Haven't updated on the whole vegetarian thing in a while, so here's a little story for yah.
Lent came and went, and Amanda and I decided to keep up the vegetarianism. We'll still eat fish every now and then, but for the most part, it's all fruits, veggies, dairy, and protein.
Anyway, it's been a solid two months since I've eaten any meat and I feel pretty good overall. I've lost a few pounds, which I wasn't trying to do, but I'm working out really hard too, and I'm happy with how I look.
These two months have been pretty easy, and I felt pretty good about going strong. Until last night...
I got off work around 8 and met up with Amanda to have dinner at the Filling Station, the restaurant across from Sticks and Stones. They have baller salads there, and some pretty good vegetarian wraps.
I wanted something different last night, so I got what they call the "Park Sampler". With this, you choose three items from a list of chicken salad, tuna salad, pimento cheese, black bean or red pepper hummus, or garden salad. I chose the black bean hummus, garden salad, and tuna salad. Thought it sounded like a nutritious and balanced meal.
Our food came after a short wait and I started to dig in because I was pretty hungry. I jumped on the hummus first, which came with some dope pita chips, then focused on the tuna salad. It looked delicious, and after I tried a bite, it tasted delicious too.
I kept eating it, and as I chewed, I realized that it didn't really taste or smell like tuna. Kept eating though, because it was good, and I figured it was ok. Then Amanda looked at me and said, "Is that chicken?!"
It totally was! Haha, I kinda looked down at it, dropped my fork, and said "Shieeeet!"
I got meat-roofied and I didn't even know it until it was too late! All that dedication and will-power to stay away from it for two months and counting all crashed down on that moment! If I ate meat again, I wanted to make it count, with a pepperoni pizza or a BBQ sandwich! Not CHICKEN SALAD! I don't even normally EAT chicken salad! Haha, I was bummed!
Anyway, I told my server, and she was pretty embarrassed and felt terrible. She brought me tuna (which was AWESOME), and comped my meal, so I guess it was a small price to pay for ACCIDENTALLY breaking my streak. But ey, I won't really count it. It was an honest mistake, and chicken salad looks a lot like tuna salad. Should've realized at the lack of smell, but ah well.
So for now, the vegetarianism continues. I'm feelin' great and it's becoming easier, so we'll see how it goes.
In the meantime, I'll make sure to keep an eye (and a nose) on my tuna salad...hmmm...
D.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
163 years of birthdays...
Amanda and I celebrated 3 birthdays of significant elders in our families within 24 hours this weekend. It was pretty cool.
Here's the run-down of our schedule:
Sat. 2-4: Amanda's Great-Aunt Helen's 90th Birthday Party, Greensboro.
Sat. 7pm: My grandma's 93rd B'day party, Gaston Country Club, Gastonia.
Sun. 2: Amanda's grandfather's 80th b'day party, Greensboro.
Check it out. Parties for people turning 90, 93, and 80. Add up all those years (163), and imagine ALL of the experience the three of them have, and everything they've seen in their lives! We're talkin' the Depression (for two of them), WWII, all of the craziness of going to space for the first time, a complete evolution of music (could talk about THAT one for a while), phonographs to iPods, radio shows to reality shows, Pearl Harbor to 9/11, Coke to New Coke to Coke Classic, telegraphs to the internet, and so much MORE.
Needless to say, it was quite a weekend of honoring our elders, haha. Gotta say it was great getting to meet and hang out with so many people of both sides of Amanda's family, and I was REALLY excited to get her down to Gastonia for the first time. I loved seeing how happy the three birthday folks were, and I hope that if and when I reach any of those ages, I'll have families as beautiful and fun as those celebrating this weekend to laugh with when the time comes...
Here's the run-down of our schedule:
Sat. 2-4: Amanda's Great-Aunt Helen's 90th Birthday Party, Greensboro.
Sat. 7pm: My grandma's 93rd B'day party, Gaston Country Club, Gastonia.
Sun. 2: Amanda's grandfather's 80th b'day party, Greensboro.
