Let's take a look at my last year's resolutions and see how I fared. Despite my hatred of the grading system, I will give myself a grade of A through F depending on my performance of the different resolutions.
1) Explore DC. B-; lots of room for improvement, but a start
2) Take classes that I find interesting. A; a job well done
3) Spend more time focused on classwork. C+; not so good
4) Find a place in DC to get good produce. Ermmmm....about that...
5) Find a place in DC where I really enjoy myself. B; good start, plenty of other places to find
6) Eat more healthfully. B-; lots of room for improvement
7) Do more things that I enjoy. B+; I had fun this year!
8) Stay in touch with friends. B; Above average.
9) Go to sleep at a reasonable hour. Spring: B+, Summer: B+, Fall: C
10) Visit friends on the East Coast. B+; Spring Break for the win
11) Be more patient. B?
Overall GPA: 3.0
Ok, so I was probably a little overambitious. All in all, not too bad. The most important aspect of 2010 was my increased happiness. I made an active effort to pursue different things that I enjoy, and for the most part, I was successful. I'll give a more thorough recap of the year later, hopefully with a new resolution or two.
Peace, love, and happiness,
Sam
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Homeward Bound
In just over an hour, I will be leaving GW's campus en route to Dulles International Airport and eventually, home sweet home: Piedmont, CA. Leaving is bittersweet. Don't worry -- I AM coming back in three weeks despite how dramatic this may seem. I love my DC life, my DC friends, GW, and everything that goes with it. But at the same time, I'm excited to see my family, and spent some quality down time in Lake Tahoe. I may reflect more on this later, but I just wanted to let the world know that I will be home from tonight until Sunday, at which point, all five of us will be heading up to the mountains for a week. I'll be back around Christmas time (Chinese food and a movie?) and will continue to be in California until January 9. Can't wait to see everybody :-D
Monday, December 13, 2010
Finals
It's the end of the semester. My brain is a little fried, and I have nothing witty to say. I will be home in under 48 hours, which probably means I should start packing. Oy vey. Look for more when I return to California.
Peace, love, and happiness,
Sam
Peace, love, and happiness,
Sam
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
PARIS!
BONJOUR (well now it should be "bonsoir") de PARIS!!!
For everybody who is unaware, I officially arrived in Paris yesterday for my Thanksgiving vacation! My friend from high school who goes to NYU is studying abroad in Paris for the semester, and visiting her over Thanksgiving sounded like an adventure in the making, to say the least.
After a red-eye flight across the Atlantic, I arrived in Paris around 11 AM. I proceeded through customs and onto the train which took me into Paris proper. After some slight wandering at the Saint Michel-Notre Dame metro stop, I found the train I was looking for and headed toward Layla's apartment.
When I arrived, Layla was frantically preparing for class, so I bid her adieu (do you guys like my French?!) and took some time to relax, get cleaned up, and even take a cat nap. Later that evening, the family of one of Layla's roommates hosted a bread, wine, and cheese party at the girls' apartment, a great and fitting introduction to Parisian cuisine.
Before I talk about the event, I should discuss the fabulous living situation Layla and her roommates have right now. Each girl in the four-bedroom apartment has her own room. There is also a large living and very usable kitchen. Layla even has an extra bed that I get to use for the duration of my stay!
Back to my stomach. There were cheeses of all kinds: your typical goat cheese, a smelly one, and others that I had never heard of before. There were baguettes everywhere. And most importantly, Hillary's parents brought some of the best wine France has to offer. Such a win. After a healthy amount of eating, drinking, and overall merriness, we all crashed.
I woke up early this morning to take City Segway's Paris Tour (typical, right?). It was a lot of fun and a great way for me to get around and see many different parts of Paris. I had time yesterday to wander around the neighborhood the apartment is in, but I definitely feel like I have a much better sense of the city now that I've been on tour.
After Segway-ing for three hours, I got my legs moving again and headed over toward Napoleon's tomb and the adjacent military museums. The Arms and Armor museum is absolutely incredible. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I then headed out for a 40-minute walk to NYU's Paris campus to meet Layla after her class.
