it’s about 7pm, coming home from work. Feeling like crap because work is draining, and the entire world is a reminder that I am on my own. I stop by the grocery store to pick up some kettle chips. I walk in, looking like someone who had just got off work and can’t wait to eat and pass out. I scan the aisles for my chips, after a minute of looking, success; I grab the chips and go on my way.

On my way to the register, I catch out of the corner of my eye, a cute, tall, thinly built woman about the same age as me. She looks familiar. she intrigues my curiosity and I walk closer to get a better look. As I advance closer to her, she notices me, and we make eye contact. Suddenly, she exclaims, “aaron?!” I give her my half-assed look because I don’t know where she would know me from. It takes me a while, but I remember that we went to elementary school together, and our mothers were friends way back when. I give her my usual, “wtf?! YOU?!” I know, i’m so smooth it kills me. Of course, I don’t remember much because I didn’t stay in one school for long.

It’s at this point that I remember, we all grow up eventually. We make small talk, about what we’ve been up to all these years and such. I tell her about everything; I mean everything. I told her about UCR, the fraternity, friends, china, work, etc. She tells me about the same. I find out that this girl that befriended me when we were little boys and girls, went to a great school, made many friends, and grew up to be amazing. Plus, she’s quite the cutie.

An awkward silence falls between us after 15 minutes of endless chatter. it’s late, but I don’t want this to end. I secretly hope she feels the same. Nervously, I suggest that we keep in touch. She laughs; it’s a nervous laugh, and I’m relieved to hear it. I ask her for her phone number so we could talk more sometime. she gives me her number, but tells me that we better talk again soon, “or else!” She shoots a sly look over and we head towards the cashier, still chatting.

I’m somewhat in disbelief. I tell her, “Of course, I’ll call you tomorrow ok?” We finish our conversation and say our goodbyes. As I leave the store, I smile and laugh at this incredibly random turn of events. I realized who I should have been looking for all along.

ever wake up and think, “I feel great, let’s go to work!”?

yeah. me neither.

have a nice night/day!

“strive to be amazing, and nothing less”

this put a smile on my face today.

I never thought I’d actually say this, but I finally feel like this is the only way to express how I feel right now.

T.G.I.F.

I’ve never appreciated my Friday nights more. And so ends my second week of work @ Wal-mart.com.  So far, it’s been pretty good, although getting used to the logistics life is a bitch. My brain is working overtime, even if my body isn’t. I’m constantly thinking about new terminology and what was wrong with this and how to complete that and blah, blah, blah.

Although it is Friday, the most wonderful day of the week (in my opinion), I find myself in front of my computer. Typing this entry. Just about every one I know is out with their other friends. Everyone is doin’ their own thing, and me… well, my favorite day of the week officially bites; and it bites hard.

I feel like I’m reverting back to who I was back in high school. I always wanted to go somewhere or do something but there was never anyone to go with. No matter how fun something is, it’s not much fun when you’re by yourself. I remember, back in December when I was about to leave for China, so many people wanted to see me or hang out before I left. It was awesome, because I had this feeling of acceptance by many different people.  I was amazed that I had so many friends.

Now, it’s exactly the opposite. I’m not around that many friends anymore. The friends I do have near me I don’t talk to often, and they have (in their own way) moved on. I guess that’s what happens when you get older. Even the many friends that I thought I had when I was near them, the calls and messages have stopped almost entirely. I’m not too surprised, however, that I now don’t have many friends.

So, for this particular Friday night, I will be at home, relaxing by myself. This probably will become a habit, and after that, going out on the weekends won’t be that tempting anymore.

it’s funny when the girl who’s supposedly in love with you happens to be in love with someone else suddenly

the irony is killing me