Or for you non-brutal types: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning how to dance in the rain."
I had a heart-to-heart with my 100th Night Date today about 100th Night. Our last night together was less than optimal. I was upset because it appeared that she was unappreciative of my efforts for that weekend. Before we drifted off to bed, I asked her what she thought of the weekend, expecting to hear nothing but "it was great" as a sign of social tact. On the contrary, she told me exactly what she thought, but ended it all with "I still had a great time."
So yes, I really was upset over it, but I was a little girl about it all and became passive aggressive our last night together and didn't express how I really felt. Funny because I vented to my best friend about it on my drive back to West Point and the first song that played on the radio as I was driving back was "Fuck You" by Cee Lo Green. Perfectly apt given the situation no? I then talked to my roommate about what happened, about some of her concerns over the weekend and he told me that you can't expect everyone you hang out with to act like a cadet and that you have to be able to adjust to their abilities. One of my date's concerns was that she felt that everything was rushed. I didn't think so, but I suppose its because I'm used to having everything planned out to the minute whereas she was more used to going with the flow. Given that it was supposed to be a relaxing weekend, and given that I did stress out over missing hard times, I suppose a mix of both should have been in order.
Getting that off my chest was good and I think my relationship with my 100th Night Date is better off because of it. I think that this is one lesson that will serve me well in the future. I can't just dwell on the fact that my well thought out plan wasn't unfurling as it should or that the storm was coming. I need to be able to survive first contact with the enemy, learn how to dance in the rain, and learn to just have fun and still win.
All in all though, to be completely honest, I did have a blast over 100th Night Weekend, inaccurate planning and grumpiness and all. It has definitely made me even more jaded that's for sure. Graduation Day couldn't come any slower!
Showing posts with label Date. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Date. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
100th Night. 100th Night Complete. Please be seated.
So the deed is done: 100th Night Weekend is official over and what a weekend it was. It's always nice to see a well planned plan executed successfully, even if not everything went according to plan.
100th Night Weekend started innocently enough with a regular school day. It was rainy that morning, so I guess you can thank the Class of 2011 for "making it rain" that day. To be fair, I did spend quite a bit this past weekend (more than a months salary, but my monthly salary isn't very much to begin with, so don't let that fool you). Nonetheless, it was still a fun weekend.
The Secretary of Defense came and spoke to us that afternoon and talked about how we were entering a military that's the most capable since ever basically, but also very stressed because of all the demands placed on it. I really like Secretary Gates because it seems that he genuinely cares for the troops, a feeling I never felt for Secretary Rumsfeld.
After hearing Secretary Gates speak, I was done for the day. I wasn't scheduled to meet with my 100th Night Date until about 5:00pm, so I spent a bit of time in the room getting ready, packing, and cleaning. It's pretty funny to note that my roommate and I cleaned the most we've ever cleaned that afternoon simply because we'd have company (i.e.girls) over. Our room looked pretty spic and span at the end of it all.
I then left the barracks to go up to my car. Along the way, it started raining again, and as I neared my car (about a mile away from where I live-- up hill too) the rain had turned into snow flakes. Luckily, as time would tell, it would be a great weekend and it only snowed that afternoon/early evening.
So I get to the train station and meet up with my date on the train. As it was a Friday evening, the train was pretty packed, but probably not as packed as it could have been due to the crappy weather. I was pretty tired at this time, so I dozed off on the train for a little bit. Before you know it, we were at Grand Central Terminal. While there, we picked out a bottle of pinot grigio and a fruit tart to share after dinner that night.
Speaking of dinner, we went to the Top of the Tower Restaurant. I read reviews on it saying that the view was gorgeous but the food was mediocre, so I didn't expect too much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The view was great! At 26 stories up, and every table right next to the window, every diner has a commanding view of the sights of the East River. The food was also very good-- I had short ribs as an appetizer and salmon as the main course while my date had muscles as an appetizer and gnocchi. I was laughing at my date's misfortune as she tried one of the peppers included with her muscles-- a little too spicy for her I suppose. I don't do spicy food well at all (I sweat profusely, even with mildly spicy stuff), so I flat out refused.
That evening, we didn't do much but enjoy each other's company over dessert and wine. A pleasant experience for all.