From there, we went to a famous bakery (don't ask me the name) on Rue de Passy where I got a butter croissant (imagine snobby French pronunciation) and a chocolate croissant (same thing), my first croissants in France. They were TO DIE FOR. I would go back in a heartbeat. Following my stomach's blissful experience, we went grocery shopping (read: we went to a formagerie, a fruit stand, a boulangerie, and supermarket). How could I have walked into another boulangerie and not gotten a croissant? Easy. I didn't! Yep, I had three croissants within an hour. I think I deserved them, though. Also at the boulangerie, I got a baguette, because you HAVE TO!
Finally, when we got home, I had a dinner that consisted, for the second night in a row, of bread, cheese, and wine. It was divine. That combined with the viewing of Glee made for an epic night.
Plans for the rest of the week: more sleep, museums, and maybe even Versailles! I will certainly keep you updated.
Alright, guys. It's past 1 AM here. That means bed time.
Au revior,
Sam
For everybody who is unaware, I officially arrived in Paris yesterday for my Thanksgiving vacation! My friend from high school who goes to NYU is studying abroad in Paris for the semester, and visiting her over Thanksgiving sounded like an adventure in the making, to say the least.
After a red-eye flight across the Atlantic, I arrived in Paris around 11 AM. I proceeded through customs and onto the train which took me into Paris proper. After some slight wandering at the Saint Michel-Notre Dame metro stop, I found the train I was looking for and headed toward Layla's apartment.
When I arrived, Layla was frantically preparing for class, so I bid her adieu (do you guys like my French?!) and took some time to relax, get cleaned up, and even take a cat nap. Later that evening, the family of one of Layla's roommates hosted a bread, wine, and cheese party at the girls' apartment, a great and fitting introduction to Parisian cuisine.
Before I talk about the event, I should discuss the fabulous living situation Layla and her roommates have right now. Each girl in the four-bedroom apartment has her own room. There is also a large living and very usable kitchen. Layla even has an extra bed that I get to use for the duration of my stay!
Back to my stomach. There were cheeses of all kinds: your typical goat cheese, a smelly one, and others that I had never heard of before. There were baguettes everywhere. And most importantly, Hillary's parents brought some of the best wine France has to offer. Such a win. After a healthy amount of eating, drinking, and overall merriness, we all crashed.
I woke up early this morning to take City Segway's Paris Tour (typical, right?). It was a lot of fun and a great way for me to get around and see many different parts of Paris. I had time yesterday to wander around the neighborhood the apartment is in, but I definitely feel like I have a much better sense of the city now that I've been on tour.
After Segway-ing for three hours, I got my legs moving again and headed over toward Napoleon's tomb and the adjacent military museums. The Arms and Armor museum is absolutely incredible. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I then headed out for a 40-minute walk to NYU's Paris campus to meet Layla after her class.
From there, we went to a famous bakery (don't ask me the name) on Rue de Passy where I got a butter croissant (imagine snobby French pronunciation) and a chocolate croissant (same thing), my first croissants in France. They were TO DIE FOR. I would go back in a heartbeat. Following my stomach's blissful experience, we went grocery shopping (read: we went to a formagerie, a fruit stand, a boulangerie, and supermarket). How could I have walked into another boulangerie and not gotten a croissant? Easy. I didn't! Yep, I had three croissants within an hour. I think I deserved them, though. Also at the boulangerie, I got a baguette, because you HAVE TO!
Finally, when we got home, I had a dinner that consisted, for the second night in a row, of bread, cheese, and wine. It was divine. That combined with the viewing of Glee made for an epic night.
Plans for the rest of the week: more sleep, museums, and maybe even Versailles! I will certainly keep you updated.
Alright, guys. It's past 1 AM here. That means bed time.
Au revior,
Sam
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
CHAMPIONS
The San Francisco Giants are the World Series champions! After 56 looooong years, the Giants have brought the trophy to San Francisco!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
World Series!
Before the San Francisco Giants defeated the Texas Rangers 11-7 in last night's World Series Game 1, this year's Fall Classic already surprised baseball fans worldwide. The Giants and Rangers each entered the playoffs as slight underdogs, but after some furious pitching, both teams are on the cusp of a World Series Championship.
