The Art of Describing Ourselves

I want you to imagine that I just approached you.  We say hello and then I ask you a question: Tell me more about you.  Before reading another sentence here, think about exactly what you would say to me.

I hope you actually did the exercise above because it proves a point.  What did you say to me?  I bet it depends on your relation to me.  If you don't know me, you probably gave me some generic description of who you are, where your from, a little about your family and something you like to do in your spare time.  If you know me as an acquaintance, you probably went into a little more detail than that and skipped the general things since I already know that.  If you are my boss or professor, you probably skipped the basics of your profession and told me a little about your personal life.  If you are a close friend or a relative, you probably skipped doing the exercise all together knowing you would've rolled your eyes had I really done this.

But imagine this: what if I was a complete stranger (if you do actually know me)?  Or a potential employer?  Or the person you're on a date with?  I bet your explanation would've changed dramatically.

When you think about it, we describe ourselves in different ways depending on who we are talking to. We like to be seen in different lights depending on the situation.  For example, if I were describing myself to a potential date, I would briefly mention my educational/work background and focus more on what I like to do for fun that the other person would (hopefully) be interested in as well.  During job interviews, I focus on describing my educational/work background as well as the skills I have picked up in the process that would benefit the potential employer.  

The point is that getting asked to answer the one thing we have the most knowledge about, ourselves, is not as simple as it sounds.  And it gets more and more complicated the older we get.  If I was to ask my cousin's son to describe himself, he would probably say something along the lines of "My name is Noah, I am two years old, and I like lawnmowers."  His answer would be the same for everyone, regardless of whether he knows them or not or how old they are.  If I were to ask my cousin's 10 year old daughter, she would probably go into more detail about what grade she's in, that she bowls, who her friends are, what book she's reading, a little about her pets......etc.  Her answer might change depending on who the other person is, how old they are, and if she knows them.  But she probably wouldn't have a problem telling people about herself.

 As adults, there are many of us that have tripped up and sweated over answering this question.  Why is it so hard to explain something that we have known about for literally, our entire lives? Because the fact is, we know we have to put ourselves in the best light possible and explain those particular traits about us that are relevant for the situation.  I know potential employers don't care about my two cats as much as they do about what professional skills I have whereas my date this weekend will probably ask about them.  Family members who haven't seen me in a couple years will probably care more about what has happened since the last time I saw them and what everyone else in my family has been up too but not ask about what I like to do for fun since, most already know that answer or we only see each other at family functions so it becomes, essentially, irrelevant.  Professors will want to know what I'm doing with my life and how their instruction has helped me to become the success that I am now.

Now to turn the tables a little bit: what about how people describe you?  Once again, it depends on their relation to you.  Some of my friends might say I'm always entertaining to be around.  My parents probably brag about how smart I am.  A couple of my exes probably refer to me as a bitch.  My employers will probably say I know how to do my job and that I often come in to work extra when help is needed.  We are once again, shown in different lights depending on how the person knows us since we appear different to friends than we do to colleagues.

So, the next time you ask someone to describe themselves, remember that you are only going to be getting a tiny amount of information compared to who they really are.  Eventually, as time goes by, we learn more about every person in our life compared to the first day we met them.

Job Hunting = Box of Chocolates

I'm sure a few of you just thought of the movie Forest Gump reading the title.  "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."  Well, job hunting is the same way, but for different reasons.  Yes, you don't know what you're going to get for an outcome when applying to jobs, but I'm thinking more of when one applies for jobs.

First off, like when you get a box of chocolates, you want to apply for the jobs you find most interesting/favorable first before someone else gets the chance to.  The best chance one has of getting a job is applying as soon as possible because you don't know when they will start interviewing and if they decide to hire a person on the spot. So, like your favorite piece of chocolate, you want the opportunity to have it before someone else.

After you chose your favorites, you start to become less picky about what comes next.  The ones you really want are done, therefore, it's time to start on the other, less interesting ones.  However, unlike the chocolate box, you still want the jobs you're applying to whereas the chocolates, you may not care as much if other people take them. 

