It has been a very long time since I last wrote a blog entry and I apologize for that. Part of it was laziness, I will be straight forth right here and there, and the other was work and a lot of activities going on this year, to say the least. Like many others this year, COVID-19 just threw a bunch of curveballs at me and I really didn’t know what to expect. The year really impacted the travel industry and many people were forced to stay home for most of this year. International travel is slowly coming back as some of my favorite YouTubers are publishing videos again. But other than that it’s been an odd year in so many ways. So I just decided to use this post as a way to catch you up on what I’ve done during this tumultuous year.
- Completed my first year of grad school at Saint Peter’s University. Our sports ended prematurely which was a bummer but it was still a very good year. I’m hoping to do better though in my second and final year here which I am currently doing.
- Watched the Netflix series, The Stranger, which was very good. It exceeded my expectations and really was the first Netflix series I watched intently in some time.
- Discovered and subscribed to a new YouTube channel- “shiey.” Man oh man, what an interesting character this guy is. I came across his channel randomly while browsing through YouTube. He did a three-day trip to the Black Sea in January and put together an hour and a half video of the journey. Very intriguing, raw and unique. I’m hooked on watching this guy’s content, it’s very addicting and entertaining. Just hope he stays safe.
- Went on a lot of walks/runs- One of the few blessings in disguise for me during this pandemic was the ability to reacquaint myself with some of my best friends from high school. My friend Erik and I went on a bunch or runs and walks throughout the year. We exercised, made Instagram stories, workout videos and just had fun.
- Made five YouTube videos in five weeks consecutively- I made a video documenting my hometown of Stony Point, New York, which I am extremely proud, and it has become my most viewed video on my channel thus far. I followed that up with a video on Letchworth Village, an abandoned mental institution located not far from my house. I then made two videos where I discussed my 2014 Italy trip and another where I talked about the 13 states in the country that I’ve been to. The last one I did was a video documenting my first time camping from June 12-13, in Ringwood, New Jersey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56zlzM2G90Y&t=692s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PUOrX16NWw&t=180s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx-0sPwX2N8&t=821s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31Idk4VMdyI&t=752s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvbUWM_utyk&t=363s
- I began grocery shopping for Instacart which has been a nice way of making money and helping people out. I work when I want and I get to work for whomever I choose. For the most part, my customers have been gracious and grateful.
- Acquainted myself with some new friends from around the world, specifically India. Myself and my girlfriend Teresa, have chatted with two amazing people from India- Manasi and Vishal, who are two amazingly beautiful souls to ever grace the earth.
- On the downside, I had a case of bedbugs in my bedroom which was absolutely disgusting and horrifying. Luckily, it wasn’t too serious but nonetheless, still not a fun time.
- Went to the beach numerous times throughout the year, including my annual two-week trip down to Long Beach Island in August, which fortunately we were able to do. My brothers and I also paid a visit to our grandparents in Galloway, New Jersey after a power outage wiped out virtually all of the electricity on the island.
- Went parasailing in LBI and jet skiing in Brigantine with Teresa.
- Went to Warwick, New York a few times for a beer garden and apple orchard experience.
And in just a few days, I will be going to Cooperstown, New York, to spend a weekend with Teresa and visit a place I’ve always wanted to visit, The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
So overall, it certainly hasn’t been the greatest year in the world but for me personally, I’d say it was alright. Sure the virus stinks and wearing a mask in public isn’t ideal but what are you gonna do? This year flew by in the blink of an eye and I can’t believe there’s only 44 days left. Hopefully, I end this year on a high note and hopefully 2021 is a little better. Also I hope to stop procrastinating and start writing again on this blog.
The World is Yours 