March 13th, 2010
I am still living in Hawaii. I have done a lot of soul searching over the past few weeks. My life is ending another chapter, but starting a new one. I have decided that Hawaii will soon be part of my past. As of December 2010, I plan on graduating with my M.A. I was going to write my thesis and graduate next summer, but I am now thinking of taking my comprehensive examination to get my degree and move to Boston. I am going to be applying for my Ph.D. at a Boston school. Of course I have to take my GRE sometime in the near future, not to mention finish Simplicity so I can have on bookstore shelves by the summer. I am going home to Chicago for the summer, and sometime over the summer I will be heading to Boston. During that time I will apply for some positions, and get the applications for the schools in the area.
As for Hawaii, this place is great but it runs heavy on the checkbook and patience. My roommate Alex has decided to head back to the mainland next month. Although he just got here in October, he will be missed. We had a lot of great memories, and I know my path and his will cross again at some time in the future. He has the traveling feet as I do, and thus our future will be intertwined.
I am still trying to figure out these silly divorce papers. The government makes it difficult to get divorced, but they and the church make very easy to get married. Shouldn't it be the other way around? I am going to try and get it done before I leave Hawaii, but my expenses are running high, and the summer might cost me some money due to wanting to keep this apartment in Waikiki. I am trying to get this situation taken care of, but I can only do so much. I am sure it will work itself out.
I am going to see what happens. I have been doing some video work, and I am liking it all over again. It is a passion that is actually more exciting to me than writing. I guess my mindset is swaying towards visual from literary. Anyway, I think that about sums up what I am up too. I hope everyone is doing great, and when I am back on the mainland for good, I might be able to pull off that road trip to see everyone around the country.
Later
The Blog of Kenneth Kirschnick.......Welcome to a place for my thoughts to be shared with the world...Anything goes here, politics, religion, life, music, academics, poetry, writing, films, etc. I have no boundaries in life, so there will be no limits here either...Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Mock Mediation reactions Mar. 11th, 2010
The three person panel mediation that was performed in class included Kelly, Valerie, and myself. This mediation was ill-prepared. The panel was not given any information before the mediation was set to begin. During this improvisation, we assumed the roles of mediators. The conflict consisted of two disputants. The issue that was apparent prior to opening statements was embezzlement by one of the disputants from the company that both parties owned with equal share.
Upon entering the room, the two disputants were arguing, thus causing my colleagues and I to backpedal and immediately problem solve in order to restore order. We were not given ample opportunity to explain the mediation process. From the start, we were at a disadvantage. I had written in my notes, "violent dispositions". This became my focus in order to find a path towards gaining control of the process and start our explanations to the disputants informing them of the mediation process.
My colleagues and I worked well together in bringing order from the chaos. The first disputant; Hal, that had much to say throughout the entire mediation; was given priority for his opening statement since his obnoxious and angry demeanor needed to be addressed. We offered a confidentiality agreement so the disputants would be more at ease.
The panel had decided before the mediation that Kelly would give and allow the introductions, I would pursue information gathering through open questions. During the questioning we were informed the issue was embezzlement. The embezzlement accusation from Hal was directed at his partner Jarod. At that time, I continued questioning to clarify the specifics concerning the legal side of the conflict. I wanted to make sure there was not a criminal case pending. This might complicate the issue of a resolution due to subpoenas and ethical concerns from the mediators' perspectives. After confirming there was no criminal cases pending, we moved onto finding out what was taken, how much in terms of a dollar amount, and what wanted to be done. Even though the statements of what the disputants wanted was still being questioned since this is the reason they were in mediation.
After letting them have their say, and asking questions about the amounts of money, why and how it was spent, what the company agreements were concerning decisions, etc. The information the panel had gathered was that the amount taken from Jarod equaled $360,000.00 from the business. Although, he argued they were related business expenses. This expenses included a Bentley, airplane tickets, and lodging expenses. Jarod maintained these expenses were all part of a plan to acquire new clients. The questioning also allowed Hal to raise concerns about Jarod's use of prostitutes and the money not being used for business activities.
Our questioning was limited, and I made a choice to move past the accusations of prostitutes, but I should have kept moving forward with a line of questioning about his accusation. After gaining all the information we thought was pertinent, we excused the disputants so we could confer on possible solutions. The panel easily designated embezzlement as the issue. We tried to find a rule that would apply to this, but there was no criminal case open, therefore the rule that we decided upon was a dissolution of the company. In order to dissolve the company, all assets would have to be sold. This would include the vehicle. As for the rest of the money lost, we decided to offer up a solution of dissolution with percentages of the company being separated at a 60-40 split. The 60% going to Hal.
