Robert Frost, table for 1 please

STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

I hate the alarm clock

Because it tells me what to do. And half the time I'm looking at it thinking of you.

I'm tired.

Trapped in front of a computer

Last night got very silly at Shovelhead initiation and so I woke up late and hungover. That is a horrible combination. As such I've been trapped in front of my computer all day playing catch up and even though I continue to work I feel like I'm not making any progress which is a horrible feeling to have. But I guess that is all part of the fun.

Sometimes I look outside my window but then remember I live in a basement so my view is of an ally. Also I barely get any light so it is always dark making it hard to tell what time it is. I've literally woken up at 11 and thought it was early morning because it was so dark. I gotta get off that hype and get back to regular sleeping habits. Bed at 4am and awake by 11 is no bueno.

I Wonder

Do professors ever read all the stuff that they make us read? I can't believe these people actually read these books. If they do then it is clear that I shouldn't be a professor because this stuff is just downright silly. What's the point of reading two different things that say the same thing? So they can validate each other? I don't buy that.

But then again I'm the lucky 1% that gets to read this stuff.

"Of course we're disappointed, we see college on tv and in our dreams it becomes a social fantasy, where chords are lose and beautiful girls gone wild, and guys are smart sex built confident in their style, where it's ok to be gay (heyy), and youre free to explore, where you can trade in your virginity for being a whore, where you can finally find a place for people like you, and make things happen without their funky attitudes, and learn the tools that you need helping you decide what youre going to do with your life and how to do it right. To most of all be independent and grow strong and finally feel like you found a place where you belong. Then we get here shattering your expectations playing your hopes and fears and if it isn't rejection it's a lack of selection because all the ugly ones want to get in but the pretty ones want to be your friend and these rich kids have tons of beer but can you really just get drunk and blazed all year you look for something more but what is there to do and suddenly you feel trapped by the people around you so you join some clubs and make some friends but it seems youre seeing the same people again and again and they're making it feel like life is taking too long and with all the exaggeration they make you feel like youre doing college wrong and girls are like "omg I met this guy" but they forget to mention that he is gap toothed and cock eyed. And guys are like "yeah dude at that party I got head from a freshman" but leave out the results of the STD testing. And then there is the kids who sit in their dorms isolated online playing games using AIM to tell their friends they hate it and that they're going back home this weekend to visit to lie in their own bed with fresh clothes and linens. Then there are the kids that you never really talk to but you know them well because they're your myspace facebook stalkers (don't poke me). Classes got you stressed youre trying to do your best you gotta wake up at 8 to two essays and a test and guess what you just heard about this banging party and this chick that be attending is this hot little shorty and now sorry I went instead of doing my paper can i hand it in late for a slightly lower grade or extra credit? But this isn't high school there arent any demerits. There is no excuses. No mistakes. Nobody cares a bit. And that's the beautiful thing. See no matter how mature on the phone or go home we're in college now we're all on our own. We have to supply the fire to burn inside to deny any thoughts of failure and try to survive. And whether youre keeping your head above water or swimming the farthest we tred the hardest because we fear the sharkets. Because if you don't realize how blessed you are you become just another number just another star in the sky of thousands so remember your light is astounding and youre lucky to be here whether you came here from the burbs or public housing. There's nothing depressing about it. Youre in the prime of your life and youre surrounded by a million stories so take the time to learn them and make some action. Because if these are the best years in our life only we can make them happen." - Nyle

At Random

I'm selecting a random song on iTunes then writing for the duration of the song. I will do this for 5 songs No idea what I'm writing about or what the song will be. Hopefully the writing will come based on the song decision.

In The Mood - Glenn Miller

Alright this is quite a choice iTunes made for me. I've always loved this song and thought it bizarre and sad that Glenn Miller and his band died in a plane crash. Anyway whenever I hear this song my mind is transported to the 1940s. I see a big open dance hall with the band blaring and the horn section going out of control. The floor is packed with American servicemen in uniform and they are dancing the night away with wives, girlfriends, one night stands, etc. For just a few short minutes they arent thinking about when they're shipping out or the chaos that is taking place on two fronts. These were crazy times in American History. Uncertainty.

But we got through it. Yes, terrible things happened. But we got through it.

Song just ended.

Next up: City by Sara Bareilles

I just got her album and this is the first time I've heard this song. I remember seeing her at Sun God this year with Shane. Before then I only knew her because of "Love Song." This sounds like a good rainy day song so it is appropriate for today. She just asked if she could hold me. The answer for you Sara Bareilles is always yes. Every time. I'm not writing very fast because I go back and forth from thinking about what's on my mind to listening to the song.

Next up: Hot Fun in The Summertime- Sly and the Family Stone

Oh this song just makes me miss summer. Those summer days are most def when I have most of my fun back. Hi Hi Hi there. What is it about summer that makes it so longed for? I think it has to be the long days and lack of real responsibility. Man I don't want to get a job. Where is the fun then? In the working world there is no summer. Just vacation days and in the US we don't even get very many. Damn, I wonder what would have happened if I used the money my parents spend a year on tuition and bought that many lotto tickets. Would I win? What if I did? Like one of those multi-million ones. Then everyday could be summer. Especially if it was one of those $350 million ones, then my friends owuldnt have to work either because what do I need with $350 million? That would be sick. I need to get on that and stop going to college!

Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday - Stevie Wonder

Well this is just sad. I guess it kind of covers a lot of what has been on my mind. Very appropriate Stevie. I don't know what it is about Stevie Wonder but he has always been my favorite. Maybe it is his lyrics or just the warmth I feel that he brings to every song. I wonder what the world is like to him. I've always wondered what it would be like to be born blind. What must you picture in your mind when you hear a car? How must you think the world works? What would happen if Stevie Wonder could just see all of a sudden? Would his whole image of the world be turned upside down or does he have it right? I don't know. What must it be like to never see a sunset or stare in awe at the Mona Lisa?

Number 5: Somewhere Over The Rainbow- Tony Bennett

This song has gotten me out of more rough times then I care to remember. It gives me hope and I think there are a lot of songs that fulfill the same thing for many different types of people. I just like the imagery in the song. Knowing that there is a step just beyond the rain. I like to think that there is always somewhere better. I guess part of this song is sad because the little blue birds fly beyond the rainbow and I can't but one day. Why or why can't I? Well who said I couldn't? That's why I like Tony Bennett's version because he ends it with "Lets go there!" Im There.

Questions 67 and 68

In this life I find myself asking more questions and coming up with less and less answers. Is that life? The questions simple and the answers complex? Well those are two loaded questions in and of themselves.

Life used to be simple. If you colored inside the lines, ate the crusts, AND drank your milk then by golly you were solid. I was good at that. Ok, the lines took awhile but man I could eat the hell out of a crust. Wholegrain, white, multi-grain, didn't matter.

But these childhood tasks have evolved like I have. Now it's about going to class, reading 300pgs a night, making good decisions. Well, I guess in that case nothing has changed. What? The tasks are different but what they require is the same. Diligence, patience, and most importantly, self discipline.

But then there are those things in this life that make no sense. At least not to me. If they do to you my friend then please by all means explain them to me because I'm lost. There are things in this life that I was told were true and lasting. Perhaps I haven't found the real ones. I'm a miner with a claim full of fool's gold. Well that isn't paying the bills.

Problems have solutions. I like finding the solutions. It helps me better understand the problem. But there are some problems that don't make sense or shouldn't be problems all together. So how am I supposed to find a solution when I can't even identify the problem? Damn these questions.

Ok so I have some questions and maybe you have the answers.

Why are we here?
Where is here?
Why did God take you but leave them?
Where is the slow motion button on this life?
Where do I go from here?
Who is with me for the full ride?
Who am I with for the full ride?
Did I take a wrong turn?


Life is full of questions and I suppose the answers come in time while others will forever remain unanswered. But as for the secret of life, well that isn't a question at all. Just enjoy the passing of time.

SummerSet

And so the waves once bringing to shore new opportunities now find themselves drifting back. The tides are turning. The wind know brings a chill. Jack Frost is waking up from quite a nap. The leaves once gorgeous and vibrant now are speckled with dashes of yellows and browns. Laughter turns to sadness. You see summer is ending. The freedom quickly given is now quickly taken. The sun is setting on the horizon. But with ever sunset is the promise of a new sunrise.

Im Beggin

Summer camp half way over? No thank you sir. Time is flying by and there is nothing I can do to stop it. I always wonder why the summer days, while long, seem to pass by the quickest.

I hope they slow down. But more than anything I hope I find my way back. I want to be back. The sun was a little brighter and the grass greener. But until then all I can do is live for today and hope for tomorrow.

My Place in the World

I think it's important to always be self-aware. During any given point in the day it's safe to say that any human being is on autopilot and may not consciously think about what we're doing. I know I'm guilty of it. Being in a routine is easy and at times we don't want to think. Go to class, take notes, try to stay awake, etc. We often find ourselves in stressful times, especially with the advent of finals. Guilty. We create worlds for ourselves. Guilty. For instance try and do the exact opposite of your daily routine. It completely mind fucks with you and the day seems special and ordinary. Well why is it that we don't appreciate each day? I feel that it is because we create the rules for the world in which we live. We set ourselves at the center and while we may not want to believe it, firmly believe the world revolves around us. Right now it is 7:26am in Italy at the Trevi Fountain. I wonder how many people are there right now? The famed fountain takes in 3,000 euros a day from travelers throwing coins into the water in hopes of returning to the eternal city. What are the stories of the people throwing that pocket change? Are they not in their own world? They've most likely traveled great distances to get to that fountain. Life hasn't always been easy for them. I just think it is important that we all step outside ourselves and look at the bigger picture. It isn't easy for me but is something that I need to work on. Children of soliders are lying awake wondering if their parents are safe. A single mother is working three jobs to make jobs meet. Somebody just found out they have only months to live. Write your stupid paper and get over it.

Bri is a stalker

Bri LeRose is a stalker. Firm fact.

Love,
Joe

Why do they do that?

One of the things I enjoy most about going home for any type of break is the fact that you get to go doctors' appointments. Why is it that the only open time they have is 8:30 in the morning? People go in at 8, 9, 9:30 but for whatever reason 8:30 is the ugly cousin nobody wants. I rather enjoy the fact that while they're cleaning your teeth the hygienist decides to ask the most complicated questions. How do you like school? It's good. What is your major? History. Was the United States, in your educated opinion, justified in dropping the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Well that is a question that requires a tremendous amount of thought and one must... They never fail.

