Why I Come To Cabo

Of course, you can question my claim that I escape the often gray skies and chilly days of Ohio to help fraternity men become better men on the beach in the wonderful sun of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Furthermore, you may wonder what, if anything, a college student may have to gain from a week in such an obvious spring break town. In 2005 when I traveled to Cabo for the first time, I wondered the same thing.

My answer came around 10pm last night as I stood with six undergraduates at our hotel. As we were talking, an alumnus walked by and said hello. For the next forty five minutes, the men talked to him and asked him questions about how he'd gotten through college, the work he does and how his business impacts the economy. He told us about his hobbies and a little bit about his life. As he walked away, the guys looked at me and smiled. One of them said to me, "It's so cool that he just took time to talk to us."

The American Leadership Academy in Cabo San Lucas is an opportunity for our members to learn and challenge themselves. They have a chance to interact with people that they may otherwise never get to talk to. All of this can take place during sessions each day or while sitting on the beach, by the pool or at dinner.

So while I may travel back to Athens, Ohio this Sunday a little darker and a bit more refreshed, that's not necessarily the reason I go to Cabo. It's just an outstanding benefit of a much greater experience.

A Role Model???

I watched as people gathered around the television to see Tiger Woods make his apologies and say whatever words he was going to say. As the clock on tv counted down (yes, they had a countdown clock) to his big public appearance, I walked away. Most likely, I will never know exactly what he said in full because I have no desire to see it. He doesn't need to apologize to me. I admire Tiger Woods for what he has done for the game of golf and the obstacles that he has overcome in the process. My opinion of him has changed very little since December.

I am not disregarding what he did. Having an affair is wrong. Just like me, Tiger Woods has some shortcomings, or as I like to refer to them, character flaws. Tiger Woods is human just like me, you and the person that you will talk to immediately after you are done reading this. He is not a product of the factory of perfect human beings (this is apparently a new human factory that people think exists). The argument that I've heard from so many people is this... "He allowed himself to become a role model for the game of golf and therefore he has taken on certain responsibilities...and he let people down." I listened to a woman say "I used to tell my son that Tiger Woods was who he should strive to be like, but after this, I have lost all respect for him."

Maybe the difference between me and all of the disappointed people out there is that I've never seen Tiger Woods as anything more than an amazing golfer, just like I never saw Michael Jordan as anything more than an amazing basketball player or Steve Jobs as anything more than an amazing businessman. Why, you may ask? While I would love to be able to golf like Tiger, play basketball like MJ, or run a company like Steve, I don't know Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan or Steve Jobs and they don't know me. I've seen them on television during carefully planned and scheduled programming that promote what they are good at, but that's it. So here are my issues.

First and foremost, does anyone else find it to be a problem that a mother was so disappointed that as a result of her advice, Tiger Woods let her son down? She couldn't believe that Tiger Woods LET HER SON DOWN. Apparently we now live in a society where we pawn the responsibility of setting a good example off on those who are famous because they can also swing a golf club or act in a movie. Who were my role models? My mom, dad and grandmother. Why? Because they taught me how to live. They taught me to be the man I am today. Michael Jordan showed me how sweet a dunk could be. The craziest part is that I know my parents and my grandmother have made mistakes in their lives, some probably much greater than others. Nevertheless, just like when Michael Jordan had a bad game, I know who they really are and what they are capable of. I don't condemn my parents because they did something wrong. Michael Jordan's worst game didn't make him a bad player. When he missed a shot at the buzzer, I didn't turn my back on him. Even when he made a bad pass that everyone knew he shouldn't have made, I didn't consider him a failure in the game of basketball. He made a lot of mistakes playing the game that he was good at. A lot of people make mistakes doing what they're good at.

So what's my point? Before we start criticizing people on television for letting people down, lets take a moment to look in the mirror. Are we being the best role models that we can be for those we love and care about? Are we setting the best examples? Remember that just because there are no cameras there to watch your every move and no news reporters there to record every decision that you make, you may be a role model for someone too.

"To the world you may one person. To one person you may be the world."

