Khalil Garriott

Well I really can't believe I'm writing this, and I haven't fully wrapped my brain around it yet, but my high school is state champions in football. Osbourn beat Chantilly yesterday and won the Virginia Group AAA Division 6 title. HELL YEAH!

We used to be so awful in football when I was in high school, that to see the program come so far in just a few years is truly remarkable. It used to be that playing Osbourn on a Friday night under the lights was a guaranteed win for the other team. We had some talent, but we were the laughingstock of the district for so long. Not anymore.

I could write many more paragraphs about this, but I'll just say that Brandon Hogan is absolutely unreal. This kid is special--a lot of athletes just have that "it" factor, and he has it. In his last game as an Eagle, he accounted for all six TDs in the state championship game (three passing, three running). His 391-yard performance was so good that his coach, Steve Schultze, proclaimed: "[Hogan's] the best kid in the nation coming out [of high school], bar-none." I'm not sure he's the best in the entire country, but in my book he's the best in Virginia and WVU is getting one heck of a talent next year.

This team had on it a few kids I used to coach in basketball when they were in elementary school. And my next door neighbor was on the team before graduating last year, plus a lot of coaches were still there when I was a student. Being the city's only high school, it's a once-in-a-generation accomplishment and the players deserve all the credit in the world. I wish we had done this when I was there and covering the team! But better late than never; they made history and made all of us alums proud. Here's the article from the Potomac News/Manassas Journal Messenger. GO EAGLES!

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who is proud to say he went to Osbourn and will be following Brandon Hogan's career closely.

Really can't believe today is the first of December. Thanksgiving crept up on me, and I imagine Christmas will too. It's one of my favorite times of year (probably second to mid-March, for many reasons) so I'm looking forward to it. For the first time in three years it looks like I'll actually get a little time off over the holidays.

Also lots going on this month, when you consider holiday parties, people's birthdays, big events to get people in the Christmas spirit, etc. I'm not quite there yet, but maybe these 60+ degree temps we've been having are a reason for that (not that I'm complaining). But seriously, it seems like it was just summer and the fall really flew by. That's all for now.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who did a double take when he looked at the calendar this morning.

This is my first post in months, so this is mainly a test to see if this thing still works. If so, check back for more frequent updates (hopefully). For awhile it was R.I.P.: A Day in the Life, but for now it's been reborn.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who wonders if he'll have time to devote to this again, but isn't making any promises.

Been just a tad on the busy side, hence the lack of posts in weeks. It is a new week and a new month; I have a new job, new house, new roommates, new cell phone, new co-workers, new commute, new friends and a new lease on life.

Life is indeed good right now, people. The craziness of these big life changes has finally settled down a bit, and now it's time to enjoy it. I look forward to reconnecting with people I'm closer to now, as well as moving forward in my personal and professional endeavors. I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and reborn...it's about time!

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who seems to be on a roll lately and hopes you are too.

'Tis the day before the Washington Redskins play their first preseason game. Tomorrow night they (we) take on the overrated Bungles in what could be a Super Bowl preview (HA!). I purposely try to stay away from blogging about sports, but with this year's squad and the buzz surrounding it, let me just share my thoughts.

We will go 11-5. We will get a wild card after tying with the Giants (but losing the tiebreaker) for the NFC East title. Our Pro Bowlers will be: Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Sean Taylor, Marcus Washington and perhaps Chris Cooley. We will get all the way to the NFC Championship Game where we will fall to the favored Carolina Panthers, 31-17. Tasting another Super Bowl will make Washingtonians salivate more than a Freudian dog in heat, but we'll come up short due to Mark Brunell's injury and Jason Campbell's inexperience.

They say you gotta go out on a limb in this business, if only to make a name for yourself. These predictions can, and most likely will, change before the season but one thing will stay the same: the Washington Redskins are back. The days of the Iggles and Cowgirls ruling the division are long over, and this sports writer and lifelong fan couldn't be happier about it. IN JOE GIBBS WE TRUST

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who looks forward to working for the NFL and will do his best to remain objective although his blood runs a true shade of burgundy and gold every fall.

