21 Memories of 21

Dan McKeon said during the TrekNorth graduation that at the end of every winter the snow melts, the birds and animals return, and everything comes to life. The Earth does it's part, and we have hope. It's a time when people emerge past their winter blues and begin to feel alive and renewed once again.

Then again, for those of us who enjoy winter, this is the start of our depression as we eagerly await mother nature's cold and snow, with it's promise of ski trails yet to be skied. Also, there's that in-between period of winter and spring when everything's still dead but there's no snow to cover it up, only sand, salt, and dirt.

Regardless, while I do feel renewed once spring begins in earnest, I would say that for me hope always renews itself on July 21st of every year. Something about my birthday always brings me a new sense of optimism, like New Years or the first time on skis every season.

Looking ahead to turning 22 this Thursday, I can't help but take a look back at 21. It started with my golden birthday (along with all the adventures that I do and do not remember from turning 21), and has been quite a journey every since. I've had some incredible highs and some incredible lows this year, and though it might sound cliche I don't think I've ever faced more challenges in my life than this year. It's been a year for personal growth, setbacks, and above all learning. I'm not the person I was a year ago, but despite everything I either am a better person for it, or will be.

What a journey 21 has been. I've endured challenges I couldn't have comprehended; sought new limits for myself physically and mentally; made new friends that changed my life; had experiences I will never forget; hopefully made a positive impact on the lives of others; and I even found forgiveness in my heart for someone I never thought I could forgive.

So today I thought I'd post 21 memories of 21. This isn't by any account a complete list, some are good and some are bad, but these are memories that have stuck out to me this year. These aren't in any particular order with the exceptions of numbers 5-1, which are the greatest memories from the year.

21. 2011 Green Bay Marathon - After nearly two years removed from my last marathon, I returned to Green Bay, fought Packers fans and a nasty head wind, and managed to set a new personal best of 3:32. Great weekend with Kevin, Reed, Paige, and Caryn, and a lot of fun memories. I'm not shipping up to Boston yet, but I'm working my way there.

20. Nights at the Green Mill with Ashley Tenney - I love all my friends, but if someone gets friend of the year it's Ashley. She became one of my best friends and was always there to pick me up when I needed her. Whether it was as friends, Senate colleagues, or by the end of the year Senate Co-Presidents, whenever we wanted to get away and bitch, talk about our life goals, ambitions, and trials, or just have fun, we went to Green Mill. Half off appetizers and bingo will never be the same.

19. Ashley Tenney and Nathan Svare's Wedding - It was simply beautiful to watch two of my best friends get married as well as having the honor of playing a part in their day (playing my violin). I even got a gift out of it, so maybe someday I'll beat the two of them at Catan.

18. Opening night at the Sanford Center (Beavers vs UND) - It was something else to finally see the then-BREC open. I still remember lobbying for it as a freshman with Senate, and point to that as the reason I dedicated myself to the organization. A fun game, great friends, and a chance to say I helped change the city of Bemidji.

17. Recalibration - One word that will forever define my term as Co-President. I don't think I've ever been more defeated then after hearing how a 10% cut to BSU affected those I had come to know over my past four years at the Recalibration Forum. On the other hand, never was I more proud of my Senate for coming together to put together a great response. It's not what I ever wanted to deal with it, but I believe in the right leaders at the right time, and I hope that I was indeed that person.

16. TrekNorth Track and Field Sub-Sections - My first season as a track coach, coinciding with the first season of existence for Track at TrekNorth, was a great learning experience. It brings a smile to my face now when I think of the great races and events everyone had after a season of hard work, and of the great foundation that was laid this year.

15. 2010 Paul Bunyan Triathlon - My first olympic distance triathlon ended with me getting second place in my age group. The road to Kona and the Ironman World Championship is long, but after this race I'm more dedicated than ever to making it a reality.

14. Kick up the Dirt 5k - Look, I've been to many races where someone has been taken away in an ambulance. It happens all the time. But it's something else when it's one of your best friends who's being carried away. Watching my friend have a severe allergic reaction to something was one of the scariest moments of my life, but I think she was glad I was at her side most of the time. It's moments like this that make you truly appreciate how precious life is.

