Jonathan

2009 should be quite eventful. These are my personal goals for the year.

1)Graduate in December with at least a 3.5 gpa
-- Shouldn't be too difficult... I think I have a 2.68 right now.

2)Have a healthy body mass index.
-- This would mean being about 180lbs, which would make me have to lose about 30lbs.

3)Take better care of my teeth.
-- I have a bad habit of falling asleep b4 brushing them. I wish I had dental insurance though.

4)Find a Marketing internship in New York for the summer.
-- This might be kinda hard, but won't stop me from trying. I'll use this to reaffirm my interest in moving to the big city as well as gauge my interest in marketing.

5)Find a job and move to New York City after graduation.
-- This may be hard, but it's something I want for myself both personally and professionally

Well Let's see... 2008 wasn't all that I hoped it would be. Classes were fine in the spring, but not great. Hm...I fell in love again, and then got my heart broken again. It sucked, but I wasn't really surprised, and I'd do it again, because I was acting on how I felt, and that's the kind of person I want to be... I want to be true to myself and I was.

Towards the end of the semester I was offered a 6 month internship with International Paper and I reluctantly took it. I didn't want to take off the semester of school and push back my graduation, but I knew it would be beneficial for my career in the long run, so i did it. My summer was mostly spent in preparation for the move.

The internship overall was okay. I did get some really great corporate experience out of the deal, but my impression of the job in general was that it lacked any depth. It was hard to get motivated and it was hard for me to put my heart into it... Memphis was okay at best. It had all the negative aspects of a big city with none of the advantages of one. I was lonely for the vast majority of the time. I did make a few good friends whom I should be able to stay in contact with, b/c most of them go to UT. Also I was able to see Avenue Q at the Orpheum theatre which was a whole bunches of fun. I'm very happy to be back home now.

I did get to go to New York City this year which was a great experience for me. I enjoyed the city a whole lot. I feel like I have more opportunity for growth there. I saw 2 Broadway shows while I was there as well.

Overall, 2008 is a year that wasn't necessarily bad, but I'm glad it's over. All my loved ones are alive and well, and I'm looking forward to a very exciting, very eventful 2009.

So I've been all sniffly and coughy and such all day, so in return I did absolutely nothing all day. Unless you count laundry, which I don't. So I've been here in Memphis for a while now, and I thought it'd be kind of relaxing to sit back and write about how it's going.

So I'll start from the beginning... I have a nice apartment in downtown Memphis, which would be very convenient if I was a heavy drinker,but since I'm not, Beale Street isn't anything special. It's in this gated area that is actually really pretty. I pay $568/month for rent, which is far more than I'd like to, but oh well. It wasn't furnished either, so I'm renting a living/dining/bed room set for 6 months which runs me another $145/month. I have 1 roommate, which is far far better than having 3. However, I'm quite upset that he's such a tool. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the guy, but I sure wouldn't choose to live with him again, that's for sure.

So that's all for my living situation. Now for the main reason I'm here, the internship. I'm working at a place called International Paper. This is a company that manufactures and sells all types of paper, from copy paper to envelopes, and even the pulp that goes into diapers. And yea, it's just as boring as it sounds. As for what I do there... I'm the intern in the Strategic Services department of the Printing & Communication Papers sector of Global Supply Chain Deliver. Basically I work on cost to serve projects to save the company money on our transportation services. The work comes in waves, so more often than not, I'm quite bored, but then without notice I'll get swamped.

The more important thing is that in the short time that I've been here, I can tell that this isn't the kind of work that I want to do for the rest of my life. That feeling really scares me, and constantly keeps me thinking about what I'm going to do when I get back to school, and when I graduate. At the very very least, I know that I'm not going to work for a company for whom I don't have some sort of passion. i don't want to work 40+ hours a week for a company I care nothing about. The harder part though, is trying to figure out if I want to wok in the field that I've been getting my degree in, and that's a LOT harder to alter at this point in the game. I'm also trying to figure out some other details about my post-college life. I don't know if I want to stay in Tennessee with my family, or go out and explore. I don't know if I want to go North, West, or abroad. If I did go abroad, it would probably have to be after a year or so of work, I think that's just how it usually works.