Post Dated New Years Resolution

On December 31, I made a decision not to make a new years resolution. Every year that I do, I hold myself to my resolution for maybe a month before it somehow falls through the cracks. I would get frustrated with myself because I couldn't understand why I was never successful at what I set out to accomplish. Then this year, I adopted a new direction. I must set this up with a totally hypothetical story that is totally made up and has come strictly from my imagination.   Think about this....it's new years eve and you're excited because in a matter of hours, you're going to celebrate a new year..with a glass of cheap champagne in hand and your favorite people all around you (or whoever else didn't have plans if you waited till the last minute to figure out what you were gonna do). if you're lucky, you might even get to ring in the new year with a big kiss from that guy or gal that you've been creepin on and you honestly realize that if a kiss is gonna happen, it's going to happen now. So the alcohol is flowing and you're getting excited because Dick Clark is rockin on television in the background while Ryan Seacrest takes over his show. You're friends are talking about all the crazy things that have happened to them over the past year; drunken nights, poor stock investments, new jobs that have since become old jobs,etc. You become overwhelmed with joy as you realize that a new beginning is upon you. You can finally swear off all of your bad habits, promise to save every penny that you can, and be nice to the lady that sits next to you in the office, even though deep down, you know you will always hate her.  And at this unbelievable moment, the most optimal moment in your lifetime, you realize that it is 11:57pm and it is time for you to commit to your new years resolution. With a slight tingle in your toes, a numbing sensation in your lips and a blurry view of what looks like Ryan Seacrest doing the Single Ladies dance...as the apple begins to descend upon all of people in time square, you declare your new years resolution.....

I decided to avoid that moment this year. Lets be real. It's probably not the best time to be making a year long decision. It is likely that your friends don't feel like you should even be making any decisions for the night by the look on your face. 

So it is today, almost one month after that spectacular day that I failed to declare a new years resolution.  Why did I wait so long. My marketing experience taught me to always try something out before you put it out there for everyone to see. We'll call it a dry run. For the past 24 days, I have been doing just that. Testing out possible resolutions deciding which one was best for me. Therefore, from now on, I will be post dating my new years resolution. How long after January 1 will it take me next year? Who knows. I will simply wait to see what comes up. That's part of the fun and benefit. So what did I decide on? I have made the decision to try to make me as important to myself as everyone else is to me. This includes taking care of myself physically and emotionally. This commitment consists of but is not limited to; regular exercise, keeping up on school work, leaving work on time, keeping in touch with my friends and doing things for myself. 

So, if you've read this far, you may be disappointed because maybe my new years resolution wasn't what you expected it to be. Maybe a little lame? Too boring? Too broad? Normally I would be concerned...but I am proud to say that I will not stop supporting the resolution that you just found out about. This blog is still ABOUT ME. Happy new years.

With Each Passing Day, We Learn Something New

The day never comes when you know everything there is that you need to know.  We live each day making decisions that we've never made before in our lives. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. "Sometimes you even surprise yourself", and that's not necessarily a good thing.  No matter what decision you make, you continue to learn more and more with each passing day.

With each decision that is made, you run the risk of making mistakes or faulting in your judgement, sometimes with greater consequence than others. Regardless of the decision or its repercussions, the experience will, without a doubt, last a lifetime. You may not lose an eye or money, but after you get hit in the face with a basketball, you tend to be a lot more cautious when you're around flying basketballs.

I think it would be wrong of me to say that every decision that I have made that has resulted in negative consequence was a mistake. As a matter of fact, I know of some very disastrous decisions that I've made that were RIGHT.

I've spent my entire life with people telling me to take a risk, to go out on a limb and be free. They tell me not to worry about things so much. They all say "you'll feel better that way" or "it will make you happier' or "it's the only way you can enjoy life." While my life displays short glimpses of such a mentality, I am not really sure that's who I am. It may work for them, but.... I will be the first to admit that being who I am definitely has its shortcomings. When we gain something in our life, we often have to make a sacrifice...something that I am not sure I'm willing to make to be the adventurous person people envision me as.

That's what I have for today.

It Took Me This Long

Every day of this trip, I've sat down in front of my computer, or with a paper and pen in my hand, destined to write about something that I've learned. Surprisingly enough, it has taken me seven days to get to a point where I could collect my thoughts in my head well enough to move forward. It all came together at a very random time. It happened over a $1 beer at the bar during happy hour. I was sitting at the hostel bar when Dave, a German undergraduate student sat down next to me, said hello, and for the next one and a half hours, we talked. We talked about music, video games, racism, and the history of Germany. During that time, Dave helped me open my eyes to things that I had not even realized, and more.