The next day, Saturday February 26, 2011, we woke up bright and early in order to get to my date's 10am hair appointment down in Chelsea. I'm so glad I have a smart phone now, as it's GPS feature has saved me more times than I can count. It didn't take too long for my date to get her hair done, and she looked ravishing afterward and you could see that even getting her hair done gave her a great boost of confidence. After that, we decided to get lunch. I was in the mood for Korean, Korean Ramen in particular as I developed a love/hate relationship with it after my trip to South Korea this past summer (a story for another day, maybe off the record), but we decided to settle for Vietnamese food instead.
Still having some time to kill, I was somehow dragged into window shopping. As my date looked at clothes, I thought it was kinda funny seeing other guys in the women's department searching around for a chair to sit on while carrying bags in both hands. Yo comprendo.
Finally it was time to go to West Point. We were both tired, so we both were under the impression that we would both fall asleep on the train. I kept up my end of the bargain and did fall asleep, but my date was so anxious for the event that she stayed up the entire train ride up/played with the little kid from across the aisle. Great-- a five-year old kid has more game than I do...
At West Point, after changing, my date got to meet my roommate, his girlfriend, and all of my other friends as well. First, we all took photos, as is customary, of which I still have to show my mom. I'll probably forward her those photos after I type up this blog. Before dinner actually started, we had a cocktail social hour, which was a good idea, but poorly executed I think. It was very crowded, and I felt like I was in a club more than I felt like I was in a formal setting. It is kind of funny seeing college aged kids like myself pretending to be older. All I was missing was my pocket watch, cane, top hat, and monocle. Lots of fun now that I think about it.
Dinner was nothing to write home about, as it was the same "formal food" we've eaten at every other formal weekend I've had at West Point. As is customary, we also had a guest speaker, this time it was GEN Cody, former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He acknowledged that many of us really didn't care what he was going to talk about, as we all just wanted to go back out and have a good time, so he kept it short, sweet, and very humorous. He was right-- I don't remember what he said, but I know he said it well and he kept my attention.
After dinner, it was time for the 100th Night Show. For those of you who don't know, the 100th Night Show is a musical written, directed, produced, and acted out by firsties with a lot of inside jokes poking fun at our time at West Point. I thought it was just ok-- I've seen the 100th Night Show for other classes and I thought other classes' show had better singing and acting overall. Nonetheless, it was MY class's show and I'm glad I got to see it.
Following the show, it was time for a nice, quiet ride back to the city. We had a transfer before getting into the city though, but after that transfer, I was out the entire time. We didn't get back to the room until past 1 in the morning. Way too tired from the day's events, my date and I just passed out asleep.
Overall, 100th Night Weekend was a blast as it truly showed that our time at West Point is slowly drawing to a close. It really isn't about the fancy clothes, the hot dates, the rings or any of that-- all of that is just icing on the cake. West Point is about the bonds and friendships you form with your fellow classmates and it is truly an experience that cannot be replicated at any other institution I think. I know that at our 20 year reunion, we all will probably draw upon our 100th Night experiences with fond memories and laugh.
(This was definitely my longest blog to date-- a lot happened, and I wanted to write it all down)
100th Night Weekend started innocently enough with a regular school day. It was rainy that morning, so I guess you can thank the Class of 2011 for "making it rain" that day. To be fair, I did spend quite a bit this past weekend (more than a months salary, but my monthly salary isn't very much to begin with, so don't let that fool you). Nonetheless, it was still a fun weekend.
The Secretary of Defense came and spoke to us that afternoon and talked about how we were entering a military that's the most capable since ever basically, but also very stressed because of all the demands placed on it. I really like Secretary Gates because it seems that he genuinely cares for the troops, a feeling I never felt for Secretary Rumsfeld.
After hearing Secretary Gates speak, I was done for the day. I wasn't scheduled to meet with my 100th Night Date until about 5:00pm, so I spent a bit of time in the room getting ready, packing, and cleaning. It's pretty funny to note that my roommate and I cleaned the most we've ever cleaned that afternoon simply because we'd have company (i.e.girls) over. Our room looked pretty spic and span at the end of it all.
I then left the barracks to go up to my car. Along the way, it started raining again, and as I neared my car (about a mile away from where I live-- up hill too) the rain had turned into snow flakes. Luckily, as time would tell, it would be a great weekend and it only snowed that afternoon/early evening.
So I get to the train station and meet up with my date on the train. As it was a Friday evening, the train was pretty packed, but probably not as packed as it could have been due to the crappy weather. I was pretty tired at this time, so I dozed off on the train for a little bit. Before you know it, we were at Grand Central Terminal. While there, we picked out a bottle of pinot grigio and a fruit tart to share after dinner that night.
