutes for the next train to come by (day trains are 7-10mins at most for 1:30pm service). Because of the cutdown on train service, we waited for the Brown Line at Belmont for 5-10 minutes. But CTA, your action is commendable to not raise rates on the non-uPass travelers of the city. Perhaps its time to organize a "write your alderman" campaign and "demand that they stop using their lavish expense accounts on personal comforts, and designate most of their moneys towards improving public transit.


I'm finally getting the swing of writing for a Master's level class by finally earning an A- on my recent analysis paper. It came with heavy criticism and guidance from the professor, but its pretty amazing to be reminded again of what pressure and more clear guidance of the end goal can produce. I got docked the - grade because I was a page over the maximum requirement, but I've never been one to write simply. That is the next mountain to climb.

On writing, I've got an amazing plan to get my group moving rapidly on our project in my Tuesday night class. Since presentations are next week, and our paper is only an outline, tonight we're tapping into our technological intuitions and having a Skype meeting to get this done. Sure, its fucking nerdy, but its something that needs to be done. Don't judge me. I don't care. Delegation occurs tonight; draft to be completed by Thursday. This paper will receive an A at all costs.

Since moving to Chicago, I've applied for more jobs than I care to count. Of that, I've heard back from a small fraction of them, most stating that they've found other candidates to interview. Being the scope of the positions applied to [Nonprofit Admin Asst., Project Coordinators, Desk Jobs, etc], its a struggle to comprehend what it is that's keeping me from being qualified for an entry level position. The obvious answer is to blame the economy for placing more experienced persons into these positions, of which is a rant for another day.

I did have a huge breakthrough today. I received a reply back to a shot in the dark email to the president of a consulting firm here in Chicago who is interested in setting up a time to talk about opportunities with the organization. Its the second positive response to anything replied for (the coffee shop interview fizzled out --the flaws of not being a morning person I suppose, or not having actual "retail experience."). Recent events have led to this militant-style approach towards finding something. Am glad that I took a shot and went straight to the President with this group. Will hear back from them later in the week, following a return from London and DC. Could be good. Cross your fingers.

Took a call from OFA-IL today following dialogue with the OFA-MI State Director last week about getting involved in the efforts here in IL/Chicago. Am heading down to HQ on LaSalle on Wednesday to sit down, find out what's going on, and what kind of hiring is going on down there. This could be swell too.

Another late breaking update. Received a call from a former campaign staffer whose working for a progressive think tank in DC. I'd applied for a position as a membership coordinator, which entails services maintaining and growing corporate membership. NDN is a progressive think tank that works on a variety of issues, and especially today, is focusing on Energy initiatives, through regulatory changes, reform, and the like.

Honestly, of the [now] 3 positions that are on the table, this one is the most exciting. DC has the reverence that is so sacred to those who choose public service and government-related work as a chosen career. I think later on in this epic wall of text I make mention of my feelings of being swallowed up in a city or something, and that might be the only downside to what could come of the Membership Coordinator. But, being of the campaign discipline, there's no art to making friends or meeting people. And its DC, that's got to weigh for something. Before making things 100% finalized, though, its going to take a serious conversation with Chelsea to see if this is something we can do.

Stemming from this desperation to make good on my life, I found a nonprofit to volunteer with. Its called Inspiration Cafe, and they operate a program similar to God's Kitchen in Chicago. The unique part of it is that you don't need to have any real knowledge of how to cook, and if you've got a favorite recipe you'd like to bring in, they're accommodating to serve something new (as long as the ingredients are there). They serve lunch and dinner, and its right up N. Broadway. So, its time to finally get involved. Maybe something will come out of that too!

Politically, I could give two shits about the CPAC from last week. Moreover, political operation on both sides of the aisle are disgusting. Most unsettling is the Senate finally coming around on the public option. I applaud the efforts in 2008 to provide the Senate with the fabled 'supermajority' but I'll be damned if it really did us any good. Moreover, the Party of No has done little to unsettle the nation's stomach for bipartisan action.

I think Bayh stepping down was tasteless. Maybe I am alone in this comparison, but it reminded me of the Palin resignation from last year, to become a public servant. Har har. I think Mr. Gallentine hit it right on the nose with his liberal conspiracy for Bayh to take over the machine and anoint his successor. Just hope that whomever the Indiana Dems appoint for the primary doesn't take the entitlement route and improve on Martha Coakleys' strategy to victory in Massachusetts.

