Old Blogs from 11/03-8/04

7-25-04-Saturday was my company picnic at Lake Lanier. It was a fun picnic, including lots of food, beer, and a volleyball tournament. I didn't have any beer though (can you believe it?!). Included in the picnic was a free ticket to the water park at Lake Lanier, so after the tournament ended, I went with all the other co-ops and interns to the water park. It was good bonding time. It's too bad we bonded right before the semester is over. I haven't been to a water park in a long time, but it is incredible how the seams in the plastic slides scratch up against your back. it gets painful. And then there're those slides that are so fast, you literally come flying off of them and then land hard on your back, slide some more, fly off, etc. yet, after each slide, we eagerly run to wait 30 minutes in line for the next slide! what is wrong with us?
Last night, I decided I wanted to play volleyball, so I got together a few people, and we went and played. it was a lot of fun, until in the third game, about halfway through, we started feeling some large raindrops. We wanted to stick it out and finish our game, and decide who the volleyball champion was, so we continued playing. The rain got harder, and right as we finished our game (which we won), it downpoured. So, we were all running from the courts, across west campus - soaking wet. Today after work, I went over and had dinner and watched a movie with Jacob. Jacob -You are one of the most incredible people I know. There isn't anyone I've ever met that can match the qualities you have. I am so happy we are, have been, and always will be wonderful friends.


7-23-04- the past five days have been very relaxing. I went with my family to Pensicola, FL to stay on the beach for a while. It's basically been a week of sitting at the beach. Along with being a beach bum, I went both on Tuesday and Wednesday to the Naval base here in Pensicola. I got to see the Blue Angels fly both days. I even got a few pretty good pictures and videos, which I'll post too. I began and finished "The Da Vinci Code" in two days. If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it. I also went to Fort Pickens and the Naval Air Museum in some spare time. Now, unfortunately, I'm heading back to Atlanta getting ready for my last week of work.


7-17-04- ok, so this past week again was a typical work week. But last night was definitely the highlight of my week. Lisa, Rochelle and I threw a party, "Sex and the City" style. We only invited our single girlfriends, and each girl was supposed to bring a single guy friend that they would love to see with another great girl . To keep the ratio even though, each girl could only bring one guy. So, I apologize now if I didn't invite you. I was only rationed one guy. Anyway, we had about thirty people total, and if nothing else came of it, at least everyone got to meet new people and hang out and have fun (See Pictures Here). Hopefully we'll give this party another chance in fall, and it can be like the sequel...I got to hang out with a lot of my girlfriends that I rarely see. So then today, I got to catch up even more, because I spent the whole day with friends. Lisa, Julie and I went to have brunch today, and then we went to Piedmont park and walked around for a while, until we got rained on, so we went home. After that, I went to Jessica's with Lisa and Jacob, and a few of Jacob's camp friends, and we had a good time and got to hold her new baby, Spencer. Tonight, Becca and I hung out ...just like old times =).


7-12-04- ooh, I've been slacking! no posts for a week. Last week was pretty typical, but the weekend was fun! Friday I went home for dinner, and took some pictures with our new family dog, Reuben. Then I met up with Rochelle and then a bunch of other girls, and went bowling for a bit, which was fun (though, I didn't break 100 either game). Saturday I hung out here for a bit, and then went over to Jeff's to the pool. We spent a long time at the pool. It was me, Jeff, Adam, Ben, Lisa, Paul, and Mike. That night we had a girls' night out. Me and Lisa and Shelle were going to go to dinner and a movie, but Daniel came to dinner too, which was fun. We saw "The Notebook" which was a TOTAL chick flick. Good thing no guys came along, because all three of us had tears in our eyes by the end of the movie. It was allergies, we all claim. We went to coffee after that, and checked out all the guys at Starbucks, and wished they were straight. Because we convince ourselves that if they were straight, we would go and make conversation instead of sitting at our table peeking over. Riiight. I pretty much spend all day Sunday preparing for FASET orientation's organization fair, where I had to be at the JSU table, to recruit all the newest freshman Jews =). This morning, I am posting early, but going to work late. I am skipping the first hour or two of work to go to Jessica's new baby's bris - exciting times.


7-5-04- I wish that we could choose which days we take off from work. We didn't have work today, but I didn't really have anything else to do. So I basically bummed around all day. This weekend was fun. I went dancing, hung out with Jacob and his cool friend sarah. I went to the pool and had a little party here for Rochelle's 21st b-day. I went to brunch, a braves game, and a BBQ. I also saw a really good movie. It is called Nueve Reinas (Nine queens). It is a REALLY good Argentinean movie. I think I'm going to buy it. so you can come watch it with me some time.
If you're reading this, I want you to IM me your thoughts on the movies "The Terminal" and "The Notebook". I would like to see both, but have heard mixed reviews.


7-2-04- FRIDAY!!! yay! long weekend is coming! Last night I got to have fun dinner with Jeff, and then went salsa dancing. It was a lot of fun. Tonight I'm going to go swing dancing for the first time in a LONG time too. I also spent last night ordering 80 JSU pictures to be printed. However, I need them pretty soon, so instead of shipping them to my GT address, I shipped them to DZs place. Next thing he knows, he'll be getting my credit card statements too...shhh, I'm still working on that.


