One of the best aspects of being in a new financial position is the fact that I'm re-learning how to live within my means. I feel somewhat proud of myself for biking to the supermarket, filling up two baskets worth of food, realizing I was on a budget and but one basket back, and preparing to cook for the week instead of the night!
I'm taking my financial situation more seriously, and now that I have a financial goal in mind ($10,000 by June 2015), I'm keeping myself a little more grounded in terms of expenditures. Anybody can save money as long as they're willing to live with a little sacrifice. I'm putting X, Y, and Z away into different accounts, and I'm confident I'll reach my objectives.
A partial aside is that I'm digging the postal service now more than ever. Today, I finished my route plus a two hour piece. I know I can pick up the pace a little bit more, but I know that would only have management give me a 2.5, 3, and maybe even 4 hour piece! I'm certainly more mindful of how every turn and step affect my overall productivity, which leads me to believe this is a metaphor for life. One can't waste ANY time in order to reach their goal.
A part of me is looking for ways to keep myself productive for when I return home. Now, it seems like I have ample time to accomplish more. I do want my Master's in English Literature, and this is the most opportune moment for me to acquire it. I miss reading and analyzing components of literature, and I just need to buckle down and find an online university that provides me the luxury of becoming a student again...wow, never thought I'd say that!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Breaking Bad Pilot Episode
It seems like the attraction to Breaking Bad is witnessing a broken-down man regain his masculine virility.
We are introduced to the character of Mr. White, a high school chemistry teacher who is somewhat submissive. His wife tells him what card to use while shopping, his part-time job as a car wash attendant often involves him obeying what his boss commands, usually involving washing cars when another worker calls out (he even washed the tires of a sports car that belongs to his student), and his brother-in-law who works for the DEA belittles the profession of teaching as not having enough excitement.
Throughout the episode, we see Mr. White evolve into a more confident risk-taker. When diagnosed with cancer, he sees the lucrative art of cooking meth and selling it as a means to afford medical treatment and/or provide for his pregnant wife and son who has a physical ailment.
While Mr. White's son was shopping for a pair of jeans, some boys teased him effectively calling him a "Mama's Boy" for having his mother offer advice. When Mr. White heard the insults, he seemingly avoided the situation and left. This action incited his wife to begin walking over to the bullies to address them. From the opposite angle, the protagonist burst through the front door and attacked the bullies.
One possible reason for this action could be Mr. White was fed up with being a victim and chose to confront injustice for the first time in what may have been a long time. It's also possible that Mr. White doesn't want his son to turn out like his submissive father.
Motif: Fire
On three separate occasions, Mr. White is fascinated by fire. The first moment occurred while Mr. White was teaching his first chemistry class of the year. During the lesson, White ignited a bunsen burner and caused the flame to change colors by spraying it with different chemicals. The second occasion materialized after White discovered he was living with inoperable, terminal lung cancer. He sat by his pool, which was covered with scum and debris, and he lit several matches and through them into the murky water. The third scenario presented itself when cooking meth with two assailants who had beaten up his partner, Jesse, and probably would have killed the chemistry teacher. After lighting the bunsen burner, Mr. White conjured the brilliant idea to combine chemicals that would detonate a phosphorous bomb, unknowingly to the two antagonists.
Fire is a symbol that can be both destructive and cleansing. It's possible that Mr. White sought to destroy his submissive self and cleanse any impotent wounds he had suffered prior to the new development in his life. It's important to note that earlier in the episode, Mr. White's wife tried somewhat unsuccessfully to manually arouse the main character's sex organ as a 50th birthday present. However, later in the episode, after successfully thwarting the two aggressors and acquiring his first payment as a drug dealer, he passionately makes love to his wife who is nothing but surprised by her lover's strange, yet delightful newfound lust.
I'm curious to see if fire will continue to be a prominent symbol in this series!
We are introduced to the character of Mr. White, a high school chemistry teacher who is somewhat submissive. His wife tells him what card to use while shopping, his part-time job as a car wash attendant often involves him obeying what his boss commands, usually involving washing cars when another worker calls out (he even washed the tires of a sports car that belongs to his student), and his brother-in-law who works for the DEA belittles the profession of teaching as not having enough excitement.
Throughout the episode, we see Mr. White evolve into a more confident risk-taker. When diagnosed with cancer, he sees the lucrative art of cooking meth and selling it as a means to afford medical treatment and/or provide for his pregnant wife and son who has a physical ailment.
