WANDERING RHYTHM

New Zealand Journey Day 187 - Legos, Trust and New Beginnings

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:09:00 -0700

How do I begin to articulate what is going through my mind as I quickly approach the completion of my New Zealand journey? The idea for this adventure was born when I was thirteen and even though it took ten years, the dream eventually transformed into a reality. So how do I describe such a big part of my life? I have spent days, no, weeks, trying to find the words to convey how incredible these last six months have been. I awoke today, on my penultimate morning in this wonderful country, determined to sit down and squash my writer’s block in one fell swoop. I found a beautiful spot outside in the shade, with the turquoise vibrancy of the Pacific in the distance as my muse, the singing birds as my musical backdrop. And nothing came…no powerful words to bookend my experience, no sudden inspiration of discovering how I wanted to sum it all up. After a solid half an hour of staring a blank document sandwiched between Facebook checks and ESPN updates, a word popped into my head. Finally, some creativity! Let’s get this writing train moving! Yet the word wasn’t some powerful articulation but rather the mother of all random ones, residing in that space between incredulity and insanity. Are you ready? Here it is: “Legos”.

Uh, excuse me? What? Hang on, don’t stop reading yet. I can explain. Think of the biggest Lego set you’ve ever seen, with thousands upon thousands of different pieces, all varying in size, shape and color. With all the blocks sprawled out on the floor, you run your hand through the massive pile and it makes that sound…you know which one. It’s the sound of creativity, endless opportunity residing behind the sonic rustling of hard plastic. It’s time to start building; here we go! However, there is just a slight problem. Where are the directions? Where are those handy, overly simplified, step-by-step guides to putting the pieces in the perfect order until the set has transformed into a triumphant piece of creative ingenuity that borders on art? The rousing torrent of Lego-related excitement quickly transforms into confusion and disappointment. How can you begin to build the design without guidance? Is it possible to complete the process without a sense of direction?

As I have spent the last few days in reflection, looking back on this six month completion of a childhood dream, I have attempted to put a definition on what I came to New Zealand to do, why I have lived out a backpack since last fall. I realized that there was a part of me that subconsciously came to the bottom of the world in attempt to “figure it out.” When I left Los Angeles on September 22nd, this was the plan: I would travel across New Zealand, delve inward, discover how to be the highest version of myself, find omnipresent happiness and the rest would be history. I would take my life and build the most incredible Lego set with its pieces. New Zealand was always going to be my packet of directions that showed me what to do, taught me what the next step of my life was going to be. By being here and going on my journey, I would figure it out, whatever “it” was. My New Zealand adventure was the key.

It took me a few months to realize that a change of scenery, no matter how beautiful the landscape is, no matter how far away from home it might be, does not magically bring instant clarity and prolonged happiness. I kept wondering why I hadn’t popped yet, why being in New Zealand didn’t automatically make me joyful every minute of the day and why I felt like I was still searching for something. I’m living my dream, but why don’t I feel like I am? The days started to become more “fear-centric” and I would find things to worry about, start freaking out about how much money I had left and what I was supposed to do with the rest of my time in the country. But along the way, something happened, something changed. I couldn’t tell you when it transpired or where; there was no light bulb that switched on, no “eureka!” moment where everything clicked. However, I started to have consecutive days where I felt like “me”, at least that essence of satisfaction and wholeness that lives inside all of us. Those glorious days where I felt alive, empowered and ready to take on the world were happening more often than the darker ones. The days when I felt the happiest all shared a common denominator: I stopped trying to figure “it” out.

Is it really that simple? Yes and no. On my travels, I have learned that those difficult days are part of it all; one day up, one day down, sometimes two days up and four days down. This is balance and how life will always be. But we deserve to have the bright days happen more than the dark ones, am I right? We owe it to ourselves. What if the power, the key, the MacGuffin lies behind a five letter word that isn’t “Legos”? That word is “Trust”.

Trust is the answer, the solution, the victory. It’s the acceptance that life is a wandering river that flows down from the mountain, through twists, turns, rushing highs and violent lows, but ultimately moving across immeasurable beauty. Trust is letting it all go; it’s diving headfirst underneath the roaring wave of fear and believing that you will rise up and breathe fresh air on the other side. To trust is to surrender to whatever is supposed to happen and recognizing that it is happening for the highest good, no matter how paralyzing the fear of the unknown can be. It’s learning to embrace the uncertainty and accept “it” for what it is. I face a lot of ambiguity when I go back home, in regards to what the next step is in life. In many ways, I am in the same position now as when I left Los Angeles for New Zealand: where do I go from here? Where will I live, what will I do? Where is my packet of directions? What is the next piece to place on top of the other? But I feel more prepared now.

If there is one thing I can take away from the last six months of adventure, it’s the recognition of how powerful it can be to embrace the uncertainty and actively allowing the fear to dissipate and eventually transform into trust. I believe that through trust, we can find liberation. And what can be better than absolute and pure inner freedom? It’s what each and everyone of us deserves.

We are constantly experiencing new beginnings adding a new layer to our spirit, our being that uses the previous layer as a foundation. Life is a never-ending, always-exciting Lego set. But without those convenient, simplified directions, we provide ourselves with the perfect platform to grow. In many ways, I’ll always be on this journey; it is an adventure that will continue for a long time. I may not always be traveling, but I sure will be growing in some capacity and that is what this New Zealand experience has ultimately been about. Growth, transformation, learning, whatever you want to call it. One block placed on top of another. The past 187 days have helped me discover the importance of placing faith in the building process. It may not always be the most effortless thing to do, but why not make the construction of the magnificent Lego set that is our life a little easier on ourselves and trust. There is so much to look forward to, so much beauty to be found in just simply being along for the ride. With this concept as my guiding light, I’m ready to begin again. Are you?

U2 ~ Stuck in a Moment (acoustic) ~ Live My favorite songs...

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:27:00 -0700

U2 ~ Stuck in a Moment (acoustic) ~ Live

My favorite songs are the ones that become something more when they are performed live. They transcend their initial boundaries and transform into intimate expressions we can all relate to. Imperfections become glowing idiosyncrasies and the performers create the space for the audience to feel vulnerable along with them. I love music, I love this song and above all, I love how it allows me to FEEL.

“The earth has music for those who listen.” ~ George...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:52:32 -0800

“The earth has music for those who listen.” ~ George Santayana

The Routeburn Track - New Zealand

New Zealand Journey Day 121 - Lake Wanaka - South Island

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:01:00 -0800

It started in the youth hostel kitchen around 7 o’clock, which can easily be considered cooking rush hour. Think 5:30 on a Friday night, heading south out of town on the interstate. It’s an “every man for himself” mentality on the road as drivers stop, go, stop again and do anything necessary to get home as quick as they can to start the weekend. It’s the same in a kitchen full of backpackers: everyone is hungry, everyone is on a budget and there are far more eager cooks than available hobs. It was all beginning to become too much: too many people, too many different smells that combined to form something rather unruly, too much clang and clatter of pots and pans. I had to get out. It seemed to take forever for my gluten-free spaghetti noodles to finish, which would end up being accompanied by slices of chicken, a dash of olive oil and the most important ingredient of all: salt. I bolted from the kitchen while undoubtedly going ten over the speed limit.

