– Brewers vs. Dodgers

G’day Mates, like I promised previously, here is round two of the voyage on April 17. After having an early morning helping with the segment for Fox 11, I had to work at Qdoba. The shift went well as the normal lunch rush came in and made the time fly by. I was eager to be done because later that day I headed down to Milwaukee for the Brewers game. After work I met up with some friends to carpool down to the game. We were celebrating our friends Danni’s birthday. She wanted to eat at the Safe House restaurant in Milwaukee before the game started. The Safe House is a unique restaurant that specializes in a spy theme. I recommend this place because of the cool features that are located throughout the restaurant. You can check out the website at http://www.safe-house.com Afterwards we headed off to the Brewers game. We made it in enough time to tailgate, although it was a bit windy we still had a good time talking and getting pumped for the game. The Brewers were playing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since this was my first Brewers game for 2012 I was hoping they would pull off a win. We sat on the 400 level in which I didn’t mind because I was able to see the whole stadium from the top; I think it is the best seat. Throughout the game we got drinks and food as we cheered on the Brew crew. The whole game was very close; I wasn’t sure if the Brewers had it to take home the win. It wasn’t until the bottom of the 9th when things changed and there was hope. The Brewers fought hard to get the go ahead run to win the game. The people who left early missed a tremendous ending. I was glad to witness a great game against the Dodgers. Well mates, after a long fun day it is time to dock the ship. I’ll catch you on the next voyage as I sail down to Madison for the Student Ambassador banquet, it should be a great time! Cheers, Lee IV

Sunday Fun day

Ahoy Mates! February 19 was a super long but fun day. It all started with me working at Qdoba in the morning. My shift wasn’t too bad for a Sunday, but it seems like lately we’ve been getting a good rush in the afternoon times; which is good as it makes the time go by faster. I was ready to be done because I was excited to go tubing with my friend Rachel at Sunburst Ski Resort located in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Once I finished my shift we grabbed a bit to eat at Hardees, and they have this new buffalo chicken sandwich which is really good and I recommend it. Then we headed on down to Sunburst. On that day the weather was beautiful, sunny, and warm; a perfect day to be outside. As we approached the ski resort we could tell there was a difference in the temperature because it was a lot cooler with all the snow around. We waited in line for ten minutes but the wait was worth the adventure. As we approach the hill there is a tube elevator that allowed us to go up on the hill without getting tired. Once we were on top of the hill we saw how beautiful the area looked on top of the hill. There were a lot of people in line, but it went by super fast once things got started. When it was my turn to go down the hill I was so pumped. The first dip of the hill my stomach drop but the rush overturned my fear of the speed. We easily went down the hill over a dozen of times. As time went by my friend Rachel and I would race to see who was the fastest. We both broke even in the series. After awhile we got tired and headed back home, but for me I still had a soccer match in Oshkosh. I already knew by the end of the night I would be super tired and sore from all the activities.
An hour later my soccer match started and we were pushing for a win because this session we haven’t been doing the best as we usually do. Although this league is for fun, we like to win at the same time. We started off strong by taking the lead three to zero. Then, out of nowhere the opposing team caught up by scoring three unanswered goals. At half time we tried to see what we were doing wrong, and change our plan. Our new approach worked for awhile but then we allowed the opposing team to score to end the game on a tie. We were a bit disappointed so we are looking forward to our next game in the upcoming week. Afterwards I headed home, I thought I would be able to do some more homework, but I was too tired to stay awake. So now you can see why today was a super long fun Sunday! In my next voyage you will hear about how I prepared for my Student Ambassador interview, so stay tuned!

Cheers,
Lee IV

Hello February!

Ahoy Mates! Today, Wednesday, February 1 is the start of a new month! Usually February is a short month, but this year we have an extra day due to Leap Year and the weather has been wonderful for it being winter. Since I don’t have class on Wednesdays until the second half of the semester, I am able to work more hours at my jobs. We were a bit busy for a Wednesday at Qdoba, but I got through the day because I was looking forward to go bowling with my friends from MPTC. As I finished my work at my second job at Service Master I quickly headed home, and changed into my bowling gear. Afterwards I headed over to Ledgeview Lanes to go bowling with my friends. These weekly bowling nights come in handy because I am able to hangout and relax with friends outside of the classroom. Like always it is always a great time singing, dancing, and bowling at the Lanes, never a dull moment. I didn’t reach my goal of breaking 200 yet, but I came close in two games. Well like they all say practice makes perfect! I am hoping next week I can achieve my goal, but most important I have a great outing with my friends. Afterwards we grabbed a quick bite at Taco Bell before we headed home. I can tell even though February is a short month it is going to a busy month filled with homework, projects, scholarship applications, and much more! No worries though I get to share my experience with you, as I continue to learn how to create an amazing video blog! Well mates, that is all for now time for bed. Ciao!

