So far, so good!
I started the day by going out to breakfast with Alexa, which was fun! We went to K St Bagel (SO GOOD!) and enjoyed fresh hot bagels!
After breakfast, I went to my first class of Junior year: Broadcast News Writing (SMPA 135 for the GW kids). I have very high expectations for this class. I am very excited to be taking a class that has everything to do with where I would like to take my career. While it's not exactly sports based, it should be really interesting and exciting to learn about writing for broadcast. The professor seems very knowledgeable and willing to help. He also appears to be very focused on improvement, which is definitely a plus in my book. Because the course only has fifteen people, I definitely think he'll be able to give everybody the individual attention they deserve.
After journalism, I went to History of Modern Israel. The cross-cut of people in the course was not what I was expecting (honestly, I expected more Jews to be in the class); however, I think this diversity will only create for more interesting in-class discussions. The class should be really interesting; especially learning about the Zionist movement before the creation of the State of Israel, something I have always wanted to learn more about.
I worked an evening tour and made some nice tips and now it's off to bed!
Overall, I had a great first day of classes and I'm excited about the rest of the semester!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Birthday / End of Summer
To start, I would like to thank everybody that made my birthday the incredible day that it was, INCLUDING all 15 people on my two tour groups. From giving tours to dining at Vapiano to partying all night, it was overall a great birthday, and I couldn't have asked for more.
In any case, I now find myself with just three days before classes start. WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO?! I suppose I have done a fair amount over the past four months. I went home to California, showed Alexis just how incredible the Bay is, spent some quality time (maybe a little too much) with my parents, worked a couple jobs, saw extended family in Chicago, found a job in DC, went to Philadelphia and New York twice, and slept in at least nine different locations.
This summer, I learned that while I love my parents to death, living with them is just not the same after having lived on my own for two years. After I graduate, I would love to live closer to them and have the opportunity to see them more than four or five times a year. Unfortunately, that's not an option right now, but I in no way regret coming to school on the East Coast.
I also learned (maybe "realized" is the better word here) that DC is my home. No matter how I feel about it, it's the truth. I've discussed this fact here multiple times, but it continues to ring true. My life is here now, and quite frankly, I could not be happier about that. I have made a pretty incredible life for myself. I have some of the best friends in the world, I attend an outstanding university that always manages to find ways to piss me off yet teach me to appreciate what I have, and I live in one of the craziest cities in the world (in a good way). There are few words to describe DC, and its sheer uniqueness is one of my favorite aspects of this dynamic metropolis.
Lastly, I learned that nothing is ever perfect. However, at some point, we have to realize this fact and do our absolute best to make the most of every opportunity. The minute we stop "seizing the moment," if you will, we start to lose meaning, and the second we lose meaning, we lose everything.
So friends, as we end our summers, I say this: "seize, seize, seize." The Hebrew on my page reads (translated): "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am 'I'? And if not now, when?" (Avoth 1:14). Find your own meaning in these words and see what you discover in life. Keep looking for that silver lining, and pursue what makes you happy.
Peace, love, and happiness.
In any case, I now find myself with just three days before classes start. WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO?! I suppose I have done a fair amount over the past four months. I went home to California, showed Alexis just how incredible the Bay is, spent some quality time (maybe a little too much) with my parents, worked a couple jobs, saw extended family in Chicago, found a job in DC, went to Philadelphia and New York twice, and slept in at least nine different locations.
This summer, I learned that while I love my parents to death, living with them is just not the same after having lived on my own for two years. After I graduate, I would love to live closer to them and have the opportunity to see them more than four or five times a year. Unfortunately, that's not an option right now, but I in no way regret coming to school on the East Coast.
I also learned (maybe "realized" is the better word here) that DC is my home. No matter how I feel about it, it's the truth. I've discussed this fact here multiple times, but it continues to ring true. My life is here now, and quite frankly, I could not be happier about that. I have made a pretty incredible life for myself. I have some of the best friends in the world, I attend an outstanding university that always manages to find ways to piss me off yet teach me to appreciate what I have, and I live in one of the craziest cities in the world (in a good way). There are few words to describe DC, and its sheer uniqueness is one of my favorite aspects of this dynamic metropolis.
