Leap Year

It happens every four years, so it's a very curious day. I think that it should be one of those days when we should try to do something memorable, especially since we won't forget the date. However, the fact that it's a leap year made me think about the last time it was here. It was exactly 4 years ago where I was once again adapting to life on the island after having spent some time living in Jersey. It was kind of like a second homecoming for me, so it was a new start.

And here I am, 4 years later on another 29th of February with another new start. Is it me, or am I going to develop a scenario where I start over from scratch every four years? I hope not, because it's about damn time I once again settle in one particular place. Ever since I started college in 2005, I had lived in four different places, so staying put for a while won't be so bad. And yet, the fact that each leap year has brought a new start has made me think about what I have done in these last four years.

I did a lot. I finished college, met some of the best friends I will ever have, had 3 relationships, got to find out what I want to do in life, and got to know myself a lot better. So one could say it's been a good four years. Come to think of it, this leap year kind of closes a door in a way. I'm just glad it's not in the dark, otherwise I would have busted my nose or hurt one of my toes in what can only be described as unimaginable pain (other than stepping on a lego).

So what do I hope to get out of these next four years? I would like to set my career in motion somehow, make new friends here in PA, and have my Master's Degree. Perhaps I could even see myself teaching somewhere along the line. I dunno, as long as it's all good. But if during the next leap year I'm once again having another fresh start in another part of the world, I'm gonna have to slap somebody.

We Lost Your College Papers

For some reason, I can't stop finding problems with my university's administration. Even after finishing my degree, there are still problems going about. Why is it that after I'm finished with my degree is that they tell me I need a specific document from my previous university in order to graduate. Why can't you say that during my time studying? But no worries, I got into my "I'm Doing This in a Panic Frenzy" state and managed to get the document and sent it. But then again, that seemed all too easy.

Almost 3 months later, the system still has me on hold because the file they were supposed to get somehow got lost in their files. So I enter into "Problem Solving Mode" with a little bit of "Let Me Punch Your Face" hidden. And once again, the problem seems to be solved. Again, seemed a bit too easy. But as expected, the hold was still there. What frustrates me is that the missing document is what's preventing me from applying into Grad School, especially since I can't get my transcripts. And yet, today I somehow got lucky, especially since they temporarily removed my hold just so I could get my access to my transcripts online. Too bad they aren't the official ones, but it's a start.

Someone's got an eye on messing around with my files.

I'm anxious to graduate so all this "Lost Document" madness can end. Every semester, almost like clockwork, I would get a letter indicating that I owe the complete tuition and that I won't be able to take my finals. What was the problem? They lost my files (every semester) and didn't know all was paid for already. I don't know what goes on behind those officies, but I'm starting to believe a mystical troll is going about with my files and trying to use them to bring about a portal to a different dimension. Either that, or they just can't keep track of their own stuff.

I think this is a typical example of how Murphy's Law is continuously messing with me. Even while I'm done for now with college, it's still messing with me. And to be honest, June couldn't come any sooner. Because as soon as I get that diploma in hand, I'm gonna be free to roam about without them being able to interfere in my life anymore. Then again, I might be speaking too soon...

Second Guessing is Just Annoying

During my whole time in college, I had believed that all the experience I was getting from practicing at a TV studio and working on media activities were going to give me a tremendous boost when it came to trying to find a job. I'm not saying it was for nothing, because it wasn't. However, after applying to one channel already and getting shot down, I'm wondering what else do I need to do in order to get a break pulling cables at a channel.

Today, I saw another part-time at another station and for a moment, I actually doubted myself a bit. I don't know why, since my previous experience really taught me a lot and it's all stayed with me. So that can't be it. The job did seem a bit out of my reach, especially since the job description included complete knowledge of teleprompters. The only time I got to use one was during a brief moment, and it was just to test the system.

"Want to use the teleprompter so we can check the system is fine?"

*claps like a monkey* "Yay Teleprompter! Watch the words fly!"

Well...it wasn't quite like that, but you get my point. It was very brief. However, the rest of the job description covered stuff I had previously done or know how to do, all thanks to my experience as a production assistant. Yet, I was worried. Here I am, with this knowledge and a particular set of skills. Skills that I have acquired over a long period of time...wait, I almost had a Liam Neeson moment there. But the principle is the same. I have skills I would like to put to the test, but I fear the stations might not give me a chance.