Something sad, but ultimately inevitable, happened to my family this week. We lost Grammie, my stepmom's mother, early Wednesday morning. She's always been like a real Grandma to me and my brother, and she was an incredible mother, grandmother, role model and friend. The visitation was Friday night and the funeral Saturday. It was a testament to her influence and reach that the memorial was a packed house.

I'll admit that I shed a few man tears during some parts of the funeral. When my bro delivered a rousing tribute to her with a long speech and poem, everyone (myself included) became overwhelmed with emotion and I'm sure there were only a few dry eyes in the room. She was 75, she had cancer, she leaves six children and 16 grandchildren, and she was truly one of a kind.

It was extremely weird being at her house for the reception following the ceremony. Missing from the head of the table was the original "Miss Manners" and the centerpiece of such a strong family. If any good can come out of the death of a loved one, I suppose it is getting the chance to visit and reunite with your entire family. The circumstances were bittersweet, but I'm definitely glad I went. I guess, in the end, death is indeed a part of life. But the world is now without a great person who I'll truly miss. Thanks for everything, Grammie.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who wants to leave a lasting legacy on Earth because life is incredibly too short.

I've been a writer virtually all my life--when I was probably six or something I started writing random short stories, poems, and other things 6-year-olds should not be doing. I know I'll always have the passion and ability to write for the rest of my life. Lately my brother has been on a writing kick too and it's reminded me that good writing is so much more than just a bunch of words pieced together.

Whenever I need an emotional or creative outlet, I end up typing (or hand-writing) whatever's on my mind. In the past, this has come in the form of girlfriend letters, friend e-mails, loved one poems and lately personal blog entries. I just think it's the easiest and most direct way to get out what's on your mind. I wish I was artistic because that would be another avenue, but unfortunately God didn't bless me with that skill.

I've been told I'm a pretty good writer and sure, I've been published lots of places and picked up some awards along the way. But writing, to me, isn't about the author; it's about the audience. When those words can jump off the page and really connect with the reader, that's when it hits home. The best writers can establish a connection with--and deliver an emotional appeal to--the reader that takes the subject off of the author and keeps it on the story, or on the message. This is something I strive to do in most of my writings--whether it be columns, articles or letters. Strong written words have an impact that nothing else in life can have...and it's a lifelong hobby that I will never give up.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who knows the pen is always mightier than the sword and hopes to one day prove that with a Pulitzer Prize.

My cell phone is currently out of commission, probably due to my own doing. It's been gradually dying a slow death over the last couple of weeks, and now it just won't even turn on. The Sprint people said I would have to pay an extra $150 for a new one when I went there last, and I was in a hurry so I decided not to. Good job Khalil, now you have no option but to go there and pay whatever they tell you for a new phone...not to mention you probably lost all your #s, pictures, texts, games, ringers and everything else saved on there.

The worst part is I don't know when I'll be able to go and get a new one. It could be tomorrow or it could be some day next week. So if you need to get in touch, look for me online or through e-mail until further notice. Go me.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who can't live without his phone, but will have to because of his obvious lack of common sense.

I just got back from 10 days across the pond and felt if anything was worthy to blog about, this was it. Went to Switzerland, Germany and Austria (doubled the # of countries I've been to in a single trip), highlighted by going to the World Cup. A few words here--and hopefully some pictures later--won't do justice to everything I did and saw.

The trip was very hectic--a lot of traveling and always on the go between cities and countries. I spent tons of $, got very little sleep, and used lots of my vacation time. But you know what? I don't care. I would do it all over again 'cause it was absolutely worth it. Our main stops were Zurich, Switzerland; Munich, Nuremburg, Rothenburg, Germany; and Salzburg, Vienna, Austria. Between meeting people from literally all over the globe and getting to witness the greatest spectacle in all of sports first-hand, it was in a word...awesome.

Although I could have, I decided not to do any work stuff from there so I could just enjoy it. I'm sure my department is glad I didn't expense any of it, although the plan was to bring my laptop, but I'm glad I didn't. I've been to my share of sporting events both for business and for pleasure, but there's nothing like the World Cup. The rest of the world is in love with soccer...it's just too bad the U.S. doesn't get it. It would have been nice if our national team had remembered how to play--watching them lose to Ghana and get sent home was difficult to say the least. But I definitely recommend everyone go to Europe at some point if they haven't--it will open to your mind to how much is really out there and make you question if where you are and what you're doing is right for you. At least it did for me.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who has already booked his tickets for the 2010 Cup in South Africa.