Check it out. Parties for people turning 90, 93, and 80. Add up all those years (163), and imagine ALL of the experience the three of them have, and everything they've seen in their lives! We're talkin' the Depression (for two of them), WWII, all of the craziness of going to space for the first time, a complete evolution of music (could talk about THAT one for a while), phonographs to iPods, radio shows to reality shows, Pearl Harbor to 9/11, Coke to New Coke to Coke Classic, telegraphs to the internet, and so much MORE.
Needless to say, it was quite a weekend of honoring our elders, haha. Gotta say it was great getting to meet and hang out with so many people of both sides of Amanda's family, and I was REALLY excited to get her down to Gastonia for the first time. I loved seeing how happy the three birthday folks were, and I hope that if and when I reach any of those ages, I'll have families as beautiful and fun as those celebrating this weekend to laugh with when the time comes...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Grad School.
Took the GRE's back in October. Didn't know exactly what I was getting into, but I was happy to take 'em, just to have a chance to keep moving forward. It's crazy how plans can be made and then changed in a second. My original plan was to take the test and apply to UNCG, hoping to get in. In the meantime, I got a brochure from Elon University talking about a one year program in "Interactive Media". It called for Comm majors and other people of that nature to join an intense program that would teach different media and audio/visual programs in an attempt to fast-track students into the media world. It seemed like the perfect call for me.
Anyway, I checked more into the program and decided I definitely wanted to apply. UNCG would be good but this was more of a sure-fire track into media than the Theory route. I went to an open house there and got even more excited about it, but was slightly discouraged when I found out they only accept 36 students out of 100 and more applicants.
I applied anyway, not sure what the results would be, but wrote what I felt like to be a killer personal statement to try to get into the program. You all know I love to write, and this seemed like the perfect program for ME and for what I want to DO. So, that being said, I got my application in, along with three letters of reccomendation, and the following "personal statement":
My name is Drew Sykes, and I’m a writer. I’m 24, I graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2008, and I’m ready for the next step of my life.
Since I finished school I’ve been a ropes instructor in Colorado, a roadie for John Mayer, a blogger, a guitarist, and a server at a local organic pizza restaurant. Through it all, I’ve been a student, and I’ve been looking for the right place to continue my education.
I know the Interactive Media program would be the right fit for where I am in my life right now. You had me at the brochure, and getting to see the facilities through the open house sealed the deal.
While at NC State, I majored in English Creative Writing with a minor in Journalism. Writing is passion of mine, but I don’t want to be an author “when I grow up” (whenever that may be). Don’t get me wrong, I love what the title “Creative Writing” entails. I mean, I’m a huge Stephen King fan, but I don’t want to be him. I do want to use my writing, however, and I know that the skills I would learn in the Interactive Media program would allow me to take what I can do and share through the frame of the big picture that is mass media today.
As for the Journalism aspect of my education, I’ve always been a fan of the press. I loved Superman as a kid, so I guess I kind of subconsciously followed the footsteps of Clark Kent. My grandfather was also a journalist, most famous for covering the first story of the Sit-in Movement in Greensboro in 1960. While I always looked up to his work, I don’t want to go the route of the newspaper, for it’s now a dying medium. The Interactive Media program would allow me to take my journalist foundation and create material for the audience of the next generation.
I’ve always been a people person, and ultimately, I want to get into broadcasting. If I could walk into a store and choose a job off a shelf, I’d point behind the counter and say “Just give me one of Ryan Seacrest’s jobs. Maybe one of his host jobs. Thanks.” Of course, life doesn’t work that way. I realize that the media field is one of the most competitive arenas out there, but I’m ready to work my way to the top. I’m confident in my writing, and combined with the behind the scenes skills I would learn in Interactive Media, I know I could climb the ladder even faster.
Attending NC State University for my undergrad was always a dream of mine. My dad went to school there, and I grew up loving the Wolfpack with all my heart. While I was excited to be a part of the Pack, I only had a general idea of what I wanted to do as a freshman, so I entered the First Year College program. Unfortunately, joining this program put me into such a broad field that I didn’t know what to do with myself. I took general classes that covered every end of the education spectrum searching for something I could relate to and love. I enjoyed the social aspects of school but I couldn’t find anything to put my heart into on the education side, so I just got by with my grades and kept searching.