6-30-04-I have been posting a lot lately since anytime I need to vent, I feel the need to post to my page. I have had a really rough week. Besides being in a horrible argument with someone whose friendship I care about, someone hit my car in the lot at Kroger last night. Yes, my brand new car, the one I got 6 days earlier, now has a fairly large dent on the side. Morons really do exist all over the place. So now, I have to deal with all the insurance stuff along with everything else going on right now.
Back to my horrible argument. Ever get in such a bad argument, you feel like you can just kick someone as hard as possible, and then not regret it? that is how I feel right now. Except, I know that eventually I'd regret it, since this person is still hopefully my friend, and this argument is something we can work past. What everyone needs to know, is that I am aware of everything going on around me, and happening to me. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am the most conscientious person I know, and that I pay attention to details, and always know my surroundings. Regardless of if I react outwardly, I am reacting to the situation, and sometimes, it will not be an immediate reaction on the outside. Learn Patience. If something is said to me in jest, I take it with a grain of salt. When something is said to honestly hurt, it's not so easy to overlook. When something is said about a situation that is already a sad/hurtful situation - a situation that needs not to be joked about- and something is said in jest, it hurts. Learn to pay attention to the difference, and know when it is ok to joke about a matter, and when it is not.
They say that everything that you do has a purpose and a reason. I try to make sure that I learn from each person I meet, and everyone I encounter. Some lessons I learn are lessons on how to treat people who report to me. Some lessons are those of family interaction, some are about how to raise kids. Some lessons are lessons of friendship, and some lessons are lessons of love. Just know that I always watch and always note small things that I like in people's character, and things that I would never want to do myself. I try to take something out of every situation I'm in, and from there, grow and learn from it.
I still have a lot going through my mind, but I need to go to sleep. Have a good night.


6-28-04- Monday again. Tonight, Jacob was in town, so I went and spent the evening at his place with some of his roommates and camp friends. I really miss seeing Jacob a lot. he is one of my best friends in the world, and always knows what to say and what to do. I needed that quality time with him. Thanks Jacob, you rock. by the way everyone, check out this website. http://www.jacobsummeraction.com/ - it was created by some of Jacob's friends with his best interest in mind...
On another note, here's a shout out to Rochelle! HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY!!!!


6-27-04- I went to two weddings this weekend. Lauren and Randy's wedding was very nice, and it was fun. I went to another wedding Saturday night for a couple I don't know, but I went as a date for my friend scott. I think I've been to enough weddings to hold me over for a while. Today I went home and met my family's new dog, Reuben. He is such a sweet dog. It'll be fun having him around the house. We brought him over to Moshe's for his BBQ. the BBQ was fun, met some friends I hadn't met at Moshe's, and played some games. The weekend is over, and I am looking forward to next weekend.


6-24-04- I am back from FL. It was very sad, but in a way, better, since now he isn't suffering. There were many relatives and friends that spent the days with us (as per Jewish custom), and My mom and her sisters are all doing ok. It turns out, my grandfather left his car to me. So instead of flying back Tuesday, as I'd planned, I drove back to Atlanta with Moshe. He gave me his 2004 Toyota Corolla. We made the drive from Miami to Atlanta in 9.5 hours...no stops (Except gas and driver changes). Fastest I've ever done it.


6-19-04-Well, My grandfather passed away yesterday morning. My dad called me at work to tell me. It was very frustrating to be at work when I found out. I had to stay all day, but at least I was busy, so it kept my mind off things. The funeral, in accordance with Jewish law, was as soon as possible, so it happened at 3:00 yesterday afternoon. My mom has been in FL all week, but unfortunately, there was no way for us to get there in time for the funeral. So we waited until today to leave, after spending the morning in synagogue. I'll be out of town until at least Tuesday, but posted this before I left so you all wouldn't think I dropped off the planet.
It is in the hard times, that you see which of your friends are real friends, and really care about you. It is in those same times that you see which of your friends are not really friends at all. Thank you to all of you who offered to help in any way, and who called to see how I was, I really appreciate it.


6-12-04- I am back in town. Seeing the plant in PA was sooo cool! I'll tell you the story of how toilet paper/paper towels are made if you're interested. I came back and again got delayed for about 4 hours. What a pain. This weekend has been a lot of fun. I went home for dinner last night, which is always wonderful, and my sister had surgery yesterday, and thang G-d she's doing well too. Also, I went last night to on the bricks, where the concert wasn't good at all, but the company was nice. After that, I hung out with a group at Dave's, and then went with Ross to the late show of Shrek II which I hadn't seen yet. Today I slept in, and then played volleyball outside with Adam B and his cousin Brian. I was planning on going home to meet the dog which my family will probably adopt, but as it turns out, my timing was bad so I missed him. Later, I went with Adam and Brian to the Dunwoody beer festival, where I drank some girly drinks, but it was just fun being social. I ran into Randy while I was there too. fun times. Now I'm on duty, and just gonna hang out and enjoy relaxing...


