Once again it has been more than a week since I last blogged, and I have been yearning for a new post for a couple days. Work has prevented me from blogging everyday, but a slow Sunday spells great opportunity for a quick post of recent events. Although I have done 90% of my blogging at work in the past, I now have the means to blog from home, as I have purchased a used ibook G4 after going months without the daily use of a home machine. After owning several PCs that have turned into expensive paper weights, I decided to turn to the 'darkside', and purchase a Mac, which as far as I'm concerned is a far more reliable product. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm right.
In other news, the cannabis industry in Colorado is booming. With the recent passage of laws regarding the widespread availability of medical marijuana, dispensaries are popping up all over town and the industry is becoming an excellent boon to our local economy. The Denver metro area now houses more than 300 medical marijuana dispensaries, with more and more opening up shop every day. This trend has opened up the door for cannabis restaurants to deliver medicated meals to individuals possessing state registry, and has created a new way to think about food in Colorado. If I wasn't already convinced that said restaurants were excellent business ideas, one must look no further than this weeks edition of the Westword.
The feature article for this week was promoting a local chef whose name currently eludes me, who owns a couple successful local restaurants, as well as one of the larger dispensaries. Recently he has started to cook gourmet meals with medication, as well as teach classes on how to cook with cannabis. The combination always seemed natural to him, and now that the gourmet food and cannabis industries are thriving, he is raking money in hand over fist. He is not the only one in the metro area that is taking advantage of the trend that may well prove to be, well, more than a trend. In the immortal words of Jack Donaghee, "You can't fight synergy!"
The one other area that I want to touch on today is the situation in Haiti. As everyone knows (unless you've been hibernating with bears for the last week) Haiti suffered a massive earthquake earlier in the week that left the entire country decimated and in a complete state of panic. I watched yesterday as they pulled a man from the rubble of a hotel after 11 days of being trapped. This came briefly after Haiti had changed their strategy for recovery, aligning their efforts with reconciliation and rebuilding rather than rescue. They abruptly changed their strategy back after this man was dragged out alive, and was able to convey that their were many others still alive immersed in the debris.
The quake has proved to be one of the most significant natural disasters in recent history, and has spurned millions of Americans to donate and help with rebuilding and rescue efforts. The outpouring of support has been incredible, and if you needed any evidence of this, one must look no further than the 3 hour special that ran on every major network on Friday. Millions have been donated to the relief effort, and we as American's finally have done something to be proud of. Americans are donating their hard earned money, and recession or not, their generosity has astounded me. Maybe if we treat health care like a natural disaster (its actually not that far off now that I think about it!) we wouldn't be mired in the muck we are currently in!
That's it for now -- Hopefully you'll hear from me soon!
A.S. Bloom
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Long time no blog...
Its been more than a week since I last blogged, and I've been yearning for my creative outlet.The last few days have been incredibly busy, especially at work, and for once my work has kept me from blogging instead of the other way around. Here in Denver we are hosting the bi-annual WESA (Western and English Stock Association) show, and it tends to draw a huge crowd. The January event is the 3rd largest draw to the area all year, and brings millions of dollars of revenue to local businesses (our hotel will probably make around $150,000 in 6 days!). Hotels for miles around the show are booked to capacity, and mine is no different. Attempting to manage 130 guest rooms and some 200+ guests by myself has kept me more than busy the last few days, and I'm finally enjoying some peace and quiet now that the show is in full force and all our guests are at the event until later this evening.