All of this changed when I discovered I could use my passion of writing as a way to succeed in school. After declaring my major as Creative Writing, I channeled what I learned about myself in my first years of college and focused it on doing well in class. The education side became fun for me for the first time, and my work showed it. It’s amazing how much easier class became when I could put my heart into my studies. The pressure was off, and I ended my undergraduate career with my best grades and great relationships with my professors.
I have no regrets on my slow start to school, and I couldn’t be happier with how I finished. Ending my time at NC State on a positive note gave me the confidence to take everything I learned and run with it to the next step of my life. I’m now ready to take the momentum from my last year at State and carry it to the Interactive Media Program.
If I’m accepted into iMedia, I’ll bring this confidence I learned in the finale of my undergraduate career. I want to show you my passion for writing and I want to pour my heart into your program. I also want to bring my most valuable asset by sharing my voice. I guarantee I can give iMedia a voice that everyone can relate to, and I want to enter the program ready to grow with those around me.
I know that being a part of Interactive Media would be a great opportunity to take what I’ve learned in life and in school and run with it. I’m ready for the next step in my life, and I want to be heard.
My name is Drew Sykes, and I’m a writer. I hope to see you in July.
BOOM: so that was my letter to Elon. Waited around for a while, and had to explain a few things, but I really put my heart into it and felt good about it...Honestly, I do my best writing when I have something important or meaningful to say.
So have I heard back yet?
Yes, I have...
The result?
I GOT IN! SO: Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be going to Elon University for my MA in Interactive Media in July!
Couldn't be more excited about the future right now!
Seacrest, here I COME!
SYKES, OUT!
Anyway, I checked more into the program and decided I definitely wanted to apply. UNCG would be good but this was more of a sure-fire track into media than the Theory route. I went to an open house there and got even more excited about it, but was slightly discouraged when I found out they only accept 36 students out of 100 and more applicants.
I applied anyway, not sure what the results would be, but wrote what I felt like to be a killer personal statement to try to get into the program. You all know I love to write, and this seemed like the perfect program for ME and for what I want to DO. So, that being said, I got my application in, along with three letters of reccomendation, and the following "personal statement":
My name is Drew Sykes, and I’m a writer. I’m 24, I graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2008, and I’m ready for the next step of my life.
Since I finished school I’ve been a ropes instructor in Colorado, a roadie for John Mayer, a blogger, a guitarist, and a server at a local organic pizza restaurant. Through it all, I’ve been a student, and I’ve been looking for the right place to continue my education.
I know the Interactive Media program would be the right fit for where I am in my life right now. You had me at the brochure, and getting to see the facilities through the open house sealed the deal.
While at NC State, I majored in English Creative Writing with a minor in Journalism. Writing is passion of mine, but I don’t want to be an author “when I grow up” (whenever that may be). Don’t get me wrong, I love what the title “Creative Writing” entails. I mean, I’m a huge Stephen King fan, but I don’t want to be him. I do want to use my writing, however, and I know that the skills I would learn in the Interactive Media program would allow me to take what I can do and share through the frame of the big picture that is mass media today.
As for the Journalism aspect of my education, I’ve always been a fan of the press. I loved Superman as a kid, so I guess I kind of subconsciously followed the footsteps of Clark Kent. My grandfather was also a journalist, most famous for covering the first story of the Sit-in Movement in Greensboro in 1960. While I always looked up to his work, I don’t want to go the route of the newspaper, for it’s now a dying medium. The Interactive Media program would allow me to take my journalist foundation and create material for the audience of the next generation.
I’ve always been a people person, and ultimately, I want to get into broadcasting. If I could walk into a store and choose a job off a shelf, I’d point behind the counter and say “Just give me one of Ryan Seacrest’s jobs. Maybe one of his host jobs. Thanks.” Of course, life doesn’t work that way. I realize that the media field is one of the most competitive arenas out there, but I’m ready to work my way to the top. I’m confident in my writing, and combined with the behind the scenes skills I would learn in Interactive Media, I know I could climb the ladder even faster.
Attending NC State University for my undergrad was always a dream of mine. My dad went to school there, and I grew up loving the Wolfpack with all my heart. While I was excited to be a part of the Pack, I only had a general idea of what I wanted to do as a freshman, so I entered the First Year College program. Unfortunately, joining this program put me into such a broad field that I didn’t know what to do with myself. I took general classes that covered every end of the education spectrum searching for something I could relate to and love. I enjoyed the social aspects of school but I couldn’t find anything to put my heart into on the education side, so I just got by with my grades and kept searching.
