As Kids We Used to Laugh, Who Knew that LIfe Would Move this Fast?

Question for anyone: When did you grow up?
I'm not talking about the decade you grew up in or the first time you got paid from your first job. I'm talking about when you first realized you had left behind your days as a youth and were now considered an adult in everyone's eyes.

I have come to learn that life is a non-stop process of learning filled with perseverance. From the day we're born, responsibilities are placed on us in order to allow us to keep up in this world. We begin growing the first day of our lives and never stop. However, realizing you've entered that area of "responsible adult" is a surprising and unexpected realization.

I remember feeling all grown up whenever I was working during my year off from school a few years back. I remembering feeling like a responsible young adult when I left for Ohio State....I mean THE Ohio State. But did I feel like an adult? Not at all.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to go bowl with a friend where I would also help her watch over her baby brother and his friends. It was supposed to be a total of four or five of us, but much to our unfortunate surprise, we had to watch over a total of five or six 12 year olds for about two hours. It was our duty to make sure these kids didn't leave our sight and to answer either yes or no when asked if they were allowed to use the restroom or grab snacks.

After bowling, while eating, I realized what I was. Was I? Already? After going back and forth with this thinking, I hesitantly accepted the reality of what I was......an adult.

Was it really that long ago that my friends and I looked forward to going to that same bowling alley with the hopes of breaking 100, play lazer tag, and hit up the arcade? Was it really that long ago? I found myself not caring about breaking 100 (I like to aim at a 140), nor about playing in the arcade. All I was worried about is making sure the kids were ok.

I brought this up to a group of friends a few days later, and sure enough, one of them had a recent panic about growing up. He explained to me how this upcoming decade will be the 10 years that will determine our lives. Most of us are going to graduate from college, have a career, find our significant other, and have kids by the time the year 2020 arrives. That got me thinking of what the future holds for myself, my family, friends, and the world in general. How will our lives be like 10 years from now? Now that I'm an adult, what steps do I have to take in order to make sure I'll be ok by the time 2020 comes around.

So, I stand/type before you as an adult. Someone who is responsible enough to look over kids, as someone who is expected to make the right choices, and as someone on the brink of attaining that "old man strength." This should be interesting.

Confusing Species

I received a request to inform the world about the differences between men and women.

Men:
Simple people.

Women:
Instead of pointing out how females are, I would rather use an example that I feel best describes them.
A female will order buffalo wings because she reads they are only 300 calories, but changes her mind at the last minute and orders chicken strips with fries on the side, asks for ranch and honey mustard, and rejects the hot sauce for wings, yet she is happy when she does receive hot sauce because that is what she originally wanted, and regrets eating the strips instead of the wings that only had 300 calories.
Moral of the story: Females don't know what they want.

Is That What That Pirate Costume Was For?

This weekend was probably one of the most entertaining since coming back home for the summer. Friday I had dinner with friends where I got rocked by Ceciah....she can be a punk at times. Saturday was chill as well that consisted of a late late late night dinner with Cec and Lawen, and Sunday was more of the same except with an earlier dinner.

Dinner on Sunday was, as my amigos like to label it, a "pow-wow," where we talk about anything and everything, including subjects we do not normally talk about. I had the priviledge of sharing this experience with La Bestia (LB to be short) and a person who actually believes fate determines our lives. I think I'm going to refer to her as........LW.

We began the discussion of fate vs free will. LB and LW seem to believe that fate is real and everything around us is fate, and that everything happens for a reason. While I can agree with the latter part of the statement, I feel fate does not exist and is too often confused with the statement that everything happens for a reason. I would like to think that I am in control of what I do with my life, not some idea that I was destined to do something. Some believe free will determines fate, but that doesn't make much sense if you think about it. One's actions determines their future, not their surroundings. I don't believe people are destined to be something. I believe they need to work towards it and earn it. Destiny sure isn't going to help them through the process. It will be their free will. I could go on and on arguing about this but it gets tedious.

The great/unfortunate thing about our gatherings is the information some people share. It can make you laugh or cringe, leave you speechless or wanting more answers. Last night, LB was kind enough to let us know about her experience at the amusement park. Fortunately for her, she was tall enough for the dragon ride. She said the ride at times was not fun but was happy to conquer it. It was apparently the biggest ride she's ever been on. Me personally, I don't like amusement parks.

You know how some people like to dress up to go watch Star Wars or Harry Potter? Turns out, LB likes to dress up as well whenever attending amusement parks. To each their own I guess. I'm not here to judge.