While Mr. White's son was shopping for a pair of jeans, some boys teased him effectively calling him a "Mama's Boy" for having his mother offer advice. When Mr. White heard the insults, he seemingly avoided the situation and left. This action incited his wife to begin walking over to the bullies to address them. From the opposite angle, the protagonist burst through the front door and attacked the bullies.
One possible reason for this action could be Mr. White was fed up with being a victim and chose to confront injustice for the first time in what may have been a long time. It's also possible that Mr. White doesn't want his son to turn out like his submissive father.
Motif: Fire
On three separate occasions, Mr. White is fascinated by fire. The first moment occurred while Mr. White was teaching his first chemistry class of the year. During the lesson, White ignited a bunsen burner and caused the flame to change colors by spraying it with different chemicals. The second occasion materialized after White discovered he was living with inoperable, terminal lung cancer. He sat by his pool, which was covered with scum and debris, and he lit several matches and through them into the murky water. The third scenario presented itself when cooking meth with two assailants who had beaten up his partner, Jesse, and probably would have killed the chemistry teacher. After lighting the bunsen burner, Mr. White conjured the brilliant idea to combine chemicals that would detonate a phosphorous bomb, unknowingly to the two antagonists.
Fire is a symbol that can be both destructive and cleansing. It's possible that Mr. White sought to destroy his submissive self and cleanse any impotent wounds he had suffered prior to the new development in his life. It's important to note that earlier in the episode, Mr. White's wife tried somewhat unsuccessfully to manually arouse the main character's sex organ as a 50th birthday present. However, later in the episode, after successfully thwarting the two aggressors and acquiring his first payment as a drug dealer, he passionately makes love to his wife who is nothing but surprised by her lover's strange, yet delightful newfound lust.
I'm curious to see if fire will continue to be a prominent symbol in this series!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Anticipation
I'm pretty excited with how life is at the moment.
I'm getting more used to delivering the mail, and I'm finishing routes in different cities a lot faster than before.
I'm going camping with Hiro and Jonny in two weeks!! We're heading up to Lake George for a weekend, and it'll be great to disconnect from digital screens for a few days.
Most importantly, I feel like I'm getting closer to Annie. We're communicating more, and our emotional walls are slowly crumbling. I suspect she's somewhat as guarded as I am, but after meeting her parents and hometown circles, I'm beginning to gain a better picture for her essence. I'll return the sensation...sounds weird...I'll reciprocate by having her meet my family on Father's Day.
It ought to be outstanding!
I'm getting more used to delivering the mail, and I'm finishing routes in different cities a lot faster than before.
I'm going camping with Hiro and Jonny in two weeks!! We're heading up to Lake George for a weekend, and it'll be great to disconnect from digital screens for a few days.
Most importantly, I feel like I'm getting closer to Annie. We're communicating more, and our emotional walls are slowly crumbling. I suspect she's somewhat as guarded as I am, but after meeting her parents and hometown circles, I'm beginning to gain a better picture for her essence. I'll return the sensation...sounds weird...I'll reciprocate by having her meet my family on Father's Day.
It ought to be outstanding!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Mike's Birthday in Atlantic City
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| This is Mike. |
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| Mike and his friends celebrated Mike's birthday. |
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| "Wow! That Mike sure is a swell guy!" said Mikey P. |
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| Because Mike is so sweet, he often gets licked by his friends and cute puppies. |
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| "Oh no! Where's Mike?" thought Annie and Laura. |
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| "Don't worry guys! He'll be alright!" said Jeff. Mike and Jeff's friends came from all over the country to see Mike for his birthday! |
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| "Hey there he is! Happy birthday Mike!" cheered Jeff, Mikey P, and Annie. |
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| After Mike came back with his friends, they sure were hungry! |
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| CHOMP CHOMP NOM NOM! "Boy, oh boy! These nachos are yummy!" said Mike's friends as they lovingly devoured nachos. |
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| "Happy birthday Mike! You're the best!!" |
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| "That's right Mike! You deserve all the love in the world!" |
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| "Drink me! I'm mighty tasty," said honey whiskey, "and don't forget about my friends, beer and beer!" The first night ended joyfully; everybody danced in celebration of Mike's special day. |
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| The next day, Mike and his friends decided to hit the casino. But something was wrong with Mikey P! Oh no! "Mikey P! What's wrong buddy?" asked Mike. "I'm really thirsty, but I think I lost my magic potion," Mikey P responded, his eyes barely open. "Can you help me find it, Mike?" |