Just saying. Its not that crazy.


Anyway. Personally, I'm in a weird place right now. Chicago's a great place to be, but its becoming exhausting being here, not to mention the overwhelming feeling of being alone in a crowd. Its gotten much better since the first couple of weeks, but there are elements of the location that still suck. A lot. Purposefully vague? Yes. I'm in a weird place too, now that today these great opportunities for employment came out of nowhere. I can't help but think that Karma is doing something wicked here, and can't really speculate as to why now, why today, after this weekend, is being so...kind/cruel.

Final note for today. This will become a semi-regular ordeal getting involved with rapid-fire thoughts on life, politics, and whatever else fancies my mood. I've got this set up so that I can email a rant to the blog, so expect shorter posts from the comforts of the "L," chock full of spelling errors, and occasional "I hate my phone" anecdotes.



Until next time...good night, and good luck.

Twelve Days

I am exhausted but I am not tired. I am down but not out. I am...feeling under-utilized. The operational structure btw. MI and NC staff is incredibly different. There is no "panic" or "urgency" set about, especially with 12 days to go. I feel like we are not really pushing ahead to win here. If we are, I am not feeling it in this rural turf.

1:30am

Well. Close enough anyway. I just re-arranged my office. I had my desk set up near the door, but i become quite unproductive when I am the first face people see. So now i moved myself to the back corner of the office, out of sight, out of mind.

I will post pictures soon. I have been documenting the growth of this office and I hope to see them go in soon.

Also, i dont know if i am losing my mind but it feels like my entire office has been shaking for a couple of minutes. Maybe its fatigue setting in. I need to get some serious sleep here soon.

47 days and counting.

(pictures will be posted soon, seriously)

The bigger picture

The 2008 Presidential Election has far too much at stake for people to be concerned about the moral issue. Especially one that protects the sanctity of life. I am not one for saying that you should not consider your moral compass when making an election decision, but in the end, taking a proper stance on the life-choice issue is not going to fix the economy or bring the troops home. Its not going to provide relief to the middle class, or repair our relations abroad. Its not going to unite the country, but will only bitterly divide it even further.

America is a broken country right now. We are bitterly divided among party lines. And most of the people within their parties are scorning independents for not picking a side. And i don't blame them. Why would they want to be a party of the deep bitter hatred between the mules and the eleofantes.

Many people aren't happy with either candidate right now. Lets face it, its how our system works. Two party systems disenfranchise people. There is little room for a third party to grow here because the two parties have made such claims to one side of an issue or another that getting any credibility in claiming or championing an issue is difficult.

But really take a look past that one issue that's got you hung up this year. Really take some time to think. Its cliche, but are we really better off than we were 8 years ago? That's not an economic issue, its an over-encompassing issue. The Patriot Act, FISA, Intelligence Miscues, Overexpanded Military, Failing Schools, Unemployment.

Sit down and do your homework. Understand why you like one candidate, and look at the other candidate. Don't dismiss him for one or two reasons. Create an understanding of why he doesn't fit your views. Recognize good things both candidates have to offer.

UNDERSTAND why you are voting for your candidate. And create an argument that is more than just "NOBAMA" or "MCSAME."

I caught myself realizing that I am starting to lose the moxie that had me here in the same place. I was falling into the pit of apathy yesterday and I realized that I needed to redefine what it is that has me here and why I must win every day.

But I am working here because what I see in Barack Obama is someone who sees a real problem with Washington and the way it has been operating for the last 8 years. He seeks to bring about a new leadership that seeks to operate upon the principles of the Constitution, insofar as to see that the people are being accounted for by those that they are Represented by in Government. Call me a radical, but the government should be accountable to the people at the end of the day.

And rather than investing abroad in fledgling democracies, we need a leader that understands and recognizes the issues faced at home, the struggles that American citizens face every day. And while those of you who read this may not face it on a day-to-day basis, but there are families in this country that struggle to make ends meet. There are families that have to face very difficult questions (not the bud light - miller light decision). Hearing families talk about whether to pay for heat or winter clothing. Witnessing people who survive on a food bill of $200 a month. Granted, $200/month for food is far better than people in developing nations, but we are in the United States of America. A land of prosperity. Don't we owe it to ourselves to strengthen our own nation before investing in the world?