Our conversation began when he asked me what I had done while I was in Berlin the previous day. When I told him that I had gone on a walking tour and learned a great deal about the third Reich, (the Nazi regime), he apologized. He wasn't apologizing for my tour or what I had learned, but what had taken place in the late 30's and early 40's in Europe. I couldn't help but smile when he did. I explained to him that I had no hard feelings towards him for what had occurred. He smiled, but continued on to tell me something I had never really imagined took place.  He says that he has been harassed in online chats and discussion with people and while playing video games for being a "Nazi". I guess it had never really crossed my mind...

We then began discussing video game technology and the censorship that takes place in Germany. Aparently, it is very strict. While I must say that the lack of violence in Germany makes me wonder if maybe they might know what they're doing, I can't help but think.... So the conversation moved on. We talked about racism as it apparently is no better in parts of Germany than it is in some parts of the US. People have hatred for others for unknown reasons and tend to express rather openly at times.

So, all of what I have just said was interesting to me, but I think what happened next was the most surprising of all. He started talking to him about moving to the US. He told me about the opportunities he was looking for and how little attachment he had to Germany. He told me of the chances he thought to be possible in just a few years when he can leave the country.

By the time we were all done, it was 1:33am. The last train had departed Hapfbanhof (central station) at 1am and Dave unfortunately had to make the long walk home. But he gave me a hug when he was all done talking and just said thanks. I told him goodbye and he walked out towards the station. I couldn't help but feel a small bit of sadness. At the same time, I  don't know that I have ever been more proud.

With only a few weeks remaining in 2009, we are distracted by political fighting, health care disagreement, unemployment struggles and wars. Meanwhile, Dave would do about anything to have a chance at the little opportunity that we do have. How unbelievable is that? So why is this such a shock to me? Because I sometimes think that we forget how wonderful things really are for us.  When I get home, I would love to be able to further clarify exactly what I've experienced this past week. However, this is all I've got for now. But...it is something. I'm happy  I've had the experience.

And It All Begins

I've spent a lot of time wondering if this is really the right thing for me to do.  I am 28 years old and I am preparing to once again become a full time student...at a predominantly undergraduate institution.  I guess the general thought is somewhat intimidating.  Nonetheless, here I go.  I know it is going to take adjusting to a lot, and I am sure I will have "my days" where I stop and ask myself if this was really the right thing.  In the end, I know that I will back and be proud of my decision and what I am doing.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it goes. 

Who has a friend?

Sometimes I sit and can't help but shed a tear. Friends are amazing. But who are your friends? Really? If someone is your friend, why aren't they there for you when you need them most? Why do they hurt you? Sometimes I think I am naive. Sometimes I feel like I am just letting the world crash in right in front of me. Sometimes, I have to stop and wonder who my friends really are....

When youre down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
And you know whereever I am
Ill come running, oh yeah baby
To see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And Ill be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Youve got a friend.

If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
And soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
Ill come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you got to do is call
And Ill be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, aint it good to know that youve got a friend?
People can be so cold.
Theyll hurt you and desert you.
Well theyll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but dont you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
Ill come running to see you again.
Oh babe, dont you know that,
Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all youve got to do is call.
Lord, Ill be there, yes I will.
Youve got a friend.
Youve got a friend.
Aint it good to know youve got a friend.
Aint it good to know youve got a friend.
Youve got a friend.

What to Do?

Nobody said it was easy.
It's such a shame for us to part.
Nobody said it was easy.
No one ever said it would be this hard.
Oh, take me back to the start.

Life gets more and more interesting with each passing day. Meeting new people. Growing up. Yes....growing up. Learning something new. Sometimes I don't even know what to say. As much as we sometimes think life gets easier, it continues to throw new curves and challenges. I guess it would just kinda get old if the challenges weren't there. What do you do? I don't really know. I guess as I have up to this point, I just have to figure things out as they come.

Fix You

Have you ever heard a song play and thought; wow, I totally feel you on that?

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

When high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

What's Important To You?

So many things to think about. Many decisions to be made. Many risks to take...and mistakes to make. So much to think about, yet so little time to think. So you take your chances and you think your thoughts... Where does that leave you.

So many times I have people tell me, "I don't understand why this is so important to you" or "Why do you worry about that so much". And when I really stop and think about it, it kind of makes me laugh. We all have "things" that are important to us. To many, the things that are important to me may not make sense. Lets see...

