Personal Bucket List: A Trip to the UK/Europe

This is one which may require an assortment of trips to truly get the feel, and experience right. Ever since I was young, I have wanted to take a trip to the UK, and parts of Europe. To see the sights, and to experience the different cultures. I have a friend who has spent the better part of the last month there and I’ve been following her postings with both eagerness and a small, tiny hint of jealously.

My dad is a huge fan of PBS. When we were growing up, one of the shows that he watched all the time (and still does) is All Creatures Great & Small. I wrote about the show last Christmas. The show takes place in northern England in Yorkshire, and ever since I first saw it, I wanted to travel there and see the sights that I grew up watching. But beyond that, there is so much more to see. To visit Thirsk or Shrewsberry, or I could travel to London, and see ALL the historic sights, from the Tower of London, to the London Bridge, Baker St. and all the Sherlock Holmes sights (always a fan of course), as well as the royal palace and the O2, and of course, take a ride on the London Eye, as well as many other things that I can’t even think of.

I’d travel to Stonehenge and Highclere Castle (Which, in addition to housing the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in England is also the home to the popular show Downton Abby). I’d also want to see KnebworthHouse and Mentmore Towers.

In addition, I’d like to visit Ireland. Stop in a pub in Dublin and have a pint. Travel to the town of Avoca in County Wicklow, and hoist a few at Fitzgeralds. There are also a number of castles in Ireland. Last year, my cousin Matt and his wife traveled there and told me about a few they saw, and I’d like to see Slane Castle in Slane County. Many great concerts, from The Rolling Stones, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queen, David Bowie, Neil Young, Bryan Adams, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Guns N' Roses, Madonna, R.E.M., Foo Fighters, Celtic Woman and Oasis have held large outdoor concerts at Slane.

I’d travel to France, to see the fields of Normandy and Bastogne. To travel among the WWII cemeteries and pay respects. To Paris and see the Eiffel Tower, the great Arch, the Louvre and all its sights. The famous Palais Garnier as well as the palaces and gardens throughout the city. From there, I’d travel to Germany and see the sights in Berlin, (The remains of the wall, WWII landmarks etc.) Munich and all kinds of sights (My mother traveled there in HS, and as such I’ve heard some of her stories.)

I’d visit Poland, in order to see Krakow, and Auschwitz as well as the factories once owned by Oskar Schindler and the surrounding camps. I’d also travel a bit in Italy, not only to see Rome but also the Vatican and all that is there.

And this is just a fraction of what I'd have in mind. As you can imagine, this is a trip that would take a LARGE amount of time and money, and perhaps one day I’ll have both, but more likely I’ll find a way to split it up into smaller trips and enjoy it all the more. 

Personal Bucket List: Return to Gettysburg

Like many junior high students in this country, when I was in 8^th grade my class took a trip to Washington DC, and while en-route, we stopped at and toured Gettysburg. At the time, I knew very little about the battle and the significance it had on American life as we know it today, but in the years since, I have had time to study, research, and review the town, battle, and its impact extensively.

July 1^st-3^rd 1863 was a pivotal three days for this country. Given what happened prior to, and following that event, our landscape was fundamentally changed. If the history of the United States were divided into two sections, the breaking point would be those three days, because whatever came before, and whatever followed would be significantly changed over the course of those 72 hours.

I’ve written about the battle before, and my love for the film which attempts to tell the story. But there is so much more to see, and if one approaches a trip there with that knowledge, the experience can be all the more significant. At the time, I didn’t know, nor did I have an appreciation for what that place can be, and why it’s important to see it, walk the grounds, and take in the sights. Everyone owes it to themselves to do as such if an opportunity presents itself. I would like to return as I know that my experience can be all the more enhanced, given what I’ve learned in the years since.

Personal Bucket List: Write a book or novel

As I’ve said before, I like to write. I have no illusions to being a great writer, and in fact, I would consider my writing, and writing ability to be sub-par, at best. Still, I find a certain degree of satisfaction in writing. It enables me to express my thoughts (rants) in a better way than through spoken word.

