Trying To Start A New Chapter

I always find myself giddy at the prospect of snow.

This is despite having the past five winters yield snowfall and now even attending a college in a location which typically yields a heavier snowfall, as of which is currently going strong outside my dorm. Even if I wasn't going to venture out into this snowstorm, I still can't help but smile.

With all the snowboarding I do during the season, there is no way I have a lack of seeing snow or experiencing it. I simply can not get enough snow.

About four weeks ago, while snowboarding with some friends, I took a pretty rough fall. Taking a cross trail pretty fast between two black diamond trails, I caught an edge. All it took was half a second of not paying attention on a flat area to come crashing down onto the hard packed snow. Thinking it was merely dislocated, I rode on my heels the rest of way down to where I was supposed to me my friends at the end of the run. After unzipping my jacket, my friend noticed a pretty bad bump along my clavicle. After getting my arm in a good splint, my friends drove me to an ER off the mountain.

There it is, in approximately five pieces according to the surgery document. The interesting part was how I felt no need for pain medication for at least four to five hours later. By that point while not bad at any point, simply just became too much to bare.

Then a week later with thirteen screws and two plates holding it all together, after the anesthesia and nerve block wore off was when I was in the most pain. But now after three weeks, I feel no pain and see the start of a very long scar. As the healing process seems to be going without a hitch, I already look forward to next winter so I can get back out on the slopes. 

It's definitely one thing to fall, its another to not get back up. 

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