People, I have had a yearlong case of blogger's block. For the life of me, I can't quite figure out what to write about.
Let me just say, that although I very much appreciate the lack of homework, working full time is also sort of consuming my fun time. That might be false, actually - I consume my fun time by doing things that perhaps only I would find fun. Coaching high school mock trial, hanging out at Hamline discussing the applicability of the New York Convention, etc. I have, begrudgingly at first, and now with arms wide open, become a Minnesota Timberwolves basketball fan - something I would never expect occurring in a billion years. But yet, here I am.
I've decided that 2012 is going to be a year of dynamism - a year to live a rounded, well balanced life, in as many aspects as I can. I'm helping my old high school, I joined the church council, I'm trying to go to the gym three times a week, and if I'm lucky here, I'll get my trombone out and play. As a result, the past few weeks, I've barely spent any time at home, but that's alright.
Anyways, that's really all I have. Maybe one of these days, my year of dynamism will reach these pages...
26 January 2012
16 January 2012
04 December 2011
Sporting Life
Folks, I've had a rather sporting week. Last Monday, thanks to the generosity of a friend and his dad, I had the opportunity to go to a Minnesota Wild hockey game, in the club level no less. Although I can't claim to be much of a hockey fan, it was a great game, and the Wild came away with a win.
Today, I went with a few of my friends from law school to watch the Vikings play the Broncos at the Metrodome. I haven't gone to an NFL game since I was in 9th grade, and frankly, I haven't been much of a football fan since Gary Anderson missed that field goal in the NFC Championship Game back in 1998. However, I do feel loyalty toward the Vikings, and I've been watching them this year - perhaps after the disastrous Twins season, I needed something to fill my unconscious desire for sporting futility.
Truly though, I was especially excited to see the Vikings for this reason. Through the miracle of modern technology, I can show you the following photographs.
You'll notice the fellow in the hat and scarf - that's Hubert H. Humphrey, who is maybe Minnesota's most famous politician. In the second photograph, Humphrey is shaking hands with Bud Grant, who is the most famous Vikings coach ever - he led them to four Super Bowls. The next two photos are of Fran Tarkenton, who is in the Hall of Fame, and is probably one of the greatest Viking players. The final photo is of a cheerleader on a cold winter Sunday, her excitement undimmed by the ice and snow.
I found these photos maybe two years ago, after my grandma passed away. They were tucked away in her basement, along with a stack of many other photographs, which I also now have. I finally figured out that it was my grandpa that took all these photos.
He was a photographer, and he used to cover the Twins and Vikings for a local Bloomington paper when they both came to Minnesota in 1961. The Old Met, as it was called, was not too far away from their house. Because he was a photographer, my grandpa got to know all the players, and got to spend time in the clubhouse. When my dad was little, he took him to a game of the 1965 World Series between the Twins and the Dodgers. To this day, my prized possession is a baseball that my grandpa had signed by the entire 1965 American League Championship Twins, including Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva.
What I like about these photos, and what made me want to go to see the Vikings today, is that, to me, they represent all that is great about Minnesota, all that is great about family. I love seeing these people from a generation ago, watching the same game with people in the same helmets as are worn today - I bet they also sang the same words to "Skol Vikings" as folks did this afternoon. I like to see them out in the cold snow, and enjoying it. Most of all, perhaps I like seeing things get passed down through the ages.
As dismissive as I am sometimes about football, today I saw so many fathers/mothers bringing their young sons or daughters to the football game, paying an exorbitant price to get "Skol Vikings" facepainted on their faces, cheerfully buying the $12 souvenir popcorn bucket. It made me wonder what sort of silliness people in 1961 did to try and share a passion with a kid, to try and get them to understand something that was meaningful to them. One of the more poignant moments, was at the end when a father was trying to console his daughter, who was crying because the Vikings had lost. Dad, decked out in an Adrian Peterson jersey, had obviously purchased the same purple jersey for his daughter, who was also wearing a fluffy Viking helmet (maybe mom got that).