Given this, it’s only natural that I would want to someday pen a book of some kind. I don’t know if it would be a non-fiction work, or a novel but I would like to make the attempt at any rate. Even if you’re writing for yourself, there’s a need to have your work viewed by others. If for no other reason than to validate your own opinions or beliefs. Call it human ego, but it exists.

Many narcissistic writers have illusions to penning the “Great American Novel” which is futile at best. For one thing, nothing in this world is ever really considered great in its own time. Leaders of the past who today are revered for their greatness were not considered as such when they were alive. Plus, who cares? I like to write whatever happens to be on my mind, and if what is on my mind happens to be an interesting story, I’d like to share it with others.

Every so often I get a germ of an idea. Sometimes I would be walking down the street and I see something, such as a squirrel carrying an acorn, or some guy trying to chat up a girl and from that my mind creates a basic (and boy, do I mean basic) outline of a story. I get the basic nuance of the plot, boiled down to three or four simple sentences and sometimes I’ve gone as far as to pen a paragraph, but that’s where it usually ends.

It’s just something I’ll need to work on. Like I said, I know my writing is not the best, but I’d like to attempt to pen a book of some sort one day.

Personal Bucket List: Attend an Olympics (Summer or Winter)

Several years ago, I was hoping that Chicago would be chosen to host an Olympic games. The benefit of such an event being held so close to home would afford me the opportunity to attend the games with relative ease, as opposed to venues in other countries. Sadly that was not the case.

I’ve always enjoyed the Olympic Games. Every couple of years, the world comes together in the spirit of friendly competition in one location, and for a couple of weeks, competes on the world’s greatest stage. The games have produced some of the most iconic moments in all of sports history. Tales of heartache and terror, the dream of competition and overcoming the odds, it’s hard not to get caught up in the story. Plus, where else in the world can a person find such a diverse group of incredibly talented individuals all in one location?

One of the issues with watching the Olympics on television is that you only see certain events. Sure, if you had a cable package or search online you can find film on anything, but it’s not quite the same as watching it in primetime. The networks only want to show the events which get the most traction. This makes sense. I mean, why would you waste money to showcase games that the majority of people don’t want to see?

But if I were to go, I would make an effort to see certain events, such as the Opening or Closing Ceremonies, some of the speed skating, or track events, volleyball, and of course, my favorite events, the shooting sports. When the games were in London, I was able to follow the US Olympic Shooting team much closer than before, and as a result, I was able to become immersed into the world and culture of the shooting sports. Whether it was Archery, Trap Shooting, Pistols, or Target Shooting, I found all events to be fascinating. And, being a shooter myself, it naturally interested me.

The 2012 USA Shooting Team in London

Some prefer one over the other. That is, they prefer Summer over Winter, or vice versa. I really don’t have a preference. Each carries its particular merits, hero’s, stories, and history, and both have a unique place in sports lore. If given the chance, I would attend an Olympic Games in a heartbeat.

Personal Bucket List: Learn to be fluent in a foreign language

This one has always been a bit difficult for me. I have taken two “years” of Spanish but really only know enough about the language to understand bits and pieces here or there. My ability to speak Spanish is so rough that it’s practically embarrassing to attempt. It reminds me of that scene from “Inglourious Basterds” where Brad Pitt’s crew is at the movie premiere, pretending to be Italian and failing miserably.

Having said all of that, I would one day like to learn to speak Spanish, and perhaps Russian fluently. Spanish for practical reasons as Spanish is the second most common language spoken in the United States, and I have friends and relatives who speak the language well. Russian because I have always found Russian language and culture to be fascinating. I’m given to believe that Russian language is extremely hard to learn, much as I suppose English is for some, but I would like to give it a try some day.

