Z is for Zeus

When I was a kid I read whatever I could get my hands on. I still do, but back then I had plenty of time. Not having very much to do while my mom was at work at school, I would have to sit around for hours. And since she worked at my school, I could spend plenty of time in the library.

And that I did, with whatever books would interest me. I would scan the titles of the books and pull the ones that I thought might be good. After reading the book cover I would choose read it if it still held my attention.

And in the third grade I was introduced to Greek mythology. The stories of the gods, and their children who would go on these impressive adventures. And all of these stories were so old, ones that were retold and retold until they eventually found themselves written out.

But it grew from there, first venturing into its roman counterparts. Although very similar, each myth could be very different all at the same time. Then I found myself reading myths from other countries, whatever was the next book over.

But no matter what, I would find a commonality between them all, and it was in regards to their god of the sky. It would always seem to be a man, one who was always all powerful and very arrogant. This personality which might be able to describe the sky, would always occur. So maybe these myths would build upon the first ones ever told, or maybe it just shows that no matter how different we are, people can see the same things in the world around them.

Z is for Zero - Hawk Nelson

Y is for YouTube

My first interaction with online videos were these music videos I use to watch. All I remember was how I would select a genre that I fancied and it show suggested music videos. And that is where I found music I would come to enjoy. These songs are ones that I have yet to see a large presence on the radio and otherwise may never have discovered those bands.

But that was all the online videos I would experience at the time. Then along came YouTube. At first I would come to use it to listen to music videos. It was free and I had the power over what I would watch.

Then I discovered content creators. The people that would bring out there own material created from places as simple as their living room. Especially the musicians, the ones who introduced me to both covers, parodies and mash-ups. These people put themselves out there to take something already established, yet put their own spin on the music. And all the time I find better and better content, that shows the strength of YouTube.

Y is for You and I - Anarbor

X is for Xylophones

It was third grade when I got my first real interaction with music. The class pretty much boiled down to two parts. First off there was singing and then there was the instrument part.

Simple enough, two crucial parts to music in a very basic form. Thing was, I couldn't sing, and I still can't. No matter how much I love to belt out when driving, I have definitely not improved.

Then there was the instrumental portion of the class. And the instrument of instruction, the xylophone. It was easy enough, cause all we were thought was when to hit which notes at what time, even removing the bars not needed for song.

I still had a problem with that. I would rush through the notes, going way beyond the tempo. I needed something more challenging to play, to try, but simplicity was the order for the class.

Beyond those elementary classes, I never had any hands on experience with instruments. And then there was senior year. I finally got the opportunity to play the guitar. And that was a great experience, finally learning to read music, understand how things go together, and even a little bit of theory. And maybe my improvement was small, but it was something. And I hope that I will be able to find the time to continue to work on it, and improve a lot more.

X is for XO - Fall Out Boy

W is for Waiting

Practically all gratification is instant. The movie you wanted to watch, quick download online. That item you wanted to buy, two days later at your doorstep. Even my phone can do most things that I would used to have to wait till I had access to a computer and an internet connection.

Our world is so high speed, waiting has become more and more unlikely. But that also means things are rushed. In exchange for quality, it just seems easier to have the quicker route taken.

I know it would be better to appreciate life at a good normal pace. To simple take the time to sniff the proverbial flowers would be wonderful. But truth is, I'm impatient and I look forward to certain things, and can't wait till they finally surface rather than to wait.

W is for Wavin' Flag by K'naan

V is for Vendetta

Sometimes there are just people who rub you the wrong way. And when someone wrongs you, it would be easy to hold a grudge. And from then on whenever you might happen to see this person, you become unkind. Turn a cold shoulder. Shrug off any sort of kindness they might throw your way.

It is easier to just hold this person out of your life as much as possible. And whenever you're expected to cooperate, it seems worthwhile to be as unhelpful if not a destructive factor in whatever process you're taking a part in.

But is it really worth the time to hold on to this vendetta? Wouldn't life simply be better if we let go of that sort of long term anger? I feel that moving pass whatever bad blood there might be is the way to seeing happiness much sooner. 