6-9-04- Yet another update from an airplane: I am sitting on the airplane in the Atlanta airport. We have been delayed an hour in the terminal, and so far another hour on the plane with no end in sight. I am on the plane going to Philly, to then go to Chester PA to get to go on my first site visit with work. I am excited. I bought myself a pair of steel toed shoes to wear in the plant, and I get to wear jeans to work haha. I went to the doctor last Friday, and it turns out, I have Strep throat again. I have felt fine since Friday though, so though I am on anti-biotics, luckily I feel fine. I should learn to get more sleep, and that way, my immune system will stay at 100%. Sunday I went with Adam to Summerfest in VA Highlands area of Atlanta. It was basically an arts and handmade crafts market along with live music, food, and the sun. After that, I went to the GT vs. VA Tech baseball game, and then lastly to Skokie's for some swimming. I got home, and was burnt to a crisp. I really need to be more careful about wearing sunscreen.


6-3-04- I got home from work Tuesday and was feeling very sick, so I went to bed at 9:30. I slept really poorly, and then went to work feeling a bit under the weather Wednesday. As time went on, I was feeling worse and worse, and by 11:30, I just left work because I was feeling so sick. I went home, and sure enough, I had a 102 fever. I stayed home today too since i still had a 102 this morning, and now, at 9:00, my fever still hasn't broken, so I will be missing work again tomorrow. What a drag. I like work, and I dislike being sick.


5-31-04- I am having a really tough time with this: Over this past weekend, four of my friends got engaged, I attended one wedding, and I saw two of my recently engaged friends. Something that is difficult to deal with in life, is when you have to face a totally new situation that you are completely not prepared to face. I have never had so many of my friends move on in their lives, especially not friends that are close to me. It isn't that I want to be married right now. It really isn't. But it feels like there is so much pressure from different directions saying I should be heading in that direction. And really, I mean, it's wonderful that they know who they want to spend the rest of their lives with, but I am still on the dating scene, no where near getting engaged- let alone, married! but why do I feel like it is something I should be doing?? I am 21 years old. I want to live my life. But I feel like if I take my time, live my life, and then worry about the whole marriage thing, that I'll be old, single, and living in an empty apartment with a lot of cats. help!
Congratulations to my friends who have all gotten recently engaged and/or married- Rina, Sara, Mark, Rivka, Lauren, Barry, Davida, Erik...oh yeah, and all their spouses (or is it spice)
on a side note, I had a great date this weekend.


5-30-04- The conference last weekend went well, and I came back with a lot of good ideas for our JSU. Meanwhile, we have a great new website that our great webmasters Seth and Melissa put together. It is cyberbuzz.gatech.edu/JSU.
This week at work went by relatively quickly, I'd say. On Friday afternoon, we had margaritas at work. No joke.
Last night Lisa and I had our first "party" at our apartment. Minus the little things that went wrong, like the weather, it was fun times - at least for us! there were definitely a lot of people here, and we ate, drank, and had fun. we'll have to do it again soon, and if you didn't come last night, you'll have to stop by next time.


5-24-04- Current thoughts: Ross, you rock. and just so you know...it's 8:30.


5-21-04- I got into DC last night safe and sound, and Gene picked me up from the airport. He is doing a government internship here that sounds really cool. I stayed at Gene's place last night, and then the rest of the weekend I'll be staying at the Hyatt for the conference. DC is really a cool city. So far I've only walked around a little last night, and seen a little on the way to the location of the conference today, but it is a neat city. I got to the Hillel International building today at about 10:00am, and I walked in, and they really didn't know what to do with me, so I sat in the lobby for a bit. They have an exhibit about Israel in the lobby, and I was walking around, looking at the different pictures of college students around the country. Then, to my surprise, there was a picture from US!!! there was a picture of the TECH JSU kids with the camel from GT Israelfest 2004 last month! I was so excited, I made the security guard look and see that I was in a picture (since I think he thought I was a shady character). I am right now in a little deli outside the Hillel center, eating some breakfast, and killing time. I am going to walk around the city in a bit, but first, it needs to stop raining.


5-20-04- a week later, and I'm still enjoying working. Who'dve known? we started leaving for work at 8:00 am instead of 8:30 so we'd get there half an hour earlier. That way, we can leave at 4:30, and miss the more congested part of rush hour. The only problem with working hourly is that we never want to leave for lunch. So besides two rare exceptions in the past three weeks, all three of us eat our lunches at our desk, in hopes of billing our lunch time. And, as much as I'm enjoying work, I am not sure it is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Maybe what I'll do is after I have kids, I'll just work part-time. that would suit me fine. Waking up so early though, makes me tired early, and I am pretty much ready to crash each night by 11:00. I get home from work, have dinner, do some housing stuff, watch a little TV, and it's already time for bed. My only regret is that I haven't had enough energy to work out in weeks. I sit at a desk all day, and then come home and sit on the couch, and I am still constantly exhausted. Now that housing paperwork is dying down though, maybe I'll have a little more time. I am however, still on duty 1.3 times a week, the 1 is Wednesday, and the .3 is that I am on duty once out of almost every three weekends. The one nice thing about these duties, is that I spend quality time with my friends.
On another note, I am living with Lisa in my brand new apartment. we share one side (each in our own room), and we share a bathroom. the other side of the apartment (two rooms and a bathroom) are empty, so we just use that area for storage. It has been two years since I've had a roommate. I am really enjoying it. Lisa and I get along well, and well, besides all that health food she eats, we are pretty similar ;-). We have fun hosting our get-togethers every Wednesday night, and it is nice to come home and have someone else around. This weekend though, she is alone since I am going to DC. As a matter of fact, I am writing this entry on the airplane. The seat in front of me is very close, so I can't completely open the laptop to work. So, needless to say, it is a little cramped. That's ok.
If you are a faithful blog reader (or friend of mine), you'll remember that some time at the beginning of last semester, I lost my palm pilot. well, no, I still haven't found it (that, along with my retainer, my earring, my ring, and numerous other semi-valuable things that I have managed to lose). So, I did the only logical thing. I bought a new one this week. It is a Palm Zire. It has a vague resemblance to an ipod. Except, it isn't made by apple, and it doesn't play music. So I guess what I'm trying to say, is that it is a little electronic device that is white. It is nice, now that I'm working, I can afford a little more than during the year, when I don't actually make any net profit.