Speaking of dinner, we went to the Top of the Tower Restaurant. I read reviews on it saying that the view was gorgeous but the food was mediocre, so I didn't expect too much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The view was great! At 26 stories up, and every table right next to the window, every diner has a commanding view of the sights of the East River. The food was also very good-- I had short ribs as an appetizer and salmon as the main course while my date had muscles as an appetizer and gnocchi. I was laughing at my date's misfortune as she tried one of the peppers included with her muscles-- a little too spicy for her I suppose. I don't do spicy food well at all (I sweat profusely, even with mildly spicy stuff), so I flat out refused.
That evening, we didn't do much but enjoy each other's company over dessert and wine. A pleasant experience for all.
The next day, Saturday February 26, 2011, we woke up bright and early in order to get to my date's 10am hair appointment down in Chelsea. I'm so glad I have a smart phone now, as it's GPS feature has saved me more times than I can count. It didn't take too long for my date to get her hair done, and she looked ravishing afterward and you could see that even getting her hair done gave her a great boost of confidence. After that, we decided to get lunch. I was in the mood for Korean, Korean Ramen in particular as I developed a love/hate relationship with it after my trip to South Korea this past summer (a story for another day, maybe off the record), but we decided to settle for Vietnamese food instead.
Still having some time to kill, I was somehow dragged into window shopping. As my date looked at clothes, I thought it was kinda funny seeing other guys in the women's department searching around for a chair to sit on while carrying bags in both hands. Yo comprendo.
Finally it was time to go to West Point. We were both tired, so we both were under the impression that we would both fall asleep on the train. I kept up my end of the bargain and did fall asleep, but my date was so anxious for the event that she stayed up the entire train ride up/played with the little kid from across the aisle. Great-- a five-year old kid has more game than I do...
At West Point, after changing, my date got to meet my roommate, his girlfriend, and all of my other friends as well. First, we all took photos, as is customary, of which I still have to show my mom. I'll probably forward her those photos after I type up this blog. Before dinner actually started, we had a cocktail social hour, which was a good idea, but poorly executed I think. It was very crowded, and I felt like I was in a club more than I felt like I was in a formal setting. It is kind of funny seeing college aged kids like myself pretending to be older. All I was missing was my pocket watch, cane, top hat, and monocle. Lots of fun now that I think about it.
Dinner was nothing to write home about, as it was the same "formal food" we've eaten at every other formal weekend I've had at West Point. As is customary, we also had a guest speaker, this time it was GEN Cody, former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He acknowledged that many of us really didn't care what he was going to talk about, as we all just wanted to go back out and have a good time, so he kept it short, sweet, and very humorous. He was right-- I don't remember what he said, but I know he said it well and he kept my attention.
After dinner, it was time for the 100th Night Show. For those of you who don't know, the 100th Night Show is a musical written, directed, produced, and acted out by firsties with a lot of inside jokes poking fun at our time at West Point. I thought it was just ok-- I've seen the 100th Night Show for other classes and I thought other classes' show had better singing and acting overall. Nonetheless, it was MY class's show and I'm glad I got to see it.
Following the show, it was time for a nice, quiet ride back to the city. We had a transfer before getting into the city though, but after that transfer, I was out the entire time. We didn't get back to the room until past 1 in the morning. Way too tired from the day's events, my date and I just passed out asleep.
Overall, 100th Night Weekend was a blast as it truly showed that our time at West Point is slowly drawing to a close. It really isn't about the fancy clothes, the hot dates, the rings or any of that-- all of that is just icing on the cake. West Point is about the bonds and friendships you form with your fellow classmates and it is truly an experience that cannot be replicated at any other institution I think. I know that at our 20 year reunion, we all will probably draw upon our 100th Night experiences with fond memories and laugh.
(This was definitely my longest blog to date-- a lot happened, and I wanted to write it all down)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Priorities
These past few days, I've shifted my priorities a little bit. A big reason as to why this is all happening is because senioritis has hit, and it has hit hard. Like high school, being a second semester firstie here at West Point makes you kinda jaded and all you want to do is go out and have fun.
So with that said, my priorities have shifted a little bit.
