Sorry for the break, but I've been busy making Bad Decisions, so I thought I'd write about it...
My boy Fera used and his crew used to go out Thursday nights to downtown Gainesville and get nice and rowdy. This tradition was known as "Bad Decision Thursday". I proceeded to borrow the idea of "Bad Decision ____" and took it to South Florida with me as we went out on Fridays after work, even as far as to include my Godfather in the quote. The saying was then brought to the Keys for Spring Break 'O8, and after having "Bad Decision Monday", "Bad Decision Tuesday", and "Bad Decision Wednesday"; Rob made the claim that we should just rename it "Bad Decision '08". This has continued, to a lesser degree into '09.
It is important to know that "Bad Decisions" are not necessarily bad decisions, although they may be viewed that way by some. A "Bad Decision" includes partying hard, maybe bringing home a less-than-attractive partner, or even just spending too much money on a certain night.
It's not always that bad, but it sure isn't the most responsible.
I've been thinking about it and I view a lot of good as I've made my return to Gainesville for the seventh year of college. I make jokes about trying to stay here as long as possible, but in honesty I actually am earning 3 degrees. The way I went and continue going about it may not be the most practical, but I'm having a good time and I don't care. I'm not living my life for other people, and no one should. There's no standard way to go about living your life, so just do what makes you happy.
I've made some good decisions in my life (picking UF is probably tops on the list) and I've certainly made some bad decisions (seems it is usually with girls). However, all of these decisions eventually lead up to who I am and what I'll become. Granted, I have regrets about not working a little harder, or not just blocking out what my friends thought about certain things; but I can't change any of that now and the quicker I learn and am able to apply that I can move forward.
As I continue through life, many choices will be put in front of me and I must decide which path to take. These paths may lead to a career, a wife (she'll have to have some patience) and a kid (hopefully no time soon). Some may disagree with the maze that I choose to take, and that's fine as we all have our own opinion on what are good and bad decisions.
All I know is that every "Bad Decision" has made great memories.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Check Them At The Door
Last weekend, I took a short weekend trip to the Florida Keys (Islamorada). While there, I caught some jabs and some compliments about the blog. While there, I was requested to write about the Keys, so it is my honor to oblige.
Vacations, no matter how simple or extravagant are a great tool to get away from the stresses of life at home. Whether to get away from work, get away from family, or to just experience something different, these trips allow people to let go and enjoy the time when they're away. Some people choose to let loose a little more than others and some locations bring this out of people more than others.
While I've been to many different locals across the US, there are some that I visit at least once a year. One place that falls into this group is Tallahassee, FL. Granted, this is not one of my favorite places, as it hosts FSU; but, it has also been home to a good variety of friends and some great times. I have noticed, while in Tally, there is never a night where I am calm and just hang out at the house. This could be due to the fact that I am usually there for a big rivalry game (UF-FSU or UM-FSU). The mood is always a little more amped up and leads to crazier partying. I have yet to be in Tallahassee to just relax and hang out.
Another location that seems to bring this out of me is the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are a calm getaway for many Florida citizens, especially older folks with boats and beach houses. The attitude of many visitors is relaxed and they are there to enjoy the weather and the activities that come with being surrounded with water.
Being younger, this serenity doesn't necessarily apply to myself or my friends. Granted, I appreciate every time that I get to enjoy The Keys and Rob's house. I make sure to at least spend 1 hour on the deck or dock and look out over the water and take in view. I think of what it would take to not work and just hang out like that forever...but then reality hits. Every time I have been to the Keys (4th of July, New Years, Spring Break, Random Weekend) something or someone is out of control.
I think of many great stories, just not great decisions that have been made. For the longest time, I thought it had to do with the group that I was with and how we were. However, after the last couple trips, I believe that it's just something in the air. Every time I have attended this group of islands, a unique story has occurred, mostly involving one or even none of our group. It's as if when you get onto US 1, they make you check your morals and standards at the door. Everyone seems to be looking for the worst decisions that they can possibly make. Everyone seems to work on the Binary System and the feeling of embarrassment does not exist. People treat the Keys as if when they return to the mainland, what they did will not be remembered by anyone. The Keys even bring this mentality out of people whom I even thought to be very conservative, as I learned this past weekend. Even on evenings that are spent grilling at the house, some sort of partying is bound to occur.