Then comes the jobs/chocolates that you'll take/apply to if there is nothing else available.  You still will eat the piece or take the job, but you don't see yourself enjoying it for long and will look for better alternatives.  Usually these are the ones that don't get a second thought afterwards unless of course, you get a call for an interview.

Finally, there are the ones that you avoid.  The ones that even though they're there, you don't want them at all.  The ones usually left in my boxes contain dark chocolate.  Same with the jobs, even though you qualify, you don't want it and therefore don't even apply.  Or in the case of chocolate, don't eat it and give it away.

Of course, applying for jobs may also cause a few boxes of chocolates to appear on your counter.

Another short post but today was a little busy for me both in my professional and personal life.  As always, feel free to comment below or add your own comparisons below.

Short and Sweet

Monday, I had to make some last minute arrangements to fly back home yesterday.  My cousin passed away at the age of 32 on Friday and I flew in for her wake and funeral service.  I don't want to go into it too much other than the service was beautiful.

I did want to share a quick story about what happened when on the subway coming from the airport today.

Our car (is that what they're called?) was essentially full.  At one stop a mother came on with her two children and had them sit on the seat next to me.  Before I was able to get up, the train started.  Both the little children introduced themselves to me.  I didn't catch their names but the boy was 4, and the girl was 2.  The girl was a little scared and the mother told her son to hold his sister's hand.  Instead, the little girl leaned over and gave me a hug.  A few of the people nearby aw'ed and I gave the girl a little hug back.

The mother apologized and I said no worries (I actually needed it) and at the next stop I offered to move so she could sit but she said she was going to sit down and put them on her lap.  The little girl told her mom she wanted to sit in my lap but her mother stopped her (I actually wouldn't have minded, I have always adored children and she was cute).

Anyways, today's post is a little short but due to recent events, I really didn't feel like doing my normal, witty and sarcastic posts.  Rest in peace cousin.  I will miss you.

Carlos Museum Review (Part 1)

To mix things up a bit, I decided to do a museum review of the permanent exhibits at the Carlos Museum.  Please note, that this is a review of both the actual exhibits and an overall experience a patron might have (including difficulties I had while there).  Unlike my Mirko Pasta review, this was not my first visit.  I have been to this museum for a few lectures by some of their curators including their curator of Egyptian art and curator of African art.  As a quick side note: I've enjoyed the lectures I've listened to from both these curators.  I have yet to be able to go to one from one of the other curators but do intend to if I'm available at the time.

Also, I couldn't go through the whole museum in one day.  For this visit, I only had 2 1/2 hours due to other commitments and so only viewed half of the exhibits.  Originally, I wanted to do this all in one visit by spending an entire Saturday there but their Ancient American Galleries were being closed on May 21st and won't open again until January in order to be redone.  So I'm hoping some of the things I mention here may be in their plans to change as well.  In order to include this exhibit, my first trip was on May 19th.

Overall summary of the museum and major positives and drawbacks this museum will be at the end of part two of this review.

Arrival
I arrived at the museum and entered on the main gallery level.  I love the doors to this museum.  I'll try to remember to take a picture next Saturday. I was greeted by the front desk personnel and gave her the guest pass I had.  Normally, admissions is $8 for adults.  She offered me a map of the museum and I was on my way.  What I do find to be semi-odd is the floor in this area.  Definitely different that that of the rest of the museum.  I don't not like it but it doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the museum since the exhibits have hardwood floors.


Ancient American
Since this one is the one closing in two days, I decided to start here.  This gallery has plenty of space to walk around in.  Definitely would not damper anyone's visit if there are other visitors in the same area for that reason.  The room right next to the entrance had an interesting view when I looked up:

I found it unique because none of the other rooms has something like this.  I'm curious as to whether this is because of an addition or was done on purpose.  Also, in the second room, when you look down, you see a map of the Inka road system.