Even if I end up working elsewhere, I will somehow find a way to follow my dream to be on a TV production crew. Heck, I can even volunteer at a smaller station and gain experience until I'm good enough. The point is, don't second guess yourself. The second you do, you end up going on a crazy spiral for a day like me. Trust me, I wanted to punch myself in the face for worrying so much. But I couldn't do it, especially since I would know it's coming.

I can't wait until I start my master's degree, because I know it's gonna give me a fighting chance. And not just that, but then I can teach when I'm done. Now that I think about it, I'm gonna be one strange teacher...

The Iguana Invasion

The other day I was checking up on news and saw an article that didn't bring anything new, but was still surprising. Growing up in Puerto Rico, it was no surprise to anybody that we all had an iguana problem. We knew they were becoming a plague, but that was just part of life. So how does this connect to the news? Simple. I keep a habit of checking the news from home, even now that I've moved to Pennsylvania. Gotta keep up to date. And then I saw the news that our iguana problem has somehow reached the States. Now this was curious, especially since I wanted to know how they were going to inform it.

And then I saw this clip attached to the news article:

My first reaction was to burst out into laughter. I absolutely love the emergency protocol for iguanas. But I also love the idea of taking the iguanas and selling them as a food. Not only can it help our economy, but it can also allow us to get creative with a select list of meals.

Just think:
-Iguana Burgers
-"Pasteles de Iguana"
-Iguana Kabobs
-Iguana on everything, actually...

Come at me, bro!

Perhaps now the iguana could have another predator besides the public transportation system. Well, any vehicle actually. Those are the only things that can take down those iguanas. Those things are huge! I mean, they can even stand up to a big dog! But still, those iguanas have always been a plague. But if the news has reached out here, then it's probably getting worse.

And no, don't imagine us walking on a place flooded with iguanas either. No need to exaggerate.

What Goes Around

Ever have a situation where something you criticize comes back to bite you in the ass? Well, this is the story of what happened to two of my friends and how eventually we got the last laugh.

A while ago, I posted about how a bro understands when a bro ditches another bro to spend time with a lady, as well as the proper etiquete of how to handle the situation. For many months, one of my friends was constantly in pursuit of a girl he was madly in love with. La Barba (I'm sticking with that as his name) did whatever it took to try and conquer her heart, no matter what. However, he was stuck in the proverbial prison known as the Friend Zone.

So at times, Pickle Jar (another strange choice for a name, but screw it) and I would often sit there and wonder how our friend was screwed.

Pickle Jar: "Look at him. Lost cause. When is he going to get the hint?"
Me: "But who can blame him? He's doing what he feels would make him happy."
Pickle Jar: "Screw that, man. He's gotta get someone else and just move on."

And time and time again, La Barba would fall prey to his own weakness of love. However, we were always there for him, despite Pickle Jar's attempt at relieving the situation. When it came to matters of the heart, Pickle Jar seemed like he had the answer to everything. He was like the Wikipedia of dating, sources included. And every time La Barba and I would have something regarding dating or otherwise, you could bet Pickle Jar was there to mentor us.

And despite his countless teachings, we would often just follow our gut and get our own results. And then came the time where La Barba finally took it upon himself to get distance and clear his head. We were happy that he was taking this bold step, but something was looming over the horizon. Pickle Jar had fallen in love. And now, the sh*t has hit the fan.

He was somehow breaking all of his rules as soon as he started going out with this girl. La Barba and I quickly found all of this hilarious. For once, the one with all the answers was the one who seemed like he needed them. So now, we were the ones who had the answers...at times.

Irony can be quite funny when it turns against you.

For months, we would tease La Barba every time he brought his love interest into a conversation. But when Pickle Jar did it, it was twice as funny. It was even funnier when we all went together one night to eat. We were having a simple conversation, when suddenly the waitress who took our order turned out to have the same name as Pickle Jar's love interest. And like clockwork, we ripped him a new one as soon as she left. We were holding in our laughter like a kid during their first sex education class. Who could blame us? It was too funny to pass it up, especially if it's ironic.

That just goes to show you that what goes around, comes around.

Valentines Aftermath

At the end of every Valentines Day, there's that long moment during the night where stories between friends are shared. And every year, there's a distinct variety of stories to share.