On a disparate note, I also went home for a couple days this past week. It was a very quick trip (0nly 48 hours), but I really enjoyed seeing my family and seeing how much life has changed for them. The new structure at the farm is beautiful, mom, and I hope that you get many prosperous years from its use -- or just sell the whole thing, and move to Cali :) -- whichever suits you better! Dad is busy with legal consultation and teaching yoga at UNO, which seems to be a good mix of activities for him. Although he has talked for years about completely giving up law, I don't ever see him entirely giving up his practice, mainly because he's good at it, and when you're talented at a particular activity, it is rare that you will give it up. Eli seems happy for the most part with his new living situation in Lincoln, and has grown tremendously (in personality, not stature) since I last saw him. He seems to be changing into a more rational, serious, and committed person with or without his big brother. Just remember to take care of yourself: Exercise and eating right count for something, but be mindful of your roots and heritage too, and true happiness and health will follow suit
With all the changes on the home front, it is hard to say where our family will be in 5 years. As I was sitting at the airport waiting for my flight home, I pondered our current situations as well as our potential for the future. The entire family, as well as the individuals that make it up, seem to be at somewhat of a crossroads, and the paths that we take from here may well decide the next big chunk of our lives. Regardless of the choices that we will inevitably make in the coming months and years, we must remember that we are family, and when all other systems break down, family is the glue that keeps us together. No matter how many miles separate us, don't ever forget that I love and care for you all more than anything in the world.
A.S. Bloom
On a disparate note, I also went home for a couple days this past week. It was a very quick trip (0nly 48 hours), but I really enjoyed seeing my family and seeing how much life has changed for them. The new structure at the farm is beautiful, mom, and I hope that you get many prosperous years from its use -- or just sell the whole thing, and move to Cali :) -- whichever suits you better! Dad is busy with legal consultation and teaching yoga at UNO, which seems to be a good mix of activities for him. Although he has talked for years about completely giving up law, I don't ever see him entirely giving up his practice, mainly because he's good at it, and when you're talented at a particular activity, it is rare that you will give it up. Eli seems happy for the most part with his new living situation in Lincoln, and has grown tremendously (in personality, not stature) since I last saw him. He seems to be changing into a more rational, serious, and committed person with or without his big brother. Just remember to take care of yourself: Exercise and eating right count for something, but be mindful of your roots and heritage too, and true happiness and health will follow suit
With all the changes on the home front, it is hard to say where our family will be in 5 years. As I was sitting at the airport waiting for my flight home, I pondered our current situations as well as our potential for the future. The entire family, as well as the individuals that make it up, seem to be at somewhat of a crossroads, and the paths that we take from here may well decide the next big chunk of our lives. Regardless of the choices that we will inevitably make in the coming months and years, we must remember that we are family, and when all other systems break down, family is the glue that keeps us together. No matter how many miles separate us, don't ever forget that I love and care for you all more than anything in the world.
A.S. Bloom
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cold Weather and Spinal Tap
Its been colder in Denver the past few days than I can remember in my 5 years+ living here, and it isn't forecast to let up for a few more days. When I woke up this morning, the news told me that it was -5: I simply refuse to believe that my fair city is this bone chillingly cold, but it is. Although we haven't got near the amount of snow as other locales that are experiencing the same deep freeze weather pattern, I would almost prefer that we did so that we would at least have something to show for this damn cold weather! On the flip side, it has been great weather to stay inside and take in a good flick - This is precisely what I did last night.
Last night I watched a movie that I hadn't seen in quite some time, an old favorite of my pops, "This is Spinal Tap." For those of you who don't know of said flick, its basically a mocumentary by Rob Reiner about the life and times of an aging 60's rock band touring the U.S. in the 80s. The movie features cameos from Ed Begley Jr, Billy Crystal, Angelica Houston, and is often laugh out loud funny. I won't spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but there is one scene that had me in stitches.
The scene elapses as many in the movie, with Marti DeBergi (the mockumentarist) prying into the history of Spinal Tap. He inquires about their high turnover in the drummer position of the band, and the band offers a hilarious 'explanation.' Essentially they go on to explain that they have had really bad luck with drummers in the past, with accidents ranging from spontaneous combustion (it happens more often than you would think!) and bizarre gardening accidents to the ever popular choking on someone else's vomit. They even go as far as to compose an album without a drummer, just using a drumming machine, and naturally the machine crashes. The movie is hilarious, short, and a must see for anyone who loves a good mockumentary.
Generally at this point I would offer a witty criticism, or a deep analogy, but there is none to be made here. The movie is silly and fun, but deep and brooding is nowhere near the vernacular that I would use to describe the film. So, I might just suggest here that you put a couple logs on the fire, cozy up with your loved ones, and rent "This is Spinal Tap." You won't be disappointed.