Game 1 in San Francisco featured two dominant pitching forces in Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee. These two pitchers entered the World Series with a combined 5-1 record and 1.34 ERA in the 2010 Playoffs. What many expected to be a tight pitching duel, though, quickly became a batter's heaven. Giants hitters rocked Lee for seven runs in 4 2/3 innings, and Lincecum limped out after allowing four runs in just 5 2/3 innings.
The real story of the night, however, was the Giants bats. Lincecum and Pat Burrell were the only San Francisco starters without a hit. The Giants lit up Lee for six earned runs on eight hits. In Freddy Sanchez's first three World Series at-bats, he stroked three doubles, a World Series first.
Any ideas that the Giants cannot hit should be gone after tonight. They always manage to squeeze out just enough runs, whether it be against Lee, Derek Lowe, or Roy Halladay. Lincecum may not have been in tip-top form tonight, but the hitting and defense more than made up for him.
This series has all the makings to be a great one. The Giants are sitting pretty with a 1-0 lead, but there is still plenty of baseball to be played.
Game 1 in San Francisco featured two dominant pitching forces in Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee. These two pitchers entered the World Series with a combined 5-1 record and 1.34 ERA in the 2010 Playoffs. What many expected to be a tight pitching duel, though, quickly became a batter's heaven. Giants hitters rocked Lee for seven runs in 4 2/3 innings, and Lincecum limped out after allowing four runs in just 5 2/3 innings.
The real story of the night, however, was the Giants bats. Lincecum and Pat Burrell were the only San Francisco starters without a hit. The Giants lit up Lee for six earned runs on eight hits. In Freddy Sanchez's first three World Series at-bats, he stroked three doubles, a World Series first.
Any ideas that the Giants cannot hit should be gone after tonight. They always manage to squeeze out just enough runs, whether it be against Lee, Derek Lowe, or Roy Halladay. Lincecum may not have been in tip-top form tonight, but the hitting and defense more than made up for him.
This series has all the makings to be a great one. The Giants are sitting pretty with a 1-0 lead, but there is still plenty of baseball to be played.
Monday, October 18, 2010
City Segway Tours
A recent GW Hatchet article featured me and two of my co-workers/fellow GW students. Enjoy!
http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2010/10/18/Life/For-Tour.Guides.History.Rolls.Along-3946000.shtml
http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2010/10/18/Life/For-Tour.Guides.History.Rolls.Along-3946000.shtml
Friday, October 15, 2010
How About Them Giants?
After beating the Atlanta Braves to advance to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2002, the Giants have an awesome chance this week to show the country what they're made of. Here's a little taste.
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101014&content_id=15632452&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101014&content_id=15632452&vkey=news_sf&c_id=sf
Monday, September 27, 2010
Playoff Baseball
Just thinking about the San Francisco Giants these days makes my heart race. Currently in the midst of a wild playoff chase, the Giants could play beyond the first week of October for the first time since 2003. With the G-men and the San Diego Padres continuously passing each other for first place in the National League West, this last week of the season has all the makings to be crazy!
Every day, I await the Giants' next game. Every day, I obsessively stalk ESPN.com's MLB page to see the latest scores and updates from across the league. Every day, I wonder who will slip and who will shine. Two teams have officially secured their spots in the playoffs. Four others have all but sealed the deal. That leaves two spots, both in the National League. Three teams: the Giants, Padres, and Atlanta Braves are duking it out to see who will make the postseason.
After an off-day Monday, the Giants play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks for three games. The D-backs may be in last place in the NL West, but the last time they came to San Francisco, they embarrassed the Giants, winning two out of three. Following the Snakes, the Padres come into town for potentially the most important series of the entire season. Three games to decide who will represent the NL West in the playoffs. The whole season, boiled down to a short-lived but enduring three game set.
For now, we wait. We wait for what seems like ages until that next Giants baseball game.
Every day, I await the Giants' next game. Every day, I obsessively stalk ESPN.com's MLB page to see the latest scores and updates from across the league. Every day, I wonder who will slip and who will shine. Two teams have officially secured their spots in the playoffs. Four others have all but sealed the deal. That leaves two spots, both in the National League. Three teams: the Giants, Padres, and Atlanta Braves are duking it out to see who will make the postseason.
