I hate to rant...

[PowerLifter84]

...since I always try to remain positive about every apsect of my life, and do a good job of it. For the most part.

Lately I have been pondering about my life and where it has gone, what I have done, experienced and shared to pass onto my kid (if I were to have one, and hope that I do) one day. In my short 22-years of existance, I have learned a lot but haven't expierenced the 'outside' world, so-to-speak. The past 4.5 years of my life, I have worked a full time job and went to college for at least 13-15 hours per semester, sometimes even the maximum - 18 hours. During this phase of my life, I have lost touch with some of my friends who were very close to me during high school and still feel close to, even though I haven't been able to hang out with them in close to a year. We see each other every now and then, mostly between classes, and we talk, brieftly catch up with what is going on and after five minutes, we depart to our next class. This will happen about once a month.

A good portion of my friends (roughtly 80% or so) have usually had a steady girlfriend or even now have a girlfriend, where with me, it was the complete oppisite. I'm an attractive person (not to sound cocky, which I'm far from) with a good personality, but it seems when everyone else is able to have fun and do whatever they want, I am left working 35-38 hours a week, driving to and from campus two times a day for four days a week (round trip is a hour) and going to the gym. I can honestly say that if it were not for the gym, I would have gone insane by now. It is the only place where I can breathe fresh air and not worry about the outside world. It's only me and my log book -- beating my previous lifts. It has became my place of euphoria.

I think the reason I am thinking of all of this is that I work in a grocery store and see a wide variety of people. The past few days there have been a plethora of people in there and most of whom are couples. They seem so eager to be with each other and happy to celebrate Valentine's Day while I know in the back of my head, I'll be on campus from 11am-9pm, with a brief rest from 4pm-6:30pm so that I can make the trip home and take a quick power nap. If this were just one day, it wouldn't be worth complaining about -- and even now it's not worth complaining about since I'm lucky to be in the position that I am in -- but this is how every day is. Monday through Sunday; morning, afternoon and evening is either filled with a class or work.

I cannot help but think that I am missing my youth and enjoying it more than I already am. I cheerish life for all that it is worth and know that there is a lot to be offered, but how can you accept something that is being offered when you're not there?

It sucks to think that when I become older and gather around my lifelong friends and began to talk about the great college days, they'll reminise about the parties, what went down, banging random women (LOL, partially kidding) and the great times they had, while all I have to bring to the table is that I worked, went to class and lifted weights. That's it.

Hopefully I'll be graduating college in December and moving down south where the climate is a bit warmer! Maybe then I will look back and realize what I've endured for the past 5 years wasn't so bad and a lot more fun than what I thought at this present time?

Like I stated before, I hate to complain since I have it a lot better than some other people, but I just needed to get this off my chest.

Thanks.

 

[Norajane]

I had to work my way through college, with hours as lengthy as yours. Even so, I had plenty of time for fun. The trick is to schedule it in, just like you do your workouts and classes and work hours. You have to make time for play or you burn out.

As for missing out, we all make our way in the world at our own pace and via our individual paths. For some people, high school was the best years of their life - will the football captain who's dating the cheerleader ever get such adulation and social status again? For others, the best years are ahead of them.

I would recommend cutting out that hour-long drive each way, though. Sounds like that might save you some extra hours in the day.

 

[Cathleen]

I think you're doing great. You are obviously in touch with your life -- I know it sounds odd but there are many people, age aside, that just wander through life. You are SO close to the finish line with school. You have made a great effort of your time, energy and mind, you will reap your reward... it's a great acomplishment.

Sometimes life isn't what we consider to be fair. You have so much ahead of you, all those good times you are missing (whose definition of good?) you will be able to have soon. You're laying the foundation to a good life for yourself.

No matter what age you are or where in life you are there will always be times when the grass is greener on the other side. Your life is about to transition into a whole new phase, perhaps you have missed what some might call a more typical college experience but the positives will serve you far better.