I've been keeping myself somewhat busy outside of work. 2 or 3 days a week I'll go to a gym and take a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class. It's really really good exercise, but I get my ass kicked a lot, so I'm always sore. I also joined a company bowling league on Wednesday nights that's a lot of fun, and we're number 1 right now, yay. I do absolutely nothing on the weekends mostly. I'm so tired from work/BJJ/bowling that I just want to relax.

The thing is this though. Overall...taking everything into account, I'm doing okay. Ya know, I'm just fine. I'm not doing good or great, just okay. I think it's because there's no one here that I really connect with. Not my roommate or the other interns or anyone. Don't get my wrong, I like and get along with most if not all of the interns, but we don't have time to really hang out or bond. The one who does have that time is my roommate, and I don't really like that guy, he's a douche-lick. I really miss my friends and family though, but I don't have the money or energy to drive 6+ hours to east Tenn. often. I've only been back once in the 3 months that I've been here. My family and my best friends are spread out through different parts of Tennessee and the country even. The best times that I've had here are when Jeremy visited, when I hung out with Kelly, and when I saw Avenue Q with my friend from UT. Avenue Q was great btw... I suggest everyone see it live.

I'll say this... If I didn't know that I'd be going home in 3 months, I'd probably be a little depressed. But seeing as how I'll be back in a few months, I'm doing okay, and I'm working hard to make it through December.

So, I wonder... is it worth going after something if you know there's probably no chance you can get it? Is it worth it to possibly taint a great friendship to go after more? It's a really hard choice for me to make. I can feel myself being hypocritical... I've prided myself on being open when I feel strongly for someone, but I feel like I'm going back on that philosophy now.

From an outside perspective, I have no doubt that I'd say go for it. It's strange how the mind/heart works... lol. I honestly don't know how it would effect our friendship if i got turned down, We'd probably be friends still, but just with that knowledge/memory lodged in the back of our minds.

Ah well, no use brooding over it. Maybe I'll tell her this weekend, matter of fact, I hope I do. I know it would be good for me in a number of ways. If she said yes, then great. I'd have a chance at something wonderful and take a huge step towards a healthy personal life. However, if she said no, I'd be disappointed, but it would still be a great accomplishment for me, and I'd be able to move on past her romantically speaking. And we'd probably still be good friends.

It's odd... when I see the pros and cons laid out like this, it seems obvious what to do. However that "probably" has so much weight to it that it's frightening. And then of course there's the natural fear of rejection and blow to self-esteem, but that's my own obstacle to overcome.

This is a long post for me... hmm. This post may seem kinda depressing/emo or whatever, but I'm actually doing really well. I guess I'll post again soon to update... maybe, I get kinda lazy about stuff like this.

- Jonathan

So basically what I'm going to do right now is brag on myself. I, Jonathan Lee Romine am now under 200 pounds! Shazzaam!

lol. Yea, it's been a really slow process with quite a few setbacks, but I've altered my eating habits a bit, and I've been far more active than before. I've been doing karate, playing racquetball, and playing pump it up. I have not been doing the conventional workouts, because I feel that you get burned out doing that and at least I know that i wouldn't do them consistently.
so yea, I'm pretty excited. I'd like to lose another 10 or so pounds, or 20 maximum.

Oh, and I got an internship. It's in Memphis for 6 months starting on July 1st. this means that I won't be taking classes this fall semester, and I'll have to graduate a semester late, but hopefully the experience will make it worth my while.

