This Blog Has A Name.

Hello everyone!

It is finally here (drum roll . . . )--the moment we have all been waiting for--the unveiling of the new name for my not-so new blog: "Carpe Diem." A little grandiose, but definitely a motto to live by.  If you have never studied Latin, or watched the Dead Poet's Society, "carpe diem" means: SEIZE THE DAY.

I know so many amazing people and, while an online forum is a poor substitute for talking story over some Cafe Rio-mouthwatering pork burrito, or watching the Wolverines or Cougs win a close game over their arch-rivals (the "Wicked Witches of the West" or "Universities of Voldermort," collectively), or while surfing, hiking, skiing, or playing an intense game of Settlers, Ticket to Ride, or Hand and Foot--blogging will at least help us stay connected until the next time we can get together in person.

I created this blog to help bridge the gap that geography and life circumstances inevitably create.  So, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope you are seizing the day and reaching for that next handhold on your climb in life!  Go for it!

Happy Chinese New Year!!

I have discovered a new favorite holiday: Chinese New Year. Sure, I did not technically just "discover" it--I have known about Chinese New Year for a long time, but I just didn't realize how beautiful of a thing it is until now. No, I am not talking about firecrackers or the year of the rabbit and different predictions--those are all fine ingredients of an even finer holiday--but no, I am talking about second chances.

You see, Chinese New Year is a new beginning...after the ordinary new beginning for the Western World, January 1. So what does this second new beginning mean, exactly? It's a godsend, a second chance to keep my New Year's resolutions. Like many people, I start off the New Year with good intentions to make changes that will help me accomplish things and improve my life. Then, I inevitably fail miserably at keeping these resolutions, and right about this time of year I start feeling a little discouraged and resign myself to yet another year of mediocrity.

But not this year (famous last words), because someone named "Chinese New Year" stepped into my life. Now, I have had over a month to mentally prepare to make the changes necessary to accomplish my goals. I have a better idea what it takes, what I am capable of, and I am ready to take the leap. Thank you Chinese New Year--you have changed my life.

Here is a clip of a Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown, Honolulu, HI. My buddy Zack's bank played for it--there was catchy music, a lively crowd, delectable treats, and a feeling of optimism about 2011.





Happy Chinese New Year!

New Year's Resolution: Blog

Back by popular demand, the blog is up and running. This post is about a love of my life that I unintentionally left by the wayside, ignored but not forgotten--a bright fire of yesteryear that appeared to have degenerated into cold dark embers. Yet deep inside, unknown to anyone, there burned a deep loyalty, a yearning--a passion suppressed by circumstance that was reawakened on my trip last August to Argentina. What is this love, you ask, so powerful that years of neglect only led to an eruption of heartfelt blog-declaration of allegiance? Glad you asked--it's The Beautiful . . . Game--the most popular sport on the planet--a pastime, hobby of (some would say) spiritual dimensions and astrological proportions. A game that is in many way an analogy of life, and one that people from all races, societies, cultures, and economic backgrounds can and do share. In English, it's football, in Spanish--futbol, in Italian--calcio, Portugese--futebol, German, fussball, and to those of us Americans who grew up eating sliced oranges during half times, it's soccer.

My first day in Argentina, after a red-eye flight across half the planet, I went straight from the airport in my white Fiat rental car to a neighborhood in Buenos Aires called Lanus, arriving just in time to watch one of the greatest rivalries of South America: the Classico between Lanus and Banfield. Words are inadequate to describe the emotion, the enthusiasm, the sheer passion of the fans, so maybe a video will help provide a sliver of the atmosphere:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNhrvZVFNLM

Here are some highlights from the game I attended:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkWBVUdBVd0

It was a nail-biter, and while Lanus didn't win, at least no one died.

I was already hyped about soccer because of the World Cup, but this trip just put me over the top.

Here are some highlights from the World Cup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBD9h0jUq3w

P.S.: In what other sport do you get commentating like this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS6Np-g_h5w

So, what I am going to do about it? Play, of course... (to be continued)