I could really use a wish right now.....wish right now

How do you decide what your preferences are? (No I'm not talking about sexual preference).

I can tell you right now, I prefer Coke vs Pepsi, Windows vs Apple, Canada vs Mexico, Red Sox vs Yankees, Playboy vs Penthouse, etc....etc.

I don't remember any certain time in history I made this choice. I was just born that way and I'm the type of person who sticks to their guns. Sure each of those opposing choices have their benefits (Mt. Dew, Ipod, Tequila, Jeter, extreme expose), but it's not enough to sway my vote.

It's akin to the which hand you write/eat with. Did I choose to be left-handed? Absolutely not, there are very few advantages to being lefty. Hell, my writing is so sloppy, I don't think people would notice if I switched from one to the other.

Where does it end though? I've never been able to define that line of where preferences are choices. Take for example women. I prefer brunette to blonde 10 outta 10 times (sorry to all the blondes out there). I know for a fact, two of my closest friends would chose the opposite, and a third would just take whatever. Were we born this way or was it because of some ridiculous justification? I've even forced myself to date blondes, but a few months later I'm stuck with thinking, why did I do that???

The more I think about it the more I get this feeling, we're all just pre-programmed a certain way, and so are our lives. It's an odd thought to have, but maybe, just maybe it's true. Either that or I'm drunk at work....

Work, work, work, all day long

After that last disaster of a blog, I'm hopefully back on track for you, my loyal readers.

Try and follow my logic here. Recently, I was thinking about a conversation that I had with Aaron regarding what qualifies as an expert. There is one theory out there that qualifies one as an expert, if they dedicate 10,000 hours to their craft. Simply put, that would be 2 hours of practice/work a day for over 13 years. Many of us cannot stake claim to this, especially at our age. I of course, immediately thought of myself as a hockey expert because of being involved in the sport or study of it for over 18 years. Do I sincerely believe I've studied the sport for over 10,000 hours? Hopefully not.

Then my mind wandered a bit more, thinking perhaps I am an interview expert. It would still take several years to even consider this, but in my 12 years, since being able to work legally, I've had 12 jobs. Now mind you, 3-4 were summer jobs, but still that's quite a few. In the past 2-3 years, I'd be safe in saying I've been on about 20 interviews alone. So perhaps, this is my calling, teaching those how to properly interview, and spinning a negative into a positive.

After this mindless thought process, it hit me. I've changed jobs often b/c I'm never willing to settle and get bored easily if I'm not challenged. One has to believe this is the biggest generational gap between our parents and the current crop.

When I go into an interview with a company, I ask myself one question. Can I see myself working here for at least 2-3 years? Hopefully the answer is yes, otherwise, even if offered the stars and the moon, I'd turn it down. (This recent one is the exception to the rule).

Maybe there are a minority of people who actually enjoy both their job and company. They see themselves sticking with it for the long haul. I say, More power to ya, it'll help when you're building up those 10 weeks of vacation. However, I tend to believe more often than not, we view our jobs like relationships. After those first 2-3 years the fun and "newness" is starting to wear, and you're forced to looking long term. By year 4-5, you're either a "lifer" or if things haven't improved you're bailing ship. Sure, there would be reasons why you'd stay, even if you're dissatisfied. Perhaps the "economy" is bad and you don't have any other options. Maybe this company gives you really "good" money and benefits, and you can't turn it down.

It's funny because unlike my personal life, I jump from job to job with reckless abandonment. It's definitely a terrible approach, but I'm looking more long-term. Whatever job will get me closer to the ultimate goal of working with a "Secret" agency, I'll take it.

Our parents believed in loyalty to their employers. Even if the job became mundane and the pay was not so great, they stuck with it, for the kids. It's a huge sacrifice they made, and I'd like to thank them everyday for it.

I guess I still haven't fully matured yet, because I'm unwilling to make that sacrifice and settle for anything less than everything. Will that ultimately come back to haunt me? Maybe, maybe not. But it's been a helluva ride so far.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

With no solid ideas, I present to you the second of many randomized thoughts from within the Mind of a Mihlfman...


-Apparently Indiana is trying to outlaw "ball-tapping". Most people who have gone through college know what this is. Many of us have probably even experienced it several times. They (Indiana gov) apparently want to outlaw it because it has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of testicular surgeries in the past two years. Somewhere John Bobbit is thinking "Really???"

-The song Airplanes by B.o.B. is simply amazing, and the remix (Airplanes II) with Eminem makes it that much better. I won't mind blaring this song everyday.

-Speaking of songs, here's my top 3 for ones I never want to hear again 1) All Summer Long by Kid Rock 2) Need you now by Lady Antebellum 3) Drive-thru by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

-The Blackhawks have made the Stanley Cup finals. Their coach rocks a mustache Tom Sellek would be jealous of, and their star player, Patrick Kane, rocks a mullet. It's the power of hair compelling this team to the championship.