I think in the past, one of the reasons that I found learning the language so difficult is because my ability to learn was always linked to a grade. If I didn’t pass, I couldn’t graduate. This creates a whole slew of issues in trying to learn, and I don’t want to learn simply to pass a class. I want to learn in order to effectively communicate.

That’s a cop out to be sure, but it’s how I’ve come to view it. So one of these days, I’ll probably get Rosetta Stone, and give it another try.

Personal Bucket List: Learn how to play the piano

When I was younger, my brother, sister, and I took piano lessons. I was young and petulant and didn’t want to learn the basics of playing the piano. I wanted to learn my way, which was not a way that was conducive to learning how to do anything. I quickly burned out on the lessons and never really gave it a true shake. This is a pity, now that I look back on it because it could have opened the door to many different things.

I love music, all styles and kinds that exist. I can find something to like about every genre of music that exists. There’s something about that feeling you get when you hear a song for the first time, and it grabs you by the subconscious. You don’t really know why, but you’re drawn to it, and as a result it can provide you with guidance, insight, or just an outlet to process all the things flying through our minds.

It’s truly amazing to watch a really great piano player perform. The late Anthony Burger used to tour with the Gaither Music Family, and on those tours he would occasionally be called upon to perform a solo piece, or play backup on a large company number. The video below shows Burger playing “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah” and when you watch it, you’ll notice not only is Burger playing from memory, but he is being physically moved and is into the music. It’s a truly amazing thing from such a great talent.

Learning to play the piano would provide me with a way to process my thoughts at stressful times, provide a gift to those who would be willing to listen, and also allow me the freedom to express myself in ways never considered previously. Additionally, there are many songs that I like which are played on the piano, and I could learn to enjoy the process of learning those songs for fun. It’s just something that I’d like to do.

Personal Bucket List: Addressing a large crowd at a stadium

There are people who have issues public speaking. It’s completely understandable. You are the center of attention in a room full of people who are listening (hopefully) to your every word, and when you are addressing your friends, colleagues, or superiors, it can be worse because in your mind, you feel that your every action is being judged, and critiqued.

I get as nervous as the next guy to give a speech in public, but I enjoy it nevertheless. There is something about the act which is really more of a performance. For several minutes, you have an audience, who initially is listening to your every word. You have their attention, and your goal is to captivate them because you have information that you want to convey. At the outset, there’s a small window of opportunity to hook that audience so they’ll tune in to the rest of the message, so it’s important to know the audience, find that hook, and provide a payoff of sorts so that they’ll be captivated throughout every part of your speech.

Like I said, it’s akin to a performance. I’ve had limited experience on stage, but what I’ve learned is that it’s important to leave an impression. Whether it’s a funny line, or a memorable story, people do remember these things, and in order to be successful at this, you must work at it.

It may seem narcissistic, but I don’t think so. For someone who enjoys these things, it’s a great thing to be taken out of your comfort zone. You can find that you’ll be able to achieve things you never expected before, and when you’re giving a speech like this, it can be the ultimate thrill.

I’ve addressed my high school class at graduation, a rally on the steps of the Capital Building in Washington DC, colleagues and friends at college, and public informational meetings. It takes time, but public speaking can produce wonderful results, and allow people the freedom to go places they never would have otherwise.

Life Goals: Maintaining a Bucket List.

It’s important to set goals in life, even if those goals are nothing more than a pipe dream which is always out on the horizon. If you set your goals high, you’ll be able to achieve things which you never could before. At the same time, many of us have things in life that we always want to do. The popular term for such a list of goals is a “Bucket List” which is derived from the film of the same name. It’s easy to wait and see what life will bring you, and then look back in your later years, and assess, but I think that it’s important to set some goals for ourselves at a young age, if for no other reason than to give us something to shoot for.

