So, I just finished with an online poker tournament (which seems to be my normal nightly ritual, especially while on vacation) and finished somewhere around 95th out of 440. Doesn't sound that bad? Well, ten minutes before I got knocked out I was in 7th. And, the worst part...I really don't think I made a bad move all night...guys got lucky and took the pot on river cards...pots that I would have won...well, that's poker...definitely become a goal of mine (and don't laugh) to one day win a seat in the World Series of Poker (yes, that one on ESPN) and hopefully, do well.
Today turned out to be another great day in the UP. Yesterday's forecast for today looked rather bleak, but it actually turned out to be quite the day. Cloudy in the morning, but then the sun poked in and out of the clouds throughout the day, with not a drop of rain. Yesterday, showers were predicted all day, so today's mediocre day was just fine with me. My dad and I took advantage of the better-than-expected weather and went to McLain State Park, which lies at the western edge of the UP canal, leading into Lake Superior...I probably took about twenty pictures here alone. The park is very green (of course) and has a cliff edge, overlooking a rocky beach, out into the clear blue water. There is also a sand beach section, although for some reason, it always seems to be way too windy in that part of the park. My dad and I enjoyed relaxation and a quick game of catch, along with a fifteen minute dip in the chilly, 45 degree Lake Superior water. It is very, very, very cold at first, but once you are used to it, and eventually leave the water, you realize it's much more refreshing than your average, heated swimming pool.
Jumping back a little, we had breakfast this morning at a place in Hancock called "Jim's Pizza". Ironically, we've never eaten at this downtown pizza parlor other than for breakfast. We get something called a "breakfast pizza" which is the normal size of a regular pizza and has the same sort of crust and marinara sauce. However, it is topped with assorted breakfast foods...today, we chose the "Meatlovers Breakfast Pizza", which has ham, bacon, sausage, egg, and onion on top of the pre-made crust. I know, sounds a little disgusting. But, trust me, you don't wan to knock it before you try it. It tastes great hot, out of the oven, and makes great leftovers for lunch and dinner later that day. As a matter of fact, we once again had to put off our yearly visit to "The Ambassador" in downtown Houghton, since we had leftovers to indulge in.
Speaking of downtown Houghton, the street is all torn up. New piping is being installed below the roadway, and has caused nearly the entire downtown section of the main road to be shut down. While it's a huge mess now, the future is bright. The already historic, charming line of buildings through downtown Houghton is soon to be perpendicular to "cobblestone-like" roadways. Actually, it's just fake brick (cement) that looks like real brick and is maybe a more "modern-day" version of old, cobblestone roadways in historic towns. The small section of roadway that is completed and already has the brick set, and in place, looks great, and brings historic Houghton to an even higher standard.
Tomorrow is our last day in Houghton for the year...it's been a lot of fun so far, as usual. Even though it seems like we pretty much do the same things every year, it never gets old, and quite honestly, I think it only gets better. Suomi Bakery AGAIN tomorrow morning! Maybe, I'll try something different than Finnish French Toast...then again, I probably won't. Later!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Ho-town
Today, my dad and I arrived in Houghton, Michigan. This is the small city where my father attended college at Michigan Technological University. Houghton is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, far away from the ruins known as Detroit, in the lower peninsula. Houghton has been a stop since we began these yearly trips out to the midwest some fifteen years ago. It is a college town, which gives it a good feel, and the people are as nice as can be (Minnesota and the UP of Michigan could have a great competition for 'niceness').
You can tell my dad feels very at home when we come here every year. He is normally a friendly guy, but doesn't always show it to strangers. That all changes when we come up here. Everyone seems to act like they know one another in the streets around here. If you pass someone on the sidewalk or in any public place, it is viewed as "customary" to ask "How you doin'?" Even the most raggedy looking people (including goths, biker chicks/guys, etc.) appreciate the gesture and respond back with a smile on their face. Houghton is definitely a place that has grown on me. While age has taught me to appreciate the little things more, in general, this town has definitely grown on me with time. A place that seemed unimpressive at first now strikes me as charmingly unique and pleasant.
Unlike much of the midwest, the Upper Peninsula is dominated during the summer time by green, grassy, rolling hills, with short pine trees. Small, two lane highways cut through the forests and lead to small, well-kept town and villages. The people, many of them of Finnish descent, have a generosity of none other I have ever met, and make the location an even cooler place to visit. The location we are staying at right now (Hancock) is located across the canal that slices through the Upper Peninsula of the state. The lift bridge, located a mere 100 feet from my hotel room, is the one and only entrance to the Keewenaw, the most extreme northern part of Michigan's UP. This part of the country is simply a small swath of land, like a finger, with Lake Superior to the west, north, and east. Truly beautiful.
My dad and I are looking forward to eating at the famous, "Suomi Bakery" tomorrow morning. When my dad had the money during his college years, he would eat at this location along the main road through downtown Houghton, for breakfast. I usually get the Finnish French Toast, while he settles for a Finnish dish called the "Panugaku". My meal is simply really good French toast. His is simply difficult to explain.