It was one of those days where I felt myself deep inside my “cave”, as I like to call it. Truth be told, for yours truly, it sometimes takes a fair amount of energy to be traveling alone and it can be easy to slip into a state of reduced energy and an incessant lack of confidence. My cave is a place inside myself where I find it far more comfortable to close myself off to any emotional connections that might come my way. I get lonely, I start to feel my confidence slide downhill and I judge myself for it, which makes it even worse and then the walls come up. It’s just me in the cave, alone, lamenting my loneliness yet too insecure to do something about it and too content to wallow in self doubt. It’s a dark and slimy place to be, but it sure is familiar, so why leave?

With my bowl of (rather bland) gluten-free spaghetti, I found a spot tucked away from the dining area, where I didn’t have to worry about stepping out of the cave. I looked around at other travelers who started the evening as strangers, moved to acquaintances and eventually became friends. The interrogation of self-judgment soon began, like a good-cop/bad-cop routine out of an episode of NYPD Blue (remember that show?). Why can’t I make connections like that? Why is it so difficult to open my heart when it was so easy to do the day before? What the hell is wrong with me? Why don’t I feel like ME?

”May I join you?” The words startled me and I take my eyes away from NFL.com. Oh no…someone has just found me at the bottom of the cave and it just happens to be a very attractive woman with a British accent. What was I supposed to say? “Oh, I’m sorry but I currently lack the confidence to make any type of connection that requires me to step out of my comfort zone and I would rather sit here and read another damn article about how talented, intelligent, good-looking and downright amazing Tom Brady is while I drown in a frigid pool of self doubt.” I obliged of course and shifted uncomfortably, already planning my exit strategy. She introduced herself, sat down next to me with a cup of tea and offered me a rice cracker. With an enchanting smile, she told me they were gluten-free. A tiny sliver of light flickered down into the cave.

Soon enough, I felt my internal walls of protection come crumbling down, straight out of that scene from Inception. She was an up-and-coming theatre actress back in London and was on the trail of adventure alone, just like me. The conversation flowed like rainfall down a mountain. For hours, long after the sun allowed the moon to take center stage, no stone was left unturned as an intimate and honest, strictly emotional yet quite powerful connection was made. Two human beings, two souls finding comfort in captivating conversation, enjoying the inspiration that stems from similar trains of thought, kind words of encouragement and the warm glow of mutual respect for art and the creative process, the passion for travel and the enthusiasm for life itself. By the time we thanked each other for the experience, exchanged contact information and retired separately for the night, the ascension was complete. The cave had disappeared from the map, buried, unmarked and unneeded.

With this memorable connection came the beginnings of a powerful realization. The journey down into the cave, into that place where I don’t need to open my heart, is a result of fear, fear of what a connection might mean. Why open up when I could just get hurt; why make an emotional attachment when it will probably end in a few hours? To open ourselves to communication and connection is to risk, but how would we be able to experience the beauty of spontaneous human connection without summoning the courage to climb out of the cave? In order to make our way towards the light and eventually dance in it, we must first decide to move through the darkness, no matter how intimidating it might be. Before we experience the beauty of emotion, the transcendence of human connection, we must give ourselves permission to experience it in the first place. I sat in bed and shook my head at the simplicity of it all: it begins and ends with vulnerability.

The next morning, I found myself in the hostel kitchen once again. The morning traffic jam gives the evening congestion a run for its money. Hungry backpackers are replaced by ones that are hungry AND groggy, a lethal combination. The place was packed once again. I stood by the toaster as I felt my protective fortifications start to rise. But I was suddenly given a choice. I could shrink again, slither back down into my cave and begin the dark process of isolation and self-judgment all over again. Or, I could open my heart, embrace the risk that comes with taking the leap to communicate with a stranger, collapse my barriers and possibly make the connection of a lifetime. We never know what will exactly come from vulnerability, but I am beginning to think that I’d rather take my chances. The only way out of the cave is up and sometimes all it takes is an act of courage and the kindness of stranger to help us discover the rope. What choice will you make?

New Zealand Journey Day 94 - Merry Christmas

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:29:00 -0800

In the words of John Lennon, “so this is Christmas.” It’s Christmas Day here in New Zealand and instead of enduring single digit temperatures, I feel incredibly lucky to have been hiking all day in the hot summer sun. I still haven’t gotten used to this whole Southern Hemisphere thing, as with each increasingly warm day and a cheery exchange of “Merry Christmas” I hear, a series of internal alarm bells sound off, citing the fact that I should be wrapped up in a blanket by the fireplace, surrounded by the warm glow of the Christmas tree lights as I watch snow dance around the lamppost outside. It certainly feels a little different to be experiencing this wonderful day during the summer months of a foreign country, but I wouldn’t change anything. I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now: on a grand adventure.

Each incredible morning I wake up to seems to be even better than the one that proceeded it. For the next five weeks, I have settled in the tiny town of Wanaka, a quiet little place that sits on the edge of a stunning freshwater lake, surrounded by panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. It really is a slice of paradise, as I can go from swimming in the crystal clear lake to a dense forest of pine trees to the local movie theater in a matter of minutes. What more could I ask for? As I currently listen to the sweet symphony of rustling pine trees in the warm breeze, I can’t help but feel as I have been given an amazing gift this holiday season.

I’ll ask you to humor me for a moment. It’s Christmas morning and you’re seven years old again. You rush down the stairs in your Spider-man onesie fleece pajamas (or the superhero of your choice, of course), slide across the hardwood floors in your socks, directly into the living room, where countless presents sit beneath the tree. Each one is wrapped in the most immaculate way, as if it had just come off of the assembly line in the North Pole. Your eyes immediately make their way to the box that looks big enough for you to fit into. This one clearly outshines all of others. What could possibly be inside? The smell of bacon floats its way from the kitchen to your nostrils and after waiting for what feels like an eternity, the time to unwrap has finally commenced.

With your adoring parents for an audience, you make your way through the line of gifts and receive exactly what was on your list that year. You were certainly on the “nice” list and Santa seemed to take notice. Basking in the loving glow of gratitude and euphoria, the time has come to open the big mystery box. You feverishly tear off the wrapping paper, rip open the box and look inside…and it’s empty. In confusion, you crawl inside, thinking that the gift is hiding somewhere at the bottom of the box. Are you crushed; your Christmas morning ruined by the mother of all letdowns?

A piercing flash of white light and the current, December 25, 2012 version of you is standing at the base of that same Christmas tree, superhero pajamas or not. The big box remains unwrapped and ready to be opened. Hoping to avoid the same bitter disappointment and confusion as the seven year old, you cautiously peel off the paper. There has to be something inside this time. The anticipation reaches its boiling point and you peer inside, only to be greeted by the same view as the young child: emptiness.

Are you still disappointed? Don’t worry, I’d be kind of upset too. But what if the real present lies behind in the simplicity of it all? What if the best gift you could receive this holiday season is a big empty box, with nothing but air inside? The truth is, over the last few weeks, I have begun to realize that I came to New Zealand in search of something I couldn’t really define. Whether I was aware of it or not, when I boarded that long, trans-pacific flight from LAX to Auckland, a part of me was going on an adventure to find something. While the object of this search is still evolving each and every day, I am beginning to discover some clarity. I am starting to find freedom in the unknown, internal liberation from fear and a new state of inner harmony that ultimately leads to a feeling of compete serenity. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt as grounded, as peaceful as I do now. It’s as if each day is a celebration of this new state of being and I am beyond grateful. There is still room for growth and learning, many more peaks and valleys to experience. This will always be the case. But I am beginning to find that this feeling of fulfillment has been living inside of me all along; it’s always been there. New Zealand hasn’t necessarily brought it out of me, but rather served as a mirror and allowed me to discover something extraordinary about myself.

