Impossible is Impossible

This blog is my way of reflecting upon life. Life is about living and learning. As I live and learn I’m going to reflect upon this life I lead. Hopefully I'll offer something insightful with my postings. If you learn nothing else from me, know this that “impossible is impossible”.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Chugging Along

It has been five days since we arrived here in Cagli,
Italy. In my eyes this is a very interesting place
primarily because it is not an urban area, atleast not
in the traditional or more American sense. Let me be
clear about what I mean when I say not urban. When it
is said that Cagli is a city it is nothing compared to
Baltimore, which is probably in the top 25-30 of major
American cities in terms of size. The city limits
would undoubtely fit inside just a small part of a
major city's downtown area. The city has stone roads,
and many old houses. Most of the action that happens
here happens on what is called the piazza. The piazza
is primarily the town square. There in the town square
are a variety of cafes, a variety of stores, a
fountain, and the town hall. I'll definitely do much
more exploring this weekend, when I have more time.

As far as classes we are done with Storytelling and
Photo. During storytelling we were lectured by Chris
Harper a veteran journalist who now teaches at Temple.
Professor Harper spent a great deal of time focusing
on basic reporting, the reporting process, and writing
for print, broadcast, and web. What I benefited most
from in terms of his experience didn't happen in the
class, but outside of class. It was great to be able
to pick his brain over lunch yesterday, because he's
done print and broadcast. He's worked with some of the
vets such as Barbara Walters, Stone Phillips, and
others. Our photo teacher George Miller is great
because he has photography and writing experience, and
it will be important for us to combine our different
skill sets.

When not in class, we're still on the clock. I am
taking so many pictures not for myself, but for our
assignments. I've spent so much money on batteries, I
need to invest in battery charger when I get back to
the states.

Last night we had our first cooking class. I am one of
14 people signed up for a gourmet Italian cooking
class. Of course I am the only guy, but I am probably
the person with the least cooking experience. I
brought some spaghetti so before I leave, I a am going
to make some spaghetti. That is the challenge I pose
to myself. Oh and the menu for last night tagliatelle
(sp.), with different sauces (ragu aka meat sauce:
chicken, sausage, and beef, porcine mushroom sauce,
and asparagus and shrimp sauce.) My fav part however
was the dessert homemade tiramisu. The 80 euros I
paid, may be a wise investment if it inspires me to do
any more cooking when I get back stateside. At the
very least I have one guaranteed meal once a week.

Tonight we are all getting together for a group pizza
dinner.

In a bit I plan on heading to the market (flea market
meets farmers market).

I'll try to continue updating as often as possible.

I hope all is well with all of you.

-CNEL

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Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Update

Things are starting to pick up for us over here in
Cagli Italy.

For more info on the type of things we're doing visit
www.cagliproject.com

I believe that is the website url or just Google Cagli
and look for Loyola College.

I have the assignment for which I will be writing so
I'll be getting started ASAP.

I also have to shoot video, photos, and design a web
page for three other stories.

On the weekend I should be doing some other video
production work.

I'm trying a lot of different foods.

Last night we had a multicourse dinner as a group.
That will happen once a week we had pasta, then we
had meats (lamb, pork, chicken, and steak) I think,
then we had some fruit.

Tonight I will start cooking class, which will be once
a week.

Tomorrow is pizza night.

Things are happening so fast, but it has still just
begun.

Hope all is well.

Another update probably tomorrow.

TTYL,
CNEL

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Monday, May 29, 2006

HELLO ALL

It is the first official day of the program. We began
classes this morning at 8am. We are taking Italian
here at The Atrium. Our classes last for two weeks I
believe. Italian is the most challenging foreign
language I've taken since taking Latin in middle
school. I think that it's due in part to the fact that
I did not take a foreign language at all last year. I
will definitely be picking up something when I get
home. It could be as simple as buying a language on
time.

After Italian I went to a local cafe and had an
espresso, a pastry, and bottled water.

Then it was back here for Storytelling where we were
lectured on everything from story structure to AP
style. Come on journos we know how painful AP style
can be, and I wish I had remembered to bring my style
book.

We have already begun taking pictures. The entire
group of 30 + has been assigned a scavenger hunt of
sorts. We have to take about 15 different pictures by
Monday. This assignment isn't necessarily challenging,
but we have to find all these things.

This afternoon we have photo and then storytelling
again tonight. The entire group is having dinner
tonight at a restaurant. That should be fun.

I have to start thinking about what story I'm covering
for the website.

I'll keep you posted.

Okay interesting briefs for you to ponder

1) Italians here in Cagli have a long nap time between
1:30pm to between 4:00 and 4:30.

The day resumes around 5:30.

Dinner is generally after 7:30.

Night life begins thereafter and can go to past 3:00.
Some people don't come out until after midnight.

Maybe the above was shocking because I don't club in
the states.

2) A lot of the stores serve both liquor and ice cream
at the same location. It was a little weird being in a
bar and having ice cream and young people living
around.