Most people go on vacation to "relax" and that is exactly what we'll be doing for the most part here. Houghton and Hancock are both great towns to walk around in. You can go for jaunts either on the water or in town. We also go once or twice each time up here to a park called "McLain State Park"...in this park are a sand beach on Lake Superior, and a large grassy area, bordered by a cliff looking out, over the lake. As is everything up here, it's all very green. It's always a fun place to get to know new people and hang out.
I am probably going to be taking lots of pictures. The more I use my camera, the more convinced I am that it was the best $120 I ever spent. It takes great pictures, and really does help me hold onto far away memories while I am at home. I can't wait for when I am sitting in my bedroom a few months from now, and I am able to look back at pictures from here and other places I go on this vacation, letting the past flood my mind. I could never be a photographer for a living, but I certainly love taking pictures to preserve the good times.
I hear the weather back home is nice, but luckily, it's been pretty good out here too...that might be changing as of late tomorrow, but hey, there's always hope that the weatherman is wrong (in a favorable sense for once).
You can tell my dad feels very at home when we come here every year. He is normally a friendly guy, but doesn't always show it to strangers. That all changes when we come up here. Everyone seems to act like they know one another in the streets around here. If you pass someone on the sidewalk or in any public place, it is viewed as "customary" to ask "How you doin'?" Even the most raggedy looking people (including goths, biker chicks/guys, etc.) appreciate the gesture and respond back with a smile on their face. Houghton is definitely a place that has grown on me. While age has taught me to appreciate the little things more, in general, this town has definitely grown on me with time. A place that seemed unimpressive at first now strikes me as charmingly unique and pleasant.
Unlike much of the midwest, the Upper Peninsula is dominated during the summer time by green, grassy, rolling hills, with short pine trees. Small, two lane highways cut through the forests and lead to small, well-kept town and villages. The people, many of them of Finnish descent, have a generosity of none other I have ever met, and make the location an even cooler place to visit. The location we are staying at right now (Hancock) is located across the canal that slices through the Upper Peninsula of the state. The lift bridge, located a mere 100 feet from my hotel room, is the one and only entrance to the Keewenaw, the most extreme northern part of Michigan's UP. This part of the country is simply a small swath of land, like a finger, with Lake Superior to the west, north, and east. Truly beautiful.
My dad and I are looking forward to eating at the famous, "Suomi Bakery" tomorrow morning. When my dad had the money during his college years, he would eat at this location along the main road through downtown Houghton, for breakfast. I usually get the Finnish French Toast, while he settles for a Finnish dish called the "Panugaku". My meal is simply really good French toast. His is simply difficult to explain.
Most people go on vacation to "relax" and that is exactly what we'll be doing for the most part here. Houghton and Hancock are both great towns to walk around in. You can go for jaunts either on the water or in town. We also go once or twice each time up here to a park called "McLain State Park"...in this park are a sand beach on Lake Superior, and a large grassy area, bordered by a cliff looking out, over the lake. As is everything up here, it's all very green. It's always a fun place to get to know new people and hang out.
I am probably going to be taking lots of pictures. The more I use my camera, the more convinced I am that it was the best $120 I ever spent. It takes great pictures, and really does help me hold onto far away memories while I am at home. I can't wait for when I am sitting in my bedroom a few months from now, and I am able to look back at pictures from here and other places I go on this vacation, letting the past flood my mind. I could never be a photographer for a living, but I certainly love taking pictures to preserve the good times.
I hear the weather back home is nice, but luckily, it's been pretty good out here too...that might be changing as of late tomorrow, but hey, there's always hope that the weatherman is wrong (in a favorable sense for once).
Friday, July 10, 2009
In Minnesota
So, the day is here...today was the first day of a seventeen day trip with my dad in the twin cities of Minnesota, the north shore of Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and whatever else lies along the way. Although, it isn't a typical spot for most to consider vacationing, every year my dad and I venture out, it always seems to be better than the previous visit.
For the first few days, were are going to stay with my dad's college friends, Mike and Carol, who live in Apple Valley, about ten miles south of the twin cities. Susan, their daughter, who is also 20, currently lives an hour and a half south in Mankato, Minnesota. She attends the Minnesota State University at Mankato and is working close to campus for her summer job. We were hoping she would venture up tonight, but since she has been feeling sick, it's more likely that Mike, Carol, dad, and I will take a jaunt down to see her tomorrow (Saturday).
Times have certainly changed, as before, there would always be a ton of people over the house to hang out with. But, now that all three of Mike and Carol's kids have moved on to, essentially, their own lives, not as much is happening in Apple Valley. They finished putting a great addition onto their house a couple of years ago, but it gets limited use due to the kids being away almost year round. Susie is the closest of the three daughters, the other two, Kate and Anne, living in Washington, D.C. and Ohio, respectively. A few of Mike and Carol's well-know and ever-present neighbors have also moved on and are seen far less. Many of the friends I ended up making out here seem to mostly be in other places, and Susie is not around to call them over to hang out. While, I consider a lot of people out here my friends, it is always hard to approach someone that you only speak to once a year. Well, I can hope I'll see some of them by the end of the trip.