Spring time is a good time. Being back home, even if for just a moment, re-energized the batteries and have me looking forward to the Summer. Good things abound. This much is certain. And it all begins on May 11th from the comforts of a porch on Central where my mind will face a noble and worthy adversary. As our minds are stimulated and fed we will fed the people. Get hungry. Get hungry for blueberry pancakes. Get hungry for Summer. Get hungry for laughter. Get hungry for unplanned evenings. Get fed.

TTT

At the start of my sophomore year of high school I was assigned to read a book for biology entitled, Thinking Things Through. It served as a basic study skills book to teach students how to approach complex problems. I barely picked it up.
In my reading of Robert F. Kennedy's Thirteen Days, in which he gives an accurate report of the events leading to and eventually the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis I found that my thinking mirrors his. Of course I have had the luxury to study the Cuban Missile Crisis and so I already knew how it would end and why the decisions made by the Ex Comm and eventually the President were the correct ones for the situation. However, I find that many of the questions posed by the Kennedy Brothers is similar to the questions I ask myself in any confrontation or issue that arises. Of course, I've never had the fate of the world on my conscience so the decisions I have made come to me easier and their repercussions far less grave. After all, the only decisions I've made have ever only affect my life and those around me. Yet, I never take for granted that what I do affects those around me. I only mean to say that I've never had world changing decisions to make.
For whatever reason I was struck by the arguments made by RFK in the closing chapters of the work that ask us to look at problems from the other side. I feel that all too often we hold strong to our opinions and never consider what the opposition might see.

Au Revoir

I can honestly say that I've set sail on the open ocean. All the ropes and lines keeping me at the dock have been severed and this is great news.

3:24 is not the time to be blogging

But I do it anyway. The April showers are here early but I look forward to their promise of May flowers. The air is full of life and it is quite a time to be alive. I watched Oprah today and I actually enjoyed it.

Life is good.

I'm beautiful.
You're beautiful.
Life is beautiful.
Have a nice day.

What did you think

I'd like to take a moment and look back to the days who have long since seen the sun set on them. Not the recent days, whose memories are still fresh in our minds, but rather to the irrelevant past say, back to pre-school and early elementary school. I've come to find it rather curious that from these years I remember rather little. I have a handful of flashbulb memories but little more than that. Yet these are the years were I started forming social relationships and learned how to relate to others. It was also the beginning of my education. A process that has spanned over 17 years of my life and promises to have at least 5 more formal years ahead. Rather peculiar that I can't remember the beginning of all this. I believe for most their schooling defines who they are. I mean this outside of a context that implies a certian school commands that its graduates are entitled to a certain level or respect or what have you. I think that is rubbish. Rather, I mean to say that we often relate back to our time in school as a template for how things should be. We are often faced with situations in and out of the classroom whose form has changed over the years but at the core are the same. This person makes me upset, what do I do? I disagree, how do I explain to this person that they are wrong and an idiot without saying it that way?
But I've now come to question if that things we were taught still hold true today. I think it safe to say that a myriad of teachers in my life find their intellecutal capacity checked by that which I now foster as my own. I could say that this is how it is supposed to be as it is rather sorry the pupil who does not overcome his master. I can see the merits of this setiment but still think it quite strange that some of the people responsible for who I am would now in present day not be able to stand toe to toe with me in an intellecutal debate. I guess it is a frustration that we are in need of qualified teachers to help get our children reinvested in the sciences and mathematics. I honestly believe that teaching is one of the nobliest professions there are and in a broader sense a career, or vocation, in the realm of child upbring. (For lack of a better term). It is true that it takes a village to raise a child. Sure we have our parents to thank for bringing us in to this world and while they have the greatest influence on us, positively or negatively, we are also shaped and molded by the world as a whole. I don't think that I am challenging any prior thoughts on this matter or changing perceptions. Rather I just think it important that in this world we not only look to our elders but also to our children and make sure we are committed to giving them all the tools they need to be responsible adults. So what did you think as a youngster? Rather odd that the thoughts important then escape us now. For a time those thoughts were the most important things in our young world. Let us remember that things can only get as stressful as we allow them to be. Taking one breath at a time helps. We create the world we are in. It can be changed. It can be improved.

Movin' to the Groovin'

Every once and awhile you realize that change is the only evidence of growth. Change is good.

Running into an Old Friend

I ran into my good friend Holden the other day. He was doing pretty well except he broke an iPod that he had bought for his sister. To add insult to injury he fell on the floor in a public bathroom. It had been quite the weekend for him. His parents were none too pleased with his school performance. I told we all have problems. He told me the worst of his problems were behind him and that he figured out he was misquoting a poem for a while. I told him that I thought differently and that perhaps his problems ran deeper than he thought. "No", he said. He was past his brother who had passed away and didn't even look at his old baseball glove with green writing on it. Tragic I thought. I'm still trying to do what he gave up. All the while realizing that I won't get caught but that is find just as long as I land on my fleet.

4,108 Miles + 143

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did. This is my recollection of my trip from my trip to Italy. My goal is to make it as honest as possible while at the same time respecting those encountered throughout the course of my travels. I regretfully admit that I was unable to keep record of events while on the trip itself so all of these things are being relived from Boston with the aid of maps and photographs. I can only hope that I correctly relay the happenings and emotions of this trip unbiased by the ever-clear lens of hindsight. I don’t pretend to be impartial. Please take it as a personal narrative pieced together out of memory. This memoir might be more for me than anybody else so I apologize if it is rather wordy or haphazardly thrown together.