Lastly, I learned that nothing is ever perfect. However, at some point, we have to realize this fact and do our absolute best to make the most of every opportunity. The minute we stop "seizing the moment," if you will, we start to lose meaning, and the second we lose meaning, we lose everything.
So friends, as we end our summers, I say this: "seize, seize, seize." The Hebrew on my page reads (translated): "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am 'I'? And if not now, when?" (Avoth 1:14). Find your own meaning in these words and see what you discover in life. Keep looking for that silver lining, and pursue what makes you happy.
Peace, love, and happiness.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Bay City Ball
A blog I found courtesy of espn.com. Chris Quick integrates humor, statistics, and an unadulterated love of the Giants in his writings. I will definitely keep track of this one.
http://www.baycityball.com/
http://www.baycityball.com/
Good Crazy
First a recap of the my last week:
Sunday, the 15th, I saw my lovely sister Rachel, and we headed to Dupont for gelato at Dolcezza.
Monday, my friend Rachel moved into Amsterdam earlier than expected, so I helped her with that and took over what would become Robin's room.
Tuesday, I headed to Philadelphia to see the Giants take on the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. While the Giants led early, the Phillies won 9-3 (the game was closer than the score indicates). Unfortunately for the Giants, this loss began what would become a 2-4 road trip against the Phillies and Cardinals. On the upside, I saw a family friend of ours who goes to school at the University of Pennsylvania and let me crash on his couch for the night.
Wednesday, I returned to DC and helped another friend of mine move into her fall housing assignment. Afterward, she fed pizza to her moving army courtesy of her parents. I was obviously very appreciative of the free food :)
Saturday, I woke up early to help freshmen move into Thurston. They were all adorable, so ready to start college, but scared by the entire process. I remember feeling those emotions just two short years ago. It's strange to think about how much I have changed since my 18th birthday.
Yesterday, I worked in the morning and found myself in Virginia by afternoon. What I thought was going to be a short grocery shopping trip to the local Trader Joe's with my friend Lauren who had just returned to DC became an epic journey to Virginia with her brother and roommate. On the way, we stocked up at Target and Shoppers Food Warehouse, one of the largest grocery stores I have ever seen.
Today, I slept in! I met with Rabbi Yoni to discuss High Holiday services (I have somehow become the student coordinator) and went to Eli's with Robin, Lauren, and Lauren's roommates for some nice Kosher meat. YUM!
Sunday, the 15th, I saw my lovely sister Rachel, and we headed to Dupont for gelato at Dolcezza.
Monday, my friend Rachel moved into Amsterdam earlier than expected, so I helped her with that and took over what would become Robin's room.
Tuesday, I headed to Philadelphia to see the Giants take on the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. While the Giants led early, the Phillies won 9-3 (the game was closer than the score indicates). Unfortunately for the Giants, this loss began what would become a 2-4 road trip against the Phillies and Cardinals. On the upside, I saw a family friend of ours who goes to school at the University of Pennsylvania and let me crash on his couch for the night.
Wednesday, I returned to DC and helped another friend of mine move into her fall housing assignment. Afterward, she fed pizza to her moving army courtesy of her parents. I was obviously very appreciative of the free food :)
Thursday, I worked my first double ever.
Friday, I moved downstairs from Rachel's room on the second floor, and all of my stuff was in one place for the first time since May. I was ECSTATIC to see all of my boxes covering the living room :) It didn't look QUITE this bad, but I realized just how much crap I had left over the summer. Maybe it's time to purge through my stuff?
Yesterday, I worked in the morning and found myself in Virginia by afternoon. What I thought was going to be a short grocery shopping trip to the local Trader Joe's with my friend Lauren who had just returned to DC became an epic journey to Virginia with her brother and roommate. On the way, we stocked up at Target and Shoppers Food Warehouse, one of the largest grocery stores I have ever seen.