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Sunday, May 28, 2006

It's Day Three

Hello Again,

It is day three of my stay here in Cagli (Cah-yee),
Italy. So we arrived two days ago. The first day was
spent getting situated in our apartments, because we
didn't get here until 6:30pm our time, 1:30pm back
there in the states. The first not was spent out and
about before some R & R.

Yesterday I woke up at 2pm after sleeping about twelve
hours. I don't know if I was tired, jet lagged, or
something else. Some people went to a nearby waterfall
for a swim. Then we took a walk to The Atrium which is
basically our school. It's where we'll have our
Italian classes as well as our classes in
Storytelling, Photography, Videography, and web
design. It's also where we have our computer lab where
we'll do much of the work required for our projects.
After stopping at The Atrium, my roommate Kevin and I
went across the bridge into "new-Cagli". That is where
we found the computer store, where we used the
internet to check our e-mail and I posted a blog. Then
on the way back to the apartment we went to the
grocery store. Let me tell you milk in Cagli for a
small container was an arm and a leg, over 12 Euros.
Mind you a $1.37 in America is what translates to a
Euro here. The exchange rate at the airport, well I am
still feeling the effects of that. After the
supermarket we went home to put things away. Then I
went to buy a phone card. Then I hurried to meet the
roomie, so that we could have dinner. We met up with
another group, and had dinner at La Lanterna. It's a
restaurant and a pizzeria. For dinner last night I had
"raviolli a ragu" I think my spelling is right, a
green salad with olive oil and vinegar, bread, white
wine, and water. Later I made time to call my mother,
and also to get my first gelatto at Gelateria
artigianale. Then I showered and called it a night.

Today we had orientation at 9:45. We were given more
instruction about the program. Basically most groups
have 4-5 people, each person will pick a story idea.
During the week when we as a group cover their story
they'll be in charge of storytelling and a group
member will take pictures, record video, and be in
charge of web-design. In addition to that my group
members and I will be working on a documentary
project. Many of us are a little intimidated by the
anticipated work, but are encouraged by the fact that
we'll be able to try so many different things. It's
not everyday that you get to dabble and such
competitive, important, challenging, and respected
fields. After meeting with our advisor and the only
other of my groups members to have arrived, I had
lunch. I took the easy way out and had a burger.
After conversating with some other students, we all
headed for photography class. I for one didn't know
how much went into taking a good photo. I have a
newfound respect for photographers, after two hours of
class. We have our first two assignments 1) come up
with story ideas 2) begin taking photos which is sort
of a scavenger hunt exercise.

After blogging, and checking e-mail. I'll probably go
back, clean up a bit, and then do dinner. Tonight I
will have to get a good nights sleep, because we have
Italian beginning at 8am tomorrow. Just think for you
guys that is 2am.

Hopefully I'll be able to continue updating as often
once we get down to the nitty gritty of it all.

But don't despair, I'll atleast aim for twice a week,
hopefully.

Ciao for now.

Lawd, I can't wait for my Italian classes. This
language barrier is crazy!

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Saturday, May 27, 2006

Hello From Cagli

After sitting in the airport for hours we made the
four hour drive to Cagli. We arrived here last night.
After being shown to our airports, we chilled,
showered and relaxed. Last night we went out to the
local clubs aka bars. I am definitely not missing
anything. Given that I am legal in Italy I may dabble
but expect to be unimpressed with the spirits LoL.

The town is nice, very old city, so we are walking a
lot in alley-streets with no sidewalks. I went to the
market yesterday. I still have to get a phone card,
get a panini, and some gellato. All is well thus far.

The Loyola kids are all very nice, as are the students
from other schools. I am hopeful that I will have some
great experiences.

I began taking pictures, but do not know when I will
be able so share them.

I am also journaling, and it will lead to some more
pronounced reflections later on.

I am blogging right now from the computer
store-internet cafe as suggested by Epsi and Jameil!

We begin class and work on Monday.

I will try to write again soon.

CNEL

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Friday, May 26, 2006

I'm Here

I arrived in Italy at 9:40am local time, 3:40am U.S.
time. I'm in the airport because our bus departs for
Cagli at 2pm local time. It's a six hour time
difference so you all do the math.

I feel like I'm at home I see rude people, fake
people, interesting people, and people who need some
sense knocked into them.

Lawd, I should have stuck to foreign language, the Air
France people were so nice, I would have loved to
compliment them in their own language.

How about already, I've been asked if I clean the
bathrooms. No joke I'm coming out of the restroom here
at the airport, "Are you cleaning the bathroom?"
"No," I reply. Making a concerted effort to show that
I am wearing a backpack and hauling luggage.

So far I see that people are really kissy, kissy. I
ain't going for all that, I need my personal space
LoL.

Aiight I can't wait to leave the airport, too bad I
won't get to explore Rome, but they want us immersed
via the experience in Cagli.

Are you happy Jameil?

Aiight I'll talk to you guys when I can.