V is for Vertigo - U2

U is for Universe

Looking out at the night sky, there are so many stars. And each one is an unfathomable distance away. Yet these are only the stars we can see. The universe is beyond just huge, it feels infinite.

What freaks me out is the fact that there is the possibility of other life in the universe. With these other planets that have the ability to support life, how many do? And of those who do, how many have sentient life? Lastly, how many of those have the ability to travel the universe, or at the very least send some sort of object to our planet?

I think these intelligent beings are just so smart that they feel no need to fear monger themselves into believing they need to invade or attack us. That they know it serves no purpose to make their existence known to us.

Despite this vast universe that exists, our daily lives pertain to our own little worlds. Not the planet as a whole, which has no much possibility, but our own special universe that revolves around the daily things we do.

I love exploring and trying new things, but my universe contains the important things to me. Things like schools, my friends, sailing. All these things are what make me happy, and despite the difficulty that comes with balancing them all, I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Also, in my universe, there is this girl. I've known her ever since that day I've asked her dad for a candy bar some six or so years ago. I'm so happy to have Robyn back in my life, and she makes such an amazing girlfriend. I want to thank her being so understanding, and forgiving me for being so busy with all the other things in my hectic little universe.

U is  Untitled - Simple Plan

T is for Time

No matter what, there always seems to be something that needs to be done. The only varying factor is how soon it needs to be done. And usually I tend to get everything done, sometimes barely under the wire. But at those times when it piles up, I have to sacrifice one thing or another to manage it, and usually that ends up being sleep.

But how would life be different if there were more hours in the day? Would things really change?

How I see it is that with this increase in time, more would simply be expected of me. With this increase in workload, I would still be operating with the same amount of sleep. With the same amount of sleep, that leads to having to stay awake longer. So at the end of the day, I don't want more hours in the day, because things could only get worse with more.

T is for  Tell Me I'm A Wreck - Every Avenue

S is for Sailing

It all started with a friend asking me if I wanted to join the sailing team. I watched one sailing practice and then I was hooked on the idea.

My only experience on the water was one time being on a powerboat when I was in the first grade and being on a couple of U.S. Navy Warships.

I had maybe four or five opportunities to be a crew, taking orders and only maintaining the foresail of the FJ.  But then I was thrust into skippering in a race. I was the only one of my sea scout ship that had any experience racing, and I was put into a position doing something I have never done before. On a boat bigger than anything I was used to.

So with only theoretical knowledge of how to skipper, I somehow manage to finish the race. Of course, it involved a lot accidentally sailing in circles, as well as using my feet to manage the tiller, and coming in dead last just barely before the start of the next race.

Ever since then, I've loved sailing. While I might not be that great at it, I'll take any chance to race and hopefully one day I will own my own boat.

S is for Say You Like Me - We The Kings

R is for Rant

Sometimes we just need to let it all out. Of course, acts of a physical nature aren't always the best choices. Especially when out some sort of sporting form or exercise manner.

Which means we are in a need of letting out our frustrations. What better than to rant about whatever it is that is getting on your nerves.

What I notice about myself when I rant is that I don't always think clearly. Everything is simply flowing out faster than I can filter, and my filter in itself is not the best in a normal state. But I keep going and going, and even when I know I've reached a point where I'm wrong, I keep going. Yet despite that, leaving it all behind, it makes me feel so much better, and that's simply the purpose of it.

R is for Real World - Matchbox Twenty

Q is for Quirks

I would by no means necessary define myself anywhere close to normal, no matter what the definition of normal might be. I would say I have my fair share of weird things that I naturally do.

The quirks of people are what I think really define them. So if people were normal, wouldn't they be boring and not unique?

So go out there and do your own thing. Rather than be who people want you to be, strive to be the best you. No matter how weird that might be, your quirks is what defines you.

Q is for Queen of California - John Mayer

P is for Pool

For some time I've loved the sport of swimming. Although when I first started it might have been by my own accord, I'm glad I was forced into it. And I am very thankful for my five active years in the sport.

