Happy birthday to me!!!!

Birthdays are a special time of the year that never seems to get old. The 19th birthday celebration isn't quite the same as the 9th birthday party, but there's still a feeling of excitement that comes in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to the point when the clock strikes midnight on the day of one's birthday.

The agenda for the day consisted of a baseball game. Shocking, I know. This whole weekend actually is chock full of baseball, with games in the next two days as well in the Bronx and Staten Island. Tonight's action came from Coney Island in Brooklyn, home to the Mets' class A Short Season affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones. MCU Park, home of the Cyclones, which are named after the historic wooden roller coaster seen beyond left field, is located right on the ocean and provides a very fun-filled, dare I say carnival-like atmosphere to an extent. I have been several times now over the years and it is always a very enjoyable experience, but there is one thing about Brooklyn that always is frustrating to my grandma and I.

She lives in Westchester County, north of the city. Brooklyn is on the eastern edge of New York City on Long Island. You can't avoid NYC and the miles of traffic that come with it.

On this given night, the following hurdles were in the way:
1. rush hour traffic from seemingly every direction possible
2. Yankee traffic for that night's game in the Bronx
3. Friday night heading towards Long Island = weekend getaway = traffic!
4. probably 10 other reasons I can't think of now.

Now usually, a smart person would take the subway to get in and around of NYC. That's like the number one rule of life in a city like New York. NEVER DRIVE IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO!!! Coney Island also is serviced by the subway, but the walk between the subway and the ballpark after a game (which is like 10ish if one is lucky) is kinda creepy and is a walk that is best avoided if need be. On top of that, having to subway hop and train hop at that hour is hard because if something happens and a train is missed...the station's concrete floor provides a comfortable sleeping spot. So we drove....it took us three hours to make an almost 40 mile journey. We got there however.

And then it rained.
And thundered.
Lightning struck too.

But as with most summer storms, it lasted all of 10-15 minutes, the tarp was taken off the field and the delay took an hour. The game itself was a pitcher's duel with Brooklyn's Brian Harrison smacking a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth to give the Cyclones a 2-0 win. Overall, a great night considering the pre-game festivities.

Also, to make the birthday sweeter, as I log into Facebook I see a notification which says the following:

"_________ and x number of friends have written on your wall." :)

Now, I'm trying to keep a level head in the matter. A birthday is not measured by the number of people that write on one's facebook wall. However, I'd be lying completely if I said that I wasn't touched at all by the thought and kindness that people displayed by wishing me a happy birthday. Guys, I love each and every one of you! Know that, remember that. It really does mean a lot to me and it was the icing on the cake of a great day, no pun intended.

Although, ironically, I have not eaten any cake yet. Hmmm......

Boston: Green Monsters, Weeping Willows and Kermit the Frog

The city of Boston is a bit of a mystery to me. Living an hour and a half west of the biggest city in New England, I have stayed away from the Boston metro area for a majority of the time. Also, when most of the family is from New York City, your mom is a big Yankee fan and your dad kind of likes the Red Sox (but is easily frustrated with them), the area itself is relatively uncharted territory. 

I have only been into the heart of Boston a few times, mostly on class trips where we only went to one destination, spent the day there, and then left. I have seen the tourist spots. Don't get me wrong, Fenway Park, Quincy Market and Fanueil Hall are all important sites that must be seen at least once, but I have never really explored the "real" Beantown. I hoped to do so on this trip. 

I met my friend near Fenway Park, where we would go on to tour the oldest and one of the most famous ballparks in the world, arguably. The area around Fenway is on the outskirts of downtown Boston. Straddling an area which includes Boston University and Northeastern, the area has a great mix of college city and big city feeling to it. You know you're in Boston, yet there's a different atmosphere to this part of the city. 

A few stops on the subway farther into the city and one enters a much different world. As we walk up the steps from the subway station, a tall, New England-style church shoots up skywards almost right next to the underground entrance, as if the church is a guard to the rest of the area. From the brown of the church, the rest of the view is dominated by green. Across the street is the Boston Public Gardens, home of Paul Revere's famous statue. 