It reminded me of going with my dad to watch the Twins every summer at the Metrodome, no matter how terrible they were; of my parents buying me Twins shirts and hats; my mom waiting in line with me for five hours so I could get a real autographed Kirby Puckett card. That it turn made me think 50 years back, when my grandpa took my dad to the bleachers at Met Stadium to watch Harmon Killebrew hit home runs. Someone took my mom too - because she talked about seeing "Killer" too.
Then again, I don't often think in sepia tones of a drunken Broncos fan stumbling up to the Metrodome trough, looking down at the 8 year old Vikings fan peeing next to him, and slurring "nice stream little man." So maybe today's game wasn't all golden memories and souvenir buckets of popcorn...
My point being, I am no longer dismissive of the Vikings, or the people who are passionate about them. Maybe I will still think there is a certain level of insanity necessary to paint one's entire body purple and gold, but again, I am still planning on burning my Twins hat in a funeral pyre to put the 2011 campaign finally to rest. Maybe there isn't so much difference after all.
Sports are often criticized as being too hyped, as numbing people to issues that really matter. I'm guilty of this - often, I'd much rather talk about the Twins' starting rotation for next summer than people being oppressed in Syria. That's probably not awesome. Sometimes though, it's the relationships and memories that flow therefrom that are the most important thing.
Today, I went with a few of my friends from law school to watch the Vikings play the Broncos at the Metrodome. I haven't gone to an NFL game since I was in 9th grade, and frankly, I haven't been much of a football fan since Gary Anderson missed that field goal in the NFC Championship Game back in 1998. However, I do feel loyalty toward the Vikings, and I've been watching them this year - perhaps after the disastrous Twins season, I needed something to fill my unconscious desire for sporting futility.
Truly though, I was especially excited to see the Vikings for this reason. Through the miracle of modern technology, I can show you the following photographs.
You'll notice the fellow in the hat and scarf - that's Hubert H. Humphrey, who is maybe Minnesota's most famous politician. In the second photograph, Humphrey is shaking hands with Bud Grant, who is the most famous Vikings coach ever - he led them to four Super Bowls. The next two photos are of Fran Tarkenton, who is in the Hall of Fame, and is probably one of the greatest Viking players. The final photo is of a cheerleader on a cold winter Sunday, her excitement undimmed by the ice and snow.
I found these photos maybe two years ago, after my grandma passed away. They were tucked away in her basement, along with a stack of many other photographs, which I also now have. I finally figured out that it was my grandpa that took all these photos.
He was a photographer, and he used to cover the Twins and Vikings for a local Bloomington paper when they both came to Minnesota in 1961. The Old Met, as it was called, was not too far away from their house. Because he was a photographer, my grandpa got to know all the players, and got to spend time in the clubhouse. When my dad was little, he took him to a game of the 1965 World Series between the Twins and the Dodgers. To this day, my prized possession is a baseball that my grandpa had signed by the entire 1965 American League Championship Twins, including Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva.
What I like about these photos, and what made me want to go to see the Vikings today, is that, to me, they represent all that is great about Minnesota, all that is great about family. I love seeing these people from a generation ago, watching the same game with people in the same helmets as are worn today - I bet they also sang the same words to "Skol Vikings" as folks did this afternoon. I like to see them out in the cold snow, and enjoying it. Most of all, perhaps I like seeing things get passed down through the ages.
As dismissive as I am sometimes about football, today I saw so many fathers/mothers bringing their young sons or daughters to the football game, paying an exorbitant price to get "Skol Vikings" facepainted on their faces, cheerfully buying the $12 souvenir popcorn bucket. It made me wonder what sort of silliness people in 1961 did to try and share a passion with a kid, to try and get them to understand something that was meaningful to them. One of the more poignant moments, was at the end when a father was trying to console his daughter, who was crying because the Vikings had lost. Dad, decked out in an Adrian Peterson jersey, had obviously purchased the same purple jersey for his daughter, who was also wearing a fluffy Viking helmet (maybe mom got that).
