Category: Syracuse University

Masters Degree, my life, reflections, Syracuse University

Undergraduate Reflections

I feel like this is a big month for me. There is countdown clock in my head that is ticking down the days until I get this letter. It is becoming all that I think about. I cannot give myself a real reason why I would not be accepted to Sarah Lawrence College. I really feel that this is a right fit for me.

However, I look back at my undergraduate years and I think about how I could have done so much better. I was so lost in everything that was not my books. I went into college blind to how hard the environment could be. I went away to get away from warring parents. I continue to think that this was the best choice for me. Syracuse University is where I eventually found something within myself.

However, those 4 years were indeed hard. My grades certainly reflected this. I spend the first 2 years trying to figure out what I want to do in life. I took all these liberal arts classes that were ok, but there were some that I could not wrap my mind around. Math was something that always kicked my ass, but it was African American Studies classes that kept me somewhat focused.

Women were foreign territory to me. I had no idea what I was doing and they distracted the hell out of me. I got lucky a few times by fooling around with some girls here and there, but I was so convinced that I was just not good enough. I was not confident in myself despite the fact I may had a few girls who liked me. The one thing that really noticed was the fact that it was only black girls that seemed interested. I spent much time wondering why women of my own culture were not interested.

This was part of me recognizing my place in this world. I began to figure out that I didn’t quite fit in either black or latino culture on campus. In the end, I ended up hanging out more with my African American friends. I felt that I connected more with them, but I was just beginning to understand my own roots. My grades still suffered because I was really not thinking about school as much as I was thinking about just surviving day to day. Sure, I went to class but, I was taking classes in things I really did not care for.

Then, by my junior year, two things occurred. I finally selected my major and I finally got myself a girlfriend. She was not technically my first girlfriend, but she was my first real relationship. In terms of my major, I finally chose English. I also became a student leader on campus and it seemed all things were going right. This is where I finally felt that twinge of confidence. I begin to love my classes and love the person I was becoming. My grades finally improved but, I ended up graduating with a GPA that is not what I call to great.

I think about all of that now and I cannot wish that I could do it all over. Everything that has happened in my past has shaped my present. I am who I am because of the path I walked. So, I have to live with the bad grades because I was just no focused enough. This is why I have such an affinity and understanding with the students I mentor and supervise.  There was no one like me back then. I make the choice everyday to make sure that students know I am here and I have been in there shoes.

My grades in graduate classes are what they should be. I am averaging an A-. Although, it was just three classes, I took them while working, on average, of 55 hour weeks. I just hope that it is enough to sway the panel of admissions or whomever makes the decision that I am indeed good enough.

Big East Tournament, heart, Syracuse University

I Wear It On My Sleeve

Today seemed like it would have been a great day. Even though I got up 15 minutes later than I wanted to. I was still able to take a nice shower and walk to the Metro North station in Pelham in time to catch my train. I was a beautiful day in my standards. I didn’t need the usual hat nor glove that I rock in Syracuse because New York City weather is usually better.

I got off at Grand Central Station. Walked through Times Square. Stopped by Starbucks to get my daily liquid crack and then I  proceeded to Madison Square Garden for the Big East Tournament. You have to understand, after last year, I had to go. I just had to root for the Syracuse Orange. I get my tickets from will call and I head to my seat.  Then it happened. We Lost.

I am quite sure if anyone of you were to go to a game with me, either a Met game or a Syracuse game, you will be entertained. I am no the type to erupt with vulgarity (at least, when I sober), but you will definitely know that win or lose, I wear my heart and loyalty on my sleeve.

I want to mention the fact there were a lot of orange in the crown at MSG today. So I wasn’t alone in my disappointment. What made today interesting was the fact SU are favorites to win the National title which is something I am not used to. I am used to teams that are underdogs. So, being that SU has been  playing so well, I have been a bit of an asshole. I am quite ok with this. However, I try not to duel with other fans because I would rather concentrate on the game.

Needless to say, as the seconds began to roll off the clock, anyone who wasn’t an SU fan stood up and cheered Georgetown. I think we have become hated. I love it! Although, I slowly began to despise the old man sitting next to me because it was like he know exactly the strategy to be Syracuse….whatever.

So, yes I was mad all day. You can tell in my scowl. I walked the streets pretty mad and some people in Times Square would say to me: “tough loss man…” I am a sore loser. I know this. This is a part of my nature. I hate to lose and yet I never seem to win all the much but when I do, you will know.