It's pretty unfair to compare this to New York's Central Park, but it serves the same purpose. The gardens are a chance for the city folk to get away from the concrete and skyscrapers and relax under a weeping willow on one of several ponds. The multitude of joggers, people watchers, ducks, squirrels and birds create a great, relaxing atmosphere, especially on a day that saw near record-high temperatures through New England and much of the northeastern United States. Here, you definitely forget you are in a major city. Unless, of course, you look up and see the downtown skyline or see the huge tourist groups walking around. 

After my friend and I went our separate ways, my mom and I made our way through the city's many tunnels and roads to the suburbs of Boston. The city of Lynn lies just a few towns north along the shore from Boston. It's an industrial town and home to one of the first two General Electric plants ever formed. Early fame, however, came from shoe-making and much of the urban growth came as a result of this in the nineteenth century. Shoe-making would also be somewhat responsible for Lynn's collapse, as fiery infernos spread throughout former factories in the 70's and 80's, burning down quite a bit of Lynn. 

Despite the history, crime and poverty, Lynn is still home to baseball. The North Shore Navigators play at Fraser Field, located in a very residential area. The Navs are the defending champions of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, one of the most prestigious collegiate summer leagues along with the Cape Cod League. Another UT friend is a catcher on the Navs, so a visit was necessary. The ballpark is suitable for this level of baseball, but probably not for any higher level anymore. The atmosphere is family-oriented and laid-back, providing an affordable outlet to those that choose not to spend the money and time travelling down to Fenway. The heat seemed to not affect attendance too much. Baseball is the prime focus here. There's one (maybe two) in-between inning promotions, but baseball is the main event. One of the PA announcers sounded like Kermit the Frog a bit. I am not sure if this is the main PA announcer, but it was odd hearing a "normal" voice and then Kermit and then back and forth and back and forth. Overall, it was a great time and it's pretty cool to actually know one of the players. 

The School on the Mountain: Social Gift

The beginnings of middle school. The time where independence from the structured formation of elementary school merges with the all-around social awkwardness that encompasses every student in each class. We're all in the same boat. We're all coming to a point in life that serves as the take-off platform for what lies in store for the future. We're all in the same boat.

Part of me wishes I knew that more back then.

----

The school on the mountain in a historic area overlooking the valley provided a solid academic structure with a great athletic program and caring people overall. My first year at that school was memorable for probably more bad things than anything. It was a rocky time...

As I reminisce and am reminded of the trials and tribulations that I went through during my first year in middle school, the social aspect of life played a major role in shaping who I am now. Until then, I had never experienced such a natural social life. Until then, the people in my classes were people I had known for several years. Until then, I had considered myself personable, outgoing, and friendly. Middle school definitely showed how much work/help to my social life I actually needed.

As is the case I guess with almost every middle-schooler, I was extremely awkward. Thinking about it, we all were. None of us really had it all together, even though many would act like they did. I don't know, I feel like I was different somehow. I was really uptight, confrontational, gullible (maybe over-dramatic to an extent). Words like these were words I didn't think described me. But they did. There were plenty of in-class arguments, lashing out at many sarcastic comments, and just overall not reacting in a way that was probably appropriate for the situation.

I remember reactions mostly from certain incidents. To this day, I struggle to even look at that year's yearbook in fear of digging up old memories or old incidents that happened. I might revert back to my old habits of either blaming others for things happening or dwelling in self-pity for not reacting the way I should. It's dumb, I know. Back then, though, it was how I thought, for better or for worse.

 I know this is not I should be reacting. Believing what I believe, I think that the events that occurred during my middle school years were previously planned to happen and they happened for a reason. These trials were put in front of me so that it could be seen how I'd react. Afterwards, I'd be able to change how I act and make myself a better person. This was a planned happening. I thank God that that year happened. I would not be the same person if I had not gone through what I went through. It helped shape me, mold me into the easygoing, personable, friendly person that I try to be on a daily basis.