A.S. Bloom
Last night I watched a movie that I hadn't seen in quite some time, an old favorite of my pops, "This is Spinal Tap." For those of you who don't know of said flick, its basically a mocumentary by Rob Reiner about the life and times of an aging 60's rock band touring the U.S. in the 80s. The movie features cameos from Ed Begley Jr, Billy Crystal, Angelica Houston, and is often laugh out loud funny. I won't spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but there is one scene that had me in stitches.
The scene elapses as many in the movie, with Marti DeBergi (the mockumentarist) prying into the history of Spinal Tap. He inquires about their high turnover in the drummer position of the band, and the band offers a hilarious 'explanation.' Essentially they go on to explain that they have had really bad luck with drummers in the past, with accidents ranging from spontaneous combustion (it happens more often than you would think!) and bizarre gardening accidents to the ever popular choking on someone else's vomit. They even go as far as to compose an album without a drummer, just using a drumming machine, and naturally the machine crashes. The movie is hilarious, short, and a must see for anyone who loves a good mockumentary.
Generally at this point I would offer a witty criticism, or a deep analogy, but there is none to be made here. The movie is silly and fun, but deep and brooding is nowhere near the vernacular that I would use to describe the film. So, I might just suggest here that you put a couple logs on the fire, cozy up with your loved ones, and rent "This is Spinal Tap." You won't be disappointed.
A.S. Bloom
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Farewell to Charley
So, I was finally able to muster up the courage to finish "Travels with Charley." It may come as no surprise to my consistent readers that I have been experiencing great difficulty in trying to complete the 'Great American Road Trip Classic', but the weight of an unfinished favorite bore down on me like 1000 pounds of lead, and this morning I bested my foe. To my dismay, the end brought about little resolution (as it does every time I read this book) and I finished feeling as if I still wanted more. "Travels with Charley" is just one of those novels that you wish wouldn't have to end: The story is every bit as entertaining on page 1 as it is on page 201, and although the story inevitably diminishes towards the end, I think to this day that Steinbeck had grown tired in his old age and had hastily finished Charley. There is no good way to end an exciting read, and I grow a bit sad knowing that it will be quite some time before I reach to this classic once again.
Every story must have an end: Any average high school student could tell you the parts of a story -- Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Conclusion -- as we are forced to learn and identify these principles within literature that we receive. This is far from my point, however, as my earlier statement is a bit more inductive than deductive reasoning. I know, as Mrs. Mahoney (my 11th grade AP English teacher) so dutifully explained, that the literary elements of a story are what give it purpose, and what encourage the reader to continue. However, my question is, what element causes the reader to want more? What makes us feel cheated at the end of a good book, simply because there is no more left to be read? What is the element that condemns hundreds of books to reside spine to spine like sardines on my bookshelves never to be moved, while others the spines are so broken from page turning enthusiasm that they almost vocalize their refusal to be removed or replaced on said shelves? These questions are of course rhetorical, but if you're out there Mrs. Mahoney, feel free to chime in!
It tends to always be a bittersweet occasion when we finish a period or era in our lifetimes. It is my opinion that this commentary can be carried from the smallest of life events (such as finishing a book) to the most grandiose life events (such as a family death). It is in our nature as humans to find both the best and worst in every situation and synergize the two into one complete experience that fulfills our needs for that particular situation. This is where I believe at least a partial solution to my previous questions reside. Rather than looking at the completion of one of my favorite novels as a disappointment, I should synergize my disappointment with my contentment and happiness that came from reading the book into an overall experience of "Travels with Charley." My temporary farewell to one of my favorite novels is melancholy at best, but it's just that, temporary. There will again come a time where I yearn for my most esteemed black poodle and naval captain, and it will give me great delight, to know that a tremendous experience is merely a page turn away.
A.S. Bloom
Every story must have an end: Any average high school student could tell you the parts of a story -- Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Conclusion -- as we are forced to learn and identify these principles within literature that we receive. This is far from my point, however, as my earlier statement is a bit more inductive than deductive reasoning. I know, as Mrs. Mahoney (my 11th grade AP English teacher) so dutifully explained, that the literary elements of a story are what give it purpose, and what encourage the reader to continue. However, my question is, what element causes the reader to want more? What makes us feel cheated at the end of a good book, simply because there is no more left to be read? What is the element that condemns hundreds of books to reside spine to spine like sardines on my bookshelves never to be moved, while others the spines are so broken from page turning enthusiasm that they almost vocalize their refusal to be removed or replaced on said shelves? These questions are of course rhetorical, but if you're out there Mrs. Mahoney, feel free to chime in!