I gots lots of big choices to make in the coming days and weeks, not the least of which is the whole grad school conundrum. It's started to become a more serious option and I think I'll definitely go, but I'm just not sure when or where. After doing a little research, I think I've narrowed it down to three schools, listed in order of preference:

1) UNC--My dream school since I was a kid. Has one of the best journalism programs in the country and is extremely selective (rigorous application/interview process). I've always wanted to live in North Carolina and this would put me in a position to do that, obviously. And can you say ACC BASKETBALL?!?! Chapel Hill is the front-runner, assuming they would even let my underachieving, not worthy tail in there.

2) AU--American also has a great program and I'm impressed w/ all their resources being a smaller school. Very well-connected in the DC scene and it would commit me to staying around here for a while longer, which is fine. I feel like I would fit in there the most, and on paper I'd have a much better chance of getting in than at UNC. Has some successful alums from its School of Communications--including David Aldridge, Jim Brady, my boss Kevin Maguire, GUILANA DEPANDI from E!, and others. Probably the most realistic of my options at this point.

3) GW--The dark horse in the race for Khalil's graduate school endeavor. I believe my degree would be in Journalism and Public Affairs if I went there. Another DC school that is well-respected and also in the middle of the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital. I think they're lagging a little behind the other two in regards to reputation, cost, strength of program and opportunities. But maybe I just need to research it a little more. Might be my fall-back in case the others don't work out.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who looks forward to having the freedom, vacation breaks and chance to advance his career that grad school hopefully provides.

It's supposedly the end of the world as we know it. Today's date, 6/6/06 has some people freaking out because it's "the code of the devil" and the apocalypse is upon us. Right...just like the start of the new millennium was supposed to end life on Earth as well. Remember that Y2K nonsense? People actually bought it..."I better run to the store and get my last gallon of milk before time runs out!"

Anyway, we at AOL Sports decided to take our own turn at the 666 debate by building a package called Sports Signs of the Apocalypse. Yours truly had a hand in this cool production, so check it out before the clock strikes midnight and 6/7/06 is upon us. Or will we even live to see tomorrow?

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who will only believe the world is over when the O's finish ahead of the Yanks and Sox in the AL East.

It's been 10+ days since I last logged into this thing, so for my ever-growing readership (I believe it's up to five now) I thought I'd give a quick update of what I've been up to:

-Memorial Day weekend was great...Went as Megan's date to a wedding near H'burg and basically partied w/ a bunch of cows at the reception in the middle of nowhere, VA. I drove her car ('02 LEX) both ways--which I didn't really expect--and was outnumbered by girls 6:1 (no complaints). It got kinda crazy and we stayed at Ron's place in SunChase even though he wasn't there. Megan's a great girl to do stuff like that with--and we were definitely the best-looking couple there!

-Sunday was good, too. My brother is moving out of his place in DC so he and a couple friends came over with a U-Haul and we spent a couple hours moving all his stuff here. A couple other friends of the family came by to chip in and the basement is pretty much packed with crap. Then I went over to Golay's pig roast since he was in town from Florida. Between having an hour-long, serious talk with his mom about "life" stuff to rediscovering my flirting-with-perfection pong skills, it was a great time. Went into the wee hours (I left around 2) and I believe a combination of Ace of Base, LaBouche and old-school Sublime was the music of choice.

-Monday was my big bro's 26th birthday. He spent most of it continuing the massive amounts of moving, but I know he liked my presents and we'll get to see plenty of each other on our trip to Europe. Lots of changes coming in both of our lives. I hope everyone honored the minute of silence for the fallen troops at 3PM on Monday.

