Ouch! That's how I feel after the portion of the US v. Argentina game that I got to see. The game started off promising. I missed the first few mintues, but turned on the TV just in time to see the foul in the box that ended in a US PK goal. Not a horrible way to start the game after 8 mintues. Sad thing is, that's the only goal they'd get all game. I had to run out for the rest of the first half and 20 minutes of the second half. I returned to a 2-1 game with Argentina in the lead. I thought, not good, but there's still time. Needless to say, time didn't help.
Argentina played clean. Lots of crisp passes and good movement of the ball. They only turned over the ball because of good defense. The US on the other hand had problems. They didn't create space and couldn't settle the ball. I felt they didn't have a sense of urgency when they needed it. But in all fairness, I will say the goals scored by Argentina were nice. Good passing, good crossing, good finishing. (At least the ones I saw). Fot me, it's off to soccer now. Hopefully my game goes better than the one I just watched.
Highlights should be on www.footytube.com soon. I'm hoping they were just getting the kinks out and the next games will be better.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Quarter Century
It's a bit strange when I tell someone that I've been playing soccer for almost 20 years. I'm not sure I ever thought that I would be doing anything for 20 years. In 20 days, I will be 25 years old. I'm a college graduate, I have a good job, an active life, and great friends. I'm doing pretty well. In the next few weeks I will embark upon a test that may change my future. I'm not saying the test itself will make or break me, but a surprising score to the positive could open up many opportunities.
This time last year I had a countdown running. It wasn't a countdown to the GMAT, but one to an annual trip that I grew so very fond. VEGAS. Four years running, we took an annual trip to Vegas. Each year, more girls attended and less guys. It was about being with my close girlfriends to celebrate a holiday that I find very special for each individual. This year though, I canceled the trip. It wasn't something I did yesterday, but something I put lots of thought into. It just wasn't me this year. I would hate to say I've grown out of Vegas or even more that I've grown out of birthdays. But something was off. Luckily, I'm still happy with my decision.
I will admit that when I glance through pictures, and browse through old blogs, it touches me. There was a time when celebrating birthdays and throwing the biggest bashes was me. Somehow, I've lost that. I suppose I have lost the innocence of it. Nowadays I just hope that the day will pass like any other. Perhaps a few good birthday wishes from close friends to remind me what day it is. However, I just long to have no tears and a good night rest. I'm not "celebrating" my birthday this year.
This time last year I had a countdown running. It wasn't a countdown to the GMAT, but one to an annual trip that I grew so very fond. VEGAS. Four years running, we took an annual trip to Vegas. Each year, more girls attended and less guys. It was about being with my close girlfriends to celebrate a holiday that I find very special for each individual. This year though, I canceled the trip. It wasn't something I did yesterday, but something I put lots of thought into. It just wasn't me this year. I would hate to say I've grown out of Vegas or even more that I've grown out of birthdays. But something was off. Luckily, I'm still happy with my decision.
I will admit that when I glance through pictures, and browse through old blogs, it touches me. There was a time when celebrating birthdays and throwing the biggest bashes was me. Somehow, I've lost that. I suppose I have lost the innocence of it. Nowadays I just hope that the day will pass like any other. Perhaps a few good birthday wishes from close friends to remind me what day it is. However, I just long to have no tears and a good night rest. I'm not "celebrating" my birthday this year.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Turf Shoes
It is about time that I purchase a pair of turf shoes. When I started playing indoor in Colorado, we wore cleats. The field was new and quite nice. Not to mention, cleats worked quite well on it. Three years ago I moved back to California and had to find a new indoor arena. The place I chose wasn't quite as nice or new as my original field, but it is close to home.
I bought a new pair of "women's" indoor shoes. They were the first of their kind and the sales guy didn't actually know if they were better, but I figured I'd try them. Needless to say, they've held up quite well. I only fall on my bottom once or twice a game. ;)
Recently, I've played a few games of outdoor on turf fields. Although, because it is outdoor, I tend to wear cleats. I haven't figured out if they grip any better than the indoor shoes, but again, thus far, they've worked.