It tends to always be a bittersweet occasion when we finish a period or era in our lifetimes. It is my opinion that this commentary can be carried from the smallest of life events (such as finishing a book) to the most grandiose life events (such as a family death). It is in our nature as humans to find both the best and worst in every situation and synergize the two into one complete experience that fulfills our needs for that particular situation. This is where I believe at least a partial solution to my previous questions reside. Rather than looking at the completion of one of my favorite novels as a disappointment, I should synergize my disappointment with my contentment and happiness that came from reading the book into an overall experience of "Travels with Charley." My temporary farewell to one of my favorite novels is melancholy at best, but it's just that, temporary. There will again come a time where I yearn for my most esteemed black poodle and naval captain, and it will give me great delight, to know that a tremendous experience is merely a page turn away.
A.S. Bloom
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sports Night
Sporting events often make for some of the most exciting television. Last night was no exception, with some of the best games in all arenas that I have seen in quite some time. The Nuggets were playing in Salt Lake City against the Jazz (traditionally one of the toughest places to play in all sports), the DU Pioneer hockey team played in the finals of the Denver Cup, and there were plenty of entertaining bowl games to watch. I haven't had a night in quite some time that I could dedicate to my passionate pursuit of enjoying spirited sporting events (wow, quite a mouthful!), but last night broke that streak. I was feeling a bit tired and worn out, so the couch seemed like a good spot to take up residence, and enjoy the slated events for the night.
The Nuggets, who have been without star point guard Chauncey Billups for more than a week and were missing Carmelo Anthony due to a bone bruise, played their best defensive game of the season. The Nugs forced 25 turnovers en route to a 105-95 win over their division rivals, and cemented in sports fan's minds that this team is indeed capable of big wins even without their two superstars. The Jazz may have been having an off night, but over the past 5 seasons Utah has won nearly 90% of their games at home, including 'off nights'. Denver simply outplayed them in every facet of the game, not to mention Ty Lawson, who embarrassed one of the best point guards in the league in Deron Williams. The Nugs had lost 5 straight in Utah, and this win won't be soon forgotten.
Despite the outstanding performance from the Nuggets, the game was a distant second to the Pioneers hockey game. DU was riding high after a blowout win over UNO yesterday, in which Denver jumped out to 3-0 lead in the first period and never looked back. A quick apology to my Omaha readership, but the Mavs were on the opposite end of a dominating performance from one of the best DU hockey teams in years. Denver won back to back national championships in 2004 and 2005, and some (myself included) regard this team to be even better than the team that towered above the hockey world for 2 years. Let me be clear about something: I am not a huge hockey fan. In the 4 years I attended DU, I probably went to 3 hockey games, and watched the telecast of about 20 or so out of 100 televised contests. After last night, I will be sure to catch the games a lot more often.
The first two periods did not go Denver's way: Boston College jumped out to 2-0 lead, and threatened to score at least twice more on breakaway attempts. Lucky for DU, they are blessed with a phenomenal goal tender in Marc Cheverie, who kept them in the game until their late surge in the 3rd period. Down 2-0, the Pioneers came out firing and scored their first goal of the game to cut the deficit to 1, only to quickly give up a fast break goal on the other end. Trailing 3-1, Denver looked like a team possessed, and quickly made an elite team in BC look like a pee-wee hockey organization. DU put on a performance for the decade, scoring 3 goals in 10 or so minutes, and doing it in a very exciting fashion. I was so excited when Denver scored the tying goal after a frenzy in front of the net, that I accidentally tossed the remote halfway across the room. Denver took the lead for good about 5 minutes later, managing to hold off a late surge by BC. Ill tell you one thing for sure: If college hockey isn't on your must see TV list, it should be...