I don't want to sound condescending or cliche, but you're just starting on a great part of life. I also agree with Norajane that scheduling fun is a great idea -- no matter your lifes circumstance. Good time management skills will always serve you well and you sure have had lots of practice.

Good luck!

 

[M's girl]

The ladies before me were right.

Listen, you may feel you are missing out but to me it sounds like you are just being responsible and are creating a very solid basis for a life that can only get better after this. I understand how you might feel there should be some more balance, so try to create that for yourself.... sure... Still, this period of time is not going to last forever and I'm so sure you will look back one day and feel proud and have a sense of accomplishment. Which will have made you a confident and reliable person by then, which will benefit you and the person you choose to be with.



Listening to this song with lyrics by French chansonnier Gilbert Bécaud I thought this was suitable for your state of mind...

Je t'attends, viens ne tarde pas
D'où que tu viennes, qui que tu sois
Viens, le temps est court
Je t'attends, mon rêve inconnu
Quel est ton nom, quel est ton but?
Le mien c'est l'amour...

 

[TBKahuna123]

I've neer been much of a partier and I certainly wasn't in college. I spent all my time either in the theater or in the dojo and I never went out partying. I listen to my friends talk about all their wild parties and stuff. What do they have to show for it? Nothing, nada, zip! I have a gorgeous portfolio of scene designs and a catalog of the work I did. I have a deep understanding of my self that only someone devoted to something like Martial Arts can give. I have a creativitiy which I cultivated which has served be even now that I am no longer a theatrical designer. I have a self confidence that I can handle myself in any situation and a wall of trophies to go with it.

Oh yeah, and I also have an amazing, loving wife who I met not at a party, but while working 20 hour days in the theater.

Partying isn't all it's cracked up to be. When you're 40 you're going to be physically and mentally in great health, have a great work ethic and have met a woman who appreciates you for who you truly are. Chacnes are your friends will be burnt out, bodies abused, in jobs they hate because they aren't fun, and married to women they met at the bar who share very few things in common with them.

Other than this feeling like you're missing something, are you happy? Yeah you probably are missing the "classic" frat boy college experience, but you're also way ahead of them in maturity level. I know lifting makes you happy, I know your work ethic is the only way you'd have it. You may be missing out on being and idiot and abusing your body, but think about what they're missing out on?

Trust me dude, you go the better end of this deal. :

 

[mrtnmoon]

wait until you're 41 and haven't lived a life or experienced much. then you can complain.

for what it's worth, you're on the right track. one of my biggest regrets is that I idn't go to college right out of high school. is it too late for me? no, but it's so much harder to go back and be productive when your brain has turned to mush in the 20+ years since you've graduated. compound that with the fact that I still dunno what I want to be when I grow up.

you're young, in good health and obviously have a strong work ethic. keep your chin up and try to maintain your positive attitude. once it's gone, it's damn hard to get back. be proud of the things you've accomplished and try to realize that the other things will come.

in other words, do as I say, not as I do. lol. you sound like the kind of young man I wish I'd been.

 

[Iriadne]

I'd rather the scholar than the partier

Honestly.
I'm a graduate student working 40+ hours a week, going to school full time (10 hrs of classes per week + homework) and not doing too much else. While we may not have the best stories about weird parties, waking up with people we don't know and trying to figure out whose size (US) 30 womens underwear are hanging from the lamp we will know how to find information, manage our time, support our families and appreciate the finer things in life. My roommate was a partier during college. She got knocked up (several times) at wild parties and now lives in a trailer park with her boyfriend eating off of food stamps and changing diapers. So do most of her friends. Her parties might have been more fun but my life, ultimately, will have a better outcome.
~I

 

[PowerLifter84]

Thanks for the replies -- it is good to feel others have been where I am at right now or they had it worse, and wouldn't change a thing about it.

I'm not much of a partier, either, but every once in a while it would be nice to have some fun and get a breath of fresh air, though I choose my priorities and wouldn't change a thing. It's the nature of the beast.

