I was in Germany over the summer with my two friends, and it was a life-changing experience. However, over the course of the trip, we were torn. We had no clue what to get for souvenirs. We didn't want to carry a ton of novelty items, but we also didn't want to return home empty-handed.
And then suddenly, a light bulb went off in our minds. It was time to get classy.
What's the main souvenir we ended up getting, you ask? Watches. Beautiful, shiny, silver watches. I went into the watch store, spoke the best German I could, tried on a few watches, and then bought one. I felt pretty successful; I didn't break my German disguise once (which isn't to say I understood everything the sales associate was saying to me).
I wear this watch every day of my life now. It's a bit scratched up after being used so much, but I think it adds character to the watch. It has proven to be the best souvenir I could have gotten--it will last for many, many years, and I will always be able to remember how good of a "time" I had in Germany (pun intended).
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Keep the Balls Rollin'
Last year, my friend Dustin Wahlquist asked me for help. He wanted me to help him coordinate the first ever walk for testicular cancer. I didn't take him very seriously, so I obliged and said "why not."
I'm not sure if I knew what I was getting myself into.
To my amazement, we actually started to coordinate many things. We had a designer working on a logo, we had silent auctions at local restaurants to raise money, and we picked out a venue for the day of the walk. But, to orchestrate such an ambitious walk as high school students, there were many bumps in the road. Our biggest bump in the road was the upfront costs required to get the walk off of the ground and moving. Dustin managed to find the funds, while I worked on the tech-side of things, such as setting up a webpage to sign up for the walk and also handling social media pages.
After a few dates being pushed back and plenty of rescheduling, we finally have a finalized date for the walk: October 26th. We're extremely proud of the work we have put into this idea that started half a year ago, and we hope people will come enjoy the first walk ever for testicular cancer.
I learned a great deal about helping out the community by setting this up with Dustin. It was a humbling experience.
I'll share more information about this walk in a future blog post.
Keep the balls rollin'!
I'm not sure if I knew what I was getting myself into.
To my amazement, we actually started to coordinate many things. We had a designer working on a logo, we had silent auctions at local restaurants to raise money, and we picked out a venue for the day of the walk. But, to orchestrate such an ambitious walk as high school students, there were many bumps in the road. Our biggest bump in the road was the upfront costs required to get the walk off of the ground and moving. Dustin managed to find the funds, while I worked on the tech-side of things, such as setting up a webpage to sign up for the walk and also handling social media pages.
After a few dates being pushed back and plenty of rescheduling, we finally have a finalized date for the walk: October 26th. We're extremely proud of the work we have put into this idea that started half a year ago, and we hope people will come enjoy the first walk ever for testicular cancer.
I learned a great deal about helping out the community by setting this up with Dustin. It was a humbling experience.
I'll share more information about this walk in a future blog post.
Keep the balls rollin'!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Showdown
Dogs and cats. A battle that has lasted for all of time. Which one is truly better?
Today, I am here with that answer.
To get it out of the way, I believe dogs are the victor. This statement is backed by sound evidence.
I, along with many others, watch the "soldier returning from home" videos and tear up almost every time. Why? Because a dog that has been heartbroken for "x" amount of years finally is able to see its owner after he/she returns from deployment. Do you see cats having this same reaction? Dogs in these videos seem to almost cry when they get to their owners, and it shows their authentic connection with the owner. Once again, a cat most likely would feel none of this. I wouldn't be surprised if a cat didn't even notice the presence of its owner being back.
As a result of these touching videos where dogs reunite with their owners, I sometimes let out some manly tears. But that greatly exemplifies the fact that dogs are better in every way than cats--I am able to feel emotionally attached to these owners and their dogs.
I'm sure my list could go on and on about why dogs are better than cats, but this example proves my point to the greatest extent. Hopefully my mother never reads this (or my two cats), but just know that as I write this, my cocker spaniel puppy is sleeping across the room from me, twitching his legs as he runs around somewhere in his dreamland.
On the other hand, my two cats are giving him a death glare.
What gives?
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Get Your Sleep, Kids
I love this song, I thought to myself. I began to hum the melody, but for some reason, something didn't feel right. Why was I enjoying a country radio song? Why was I humming its melody (after all, I never hum to anything)?