Cheers,
Lee IV

DJ Thursday

January 19 was the day I gave my friend Tyler a tour of Fond du Lac. We started the day off by going to Qdoba because he’s never been there, and I figured Qdoba is a great way to start the day off with a fresh burrito. Once we finished our food we headed across the street to Forest Mall. We talked about how small the mall is compared to the malls located in Chicago, but it was soothing to go somewhere that was not loud and crowded. We looked at different stores to see if there were anything good on sale, but we didn’t find anything worthy to purchase. At this moment we felt this was a great opportunity to spread the news about our DJ debut at Slim and Chubby’s to our friends. This promoting came in handy to draw attention, and hopefully bring in a good crowd. Afterwards I showed Tyler MPTC’s campus, and gave him a glimpse of the typical day of the things I do at school. He was impressed how the campus is all connected; which is very beneficial during cold weather months. I also introduced him to some instructors and staff around campus, and showed him people here are friendly and very helpful. Once we left campus I told him if you come to Fond du Lac then you must see the lighthouse on Lake Winnebago. As we approached the lighthouse he was impressed because he never saw a frozen lake before, and seeing people walking across the ice blew his mind. I guess since I was used to seeing the lake frozen I took it for granted, but I laughed and said welcome to Wisconsin. If you’ve never been to Lakeside Park you are missing out; the best time to see a beautiful scene is at dawn. Shortly afterwards we headed back home to get the night started. We listened to some music to get an idea for our playlist for the night, and then at ten o’clock it was time for us to DJ the night away. It was a slow start but then people kept coming in and danced the night away. I was learning some new techniques from Tyler since he has been doing this gig for two years, and the crowd loved the music selection. I could tell everyone was having a good time, even when it was time to close people didn’t want to leave, but they had to go home. Afterwards the bartenders and the owners said we did a great job on the stage. I hope next week I can utilize the things I learned and improve my DJ skills. Well after another epic day, that is all for now. On my next blog I’ll be writing about first day of classes! Ciao

Cheers,
Lee IV

Finals Week

Ah the best part of the school semester is finals week; actually I’m just kidding because the last week is always a lot more pressure on people. Especially this time of the year people are eager for winter holidays, or its crunch time for people with finals and getting a good grade on their last exams is a must. Then as for some this is their last semester and will be graduating in the spring. As you can see there is a lot of mixed emotions around school, plus the cold month’s lies ahead although it has been unusually warm.
For me my finals started on Monday for my Food Principles class. We had a written exam and a knife cutting skill testing, I felt the exams went pretty well, but I guess I have to wait and see. After my class I had to work at Qdoba, and work wasn’t too bad. A steady rush of people came in which isn’t too bad because it makes time go by fast. Afterwards I went back to school to help make cookies for the Culinary Arts Club. For the first time I actually made cookies from scratch and they turned out good. I made a batch of chocolate jam print cookies, the raspberry is a good color with the chocolate, and the taste is even better. Making cookies is a little tough for me but the ending results is worth the time and work. Later in the night I went to one of my friends’ house to play the board game Life; I haven’t played this game since I was little so it brought back memories as a child. It was a lot of fun, and we played about two hours without realizing how time flies. After we finished I called it a night I was a bit tired after a long day. Well I will catch you soon for day two of finals. Ciao!

Cheers,
Lee IV

The Monday Blues!

My weekend was pretty relaxing; I basically worked at Qdoba and played video games with some of my friends. With that being said another week of classes was approaching, and now it is Monday, you know people’s favorite day of the week! My Monday started with my Food Principle class. We started to review our final exam questions, and we had a cheese presentation by Geogerina, a sales representative, from Grande Cheese Company. She informed us about the numerous varieties of cheese they offer, and how Grande Cheese uses the freshest ingredients without any fillers or preservatives. Thus far their headquarters is located in Lomira, Wisconsin, but they are in the process of moving their headquarters to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin which would add two hundred jobs in town. The best part of the presentation was that we were able to try the cheese from Grande. I found out which cheeses I liked and didn’t like. I learned that for aged cheese you must have an acquired taste for it otherwise it is a hit or miss. Once class finished my friend Hayley and I purchased our tickets for the Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan concert at the Resch Center in Green Bay, on February 16, 2012. We are so excited to attend this because these two artists are becoming huge in the spotlight, and their music is amazing, especially if you like country. Afterwards I started to write my blogs, and talked to friends from school. It is funny although I was done with class at 11 a.m. I didn’t leave school till 6 p.m. because I got distracted talking to people and running errands around school. I didn’t mind because I had nothing else to do and Moraine Park Technical College is basically my second home. Well the Monday Blues turned into Happy Blues; it is amazing how things turn out at the end of the day. Well that is all for now I will catch you on my Tuesday voyage! Ciao!