1. The Crazy Valentine

Let's face it, you did something incredibly crazy today and quickly had to tell your friend about it. We get it. You either discovered a new side of yourself, learned you could do something you never thought possible, or just had the most bizarre night of your life. The Crazy Valentine represents all those outrageous stories that we can either laugh about or have nightmares from while we suck our thumb in the fetal position. And which ever way you look at it, it was one crazy ride you won't soon forget.

2. The "Nothing Happened" Valentine

You probably had big plans for tonight, only to have them backfire. Your romantic night ended badly because your date yelled another person's name, or perhaps you say something so bad that they never want to see you again. Perhaps you realized your dinner gave your date food poisoning and ended up in the hospital instead. Either that, or you simply did something to make your date laugh at you. No matter what, you try to dodge the story when others ask because you know they will laugh at you forever.

Either that, or nothing really happened and it was just an overall pleasant evening.

3. The Lone Valentine

Stay at home watching TV and eat all the Valentines candy you gathered from the day. You are probably the one hearing the stories about the previous categories, and probably laughing at them either way. You realize how messed up everyone else is and you wonder why you sometimes put up with your crazy friends. You were alone because you either didn't have a date or were protesting the day because you denied you were alone. No matter how you put it, you saved yourself a lot of cash by just taking it easy and not going out. And whether you feel good, lonely, or just sleepy, you don't complain at the end of the day.

4. The "Picture Perfect" Valentine

A night so perfect, it seems like you ripped it straight out of a romantic movie. Yet, you get all the rewards. You have such a great night with your date, that others are simply amazed at how perfect it was. No mistakes, no bad consequences, nothing out of the ordinary. Your dinner was great, your gifts were perfect, and you even had a moment so romantic that it would make anybody vomit. Everything is all romantic and just missing a corporate sponsor to turn it into a jewelry commercial. However, if you're not careful and overdo it, it might just lead to either option 1 or 2. So beware. Other than that, it's picture perfect.

So no matter which of these four categories you see yourself in, there's always a story to tell right after Valentines Day. And don't try to deny it, because there's always a story to tell.

She's Real...I Swear!

2011 was probably the most eventful year for me. A lot of stuff was happening all at once. And among one of those things, included dating. During my final college semester, I finally went public about my relationship with Linda, my last girlfriend. However, there was always one issue...

People didn't believe she was real at times.

Since we didn't spent much time together at the university, people have often wondered if the relationship was a mere myth or if it was reality. Of course, I can see why they wondered. All they had to rely on was my Facebook picture, and nothing more. So I can kind of understand their skepticism.

But every time someone saw us together for the first time, it's as if they just saw the pink elephants from Dumbo. She was indeed real. Heck, some people even went out of their way to approach us and ask me if that was indeed her. And as usual, we would just laugh and confirm she's real.

So it was a bit strange having that relationship measured as a similar myth to Bigfoot or the Lock Ness Monster. All they heard were tales of her very existence and pictures, but could never confront her for real. And when they did see her in person, they were baffled. And sometimes I wonder why some people I surround myself with are so dysfunctional.

Oh well. But alas, now it's just a memory. Another story about relationships passed. All in the spirit of valentines week, I suppose.

How Did This Happen?

When it comes to relationships, many of us spend weeks plotting that essential method of how to begin a relationship. We analyze that special someone, get to know them really well, and integrate them in our lives. So by the time we decide if we want a relationship, we try and figure out the perfect strategy to make that essential question.

But for me, it seems that I don't get a saying in when I get to ask. Well, at least one time it happened. Back in 2010, I was deprived of asking that essential question for a relationship, but instead got a notice.

Ace and I were playing pool near the university, so I asked Amy and her friend to join us. By then, Amy and I would have been going out for about a few weeks, but nothing official. We would each go with our wing-person on double dates and somehow end up with them leaving us alone (very clever of them). So by then, something was brewing. It's like when you discovered how Mentos and Coke mixed. You couldn't wait to get to the fun part, but you still had that build up.

During the pool game, there was back and forth jokes launched between us guys and gals. But at one point, Ace and I realized it was getting late (an excuse to go eat some food) and that we were going to head out. Amy and her friend stayed behind for a few more games, as we departed in search of food.

Half way home, I get a call from Amy. She wanted me to come back to bar/restaurant from earlier because she and her friend felt intimidated by some men at the other side of the bar. Ace and I didn't have to think it twice. A phone call that lets us be knights in shining armor? Where do I sign? And after the craziest U-turn ever, we were on our way back.