TBK, what martial art did you practice? I was into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (grappling) and Muay Thai for about 9 months until I realized my body wasn't recouperating enough so that I could make my gains in the gym, so I quit. You expend a boatload of calories doing martial arts!!

 

[SweetErika]

While I didn't have your schedule, I took kind of an unconventional route academically and can defintely relate to the feelings of fatigue and missing out. Those are very tough things to cope with.

Now that said, I wouldn't go back and change it for anything. I worked extremely hard, and got it done. Doing so has allowed me to NOT miss out on the really important things, and will continue to do so as my husband and I have a lot more time together and won't have as much stress or time constraints when we have a child.

The sense of accomplishment and peace of mind from getting through the challenge and being completely done will always be more satisfying than remembering the parties I did attend and the other entertainment. Any way you slice it, college is about building character and growing up, and working through challenges is a hell of a lot more effective for both of those than practicing your keg stands or sailing through easily.

I think Norajane's idea about scheduling time off/for fun/for yourself is a great one though, and perhaps you can plan some special things with your gf or something so you have specifics to look forward to...that always helps me.

 

[TBKahuna123]

Thanks for the replies -- it is good to feel others have been where I am at right now or they had it worse, and wouldn't change a thing about it.

I'm not much of a partier, either, but every once in a while it would be nice to have some fun and get a breath of fresh air, though I choose my priorities and wouldn't change a thing. It's the nature of the beast.

TBK, what martial art did you practice? I was into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (grappling) and Muay Thai for about 9 months until I realized my body wasn't recouperating enough so that I could make my gains in the gym, so I quit. You expend a boatload of calories doing martial arts!!

American Kempo Karate. I've also studied Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Tae Kwon Do and Judo. The problem is that Kenpo was such a complete art, one that used scientific principles as well as ancient traditional techniques, that nothing has compared. I studied for 5 years and taught for 2 until I moved away. No one teaches it out here and I have found nothign else to compare. Still, those lessons have served me in all aspects of my life. It was one of the greatest experiences I ever had.

God I miss it.

 

[onlyerics]

All these people have given some great advice and encouragement. This might be repetitive but: Stick to it and hang in there. You're exactly where you need to be to get to your goals. Your hard work will pay off.

My BF had to leave college because he couldn't afford it. Thus, he entered the military, and while he was in there, he finished his bachelor's degree. Now he's doing his master's and working fulltime. He told me that while he was serving his country, most of his friends from high school were partying, getting married, having kids, and later getting divorced. Most of them didn't go or finish college. While they were safely tucked away in his hometown, he was deployed to the middle east. He told me that even if his friends had fun at parties, he still wouldn't trade his military experience.

Don't worry about not being in a relationship at this point. There's always someone special for each one. And besides, chicks really dig guys who are stable, confident and are focused in their lives...so you'll get your lovely lady soon.

Best of luck to you!

 

[PowerLifter84]

Thanks.

I've been single for about a month now and like the stress and drama free life, just wish that I had someone to do something with. It seems impossible to ask a girl out just as friends and nothing else without her thinking that a guy wants to date her. Everything started out being great with my past girlfriend and then I began to realize we were in two different stages of our lives. I'm 22 and she was 18, so by the time I graduate college and move away, she still has another 3-years left.

There's a gorgeous girl at my gym that I've pondered about asking to go see a movie but she is asked out ALL the time. We're good friends now and would hate to make things awkard for her if I asked her out as friends, which I feel like she thought I wanted it to be something more when I don't, but have decided not to. Tomorrow night I'm heading over to her apartment to do some homework so I'll see how things go.

 

[silverwhisper]

power lifter: a lot of wise people have said the things i would have better and faster. you have a plan, you have direction and focus. those things should stand you in good stead.

ed

 

[onlyerics]

Thanks.