There are a variety of objects in this exhibit including pottery, weaved art, and metals.  One thing I noticed is that the structures holding the objects are painted the same color as the actual object, right down to the pattern.  I don't think this was something I noticed right away until I was looking at an object closely and saw that.

One thing I personally enjoyed was all the pieces they have depicting Shamanism.  It's a personal interest of mine (along with mummies, but we'll get to that).

Negatives
Some aspects about the gallery that ruined my experience a little:

1. Footsteps echo.  I felt like I was in the middle of the museums version of Jaws when another visitor was walking towards the room I was in.
2. Voices echo.  I was in the back of the exhibit and could still hear very clearly the conversations going on at the front desk.  When you're like me and want to concentrate on what you're reading, it can be kind of hard.
3. Some of the exhibit informational plates are not lit well.  I had to actually bend over to read some of the descriptions for some of them.  Below is an example of one of the rooms where I had this problem (note: even though I didn't use flash, these images appear a little brighter than it actual was).

Positives

Some aspects about the gallery I enjoyed:

1. The rooms are fairly large.  If there are others in the area with you, you wouldn't feel overcrowded.
2. The variety of actual pieces AND from different geographic areas.  I felt the exhibit flowed nicely in how the items were grouped/located
3. There were not too many objects in each display case.  I'm always irritated when there are because then I stand there for a long period of time and feel bad if other people are trying to look.
4. A particular object had a mirror placed behind it so that you could see the back of it (which was actually the face of a figure on the particular bowl).  

Greek and Roman

Once I was at the end of the Ancient American Galleries, I found myself right in the Ancient Greek Gallery.  I knew without reading or looking at anything because the walls were another color all together.  This exhibit had a variety of pieces including statues, funeral items, pottery, plates, and jewelry.  One thing that confused me about this exhibit was that some of the larger stone items were not behind glass while some were.  I wondered what went into that decision or whether it mattered at all.  I could easily see a kid reaching out and touching those items if s/he felt no one was looking.  Or adults for that matter.  Anyways, the main area of the gallery was dark (note: once again, the photo makes it appear lighter than it actual was):

Notice how everything is set up on pillars? I could see a handicapped individual possibly having some difficulty maneuvering around this section.  It does have a unique look to it though  Unlike the previous gallery that went from room to room, this was one large room with 4 smaller ones branching off.

I also was able to recognize those pieces that were in the Monster, Demons, and Winged Beasts from last year.

One poorly placed information plaque was for the Iliupersis (Sack of Troy).  It's knee level so I have to bend down to read it.  Definitely poor planning.

Negatives

1. Location, location, location."Please see handheld label for more information" was what one plaque said. It actually took me a minute to locate it on the wall in the middle of the room.
2. I noticed while reading the information for one exhibit, it also referred to objects in others areas.  I'm sure they were in the exhibit right across from the one I was looking at, but I wasn't overly ambitious at this point because:
3. Information overload.  There are some display cases that have so many objects in them, it's hard to focus on each one individually.  Granted, they're small but I still feel like I stand there for extended periods of time looking (something I didn't have to worry about in the previous gallery).  Luckily, there weren't others around waiting.

Positives

1. Even though some of the rooms were dim, the exhibition plates were still well lit and therefore, easy to read.  With the exception of the low one mentioned above.
2. There were plenty of small pieces in the exhibit.  To make some of the details easier, magnifying glasses were placed so one can view closer.
3. Some objects have clearly been broken (when discovered I assume) and you can see the cracks on them.  I was informed by one of the curators in a previous conversation that they intentionally put these within view.  I prefer this since it shows what state the objects are found.

Asian

This is a very small exhibit.  It is also very dark in there!  Just and interesting thing that I never noticed before this visit: When you enter, before actually going in to the room, look to the left and up.  Hello!  Regardless, it's a small exhibit, probably the smallest in the museum in terms of permanent collections but still gives a lot of information.  I used to study Buddhism as a past time and was pleased with the objects they had regarding the religion.

The room is very cramped though.  There were two other people there with me and it was a little difficult to move around when we were looking at objects near each other.