Humor me one last time. It’s Christmas morning once again and it’s a perfect one, the morning of your dreams. It’s all there: the crackling fireplace, the gently falling snow, the beautiful family and if you’re me, the Spider-man onesie. You receive everything you wanted that year and then some. The big mystery box is back and it’s time to open it once again. This can’t be yet another disappointment, can it? You annihilate the wrapping paper in excitement, open the box and Christmas morning is launched into the stratosphere. You are the one in the box: your beautiful essence, your loving being, your encouraging soul, your unquantifiable light. You are the gift. The gift of nothing certainly is something…what we need in life to feel complete really isn’t anything at all, at least nothing we could define with a material object. Everything we really need resides within. So go ahead, give yourself the greatest gift of all on this Christmas morning, the one that you most certainly deserve: embrace your own individual light and celebrate the fact that the key to fulfillment and serenity already lives inside all of us. All we have to do is remember to look in the mirror. Merry Christmas!

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand Start growing when you want to, where...

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 22:37:43 -0800

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Start growing when you want to, where you want to.

Lift Up Your Love

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:09:00 -0800

It has taken me a few days to come to terms with what has transpired in Newtown, Connecticut and even now, I can barely find the words to articulate this heartbreaking nightmare. Even in beautiful New Zealand, I have felt unable to escape the pain. Sometimes, I feel as if there is something putting immense pressure on my heart and begging for it to collapse under the weight of the darkness. It’s a feeling of hopelessness, as if the darkness is too much to handle. I felt it on July 20th in my hometown of Aurora, CO and I have felt sickened to be experiencing it again these last few days. As a nation and society, we have been through this too many times, especially recently. Enough is enough and something has to be done. Whatever you believe in regards to gun control, we must be careful not to channel our anger and frustration and allow it lead to us into a place of disconnect and division.

There is no easy or correct way to deal with tragedies of this magnitude, no “how-to” guide. How could there be? Perhaps the only way to counter the darkness is to shine our light as individuals and allow it to collectively build. One hundred lights are much more powerful than just one, but one light is how it all begins. Shine your light by turning it into love and make the effort to share it with the world. Share love in whichever way you are most comfortable with, whether it is an embrace, a smile or a random act of kindness. This is how the hopelessness deteriorates and the healing begins.

For your truly, shifting my energy into this state of love and light can sometimes come with difficulty, especially in times like these. I stumble to art, movies and music seeking solace and assistance. Something as simple as an uplifting song can remind me to ignite my light and even though it does not have the power to change what has transpired, it can restore my faith in the ability to calibrate our hearts and transform them into shining beacons of hope. I’ve had this song on repeat the last few days and it has given me comfort on some level.

So, in the words of the great Jackie Wilson, lift up your love, higher and higher. Turn your light into love, allow it to become infectious and let us begin the healing process when we are ready.

New Zealand Journey Day 82 - Lake Wanaka - South Island A...

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 22:11:00 -0800

New Zealand Journey Day 82 - Lake Wanaka - South Island

A video-greeting card from the bottom of the world, capturing a moment of complete inner freedom and clarity.

A very happy holidays to you and keep on dreaming!

New Zealand Journey Day 61- Happy Thanksgiving

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 17:03:00 -0800

So, it’s the fourth Thursday of November here in Wellington, New Zealand and I must admit that I find myself a bit out of my comfort zone. I believe that being thrust into a new experience is something that always leads to growth and transformation, no matter how difficult it might seem at the beginning. After two months of being on the trail of adventure, I am discovering that this concept has become one of my main companions on this backpacking excursion. Each day here in New Zealand has seemingly given me the opportunity to step out of that comfortable emotional space, but these moments have not come without their challenges. Catapulting ourselves into new territory can be a frightening experience, as we nearly always associate the “leap” with risk and fear the possibility that we might feel pain, hurt, rejection or embarrassment. Remember the first school dance you went to? I can remember mine more vividly than I probably should, but what I recollect with the most clarity is the volcanic eruption that was happening inside my stomach as my best friend encouraged me to go talk to the girl I was staring at in awe. I couldn’t quite articulate it at the time, but the resistance to stepping out of my comfort zone was not about having difficulty walking over and striking up a conversation, but rather about the fear of having her reject me and subsequently, feeling like a lifeless idiot. Simply put, the fear of the risk and its possible repercussions often become stronger than the desire to achieve what we want in the first place and therefore we choose not to take the leap at all.

Since I’ve arrived in this beautiful country, I’ve often thought back to that awkward boy at his first school dance. I’ve had to swallow my pride a few times and ask for directions, exposing myself as a tourist. A few days ago, I decided to stop reading NFL analysis on my iPad and I ate lunch with a total stranger, who turned out to be a fellow backpacker. Last week, I plucked up the courage and talked to the gorgeous girl whose American accent I actually recognized. I have no idea where I’ll be in two weeks, or where I will working to replenish my funds so I can keep traveling. I haven’t shaved since Halloween. I bought apricot jelly a few weeks ago…I NEVER do that. And here is the best part: every leap outside that comfortable place of insecurity has led to wonderful connections, countless memories and exciting stories I can tell to my children someday. And I discovered that I actually enjoy apricot jelly!

I find myself in a similar situation this evening: for the first time I can remember, I am spending Thanksgiving away from my beloved family. While I am confident that I am currently supposed to be in New Zealand on my grand adventure, I would be lying if I told you that my absence didn’t make me sad and long to see their faces. Ok, I’m lonely today…there, I said it! Home feels very far away this Thanksgiving, but someone wise once told me that there is a difference between feeling lonely and being alone. I’ve come to realize that missing home, family and friends is part of the journey. I’m human after all. But something clicked for me today: instead of bemoaning how far away I feel from the comforts of Colorado, why not bring a little slice of home to Wellington, New Zealand? My favorite part of Thanksgiving used to be simple: just give me a plate of turkey the size of my face and let’s watch some football! Unsurprisingly, both remain dear to my heart, but over the last few years, I’ve grown to enjoy the period of sharing what we are all grateful for more than anything else. To be in the presence of the people you love and create a wonderful, understanding and beautifully vulnerable energetic space of gratitude is pretty special. There is nothing like it, which is why I am making the choice to venture back home for a brief moment, if you will indulge me:

I am grateful to have the most caring, loving and gracious mother in the world. I guarantee I wouldn’t have had the bravery to venture to the bottom of the world by myself if it wasn’t for the courage I’ve seen her possess. I am grateful to call my father my hero and my closest friend. I am truly honored to be his son. I’m sure not every son can say he lucked out with both his parents and I am thankful to say that I certainly did. I am grateful that my brother and I are wired a little differently…it keeps things interesting and I love him all the same. I am grateful to have a plethora of beautiful, caring and abundantly amazing group of friends that light me up inside. I am grateful for my two best friends, my two extra siblings. They have given me such a wonderful gift. I am grateful to be in good health and have the opportunity to enjoy my days of youth without the restrictions of physical ailments. I am grateful for being deeply passionate about the things that I love. I am grateful for that golden rush of exhilaration I feel each time I am impacted by a piece of film, art or music. I am grateful to really, really love my football team…and to have a future-Hall of Fame quarterback who can actually complete a forward pass. I am grateful for the opportunity to be living my dream, down here in New Zealand, or as I am beginning to call it, Middle-earth.