I don't what has come over me lately, but i have this new sense of purpose that has come over me. I've quit my bitchin' and I'm just doin stuff. It started by losing about 5 lbs in the past week by only eating when I'm hungry, and I plan to keep that going for another 15-ish pounds. Seeing myself exert that will power, and see it pay off has motivated me beyond my norm. I elected to not drop my French class that I've been bitching about all semester, and I pulled out a B on the first exam. I've opened up lines of communication that have been hindered recently, and I even went outside of my comfort zone and participated in a floor show of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and I had a fantastic time doing it.

These are all things that i've told myself that i should do for a while, and they always get pushed to the side, like things typically do, but not this time. It feels like this new found energy comes right along with my increased relationship with God, and it feels great. Together with Him, my future looks bright. I'm taking the reins and I'm going for what feels right. I don't have total control over everything that I want; however, I'll do everything in my power to pursue what my heart tells me is right. I won't live a life full of regrets... If something goes wrong, it will not be because I didn't do my damndest, it'll be for some other reason. I know that much.

<3 J-Bear

Just a few things I'm gunna mention since I haven't posted in many months.
1. I have a Nintendo Wii and it is fantastaraffic.
2. Elyse is awesome and I love her more than ever!
3. This has been the hardest academic semester of my life and I'm very glad it's almost over.
4. On that note, my finals will be difficult, but I'm finding it hard to get motivated to study.
5. I have to take some classes in the summer :(
6. I really really wanna hang out with some of the old gang again this summer, cuz they're kinda cool.

So yea, all is decent, if not good and I expect to see those of you who can read this fairly soon.

Later,
Jonathan

How Dare Randy force me to make an entry with his deceptive "tag" technique! But since I'm here, what the hell, why not?

7 Totally Rad Things about me
1. I have no concrete idea of what I want to pursue as a career.

2. I'm very very self conscious of my appearance, and usually have a bad self image.

3. I own and sleep with two stuffed animals with which I often cuddle. Names: Henry (A lion) & Buster (Jew Bear)

4. This semester is the most stressful semester of my entire life. I usually pride myself on being laid back and not letting things effect me negatively, however, with my demanding classes, weekend work, study abroad process, study abroad scholarship applications, FAFSA, and chronic car problems, I find myself becoming increasingly irritable. All of my classes end by noon and the rest of my day is spent occupied with one or more of the situations above.

5. I plan to study abroad in France this summer.I have a deep desire to travel to many popular and obscure places in the world.

6. I don't give a rat's ass about my current serving job at Calhoun's and would be very happy to find a paid part-time internship

7. I can't wait to find a career, get married, settle down, have kids, and begin my life outside of school.

I'm supposed to tag people, so I geuss I'll tag Elyse and Teisha

Thank God for giving Man the ingenuity to create such wonders such as Pokemon and Final Fantasy XII

That is all

Hello Livejournal, how are you? I'm good, I'm very bored at the moment. I know, you think I only talk to you when I'm really bored...and you're right, but i listen all the time so it's ok...quitcha bitchin'. So yea, I've been kicking it at college for the past few months...workin going to class and the such. I took it a little lite this semester since it's the first time working,attending class, and having and apartment at the same time and i didn't want my grades to slip. That is not the case in any of my classes right now...If all my classes were to end today I would have straight A's, and I'm cool with that. Elyse and I celebrated our 2nd year anniversary in October and that was lots of fun and such. I've been considering either changing my major, or double majoring. If i change my major, it will be to international business, but if I double major, it will be in business admin. and French. I've noticed that I really like learning and speaking another language and I'm working really hard to be able to go to France this summ to take a few French classes. If that goes well, and it's not too expensive, I may just go abroad few a semester's worth of classes. The only downside to that is that i would not get to see Elyse or any or my family and friends for about 4 months. But whatcha gunna do? It's hard to turn down the opportunity to study in a foreign country for so cheap...so i won't. I still haven't made alot of friends at UT, the one's that i've met through Elyse are ok, but i want to make sum friends here like you guys. You know, a small group of really cool people that don't suck at life...yea those are the ones. Ah well, maybe it'll happen, so what if it doesn't. Anywayz,I geuss i'll get back to