All of this changed when I discovered I could use my passion of writing as a way to succeed in school. After declaring my major as Creative Writing, I channeled what I learned about myself in my first years of college and focused it on doing well in class. The education side became fun for me for the first time, and my work showed it. It’s amazing how much easier class became when I could put my heart into my studies. The pressure was off, and I ended my undergraduate career with my best grades and great relationships with my professors.
I have no regrets on my slow start to school, and I couldn’t be happier with how I finished. Ending my time at NC State on a positive note gave me the confidence to take everything I learned and run with it to the next step of my life. I’m now ready to take the momentum from my last year at State and carry it to the Interactive Media Program.
If I’m accepted into iMedia, I’ll bring this confidence I learned in the finale of my undergraduate career. I want to show you my passion for writing and I want to pour my heart into your program. I also want to bring my most valuable asset by sharing my voice. I guarantee I can give iMedia a voice that everyone can relate to, and I want to enter the program ready to grow with those around me.
I know that being a part of Interactive Media would be a great opportunity to take what I’ve learned in life and in school and run with it. I’m ready for the next step in my life, and I want to be heard.
My name is Drew Sykes, and I’m a writer. I hope to see you in July.
BOOM: so that was my letter to Elon. Waited around for a while, and had to explain a few things, but I really put my heart into it and felt good about it...Honestly, I do my best writing when I have something important or meaningful to say.
So have I heard back yet?
Yes, I have...
The result?
I GOT IN! SO: Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be going to Elon University for my MA in Interactive Media in July!
Couldn't be more excited about the future right now!
Seacrest, here I COME!
SYKES, OUT!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
On old times. (Kind of...)
Okay. I'm back. Writing like a champ for no reason again.
I'm watching "American Pie: Beta House" on Comedy Central right now, and the movie sucks, but I love it. It's your typical college party movie, but I'm not gonna lie: I'm a sucker for cheap humor. Of course, it exxagerates EVERY possible college stereotype, but it's pretty funny.
At the same time, movies like this take me back to my own personal collegiate years, which only ended two years ago. Seems like a lifetime now, but it wasn't that long ago. Looking back on Phi Tau and everything, I miss it. It was never the typical frat when I was involved, and I had some great times when I was involved. Where else would you have a roomate with a hedgehog or latenight cook-out four times a week or a slip-n-slide IN THE HOUSE? I mean, it's crazy. This time of year REALLY brings out the memories of Buffett and building the bamboo fence and playing volleyball in the April sun.
But anyway. I'm a nostalgic kid. Y'all know that. I could write a movie about my experiences with Phi Tau and at NC State, and if I ever get famous, I probably will.
Love it and miss it. That's enough for now before I get too into it.
Peace for now.
Drew.
I'm watching "American Pie: Beta House" on Comedy Central right now, and the movie sucks, but I love it. It's your typical college party movie, but I'm not gonna lie: I'm a sucker for cheap humor. Of course, it exxagerates EVERY possible college stereotype, but it's pretty funny.
At the same time, movies like this take me back to my own personal collegiate years, which only ended two years ago. Seems like a lifetime now, but it wasn't that long ago. Looking back on Phi Tau and everything, I miss it. It was never the typical frat when I was involved, and I had some great times when I was involved. Where else would you have a roomate with a hedgehog or latenight cook-out four times a week or a slip-n-slide IN THE HOUSE? I mean, it's crazy. This time of year REALLY brings out the memories of Buffett and building the bamboo fence and playing volleyball in the April sun.
But anyway. I'm a nostalgic kid. Y'all know that. I could write a movie about my experiences with Phi Tau and at NC State, and if I ever get famous, I probably will.
Love it and miss it. That's enough for now before I get too into it.
Peace for now.
Drew.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Beatles on American Idol.
I'm a sucker for "American Idol".
Never thought I'd openly admit this, but it's true. Got kind of into it last season, but thanks to Amanda and the fact that it's cheap and easy to watch, I've become addicted this season.