When the disputants returned to the room, we had trouble getting Hal to agree to this split. Then 70-30 was offered, and it was again turned down. I took it upon myself to try and persuade Hal to take the offer by using WATNA in order for him to see a possible negative result if it was to go back to court. I was unable to persuade him. My tactic was the 3 step drop that I have used in sales positions in my professional life. The 3 step drop allows for the first offer when selling to be the one the salesperson wants to be agreed upon, but if there is a refusal, then the 2nd offer is one step down, usually for less money and less products/services. The 3rd step is the last thing a salesperson says to a potential customer. This last one is something to be avoided since it is the bare bone minimum that a salesperson has to offer. I didn't want to go the 3rd offer because of this mentality, however my persuasion skills did not work on Hal, and a 80-20 split was offered by Jarod and Hal.
By coming to this solution, the panel had felt it was good enough to end the mediation. Although there was a lot of problems with this mediation from the very start, it was a success in my eyes. I felt that we accomplished our objective to find a reasonable solution, thus a win-win situation from the disputants points of view. There were a lot of emotions present with the disputants, and this week's readings explain how this situation could have ended with no solution, or even worse than it began.
In conclusion,
Upon entering the room, the two disputants were arguing, thus causing my colleagues and I to backpedal and immediately problem solve in order to restore order. We were not given ample opportunity to explain the mediation process. From the start, we were at a disadvantage. I had written in my notes, "violent dispositions". This became my focus in order to find a path towards gaining control of the process and start our explanations to the disputants informing them of the mediation process.
My colleagues and I worked well together in bringing order from the chaos. The first disputant; Hal, that had much to say throughout the entire mediation; was given priority for his opening statement since his obnoxious and angry demeanor needed to be addressed. We offered a confidentiality agreement so the disputants would be more at ease.
The panel had decided before the mediation that Kelly would give and allow the introductions, I would pursue information gathering through open questions. During the questioning we were informed the issue was embezzlement. The embezzlement accusation from Hal was directed at his partner Jarod. At that time, I continued questioning to clarify the specifics concerning the legal side of the conflict. I wanted to make sure there was not a criminal case pending. This might complicate the issue of a resolution due to subpoenas and ethical concerns from the mediators' perspectives. After confirming there was no criminal cases pending, we moved onto finding out what was taken, how much in terms of a dollar amount, and what wanted to be done. Even though the statements of what the disputants wanted was still being questioned since this is the reason they were in mediation.
After letting them have their say, and asking questions about the amounts of money, why and how it was spent, what the company agreements were concerning decisions, etc. The information the panel had gathered was that the amount taken from Jarod equaled $360,000.00 from the business. Although, he argued they were related business expenses. This expenses included a Bentley, airplane tickets, and lodging expenses. Jarod maintained these expenses were all part of a plan to acquire new clients. The questioning also allowed Hal to raise concerns about Jarod's use of prostitutes and the money not being used for business activities.
Our questioning was limited, and I made a choice to move past the accusations of prostitutes, but I should have kept moving forward with a line of questioning about his accusation. After gaining all the information we thought was pertinent, we excused the disputants so we could confer on possible solutions. The panel easily designated embezzlement as the issue. We tried to find a rule that would apply to this, but there was no criminal case open, therefore the rule that we decided upon was a dissolution of the company. In order to dissolve the company, all assets would have to be sold. This would include the vehicle. As for the rest of the money lost, we decided to offer up a solution of dissolution with percentages of the company being separated at a 60-40 split. The 60% going to Hal.
When the disputants returned to the room, we had trouble getting Hal to agree to this split. Then 70-30 was offered, and it was again turned down. I took it upon myself to try and persuade Hal to take the offer by using WATNA in order for him to see a possible negative result if it was to go back to court. I was unable to persuade him. My tactic was the 3 step drop that I have used in sales positions in my professional life. The 3 step drop allows for the first offer when selling to be the one the salesperson wants to be agreed upon, but if there is a refusal, then the 2nd offer is one step down, usually for less money and less products/services. The 3rd step is the last thing a salesperson says to a potential customer. This last one is something to be avoided since it is the bare bone minimum that a salesperson has to offer. I didn't want to go the 3rd offer because of this mentality, however my persuasion skills did not work on Hal, and a 80-20 split was offered by Jarod and Hal.
By coming to this solution, the panel had felt it was good enough to end the mediation. Although there was a lot of problems with this mediation from the very start, it was a success in my eyes. I felt that we accomplished our objective to find a reasonable solution, thus a win-win situation from the disputants points of view. There were a lot of emotions present with the disputants, and this week's readings explain how this situation could have ended with no solution, or even worse than it began.
In conclusion,
Dr. Burke #3 Mar. 3rd, 2010
In sales we use a 3 step drop sale. This procedure can explain the topics discussed in this week's readings. The 3 step drop is to offer a product/service in the biggest package available, then after a refusal, the salesperson drops to the 2nd package for lesser money, and if there is another refusal, then the salesperson drops to the 3rd and final package, which equates to the bare-bone or cheapest package available. I use this an example to explain how to get the other party to agree to your proposal. By starting high in a bargaining situation, the person offering has an opportunity to drop down to a previously planned bottom line. This allows the other party options to agree to things that they might not have thought of when refusing the initial offer(s).
