Post-Semester Release Syndrome (PSRS)

First of all, this entry is dedicated to a few special peeps that are in Van City right now! But I'll get to that later...

I'M FINALLY FREE! I finished my exams on Friday night at 9:00pm, yes, 9:00PM! It was my physics one and it was from 6-9pm that night; it was purely dreadful (in the sense that, why would anyone schedule an exam on a Friday night!?). So the whole day I was semi-cramming for this thing and was super nervous because there was so much to know for it! Especially in regards to specific equations and their applications! Whatevs, it's DONE! I was relieved of my stress. However, to make matters more intense, I, along with a couple of buds, headed down to St. Paul (Minneapolis... for those who only refer to the more popular "Twin City") to surprise a friend before he went down to Georgia for his military training. Phil Collins' one and only Tarzan soundtrack definitely got the number one star for that drive down. Once that baby was cranked, our fatigued spirits fully replenished themselves and overflowed! We had no care in the world as we sung to the epic likes of "Two Worlds" and "You'll Be In My Heart". Even the wordless "Trashin' the Camp" was belted out! It was truly joyous. Anyways, the trip down seemingly went by amazingly fast. We got there at 4:50am and pounced on our shocked dear friend. We would have got there sooner, but our 17th century GPS took us through many dense, residential neighbourhoods of St. Paul for NO reason (we literally zig zagged through 5 miles of residential blocks), at least we got to see the UofMinnesota's massive stadium. The weekend mostly consisted of us lounging at his apartment and playing videogames like we did in the good ol' days of last summer. We also did hit up the MOA and Ikea though. I mean, we had a Swedish Meatball meal for ONE DOLLAR! Plus 50 cent hot dogs?! Yes please! I can't wait for Winnipeg's Ikea to be constructed. I'm just going to go there to eat. If you think about it, you could literally just live in an Ikea and you would be set for life... But ya, we sadly had to leave the Sunday afternoon; the short trip was super sweet and well worth it. Plus, on the way back we stopped at the famous Albertville outlet strip. It's mandatory, you know? Good stuff.

So we got back at 10pm on Sunday. Now yesterday (Monday) evening, I headed out to a friend's cabin for a going away party. The good times just kept on rolling last night. I can't even count the number of unreal quotes that accumulated through out the night. They were too good to be true. The bonfire we established was also quite epic. The juicy, cheese filled smokies and roasted taquitos were quite essential. We pumped the jams all night too. I was practically dancing the whole time; which brings to my attention a certain lesson:

Life Lesson: A dance circle is crucial for a friendship circle.

That's right, good times will always be had in a dance circle! It brings any group together! I just think of all the dance circles I've experienced over the past few years (especially at weddings). Though, the one we had last night only consisted of two people: Vanessa and I (SHOUT OUT to my phantom follower)! One might ask how we made such a circle? The answer: We ourselves rotated as individuals, next to each other. The others had gone out to the bonfire, and we were just not ready to join yet... I just wanted to dance (insert Dane Cook joke here)! One fave of ours was the classic, "Shoop" by Salt N' Peppa.

Since it was such a blast of a night, it lasted until 6:30am actually! Wow, now I'm just BUSHED! What have I done to myself?! I won't even count the exact amount of hours I had of sleep this past long-weekend of mine. So ya... I'm exhausted, which of course caused the title for this entry. I've made up a new syndrome; PSRS is when one exerts all of their energy and efforts into their final exams, releasing all of their stress in the successive days right after they finish (which may include a variety of things...). They wear themselves down to the point of utter exhaustion and fatigue... and therefore become delirious. This was the case for me this past weekend. A lot of what I said was not well constructed and probably very incomprehensible to those around me. At least it made for a lot of laughs! ...Cool beans.

~~~

What about that dedication, Manny? Well, during our bonfire last night, I received a text message prompting me to call my sister, cousin, and friend (who was visiting and initially wanted me to road trip with him from Calgary to Vancouver during this time) as they were chilling in Van City together that night. I had to oblige, I needed to keep the good times rolling. I called and they suggested that I should dedicate my next blog entry to them. So, here you go. Cheers!

p.s. I'm gonna start getting things done on that list I posted last week. Stay tuned!

Blame it on the... Exams / HAPPY ONE YEAR!