I meet up with a friend of mine who ended up missing the game. He was going to the later set of games to see the University of Pittsburgh play. As I described the game to him, he would just give me this look. He then says, “You wear it on your sleeve, don’t you?”. Hell yeah I do! That is me, Mr. Emotion. I feel like that is all I ever do. This is why the off switch becomes so important! There is hardly ever a mystery when it comes to the way I feel. Sometimes I don’t mind it but other times I loathe it with a passion. This would be a reason why I write poetry so I can ease my extreme sense of emotion about whatever is on my mind.

When it comes down to it, this is just a basketball game and I will live. But, in case anyone wants to talk about how I am being ridiculous for being angry about this, lets think about the billions of Soccer fans across the world who destroy whole stadiums when their teams loses! I think I am entitled to just a little bit of emotion!

No one can ever tell me that I do not have heart because knowing me means you see it everyday.

Afro Latino, Latino Heritage Month, Latinos, Syracuse, Syracuse University

Latino Heritage Month

First let me say that my weeks seem to get busier by the day and coming up with blogs have proven to be difficult. I know that I have been basing many topics on love and life because of the many issues that I am facing. However, I do have another passion and that is mi cultura. I started writing this blog because I felt that Afro Latinos are just not represented enough and I wanted to carve my niche. I wont say I haven’t, but I know I do not write much about being Latino.

I remember a few month back, I would talk to people about my blog and I said to one woman that I do not talk much about Latino issues as I should. Her response was classic. She told me that the subject does no matter, since I am Latino…then the blog is about Latino issues. I am always amazed about how people view the world. So, I never gave my subject matter a second thought.

For those who do not know, Latino Heritage Month is really called “Hispanic Heritage Month”. Hispanic Awareness began in 1968 under the Lydon Johnson administration. It was once called Hispanic Heritage Week. Years later, under President Regan, it was expanded to a Month between September 15th and October 15th. The reason for the oddity of the dates is because of the numerous amount of independence days that Latin American countries celebrate within that 30 day time period. It was voted into law in 1988.

I was never crazy about the idea of having an “awareness” month actually being in between 2 months, but I do understand the reasoning. It made me think that how funny it is that Black History Month is during the shortest month of the year and that includes leap year. Now Latinos cant even have a real month we just have to bits of 2 months and call it our own. Sounds like good old fashioned colonialism to me, but I digress..

Speaking of that…I prefer saying Latino Heritage Month because I feel that is what is should be called. I have explained before how Hispanic is not a term I consider myself. Do I look Hispanic? No… I look black. Probably because I am a direct reflection of people who were indigenous to the Latin American Diaspora which does include the Caribbean. While I do get that this is a national month of recognition that that was created by the U.S. Government to celebrate diversity within our country, we have the ability to change the name. It was not so long ago that the term Latino was not even on the Census chart.

There are several blogs & social networks that I have listed on the side that more or less talk about the Latino experience. Depending on where you live or where you go there are tons of things to see and do during this month. The big thing that everyone on twitter is talking about is the LATISM (LATinos in Social Media) Conference. Although I cannot make it, I would really like to wish them the best when it comes to their events.

Syracuse University is doing some good things for this month as well. Here are some events that I know I will be attending or managing here on campus:

9/25 – 8pm Schine 304ABC – Poetry Nught Featuring Willie Perdomo
9/26 – 7pm Goldstein Aud – Fiesta Latina (Food & Dance, with live music)
10/8 – 6:30pm Goldstein Aud – Cafe con Leche with Rosie Perez & Mike Robles
10/10 – 7pm – Goldstein Aud – Phi Iota Alpha 15th Anniversary Baquet

There are just highlights in a great month that we plan on having. I know the city of Syracuse has some event going on as well. The one thing I will highlight is the Third Annual Latino Upstate Summit, which is on 10/23. I plan on being there.

I hope you all get a chance to enjoy a little bit of dance, a little bit of food, and a whole lot of culture.
Chelsea Market, exercise, Masters Degree, Shaq, Syracuse University

Tidbit Tuesday


Chelsea Market


I am adding this to the list of destinations I plan on visiting on my trip to my hometown of New York City. I have been to the Chelsea market before on my last trip to NYC. I didn’t get to see all of the places in there because I was hanging out with the fellas, but I want to go and check it out. The funny thing is that when someone asked me what the Chelsea Market it was…I couldn’t really explain it. I found myself not doing it justice.

