Four One Six

If any of you are unaware, I went to Virginia Tech and I was on campus two years ago today when a disturbed(to say the least) student killed thirty-two people and then him self. 

I still can't quite figure out how I feel about the events and the two years afterwards, but I felt I should contribute something other than the "We. Are. Virginia. Tech." currently occupying my Facebook status. It goes without saying that this anniversary deserves more that four words on a social network page. So here goes. 

From the first seconds of the day I felt that something was off. I remember on my walk to work I kept looking at the date on my watch and thinking I had forgotten someone's birthday or a deadline I had at work.

Later, when I stood at the window watching the police surround Norris, I had no clue what I was witnessing. Even when I went home and continued to watch events unfold on CNN, everything remained surreal. The television allowed for a certain amount of distance, it was like watching any other new event; you feel sad for the people on the TV, but your life is not directly affected. 

For me it didn't solidify until that evening when I went to the vigil. As I stood in the crowd of people singing Amazing Grace I felt like I was just playing a part. All of it so familiar from similar scenes in movies and newscasts. It wasn't until I heard from the back of the crowd, "Let's go...!" and then everyone(myself included) responding, "Hokies!" that my heart sank and I began to cry. From there it just got worse. At about 10pm I received an email saying that my friend and co-worker Jaime was on of the victims. I had spent all day trying to think of everyone I knew who might have been in that building and Jaime was the one who never crossed my mind. Sometimes I still feel like if I had simply remembered to think of him, maybe he would still be alive.  

I realize that many of my words are cliche and its frustrating to not be able to fully express or understand the many emotions that are breed from an occasion such as this. But this is my offering, more for myself than for anyone reading, but it's here none the less. 

So, two years later here I am. I will go to a vigil tonight at Madision Square Park and stand with my fellow Hokies and remember. And that's all I want from everyone else. Please acknowledge this day. If you know a Hokie or see one on the street take five seconds to tell them that you haven't forgotten.

To all of my friends and especially those whom I met at Tech, I love you and wouldn't trade my time there for anything in the world. 

Sunday in the Park

The weather is finally starting to clean up its act here in the city and Sunday was an exceptionally nice day. After biking to the gym and then getting my favorite vietnamese sandwich at Hanco's in Carol Gardens, I head to Union Square to hang out with my friend Virginia and her family. When it came time to get back on the bike and head home, Virginia broke the new to my girl Georgia (her 3 year old daughter) and Georgia's response was to stare at me with those huge olive-colored eyes and say, "Do you want to come to our new apartment and then go home?"

I responded that I had to work the next day so I couldn't to which she replied, "No you don't."

I wish that was the case, Georgia, but seeing as I do not want to be homeless, I sadly did have to go to work today. But the good news is, I know what it feels like for someone to want your company so badly that they say so. I love that kid. 

The Extra Man Set

Right outside of my office the movie, The Extra Man was being filmed, so we went on down to check it out.

And who did we see but John C. Reilly...

AND Paul Dano (to the right of the camera head turned)...

AND Kevin Kline(below the boom mic)!

Excellent celebrity sighting. 

This is the set guy whose expression tells you how he felt about Colin yelling out, "Steve Brule, we love you!" Totally worth it though because John C. Reilly gave us a little love back by flashing us the rock sign in return. Rock on John, rock on. 

Nice Use of Modern Technology

I saw this on Wired.com and thought I would share. Instances like these make me really happy we have the internet and services like flickr. Otherwise this exhibit would only be seen by those who have the time, money, and are in proximity to the museum where they are kept.  

WARNING: a couple of these photos are not for those with weak stomachs. 

Just the Tip

For all my sexually frustrated friends out there, just know, you could be this turtle. Suggestions for the sound the turtle makes include, but are not limited to:

- a ring tone
- mystery sound contest on a local radio station
- remix with a Britney Spears song

For Erin

This is why I want a night cap. Also, this video is sweet and so is the blog itself. 

Has anyone else ever done this?

Bones by The Killers is much more entertaining if when it gets to the refrain and says, 

"Don't you want to come with me? Don't you want to feel my bones, on your bones? It's only natural. Don't you want to swim with me? Don't you want to feel my skin? On your skin? It's only natural."

You instead sing, "don't you want to feel me skin? My FOREskin?"

It's only natural guys.