So, this post involves some good news and some disappointing news. First with the not so fun news: It turns out that I won't be able to post those study break entries I promised until after all my exams (well, it's disappointing for me at least)! I've been swamped, dealing with the stress and anxieties of finals; spending all of my time this past week leaning over my wretched text books. It's either that, or I'm thinking of how I should be studying, really, at every opportunity possible... disgusting. I loathe studying and I detest exams (who doesn't, really?)!! It doesn't help when you're a major procrastinator like me... There, I'm done with the minor vent/rant.

On another note, two days ago marked Manuel's Life Lessons' ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of being a blog!!!! Before, it was just a high school, grad class, skip-day/night-party joke that some friends and I created after I said something thoughtful and witty, yet cliche. It's kind of funny how my first ever post was about procrastinating during exams and now I'm doing it again (click here to read my first post ever!)! So... I should really get back to studying Anthropology. I may just write another song... who knows!

One last thing; I'm not gonna lie, I love to blog. Hopefully I keep this pseudo hobby up and running for quite some time. Cheers!

p.s. Soon I'll be able to Party, PARTY!

Study Break (Webisode 3 from Stars) Plus Stuff on the Way

This just in from Stars...



It's 9:42pm right now on a Friday night! What am I doing here at the UofM library you may ask? Trying to study! Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! Although... I must take a break every twenty minutes right?

I can't wait for school to be done with so I can get to these projects of mine:
1) Olympic Fever - Mini Vlog Series!!!!
2) Red River Risin', The Making Of Vlog!!!!
3) Song Studying: Complete version of "The Leahy Brothers" featuring my bro Willie.
4) More Songs of Studying - A tribute-to-finishing-exams video!

I'll probably also post C-Flow's sweet vids from our interview with Royal Canoe soon too (as a study break post, you know?). I will also do a shout out post to Reims for giving me a place in her magnificent new Black Mag! But ya, don't worry... I'm not dead.

Red River Risin'

Well, it's Spring in these parts and that means one thing: The Red River is rising (or was) here in Manitoba! Last year we had quite the scare as we experienced the most flooding since our famous '97 disaster. My family, a bunch of buds, and I all volunteered with the much needed sandbagging in Winnipeg. It's funny how a potential crisis can bring the community together! It was actually quite fun and it was awesome interacting with neighbours and fellow citizens!

My dad wrote this magnificent tune last year during that time. It is also a tribute to the '97 flood with a unique humourous touch. This song was only recorded live last April at The Meeting Place (my Church in downtown Winnipeg) during a CMDS (Christian Medical and Dental Society) coffee house show-type gathering. Now, this past March, my dad decided to legitimately record this sweet thing and get some others and I involved! He went back to his friend's ol' studio: Apple Blossom Sounds (it's such a sweet Man-Cave... you'll see; Vlog to come!), where he recorded his last album: Booster Shot, and then it all fell into place from there! We finished mixing the song on March 27th and then started to get the recording out to radio stations in the days right after. It was played on Hot 103's Ace Burpee Morning Show around 9:30 am on March 29th!! I can now officially and truly say that my music has been played on the radio! It reminds me of the awesome movie: That Thing You Do... SO GOOD! I also documented a lot of our recording experience... so stay tuned and be ready for: Red River Risin', The Making Of... the Vlog!!!

So here we go! I hope you enjoy this groovin', jazzy number from Randy Goossen and Company! Check it OUT and enjoy (watch 'til the end to receive a sneak peak of my documenting footage and also some wise, reflecting words from the one and only, my father, Randy Goossen):

Red River Risin' from MannyG on Vimeo.

p.s. I don't know if you've noticed, BUT, I have changed my main blog picture once again! It's Spring! Enjoy the nice weather! As for myself, I'll try... I have to get down to some immense studying during these next two weeks. So don't expect much from Manuel's Life Lesson's until after! Peace.

"It's Just a Shortcut..."

I have finally been pulled over by a police officer! Let me just say that I was flippin' nervous! However, I believe that I handled it perfectly and with a calm conscious. OKAY! Hang on tight, it's a long ride! Here we go...