After an off-day Monday, the Giants play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks for three games. The D-backs may be in last place in the NL West, but the last time they came to San Francisco, they embarrassed the Giants, winning two out of three. Following the Snakes, the Padres come into town for potentially the most important series of the entire season. Three games to decide who will represent the NL West in the playoffs. The whole season, boiled down to a short-lived but enduring three game set.
For now, we wait. We wait for what seems like ages until that next Giants baseball game.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Following The Dream
Since I finally settled on a title for this blog almost two months ago, I suppose it's about time I explain myself.
Following the dream: chronicling my adventures as I make my through college and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a sportscaster. Not too complicated, but a very different view on life than my first three semesters at GW.
When I got to GW, I didn't know what I wanted to study. In an attempt to figure out what I did want to study, I took a wide variety of classes in my first semester: Calculus, Chemistry, Hebrew, and the Old Testament.
Instead of spending my second semester branching out further and figuring out which fields of study stimulated my interest, I continued on with Chemistry and Hebrew. I decided at some point during that Spring semester that I would declare my Chemistry major with a Biochemistry concentration, and I couldn't have been happier.
"What would I do with that major?" seemed to be the only question people were capable of asking me upon learning of my decision. I had no response. I didn't (and still don't) want to go to medical school, and I really had no idea where a Chemistry major would lead me. Grad school? Only time would tell...
In any case, I came back to GW psyched for the Fall 2009 semester. I was to take Organic Chemistry, which I thought would be really interesting, Genetics, Anthropology, and more Hebrew. As it turned out, being president of a student organization takes up way more time than I ever imagined it would, and it didn't help that, after planning High Holiday services, I was no longer so enthusiastic about the organization. I also did not fare well in Organic Chemistry. I was not nearly as interested in the material as I thought I would be, and this lack of interest led directly to a lack of motivation. I returned home after the semester frustrated and confused.
With a little help from my lovely older sister, I decided not to take the second semester of Organic Chemistry and see what else GW had to offer. She also helped me allow myself to have a dream and to pursue it. My entire time at GW, I was taking courses I thought I wanted to take. I never sat down and thought about what I wanted to do in life and how that dream might impact my studies.
Everybody always tells us to pursue our dreams and see where that takes us. My favorite quotation along those lines: "Shoot for the stars. You may not reach the stars, but you may get the moon." I can't say why I didn't allow myself to dream the way I do now, but, boy, does it feel good.
I realized during this memorable conversation with my sister that I have always wanted to be a sports caster. I love sports, and I enjoy talking about them. I love the thought of having such a close connection with a team and building a bridge between the team and the fans. With this new life view in mind, I figured I might as well start taking journalism classes and learn about the field.
Enter the Spring 2010 semester. No more Organic Chemistry. No more Organic Chemistry Lab, also known as the bane of my existence. Replace those with Introduction to News Writing and Reporting, Psychology, Music Theory, and even more Hebrew. I could not have been happier academically. I was taking all classes I found stimulating, and I felt that I was laying the groundwork for my career in broadcast journalism. I even decided at one point last semester that I was going to graduate from GW and go to graduate school in broadcast journalism to pursue my dream of becoming a sports caster.
However, after some words of wisdom at the end of the semester from my journalism professor, I decided that journalism school might not be the best route after all. Whether or not I have a journalism degree, I will always be able to write or find another way into the broadcast world. I also realized that, more than anything, I want to work in the sports world. Whether in sports marketing, advertising, or journalism, I want my job to have a direct connection to a professional sports team.
So, given that I am currently a junior, I don't have time to start over academically (assuming I want to graduate in 2012, which I do). I realize that I have other options, namely taking an extra year, but for many reasons, I just don't want to stay at GW more than four years. That all in mind, my choice of a major should be relatively obvious. There is only one course that I have taken every semester at GW: Hebrew. And while GW doesn't have a Hebrew major (yet, anyway), GW has a very well-renowned Judaic Studies department.
I've always held this stigma about Judaic Studies majors: cop-outs who don't actually study interesting topics. I have no idea why, but the History of Modern Israel course I am taking has definitely convinced me otherwise. I am realizing that I love studying Hebrew and learning about Jewish history. While I may not want to pursue a career path directly related Judaic Studies, I am definitely enjoying it as a student, and I'm still thinking of different ways to get into the sports world.