Loves,
CNEL

Thursday, May 25, 2006

I Hear Ya Talking But Ya Ain't Sayin Nothing

It's one of those phrases that sometimes you're tempted to say, when words and deeds are different. Sometimes people talk but it doesn't speak to you. Hmmm let me go on and get before I spend too much time getting "deep." But anywho I've been talking for weeks about this trip to Italy, and today's the day. I leave in a couple of hours. I fly into Paris and then into Rome before driving to Cagli. I should be in Italy tomorrow afternoon. I'm still unsure about whether or not I'll get to see Florence. My four weeks are really not my own, it's all about the bidness. I will be taking classes and working as part of the scholarship I received, but nevertheless it should be a remarkable experience. I will try to write something while I'm over there, no promises, I can't make those. I will journal and plan to take pictures, so I can update you all when I return. Be safe, be blessed, and be less stressed. Think of me, cause I'll be thinking of many of you. Smiles. -CNEL

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Words of the Week

Last words of the week for a while. Sunday-
After all, tomorrow is another day!
Gone With The Wind

Monday-
Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.
Dead Poets Society

Tuesday-
Years of dreams just can't be wrong!
Anastasia

Wednesday-
It don't matter what you tried to do, you couldn't destroy me! I'm still standing! I'm still strong! And I always will be.
Antwone Fisher

Thursday-
Did you hear what I said? I heard what I said 'cause I was standing there when I said it. Bad Boys

Friday-
Each of you must ask yourself: Are we petty, vengeful humans, or logical, moral machines? Then pass judgment. -President Lincoln
Bebe's Kids

Saturday-
You would've sworn they were professors at Harvard. They had breath mints down to a science. The Wood

Friday, May 19, 2006

I Feel Like a Broken Record, Well Somewhat

Okay let's see what has happened in my life since Wednesday:
Academic: So in about six days I'll be in Italy. My feelings haven't changed I'm still slightly exicted, a little anxious, and a tad nervous. The group I'll be traveling with will be staying in northern Italy in the Marche region. We're staying in a small town (Tuscany is the nearest metropolitan area), and supposedly I may get to see a bit of Florence, no Milan, Rome, or Sicily for me. While there we'll be repsonsible for taking classes and doing work, sounds like fun right. Well our focus will be on putting together a documentary website combining: storytelling, photography, videography, html design, and other skill sets. On weekends I will be working with a seperate group on a documentary/video project. So technically, I won't be getting a break from school until July. I need to get myself together, aside from the passport, plane ticket, and techn gear, I've purchased I've done nothing. I do need to pack my clothes, and anything else I'll need for my four week stay, I've been putting it off.
I also need to start thinking about grad school and whether I'll be taking the GRE's or the LSAT's. I'm wondering if I want to stick with journalism and pursue a Master's Degree in Journalism, pursue a Juris Doctorate, or turn to education and let my employer pay for a Master's in Education. I guess I'll do that research in July once I'm back stateside.
I need to get my grades up, if I even want to think about grad school.
I'm wondering if I will try and keep up with all of campus media at one point last year I was involved with the campus newspaper, the campus radio station, and the campus television station.
Professional: I just finished up year one of my stint as an after care counselor at a local prep school. The school has offered me my position back in the fall. So far my plan is to return in September. Today was my last day until then. I was somewhat glad, and a bit sad. I was happy because I need a break from the little ones. It really is hard work and somewhat tiring. Also as a solid disciplinarian, I want to be able to give up being a hard ass if only for a bit. At the same time a few of the students are leaving before next year, and I'm going to miss them. One of my students is moving with her family to her father's native country of Rwanda. I'm really going to miss my Bea, and her saying "Christopher" in her sing songy voice, and being able to say "Mr. Nelson" in my sing songy voice. Having worked there for a year gave me continued exposure to the independent school world. While I don't see myself as a teacher, I can see myself in private school administration focusing on admissions or diversity work. I'm keeping that as an option. I've applied to be on the faculty of an independent school diversity conference in the fall.
My internship this summer will once again be Public Relations related but in the past I have written articles for the agency newsletter. I still need to get back to my journalistic roots preferably at a TV station. My resume will still boast of work for the gubment LoL.
So I purchased a plane ticket, registered for the NABJ convention, and apparently I have a hotel room reserved. One of my close friends works for Marriott and has told me he has me a room reserved. I had been scrambling to find a roomie, but homie says he was looking out for me. Mmmm it's a little iffy when they just tell you to show up. But my travel agent did tell me to show up at the airport next week with just my passport. So we shall see if I can just show up and have a hotel room waiting.
Social: I'm supposed to be going out with some friends early next week. One of my best friends is headed to China will I'm away. It'll be the first summer in two summers we haven't hung out just a little bit. We both had offices in downtown B-more where we interned in our respective fields for the past two years.
Romantic ??: So I let another one slip away. I didn't really express interest in the new girl at work. Well maybe just a little. I did talk her head off however. I don't know she probably thinks I'm self-absorbed. Sometimes when we feel we're trying to play it cool we overcompensate. But I'm unemployed for the next five weeks, then I'll have another chance to act stupid haha.
Aiight have to go call one of my female friends and see what's up in her life. If I don't call this chick soon, we may not talk till the fall. She does me like that, really.
And then I have to read my best friends essay for the med school common app.
Fun, fun, fun.
TTYL,
CNEL