I cannot fully describe what occurs in the Keys as if I were to it would be an entire book (Wow, good idea). However, many of these bad decisions are located in 2 areas. During the day, shenanigan's take place at the Sand Bar and later on at night, at Hog's Heaven (or The Hog).
At the Sand Bar, boats anchor up and the passengers proceed to get in the water, beer in hand, and walk around (sometimes creep). Guys check out every girl and vice versa. Some groups are more family oriented (not a great idea) and the some are more out of control. Everyone is usually friendly to one another, probably because they are all in the same mindset as everyone has checked all good decisions at the Keys entrance. Funnels, Beer Pong, and Shotguns are commonplace. Occasionally, you meet a group that gives you tequila shots within 3 minutes of knowing you. Other times call for wrestling 2 girls in a Hamster Ball on the water. No matter the day or the event, there is always something crazy going on.
The Hog is the night time bar for anyone and everyone located around Islamorada. Some times the crowds are large, others the place is scarcely packed. However, within hours, sometimes minutes, one's mind is boggled by the actions of another patron. This is most likely due to the overwhelming amount of shots taken. Inside the Hog, you may see girls dance (I use the term dance quite loosely) on the bar. Or, you could see your friends get lap dances by a grease-burned cook who just got off her shift. You could run into people you've met on the Sand Bar, which turns into a whole new adventure. Since there's not always the best choices in The Hog, you pretty much just settle, and it's no biggie since your plenty of drinks deep. The Hog says it closes at 4am, but might stay open if there are enough people there. Close is interesting as patrons squeeze into cabs, some without knowing each other or having money to pay. If the cab isn't your way home, you could get a ride home on a Child's Seat, or as I have recently experienced, walk the 2.5 miles back to the house.
While the stories may not always end up the way you would like, they're bound to bring a smile to your face when you remember them, or are reminded of them. Sometimes the pieces must be put together by the group, like a Jigsaw team. You may not always be proud of what you've done, but at least it's a good story. And while you may have a time of guilt, you can then point out what another member of the group has done in the past and all is kosher.
The Keys is a magical and mysterious place. The views and weather are beautiful, and under the shining sun the choices made are not always the prettiest. While the actions of people in the Keys may be frowned upon on the mainland, they are welcomed there. But, they are left there whenever one picks back up their morals and standards and heads back north, with whatever dignity they have left.
God Bless The Conch Republic!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Raising The Bar Scene
Lately, I've been writing about more serious topics just trying to blow off steam from things that have occurred recently in my life. This week, I've decided to write about something that occurs in my life nearly every week, and something that many of my friends can relate very easily to - going to the bar.
I've been to three distinct genres of bars throughout my travels; the ones in large cities (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Boston, Atlanta, New Orleans, etc.), the one in college towns (Gainesville, Tallahassee, Athens, Baton Rouge, Knoxville, etc.), and the local town bars (Cooper City, The Keys, etc). The atmosphere, service, and prices of these establishments vary greatly; as do the the ages of patrons (when I'm in school it's 18-25, in South Florida it's 16-60). Despite this variety in experiences, many will notice the same things when they attend these drinking joints.
The first thing noticed when at a bar is the service, especially if the service is poor. There is nothing more annoying than standing at a bar, money in hand, and not getting served. I find that if Hell exists, this is going to be my own version. While, I'm all for being a gentleman, I'm not always down for the bartender making every girl in the joint some crazy concoction when all I want is a G&T or a beer (nice, simple drinks). Even worse, is being behind the person that can't decide what they want. Experienced bar-goers know exactly what they drink (even if their tastes vary) and can order in a split second. The menu at a bar is pretty much the same at every bar you attend, and it's been that way since bars were created. Occasionally you'll get new tricks thrown in there, but seriously, it's beer, whiskey, vodka, gin, wine; pick one....NOW!!! However, when the service is good, you hardly notice the ordering of the drinks as it becomes an enjoyable experience. If you are as I am, you enjoy these places where a rapport has been built with the bartenders and they serve you better and you tip accordingly.