I've been single for about a month now and like the stress and drama free life, just wish that I had someone to do something with. It seems impossible to ask a girl out just as friends and nothing else without her thinking that a guy wants to date her. Everything started out being great with my past girlfriend and then I began to realize we were in two different stages of our lives. I'm 22 and she was 18, so by the time I graduate college and move away, she still has another 3-years left.

There's a gorgeous girl at my gym that I've pondered about asking to go see a movie but she is asked out ALL the time. We're good friends now and would hate to make things awkard for her if I asked her out as friends, which I feel like she thought I wanted it to be something more when I don't, but have decided not to. Tomorrow night I'm heading over to her apartment to do some homework so I'll see how things go.

I started to reply to this last night but I think there was something wrong with my modem.
Anyway, I think it's wonderful that you have a little crush on this young woman. Being friends is totally cool. There's nothing wrong with that. Here's a suggestion. Why don't y'all go out in a group? That way it won't look like you have any intentions aside from having her friendly company. That's just a suggestion though. [shrugs]
But please keep us posted on what will happen. We'd love to hear from you. I hope things will work out no matter what you decide to do.

 

[jethrobodeen]

I have a deep understanding of my self that only someone devoted to something like Martial Arts can give. I have a creativitiy which I cultivated which has served be even now that I am no longer a theatrical designer. I have a self confidence that I can handle myself in any situation and a wall of trophies to go with it.

I can relate. To know how it feels to have body/mind/spirit all synchronized, synergized, senses peaked, reflexes so natural you amaze yourself sometimes with that extrordinary kick or punch so well-timed and perfectly-landed but came from so deep inside you, it came without thought, it came without any contemplation, it just came, but yet you're so totally aware of each nanosecond, body/mind/spirit working as one accomplishing something unimaginable to most people. And all you can say about it is yeah, that's what I'm talkin'bout. But yet, the awe is so inspiring, you humble yourself as you continue to develop. And you can keep doing it over and over...

And it spills over into other aspects of life. Sure, you have an occaisional clumsy moment, you don't see something and knock it over, maybe in the medicine cabinet or in the kitchen, but again it's like time is irrelevant, but yet you're still oddly aware of each nanosecond that transpires as cognitive thought is superceded by autonomous reflex response and you so naturally, smoothly, totally relaxed, still without thinking, and you move so fast you don't even see it, and gently scoop under the falling object before it's fallen more than a few inches and intuitively place it right back where it was, all without thoughtful intention.....And you say yeah, that's what I'm talkin'bout.

I bet you are one hellavamuthafuckin' goalie Dude. I bet only it's only a rare puck that gets to fly past you. Fuck those slap shots, NO fear. You don't even have to think about it and your glove is right there, right where the puck is. Rock on.....

-JB

 

[jethrobodeen]

wait until you're 41 and haven't lived a life or experienced much. then you can complain.

for what it's worth, you're on the right track. one of my biggest regrets is that I idn't go to college right out of high school. is it too late for me? no, but it's so much harder to go back and be productive when your brain has turned to mush in the 20+ years since you've graduated. compound that with the fact that I still dunno what I want to be when I grow up.

you're young, in good health and obviously have a strong work ethic. keep your chin up and try to maintain your positive attitude. once it's gone, it's damn hard to get back. be proud of the things you've accomplished and try to realize that the other things will come.

in other words, do as I say, not as I do. lol. you sound like the kind of young man I wish I'd been.

Heh, as a fellow mid-lifer, I can relate (esp what I highlighted). I finally went to the doc for meds and it's helping....

-JB

 

[jethrobodeen]

American Kempo Karate. I've also studied Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Tae Kwon Do and Judo. The problem is that Kenpo was such a complete art, one that used scientific principles as well as ancient traditional techniques, that nothing has compared. I studied for 5 years and taught for 2 until I moved away. No one teaches it out here and I have found nothign else to compare. Still, those lessons have served me in all aspects of my life. It was one of the greatest experiences I ever had.

