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". 

The Best Deals on Black Friday

The most popular holiday shopping day of the year is just around the corner. Stores are opening up their doors and offering amazing deals for the upcoming Christmas season. Lines of eager customers form outside stores in the wee hours of the night hoping to get a head start on their holiday shopping. They may be thinking that they are saving tons of money on the latest and greatest, but what they don't realize is that they are missing some of the best Black Friday deals. Deals that no store can offer, but are available to all.

Deal #1. Sleeping In.

Taking the time to sleep in Friday morning is one of the best deals on Black Friday. It isn't available to the first ten customers only, but to everyone! No credit required! Let the turkey coma take its effect and relax on your Black Friday morning. Just turn that alarm clock off and wake up whenever you want to. This deal is also available through Saturday and Sunday mornings. Something that no store can offer you.

Deal #2. Family Activities.

This Black Friday deal is missed the most. It is never advertised on TV, but it does have the greatest value. Stores never offer any deals for the entire family, it is only for the individual. Take advantage of these deals while they are still available. For some it may be that this is the only time of the year to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa or with old Uncle Lou. Treasure up the time with your family. The memories created will last longer than any Black Friday deal. Play games. Do puzzles. Take a family picture, even though it's sometimes more complicated than solving a Rubik's Cube. Share stories. These deals won't always be there, so it is best to take advantage of these now.

Deal #3. Relax and Reflect.

Even when Thanksgiving is over and the leftovers are packed in the fridge, it is okay to continue in Thanksgiving. Expressing gratitude isn't reserved only for the fourth Thursday of the year. In fact it's okay to show thanks throughout the entire year. Take the time to reflect on the past year and relive the  happy moments. You could visit the bad moments too, but that isn't the essence of reflection and relaxation. This deal will individually benefit you the most. It's free. It's refreshing. It's enlightening. 

It seems as if Black Friday is spreading like a plague over the things that matter most in life. It is now slowly creeping over into Thanksgiving as some stores are opening their doors at 6pm Thursday night. I feel bad for the employees of such stores that have to spend their time dealing with the mad rush of customers when they too, I'm sure, would love to be spending time with their families on Thanksgiving night. Don't let the deals of Black Friday ruin your Thanksgiving holiday, but rather take advantage of these hidden deals. Sleep in on Friday. Relax and enjoy some quality time with the family. 

Christmas Music: It's Okay Before Thanksgiving

Historically, Christmas music has been playing far before Thanksgiving was even a holiday. 

One of the hot topics of the Holiday Season is not whether you are going to your in-laws or staying home for Christmas. It's not whether to get a fake tree or a live tree. It comes much before Christmas even starts. This discussion is very controversial for almost every family. It's whether to listen to Christmas music before or after Thanksgiving.

Let's start with an elementary school history lesson. If you were to ask a young school goer "Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?" They might answer as follows:

"It's when Daddy watches football all day and mommy is in the kitchen making food."

Well, that is what they might say. Here is what they should say.

"To celebrate when Squanto and other Indians had dinner with the Pilgrims."

Close enough. The point is that Thanksgiving is a United States Holiday that celebrates a meal the Pilgrims had with the Wampanoag Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts. However, at that day the United States wasn't even formed and wouldn't be until over a hundred years later. Thanksgiving was declared a federal Holiday during the Civil War when Abraham Lincoln declared it a day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens" in 1863. It was to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every month.

With that in mind let's review the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Once again if you were to ask a child why we celebrate Christmas, they may respond as follows:

"It's when daddy watches TV and mommy is in the kitchen making food. And Santa comes and brings toys."

Well, that is not quite right, but it's a start. It's the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth on this earth over 2000 years ago. A precious and promised gift from Heavenly Father of His only begotten Son. Therefore, Christmas has preceded Thanksgiving even hundreds of years before Columbus even set sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, traditional Christmas carols and music have been played way before Thanksgiving. And it will always be that way.

Here are just a few of the popular Christmas carols that have been playing before Thanksgiving was even a holiday:

• 1849 - It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
• 1823 - The First Noel
• 1818 - Silent Night
• 1739 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

There are some that even date to the 15th and 16th centuries. The point is that historically, Christmas music has been playing far before Thanksgiving. I, however, understand the importance of Thanksgiving and expressing gratitude for the blessings we have. Isn't the reason we celebrate Christmas a good reason to be thankful and express gratitude anyway? I don't think we should associate Thanksgiving and Christmas as separate holidays, but complimentary holidays. Thanksgiving compliments the celebration of Christmas. And perhaps that is one of the reasons why Abraham Lincoln declared it a holiday to  express "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens" for his beloved Son Jesus Christ. Let's remember the reason for the seasons and be thankful for this wonderful and eternal gift.

P.S. I wrote this while listening to Christmas music ;)

Fall Birthdays Are The BEST!

Having a birthday in the Fall is the best. Everyone enjoys celebrating their own birthdays. There are some that don't, and that is okay. We still get to eat their cake. It is an entire day that celebrates YOU! Cake, presents, and parties! It is wonderful, but there is something magical about having it in the Fall.

First of all this post is totally biased as my birthday is in November. Even if it weren't I would be totally jealous of all the birthdays in the Fall. Anyway, here are three reasons why fall birthdays are the best.

1. Football

Football is America's sport, and every single weekend is packed with Football. High School football on Friday night with college football taking over most television networks on Saturday, then the NFL playing all day Sunday. Having your birthday on a football weekend makes it a whole lot easier to plan a party. It might be the worst birthday ever if your team loses, but remember the day is about you and not the team.

2. The Change of Seasons

Fall can be one of the most beautiful times of the year. Nature truly transcends all beauty as the fall leaves emerge in their beautiful displays of oranges, reds and yellows. It is as if Mother Nature, in her tender voice, is saying "My Dear, I know it's your birthday so I decided to light some birthday candles of my own. But don't try and blow them out. You'll probably pass out." Even she cares about you on your birthday. 

3. It is during the same time as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Birthdays in October, November, and December have special privileges to be in the same time as these most popular holidays. Not only is there a celebration of you, but there are the bags of candy and costume parties coupled with Halloween. Sometimes (depending on how much self-control you have) that candy will last until the fourth week of November to stuff your faces with as much food as possible for Thanksgiving. Then the Christmas season is in full swing with all the Christmas lights illuminating the dark nights with happiness. You can cozy up on the couch with a nice cup of hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies. There are so many other wonderful things about Christmas. It is definitely the most wonderful time of the year when your birthday is during one of these months. 

If you are planning a family and if you really want to make  your child's birthday the best, try to have them born during the fall. They will thank you for it later.