Goodbye New Jersey.

In a little under 4 hours, I’ll be heading out into a whole new chapter of my life. I’ve said my goodbyes and I’m ready to move on. My bags are packed and my closets are empty. Wow, this is really it. My mind is running through an array of different emotions. From an excitement that cannot be stifled to a sense of nostalgia that stings with a slight sadness, the idea of finally leaving home and becoming an undergraduate student is finally falling upon me. The night is flying by but sleep seems to be evading me tonight. But with such a huge moment in life approaching tomorrow, who can blame me?

Mi Cielo Por Una Semana.

If you asked me what my heaven is, I’d tell you it is a place full of palm trees and the soothing sounds of waves crashing onto shore. I think I got a glimpse of what my paradise was during this past week. I flew to Los Cabos, Mexico with my family and I fell in love. Every morning, I woke up to a refreshing view of the Sea of Cortez and the mountains that lined the horizon. Every sunset, I rode waves until my legs could no longer hold me up in the water. Every night, I floated around a magnificent pool with a pina colada in hand. My week of parasailing, climbing cliffs, and swimming through crystal clear waters was the perfect chance for me to wind down. Los Cabos felt like home and I’m honestly still craving to return to the luxurious Pueblo Bonito Rose Oceanfront Resort. Another week without any contact with the outside world and nothing but my ideal paradise–that would be like heaven. 

My view of Medano Beach, located right next to the famous Lover’s Beach & El Arco. 

Drowning in Words

Every summer, I usually drown myself in books that I haven’t gotten the chance to enjoy over the school year. For some reason, this year, I haven’t done as much reading and university is only 16 days away. However, I have picked up a few books that I have either started reading or wish to read very soon. My current collection is a pretty eclectic mix, but here’s a small glimpse: 

1. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen 
This book just seemed appropriate for my current pre-college stage in life and it’s a decent bathroom read for anyone in the same boat as me. 

2. 50 Facts That Should Change the World 2.0 by Jessica Williams
This book is full of eye-opening tidbits that reveal just how fortunate most of us are and the tragedies around the world that most of us have turned a blind eye towards. Phenomenal way to put global issues into perspective. 

3. Ghost Wars by Steve Coll
A Pulitzer Prize winning publication that uses research and human resources to unveil covert operations and the government’s actions that led to many of the infamous events in modern American history such as 9/11/2001 and the many US attempts to capture terrorists. 

4. What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell
I became a huge fan of this author after reading The Outliers (another great read). Gladwell explains many everyday mysteries and talks about popular culture in a completely new view. This novel invokes a new way of perceiving society and thinking about the world we live in. 

5. Life of Pi by Yann Martel 
I read this book years ago, but I am contemplating whether or not I want to read it again. This is a phenomenal fictional account of a young Indian boy who gets stranded out in the ocean in nothing more than a small rowboat and a tiger. This is a story of both survival and self-exploration. There is also a movie based on the book that will be released soon! 

I highly recommend these books to any avid readers out there! 

Parting Ways

About 5 minutes ago, I sealed the envelope with a heartfelt card I wrote to my best friend. Tomorrow will (possibly) be the last time I see her before she moves to Philadelphia for college. We’ve known each other since age 3 and knowing that we won’t be seeing each other for weeks at a time is pretty damn depressing. Suddenly, the reality of college is dawning on me. I am still as excited as I have been from the start, but my euphoria is accompanied by a small wave of sadness. As move in day creeps forward, I realize that I’ll be leaving a lot behind. As for me and my bestie, I can only thank the heavens for Skype and hope that we reunite soon! 

Summer Stalls

The summer definitely does one negative thing: It takes away any sense of productivity that I may have gained over the year. Here I am, a few days before my EMT exam, with a textbook containing 1000+ pages of information, with close to nothing done. I am on chapter 6 of 38 long chapters at the moment and unfortunately, most of what I am reading has already slipped my mind. Normally, one test wouldn’t faze me. However, my EMT course has cost $800 and the skills I hope to retain from the course and the volunteer experience are priceless. There is a lot to gain from a passing score on this exam and much to lose through a failure. Asdfghjkl why has it become so hard to focus?! 

Oh, and this is a horrible prelude to the college exams to come heading my way in September. But, the time to rant is gone and it’s time to get back to reading once more! 

Technological Takeover?

Right now, FX is playing Eagle Eye and since I have no other engagements right now, I’m enjoying the last few minutes of the movie. The one thought that kept crossing my mind throughout the movie referenced the computer that played the antagonist in the film. The computer was a secret government intel device that eventually went rogue and used its access to every computer/satellite operated device (phones,airplanes, cameras, etc.) to eliminate people it believed were threats to the nation. Eventually, this program began to focus its assassinations on government officials and even the president. What got me was the way the computer system turned everyday technology into weapons. This detail was the part that got me. Imagine if there really was a special government suveillence system that could access every possible piece of technology you used on a daily basis 24/7? If you were never alone, whether it be at night in bed or a walk down an empty street? Such technology could be great for law enforcement. However, it  could also be great for infringing on the very basic freedoms that America stands for. Even worse, such technology opens up a chance for terrorists and criminals to cause even more chaos in society. Imagine what a world with a device that would put humanity’s fear of “Big Brother” to shame…imagine how different life would become. 

Team USA!

Honestly, I’m completely blown away by these athletes! I used to be an avid swimmer and although my dedication was nowhere near as strong as these women’s, I know the effort a swimmer must put in for any event. All I can say is GO TEAM USA! Vreeland, Vollmer, Franklin, and Schmitt deserve their gold medals and I hope Team USA continues this amazing streak in all of the competitive swimming events! They have been doing amazing, individually breaking both World and Olympic records throughout the events they have competed in! I honestly feel so proud to be American after watching both the women’s and the men’s teams  dominate the swimming events! Also, Phelps and Lochte did amazing in the semifinals today as well, coming in first and second place! Hopefully that record stays spotless when they compete in the finals! 

The United States men’s gymnastics team has gone through a few struggles over the duration of their events. However, watching both Orozco and Leyva have shown their passion for the sport in the All-Around events. I’m a huge fan of Levya and I feel like a proud parent watching him compete! Speaking of proud parents, his father is absolutely adorable! He seems like the ultimate father/coach with his endearing gestures and encouraging words to his son. I really do hope this family gets the medal they deserve! I never really knew of Orozco prior to the Olympics, but my heart goes out to him. He is competing in the hopes of earning money for his family back in the Bronx. According to NBC, he actually feels that he has let his family down by failing to win the gold, which completely breaks my heart. I hope both men do great! I cannot wait to see the results in a few minutes!