I have the standard life goals as many others. That is to run a successful business, and meet someone, get married, and raise a family, but these are things that are far out on the horizon and frankly, I’m not all that interested in pursuing them at this stage of my life. Should opportunity present itself, I wouldn’t shirk from it, but right now I’m more focused on getting out and experiencing life.  If I were asked several years ago what might be included on this list, one would be to complete by BA and college. (A goal that I’m proud to say, is complete)

But nevertheless, there are a number of things that I’d like to achieve in the next ten, twenty, thirty, forty, or so years, and I feel it’s necessary to identify goals, both tangible, and lofty in order to have dreams to work towards. So for the next several days, I’ll share with you some of my all-time goals in life, and who knows, perhaps some of you might have the same ones.

We’ll begin here.

·         Own a DeLorean/1946 Ford Convertible/1961 Lincoln Continental Limo

Last year, I wrote that the film Back to the Future was one of my all-time favorite movies. I first saw it when I was young, back in the early 90’s and have enjoyed it ever since. I’ve always wanted to own a DeLorean DMC-12, which was the only car that the company ever produced. I wouldn’t trick it out to look like the time machine from the film, but I’ve always liked the design of the car and other features it has in it. Plus, it would be great for parades.

Back to the Future also features a 1946 Ford Convertible, which was owned and operated by the chief antagonist of the film, Biff Tannon. The car itself is a beast, a black 1946 Ford Super De Luxe convertible. It would, in all likelihood be a gas hog, but it had power and could run forever, or so the theory goes. An overall amazing car. The particular car used in the movie was sold to a private collector in Wisconsin and I was able to find this collector once, who had advertised that it was for sale for $60,000.00. Needless to say, I would have to make a better living were I to drop that kind of money on a car. Still though, I’d love to own a car like that someday.

The final car, a 1961 Lincoln Continental Limo, is particularly rare. I’m not entirely certain they were manufactured for the general public and I would perhaps need to find someone who can modify one. But the 1961 Lincoln was used as the Presidential Limo for many years from the 1960’s onward. Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon all made use of the car. While it was a 61’, it was modified several times, and could pass for a 62’ or 64’ depending on what style you were trying to emulate. It was the car that President Kennedy was riding in that fateful day in Dallas TX, and that particular car is now at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn MI. It would be an amazing car to have, especially for parades.

Summer? What Summer?

Well, summer is approaching. In years past, it was traditional to plan for all sorts of things that would take place, given the free time that would exist at this point. For what it’s worth, this year is no different. However, it has the added issues of figuring out what the next step will be.

Like many people, I look at the big picture initially, and can find it to be a bit overwhelming. But after going through that, I find that it’s easier to break things down in the mini sections and work toward achieving small goals. Once done, generally you’ll find that you are able to achieve heights that you were not able to do before, so it’s always a good approach.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been hitting the gym, almost without stop each morning. I know I began that last year, and didn’t succeed as I planned, but then again, last year, I hadn’t had a plan, really in place before I began. I went in full boar and quickly overwhelmed myself, and what I am able to achieve. This year is different.

So I found several things (elliptical bike, weight lifts, etc.) that I can do in one hour each morning. By working at these things each morning, and gradually, over the course of time, adding anything else as it becomes necessary, I think I might be able to get into a routine that I’m comfortable with.

Honestly, many people do this, and once they achieve small goals, they stop. It’s not a task that needs done, and once done, finished. Rather it’s a lifestyle that you need to develop and work towards. Hopefully, I can do this, but it will take time.

A familiar sight during the summer months.

This summer, I’ll be making progress towards some future career and life goals, whatever they happen to be. I may take a trip but the financing is going to be an issue. In speaking with some of my family members, we may take a fishing trip over a long weekend this summer, but it’s going to depend on how our schedules shake out. I’m also going to keep writing.

I don’t know why, but I’ve always been better able to express myself through writing than through spoken word. Perhaps it’s the freedom to edit, revise, and think things out before committing them publically that makes it that way. I’m not an expert in any size, shape, and form of the word and I would imagine that anyone reading this would be able to find a whole slew of errors, but I could care less. It’s how I look at things.