So that is why I have attached the Chelsea Market link. That will give everyone a good indication of what this is. I doubt I will buy anything, but I am going there because I know it is place I have never really seen prior to my trip in March. Despite, growing up in the Bronx, I am realizing that there are many things about NYC that I have not really seen. Hopefully I will see something or do something new.


Shaq!!!

The buzz on campus yesterday was that Shaquille O’Neal is on campus taking a course. I first saw a notice on Twitter, but I just took it for what it is, a rumor. However, once the article came out, then I knew it was real. Then of course you have multiple Facebook status messages going crazy. Everyone wanting to know why he is here. Clearly, the man is thinking about Broadcasting. Syracuse University has the number one school for that (Newhouse). Makes sense to me.

I am not a person who gets star struck. I admit that this got me a little excited, which tells me that despite it all, I still love my Alma Mater. I am not sure that I would ever be breathless if a true celebrity were to be in my presence. The only one I can think of is Alicia Keys….which by the way I am totally mad at. I saw a tweet that she is in a relationship with Swizz Beatz (that hurts me). Anyway, I am not someone who gets start struck, but I totally tweeted Shaq! All I want is a pic in Schine Student Center…


Exercise

Most of you may know this, but I have been totally killing myself, in a good way. My treadmill sessions have been good for me. 45 minutes of hell usually gets be about 3.5 miles worth of panting and sweat. I do not run the entire way, but I do for most of it. What I am the most proud of is that I can run for 1 mile without stopping. I also have a killer running soundtrack on my iPhone. So at times when I feel I cannot make, certain songs will give me that extra bounce..

The only thing I am in search of is a good pair of running shoes. The problem is that they will be more expensive then I need them to be. So, another thing on my list of things to do in NYC, is to price out some running shoes. My birthday is not too far away and I think I can convince some people to at least partially fund this worthy cause! (Definitely hitting up Dad first)

Self Evaluation

One thing that I never get used to is doing a Self Evaluation to close out the year. Talking positively about myself for a Performance Review is something that I have always found hard to do. I wonder if I was more egotistical, would it be easier? At least I would be high on myself and the questions of my accomplishments for the year would not be so hard.

Well that is what I spend the bulk of yesterday doing. Writing the Self Evaluation so that the powers that be can see that I am doing my job well. Let me tell you, I had a very good year professionally. I am going on my 8 years here and I really feel that I have hit my stride. That does not mean I getting complacent. Far from it. I am actually going to start classes in the fall to continue my path to a Master Degree

The only issue I face is these damn letters of recommendation that I have asked people to write. I asked 3 people to write letters for me. Only one has been submitted. That was months ago. I need to move forward. So the question in my head is…do I nag the hell out of my them or do I search for 2 more people?

Commercials, Joe Biden, New York, President Obama, Star Trek, Syracuse University

Tidbit Tuesday

About a week ago, I thought about some themes. I am introducing Tidbit Tuesdays. I consider these to be Mini Blogs. These are things that are too short to post in a normal blog. I have done this before. Now I am making this a weekly thing. Enjoy!


Star Trek

All I can say is wow. I am not going to review the movie because I think so many people have seen it by now. There are only certain moves that I can say “wow” too as I am watching it. This movie definitely made me do that. I am very impressed by the character development and the overall direction of Star Trek. I am quite sure there will be tons of sequels!

This may be a movie I see a second time. Perhaps in Imax! I have never seen a movie in Imax. Perhaps on my trip to NYC, I will do that…

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New York City

Speaking of NYC, I am going down there the last week of May because my father is getting married for the 3rd time. I am actually quite surprised by this. I cannot tell you the countless amount of times that he has told me that he will never get married again. I am truly happy for him and for my step mother. I have been calling calling her step mother for quite some time. Let’s face, they have been together since I was in High School, so it is about time.

There was a small issues with the date in which they were going to get married. Based on a commitment from work I could not go with the original date set, which was 5/26. So I tell my father this and they were trying to work something out. I thought this was a firm date. But then that commitment fell through weeks later and I just took the rest of that week off. Come to fins out they switch dates on me to 5/22. So now I have to come down after work on 5/21.

