I've been pretty terrible about keeping up with this blog, and I don't see that trend ending anytime soon, given how busy I am these days. But I felt like putting some thoughts down in words, so here it goes:
1) I recently entered the "real" working world. I'm working as a lab tech at Hampton Clarke, specifically in the Veritech division that deals with environmental organics. Basically, to sum it up, I test soil and water samples for things like herbicides, pesticides, and other nasty stuff that might be hazardous to our health either now or in the future. So really, I'm a tree hugger that actually does something about improving the environment. :)
2) Because of the new job, I'll likely have to quit my bartending job. This makes me sad for a few reasons: money, the chance to interact with people in a bar environment (which I've always been fond of), and being able to watch all the NFL games without being hassled by the 'rents. But I'm willing to trade all of that in for a day off; I'm not trying to work 7 days a week (which I'm doing right now since Kaplan training is Saturday mornings). The plan is to go into work tomorrow and see how I feel on Monday afternoon after working 16 hours in a 22 hour span. It's not looking likely that I can do that on a consistent basis while studying for my upcoming standardized exams.
3) Bert was in town for a few days this past week while attending conferences for B-school in the Tri-State area. Thankfully, he convinced me to spend some time to play in a FPP freeroll on PS, which netted me $215 in tourney dollars. I'm sure he was happy to see that Chicken Milanese pie from Anna Marie's again, too. And Goldeneye with EJ and Al; it doesn't get much better than that (even if we suck since we haven't played for so long).
4) One other highlight of Bert's visit: watching the Monday Night Football game between the Bears and Cardinals, where the Cards managed to throw away a 20 point 4th quarter lead without scoring on offense. That collapse prompted this entertaining press conference from Cardinals coach Denny Green. Definitely worth a look if you haven't seen it yet.
5) New recent additions to the iPod worth mentioning include: Senses Fail's "Still Searching," The Roots' "Game Theory," and Lost Prophets' "Liberation Transmission."
6) Here are some thoughts on pro sports. Look for the Tigers to win the World Series; their combination of young arms and a halfway decent lineup should prevail against the Cards, who have overachieved all postseason. I was devastated by the Yanks' loss to the Tigers earlier this month, but it was somewhat lessened knowing that the Mets won't be winning the title this year either. The Giants have a great chance to survive their brutal opening schedule if they can somehow steal a win in Dallas on Monday Night. The word is that Tiki Barber is retiring after this season, which means we better win NOW. The Hoyas have gotten committments from 4 recruits in the last 2 weeks, which include Class of '07 guards Chris Wright and Omar Wattad, and Class of '08 forward Chris Braswell and guard Jason Clark. All but Wattad are top 50 recruits, meaning that the future for G'town basketball should be extremely bright, and a national championship could be potentially on the horizon. To say I'm psyched about this is an understatement.
7) My fantasy football team recaps. In my two money leagues, I am 4-2 (5th out of 14 teams) in one league and 2-4 (11th out of 12 teams) in another. Suprisingly, I think my 2-4 team is stronger than my 4-2 team compared to their relative counterparts in each league. Season's only less than halfway done, so there's still a chance for both teams to make the postseason and do well. Sure could use the prizes that would come along with winning these leagues :). I already know what I'd do with the money.
8) Speaking of what I'd do with the money: first thing I'd do is buy an elliptical machine. I absolutely hate running outside, and it's going to be even worse during the winter months when it gets cold. I need to get some cardio in, and I don't feel like sinking money into a gym membership is wise at this point. Any suggestions as to which model I should get? I'm looking to spend no more than 500 bucks.
9) Something that deserves a number of its own. Rutgers football, normally a laughingstock in college football, is now 7-0 after a road win at Pitt tonight. They were ranked #19 coming into the game (first top 25 ranking in 30 years), and #16 in the BCS Standings. I've never experienced a college football buzz while in NJ... until now. And it feels weird.
10) I'll end this post with birthday plans. Originally, I had planned on making an attempt to go to DC immediately following my GRE Subject Test on Nov. 4 and catch the end of G'town's homecoming festivities, but I'm having second thoughts. I'm a little ticked that a lot of G'town friends in DC haven't been good about keeping in touch, and I don't really feel like making the effort to drive 4-5 hours each way to spend a single night in town if people aren't going to show much interest in seeing me when I come down. Especially if I've got a solid group of people at home who are definitely plotting my demise that Saturday night :). So unless I have a change of heart (or some people do some pretty serious convincing to change my mind), it looks like I will be in NJ for that weekend. Anyone's free to come and visit that Saturday/Sunday if they'd like.
I've been rambling for long enough now.
Currently listening to: Spitalfield - Stop Doing Bad Things (album)
Currently feeling: contemplative