I know what you're saying and thinking. "Drew, you're a sell-out." Well, sell-outs usually live pretty happy lives, right? Sorry to disappoint.
This season isn't considered to have the strongest lineup of contestants, but I'm a fan of most of those who are left. To make it more interesting, they did songs from Lennon/McCartney this week, which is how my attention was originally drawn in two years ago.
A lot of Beatles fans weren't too happy about this song list, however, because they believe that the show is full of no-talent karaoke singers. I even got into a debate with a bunch of people who attend the Beatle festival, Abbey Road on the River, about whether or not it was a good thing they would be singing these classic songs. Most of them argued that it would be awful, and that it was only Sony's way of trying to exploit money out of the Beatles lineup. I disagreed, however, saying that whether the contestants did a good or bad job, it would still be exposure for the Beatles and could open the eyes of young people to a higher level of music. Think of all the kids out there who watch Idol and only listen to the spawn of Disney and acts like Justin Bieber. This episode could grab their attention and pull them in a much more dignified musical direction. Even though the songs being performed aren't the original, I know that if a cover is interesting, it makes me want to check out the way the first artist performed it. Hopefully Idol will do the same for these kids.
One of the many good things about the Beatles is that they created a foundation of music so beautiful that future performers could take it in any direction or genre. While new versions of the songs can be different, they can also be a cool and innovative new look into the original classic. The "I am Sam" and "Across the Universe" soundtracks have already done this, and I think it's fun to see where other new and old artists take the songs as well.
As for this season of "American Idol", the contestants did a pretty good job with the music overall. My top four favorites showed up with strong versions. Casey performed an acoustic blues version of "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon, which you could tell he really felt as he sang. Siobhan brought a pure and beautiful cover of "Across the Universe" that really highlighted the fundamentals of music without going overboard with crazy notes or hurting the song. Big Mike tore UP an R&B version of "Eleanor Rigby", strings and all, and Crystal brought a powerful acoustic version of "Come Together", complete with didgeridoo. My alternating fifth favorite, Lee, also did a great cover of "Hey Jude", bringing out a bagpipe player and getting the audience involved like the Beatles would do.
Here are a few vids:
The rest of the singers did OK too, and in my opinion, it was definitely the best show of the season so far. Of course, singing the Beatles could have a little something to do with this, but hey, it was awesome, and I'm gonna go ahead and say that a lot of the people who were against it that watched it probably liked it too.
Anyway, I'm gonna keep watching the show and cheering on my favorites like all of the middle-aged women and teeny-boppers who get into it. Not gonna be embarrassed or ashamed by my new-found love in this reality program. Gonna watch it with pride until the end. Might even vote for the first time if it comes to it. We shall see.
Otherwise, I'm gonna start writing to YOU people more often. I'm really feeling talking more about music now that it's spring and getting warm out. Always brings out memories of older times and good tunes, so be prepared for some of that.
Until then, be easy, and I'll be in touch.
Drew
Never thought I'd openly admit this, but it's true. Got kind of into it last season, but thanks to Amanda and the fact that it's cheap and easy to watch, I've become addicted this season.
I know what you're saying and thinking. "Drew, you're a sell-out." Well, sell-outs usually live pretty happy lives, right? Sorry to disappoint.
This season isn't considered to have the strongest lineup of contestants, but I'm a fan of most of those who are left. To make it more interesting, they did songs from Lennon/McCartney this week, which is how my attention was originally drawn in two years ago.
A lot of Beatles fans weren't too happy about this song list, however, because they believe that the show is full of no-talent karaoke singers. I even got into a debate with a bunch of people who attend the Beatle festival, Abbey Road on the River, about whether or not it was a good thing they would be singing these classic songs. Most of them argued that it would be awful, and that it was only Sony's way of trying to exploit money out of the Beatles lineup. I disagreed, however, saying that whether the contestants did a good or bad job, it would still be exposure for the Beatles and could open the eyes of young people to a higher level of music. Think of all the kids out there who watch Idol and only listen to the spawn of Disney and acts like Justin Bieber. This episode could grab their attention and pull them in a much more dignified musical direction. Even though the songs being performed aren't the original, I know that if a cover is interesting, it makes me want to check out the way the first artist performed it. Hopefully Idol will do the same for these kids.