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Just Checking In

I know someone is thinking something has happened to me, cause this joint has been silenced for about a week.
School: I'm a junior ya'll. It's official I passed all my classes. (I'll be a real junior come Sat afternoon after graduation, I might go just to hear Bob Costas, depends on if I wake up, cause I do work the rest of the week.) I'm happy with every grade but 1. Out of the 5 classes I took I got a B- or higher in all but 1. I hate Philosophy and hope I have 1 more philosoph class max left in my undergraduate career.
Professional: I will be in Italy working on a documentary website, assisting with a documentary film, touring, taking Italian, blah, blah. I'm halfway excited, halfway anxious, and partly nervous. I depart on next Thursday evening for the four week stay.
I come back to the states on June 26 and will begin an internship on June 28. I've been at this place since the summer of 2004, hopefully it'll be a great experience.
I'm supposed to be in Indy for the NABJ Convention, to network, schmooze, and all the goodness. I'm making arrangements now, so fingers crossed I'll be in Indy mid-August.
Home: My family moved on the 1st of this month, they damn near evicted me, long story. I'm a lil ticked at all the changes, people have been making without it seems taking me into considerationl, but I am a survivor and an overcomer, and tis life.
Social: I been at the mall a lot lately spending money I don't have. I'mma do it up this summer I owe it to myself.
Romantic: I think one of my new co-workers is cute. I'm vain and she ain't stunning, but she is attractive. Too bad I'm too timid to make the move cause I stop working on Friday, and will be incognegro starting next week. And she went with one of my best friends, so maybe I need to steer clear.
Aiight tis an update.
We'll talk before I depart.
-CNEL

Thursday, May 11, 2006

"Look at What's Being Brought to You, Not Whose Bringing It"

That is a lesson my mother once taught me, and something I don't mind being reminded of because it's one of those important life lessons.

"Look at what's being brought to you, not whose bringing it."

My mother told me that the man who fathered me, taught her that. I can't call him my "father" when I don't have to, because well he wasn't a "father". Even today I don't really know the circumstances of his death when I was all of two years old. I haven't really bothered to ask. The truth be told, I don't think I ever had the strength to ask. From what I can tell he was caught up in a tragic cycle. A cycle of the wrong thing, at the wrong time, because of the wrong decisions. My twin sister tells me stories of bonafide hustler who succumbed to a life which was not so glamorous. She tells me stories of suicide, suicide by drugs, and I don't know if it's true. Part of me feels that not knowing for sure will protect me, and somehow shield me from the pain. What I do know is that he never laid eyes on my twin sister or I. It's kind of hard for me not to think about it, and what this has meant for my life. Often times I think about what impact having a father in my life would have had on my life. Then I stop because it's not my responsibility to think of what could of been, but to instead work to do the best to ensure that what can be for me, will be. I've always been taught, "Seek to fulfill your maximum potential." That's what I can honestly say I do day in and day out.

No I don't lead a perfect life, no I am not the perfect person, no I don't do everything right, no I do not know all. I do know that as is often said, "The greatest barrier to oneself is oneself." It's so true that "We are our best kept secret and our worst enemy;" at the very same time. At the heart of me I know what will ensure my success seeking emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical empowerment. I do know that being prepared at a given moment will ensure that I can make the most of a given opportunity.

Today before I came back to do some packing for the move off campus, I took a ride on two of our college shuttles. One of the shuttle drivers is a 40 something year old white woman. It's important that I point that out, only because on the surface a 40 year old white woman from rural Pennsylvania, and a near 20 year old man black man from inner city Baltimore may not have much in common. Over the course of the last several months I have found that woman has imparted more wisdom and more reassurance upon me than I could have ever thought of, and it's because I dared look beyond the surface.

So many times today I was reminded that I am destined for greatness.

One man told me, "Ten years from now when you're thirty years old, you're probably going to be in charge of the life of a 40 year old." I know what he was alluding to, and that was the fact that education as much as it is an equalizer is a divider. He was alluding to the fact that my education and the opportunities which ensue will make others subordinate to me, and he didn't see it as a bad thing. He wasn't trying to make me feel guilty either. He was reminding me that I have an obligation to do right for myself, and for others.