Above all else, I am grateful for every challenge I have been through, every volcanic eruption that has occurred within my stomach when I’ve stood at the precipice of leaping out of my comfort zone. Every leap has ultimately ended up being worth the risk and brought uncharted levels of transformation, making my New Zealand journey one of never-ending excitement. If there is one thing that I have learned on this unique Thanksgiving day, it is the fact that by simply choosing to be in gratitude cannot only extinguish the burning embers of fear, it can also bring home a lot closer than it may seem on the outset. Happy Thanksgiving to all and know that I am grateful for YOU.

New Zealand Journey Day 28 - Wellington - North Island

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:08:00 -0700

I must be honest and say that last night was a rough one. Staying in youth hostels every night has its benefits, such as access to a full kitchen, wireless internet for those Sundays when I miss football (ok, so that’s every Sunday), but ultimately, they provide the solo backpacker the opportunity to meet other travelers and make brief but meaningful connections that can change the complexion of the day. However, much like dorm-room life in college, these benefits have another side to them. Case in point: after barely sidestepping a pile of vomit on the bathroom floor, I returned to my bed, one of six mattresses in the room, with the intention of a solid night’s sleep. The revelry lasted a few precious hours, until my three suite-mates stumbled in after what I gathered, from their incoherent dialogue, was an adventurous tour of the many bars Wellington has to offer. Thankfully, one of the guys was kind enough to escort his new female friend somewhere else and those details shall belong to them. About ten to fifteen minutes later (not very long, was it?), after his two buddies had passed out on their respective beds, the (rather heavy-set) young man returned without his female companion with his sights set on slumber. Now, I must clarify and state that most hostels are comprised of bunk-beds, which are fun to share with your brother when you are a child, but in a youth hostel, they transform into an object of terror. In a drunken haze, he stripped down into his boxers several feet from my face (I could sense something was nearby and thoroughly regret opening my eyes to investigate) and climbed into the bed above me. I let out a sigh of relief; all three men had retired and it was time for me to return to sleep.

Not so fast. After peacefully drifting off, I was awoken by a sound so booming, a noise so cacophonous that I thought I had wandered into Sarajevo circa 1994. I’m sure that you, the patient reader, has shared a room with a loud snorer at least once in your life, but I assure you that it was not as deafening as this. I was sleeping underneath a freight train; I was cradling a subwoofer blasting at full volume. Were the windows shaking from the wind or the snorer’s timbre? Just as I thought it couldn’t get any worse, Snorlax’s cell phone begins to go off…somehow the alarm was set for 4am and the annoying jingle proceeds to continue for a very, very long time. I attempted to awaken the behemoth, but to no avail. I grabbed my iPod (one of the greatest inventions ever) and closed my eyes. Solace finally found me and the frustration was replaced by a vision so clear, I felt as if it was actually happening. Perhaps it was the rather cinematic music that was flowing through my eardrums, but I began to dream that I was Spider-man, swinging through the air with grace, weaving around shimmering skyscrapers as if they were tall blades of grass. A lucid, inspiring dream can turn the longest of nights into an exercise of beautiful escapism and this moment proved to be no different. I don’t keep it a secret that inside my twenty-three year-old body is a nine year-old child chasing adventure, seeking excitement in stories of heroic superheroes and epic tales of endless wonder.

Don’t worry, there is a point to all this blabber. As I approach my one month anniversary of arriving in New Zealand, I have come to realize that this journey is all about making memories and creating moments that will last a lifetime, where I can look back someday and simply say “wow.” There have been wonderful memories in the last twenty-eight days, such as hiking across seemingly endless beaches with only the sound of the approaching waves to accompany me, or learning and performing the “haka”, the traditional Maori warrior dance. There have even been memories that have made me feel at home, such as watching my Broncos complete the largest comeback in the history of Monday Night Football from a small backpackers lodge in Tongariro National Park. And, as with the dualistic nature of life itself, there have been a few unenjoyable memories along the road as well, such as coming down with a fever while camping, or the brutal night I’ve described above. However, the memories of joy have far outweighed those of frustration and sometimes, I believe we have to experience those difficult moments in order to fully appreciate the magnificent ones.

As I share these thoughts and write these words, I am experiencing yet another incredible memory that will no doubt make my New Zealand highlight reel. After dreaming of being Spider-man only a few hours ago, I have stumbled upon a rope swing hanging from a massive tree along the side of Mt. Victoria, high above the city Wellington. The swing must be fifty feet above the ground at its apex and I have spent the last hour or so nurturing the nine year-old that lives inside, howling for joy as I glide through the air with the city skyline in plain view. With each swing from the tree and wild journey through the sky, I release all tension and worry. Above all else, in that moment of youthful exhilaration as a look down at the skyline, I am creating a memory that will last a lifetime, forging a moment of joy into my being and allowing it to live inside my heart. The ultimate beauty lies within the fact I will be able to return to this memory whenever I want to; I now have the power to literally swing through the air as Spider-man. What a gift the Universe has provided.

We all have powerful memories that lie on both ends of the spectrum; moments that we will remember as being positive, negative and sometimes both. If there is one thing I have learned in my brief time venturing across New Zealand, it is the importance of creating the opportunities to make memories that are indelible by nature. These moments often do not make themselves, as we have to go out and find them. It can sometimes take courage to seek out these memories, but some of the more memorable moments on my journey (so far) have been when I have either stepped out of my comfort zone and started up a conversation with a fellow traveler, or disengaged my head and used my heart as my compass. I like to think that my heart led me this rope swing at Mt. Victoria.

So, go searching for memories, clamor and yearn for them, create moments that will light you up when you describe them to a friend twenty years…you just might grant yourself the opportunity to be Spider-man. And what could be better than that?

New Zealand Journey Day 1 - One Tree Hill - Auckland - North Island

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:03:00 -0700

Have you ever had the wonderful experience of giving birth to a dream? It all happens so fast. In a single moment, a wild thought is created and quickly turns into an idea. The idea begins to fill you up inside and soon enough, it transforms into a magnet and begins attracting emotions of exhilaration and wonderment, along with countless other exciting thoughts which splinter into even more ideas. It’s the classic snowball effect. However, once the idea has enough traction, it hits that inevitable wall of doubt in our brain. We ask ourselves if it is all possible, as dreams are often made up of many grandiose thoughts and ideas. We begin to create excuses and find reasons to discredit the dream and then it is inevitably buried deep within, drowning in a sea of doubt that ends up defining the vision itself.

Unfortunately, the journey of life isn’t always filled with the glow of an early Disney movie, like the ones I used to spend my Saturday afternoons watching on VHS. We all have dreams that might not escape the internal banishment we’ve sent them to, it’s the nature of this whole “living” experience. What if the desolate sea of disappointment for unfilled dreams was replaced by a sort-of “dream waiting room”, where they grow and wait for the possibility of becoming reality? I like to think that if dreams are meant to transcend and turn into reality, then we will find a way to see them through; if these dreams are supposed to be played out in our lives, then it will happen. And instead of discarding the dreams of grandeur and letting them die, we refuse to give up and wait for the right opportunity.