-ESPN's main NHL guy, John Buccigross, predicted a Chicago-Philly match-up in the Finals, back in the Pre-season. He is a true expert of the game, unlike every "Analyst" for the NFL and NBA.

-Land of the Lost bombed at the box office, but honestly after watching it twice on HBO, I don't see how. Will Ferrell is great even in his bad movies (Semi-Pro & Blades of Glory). Danny McBride is phenomenal as well, catch him in East Bound and Down, Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express.

-How is it that Oakland (Pittsburgh, PA) is the only area I've come across where they perfectly time their stop lights so you're not slamming on your brakes every few blocks? It helps keep a flow to traffic. The DMV area (DC/Maryland/Virginia) needs to take note. Whichever way the heaviest traffic flows, time your stoplights so that if you travel 30-35 mph you'll continuously hit all greens. This will greatly reduce backups, I personally guarantee it.

-Barack Obama recently predicted a Lakers vs Celtics finals. Wow, thanks B.O. for your insight into the game of basketball. We get that you're a fan of the game, but I believe you have more pressing matters at hand. I really hope both the Suns and Magic make it, just so he can be proven wrong again. The only thing worse than his approval rating is Dwight Howard's free-throw percentage (too far?).

-Speaking of negatives, an increasing trend I see in interviews with athletes is the use of the double-negative. They somehow believe it's correct to say, "He didn't do nothing against me". Well apparently he whipped your ass, because that means he did do "something". Maybe every sport should institute a Wonderlic (knowledge) test, and that way the Sports Reporters know which athletes they should avoid interviewing.

-Apparently Miss DC (yes that is a title) is complaining of being "touched" while strolling the streets of Georgetown. DC 11 (news station) reports this is a growing concern within the area. REALLLLLLLY???? Attractive women are being touched in bars? Someone get Bo Bama on the phone! This alcohol stuff has to be stopped!

-Finally, it's good to see Bret Michaels will be making a full recovery. This guy has both had the best and worst of luck. Worst, because of his recent string of heart problems. Best, because he's somehow stayed relevant 22 years after his band, Poison, released their only hit "Every Rose has its thorn". That my friends is impressive.

Take off your headphones and read this

With the severe chance of sounding like your parents here, I truly believe some technology would be better left not created.

Lemme explain....

In this corner we have the Apple Ipod (MP3 player for us non-conformists). Great technology! You can store thousands upon thousands of songs on this little device and it will hold a charge for several hours. A huge improvement over the Walkman and portable CD players. Not only in convenience, but in net weight as well. Running with those was a workout in itself. BTW, don't believe any of the conspiracy theorists who tell you it'll give you brain cancer. If you're listening to your Ipod that much, well maybe you deserve it anyways (JUST KIDDING geeeeez).

The Ipod has also led to the demise of personal interactions and pick-up lines. I can't tell you how many times I see people either driving in their car listening to this device or on the subway/bus. Yes, I did say in the car. What happens if you pass someone on the road, and want to show you're interested? You first send over the universal signal (honking your horn) in hopes as you fly past them, they'll eventually track you down and reciprocate the move. Now that they have those earbuds in, they'll never hear your horn, and thus crush any chance of being the next Mrs. Mihlf.

On the Subway/metro/bus and even walking is where I have a huge problem. Sure, some use it as a security blanket to keep those odd creatures who dwell on city buses away from them. But what about the thousands of young professionals taking the metro? Maybe I want to throw out a good line (You shouldn't wear make-up, it's messing with your perfection) or (Do you have a BandAid? I just scraped my knee falling for you.). Thanks to Apple and their creation I have to chuckle at my own lines and imagine what could have been.

How do you think all our parents met? They weren't pre-occupied with their portable 8-track player or radio. Ladies, I have a simple request. Please try to ride every once in awhile without the tunes and maybe you'll finally find that Mr. Right. Well either that or Dirt McGuirt will sit down and stink up the seat next to you. It's just the chance you take when you're living on a prayer.

Which LOST character are you??

Lost is coming to its' glorious end this upcoming Sunday (May 23rd). In dedication to the past five years of viewership for this show, I will present my first true blog.

http://www.seabreezecomputers.com/lost/

http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=5052228135609532493

http://quizfarm.com/quizzes/new/TBLightning419/which-lost-character-are-you/

Here are three quizzes I advise everyone to take in preparation for the final episode. I always wondered if I was put on the island who I would have sided with, Jack or Locke. Well according to the results of all 3 of these quizzes, I fall under being a combination of Jack and Sayid. So I guess we're going with Jacob and the good guys.

I'm not sure what the results exactly mean. I assume that I most closely resemble a doctor who is constantly spurned by his love interest, all the while being a trained assassin.