Its a slow day here at work, and that should provide me with the opportunity to track the last week of the NFL season, and finish "Travels with Charley". As I noted in previous blogs, I have been experiencing trouble finishing that damn book, and today I think I'll force myself to complete the last 10 or so pages. My summary and thoughts on Steinbeck tomorrow.
A.S. Bloom
The Nuggets, who have been without star point guard Chauncey Billups for more than a week and were missing Carmelo Anthony due to a bone bruise, played their best defensive game of the season. The Nugs forced 25 turnovers en route to a 105-95 win over their division rivals, and cemented in sports fan's minds that this team is indeed capable of big wins even without their two superstars. The Jazz may have been having an off night, but over the past 5 seasons Utah has won nearly 90% of their games at home, including 'off nights'. Denver simply outplayed them in every facet of the game, not to mention Ty Lawson, who embarrassed one of the best point guards in the league in Deron Williams. The Nugs had lost 5 straight in Utah, and this win won't be soon forgotten.
Despite the outstanding performance from the Nuggets, the game was a distant second to the Pioneers hockey game. DU was riding high after a blowout win over UNO yesterday, in which Denver jumped out to 3-0 lead in the first period and never looked back. A quick apology to my Omaha readership, but the Mavs were on the opposite end of a dominating performance from one of the best DU hockey teams in years. Denver won back to back national championships in 2004 and 2005, and some (myself included) regard this team to be even better than the team that towered above the hockey world for 2 years. Let me be clear about something: I am not a huge hockey fan. In the 4 years I attended DU, I probably went to 3 hockey games, and watched the telecast of about 20 or so out of 100 televised contests. After last night, I will be sure to catch the games a lot more often.
The first two periods did not go Denver's way: Boston College jumped out to 2-0 lead, and threatened to score at least twice more on breakaway attempts. Lucky for DU, they are blessed with a phenomenal goal tender in Marc Cheverie, who kept them in the game until their late surge in the 3rd period. Down 2-0, the Pioneers came out firing and scored their first goal of the game to cut the deficit to 1, only to quickly give up a fast break goal on the other end. Trailing 3-1, Denver looked like a team possessed, and quickly made an elite team in BC look like a pee-wee hockey organization. DU put on a performance for the decade, scoring 3 goals in 10 or so minutes, and doing it in a very exciting fashion. I was so excited when Denver scored the tying goal after a frenzy in front of the net, that I accidentally tossed the remote halfway across the room. Denver took the lead for good about 5 minutes later, managing to hold off a late surge by BC. Ill tell you one thing for sure: If college hockey isn't on your must see TV list, it should be...
Its a slow day here at work, and that should provide me with the opportunity to track the last week of the NFL season, and finish "Travels with Charley". As I noted in previous blogs, I have been experiencing trouble finishing that damn book, and today I think I'll force myself to complete the last 10 or so pages. My summary and thoughts on Steinbeck tomorrow.
A.S. Bloom
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year
I awoke this morning to a blissfully 'warm' January morning with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees, and plenty of sunshine to accompany the balmy conditions. Although last night I remarked that the new year and decade wouldn't feel new, I now feel as if some sort of change has occurred. A new year is a fresh start, a new beginning, and an occasion to take advantage of the opportunities that you may have missed the previous year. Although cultures around the world have their own new years celebrations throughout the year, the calendar new year brings about feelings of joy and encouragement throughout the all around the globe. People just seem to be happier and more positive on January 1st(albeit hungover happiness!). There is just something magical about a new year that can't quite be put into words.
As you may remember from previous blogs, I am in the process of reading one of my favorite books, "Travels with Charley." Although I have been enjoying it without reservation, I now find that I am having difficulty finishing the novel. The first few days with the book found me rapidly reading, and earnestly enjoying the novelty of recanting a great American classic. However, the last few days have been quite the opposite: I will hesitantly pick up the book, read a few pages, and then put it down, continuing on with other tasks instead. I always dread coming to the end of a good book, mainly because it signals the end of a beautiful experience. On the first read through I may have sped through the end with no regard for where my literary interests may land next, but now with no prospect for another stimulating read in sight I find myself slowing to a turtle's pace. Ive been pondering it for days now with no success as to where I will go from here... Any suggestions?