-Tuesday: back to work day. It was crazier than usual, as expected, and I mainly had World Cup and NHL playoffs duties to tackle. I came in a little early because I had a one-on-one meeting with the new big boss, which went well. We were cut a little short 'cause of our usual sports editorial team meeting but I left feeling a little better about how he knows me and what my role is. I've kind of been craving some mentorship around the office and he's accomplished many of the things I hope to do in my career...so hopefully I can kind of pick his brain and soak up some of his experience.

-Didn't do a whole lot out of the ordinary on Wednesday...or maybe I did but already forgot. So that brings us to today--just your typical 90-degree day in June in the DC area. Right about now I'm wishing I was at some beach, any beach. Can't believe it's June 1st--2006 is almost halfway over already!?

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who is coming off a great weekend and looking forward to another one.

Currently infectious songs that, when they come on the radio, I will never change...and probably turn up really loud and break into dance by myself (wow I just sounded really cool):

1) Promiscuous--Nelly Furtado & Timbaland (I hope you saw her on SNL)
2) Bad Day--Daniel Powter (we can all relate)
3) Hips Don't Lie--Shakira & Wyclef (they certainly don't)
4) Beautiful--James Blunt (it's true)
5) Dance, Dance--Fall Out Boy (no one-hit wonder)

Yeah as you can see, finding new music hasn't been a real priority lately. HOLLA

Last Monday, I saw something I've never seen before. On my way to work, there was a huge line of cars stopped ahead of me and absolutely no cars going the other way. I thought it was a big accident, or maybe just another typical case of D.C.-area drivers not knowing what they're doing. Anyway, when I finally got to the problem, I was turned away by cops and had to backtrack and try several different alternative routes. Two hours late to work by now, I found out that there was some kind of police investigation going on and all roads were shut down, as were schools and other public areas. I saw probably a total of 100 police vehicles, plus SWAT teams with guns drawn and FBI officials. Oh, and it was raining, I was low on gas and my cell phone's battery was dying. What a start to the week.

Most people around here have heard what happened by now--an 18-year-old kid went to a Fairfax county police station and released an ambush, killing one officer immediately and injuring two others before being killed himself by police gunfire. This, alone, was huge (and obviously sad) news that dominated media coverage for the better part of a week. Well today's update is that the other cop--who had been in the hospital since last Monday--is now dead. He was just sitting in his cruiser after getting off his shift. So now three people are dead and multiple families and communities are devastated because of one guy's unexplainable decision.

A few days after it happened, I went to see "United 93." It was very intense, and I've definitely never seen a movie like it, but it kind of gave me a deeper appreciation for law enforcement and others in that line of work. There were some extremely brave individuals on that plane and at that police station on those days; unfortunately they're not around to tell their stories. One thing I hate about this world is that for every kind, charitable person out there, there is a twisted, psychotic individual who, somewhere along the way, learned that it's okay to take another person's life. These people are somebody's mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, role models, teachers, co-workers, heroes, students, neighbors, friends, husbands and wives. Terrorism or one isolated incident--it makes no difference. No person should ever have the right to take another human's life.

Praying for everyone who's suffering right now...

Alright so I've purposely tried to avoid blogging about anything directly sports-related since I started this, and so far so good. But sports are literally my life, and it's what I know best, so I had to sound off a little on Mr. Barry Lamar Bonds.

He hasn't gone yard in the past six games, and all of my co-workers (myself included) are basically forced to watch his every at-bat because it could come at any time. Thankfully he's in quite a drought now, making our jobs a little easier, but he's just one back of the Babe and chances are it'll happen this week. Check out one of our stories as a reference to what he's going through right now.

I've never seen such a high-profile athlete getting the treatment he's getting in pursuit of a major pro sports record in my 24 years. Teammates, coaches, and those within the Giants are growing tired of the daily monotony this thing has turned into. And MLB itself has said it won't celebrate Bonds' 714th homer when it happens because of the ongoing steroids issues.

I'm just mad because I can't even get excited about this, and I feel like I should be. There's such a dark cloud hanging over Bonds that it takes away any due props he has earned to this point. So what if he's never actually "failed" a drug test? There have been so many ways developed to beat those tests in the modern era that you have to throw that argument out the window. The writing's on the wall...and yes, we live in the land of "innocent until proven guilty," but at some point common sense has to come into play. If it looks like a duck, talks like a duck, and walks like a duck...guess what is folks? (Hint: It's not a goose.)