The atmosphere of the bar is the only thing about the experience that is shared by men and women. I thought it was reserved for college sorority girls, but adult women do all the same silly tricks. First, girls attend the bar to spend time with their girls, have a few drinks, and DANCE. God, these chicks love to dance. There is even a known statement, "Fuck guys, I just want to dance" blatantly shows this attitude of not having any concern for the other sex. Despite this lack of care for guys, it will NEVER ever stop a girl from trying to get as many free drinks at the bar as possible (even if she has a boyfriend). Girls have the ability to go to the bar with basically no money and successfully drinking throughout the night (yes, there is jealousy).
Just because there are nights when girls just want to dance, they deep down want the same thing guys do, which I'll get to in a few. Girls also all have standard moves that they do at the bar. For some reason, no matter what the age, girls feel that they cannot leave each other's side for any reason for any split second. No matter, how little space there is to move they must form the "Friend-Chain" and hold hands as they walk throughout the bar. While this chain can reach up to 6 girls, it doesn't matter, everyone must immediately move out of the way or have the train run you off the tracks (drinks, feet, and manners be damned). While they easily could get through if they didn't hold hands and said "excuse me" that would require too many concessions, and this isn't a ballpark, concessions are closed.
Guys go to the bar for two things, and two things only: to get drunk and try and hook up. The only way the first one won't happen is if the second one does early on. The best nights ever for a guy are when both occur on the same night. To girls, hanging with their friends is an important part of the night; for guys, this is just a way to bridge the gap of time between starting the evening and their goals. Occasionally the friend can give an assist to the goal by being a good wingman, a service which must be reciprocated if the opportunity presents itself.
See, when at a bar, guys are constantly looking for who they can hook up with. When the night begins, there are standards (maybe not standards, but at least preferences). I think of it as similar as to when I got my first car. When I first started looking for a vehicle, I really wanted a Jeep Wrangler. If it wasn't a Jeep, it had to at least be a SUV. If I couldn't get a SUV, then I wanted the car to be a convertible. If not a convertible, at least it had to have a sunroof. When I first received my vehicle, it was a hard-top car with no sunroof, but I was satisfied because I got a vehicle. See, guys aim high, but as the drinks keep coming, the aim might get a little shaky and the guy will settle for what he can get. Guys implore the Binary System by the end of most nights. There is know rating 1-10, there are simply 1s and 0s, yeses and nos. No matter how poor the decision is, no guy is to prevent another from making that decision. Instead, the friends choose to make fun of the person at a later date.
While not ever spoken in the open, as guys do, girls really just want to hook up to. Well, at least most do. These normal girls are not what guys look out for at bars. There are a few types that must be looked out for:
First, the Mother Hen. She believes that everyone came in one car at one time and everyone must go home in one car at the same time. She screens every guy that talks to one of her friends and will quickly halt any chance a guy may have. She makes sure all her "chicks" stick together and no one does anything "too crazy".
Second, the Moral High Horse. She is very similar to the Mother Hen as she must screen every guy. She will tell her every judgment, not necessarily to the guy, but loud enough to show her disapproval. Her friend may want to have fun; however, she makes sure that it doesn't happen as someone might get the "wrong impression".
Lastly, the Ms. Me Too. This girl is all about partying and in most cases can be really fun to be around. However, if she isn't getting attention from a guy, then none of her friends are allowed to. She'll drop the "maybe next time" or the "well, I drove" to try and make her friend feel guilty for trying to leave without her.
Guys are a different creature. We rarely look out for each other in the bar, unless it's a physical altercation. Rather, we allow for each other to make horrible decisions; if for nothing but the story. We don't care what girl our friends are talking to, unless she has friends. There's no real round up of friends. Instead, guys will leave when they feel like and allow other friends to leave accordingly.
While these differences are there and are blatantly shown while in the bar, it is important that we come together to allow for what everyone wants anyway - the hookup. This is difficult because of the double-standard in our society. If a guy hooks up a lot, he the man; a girl does it and she's a sloot. We need to toss this stigma out the window and allow for girls to feel comfortable with what they're doing.