And then I realized: it was my alarm. Once again, I slept through my alarm because I was entranced in whatever song was playing, and I didn't even realize that it was playing for the sole purpose to wake me up. This happens nearly every morning, sadly. However, this morning was different than usual. I looked over to the clock and noticed that it was 7:27 AM. My mom came into my room and said, "What happened? I thought I woke you up an hour ago! There's no way you're going to make it to school on time."
Challenge accepted.
My mother gave me a note for when I got to school, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to use it. I had never been late to school in my life, and it wasn't going to happen on this day.
I will admit--I didn't shower. I put on some deodorant, sprayed some cologne, threw on a random sweatshirt, grabbed my lunch and backpack, and went out the door to my car. I looked at the time and felt defeated as I read "7:33 AM." But, I still tried to make it on time. It normally takes me around nine or ten minutes to get there, so maybe it was possible.
I backed out of the driveway, slightly sped over the speed limit, and came to my first stoplight--which miraculously turned green. I drove down West River Road, being mindful of how much over the speed limit I was going (because I normally don't speed at all), and came up to the next turn. Once again, there were almost no cars delaying me from turning. As the school came into view, the clock turned to 7:38 AM. It just might be possible, I thought.
Into the parking lot I went, only to realize that nearly all of the close parking lots were filled. I took the best available spot and flew my car into it. I opened the door, grabbed my backpack, and started to desperately jog to the school (at this point, I wondered how stupid I appeared to others, as they were casually walking to their class).
The pre-bell music was playing, so I knew I stood a chance. I sprinted up the stairs, turned the corner, and found my class room waiting for me at the end of the hall. I slid into the room with twenty seconds to spare.
I felt fairly successful to make it on time. Until I looked down and witnessed, in defeat, that my sweatshirt was inside-out.
It's just going to be one of those days.
And then I realized: it was my alarm. Once again, I slept through my alarm because I was entranced in whatever song was playing, and I didn't even realize that it was playing for the sole purpose to wake me up. This happens nearly every morning, sadly. However, this morning was different than usual. I looked over to the clock and noticed that it was 7:27 AM. My mom came into my room and said, "What happened? I thought I woke you up an hour ago! There's no way you're going to make it to school on time."
Challenge accepted.
My mother gave me a note for when I got to school, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to use it. I had never been late to school in my life, and it wasn't going to happen on this day.
I will admit--I didn't shower. I put on some deodorant, sprayed some cologne, threw on a random sweatshirt, grabbed my lunch and backpack, and went out the door to my car. I looked at the time and felt defeated as I read "7:33 AM." But, I still tried to make it on time. It normally takes me around nine or ten minutes to get there, so maybe it was possible.
I backed out of the driveway, slightly sped over the speed limit, and came to my first stoplight--which miraculously turned green. I drove down West River Road, being mindful of how much over the speed limit I was going (because I normally don't speed at all), and came up to the next turn. Once again, there were almost no cars delaying me from turning. As the school came into view, the clock turned to 7:38 AM. It just might be possible, I thought.
Into the parking lot I went, only to realize that nearly all of the close parking lots were filled. I took the best available spot and flew my car into it. I opened the door, grabbed my backpack, and started to desperately jog to the school (at this point, I wondered how stupid I appeared to others, as they were casually walking to their class).
The pre-bell music was playing, so I knew I stood a chance. I sprinted up the stairs, turned the corner, and found my class room waiting for me at the end of the hall. I slid into the room with twenty seconds to spare.
I felt fairly successful to make it on time. Until I looked down and witnessed, in defeat, that my sweatshirt was inside-out.
It's just going to be one of those days.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
(Slightly) Insane
Feet tapping, fingers twitching, constant motion--might sound like someone in an asylum, right? But no, this is a description of me on a daily basis. Ever since I became a drummer, my life has been consumed by rhythms and it is seemingly impossible to get rid of them (not that I'm complaining). People always nag me to stop "tapping," but they don't seem to understand how much of an addiction it is to me. The luxury of being a drummer is that I can practice whenever I like; I don't ever need a drum set to practice rhythms.
I have become more aware of my addiction over the years though. I used to tap nonstop with pencils in middle school, and I understand why that may have annoyed some people. So, I use proper discretion when I decide to tap now. Also, my annoying tapping has gotten more controlled and quiet over the years, so it isn't as big of a nuisance anymore. I have become a master at stealth tapping.