African

I have to go into a story about my first visit to the museum in which I went with a friend.  This exhibit is almost impossible to find for some.  We could not find it.  Unfortunately, when there is no special exhibit up, you can't walk through that area.  The only to it is to go up a flight of stairs that leads right into the exhibit.  However, the stairs are not too easy to find.  During my visit for this post, I could hear people asking at the front desk on how to get to it and had to have someone show them the stairs.  

Not exactly the most inviting looking area.  Stairs are in this area, to the left.  You can only see them if you actually go in (or see the sign saying that the African exhibit is upstairs).

What's up those stairs?  What other exhibits are there that I couldn't go through yet?  You either must visit yourself or wait until I visit next week.

The Art of Job Creativity

As the weeks wind down on my current job, and the job market for people like me remains the same (ie sucks because while there are jobs, there are also a lot of people who are in the same boat as me), I have started to think about alternative careers to sustain me for a while until a job that could use my degree pops up.  Here are my thoughts (note: a job-job is a job that will use my graduate degree to it's fullest extent, a job is one that doesn't):

1. I could continue to work at the pharmacy, just work more hours (which I know the pharmacists there will probably jump for joy when they read this) and pick up a second, similar paying job.  Money will be tight even if I continue my current 50 hour work weeks, but at least will be coming in.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 90%

2. I could find another temporary job (in my current city, I'm not moving to do this crap again) that needs my degree, or something close to it.  Or like my current job that wanted a recent grad or second year student (my program generally takes two years to complete).  The pay may not be as high as a regular job, but it adds experience to the resume.   If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100% (in current city) 60% (in another city).

3. Work at a museum.  Science (ideal), history, or even art if they'll take me.  I've wanted to work in a museum and I already volunteer at one (which is hiring part time education assistants and volunteer service associates right now).  If I can't find a job-job might as well do something I'll probably never be able to do again.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 70%

4. Become an author.  I've written chapter books since I was 8.  No lie, I still have the very first one I ever started.  Of course, this would require me to actually finish novels.  Would probably be able to do considering soon I will have a lot more free time.   If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 50% because it will take a few years to make a noticeable profit.

5. Go back to school.  For a PhD.....not in this field.  Partly because my grades are not straight A's and for PhD programs that matters.  Actually, after a couple years I may do that anyways and then you all would have to call me Dr. Epilogical.  I'm thinking anthropology, that way I still can satisfy option 3, just on a grander scale (and if I do option 3 followed by this, it counts as relative experience).  Or maybe micro- or marine- biology.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 80%, you know, assuming I actually am confident I would be accepted into a program.

6. Get a fellowship.  They typically only last 1 to 2 years but, it's in my field and I may actually find one in the area I like.  Plus, it can be added as relative experience for an actual job-job.  I didn't include this as temp job because.....in my mind it's different.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100% (in current city) 90% (in another city, partly because I don't want to have to move a third time after it ends and start in a new place all over again.)

7. Get  job that could use my undergrad degree.  I never actually have used my undergrad degree, with the exception of applying to grad school which is a whole other field, though I guess you can say they're pseudo-related.  Regardless, it would technically make me underemployed but at least I would be making more than I am now (and be able to actually work in a lab which is kind of what I wished I done the year between graduating from college and starting grad school).  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100% assuming it would be easier to find a job than a job-job.

8. Get one of those per diem consulting jobs in my field that no one else really does because they actually have a job or think they're too good for it.  I can consult.  I always have an opinion and will be willing help a company for money.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 100%, in fact I would probably do it even if I do find a job-job and use the money for a vacation fund to Germany/Switzerland.

9.  Become a blackjack dealer.  Shut up, it would be entertaining and you know you secretly want to yourself.  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 20%

10.  Become a pro bowler.  Of course, that would require me to start bowling again.  Grad school kind of kept me away from that.  Plus that would be awesome to put on a resume!  If push comes to shove, probability of doing: 30%.