LW is an interesting individual to me. I see the inner-beast in her is desperate to come out, but LW is hesitant to open up the cage. What she needs to do is step up her free will and handle it. And by that I don't mean to go out with a guy just because he makes you laugh. Leading someone on is no bueno. I guess it makes sense that she's friends with LB....she's a veteran at that.

I, at times, was the focal point of the discussion. Nothing as interesting as LB, however.

After dinner, I went to another gathering that was also entertaining. Overall, it was a great night and great weekend.

I hope no one is offended by this blog. If they are (LB???), oh well. I'm sure you really don't meet the minimum height requirement for the ride at the amusement park.

You Better Appreciate This Lawen

It's been forever since I have written a new blog.

Quick summary of what has happened since my last entry:

• finished Spring quarter with a GPA I'm happy with
• got the RA job
• came back to San Diego to enjoy the summer
• got my puppy Bonifacio
• enjoyed July 4 at South Mission for 12 hours
• unfortunately missed the Incubus concert last night but attended a bonfire with some friends, which led to this blog

Since I have been lagging with writing new blogs, I was asked last night to write about the bonfire. So, here is what happened last night:

Alex, Emily, and I got to Mission around 8 and enjoyed some Jack in the Box by a pit while waiting for Ceciah to arrive. When she finally met up with us, she forgot to bring me a chair but didn't forget to bring her attitude.

It took some time to get the fire going....Cec brought some fire starter thing and.....well, long story short, I started the fire.

Lawen decided to make an appearance. San Diego summers = fireworks over Sea World, so that's always nice. Lawen began talking about her friend who has the answer to every question....Sasha or Chacha, I don't know. She claims 4th of July fireworks only last for 15 mins but Lawen was saying it's 30 mins. I don't really trust that girl, though, because she didn't know the result of Erik Morales' 53rd pro bout (he unfortunately got stopped in 3 against Pacquiao, in case you were wondering).

The bonfire was very chill. We were all enjoying the calmness, taking in the ocean breeze. I unfortunately found out I do not have an aura, a presence of some sort. Thanks Lawen.

After that, Lawen left, Ceciah kept being mean, and I was doing work on Bejeweled. The fire began dying down so we decided to call it a night. As much as I wanted to go see Incubus in concert, I enjoyed the bonfire. It was good times.

E Pluribus Unum: Out of Many We Are One

A couple weeks ago, I decided I was going to write a blog about gay marriage after my Nicy called me upset about what Miss California had said. She just wrote her own so I have a tough act to follow.

I have never understood why this country opposes gay marriage so much. I don't understand why anyone would oppose it. I believe everyone has the right to do what makes them happy. I still find it funny/irritating that we still do not allow gays to marry. I thought everyone had the right to the pursuit of happiness? Apparently this only applies if you're straight.

I remember having a conversation about this last year with a couple of friends on the floor. My friend Fitz said something that I believe will end up being true...he basically said that years from now, we're going to look back and think how stupid we were for not letting gays get married. Just how this country looked down on blacks, or how women were inferior to men, we're going to look back just how we look back now to those issues and think how ridiculous not allowing gays to marry really is.

My sister, as she mentioned in her blog, made a very good point about Miss California's comments. What if she had made a racist remark......that she doesn't support interracial marriage, or she sees blacks as inferior, or Mexicans should go back to their country.....would her honesty have been ok if she had said something like that? Then why is it ok to treat gays as less deserving than others?

It's no secret that I'm a full supporter of gay rights. I believe that people should be free to do what they want as long as they aren't hurting anyone. I really don't see the big deal in allowing gays to marry. Is it a religion thing? If someone wants to be a religious person that's fine, but don't impose your beliefs on others. I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate it if someone from another religion passed a law that didn't allow them to marry their significant other.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but having the opinion of opposing gay marriage is just wrong, plain and simple. It's a primitive way to look at things, and an unjust way of thinking. I hope that people will soon realize that gays are just like the rest of us.....they're people. Let them live their life. Let them be happy.

It's an old cliche, but very appropriate at this time....treat others the way you want to be treated. If we're truly a country that cares about equality and civil rights, we will allow gays the same rights as the rest of us.

As Andy Warhol once said: "They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." I believe this is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. A group of people are being oppressed and we cannot allow time to hopefully change the way we think. We need to keep raising awareness on this issue. We need to back our fellow man and woman and let them know that we are here supporting them.