When you see me in English from now on tapping away, just know that I am trying to curb my addiction. It's a long and difficult process, but I'm getting better. Maybe I need an intervention. We'll just have to wait and see.
I have become more aware of my addiction over the years though. I used to tap nonstop with pencils in middle school, and I understand why that may have annoyed some people. So, I use proper discretion when I decide to tap now. Also, my annoying tapping has gotten more controlled and quiet over the years, so it isn't as big of a nuisance anymore. I have become a master at stealth tapping.
When you see me in English from now on tapping away, just know that I am trying to curb my addiction. It's a long and difficult process, but I'm getting better. Maybe I need an intervention. We'll just have to wait and see.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
"That's Devil Music!"
I have an assortment of "pet peeves," just like mostly everyone. But of all my pet peeves, the largest of them all is when people call heavy music (also known as "metal") devil music.
I believe this statement is the epitome of ignorance, to be honest. I've always been into rock music, but over the last five or six years, my love for metal music has grown greatly. Nearly all of my drumming idols are metal musicians. This is mainly because this genre of music requires such a technical quality of drumming that most genres don't necessarily require.
In my mind, metal requires a great deal of musicianship to be able to play correctly. I know many people are turned off by the "screamo" vocals (in fact, screamo was actually a punk movement in the nineties and it really has nothing to do with metal music). Most people can't get past this stage. They don't attempt to understand why the vocalist is screaming. To me, I believe the screaming adds emphasis to the lyrics. Once my palette got used to harsh vocals, I began to understand the raw emotion they project. Also, the lyrics, especially in progressive metal, are mainly incredibly thought provoking and unique. Of course it might be hard to hear the vocalist enunciate every word, but that's why the internet exists: to be able to look up lyrics and follow along.
Now, I will admit. There are sub-genres in the metal scene that do have satanic themes. But it's such a small portion of the "metal pie." And yes, believe it or not, that kind of music does turn me off as a listener. Keep in mind that just because someone listens to metal does not mean they like every single archetype of the genre. It's a bit aggravating, however, when others over-generalize metal to be a demonic genre. The vast majority of the time, it isn't whatsoever.
Lastly, I find it ironic when people who listen to mainstream rap or other similar genres make these stark statements towards metal music. The lyrics in those genres appear to be extremely explicit in most cases, yet hardly anyone calls those listeners devil worshipers. Not to mention, it is a much more publicized genre, meaning it is influencing a much larger audience in a negative way. But yes, I must be careful making these accusations, because I am biased towards that style of music, since I am predominantly a metal listener. I am also aware that there is a powerful underground rap/hip-hop scene that does in fact go against the sometimes immature mainstream rap culture, and I appreciate that. The ignorance just seems to be a bit absurd at times, going both ways.
Once again, it is greatly important to get past one's preconceptions. Ignorance and preconceptions come hand in hand, and once one is able to come to grips with that fact, everyone's life is made much easier.
So hey, if you're feeling risky, turn off what you're listening to and give a genre a try that you have always had a negative preconception of. You might be surprised.
And I will be leaving on this note--lyrics from one of my favorite progressive metal bands.
"Life is ruthless and shot full of pain,
Lifts you up, leaves you out in the rain, and it hurts just to know that you're not coming back again.
I will miss you my friend.
Memories like a slug to the brain, paint the walls with a love that will stain the darkest of nights.
Left to journey alone, but I can find my way back home."
I believe this statement is the epitome of ignorance, to be honest. I've always been into rock music, but over the last five or six years, my love for metal music has grown greatly. Nearly all of my drumming idols are metal musicians. This is mainly because this genre of music requires such a technical quality of drumming that most genres don't necessarily require.
In my mind, metal requires a great deal of musicianship to be able to play correctly. I know many people are turned off by the "screamo" vocals (in fact, screamo was actually a punk movement in the nineties and it really has nothing to do with metal music). Most people can't get past this stage. They don't attempt to understand why the vocalist is screaming. To me, I believe the screaming adds emphasis to the lyrics. Once my palette got used to harsh vocals, I began to understand the raw emotion they project. Also, the lyrics, especially in progressive metal, are mainly incredibly thought provoking and unique. Of course it might be hard to hear the vocalist enunciate every word, but that's why the internet exists: to be able to look up lyrics and follow along.