Bows-in.....
1st Dan Tae Kwon Do 1982 but chose not to pursue 2nd after several years of indecision (that sucks). Wandered through Hop Ki Do, Shorien-Ryu, Gojo-Ryu, Aikido, Tang Su Do for the next 15-20 yrs without pursuing rank in any of them, ultimately finding my center as a hard-stylist. I can do soft, and spending that time with the Hop Ki Do and Aikido helped expand my ability to redirect the energy of an opponent, but ultimately I prefer to feel the adrenalin-rush of hard contact.. every block is also a strike directed at the limb.... to KIAI in the instance of impact, muscles going from totally relaxed to ultimate tension in nanoseconds. I'm too old to be grappling and working a ground game, like the awesome stuff going on in mixed-martial-arts like UFC. Submitting someone with a rear-naked-choke or an arm-bar are skills I could improve upon, but I'm a striker. And who the hell would I be trying to kid? Heh, I get away with stuff in real life coz most people don't expect a 5'7 160lb guy to pack much of a wallop, esp if he's 6-ft 200lbs....and you don't know me and I wouldn't be telling you without anonymnity unless we were friends.....

God I miss it.

Go back to "it". "It" will probably be very different than your original training. I accepted and it's working for me, currently at a local dojo where the Sensei spun off 40 years ago from Wado-Ryu, calls it Wado-Ki, still totally Okinowan-based which I like the less you wait the better.....So what if you don't get the same kenpo/kempo experience. It's still with you...re-awaken it...and add to it... Dude, talk about humbling when you start back again as a white belt. But the promotions along the way are still re-inforcing, and it was weird to go toe to toe with other black belts in the traditional dojo setting, but I'm wearing like yellow, orange, green...and driving a surprising number of them back into the corner....hahahahaha. My TKD instructor was incredible....barely spoke english...8th Dan and personally sparred with me often. But those days are gone, only new days can come about now....

-JB

 

[jethrobodeen]

edit: sorry, freakin' dup?

 

[TBKahuna123]

I bet you are one hellavamuthafuckin' goalie Dude. I bet only it's only a rare puck that gets to fly past you. Fuck those slap shots, NO fear. You don't even have to think about it and your glove is right there, right where the puck is. Rock on.....

-JB

Now THAT is comical!!!!!

I'm improving but I have a loooooong way to go before it's the RARE puck that gets past me. I have noticed though that when I play in tournaments I let in far fewer goals than in the beer league. Something about no one playing defense in the beer league...

Seriously though, the balance and quickness I got from studying Kenpo definitely has helped me in playing hockey. And the flexibility is one of the reasons I've manages to avoid getting hurt.

As for my glove just being there, well, I prize myself on having a pretty good glove. There's nothing like making a great glove save, it's near orgasmic. Like a tuning fork going off in your loins.

 

[jethrobodeen]

Now THAT is comical!!!!!

I'm improving but I have a loooooong way to go before it's the RARE puck that gets past me. I have noticed though that when I play in tournaments I let in far fewer goals than in the beer league. Something about no one playing defense in the beer league...

Seriously though, the balance and quickness I got from studying Kenpo definitely has helped me in playing hockey. And the flexibility is one of the reasons I've manages to avoid getting hurt.

As for my glove just being there, well, I prize myself on having a pretty good glove. There's nothing like making a great glove save, it's near orgasmic. Like a tuning fork going off in your loins.

Hehe bloody and rough is just kinda..necessary sometimes..part of the game. But like you, damn, my goal is to be able go to work on Monday. Sometimes the the other teams, esp as your team advances, start playing dirtier and dirtier. It's hard not to get sucked into the man-shit. Then you get drunk with the team you fought with in the parkin' lot after the game Well, at least that's my soccer league experience, and a lot of my comrades are into hockey big time too.....and it's all good.