To the people that I call friends and classmates from middle school: As I said, this was an awkward time. I absolutely consider myself to have been extremely awkward especially during this time. I want to both apologize and greatly thank you for my three years on the hill. The former because of all the blowups, overreactions, and drama from me personally. Simply put. The latter because, at the same time, my eighth and ninth grade years seemed to be almost mirror opposites from seventh grade. Thank you for making the overall middle school experience a (positively) memorable time for me. You guys are, in the end, what made that time in my life so important. I don't exaggerate when I say that this time helped to change who I am. Ya'll play a key role in that.

Wild Horses

My friend Whit posted this on his facebook wall and I felt that I should spread this word along to all of you.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/237422647/wild-horses-and-renegades-saving-americas-wild-hor
 The website if you want to donate at all

http://web.me.com/bslagsvol/Wild_Horses_%26_Renegades/Wild_Horses_%26_Renegades.html
 A site describing what the cause is about.

http://vimeo.com/20632915
 The movie featuring Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Viggo Mortensen, Darryl Hannah and others


Feel free to spread this around to other friends and family

Life: the most important cliche you'll hear.

A doll. A toy pick-up truck. A new car. Tickets to the Super Bowl. An RV. Life.

What all these things have in common is that all are potential gifts. All of these things can be given to us without asking for it. Whether it's for one's birthday or a sweet sixteen or a retirement present. Five out of these six are gifts given to us by other people.

And then there's life.

No matter what you may believe about how life starts, it is a gift, no? No one is guaranteed a life in this world. I am just as guilty as everyone else. Daily do I go about living life as if I have all the time in the world until life ends. It is interesting to me, however, that we as humans don't realize how grateful we should be for this life until something terribly tragic or drastic happens. Until that death or tragedy happens do we realize how precious or short life is.

We should all be aware of this on a daily basis. Any given day could be the last. Yes, this is just as cliche-sounding to me the millionth and first time I hear it as it is the millionth time, but it is very true. It's just a cliche because so many people keep repeating it, since we always forget. We need to be reminded of this all the time. It wouldn't be repeated this much if it weren't important, now would it?

And as you go to sleep, the thought process should be to have no regrets about whatever happened in that given day. Take tonight: tonight is the last July 13th/14th, 2011 that will ever happen. Have you said "I love you!" to someone special or loved? Have you gotten everything off your chest (like that thing that has been on your mind and heart for a year and a half, but was too scared to tell that person immediately)? Have you fixed any wrongs? Are there still wrongs on the table that need to be made right? It's best to accomplish these things as soon as possible.

After all, who knows when the decided end will come?

Welcome new readers!!

I was listening to the radio one night and it challenged the listener to think. What has God done for me this past week?

I was at a convention in Puerto Rico recently and one of the topics discussed  was networking. Whether in a professional sense or not, the point put on the table was to keep in touch with your "contacts" at least once a month.

One day, I got a feeling to start this blog. The reasons behind it are, in a sense, a combination of the above ideas.  Since becoming a Christian Easter weekend, I realize (or believe) that God is responsible for a load of things that I didn't/haven't/wouldn't give Him credit for. One HUGE thing I have to thank Him for is the act of providing me with a number of people in the right moment and at the right time.

(HINT HINT: That would be ALL you guys!!!)

I am fully aware that I didn't meet you guys by accident. This was planned and the fact that the plan was played out as intended is simply remarkable. I believe that He used every single one of you in some way or another to help shape me into the person that I am today, and for that I couldn't be more grateful. PTL....

Saying that, I have been very, very awful with keeping in contact with everyone. I felt very convicted of this at the convention and it has been nagging at me since then. One of the big reasons for even doing this blog was so that I could provide a constant contact with my friends, giving you insight into what I am up to. So, I promise to keep better contact through this blog among other ways.