Lastly for today, I want to briefly delve into my one new years pet peeve: Resolutions. New Year's Resolutions, despite their good and promising nature, are absolutely ridiculous. Let me be clear: I am all about improving yourself and making your life more fulfilling and exciting, but new years resolutions are something entirely different. One should be able to better themselves at any point in time, and it really shouldn't take a drunken stupor to elicit the potential for good behavior. Its my contention that almost 100% of people will make some sort of resolution around new years, and in my estimation about 4% of resolvers actually adhere to said self proposals. I don't think that they would annoy me so much if the population actually realized their resolutions, but since so many don't, they drive me absolutely bat shit crazy. I, at one point, was part of the 96% that forget about their resolutions just about a soon as they come out of their drunken stupor. At one point I wrote a list of resolutions, and followed them for about, well, 4 days, before realizing how stupid they truly were. Maybe I would be more enthusiastic about Easter, Flag, or President's day resolutions?
I hope that everyone had a great new years, and celebrated appropriately and safely. 2010 should be a great year, and I have the highest of hopes for myself and my loved ones.
A.S. Bloom
As you may remember from previous blogs, I am in the process of reading one of my favorite books, "Travels with Charley." Although I have been enjoying it without reservation, I now find that I am having difficulty finishing the novel. The first few days with the book found me rapidly reading, and earnestly enjoying the novelty of recanting a great American classic. However, the last few days have been quite the opposite: I will hesitantly pick up the book, read a few pages, and then put it down, continuing on with other tasks instead. I always dread coming to the end of a good book, mainly because it signals the end of a beautiful experience. On the first read through I may have sped through the end with no regard for where my literary interests may land next, but now with no prospect for another stimulating read in sight I find myself slowing to a turtle's pace. Ive been pondering it for days now with no success as to where I will go from here... Any suggestions?
Lastly for today, I want to briefly delve into my one new years pet peeve: Resolutions. New Year's Resolutions, despite their good and promising nature, are absolutely ridiculous. Let me be clear: I am all about improving yourself and making your life more fulfilling and exciting, but new years resolutions are something entirely different. One should be able to better themselves at any point in time, and it really shouldn't take a drunken stupor to elicit the potential for good behavior. Its my contention that almost 100% of people will make some sort of resolution around new years, and in my estimation about 4% of resolvers actually adhere to said self proposals. I don't think that they would annoy me so much if the population actually realized their resolutions, but since so many don't, they drive me absolutely bat shit crazy. I, at one point, was part of the 96% that forget about their resolutions just about a soon as they come out of their drunken stupor. At one point I wrote a list of resolutions, and followed them for about, well, 4 days, before realizing how stupid they truly were. Maybe I would be more enthusiastic about Easter, Flag, or President's day resolutions?
I hope that everyone had a great new years, and celebrated appropriately and safely. 2010 should be a great year, and I have the highest of hopes for myself and my loved ones.
A.S. Bloom
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A Decade Remembered: Pt 2
New Years Eve is finally upon us, and we officially have less that 24 hours before the new year and decade are here to stay. The 2000's (or naughty aughties if you're keeping up w/ my blog) have been a period of great personal development for myself and my loved ones, and the decade won't soon be forgotten. I've grown tremendously, and recently have found myself reflecting on my personal growth throughout the years. Its been a long and arduous journey through the past 10 years: A journey that has taken me through life like a serpentine mountain road, winding here, dodging over a pass there, but always keeping me on the right road. I'm not saying that there hasn't been a few detours and pit stops along the way, but for the most part the past decade has played a significant role in forming who I am today.
The first part of this decade was a time when I began to piece together the puzzle that is Alex. I started high school in 1999/2000, and began sampling life like a plate of hors devours. I quickly found that although I was talented in many areas of my life, only a select few actually made me happy and helped me develop personally. I was good at football, but got hurt every other week. I enjoyed literature and writing, but found myself pursuing math and science instead for reasons that I still don't completely understand. It wasn't until my junior year that I truly found my niche, or at least what I thought to be my niche. I headed a championship winning Science Bowl team, captained my Cross Country Team to the state invitational, and went to the Junior Olympics in two different sports, all while taking classes that would prove to be more difficult than 80% of my college curriculum. Reflecting upon that time, I now realize that although I'm still interested in science, math, and running, it was the role in these activities that I truly savored. I may not have recognized it then, but I am a natural leader. I led my teammates and classmates in my daily life, and cherished the opportunity to be a role model.