In the Barsky reading for this week, the same example applies. The preparation for all possible outcomes by a mediator allows for decisions to be made ahead of time if resolution to said conflict seems stalled. The mediator can enter any mediation and use life experience; as salespersons often do to make their possible customers/clients relate to the salespersons. Research has shown that if someone sees themselves in your shoes, they have an easier time committing. This is true with therapy and other professions concerning mental health. This can also explain poker players and their abilities to read other players before making decisions concerning the current hand being played. Resolution can result from a well planned strategic attack before any battle begins. I use the terms strategy, attack, and battle to illustrate the preparedness that most military campaigns face before entering a conflict. Obviously war is an important aspect of life to consider even when only dealing with minor conflicts or disputes. Wars are fought as a means to an end, and so should be the strategies to alternative dispute resolutions.
In the Barsky reading for this week, the same example applies. The preparation for all possible outcomes by a mediator allows for decisions to be made ahead of time if resolution to said conflict seems stalled. The mediator can enter any mediation and use life experience; as salespersons often do to make their possible customers/clients relate to the salespersons. Research has shown that if someone sees themselves in your shoes, they have an easier time committing. This is true with therapy and other professions concerning mental health. This can also explain poker players and their abilities to read other players before making decisions concerning the current hand being played. Resolution can result from a well planned strategic attack before any battle begins. I use the terms strategy, attack, and battle to illustrate the preparedness that most military campaigns face before entering a conflict. Obviously war is an important aspect of life to consider even when only dealing with minor conflicts or disputes. Wars are fought as a means to an end, and so should be the strategies to alternative dispute resolutions.
Dr. Burke #2 Feb. 24th, 2010
The readings for week 5 of our semester have two major points that I am focusing on. First, empathy is very important. Understanding the other party's point of view is the best way to understand their position. Understanding another person's perspective allows for more fluid paths to solutions. The other aspect I would like to touch on is lateral thinking coupled with WATNA (Worst Alternative To a Negotiated Settlement) and BATNA (Best Alternative...). Using lateral thinking in tight spots allow for emergent and/or contractual mediators to use empathy as the first step in a mediation, then lateral thinking coupled with WATNA and BATNA. This allows for the mediator to find solutions to the conflict presented. These Worst and Best Alternatives allow for mediators to push the conflicted parties in another direction that allows them to consider their possible outcomes. They are not threats, but have a way for parties to understand the "what ifs". In order to do this, the mediator should place themselves in the parties' shoes. Thus, my interest in empathy being used to move to a lateral thinking position. I have combined two key parts of this week's readings in order to show the connection between these two books.
Negotiating Feb. 17th, 2010
Chapter 3: Negotiation in Allan E. Barsky's book entitled, Conflict Resolution for the Helping Professions, gives insight and solutions to the problems associated with conflicts. There are many different strategies, descriptions and uses of the theories associated with these strategies, and practical applications that negotiators could use for dispute resolutions. The parts of the this chapter are very informative and useful in terms of training one's self to understand the complexities of conflicts. The four approaches to negotiation; power, rights, interests, and transformation; are not new to me or the first time I have read about them in a text book. Barsky uses the these terms to the extent it becomes remedial. He allows for the reader to understand each approach, and how to use them to obtain a resolution.
The problem I have found in this chapter is that certain rules and theories presented do not hold true across the board. Instead, certain sections such as contracts, leaves a little doubt in my mind. He should have stated that not verbal contracts can be considered contracts. Barsky states, "An implied conttract exists where the parties do not explicitly say they are entering an agreement; however, an agreement can be inferred from the pattern of behaviors that existed between the parties." (67). I have argued this to be true in the past, but have been corrected by the legal use of what an agreement is. An offer to offer, is not always an offer, and if no offer is presented, then someone is not agreeing at all, thus no contract. If someone was to shout "I am selling my car for $500" in a crowded room, this is an offer to offer. The problem is that nobody has been designated as the receiving party of this message. Therefore, an offer to offer is not an offer, and if someone else in that room yelled, "I accept," then there would still be no contract. The terms and the people have to be set forth for this to occur. Now I know I have strayed a bit from the point of this chapter, but negotiation can only begin when there are two parties involved.
As for the theories of conflict management and the approaches used to negotiate, Barsky does a wonderful job at explaining it and making it understandable for the reader. This chapter reinforces other negotiation discussions that I have been a part of throughout my academics at HPU. Knowing the approaches used, and the best way to counteract them is the best way a negotiator can be successful in their endeavors involving conflict.
The problem I have found in this chapter is that certain rules and theories presented do not hold true across the board. Instead, certain sections such as contracts, leaves a little doubt in my mind. He should have stated that not verbal contracts can be considered contracts. Barsky states, "An implied conttract exists where the parties do not explicitly say they are entering an agreement; however, an agreement can be inferred from the pattern of behaviors that existed between the parties." (67). I have argued this to be true in the past, but have been corrected by the legal use of what an agreement is. An offer to offer, is not always an offer, and if no offer is presented, then someone is not agreeing at all, thus no contract. If someone was to shout "I am selling my car for $500" in a crowded room, this is an offer to offer. The problem is that nobody has been designated as the receiving party of this message. Therefore, an offer to offer is not an offer, and if someone else in that room yelled, "I accept," then there would still be no contract. The terms and the people have to be set forth for this to occur. Now I know I have strayed a bit from the point of this chapter, but negotiation can only begin when there are two parties involved.