Prologue

Sometime in the Summer months of 2008 Audrey Torres, one of my closest and most valued friends, informed me that she was going to be studying in Italy come January 2009. I don’t remember exactly how it came to be but as it became more and more a reality that she was indeed going to Italy for a semester it somehow, probably as a joke, came up that I should visit her in Italy. By mid-October I booked a flight from Boston to Rome via Paris and that was that.
Within days of booking the flight, I had a travel companion, another one of my closest of friends, Shane Harris. I can honestly say that this trip would not have gone as smoothly or been as enjoyable in his absence. I don’t know if I could have made this trip without him. I often marvel at the fact that he and I have known each other less than two years yet in that short time have seen and done so much. One never knows when they meet an individual what kind of impact, if any, they will have on their life. I have no memory of being formally introduced to Shane but I am quite confident that even in my wildest of dreams I couldn’t have thought up half the things we’ve seen and done. Whether it be late night drives to Santa Cruz or late night walks in search of the Italian answer to the Taco trunk.
Soon after the much-welcomed addition of Shane to the trip another individual attached their name to the list, Anna Carlson. One could best define the nature of our friendship as turbulent. I am uncertain as to how things arrived as they did but I must admit that I’m sure I had a greater hand at the start in aiding in the demise of what was once a pleasant friendship way back when.
Later on Maureen “Mo” Mitchell was asked by Shane to accompany us on this trip and I was pleased when she was able to come. Both Mo and Shane attended to the intricacies of the trip, such as transportation within Italy and hostel reservations. I have to admit when it comes to things such as that I am pretty much helpless.
With all the other details of the trip worked out I anxiously awaited Mo’s arrival in Boston the Thursday before our departure when we would meet up with Anna at Logan and the three of us would rendezvous with Shane in Rome.

Chapter I

Mo arrived in Boston early Thursday evening. In a short time she had found her way via the T to Boston College. This was when the fact that I was leaving the United States for the first time, save a brief trip to Canada, really set in. For the longest time this seemed more like a made up game the four of us were playing. I never really stopped and thought about it. But once Mo was standing in front of me I realized, “Shit, I’m going to Italy tomorrow.”
After class Friday Mo and I left BC for the airport. I packed a medium sized Nike bag, which ultimately contained more than I would ever need on the trip. I am a pretty light packer by nature but in this case I still had too much. Mo and I made our way by T to the airport. As a side note I’ve never understood why anybody would pay $60 for a cab ride to the airport when the T runs you $1.70 and is only somewhat slower. Without any delay we made it to the airport and to Air France. This is where I ran into the first hiccup on the trip. Apparently, my bag was in that grey area between ok for a carry on and checked baggage. My mind instantly flew to images of me standing in an empty, drearly lit baggage claim area in Rome with my personal affects nowhere to be found. Luckily for me, Air France was looking out and I received the much coveted “Cabine” tag for my flight.
Once clearing security we saw Anna. I was impressed at how economical she was in her packing for the trip. She had a single backpack filled with anything and everything she could need yet it looked no bigger than a backpack you would see on any high school or college student. Instantly, I felt like the girl when it came to who packed what. In my defense, my bag was half full. Once we compared seat assignments Anna accused me of changing seats. I can truthfully say I had no hand it the seat switches. Still, I don’t think she believed me.
At the terminal I ran into Victoria Weiss and the rest of BC Chorale also preparing for a departure to Rome and Florence. She was gracious enough to give me an itinerary of their trip which allowed me to acclimate me to some of the sites in Rome and Florence as well as what to be on the look out for. It also made it clear that I should have take more care in gaining intelligence prior to the flight out of the country. Before boarding the plane I exchanged my money for euros. The exchange rate didn’t do me any type of justice. Euros are funny in my opinion. I do like how the bills are different sizes though. I exchanged a conservative amount for the trip as I was on a budget and had funds dedicated for primarily food and a few museums. I am happy to say that with the exception of 28 euros for two belts I my funds were used for their original purpose.
As our turn came to board the plane a mixture of emotions came over me. First looking at the sheer size of the massive 747 shook me up a little bit. It was hard to comprehend that something of that size was capable of sustained flight. Mo and I were lucky to find ourselves with a wall in front of us as we had the middle seats of a four person row in the upper center of the plane near the nose. This allowed us more legroom, which was utilized across the Atlantic. Also, as the plane started to taxi out it was weird to think that I was actually leaving the United States. True for only 8 days, which I realize is a very short amount of time all things being equal. But leaving one’s homeland always brings on some kind of emotion. For some it is welcomed others not so much. I had no problem leaving and was excited at the prospect of arriving in the land of my ancestors but at the same time some feeling I can’t really define came over me. There is no question, I am very patriotic and love America, even when it is tough to do so.
Whenever I leave the Bay Area for Boston or any destination I salute deck before we takeoff. This is most certainly the wannabe Navy Pilot in me as it is part of the takeoff procedure for pilots as they leave a carrier. At the Oakland airport I am looking at San Francisco- the City and place closest to my heart. This time there was an American Flag outside the window which I found appropriate. And with that the mighty 747 revved up and the United States was behind me.

