about me?
optimist.
inventor.
visionary.
dreamer.
writer.
traveler.
extremely ambitious.
highly motivated.
highly flawed.
writer/pitch v. time.
loquacious listener.
food-connoisseur.
extroverted introvert.
perfectionist.
spontaneous.
conquerer of doldums.
lover of nature.
disciple.
lover. but not a fighter.
soulful. but not a soldier.
love love love... love is all you need.
You will never fully know me unless you take the time to sit and talk with me... I could write in detail about myself for pages, but I'd rather someone learn about me by talking with me instead. I am a firm believer in meaningful dialogue... I love it.
Love it.
And here is what some friends say about me:
Virginia:
Nikolai, or "motor mouth Nick Mariakis" as I referred to him at the age of 8 is my oldest and one of my dearest friends.When I met Nick (I think we were 5!), he was full of energy and full of ideas, which he readily shared at record speed.Since then, I have seen Nick harness that energy into incredible creativity that is bolstered by one of the one most generous human spirits I have come accross.I see him every few months (not enough!) and each time his energy reminds me of what drew me to him at the age of 5. He is always present, whether that be while bounding on stage, sharings his thoughts on the world, religion, music and friends, or doing what he does best; lending an ear. He is one of the last great listeners. While the rest of us tend to think about out next statement while the other is speaking, Nick tunes into what you are saying, and replies with generous insight.he is a joy, and he is great friend.
Liam:
You've come a long way. I don't have a ton of time at the moment so I'll keep it short and sweet. You're seriously the kindest, bravest, sweety I know. You transformed yourself into a role model for ME and my brother Conor. You are a hero. You may not realize it but God has really taken you under his wing and is nurishing you to be such a strong person. I am inspired by you. YOU ARE BLESSED! Live your life and make yourself happy. You deserve it 110%.
Melissa:
My good friend: Nick Mariakis."Fog's Ode to Nikolai"This is a person whom I call Mariakis or Nikolai. He makes me happy just seeing him smile. It's one of those contagious smiles, that seems to crawl off of his face and onto yours. Mariakis means so well in this world, the screwed up world I might add. Sometimes we forget that innocence can be so wonderful and beautiful. Nick shows innocence in most things that he does. It's amazing.
When I'm down, I know that he is one of those people that I can call on, no matter what day or what hour- Nick will always be there. He'll give you a shoulder if you need to cry, a joke if you need to laugh (no matter how bad the joke may be =p) or a slap in the face if you need some straightening out.
No matter what mood I'm in, I know seeing Mariakis or talking to him will only brighten up that mood. Not because he's necessarily a really "bright" kinda guy, cause we all know, he's not. =) BUT he's so loving and so kind and caring that it makes me a happier person, just knowing that he is there to call a friend.
I am proud to call Nick Mariakis one of my best friends, and I always will be. I am honored to know him and to know that he is a stronger, well adapted, goal oriented, peaceful, kind-hearted gentleman.
Nick, I love you very much and hope that you will always know, that no matter what... I am and forever will be your fog.xo!
Much love and peace,Melissa
aka
The Velvet Fog
Ben:
I am Nikolai Mariakis. I am a good hearted person who loves anything 80s and robotic, and will be your best friend if you build me roller skate feet.I am a fucking ball to be around.That is all.
Megh:
Oh Nikolai, my sweet little pudding pop! He's such a gracious guy and he doesn't at all think it's weird that I tend to call him "pudding pop." Or maybe he does think it's weird and he's just too nice a guy to make a girl cry.
He has fast become one of my favorite people and someone I feel I can always turn to, and I'm eternally grateful for us meeting, no matter how odd our initial meeting was. He's a great person to pal around with- be it going to the zoo, eating Indian and Mexican, going camping, or just driving around listening to awesome music at full blast. I jokingly call him a cult leader, but I kind of really do believe that because he is just so damned charismatic and persuasive. He managed to inspire the laziest person in the world (me) to go on a hike and climb a freaking mountain. He may be a tricky guy to make plans with, but when we do get together I always leave feeling a bit more postive, energized and inspired to be a better person, which is just ridiculous! I just love this guy.
Kallie:
Somewhere in California, in a compulsively clean apartment, I found myself in a drunken stooper guiding a warrior named Leo through the mysterious halls of a castle on his way to fight an evil vampire as the pulsating roar of Beethoven's 5th symphony vibrated my eardrums and a madman stepped softly, vacuum in hand, ready and willing to bring an end to a small, innocent life with one swift swipe of his suction powered rapier.
PS: I cannot make any sense at all of what she wrote. Your guess is as good as mine...NM