Those words might have never come if I tuned him out, but instead, I looked at what was being brought and taught to me.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Almost Doesn't Count

Well I am days closer to the final day of my sophomore year. I know I keep saying that, but as each night the sun sets, and the next day the sun rises, I get more and more excited. I have two more finals and then I'll be a junior, yea me. I have atleast 1 A, apparently I have 1 B even though my final for that class is on Thursday, I'm tempted not to study for that final tomorrow night, but it could be a setup. All I want is a 3.0 so I can go on vacation. Let's face it I'm ready for some sun. I want to go to a park and have a picnic for one, is that weird or what? I had a dream about going and having a personal picnic. I don't know what the heck that means, but back on subject. On Thursday at 4pm I can breathe and start packing to go home.

Oh and aside from studying, struggling to find motivation, forcing myself to study, I have been sleeping a lot. I have gotten more sleep during exam period, than I have the entire year, no joke. Well given that I don't have grades yet from two of my touchest classes, whose finals were take homes due last week, I don't know if I dg myself a hole or not.

I have been waking up in time to watch this. I love them I am a Meredith Vieira groupie. A friend and I were talking about our love for Meredith the other day. She's just honest, and given that it's at a lack these days, I'll take as much as I can get . Apparently Star may be leaving, but if the rumors are true, and she's starting to feel herself, maybe she does need to go. Remember it's an ensemble, it ain't all about you. If you have co-anything, then you need to vibe.

I've also been watching a lot of Oprah, cause she's Oprah. But also cause I love Dr. Robin Smith. She's like the new Dr. Phil, tells you what you don't like the hear, tells you what you do need to hear, and does it regardless. Hope she isn't the new flavor of the day cause Iyanla and Dr. Phil have gotten some mixed reviews.

Then I been watching local news, but it's a tad depressing sometimes.

And I have been happy to be able to watch ABC's World News Tonight, thanks to not having to run off to the radio station. I mean I used to watch Nightly News, but Brian Williams seems pompous and arrogant (I think it's just his delivery and on-air appearance), and also he seems stiff, bored, and bland. I can't get with that so I've been flipping to Elizabeth Vargas. I like her, always have, whenever I've seen her. She does better on WNT than on 20/20 it seems like a joke now, like it's all fluff. I am a little upset that ABC is going through so much pain to pan in to hide her pregnant belly. The woman is pregnant, big deal, women do occassionaly get pregnant. Their camera antics are a bit distracting at times. I think she's doing quite nicely flying solo, and if it's all about the news, focus on the news, not on how people respond to a pregnant woman. If we had a female President and she was having a kid we'd be forced to deal. Maybe that's why people don't want to see a woman president, or maybe that's why if we did have one, people would be more comfortable with one who is menopausal. Hmmm.

Oh and I been eating some interesting stuff here on campus, cause I have to avoid the cafeteria cause of that weirdo who likes hitting on me. It was a good excuse to hit up Panera Bread the other day yum. When I fly this coop I have to hit places I haven't been in a while like Mickey D's, Xando (a local joint), a sub shop for a cheesesteak sub, Faidley's (crab cake). I've been neglecting my stomach and must make ammends.

Okay just felt like letting out some stuff.

TTYL.

Back to studying Sociology and more specifically American Society. I'mma just pray for some intervention tomorrow during this final.

Oh and how about this is my first in class final since I believe Spring 2005, if I'm not missing one from last semester. How about I didn't know exams were three hours? I thought they were 2, mmm I sure hope I can be in and out, and get to leave early. I can't sit for three hours of anything these days.

My head is officially in the clouds, oh wait almost doesn't count!

Monday, May 08, 2006

Looking Back

Reflections on a Semester:
Though I am not done yet, but I'm oh so close.

I have two more finals left one Wednesday and Thursday : Sociology and Theology.....oh and all I want to do is listen to some Flo'Ology, LoL.

Well actually I've heard music featured at my high school's annual Gospel Choir concert bumping all day.

Some of my faves:

Turn It Around -Israel Houghton & New Breed
Take the Limits Off

Something Happens -Kurt Carr

Could've Been -Kirk Franklin and guests

But anyways back to regularly scheduled programming.

Over the course of the next few weeks, hopefully, I'll be able to reflect on the semester before I'm off to Italy.

Today's reflection:

This past semester one of my professors whose a very young looking 40 year old loved to talk to us about her life. She's not in the least self-centered, she's just shall we say, open with her life. At first I was a bit concerned about the way our discussions veered off in class, but then I realized that sometimes Ididn't really get what she was supposed to be teaching about anyway. So sometimes her sidetracking was of more use to me, than her lectures. One day I realized that her telling us about HER gave us unusual insight into who she is as a person. Learning about HER I believed might provide a look at the type of teacher she is, and that as we know might prove invaluable.The Doc is married to a lawyer and she has a daughter who is 8, and a 5 year old son.

Recently when discussing the women's rights movement she talked about gender formation, gender roles, and gender norms. She stopped for a moment and spoke specifically about gender roles. Her comments made me stop and think:"People have this big argument about should I buy a doll, should I buy a kitchen? You know we had all that. Jack played in the kitchen. A kitchen you know is where life happens. I have a friend who says, 'Boys aren't born into offices they're born into homes.'"