Chapter II

The flight to Paris was, for all intensive purposes, very smooth. Air France is a fabulous airline and I would highly recommend it. Mo found our TVs hiding under our seats and I was content to watch Forrest Gump, Entourage, and Sex and the City (I won’t lie) as we made our way across the pond. They gave us quite a nice dinner and it was nice being able to order wine (which was free). Though the flight attendant did want to make sure I was 18. That was a first for me. I didn’t sleep at all during the duration of the flight and arrived in Paris somewhat fatigued.
The Paris airport was thought up by Satan, himself. This I am certain of. All of the terminals start with 2 and are then a letter from C-E. Of course, there are two 2E’s. We were told in Boston we would have ample time to make it from terminal 2E to 2F even though our lay over was just shy of an hour. We jumped off the plane and Anna led the way to the shuttle which was to take us to 2F. Of course it moved eerily slow and time was quickly running out. As we made it up to 2F we realized we had to go through customs. The line weaved back and forth and it didn’t seem logical that we could make it to the terminal in that time.
Out of the blue my French came back and I was told we could go into the expedited business line. Once we reached the front we were told otherwise and my French is not good enough to argue with the speed of my wit. Defeated we went back to the now even longer customs line. Along the way I met an American traveler, also a college student. I motioned for him to come up with us. This was the first time that I felt a greater sense of nationalism. Sort of like, Americans looking out for Americans. I have yet to really reflect on the significance of this but still feel like the notion of looking out for fellow Americans is a recurring them in the course of my travels.
We made it through Customs and my passport was stamped for the first time. Anna and Mo cleared before me and sprinted ahead to make the plane, or so we thought. It was instead the next hurdle, security. At this point it seemed clear we were not going to make our plane. This time after my pleading we made it to the business line and worked our way through security, which was very disjointed. At this point I think it is safe to say we were all running on anxiety and adrenaline. With my shoes on I sprinted for the gate in hopes of stalling it until Anna and Mo could make it. From what I saw the interior of Terminal 2F is exquisitely decorated. I could see our gate with the words Final Boarding flashing, success. We had made it. I don’t want to say I qualified for the Olympics during that sprint, but I qualified for the Olympics. Of course, it’s only fitting that the plane would remain at the gate for 15 minutes after our impromptu dash through the airport. We left Paris after some delays and thick fog that even San Francisco would have to respect. While the plane powered its way towards Rome the Italian Alps made their way into my window.
In a relatively short amount of flight time (at least compared to the first flight) we landed in Rome. The airport was huge and confusing as to where we were supposed to go. Not having any reason not to we decided to go straight. Anna led. I’m not sure for whose benefit but she did appear as if she knew where she was going. As I had no reason to suggest another route I followed along with Mo. We stopped to go to the bathroom. The first cultural shock: Italians don’t use paper towels. Instead there is a continuous almost linen like towel that is continuous. This would have been ok but I really needed to blow my nose.
Walking out of terminal was quite odd. I expected to have to once again go through customs but instead we simply walked out some sliding doors and there we were, in Rome. Anna later explained that since we were going from EU to EU going through Customs wasn’t necessary. I’m not sure if I totally believe this or if we just found a loophole in the terminal. But one thing was certain: we had made it to Italy.

Chapter III

All airports look the same on the inside, at least in my opinion. Sure they may be set up different but all things being equal there are a bunch of shops, a duty free place, and gates. This was also the case with the Da Vinci Aeroport. Anna and Mo were both hungry so we sought out food inside the terminal but thought better of it after looking at the first vendor. Remembering that we had to catch a train to Florence after meeting Shane we thought it well to inquire as to where the train station was. From there we moved on to terminal B to wait for Shane.
At this point we sat in a café inside the terminal and I made my first international purchase – a coke. I really didn’t taste that big of a difference to be honest. After waiting for not very long at all Shane emerged from the crowds. We had all made it safely to Italy and now the adventure was really underway.

Chapter IV

After catching up with each other at length we looked at our train tickets and saw that our train was to depart at 13:30 and so at 12:30 we made out way to the train station which is connected to the aeroport. Upon closer inspection Shane and I realized that the train leaving at 13:30 was the one we were supposed to take from the Roma Termini and not the aeroport station. Thus, we had a problem. We caught the first train we could for the Roma Termini but missed our train to Florence. On the train ride I was rather nervous as the houses that lined the tracks were very beaten down. This was my first reaction to Italy but as Shane pointed out, the cheapest housing is along train tracks. It was at this point where I was thankful that Shane was there. At times I can overreact or get stressed in a situation as that but Shane has a calm about him which transfers to all in his company and so it did with me. We then sought out where to go to get another train and find out what to do.
Nobody at the Termini gave us straight answers and we were set from place to place. At this point I was just taken aback by the sheer size of the Termini along with how many people where there. We went from ticket booth to ticket booth and then told we were to go to the main booth. We ended up walking through a shop and as I walked out the alarm went off. A guard came up to me and asked that I open my bag. Soon enough he realized that I hadn’t stolen anything and on we went. At the main booth we learned all we had to do was get on the next train and pay a total of 8 euro. Simple enough though that information would have been appreciated from the beginning. I am uncertain if it was because of all the reminders I had gotten from people or the fact that in general I am more self aware in big crowds but as we waited I was watching everybody. I had been warned of Italian pickpockets and so everybody was a possible target to me. Before long our train arrived and we were on our way to Florence.
I very much enjoyed our train ride. We had a quad set up and a table separating us, which allowed us to pass the time playing cards. While playing cards was a lot of fun I also loved taking in the Italian countryside. Once again as we drew nearer to Florence the houses along the tracks were beaten down and old. I guess I just naively expected the houses to look differently. Upon arrival in Florence I called Audrey and her roommate Taylor who then met us in front of a McDonald’s.
It was rather odd seeing Audrey in this context. For the entirety of our friendship we have only known each other in the Bay Area so to see such a close friend established and prospering in such a distant land was a little mind boggling. Now at this point Shane wasn’t exactly clear where the hostel was but at the train station they gave us a basic idea of where we were supposed to go. So we walked down the street bags and all until we arrived at a hostel. The only problem was that it wasn’t our hostel. After getting the address courtesy of Anna’s iphone Taylor or as we came to call her, “Mapquest” traced a route for us. The only problem? We had to walk to the other side of the city. One we went walking for close to an hour. This would become a normal walk for us but the added weight of bags and lack of sleep didn’t aid us in our travel.
Turning down the street our hostel came into view and at first we were all concerned. It looked like a shack. Entering into check in didn’t quell our fears. As we made out way to the room I held my breath as the door opened. And as the lights flickered on I let out a sigh of relief. The room was very nice with four beds and our own bathroom. Shane and I got to business and pushed all four beds together.
Settling into the hostel we set out to find dinner. Our travels let us to a pizza parlor and then to a nearby supermarket where Shane and I found an 86 cent bottle of wine. Never again. The wine tasted like white grape juice. After eating back in the hostel we all fell asleep for and slept relatively soundly for the night except for Shane and myself as we were both stricken with a cough.