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Joe Biden

For those who don’t know, the Vice President was up here at Syracuse University giving a speech during the Commencement ceremonies. I was lucky enough to be in attendance since Josie did graduate this past weekend. It was very surreal to me to be in his presence. This is the first politician (that I voted for) I have ever seen live and in person. It was almost this larger than life feeling.
His speech was on point. He talked about his Syracuse days as a Law Student and then talked about the vision of America the he and President Obama share. Normally, when you go to a commencement so early (we were there by 7:50), you expect to fall asleep at some point, well it was not meant to be in this case. I was awake the entire time. I really enjoyed listening to Joe Biden speak….and he did not put his foot in his mouth

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Commercials

I do not watch all that much television. What I do watch is Baseball, ESPN, and shows that I tend to DVR (Lost, Heroes, Biggest Loser, The Office, etc). I tend to fast forward through commercials anyway. However, when I watch the Mets play, I have to watch the commercials. There are a few that are really amusing. Heineken seems to do a very good job at providing some good laughs about their product. I believe that if you really want to get your name around your commercials need to memorable and funny.

I don’t like Heineken. Not a fan of their beer. But there commercials make me laugh:



Someone needs to pay the people who write these a lot of money! Have a good one!
ANCLA, Bio, CNY Latino, Latinos, Syracuse, Syracuse University

Bio

Yesterday I had the privilege of being interviewed by a Syracuse University student who was doing volunteer work for credit. He was helping CNY Latino gather a database of like who is up and coming in the Syracuse Area. This would be a way for Latinos here in Central New York to network and pool resources if we had to on projects and various community outreach. I think this is a great project and I am sure it will work out well.

The interview was cool and I enjoyed it. I tend to learn about myself when people ask personal and thought provoking questions. After the interview was done, Josh reminds me that I need to send in a picture and a bio. Damn. I forgot about that.

The picture I am ok with. I have tons of those. I can use the one I took at work. But, the bio I am not so sure about. I think I tried this before and it did not work for me. I am pretty sure that someone had to write it for me.

I find this to be crazy because I love to write. I can write about anything that comes to mind, however, if I try to write about a bio about myself and I only get as far as one line: Anthony Otero was born in the Bronx, New York.

That is it! That is all I got! Where do I go from there? Shit, I went to high school, started no trouble. Didn’t do anything of importance until college. Lost my virginity at 19. Graduated in 1996. Stayed in Syracuse because of a woman (rolls eyes) and worked for SU. Returned home in 1998 because my dad had cancer. Got my first Apt in the Bronx in 1999 where I met my wife shortly after. Survived 9/11 then returned to SU in 2001.

Worked tirelessly for the students and student affairs. Advise 2 student organizations that is not apart of my job description. Plan and schedule numerous events where I have met tons of people. I must say I love my students. I am also the chairperson for and community based organization called ANCLA (which is a whole separate can of worms) where I have planned a conference and 2 dinners.

Somehow I find time to take classes and sleep. Did I mention I have a blind dog? Played on some city rec basketball team (can of worms too) and is the captain of the student affairs softball team. See, I wrote a bio….but I am not sure this is good enough to go a publication. So back the drawing board I go…
Big East Tournament, NYC, Sleep, Son Loco, Syracuse University

What a Week!

I am tired. It has been a long week, I still have not gotten nearly enough sleep and I have a very long day tomorrow. But, I can sit back and reflect on the past week and realize that I had great vacation! As many times as I have been back to NYC, this was the best time I have had in years.

I was worried about how much money I was going to spend and who I would be able to see. I just came down to see some Big East Tournament games and then chill for the rest of weekend. Well, as you can tell, the games were great, even though Syracuse lost in the end. Then I decide to go this party at a club called Katra located in Lower Manhattan. Which was good, but they packed us all in like sardines.

I had no intention on stay out late, even though I left the Bronx at midnight. I wanted to just say hi and get a little dance on and then be home in enough time to get some good sleep. Well, based on past experience, that did not happen. I ran into my good friend, Rahman (Pop) and ti was over. He let me know I was not going home anytime soon. We painted Lower Manhattan, well whatever color that he decided, and after going to a Birthday Bash at Sutra, and we ended up at a place called Son Loco.

That place was awesome! I had the chicken burrito and it was great. So, I got back at 6am…passed out at 6:30am. Then I wake up to Justin playing WWE Monday Night Raw that he has on the DVR, which was about 11:15am. My brother knocks on the door to wake me up at 11:30am because we need to do a Fantasy Baseball Draft.

Want to know my fantasy? More sleep.

6 Overtimes, Big East Tournament, Syracuse University

6 Overtimes

I have not been to a Syracuse basketball game all year. I have been way too busy. I took this week off to recharge and get ready for the rest of the semester. So when the opportunity arose to go the The Big East tournament, I just hand to jump at it. I figured I would catch a few games and hopefully I would see something special.