Because honestly, we all just want to "Get drunk and make some bad decisions".
I've been to three distinct genres of bars throughout my travels; the ones in large cities (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Boston, Atlanta, New Orleans, etc.), the one in college towns (Gainesville, Tallahassee, Athens, Baton Rouge, Knoxville, etc.), and the local town bars (Cooper City, The Keys, etc). The atmosphere, service, and prices of these establishments vary greatly; as do the the ages of patrons (when I'm in school it's 18-25, in South Florida it's 16-60). Despite this variety in experiences, many will notice the same things when they attend these drinking joints.
The first thing noticed when at a bar is the service, especially if the service is poor. There is nothing more annoying than standing at a bar, money in hand, and not getting served. I find that if Hell exists, this is going to be my own version. While, I'm all for being a gentleman, I'm not always down for the bartender making every girl in the joint some crazy concoction when all I want is a G&T or a beer (nice, simple drinks). Even worse, is being behind the person that can't decide what they want. Experienced bar-goers know exactly what they drink (even if their tastes vary) and can order in a split second. The menu at a bar is pretty much the same at every bar you attend, and it's been that way since bars were created. Occasionally you'll get new tricks thrown in there, but seriously, it's beer, whiskey, vodka, gin, wine; pick one....NOW!!! However, when the service is good, you hardly notice the ordering of the drinks as it becomes an enjoyable experience. If you are as I am, you enjoy these places where a rapport has been built with the bartenders and they serve you better and you tip accordingly.
The atmosphere of the bar is the only thing about the experience that is shared by men and women. I thought it was reserved for college sorority girls, but adult women do all the same silly tricks. First, girls attend the bar to spend time with their girls, have a few drinks, and DANCE. God, these chicks love to dance. There is even a known statement, "Fuck guys, I just want to dance" blatantly shows this attitude of not having any concern for the other sex. Despite this lack of care for guys, it will NEVER ever stop a girl from trying to get as many free drinks at the bar as possible (even if she has a boyfriend). Girls have the ability to go to the bar with basically no money and successfully drinking throughout the night (yes, there is jealousy).
Just because there are nights when girls just want to dance, they deep down want the same thing guys do, which I'll get to in a few. Girls also all have standard moves that they do at the bar. For some reason, no matter what the age, girls feel that they cannot leave each other's side for any reason for any split second. No matter, how little space there is to move they must form the "Friend-Chain" and hold hands as they walk throughout the bar. While this chain can reach up to 6 girls, it doesn't matter, everyone must immediately move out of the way or have the train run you off the tracks (drinks, feet, and manners be damned). While they easily could get through if they didn't hold hands and said "excuse me" that would require too many concessions, and this isn't a ballpark, concessions are closed.
Guys go to the bar for two things, and two things only: to get drunk and try and hook up. The only way the first one won't happen is if the second one does early on. The best nights ever for a guy are when both occur on the same night. To girls, hanging with their friends is an important part of the night; for guys, this is just a way to bridge the gap of time between starting the evening and their goals. Occasionally the friend can give an assist to the goal by being a good wingman, a service which must be reciprocated if the opportunity presents itself.
See, when at a bar, guys are constantly looking for who they can hook up with. When the night begins, there are standards (maybe not standards, but at least preferences). I think of it as similar as to when I got my first car. When I first started looking for a vehicle, I really wanted a Jeep Wrangler. If it wasn't a Jeep, it had to at least be a SUV. If I couldn't get a SUV, then I wanted the car to be a convertible. If not a convertible, at least it had to have a sunroof. When I first received my vehicle, it was a hard-top car with no sunroof, but I was satisfied because I got a vehicle. See, guys aim high, but as the drinks keep coming, the aim might get a little shaky and the guy will settle for what he can get. Guys implore the Binary System by the end of most nights. There is know rating 1-10, there are simply 1s and 0s, yeses and nos. No matter how poor the decision is, no guy is to prevent another from making that decision. Instead, the friends choose to make fun of the person at a later date.