I was coming home from my Monday night Floor Hockey spiel and I decided to take a faster way home. First, here is some background info: You have to understand that the usual way (Des Meurons St. for those who know and care...) consists of two traffic lights that are approximately only 15 metres a part. These traffic lights are NOT synchronized, and it kills me (Yes, they're super close to one another, yet you can never make both of them at the time of night in which I was driving. If I hit the first light going 70km/hr as soon as it turns green, then maybe I would make it...)! Anyways, I didn't take that route (I pronounce it "root" not "rowwt", is that weird or normal?). I instead, came down the street (Marion) that intersects perpendicularly to these two lights. It actually splits into two before hitting the "usual" street that I take (Des Meurons). It is at that split where I disobeyed a traffic law. As you can see below, it's quite obvious that I can't turn left there (it's not even an intersection)! But it is WAY faster to turn there, trust me (don't worry I won't do it again, I've learned my lesson). Though you do have to drive ~ 6 metres in the oncoming lane to do so!


View Larger Map
(Google Street View is spectacular, why haven't I used it more?!)
Quite the shortcut eh? Don't worry, I only take this shortcut when NO ONE is around (I've done it only a couple of times)... but this time I slipped up. I was looking in my rear view and side mirrors and noticed cop-like headlights. There was also a truck right behind me, so I was debating risking it and going or playing it safe and obeying the traffic laws. The decision had to be made instantly and there was a break in the oncoming traffic! I went. As soon as I turned I just had that gut feeling that there was a cop car behind me. Sure enough, I looked back in my rear view mirror only to see those red and blue lights flick on. I pulled over right away... BUSTED. The cruiser must have been right behind that truck! I sat there in despair, the one officer strolled up to my vehicle. Here is the account of our conversation:

Officer - "You know that you can't turn left there, right?"

Manny - "Ya I know, it's just a shortcut I take, I just live down the street." (Keep in mind that I was flippin' nervous; and this answer implied that I turned left there ALL THE TIME)

Officer- "Okay... (I can't recall exactly what he said right after my excuse) license and registration please."

Manny - "Ya for sure..." *I'm stumbling to open up the glove box, I get out the whole insurance package, I fumble trying to get the registration out, then fumble trying to get my license out. I ended up giving him my health card by accident too.*

Officer - "It says here that you live on Kingston Row... that's not just down the street."

Manny - "Oh sorry, ya this is just a faster way to get to my house... sorry."

Officer - *He hands me back my health card* "Ya... you can keep this. Hold tight." (At that point, I didn't even realize that I gave it to him. It was just attached to my license).

A few minutes later... *I'm just blank, staring at the flashing lights. I couldn't believe this moment finally came.*

Officer - *He strolled back up to my window* "...We actually have two problems here."

Manny - "Really? Umm, what?" (I didn't know what to say!)

Officer - "Well, you are apparently driving with an invalid license."

Manny - "What? Really? I thought I renewed it! I could have sworn I did."

Officer - "Well, you probably did on February 2nd of 2009, but you haven't yet this year! We are connected straight into the MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance) system, and their records say that you didn't renew your license, so it looks like you haven't."

Manny - "Wow, ya, I must have just totally forgot! I'm sorry, I just assumed that I did! Sorry. Ya, wow, I just can't believe that I wouldn't renew it. I mean, it's been two months!" (I apologized profusely!! My license was expired for TWO MONTHS and I didn't even know! UNREAL)

Officer - "Do you have someone you can call? Because we're going to have to get your vehicle towed if you don't."

Manny - "Umm ya, hold on." *I took the life-line and dialed home.*

15 minutes later... *I'm still staring blankly down the street, ashamed. The cruiser's still sitting behind me with those guilt wrenching, flashing lights. My mom and sister FINALLY pulled up. I wasn't sure whether or not I should move/take my seat belt off/get out of the car! But I finally motioned to the police that my ride was here and I got out of my car.*

Officer - "Alright, come over here." *He motioned my mom to come too.* "Alright, I'm going to give you a cautionary for the left turn you took, but I need you to sign here *pointing to a pink report sheet* and you'll have to show up to court between May 3rd and May 17th and a judge will determine your fine. You can plead not guilty or guilty, but it's pretty straight forward, you committed the offense of driving with an invalid license."

