Not All Those who Wander are Lost

Greetings wanderers!

Speaking of Lost: I'm pretty excited about the GRAND Lost Finale this coming weekend. I am sure that it will be epic and a fitting conclusion to such a complex and endearing narrative. Okay, I kind of lied with that last comment.  The way things are set up at this point it looks like there will be many happy endings that will happen only because of one of the techniques used in the show (flash-sideways).  I don't know, hopefully there will be a couple of last good twists for the fans though.

I really like it when shows end. It is completely more satisfying and shows that the creators had somewhat of a planned  ending as opposed to other shows that will run-on for many seasons and possibly lose its course only because it kept on getting renewed for another season (*cough*money*cough**).  This still isn't as bad as the shows that have potential and end up getting canceled.

Anyway, I'm just rambling and I'm sure there was another reason for this post other than to talk about television shows. You of course are welcomed to continue the dialogue through comments. In fact, what are opinions on these matters? What is your preference of shows? examples?

Moving on:

Just a mere weekend after finishing my second and hardest semester of grad school I have already begun a Maymester course. It is not completely a drag; after all, I get to go to New York for about 10 days next week. WHICH REMINDS ME! I'll be attempting to publish a blog (lets call it...a travelblogue) about my class including the time I spend in New York.

So here is the link: http://www.richienyctravel.blogspot.com/
Hopefully you can follow it and leave your feedback. ^_^

Now; the reason I REALLY wrote this blog:
I once more wanted to congratulate all of my friends who graduated this past weekend and earned cool degrees:

Adam: Great job buddy! I wish I would have had the pleasure to have taken more courses with you during my undergrad experience. You are a brilliant individual who makes clever connections and is able to "read" people/symbols very well. Maybe English wasn't your calling after all, but to simply OWN it like you did is a true testament to your hard work and intelligence. You have been one of my longest friends and in a way, extended family to me; as always I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Anthony: Of course, you get second to Adam, hahahaha! But in all seriousness, you sir are a BEAST when it comes to school. Your reward as a Top 10 Senior certainly proved this and I never really told this to you but I kind of bragged about that (about you) to my grad school buddies. Just like Adam you have been a close relationship in my life; as always I can count on you for rational and exceptionally mind-blowing conversation. Not only that, I know we can be silly together as well. Cheers to you and your future endeavors.

Aaron: You graduated from the Air Force Academy; nice work cadet! Haha, but I really really hope you enjoy your time in England -- not that I don't think you will :P  It will be kind of strange not having you around for a couple of years but surely we will continue to have contact with one another over that period of time.  It might be a bit too far in the future to predict but I might have the chance to go to England as part of a class (it really depends on several factors, all of which I'll worry about later on) but hopefully we will have the chance to hang out. 

Jazmine: You really deserve acknowledgment and praise in your scholarly endeavors as well. I might not have known you as well as the twins, but to capture one of their hearts is really a sign of what a wonderful person you are -- and I know this through my own experiences with you.  To think so many years ago we all had a class called "Creative Drama" together and did silly little presentations and group activities.  I know you have worked hard as well; to maintain a 4.0 in Grad school on top of everything else proves your awesomness! Best of luck on you future :)

Ceci:  I really have to applaud the manner in which you worked and commend you for always seeming to lighten up the atmosphere in the TA office during rough times. Like I've been saying, you put the silly back in Cecilia. In all seriousness, (and I can say it now) you have really served as a role-model to me on how to kick-ass at school while maintaining a semblance of good-heartedness in everyday activities. Just like the other guys, I truly consider you one of my closest friends and hope that your group continues to have its many adventures. Remember, next time we have to look for the hot-tub keys ON TOP of the fridge (as you take pictures with your camera).

Audrey: You fall in the same boat as Ceci in terms of being able to lift me up during our office space. I probably know you the least of the group so far but when it comes down to it I really feel you are the excellent mixture of kindness and intelligence.  Considering your year, I admire your ability to stay strong and work. I know you will do perfectly fine as you pursue your PhD.

Erica: I admire you so so so so so so so much for what you have done in school and life. I really wish you the best in your life and also commend you on your postgraduate plans -- if you need anything ever, never hesitate to ask. I also wish you the best in more recent endeavors ; ) (if you know what I mean).

Tiana: I'm so happy for you! Not only for your graduation -- which you did just fine in -- but the excellent opportunity to teach in such an awesome place.  I hope to hear plenty about this when your return but until then I wish you exciting and enlightening travels. You have probably been one of the most interesting people I have come across during my time and school. I still owe you your book and hopefully we will have the opportunity to hang out a couple more times before you leave. (Yes, I know there's still time...but why not). Once more, congratulations!
Marianna: I know I sounded like an incoherent rambling fool most of the time I talked to you but you were another person who served as a model for me to take school seriously.  You offered so much great advice about school and the process that I am really motivated to pick up my game for this last year of study. I might not be participating in the "summer swim team" but I wanted to thank you for all these things, congratulate you one last time and wish you luck on your future endeavors.

Najwa: You also provided me with many good lessons on how to balance the job with the classes; and although it might have been a major stress and executed with the most clearest of thought at times, I realize how well it is to figure out how I work.  Thank you for those last minute guides through postmodernism and the like. I hope you continue to do well as you move on to your PhD program in Florida.

Brandi: Okay, I might know you as well as everybody else on the list but I realize that you also graduated this past weekend and I didn't have the opportunity to congratulate you. (so why not give you the time on my blog!) We may have had one of the most random opportunities to meet one another but you've proven to be a pretty cool person and I wish you the best as you go out to teach and enrich the lives of future generations. Best of luck :D

Okay, I'm certain that I might have forgotten several people. I don't mean offense to this in anyway but please feel free to send me angry e-mails and I will most likely fix that absence :) If not, congratulations to all during your time of success. Bravo, bravo!

My oh my, what a long-winded post. I best be leaving.

Live long and prosper,

Rich

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We play songs that talk about life and love. Emphasis on the latter primarily because the former isn't exactly the smoothest of rides; that is when we really believe and insist on the redemptive power of art - clearly of which music tends to falls under. None but ourselves can free our minds. -- Richie M. (Thats me!)

Currently Listening to: I Want You (She's So Heavy) -- Groove Collective

From the Album "I Got No Kick Against Modern Jazz: A Tribute to the Beatles." This is a really fascinating cover of the famous Beatles song which features some nice horn features, salsa rhythms, seductive bass-lines, and pretty cool music changes.