While not ever spoken in the open, as guys do, girls really just want to hook up to. Well, at least most do. These normal girls are not what guys look out for at bars. There are a few types that must be looked out for:
First, the Mother Hen. She believes that everyone came in one car at one time and everyone must go home in one car at the same time. She screens every guy that talks to one of her friends and will quickly halt any chance a guy may have. She makes sure all her "chicks" stick together and no one does anything "too crazy".
Second, the Moral High Horse. She is very similar to the Mother Hen as she must screen every guy. She will tell her every judgment, not necessarily to the guy, but loud enough to show her disapproval. Her friend may want to have fun; however, she makes sure that it doesn't happen as someone might get the "wrong impression".
Lastly, the Ms. Me Too. This girl is all about partying and in most cases can be really fun to be around. However, if she isn't getting attention from a guy, then none of her friends are allowed to. She'll drop the "maybe next time" or the "well, I drove" to try and make her friend feel guilty for trying to leave without her.
Guys are a different creature. We rarely look out for each other in the bar, unless it's a physical altercation. Rather, we allow for each other to make horrible decisions; if for nothing but the story. We don't care what girl our friends are talking to, unless she has friends. There's no real round up of friends. Instead, guys will leave when they feel like and allow other friends to leave accordingly.
While these differences are there and are blatantly shown while in the bar, it is important that we come together to allow for what everyone wants anyway - the hookup. This is difficult because of the double-standard in our society. If a guy hooks up a lot, he the man; a girl does it and she's a sloot. We need to toss this stigma out the window and allow for girls to feel comfortable with what they're doing.
Because honestly, we all just want to "Get drunk and make some bad decisions".
Friday, July 24, 2009
Just Looking Out
I was having a tough time deciding what to write about this week, as I wanted to go back to more comedic topics, but haven't really been in a comedic mood the past few days.
So, I thought back to something my stepmother brought up last week; and the topic has been mentioned by other family members before: The fact that when I do something, there's usually an ulterior motive. Usually this motive is how my actions will most benefit me. I was always thinking of me first. I do nice things to be nice occasionally, but usually I would like something in return. I never did this consciously, but after recent events, I more now than ever believe in looking out for yourself.
My father believes in Karma, that because of good deeds that you do, things will come back around. That if you "do the right thing" you will be rewarded for your efforts. He's not religious at all, but he uses his belief in Karma to keep positive when times are rough.
Many look towards religion to help "guide" them through their trials and tribulations. Turning to a Higher Power is a way to help understand why certain situations ended up the way that they have, be it for better or worse. They believe that there is a Bigger Plan for all of mankind.
While I don't like to view myself as a pessimist, I think that both Karma and Religion is a load of shit. I'm not knocking anybody that uses it to get by, it's just not for me. First, if Karma really did exists, scumbag people who only look out for themselves and have not really contributed much to society (Paris Hilton is the first who comes to mind) would not get to do whatever they F'n feel like all the time. People that have had it rough for a long time would at least catch a break here or there. It would not constantly be the same results for the same people.
Religiously, I just have a tough time with the whole "Mine is right, yours is wrong" thought process that goes into a lot of teachings from many different sects of religion. No one has met any of the gods, or religious icons. Jesus isn't on your speed dial. So how are you so sure that what is written in a book or two is the exact way things are. As for a bigger plan, athletes thank God for touchdowns, but I'm sorry...God doesn't have a favorite football team. If he did, it might be the Gators (that's just because of His' boy Tebow).
My point is, don't but your life into the hands of something that has the possibility of not being true at all. To trust these "forces" leaves you hoping that something will go right, not making it go right. You need to trust in yourself and do what is good for YOU, even if it's just for that moment. While, at all times this may not be the right thing to do, you'll know that you did what you wanted, and you should never regret that.
While this may sound arrogant and selfish, you only need to worry about yourself, and figuring how to better your standing. It will never be said, but that's what the American Dream is - getting yours. The same should be said about personal relationships. There are many people out there, and very few of them are trustworthy enough for you to fully believe that they are looking out for any of your interests, let alone your best.