The Day Before

We are looking at 29 hours until we're flying over the Atlantic and headed into Europe. Shane has safely arrived in Londontown. There are still some loose ends to tie up here before I head out but it is partially setting in that tonight is the last night I'll be sleeping in the US for awhile. Still, there are a myriad of emotions circling my head. As I sit here and type Mo is jetting from Oakland towards Logan. I guess this is the first part of the trip where it gets official. Basically, once Mo is here I am in travel mode. Perhaps it was the way I was raised or the fact that starting at age 14 I was mobile and in San Francisco but I'm always watching people when in transit. Who is this guy? Why is he coming at me at that angle? Threat? No. Move on to the next person. We're coming up to an alley, time to put myself closest to the alley and then move on. So basically, starting this afternoon I'm not going to rest until I know that Anna and Mo are safely back home. Probably not the best way to live life but it is what I do. Regardless there will be time to relax and have fun. Still I gotta be heads up seven up. In just a few hours I'll be in a land I've only read about and seen in pictures. I must admit that I am still nervous but filled with excitement as well. I like being in control in every situation and it is clear that as we travel I am going to be faced with challenges in which I don't have a working knowledge of the language nor with the land. Luckily, when you have Joe and add Shane things just work and even if they don't, like our boy Will Smith, we make it look good.

Pre-Italia

Brittany suggested that I blog about the trip to Italy and I happen to think that that is a fantastic idea. I'm not sure how many times I'll have access to a computer over the course of the trip but regardless I think it is important that I commit this journey to paper (or in this case the internet). So every journey needs a point of origin so up until we are wheels up I think I should write about the preparations for the trip.

As it stands now I am done little to get ready for this trip. Barely have any money in my checking account. I need to really step that up because this just doesn't play. I'm just concerned because I have a lot of expenses right now and no source of income. Leases aren't cheap, neither is jumping the Atlantic. There are days where I want my credit card to be taken away and just thrown somewhere. It truly is the devil.
In 8 days MoMo gets to Boston and one could say the trip has officially started from that point on. The next day we'll rendezvous with Anna at Logan and then off to Terminal E to head to Paris and then on to Rome. My understanding is that we are renting a car and driving to Florence. Of course this trip will be a bounty of memories and stories but how special it is that we will find ourselves driving across a foreign country.
It just seems so foreign to me (pun intended) that we will be in a car but in a different atmosphere. How many summer nights have seen Shane and I either in Aloe or the JT Cruiser heading to some party in Alameda? This time we find ourselves driving Italy. I suppose that I am continuely amazed that I have found friends who share my sense of adventure and don't even let geography keep them down. I also recongize what a blessing it is to be able to do things like this. In 10 years I doubt I'll remember the stresses I am feeling as I prepare for a show and midterms. However, I will remember that thrill and adventure that will be mine and my companions in Italy.
At this point I am anxious to get going and to experience this new world. I have no expectations execept to expect the unexpected. All I really want is to make reality an evening in Italy with a bottle of wine, a cigar, and the sharing of stories. I feel as though whenever anybody leaves what is normal to them they grow. I don't expect to go through a life changing experience during this exodus but I do think there will be some sort of growth and personal understanding. I am just happy to know that this is a trip undertaken among friends.