Ok guys...Avenue Q. I know that if you're my friend then you you have a great sense of humor and will love this. Avenue Q is a musical on Broadway. It's kind of like a fucked up sesame street and the songs are fucking hilarious...trust me. Please so yourselves a favor and illegally d/l andy songs you can find by Avenue Q. That is all

Jonathan

So my roomate left town for at least tonight. At first i was dissapointed, cuz i kinda wanted to go out and maybe party with him or something. But then i was like hey i should do all of the things that i can't do while he's here... So of course I had some private reflection time ;) then i walked around in my underwear and listened to music, i did push ups and sit ups(don't ask me why), now i have a strange desire to drink his alcohol(he said i could) and play dress up. Unfortunately, i won't drink alone, and i would need someone to take pictures. What's weird is that i think if he were here, he would do that for me, lol. But, yea...I'm doing really well. Had a good week. I signed my lease for Crossing Place where i'll be living next year....its awesome! Went cosmic bowling...lotta fun. I had a big paper due today...stayed up to late doing it, but it turned out well. So yea, I miss most of you guys, I'm not sure who reads this so i won't say all of you. But anywayz...stay cool, I gotta go.

Jonathan

The thing is, I don't even know if I want to try to work it out anymore...

Men aren't bad at sex, women are just bad at having orgasms.

-Jonathan

So ya geuss who had a pretty good weekend? yea, that'd be me. Started off on Friday when Jeremy and I went down to Sevierville to play b-ball with Chody. we played for awhile then will and kelley showed up and we played with them... ;-) Then we decided to play a game of 2-on-2 with this random black guy. So we did, and either he was really crazy and delusional, or he played for the Canadian Basketball Association. He was pretty good though, so it's possible he did.

After all the ball, i went to Chody's, showered, and went to watch Angela's show, Graceland. It was a pretty good 2 person show about neurotic Elvis fans, and Angie got to wear some sexy short shorts, and I was kind of okay with that. Afterwards, me,angie,chody,will,kelley, and big stokes went to see The Hills Have Eyes. It was okay, and had some really nice action scenes in it.

Then I went tried to help chody install his new dsl modem, and had far too much trouble with it then we should have. Chody hit on the Phillipean tech support lady, so I left at about 3:30 in the a.m. after a nice diner prepared by Mrs.Chode. I got home and thew a load of laundry in the washer before passing out.

Woke up at about 8:30 or 9 on Saturday, and did 3 loads of laundry before going to the center to play racquetball with Chody. I didn't have a shirt to wear, so i jacked on of Jeremy's. In case you don't know, I'm about 70 pounds heavier than Jeremy... That was the hottest thing ever, I was a sexy bitch. Beyond that, I kicked Chody's ass 6 out of 6 games, and all was good putting aside the numerous times Chody hit me with the damn ball.

So I chilled with my mom for a bit before taking off back to campus. I decided to go see a play written by a friend of mine called Joe Bubba Rex of the Rednecks and enjoyed it. Afterwards, I had a Lunchables for dinner and then headed to the cast party.

I figured I would go to the party, cuz i need to make some more friends, and I'd say it worked out well. I had fun dancing and playing cards and dancing and losing my phone, and finding my phone and all sorts of good stuff. Unfortunately, the guy who threw the party got a fairly large ticket for some sort of disturbing the peace :-(

I got back to my dorm at around 7 in the morning, slept till 12 then had to go workout by 1. Speaking of working out, I'm now down to 210, which is an additional 5 pounds since the last time I checked. I'm gunna be one sexy(er) bitch. And the rest of Sunday has been dedicated to studying for the two tests I have coming up tomorrow.

Only bad thing thus far: I didn't get to hang out with Randy over his spring break, because our's didn't match up. But, My family's getting a cabin for the first weekend of my spring break so that's cool.