I’ve had a dream that I’ve almost thrown into the sea of despair several times, only to have it sit in the waiting room for many years. I am lucky enough to say that as I write these words, the dream has turned into something tangible and real. I can remember the dream’s inception quite clearly. I was sitting on top of a neighborhood hill, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that, yes, was gluten-free. Every inch of me was bundled up and it was one of those Colorado winter days where it looked warm outside but the shimmering sun was just a painful illusion…it was bone-chillingly cold. I was a freshman in high school and to be frank, it was a rough time. My parents had just decided to split up and the new-found “broken home” concept was a difficult one to grasp. My mother had moved to Hawaii, I saw my brother internalize his pain and my father as a grieving man. I had recently skipped the 8th grade and entered high school at the age of thirteen while my friends remained a year behind. I felt rather alone in my world. I spent my free period sneaking off campus to a nearby hill that had a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains and reading “The Lord of the Rings” as I ate my lunch. I went to my hill no matter how cold it was; it became my place where I could leave all of my pain at the bottom and enter a world of adventure and wondrous excitement at the top. On that freezing winter afternoon, I was in the middle of reading “The Two Towers” and gave birth to a dream. I was reading about characters going on an adventure, traveling on a journey, leaving their homelands behind and venturing off to far away places. I put my book down, stared at the snow-capped peaks in front of me and felt the burning desire to do the same: I was to go on a grand journey of my own, where I could travel to far off lands and someday return with beautiful stories. I was to carry only what I needed on my back, nothing more. I’m not sure if I knew why I had to venture off; maybe it was simply because I could.

So I knew I wanted to go on an adventure but where was I to venture off to? Alaska? Tanzania? Nepal? Mars? The lust for adventure had been inside of me since I saw my first “Indiana Jones” movie, but I didn’t find a destination until that December, when I saw the film version of “The Two Towers”. I watched the characters I was reading about continue their journey and the images on screen were breathtaking: Middle-earth looked like a real place I could go to, except it happened to be named New Zealand. I owe a lot to those films, as they not only exposed me to the incredible possibilities of cinematic storytelling, but also allowed me to discover where I was to have my grand journey.

Over ten years passed before my dream became a reality, which is a long time for a young twenty-three year old like myself. I currently sit at the top of another hill, similar to the one where my dream of a journey was created on that frigid day in 2002. Instead of dry dirt covered in snow, green grass and bleating sheep surround me on One Tree Hill in Auckland, New Zealand. I like to think that I worked awfully hard for the opportunity to fulfill this vision, but I am truly humbled by the support I’ve had from family and friends who kept encouraging me to hold onto the dream and let it grow in the waiting room, rather than drown in the sea of impossible. I’ve had several moments in the last 36 hours I’ve been in this beautiful country where I can’t believe this journey is actually happening and I think “Am I really here?”

As I stare at the majestic obelisk atop this emerald hill, I find myself creating thoughts, turning them into ideas and having those ideas snowball into a beautiful dream once again. My dream is to have others experience the wonderful feelings of gratitude, satisfaction and serenity that come with transforming a dream into actual existence. It takes a plethora of courage to dream on a grand scale, as on the other side of dreaming lies the possibility of crushing disappointment. To dream is to risk, which is the nature of this business. But without the risk, how would we be able to experience the thrill of having a dream become reality? By harboring dreams, no matter how loud that doubtful voice inside of us cries out, we grant ourselves the ability to achieve anything. If you’ve ever had thoughts that have snowballed into ideas that have morphed into grand visions, create the space inside for those visions to wait patiently for the moment where they can become something more. The dreams that are supposed to survive certainly will and when they do, we as individuals become the recipient of the most wonderful gift we can give: empowerment. So despite the risk, continue to dream and someday, you might find that waiting room to be empty and your reality to be something extraordinary.

So since I was thirteen years old, I’ve dreamed about...

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:28:06 -0700

So since I was thirteen years old, I’ve dreamed about going on a grand adventure. It is finally happening as I leave for New Zealand in the next few days.

Above is a gathering of my pre-departure gear and equipment. Everything fits into the backpack on the left with a little room to spare, weighing 33lbs.

New Zealand, here I come!

2012 NFL Predictions - The Final Word So there...

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:44:25 -0700

2012 NFL Predictions - The Final Word

So there you have my final predictions for the 2012 NFL season. Check out my breakdowns of the NFC and AFC North, the NFC and AFC South, the NFC and AFC East and finally the NFC an AFC West divisions.

The beauty of professional sports lies in their unpredictable and erratic nature and the National Football League is no different. Team will rise and fall, and players will surprise and underachieve, hearts will break and soar. However, these are the reasons that keep me coming back for more and reigniting my passion for the sport. I hope your favorite NFL team finds success this year and I look forward to sharing the fan experience with you. What are you predictions?

One more thing: GO BRONCOS!

2012 NFL Predictions - Part IV

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:09:00 -0700

The final installment of my 2012 NFL Predictions series, focusing on the NFC and AFC West divisions. Check out Parts I, II and III.

NFC WEST

1. San Francisco 49ers: 11-5 – The 49ers were the surprise of the league last year and would have made it to the Super Bowl if it weren’t for a fumble and the lack of a true #1 wide receiver. I am still not sold on Alex Smith as a franchise QB, but with a strong running game and the best defense in the NFL, this team is poised to make another playoff run. However, in today’s passing league, championships are won on the shoulders of an elite QB and I have a hard time viewing Alex Smith as elite. The additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham will help and an 11-5 record is nothing to scoff at, but I still don’t see this team as Super Bowl champions unless Alex Smith has a career year.

2. Seattle Seahawks: 9-7 – A lot of people are on the Russell Wilson bandwagon right now and it’s easy to see why. At the start of the preseason, I thought there was no way that Seattle would start Wilson over their $10 million free agent Matt Flynn. But after seeing Wilson light up the Broncos in person a few weeks ago, I am convinced that Pete Carroll made the right choice. They probably have one of the more underrated defenses in the conference and a true bruiser in Marshawn Lynch. I still view the NFC as too crowded for them to make the playoffs, but this team will surprise people and push a few of the heavyweight teams. Russell Wilson will go through ups and downs, but I think his future is bright. If he can elevate the play of those around him, this team is dangerous.

3. St. Louis Rams: 5-11 – I feel bad for Sam Bradford, I really do. I think he is one of the brighter young QBs in this league, but there is not enough talent around him, nor a strong offensive line to set him up for success. I love the hiring of Jeff Fisher, but this team is still a year or two from pushing .500. I’m sure their coach will bring out some fire within them, but I don’t see enough talent on the roster to find consistent success.

4. Arizona Cardinals: 3-13 – A few years ago, we were talking about future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner under center for the long-suffering Cardinals. Times are a bit darker now, as John Skelton (who?) is barely an upgrade of Kevin Kolb at QB. Their defense is stronger than most people think, but the uncertainty at the quarterback position is a recipe for failure. I hope I’m wrong, but their schedule is brutal. I can see this team being in the running to draft Matt Barkley or Landry Jones by the end of the year.

