Skydiving Update

On Thursday 7/28, Matt and I drove out to Calverton. We drove to this place in the middle of nowhere, to this hanger where SkyDiveLongIsland is based. After watching the 3 minute video and waiting until 12 for the sky to clear, we hopped into a plane. Once we got to 13,000 ft in the air, it took 7 minutes to fall to Earth, 1-2 minute freefall and the rest at the end of a parachute. It was awesome and I will do it again. I have a DVD and pictures from the experience, which I may put online at some point. I recommend it to anyone who wants to do it.

All Apologies

In less than 24 hours, I will be screaming as I fall to Earth from an airplane flying over Calverton, NY. That's right...Mike is skydiving. Everything should be ok, but in case not I wanted to have something to record some last thought. So here in a nice little list are my thoughts if I fall not so softly on the ground.

1. Maybe I should have waited til I was older to skydive or not at all.

2. Figures, I get the job and then don't make it to the point of actually doing the job.

3. I wish I'd known more people better.

4. Sorry to everyone who is mad at, upset at, or indifferent to me.

5. Thanks to everyone else for knowing me and letting me know you.

That's about all I can think of, so everyone be well. Hopefully, I will be back tomorrow with an update on the jump and what lies ahead.

Change

Everyone seems to be making big changes in their lives. Some people are getting together, some are getting married, some are moving, and some are getting new jobs. I am a big believer in change. Hopefully with this new job, it will be more start of more changes. I haven't been capable up to now. Here's to the newest new start.

I GOT A PROMOTION

I remember having an argument around a year ago and saying that I would be making more and doing analysis work within a year. Well, I guess I wasn't as wrong as she thought. Today, I heard from HR and I'm now going to be a Shared Services Credit Analyst. This means more money, no more calls to customers, the opportunity to use my degree, and more opportunities to shine in front of the Board of Execs and move up the corporate ladder. My time has come and, once they hire my replacement in Credit, I will be happy.

Weekend Update

So I notice the updating of blogs vary person to person and thought I might be time for me to add an entry. So, as to be expected, my weekend was pretty mundane. On Friday, we did the usual Floral Park deal, going between our two favorite bars. For everyone who knows the routine, they probably know what ensued. On Saturday, I participated in a service project through Henry Schein. We painted this not-for-profit school. I had a good time and realized, if I ever want to paint a room, I should hire a professional. Dad and I then went to the Brooklyn Cyclones game and then got some L&B Pizza. Cyclones won and the pizza was delicious, but that should have been expected. The weekend ended off with a 5K and relaxation on Sunday. I came in 2 place for my age group and got a nice like plaque. I get more plaques now that I did when I was "in space" in high school. Now it's back to the usual grind. We'll see what ensues. I have a lot planned during the week and maybe some will even make it on the blog.

July 14th

July 14th...just an ordinary day once again.

Risks Will Be Taken / The Definition of Contradiction

Two Posting For the Price of One:

It's official. On July 28, Matt and I are going skydiving out east. If I survive, I'll let you know how it went.

Today, after completing a full day of work, I ran a 5K and then went to Croxley's in RVC for some wings (33 to be exact). That, my friends, is the definition of contradiction. That is health with a side of grease and fat. It was fulfilling and delicious.

Caught in the Time Warp

This weekend was like stepping in a time warp because it was like going back to my college days (God, that makes me sounds old). On Friday, I went in the city and met a bunch of college friends and some new people to celebrate Lexy's B-day. Lex was one of my closest friends in college, so I had no problem making the trip to downtown NYC and I always have a good time with Dan (Lexy's b/f) and Rich. On Saturday, the rents and I took a trip up to Mass to visit with my uncles and visit my grandmother's grave. Last time, I was up there was when she was dying of cancer. She been gone for around 5 years now. I'm not usually a crier, but it took a bit to hold back the tears staring at the stone. I was close with my grandmother, so it was hard to see the stone. Now, I'm home and the work week starts again. So much to do and so little time. Is it Friday yet?

A Montreal "Holiday"

Friday started with a dash to the train to meet Jonathan in the city. From there, we, and by we I mean he, drove 7 hours to Montreal. There we stayed 3 days and 3 nights in a trendy new hotel, Hotel Godin. The room was enormous with a flat screen TV, two double beds, candy on the pillow, robes, honor bar, and 24 hour room service. Montreal was beautiful from the way it was build to the women (I mean people...yeah people) that inhabited. It was a shame to leave. Some high points included the Gogo (a bar that plays 80s and early 90s music), the Olympic Stadium (now there is some story and a great view), the Museum of History and Archeology (The Story of Montreal definitely has some highs and lows), and winning $35 Canadian in the Casino. Though it was just Jonathan and I, I had a great time and am already looking forward to my next trip. Thinking of a solo trip to London and/or Ireland with the opportunity of meeting new people. Who know the possibilities for a single guy like myself? These are the years to do everything I can. To paraphrase Suze Orman's new book, The Money Book for Young, Fabulous, & Broke,I had the youth to make mistakes, the opportunities to go far, and the limited liabilities to take the risks.