E Pluribus Unum: Out of Many We Are One

My Guide to a Successful Summer

I was recently given some words of encouragement from a good friend with some crazy intuition. Those words inspired me to make a list of things I would like to accomplish this summer while home in San Diego with the goal being to have a memorable summer.
I'm trying to expand my horizons, and I hope to complete everything on my list by the time summer ends.
Here it goes....

1. Go to Disneyland
2. Learn something new....something that would be productive. I have to think about this one.
3. Read at least 5 books.
4. Go to Vegas with the family and watch another boxing match.
5. Volunteer around San Diego.
6. Go to Petco Park to watch the Padres at least 4 times.
7. Convince my parents to get a puppy.
8. Go to Cafe Sevilla with Ceciah and friends.
9. Go to Sea World.
10. Stay in shape by making sure to go for a run at least 4 times a week.
11. Convince Mary to watch 3 scary movies with me.
12. Rock the mic on some karaoke.
13. Go to Legoland.
14. Eat at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles at least 3 times.
15. Go buy some of those delicious cupcakes from LA that Mary had one time.
16. Get a tattoo.
17. Go to the zoo.
18. Face my fear of heights in some way.
19. Go watch Incubus in concert.
20. Go to Shout House!
21. Play some beach volleyball on 4th of July.
22. Spend as much time with my familia as possible.

I'm hoping that when I look back a few months from now, I could say I completed everything on this list. I may add to this list, but if I don't, I'll be happy with the way summer ended up.

My ubiquitos issue.

Isn't it strange how once you notice something, or someone tells you something, all of a sudden, it seems to be everywhere or people mention that subject to you frequently out of the blue?
A specific future-prediction has been brought up to me for a couple years now.....it's been building up slowly. More people seem to be getting in on it as the years pass on. I thought it was a San Diego thing, but sure enough, it has followed me out here to Ohio.

I was at the RPAC today when I ran into my friend Fitz. It had been a while since I talked to him so we did a little catching up while he waited for Steve (the worst fave 5 contact in the history of fave 5) to show up. Long story short, he made a statement that had me buggin out a bit. He basically said what a few others back home have been saying for some time now.

It has become more and more of an active topic of conversation between me and some of my friends, and, after Fitz conttnued the trend, I began to think how strange it is to hear people have the same belief concerning this subject, and how frequently it has been coming up.

I try not to think too much about it, but I wonder what the deal is behind things that become ubiquitos. Is it the universe trying to make things fall into place? Is it fate just giving me a sign of what's to come? I often have strange thoughts of how the universe or life works. I just find it interesting how many people come at me with this idea of what will happen in a few years.

If my friends' and other people's predictions do end up being true, I can't say I'd be surprised because I'm sort of expecting it to happen. I have a couple years to go so don't be waiting for an answer any time soon.

Staying focused....

Being away from home is never easy. I grew up relying on family for anything and everything, and I still live that way to this day. I'm fortunate enough to have parents and a brother and sister who would do anything for me. Being away from them does take a toll on me at times, and this is one of those times.

I can't stand having uncertainty in my life. I like to be in control of all that I do and right now, uncertainty seems to be taking over. Will I get the job I want for next year? Where will I be at two weeks from now? These things seem to be out of my hands and, while I'm usually good at keeping my cool or at least coming across as being fine, I don't feel like I'm fine. Unfortunately, I'm letting it all get to me. I'm trying to be productive.....it gets tough at times, though.

Like I mentioned earlier, my family are the ones who I go to for anything. Regardless of how lonely I feel or how stressed out I get being out here, I do take comfort in knowing I always have family.

I don't really have a message I'm trying to send with this entry. I know I tend to ramble at times. I just needed to vent a little and put some thoughts down. If I had to give out some advice with this post, I would tell people to make sure they keep their family close. There is nothing more important.....keep them close and make sure to appreciate all that they do for you.

With that being said, I would like to give my own thanks. I feel we don't always let people know that we appreciate them. So, to my Nicy and my Pepe, I appreciate all that you two have done and continue to do. Shout out to my parents as well, even though they don't read this.

P.S. Get at me Nicy...I need some words of encouragement.

Just Keep Punchin'

As I was watching my roommate Alex dance with a girl during his dance class out in the amphitheater, I began to think about how much I enjoy college. The students were enjoying practicing the waltz, cha cha cha, and salsa in the outdoors while students walked by, with some even stopping to admire their skills (or lack thereof).

I began thinking what classes I could take that I could enjoy that won't cause me the stress I had with past chemistry and calculus courses. Then I began to think about how I won't be able to get the chance to experience these kinds of opportunities once I graduate. Because, of course, once one graduates from college, it is officially time to.....grow up.