As for the theories of conflict management and the approaches used to negotiate, Barsky does a wonderful job at explaining it and making it understandable for the reader. This chapter reinforces other negotiation discussions that I have been a part of throughout my academics at HPU. Knowing the approaches used, and the best way to counteract them is the best way a negotiator can be successful in their endeavors involving conflict.
This week's past events Feb. 15th, 2010
The life I lived in Roselle in my youth was quite the experience. Not the normal experience in the sense it relates to most youths or adults reminiscing their youth, instead it is a unique experience. When you combine 500+ youths into an environment of pure self-indulgence that are searching for answers as to why they even exist in the first place you get Roselle. From this experience I gained a vast knowledge of my current reality. I learned how to love wholeheartedly, how to survive with nothing, yet be respected by those who surround you day in and day out. I love all those I have met because of what I was taught by these self proclaimed professors, or better yet prophets.
Well, this past week, I lost another GREAT friend, Greg Lehman. He was a rock in stormy waters for me. He allowed me to crash on his couch whenever I needed it, no matter the trouble I was in. However this blog is not all about Greg instead it is about what I experienced and the people I met in Roselle that do not mirror Greg's actions. There were those that chose to turn their backs on me and Beth when things were really bad. Following the masses and the choices some of my best friends were taking, they chose to separate themselves from me and my best girl. The lifestyle I was leading was not the most healthy. However, the occurrences and circumstances that took place during that time were the most unbelievable experiences of my life...
Greg Lehman was always there when I knocked on his window or when I was running from Johnny Law. He was that sunrise when all was dark and devious. He was the guy I could rely on for anything at anytime. He never said, "NO", to me. He never turned me away. Even when his mom was not willing to allow my actions and lifestyle to be permitted in her house, he told me I could crash in his driveway in my car. And I did take him up on the offer many times. Greg, was that guy who was finish this later I have to cook....
Well, this past week, I lost another GREAT friend, Greg Lehman. He was a rock in stormy waters for me. He allowed me to crash on his couch whenever I needed it, no matter the trouble I was in. However this blog is not all about Greg instead it is about what I experienced and the people I met in Roselle that do not mirror Greg's actions. There were those that chose to turn their backs on me and Beth when things were really bad. Following the masses and the choices some of my best friends were taking, they chose to separate themselves from me and my best girl. The lifestyle I was leading was not the most healthy. However, the occurrences and circumstances that took place during that time were the most unbelievable experiences of my life...
Greg Lehman was always there when I knocked on his window or when I was running from Johnny Law. He was that sunrise when all was dark and devious. He was the guy I could rely on for anything at anytime. He never said, "NO", to me. He never turned me away. Even when his mom was not willing to allow my actions and lifestyle to be permitted in her house, he told me I could crash in his driveway in my car. And I did take him up on the offer many times. Greg, was that guy who was finish this later I have to cook....
Hunter S. Thompson Feb. 8th, 2010
So I revisited some of my favorite movies recently. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and SLC Punk. I have found myself wondering what life is truly about, since there are other writers out there or preceding my existence with the same self-indulgent attitude. The type of personality is not uncommon, someone who lives a life of excess. A life without boundaries, without rules, without restrictions, but most of all without a strong grasp of reality.
I was in my office (aka the bathroom) at school the other night, and someone began pounding on the door. The man with the black shoes began yelling about me reading in the stall while I did my business. Although I wasn't reading anything, in fact I was wiping my ass. This guy left the bathroom after I asked him if he was on drugs. He then re-entered pounded on the stall one more time at which point I said what is your malfunction soldier. He yelled at me saying he was calling security. I yelled back and told him to go ahead, just stick around after security arrives because when I get out of the stall I am kicking his ass. He huffed and puffed and left. Of course when I came out of the stall, he was no where to be seen. I did see a security guard though, but that doesn't mean the guy actually called, and he didn't say anything to me. Not to mention I have no idea what the guy looked like, and he never saw me. I just remember the black shoes. Now I cannot go around beating up everyone wearing a Payless shoes pair of cheap dress shoes. However I could wander around campus and ask the question of "Where were you on this day at this time?" And if the man is truly man enough to say it was him, I could give him a good shot the family jewels coupled with an uppercut to the chin. But I digress, that would be illegal...And we know I only commit crimes against myself, not others, at least not anymore.