But, while I am reminded of the sometimes harsh reality of passing and changing of times, the half day of the trip so far was enjoyable. As I said in one of my past blogs, Mike is a very funny guy, and the trio of my dad, Mike, and I seem to make a pretty good comedy team...we always seem to have fun together. When Carol joins in, my dad and I seem to tone it down a little, but Mike certainly doesn't. Oh well...just makes his bit that much funnier.
As soon as I experienced my first few hours here this year, it is obvious as usual, how much different the midwestern lifestyle is than the one I live back home. Even living in the city, people here seem to be much more laid-back and carefree about life. Everyone still works hard, but perhaps people are much better at putting things in perspective in this part of the country and looking at the big picture. No one seems stressed out while shopping for groceries, and there aren't many people who will give a wait staff too much flack. It's a good feeling when you know that something can happen in the middle of Super Target, and you can turn to the person next to you and make a joke, without feeling awkward. So what if you don't know the person. Just not a big deal out here, not nearly as out of the blue as back home.
I have a very comfortable bed here, and am very surpised I haven't dosed off quite yet. I'm going to bring my camera along with me tomorrow, and I'm sure that a relatively normal day will turn into a great one rather quickly. I miss Bridget a lot...not seeing her is probably the one big drawback to this vacation, but she knows that I really do cherish my time out here, and I will always have some time during the day to chat with her about the trip on the phone. So, until I get another chance, adios amigos!
For the first few days, were are going to stay with my dad's college friends, Mike and Carol, who live in Apple Valley, about ten miles south of the twin cities. Susan, their daughter, who is also 20, currently lives an hour and a half south in Mankato, Minnesota. She attends the Minnesota State University at Mankato and is working close to campus for her summer job. We were hoping she would venture up tonight, but since she has been feeling sick, it's more likely that Mike, Carol, dad, and I will take a jaunt down to see her tomorrow (Saturday).
Times have certainly changed, as before, there would always be a ton of people over the house to hang out with. But, now that all three of Mike and Carol's kids have moved on to, essentially, their own lives, not as much is happening in Apple Valley. They finished putting a great addition onto their house a couple of years ago, but it gets limited use due to the kids being away almost year round. Susie is the closest of the three daughters, the other two, Kate and Anne, living in Washington, D.C. and Ohio, respectively. A few of Mike and Carol's well-know and ever-present neighbors have also moved on and are seen far less. Many of the friends I ended up making out here seem to mostly be in other places, and Susie is not around to call them over to hang out. While, I consider a lot of people out here my friends, it is always hard to approach someone that you only speak to once a year. Well, I can hope I'll see some of them by the end of the trip.
But, while I am reminded of the sometimes harsh reality of passing and changing of times, the half day of the trip so far was enjoyable. As I said in one of my past blogs, Mike is a very funny guy, and the trio of my dad, Mike, and I seem to make a pretty good comedy team...we always seem to have fun together. When Carol joins in, my dad and I seem to tone it down a little, but Mike certainly doesn't. Oh well...just makes his bit that much funnier.
As soon as I experienced my first few hours here this year, it is obvious as usual, how much different the midwestern lifestyle is than the one I live back home. Even living in the city, people here seem to be much more laid-back and carefree about life. Everyone still works hard, but perhaps people are much better at putting things in perspective in this part of the country and looking at the big picture. No one seems stressed out while shopping for groceries, and there aren't many people who will give a wait staff too much flack. It's a good feeling when you know that something can happen in the middle of Super Target, and you can turn to the person next to you and make a joke, without feeling awkward. So what if you don't know the person. Just not a big deal out here, not nearly as out of the blue as back home.
I have a very comfortable bed here, and am very surpised I haven't dosed off quite yet. I'm going to bring my camera along with me tomorrow, and I'm sure that a relatively normal day will turn into a great one rather quickly. I miss Bridget a lot...not seeing her is probably the one big drawback to this vacation, but she knows that I really do cherish my time out here, and I will always have some time during the day to chat with her about the trip on the phone. So, until I get another chance, adios amigos!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Oh, Sarah
Most of the time, I could really care less about politics. The second you begin to speak of your own political opinions, you bring joy to some, and infuriate others. I always hate when I'm having fun with a group of people, and some idiot decides to bring up their opinion of Bush, only to have one or two people get legitimately upset over what they say...but, since this is a blog, and I've got a few opinions on one particular topic, this one and only time, I will not resist.
I don't really like when I hear people make over-arching statements such as "all politicians are bad"...I view this sort of statement in the same category as racist or sexist statements. They're just so destructive and unnecessary, not to mention untrue...if you are to have the opinion that politics is all bad, rigged, etc., where is there ever going to be an opportunity for a legitimate person to get credit for being a good politician?
That being said, I don't think Sarah Palin has done much to enhance her own reputation, much less the reputation of politics in America at this current time. One of the biggest complaints I here from people is that, while politicians claim to be working for everyone, they only really care about themselves. Sarah Palin's resignation as governor of Alaska does seem to support that notion.
