EDHD 5009 Cultural Autobiography Project: Photo Essay

Tutoring students in Guguletu, South Africa opened my eyes to perseverance.

Athletics plays a significant role in who I am. As a captain of the Gopher Lacrosse Team, I became familiar with leadership concepts and putting them into practice, effectively.

Being introduced to nature and the outdoors at an early age facilitated my appreciation for the outdoors.

Traveling outside of North America made it apparent to me the disparities that people live with and against, everyday.

Throughout my experiences and encounters, I respect the ability to "take a step back" and see the whole situation for what it is.

Without my friends, I find myself nowhere, literally with nothing. I couldn't wholly tell you why we are the best of friends today, other than the fact that we truly enjoy each other. They give me energy and add value to my existence.

Friends again, make it easy to function through the difficult times. Here, a group us celebrate a great evening and weekend to come this Fourth of July.

Through my current employment, I am blessed with the opportunity to work and develop relationships with amazing young people and share with them my passion. I can't really call it employment, but this opportunity I have has provided me with endless, unique friendships that will last a long time.

I like to think of the people in my life, my experiences, and my circumstances as directions to who I am today. I feel that my parents and the aforementioned "directions" have ultimately taught me to appreciate the little things, the important things. These "things" have made shaped who I am, shaped my culture. I am proud of my culture, the things I have done, and things I will do.

My Knee

Something dawned on me today. Actually, it has been a progression since the last time I went through ACL surgery recovery. I am 12 days outside of my ACL revision. In the Spring of 2008, I went through my primary reconstruction. It has been an absolute battle and hearing the unfortunate news about my second tear was no easy feat.

Like I said, my thoughts on the struggles of my rehabilitation process have changed during the time that I got the news about my second tear and until I recently went under the knife. Two things made me come to a new realization. The first is that I've came to the understanding that I am fortunate to be in the situation I am in. Yes, I have to go down a tough, agonizing road to recovery, for the second time. However, I will be back to 100% in the near future. I will be back to full activity. This is because I have health insurance and the resources necessary to aid my complete recovery. There are people who are in a state of permanent disability, through no fault of their own.

The second thing that made me look at my situation differently is a few words in a book I am currently reading: Uncommon by Tony Dungy. He poses the question, "What do you want your tomorrow to look like?" Dungy is implying that we are, in essence, in complete control of the things we want to accomplish. In light of the fact that I am fortunate enough to be able bodied and healthy, I cannot take my opportunities for granted. I cannot take my ability to be active for granted. I am taking pride in how I handle my recovery. I will not sulk or negatively ponder about my temporary immobility.

I am going to work hard to get back to the things that bring me the most happiness: staying healthy and being active. However, a more important task on my plate is how I bring that same opportunity who can't do it on their own. That is what I am meant to do. I am searching for this opportunity and it is only a matter of time until I find it.

Top Notch Smoothie Recipe

I am so proud of my creativity in the kitchen, I thought I would share one of my fruit smoothie/protein shake recipes. I call it:

Raspberry Plus Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 5 to 7 ice cubes
• About 1 cup of skim milk
• One scoop of whey protein powder (vanilla flavor)
• One spoonful of fat free vanilla yogurt
  
• Handful of raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 handful of blueberries
• 1/2 handful of blackberries

Step 1: put all ingredients in blender.
Step 2: pulse press the "ice crush" button until ice is broken up.
Step 3: use "blend" button to liquefy concoction
Step 4: add milk as needed to make more liquid
Step 5: enjoy!

Little, Big Things

Last night, I met a group of my close friends at Psycho Suzies in Northeast Minneapolis for dinner. We got together to give Kristin a good "send-off" before she leaves for veterinary school in Missouri. I believe this was the third time I've been to the trendy, talked about establishment. The previous two times, I left feeling satisfied, thinking that the food, service, and environment all lived up to the standards that I had read about. However, yesterday left me with a different impression; maybe it was because I was on crutches and in a knee immobilizing brace... Anyways, overall wasn't too impressed with the complete production.


On the plus side, the girls ordered margaritas which proved to be strong, hence the amplified volume and the frequent cross-table shrieks. So, at least they were getting their monies worth. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich that also proved to satisfy my hunger. The accompanying tater tots were absolutely fantastic, golden, fried and crispy. However, not the only place in town I can get the same quality grub, if not better. Actually, I know I can get better.