As a comparison, I remember when Cal Ripken Jr. was chasing Lou Gehrig's Ironman streak for consecutive games played. The celebration and parade that baseball gave him--all well deserved--is the exact opposite of what Bonds is getting right now. He'll probably break and tie the Babe on the road this week, where maybe 30% of fans witnessing it will cheer him. The others will boo him and continue to boo him. You can't blame the average fan for turning against this guy in light of everything we've learned about him. But you can blame Bonds himself for digging his own grave--now it's time to lay in it.

So lately I've been requested by a couple friends to link to their blogs in mine. One even said if I linked to hers, my comments would multiply like 5-fold because apparently she's big on the DC blog scene. Haha, this is getting silly. Anyway check these out if you want, if not I don't really care:

http://ytrain.blogspot.com

http://citysparkle.blogspot.com/

http://camstakeonsports.blogspot.com/

http://www.blogger.com/profile/24074452

That's it and that's all for now. LOTS on my mind right now, but in one of those moods when I'd rather keep it to myself. Stay tuned.

10) Josh Krause--What a solid guy my buddy Josh is. He's probably smarter, cooler, and better-looking than you, haha. We've been through many different eras of friends and significant others...as well as living in the same dorm and playing on several different intramural b'ball squads together. He stayed for a 5th year and did it right--now he's gettin ready to go back to Mass. for grad school at Tufts. I just hope he remembers little people like me when he hits the big-time.

11) Whitney Chesbro--Whitney is one in a million, the kind of girl you've never met twice. She goes out of her way to be a good friend and just asks for that in return. Even though she hasn't had the best luck with guys, I know there's someone out there perfect for her. She, too, took the scenic route through college but has a pretty sweet set-up coming with her own condo at the beach. She's definitely been through a lot and her mood changes with the wind, but that's what makes her Whit!

12) Ron Black--RBizzal/Ronny B/RJB/Biggie's cousin/Diesel! This kid is my boy and I'm pretty sure everyone who knows him loves him. He made a semi-late appearance into our group but now he's come out of his shell and has become the man. I believe at TI '04 he was voted "Most likely to be a great dad/husband", haha, which I can definitely see. Don't be surprised if he and I live together at the same grad school sometime in the future. Way too many memories with this man to list here, and definitely lots more to make. "Holla Holla Holla"

13) Natalie Golden--Last but definitely not least. I don't think I've gotten to know someone who is a more giving person than Nat. I won't forget: your plaid (not striped!) pants, my salsa pants, your red Quicksilver hat, the IHHS building, hiding from roommate's family in your room, Natasha Beddingfield, 4-hour phone talks almost every night, Rascal Flatts, visiting each other, AOL Christmas party, "Are you nervous?," FROTH!, your 22nd, venting to each other, and more. You are a great girl and I'll always be here and on your side. Some kids are gonna be very lucky to have Miss Golden as their teacher :)

So congrats to everyone and also thanks for makin this past weekend so RIDICULOUS. You're now alums of the best college on the planet, where our pregame is your party. Job well done, class of '06...

6) Lauren Cochenour--Lauren's one of those people you're so glad to have gotten to know because she's just great to be around. We met at Jen Sherry's b'day dinner and somehow she found out I thought she had real nice eyes, haha. Talking every day/night faded once she met somebody (who she'll marry this fall), and I don't regret that, but she's still a great girl with a good heart who deserves the best.

7) Keely Lindstadt--Keely's a fun-loving girl who I met doing concessions at a football game when she was a freshman. A great semi-formal date and mixed doubles partner who knows how to party (even when she loses her cell phone, purse, keys, etc.) She was a crucial part to a great Penn State trip we had when she was too incoherent to notice Evan sucking on her toes, haha. Just one of lots of memories and hopefully more in the future since she starts work in DC in August.

