Unlock the Rock

There is no such thing as useless knowledge. I sometimes get grief from my wife regarding all the trivia I've ingrained in my memory over the years - the 1987 & 1991 Twins roster, the endless movie quotes and what day and time The Simpson's were on in high school (Sundays, 7 pm.) But perhaps the most under-appreciated is my extensive collection and knowledge of classic and 80's rock. Sure I receive a compliment here and there for actually knowing a song before the chorus starts, but I don't think she was truly wowed until just recently. Let me explain.

I think one of the first cassette tapes I ever listened to growing up was Michael Jackson, "Thriller." My parents can attest to this as we literally wore the tape out on our trip out west so many years ago. It is also worth mentioning (before someone else does) the incident involving the first tape I purchased for myself - we'll call it the "Paula Experiment." This brief debacle of a decision occurred in the fifth grade when my loins got the best of my ears and I turned to Paula Abdul's "Forever your Girl" - a choice that complemented my best friend's (who shall remain nameless) decision to purchase Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation." Once I was past this mistake, it was all 80's hair bands rock - every single cassette I owned, or rather borrowed, was that of the likes of Poison, Warrant, AC/DC, Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Cinderella, Tesla, Guns N' Roses etc. The sound of electric guitar, drums and high pitch vocals was one amazing blend of power and finesse - sure, I would've listened to Country or Rap if my idol and older brother Kevin thought it was cool (but he didn't), and nevertheless, Rock got its birth in my blood. The older I got, the more I ventured into the vault of heavy hitters - snatching up Metallica, Nirvana and Van Halen - to which I am still a fan. I was constantly turning it up and rockin' out - my walkman went with me while I mowed lawns and the stereo blasted in the car - it didn't matter, I loved my rock and roll.

I memorized lyrics so I could sing along - I attribute my tenor musical pitch in choir to the likes of these bands...I also learned every guitar and drum solo so I could strum and drum along. Eventually this love of rock would lead to some youthful prestige, as I helped bring home first place in the end of the year Middle School lip-sync competition. "Enter Sandman" by Metallica - I remember the performance like yesterday. The drums building up in the beginning until it culminated as I burst through a paper banner, head banging with a long haired wig - ohh, the memories are sweet. I was given the reigns as the lead singer - James Hetfield - and lip-sing I did. I knew (and still know) that song backwards and forwards - not many tunes still get me as fired up as that one does. It was a fantastic day in my 8th grade life. Heck, it is STILL a great day in my 29 year old life. I'd give anything to go back to those lip-sync and air guitar days of yesteryear...

Why this recollection all of a sudden you ask? Well, it has recently been brought to my attention that I am still a rock star - out on the wedding dance floor(s). Now, it's not that I didn't know I was a rock star - it's just that others have now recognized me, nay - elevated me as such. Attending two weddings in two weeks, I have had the pleasure and honor of bringing the house down with my mad air guitar skillz. Here's what they're saying: "He knows like, every song!" "How does he do that?!" "You're the man!" "You are the best at air guitar that I've ever seen." So how do I do what I do? It all goes back to my youth of course - all those lyrics and guitar solos memorized with no where to exercise the knowledge - it's all just waiting around, jamming out in the depths of my long term memory until the DJ hits play and out comes MJ's "Beat It" with a sick guitar solo from guest Eddie Van Halen and I unleash the rock that has been locked away for far too long. Combine this knowledge with facial expressions, guitar tricks and an energetic stage presence - yeah, some might call that the Perfect Storm of Rock. It doesn't matter what he or she throws my way - I have it somewhere inside - AC/DC's "Shook me all night long" - got it, Poison's "Ain't nothin' but a good time" - got it, "Rock and Roll all night" by Kiss - check, "Dude looks like a lady" Aerosmith - got that too. I like to keep you guessing - I may toss aside the guitar and pick up some sticks and slam down a wicked drum solo - just for kicks. It's all part of the show people - all you need to do is supply the venue and I am all over it - for free - I just love to rock, it's that simple.

There are far too many favorites to list here, but as long as the DJ has 80's rock, we're golden. Mix in some 90's while you're at it - I know lots of that too. I've heard there are actual Air Guitar contests out there - and I am intrigued. Although, I think I'll just stick to the smaller venues for now - I've got to stay true to my roots y'know - my family and friends are who make it all possible. Just keep gettin' married and having dances and I'll do the rest.