The service was sub par and at the prices Suzi boasts, one should expect a higher standard. The waitress was less than friendly and failed to smile, even once. Maybe she was having a bad day. Then again, each waitress looked that way: semi-depressed and irritated. Maybe we didn't fit the bill, i.e. we all don't have visible tattoos and don't wear a bandanna in our back, jean pocket with our enormous keychain attached to the hip belt loop.

What rubbed me the wrong way were the little things. Like I mentioned, the waitress lacked enthusiasm and seemed to dislike us. I am a proponent for the idea that little things go a long way. So when I went to the bathroom and opened the door to a man, peeing, awkwardly staring me in the eyes, I thought to myself: point(s) lost. New rule for myself: if you can't clearly tell if a bathroom is for one person or multiple, the establishment has some work to do. Not to mention the complete absence of paper towels. Yes, I do wash my hands regularly and no, I do not enjoy drying them with toilet paper.

Nonetheless, I did not let the deficiencies ruin my experience. I had a great time with my crew and enjoyed my food. I am not a picky eater or a hard-to-please customer. You have to give "props" to the management of Psycho Suzies. They are thriving on great reviews by people possibly oblivious to the intricacies of a complete restaurant and masked by the overflowing trendiness of the "motor lounge." I'm not going to say, "never go here," or "I had a horrible experience." So go check it out for yourself. To be honest, I'll probably, no definitely, go back. I just thought some honest perceptions are needed.

Remembering the Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. So, I thought I would do it justice by posting some pictures from one of South Africa's most beautiful spectacles of nature.

There is a rip tide just feet from where the water meets the beach that can sweep you out into the ocean, without a chance of return.


This has to be the most serene beach on the planet.

Preparing for Battle

My most recent blog for Homegrown Lacrosse.

While each athlete has their own way of preparing for competition, I feel as if I have a fairly distinct and habitual plan for “getting my head into the game.” I am sometimes baffled at what I see some of my teammates doing or even more interestingly, eating before a game. For example, while this may be a little too personal but I’m not naming any names here: some of the guys don’t even wear compression shorts in games—just straight up boxers. But then again, we each have our own rituals and quirks about our preparation tendencies. Therefore, I thought I’d share with you some of my habits, tendencies and superstitions that I engage in including those from a few days before to the minutes leading up to game time.

I don’t know if I’d call it a fear, but definitely an anxiety, but I always make sure I am not “cold” before a game, more specifically anytime after we arrive at the field to right before we start warm-ups. While some of the guys show up in a t-shirt, shorts and their warm-up jackets, I come to the field in a sweatshirt, jacket, sweatpants, wool socks, hat and gloves anytime there is even a remote chance that I could lose feeling in my hands or toes. I guess I just find it extremely difficult to deal with getting warm once I’m cold—maybe it’s bad circulation. I wear all of this attire right up to the point where we start warm-ups, receiving ridicule the whole time from the team.

At least four or five days before each game, I start a “healthy food” binge. I am constantly chugging water, eating a ton of fruit and vegetables as well as doing the basic “carbo-load” regimen. Semi-related to this, I make sure I stay active even the day before the game—usually go out for a three or four mile jog just to stay loose. Again, maybe I’d call it a little obsessive compulsive. This all comes to an end once I feel as if I can’t prepare anymore, whether it is physical, mental or emotional preparation, I drop the guidelines the night before the game and treat myself to a scoop or two of Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. This doesn't fail, do it before every game, always Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

In preparation on game day, I always eat a big breakfast—usually a muffin, a bowl of cereal, maybe some cottage cheese or yogurt, and a lot of water. I know this seems pretty standard but I have an unusual amount of anxiety associated with my pregame preparation. Like seriously, I get really nervous about my food selection. While getting dressed, I always put my left cleat on, then my right, then tie my left, and then tie my right. I actually think to myself that there is an association between how I dress myself and how I will play that day: you read a book a left to right, do things in order and in a complete fashion. I believe this has a direct correlation with making the right decisions on the field.

I mostly always get my stick checked prior to starting the game, just to make sure, even if I know I’m “legal.” I always shower prior to leaving for the field, even if the game is early. I pack my bag very intricately, while I pack it the complete opposite way when going to practice. Gloves neatly inside helmet, always at the bottom of the bag. Elbow pads together. Shoulder pads wrapped up. Shooter folded, cleats together, and the tube of my socks in one another. I fold my jerseys and shorts before I put them in my bag. I usually always eat an apple or orange at halftime. Last but not least, especially on game days prior to the game, I always complete little tasks, even menial ones, as best as I can. I don’t want the feeling of, “Oh, well maybe if I would’ve completely shut the cupboard door, I would’ve scored another goal.” Maybe I think too much…