If anyone has any interesting suggestions, serious or entertaining, feel free to comment below.  Or share your own experiences because I would like to feel like I'm not the only one who has had this problem (because I know I'm not).

The Art of Volunteering

As I mentioned before, I volunteer at two places in between working and applying for jobs.  Since it's something I personally enjoy, I decided to explain the benefits of volunteering for those who don't (and why you should volunteer yourself if you have the time).


First a little history on my volunteering resume (feel free to skip because it's long):
I started volunteering when I was 14, I believe.  Maybe 15.  It was at a youth football organization in my hometown.  I started out by helping out in the concession stand.  Sometimes I would take money and call out orders to those at the grill, sometimes I would have to add up $1 worth of candy to little kids.  And sometimes I would go out on the field to sell 50/50 tickets during the games.  Suffice it to say, I liked it.  It may be because my grandfather was one of the people who had started the organization years ago (and who is no longer with us).  It may be because my parents also volunteered there.  It may be because since I was a kid, if anyone had a complaint, they weren't going to say it to me (oh how i wish that's how pharmacy customers would be like).

Anyways, around that time, I also was selected to be on my city's youth court which I did through senior year of high school.  I also went from concession stand volunteer to assistant coach for one of the cheer squads in which my mom was the head coach. Yes, I was an assistant cheer coach but don't think I wasn't sarcastic during it.  Added bonus: I was the "mean coach" so the 20+ 6-8 year old girls would always listen to me.  Wow, I was in charge of that many kids while I was 17ish and the other two coaches couldn't make it.  That experience will be a post all in of it's own later.  Especially since the only reason I think my mom asked me to do it was because she couldn't come to the first hour of the very first practice, leaving me alone with all of them.
Anyways, that progressed to me attending the monthly/bimonthly evening meetings and eventually being elected to be on the Board of Directors within this organization.  I was for a year and declined the second nomination due to not knowing if I would be living there the following year.

I left my hometown and began grad school 1,000 miles away from home.  My first year of grad school, I didn't volunteer anywhere.  Partly because I was in a new city and wouldn't have known where to begin.  It certainly wasn't because I was working two jobs and sincerely thought I was going to die of stress my second semester.  Anyways, that summer I decided to get a cat.  Found a shelter online and filled out an application for adoption.  Fast-forward two months.  I had the cat for a couple months and decided "you know what? I'm going to volunteer there."  I mean, how could I not? I get to play with cats and kittens!  Well, I'm still volunteering there (and picked up a few shifts which I think inspired the timing of this post) as well as at a museum.  That's right a museum.  A natural history museum even.




Okay, so why volunteer?  I mean, it's time you could be spending the time to do other things.  Well, here is my reasoning (besides to typical "it's rewarding" response):

1. It gives you the chance to do something you are interested in.

• Let's say you're a computer programmer.  I'm not, but I assume you sit in front of a computer all day doing computer programming things.  Now, imagine that in the evenings/weekends you can let your inner child loose and play at the playground.  With children by volunteering at a boys and girls club.  Wouldn't you do it?
• Or even, you love animals but travel a lot or don't have time to have a pet.  But a few hours every week, you get to see a dogs face light up every time you walk into a shelter.

2. It gives you something to do if you get bored easily.

• Everyday: you get up, you go to work, you come home, you watch t.v., and you go to bed (and yes I stole that from Rocko's Modern Life).  Can get boring after a while I bet.  But everyone once in a while, you can mix it up by coaching a youth baseball team every summer.

3. You meet people.

• You are going to meet other people who volunteer at the same place you do.  Which can lead to lifelong friendships.  Some of my closest friends, I met through volunteering.  And don't think that age is a factor.  I've made friends with people of various ages (mostly older due to me only being in my mid-20s).
• This is definitely comforting when you're in a new city and don't know anyone.  Or when all your friends move like most of mine did after graduation.