Manny - *I signed the sheet* "Thank you sir. Ya, I just totally forgot to renew it."

Mom - *Laughing nervously* "And that is the truth!" (Thanks mom).

Officer - "Well, the best thing to do then, would just to be open with the judge and say that this is your first time doing this, and maybe they won't reprehend you."

Manny - "Ya for sure." (As I nodded and agreed profusely)

Officer - "It is actually a good thing we caught you now! If you got into an accident, you would have been responsible for everything. It's better to pay a couple hundred dollar fine now than paying ten grand later! (I was just agreeing with everything he said, and was just grateful that he was such a nice guy!)

Manny - "Okay, thanks again!"

Officer - "You bet, take care." (Okay he didn't say "you bet", but he was such a nice guy!)

So there you go! Wow, the fact that my license was expired probably distracted him and made him feel more sorry for me! I mean, I have a very clean record; no speeding tickets (though a couple close calls) and this was my first pull-over too. But ya... I renewed my license the next day. It's about time I stated another life lesson...

Life Lesson: Always be aware of when your license expires, never discard that three month in advance notification, renew your license RIGHT AWAY, and be absolutely sure that you've renewed it!

I just can't believe that I didn't get a ticket for that turn!!

"Fixed" - Stars

Here is the first single from Stars' new album: The Five Ghosts. It's called "Fixed"... Enjoy this little treat:

p.s. I'm hoping to get my first-ever-getting-pulled-over-by-a-cop-encounter story up SOON! I will also post my dad's new single: "Red River Risin'" (Feat. Moi on the drums) very soon as well! Be ready...

A Craig Cardiff Collaboration with Sung Knows...

Remember that Craig Cardiff show I wrote about? Here is the vlog style video we shot of this grand night. It is always a fun and special occasion when Manuel's Life Lessons and Sung Knows collaborate (check out Sung Knows here... they're awesome). It should happen more often. Even though it is a nice occasional treat, it is also a sad rarity (hint, hint...)! I have a feelin' that there may be something a brewin' for this Tuesday when we hit up the Royal Canoe concert for Cam's b-day bash. Anyways, check out this vid, and be ready for more (...right guys?!)!

HUGE SIDE NOTE: I've finally ordered my Tottenham Hotspur long sleeved Crouch kit (soccer jersey)! SO PUMPED! I have waited approximately 7 months and a bit for this moment. I have been searching all this time and yesterday, I happened to stumble upon this precious product at a Scottish soccer online store. I posted an entry last August about this whole ordeal... check it out here: Meandering Crouch!!!

Sung Knows X Life Lessons (Craig Cardiff Show) from Cam F. on Vimeo.

Manny, Eric and I hit up Canadian folk artist, Craig Cardiffs, concert in downtown Winnipeg and get an exclusive interview.
"amazing singer, songer"

To see more concert footage go to:
Craig Cardiff - http://www.vimeo.com/10360684
Sean Pinchin - http://www.vimeo.com/10328073
Robyn Dell'Unto - http://www.vimeo.com/10397611
Sheena Grobb - http://www.vimeo.com/10416727

sungknows.blogspot.com
mangoossen.blogspot.com

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix: LIVE and FREE

I come bearing GIFTS! If you love the Parisian band Phoenix (which I'm pretty sure everybody who reads this does), love LIVE music, and love FREE music, then click on this link... Phoenix: LIVE IN SYDNEY!! DO IT, trust me. I just thought I'd give back to the community a little bit here. I was surfing the webernet for Phoenix and stumbled upon their BLOG! I was ecstatic when I looked on my blog feed and found this post. If I recall correctly, I posted an entry partially devoted to this album way back when (yes, I did recall correctly: Wha?? Plus Phoenix). It's beautifully unreal! If you loved the studio album, I'm sure you will enjoy their live Sydney show; so check that link OUT! Also, you can download different remixes of their songs on their blog! DO IT!

Speaking of live music from Phoenix, here is a music video of them playing their hit song, 1901, in a busking sort of style. The camera man gives it a unique twist with his wandering style. Enjoy...

p.s. HAPPY B-DAY CAM "THE BOSS" FRIESEN!! This is why I'm in the mood for bearing gifts today. It's this young man's 21st birthday!