Why do I care so much about my job? I didn't accept my job to make money. If I wanted to do that, I would have put my application in with every fortune 500 company and attempted to be a sales person or something else that generally goes along with financial gain. I definitely would not have taken a position with a non-profit organization. So, why do I care about my job so much? I didn't accept my position as a job. I took it as an opportunity. An opportunity to help myself and an opportunity to help others. I have seen 40 of the 50 states, met thousands of college students, and hopefully helped influence the life of one person. Influencing someones life is worth far more than any amount of money I could ever make...but hey, that is my belief.

Why do I care so much about someone who doesn't necessarily care about me? First and foremost, I am able to care about whomever I would like to care about. What is the difference between the guy standing next to you in a line at the grocery store and the guy you hang out with on friday nights to drink? Sometimes, the seperation is not much more than the fact that you know your drinking buddy's name. People are people. Obviously, not every person is the same. However, in the grand scheme of things, what makes one person that you really don't know more important than someone you don't know at all? If you really think about it, the person you don't know at all could end up changing your life...either in a good way or a bad way. People feel like they are required to help a person that they know simply because they know them. I believe that helping a person is simply based on your willingness to help people.

That's just a little bit of what I care about. The fun part of it all is this. Some people may disagree. Some say, "Your job is still your job" and others may say "Random people aren't worth helping". To those people I say, I guess our conversation is about to end now because it's almost time for that (*insert athletic event here*) game to start, and I know you wouldn't miss it for the world.

Unspoken Words

I guess sometimes we let our feelings and thoughts pass us by without ever saying a word. They don't go away, but they never really find a way out. Ironically, those feelings seem to find an escape at what may be considered a bad time. Who knows. I guess I can credit myself with being the master of hiding my feelings and not sharing how I truly feel. Why? I am not really sure. To avoid a bad situation later? Probably. Because I don't necessarily like conflict? That is probably another good reason. Regardless, the one thing that I have learned is that no matter what, the best feeling in the world is having the opportunity to share something that is important to you with someone else who you know cares just as much as you do, regarless of the outcome.

This is where I am starting now. with a new understanding of the importance of something and how it effects others. It's not necessarily just my issue, as there are others around who must deal with it as well for multiple reason.

The cat really helped me out tonight. Not on purpose, but because I needed to get something off of my chest, and it just kinda happened. Thanks.

The Leader Of The Band

I guess you could say it's pretty crazy, the way that life and the world work. Sometimes it takes losing someone to really open your eyes to how important each day really is. Sometimes we take days for granted. We live life with assumption that tommorrow is going to come and that everyone will be there with us. To be totally honest, it's how things work out most of the time. But the one time that it doesn't happen that way is the time that you stop and look back at the last time you saw that person and what you said.

I lost my grandfather today and I know when the last time was that I talked to him because it didn't happen often. I know what I said because we didn't say much. Nonetheless, every opportunity that I had to talk to him was important to me. Without him, I would not be here. For this, I am thankful. Never forget that each day is a gift and that each person in your life is a gift as well.


An only child
Alone and wild
A cabinet makers son
His hands were meant
For different work
And his heart was known
To none

--He left his home
And went his lone
And solitary way
And he gave to me
A gift I know I never
Can repay

A quiet man of music
Denied a simpler fate
He tried to be a soldier once
But his music wouldnt wait
He earned his love
Through discipline
A thundering, velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand.

The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul

--My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
Im just a living legacy
To the leader of the band.

My brothers lives were
DifferentFor they heard another call
One went to chicago
And the other to st. paul
And Im in colorado
When Im not in some hotel
Living out this life
Ive chose
And come to know so well.

I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go

--I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And, pap, I dont think i
Said i love you near enough

--The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul

--My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
Im just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
I am the living legacy
To the leader of the band.

Not Much Going On

Mood: Chill
What's Playing On iTunes?: Now We Are Free: Gladiator Soundtrack
Weather Outside: Cool
What Did I Eat Today?: Chicken Chili, Salad, Pork, Salad, Fries, Salsa
Biggest Accomplishment of the Day: Finally posted some pictures on
Biggest failure of the Day:
Attitude Towards Cell Phone: happy, it has rang a minimal amount today
The Best Week Ever Because: It is my last week in my current position
The Worst Week Ever Because: Two of the greatest people I have come to know are leaving

Enough Said. I'll type more later.

Did I Mention I went Back to Cabo?