5-13-04- So, over the last week, I have really been enjoying work. I like the interns I work with, and everyone that works there is really nice. I have been working on some cool projects. I am settled in to my apartment now, and I am on duty so often, it's like a party every time. We always have people over nowadays when I'm on duty. Anyway, it turns out that all three of us interns from work live near each other, so we signed up to participate in the Clean Air Campaign, which basically means, if we carpool, they'll PAY us $3 a day! so in addition to the gas money we're saving each day that we don't drive, we get paid! rock on.


5-5-04- A lot has happened since my last entry. Housing closing was last weekend, and my arch-nemesis, Pamela, the other CA in my building, disappeared for the weekend, and left me to do ALL the work for the whole building. It was not my idea of a good time. What a jerk. Anyway, While checking out all my residents, and all of Pamela's, I packed up my room, so that Sunday, at 1:00, I could get my key to my room in Hemphill Apartments, and start moving in. The apartment is pretty nice, and for the past few days, all we've done is set up and be really excited about having an apartment. Lisa will be a fun roommate. I am looking forward to it. Jacob was such a doll this sunday too, and helped me for hours and hours setting up my new room and bringing up loads from the car. Thank you Jacob! Moshe and Noelle came for a couple of hours as well, and that was really sweet too. Meanwhile, while most of my energies is focused on moving, I also started work this Monday. It started off a little slow, but I am in an office with 2 other interns, and a third will come Monday, so there will be four of us working together. I am already getting really into it, and may have the opportunity to fly to PA in June! that'd be rockin'!. I am on duty for my area for the first time tonight, and have no idea what to do. Hopefully I won't get any lockouts. I am going to try to get a nap in so that I can make it through this week awake.


4-28-04- School is over for the semester. This week was going to be my relax, hang out with friends, cool down week. Unfortunately, I am sick. One of those colds that feels like your head will explode, your nose is running, and you're sneezing and coughing uncontrollably. So, in turn, I am watching TV instead. I have to pack up my room, and move, and feel better all by Sunday night, because work starts Monday...eek!


4-25-04- Over the last week, I've been working really hard on finishing up the semester. I had finals in 4231 and in Circuits, and our final senior design presentation to the company was this past week as well. Turns out, all my classes ended last week, so this upcoming week is for me to relax. Everyone else will be in exams, and I will be recuperating from mine. I am still a bit under the weather, and I can't wait to feel better. Last night Ben and I made a fruit salad for a family picnic today. It was one good lookin' fruit salad! I was impressed =). This morning, I sat outside for a couple hours with Leah trying to sell all the contents of her dorm at a yard sale. It was fun.


4-17-04- I forgot to post after last weekend, but it was nice and relaxing. I did a little studying, but also got to spend time with my AEPi boys, and Rochelle. This week was a little stressful, with exams coming up and all. I had my last music history test, so that class is now over, and after next week I will actually be completed with all my classes. I have no exams during exam week. I went to see "The Producers" at the FOX on Wednesday with Sebastian. It was a great show. I woke up Friday not feeling too well though, and went to the health center, and though my strep test came out negative, the doctor seemed sure I have it. they are such fake doctors there. So, I have been in bed watching a lot of TV trying to regain energy.


4-9-04- here are two stories I just thought of that I wanted to post. I've realized that a lot of my posts have a stressed out, frustrated undertone to them, so I decided to post two funny things that happened to me lately. First, yesterday, I got an email that said I got a package at the post office. I went over there wondering what it would be, since I always know what I get here. I went to the package window and gave them my slip of paper, and the lady returned with this narrow box, about 3 feet long. I figured someone mislabeled it, and it wasn't mine, but sure enough, it was addressed to me! it was from my credit card company. My old credit card finally expired, so instead of renewing the same one, I got the similar one with reward points. Anyway, inside the box was one of those camping chairs!! you know, the kind that unfolds and has a cup holder in the armrest? It is black, and on the back, it has a picture of the ramblin' wreck, and says Georgia Tech Alumni Association. It came with a note that said something to the effect of "thanks for switching to our credit card, please accept this uber cool gift!!" anyway, that was cool.
My other funny story, when I got this laptop back in December, I also got my parent's old printer since mine broke. Anyway, it didn't work when I plugged it in, and it was giving me the low-ink warning, so I went and spent 75 dollars or something on new ink cartridges, and after all that, only the black was working. I was really mad because I like having the color option. so for three months, I didn't have color printouts. then, one day, ross was over here, and I was telling him about my problem, and keep in mind, he is a management major, and if you go to tech, you know that we make a lot of fun of the mgt majors. Anyway, he asked if he could take a look at it and I was like "sure, go ahead, give it a shot, you engineer wannabe". Yeah, well, I stuck my foot in my mouth, because you know why my colored ink wasn't working? you know what ross figured out in about 3 seconds? that I hadn't removed the piece of tape off the bottom of the cartridge...oops!!! hahaha thanks ross, you engineer wannabe.