We (my boy Chris and fellow alum David Walker) had already witnessed the Seton Hall game. So we were hoping for another win against UCONN. The one thing about Madison Square Garden that I like is that there is not a bad seat in the entire place. We sat in section 347 and it was just crawling with UCONN fans. Our tickets are good for only 2 games which was the Pitt vs W. Virginia game and the SU vs. UCONN game, so there were other fans there.

When Pitt lost, most of the those fans left. In the section we were in, there were quite a few people talking shit about how this would an easy win for the Huskies. So, let me just say that when I go the game such as this, I have my game face on. I don’t pay attention to the haters from the other team. There were two West Virginia fans who sat in front of me. They stayed for the game because West Virginia gets the winner of this game. Let me just say that I drank no beer during this game and I am glad for it.

The game starts and I feel like I am back at the Carrier Dome. The chant of “Let’s go Orange” (clap, clap,clapclapclap) is deafening. We jump out to a lead first and the Huskies fans in my section know I am here. I will point out, that I don’t berate the other teams fans. But they know I bleed Orange! However, UCONN comes roaring back into this game and this is where I began really see how UCONN fans came out in full force. Orange chants are muffled by Huskies chants. At one point one of the Huskies fans behind me comments on how he cannot stand Eric Devendorf by shouting, “Go Home and Beat up your girlfriend.” Before we knew it, the first half was over. UCONN is up by 3.

During halftime I knew we had a very good shot. The Huskies didn’t look like they were into the game. Sure they were winning but they gave me the feeling that they were waiting for SU to make a run. The second half starts and at one point it seemed like SU was stuck at 40. I thought the Huskies were going to put us away but we came back and kept pushing. We saw a fight in the stand between some fans. It took about 10 security guards to stop it.

The last 2 minutes I never sat down. It was so close that I started biting my nails. I kept looking at this one big guy in our section who was a Huskies fan. He looked like he could be on steroids. He was a cheer leader for this section. He kept saying that the boys were going to pull it out. He looked like one of types that could go into a roid rage if they lose…more on him later. I look over to David and I say, “This game is so great, I can do overtime”. Then there is this white kid who was sitting on the bottom of our section who kept looking up at me since the 3 of us were the only one cheering the Orange. He gets up and sits next to me and says, “I can’t sit next to these UCONN people anymore.”

The Orange have the last possession with like :01 left and the ball is inbounded to Eric Devondorf, I will tell you that everyone in the Garden thought that shot was good. I hugged everyone with Orange on and pointed at anyone who thought we would not win this game (except for steroid dude). But then there was this long wait. We see people on the court and we realizing they are reviewing the play. I get a text from a co-worker telling me it is no good. Then we see the ref call it off… The place explodes with UCONN UCONN UCONN.

The West Virginia fan…who was sitting in front of me just smiles. My buddy Chris is like..”You want this to go to like double overtime, don’t you?” The guy replies…”I will be happy with 6 overtimes….”

The first 4 OTS were gut wrenching. UCONN took the lead from the start in every OT. They would jump out in front and the Orange would fight right back. It was like watching a prize fight. There were people who actually left! I am guessing that they could not hang. My voice is raw and my phone was dying. I was getting texts from friends and co-workers while updating my Facebook status. When the big men from the Huskies fouled out, the atmosphere changed. UCONN fans were pissed, they knew what we all knew, this was going to be the Johnny Flynn show.

The 5th OT flew by and the announcer says that we are now apart of the longest Big East Game ever! I never thought that I was going to see history in the making. But, we knew that the momentum was still on the Orange. In the 6th OT, we jump out in front and never look back. It is 1:30! We got to the Garden at 6:30. I was starving, sleep deprived, had no beer, and I even think an old woman gave me the finger. Oh…that steroid guy, he left with about 90 seconds left. He was pissed! Cursing how the Orange beat them AGAIN….127-117.

People are dancing in the aisles. When we finally leave the Garden and it is all Orange (and it is cold folks) and people are screaming “Go Cuse”. It was insane. The whole night was insane. I am not going to tonight’s game because tickets start at $95, and I am not sure I would want to even if I had it like that. After what I just witnessed, I think I saw the greatest SU Basketball game of all time.

Facebook, Holy Cross, Random Things, Syracuse University

25 Random Things…

So, I have been tagged on Facebook several times to do a posting of 25 random things about me. I decided to do on here as well because Brook was so nice to tag me on her blog. (Which you all must read). These are not in any order, just in the order I think of it.

