Transition to Purpose

The past four months has been the busiest time in my entire life, both physically and emotionally.

I was raised in the suburbs for most of my early childhood right up until age ten when my parents ran into some financial trouble and moved into the city. During those years, probably due to video games, I developed a knack for being lazy at things I didn't take personal pleasure in doing... like cleaning my room or doing my homework for example. I'm the kind of guy who from time to time lets the dishes build up in the sink. I don't think this is an uncommon thing, but it's something that I'd like to get better at, and for the last two years I feel like I have.

When I went to Drexel University back in the fall of 2005, I did so with a self-effacing attitude almost in a pious manner. More or less I thought that everything would be handed to me. Anyone who has a degree can laugh at my naivety. Although the more that I talk to people, the more I believe it's a pretty common thing. What isn't common is when someone grows out of that mind-state and decides to do something about it. Like I said, I feel like I am doing something about it.

I started back at school last year with the intent on getting the best grades I could afford. (I personally don't believe in the grading system we set for ourselves here, but that's for another blog.) And that was just the beginning of what is to be my transition to purpose. This Summer I worked for 8 weeks straight at the gym for a Summer Day Camp program. From there I'd teach private swimming lessons followed by group lessons for four hours and then head out to wrestling practice where I've been helping out as a program coordinator. In short I've been busy as hell.

On top of my workload and wrestling on the weekends I still have my personal relationships to maintain and balance myself out. I've been dating my lovely girlfriend Liz for almost 3 1/2 years now... steady! My Mother just recently got married to her long time boyfriend, Tony, lead singer and organist of the band Boccigalupe & The Bad Boys. One of my best friends, Josh Walsh got married to his beautiful wife Amelia and I had the honor of being a groomsman. And just the other day my Aunt Kim was married to her wife Lynora.

I hosted a top ten music video countdown for MTV's Dean's List. I've continued to defend the CZW Wired Television Championship, even against my old partner who had the gall to show his face in a CZW ring when I was set for a night off. I've got a steady work-rate on the wrestling end. I'm actively pursuing a degree for the right reasons. I guess it's nice to lay out what little accomplishments you have in order to keep yourself motivated. Well the truth is, for the first time in my life, I am really motivated.

So that's where I've been for the last four months. I stumbled upon a quote the other day that said, "A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." I don't know if I completely agree, but I do know that without a direction it's very easy to get lost.

And for once I have a direction in mind.
- GULAK