4-08-04- So, I spent this last weekend finishing off the Connect With Tech year. We had the new host training retreat for all our 04-05 hosts, and we had the 8th session of the year for this school year. I am so glad that is over. I honestly don't think I could've taken another session of that this semester, after having 3 in a row. This weekend was also Relay For Life. that was a lot of fun, but I was so exhausted from everything going on in the past few weeks, I had to leave at 4:30 instead of staying up until seven. Oh well...I felt bad, but I think I might've passed out if I stayed and then tried to do a CWT session. I can't wait until this weekend. It is my first weekend since the middle of January that is more than half free. I'll probably relax, learn some CAD for my summer job, watch AEPis play in their tournament, go to a party, and be continuously really hungry. For some reason, during passover, I always feel really hungry. I guess it is because I can't snack on my usual foods, so I feel like I am missing something. 5 more days, I can do it =). Well everyone, I am sending my love out to you all, and miss seeing you all (since these past few months seem like I've fallen off the planet). Hopefully we can all catch up soon.


3-28-04- Holy Cow. In 30 hours, 22 were spend dancing. My whole body is sore and in need of rest. I was at the Atlanta Lindy Exchange all weekend, and in the few hours I wasn't dancing, I was at AEPi's Parent weekend, and today I was at CWT all day. ATLX was great though. Met and danced with a lot of cool people -also met a few creepy ones- but for the most part, was a great time. I even got to spend time with my old friend matt, who I only get to see once in a while. By the way, GT made the FINAL FOUR!!!! we weren't even ranked at the beginning and now we're in the FINAL FOUR!!! oh yeah, my car is broken. It needs to go to the Car ER, because it is near-death. OK, too tired to write more. bye!


3-23-04- Another weekend has passed. I feel like this semester is flying by. I think it is because I have no class on Fridays, so the weeks are a little shorter. I mentioned this earlier, but I still feel the same way-that even though I am taking fewer classes than normal, I am twice as busy...oh well. This weekend I actually relaxed a little, did some shopping, and went to a swing dance. They were videotaping for Discovery Channel at the dance, so I'll keep you posted if I'm going to be on TV. Sunday was a CWT day. I had a great group of parents on my tour. They were all really nice and really appreciative and complimentary. On another note, I got to see Dane Cook (comedian) on Monday night. that was pretty cool. This coming weekend is Atlanta Lindy Exchange (ATLX). I am very excited- a weekend of dancing. I will be hosting people from other cities too. Too bad I will be studying in all my time that should be spent resting. That's ok. I'll sleep when I die. I recently discovered a webpage that I thought was really sweet - The interview with G-d. Check it out. ok, time to quit procrastinating and begin studying. until later...ciao!


3-15-04- This past week was Spring Break. I spent break taking a roadtrip with my friends Rochelle, Ross, and Josh, down to Daytona, then to Miami, back to Daytona, and then back to Atlanta. I must say, it was a great trip, and a wonderful time was had by all. there was a great deal of alcohol consumption, and a lot of listening to the comic Mitch Hedberg. A good amount of sleeping, some time on the beach, and some time eating. There were so many funny moments, I can only recount a few... there was the fact that ross, in an attempt to tackle us, hurt his neck and had to go to the ER for a day, where the security guard thought that ross and Josh were a gay couple and kept offering to marry them. We were all sneezing the whole time in Daytona because we were allergic to something in the apartment-or each other. We went to Pleasure Island at Disney, and were not drunk enough to find any of the comedy things amusing, and too white to find the dance clubs entertaining. One day in daytona, we were on the beach, and really hungry, so we walked to a stand that sold hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. We bought a thing of fries with cheese on it. It was yummy. We were getting to the bottom of the basket, where all the fries were covered in cheese (you know, the really good ones you save till the end...), and out of nowhere, a seagull swoops down and grabs some fries!! we were laughing pretty hard, but we had to throw out the rest of our fries. damn seagull. Another day, we were in Miami, and we had just gotten back from the beach, and our bathing suits were wet, but none of us brought spare clothes to change into, so we wanted to dry off before we put our clothes back on and got in the car, but there was no quick fix to our wet bathing suit problem...or so we thought. Rochelle decided to microwave her bathing suit to dry it out. It actually kind of worked! but really, would you use a microwave after it'd been contaminated by a bathing suit? ;-). The day we got to Miami, it was quite late (3am) when we got in, and we were really excited that our hotel served breakfast. but, it only went 6-9 am. there was no way we'd be awake for 9am breakfast. So instead, we stayed up till 6am, and were the first ones at breakfast =). there were many other funny happenings (like the thong guy, or fabio on the beach, or running into random friends without planning it), but I think I've written enough, and you have gotten an idea of how the break went. We were having so much fun, we even stayed an extra day!


2-29-04- Another weekend passed, and I spent it in Norfolk Virginia. I went to a conference for ODK like I mentioned before. I met people from all over, and there were some great keynote speakers and panelists including the new President of the American Bar Association, and the honorary President of B'nei Brith, Tommy Baer. I am doing this posting from the airplane on my flight back to Atlanta. Flights are a great time to procrastinate things that you actually have to get done, and instead spend the time doing things you prefer to do. This week will be a little rough with a lot of events and tests and homeworks due, but at least this friday it will be spring break. I am hopefully heading down to Florida with Ross and Rochelle to visit DZ for a few days, and maybe get to hit up the beach.