4. You learn new skills.

• You may not even think about it but here are some examples from my experiences:
• Patience.  You HAVE to with 20 kids.
• Leadership - Board of Directors, it goes without saying
• Communication  - All of my volunteer work deals with people on some level

5. You become known in the community.

• An awesome volunteer and the youth football organization past away from cancer a few months ago.  He was active not only there, but elsewhere as well.  People knew him in our community.  He was great with children and easy to get along with (though he used to always call me Casper).  When he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, there were many people from our organization willing to provide support for the family.  Which also goes to show how close people within an organization can get.

6. A lot of organizations will organize some sort of event for it's volunteers

• They know that it is a great time commitment on your part.  And they acknowledge their appreciation in a variety of ways.  I've been able to go to banquets for free, waived admissions to the museum, plenty of pizza parties, discounts, and even a scholarship. 

I know this list could be longer but those are the ones that come to mind immediately for me.  If you have your own reasoning: feel free to comment below.

What NOT To Say To A Vegetarian

The last what not to say blog post (of what not to say to your pharmacist) seemed to be a huge hit with individuals so I decided to continue to series.  This time, of what not to say to vegetarians.  Also, as a bonus: my answers.

1. Why did you decide to become a vegetarian?

• This question may seem reasonable and innocent but it actually can annoy us.  Why? Because it's asked by almost all non-vegetarians when they find out.  Plus, the fact that a person is a vegetarian usually gets brought up because everyone is trying to decide where to eat and we have to mention that tidbit so we don't end up eating rice at a steakhouse (this has happened to me on more than one occasion unfortunately).
• My answer: I don't why to tell the truth.  I was 12.  Though around that time I choked on roast beef in a crowded restaurant and NOBODY helped me (yes mom and dad, even you stood there staring).  I couldn't breathe and finally after 20 seconds reached down my throat to prevent an early death.  So maybe being traumatized had something to do with it.

2. Is your whole family vegetarian or just you?

• Does it matter?  If the person answered the first question with "I grew up as one" then that probably gives you the answer right there.  Also, this can be a touchy subject if the person's family gives them a hard time about being a vegetarian.
• My answer: Nope.  I'm the only one.

3. So do you still eat like, fish or eggs or nothing at all?

• Okay, vocabulary time.  When people hear the word vegetarian, what they actually think of is vegan.  A vegan is one that not only does not ingest any kind of animal products, but they also don't wear leather/fur/anything not man made.  A vegetarian is a little more lenient.  A strict vegetarian does not eat meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and for some, milk.  Some only avoid red meat.  Some don't eat chicken or meat.  Some like omelettes with their toast in the morning but milk is a no-no.  The term vegetarian offers a wide variety of diets to put it simply.
• My answer: I still eat eggs and use milk while cooking (though straight milk makes me sick so I use soymilk with my cereal).  I never really likes fish and I group chicken with meat.

4. That's stupid, why would you do that?

• Okay, seriously if you ever say this, be prepared to be punched.
• My answer: ::punches idiot::

5. Are you one of those "crazy vegetarians"?

• The answer will always be no.  Yes there are a few "crazy vegetarians" out there but you will figure out those ones right away, before even eating anything with them.
• Define "crazy."  Is it a strict vegetarian?  Or a person who doesn't like people eating meat around them?  Or someone who things meat is murder and will throw a tofu pie in your face in protest?
• My answer: No.  I am not a crazy vegetarian.  But my opinion of your intelligence has dropped after you asked.

6. Are you going to get mad if I eat meat in front of you?

• This may not be that bad of a question but, only if the person you are with is crazy.  Most vegetarians know that not everyone wants the same diet as them.  Most were eating meat at some point in their life.  If it's for religious reasons, if you are not the same religion, then no, they probably won't care as much.  If you have to ask then you probably shouldn't order red meat while with them.
• My answer: No, I do not care what you eat.  I'll even tell you your chicken smells good (because chicken does smell good to me).  It was my decision to be vegetarian and I'm not going to impose that on you just like you shouldn't impose your diet on me.

7. How do you stay healthy with no meat?

• Meat is not as healthy as one may think.  Also, it should not make up the largest proportion of your diet fyi.  There are plenty of other foods that provide much needed protein.
• My answer: Seriously, do NOT become a dietitian.