Shaking

Reviewing my previous posts there have been highs and lows. But a constant runs through them all. I talk about the weather way too much. Sure, I could argue that weather can play a huge role on how one views their day or even remembers it. But in the same way that the mind can play tricks on the body so too can the weather on the soul.
This blog's original purpose was to be a means for me to look within myself, thus the title borrowed from Stevie Wonder- Innervisions. And yet, I feel I have strayed from that. At times I may write things with an intended audience of whom I am not able to speak with or must reflect deeper in order to formulate the message I wish to convey. Other times it has served the very important role of allowing me to clear my mind of troubles collected through the days. Some of commented that humor is often missing. I am starting to think my humor is only applicable in social situations and is not a skill readily turned on and off. Even worse is the fact that at times when I have thought it wasn't in use it made its way to the main stage and things got ugly. But that is that.
I've been reading a lot of Shakespeare as of late. And by a lot I mean that I'll read a sonnet or part of a play (usually a page) whenever I have a moment. I am continually struck at the enduring qualities of his work. True, Shakespeare may not be one man but many individuals. I don't trouble my mind with those burdens but rather read whomever's words have been come to be known as Shakespeare's. There is a lot of truth there. Often hidden or hard to discern and yet I find myself toiling to try and figure out exactly what each line is saying. Sometimes I get it and other times I am more confused than poor Othello. Such is life.
I am very curious about what this new adventure I've set out on holds in store for me. Things were at a standstill for months and then, like the phoenix, what I thought were ashes of dreams deferred came something completely new. Time moved slow and then in a blink of an eye and the change of a year time decided to speed itself up simply because it can. And so here we are asking ourselves new questions- who? what? when? where? why? I feel like time should slow itself down once more so that I might at least take time to enjoy the journey. I am unconcerned with the destination. I just hope the road ahead is smooth and while this is clearly naive a small part of me already hopes the road is endless. I don't want there to be a destination but rather a new junction to explore. Why can't that be reality? It wouldn't be that out of the ordinary.
I think Othello is speaking for me, "Speak of me as I am; nothing farfetched,
And don’t write anything in malice. Then you must speak
Of one that loved not wisely, but too well;"

I think you'll make me wise.

That point in the winter

We've gotten to that point in the winter where it seems as though it is an endless plateau. Today teased me with brief 50 degree weather and basketball shorts and a t-shirt were the acceptable attire for the afternoon, both indoors and out. But as they generally do the elements quickly changed and we were cast back into 34 degree weather. No matter. Though that 50 degree weather reminded me of what lays ahead. Italy. More fun times at school then those perfect summer months. The prospect of what lays ahead fills me with joy and reservations.
I guess I've always thought of myself as a member of the Dream Team for awhile. Perhaps this spawned out of the Summer '07 line up. It would have been pretty sweet if our t-shirts were as timeless as the '05. That is a mean throwback. And now it is apparent that there will only be two members of that Dream Team back for the '09 season. At least on the active day to day roster. How odd it is to think about that at length. Shane you know that there is nobody I rather be working with as Supervisor and with your experience and the fact that you are held in well deserved high regard at the HBC assures me that what lays ahead won't trip us up. We could handle a lamination machine after all. But as early clock ins and field trip days fill my head I have to admit that my mind is unsure of what the dynamic will be like. Sure there will be beautiful people to share and make memories with and the good times will abound. But it is going to be hard not to see some of the faces that in mind have always been synonymous with my summers. There is no doubt those faces will make cameos but not seeing them on a day to day basis is going to be unnerving to say the least. However, there are those who maybe weren't there in '07 but are still near and dear to my heart. Come what will.
These days I find myself more and more unsure of myself. I don't know if this is just a point in time in which I am going through a catharsis and change or if I am stagnant. I foster great hope that it is in fact the catharsis similiar in type to Caulfied's but without the shattered record and without explusion. A run in with a prostitute is also not prefered. Maybe this is just another part of growing up. I really don't know. I know where my ship wants to sail. Just give me time to get my bearings and then I am off to open sea. This ship is nuclear powered so forget the wind in my sails.
Each day Italy gets closer and the anxiety and excitement increases. I have no idea what awaits me and my companions and that is enough to double the excitement. Being in the company of great friends is the only prerequisite for this transatlantic adventure.
As the days pass and my enviornment doesn't the yearning to travel is also growing. You only have one life and I want to see as much of this rock as possible. I want to investiage it all and write about it.
I've also been contimplating writing my autobiography from the beginning to now and updating it over time. I want it to be the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I don't intend it to be read except maybe my family after the sun in my hour glass has run out. Ha, as if I have time for more reading and writing.
Coming home for Spring Break is going to be something new and different.
At some point I'm going to have to tell you. I almost did it last week but your seas have been graced by the tempest so I'll send word to you once the swells have calmed and the deck is no longer pitching. I only worry that will turn my pebble into a boulder capable of again interrupting your newly calm seas and I know that is a burden you don't need. But I respect you and have always been honest. I just don't know if you are ready for this news and to accept that while you watch the horizon I've gone out to see what the seas have in store for me and my port of call and yours in not the same. My anchors have been aweigh while I fear you've been circling the harbor. A ship is safe in harbor but that isn't what ships are for.
This entire weekend was something else. Weekends starting Thursday are more than alright with me. Having one class on Thursday and Friday are a God send. The memories and highs and lows of this weekend were enough for me. Last night especially. I'm sorry to say my wandering eyes and curiosity might have taken me into a questionable area but the information obtained there has afforded me the opprotunity to hear what you can't say. I'll take that information to heart and do my best to quell any and all inqueries. But I can't stop doing what comes naturally to me and will continue to keep the lines of communication open to all.
I highly recommend that anybody in the Boston area plans an excursion to the New England Aquarium. While it packs a healthy admission fee the vast aquatic life inside is well worth it. The penguins alone did it for me.

Write, right?