Don't count on someone or something to hang onto you because you'll get dropped like a fly ball to a Mets' outfielder. So, just stay on your game and don't get played like you're a Nintendo Wii.
So, I thought back to something my stepmother brought up last week; and the topic has been mentioned by other family members before: The fact that when I do something, there's usually an ulterior motive. Usually this motive is how my actions will most benefit me. I was always thinking of me first. I do nice things to be nice occasionally, but usually I would like something in return. I never did this consciously, but after recent events, I more now than ever believe in looking out for yourself.
My father believes in Karma, that because of good deeds that you do, things will come back around. That if you "do the right thing" you will be rewarded for your efforts. He's not religious at all, but he uses his belief in Karma to keep positive when times are rough.
Many look towards religion to help "guide" them through their trials and tribulations. Turning to a Higher Power is a way to help understand why certain situations ended up the way that they have, be it for better or worse. They believe that there is a Bigger Plan for all of mankind.
While I don't like to view myself as a pessimist, I think that both Karma and Religion is a load of shit. I'm not knocking anybody that uses it to get by, it's just not for me. First, if Karma really did exists, scumbag people who only look out for themselves and have not really contributed much to society (Paris Hilton is the first who comes to mind) would not get to do whatever they F'n feel like all the time. People that have had it rough for a long time would at least catch a break here or there. It would not constantly be the same results for the same people.
Religiously, I just have a tough time with the whole "Mine is right, yours is wrong" thought process that goes into a lot of teachings from many different sects of religion. No one has met any of the gods, or religious icons. Jesus isn't on your speed dial. So how are you so sure that what is written in a book or two is the exact way things are. As for a bigger plan, athletes thank God for touchdowns, but I'm sorry...God doesn't have a favorite football team. If he did, it might be the Gators (that's just because of His' boy Tebow).
My point is, don't but your life into the hands of something that has the possibility of not being true at all. To trust these "forces" leaves you hoping that something will go right, not making it go right. You need to trust in yourself and do what is good for YOU, even if it's just for that moment. While, at all times this may not be the right thing to do, you'll know that you did what you wanted, and you should never regret that.
While this may sound arrogant and selfish, you only need to worry about yourself, and figuring how to better your standing. It will never be said, but that's what the American Dream is - getting yours. The same should be said about personal relationships. There are many people out there, and very few of them are trustworthy enough for you to fully believe that they are looking out for any of your interests, let alone your best.
Don't count on someone or something to hang onto you because you'll get dropped like a fly ball to a Mets' outfielder. So, just stay on your game and don't get played like you're a Nintendo Wii.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Timing IS Everything
Now, I know the timing of this post is odd, but I wanted to keep it shorter and mix it up a bit. Plus, my boss just informed me that we're getting out early, so I didn't want to take up too much time thinking about what to write. I'll get back to less serious topics next post. Enjoy.
This summer, I've been taking it easy in terms of going out at night. I still have been out a lot on the weekends, but the weekday adventures have been fewer than any time I can remember since being out of high school. This decision, albeit somewhat determined by outside circumstances has given me a lot of time to think; probably too much time. I've thought about a lot of instances throughout my life that has greatly changed who I am, and how I view things. I've come to one conclusion, the most important aspect in anyone's life is TIMING.
Timing is involved in almost everything that we do, and has the possibility to change everything drastically. In football, if the wide receiver and quarterback don't have the right timing, then the pass is usually off target and results in an incompletion or an interception. Should you leave your house at the right moment, your timing could result in you catching every light and being late. Shoot, even when saying "that's what she said" timing is crucial. Time it correctly, you get laughs, time it incorrectly and everyone stares at you with a stupid look on their face like your one of those hidden-image pictures.
Most often, timing is not something that is carefully planned out, it is just a coincidence that a certain series of events have led up to. When I was applying to colleges, I was originally determined to go out-of-state. I applied to only two schools in Florida, and four schools in other states. When it came to picking one, I was between two schools (UF and Ohio St.). The timing of that UF gave me to make a decision for housing came before I had received all scholarship offers from OSU. Because of this, I made the smart decision and attended UF. This has turned out to be one of the best results of forced timing in my life.