It kind of inspired me to once again look at cooking.

And to of course do some thinking about the signals we send young boys and girls, in my role as an educator!

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Words to Meditate On This Week

Sunday-Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth.-Unknown

Monday-Begin whatever you have to do: the beginning of a work stands for the whole.-Decimus Magnus Ausonius

Tuesday-Dedication is not what others expect of you, it is what you can give to others.-Unknown

Wednesday-Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win. Channel your energy. Focus.-Carol Lewis

Thursday-Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.-Lou Holtz

Friday-Chance favors only the prepared mind.-Louis Pasteur

Saturday-Begin with the end in mind.-Stephen Covey
Bonus-We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.- Aristotle

Friday, May 05, 2006

And the Survey Says.............

YOUR FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE......What do ya'll remember?
First thanks to SoWise for the tag, it made me think. Mind you it wasn't that long ago, I'm a week away from being a junior. My status will officially kick in on May 20 when '06 peaces out, cause I will be taking a summer course by choice not by force.

School: Loyola College in Maryland

Where did you live? Hopkins Court, 2nd Floor, The Closet (Smallest room in the newest freshmen doors, certified tourist attraction.)

Who was/were your roommate(s)? Pat Sisk (Couldn't stand him, I told him "Don't make me go Baltimore on you!" He moved out and I had a single. Some people were scared for my safety cause he was taller and more athletic. Let me tell you B-more can handle ours. Ya betta ask somebody!)

Do you still talk to them? No. He looks down when he sees me, I stay on my grind!
Ever get in trouble in the dorms? Yeah kind of sort of when I "warned" the ex-roommate, cause the RA was one of his drinking buddies, and the fool didn't like me, maybe because I was a RA in high school, and told him "I knew his job" thinking to myself, "I know it and can do it better." Say what? It was true, still is true.

Something you remember about when you first lived on campus? Going to a lecture like once a week for extra credit & Midnight Breakfast on Friday and Saturday nights/mornings. It's free breakfast to try to give people stuff to do so there's no need to get drunk. Mind you it ends up being where the drunk kids come after the bars. Think about it if you start between 6pm-7pm. you got time to make it back to campus to eat free pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice, blah, blah, blah.

Your campus phone number or other number 410-617-4881 (I didn't remember it I had it on file LoL)

First party attended? I'm trying to think if I've been to an official college party, and I have been it wasn't here. I did go to a couple of things down at Hopkins, for my friend lost touch with me.

First Bar you got wasted at? I don't drink.

Favorite Pizza Place? Stokos it's where everyone went to get greasy fod.

Favorite place to go out to eat? Anywhere just to get off campus I liked Alonso's which is like two blocks away, anywhere at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, or them neighborhood joints as long as it appears they can pass health inspections.

Did you go to the library? Only when forced to, because I can be distracted in my own room. Our library is 1) too far from residences except the freshman dorms for exiles 2) not the best study environment 3) needs to be updated.

What was your Favorite Floor you'd always be on? The second floor, my floor, just cause.

Club, Athletics, Frat or Sororities, you joined? Career Peer Educator, Mad Stuff off Campus

Where did you buy your books? The bookstore

Who made the best wings? Not a wings guy

Ever attend a sporting event? Girls lacrosse to cheer for the people I know who play at Duke and UVA

Ever attend a concert or comedic performance? Former SNL drunk Jim Bruer, and some other not so diverse stuff

Have you ever spent the night on campus not in your dorm hall? No, I need my bed. And I would never get it in on this campus.

Favorite night to go out on, and where did you go? LoL I don't go out. I mean I hang out on some Friday's and Saturday's, but I don't be clubbin. I did work parttime on Saturday's most of freshman year. Maybe clubbin will be on the agenda for the fall. But I sometimes went downtown just to hang out!

Where did you get coffee? Only when at work on campus, cause I am an early bird for the most part.

Favorite part of Halloween? Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Twix, mmm hmmm

Go see a play or been in one? I remember plays by the Shenandoah (sp?) Shakespeare Company (my core advisor and English prof loved em), and I loved going to a dramatic reading of some of Zora Neale Hurston's lesser known works

Did you ever have a job at school? Financial Aid Office Office Assistant, Program Associate at Port Discovery Children's Museum

What do you hate about your college? I hate the lack of diversity which exists and still exists, I hate the disunity with the Baltimore community, I hate the complacency in my department and in campus media, I hate how people would just stare in your face, I hate how people would just stop on the pedestrian bridge right in the middle, I have a strong dislike for the LoCo ppl who fulfill stereotypes, thoe ignorant people, the arrogant people, the saditty people, ppl who wouldn't be in their offices, ppl who went on vacation not on a break, profs that seemed to think there's was the only class on Earth

What did you love most about it? The jury's still out on that one!

Ever leave to go on a road trip, where? No, not yet. Maybe if I whip it before senior year.