I don't want to turn this into a political discussion. I just needed this to rant today. After my rant to Alica last night (it was pretty passionate), i wasnt satisfied.

If you choose to comment, choose to do so in a constructive manner. These are my beliefs, and they are by no means perfect. You can't change that.

Ive never been one to ask for help. But with 62 days to go...

It is ordinary people, doing extraordinary things that will move us into a better future. There is new hope in America because of people such as yourself who care enough to give your time and effort for others with no recognition, just the desire to do your part in this great country.

There were many other lines from the convention that struck me as inspirational, powerful, etc. But that's the one that reminded me of what I am doing up here. 68 days to go.

10pm. Friday Night...

And I am in bed. What a long day. 46o miles have been put on my car since wednesday. This is evident only in the fact that I glanced at the odometer and the oil change sticker. Almost 1/6 of the way to a new oil change in 2 days. le sigh.

Good night, and good luck.

Quick Update

my first 14 day has officially been logged and booked. I left my supporter housing today at 745a and got back here at 1015p. Time of arrival was rounded a bit to give me a better time, rather than breaking it down to something like 13.89 hour day.

It was long, but it was not exactly tiring like one might thing. Coffee has become my fuel, and I pray coffee markets don't go wildly out of control, i need it.

it fuels me.


Of course, meeting all sorts of super pumped and super energized people really helps too. I've been riding the high of hearing the stories of those who are so eager to get involved...those people that have been waiting for the opportunity to do something. Its especially awesome because they're in Mid Michigan...

Anyway. From the trail. Things are going great. I've had quite a few ups and downs lately, but fortunately most of the UPs vastly outweigh the downs. I am becoming immune to old women who laugh at me when I identify as with Obama's Campaign for Change. Hearing the passion from people in getting engaged with the campaign, and being offered a chance to make a difference...that makes every wierd and awful experience painless.

Disclaimer: I am not going to discuss specific issues with the campaign until after November 4. I will say this though: I have been removed from a coffee shop for promoting the wrong message about the establishment though. That was fun.

Good night and good luck.

The beginning of something new

If I was writing my autobiography, this week would be represented with a new chapter in my life. This week starts a temporary career, one that should certainly lead me off into better territories. This week...is my last week of unpaid internshipping.

I officially joined Barack Obama's Campaign for Change, a subsidiary of the Democratic Party and Change for Michigan. In one week, I will be somewhere else in Michigan, working as a Field Organizer. The transition from Intern to Field Organizer shall be swift and painless, as long as you don't count the fact that I will be relocating to a new area within the state.

Tuesday (tomorrow) is placement day. I also have job training in Lansing that will give me the details of what my job shall exactly entail. More to come later...

Good night, and good luck.

The origin of this blog

I deleted the first post on here for obvious reasons. I was going through a bit of a funk, circa early November of 2006, and created a three line emo-ambiguous post about the QQs in my life at that point. Fact is, I can't remember what it was that made me start this little project almost 2 years ago. And, in honor of the original emo post that was here, all that shall remain as evidence that something was started here and never completed will be the original post date & time.

Disclaimer:
I just want to say that, while this blog was created long before Jeff's Blog, I guess he inspired me to start blogging. Let me explain what this blog shall be about. I have discovered how to get around the actual charge of using the internet on my phone (thanks to Joe for this tip), and, for those of you who have the unfortunate experiences of knowing who I am in the flesh, you can vouch that I have my moments of 'scatterbrainia.'
/Disclaimer

I am planning to harness the power of idea-building through this blog by texting my thoughts of genius during the day to this blog (and will be published immediately), and will reflect on the thought when the day is done. Many studies have proven that for better mental thought and more relaxing sleep, you should provide closure to your day. Reviewing of your activities, ideas and tasks undertaken should provide you with a better sense of what you accomplished, and how you can maybe work to improve on your daily routine. Something to that effect.

There may not be a post every day, and there may be days in which there are many posts. Its the joy of having moments of perceived genius across a day. If I was to make a prediction of how this blog is to take off, it will mostly be centered on involvement with Barack Obama's Campaign for Change.

So buckle up. It could be an interesting ride