AFC WEST

1. Denver Broncos: 10-6 – Ok, here we go. I could write an entire essay on this team and I promise to make it brief. In predicting the season for my beloved team and every one for that matter, I try to be as realistic as possible. Where do I begin? Well, let’s start with the obvious upgrade at the quarterback position. The only player John Elway could bring in to make people forget about Tim Tebow was the only four-time NFL MVP in Peyton (FREAKING) Manning. P.F.M. as we affectionately call him here in Denver has brought an excitement and enthusiasm to the region that hasn’t been present for a long time. For the first time in many years, Broncos fans like myself actually believe in the possibility of competing for a title. I still think it will take P.F.M a year to get totally acclimated and it is important to taper the mile high expectations for this year. Still, an 80% Manning is still better than half of the QBs out there. Also, two positions of weakness last year have been upgraded with our tight ends and secondary. I still have some concerns about the interior of our defensive line and our linebacker corps, as having P.F.M. can’t cover every hole on the roster. Regardless, Manning elevates the play of those around him and even with a brutal schedule, I see my Broncos winning the AFC West. At least that’s what I hope for. Broncos Pride is back with a vengeance. I went to several training camp practices in addition to a preseason game and there is an anticipation and focus that is palpable. That’s what number 18 brings and I can’t wait to see how this adventure unfolds.

2. San Diego Chargers: 9-7 - Much like the Cowboys, this is a team that has always been its own biggest obstacle. Phillip Rivers is certainly a talented QB, but losing Vincent Jackson to Tampa Bay will hurt. I have a hard time envisioning Ryan Matthews staying healthy enough to be the playmaker they drafted him for. I do think their opportunistic defense and elite QB will keep them in most games, but there is something about these Chargers that causes them to underachieve and this year will prove to be no different. I am never someone who wishes another would lose his job, but I think that Norv Turner will be gone at the end of the year. Sometimes change can be a catalyst for success and I think San Diego would benefit from some coaching turnover. We shall see.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: 8-8 – A lot of people seem to be high on the Chiefs and like their chances to win the AFC West. While they will be improved from last year, where the injury bug hit them hard, I don’t see Matt Cassel as the quarterback to take this team to the playoffs. I’ve said it before: it’s a passing league and I still view Cassel as a mediocre-to-good QB but in order find consistent success, you need a good-to-great signal caller. The Broncos and Chargers each have better QBs than the Chiefs and Raiders. I highly respect head coach Romeo Crennel, but I still think is more successful as a coordinator than a head coach (see: Cleveland Browns).

4. Oakland Raiders: 4-12 – A Broncos fan is naturally born to despise the Oakland Raiders so I will attempt to be as objective as possible. I think the Raiders have a stud RB in Darren McFadden but there are questions about his durability. They have a lot speed on offense, but as always with this franchise, can the speed/athletic ability on paper translate success on the field? I’m not sure. I think Carson Palmer continues to struggle with turnovers and a new head-coaching regime leads to another year of soul-searching for the silver and black. Their defense, especially their front four, is stout and aggressive, but I can’t see them having a powerful enough passing game to keep up the rest of the league.

2012 NFL Predictions - Part III

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:45:00 -0700

My 2012 NFL Predictions series continues with the NFC and AFC East. Check out Parts I and II.

NFC EAST

1. Philadelphia Eagles: 10-6 – After last year’s underwhelming “Dream Team” debacle, these Eagles will battle for one of the top three seeds in the NFC. Probably one of the deepest teams in the conference, this is a team whose fortune rests entirely on the health of Michael Vick. I don’t see him starting the full 16-game slate, but he will continue to make smarter choices with his body, taking himself out of harms way more often than before. Hate him or not, Vick is one of the more gifted athletes t I’ve seen in the last ten years. I also see this team rallying around coach Andy Reid, who lost his son in August. This team will play hard for their coach and live up to the expectations that come with having such a loaded roster.

2. Dallas Cowboys: 10-6 – I’ve always thought that the two hardest, most dissected jobs in the United States belong to the President and whoever is at QB for the Dallas Cowboys. I think Tony Romo is handed too much criticism and I think this is the year where all of their talent comes together to make some noise. It’s hard to discount a team that has one of the league’s better defensive players in DeMarcus Ware and potential star running back in Demarco Murray. However, like it seems to be every year, this team is its own biggest obstacle. I see them snagging a wild card spot behind their QB play and an improved secondary. If there is a weakness on the roster, it has to be the interior offensive line. We shall see.

3. New York Giants: 9-7 – Wait…these are the defending Super Bowl Champions, right? You would be correct, but the only thing more difficult than taking the crown is defending it. Eli Manning will continue to be elite and the Giants have a solid defense with Jason Pierre Paul and Justin Tuck anchoring the line, but this team will have a target on their back and I just feel that it will be a difficult road for them. I think that people tend to forget that this is a team, much like the 2007 champion version, went 9-7 last year and caught fire at the right time. The spark will be elusive this time around.

4. Washington Redskins: 5-11 – Much like the Chicago Bears, my peripheral version is sometimes directed towards the Redskins and their head coach, former Broncos guru Mike Shanahan. I think they have a difficult schedule ahead of them and while Robert Griffin III will no doubt be a force in this league, he will go through rookie growing pains. While five wins are far from a step in the right direction, Washington will be competitive in a lot of games, due their stout defensive and newfound playmaker. However, one team has the come in last in the division and this year, it will be the Redskins. RG3 will be fun to watch.

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots: 13-3 – How is it that last year’s AFC Champion ends up with one of the easiest schedules in 2012? Regardless, I have a difficult time imagining the Patriots struggling this year. A weak defense and the lack of a downfield threat is what has kept them from a Super Bowl title and it is scary to think that they have addressed both of those needs. Brandon Lloyd will prove to be an excellent pickup for them, providing Tom Brady with a secondary-stretching receiver he hasn’t had since Randy Moss. The young defense will be improved due to another year of playing together yet my only concern lies with the offensive line. Brady got sacked far too many times in the preseason but I have learned to never discount Bill Bellichek and his (evil) empire. With my hatred towards their offensive coordinator and Broncos-killer Josh McDaniels aside, the Patriots are easily the best team in the division, if not the AFC. My pick to represent the conference in Super Bowl XLVII and it is about time Brady won another championship.

2. Buffalo Bills: 10-6 – The long-suffering Bills have the league’s longest playoff drought in twelve years and I think this is finally the season it ends. With key upgrades on the defensive side of the ball in Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, paired with the maturation of Marcell Dareus, this unit has the potential to be one of the better ones in the NFL. Now, if championships were won on potential, then the Chargers and Cowboys would be dynasties right now. The Bills look like a very good team on paper but there is something inside that makes me think they will push 10 wins. The biggest question mark is Ryan Fitzpatrick. If he can play like he did in the first half of 2011 (12 TDs to 6 INT) instead of the turnover-prone QB of the year’s latter half, then this team has a shot. Having a healthy Fred Jackson back will take a lot of pressure off of Fitzpatrick and this could be the year the team breaks through, much like the Detroit Lions of 2011.

3. New York Jets: 7-9 – Have you ever been cruising on the highway and suddenly traffic grinds to a halt and you’re left wondering where the accident is? While hoping for the safety of those involved, you slowly make your way through the congestion, only to realize the accident is on the other side of the road and people in your lane just can’t look away? The traffic has been caused by simple curiosity and the strange allure of seeing a wreck. Welcome to the 2012 New York Jets. I’ve never seen Mark Sanchez as the answer, despite leading his team to consecutive AFC championship games the last few years. So whom does the team bring in to “push” the struggling QB? The biggest distraction and media pressure-cooker the league has ever seen: Tim Tebow. The offensive struggles (one TD scored in the preseason), paired with a mediocre-at-best running game, questions on the offensive line, the undisciplined attitude and the annoying tornado of distraction that is that “Tebow Thing” and I see the Jets finishing the season on the outside looking in. As a Broncos fan, I’ve seen first hand what having Tebow as your QB can do for your team: it’s like making out with your cousin. It is fun and exciting until you realize just how wrong it is. I saw Kyle Orton be consumed by Tebow and his terrifying legion of fans and I see the same happening to Sanchez. If the Jets and Sanchez struggle, which I think they will, then Tebow will get the nod and I stand by my belief that he does not have the tools to succeed as an NFL QB. I like the guy as a person, but not as my signal caller.