Where would you believe is the best location to live in? Lange Court, close to everything, but it's own little space

Graduated or still attending? Still paying for what I'm unsure, atleast I got many scholarships, now I just have to keep them.

Year of graduation? 2008 if all goes according to plan

Will you go back? Once I'm gone naw, not unless someone is paying for me to get a Master's and even then I'd try somewhere else

How many parking tickets have you gotten there? No whip

Finally, ever gotten arrested? Naw, I may pursue law school, that wouldn't look good

And now for the "4 Things" questions...

Four nicknames I've been given: Chris, CNEL, Goody, Sherman (I'm a recovering fat boy)

Four movies I would watch over and over: Love Jones, Hav Plenty, She Hate, When Harry Met Sally

Four jobs that I have had in my life: Laborer at a Florist, Youth Ambassador: Street Team Member Registering Voters, Intern: Communications and PR at a Government Agency, Program Associate at a Children's Museum

Four places I have lived: Baltimore, Baltimore, Baltimore, Baltimore

Four TV shows I like to watch: Grey's Anatomy, Law and Order: Original, Girlfriends (When I can catch it), A Different World reruns

Four places I have been on vacation: Atlantic City, New Jersey, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Missouri

Four things I could NOT live without: My family (crazee, cooky, stressful, but loving), My friends (those ones who down for whatever, whenever), A Good Book, Good Music

Four of my favorite foods: Chicken salad sandwiches, chicken quesadillas, salad, a good burger

Four places I would rather be right now: Home, with some of the homies from back in the day, somewhere making serious dough, somewhere on vacation wit a pretty intelligent woman

So you know these things tend to inspire me to make up a tag of my own in the vein of "Would you rather be a midget or crackhead?"
A midget, being short is like a sport, just lean wit it rock wit it
and
"If you could only listen to 3 songs for the rest of your life what would they be?"
I Told the Strom Greg O'Quinn, Beautiful Surprise by India Arie, This Woman's Work by Maxwell

The Questionaire

One of my favorite shows to watch is "Inside the Actors Studio" on Bravo. The show is an interview program sort of "Larry King" Live meets "Charlie Rose" but its guests are always famous actors. Aside from the opportunity to see some of the best and brightest in Hollywood, I also like the chance to observe the show's host James Lipton. He's a great interviewer. At the end of the show Lipton always asks the same questions before taking a question or two from the audience. Upon doing some research I learned that the questionaire originated from a French show called "Bouillon de Culture" which was hosted by Bernard Pivot.

01. What is your favorite word?
Love

02. What is your least favorite word?
No

03. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Creatively- a good idea
Spiritually- a meaningful testimony in whatever form particularly song
Emotionally- intelligence & sincerity (tie)

04. What turns you off?
Concededness

05. What is your favorite curse word?
S.ugar H.oney I.ced T.ea & The F Bomb (tie)

06. What sound or noise do you love?
Laughter

07. What sound or noise do you hate?
Sighs (pleading sighs)

08. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Other than student there is a lot I'd like to attempt, probably journalist & attorney, my second career may be one in education

09. What profession would you not like to do?
Anything extremely physically demanding (My granddad must told my mother, "You better get that boy a good education, cause he ain't going get his hands dirty." My grandfather is very wise)

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Your life may not have been perfect, but this is the perfect day for you to join me.

Monday, May 01, 2006

It's Time to Do That Grinding, No Not that Grinding

So classes ended on yesterday. Do you know how relieved I was? I mentioned that yesterday. How come all this relief is preceding finals? Part of me is excited about the future after next week. I will be a junior, well that officially happens when we say peace out to '06 on the 20th. I want to find a way to get a ticket to commencement, not because I have any real good friends in '06, but more because of the fact that Bob Costas is the commencement speaker. He's one of my fav personalities/interviewers aside from Charlie Rose, James Lipton, Ed Bradley and Bob Simon. But between now and then there is the business of finals, so that I know that I got 15 more credits, and can really be celebrating.

Today was a Study Day, though I did not do any studying. I slept a good nine hours off and on, but its the most sleep I've probably gotten in one night since winter break. I woke up and watched "The View", I'm not ashamed to admit that it's one of my fave shows of daytime TV. One I'm ashamed to admit but will do so here is "Passions", in my youth (during those boring summers) I watched "Passions". I was sad when the actor who played Timmy (the real life witch's human doll) died.

After watching the show, I hopped in the shower, and then hopped on a bus to downtown Baltimore. I had to go to the library to turn some books back in before they became overdo, and a burden to my wallet.