I currently work at City Segway Tours, and that on top of classes takes up plenty of my time, but maybe next summer, depending on where I choose to be, I can look for a job or internship with a sports team somewhere.
So that, my friends, is Sam's version of Following the Dream.
Peace, love, and happiness,
Sam
Following the dream: chronicling my adventures as I make my through college and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a sportscaster. Not too complicated, but a very different view on life than my first three semesters at GW.
When I got to GW, I didn't know what I wanted to study. In an attempt to figure out what I did want to study, I took a wide variety of classes in my first semester: Calculus, Chemistry, Hebrew, and the Old Testament.
Instead of spending my second semester branching out further and figuring out which fields of study stimulated my interest, I continued on with Chemistry and Hebrew. I decided at some point during that Spring semester that I would declare my Chemistry major with a Biochemistry concentration, and I couldn't have been happier.
"What would I do with that major?" seemed to be the only question people were capable of asking me upon learning of my decision. I had no response. I didn't (and still don't) want to go to medical school, and I really had no idea where a Chemistry major would lead me. Grad school? Only time would tell...
In any case, I came back to GW psyched for the Fall 2009 semester. I was to take Organic Chemistry, which I thought would be really interesting, Genetics, Anthropology, and more Hebrew. As it turned out, being president of a student organization takes up way more time than I ever imagined it would, and it didn't help that, after planning High Holiday services, I was no longer so enthusiastic about the organization. I also did not fare well in Organic Chemistry. I was not nearly as interested in the material as I thought I would be, and this lack of interest led directly to a lack of motivation. I returned home after the semester frustrated and confused.
With a little help from my lovely older sister, I decided not to take the second semester of Organic Chemistry and see what else GW had to offer. She also helped me allow myself to have a dream and to pursue it. My entire time at GW, I was taking courses I thought I wanted to take. I never sat down and thought about what I wanted to do in life and how that dream might impact my studies.
Everybody always tells us to pursue our dreams and see where that takes us. My favorite quotation along those lines: "Shoot for the stars. You may not reach the stars, but you may get the moon." I can't say why I didn't allow myself to dream the way I do now, but, boy, does it feel good.
I realized during this memorable conversation with my sister that I have always wanted to be a sports caster. I love sports, and I enjoy talking about them. I love the thought of having such a close connection with a team and building a bridge between the team and the fans. With this new life view in mind, I figured I might as well start taking journalism classes and learn about the field.
Enter the Spring 2010 semester. No more Organic Chemistry. No more Organic Chemistry Lab, also known as the bane of my existence. Replace those with Introduction to News Writing and Reporting, Psychology, Music Theory, and even more Hebrew. I could not have been happier academically. I was taking all classes I found stimulating, and I felt that I was laying the groundwork for my career in broadcast journalism. I even decided at one point last semester that I was going to graduate from GW and go to graduate school in broadcast journalism to pursue my dream of becoming a sports caster.
However, after some words of wisdom at the end of the semester from my journalism professor, I decided that journalism school might not be the best route after all. Whether or not I have a journalism degree, I will always be able to write or find another way into the broadcast world. I also realized that, more than anything, I want to work in the sports world. Whether in sports marketing, advertising, or journalism, I want my job to have a direct connection to a professional sports team.
So, given that I am currently a junior, I don't have time to start over academically (assuming I want to graduate in 2012, which I do). I realize that I have other options, namely taking an extra year, but for many reasons, I just don't want to stay at GW more than four years. That all in mind, my choice of a major should be relatively obvious. There is only one course that I have taken every semester at GW: Hebrew. And while GW doesn't have a Hebrew major (yet, anyway), GW has a very well-renowned Judaic Studies department.
I've always held this stigma about Judaic Studies majors: cop-outs who don't actually study interesting topics. I have no idea why, but the History of Modern Israel course I am taking has definitely convinced me otherwise. I am realizing that I love studying Hebrew and learning about Jewish history. While I may not want to pursue a career path directly related Judaic Studies, I am definitely enjoying it as a student, and I'm still thinking of different ways to get into the sports world.
I currently work at City Segway Tours, and that on top of classes takes up plenty of my time, but maybe next summer, depending on where I choose to be, I can look for a job or internship with a sports team somewhere.
So that, my friends, is Sam's version of Following the Dream.