I'd like to believe that most of my friends would agree with this assessment. The giving nature of Jack, with a little bit of the quiet insanity that Sayid displays. People often have said I'm difficult to read, and I think that fits Sayid to a T. The only difference being I'd never go after Shannon, because, quite simply, she's blonde. Don't hate me because of it, blame my sisters.

I'd be interested to get everyone else's take on this, and what their results are.

You're welcome DC

I sit here looking outside at the sun shining, wondering when I can finally escape this office to enjoy the 80 degree day. All I can think about is the incredible luck that the DC area has had over the past year and a half, and have only one thing to say about it.

You're welcome DC, please send some thank you cards.

I agreed to move down to the DC area in Nov. of 2008 and since then the area has only flourished. I feel like I am Jacob to DC's island in this Lost comparison.

Sure you'll argue about the ridiculous amount of snow this past winter. But hey, I was just trying to toughen up the city like Pittsburgh. Plus, it was a rough time for me personally.

Just think of all the joy I've brought to the scene. A new President, who I've safely guarded, even if I don't agree with all his policies. I've gotten rid of a Supreme Court Justice, Arlen Spector, and hopefully soon enough a new DC Mayor.

On the sports front how much more can you ask for?? I've completely revamped the Redskins, since my hatred for the Eagles runs so deep. I decided to steal their Quarterback (McNabb) and replace Jim Zorn (thanks a lot Gigs for that one) with Mike Shanahan. I single-handedly delivered the Nationals the #1 pick in the Amateur draft and savior, Steven Strasburg (nice first name!), in addition to their first winning season so far.

I propelled the Caps to their first President's Trophy (by hook or crook), and watched with a bowl full of popcorn as the city's collective hearts were ripped out by the Montreal Canadiens. Don't worry I'll make sure they win the division again next year.

To top things off, after some careful negotiations I've been able to acquire the #1 pick for the Wizards. Now the Devil's terms were strict that the Wizards didn't waste it again, like they did in 2001. If they do, he promised 10 more losing seasons.

I'm really not sure what else I can do. It's been an exhausting past year and a half, and I plan to take the Summer off to enjoy shows from Jack Johnson and Ray Lamontagne. Now if I could only get the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica here, it'd be a great year of music.

So the next time you see me, residents of DC, feel free to shake my hand and thank me for the incredible luck the city is experiencing. All I ask is for you to make sure your hands are clean.




(In case you take everything I say seriously, this is all a joke)

Cereal Killer

I'm thinking of changing my nickname to this. I know you can't make up your own nickname, because it'll never stick. But honestly, there are only two other people in the world who I imagine consume more cereal than I do. One is an old roommate of mine (I'll give you the hint, his name rhymes with Lee), and the other is Tony the Tiger.

I'm not sure if it's possible, but I truly believe I have an addiction to it and there's no one to blame but my parents for feeding it haha.

You see, growing up we had a rule that if you were consuming/inhaling a sugary cereal (Frosted Flakes/Honey Nut Cheerios/etc), you had to mix it with a healthy one. This way you had equal parts Frosted Flakes to Corn Flakes, or Cocoa Krispies to Rice Krispies. This system worked because not only did it make that sugary delight last twice as long, but it also aided in my early years' diet. You may think I'm joking, but I've received boxes of cereal for my birthday multiple times. I was that big of a fan.

However, once I graduated from high school and was left to my own vices, the addiction grew. In college, with no one there to keep me in check, I started consuming multiple bowls of the "breakfast crack". Frosted Flakes didn't stand a chance. I'd tear through a box in two days. Sometimes having it twice a day.

It's a dangerous trend that continues today. I can't get enough of this stuff. It's gotten so bad I've started to smuggle in zip-lock bags of Frosted Mini-Wheats to work to feed this addiction. I can't stop!!

After a recent conversation with Gigs, he explained how 90% of cereals have no nutritional value, to which I had no retort. You see, when you're an addict, you know it's wrong, but it's impossible to quit or reason with one about it. There's just something about that perfect blend of sugar to wheat. Like peanut butter & jelly, the Caps & losing, and Ben Roethlisberger & underage women, they're all just meant to be together.

The grocery stores have gotten too expensive for my tastes and thus have forced me to find other avenues to purchase my weekly supply. The big Red Bullseye, is my new vendor. Their own brand of cereal is just as good for $1 less. I've been told to try and eat oatmeal instead, but I end up piling brown sugar into it, and it still won't compare.

I've tried to stop, but I wake up in a cold sweat from the nightmares of Dig'em and the "sun-tanned" versions of Snap, Crackle & Pop.

As I write this, I've polished off another 1/2 cup of Frosted Mini Wheats, and all I can keep thinking about is when can I get my next fix. Sure, laugh if you want, but all I can tell you is that they're GRRRRRRRREEEEEEEAT!