Sometimes I wish I was a writer. I wish my words could sweep people away from wherever they are and take them to the most beautiful of lands. From the beaches of Normandy to the a czar's castle in Russia. But, alas, my command of the written word is unexceptional. The ability to effectively paint the pictures that find residence in my mind is lacking. I guess I just don't have the right brushes or paints. I have stories to tell and journeys to embark on but the means of travel isn't the written word. I guess oral history would have been my way of doing things. Would that make Homer my inspiration?
In the same vein I find myself appreciating the true literary greats even more. I feel that to really appreciate any type of talent you have to at least try it yourself to gain a full respect for it. For example, I can't sing to save my life. I'm ok with that. As a result I can appreciate what it takes for others to share that gift with the world. This applies to every facet of the human experience. However, I think we sometimes forget that there are things that each of us can do like nobody else. Whether we chose to recognize it or not each and every one of us harbors a special gift. Sure some may appear to me more extraordinary than others but we can all do something. The challenge is to accept what we can do and share those gifts with the world.

Stevie Wonder Does Me Right

Any combination of Stevie Wonder and James Taylor can make even the gloomiest days perfect to me. Outside my window I see a flurry of snow spinning in endless circles until each unique flake hits the earth and becomes one united white blanket covering the green grass and our hopes and dreams. The remedy? Stevie Wonder, songs in the Key of Life. For whatever reason I can just let loose and I forget about the elements that await me as I begin the process of getting ready to go to class. Tuesdays are rough business. They drag on like it is their job. Joe does not approve. But such is life. I should really stop complaining about the weather. All things being equal it is no big thing. Rain is a lot worse than snow. However, I honestly believe that the weather affects an individual's well being. Yesterday I saw blue skies and the sun for the first time in recent memory. The sun's warmth revitalized me and for whatever reason yesterday was just one of those days that you fall asleep thinking, "this was good." I should probably be reading for procrastination is the name of the game here. I think I'll go make some green tea. Have yourself a good day.

Ice Rink

I'm not sure whose job it is to be dealing with the ice that forms after the snow melts and that resulting water freezes, but they need a talking to.

Incident 1. 12:03am Thursday, January 29th. Gasson Stairs

Coming out of call backs Jim hits the deck and an instant later I am sliding down the sidewalk as well. Not good.

Incident 2. 2pm Thursday, January 29th. Million Dollar Stairs

Huge thing of ice just waiting to take me out. Hand rails are a God send.

Incident 3. 1:20 Friday, January 30th. Beacon Street.

The whole damn thing is an ice rink. If I lived on the street I'd at least take care of the business in front of my apartment or whatever. Help me Jesus.

Incident 4. Probably that not too distant future.

Realization: Massachusetts was a bad choice.

January Heat Wave

Monday morning at 11:41 in Alameda, CA the mercury reads 72 degrees. Monday afternoon 2:41 in Chestnut Hill, MA the mercury stumbles to reach 28 degrees. That is a 44 degree difference and that is a big difference. If this was golf you better believe I'd be all over 28 degrees. But this is real life son. I wan the most degrees I can get. 72 is a fabulous temperature. You can be calm, cool, and collect. Sure snow is fun and pretty to look at for awhile but I'm all about warmer temperatures. This is a great last day to be in the Bay. The sun is shinning and the birds are chirping. It is a perfect day. So why am I inside telling you about it? Im out like the fat kid in dodgeball.

Commission

In Norfolk today the USS George H.W. Bush was commissioned as the tenth and final Nimitz Class Supercarrier in the United States Navy. I have to admit I am all about aircraft carriers. The prospect of living on one excites me as well as frightens me. The sheer size of them blows me away. The newest is 20 stories high and as long as the empire state building is long. There is no point to this post. Just wondering what the future holds and if I'll ever call an aircraft carrier home.

2009

I appreciate New Year's resolutions. Some people find themselves making the same resolutions each time the ball drops. It's almost foreshadowing because somewhere along the way they drop the ball too. I do my best to make resolutions that I know I can keep. I even had a few for 09 but they are being thrown out the window. Instead I want to be watching the ball fall for 2010 knowing the 2009 was a resolute year.
There is something special about these breaks. Anna summed it up perfectly last night when we went down to that party at Santa Cruz, "It is like two worlds coming together." I wish my worlds would cross instead of being on separate coasts. They each have the good and the bad but the people from each world put together would be unstoppable. But that just isn't in the cards.
As I move forward I'm not sure that everybody wants to see me embark on the roads ahead. I know one person for sure. I can understand the motivations and must admit that at times I haven't been clear about what I want or where I'm going. But I've found something good. I don't know if it will endure the test of time or if it is just current fad/muse for a time. I hope it endures. I want it to. I'm maturing and growing as a person. It's good. I still have a long way to go but when I think of where I was just a year ago the difference is startling.
Spring Semester is upon me. I can't believe that after this semester I'm a junior. Something just doesn't seem right about that. College is almost half over. That is whack, Jack.
I love that I lead a spontaneous lifestyle and that love is only deepened by the fact that I have some of the greatest friends you could have in this life. It's a fact. We don't operate by what makes the most sense or by what the clock says. We go on whims and explore. One minute you are thinking you're staying in for the night, the next you're drawing penises with shaving cream at some house in Santa Cruz you'll never return to. (Sorry Anna.) I can only imagine what 2009 has in store. But if these first 9 days are any indication, it will be one for the books.
I have to be honest though, the prospect of freezing weather and snow does not fill me with glee. Good thing I have fond memories to keep me warm.