But truth is, I have too much on my plate to commit to the sport in college. So although I wish I could do it on some competitive level, swimming will have to wait till sometime down the line.

Last summer I took a step in a different direction. I volunteered to coach my old Y swim team for their summer league. I would spend over thirty hours a week on that pool deck. Half of that time life guarding  and the other half coaching.

Yet despite only being paid for half my time, it was a very rewarding experience. And I look forward to doing it again. Helping these kids become better swimmers just warms my heart. So while I might not return to the sport to race ever again, I'd be more than happy to stick to the coaching side of things.

P is for Pictures of You - The Last Goodnight

O is for Onions

When I was a kid I never like vegetables. I did like broccoli, till I started going to school. Nothing is ruined quicker than a vegetable stewing in water for hours. There was also corn and potatoes, but I don't think those count, being starches and all.

But there was some point when I had decided something. I wanted to become a master onion chef. I had barely started including them in my diet, but I had chosen to cook them for my career.

That was only temporary, for once again, just like that, what I wanted to do changed. The possibilities just kept piling up. So many things I would like to do with my life, but there was nothing I could settle my mind on.

Truth is, although it seems like I know where I'm going in life, I feel lost. So despite that career plan I spew out for the next ten years. I rely on the fact that any of it can change, that none of its permanent, and it involves doing different things, rather than sticking to one sole job.

So despite being lost, I'm gonna keep looking for what I do want to do when I grow up.

O is for One Thing - Finger Eleven

N is for Night

In a house I used to live there was this road. It passed nearby right outside the neighborhood. There was never a time there wasn't a car driving by, no matter what time of day.

But there was that one night. The lights, their normal warmness, lighting up the fog that had settled over the area. Other than that, I saw nothing moving, and there was no sound. Nothing at all. It really was dead silence.

Despite how night is associated with the end of the day, it just isn't how I see it. To me, it is more of a time of productivity. When things that really need to get done, do get done. So the thought of silence, contradicts who I am. Night, is just as much alive as the day to me.

N is for No One Can Touch Us - Sing It Loud

M is for Mindful

A lot of things happen around us everyday. Interactions between people and the environment around us that most people tend to not pay attention to. We are just not mindful of our surroundings.

People are so invested in their own life that they fail to notice the amazing things that are happening in the world. Their phones become more intriguing then that balloon just floating away from the grasp of that child. Their conversation is better than the sight of that biker helping an old lady across the road.

There are all these beautiful, interesting, amazing things to see, but we just keep finding ourselves swept up in our own little world. There is a huge world around us, we just have to take a look. 

M is for Maybe - Sick Puppies

L is for Life

Life lasts for only so long. And of course that means we need to make the best of what little time we do have on Earth.

So stressing about things too much just does one know good. That test you just took, maybe it will tank your grade. That one mistake, it isn't the end of everything. Just take the lessons you learned, and move on to the next thing.

Enjoy the past for what it is, the past. It is an unchangeable part of you. And the future, while it is good to plan for it, life is mostly in the present. So live life now, while you're living.

L is for Live and Die - The Avett Brothers

K is for Kindness

Holding the door open for someone. Giving a dollar to cover someone who is short. Let another driver merge into your lane. Stopping to help another change their flat tire.

It isn't very difficult to do a simple act of kindness. So why is it that there are people out there that aren't willing to take a couple moments out of their day to something nice for a stranger. Think of how much it would make the world a better place.

And to those that do those random acts of kindness, I salute you. You are what help me keep my faith in humanity. I strive to be like that as much as possible, and its you who make me want to be that way.

K is for Kitten Air - Scott & Brendo

J is for Joking

Life can be really serious sometimes. But life isn't everlasting. It is something that should be enjoyed, and for me to enjoy it more, I have to stray away from the serious quite a bit.

A lot of times I joke around about things. The problem is that I tend to talk as if I'm entirely serious about the subject matter. 