When you choose to run for office and become an elected official, why is it not, for every politician, considered a commitment to that city, state, or nation, for the entirety of its given term? How come when a politician feels they have gained enough national attention, it is therefore OK to leave your post and pursue a "higher calling" (Palin's words)? You can't wait for your term to expire before leaving and shamelessly promoting yourself for a position which offers more power? C'mon, really?
I must admit, Sarah was irking me a couple of weeks ago when she took advantage of the attention the media gave David Letterman after he, admittedly, made some edgy jokes about Palin's family, more specifically, her daughter...confusion about which daughter (the younger or older one) was at a New York Yankees baseball game. I'm not going to get into details, but somehow, in the end, Palin seemed to want to accuse David Letterman of being a pedophile. Even to the biggest Palin supporters, I can't imagine they could support the Palin's complaints with a straight face.
My opinion: Letterman was doing his job, and telling racy jokes that would get his audience to laugh, most of which, I assume leans to the left side of the political spectrum. The jokes were funny when I first heard them, due to the fact that Letterman was obviously refferring to Palin's adult daugher, who quite honestly, is known across the country as a slut. Right or wrong, that's her rep. Even if Letterman was a pedophile, the joke, along with being disgusting, wouldn't have made sense if he was talking about the young daughter.
From what I could tell, Palin did her best in getting as much publicity off of the jokes as she could. She claimed to speak for all Alaskans, in declaring David Letterman as a "pervert". She appeared on morning talk shows, attempting to show off her "leadership skills". As she is raking in her own publicity, she then refused Letterman's half-hearted verbal invitation to appear on her show, and said she wants to keep Willow away from Letterman, apparently in fear he will "be a pervert" towards her. (shake my head, and sigh)
Palin's efforts to create publicity over the situation have certainly worked, but I highly doubt her amateurish attempts at portraying David Letterman as a sex offender create a positive light for her among a given general audience. Honestly, what she should have done is called him out, said she was disgusted, and forgotten about it. There really are already too many politicians in this country who use simple situations to be melodramatic and make "epic" speeches in defense of some sort of American value. Even President Obama can drive me crazy with the drama in some of his speeches.
Separately, to withdraw your commitment to your post, your state, in an effort to advance YOURSELF politically is something, that I personally, will never agree with and will always look down upon. As of right now, I can't see myself ever voting for governor (soon not to be) Palin in any position. And, she's sure going to have to change a lot to win me over.
I don't really like when I hear people make over-arching statements such as "all politicians are bad"...I view this sort of statement in the same category as racist or sexist statements. They're just so destructive and unnecessary, not to mention untrue...if you are to have the opinion that politics is all bad, rigged, etc., where is there ever going to be an opportunity for a legitimate person to get credit for being a good politician?
That being said, I don't think Sarah Palin has done much to enhance her own reputation, much less the reputation of politics in America at this current time. One of the biggest complaints I here from people is that, while politicians claim to be working for everyone, they only really care about themselves. Sarah Palin's resignation as governor of Alaska does seem to support that notion.
When you choose to run for office and become an elected official, why is it not, for every politician, considered a commitment to that city, state, or nation, for the entirety of its given term? How come when a politician feels they have gained enough national attention, it is therefore OK to leave your post and pursue a "higher calling" (Palin's words)? You can't wait for your term to expire before leaving and shamelessly promoting yourself for a position which offers more power? C'mon, really?
I must admit, Sarah was irking me a couple of weeks ago when she took advantage of the attention the media gave David Letterman after he, admittedly, made some edgy jokes about Palin's family, more specifically, her daughter...confusion about which daughter (the younger or older one) was at a New York Yankees baseball game. I'm not going to get into details, but somehow, in the end, Palin seemed to want to accuse David Letterman of being a pedophile. Even to the biggest Palin supporters, I can't imagine they could support the Palin's complaints with a straight face.
My opinion: Letterman was doing his job, and telling racy jokes that would get his audience to laugh, most of which, I assume leans to the left side of the political spectrum. The jokes were funny when I first heard them, due to the fact that Letterman was obviously refferring to Palin's adult daugher, who quite honestly, is known across the country as a slut. Right or wrong, that's her rep. Even if Letterman was a pedophile, the joke, along with being disgusting, wouldn't have made sense if he was talking about the young daughter.
From what I could tell, Palin did her best in getting as much publicity off of the jokes as she could. She claimed to speak for all Alaskans, in declaring David Letterman as a "pervert". She appeared on morning talk shows, attempting to show off her "leadership skills". As she is raking in her own publicity, she then refused Letterman's half-hearted verbal invitation to appear on her show, and said she wants to keep Willow away from Letterman, apparently in fear he will "be a pervert" towards her. (shake my head, and sigh)
Palin's efforts to create publicity over the situation have certainly worked, but I highly doubt her amateurish attempts at portraying David Letterman as a sex offender create a positive light for her among a given general audience. Honestly, what she should have done is called him out, said she was disgusted, and forgotten about it. There really are already too many politicians in this country who use simple situations to be melodramatic and make "epic" speeches in defense of some sort of American value. Even President Obama can drive me crazy with the drama in some of his speeches.