Lately however, I've decided it's time to invest in a pair of true turf shoes. I have two bad ankles and play enough soccer to justify the cost. Here's the ultimate problem, I have no idea what to buy. I've thought about popping into my local soccer shop, but I will admit, I would like the shoes to be a bit stylish. Basically, add some color damn it! I started to browse online, but the choices are vast and my knowledge is limited. On top of which, it doesn't seem that anything is "made for women". In the end, I have no idea what the actual benefit of being made for a woman is, but the idea is nice.
Looks like I have my work cut out for me.
I bought a new pair of "women's" indoor shoes. They were the first of their kind and the sales guy didn't actually know if they were better, but I figured I'd try them. Needless to say, they've held up quite well. I only fall on my bottom once or twice a game. ;)
Recently, I've played a few games of outdoor on turf fields. Although, because it is outdoor, I tend to wear cleats. I haven't figured out if they grip any better than the indoor shoes, but again, thus far, they've worked.
Lately however, I've decided it's time to invest in a pair of true turf shoes. I have two bad ankles and play enough soccer to justify the cost. Here's the ultimate problem, I have no idea what to buy. I've thought about popping into my local soccer shop, but I will admit, I would like the shoes to be a bit stylish. Basically, add some color damn it! I started to browse online, but the choices are vast and my knowledge is limited. On top of which, it doesn't seem that anything is "made for women". In the end, I have no idea what the actual benefit of being made for a woman is, but the idea is nice.
Looks like I have my work cut out for me.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Meaning of Life
It's been one of those days. I've had two friends in the last few hours basically start a discussion with me on the meaning of life. I'm not quite sure if it's the age, or something in the air, but I honestly don't have any answers for them. I'm 3 weeks out from my 25th birthday. It tends to be a big deal in the world of birthdays, but I feel this one, for me, is going to pass as any other day would. I've been studying for the GMAT and plan on taking that in 3 weeks as well. Then grad school will be on the horizon after that is complete. Perhaps I don't feel the crunch because I'm making the next step. But honestly, at 25, do you have to know what you want to do with your life?
I'm often told by my parents that they still don't know what they want to do. Once upon a time people held jobs for decades. Now, it seems that after a couple years, it's time to move on. People switch directions more than they used to as well. I'm not sure if it's the evolution of technology or our attention spans are shorter. Technology extinguishes about as many jobs as it makes. The new jobs are more thought provocative and often require more training. At the same time, people like to try new things more often. As a society, we don't like to be routine. So we move in and out of jobs for something bigger, better, or simply higher paying. The loyalty to corporations isn't what it once was. It's vanished.
I feel the meaning of life has changed as well. A person used to build themselves from the bottom to the top in any given company. But today, it's often more beneficial for an employee to take a similar position at a competitor. People would marry "for better or for worse". I hear about more 30-somethings that couldn't make a marriage work after two years and divorced instead of working for it. Children are being had later. This could be a positive as hopefully the adults are more responsible, but at the same time, adults may not be as active as they were in their younger years.
I can only hope, for a solid education, a good job, great friends, a strong family and a companion in my life. I would like to marry, but would rather not if it ends in divorce. I would like to have kids, but would rather not if I can't provide for them. In the end, I want to be happy and passionate. Passionate about who I am, who I am with and everything that I do.
I'm often told by my parents that they still don't know what they want to do. Once upon a time people held jobs for decades. Now, it seems that after a couple years, it's time to move on. People switch directions more than they used to as well. I'm not sure if it's the evolution of technology or our attention spans are shorter. Technology extinguishes about as many jobs as it makes. The new jobs are more thought provocative and often require more training. At the same time, people like to try new things more often. As a society, we don't like to be routine. So we move in and out of jobs for something bigger, better, or simply higher paying. The loyalty to corporations isn't what it once was. It's vanished.