As for life itself, I am back in Hawaii. I spent my Christmas break on the mainland. I went home to my father's house for Christmas. I enjoyed myself thoroughly for the first week. I got bored fast though. So I decided to go to South Carolina on a road trip because my roommate Alex said there was a shot named after him called, Fuck You Alex. I wanted to try it, so I figured it was as good a place as any to spend my New Year's Eve. However, I made a phone call to my Marine buddy. I was told of a road trip to Boston. So I gave my mother back her car and jumped on board to Boston instead of South Carolina. Maybe next time I will go there and have that shot.
So on New Year's Eve I found myself driving as a co-pilot to Cleveland. Arriving in Cleveland was fun. I drank Casa Nobles Tequila, and it was delicious. We stayed at another Marine's house in the ghetto of Cleveland. I felt like an alien, being the only white boy there. Tashera and Tajid (siblings) are Jamaican, and it was cool. We got dressed up for New Year's and the original plan was downtown Cleveland, but on the way there a radio advertisement came over the radio for a local bar. We arrived and there were 6 of us. Everyone but me avoided the hole full of water, so my right foot when ankle deep into a slush filled pothole. My converse was immediately covered in mud, slush, water, and snow. So we went to the bar, but the weird thing is the first bar we passed had all white people in it, and the bar we were going to was Sweetheart's next door. That bar was all black. Since I was the only white boy in my group, I took a deep breath and followed my new found friends into the bar. I was Eminem, and I partied like color didn't matter. Of course, the many gangsta looking motherfuckers looked at me crazy at first, but shrugged it off since I acted like there was no difference, I mean we all bleed red right?
I gathered some champagne, made some toasts and counted down with the bar. By 1 AM, I was hammered standing out front smoking a cigarette. Then I stumbled into the white bar next door. That was an interesting time, I grabbed a stool in the corner and ordered some JD and Heineken. There I sat falling asleep at times, and then the rest of my party joined me in the white bar. Now they were the different people. Some of the barflies started buying me drinks and wanted me to tell about my life in Hawaii. After finishing off another 8 drinks, I almost threw up, but didn't. I held it down like a champ. I stumbled to the car, and passed out in the back seat. My buddy ended up in the front seat since the white bar kicked out my friends after I left. I guess color blindness doesn't work from white to black, even though I was accepted in both bars, the same didn't apply for my friends in the white bar. It was a strange night. So I was told that there were two black guys tapping on the back window of the car. They asked my buddy if I was alright. The response was he is fine, just drunk. I guess they looking through the window like I was an animal at the zoo. The conversation would have been like this...
"Hey look at the white boy" "Is he dead?" "He looks dead." "Damn, he's fucked up!"
We ended up at IHOP since it was the only place open at 4 AM. It was bitter cold, and the six of us waited an hour for a table. I ordered the most food, a breakfast plate, and a steak sandwich. The bill was 75.00. Of course I had to negotiate a tip from my party. That was a difficult task. The snow began to fall by 5 AM as we were heading back the crib. Tajid had to work that day, I admire his work ethic, he partied all night and dropped us off and then headed to work. We went upstairs and passed out. I called Claudia in Germany and then fell asleep. By the time we awoke around noon. 8 inches of snow had fallen. The snow kept falling throughout the day, so I suggested to my buddy we hit the road. We decided to head Southeast towards D.C. since there was a good amount of snow falling from Cleveland to Boston. So we detoured to D.C. We said our goodbyes, and hit the road. I took the wheel and headed south, and about an hour out of Cleveland the snow stopped. We tried to hit Pittsburgh, but I missed the exit, and the snow had started up again in the Appalachian Mtns. The next part of the story involves a little town called Somerset, PA. Where the Wendy's sign said, "Happy Birthday Jesus", which meant we had left the Liberal land of color for the Bible Belt Conservative nation known as Palinland. I will finish this blog later, but the story gets better...
Some highlights that I will write in the near future is D.C., Atlantic City, Hoboken NJ, NYC, and Boston. It was quite an adventure, not to mention returning to Chicago to see some friends I haven't seen in a decade, like Bobby G, Steve Thomas, Jason Barsanti, and some new friends, like Steve's fiancee, Jason's fiancee, and Bob's neighbor Angel. Wild times the Kalifornia Dave way, and the times only get better.
We live in a world with endless possibilities, a world where my rules and personal laws play a huge role in how my life is pursued and lived daily. Why is the world so uptight and structured, shouldn't everything be done in moderation, including moderation? That last part was Einstein, and yes he was as smart a man as Hunter S. Thompson, just a bit more reserved.
you will be hearing from me again real soon.
Enjoy life, while you got it!
I was in my office (aka the bathroom) at school the other night, and someone began pounding on the door. The man with the black shoes began yelling about me reading in the stall while I did my business. Although I wasn't reading anything, in fact I was wiping my ass. This guy left the bathroom after I asked him if he was on drugs. He then re-entered pounded on the stall one more time at which point I said what is your malfunction soldier. He yelled at me saying he was calling security. I yelled back and told him to go ahead, just stick around after security arrives because when I get out of the stall I am kicking his ass. He huffed and puffed and left. Of course when I came out of the stall, he was no where to be seen. I did see a security guard though, but that doesn't mean the guy actually called, and he didn't say anything to me. Not to mention I have no idea what the guy looked like, and he never saw me. I just remember the black shoes. Now I cannot go around beating up everyone wearing a Payless shoes pair of cheap dress shoes. However I could wander around campus and ask the question of "Where were you on this day at this time?" And if the man is truly man enough to say it was him, I could give him a good shot the family jewels coupled with an uppercut to the chin. But I digress, that would be illegal...And we know I only commit crimes against myself, not others, at least not anymore.