While downtown I stopped at the world famous Lexington Market. It's one of the oldest public markets in the country. I love it cause it has stalls with just about everything. When I'm there I generally grab a sandwich from the Mary Mervis Deli which has not one, but two stands side by side. I also stop and get a fruit salad from the Fresh Fruit Salad stand, that's what the sign says, I don't know if the stand itself has a name. I do know how to find it though (it's the second isle facing north south near the entrance to the market pavillion), if the very nice Asian woman who serves me with a quickness isn't there, then I forgo my fruit salad. I also stop and get my four for a dollar donuts either blueberry donuts or the 35 cent apple fritters will do. Those are my general eating habits. If I'm feeling like a true Baltimorean I will get a chicken box (I haven't been feeling Baltimorey, so it's been a while for that).
FYI: Chicken Box
Another popular Baltimore food item is the famous "chicken box". A chicken box is an inexpensive meal consisting of 4 or 5 fried chicken wings served in a fast food carry out box with some kind of starch as a side (i.e. mashed potatoes, fries, rice). The item is chiefly sold at independent fried chicken shops and delis in the city. Chicken boxes are usually enjoyed with "Half and Half", a drink combining ice tea and lemonade - referred to elsewhere in the US as an "Arnold Palmer".
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
Or I will have a real crab cake. You can't get just any crab cake in Baltimore. If it's not Phillips at the Inner Harbor, or another established restaurante, don't risk it. If you're still at the market, it's Faidley's, that's where you go.

I love the market cause that's where you see people from all walks of life. While the beggars (our homeless people will run up on you), or the bootleggers (people who'll sell their momma's house from up under her) are rampant, that's real. You can also see your mix of the young and old, that's where I saw that cute baby girl with her daddy a few weeks back. You all see your professionals and the buppies. I saw some cute young women. Let me find out I need to intern back downtown and request hour lunch breaks to visit the market.

After the break, I headed back here to check my mail (nothing there sadly, mail makes me feel importante), head to the bookstore (need a gift for a departing former headmaster(principal), talking to a friend (she has constant relationship and friend problems).

Then it was off to work with the kiddies.

Then back here to watch Elizabeth Vargas cover up her pregnant belly. (I'll blog about that another day)

Then I was at the radio station for my last office hours of the semester. (I had wanted to avoid this certain co-worker. She's 25 and likes me, but homie is uh. I'll be nice.)

Then this is the kicker:
I went to the food court to get some food. So I walk up and get in line at the servers station. The short order cook makes eye contact, so I assume that means he's ready to take my order.

Though there are people in front of me, I think maybe they've already placed their orders. I place my order and I wait.

As I move forward in the line:
[Something is mumbled.]
Me: Oh yes I want fries.
The cook shoots me this befuddled look.
Me: Wait, what did you ask me?
Him: When do your finals start?
Me: Oh. [I laugh feeling stupid]. My finals start on Thursday.
Him: Are you from Baltimore?
Me: Yes.
Him: Where do you live?
Me: Oh, I live over east.
Him: Oh for real.
[At this point, I'm still thinking that this is innocent conversation. A lot of the school workers often make conversation with me, especially the younger ones. Some of them know that I'm from Baltimore. I think no biggie.]
Him: Where'd you go to school?
Me: I went to school in Owings Mills.
Him: You ever been to Milford.
Me: No I've been in private school since I was 11.
Him: Is that your girlfriend that be coming down here with you?
[I have none so instantly I think, who is he talking about? It could be one of my schoolmates, it could be my little cousin(though she's not light skinned).]
Me: Ummm. I don't know who you're talking about.
[I stand praying that he just hands me my food, so I can make like some eggs and beat it. (Corny but I'm trying to be witty, when I'm tired)]
Him: You don't know who I'm talking about?
Me: No, not really.
Him: You do have a girlfriend? A girlfriend that goes here, right?
Me: No, I don't... not that goes here, no.
Him: Ok.
[He hands me my food]
Me: Thanks
Him: Yeah, come by and talk to me sometime.
[At this point, I'm thinking that did not just happen.]

Oh lawd, please tell me that I will not be starving, due to this cook in the cafe coming on to me. Now do your bidness and all, but don't try to pull me, when I'm just trying to get food, and get my study on.

Between that ooogly coworker and him, I'm disgusted for the day.

Now it is time to get to this app I need to do, and then get on that work for finals!

Take care everyone, and we'll talk soon.

Class Are Over Thankfully

I'm done classes for the spring semester. Thank God I made it, but there's just a little more work that needs to be done, so let's hope I can stay highly motivated.

I have one more day of work at the campus radio station after today, yeaaaaa. So excited about that!

I work at the school tomorrow, I'm off for finals, and have one more week there after finals.

My finals start Thursday
MyPhilosophy Final is due at 1pm on Thursday.
I have to turn in an essay on the Elements of Journalism to my newswriting teacher between the Philosoph final and the Art pf Argument final.
I'll be glad when that is over, philosophy is not my favorite subject.
My Art of Argument Final is due at 1pm on Friday.
Then I get a break for the weekend, don't know what I'm going to do, study yea, but treat myself to something as well.
Then my next Finals aren't until Wednesday, so I'll probably start packing.
Wednesday I have my Sociology Final at 1:00pm.
Thursday I have my Theology Final at 1:00pm.
Friday I get to go home.

Then it's prepping for Italy and all that jazz.

I'll keep ya posted.