We didn't even know if we could turn there, but we did!

Back at the bar, we slowly marched in (with the sound of heroic trumpets in our minds) and found our way to the pool table from earlier. Amy greeted me with the biggest hug possible, so I knew I did something good. And with that, it was back to another game of pool. And then the silence broke...

Amy's Friend: "So where did you guys go eat?"
Ace: "We never got there, but we were going to meet some people there."
Amy's Friend: "You were both probably just going off to find some ladies."

Ace and I looked at each other and tried not to laugh. We didn't want them to know we were going to geek out, especially if we were getting credit for something we weren't doing.

Amy's Friend: (points at me) "You probably just went with him to see your girlfriend, didn't y...."
Amy: (with a loud scream) "No way!"

For a slight moment, there was fear in the air after she spoke.

And right there, I knew that sh*t just hit the fan. But I didn't know yet.

Amy: "He's not going to see any girlfriend, because I'm his girlfriend!"
Me: (trying to talk from the surprise) "Wait...what? When did this happen?"
Amy: "Well, you are."
Me: "Since when? I didn't get any memo."
Amy: "I don't know. But you are."

And from that moment onward, the relationship began. And all from a slip of the tongue. Even though six months later it would come crashing down, but that's how it started. It was one of those moments where you look back and just can't help but laugh at how it happened. To this day, it's still the funniest way a relationship has ever begun.

Ace The Vampire

When it comes to Ace, it's sometimes hard to have him as a wingman. Then again, it's always been a burden of mine when it comes to wingmen, so I'm not surprised it happened with him too. My wingman goes with me to help me out, but ends up with 200% more attention than I do. And by accident, no less.

During my early years of college, it was with my best bud from high school. Girls always went from him and forgot I was even there. But with Ace, it's gotten more dangerous. Why? He looks like f*cking Edward from Twilight. No joke.

Quick, hide me from the stalkers!

You know how hard it is to just go out and have all the girls come at you and know it's because you're hanging out with Mr. Cullen? After a while, it starts to get annoying. And yet, it was also hilarious at the same time.

The first time I started to notice his Edward complex was during one of the Twilight premieres. And no, I didn't go to the movie, thankfully. I know this story thanks to Amy, who went to see it with my other friends while we were dating (perhaps I should have taken a bullet for the team). During the line to enter the theatre, a Twilight fangirl noticed Ace and practically went batsh*t crazy for him. She yelled at ear-destroying levels with excitement to see Edward in line and did anything she could to take him home. So for the whole night, Ace had a creepy little stalker.

I'm the funny sidekick with the crazy facial expressions.

And ever since then, the ladies have been seeing him as Edward. It's gotten to the point where some of it has gone to his head and he sometimes acts like a vampire (thankfully like the classic ones). So whenever we go out, it feels like it's seeing Edward and Steve Carell hanging out. One's a movie heartthrob and the other is a goof (Carell is awesome!), so imagine what happens when the ladies arrive. They push me out of the way so they can talk to their vampire.

At this point, I'm surprised we never ran into Buffy. Having to explain to her that Ace isn't really a vampire would be one of those imaginary scenarios that would make for an awesome story.

Chain Reaction

In the spirit of Valentines, I'm starting a week (or so) of stories related to relationships (both in dating and in friendship). First off, I'm going to start with a strange story that took years to build, but it led me to believe there was a chain reaction going on.

I will explain...

Ace and I were always each other's wingman, so we knew what was going on when it came to dating. However, in the spring of 2010, Ace came to me and realized that something strange was happening with us. We were starting to develop a pattern. Every time one of our relationships ended, the other one would start one. Without fail. How did this come about? It all goes back to 2009.

I started wondering if something odd was happening.

During the fall of 2009, Ace was in a strange relationship with an exotic dancer (no kidding) and I was their third wheel from time to time (on normal dates, nothing strange). All went normally, until the start of 2010 when I met Amy (again, another story there). Suddenly, when my relationship with Amy was set in stone and we became official, Ace showed up at my house with a bag of chips. Why chips? Whenever Ace brought a bag of chips over to my house, it means he got dumped. First time it happened to him, he stayed at home so much that I just joked to him "next time you get dumped, at least bring some snacks if we are going to be all night moping."