As for life itself, I am back in Hawaii. I spent my Christmas break on the mainland. I went home to my father's house for Christmas. I enjoyed myself thoroughly for the first week. I got bored fast though. So I decided to go to South Carolina on a road trip because my roommate Alex said there was a shot named after him called, Fuck You Alex. I wanted to try it, so I figured it was as good a place as any to spend my New Year's Eve. However, I made a phone call to my Marine buddy. I was told of a road trip to Boston. So I gave my mother back her car and jumped on board to Boston instead of South Carolina. Maybe next time I will go there and have that shot.
So on New Year's Eve I found myself driving as a co-pilot to Cleveland. Arriving in Cleveland was fun. I drank Casa Nobles Tequila, and it was delicious. We stayed at another Marine's house in the ghetto of Cleveland. I felt like an alien, being the only white boy there. Tashera and Tajid (siblings) are Jamaican, and it was cool. We got dressed up for New Year's and the original plan was downtown Cleveland, but on the way there a radio advertisement came over the radio for a local bar. We arrived and there were 6 of us. Everyone but me avoided the hole full of water, so my right foot when ankle deep into a slush filled pothole. My converse was immediately covered in mud, slush, water, and snow. So we went to the bar, but the weird thing is the first bar we passed had all white people in it, and the bar we were going to was Sweetheart's next door. That bar was all black. Since I was the only white boy in my group, I took a deep breath and followed my new found friends into the bar. I was Eminem, and I partied like color didn't matter. Of course, the many gangsta looking motherfuckers looked at me crazy at first, but shrugged it off since I acted like there was no difference, I mean we all bleed red right?
I gathered some champagne, made some toasts and counted down with the bar. By 1 AM, I was hammered standing out front smoking a cigarette. Then I stumbled into the white bar next door. That was an interesting time, I grabbed a stool in the corner and ordered some JD and Heineken. There I sat falling asleep at times, and then the rest of my party joined me in the white bar. Now they were the different people. Some of the barflies started buying me drinks and wanted me to tell about my life in Hawaii. After finishing off another 8 drinks, I almost threw up, but didn't. I held it down like a champ. I stumbled to the car, and passed out in the back seat. My buddy ended up in the front seat since the white bar kicked out my friends after I left. I guess color blindness doesn't work from white to black, even though I was accepted in both bars, the same didn't apply for my friends in the white bar. It was a strange night. So I was told that there were two black guys tapping on the back window of the car. They asked my buddy if I was alright. The response was he is fine, just drunk. I guess they looking through the window like I was an animal at the zoo. The conversation would have been like this...
"Hey look at the white boy" "Is he dead?" "He looks dead." "Damn, he's fucked up!"
We ended up at IHOP since it was the only place open at 4 AM. It was bitter cold, and the six of us waited an hour for a table. I ordered the most food, a breakfast plate, and a steak sandwich. The bill was 75.00. Of course I had to negotiate a tip from my party. That was a difficult task. The snow began to fall by 5 AM as we were heading back the crib. Tajid had to work that day, I admire his work ethic, he partied all night and dropped us off and then headed to work. We went upstairs and passed out. I called Claudia in Germany and then fell asleep. By the time we awoke around noon. 8 inches of snow had fallen. The snow kept falling throughout the day, so I suggested to my buddy we hit the road. We decided to head Southeast towards D.C. since there was a good amount of snow falling from Cleveland to Boston. So we detoured to D.C. We said our goodbyes, and hit the road. I took the wheel and headed south, and about an hour out of Cleveland the snow stopped. We tried to hit Pittsburgh, but I missed the exit, and the snow had started up again in the Appalachian Mtns. The next part of the story involves a little town called Somerset, PA. Where the Wendy's sign said, "Happy Birthday Jesus", which meant we had left the Liberal land of color for the Bible Belt Conservative nation known as Palinland. I will finish this blog later, but the story gets better...
Some highlights that I will write in the near future is D.C., Atlantic City, Hoboken NJ, NYC, and Boston. It was quite an adventure, not to mention returning to Chicago to see some friends I haven't seen in a decade, like Bobby G, Steve Thomas, Jason Barsanti, and some new friends, like Steve's fiancee, Jason's fiancee, and Bob's neighbor Angel. Wild times the Kalifornia Dave way, and the times only get better.