1. I am a hardcore New York Mets Fan. (enough said)

2. I have a huge comic book collection that dates back to my childhood days

3. I have a dog named Rocky. He is a Lhasa Apso and has diabetes. Yes, they get diabetes. I give him a shot of insulin every 12 hours. When he doesn’t get his shot. He pees like a race horse…

4. I am convinced that Papa John’s puts crack in their Pizza. That pizza is so good, I cannot even describe.

5. I am addicted to the Nintendo Wii. I love video games as it is but, this one puts the fun back in to gaming.

6. I got hooked on Desperate Housewives…I can’t believe that one…

7. Despite the fact that my wife does most of the cooking, I do love to cook. I haven’t done it in a while so I think it might be time.

8. I cannot watch the movie: My Dog Skip, without crying. It makes me think of the other dog I had, Rusty, that died 2 years ago. He was 4.

9. I love Facebook games! I take all challengers in Scrabble, Scramble, Word Challenge, Tetris, Bowling Buddies, Who has the Biggest Brain, and Geo Challenge…lol

10. I have written several short stories in different genres…few that I actually share with people.

11. As I write this, I have 3639 songs on my iTunes. I love music in all forms. So you could walk in my office and here anything like The Notorious B.I.G., Finger Eleven, Marc Anthony, Alicia Keys, Aventura, Don Omar, Guns & Roses, Kanye West, John Legend….just to name a few…

12. On the subject of music, I love Alicia Keys

13. I am in desperate need of a haircut. Lucky there is a Dominican barber (Hector) who will be hooking me up on Saturday.

14. My Spanish sucks! However, I know just enough to eat, find a hospital, find a bathroom, and find a library (Donde estas biblioteca?).

15. I use to draw a lot. I don’t do so much anymore, except in boring meetings. I find myself drawing all types of things…including my co-workers.

16. My Guidance Counselor (Mr. Heckmen, for my St. Rays Alums) in High School thought I would never get into Syracuse. I fooled him huh.

17. Been working at Syracuse University for almost 8 years now.

18. I have friends up here who attended Holy Cross (Elementary School in the Bronx) with me, which is nuts!

19. I play basketball every Monday in the City Rec League.

20. My father is on Facebook…I just find that to be odd…

21. I have managed to write a post everyday on my blog since I started. I would like to continue that trend

22. I would like to write a book, but since I am a Gemini, I cant decide on what. Not to mention that I may not finish it because I may get bored with it…lol

23. My first major in college was History. When I found about is was more about his story (thanks AAS 112), I switched to English…

24. As a student at SU, all my friends would tell me that one day I will end up running the Schine. I did’t beleive that. I guess I should have!

25. I met my wife on Yahoo Personals in 1999. Turned out she lived 3 blocks away from in the Bronx and went to Holy Cross. Never met her until then…

New York Mets, Parking, Syracuse University

Parking Nazis

{Originally Posted on Xanga}

Well, if you know anything about Syracuse University, You will know that there is certain departments that live to bleed you dry of money. It does not matter if you are student or staff. Parking Services (or Parking Nazis) has got to be the one area that must have a quota on writing tickets. I don’t really mind if I get a parking ticket…9 times out of 10…I am prolly in the wrong. But, I got 2 tickets in the mail last week both $25 each…for failing to stop at the gate! WTF?
Let me explain something to the layperson that knows nothing about SU. There are parking booths that the Parking Nazis call “gates”. Next to those gates are stop signs. So you are supposed to stop so they can either write you a pass or confirm that you already have a pass. Well, as a staff member, I have a pass…that I pay a lot of money for (and for what? I have to take a bus across campus to get to my building after dropping my car off at a parking lot). Most times, if you have a pass…the parking attendant will wave you by.

Anyway. I get these two tickets, that were written LAST MONTH, about how I (and i quote) “made no attempt to stop at gate or any stop signs”. The best part is I got 2 of these fucking tickets. The other one says I was going at a high rate of speed. If that is the case…how do you get my license number and know that I have a pass? Secondly…why not call Public Safety on my ass if I am burning rubber on campus?

Well I plan on appealing it. So I go to the website and I read the appeal process. So check this out…you can only appeal a ticket 14 days after it was written…they wrote the 2 tickets in MAY…. I got them LAST WEEK. So…I plan on appealing with a copy of the post-marked envelopes…I am not payin because I always stop and wave at the “gate”. I got more to say about these people…but I wont.

All this and the Mets play the Yankees…I hate the Yankees. Especially A-Rod. I am sure him and his lover Jeter have tons of fun in the locker room (yeah…I said it…so what…diary of a mad Met Fan).