8. Don't you want to try this ::insert meat item here::?

• Do I even have to explain this one?
• My answer: Actually, typically I laugh if I know the person's joking.  But a warning: a lot of vegetarians may pretend to know and go along with your joking but will seriously take offense. 

Are you a vegetarian?  Have you ever said something to seriously tick a vegetarian off?  Share you experiences in the comments!  Also, don't forget you can follow me on twitter (Epilogical)

Loan Update

Since another month has gone by (and the fact that I need a break from writing cover letters) I decided to give a quick update on my loans.  Currently my totals are:

Undergrad Loan
     Current Balance: $17,369.99

     Monthly Auto-debit: $217.59

     Next Mandatory Payment: October 2013

What do the last two numbers mean?  The monthly auto-debit occurs every month, regardless of whether a payment is due or not.  My full explanation is here.

Technically, I don't have to pay anything in the upcoming months if I don't want to because I'm ahead on my repayment.  Since I'm paying a full monthly payment every month anyways, this date also pushes back a month.  So, that means if I keep this pace, I will have paid off my loan a full 17 months early.  Pretty neat huh?  Well, my goal is to have it paid off in the next 5 years instead, ideally in the next 3.  If I get an actual job in the next 2 months then I want to pay it off within 18 months.


Grad Loan
     Current Balance: $69,536.97

That's all the stats on that.  Why?  Because even though I called them about the mistaken deferment they did, they still haven't taken it off.  Their mistake, so I'm not wasting time calling them again about it.  So I don't have a mandatory monthly payment, though I am trying to pay the interest plus a little extra each month.  Last month I skipped doing it though because of my cat's procedure and I didn't have much money to spare.



What does this mean for Epilogical?  It means I really need to find a job in my field (that pays the amount anyone else with my degree has) so that I can get this all paid off before I'm 35.  My ultimate goal is to be done with it all by the time I'm 31 which will be in a little over 5 years.

Just for fun, the math on paying of my graduate loan (without including interest but if you're curious, it's  somewhere between $100 and $200 a month right now), in 5 years is:

$69,536.97 / 5 years = $13907.39 / year

which means:

$13907.39 / 12 months = $1,158.95 / month (beginning on my 26th birthday)

Of course, adding interest in, this amount increases but you get the general idea, it's a lot.

Is this doable?  Sure, as soon as I land a job-job it is.

Loud Annoying Neighbors

I looked at my stats recently for this blog and noticed two things:
1. The 3 top viewed posts were humor
2. People like to read about things that can pertain to them

Anyways, I decided to do another life changing entry on obnoxious, loud, annoying neighbors.  I've had my share.  Not so much growing up, we lived in a quiet old people neighborhood.  By that I mean most of the original owners still lived in the houses (circa 1950 built).

No Initial Problems
I decided to go to grad school 1,000 miles away from home.  Which means I had to move into an apartment.  A one bedroom 680 square foot apartment.  When I filled out the application, I told them I just didn't want to be on the bottom floor.  So I was put on the second floor, meaning I had one person below me and one person above me.  Well, actually there was no one above me when I first moved in and I'm pretty sure there was no one below me either.  The majority of the building was actually vacant.  I'm sure the train tracks that were behind us may have had a little to do with the fact that maybe no one wanted to live in that particular building.

Clumsy and Stereos
A couple of months after moving in, I got some actual neighbors.  They weren't too bad, except for the guy above me having a problem holding on to things because I would routinely hear a sudden loud bang above me every....single....night.  The neighbor below me....well, let's just say he had a lot of girlfriends spend the night.  He also liked to play music a little loudly at night (midnight night, not 8pm night).  Well, one night I was so frustrated while studying (in the bedroom) that, I decided to express my irritation.  While still sitting in my chair, I lifted up both my feet and then slammed them on the floor.  It made a really loud noise, louder than I expected.  But it did the trick: the music went silent immediately following.  In fact, I never had a problem with him playing loud music again after that.  Then he moved out.