We live in a world with endless possibilities, a world where my rules and personal laws play a huge role in how my life is pursued and lived daily. Why is the world so uptight and structured, shouldn't everything be done in moderation, including moderation? That last part was Einstein, and yes he was as smart a man as Hunter S. Thompson, just a bit more reserved.
you will be hearing from me again real soon.
Enjoy life, while you got it!
My Life on Vacation... Nov. 14th, 2009
HELLO ALL,
I am feeling so awesome right now. Today was the first day of my first vacation, the second starts after Thursday night. I have nothing to do until Thursday at 5 PM, and at 8 PM on that same day, I will be free from any commitments until Nov. 30th. Life is awesome. I quit my job this week. It was the right decision. I was making 7.25 an hour for 12 hours a week, and yes money is good, but not when you have to pay 21 dollars a day for parking in downtown Honolulu. If you do the math, I would only be making about 4.00 an hour, and that doesn't include my lunch. I also was told I was going to get 50% off of my tuition, but they misinformed, misspoke, or just plain lied, either way, it didn't materialize, and that was my main motivation to even go to work there at all.
The upside to not working is the extra time I have for myself and my academics. I am leaving for the Big Island next Wednesday for 5 days of fun. I truly believe it will be an awesome experience. I will post pictures, and I will blog when possible about my adventures. I will be 34 on Friday. I have lived longer than I ever expected, and as each day passes I become more wise to fact that life should be lived in the present.
As for my personal life, well that is still up for grabs. Katie gave me Karen's number, I called left a message, but never heard back from my wife. I tried calling this past weekend as a follow up, but now the number is disconnected. So once again, I have no idea where my wife is at the moment. That is kind of disturbing to most people, to me however, it is normal.I have been listening to country music lately, and it is starting to grow on me. I have been doing karaoke, and singing Cash. It is becoming quite a lifestyle that I am proud of. It was the best decision for me to come back to Hawaii. I almost didn't make it back. I think I will get 3 As from school this semester, that will help my GPA and hopefully reinforce my ambition for my Ph.D. I don't think I can make the Fall 2010 start at UH for the Ph.D. So I am just going to relax, take minimum classes and stay at HPU for 10-11. This way I can prepare for my Ph.D. in summer of 2011. So that is my life, it is going along quite nicely.
I don't blog as much, but I am having so much fun. Oh, and I am trying to get my book finished, since I have been talking about it for WAY too long now. I made some good progress this past week on it. Maybe I can finish it during this vacation. Alright, I have to go get my laundry, have a drink, make some dinner, and smile!!!
Later
I am feeling so awesome right now. Today was the first day of my first vacation, the second starts after Thursday night. I have nothing to do until Thursday at 5 PM, and at 8 PM on that same day, I will be free from any commitments until Nov. 30th. Life is awesome. I quit my job this week. It was the right decision. I was making 7.25 an hour for 12 hours a week, and yes money is good, but not when you have to pay 21 dollars a day for parking in downtown Honolulu. If you do the math, I would only be making about 4.00 an hour, and that doesn't include my lunch. I also was told I was going to get 50% off of my tuition, but they misinformed, misspoke, or just plain lied, either way, it didn't materialize, and that was my main motivation to even go to work there at all.
The upside to not working is the extra time I have for myself and my academics. I am leaving for the Big Island next Wednesday for 5 days of fun. I truly believe it will be an awesome experience. I will post pictures, and I will blog when possible about my adventures. I will be 34 on Friday. I have lived longer than I ever expected, and as each day passes I become more wise to fact that life should be lived in the present.
As for my personal life, well that is still up for grabs. Katie gave me Karen's number, I called left a message, but never heard back from my wife. I tried calling this past weekend as a follow up, but now the number is disconnected. So once again, I have no idea where my wife is at the moment. That is kind of disturbing to most people, to me however, it is normal.I have been listening to country music lately, and it is starting to grow on me. I have been doing karaoke, and singing Cash. It is becoming quite a lifestyle that I am proud of. It was the best decision for me to come back to Hawaii. I almost didn't make it back. I think I will get 3 As from school this semester, that will help my GPA and hopefully reinforce my ambition for my Ph.D. I don't think I can make the Fall 2010 start at UH for the Ph.D. So I am just going to relax, take minimum classes and stay at HPU for 10-11. This way I can prepare for my Ph.D. in summer of 2011. So that is my life, it is going along quite nicely.
I don't blog as much, but I am having so much fun. Oh, and I am trying to get my book finished, since I have been talking about it for WAY too long now. I made some good progress this past week on it. Maybe I can finish it during this vacation. Alright, I have to go get my laundry, have a drink, make some dinner, and smile!!!