2-24-04- This past weekend was a lot of fun. I went with JSU on a limo scavenger hunt around Atlanta. It was really cool. Then on Sunday night, I went to Agatha's, a Taste of Mystery for their mystery dinner theatre. This week will remain busy as usual, and then Thursday I am leaving for Norfolk, VA to go to the National ODK conference. oohwee =)


2-18-04- I am taking a Jewish Cooking class. It is really cool. Every wednesday we learn how to make two things, today was latkes and applesauce. yummm...last week was Kugel and Rugulach. The week before was challah and blintzes, and the week before was falafel, pita, and israeli salad. Everything turns out so good. It's too bad I never make time to cook now. Maybe next year when I get my own kitchen, I will take advantage of it.


2-16-04- wow, I can't believe it has been this long since I've posted. Formal last weekend was a lot of fun, probably one of the most fun AEPi events I've been to. Also last week I got the job to be a CA in the apartments, so I'll be living in the apts next year as a CA, and my apartment will be a 2-person, so it will be me and Lisa. I am excited.
This past week we held interviews for Connect With Tech. we did the first round, and the first round cuts. I feel like when I am involved in making cuts, I am hurting people. I always feel really bad for the people who don't make it. The week though, was so stressful. 250 people coming through those group interviews. Now starting this friday, we'll be having individual interviews, and all of the people who made it to the next round will have to be interviewed. What a time commitment.
Lately, I have not made time for much of anything, including friends, HW, or sleep. I have been stretched too thin, and I don't like it. people get upset with me, I lose control of my life, and it is not fun. I have reaimed my focus though, and been getting my work done first. I have recently realized the reason I am so busy is not just that I don't say "No", but it is that I also offer to do things, and that just adds to the time.
My boy situation: still single, I am really way too picky. I want someone that has all the positive qualities of ex-boyfriends and friends, and none of the negative qualities. Unfortunately, that is impossible. Maybe I will meet Mr. Right soon. I just want to know who it is and be done with this whole "dating dillema". I don't like dating, I don't like rejecting people.

2-5-04- Not too much has happened since my last post. Most importantly, I got the summer internship! I will be working at E2M. I am still waiting to hear back from housing about my CA transfer application. I think that the interview went well though...only time will tell.
I am going to AEPi formal this weekend with skokie. I think it'll be lots of fun.


1-25-04- Well, I went to the interview Friday. It was actually quite interesting. I learned a lot about the company, and it seems very cool, and the people seem all very nice. I really want the internship there, but I suppose I'll have to wait and see.
I am currently taking a circuits class. The Electrical Engineers call it "circuits for squirrels", or "shocks for Jocks" because it is the EE class that everyone except EEs take, so they consider it easy. For me however, it is really tough. I don't have a good teacher, and so I am really lost. I have spent much of my free time this semester doing HW for that class, and I am still behind. It is a 2 hour course, which to me, means that I should expect 4-6 hours a week of work. I am currently spending over 10 hours per HW, which I consider way too much. I am not enjoying this at all.


1-22-04- I found my buzz card shortly after the last entry. It was in my gym bag, where I'd left it a couple days earlier. I have been working really hard this week on some homeworks. They have taken a lot of time. I think circuits class will make me cry before I am a quarter way through the semester. I need a personal tutor. Senior Design I think will be fun. My group for the most part is really good, and I think we will work well together (famous last words, I know).
On another note, here are my plans for the near future: I think I am going to run for JSU president for next year. I am the only one that will be left from square one, so I think I could do a good job. Wait. I am going to stop campaigning on my website now. I am interviewing tomorrow for a summer internship. I hope it goes well. it is a 6 hour interview. Then Monday I interview to be a CA in the on-campus apartments. I am ready for a switch. I just hope I get that too. How stressful.
On a third note, I have the greatest friends...they are really cool. Thanks for cooking me dinner the other day, Jacob, it was yummy. Ross, thanks for keeping me up until the wee hours all weekend. it was fun. DZ, always there...you are the best. Rochelle, What would I do without you? you are wonderful.


