So there I was

Stand By Me

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:32:00 +0000

Continuing my main use of this blog as a place to post music I like. This one will make you smile. Be sure to check out www.playingforchange.com too. Seems like a really cool program.

Wonderlust King

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:24:00 +0000

This song always makes me want to travel, and now the chance to is finally coming up.

Just got matched!

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:24:00 +0000

I am now officially matched and ready to realize my exchange. Of course, this opens up a new host of problems, ranging from paying for everything (which means selling lots of stuff), to dealing with the intricacies of the Chinese visa system. To be fair, it is not as convoluted as the US system, but still a headache. Looks like I am going to have to get a 6 month visa, and then fly to Hong Kong to renew it for the rest of my stay. I guess the good news is that I get to visit Hong Kong, which I probably would not of done otherwise.

Plane tickets to China are god awful expensive, but such is life I guess. I am also relishing the fact that I will get to deal with a 40 hour travel time (this includes an overnight lay over in Beijing). But, on the bright side, my salary will allow me to afford a pretty nice lifestyle in Changsha apparently, something that wasn't in the cards if I were to go to one of the east coast cities.

I'm also going to be this LC's first trainee, which is exciting and a little daunting. I am going to be the first glimpse into the power of the network for a lot of these AIESECers. I came up through an LC that, while not always posting the best exchange numbers, was always very active internationally. I was shown this from day one. For these kids though, I think only a few have even been to a national conference, much less an international one. Hopefully I can help motivate a few of them to live the dream and show them what it is all about.

All in all, I am very excited to get away from Tech for a year and finally go on a traineeship. I can't wait to try the food, meet the people, and everything that goes with moving to a new culture. I'm not terribly worried about anything, as it seems like the host LC is really trying to pull out all the stops for their first trainee, and lived in China for 3 months before, I am not to worried about culture shock. I am sure I will get homesick and miss friends, but hopefully I will be having enough fun and new experiences to make up for that.

The next year for me

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:03:00 +0000

So, to anyone who reads this and doesn't keep up with my other various tools for mass updating, I have verbally accepted a 1 year position teaching English in Changsha China. Pending visa approval and all that fun stuff, it looks like it is pretty locked down and I am looking to leave in mid May. As I am guessing most people don't know anything about Changsha (I only had a vague idea of where it was when i first saw the TN) here is a little info.

It is here

Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province, and has been inhabited by humans for approximately 3000 years. It is a city of around 6 million people, which is twice the size of the Atlanta metro area.

It looks like this

Changsha is situated on the Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze. It also happens to be near the birthplace of Mao, and was home to many of the central figures of the early communist party in China.

I will be eating this

Those of you who are keen of eye will notice that there are more peppers and chilies in there then anything else. As such, I will be taking donations of neckerchiefs before my departure to deal with the expected perspiration. Hunan cuisine (the province Changsha is the capital of) is apparently considered spicier then the more well known Sichuan cuisine. Going to be a serious gastric adventure.

Anyways, thats a quick overview of where I will be. I will fill in more details as I get things planned and learn more about my work. Hopefully being there will give me more reason to keep this thing updated.

The Hunt Begins

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:41:00 +0000

I finally went available this weekend, so I have sent out my first barrage of emails to what seems like every TN manager in China. Already getting a few responses trickling in, none very promising, but haven't heard from any of my top picks yet. My last real step is getting a motivational/cover letter put together. Not entirely sure how i want to tackle that, but it isn't necessary right at this moment. Im just hoping to get matched before plane tickets become even more prohibitively expensive. I'm not to stressed out about finding something, just hoping to get paid well in a good city. We shall see where this search shall take me.

Thoughts of the future

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:16:00 +0000

I am for the first time in a long while actively planning my future. For the past year or so it has just been a matter of going with the flow, sticking around Atlanta, and doing the school thing. But the times they are a changing. I am finally starting to plan for my long awaited traineeship and related adventures. With this has come a new found excitement that had been missing from my life. All those various posts about wanderlust and the like were me venting frustration at being stuck. But now, finally, I can vent that frustration in a productive and meaningful way. Of course, nothing is set in stone, but I am very optimistic about my near future.

The Bluebird can sing, but the Crows got the soul

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:22:00 +0000

I seem to be entering another music phase, craving anything with "soul". Anything where you can feel the emotions flowing through every note, soaring on a voice that just seems bigger then life, but somehow embodies all that life is.