13. TrekNorth Nordic Sections - I remember my senior year of sections when I crossed the finish line and realized I would never make the State meet. I was heartbroken. My first year coaching that scenario replayed itself as our top skier crossed the line just a few places shy of her goal. Being there at the finish line as it happened and being able to be there for her sticks with me to this day. It's reasons like that I want to be a coach, not just to see people succeed, but to be there and tell them that even if they fall short, as long as they gave it their all I'm proud of them.

12. 2011 American Birkebeiner - Two words: f$#@ing cold. Frostbite, shivering uncontrollably for an hour after the race, and my hands freezing and thawing repeatedly during the race stick with me. But I qualified for wave 1 next year, so it was worth it.

11. 2011 Minnesota Finlandia - My first 50k skate race on what has become my home snow. It was one of the most fun races I've ever had and blazing fast. Plus a lucky 7th place finish and something to build off of for next year.

10. Spring Delegates and the State Chair Election - Though I fell short, having the honor of being nominated to lead an organization that I care so deeply about was very special. I couldn't have done it without an amazing group of people sporting signs signs, words of encouragement, and their unwavering support in me. Let's just not talk about the sequestering.

9. Last day of TrekNorth Nordic practice - The end of my first season of coaching skiing nearly brought tears to my eyes. Such an amazing group of kids that showed heart and dedication throughout the season, but as sad as it was to think that I might never see them all like that again, I'll always have great memories.

8. LCM Nights - In a year when I was challenged, I found strength through stronger faith. Getting involved in LCM was what helped me get through the year. Playing my violin again, amazing friends like Leif, Kristi, and Ashley, listening to PJ guide us spiritually (and telling bad puns), and a renewed sense of purpose all helped make every Wednesday night special.

7. First time coaching at the Giant's Ridge Invite - One of the greatest days of my life. It was a lot of fun to go watch my kids compete in the largest high school ski race in North America. A great group of kids, a cold but excellent day, and the promises of many more years of this race to come.

6. 21st Golden Birthday - The day the year began. From what I remember it was quite the adventure that started in Eau Claire at Kevin's house and continued to Water Street, moved back to the Cities for a Twins game with my family, Ben, and Mary, and ended with the best friends a person could ask for at the end of the night. It was a sign of the craziness that the year would bring.

The Top 5

5. Bemidji State of Mind - When I put this video together, I wasn't looking for fame (or infamy), but rather I just wanted to say thank you to the city of Bemidji for all my experiences. The crowd loving it at the Beaver Film Fest, watching it blow up YouTube, and the cover story I could never have expected. I won't defend my singing abilities, but I will defend the lyrics. The lake will make you feel brand new, and the trees will inspire you, so let's hear it Bemidji.

4. Homecoming 2010 - What. A. Weekend. There was the cross country invite in Jamestown and the shenanigans that followed that evening, winning the Homecoming 5k and celebrating the entire morning as the town went crazy, then watching the Beavers win the game and go in the lake, and finally ending it all downtown for a party. It was an epic weekend in the life of Michael Meehlhause.

3. Last Student Senate Meeting - After four years, my career in Senate came to an end. It was a journey I will never forget and the greatest honor to serve as Co-President of this great university. I couldn't have done it without amazing people along the way and the best Co-Presidents I could ever serve with in Ashley and Kyle. As I said before, I believe in the right leader for the right time, and I hope I fit that profile. Four years isn't long enough to spend with with a group like this.

2. Bemidji State Commencement - Minus student teaching, it was the closing of a major chapter in my life and the lives of many of my friends. Sitting up on the stage, looking out and thinking of all the stories everyone has that has made them who they are today, really put everything into perspective. Giving the speech was an amazing experience, and I even put a bit of my rap in it. Though the fellowship has come to an end, we will always be united by what transpired on the shores of Lake Bemidji.

1. West Yellowstone - My favorite memory of the year. There's memories of the trip itself, from almost dying on the way in a blizzard, to the extreme cold and continuing blizzard throughout the trip, and all the hours logged skiing on the beautiful trails. However, what's most important is what I got out of the experience. I went into my coaching practicum with TrekNorth not sure if teaching was right for me and came out remembering why I wanted to teach in the first place: I wanted to be a positive influence and help impact the lives of kids. This was the start of an amazing experience with TrekNorth, one that I hope continues in the future.