At the end of the day, I'm not a serious person. I'm someone who tries to make the best of life, no matter how hard it might get.

J is for Jet Lag - Simple Plan

I is for Internet

It really is impressive what you can do with the Internet. Everyone who has experienced it knows what capabilities it has. To be able to talk to someone around the globe instantly. To upload and view media in a multitude of forms. To play games with people you have never met. The possibilities are endless.

Yet despite all the limitless potential. a large part of the internet can lead to waste. A huge cause in procrastination is due to the internet. It is easy to steer clear from what needs to be done when there is something more enjoyable just a click or two away.

I know that whenever I bring my laptop to close, it doesn't take much for me to switch from my notes to another more entertaining activity. Even though I have started to just bring just pen and paper instead to class, it is still pretty easy to get distracted. My phone does just as well as my laptop, to browse the internet and not pay attention to my professors. Even worse, the games, easy to download, and useful for short periods of time, yet more fun to focus on then a lecture. The internet might just be the destruction of my productivity.

I is for (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I want You To - Weezer

H is for Home

Having moved around a bit, the concept of home is sometimes lost on me. People will ask me where I'm from, but I can never answer the question easily. Yes, I could easily answer with where I live or with what school I go to, but that isn't really where I'm from.

I don't feel like I have much of home, but truth is, that doesn't bother me. I want to not only see the world, I want to live in it. And if that means sacrificing the idea of having a home, that is alright. Cause, maybe truly, being homeless lets me be free.

H is for Haven't Had Enough - Marianas Trench

G is for George Watsky

My favorite genre of music has for a while been based in Alternative Rock. Typically, the style just suites most of my moods the best leading to me listen to mostly rock music.

But then, typically two genres just have never appealed to me. Both Country and Rap have never appealed to me. It lies mostly in content of the music, and slightly with the musical style typically associated with each genre.

The usual image brought up by one's mind in regards to rap is about illegal activities, money, women, and cars. Truth be told, that just not what I really care to get from my music.

But then I discovered George Watsky which opened my eyes to something new. It was rap music, but it was not what you would expect. Watsky rapped with different vigor and motivation. What he rapped about meant more than just material. It was clever, intriguing, and good. Watsky brought me into this different world of rap that I could appreciate.

G is for Go To Hell - Go Radio

F is for Friends

I have always been a fan of television. It goes back to being a kid, just a habit that has grown on me since my younger days. There are people out there that feel television is an unhealthy addiction. That it is useless trash that pollutes the mind and leads to an unhealthy mental, emotional and physical state.

While maybe it could be my polluted state of mind talking but I would have to disagree. I after having watched countless hours of television am a well functioning member of society. And yes, while sometimes it might not be the best form of art, there are those memorable moments created by television that just isn't possible through other media.

My favorite form of television has been sitcoms. And it all started because of my mother. Back in the late 90's my mom really liked watch Friends. And having no control over the TV, I had no choice but to watch. And thing is, I only had a bare idea as to what any of the continuity was of the series. And maybe I didn't entirely understand all of the jokes, I still could get the gist. Yet I always enjoyed watching no matter what. And then there was the series finale. I had never watched a TV show so much as to follow it till its end. In fact, it was a mostly foreign concept.

But from there it grew. I have since always preferred the genre over other shows. And having seen some come and go, either being cancelled or going through its full run, I have enjoyed my experience. Sometimes they get really deep, they touch a deeper part of me, and then sometimes they make me laugh hard. Either way, it is always a great experience to take part of.

F is for Finders Keepers - You Me At Six

E is for Education

I have always liked school. I don't believe it really has much to do with the actual school part of it. It is more like I have always had a thirst for knowledge. There is just something about learning something that makes me happy. Its a satisfying feeling.

Sometimes pursing a college degree can carry a heavy workload. Going in the engineering direction tends to lend itself to a more continuous heavy load than some of my non technical majors. And truth is, sometimes it just doesn't end. There is usually another assignment that needs to be done, after the last one has been finished.