Peace, love, and happiness,
Sam
Monday, September 20, 2010
I Will Remember
Yizkor - literally, "he will remember" in Hebrew. An entire service devoted to remembering the deaths of our loved ones. Four times each year. Most notably on Yom Kippur. After we finish reading the torah and haftarah, we recite Yizkor. After having fasted for about seventeen hours, we remember our loved ones that have passed.
There is something incredibly meaningful about remembering our departed relatives and friends while on an empty stomach. For some reason, the circumstances create a more vulnerable situation than I have allowed myself to be in for a very long time, if ever. And, with that, emotions that I haven't experienced recently came rushing to the surface.
For the first time since April, I truly mourned the loss of my dog, Lily. I remembered exactly what it felt like to play with her, pet her, and be around her. I mourned the loss of my friend Molly four years ago. I remember the different perspectives she brought to my life. And, lastly, I mourned the loss of my grandfather fourteen and a half years ago. I hardly knew the man, yet somehow, we were close. I have only one strong recollection of him: sitting in the hotel by Lake Merritt. I went to hang out with my grandparents after school one day while they were in California for part of the winter, and Grandpa and I watched TV and did puzzles. He lived for puzzles, and I loved doing them with him. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I was getting quality time with my grandpa. What more could I have asked for? I remember there was one puzzle I absolutely loved doing with him, and when he died, my grandma gave that puzzle to me. Unfortunately, I don't know where that puzzle is today, but I definitely remember receiving it and being so excited about I got to keep it.
All these emotions that I had not visited in a long time, maybe not even since last Yom Kippur, came rushing back to me. Holding the sefer torah, bawling all over the place. I was exhausted, overworked, hungry, and filled with sadness. And there is only so much a person can take before completely breaking down.
And yet, we call this service "Yizkor," he will remember. I'm going to steal one from Rabbi Yoni and argue that the service might be better called "Ezkor," I will remember. I will remember the lives of those who I hold close to me. I will remember the happiness they brought to this world. I will remember what they all wished of others and do my best to exemplify those values.
I would like to leave you with a poem by David Harkins:
There is something incredibly meaningful about remembering our departed relatives and friends while on an empty stomach. For some reason, the circumstances create a more vulnerable situation than I have allowed myself to be in for a very long time, if ever. And, with that, emotions that I haven't experienced recently came rushing to the surface.
For the first time since April, I truly mourned the loss of my dog, Lily. I remembered exactly what it felt like to play with her, pet her, and be around her. I mourned the loss of my friend Molly four years ago. I remember the different perspectives she brought to my life. And, lastly, I mourned the loss of my grandfather fourteen and a half years ago. I hardly knew the man, yet somehow, we were close. I have only one strong recollection of him: sitting in the hotel by Lake Merritt. I went to hang out with my grandparents after school one day while they were in California for part of the winter, and Grandpa and I watched TV and did puzzles. He lived for puzzles, and I loved doing them with him. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I was getting quality time with my grandpa. What more could I have asked for? I remember there was one puzzle I absolutely loved doing with him, and when he died, my grandma gave that puzzle to me. Unfortunately, I don't know where that puzzle is today, but I definitely remember receiving it and being so excited about I got to keep it.
All these emotions that I had not visited in a long time, maybe not even since last Yom Kippur, came rushing back to me. Holding the sefer torah, bawling all over the place. I was exhausted, overworked, hungry, and filled with sadness. And there is only so much a person can take before completely breaking down.
And yet, we call this service "Yizkor," he will remember. I'm going to steal one from Rabbi Yoni and argue that the service might be better called "Ezkor," I will remember. I will remember the lives of those who I hold close to me. I will remember the happiness they brought to this world. I will remember what they all wished of others and do my best to exemplify those values.
I would like to leave you with a poem by David Harkins:
You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Peace, love, and happiness,
Sam
Thursday, September 16, 2010
High Holidays
For those of you who may not know, we are currently in the midst of the Jewish High Holiday season, including Rosh Hashanah, the new year; Yom Kippur, the day of atonement; Sukkot, remembering the 40 years that Israelites wandered the desert after the exodus from Egypt; and Simchat Torah, the celebration of the completion of the torah. The holidays are considered to be a time of reflection and rebirth. A time to repent for sins and we pray that we can be inscribed into the book of life.