Later
A very long day in paradise Oct. 29, 2009
I ended up playing pool and throwing darts with my roommate Alex last night. We hit up Nashville's and then Kelley's. It was a fun night but after a late breakfast I got home around 6 AM. I was able to sleep for an hour and then had to go to work. I spent the day trying to stay awake with coffee, energy drinks, and musubi. I was supposed to meet the MA COM club today, but I got a phone call at work and the lady wanted to post an ad. After this lady started crying on the phone and telling me all her problems like I was a therapist, I pushed her for the information I needed, and ran to the meeting. I arrived at JJ Dolans to find the meeting over and everyone just chatting and studying for their various midterms. I wanted to dump our Club's website; which I run; but they brought it up and it was voted down. So I am stuck taking care of website that is useless, outdated, and sloppy written code. Then I had to go to my Film Crit class. I thought our professor wasn't going to show up, but no, she did, and I fell asleep in class like 6 times watching Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Birds.
Well, I finally made it home, going to enjoy a Leffe, and pass out. I have my final midterm paper due tomorrow at 5 PM. So I will be spending tomorrow writing. Then I have build my presentation for Monday concerning my Qual. Research course. I have to do a lot of stuff but I do have 3 days off. So I should be okay. well, that is my life at the moment, and I am tired, but feeling good. I am feeling very good!
Later,
kenny
Well, I finally made it home, going to enjoy a Leffe, and pass out. I have my final midterm paper due tomorrow at 5 PM. So I will be spending tomorrow writing. Then I have build my presentation for Monday concerning my Qual. Research course. I have to do a lot of stuff but I do have 3 days off. So I should be okay. well, that is my life at the moment, and I am tired, but feeling good. I am feeling very good!
Later,
kenny
Third day on the job Oct. 27th, 2009
This is my third day at my new job at Hawai..i Pacific University Off-Campus Housing Office. I feel good about the position even though some things have changed concerning my payroll and of course the high percentage of tuition reimbursement I thought I was receiving. Well, it turns out this is just a regular job, with no real incentive.
On another note, my bank card was stolen sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning. I called and canceled it, but it turns out charges have already been done that I am not responsible for. So my bank account is light by about 363.00. That hurts a raven in his heart, but ta the sha main problem is just I have to do paperwork with the bank to fix it.
My new roommate is Alex. He is the MC at Senor Frog's. So one of my roommates is at Level 4 (very high class nightclub) and now my other roommate is at Senor Frog's in the same mall. Life is good for me. Alex and I competed in a pool tournament last night at Nashvilles. I didn't want to play but he talked me into it. I won 1 lost 2. The cool thing is that I am slowly coming around to enjoying Country Music. That was the last genre of music I didn't like to listen too. But it has grown on me. Even at times I use the Mr. America accent because I am surrounded by the Southern dialect. It is pretty amusing. I like Nashvilles also because of that Country/Western feel. They even played some Murphy's Law last night, so it is not just Country.
School is moving along nicely. I got hung up last week, and my emotions have been running high lately. Of course, it doesn't help when I have the females gossiping about my life. I will just quote Lil Wayne, and say if you don't know me, then keep my name out your mouth.
Well, I am pretty sure I am going to Big Island for Thanksgiving. So I will be checking out the volcanoes and staying in Hilo for 5 days. That ought to be fun. My truck is holding up, even though I have to replace my power steering pump at some point. The bearings are going out in the pulley. Once it stops, it will break the Serpentine belt. I just don't exactly have a full day to work on it. So that will have to wait, hopefully it holds up for a few more weeks.
Well, there is always more to say, but I have to work on my Midterm paper for my Mediation class. I did a presentation on the paper, and now it is time to complete the paper.
Hope all is well around the world, wherever you are!
On another note, my bank card was stolen sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning. I called and canceled it, but it turns out charges have already been done that I am not responsible for. So my bank account is light by about 363.00. That hurts a raven in his heart, but ta the sha main problem is just I have to do paperwork with the bank to fix it.
My new roommate is Alex. He is the MC at Senor Frog's. So one of my roommates is at Level 4 (very high class nightclub) and now my other roommate is at Senor Frog's in the same mall. Life is good for me. Alex and I competed in a pool tournament last night at Nashvilles. I didn't want to play but he talked me into it. I won 1 lost 2. The cool thing is that I am slowly coming around to enjoying Country Music. That was the last genre of music I didn't like to listen too. But it has grown on me. Even at times I use the Mr. America accent because I am surrounded by the Southern dialect. It is pretty amusing. I like Nashvilles also because of that Country/Western feel. They even played some Murphy's Law last night, so it is not just Country.
School is moving along nicely. I got hung up last week, and my emotions have been running high lately. Of course, it doesn't help when I have the females gossiping about my life. I will just quote Lil Wayne, and say if you don't know me, then keep my name out your mouth.
Well, I am pretty sure I am going to Big Island for Thanksgiving. So I will be checking out the volcanoes and staying in Hilo for 5 days. That ought to be fun. My truck is holding up, even though I have to replace my power steering pump at some point. The bearings are going out in the pulley. Once it stops, it will break the Serpentine belt. I just don't exactly have a full day to work on it. So that will have to wait, hopefully it holds up for a few more weeks.
Well, there is always more to say, but I have to work on my Midterm paper for my Mediation class. I did a presentation on the paper, and now it is time to complete the paper.
Hope all is well around the world, wherever you are!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)