4. Miami Dolphins: 3-13 – Much like the Vikings in the NFC and the Browns in the AFC, the Dolphins are in rebuilding mode. I think Joe Philbin did the right thing by releasing Chad Johnson and his unnecessary distractions, but whom is Ryan Tannehill going to throw the ball to? When Reggie Bush is your only offensive weapon, you have a problem. I think Tannehill will be flustered early on without a downfield threat to throw to and it will lead to some struggles. I think Philbin and his no-nonsense attitude was the right coaching hire, but it will be a year or two before we see the Dolphins seriously competing again.

2012 NFL Predictions - Part II

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:28:00 -0700

Here are my predictions for the NFC and AFC South divisions. Check out Part I of my 2012 NFL Breakdown HERE

NFC SOUTH

1. Atlanta Falcons: 11-5 – I think this is the year that the Falcons finally break through and make some noise in the playoffs. I see Matt Ryan having a huge statistical year and Julio Jones making the Pro Bowl. Here is an interesting stat, and a sad one: Tony Gonzales, the all-time leader in tight end receptions, yardage and TD scores, has never been on a team that has won a playoff game. I think that changes this year behind a prolific passing game.

2. New Orleans Saints: 9-7 – the Saints had one of the more difficult offseasons in recent memory. Having Drew Brees as your QB can take a team to incredible heights, but the distraction of losing your head coach and leader, not to mention having to hire an interim coach for the interim coach, will weigh heavily on this organization. Still, their offense will run like a well-oiled machine, but “Bountygate” will still be a topic of discussion and not for the right reasons.

3. Carolina Panthers: 7-9 – A lot of analysts and would-be pundits like myself are high on the Panthers, especially their rookie sensation Cam Newton. I think Newton still excels, but with a year of game-tape available for other teams to study, he will have a harder go of it. I think the Panthers compete for a playoff spot next year. I love their first round pick Luke Kuechly, but they lack some talent in the interior part of the defense. Plus, they have to play the Falcons and Saints twice a year.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-10 – I’ve always liked the Bucs ever since they tore apart the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, but if these predictions were made on popularity, then I’d forecast the Broncos to go 16-0 and the Raiders 0-16, both of which are incredulous calculations. With that being said, this is another team in transition. I think Josh Freeman will be better, especially with a new deep threat in Vincent Jackson, but there is not enough health or talent at other skill positions to compete for the division title. However, watch for them to play spoiler to potential playoff teams in December.

AFC SOUTH

1. Houston Texans: 12-4 – I was very impressed with Houston last year and I think despite losing two defensive starters to free agency, they will be even better. Wade Phillips has done a phenomenal job in taking a bottom-ranked defense and turning them into a top 3 unit. I can see them challenging the mighty Patriots for AFC home field advantage. With a star RB in Arian Foster, a more-than-solid QB in Matt Schaub, paired with the second best receiver in the league in Andre Johnson, not to mention a future defensive star in JJ Watt, this team is loaded. If they can win a playoff game with a rookie QB in TJ Yates, imagine what they could do with a talented veteran like Schaub. If he and Johnson can stay healthy, watch out. The time is now for these Texans.

2. Tennessee Titans: 8-8 – A surprise 9-7 team a year ago, this team will regress only a little bit, mostly due to their young signal caller Jake Locker. Having a healthy Chris Johnson in the backfield can cover a lot of weaknesses, but outside of Kenny Britt and his off-field troubles, I can’t name another player on offense. They lack a true playmaker on the outside and what will happen when a defense shuts down Johnson? Locker will go through some growing pains and a tough early schedule (four playoff teams in their first six games), I see the Titans as a .500 club. On the other hand, I see this team as the only real threat to Houston in the division.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11 – Today’s NFL, whether you like it or not, is now a passing league. Yes, running the ball successfully is still incredibly important, but the sport has evolved into an air-it-out game. Not only do the Jaguars have a weak secondary (31^st in the league last year in passing yards allowed), the passing offense was hardly a step above its defensive counterpart. I think Blaine Gabbert will be improved from last year, but not enough to find continued success. And to top it all off, the team’s only legitimate star, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, just returned from a lengthy and thoroughly pointless holdout. Contract disputes between an organization and its star player rarely end well and I wouldn’t be surprised if MJD’s holdout causes a dip in production. One of the weaker teams in the AFC.

4. Indianapolis Colts: 4-12 – Remember how it was strange seeing someone other than Brett Favre in a Packers jersey for a year or so? It’s a similar situation with Andrew Luck and the Colts. However, I am incredibly thankful, as if it weren’t for Luck, Peyton Manning would still probably be a Colt and I’d have Tebow making the Broncos popular for all of the wrong reasons. I have no doubt in my mind that Andrew Luck will be a star in the near future, but the Colts are rebuilding after an offseason of intense turnover and transformation. Outside of Reggie Wayne, who else is going to carry the load on offense? With a feeble running game and a weaker defense, things don’t look very bright. Luck will dazzle and be tested, but his play will not translate to many wins. Remember, Peyton went 3-13 his first year in Indianapolis. Oh, I will say this: if you are a Colts fan, count your blessings. You go from having a Hall of Famer at the quarterback position for 13 years to the most NFL-ready prospect the nation has seen since Manning or even John Elway. It’s remarkable consistency at the most important position on the field. Lucky them! See what I did there?

2012 NFL Predictions - Part I

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:01:00 -0700

I don’t think it’s a secret that I love football. I once told a child that I bleed orange and blue and he actually believed me for a moment. Yes, it would be fair to call me a Broncos fanatic, but my enthusiasm reaches farther than my favorite team and engulfs the entire sport. Why do I have such an intense passion for what is essentially a silly game? I think it’s because I am captivated by the jubilation of victory, the anguish of defeat and overall the grandiosity of the human drama. Football is the equivalent of going to battle and perhaps it simply feeds the warrior spirit that lies within me.

Every year I make personal predictions for the upcoming NFL Season and this marks the first time that I will be sharing my predictions, instead of scribbling them on the inside of a notebook during a college lecture. Before we begin, it is important to realize how ridiculous it can be to put stock in events and predict the outcome of games that will occur months from now. But hey, just like the game of football itself, making predictions is fun! I look forward to revisiting these picks in January and February and seeing how I did. Without further ado:

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers: 13-3 – With the best quarterback in the game right now and playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, it’s hard not to see the Packers being the class of the division, let alone the conference. I think we will see a much more focused team than last year’s product, where they went 15-1 in the regular season but 0-1 in the playoffs. I can see them winning the NFC and Aaron Rodgers having another MVP year. The question remains: can the defense return to its Super Bowl-caliber form and play with swagger? I think so.

2. Chicago Bears: 10-6 – The Broncos fan in me will always have a sideways glance directed at the Bears and their (crybaby) QB Jay Cutler. However, if it weren’t for his messy divorce from Denver, we probably wouldn’t have Peyton (FREAKING) Manning as our leader heading into 2012. Regardless, I see the Bears having a solid year, despite an aging defense and a shaky offensive line…good enough for a wild card birth. Michael Bush and (grumble…) Brandon Marshall will prove to be good signings.