Separately, to withdraw your commitment to your post, your state, in an effort to advance YOURSELF politically is something, that I personally, will never agree with and will always look down upon. As of right now, I can't see myself ever voting for governor (soon not to be) Palin in any position. And, she's sure going to have to change a lot to win me over.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
One Week Until Minnesota
Everyone always makes fun of me when I tell them I am going on a "vacation" to Minnesota. I have learned over the years, that I should always start out by saying "I'm going to Minnesota" instead of "I am going on vacation" because the follow-up question to the latter is always met by an answer which seems to puzzle the asker..."Where you goin'?" they say..."Minnesota," I respond...face tilts to one side and "are you serious?" smile emerges.
But, as I have said to all of these people, there is just something special about it. People are different in Minnesota, and, in general, the midwestern portion of the country. It's not a place many people from my area have cared to visit, nor is it one I would suggest if someone were to ask me for a new, exciting vacation spot. However, there is a lot of hidden beauty I have come to see throughout the two weeks I spend there each year with my dad.
The people we mainly visit in Minnesota are my father's college friends from Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech)...they both grew up in Midwestern states (Mike in Wisconsin, Carol in Michigan) and it is evident. Both Mike and Carol love to simply sit and chat and share stories from over the past year which we've all been 1500 miles away from each other. Mike is, quite simply, one of the wittiest and funniest people anyone will ever meet. If you ever experience a moment so awkward in your lifetime, that you physically cringe and are brought close to tears, just pray that Mike Gerbensky is lurking in the background, ready to make a remark that will send you and everyone else into uncontrollable laughter.
Susan, their daughter, has been a good friend of mine for quite some time. When I was much younger, I had a crush on her, and roles reversed later on...we joked throughout high school about myself coming out to one of her proms, and the jokes transformed into reality in May of 2007. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun. Through Susie, I have come to know a lot of great people that are my age in Minnesota. Every single individual I have met has always made me feel as if I really do have an entire second set of friends away from home...I don't see any of them enough to keep strong relationships, but the short time span in which we do see each other every year assures that there is no time at all for negativity or drama to develop within our interactions.
Every year that my dad and I head out to Minnesota, we also take a few days to travel up to the Upper Peninsula (more commonly referred to as the "U.P." by locals) of Michigan. This is where my father attended college, at Michigan Tech, in Houghton. The town and surrounding area (which is the epitome of seclusion) has an old town feel. While the college and small towns continue to add more people, everyone seems to make sure to stay close. Winters are very cold and snowy, as lake effect snow bands drift off of Lake Superior for weeks on end during January and February, routinely burying (no, seriously, you can't identify cars and small houses) its citizens. During the summer, however, the place is as far from "Michigan" as anything. The region is generally made up of slowly rolling, green grassy hills and short pine trees. Throw in a few picturesque waterfalls and you've got a beautiful place like no other...not many people's typical summer get-away spot, but I like it that way...more for me.
We also venture to a region far north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area where Mike and Carol live, to the north shore of Minnesota along the western edge of Lake Superior (Michigan Tech is on the eastern side). I can honestly say that I do not think there is a more untapped, under-appreciated place than this area...most outsiders live under the impression that it is -30 year round (which it is for a good chunk of the year) and there is nothing to see...boy, do they have no idea.
Route 61 is a small, two-lane highway that runs from Duluth, Minnesota, on the very tip of Lake Superior all the way up to Thunder Bay, Ontario...while it may not be as stunning as interpasses in Colorado and Montana, it is at least equal in pure beauty. Cliffs hang high above the lake, and rapids cut through pine tree landscapes as far as the eye can see. Small mountains give the area a bit more attraction than the relatively flat rest of the state. The water is a gorgeous dark blue, a shade that is both deep, but also transparent enough to see the rocky lake floor below. When the sun hits the lake just right in the morning, I doubt there is a better postcard photograph ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. The north shore is a place I could stay for a week and be content with simply watching the earth spin and letting it show me its bright, voluptuous colors and textures.
No doubt, none of this means anything to anyone who bothers to read it...or maybe you can prove me wrong, and meet me out there in a week or so...either way, I cannot wait until the time comes and I can't begin to imagine what will inspire me this year.
But, as I have said to all of these people, there is just something special about it. People are different in Minnesota, and, in general, the midwestern portion of the country. It's not a place many people from my area have cared to visit, nor is it one I would suggest if someone were to ask me for a new, exciting vacation spot. However, there is a lot of hidden beauty I have come to see throughout the two weeks I spend there each year with my dad.
The people we mainly visit in Minnesota are my father's college friends from Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech)...they both grew up in Midwestern states (Mike in Wisconsin, Carol in Michigan) and it is evident. Both Mike and Carol love to simply sit and chat and share stories from over the past year which we've all been 1500 miles away from each other. Mike is, quite simply, one of the wittiest and funniest people anyone will ever meet. If you ever experience a moment so awkward in your lifetime, that you physically cringe and are brought close to tears, just pray that Mike Gerbensky is lurking in the background, ready to make a remark that will send you and everyone else into uncontrollable laughter.