The Ignorance of Surety and Striving for the Mediocre

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:44:00 +0000

I have become convinced, particularly in the context of the on going election, that surety is often a function of ignorance. It seems that it is only the educated that are aware of the breadth of knowledge and experience that they do not themselves possess. I hear people making claims that they have convinced themselves of without full knowledge and then cling to them even in the face of contradicting evidence. While more knowledge will often refine your view on something, it is equally likely to expose you to possibilities you yourself had not foreseen.
Realizing that there is no easy or well defined solution to most of life's problems is in my mind the first step towards solving those problems. Such an approach seems impossible for our leaders to take however. They are required to pick viewpoints and stick to them their entire career. Eloquence and thoughtful discourse are distrusted, and being well educated denounced. Our leaders are required to pander to the mediocre to obtain what should be the most exclusive job in the nation.
I realize that there is much more then this going on, not all of it easily observable. To say otherwise would contradict myself. However, I feel that it is evident that this is a trend that has been present throughout the history of our nation. If we ever truly want to achieve our potential such disdain for the educated must come to an end.

Red vs. Blue Eastern European Style

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:40:00 +0000

Blue Skies

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:23:00 +0000

For some reason, clear blue days with a nice breeze are one of my favorite things in the world. I love stepping outside and seeing a beautiful day. Just makes me smile.
In other news, I feel like I'm on the cusp of inspiration regarding my possible novel efforts. I might be posting a first draft here sometime soon. It has been rather frustrating having the craving to put words to paper, but rejecting any ideas I've come up with. Hopefully that will turn around here soon.

On a side note, why does it seem half the dog owners in Atlanta feel the need to try and distinguish their pet with strange and unattractive fur cuts?

Anyone want to start a commune?

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:32:00 +0000

Having been keeping up with the news lately, I have decided that it might be a good time to learn some subsistence farming and hunting techniques, move to the Pacific Northwest, and just ride out the storm. Line forms to the left...

Back in the loop

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:14:00 +0000

Well, it seems that I have ignored this little blog here for the last few months, so I figure that now might be a good time to get back into it. I am pretty sure this is mainly motivated by the fact that I am currently trying to study right now, and I naturally look for anything possible to distract myself from the wonders of CS and Engineering Psychology.

I have been told that I am a terrible blogger, and this is for the most part true. This endeavor so far has been little more then a series of complaints and ninja bears. Maybe I can try to lighten it up a little bit now. Presently I am excited about getting a new bike to replace the one that was stolen a few weeks ago. It is a fixed gear commuter/track bike (I think the only thing track about it is the lock ring and bottom bracket height). It is cheap, which is pretty necessary at the moment, and working at a bike shop really helped out on that front as well. Hopefully it will come in today or tomorrow, and I can go out riding this weekend to see how it handles. The fixed gear thing will be new to me as well. I am looking forward to some sore legs, especially having been out of the saddle for a few weeks now.

I have also been finding myself appreciating music more the last few weeks. I don't really have any new favorite bands per say, just taking more enjoyment out of good tunes. I am in the mood for a good live show, though unfortunately none of my favorites are in town anytime soon. With any luck I will stumble across a solid local act. The downside to this search for new interesting music has exposed me to a lot of what has been released lately, at least on the pop/hip hop/alternative rock channels. I realize that a lot of it is catchy, and I admit that I can enjoy it for a listen or two. The majority of it just doesn't have any staying power. I doubt people will remember it in 6 months, much less 6 years. I'm sure there are many reasons for this though I think slaving recording companies to quarterly dividends makes them focus more on short term profit and not long term artist development. Hence the ghost written, loud, soulless noise we see so much of. The downfall of the local DJ hurts too. It used to be DJs would pick music they liked and played it, allowing local acts break through to larger audiences then they could playing shows. However, large nationwide media chains put together nationwide playlists for their stations in different media markets. This is why you hear the same music on 96rock in Atlanta as you do 98rock in Tampa. This stifles new artists breakthroughs.

Alright, so there is my complaining for today. I guess I have to just let a little out every now and again. "Twice a week" as Nate would say.