1-19-04- I am yet to find my palm pilot. suck. Not only that, I seem to have misplaced my buzz card as well. Thanks to Sebastian though. He lent me his old Handspring visor while I was palm-less. what a lifesaver =).
I realized that it doesn't matter how many or how few hours I take in a semester. The amount I procrastinate varies indirectly with the number of hours I am taking. For example. This semester, I am taking fewer hours, and I procrastinate more. I waste more time. I do the same thing I tell other people not to do. I realize my time management has gone down the drain. I think the more I keep myself busy, the better I do in school. it is a parabola, with the peak being the happy medium. past the peak means I have way too many classes and I'm involved in too many things, and I will fail -ie, sophomore year (which I am still making up for). but on the other side of the peak, it means I have way too much free time. Anyway, these first few weeks, I have rationalized that I have no free time, even though looking back on it, I really did have free time. But, soon, as Connect With Tech interviews begin, I will hit the peak of the parabola, and maybe even tiptoe on the wrong side. But, that is the way I love to live...on the edge of the peak of that parabola. OK, I just reread what I wrote, and I realized not only do I sound like the biggest nerd in the world, it doesn't even make a whole lot of sense. But, As I always do, I am posting this in its rawest format, straight from my head to the webpage.
Another thing I've realized about myself is that I am way too judgmental. I listen to other people's opinions of third party people sometimes, and adopt that same attitude, good or bad. I worry a lot about how I am viewed by other people. I have been told that because I am so involved in so many positions on campus, that I truly live in a fishbowl where people look at me and judge me based on how I act. I notice it more and more. I especially notice it when freshmen come up to me and tell me things like "you were my tour guide!" or "I remember you from FASET" or something like that. So, in taking into account the positions I hold, and how people view me, I need to straighten out on how I act. I often meet people and don't even give them a chance. So, that is what I am working on. I have the problem that I want to be well liked, and so, sometimes, I can't be harsh with someone when I need to be. I sometimes put the friendship or my reputation first, and try to be overly nice. I need to work on that too. Conclusion: work on confrontations and judgements.
I have been posting somewhat religiously to this page for the couple months or so, but I have no idea if anyone even reads these posts. If you are out there, shoot me an email and tell me =)


1-12-04- sometime this weekend I misplaced my palm pilot. I feel naked without it, and I have no idea what I should be doing or when. What an annoyance.


1-11-04- I think it was Gaim that was making my computer slow down. I uninstalled it, and immediately, my computer was much faster, and stopped stalling. On another note, this weekend was a lot of fun of just hanging out with my friends and also going to Eoin's birthday party. lots of fun. Too bad every weekend this semester will be empty of pending homework...


1-8-04- School started this week. Vacations never seem to be long enough, but I do love being back around my friends. My classes seem difficult, but hopefully not impossible, and I will be taking my private violin lessons again this semester. Something is up with my laptop, and for some reason, everything is going really slowly. I am hopefully going to have that checked out soon. I realized that I only have 22 hours remaining to complete before I graduate (after this semester). Granted, I did stretch it out one semester longer than I probably should have, but I figure, hey, I will be working for the next 40 years of my life, why not enjoy college some more.
I have been applying to all sorts of things lately. I am on the hunt for a summer internship, and so I am busy applying and interviewing for those, and I am also attempting to transfer to be a CA in the apartments next year (instead of in the traditionals/suites that I am in currently.)


1-2-04- Happy New Year! Last week I found out that my dear friend Paul had gotten hurt skiing out west. So, we figured we'd do what any friends would do, and go visit him. DZ, Ben, and I drove to South Carolina to visit, and I must say, after going through all he has, Paul has such an incredible attitude. He is in great spirits (at least on the outside), and we were happy to get to spend time with him. Unfortunately, the trip didn't go as planned, and Ben got sick, so that wasn't pleasant, but I am glad we got to go up and visit anyway. New years I went to two parties, and hung out with some of my old-time friends at both. Unfortunately, no new years kiss came along with either of the parties ;-). I suppose I can survive. Now, school will be starting again soon, and I am only preparing for it.


12-25-03-I am on duty today. I have been on duty now for 2 days because no one else wanted the Christmas duty, but I was happy to do it and earn a little extra money since as you probably already know, I'm Jewish. My friends have been great and have been visiting me this whole time so it's been a lot of fun, but it has also been a while since I've posted, so here's a quick rundown...
A lot has happened over the last 2 weeks. Finals ended. I got my grades to remain high enough to maintain my GPA; so that is good. After finals ended, my friend Leah and I and her friend Antonette went on a road trip to Tampa (which included many adventures), and the next day, we got on a cruise for a week. the cruise was a lot of fun. We met great people and had good times in the sun. See pictures here. Oh yeah, I got a new laptop a few days ago for Hanukkah...you know, the laptop I mentioned earlier, and I like it a lot. Thanks mom and dad.


12-9-03- It is Tuesday of finals week. I have been doing a lot of studying lately, but more thinking. Finals week is sometimes my favorite time of year, I know that sounds crazy, but during finals week, I have nothing to do but study. I don't have to be at meetings, classes, or events. all 24 hours are mine, and I can study, workout, watch TV, and really do whatever I please. Granted, a lot of finals week is spent studying, but I like having time to relax and get lost in my thoughts. This finals week, I have for some reason had more thoughts on my shoulders than usual, all coming at me from different directions and all different people. I sometimes feel like I spend the whole semester running around doing things for other people, trying to make sure my grades are up, and following through with my commitments. When finals come around, I always get some quality personal time.
So, only a few days left, and then it is break! My semester goal: of my 15 hours, I want 9 hours of As and 6 hours of Bs. I really want to maintain my GPA until I graduate. But, I suppose, after my first job, my GPA isn't going to matter anyway. If you are reading this as a form of procrastination on finals, go back to studying, and I wish you all the best of luck on finals, and a safe, healthy, and happy holiday and new year. (yeah, I know my thoughts are scattered on this entry, I guess it's just a reflection of what's going on in my head...)