Today, I slept in! I met with Rabbi Yoni to discuss High Holiday services (I have somehow become the student coordinator) and went to Eli's with Robin, Lauren, and Lauren's roommates for some nice Kosher meat. YUM!
Plans for the rest of the week: work, birthday, and prepping for classes!
Peace, love, and happiness.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A Tribute to Bobby Thomson
I may not have been alive in 1951, but what happened on October 3 at the Polo Grounds in New York City will forever live on in infamy. Russ Hodges call, "THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT," will forever ring in my ears and send chills down my body. Forever, Bobby Thomson will be remembered for the shot heard 'round the world.
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5471194
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5471194
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Heading Out Again
I'm off to Philadelphia for the day to see my beloved San Francisco Giants in action against the Phillies!
Fear not -- I will be back in Washington, DC tomorrow morning.
Peace, love, and happiness.
Fear not -- I will be back in Washington, DC tomorrow morning.
Peace, love, and happiness.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Remembering Lily
"The tears dry, without you.
Life goes on, but I'm gone.
Without you."
-- Rent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrE7mh7Emj4)
Lily,
You were an amazing dog and an even better friend. You will always be in my heart, and I will never forget the incredible times we had together, from chasing your toys in the backyard to pouncing through the snow in Lake Tahoe. They say that a dog is a man's best friend, but they're wrong. YOU are my best friend.
Love you forever,
Sam
Life goes on, but I'm gone.
Without you."
-- Rent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrE7mh7Emj4)
Lily,
You were an amazing dog and an even better friend. You will always be in my heart, and I will never forget the incredible times we had together, from chasing your toys in the backyard to pouncing through the snow in Lake Tahoe. They say that a dog is a man's best friend, but they're wrong. YOU are my best friend.
Love you forever,
Sam
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Who's Thinking About October?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings100812
Clearly these guys are! If the bullpen can hold it together, the Giants will have a legitimate shot at painting their very own playoff picture, one where they fill their name. Let's see what you got, boys!
Clearly these guys are! If the bullpen can hold it together, the Giants will have a legitimate shot at painting their very own playoff picture, one where they fill their name. Let's see what you got, boys!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sam's New York/Jersey-riffic Weekend
Let's play a game called "What did Sam see during his first real trip ever to New Jersey?"
What:
-- Liberty State Park, NJ
-- Ellis Island, NY
-- Statue of Liberty, NY
-- Battery Park, Manhattan, NY
-- Esplanade, Manhattan, NY
-- Ground Zero, Manhattan, NY
-- The Prestige Diner, New Providence, NJ
-- "Downtown" New Providence, NJ
-- Target on Route 22 ("The biggest mess of a road ever" according to Ricky)
-- Short Hills Mall where, according to Rachel, stores get kicked out for not being fancy enough
Now for the story of our weekend.
After a little train delay, Rachel and I were on our way to New Jersey! Because of the delay, we arrived late, so Rachel's boyfriend Ben picked us up from the train station. I was exhausted and crashed immediately upon arriving at Rachel's house.
Saturday morning, we were up bright and early to go to Liberty State Park where we jumped on a ferry to Ellis Island. Arriving at Ellis Island was a strange experience for me. Walking the same footsteps as some of my ancestors eerily reminded me of Shalhevet, the two-week Holocaust remembrance trip I went on during my senior year of high school. I remember walking through Auschwitz and other concentration camps, shocked at the fact that I was retracing the steps of so many people, my family included.
Auschwitz and Ellis Island are clearly two very different places, but the same eerie feeling ran down my spine in both locations. The former symbolizes the attempted extermination of so many peoples; the latter the rebirth of so many. But both provided a huge feeling of uncertainty for those involved. And, more importantly, both marked places where I relived the experiences of my family members.
After arriving at Ellis Island, we watched a film about the people who came through the island from all over Europe. The journey proved very difficult for some people. They could travel anywhere from a week to a month, diseases were transmitted the entire way, and most difficult of all, just like flying these days, the people on the boat were allowed to bring one bag. Just one. I could never put my entire life in one bag. These people made huge sacrifices, leaving their entire lives behind in the hopes of finding something better in "The Golden Land."