I’m no authority, nor do I have any illusions to being one, but many times I find myself in situations where I know I didn’t come across as I intended, and when I write, I have the freedom to tailor the message more effectively.

So, what will I write? Mostly reviews of things I’ve seen (movies, books, shows) but also commentary on things going on in my world. (After all, what’s the purpose of a blog?). So we’ll see how that shapes out.

Should be an interesting couple of months (perhaps the way I usually mean it, but perhaps not.) I’m looking forward to it.

To all my Findlay friends.

Well, here it is. The end of another major chapter in my life. In a couple days I’ll have graduated from the University of Findlay with a Bachelors Degree in Communication. To say that I am looking forward to that day, and have been for three years, is a gross understatement. Like many of my friends, it is a day that we all look forward to with great anticipation. But, at the same time I have come to realize that the end of this experience also means the end of many other things.

In the time I’ve spent at this institution I have had the opportunity and privilege to have met, gotten to know, and work with some pretty amazing people. Before I came here, I had a limited, if not dim view of higher education, but the people I’ve met here changed that. They’ve changed me, for the better. What I will miss most, is seeing them every day, hearing what is going on in their lives, and even in my own limited way, being a part of that.

As a non-traditional student, my college experience was different than most. I went to a couple of different colleges before I came to Findlay, and admittedly, I came here with the intention of simply earning the degree and moving on. No attachments. But that changed when I allowed myself to get to know who was here.

While I wouldn’t trade my life experiences (after all, they are what made me who I am) I must admit, there are times when I’m a bit envious of what opportunities traditional students have, and what experiences they can have. It’s different. I see people involved in sports, organizations, and social experiences in college that I, as an adult learner, cannot partake in. Always a part of, and yet apart from the whole experience. There are so many opportunities available to students to immerse themselves and get involved that it’s just plain stupid to not do so.

But more than any of that, I have been amazed at how talented the people I’ve met are. The students who’ve I’ve known all have amazing abilities and knowledge of what they are doing. They can see an issue, develop solutions, and shepherd projects through to fruition in a way which I never expected to see, let alone be a part of. When they leave here (and some have already) they will have amazing opportunities awaiting them.

To all of you, Sarah Foltz, Travis Rindler, Cat Hill, Lauren Brassfield, Jamie Rogers, Samantha Holman, Colleen Wagner, Andy Wolf, Genna Newman, Emilee Granger, Logan Cooke, Stephanie Shoffner, Katie Baumgart, Sarah Totedo, Hannah Wurm, Lindsey McFadden, Jake Dowling, Devin Marti, Devin Riley, Abbey Nickel and so many others.

All of you have immense talents. One of my most humbling experiences here was that I suddenly found myself surrounded by people who were much superior to me in many aspects. I quickly realized that I could let that get me down, or I could take it, and learn as much as I could from all of you. I am proud to say that I chose the latter and today am all the better for it.

I’d often joke about being older, but what that affords me is the ability to bring a bit of perspective into play and in doing so, I realize that many of you have amazing opportunities awaiting you once you leave here. 

Many of you have already. It won’t be easy, there will be times when you’ll get kicked in the ass, and have to take a hit. But you all have the foundations necessary to take that hit, pull yourself up, learn from it, and move on. Of that, I couldn’t be more certain.

The past three years have been life altering. If I were to look back on where I was three years ago, I realized that is a place I never want to be again. I was brash, arrogant, and full of myself and my own abilities and I was wrong. I have learned so much about myself, and what it takes to be truly successful in the world today, and I credit the institution, but more importantly, the people I’ve met in that time for teaching me that fact. For that I will be forever in your debt.

Well, here it is the end of another chapter, but the beginning of another. A time to reflect, to be sure, but also an opportunity to look ahead as to what the next phase happens to be. I know now, that I am ready for whatever it brings, and for that I owe everything to all of you. You have made me the person I am today, and I am proud of all you.

Thank you all for what you have given me and how you’ve helped me. I’ll never forget it.