Full Speed Ahead!

I have been a full-time student for 3 days going on 4. So far, I am surviving - not only that, but I am truly enjoying myself in this place. Sure, it feels overwhelming from time to time when I put all of my class syllabus' together and see just how much work is expected of me over the next 3 months - but, if there is one lesson that I learned the most from this summer, it is to just relax and take one day at a time. For the most part I am staying organized and on top of my studies - I have many, many pages to read in a short amount of time, but I know that it's doable. I also enjoy the challenge of hitting the keyboard for a paper of some kind - and I am anxious to see how I will adapt to the constant pulling and switching of different gears and mindsets. For instance, one minute I am reading the Catholic Catechism and the next I am in front of a group of 7-9th graders introducing myself and getting everyone jacked up for a year of confirmation - which was the case last night at my new church, Westwood Lutheran.

I have also gotten lots of practice saying my story schpeel. In the last two weeks - here's what I've heard several dozen times: "Where are you from? What program are you in? Tell us about yourself." This gives me a chance to A) Decide how much I am going to disclose B) Give some shout outs to my hometown(s) and college and C) Remind myself of God's great calling in my life. So, here is what I have typically said: "My name is Keith Long. I am a first year M-Div with a Concentration in Children, Youth and Family (CYF) Ministries. I am from Richmond, Virginia, where I've been living for the last 5 years. I am originally from the Twin Cities area and graduated from Moorhead State in 2001. I've been married for 6 years and my wife is a social worker - and we're living on campus in Burntvedt (apartments)." If they probe further, I will talk about what I've been doing in Richmond, what my degree from Moorhead was in, what Rebecca does, and that I like camping, the outdoors and that I worked at camp this past summer. It is amazing to me how many similarities and shared connections there are amidst this community. I have made new friends that I very well could have encountered in another place and time - it's kind of weird.

As for my classes and professors... I like them all in all their different and unique ways. My first class on Monday, the professor asked us all to introduce ourselves and tell a little about ourselves (see above). He proceeded to talk a little about his background, and mentioned that he got his Ph.D from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. My immediate thought was, "Sweet, this guy is going to love me..." Sure enough, once it was my turn, he lit up upon hearing my story. Now, I don't want you to think that I will use this to take advantage of him or anything, but its just cool to have a connection like that with your professor. My second class is with a professor named Andrew Root - who is only a few years older than me. Cool guy - I read his book over the summer called "Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry." I already had much respect for him based on the greatness of his book - so I kind of felt like I was in the midst of a hero or celebrity. My only thought was to not make a dork of myself. During a break I had a chance to chat a little with him, and I shared a little more of my background in film, church work etc. I think I made a good impression - afterall, my opening line was, "Would it be considered too ballsy (yes I used that word) to do my book review assignment on your book?" He laughed. I immediatedly regretted my decision to open with "ballsy." But, on the other hand, it was kind of like old friends chatting - anyways, I got a chance to thank him for his book and the encouragement it gave me. It's not everyday you get to thank the author of a great book you've read. He was actually open to the idea of my doing the review of his book. My first thought was "SWEET, one less book to read!" But then I told him I was just kidding and that I was looking forward to checking out the options offered...I know, I am a brown-noser... Anywho, I think I will really enjoy his method of using film to teach, and my hunch is that it'll probably be movies I haven't seen - he mentioned he likes to use Independent films mostly - which I like, but never get to see due to the limited choices offered at the public library. Ok, enough about this class.

My Tuesday-Thursday classes are completely different. I got to Pentateuch when the professor was calling out attendance - he was on the letter D of people's last names. I was thankful for being an L. No intro's - just jumped right in to the lecture. Good lecture for a first day, and I got some good notes. This class will be much more individual based - lots of reading and papers due on a weekly basis. I will be challenged in this course - and I am excited to see what I've got. The second class on Tuesday is a doozy. My professor is intense in every sense of the word. I got myself a front row seat next to a friend I just met last week. I feared I would be spat upon - he got started and just kept going, and spittle would build and build. I know he'll be a challenging and inspiring teacher - and that he is definitely a "my way or the highway" kind of guy. I questioned whether or not I will thrive in the class or just hang on for dear life. We shall see. Welp, it is time for class - I am hoping to get there before roll call this time. See ya!