Mike Krukow

Mike Krukow is one of the announcers for the San Francisco Giants. If you really knew me you'd know I was born in Northern California and grew up in San Diego. You'd know that I have never really felt like I've belonged here in Utah or at Lone Peak. You'd know I was a die-hard Giants fan and that I don't really do much other than play baseball. I admit to being more of a tourist recently but if you really knew me, you'd know that I'm ready to get away. Get away from Utah, graduate from Lone Peak, hopefully play baseball somewhere, and make something out of my life.

 Nelson, thank you so much for everything you taught me. Even though at times it seemed like I didn't pay attention in your class, it was the only one I really wanted to take this year and consider it such a blessing I was able to get in after being put on a wait list. Your lessons have motivated me to do the things that are going to bring me most happiness in life. I tried to say thank you every day before I left and I hope you know I meant it. Here's a picture of me with the real Mike Krukow. Sorry for the crappy quality. 

My name is RJ Hazen

#blackout

"There is no question, history states we can all do better" 

He had the whole world ahead of him

He had the whole world ahead of him...
To be honest, I don't know how to give a tribute. I feel as if there isn't a way you can adequately put the words together to properly honor a person's time on Earth. Because there's no way you can properly convey the impact they've had on you, friends, or their family. There's nothing you can write that can soothe the ache of a mourning mother's heart. But you try anyway...because sometimes a little thought can goes a long way. Gone way too soon.

He had the whole world ahead of him...
I don't know how the rest of the world can carry on as if nothing had happened, when for me, time has stopped, as my heart hurts.

He had the whole world ahead of him...
We are young with the invincibility of the super heroes of the comic books and movies. I'm sure that's how he felt racing around in that red sports car...failing to remember the streets were slick with moisture...
The Phenom...that's what they called him...
He had the whole world ahead of him...
He will never fulfill his potential...she will never be a mother.
Gone way too soon.

I originally began writing this in honor of 22 year old Oscar Taveras and his 18 year old girlfriend, who passed away in a car accident last Sunday...
But then I learned of another tragedy, one that hits way too close to home.

He had the whole world ahead of him...
Sometimes a little thought goes a long way. Unfortunately, it's at these times that we are reminded to treat others the way you want to be treated. You never know what people are going through. I didn't know him personally but I wish I did. The same way I wish I knew Johnny. Sometimes it's not the things you do say, but the things you don't. Maybe the problem is the kids who walk through the halls on mute as another kid walks by...and another...and another...the kids on mute like me. I'm sorry Hunter. Maybe this time I'll learn. Rest in Peace.

How to suck at talking to girls (or boys I guess too)

I've never been good at talking to girls. I'm just one of those kids who can't voice their thoughts adequately, so while I struggle and stammer and wrestle with small talk, there are a plethora of things I'd like to say trapped in the attic of my brain. I'd consider myself a professional in this field, so here's a list of how to suck at talking to someone of the opposite gender:

-If texting:

• Talk about absolutely nothing. The more predictable the better. If you can get into a cycle of asking her what she's doing, followed by a pointless question, that's perfect. 
• Try to be funny...because you'll end up trying too hard, confusing her by something you said, and you'll end up sounding flat out stupid
• Talk about yourself too much and forget that you're attempting to have a two-way conversation 
• Winking and smiling faces are good I've heard.

-If snapchatting:

• Send selfies just of yourself..no captions or anything. A filter is acceptable if you're feeling daring.

-If talking to a crush:

• Refer to any of the tips above
• Become way too interested too fast
• Talk to them as much as possible
• Listen to your thoughts...because overthinking is crucial
• Hopefully if it continues long enough, you'll find yourself wondering what went wrong once more

#LifeGoals

• Buy a small one room apartment in New York City before I'm married and live there for a year

• When it comes time to choose a career, don't sellout. Do something with my life that makes me happy...because there's never a time in my life that I picture myself becoming prisoner of a cubicle and necktie.

• Take my wife to Venice and have a week to ourselves

• Raise my family in California
• Get through AP Calculus
• Turn my homework in before the term ends
• Take time, at least once a week, to have a good laugh with some of your friends...hopefully more frequently than once a week
• Never lose sight of what is important
• Make sure my children understand that family is the most important thing, and that their best friends are their brothers and sisters
• Learn to play the Ukelele
• Smile more
• Get a German Shepherd
• Learn to speak a new language

• If all else fails...I will graciously accept what my life will become... because I know that as long as I have people who love me and appreciate my presence on this Earth, as long as I have the stars to look up too at night, whether I'm rich, or poor, single, or married, as long as I have a beating heart and blood actively pumping through my veins, I have no reason to complain

Antonym

To be completely honest, I am your average Joe. I don't possess any qualities that would allow you to point me out in the rush of the bustling hallways.
I'm not...
Edgy
Talented with a camera
A 5 star college prospective athlete
In a dreamy relationship
The loudest at football games
Lone Peak's next valedictorian (not by a long shot)
Classic Skating every Saturday night fighting the virtual battles of who can show off how much more fun they had than you

However, I am different...

I don't read much anymore
I am often scrambling to scribble in last second answers to procrastinated homework
I can't remember the last time I had a real valuable conversation about a meaningful topic
I go to bed at 2AM (and fall asleep in class)
I don't know what my dreams are because my old ones weren't practical enough
I'm not as fearless as I once was...because the fears I once pushed away- similar to how I push away responsibility in this teenage asylum of mine- are becoming increasingly apparent by the day
I waste my last childhood days unable to break the ball and chain of my phone I'm confined too

What happened to me?

Cesspools

cess·pool

ˈsesˌpo͞ol/

Underground container for the temporary storage of liquid waste and sewage.

• a disgusting or corrupt place.

  
  

  I believe I've encountered a cesspool in my life. And it's not the kind of cesspool I just happened to come upon walking to school...there are particular things I notice in everyday life that contribute or add to the cesspool. They are the cesspool. The cesspool is growing. I've seen it especially lately. And it's the reason why I've had the boiling anger spewing, churning inside me, so much so, I have a sickly feeling in the pit of my stomach. Here's my attempt to relieve myself of some of the pain it's beginning to cause.

  
  Kids who laugh at or mock kids' opinions when they attempt to share in front of the class...you're a cesspool.
  
  When the proclaimed kings or queens in our hierarchy of popularity-the same kings and queens we unnoticeably put on pedestals because they have something we yearn for- when they make you feel less of a knight and more of a peasant...it makes you feel like you're wading through a cesspool.
  
  
  
  

  Friends who stab you in the back and break all moral codes of respect are cesspools...you say one thing, but completely contradict yourself and try to pull that? As a certain song would say..."when you see my face, I hope it gives you hell." 

  
  

  Me, on certain days, maybe I'm a cesspool. When all I want to do is get through the day and when I lash out at people who are just asking how I'm feeling...when I ignore the kid who is maybe having a worse day than I, when all they need is a simple gesture to make them feel like they exist in our cesspool of a school...

  
  

  Maybe I'm a cesspool for writing this...but I need someway to pull the plug bottling these thoughts inside me.