The rest of our visit at Ellis Island was much more uplifting. We got to see America through the eyes of those leaving home seeking better lives: this beautiful country with gold-lined streets and an opportunity for everybody. Even after arriving in the US not knowing any English, these people were able to make lives for themselves. And if it weren't for the Nadelfeins, the Bernsteins, the Kaplans, and the Goldsteins, not only would I not be here, but I would not have the opportunities I have had my entire life. And for that, I am forever grateful.
We finally left Ellis Island for the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty was everything I ever imagined and more. Tall, proud, and representing the freedom that comes with being an American. Rachel and I walked around the entire island and almost up to the statue's feet. We decided that in the heat of the summer, it would be wiser to not climb into the copper furnace that is Lady Liberty's crown.
When we felt that we had taken in the Statue of Liberty's beauty in its entirety, we continued our journey to Manhattan where we met Ben and walked around Battery Park and the Esplanade. We left New York exhausted and met Rachel's family for dinner at the Prestige Diner, where Rachel used to work.
We then continued our epic day-long adventure to Target, where I purchased a bike helmet for work. By the time we arrived back at the Azarows, we were exhausted and watched Madagascar. Rachel crashed before the animals even arrived on the island, and I barely made it through the movie before following suit.
We got to sleep in yesterday before meeting Lauren for lunch at the Short Hills Mall. Never have I seen or heard of such a place where stores get kicked out for no reason other than not being fancy enough. In any case, we had a nice lunch at Papa Razzi before Rachel and I returned to prepare for our train ride back to DC.
All in all, I had a great weekend full of firsts.
Peace, love, and happiness.
What:
-- Liberty State Park, NJ
-- Ellis Island, NY
-- Statue of Liberty, NY
-- Battery Park, Manhattan, NY
-- Esplanade, Manhattan, NY
-- Ground Zero, Manhattan, NY
-- The Prestige Diner, New Providence, NJ
-- "Downtown" New Providence, NJ
-- Target on Route 22 ("The biggest mess of a road ever" according to Ricky)
-- Short Hills Mall where, according to Rachel, stores get kicked out for not being fancy enough
Now for the story of our weekend.
After a little train delay, Rachel and I were on our way to New Jersey! Because of the delay, we arrived late, so Rachel's boyfriend Ben picked us up from the train station. I was exhausted and crashed immediately upon arriving at Rachel's house.
Saturday morning, we were up bright and early to go to Liberty State Park where we jumped on a ferry to Ellis Island. Arriving at Ellis Island was a strange experience for me. Walking the same footsteps as some of my ancestors eerily reminded me of Shalhevet, the two-week Holocaust remembrance trip I went on during my senior year of high school. I remember walking through Auschwitz and other concentration camps, shocked at the fact that I was retracing the steps of so many people, my family included.
Auschwitz and Ellis Island are clearly two very different places, but the same eerie feeling ran down my spine in both locations. The former symbolizes the attempted extermination of so many peoples; the latter the rebirth of so many. But both provided a huge feeling of uncertainty for those involved. And, more importantly, both marked places where I relived the experiences of my family members.
After arriving at Ellis Island, we watched a film about the people who came through the island from all over Europe. The journey proved very difficult for some people. They could travel anywhere from a week to a month, diseases were transmitted the entire way, and most difficult of all, just like flying these days, the people on the boat were allowed to bring one bag. Just one. I could never put my entire life in one bag. These people made huge sacrifices, leaving their entire lives behind in the hopes of finding something better in "The Golden Land."
The rest of our visit at Ellis Island was much more uplifting. We got to see America through the eyes of those leaving home seeking better lives: this beautiful country with gold-lined streets and an opportunity for everybody. Even after arriving in the US not knowing any English, these people were able to make lives for themselves. And if it weren't for the Nadelfeins, the Bernsteins, the Kaplans, and the Goldsteins, not only would I not be here, but I would not have the opportunities I have had my entire life. And for that, I am forever grateful.