3. Detroit Lions: 9-7 – They have the best QB-WR tandem in the NFC, perhaps the entire league in Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. However, I think their leaky secondary and weak running game will hold them back, just missing out on the playoffs at 9-7. Stafford has to stay healthy for this team to have a shot, something that occurred last year but never prior.

4. Minnesota Vikings: 3-13 – Not long ago, the Vikings were a play or two away from heading the Super Bowl with Brett Favre and a healthy Adrian Peterson. Oh my, how things have changed. I think Christian Ponder is improving, but this team is rebuilding. I don’t see many wins on the schedule, despite having perennial All-Pros in Jared Allen and the aforementioned Peterson. Their rush defense is poor and I see teams wearing them down up the middle of the field.

AFC NORTH

1. Baltimore Ravens: 11-5 – Like the 49ers, the Ravens were this close to a trip to Indianapolis last year. I think the AFC North is the most competitive division in the NFL, with three playoff teams emerging in 2011. There is a lot of buzz around the offense this year and rightfully so. They now have a potential big-play receiver in Torry Smith and I’m not just saying that because he is on my fantasy team. I do think the loss of Terrell Suggs will hurt, but the leadership of Ray Lewis and the continued growth of Joe Flacco will take this team far. I see big things for these Ravens in 2012.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5 – The Steelers have been the gold standard of consistency over the last ten years, second only to the Patriots. They had difficulty forcing turnovers last year, which is a hallmark of a Dick LeBeau defense and I see them returning to their old ways this year. Their (fluke) playoff loss to the Broncos and their He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named-Option-Quarterback will have them thirsty and focused. The AFC North will be a two-team race and I look forward to watch the Ravens and Steelers duke it out for the division crown late in the year. With an aggressive defense and a playmaking QB, they have the tools to make yet another playoff run.

3. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7 – I was very impressed with Andy Dalton last year and the Dalton-AJ Green connection is one that will be around for a long time. However, I can’t see this team unseating Baltimore or Pittsburgh for the division crown and they had trouble beating solid teams last year. I think that continues and Dalton goes through a bit of a Sophomore slump, if for no other reason besides being a young QB. They had difficult running the ball last year and BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a slight upgrade over Cedric Benson, but not the dynamic playmaker that can take pressure off your young signal-caller. They will compete for a wild card berth, but fall short.

4. Cleveland Browns: 3-13 – There has to be one team that finishes last in the division and the Browns are certainly the weakest of the four in the North. I think Trent Richardson will eventually be a star, but I have concerns about his health. Brandon Weeden looked like a 22-year-old QB this preseason rather than the 28 year old one that he is. I can’t see a lot of wins on their schedule and hardly any in the first eight games. Who are the playmakers on offense? Who is going to step up? Just like the bottom dwellers of the NFC West, the Browns lack the talent on the offensive side of the ball to get it done. Weeden looks better as the year progresses, but it won’t be enough. I hope I’m wrong.

Guess who has two thumbs and just got his tickets for to see...

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:30:23 -0700

Guess who has two thumbs and just got his tickets for to see “Raiders” in IMAX? -THIS GUY-

Brilliant.

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:34:44 -0700

Brilliant.

20 Random Facts

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:43:00 -0700

Why share 20 random facts about myself? Why not?

1. Movies, music, storytelling and all forms of creative expression serve as the gateway to my soul. Art is my life, my elixir and my great love.

2. I have a hardcore crush on Emma Watson. It’s actually kind of a big deal. I have a dream of one day taking her out to a fancy dinner and telling her how incredibly gorgeous she is. I mean that in the most genuine and respectful way.

3. At this point in my life I don’t carry a lot of regrets, but there is a part of me that wishes I would have played football in High School. I have such a passion for the sport and I like to think that my love of the game would have made up for a lack of true talent and led to at least a sliver of success. But those times have passed so all I can do is watch old episodes of Friday Night Lights.

4. The 2000 remake of Bedazzled is my favorite guilty pleasure movie. I remember being sick as a dog with the flu and laughing so hard that I nearly threw up (again). I loved every minute of it and even to this day, I cackle like a banshee.

5. I have a faint scar on my belly from falling off a pier on the island of Ærøskøbing in Denmark when I was eleven. It was a moment where I realized that pretending to be Indiana Jones while swinging around a sharp pole, in the rain no less, is not always the brightest initiative.

6. I’ve met Oscar-winning film composer Howard Shore, talked sports with former NFL Linebacker Michael Strahan, lifted weights next to Conan O’Brian, drove the father from Family Matters to the airport, watched Shia LeBeouf scream at a valet driver and filmed the wedding of Martin Lawrence. Wild stuff.

7. Alaska and Arkansas are the only two states that I haven’t been to. Oh, I’ve also peed from North Dakota to South Dakota, an accomplishment the immature pre-teen inside of me is quite proud of.

8. I quote the movie Wayne’s World at least once a day and that is not an exaggeration. Just ask any roommate or girlfriend I’ve had. Pitiful? I’d say “excellent” is the operative word.

9. If I were still able to fit in my Michael Jordan jersey, I would wear it multiple times a week. True story.

10. I have a totally irrational fear of spiders. For someone who adores Spider-man and has delusions of someday being the web-swinging superhero, this remains a paradox.

11. For all of the times I’ve fallen out of a tree I was climbing, jumped out of a swing at its apex, flipped off the side of a playground slide at a high speed or scaled a rock face (much to terror of my mother), I’ve never broken a bone.

12. Despite flossing regularly and brushing my teeth twice a day, I set a new record for cavities at my dentist’s office when my braces were finally removed after four years. I’ll leave you to guess the number, but it wasn’t pretty…double digits. I guess some people are more prone to cavities than others.

13. In 2000, the youth basketball team I was on went on a run and finished as league champions. I like to think that it was my scrappy defense that provided a spark, but it was probably the six-foot center we had. My brother likes to point out that I athletically peaked at age eleven.

14. I have an infatuation with the character/prop of Wilson from the film Cast Away. I bought a life-size replica when I was twelve and have a lifelong goal to take pictures with him in unique places across the world, sort of like the gnome from Amélie. I’ve already started.

15. My first kiss happened at the Denver Zoo, of all places. And no, it wasn’t with one of the animals; it was just as special as first kisses should be.

16. I LOVE TENNIS. The next place I live for a prolonged period of time, I am going to take lessons. I’ve never picked up a racket or tried to play, but in the last five years, it has become one of my favorite sports. Roger Federer is the man.

17. I once nodded off in a college visit. Let’s just say I didn’t end up attending that university and I think it all worked out perfectly.

18. I find cauliflower to be an abomination of nature. I like most fruits and vegetables, but I can’t taste or smell cauliflower without feeling the desire to light it on fire or incinerate with boiling acid.

19. When I was thirteen, I desperately wanted to be a hobbit. Wait…maybe that’s why I am backpacking across New Zealand in a few months.

20. I am a very sensitive individual who shows a lot of emotion and a hopeless romantic who cried during The Notebook. Sometimes I’m too passionate of a sports fan and (unfairly) judge people by what football team they root for. Like anyone, I’m someone who deals with fear and self-doubt on regular basis. Maybe these qualities are something to embrace rather than dismiss as weaknesses. However, above all else, I am someone who is chasing transformation and catharsis, creatively, emotionally and spiritually.