Most years, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services move me to bcomee a better person and to change my ways. This year, however, has not been entirely the same.
This past December, I had my time to be introspective and start fresh. I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate where I was, academically, socially, and emotionally. I realized that chemistry, my major, was actually making me miserable, the opposite of what one's field of study should do. I chose not to take the second semester of Organic Chemistry. Instead, in pursuit of my dream of becoming a sports broadcaster, I took a slew of classes I had always thought about taking but never had the chance to: psychology, music theory, and journalism. Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with journalism and completely forgotten about chemistry.
Also in December, I decided that I would be happier. I would make an active effort to be happier with my life. I feel that, since last winter break, I have become the happy person that I strive to be. I'm enthusiastic about my Judaic Studies Major, I'm able to spend time with most of my friends in DC on a regular basis, I have a job that I love (and pays well ;) ), and I have grown to love the city I live in.
This high holiday season, I may have lots to repent for, but Rabbi Yoni (the new executive director at Hillel) has been encouraging us to not only repent but also look inside and find ways in which we want to change ourselves, to go that extra step. Instead of just saying "I will not lie," say "I will make an effort to tell the truth instead of lying." That may be a very straightforward example, but I think you all get the point. I can repent for my sins, but at this point, I don't feel that there are large parts of my life that I want to change as there have been in the past. I'm satisfied with my life right now. I DON'T want to change very much. I suppose this is just one of many challenges I will encounter in the upcoming year: finding smaller, but still important, ways to change and be even happier in life.
Peace, love, and happiness.
L'Shana tova u'metukah (to a sweet and happy new year),
Sam
Most years, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services move me to bcomee a better person and to change my ways. This year, however, has not been entirely the same.
This past December, I had my time to be introspective and start fresh. I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate where I was, academically, socially, and emotionally. I realized that chemistry, my major, was actually making me miserable, the opposite of what one's field of study should do. I chose not to take the second semester of Organic Chemistry. Instead, in pursuit of my dream of becoming a sports broadcaster, I took a slew of classes I had always thought about taking but never had the chance to: psychology, music theory, and journalism. Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with journalism and completely forgotten about chemistry.
Also in December, I decided that I would be happier. I would make an active effort to be happier with my life. I feel that, since last winter break, I have become the happy person that I strive to be. I'm enthusiastic about my Judaic Studies Major, I'm able to spend time with most of my friends in DC on a regular basis, I have a job that I love (and pays well ;) ), and I have grown to love the city I live in.
This high holiday season, I may have lots to repent for, but Rabbi Yoni (the new executive director at Hillel) has been encouraging us to not only repent but also look inside and find ways in which we want to change ourselves, to go that extra step. Instead of just saying "I will not lie," say "I will make an effort to tell the truth instead of lying." That may be a very straightforward example, but I think you all get the point. I can repent for my sins, but at this point, I don't feel that there are large parts of my life that I want to change as there have been in the past. I'm satisfied with my life right now. I DON'T want to change very much. I suppose this is just one of many challenges I will encounter in the upcoming year: finding smaller, but still important, ways to change and be even happier in life.
Peace, love, and happiness.
L'Shana tova u'metukah (to a sweet and happy new year),
Sam
Sunday, September 5, 2010
First Shabbat
Last night, we celebrated the first Shabbat of the school year at Hillel, and I could not have been more thrilled by the turnout. More than 100 people came to Hillel for Shabbat services and dinner, and everybody was incredibly friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all those I have missed since May, and, as always, enjoyed the thrill of meeting new wide-eyed freshmen.
For the first time, I felt as though I had truly left Koach in quality, able hands. Props to Scott Backer and Dan Gil for running smooth, high quality services. I have nothing but excitement for the future of Koach here at GW.
Now, onto High Holidays.
Here we go!
Shana tova u'metukah
For the first time, I felt as though I had truly left Koach in quality, able hands. Props to Scott Backer and Dan Gil for running smooth, high quality services. I have nothing but excitement for the future of Koach here at GW.
Now, onto High Holidays.
Here we go!
Shana tova u'metukah
Monday, August 30, 2010
First Day of Classes
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!
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!
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
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