More Stereos, Friends, and Late Night Strolls
So, a year or so after both neighbors moved it, they moved out.  I'm guessing they didn't like the trains.  Anyways, another person moved in below me.  This one liked to have friends over and when they weren't over, he liked to talk extremely loudly on his phone.  After one night, I decided to complain to the leasing office.  The guy had thrown a party Saturday night (or maybe it was Friday) that lasted late.  Past 2am late.  They were inside and out on the porch so I wasn't the only neighbor who could hear them.  I could even hear them over the train.  Anyways, he was quiet for the next couple months, which was all I needed because I was moving to a larger apartment (that was not next to the train tracks).  However, the person above me liked to go for late night walks.  In her apartment.  Seriously, every night starting at around 11pm (or later) she would walk from the bedroom to the living room to the bedroom to the living room......for over an hour.  I wanted to yell: what are you doing up there?

More Friends
I moved into a larger apartment within the same complex.  My new neighbors were quiet at night.  A few months after moving, a new neighbor(s) moved into the building across from mine.  Who had friends over always.  And they liked to hang out in the parking lot and talk loudly at night.  So loudly that one of my neighbors got in a vocal argument with them at 2am one time.  Long story short, a bunch of us continuously complained to the leasing office.  I was the final straw at one point.  I remember, I walked into the leasing office to complain for the third time with my arms folded and a glare on my face.  I must've looked pissed because the one girl actually backed up into her office when she saw me.  Well, they ushered me into the manager's office who then said that she has had it and was evicting them.  Apparently, I found out that while one guy filled out the application to live there (good) his 3 friends who were also living there didn't (bad, everyone who lives there has to at least fill out an application while only one is needed for the credit check).  Must've been cramped because it was the same size as my old apartment (680 sq ft 1 bedroom).  At least the train wasn't nearby.

Voices In Her Head
Well, the loud people were evicted.  My next adventure is with one of my neighbors who apparently hears voices in her head.  At least according to the leasing office.  See, she complained to them that she hears loud people at night and that it was coming from my apartment.  Leasing office knew I wan't to blame and even told her so.  One night she decided to verify it by knocking on my door.  Well, since I was the only one home and wasn't arguing with myself, I think that convinced her.

Hypocritical
So, neighbor who complains of loudness, decided one night to throw a party to quiet the voices in her head. It lasted past 3am.  Lucky for me, I couldn't hear it from my bedroom.  A week ago, she decided to act out the argument in her head with her own version.  At 1:30am her and another person were having a heated argument.  After 15 minutes one of them finally left.  I found out the next day in the leasing office that she is moving out in the next couple of months.  Hopefully the voices go with her.  I've been tempted to ask if she hears trains too.



So, what does one do about loud, obnoxious neighbors?  Here is a list of ideas that I *might* have done on my own (or just read other people have done).  Please be advised that you may want to warn your other neighbors before doing some of these.  Heck, they may even join in if they are annoyed as well.

• Neighbor playing loud music at night?  Play loud music in the morning.  5am is a decent time.  I prefer the finale of 1812 (with the cannons).  
• On days that they are not playing their music, play the opposite of what they seem to prefer.  For example, if they play rap then play bluegrass (note: make sure they are home).
• Loud lovemaking?  Open your window and yell "encore!" and clap loudly.  Trust me, the female will more than likely be mortified and be a little quieter next time.
• Anytime you hear a loud argument, mention your opinion on the matter next time you see the neighbor.  For example, if they are arguing about what type of car they should get, just mention to your neighbor when they walk by "I agree with your wife/boyfriend/partner, the Nissan is definitely more practical"
• Have textbooks, "drop" them on occasion (who knew you would actually use them after the semester ends).
• Have a loud conversation with your "lawyer" about your murder trial

These are just a few suggestions.  Of course, there's the practical just call the police and complain to the leasing office.  Have any of your own suggestions?  Feel free to add them in a comment below.  Also, feel free to share this blog with friends using the links below.