SO: to answer the radio, what has He done for me this week? or this summer?

God has blessed me so much with the warmth and encouraging understanding by everyone that I have talked to about my recent change. I thought I would have such a hard time trying to tell people in the North that I had become a Christian. I, however, have been blessed to realize that everyone so far has been completely accepting and (in some cases) Christians themselves. I can't fully express how joyful and encouraged and blessed I feel because of this.

And with that said, for those reading this for the first time, Welcome to Untitled, the official blog of me, Robby Veronesi.

Robby's Rant: The media. A love-hate relationship

I am a journalist.

Hopefully, I am able to find a job that allows me to tell the news as it is and to give a descriptive account of whatever happens. However, unlike an athlete or doctor where there are many people to look up to, there are few media personalities that FULLY do their jobs correctly, in my opinion anyways.

One of my biggest pet peeves involves media personalities that feel the need to portray certain people a certain way, whether or not the person actually is that way. I greatly dislike paparazzi because all they do is follow celebrities around, trespass sometimes on their propery on personal lives, and the second something goes any form of wrong: they snap a picture of it and get money for that. This is not news. Nor is this good media.

The same goes with big time stories. Let's use the biggest story of the week (and of recent history) for instance: Casey Anthony was of course acquitted of first degree murder in the alleged killing of her daughter, Caylee. Now think: six months ago, had you ever heard of the name Casey Anthony? Probably not.

Now, do you know 100% that she did anything to her daughter in terms of murdering her? The answer should be no. Unless you are either involved or closely associated to the Anthonys.

This is where the media comes in. I don't know whether the police had little evidence in general or just leaked certain pieces to the media, but either way, the media (both social and physical) portrayed Casey in a certain light, which then caused the nation to come up with their own opinions. And for the most part, everyone hates Casey and thinks she should be convicted or worse, even though we know VERY little about what really happened.

As the media so greatly established, Casey obviously did things like party and lie and change her story that we may think of as the "not normal" way of reacting to one's daughter's death. However, when the media exposes JUST this information (very little actual evidence--not that the prosecution had much or anything--> see: ACQUITTAL), the American public are then able to make judgments based on what they see and read about.

This leads to the nationwide feeling of shock and utter confusion after the acquittal. Everyone saw what Casey did post-death and felt like she got away with murder.

Now, I don't know if she is guilty or not (The only people that do are either dead or are recently not guilty), but I believe that there has to be solid evidence in order for any conviction to be made. Our law and judicial system is pretty much awesome because of this. One cannot (or at least should not) judge a person based on what the media puts out there because usually there is SO much more to a story than what is shown.

Chalk this one up to the prosecution and the investigators dropping the ball. Obviously there was not enough evidence for the jury to say guilty or they would have. These are not stupid people. There was a skeleton, statements, and other (circumstantial) evidence. This is quite a bit to have for a case that has been multiple years since it happened. Police have solved cases with much less, sometimes with no body (look it up or watch Investigation Discovery. Either way.).

This lack of evidence led the media to show what little they had becuase anything beats nothing when ratings season comes around. As long as ratings are up, it seems that it doesn't matter who is harmed in the process. This isn't the first time nor will it be the last time. Nor will this be the end of Casey in the media. For months or years down the road, Casey will be the talk of newscasts nationwide, as well as the talk of haters who, in their opinion, think she killed Caylee, whether there is evidence or not.

I guess the saddest part for me is looking on Facebook and seeing statuses saying things like "Florida! You let a killer go free!" or "that jury sucked ass hard!!!" or even "chloroforming casey anthony brb" and "Pretty sure the jury is on drugs or something" and "Proof that our judicial system is crap". It makes me sick that people tend to flip flop based on one trial that they don't agree with in their opinion. 


It is alright to have opinions, just throw in a little common sense with it, do you mind? Thank you! :) Good Night!