Susan, their daughter, has been a good friend of mine for quite some time. When I was much younger, I had a crush on her, and roles reversed later on...we joked throughout high school about myself coming out to one of her proms, and the jokes transformed into reality in May of 2007. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun. Through Susie, I have come to know a lot of great people that are my age in Minnesota. Every single individual I have met has always made me feel as if I really do have an entire second set of friends away from home...I don't see any of them enough to keep strong relationships, but the short time span in which we do see each other every year assures that there is no time at all for negativity or drama to develop within our interactions.
Every year that my dad and I head out to Minnesota, we also take a few days to travel up to the Upper Peninsula (more commonly referred to as the "U.P." by locals) of Michigan. This is where my father attended college, at Michigan Tech, in Houghton. The town and surrounding area (which is the epitome of seclusion) has an old town feel. While the college and small towns continue to add more people, everyone seems to make sure to stay close. Winters are very cold and snowy, as lake effect snow bands drift off of Lake Superior for weeks on end during January and February, routinely burying (no, seriously, you can't identify cars and small houses) its citizens. During the summer, however, the place is as far from "Michigan" as anything. The region is generally made up of slowly rolling, green grassy hills and short pine trees. Throw in a few picturesque waterfalls and you've got a beautiful place like no other...not many people's typical summer get-away spot, but I like it that way...more for me.
We also venture to a region far north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area where Mike and Carol live, to the north shore of Minnesota along the western edge of Lake Superior (Michigan Tech is on the eastern side). I can honestly say that I do not think there is a more untapped, under-appreciated place than this area...most outsiders live under the impression that it is -30 year round (which it is for a good chunk of the year) and there is nothing to see...boy, do they have no idea.
Route 61 is a small, two-lane highway that runs from Duluth, Minnesota, on the very tip of Lake Superior all the way up to Thunder Bay, Ontario...while it may not be as stunning as interpasses in Colorado and Montana, it is at least equal in pure beauty. Cliffs hang high above the lake, and rapids cut through pine tree landscapes as far as the eye can see. Small mountains give the area a bit more attraction than the relatively flat rest of the state. The water is a gorgeous dark blue, a shade that is both deep, but also transparent enough to see the rocky lake floor below. When the sun hits the lake just right in the morning, I doubt there is a better postcard photograph ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. The north shore is a place I could stay for a week and be content with simply watching the earth spin and letting it show me its bright, voluptuous colors and textures.
No doubt, none of this means anything to anyone who bothers to read it...or maybe you can prove me wrong, and meet me out there in a week or so...either way, I cannot wait until the time comes and I can't begin to imagine what will inspire me this year.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Why Didn't I Always Do This?
It's too bad I have been bitter and lazy my whole life when it comes to taking on new things and challenges...take, for example, my favorite sport: hockey.
I've always watched it a lot more than I played it. I seriously feel I know the game, as a spectator, better than almost anyone else. But, for some reason, whenever faced with the opportunity to play the sport throughout my life, I was somewhat resistant.
My love for hockey spawns to my dad's purchase of season tickets back when I was 3. The UMass: Lowell River Hawks played games at Tully Forum in Chelmsford, Mass., a short 20 minute drive from my town. Season tickets game out to about 4 bucks a seat, and from my father's perspective, it was the best (and cheapest) way to see live hockey each week throughout the winter.
Admittedly, not until we went to the games for a few seasons did I actually start paying attention to the game at hand. While for the first few years, I was always asking my dad "did they score?" each time the crowd stood up and cheered, I slowly began to develop an appreciation for what was happening in front of me. The few times I had tried to skate during the winter on frozen Bare Hill Pond in my town, I always ended up stumbling along, my skate blades at nearly a forty-five degree angle, pointing away from my body. Even most Floridians know that isn't the way to skate. My time spent on ice, and time spent literally, ON the ice was not a favorable ratio.
I would sometimes stand in the driveway at my father's old apartment complex and "stick-handle" at a rapid rate, a speed which I was convinced was faster than any player college or professional could achieve. "I'll be playing for UMass: Lowell one day" I thought to myself.
But, I still didn't do much. I continued to sit by my father at every home game, and watch on television, or listen on AM radio to every away game. I would scamper into my bedroom during intermissions and commercial breaks to pray to God that UMass: Lowell would win this game, and if they did, I would never again ask for anything else...needless to say, I asked every game for a couple of years.
When the River Hawks made the move from Tully Forum to brand new Tsongas Arena in downtown Lowell, my dad forefeited his season tickets. To fund the cost of the new building, the school chose to mark up season ticket prices considerably...this did seem to be the right move at the time, considering Tully had sold out every game for seasons on end. However, my dad's interest waned in the UMass: Lowell hockey team (so did most other fans'), therefore causing my interest to fall by the same margin. We reached a certain point where the most time we invested in the team was checking its place in the Hockey East standings in the weekend Lowell Sun.