For example, this past Thursday, the firsties in my company were scheduled to take their company photo for the Howitzer, our yearbook. Well, only a handful of firsties showed up (12 out of 33) and because we had less than half, we weren't allowed to take our photo until we got more people. We called some of our friends and told them to muster everyone they could and eventually they all came down, albeit a little bit late.
We also had a company wine tasting event that Thursday. Everyone showed up on time for that one. Needless to say, based on the culture within Company C-1, our priorities were just where we wanted them to be.
Last Friday, we had to wake up pretty early because they were doing something to commemorate the 30 year reunion of the Iranian Hostages that we (as in the best soldiers in the US Military) failed to rescue during Operation Eagle Claw. Apparently, after they were released back in the day, the first stop they visited after hitting stateside was West Point. Now I know if I were held in captivity for who knows how long, the first place I'd want to visit would be my hometown, not some random Military Academy. Because of their visit at 9 or so, we had to get up at 6 since we couldn't have classes going on during their little parade (cadets were forced to serve as a backdrop for it). As I had an Honor Board to help run, I didn't go, but from what I understand, sentiments were mixed about the whole thing. Some said that the event was very meaningful and kind of neat to be a part of while others saw it as a waste of time since the Iranian Hostages didn't even parade really, just rode in a fan down the aisle the cadets formed for them. Knowing me, I'd probably agree with the latter, only because I wouldn't even be able to take a photo of the hostages, only see them pass by in a random van.
I also had to speak with my Thesis Adviser on Friday afternoon. The night before, when I was tired and all, I had to muster together the energy/coherence to write together a thesis proposal for him. Couple that with waking up early that Friday afternoon, and it made for a rough Friday.
I had a date on Friday night, but since I was so tired from the day's events, I took a nap immediately after speaking with my adviser. The date I went on was pretty fun: we went roller skating, which I haven't done since senior year of high school. We also went to the diner that was right next door, and for what you pay for, you get a decent amount of decent quality food. I'd recommend it (it's Zagat rated too-- who knew?)
After eating, we went down to the river front to look at all the icebergs floating past when suddenly, we run into a wild fox! I've never seen a live fox before, and it was kind of neat seeing him, especially because my friend goes to Marist and their mascot is a fox.
I then took her back to her place, where we hung out a bit. I also got to meet her housemates. Nice folks and very welcoming.
As you can see, my priorities are not set either. I should've been working on the Law paper I have due on Wednesday or on my thesis, which I have 5 pages due on Thursday, but what can you do? You make your decisions, you live with the consequences and you just live.
PS
Oh, and I'm only going as friends with the girl I asked to 100th Night. We kind of had a falling out. Again, our priorities didn't match up. She was focusing on school. I was focusing on a relationship. Common knowledge would suggest she made the wiser decision, but only time will really tell.
So with that said, my priorities have shifted a little bit.
For example, this past Thursday, the firsties in my company were scheduled to take their company photo for the Howitzer, our yearbook. Well, only a handful of firsties showed up (12 out of 33) and because we had less than half, we weren't allowed to take our photo until we got more people. We called some of our friends and told them to muster everyone they could and eventually they all came down, albeit a little bit late.
We also had a company wine tasting event that Thursday. Everyone showed up on time for that one. Needless to say, based on the culture within Company C-1, our priorities were just where we wanted them to be.
Last Friday, we had to wake up pretty early because they were doing something to commemorate the 30 year reunion of the Iranian Hostages that we (as in the best soldiers in the US Military) failed to rescue during Operation Eagle Claw. Apparently, after they were released back in the day, the first stop they visited after hitting stateside was West Point. Now I know if I were held in captivity for who knows how long, the first place I'd want to visit would be my hometown, not some random Military Academy. Because of their visit at 9 or so, we had to get up at 6 since we couldn't have classes going on during their little parade (cadets were forced to serve as a backdrop for it). As I had an Honor Board to help run, I didn't go, but from what I understand, sentiments were mixed about the whole thing. Some said that the event was very meaningful and kind of neat to be a part of while others saw it as a waste of time since the Iranian Hostages didn't even parade really, just rode in a fan down the aisle the cadets formed for them. Knowing me, I'd probably agree with the latter, only because I wouldn't even be able to take a photo of the hostages, only see them pass by in a random van.
I also had to speak with my Thesis Adviser on Friday afternoon. The night before, when I was tired and all, I had to muster together the energy/coherence to write together a thesis proposal for him. Couple that with waking up early that Friday afternoon, and it made for a rough Friday.