Now, I will admit. There are sub-genres in the metal scene that do have satanic themes. But it's such a small portion of the "metal pie." And yes, believe it or not, that kind of music does turn me off as a listener. Keep in mind that just because someone listens to metal does not mean they like every single archetype of the genre. It's a bit aggravating, however, when others over-generalize metal to be a demonic genre. The vast majority of the time, it isn't whatsoever.
Lastly, I find it ironic when people who listen to mainstream rap or other similar genres make these stark statements towards metal music. The lyrics in those genres appear to be extremely explicit in most cases, yet hardly anyone calls those listeners devil worshipers. Not to mention, it is a much more publicized genre, meaning it is influencing a much larger audience in a negative way. But yes, I must be careful making these accusations, because I am biased towards that style of music, since I am predominantly a metal listener. I am also aware that there is a powerful underground rap/hip-hop scene that does in fact go against the sometimes immature mainstream rap culture, and I appreciate that. The ignorance just seems to be a bit absurd at times, going both ways.
Once again, it is greatly important to get past one's preconceptions. Ignorance and preconceptions come hand in hand, and once one is able to come to grips with that fact, everyone's life is made much easier.
So hey, if you're feeling risky, turn off what you're listening to and give a genre a try that you have always had a negative preconception of. You might be surprised.
And I will be leaving on this note--lyrics from one of my favorite progressive metal bands.
"Life is ruthless and shot full of pain,
Lifts you up, leaves you out in the rain, and it hurts just to know that you're not coming back again.
I will miss you my friend.
Memories like a slug to the brain, paint the walls with a love that will stain the darkest of nights.
Left to journey alone, but I can find my way back home."
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
A Change in Perspective
After school today, I went out to a restaurant in Brooklyn Center named Slims. I went with my good friend Dustin, and we had a great time. I ordered chicken tenders, while Dustin went out on a limb and ordered a gyro. Once we finished up, Dustin told me he had to get back to class at 5:00 PM, since he's a PSEO student. I looked at my watch and saw we were about thirty minutes early, so I asked if he could show me around his college (North Hennepin Community College).
We drove over to the college in about fifteen minutes, parked the car, and walked to the campus. Once I was on the campus, I was completely surprised. I thought, because it was a community college, that it would be a run-down, low quality school. This preconception came from past experience, as I always had heard that community colleges had less-than-stellar reputations.
As we walked into one of the buildings, I was surprised again to witness what seemed to be a regular college atmosphere. After being at the University of Minnesota a few weeks ago, the two colleges really didn't seem much different: most of the college students appeared to be antisocial; people minded their own business; and there was an underlying feeling of "I really don't want to be here" from most of the students. Also, the interior of the college was neatly maintained and taken care of.
These observations, along with many other observations that went against my preconceptions of community colleges, were greatly enlightening. To be honest, I thought students that were a part of PSEO were taking the easy way out, but maybe that is no longer the case in my mind.
Just like the ethnographies we will be writing for class, it is important to take note of one's preconceptions and observe how they change over time.
I, for one, will never view community colleges the same after today.
We drove over to the college in about fifteen minutes, parked the car, and walked to the campus. Once I was on the campus, I was completely surprised. I thought, because it was a community college, that it would be a run-down, low quality school. This preconception came from past experience, as I always had heard that community colleges had less-than-stellar reputations.
As we walked into one of the buildings, I was surprised again to witness what seemed to be a regular college atmosphere. After being at the University of Minnesota a few weeks ago, the two colleges really didn't seem much different: most of the college students appeared to be antisocial; people minded their own business; and there was an underlying feeling of "I really don't want to be here" from most of the students. Also, the interior of the college was neatly maintained and taken care of.
These observations, along with many other observations that went against my preconceptions of community colleges, were greatly enlightening. To be honest, I thought students that were a part of PSEO were taking the easy way out, but maybe that is no longer the case in my mind.
Just like the ethnographies we will be writing for class, it is important to take note of one's preconceptions and observe how they change over time.
I, for one, will never view community colleges the same after today.
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