While my interest in the River Hawks was decreasing, my involvement in the professional game was on the rise. Throughout my childhood, my dad told me that college hockey was better and college players tried harder. While I do agree to some of that being partly true to this very day, I think it was more my father's way of saying he wasn't going to pay the same price for two tickets for one professional game that he paid for season long tickets at a lower level. But, Dave Shea's away game broadcasts on UPN did grab my attention.
A week or so ago, I bought rollerblades. I dabbled with the thought of "roller hockey" for a littel while during my childhood, enrolling in a sort of 'camp' when I was around twelve. I never got too serious...the program was not a team, it was simply an elementary education. Fun took priority over actual learning, which was fine, because fun was all I really knew.
But something surprised me when I put on the rollerblades a week ago. It almost felt as if I had seriously skated before. I had no problem picking up speed, making quick turns, and coming to a slow stop. It wasn't much of a problem to get a good wrist shot off and shoot the ball top corner. It was almost as if I really had "played" this game before.
I seriously believe that hockey is something in my blood, and that I should never stop pursuing. It is the only thing in my life that has blessed me with talent, simply because of my knowledge through observance. "It's not as easy as it looks" was something told to me and proven to me throughout my life. But, now, I think I found something. A simple craft that touches upon my dreams and makes them seem like reality just for a moment. Right now as I write this, being an NHL hockey player is an impossiblity. But when I'm skating, it's not.
I've always watched it a lot more than I played it. I seriously feel I know the game, as a spectator, better than almost anyone else. But, for some reason, whenever faced with the opportunity to play the sport throughout my life, I was somewhat resistant.
My love for hockey spawns to my dad's purchase of season tickets back when I was 3. The UMass: Lowell River Hawks played games at Tully Forum in Chelmsford, Mass., a short 20 minute drive from my town. Season tickets game out to about 4 bucks a seat, and from my father's perspective, it was the best (and cheapest) way to see live hockey each week throughout the winter.
Admittedly, not until we went to the games for a few seasons did I actually start paying attention to the game at hand. While for the first few years, I was always asking my dad "did they score?" each time the crowd stood up and cheered, I slowly began to develop an appreciation for what was happening in front of me. The few times I had tried to skate during the winter on frozen Bare Hill Pond in my town, I always ended up stumbling along, my skate blades at nearly a forty-five degree angle, pointing away from my body. Even most Floridians know that isn't the way to skate. My time spent on ice, and time spent literally, ON the ice was not a favorable ratio.
I would sometimes stand in the driveway at my father's old apartment complex and "stick-handle" at a rapid rate, a speed which I was convinced was faster than any player college or professional could achieve. "I'll be playing for UMass: Lowell one day" I thought to myself.
But, I still didn't do much. I continued to sit by my father at every home game, and watch on television, or listen on AM radio to every away game. I would scamper into my bedroom during intermissions and commercial breaks to pray to God that UMass: Lowell would win this game, and if they did, I would never again ask for anything else...needless to say, I asked every game for a couple of years.
When the River Hawks made the move from Tully Forum to brand new Tsongas Arena in downtown Lowell, my dad forefeited his season tickets. To fund the cost of the new building, the school chose to mark up season ticket prices considerably...this did seem to be the right move at the time, considering Tully had sold out every game for seasons on end. However, my dad's interest waned in the UMass: Lowell hockey team (so did most other fans'), therefore causing my interest to fall by the same margin. We reached a certain point where the most time we invested in the team was checking its place in the Hockey East standings in the weekend Lowell Sun.
While my interest in the River Hawks was decreasing, my involvement in the professional game was on the rise. Throughout my childhood, my dad told me that college hockey was better and college players tried harder. While I do agree to some of that being partly true to this very day, I think it was more my father's way of saying he wasn't going to pay the same price for two tickets for one professional game that he paid for season long tickets at a lower level. But, Dave Shea's away game broadcasts on UPN did grab my attention.
A week or so ago, I bought rollerblades. I dabbled with the thought of "roller hockey" for a littel while during my childhood, enrolling in a sort of 'camp' when I was around twelve. I never got too serious...the program was not a team, it was simply an elementary education. Fun took priority over actual learning, which was fine, because fun was all I really knew.
But something surprised me when I put on the rollerblades a week ago. It almost felt as if I had seriously skated before. I had no problem picking up speed, making quick turns, and coming to a slow stop. It wasn't much of a problem to get a good wrist shot off and shoot the ball top corner. It was almost as if I really had "played" this game before.
I seriously believe that hockey is something in my blood, and that I should never stop pursuing. It is the only thing in my life that has blessed me with talent, simply because of my knowledge through observance. "It's not as easy as it looks" was something told to me and proven to me throughout my life. But, now, I think I found something. A simple craft that touches upon my dreams and makes them seem like reality just for a moment. Right now as I write this, being an NHL hockey player is an impossiblity. But when I'm skating, it's not.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Anyone Else Think the Same Way I Do?
I hate complication. It doesn't make me feel good, it never seems to make other people feel good...therefore, I hate it. I do without it whenever possible.