It took less than a month in college to realize that my true passions did not lie in derivations or melting points, rather it was leadership and knowledge that truly inspired me. Although I was finding inspiration in new arenas, my passion for leading by example did not wane. I helped found an organization based around the concept of alternative learning and mastery in off-the-wall topics such as tribal drumming and underwater basket weaving(just kidding on that one!). I began to develop organizations by writing business plans and discussing key issues with community members. It was in these pursuits that I recognized the power of collaboration. Previous to my college tenure, I thought that the old adage "If you want something done right, You must do it yourself!" was a motto to live by. Once I recognized that there were plenty of individuals that were just as, if not more talented than myself, I knew that partnerships and teamwork were significantly more effective then trying to manage an entire group or project by myself. "Successful Collaboration and Teamwork Reward Tenacity and Persistence", is a much more appropriate and truthful motto.
All in all, the past decade has had a huge impact on who I am as a person today. I know now that leadership does not necessarily mean that I must lead my peers alone, rather that by collaboration and persistence, great results can be seen. I know that the activities that I enjoyed in the past decade will likely be positive outlets for the rest of my life. Most importantly, however, I learned who I am as person, and the subsequent impact on my life. I envision that the next decade will only improve my sense of self as I venture into the great beyond that is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My life experiences are priceless, and as I cross over into a new era, I can only hope that ultimately my struggle and subsequent understanding of who I am will continue.
Happy New Year!
A.S. Bloom
The first part of this decade was a time when I began to piece together the puzzle that is Alex. I started high school in 1999/2000, and began sampling life like a plate of hors devours. I quickly found that although I was talented in many areas of my life, only a select few actually made me happy and helped me develop personally. I was good at football, but got hurt every other week. I enjoyed literature and writing, but found myself pursuing math and science instead for reasons that I still don't completely understand. It wasn't until my junior year that I truly found my niche, or at least what I thought to be my niche. I headed a championship winning Science Bowl team, captained my Cross Country Team to the state invitational, and went to the Junior Olympics in two different sports, all while taking classes that would prove to be more difficult than 80% of my college curriculum. Reflecting upon that time, I now realize that although I'm still interested in science, math, and running, it was the role in these activities that I truly savored. I may not have recognized it then, but I am a natural leader. I led my teammates and classmates in my daily life, and cherished the opportunity to be a role model.
It took less than a month in college to realize that my true passions did not lie in derivations or melting points, rather it was leadership and knowledge that truly inspired me. Although I was finding inspiration in new arenas, my passion for leading by example did not wane. I helped found an organization based around the concept of alternative learning and mastery in off-the-wall topics such as tribal drumming and underwater basket weaving(just kidding on that one!). I began to develop organizations by writing business plans and discussing key issues with community members. It was in these pursuits that I recognized the power of collaboration. Previous to my college tenure, I thought that the old adage "If you want something done right, You must do it yourself!" was a motto to live by. Once I recognized that there were plenty of individuals that were just as, if not more talented than myself, I knew that partnerships and teamwork were significantly more effective then trying to manage an entire group or project by myself. "Successful Collaboration and Teamwork Reward Tenacity and Persistence", is a much more appropriate and truthful motto.
All in all, the past decade has had a huge impact on who I am as a person today. I know now that leadership does not necessarily mean that I must lead my peers alone, rather that by collaboration and persistence, great results can be seen. I know that the activities that I enjoyed in the past decade will likely be positive outlets for the rest of my life. Most importantly, however, I learned who I am as person, and the subsequent impact on my life. I envision that the next decade will only improve my sense of self as I venture into the great beyond that is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My life experiences are priceless, and as I cross over into a new era, I can only hope that ultimately my struggle and subsequent understanding of who I am will continue.
Happy New Year!
A.S. Bloom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