8) Kelly Brown--A good friend who has a completely unique personality. She kind of looks like Kelly McGillis from Top Gun (definitely a compliment), and makes you laugh by making fun of herself. We have lots of pictures together and I know I'll stay in touch with her especially since she's headed to GMU law school in the fall. Don't let the looks fool you--downtown Kelly Brown has the brains to match :)

9) Laurel Thompson--I'm probably more proud of Laurel than anyone else because she's really matured and come into her own over the years. She always knows the right things to say and ask and genuinely cares about people. The sky is really the limit for Laurel and going to UNC for grad school ain't a bad start. She's always looking out for other people and I don't think I've ever heard someone say she dislikes her. Hopefully her and Josh will stay strong cause they're real good for each other.

In honor of JMU's graduation this weekend, I thought I'd post a little memory for each person I know who's graduating. Hopefully the first in a three-part series, and in no particular order...

1) Ashley ?--Forgive me for not knowing your last name. I met you almost last year at this time at Miguel's grad/birthday party. We consumed plenty of beverages then rolled about 15 deep to the VIP room at Fur in DC. Remember they made us spit out our gum at the door?! Then we partied together in January in H'burg when you took one for the team and we packed like 8 into your car from Marcus' house. Maybe we can get to know each other better cause I thought you were a cool ass chick from the get-go.

2) Sam Helsing--One of the best additions to club tennis in my years! You're a crazy girl, even though we don't know each other too well, but crazy in a good way. Classic Sam would show up to practice in a jean skirt and cowboy boots, haha. You have a great personality and your sis Courtney is cool too. Sometimes I pass the time at work by looking at your new webshots, haha.

3) Katie O'Rourke--Ahh Katie O. Probably one of the nicer and funnier girls I've met. Your days of having a crush on Dave are in the past, as are all "the 4 of us" pictures from Highlawn. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Natalie, so thank you. You and Matt Kim became best friends with our big brown couch on the weekends, haha. I'll forgive you for being a Giants fan because we all know who the class of the NFC East really is.

4) Adam Newcomb--A-New! I always thought you were kinda quiet, but whenever you talked you had good things to say. One of those kids that liked to make fun of himself and his tennis game, which is always good to be around. I still don't know how you serve left-handed then switch to righty but I commend you for it. You came out of your shell in the past year and kinda remind me of myself senior year--broke up with a serious girlfriend, lived it up, didn't really study, and engaged in shady debauchery on a regular basis. I'll still be your friend even though you're a nursing major and you're a dude.

5) Richard Mooney--Mooney is just a cool guy. Always partied with the older crew and acted real mature. A pretty talented actor/theater guy from what I gather, and has a beer pong style that no one else does. Classic IMs from you a couple summers ago when were both in Stonegate include: "Yo, I got a couple cases, come down the hill and drink with me." (Usually around 4 PM.) Also remember takin the bus together a couple times a week to class, but there was a period of about a month when I wouldn't see you cause one or both of us would skip. We got lots of mutual friends in common and I'll come out and visit if you pursue the acting scene in Cali.

Can't believe some of y'all youngins are graduatin...I seriously feel old now.

Good weekend and a fitting end to another month in the books. I can't stop yawning...but what else is new? I'm lookin forward to the start of May and the coming "summer" months. Hopefully some pretty major changes for me in the near future. Anyway, to recap:

Today I went to the wake/viewing for Kevin's dad. It wasn't really what I expected...although I'm not really sure what I expected. I stayed for a couple hours and got to see my NY boys and Kelly from Boston, plus Jackie came (who lives in Arlington but I rarely see). We actually stood around and laughed a lot, talked about every random thing, but also paid our respects of course. I'm really glad I went...Izzo likes to give me crap about moving to NYC and sometimes I think it'd be pretty sweet to live up there and hang w/ him, Bob, Teich, and the crew. Don't know when I'll see most of them next, but regardless today was bittersweet.

Yesterday I hung out w/ Micah--just sat around talking and went to get a little lunch. That kid is my boy--he, like me, isn't totally sure what he wants to do next in life but has a lot goin on right now. I can relate with A LOT of the things he's going through--both good and bad. The highlight was him making me pay for the food 'cause I make more than him and have more in the bank, haha.

Got a short work week comin up--lookin forward to that. In desperate need of a haircut--hopefully manana. Just wrote a check for nearly $1,000--hopefully money well spent. That's all for now folks...