See, you have humility, you humble yourself. And those saves...those are the ones that happen like I described, yes? Autopilot? Just spontaneous......Hell if not, get yer ass to some dojo, any freakin' dojo. You got the Kahunas?

-JB

 

[Hisbabydoll26]

...since I always try to remain positive about every apsect of my life, and do a good job of it. For the most part.

Lately I have been pondering about my life and where it has gone, what I have done, experienced and shared to pass onto my kid (if I were to have one, and hope that I do) one day. In my short 22-years of existance, I have learned a lot but haven't expierenced the 'outside' world, so-to-speak. The past 4.5 years of my life, I have worked a full time job and went to college for at least 13-15 hours per semester, sometimes even the maximum - 18 hours. During this phase of my life, I have lost touch with some of my friends who were very close to me during high school and still feel close to, even though I haven't been able to hang out with them in close to a year. We see each other every now and then, mostly between classes, and we talk, brieftly catch up with what is going on and after five minutes, we depart to our next class. This will happen about once a month.

A good portion of my friends (roughtly 80% or so) have usually had a steady girlfriend or even now have a girlfriend, where with me, it was the complete oppisite. I'm an attractive person (not to sound cocky, which I'm far from) with a good personality, but it seems when everyone else is able to have fun and do whatever they want, I am left working 35-38 hours a week, driving to and from campus two times a day for four days a week (round trip is a hour) and going to the gym. I can honestly say that if it were not for the gym, I would have gone insane by now. It is the only place where I can breathe fresh air and not worry about the outside world. It's only me and my log book -- beating my previous lifts. It has became my place of euphoria.

I think the reason I am thinking of all of this is that I work in a grocery store and see a wide variety of people. The past few days there have been a plethora of people in there and most of whom are couples. They seem so eager to be with each other and happy to celebrate Valentine's Day while I know in the back of my head, I'll be on campus from 11am-9pm, with a brief rest from 4pm-6:30pm so that I can make the trip home and take a quick power nap. If this were just one day, it wouldn't be worth complaining about -- and even now it's not worth complaining about since I'm lucky to be in the position that I am in -- but this is how every day is. Monday through Sunday; morning, afternoon and evening is either filled with a class or work.

I cannot help but think that I am missing my youth and enjoying it more than I already am. I cheerish life for all that it is worth and know that there is a lot to be offered, but how can you accept something that is being offered when you're not there?

It sucks to think that when I become older and gather around my lifelong friends and began to talk about the great college days, they'll reminise about the parties, what went down, banging random women (LOL, partially kidding) and the great times they had, while all I have to bring to the table is that I worked, went to class and lifted weights. That's it.

Hopefully I'll be graduating college in December and moving down south where the climate is a bit warmer! Maybe then I will look back and realize what I've endured for the past 5 years wasn't so bad and a lot more fun than what I thought at this present time?

Like I stated before, I hate to complain since I have it a lot better than some other people, but I just needed to get this off my chest.

Thanks.

Don't let those other people fool you...they are wondering around partying their ass off only to wake up the next day and forget what they did. Not to mention frying their brains with drink and drug. At least you have a focus. When you get into the work force (the whole goal of your college education and extreme hard work) you will be ready while they will have to adjust to the real world. Some have never adjusted and can barley drag themselves into work. It's about balance.

Do you or can you meet anyone through study groups? You are certainly not alone in working many jobs, getting no sleep, and killing yourself to get to that end. *raises hand* I did it....now...I was in a sorority but wasn't the party girl. I took time for the important formals and volunteer work but never felt the need to waste my (needed study time) time with people that had no converstaion skills, low self-esteem and what seems like gobs of time living off of their parents dime. I know not everyone is like that..but ...really..the grass isn't greener over there. Look for those party types 5 years from now..my guess...they are still in college, or living back home.

Give yourself some credit......*hug*

 

[Ezzy]

...The past 4.5 years of my life, I have worked a full time job and went to college for at least 13-15 hours per semester, sometimes even the maximum - 18 hours.