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| "Sure thing big guy! Here it is!" exclaimed Mike. Mike slowly poured the magic potion into Mikey P's mouth. |
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| "It tastes sooooooooo good! Thanks Mike!" exclaimed Mikey P. |
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| "That was really great! You're an awesome friend!! What happens when Mikey P drinks his magic potion?" pondered Laura. "You'll see! It's a surprise!" answered Mike. |
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| Oh my...it gave Mikey P superpowers!! He's faster than light!! Maybe he was too fast... |
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| "Hey Mike! Help!! I can't stop! I need some more to settle down!" shouted Mikey P. |
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| "Sure buddy! Here comes the goose! I gotta take a picture of this." commented Mike. |
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| "Boy, that was a close one!" said Annie, Jeff, and Laura. |
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| Mike's generosity also makes him delightfully delicious. The boys started nibbling on Mike. "Hey guys wait! I know a place that has amazing pizza," said Mike, "Let me use my teleportation device and I'll beam us there!" |
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| "Oh golly! That was some teleportation device! Thanks Mike!" Annie happily told Mike. Wherever Mike goes, he leaves smiles on everyone's face. |
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| Wow! |
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| Look at that amazing food! Not only did Mike find his friends and Mikey P's magic potion, but he also ensured that everyone's bellies were full! You're incredible, and you saved the day Mike! |
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
USPS Day 1 - Palmyra Harbor
Today was interesting. It marked my first day at the United States Postal Service. I showed up at the Cinnaminson Post Office at 7:50AM thinking I wanted to be nice and early. I met up with the Postmaster who was fixing an automated machine with a technician. He seemed surprised to see me and said "9:00AM", introduced me to my trainer, Harry, who has twenty years of experience under his belt, and Postmaster told me I could wait in the break-room until then.
I waited.
I was requested to follow Mail Carrier Harry onto our route. He pushed his massive basket filled with mail and parcels to a waiting truck, which swallowed both paper and man alike. In other words, he loaded the back while I climbed into a waiting chair that appeared hastily bolted into the frame of the storage cell of the postal vehicle.
Mail Carrier Harry is exactly what you'd imagine if I said "Heavy Metal Bass Player." He's a 42-year old father of two teenage daughters and is happily married. He stands at about 5'11" and sports a goatee that is clearly made of granite.
It was 32 degrees out. Fun.
We continued on our routes and he demonstrated how to finger through the mail. I observed how he quickly sorted through and delivered each address's package. I sensed the excitement of possibility rising in my chest as we conversed about the postal service and all things disregarding the postal service.
After the initial day, I'm exhilarated to have realized this sensation of being alive!
I waited.
I was requested to follow Mail Carrier Harry onto our route. He pushed his massive basket filled with mail and parcels to a waiting truck, which swallowed both paper and man alike. In other words, he loaded the back while I climbed into a waiting chair that appeared hastily bolted into the frame of the storage cell of the postal vehicle.
Mail Carrier Harry is exactly what you'd imagine if I said "Heavy Metal Bass Player." He's a 42-year old father of two teenage daughters and is happily married. He stands at about 5'11" and sports a goatee that is clearly made of granite.
It was 32 degrees out. Fun.
We continued on our routes and he demonstrated how to finger through the mail. I observed how he quickly sorted through and delivered each address's package. I sensed the excitement of possibility rising in my chest as we conversed about the postal service and all things disregarding the postal service.
After the initial day, I'm exhilarated to have realized this sensation of being alive!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Summertime is Great
After watching this video, I was inspired to write this poem to my friend, Del.
Summertime is Great
I don't know how.
I don't know why.
My pupils are dilated.
I can't find the sky.
It could be this.
It could be the
red and white peppermint twists,
hiding under my tongue.
A chill so deep,
coursing through my bones.
After watching this video,
I can't help but moan.
Why oh why, Del?!!
Why'd you make me sit
through the blissful reverie
and treasury, such as this?
I see myself now,
in sleeves of white
in a rubber room
under the cover of night.
Laughing at the cat
who's floating under my tree
Pit, pit, pat, pat,
goes my drool to
the pool underneath me.
Alas, and farewell
to the logic I ONCE had.
In my heart and my soul
I feel, and I know,
somehow and some way,
this video is...inspiring.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Juan Dolio, Rep. Dom
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| Sunrise in Juan Dolio |
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| Jacobo behind the iron gate |
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| Palm trees under the stars |
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| Purple skies and blue water |
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