There are other instances where timing is much more complicated and requires many different actions to all occur at once. One summer evening a few years back all of my roommates were out of the house. One had to work, whereas the other two had decided to go to the bars. I, for one of the few times that summer, had decided to stay in. I had been playing X-Box most of the evening, but remembered that I needed to check a couple things on the computer. The roommate that was working was going to be home soon, and since my computer was broken, I had to use his, so I wanted to make sure to be done before he got home as to not bother him. For some reason, I signed on to AIM (which has now become completely useless) and a few moments later received a message from someone I had not talked to all that much, and had only known briefly. This single moment lead to many other conversations, and a very confusing and complicated situation. I, to this day, wonder what would be different had I not stayed in that night.
Not all of the things that timing affects is ground breaking. Shit, you could be at the right spot at the right time and find five bucks. You could be the guy who happens to walk up to the bar when the girl next to you decides it's time to go home with someone. Subtle or out in the open, timing is the key to everything. Shoot, even my fall roommate and now good friend, was a result of when a fight happened at a party.
While many of us take the things that occur in our lives for granted, which I myself do very often; If we really look back, we will know that most of our lives have been greatly affected by the timing of or within certain situations. Whether it be how your parents met, something that happened to them that has affected you, or bumping into someone you know that winds up being your spouse later down the road.
Also, if you enjoy this blog, check out my dad's at http://wahdaimelon.blogspot.com/
This summer, I've been taking it easy in terms of going out at night. I still have been out a lot on the weekends, but the weekday adventures have been fewer than any time I can remember since being out of high school. This decision, albeit somewhat determined by outside circumstances has given me a lot of time to think; probably too much time. I've thought about a lot of instances throughout my life that has greatly changed who I am, and how I view things. I've come to one conclusion, the most important aspect in anyone's life is TIMING.
Timing is involved in almost everything that we do, and has the possibility to change everything drastically. In football, if the wide receiver and quarterback don't have the right timing, then the pass is usually off target and results in an incompletion or an interception. Should you leave your house at the right moment, your timing could result in you catching every light and being late. Shoot, even when saying "that's what she said" timing is crucial. Time it correctly, you get laughs, time it incorrectly and everyone stares at you with a stupid look on their face like your one of those hidden-image pictures.
Most often, timing is not something that is carefully planned out, it is just a coincidence that a certain series of events have led up to. When I was applying to colleges, I was originally determined to go out-of-state. I applied to only two schools in Florida, and four schools in other states. When it came to picking one, I was between two schools (UF and Ohio St.). The timing of that UF gave me to make a decision for housing came before I had received all scholarship offers from OSU. Because of this, I made the smart decision and attended UF. This has turned out to be one of the best results of forced timing in my life.
There are other instances where timing is much more complicated and requires many different actions to all occur at once. One summer evening a few years back all of my roommates were out of the house. One had to work, whereas the other two had decided to go to the bars. I, for one of the few times that summer, had decided to stay in. I had been playing X-Box most of the evening, but remembered that I needed to check a couple things on the computer. The roommate that was working was going to be home soon, and since my computer was broken, I had to use his, so I wanted to make sure to be done before he got home as to not bother him. For some reason, I signed on to AIM (which has now become completely useless) and a few moments later received a message from someone I had not talked to all that much, and had only known briefly. This single moment lead to many other conversations, and a very confusing and complicated situation. I, to this day, wonder what would be different had I not stayed in that night.
Not all of the things that timing affects is ground breaking. Shit, you could be at the right spot at the right time and find five bucks. You could be the guy who happens to walk up to the bar when the girl next to you decides it's time to go home with someone. Subtle or out in the open, timing is the key to everything. Shoot, even my fall roommate and now good friend, was a result of when a fight happened at a party.
While many of us take the things that occur in our lives for granted, which I myself do very often; If we really look back, we will know that most of our lives have been greatly affected by the timing of or within certain situations. Whether it be how your parents met, something that happened to them that has affected you, or bumping into someone you know that winds up being your spouse later down the road.
Also, if you enjoy this blog, check out my dad's at http://wahdaimelon.blogspot.com/
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