One of the many good things about the Beatles is that they created a foundation of music so beautiful that future performers could take it in any direction or genre. While new versions of the songs can be different, they can also be a cool and innovative new look into the original classic. The "I am Sam" and "Across the Universe" soundtracks have already done this, and I think it's fun to see where other new and old artists take the songs as well.
As for this season of "American Idol", the contestants did a pretty good job with the music overall. My top four favorites showed up with strong versions. Casey performed an acoustic blues version of "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon, which you could tell he really felt as he sang. Siobhan brought a pure and beautiful cover of "Across the Universe" that really highlighted the fundamentals of music without going overboard with crazy notes or hurting the song. Big Mike tore UP an R&B version of "Eleanor Rigby", strings and all, and Crystal brought a powerful acoustic version of "Come Together", complete with didgeridoo. My alternating fifth favorite, Lee, also did a great cover of "Hey Jude", bringing out a bagpipe player and getting the audience involved like the Beatles would do.
Here are a few vids:
The rest of the singers did OK too, and in my opinion, it was definitely the best show of the season so far. Of course, singing the Beatles could have a little something to do with this, but hey, it was awesome, and I'm gonna go ahead and say that a lot of the people who were against it that watched it probably liked it too.
Anyway, I'm gonna keep watching the show and cheering on my favorites like all of the middle-aged women and teeny-boppers who get into it. Not gonna be embarrassed or ashamed by my new-found love in this reality program. Gonna watch it with pride until the end. Might even vote for the first time if it comes to it. We shall see.
Otherwise, I'm gonna start writing to YOU people more often. I'm really feeling talking more about music now that it's spring and getting warm out. Always brings out memories of older times and good tunes, so be prepared for some of that.
Until then, be easy, and I'll be in touch.
Drew
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Mayer XVI/March
Dear March,
I'm sorry that I screwed you over and didn't write a single blog during your time this year. I'll make up for it in 2011.
To everyone else, sorry I've been distant! The warm weather brought me back though! I'm ready for spring!
Some cool stuff has gone down in the last month. I'm almost done being a temporary vegetarian, and MAYER XVI was siiiiiiiiiick!
Here's the setlist from Greensboro:
John Mayer, Greensboro Coliseum, 3/15/10
Heartbreak Warfare
No Such Thing
Bigger than my Body
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
Perfectly Lonely
Victoria>My Stupid Mouth>Your Body is a Wonderland
Free Falling%
Waiting on the World to Change
Say
Assassin
Vultures
Half of my Heart>Don't Stop Believing*
Gravity
Encore:
Who Says
Why Georgia
%Tom Petty cover
*Journey Cover
The show was GREAT! I got to sit third row, and took Amanda and my parents! It was sweet getting to see some of the new music live, but most of all I'm glad they finally got to see Mayer in concert! Can't wait 'til he kicks his summer tour off in Charlotte...
Anyway, here are a few pics from the night...hope you enjoy!
Get hype for more Mayer and more writing!
Drew.
I'm sorry that I screwed you over and didn't write a single blog during your time this year. I'll make up for it in 2011.
To everyone else, sorry I've been distant! The warm weather brought me back though! I'm ready for spring!
Some cool stuff has gone down in the last month. I'm almost done being a temporary vegetarian, and MAYER XVI was siiiiiiiiiick!
Here's the setlist from Greensboro:
John Mayer, Greensboro Coliseum, 3/15/10
Heartbreak Warfare
No Such Thing
Bigger than my Body
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
Perfectly Lonely
Victoria>My Stupid Mouth>Your Body is a Wonderland
Free Falling%
Waiting on the World to Change
Say
Assassin
Vultures
Half of my Heart>Don't Stop Believing*
Gravity
Encore:
Who Says
Why Georgia
%Tom Petty cover
*Journey Cover
The show was GREAT! I got to sit third row, and took Amanda and my parents! It was sweet getting to see some of the new music live, but most of all I'm glad they finally got to see Mayer in concert! Can't wait 'til he kicks his summer tour off in Charlotte...
Anyway, here are a few pics from the night...hope you enjoy!
Get hype for more Mayer and more writing!
Drew.
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