But its that difficulty that makes me enjoy it all that much more. How great it feels when I finally figure out how to solve a problem, or when I score that great grade on a test. Yes, free time is limited when I have school and other commitments going on, but every night I go to bed, I know I did plenty well in whatever I had to do.

E is for Existentialism On Prom Night - Straylight Run

D is for Dodgeball

There was something about playing sports in P.E. that was great. I think it mostly had something to do with the fact that I have never been the greatest at sports. But P.E. was always a great equalizer, giving a fair playing field, a mixture of athletes and other students who didn't care much to be there. It gave me a chance to stand out more in whatever sports we played. And a place where I could try different things than I usually would on the playing field since it was never for real, and I was never playing to prove myself for more playing time.

Dodgeball was one of the best. It is simple enough sport, you throw a ball and either try to dodge or catch the balls thrown at you. I have never understood the point of getting rid of that in schools. Yes, the rubber balls can be painful, and probably aren't the best use for the sport, but maybe instead using foam balls. At the schools I attended, those were the ones used, and I never saw anyone have any sort of injury from it. So why remove easy, fun sports and instead rather change things around to instead suit the current climate we have in our country?

D is for Die Young - Paradise Fears

C is for Cadet Mindset

Going to a military school can be a daunting experience sometimes. While most of your civilian counterparts are living a laid back life style, you're working hard, waking up early, doing a fair amount of physical training, garnering leadership experience, all the while trying to balance a social life and keep up with your academics.

Now what can be pretty stressful at times with spending copious times with everyone here is that many have a very similar presence. Obviously, with everyone here vying for leadership positions, most of the cadets act as leaders. One should know, having way more leaders than followers can be problematic. So whenever a cadet is not followed they tend to not usually take it well, and with all these cadets who are not at the proper time in their training to take leadership, then things can become stressful.

No matter what experience one has had in the past, it should not matter so much here. One can not simply start at the top of a new organization simply because that was where they left off in there past. Simply take what you learned from your past and apply it to your current position, and progress up the leadership ladder at a proper pace, cause otherwise you might simply fall off from rushing too much.

C is for Chap Stick, Chapped Lips And Things Like Chemistry - Relient K

B is for Butterfly

I remember fondly the intensity that would come with a swim meet. That feeling of pushing myself to the peak of my limits, and even sometimes beyond.

Then there was butterfly stroke. It is such an elegant stroke in my eyes. Where effort and grace come together to what can only be done with one's all, otherwise it really couldn't be considered butterfly. And there was no greater feeling, leaving everything behind in the pool after a race in butterfly.

I did end my high school career on a good note, with finally making it to states. And that is a good way for it to end, for someone who loves doing it for the sport.

But I do miss it. Sometimes it does make me sad to think that I don't have the time to dedicate to competition. Being on the other side as a coach makes it worth it. Working with those kids last summer was a great experience and I look forward to it again soon.

And sailing does help stem the sadness of missing swimming, filling it with another form of race that still allows me time to handle the other parts of my life.

Maybe one day I'll find a way for me to race again in the pool, but until then, I've got plenty of a life to keep my happy.

B is for Best of Me - The Starting Line

A is for Autonomous and Drone Technology

More and more, the concept of autonomous robots and drones are becoming more sought after. Capable of doing things independently or remotely, the technology is supposed to be beneficial to our way of life.

But how much better is it than humans doing the same tasks? Of course simple tasks can be done much quicker, but what about those tasks that require multiple fine adjustments over many different frame of references.

The most notable of that would be the idea of autonomous aircraft. Flying planes requires many adjustments in many ways, of which can computers really detect all of them and account for it.

Of course, that's where the idea of drones come in. A human being in a remote location would control the plane. But then what about signal delays, when you see something just enough time after it actually appears, would the pilot be able to prevent a collision? On top of that, what if the signal relay goes down. At least on a plane, there are on-location solutions that may be able to save the plane.

I understand that placing technology at risk can save lives, since humans would need not be present in certain situations, but would they really be able to do the job?

A is for Absolutely (Story Of A Girl) - Nine Days