I'm done for now, this has been my longest post in probably an F'in year.

-Jonathan (J-Ro)

Man, I had one hell of a scare tonight. As Jeremy and I were about to start playing racquetball, i wiped my nose and when i looked, i saw blood. So i went upstairs to wipe it off my face in the bathroom and it started pouring. I went through alot of paper towels, and thought I'd have to get Jeremy to take me to the hospital, but what looked like a loogey(sp?)This has happened before and I've woken up with nose bleeds before, just never seemed to last that long. I know my brother used to get nose bleeds all the time but i'm pretty sure he never got it checked out. I was pretty scared tonight and I just plain don't like that. If it happens again I'm definately going to the doctor about it.

Past that, I'm doing pretty well on my diet. I've lost about 22 pounds so far with about 23 more to go. My goal weight is 190, and I should be able to get there by mid-summer if I keep on track.

I've been having a tough time recently and It's been pretty hard on me. I'm starting to feel better though and I just hope that everything works itself out. If it doesn't, I'll count my losses and keep going. It wouldn't be the first major loss I've had, and it won't be the last. Overall I'll be a stronger person when it's over.

My classes are doing pretty well for the most part. I kicked a philosophy test's ass today. My math teacher is pretty bad and although there's no material that i haven't really seen before, she's making it hard to do well. French is fantastique and english is as good as it can be I geuss.

Here's to everything working out,
-Jonathan(J-Ro)

I know there’s something in the wake of your smile
I get a notion from the look in your eyes, yeah
you’ve built a love but that love falls apart
your little piece of heaven turns too dark

listen to your heart
when he’s calling for you
listen to your heart
there’s nothing else you can do
I don’t know where you’re going
and I don’t know why
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye

sometimes you wonder if this fight is worthwhile
the precious moments are all lost in the tide, yeah
they’re swept away and nothing is what is seems
the feeling of belonging to your dreams

listen to your heart
when he’s calling for you
listen to your heart
there’s nothing else you can do
I don’t know where you’re going
and I don’t know why
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye

and there are voices
that want to be heard
so much to mention
but you can’t find the words
the scent of magic
the beauty that’s been
when love was wilder than the wind

listen to your heart
when he’s calling for you
listen to your heart
there’s nothing else you can do
I don’t know where you’re going
and I don’t know why
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye

First really really shitty day of 2006. Hopefully the last.

So seeing my friends over winter break was incredible fun, and just to prove it, here's a picture that you must see. If you don't see this picture you wil die in seven days. My friend Arika will make sure of that. New Years was a blast, if you don't believe me, go to this site right here. http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2114815986&idx=7

go on... try me!

-Jonfanun

Sorry for the long absence, but I've been lazy. I would say I've been too busy to update, but I don't wanna lie to ya. Anywayz, I've had a good first semester and finished Summa Cum Laude, so that's good stuff. Had a great Christmas break and got some cool stuff, while having a good time with my friends.

So the new semester started and this is my Schedule:
MWF- Astronomy 162- 10:10-11:00 French 211- 11:15-12:05 English 102- 1:25-2:15
W- Astronomy Lab- 2:30-4:30
TR- Math 125- 11:10-12:25 Philosophy 243(Business Ethics)- 2:10-3:25

Everythig's going alright, but I didn't think I had to take French until I got advised so that made me sad. I'm on a diet type thing right now cuz I got up to about 235lbs and I wasn't cool with that. So far I'm down to 225 with about 25 to 35 pounds to go. I'm gunna try to make some more friends this semester which is kinda hard unless you wanna go out and get drunk every day from thrsday to sat. but i'll do my best. Jeremy and I went looking for apartments to live in next semester and found a pretty good deal on a 4 room apartment a little off campus, all we need is two more roomies.

Elyse and I are doin really great I love her Mucho Mucho Deniro!

Ciao,
Jonfunun