My Testimony

The first week of one's first year of college is always an experience. Whether you make it out to be a good one or not, the first week of the year always sets the stage for what is to come in your first year and the rest of the time in college in some way or another. For some people, the first week is just another week that doesn't impact their time in college. For others, however, the events that play out in that first week are crucial to show what kind of year the first year will be.

For me, the latter happened.

Coming into the University of Tennessee, certain odds were not in my favor. I was the only person from my school, knew nobody else attending UT, and, until I met a few people, knew nobody from my entire region. I was a true yankee coming down to the South and the heart of the Bible Belt. A completely different world.

The first Monday of the year came by like many August days do: mid-90's weather and hundreds upon thousands of students sprawled over acres and acres of campus, trying to find their way around everything. My roommate, who I had only known for about a day prior, decided to go get some lunch when a voice called us from a tent from VFC, saying "Hey! You guys want a free water?" On said day in August, we couldn't resist. So we went over. And so it all begins...

The catch of this tent was that in order to get the free water, each person had to fill out a survey. Simple enough. I noticed that the survey asked a lot of questions regarding Christianity. It was then that I realized that VFC stood for "Volunteers for Christ." It didn't mean much at the time, so I just filled the survey out, got my water and went to lunch. I would have forgotten about it, but one of the guys there mentioned a game of Ultimate happening later in the day. I couldn't resist Ultimate, just like I couldn't resist a free water. So I went to Ultimate.

See, at that point, the only things I had known about religious groups on campus was what I thought were the same of fraternities and sororities. They want members, so they'll do anything and everything to get you aborad, but later on if one doesn't follow the rules (or doesn't agree with the beliefs), then that person will be kicked out and never spoken to again by that group. For me, I didn't want to be backstabbed weeks into the year and then made to start over in settling into life at college. For weeks into the year, I was terrified of both VFC and Chi Alpha (another group I had become friends with) because of these reasons, no matter how foolishly stupid they might have been.

My change was a process, and definitely not an easy one. I started to believe the day between Good Friday and Easter this past April (I guess that would be 4/23/10). I can't pinpoint an exact moment, but it was definitely between the time I hiked down from my weekend in the Smokies and Church the next morning. I can't explain the feeling of realizing that I needed Christ in my life. It was not the emotional turnaround that I thought it would be (but trust me, there were a lot of those! Ask anyone in VFC/Chi Alpha). Granted some people do feel those emotional changes, but it was simply an epiphany--a realization of what I had needed.

There was a time span of about eight months from the time I first learned about Christianity to my salvation. Those eight months were filled with sermons, teachings, conversations, and plenty of other moments that shaped me into what I am now and showed me of another world different than what I had known prior. I haven't felt happier now that I have become a Christian. I know that I cannot do this on my own. I am a sinful, prideful person that needs help. It's just that with me, and every other Christian, the help can only come from the One and Only God. I believe that He sent His Son to die for us, to take all the sins and wrath that we deserved. I believe that when He died on the cross, our sins were forgiven. We are given a "Get-out-of-jail-free card." This doesn't mean that we think we can do whatever we want. That would be taking that card for granted. I am very aware of how special of a gift this is for us. For me. I am a sinner and will be a sinner for a long, long time. However, that's okay with me because I am thankful that God has forgiven me on a daily basis. I can't explain the feeling fully of knowing this, but the word 'joy' doesn't seem the same after realizing all of this.

I am very, very aware that all people on this earth are raised with different values, different morales and different beliefs. Of course, if people can understand this and understand Him, great! But in reality, many people do not believe this. One of the biggest things I want everyone that reads this is to understand what I believe now. I completely understand if you do not agree with me, but, if at all possible, any form of understanding would be greatly appreciated. So far, everyone I have talked to and told about this has been VERY supportive and I couldn't be more blessed than to know that my non-Christian friends are okay with it and alright with my decision.

I am very happy and blessed to be in my situation. It was a process to get here and it will be an even bigger and more arduous process to sustain it, but I know it will all serve a greater good and be worth it in the end. Heaven awaits....what better finale than that!