... I am left working 35-38 hours a week, driving to and from campus two times a day for four days a week (round trip is a hour) and going to the gym. I can honestly say that if it were not for the gym, I would have gone insane by now.

...I'll be on campus from 11am-9pm, with a brief rest from 4pm-6:30pm so that I can make the trip home and take a quick power nap. If this were just one day, it wouldn't be worth complaining about -- and even now it's not worth complaining about since I'm lucky to be in the position that I am in -- but this is how every day is. Monday through Sunday; morning, afternoon and evening is either filled with a class or work.

Back in the day (many years ago I admit), my course was 40 hours a week, I used to loose 8 hours a week traveling to and from home to the university, 50 hours a week working two jobs to support myself, 40 hours a week sleeping, and still found 30 hours a week for the two clubs I was in and to socialize with my friends.

Perhaps a course in time management would help you, or I would cut out the trip home for a power nap, if you are putting in an hours drive and wasting the gas when you could sleep in your car, or the library, or get friendly with someone who has a closet they will let you sleep in, or any thing that would stop the waste of your time.

If the college is of any size at all it should have at least one gym on it, take the nap time to do your gym while there, then use the time you spend in the gym near home to do something else. Colleges are great places to meet girls, so now is the time and unless you take a post grad course, once you are done you're not coming back.

If you were to hang out in a cafe on or near the college, when you are not working at college or in the gym this would give you a chance to meet with others and become friends. The friends would be good for you male or female so don't refuse to talk to anyone.

On the time management thing I would even consider trying to move your job to near the college, see if you can work for the same company in a closer store if there is one, and here isthe reason.

If you left home at 3:00 AM and went to work for 7 hours, you will be coming out of work around 10:30 drive to college for 11:00 AM. College 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Cafe relaxation 4:15 - 5:15, Gym 5:30 - 6:30, College ? 6:30 - 9:00 PM, drive home 9:00 - 9:30, go to bed at 10:00, if you made this or something like this your Monday to Friday routine you would accumulate the following hours per week.

Work 5 @ 6 1/2 hours + 1/2 hour break =32 1/2 hours
College(1) 5 @ 4 hours + 1 hour lunch break = 20 hours (more than your maximum and 1 hours break a day).
College(2) 5 @ 2 1/2 hours = 12 1/2 hours.
Relaxation /socializing 5 @ 1 hour = 5 hours
Gym 5 @ 1 hour = 5 hours
Sleep 5 @ 4 1/2 = 22 1/2 hours
Driving to and from college and work 5 hours

This wacky routine leaves you tired, but free from 9:00 PM Friday night to 3:00 AM Monday morning, ok so you need to do another 8 hours of work, then take it out of the 54 hour long weekend. You need a straight 8 hours to catch up on some sleep take it from the 45 hours (46 - the hour of travel to work and home again afterward. so there you are Saturday morning and you have 37 hours to get your laundry done, get another 8 hours of sleep and live a life. this is 29 hours to do something else you want or need to do.

Wow, with an extra 29 hours in my week, I could get two days ahead every week, by the end of a month I would be more than a week ahead, by the end of 6 months I would be over 52 days ahead and would not need to worry about where the next bean was coming from and I could take time off to travel with the family.

Can I ask you to really break down your day, hour by hour as I can't work out any other ways to help out, not knowing the way you have your life structured, not knowing how long you need to sleep at a time,Ii did well on 4 1/2 hours sleep as long as I only got 4 1/2 hours sleep, if I got more sleep I would feel more tired not less, when I was working this kind of system I got 4 1/2 hours 7 days a week or 31 1/2 hours of sleep a week.

168 (7 x 24) Hours a week
- 31.5 (sleep)
====
136.5
- 72 (work 6 days @ 12 hours)
====
64.5
- 10.5 (travel)
====
54
- 28 (socializing)
====
26 (shopping/ watching TV/ Laundry/etc)

This was my routine for more than 3 years, I was earning poor money hence the long hours but I had a great time over those 3 years, probably some of the best times of my life truth be told. So I do know that these things are possible, I did it not only at college but 3 years later as well!