Little did I know that he actually took it to heart. And it's still a tradition to this day. But back to the story.

So my relationship was starting, and his was suddenly ending. All in the same week. Flash forward to the end of 2010, Ace went up to me to tell me he might be starting a new relationship. I worried a bit, since my own relationship was in a downward spiral, but I still joked. "You getting in a new relationship? Does that mean mine is going to end because you got a girl?"

I got dumped 24 hours later.

And thus, a chain reaction was discovered. Whenever one of us would begin a relationship, it meant the other's was going to end. And it happened yet again last year. During the time Ace came home during the spring of 2011, I was starting a relationship with Linda. We still can't explain the crazy coincidence.

But I guess the chain is broken now. During my first official date with Linda, Ace and his new girl were already set, so in a way, it broke the chain. For once, both of us had relationships at the same time, so the four of us got to see each other often. However, on Halloween, Linda and I broke up and it was back to restoring the balance of the universe. Ace was still in a relationship and I wasn't.

And now that I moved away, I wonder if the chain reaction will continue or if it will stay the same. I wonder what will happen to Ace whenever I do meet someone new. But for now, the universe is back to normal.

Back to Square One

When someone gets a call for a second job interview, it normally means good news. For me, I thought it was the case. I was called for a marketing job, all good since it was one of the things I studied in college. So I anticipated for weeks the day of the interview. I was gonna get a good look at how the job was going to be.

At first, I was wondering how an office job would be. And while using The Office or Office Space as a reference to how it might be seemed like a bad idea, I just ended up using my memory from times I visited some offices. From that, I gathered that it wasn't going to be bad. No having to deal with annoying customers (maybe coworkers, but one just deals with that with a friendly smile to scare them away) or crazy store environments seemed perfect for me.

But during the day of the interview, I quickly got to see what a job in marketing sales was really all about. We drove all over Pittsburgh trying to sell office supplies to stores. At first, I thought it was pretty neat. Going around all day, meeting people, being outside an office. Seemed like a pretty good deal. But then the day kept going and I started to see something that worried me.

I was wearing a suit, but I was walking "in the hood" while looking so classy. Not saying people in the hood aren't classy, not at all. I'm saying I stood out like a supermodel at a nerd convention. People kept looking at me funny all day, and it worried me a bit. Perhaps they thought I was some kind of pimp or part of a mafia. I didn't want to find out either way.

My fancy suit made me worry that I was being confused for a mobster.

But the part that killed the job for me was when I found out the method of payment. It was all from sales and commissions. There was no set salary, so it was a bit worry for me. Why? Because I know I'm a horrible salesman. Don't get me wrong, I can try my hardest to sell something. Thing is, I recognize that selling isn't my thing. It wasn't my thing when my old job depended on it (selling electronics at a well known office store), especially since my failure to sell warranties was going to cost me my job.  I could sell the computers with their gear all set, but they always denied the warranties, despite my best efforts.

Right then and there, I knew I wasn't a good salesman. So then, in a job where my only source of income is from commissions due to sales, I knew I was screwed. I wasn't going to last, no matter how good the training might have been. So I'm crossing my fingers and hoping they don't call me, because I fear I will only disappoint them in sales. Any other part of marketing, I can be good at. But sales? Sorry, not my thing. I'm the opposite of Billy Mays when it comes to sales.

So with that sudden disappointment, it's back to square one in the hunt for a job. So with no jobs and no friends in the local area, it will eventually drive me nuts. Yet, I'm not giving up yet.

It's a rough road to travel, but it will be rewarding someday.

New World Anxiety

Just like when I was about to start college, I'm once again seeing the anxiety that shows up only when I'm about to start a new phase in life. This time around, it's all about a full-time job. And while I'm just going for a secondary interview, I'm still quite anxious about this new path that's opening up.

I remember last time I was this anxious, I over prepared for my first month of college because I didn't know what I was getting into. I stayed up late thinking about how life would be as a college student, how it was going to be having a lot of free time on my hands, and how I would prepare for the famous "all nighters." But once I started college, my anxiety quickly went away once I really saw how it was.

And now, I'm doing the same regarding my possible first real job. I keep thinking so much about it, but this time I don't know what to expect (on a personal level, since I know what to expect professionally). Every time, the same level of anxiety. However, I believe it might be increasing with every step.

By the time I get married, I'm going to freak out just from my anxiety alone.