Now or later? Vegas is giving good odds on later.

Friday night, 4 hours reading about business ethics.  Saturday, 5 hours writing about the differences in financial statement presentation between IFRS and US GAAP and another 3 hours reading about evaluating a firm's resources and capacities in terms of business strategy.

I describe this process because in the last two days, at least 12 hours has been dedicated to homework, instead of doing something with Katie or watching college hoops, or basically anything that I actually enjoy.  Now, I realize this sounds like a bitch sesh, but that is not my intent.

My intent...is to highlight the struggle between now and later.  Between instant gratification and the chance at prolonged security.  Between living in the moment and letting the moment pass while you study in hopes of much better moments later in life.  Between taking the new washer and dryer set or choosing what is behind door number 3.

My understanding, the common understanding, is that you spend the first 20 something years of your life in school, bettering yourself, preparing yourself for adulthood, because that will help you get a better (higher paying) job.  Right?  And a better job will lead to a better life (more stuff/better stuff) or quality of life. Right?

So, here's my deal...I have clearly decided to "invest in my future" with continued education.  I am betting on the future.  I am giving up the current good for the chance at the future great.  I am a degenerate gambler betting the over on my own happiness.  All of the experts are betting the same line. But its called gambling for a reason.  I could crap out.

As morbid as it sounds, I could die tomorrow.  I've invested all of this time in an education, but a degree is not a fucking forcefield.  Can a degree block cancer or the drunk driver that crosses the double yellow right before the grill of his F-150 eats the front of the Mazda for dinner?

Can the average of one million dollars more I will make over a lifetime because I have a degree buy back the countless hours that Katie sits in the living room by herself watching Frisky Dingo waiting for me to emerge from the computer room claiming victory over the Harley Davidson business case analysis that is due Tuesday?

Can a graduate degree even guarantee that I will have a job that won't make me want to methodically merge my receding hairline with my mahogany desk over and over at a medium pace?


If my commitment did any of these things, I wouldn't doubt it so much, but it doesn't and I do.  But its too late to go back now...graduation is in two and half months, and then this won't matter.


Tomout.


In other news, one the items from my New Year's Resolusmus List has officially been crossed off...

Totes Commercials.

So, I generally despise commercials.  Not only because so many of them are poorly done, but they are advertising something completely horrible, like jewelry on Valentine's Day or income tax relief. 

Sidebar: Let me tell you something.  If you owe the government $30K, you either messed up some type of self employment situation, or you have just ignored your taxes for several years.  Either way, just pay it.  And don't act like you don't benefit from things that those taxes buy.  

Back to commercials that make me happy.  The first one is for Orbit gum. I wish every argument was like this. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfh92hKLO6c

This one is old as hell.  Think Home Alone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ungfgWA_-8
 
For whatever reason, of all the Sonic commercials, this one by far, BY FAR, is my favorite.  Probably because I love the phrase, "Don't bring that weak INSERT ANY TYPE OF ACTIVITY OR OBJECT HERE action in here!" I'm very mature.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjY9VGEUdGs

Finally, this would not be possible without the coolest lady in Aiken, SC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjMUfIKktWU

Maybe I will do this again if any company ever makes a good commercial again.

Cheers. Tomout.

Happy Valentine's Day Eve

Jessy at The Giant Typo expressed her idea to have a bunch of people write their own love stories, then she would post them on her blog.  I volunteered to write one.  Go check out my love story...it's a bit different from the other ones she has posted, but if you know me, my mom, and Katie...you will appreciate it.

My other favorites are from Kamal Singh at 10 Pints and a Curry and April at Doch ihre Worte frisst der Wind.  But each one gives a different perspective.

Read them all here...

The stories make you consider what you think love is...no better time than the present to think about it, I suppose.  Here's a hint, you can't find it in a wallet or a vase.
Tomout.