It reminded me of going with my dad to watch the Twins every summer at the Metrodome, no matter how terrible they were; of my parents buying me Twins shirts and hats; my mom waiting in line with me for five hours so I could get a real autographed Kirby Puckett card. That it turn made me think 50 years back, when my grandpa took my dad to the bleachers at Met Stadium to watch Harmon Killebrew hit home runs. Someone took my mom too - because she talked about seeing "Killer" too.
Then again, I don't often think in sepia tones of a drunken Broncos fan stumbling up to the Metrodome trough, looking down at the 8 year old Vikings fan peeing next to him, and slurring "nice stream little man." So maybe today's game wasn't all golden memories and souvenir buckets of popcorn...
My point being, I am no longer dismissive of the Vikings, or the people who are passionate about them. Maybe I will still think there is a certain level of insanity necessary to paint one's entire body purple and gold, but again, I am still planning on burning my Twins hat in a funeral pyre to put the 2011 campaign finally to rest. Maybe there isn't so much difference after all.
Sports are often criticized as being too hyped, as numbing people to issues that really matter. I'm guilty of this - often, I'd much rather talk about the Twins' starting rotation for next summer than people being oppressed in Syria. That's probably not awesome. Sometimes though, it's the relationships and memories that flow therefrom that are the most important thing.
24 November 2011
Thanksgiving 2011
Hello folks - happy thanksgiving. The point was made to me last night, that on the balance, we are people who are reticent to be thankful. I often times am so caught up with things, that I forget how richly I have been blessed. So, this Thanksgiving, as per my usual, I am taking a moment to thank God for the things that have meant most in 2011. Therefore, in no particular order, this year's list.
1. For 14 years spent with my gentlemanly dog Buddy, who passed away this year. You knew me best sir, and you are sorely missed.
2. My parents, who have graciously allowed me to stay with them these past three years.
3. The chance to spend summer days and evenings outside, watching Twins baseball with close friends
4. My smarter, better looking, more well liked, and nicer girlfriend
5. The color blue
6. Graduating from law school, personality intact
7. The friendship of the "manboys," and being able to share the important moments in their lives
8. Coffee in a mug
9. Passing the bar exam
10. Having a job I enjoy
11. Music - making it, and listening to it
12. Good health
13. For having been able to go to Hong Kong and represent my school, state, and country
14. My grandma, my aunt and uncle, my cousins, and everyone else
15. For friends from Hamline
16. Good beer - brewing it, drinking it, and the conversations that flow therefrom
17. Khaki pants from the gap (sorry, this is materialistic, but they are so damn comfortable)
18. Having my own place to live
19. Learning to cook
20. Going skiing in Colorado
21. Long, hot, sunny summer days with sandals
22. Being tested in the BWCAW
23. Sharp winter days
24. Being young, and alive, and in a beautiful city
25. Bob Dylan on a fall morning (current activity)
26. New friends
27. Daily flossing
28. Even numbers
29. Tacos
30. Donuts
31. Being Minnesotan
32. For still having hair
33. Silence
34. This song
35. Not living with a cat(s)
36. Having leisure time
37. Being able to go back to my high school and help with mock trial
38. Interesting conversations
39. Riding my bike in the country
Happy thanksgiving everyone. I hope everyone has a thoughtful day, and remembers everything they are thankful for.
15 November 2011
Mock Trial
In a moment of temporary insanity while perusing the Minnesota State Bar Association website, I found myself looking at a list of area high schools still looking for an attorney coach for this year's mock trial competition. Imagine my surprise when I noticed my alma mater, Farmington High School, on the list.
You all see where this is going...
So yes, nearly 7 and a half years after I last stepped foot in Farmington High School, I will now return on Thursday as a leader of men, er, 30 young mock trialers. I suppose I was compelled to do this as a matter of empathy - as a product of the FHS mock trial squad (2000-2004) - I barely ever had the benefit of an attorney coach, and even at the time, I realized the disadvantage that caused us. Perhaps I was also compelled as a matter of loyalty, which is of course the most important thing. There are certainly more glamorous schools to coach mock trial at.