I feel the meaning of life has changed as well. A person used to build themselves from the bottom to the top in any given company. But today, it's often more beneficial for an employee to take a similar position at a competitor. People would marry "for better or for worse". I hear about more 30-somethings that couldn't make a marriage work after two years and divorced instead of working for it. Children are being had later. This could be a positive as hopefully the adults are more responsible, but at the same time, adults may not be as active as they were in their younger years.
I can only hope, for a solid education, a good job, great friends, a strong family and a companion in my life. I would like to marry, but would rather not if it ends in divorce. I would like to have kids, but would rather not if I can't provide for them. In the end, I want to be happy and passionate. Passionate about who I am, who I am with and everything that I do.
Monday, June 25, 2007
3 Weeks
Three weeks from today, right about this time, I will be sitting in a center in San Francisco writing the first essay of my GMAT test. It's a bit bizarre to think that in three weeks I will be starting a new path. The next step of life will be graduate school. I haven't given much thought to if I want to stay in California or if I'd prefer to try another state or even country. I bounce ideas around, but not enough to make any concrete decisions. The test is my focus right now and it's what is important. Twenty-one days, the ring is a bit more relieving than three weeks. Three weeks may be more than my annual vacation, but it's definitely enough to scare me. I am overwhelmed right now and just need to focus.
Some days I feel confident that my quantitative skills are up to par. Some days I know I can correct sentences. Others I fail to answer questions quickly. I should have started looking at the Analytical Writing section earlier. It isn't going to be difficult if I know the topic. However, thus far, my knowledge on the test topics has been limited. Looks like I will be reading the Economist and the Wall Street Journal for the next couple of weeks.
Some days I feel confident that my quantitative skills are up to par. Some days I know I can correct sentences. Others I fail to answer questions quickly. I should have started looking at the Analytical Writing section earlier. It isn't going to be difficult if I know the topic. However, thus far, my knowledge on the test topics has been limited. Looks like I will be reading the Economist and the Wall Street Journal for the next couple of weeks.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The World Disappears
The first step is light
But as the pace picks up
The steps stomp harder
Your breathing rate increases
The music infects your soul
The hustle and bustle vanishes
The further you go,
The more you realize
The world just disappeared.
It isn’t until long after you finish
When the breathing finally normalizes
That you realize,
You’ve been thrust back into the world
But by then,
It doesn’t matter.
The thrill takes over
The thoughts that consumed you before,
Subside.
You are at peace,
And you smile.
But as the pace picks up
The steps stomp harder
Your breathing rate increases
The music infects your soul
The hustle and bustle vanishes
The further you go,
The more you realize
The world just disappeared.
It isn’t until long after you finish
When the breathing finally normalizes
That you realize,
You’ve been thrust back into the world
But by then,
It doesn’t matter.
The thrill takes over
The thoughts that consumed you before,
Subside.
You are at peace,
And you smile.
Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd
Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd, you know what it means, but perhaps you don't realize that you do. How about this, Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd? Or let's make it one simpler, IKEA. It's a brand that you know and recognize. It's a great place for fairly inexpensive furniture and home accessories. But without the acronym, you have no idea what I'm writing about.
I found that personally, I could give the full name for designer brands that I've been in constant contact. However perhaps that's because those designers tend to variably use the abbreviation for the name as well as the full name. It's companies such as CVS and 3M that although quite recognizable, without a list of choices I wouldn't get close to the actual name of the company. And even with choices, I missed.
Test your knowledge here: Company Abbreviations Quiz
I found that personally, I could give the full name for designer brands that I've been in constant contact. However perhaps that's because those designers tend to variably use the abbreviation for the name as well as the full name. It's companies such as CVS and 3M that although quite recognizable, without a list of choices I wouldn't get close to the actual name of the company. And even with choices, I missed.
Test your knowledge here: Company Abbreviations Quiz
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