Whenever I sit back, maybe have a few drinks, smoke a J, I think about life, in general. I would say I picture my life as if it was on GoogleMaps. I start out zoomed in, right there in that moment, and then I zoom out to what was before and what is after. I reminisce about the happy past, and dream bright about the future. I make up new scenarios, as to what would have happened or where I would be, if I made my decisions a little bit differently. I think ahead to what may be to come, and fantasize far beyond anything that seems to ever be within my reach. And then the alcohol wears off, the THC puts me into a progressively deeper state of relaxation, and eventally sleep. I acknowledge the beauty of my thoughts and call it a night.
I am puzzled by my friends and neighbors who talk to me and say things such as, "Harvard sucks, I can't wait to get out of here" (Harvard, Massachusetts is my hometown) with little remorse for their words. It's a small town, one "without much to do", but why is it that people can't be satisfied with the little things? Is it honestly impossible for some people to go for a walk and realize the pure enchantment in their surroundings? Sure, maybe you've seen these same surroundings your whole life, but that doesn't matter. Think of it as repeating one, singular word twenty times quickly. By the time you've said the word ten times, it's lost all of its meaning. So, in essence, it's like a new, unrecognizable word. Why not the same for a part of nature you are seemingly one with? Maybe if you look at it for long enough, your mind will erase its monotonous perception and you can see something you've never taken the time to find before.
When I was speaking with a friend of mine last summer and I was talking about my upcoming semester away from school, I told him about a revelation I had: With a job, and with a good head, I could live anywhere. My parents being divorced since I was three, having the tendency to throw me back and forth between residences without a care, left me with a constant feeling of entrapment until I had last summer's conversation. It wasn't until I made my life into something like GoogleMaps and looked at that (I know it's cliche) "big picture" before I realized I wasn't trapped at all; it was only my mind misperceiving familiar surroundings. I could apply right now, at this very moment, for a job in Los Angeles, California, get it, move out into an apartment, and support myself on that job. And, I think I could be happy. After all, happiness is just a mental state, which are often misperceptions of reality anyways.
While the past few paragraphs may have seemed dark at points, it's meant to push at something anything but bleak. When something gets you down, if you have an occurrence in your life which seems crushing and back-breaking, you still have a past and you still have a future. When you sleep at night, you dream. A dream can be about your future. The only difference is, your future is better. Before you shut your eyes each night, maybe you think about something you'd like to dream about. Chances are, you won't dream about what you want. But, your future, that's all you want it to be. So, right now, take a second and think about what you want your future to be. It's the only dream that you'll always have.
Whenever I sit back, maybe have a few drinks, smoke a J, I think about life, in general. I would say I picture my life as if it was on GoogleMaps. I start out zoomed in, right there in that moment, and then I zoom out to what was before and what is after. I reminisce about the happy past, and dream bright about the future. I make up new scenarios, as to what would have happened or where I would be, if I made my decisions a little bit differently. I think ahead to what may be to come, and fantasize far beyond anything that seems to ever be within my reach. And then the alcohol wears off, the THC puts me into a progressively deeper state of relaxation, and eventally sleep. I acknowledge the beauty of my thoughts and call it a night.
I am puzzled by my friends and neighbors who talk to me and say things such as, "Harvard sucks, I can't wait to get out of here" (Harvard, Massachusetts is my hometown) with little remorse for their words. It's a small town, one "without much to do", but why is it that people can't be satisfied with the little things? Is it honestly impossible for some people to go for a walk and realize the pure enchantment in their surroundings? Sure, maybe you've seen these same surroundings your whole life, but that doesn't matter. Think of it as repeating one, singular word twenty times quickly. By the time you've said the word ten times, it's lost all of its meaning. So, in essence, it's like a new, unrecognizable word. Why not the same for a part of nature you are seemingly one with? Maybe if you look at it for long enough, your mind will erase its monotonous perception and you can see something you've never taken the time to find before.
When I was speaking with a friend of mine last summer and I was talking about my upcoming semester away from school, I told him about a revelation I had: With a job, and with a good head, I could live anywhere. My parents being divorced since I was three, having the tendency to throw me back and forth between residences without a care, left me with a constant feeling of entrapment until I had last summer's conversation. It wasn't until I made my life into something like GoogleMaps and looked at that (I know it's cliche) "big picture" before I realized I wasn't trapped at all; it was only my mind misperceiving familiar surroundings. I could apply right now, at this very moment, for a job in Los Angeles, California, get it, move out into an apartment, and support myself on that job. And, I think I could be happy. After all, happiness is just a mental state, which are often misperceptions of reality anyways.
While the past few paragraphs may have seemed dark at points, it's meant to push at something anything but bleak. When something gets you down, if you have an occurrence in your life which seems crushing and back-breaking, you still have a past and you still have a future. When you sleep at night, you dream. A dream can be about your future. The only difference is, your future is better. Before you shut your eyes each night, maybe you think about something you'd like to dream about. Chances are, you won't dream about what you want. But, your future, that's all you want it to be. So, right now, take a second and think about what you want your future to be. It's the only dream that you'll always have.
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