12-4-03- So, finals week is next week, and I have 4 finals- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I went to my Linear and Discrete math class today though, and after class, my teacher asked me and 3 other people to stay after. I was a little concerned because, though I'm doing pretty well in the class, and really well in comparison to the class average, I didn't get back a project that I handed in, while everyone else got it back today. I went to talk to the teacher after class, and he said "you four have exempted the final". Now, keep in mind, that wasn't on the syllabus or anything!! he just decided that since we had really good grades going into the final, that I suppose he just didn't want to spend the time grading them!. That was definitely the highlight of this dreary, rainy day. By the way, I never found out what happened to my project, but at this point, I don't really care =).


12-3-03- my first really whiny blog, read at your own risk: being single is no fun. I try to say I won't actively look for someone to date, and that I'll find someone if I don't look, but that is hard. Especially when I put limitations on my single-ness...like the fact that I won't date someone who is not my same religion. That really spoils it sometimes. Especially when there is a great guy out there (you know who you are), and not only is he a super sweet and smart and of course, dashingly handsome guy, he likes me too! And his only non-compatible quality is being a different religion . The thing is, people have told me before that I am close-minded because I won't date someone out of my religion. But, who I marry has to be Jewish. It is a huge part of who I am. So, if I am putting a limitation on who I'll marry, it consequently puts a limitation on who I date. I am a firm believer that dating is for marriage. It is just unfortunate that I am put in the situation where I have to have a lot of willpower to stick with it.
Today was a rather crazy day, running around and getting stuff done, but tonight I had a game night for my whole area (my building and the two boys buildings next door). It was a lot of fun. About 45 people total came by, but there were about 18 there at a time for most of the time. and as my ad said "Free Pizza, Fun times, fabulous people".


12-2-03 (again)-I am on duty on Christmas. That means I have to be in my dorm for 24 hours incase anything happens on west campus that a staff member should be present. I don't mind working Christmas, since, after all, I'm Jewish, but as it turns out, I am on duty the day before as well. So, if anyone is in town and wants to hang out, and you're not a weirdo, then give me a buzz. I'll be here for 48 hours straight. ......Have I mentioned that over winter break I'm going on a cruise? My friend Leah and I, and another one of Leah's friends that I haven't met yet, are all going on a weeklong cruise. We will come back with tans and full bellies. aren't you jealous?


12-2-03- Last weekend a bunch of us went out drinking, and I think it was Jeff G. That came up with the idea to create AEPi Elimidate. The idea was that I would go on a date with four guys from AEPi, and they would videotape it like the real TV show. We couldn't however, choose who would go, so we set up a poll online with the single guys that are fourth years and above. everyone got a chance to vote for who they think should go, and the polls closed Sunday. The winners of the poll were: Paul M. with 12 votes, David Z. with 8 votes, Mike "Skokie" G. with 7, and Joel B. with 7. Those are the four that will be going on the elimidate. But, since we all already know each other, it seems these guys are coming up with alter-egos for the show. well, everyone except Joel, who is just in on it for the free alcohol ;-).


12-1-03 (again)- My computer got a virus a couple weeks ago. Porn popped up all over my computer, and I couldn't get rid of it. Jacob came and worked for like 2 hours trying to fix it, and did a pretty good job, but it is still here. Strange things have been happening with this computer. As long as my computer lasts 'till Hanukkah, then I'll be ok, because then, I can take off my documents, and reformat the hard drive, and it will be good as new =). Unfortunately though, my AIM windows keep getting messed up, sometimes the keyboard doesn't type, and one of the strangest things is that sometimes the keyboard acts as if I have the shift key pressed, when really I don't, and there's no way to "unpress" it. 2 more weeks.


12-1-03- ah, back into the rut of school. the break was nice, but not long enough. I did my usual, going to class, but I didn't have to give my monday tour, so I had some free time to relax. We had the second Advisory board meeting with the newly selected AB for Connect with tech. This is the AB that will be in charge of the host selection process this spring, and the sessions for the 04-05 school year. I am currently on the AB already, so now I will be going to what we call "new AB" meetings, and "Old AB" ones as well. It's ok, I am looking forward to working with the new group of people. They seem like a fun crowd.


11-30-03- I got back from Thanksgiving break after spending it in Miami with my family. Those car rides are rough. But, while I was down there, I got to spend quality time with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and Abuelo. I hit up the beach one day, read through an entire Jeffrey Deaver novel (really really good...The Devil's Teardrop), went shopping, and ate really good food. At my family's thanksgiving table, we eat the usual turkey and whatnot, but in addition comes the Cuban stuff like black beans and rice. You think the pilgrims ate black beans and rice? While I was there, I saw the sad loss of the GT football team to U(sic)GA, but at least it wasn't as bad of a loss as last year, and our basketball team is doing well to make up for it. But, now that I'm back, I realize there are only two weeks of school left. Even though this week is technically "dead" week, where nothing is supposed to be due, I have a HW due in just about every class.


11-24-03- my dad found a great new deal on a laptop, and I am getting it for hannukah. That means that my current desktop will go to my sister for when she goes to college. I just got this desktop a few months ago, so it'll work well for her. the laptop was $799 for a Pentium 4 processor, 2.4ghz 30GB hard drive, 256MB ram, 14.1 inch screen, and not only that, it came with a free printer, digital camera, and shipping. what a deal. DUDE, I'M GETTING A DELL!!!


11-22-03- my dear friend Sebastian has no idea how to dress. We took this to our advantage, and we took him shopping for a whole new wardrobe. Now, after 6 hrs of shopping, sebastian looks like he popped right out of GQ ;-). Now he has the ladies knocking at his door...