I had a date on Friday night, but since I was so tired from the day's events, I took a nap immediately after speaking with my adviser. The date I went on was pretty fun: we went roller skating, which I haven't done since senior year of high school. We also went to the diner that was right next door, and for what you pay for, you get a decent amount of decent quality food. I'd recommend it (it's Zagat rated too-- who knew?)
After eating, we went down to the river front to look at all the icebergs floating past when suddenly, we run into a wild fox! I've never seen a live fox before, and it was kind of neat seeing him, especially because my friend goes to Marist and their mascot is a fox.
I then took her back to her place, where we hung out a bit. I also got to meet her housemates. Nice folks and very welcoming.
As you can see, my priorities are not set either. I should've been working on the Law paper I have due on Wednesday or on my thesis, which I have 5 pages due on Thursday, but what can you do? You make your decisions, you live with the consequences and you just live.
PS
Oh, and I'm only going as friends with the girl I asked to 100th Night. We kind of had a falling out. Again, our priorities didn't match up. She was focusing on school. I was focusing on a relationship. Common knowledge would suggest she made the wiser decision, but only time will really tell.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Little Things
So today, nothing big really happened to me, but a lot of Little Things did:
1) While I was sitting in the parking lot at church waiting for the lot to clear out, a family next to my car is loading up. I hear what I thought was a thud, so I look out my window to see what made the sound. Much to my horror, I see a little girl hit FEZ (my car) with her door. Little things man...
2) While getting FEZ's first car wash (since he survived two snowstorms without one and the salt was building up, I figured this brief respite we have now is the best time to wash him), I was pleasantly surprised to see some car wash workers wipe down the inside and outside of FEZ. Little things.
3) While driving to church this morning, the road was pretty clear, so I started dicking around with the different buttons inside of FEZ. I now know how to turn on the cruise control. Little things.
4) I find out that a friend had to cancel our play date today, but my best friend was there to quickly offer her place to hang out. I'll be headed over shortly after posting this. Little things.
5) Another friend said she'd love to hang out today if only she wasn't at home still instead of at school (her house is hours away versus her school which is just half an hour north of here). Still-- the little things.
Do all these little things amount to a Big Day? Not really, but I thought I'd just share.
::edit January 16, 2011 11:45PM EST::
So today, I actually got to hang out with the friend I mentioned in #5 above and it went surprisingly well. We'll be hanging out again this weekend, in Rhinebeck, New York. Yeah, I've never heard of it either, but apparently it's where Chelsea Clinton got married. Interesting.
Also: fun fact. I told the friends in #4 that I hung out with my friend in #5 in Greenwich, Connecticut and apparently it's the richest city in America. Sure seemed that way. To all my friends from back home, think Benicia on steroids. Holy cow I felt out of place.
Overall, a fun day. Cadets Always Win.
1) While I was sitting in the parking lot at church waiting for the lot to clear out, a family next to my car is loading up. I hear what I thought was a thud, so I look out my window to see what made the sound. Much to my horror, I see a little girl hit FEZ (my car) with her door. Little things man...
2) While getting FEZ's first car wash (since he survived two snowstorms without one and the salt was building up, I figured this brief respite we have now is the best time to wash him), I was pleasantly surprised to see some car wash workers wipe down the inside and outside of FEZ. Little things.
3) While driving to church this morning, the road was pretty clear, so I started dicking around with the different buttons inside of FEZ. I now know how to turn on the cruise control. Little things.
4) I find out that a friend had to cancel our play date today, but my best friend was there to quickly offer her place to hang out. I'll be headed over shortly after posting this. Little things.
5) Another friend said she'd love to hang out today if only she wasn't at home still instead of at school (her house is hours away versus her school which is just half an hour north of here). Still-- the little things.
Do all these little things amount to a Big Day? Not really, but I thought I'd just share.
::edit January 16, 2011 11:45PM EST::
So today, I actually got to hang out with the friend I mentioned in #5 above and it went surprisingly well. We'll be hanging out again this weekend, in Rhinebeck, New York. Yeah, I've never heard of it either, but apparently it's where Chelsea Clinton got married. Interesting.
Also: fun fact. I told the friends in #4 that I hung out with my friend in #5 in Greenwich, Connecticut and apparently it's the richest city in America. Sure seemed that way. To all my friends from back home, think Benicia on steroids. Holy cow I felt out of place.
Overall, a fun day. Cadets Always Win.
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