 

[jethrobodeen]

on topic for a change

Hopefully I'll be graduating college in December and moving down south where the climate is a bit warmer! Maybe then I will look back and realize what I've endured for the past 5 years wasn't so bad and a lot more fun than what I thought at this present time?

Like I stated before, I hate to complain since I have it a lot better than some other people, but I just needed to get this off my chest.

Thanks.

Everybody has to rant sometimes. When it becomes a habit, it's time to look deeper. (who me?)

But this sounds to me like you are experiencing a sort of burn-out along with the stuff starts to kick in naturally to change your direction. You've been running at or close to red-line for a while as you invest in your future. The engine is letting you know it needs something. Rest? Fuel? Oil? Repair?

No matter where you are, that's the only place you can start from. If you think after your college days are over, you'll have regrets to have not savored more of the memorable experiences, congratulations. That is one of life's truths tapping on your shoulder. Balance is so important, listen to the voice. The only shots you always miss are the ones you never take. But it's not about just the next year before you graduate. You'll have to fight that drive to accomplish, sometimes accept less than extrodinary, and learn to go for more recreation of exactly the type you need, to make friends, to find a mate, to point your life in a direction of fulfulling more than just work.

Regards,
-JB

 

[PowerLifter84]

Ezzy, you broke it down pretty well, lol.

Monday:
8:30am - meal # 1
9:30-11am is Biotechnology
11am-11:30 - drive home
11:45 meal # 2
12:15 - 2:15 - a quick nap
2:30 - protein shake and small meal (#3)
3:30 - drive to class
4-6:30 - PE class, Evaluating Fitness
6:30-7 - drive home
7:15 - meal # 4
9-10pm - gym time
10:15 - post workout shake
11:15 - meal # 5
11:30-12:30am - 'online time' or study.
12:30 - night time protein shake and off to bed

This is the basic layout of my week with the exception of wednesay and thursday. I do not have a night class those days so from 4-9 I'm at work, and 9-10 i'm in the gym. Friday I don't have class so I work 12:30-9 as well as Saturday and Sunday.

 

[Ezzy]

Ezzy, you broke it down pretty well, lol.

Monday:
8:30am - meal # 1
9:30-11am is Biotechnology
11am-11:30 - drive home
11:45 meal # 2
12:15 - 2:15 - a quick nap
2:30 - protein shake and small meal (#3)
3:30 - drive to class
4-6:30 - PE class, Evaluating Fitness
6:30-7 - drive home
7:15 - meal # 4
9-10pm - gym time
10:15 - post workout shake
11:15 - meal # 5
11:30-12:30am - 'online time' or study.
12:30 - night time protein shake and off to bed

This is the basic layout of my week with the exception of wednesay and thursday. I do not have a night class those days so from 4-9 I'm at work, and 9-10 i'm in the gym. Friday I don't have class so I work 12:30-9 as well as Saturday and Sunday.

The 11:00 Am till 4:00 Pm is the biggest cut into your day, if you could find it in you to either prepare packed snacks and take the ingredients for your protein shakes, you could spend the hour you normally drive to and from college, to work out in the gym, still get meal #2 and meal #3 in and find yourself somewhere you can take a nap, you could then move your evening up a couple of hours, gain an extra hour of sleep before midnight, and it could be worth the 2 hours of nap time for you.

I don't have the full answer as I have never done any body building, or been on such a regimented diet, I eat when I am hungry, I sleep when I am tired, I look after the kids and the house and work and the pets, then I shop when I can and ship out sold items when I can find the time for a trip to the post, and work when the house is quiet, and the kids are in school.

I am sure you would be able to get some help with all the areas I did not touch on with someone on the staff of the college, ask around there may be more help out there than you would think.