Cheers,
Lee IV

Turkey Break Part 1

The one thing I love about turkey break is the extended weekend we have, and time off from the school. On Monday, November 21, my day started off with me going to my Food Principle class. We learned the definition of Hospitality and how it affects us in the culinary world. Hospitality is basically a family tree that extends into various branches of job titles and careers. That’s why I feel the food industry will be around for a long period because people always need to eat no matter how bad the economy is. After class I got ready for my work shift at Qdoba. The hours I worked went pretty smooth and steady for a Monday afternoon. Then I headed to Solid Grounds Coffee shop on Johnson Street across from Pizza Hut. I got a white chocolate latte with a hint of vanilla; it was so good I recommend anyone who is looking for a small friendly coffee shop go to Solid Grounds.
Later in the evening a group of my friends went to the Fond du Lac Theatre to see the new film Breaking Dawn, which is part of the Twilight Saga series. This film had a lot of expectations especially for the fans who read every book. Although this film is part one of the final chapter of the Saga, there was still a huge turnout of people. Luckily I got my favorite spot to sit in the theatre which is center and top row of the stadium seating. Compared to the previous films, I felt this film had more humor and an interesting plot line. I will not ruin the film for you, so what I saw is minimal; all I have to say is that I am looking forward to seeing how part two will end. To catch a glimpse of Breaking Dawn check out this YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQNLfo-SOR4. I can tell already this is going to be a fun turkey break, until then see you later!
Cheers,
Lee IV

Bears Sunday!

October 16, was a brisk sunny day which was perfect for autumn weather. The day began with me working at Qdoba for the morning shift, and then afterwards my girlfriend and I went to Fond du Lac cinema to watch the film Dream House. For anyone who likes to watch a thriller suspense film, this would be the film to watch. I was satisfied with the film, throughout it the film kept me thinking of what was going to happen next and wondering how it would end. I’m not going to say much to ruin the film for you. To catch a sneak peak of the film you can watch the trailer at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi64658457/

Later in the day I did my typical routine schedule of watching my favorite football team Da Chicago Bears play against the Minnesota Vikings. Every chance I have to watch Da Bears I’ll make sure I do because a lot of the Bears games are not shown due to being in a Packers state. Anyways Da Bears played a tremendous game, their defense and offense really picked it up this week. Although the Vikings are not that good this year, I take a win on any given day. This game was a great ending to another weekend, but now it’s time to ready for another week of school and work. Catch you soon for the midterm update!

Adios,
Lee IV

Random Times

October 15, was a random day for me but I didn’t complain. After I finished my shift at Qdoba my friend called me to grab some grub in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. So I figured why not. It’s something to do. We went to a pizza parlor name Cranky Pat’s. This pizza parlor was located in a building on the bottom floor, and was a little small in size. The atmosphere was cozy filled with people of all ages enjoying their food and a night out on a Saturday night. I decided to get a cheese pizza with feta, and my friend got a Po’ Boy sandwich. My pizza was delicious, it had a crispy crust and cheesy topping; I reckon to anyone who loves a burnt edge. I was told the best time to attend this place is around midnight when there is a buffet style setting with all their food with a low cost price value. Once we finished our meal we headed a few short blocks to the Grand Opera House for the Haunted Happy Hour and Spirits of the Grand Tours. This was a guided “Spirit” tour of The Grand where we learned about the people and spirits history. I learned a lot from this tour, I did not realize how many famous people performed at The Grand throughout the years. Politicians, singers, and magicians are just a few of the people who made an appearance and perform at The Grand. Throughout the tour each ‘’spirit” guide told us some of the tale they experienced with ghost or images they saw throughout the years. The tour lasted for forty-five minutes and the cost was fifteen dollars, and I must say this was another event that was worth the time and money. The Grand Opera House offers several other events throughout the month filled with films, receptions, plays and much more! Another day in the making, see you soon!

Boo,
Lee IV

The Weekend Wrap Up

This was the last weekend for the German students being in Fond du Lac, WI. It’s been a lot of fun hanging out with them. I became closer with them and learned more things than the first time I met them in May 2011. We all became family because we all experience the typical life in both countries. The weather was not so good, but that did not prevent us enjoying every moment with them. I came to realize how twelve days can go so fast. At first I thought the German students would be here for a long time, but actually it flew past like a blur.