While home in San Diego for Spring Break, I was reading outside on my porch, when my neighbor's kids caught my attention. They were running around on the street, riding their tricycles, playing with whatever toy they had, without a care in the world. I found myself envying their innocence, their lack of worries. I started to wonder when I had made the transition from a carefree kid to an adult having to worry about tuition, rent, books, and groceries. It seemed like only yesterday I was at La Presa playing soccer with my classmates thinking about what my mother was going to cook me for dinner. Now, before I can even go play soccer, I need to finish my endless homework assignments, and if I want dinner, I need to cook up whatever it is I have in the kitchen, which is usually just bread and turkey slices......I do, at times, do work and cook some mean enchiladas. I digress.

I am working hard towards getting my degree and starting my career, and the obstacles I've had preventing me from achieving this goal have been a pain, but the thought of being an adult makes me cringe. Work, bills, more work, more bills....what kind of life is that? Yeah, reading hundreds of pages, writing essays, and taking tests isn't exactly the good life, but it beats being an adult.

I don't know, I could spend my time worrying about this, maybe it's a quarter-life crisis, but I can't evade the inevitable.

To quote a classic, all-time great movie:
"You know, Stallion, it's too bad we gotta get old."
"Ah, just keep punchin', Apollo"

Despite having times where I find myself bugging out because of my age, or if I'm upset because the world isn't being kind to me, I always think of Rocky's line.

Just keep punchin'.

College Dropout? No Mas.

Had my first day of classes after missing the first two quarters of the school year. Despite having a tired body and an even more exhausted mind from the traveling and lack of sleep, I managed to make it through my four classes in one piece (can't lie, I did dose off a few times).

Nothing like Spring quarter at Ohio State. Jackets unnecessary, no ice present on the streets, futbol by the Shoe, laying out at the Oval with a book......it's definitely the best quarter of the year.

It does seem like it'll be a busy one, though. Homework, readings, essays....I thought I'd enjoy the calm before the storm, but the storm has already arrived. No worries, though. I'd rather be busy than nothing else.

College life isn't so bad.

Spring Break '09, Good Times

About a month ago, I was sitting on my couch in Columbus, working on scholarships, when I asked myself "Why am I still here?" I took care of what I needed to and figured I should head West for a bit. I was writing a personal statement essay (which I misunderstood to be 4000 words instead of characters.....lame) when I thought of this question.
I was writing about my family and realized that I missed home so I decided to buy a ticket to San Diego until Spring quarter starts. As I prepare to head back to the Midwest to resume my education, I am experiencing the usual bittersweet feeling I always get whenever I leave home. I'm happy that I will finally get back into school and be productive with my life. Yet, being home only reminded me of what I leave behind whenever I go away, like watching sports on the weekends with my pops, spending time with my madre, hanging with my brother, and chilling with friends. I was also fortunate enough to see my sister again for a short period of time. But now, I am on my way back to Ohio.

There is nothing I enjoy more than living my life as a student out in Ohio. I love my school and the whole ambiance that comes with being a student there. But at the end of the day, it is not home. However, I have grown to appreciate everything about home (family, friends, food, the california sunshine and air) since I made the decision to leave almost two years ago.

So as I get ready to go back to school, I am looking forward to getting back to work and aiming toward straight As. Along with that, I can't wait to make it back to California.

P.S. This is my first blog I've written in some time now. I felt it would be unethical to write in "Couch Aventuras" when I wasn't on a couch. Since my sister is in town, she took my room and I am currently on a couch in the living room, so now I feel right writing this. I keeps it real, son.

Let the Couch Aventuras begin....

I was inspired by my sister to start blogging. I am not too sure who would want to read my thoughts or opinions on a daily bases, but I figured I would let those interested what I am going thought while I'm out here in Ohio trying to make things happen.

The title for my blog was presented to my by Lulu. Reason for it is because my last two homes have been in NY and now Ohio, and my bed has been a couch. I look forward to the day where I can sleep in a bed and no longer have to sleep on a couch in a living room. Seems like I'll have to wait til the fall for that to happen. But until then, I will be writing about my Couch Aventuras.

I will be attending The Ohio State University once again in the Spring and for the next two years or so, depending on when I graduated. That's what this blog will mainly consist of. Life out here in Ohio for a Mexicano from California.

For those interested, I hope to keep you entertained or at least informed of how I am doing out here in Ohio.

So, let the Couch Aventuras begin.....