It made me recall my own years in mock trial. Oddly enough, I never was a lawyer - even the two years I participated at Luther. We were never really all that good - we didn't advance in the regional rounds that I remember, and after my first two years, we were effectively without a coach. We had to coach ourselves.
I can't say I left high school with grand ambitions to be a lawyer, and I wouldn't hope the same for any participants. The point is, to learn about the legal system and to learn the art of storytelling. I warned the adviser that I'm the least experienced lawyer she could get, and still be a real attorney, but I think I can help. One has to think that three years of legal education would allow me to impart some wisdom to a 17 year old...
If I survive, that is.
You all see where this is going...
So yes, nearly 7 and a half years after I last stepped foot in Farmington High School, I will now return on Thursday as a leader of men, er, 30 young mock trialers. I suppose I was compelled to do this as a matter of empathy - as a product of the FHS mock trial squad (2000-2004) - I barely ever had the benefit of an attorney coach, and even at the time, I realized the disadvantage that caused us. Perhaps I was also compelled as a matter of loyalty, which is of course the most important thing. There are certainly more glamorous schools to coach mock trial at.
It made me recall my own years in mock trial. Oddly enough, I never was a lawyer - even the two years I participated at Luther. We were never really all that good - we didn't advance in the regional rounds that I remember, and after my first two years, we were effectively without a coach. We had to coach ourselves.
I can't say I left high school with grand ambitions to be a lawyer, and I wouldn't hope the same for any participants. The point is, to learn about the legal system and to learn the art of storytelling. I warned the adviser that I'm the least experienced lawyer she could get, and still be a real attorney, but I think I can help. One has to think that three years of legal education would allow me to impart some wisdom to a 17 year old...
If I survive, that is.
11 November 2011
11/11/11
Turn it up to 11 folks...
For further reading pleasure, check out NPR Music's blog on Nigel Tufnel Day.
For further reading pleasure, check out NPR Music's blog on Nigel Tufnel Day.
01 November 2011
Leaving the Nest
Folks, I am on a journey - a new journey. Having shed law school, having shed the bar exam, I am ready to attack the world. To do that, I need two things.
First, I need a job. I can confidently say I now have one of those - yes. (As a sidenote, the title "attorney at law" does have a nice ring to it.)
Second, I need a place to live that doesn't involve my parents' (plural) basements. Not that I am unappreciative of the past three years' rent free living - I am. All things considered (minus the cats), it's been a remarkably undramatic three years, and I am very thankful for everything I was given. But at 25 years old, it is time to spread my wings and fly. And if that involves learning how to bake chicken, I will learn. Frankly, I better learn, because man cannot live by ham sandwiches and nutella alone.
Anyways, I'm happy to say that of TODAY, I am officially renting an apartment. Starting TOMORROW, I will domicile there. And it will be good. Of course, I realized today that I lack many of the basic things that separate humans from animals - basic hygiene products, toilet paper, etc. But I can get these things - I will. It may be a small space, but by tomorrow, it will have a bed, couch, internet, and a coffeemaker - all the necessities of life.
So, everyone come on over!
First, I need a job. I can confidently say I now have one of those - yes. (As a sidenote, the title "attorney at law" does have a nice ring to it.)
Second, I need a place to live that doesn't involve my parents' (plural) basements. Not that I am unappreciative of the past three years' rent free living - I am. All things considered (minus the cats), it's been a remarkably undramatic three years, and I am very thankful for everything I was given. But at 25 years old, it is time to spread my wings and fly. And if that involves learning how to bake chicken, I will learn. Frankly, I better learn, because man cannot live by ham sandwiches and nutella alone.
Anyways, I'm happy to say that of TODAY, I am officially renting an apartment. Starting TOMORROW, I will domicile there. And it will be good. Of course, I realized today that I lack many of the basic things that separate humans from animals - basic hygiene products, toilet paper, etc. But I can get these things - I will. It may be a small space, but by tomorrow, it will have a bed, couch, internet, and a coffeemaker - all the necessities of life.
So, everyone come on over!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)