On September 30, the German students came to Moraine Park Technical College for one last time to finish off their presentation and take group pictures. Afterwards they went to their host house and waited for the weekend activities. For dinner some hosts made some home cooked meal, as for me I went with some people to an Italian restaurant in Fond du Lac, WI named La Sicilia. This restaurant had good foods which are freshly made every day, and was less crowded than Ala Roma. The German student’s enjoyed their pizza and pasta. Afterwards of course we went to Target to get more food and a little shopping. Then we all went to a friend’s house to hangout playing games and watch television. Since we had to wake up early the next morning we did not stay too long. So we had a good night of rest to get ready for our cave tour.
On Saturday October 1, we got up around 7:30 a.m. to get ready for our Cave tour at Ledge View Nature Center in Chilton, WI. The tour was held by an Aussie lady who had an awesome accent and was an excellent tour guide. As we entered the cave some people didn’t last, so they headed back to wait until the tour was done. The brave ones challenged themselves to continue to go through the cave. Some parts of the cave were difficult because of tight angles crawling through. This adventure tour is an amazing sight to see in person, it is amazing the things you see underground. The cave tour took about two hours due to the size of our group. We did not get as dirty as I expected since the cave was dry from the lack of rain throughout the summer. Afterwards we went home to shower to get cleaned up before going to the mall in Appleton, WI. I stayed back to work on my homework and do my guests and my laundry. Once the German students and host came back from Appleton they all came to my house to hangout, play cards, and play pool. We played for a long time, and didn’t get to sleep until late but it wasn’t a problem since we were able to sleep in the next day.

Sunday October 2, was the last day of events for the German students. As I woke up I was shocked to notice the weather outside was finally nice. Although I wish the weather was nicer all week, but I was not complaining. For lunch we went to Qdoba which was delicious, you can never go wrong with freshly made food. Then we drove to Green Lake, WI for our boat tour of Green Lake at the Heidel House. We couldn’t ask for a perfect day for a tour, the breeze was pleasant. We saw some unique houses on the lake, and to see the colors of the trees were remarkable. Afterwards we headed to Instructor James’ house for our Farewell dinner. Since it was so nice out we decided to play some American football in the yard along with some yard games. It was nice seeing everybody having a good time talking to one another and enjoying being outside. Shortly afterwards it was time to eat which was prepared by Instructors James and Bill. They did an excellent job making tenderloins on the grill served with mashed potatoes, roasted corn, and peppers. Then a bonfire was started, we all sat around the fire and started to sing, playing guitars and remembering the priceless moments we had these past twelve days. Towards the end before people started to leave, gifts were passed to the Germans students and instructors for taking part of the exchange program. It was a bitter sweet moment because we were all having a good time, but sad since they were leaving the next morning.

We already talked about our plans when we go to visit them again in May 2012. There is already a countdown starting because we miss them so much. I like to say “never goodbye but instead say I’ll see you later”. Now the next step for the German student is that they would be in Madison Wisconsin then fly off to New York City for four days before flying back to Germany. I’ll make sure to keep their status in my blogs for the upcoming days.Well that’s all for now but more to come!

Merci,
Lee IV

The Weekend Review

Welcome back! This past weekend was filled with fun events and a lot of fun with the Germans. It all started on Friday September 23, 2011, when the Germans students and instructors were invited to a “Meet and Greet” at Moraine Park Technical College with Dr. Sheila Ruhland. They enjoyed food made by students from the Culinary Arts program. Afterwards students went shopping to catch some deals on the latest fashions. That night a group of us drove down to Milwaukee for a Day/Glow concert. As we entered the city area the German students were in awe of the scenery. This concert included all types of techno/ electronic music which included paint. People were able to toss around paint and dance to the music playing on stage. We were there for about four hours, although it felt we were there all night, but it was a lot of fun so it was worth it! Our clothes looked like tie dyes from all the paint colors. The German students enjoyed themselves; they said this was their first time going to an event like this.

Saturday September 24, was another day of shopping. Some people headed down to sweet home Chicago; while others headed up north to Appleton to some of the stores they hadn’t seen yet. After I was done with work I took my guest Philip, and some other friends, to my job at Qdoba to have supper. They enjoyed the fresh Mexican cuisines that were offered; it was so good, they couldn’t stop eating their meal. After being full we went to Wal-Mart to walk off our meal, and to do some grocery shopping. We compared and contrasted what foods were offered in America and Germany. There were some things that they never heard or tried before, so I decided to buy them so they can try them.

Sunday September 25, was a big day for me because the Bears and Packers game was on. Me, being a huge Bears fan, and not liking the Packers as known as “cheese heads,” I was excited to show the Germans students a traditional American football rivalry game. I hosted a Bears/Packers game at my house. All of us chipped in on food such as chips, candy, fried chicken, and other side dishes for the typical tailgate food in America. The football game was a good intense game, although it almost looked like my Bears could’ve made a comeback to beat the Packers, but they fell short. Of course, all the cheese heads made fun of me and were cheering about their victory, but it was all fun and games.

The weekend concluded as we watched a little more football and started to get organized for the week ahead. This week school started for the German student so they can learn about different subjects in America compared to German culture. The German students must do a presentation about a particular subject title they were assigned to. These titles range from German sports to German foods and these presentations are held from September 28 to September 30.

Until next time, hasta luego!

Lee IV