We finally left Ellis Island for the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty was everything I ever imagined and more. Tall, proud, and representing the freedom that comes with being an American. Rachel and I walked around the entire island and almost up to the statue's feet. We decided that in the heat of the summer, it would be wiser to not climb into the copper furnace that is Lady Liberty's crown.
When we felt that we had taken in the Statue of Liberty's beauty in its entirety, we continued our journey to Manhattan where we met Ben and walked around Battery Park and the Esplanade. We left New York exhausted and met Rachel's family for dinner at the Prestige Diner, where Rachel used to work.
We then continued our epic day-long adventure to Target, where I purchased a bike helmet for work. By the time we arrived back at the Azarows, we were exhausted and watched Madagascar. Rachel crashed before the animals even arrived on the island, and I barely made it through the movie before following suit.
We got to sleep in yesterday before meeting Lauren for lunch at the Short Hills Mall. Never have I seen or heard of such a place where stores get kicked out for no reason other than not being fancy enough. In any case, we had a nice lunch at Papa Razzi before Rachel and I returned to prepare for our train ride back to DC.
All in all, I had a great weekend full of firsts.
Peace, love, and happiness.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Life is Better on a Segway
For those of you who don't already know, I just started working at City Segway Tours here in DC. Everybody who works there seems to be a lot of fun and really loves the job, so I am definitely excited about this opportunity.
As the title says, life is better on a segway. It's fun, it's fast, and it goes everywhere! Well, maybe not everywhere; it hasn't quite mastered the off-roading. In any case, Washingtonians, be on the lookout! If you see me, feel free to say hi! I'll be the one with the City Segway Tours t-shirt on the segway with hair coming out of my helmet in all directions yelling random facts to my tour groups.
ALSO, friends get a 10% discount!
Anyway, I'm off to Jersey for the weekend, and I have absolutely no idea what to expect. Wish me luck?
Peace, love, and happiness.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Job?
So, for those of you who don't stalk me on Facebook -- I GOT A JOB OFFER!!!
After interviewing at City Segway Tours yesterday, I got an e-mail offering me a job as a tour guide. So, starting very soon (not exactly sure when), I will be giving tours of Washington, DC on a segway! Look out DC, Sam Bernstein is on the loose!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
August
August is officially upon us. Scary, right?! I know it is for me. But fortunately, that means my birthday is coming up (August 25 for those of you who don't know)! And I could not be more excited to spend it in DC for the first time with some of my closest friends (you know who you are)!
Aside from my birthday, August means something different for everybody, including, most imminently, the end of summer -- a last chance to get out and enjoy the hot weather. The school year is creeping up on the horizon, and unlike my younger days, I'm looking forward to returning to the daily grind of classes, more extra-curricular activities than I can remember and wide-eyed freshman swarming GW's campus.
But for now, summer continues, job hunting lingers over my head, and I am enjoying my laid back lifestyle. My advice to you all: get out and have that last summer adventure, whatever it may be, and enjoy the heck out of it!
Peace, love, and happiness.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
DC Summer
After dining just north of Dupont Circle Saturday night, two of my friends and I wandered our way back toward the fountain where a friend of ours was performing. What some would consider to be a common Dupont Circle occurrence turned into a surreal experience for me. I sat with my friends listening to the music, feeling the water spray on my back, and I finally understood what everybody has been talking about since I announced I would be going to school in our nation's capitol.
I have experienced my fair share of excitement in this city since I arrived two years ago, including President Obama's inauguration, snowpocalypse, and other crazy moments. However, for the first time, I experienced DC in a very different way. The air was light and comfortable, people were out and about enjoying their Saturday nights, and I felt a strong sense of being and belonging. Everybody has told me how exciting Washington, DC is, and while I am well aware of this fact, I could quickly list off plenty of cities in this country that I would consider to be more exciting.
But there's something different about the District. I can't quite put it into words, but there is a certain charm this city possesses that other cities don't. I don't know if I totally understand it, but I love that I am a part of it all and that I can call DC my own.
I may never live in this city again, but I will certainly do my best to enjoy my remaining time here.
Peace, love, and happiness.
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