My Drumming Journey

Fifth grade was the first time that I started to play the drums. I followed in my brother's footsteps when he started playing in fifth grade too. We were the Soulsbyville Marching Falcons, and wore white shirts, white pants with green sequin suspenders and belts, and cowboy hats. It was pretty spiffy. Anyway, after eighth grade, I moved on to high school to be a part of the Sonora High Golden Regiment. (I'll get some pictures soon.)

My freshman year was a rough one. I didn't start out playing on the drum line. Instead, I carried and cleaned the equipment. Not a very fun task but halfway through the season, I earned a spot and was able to continue playing. That year our 250-member band marched in Seattle for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Throughout high school, I had the privilege to play the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants game and march in another St. Patrick's Day Parade in Denver. It was in high school that I had the desire to play in a collegiate marching band. (Pictures will be coming)

My desire wasn't fulfilled right away, however. After graduating high school I served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Italy. By far, it was the best two years of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything. After I returned, I taught the drumline at Sonora High School for two years. It was toward the end of my second year that I was accepted to Brigham Young University. I had a chance to fulfill my high school dream.

In my first semester at BYU, I auditioned for the drumline. I would've been happy if they gave me a cowbell, but they gave me a bass drum instead. I was super happy. I couldn't believe that I made it onto the BYU Cougar Drumline. It was a one of the happiest moments in my life. 

The very first home game I was really nervous. But as soon as I stepped onto the field, all nerves were gone. I smiled the whole time during the pre-game show and probably looked like a doofus. I couldn't believe it. It was such an awesome feeling and experience. We played at all of BYU's home games, including the Miami Beach Bowl. 

Patience and persistence pay-off. I am so glad that I stuck to my dream, and I look forward to continue playing in the Cougar Marching Band. 

Waiting to step off to lead the football team to the locker room.

Halftime Show. 

ESPN did a special all about me...it lasted 5 seconds. 

Taste Buds Aren't Really Your Buds

The other day I had a light bulb moment. I was at the dinner table with my wife eating dinner. I don't quite remember what we were having, but I remember the food was really tasty and delicious. And it was then, in the act of eating that the switch flipped. But before I shed more light on this life changing experience, I must give you some background about me.

I love to eat food. That is probably not what you were expecting, but it is a very important detail. I eat when I am happy. I eat when I am sad. I eat when I'm bored, which is not a good habit. I even eat when I am full. Some of you may be able to relate with me, in our love for food. My hope is that my realization about food will make your eating experience more enjoyable.

I asked myself, "Why is it that I keep eating food, even when I am full? There is no more room in my stomach! And the more I put in there the worse I will feel afterwards." Then it finally hit me. I am pleasing my taste buds more than my stomach! I want to keep eating food, because it gives my taste buds a ride of their lives! But at the same time, if I keep gratifying those little guys, then my stomach has to pay an uncomfortable price.

There needs to be a balance to satisfy both the taste buds and the stomach. It takes self-discipline to stop eating food, even when it tastes so good. But let your stomach take control. When it says, "I'm full." stop eating. Don't listen to those taste buds because they will be persistent little buggers. They are very persuasive in using those salivary glands to make you drool for food. But slurp it right up and be on your way to a happier you.

It is more enjoyable to eat food when there is a proper balance between your tastebuds and stomach. I have been doing this for a couple of weeks now, and I feel great after my meals. I'm full enough that I don't have to roll myself out of the kitchen or even unbutton my pants! Try this simple principle and regain your joy of eating again.

Homework: It's Really Not That Important

A few months ago, my wife and I were having a game night with our neighbors. During the games one of our friends, from out of the blue just said, "You know what guys? The thing about homework is, it's just not that important." And this is coming from an Information Systems Master student. His thought was very surprising; however, it did get me thinking.

Was what he said true? Or is he out of his mind? I think every student likes the idea, but deep down inside they won't accept it because they see homework as points. Without points, there is no good grade. Without good grades, there is no diploma. Without a diploma, there is no job. Without a job, well I think you get the idea.

I often see many students who focus completely on points and grades that they forget to learn the material.  They are learning how to get points, but not necessarily learning the course objectives. You know what they are. You see them in the syllabus, and skip over them because you want to see the points and how they breakdown. But as we learn from the improv show Whose Line is it Anyway?, the points don't matter.

I agree with my friend about homework. It's really not that important. What's more important is the learning process. If a student has a perspective of mastering the course's learning objectives, then the points will come. Then the good grades will come, and everything else will fall right in line. A shift from focusing on points and grades to focusing on learning and scholarship, will dramatically change a student's education.

No Thinking Necessary

I received a book from my older brother in preparation for my new job as a UX Specialist (fancy talk for website tester). It is called Don't Make me Think by Steve Krug, who is an expert on Web usability. His whole premise of the book is to construct a website so simple that the user doesn't have to think. In essence, the website is so self-explanatory that the user can easily browse to wherever he or she needs to go.

I started thinking about this principle and how it could apply in everyday life. The principle is to communicate effectively, whether in writing or speaking, that the message is 100% completely understood by anyone.

Let me illustrate with an example.

You're walking through a mall, and suddenly you get one of those instantaneous urges to use the restroom. You have no idea where it came from, but all you know is that you have to go. What do you look for? Obviously a sign that directs you to the nearest bathroom. You point one out and it says something like...

• The Bathroom is located (your hopes begin to rise) next to that one jewelry store (your brows cinch in puzzlement) adjacent to the candy store (anger and frustration set in) in the Southwest corner of the mall (pants are wet). 

You'd rather go to a clothing store and buy a new change of clothes after those ridiculous instructions. Our minds react quicker to images and symbols. That is why when we see a sign like this...

we know exactly where to go. No thinking necessary, and no wet pants. 

I think that it is good practice to convey messages, directions or instructions in a clear and concise way that can be understood by anyone. Certainly the task is more daunting when a complex subject needs explaining; however, I believe that  each message should contain a simple tag on it that says "No thinking necessary".