Freedom can be scary

The time has come for me to start a blog.

I don't know if anyone will read it, but I justify it's existence by saying it makes up for my terribly inconsistent journal writing. Is that a good enough reason to not write in a journal? I doubt it. But it's the only reason I've got so I'm sticking to it.

Anyway, welcome to the blog!! I hope you enjoy your stay.

I've got some interesting events that are/will be taking place in my life over the next few months and I plan on keeping you a

ll informed about what's going on.

First, at the end of May I'll be heading up to Fairbanks, Alaska to be a resident mentor in the Upward Bound Program (look at the bottom, right hand section of the

page) at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. This program brings high school students in fro

m rural areas of Alaska to prepare them for college as well as give them a social, summer ca

mp experience. Essentially, I'll be camp counselor and help orchestrate

the activities for all the participants. Lots of these kids come from really small villages and don't have much experience socializing with other people. It should be fantastic!

After my stint in Fairbanks,

I'll be heading to B

oston to intern at Massachusetts General Hospital. Thanks to Ben Castleton (thanks again Ben!)

I was able to land an internship at Mass. General. Details are still in the works, but as far as I under

stand I'll be working on a social media project being implemented for patients with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes). The way I understand it, they are trying to use social media to increase the self-care

of these patients with these problems. It sounds like a pretty interesting project.

I'll be staying with Ben, Emily, and all their children in Belmont and just commute to the cityeach day. A goal of mine while I'm there is to try every single type of pastry available at Mike's.

Until I leave, I essentially have the entire month of May open to do whatever I want. I've already committed to certain chores around my parent's house, but other than that I'm a free man. And frankly, it's a little bit scary. It's a little disconcerting knowing that I don't really have anything I have to do until May. I don't have a job. I no longer have a girlfriend. I can do whatever I want. So, to keep myself occupied, I've put together a little list of things I want to accomplish in May.

1. Start a blog (I'm doing well so far)
2. Run 3 times a week and do strength training 2 times a week
3. Go camping and catch a fish (Anyone want to go with me?)
4. Learn Brahms Opus 118 No. 1 in A minor - Intermezzo on the Piano (I know No. 2 but No. 1 is pretty dang sweet.)
5. Create a Youtube video that gets at least a million views
6. Go bungee jumping
7. Not eat Taco Bell
8. Record a song (maybe more)
9. Find a place to live next year
10. Tame a sparrow to do my bidding
11. Eat something delicious
12. Not get a speeding ticket

Let me know if you think I should add something to the list.

-Tim