Life is good!

My old roommate's father just passed away and it has kind of changed my outlook on things a little. He's a good friend, and we had a 45-minute phone conversation about everything yesterday. I purposely tried to bring up other things to take his mind off it and he seems to be doing surprisingly well--"one day at a time" as he put it. The wake/funeral is this Sunday/Monday, and I hope to be able to go.

That news--combined with finding out my step-grandma has lung cancer and the book I've been reading--just makes you think and helps put things in perspective. One of my favorite professors--and people in general--taught me that life is really all about relationships. When we leave this place, people will remember not what we did and how much we made, but how we treated people and the way we lived life. One of the main themes of The Purpose Driven Life is finding meaning in our lives and cherishing every day. I don't claim to be some omnipotent, wise preacher because I'm not, but this stuff is true and we could all learn from it.

But beyond the tragic events like death, injuries, illness, etc., life is full of minor problems that we can either stress and worry about, or conquer and move on from. I think the saying is "You never know today what tomorrow will bring"--so I try to look past the petty differences and keep a closer eye on the bigger picture. As I've found out lately, and without my own doing, the most important things can change VERY quickly whether you want them to or not. Just my 2 cents, take it or leave it...

I was feeling a little bored and inquisitive the other day so I decided to put on paper where all my friends are in their lives right now. The result was a list of states they live in (way more than I thought) and those with major changes in their lives (wives/husbands, baby's mommas, bun in the oven, etc.) I'll let the numbers speak for themselves:

Out of people I know...
-131 live in VA
-14 live in NY
-8 live in FL
-6 live in PA
-6 live in MD
-4 live in MA
-3 live in NJ
-3 live in WV
-3 live in OH
-3 live in GA
-2 live in DC
-2 live in CA
-2 live in NE
-2 live in TX
-1 lives in KY
-1 lives in CT
-1 lives in SC
-1 lives in AZ
-1 lives in MN
-1 lives in TN
-1 lives in RI
-1 lives in WA
-1 lives in AL
*-1 (I think) lives in Korea

So obviously most of my friends are still in VA like me. Here's a breakdown with the top few cities in the Old Dominion:

-H'burg: 24
-Arlington: 21
-Manassas: 12
-Richmond: 12
-Fairfax: 12
-Reston: 9
-Falls Church: 6
-VA Beach: 6
-Alexandria: 5
-Herndon: 4
-Woodbridge: 4
-Norfolk: 3

Now for the scary part. This list seems to grow everyday and there could even be others I don't know about:

-People that are married: 7
-People that are engaged: 9
-People that are parents: 3
-People that are pregnant/have had an abortion: 2

Sometimes it helps to get a better idea of the big picture 'cause life can move pretty fast. Long story short: My friends are spread apart like crazy and lots have attachments that I don't want for awhile. HOLLA

So I guess I fall under the cheesy label of a "young professional"--almost 2 years out of school, held down the same job for over a year and a half now, blah blah. And I like a lot of things about what I do...but lately I've found myself getting a little too cocky for my own good.

I'm a sports editor and columnist for the world's largest Internet service provider. I mean, how cool is that? I also do freelance writing for magazines and Web sites. The point here is not to post my resume, but to enlighten people on the fact that I know I have a pretty good gig. Plenty of my friends are stuck in dead-end, entry-level jobs that they dread going to. I empathize with those people.

But when I meet someone new, it's standard for one of the first questions to be: "Where do you work?" or "What do you do?" Most folks seem pretty impressed when I give my answer, but then this weird feeling of "I have a better job than you" or "Can you top that?" comes over me almost immediately. At the risk of sounding overly cocky or smug, I try to put the focus on them and act interested in their answers. Maybe I'm one of the lucky few, although my job isn't perfect, but I'm definitely grateful and appreciative of the opportunities it's given me.

Don't you hate meeting someone who thinks he/she is better than you? This reminds me of the well-known arrogant label UVA kids have around here compared to the rest. And it also might portray me as one of those Laguna Beach-type trust fund babies--which I am definitely not. I guess I just need to have more of an open mind and realize that there's somethin out there for everybody. Until next time...