I have been thinking about starting to write a short story, or maybe a short story that kicks off a novel. I have started this process a few times in the past and I normally find myself falling into plot ruts where I am just regurgitating an amalgamation of things I have read. I need at least a semi original premise. It doesn't help that I normally write things skewed to a sci-fi or fantasy perspective, two genres defined by their cliches. Maybe I could just start writing and get a little serial going on here. Maybe I would keep at it if I actually thought people were reading it.

I suppose that is enough blowing off studying for now. Give me a few hours and maybe I will have the first chapter up. All depends on how dedicated I am... make that two chapters.

Conundrum

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:17:00 +0000

So, do I do a semester long intensive language program in Shanghai, or do I do a traineeship? Which do I value more, command of the language, or work experience? Maybe I could do both? Who knows... I don't even know if my grades are good enough to get into the program, so it may be a moot point....

I'm jealous, though not of his dancing skills

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:04:00 +0000

So, I'm sure a lot of you have seen this guy before, but I just ran across his newest video and it is pretty impressive. The back story is that he dances in an iconic place where ever he goes, though I don't know precisely why. He taped it, it got big, and now I am pretty sure he is sponsored to do it. Either way, his passport must be pretty solid.

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

I have a job!

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:37:00 +0000

I'm working at Outback Bikes now! Should be a party.

Cut Throat...

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:09:00 +0000

...razor that is

Anyways, I am thinking of starting to use a straight edge razor to shave. I've heard some good things and want to try it out. I am tired of ingrown hairs and irritation from every shave, so maybe this will help. Or I might slit my own throat or lose an ear, who knows. The way I look at it, if I face down possible death or mutilation every morning, that is going to make the rest of my day seem so much brighter.

Ninja Bear!

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:01:00 +0000

I like to pretend he is training to avenge his mothers death.

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:23:00 +0000

All I need now is Bono going "yeah, yeah, yeah!"

The Bike Life

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:43:00 +0000

I love clear days and going somewhere new under your own power. In spite of the fact that I just spent all the money I should of spent on food on bike stuff instead, I am really happy about life right now. Heres hoping I can get that job at outback and can fully embrace the hipster cyclist lifestyle for a few months.

Job search

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:57:00 +0000

So, I was kinda sorta maybe offered a job at Outback Bikes in Little Five. Sweet...

(All because I used to work for a chain bike store and screwed them over)

Any Ideas?

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:09:00 +0000

I need to get a full time job this summer and I want something a little off the wall and interesting. Maybe a cool restaurant or store, bike courier, something interesting. Anyone have any ideas?

What to do?

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:33:00 +0000

Do I go to work, or skip out to do CM? Such choices we face in life...

Frustration

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:07:00 +0000

So, I really want to start going on group rides to try and get more hooked into the riding community in Atlanta. However, I am booked every night of the week with something, and all the rides seem to be around this time (or at the crack of dawn, and that doesn't work for me either). Maybe I will have to try and work some stuff around to make room for these rides.

A foodie is born

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:03:00 +0000

I have never considered myself to be anything special in the kitchen. I was halfway decent in high school as I was the one mainly responsible for cooking in my house (I was the only one who had time). That was all lost during 2 years in dorms feasting in the dining hall however. Recently though, I have been taking to the kitchen again. It has been a slow start however, with many a meal of hamburger helper and pizza bites along the way.
I think my main motivation has been to experiment and see what I am capable of. The Whole Foods near my house has also provided inspiration (expensive, but tons of cool stuff). Maybe it has just been the pseudo yuppie lifestyle I have been slowly acquiring since I gained a Midtown address. Who knows what it really is. I am just glad that I am starting to gain the confidence to cook something new and different for once. The good old college staples can get pretty old sometimes, and a fresh cooked hot meal made by your own hands can be pretty satisfying too.
This whole cooking thing brings me back to a conversation I had with a friend of mine late one night on a long car drive. He was considering a complete change of direction and going to culinary school. It was something that I approved of on general principles (I am all for doing whatever the hell you want, so long as it doesn't hurt others), but something I didn't emphasize much with. Thats changed lately though. I am starting to find happiness in preparing food, even though I have barely made anything yet. Maybe a cooking class will be in my future...

What can't soy do?

bryan@aiesecgt.org (Bryan) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:25:00 +0000

From Wikipedia article on edamame...

It is frequently served in restaurants or wine shops with alcohol because enzymes in soybeans assist in the breakdown of alcohol.

So, besides powering your car, soy will also help you through that next power hour.