illusioned.org - hesam panahi

It’s been a while (almost a month!) since my last post..

Many notable events have occurred, and I’ll try to break them down one by one.

Graduation 2005

I’m no longer an undergraduate student! I graduated on May 14, 2005 summa cum laude with almost a 4.00 GPA in my major (MIS). It actually came out to a 3.96, due to the fact that I got an A- in one of my classes. Not too shabby.

The reality of the situation didn’t really sink in for a while. In all honesty, the fact that it’s “over” hasn’t really hit me. I guess it’s not really over - in the fall I’ll be starting school again. After a hectic last semester though, its nice to have some vacation.

Vacation and Summer

I have nothing to do. I could go to the gym, read, and try to stay active, but I really don’t have anything that I have to do. I don’t intend on getting a job this summer - I have enough work coming ahead when school starts. Besides, I’d like to go on vacation somewhere.

Which brings up the important question - where should I go this summer? There’s always Europe - I’ve gone every year for at least the last 5 years. However, I was kind of hoping to diversify a bit and go someplace new. Whatever the case, the entire vacation dilemma is still unresolved.

Max Graham Live at Mantra (May 21, 2005)

On Saturday, Lina and I went to see Max Graham play at a local club. I was a bit disappointed that he didn’t play any songs I particularly liked; nevertheless, it was still a good set. I’m not really that familiar with his tracks or DJ style, but I thought I’d see him play anyway. The crowd was really into everything he was playing; whether they were on something (*cough*ecstasy*cough*) or were genuinely enjoying the moment remains to be resolved.

What’s up with all the damn 80s remixes though?

Music

I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to new tracks (and some old ones that I must have missed). Here are a few worth getting your hands on if you can:

• Alucard - Blue on Blue (George Hales Mix or Original Mix)
• Frou Frou - Let Go (this is not new - but I just saw the movie Garden State and this was in it)
• Motorcycle - Around You (Gabriel and Dresden Mix)
• Interstate - I Found You
• Markus Schulz - First Time
• Max Graham - I Know You’re Gone

The last three are from Armin Van Buuren’s A State of Trance 2005 compilation. The first CD is incredible from start to finish. The second CD is a bit darker, but some of the tracks are still good.

Photos

I have an assortment of photos that I haven’t posted - some from graduation, Asli’s birthday, the night we saw Max Graham, etc. I’ll post them soon - I promise.