Dirty Work: Cleaning the Gutters
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Yesterday was an interesting day. I found myself high up on a roof, cleaning the gutters of my investment property. Anyone that knows me knows that dirty work is not my thing.The gutters flat out had to be cleaned. When I bought the property, I don't believe the gutters had been cleaned in years. In fact, it couldn't have been. The property sat vacant for two years before i purchased it and it showed. We cleaned up the inside and rehabbed the property, but neglected to do the gutters.
Well, eventually it had to get done and for about three weeks I had been saying that I was going to get it done. Yesterday was the day!
The black muck that had formed from the decomposing leaves, dirt, insects, and water was terrible. I filled up two garbage bags of the stuff just from the gutters.
As you can see, plants had started to grow inside the gutters. This can be very bad for the property as eventually the access weight can cause the gutter to fall off entirely and expose the interior of the property to the outside elements. This is something that you don't want to happen or I don't want to happen, thus I was on the roof yesterday.
I will tell you that the sun really takes a lot out of you from working in it. I was wiped after I finished. I rested and took my day off from my workout routine and let my body recover.
However, today the plan is to get a couple of miles of ROADWORK in and reclaim my workout schedule. It is happening!
Out.
Labels: Life, Real Estate
2 Quick Miles and a New Nick Name
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Greetings blog community, I am back with a quick update. Yes! You know I got up this morning and got it with a two mile run. You have to stay on top of this everyday or you are not going to reach your goals. My new nickname is THE BAR. Why THE BAR? Because if you want to win this competition, then you are going to have to beat me, THE BAR!
LOL! I love it and will get a shirt made that says THE BAR. In fact, that is going to be the shirt that I tear off during the showdown of the competition to reveal all the hard work that I have been blogging about.
Let me just say this, you don't want me to win this competition because I am NEVER going to let it go. The amount of trash talking I have heard in the month of July is outstanding! I repeat that this is only the month of July, so there is a long way to go and many of you are getting tired already.
What are you going to do in August? I will tell you what I am going to do. I am going to TURN UP THE INTENSITY! Many of you think it is all about the weights and diet, and running. No! It is about committment right now. You have to remaind dedicated to the goal this point because everybody is excited.
But excitement is not going to get you out of the bed in the morning when you are sore and your body is beat down from getting beat up! You need committment at that point. That is what I am building at this moment.
July was about committement. August is going to be about taking it to the next level. What does that include? Well, the first two weeks of August, I am running 20 miles a week. That's right, Buddy! 20 MILES A WEEK! It is going down. I am going to get rid of all this baby fat, then I will start getting serious on the weights.
See, I have been lifting, but it is not the focus. In the middle of August, i am going to get serious on the weights and make sure all the Mushy parts of me are fine tuned to muscle and power. The running is going to trim my body and make the 6 six pack attainable.
Yeah, what did you do today? Nothing! That ain't gonna get it done.
Oh yeah, I failed to mention that I am going to the weight room this afternoon to move some weights around. How about you?
WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?
I AM!
Signing off,
THE BAR!
4 Miles and the Talk of Tubby Tobias
Monday, July 28, 2008
Today was the first time I have run since Friday. Friday, I ran 6 miles and that was the furthest I have ever run in my life. Throughout highschool I was on the track team, but never ran that far. I was a sprinter, 100, 200, 4 X 100, and the long jump. During practice, I would run four miles with the other sprinters. That was punishment enough for me. I thought that was silly that we had to run that far. And for a long time, four miles was a long run.
Not today! I see things differently after pushing my body beyond the four mile barrier. Now I just see it as a day of ROADWORK! You have to get it.
Today, I woke up late, 9 am, to a phone call by Nigel "Baby Fat" Jones talking trash about gettin' it. Nigel is in California, so it was 7 am there. He is nuts with this competition,....but so am I!
I got out the bed and went to work, across the hall to my office. I turn on my email and Tubby Tobias Stephens is talking too much. I decided to not continue the talk (because it ain't gonna win this competition!).
We put on my running shoes and hit the streets. I went a new route down 175th to Pulaski Road. There are two big hills down that street and it gave me a challenge, but at the end of the day I am too much for some hills.
I came back in and took the above picture, so I say:
THANK YOU NIGEL "BABY PHAT" JONES: You woke me up with that trash talking and got me right. Reminded me that this not a sprint, but a marathon. You cannot have a successful couple of days and think you have done something. This is a marathon! You got to get it everyday!
THANK YOU TUBBY TOBIAS: Your trash talking motivated me to get out of the chair and hit the road. How do you like that ROADWORK? Don't answer, I am going to give you more! And more! And more! And more!!
The Bar has been raised!!!!
WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?
I AM!
Enjoying Life a Little Bit
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Today, I took a break from my workout plan to enjoy life a little bit. It was a planned break, so that is good. I have recently developed this obsession with the Wii. I just love it. The bowling game has my family full devotion. We play it all the time. That is partically because we really enjoy bowling as well. Although, my wife and I believe it is better than the real bowling alley because you hold your beer while you are bowling and the ally is in the family room. What could be better than that? If we get to drunk bowling, we can just go to bed.
The picture is of me before bowling a couple of games today. If you look in the background, that is my avatar for the game holding the bowling ball. He is in green with glasses. That is the pin killer!!! I am really getting good at this game. If you play, my Pro ranking is plus 1200 and rising. I was in the 1380 range, but drop drastically after bowling like a 135. That was a bad game to say the least.
Nevertheless, I can see many blogs in the future about my Wii addition, so get ready. You are going to have to tolerate it because I love it.
Tomorrow, I am going to beat this body up with some ROADWORK!!! I want to run 4 to 6 miles tomorrow. It is going to be tough because I have a lot to do, but excuses never get you anywhere...., so I am going to make it happen.
Labels: Wii, Workout Challenge
There Has To Be an Easier Life
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday was a fantastic day! About 2pm, the Boys, my wife, and I all packed up, piled into the truck, and went to the bowling ally to have a great time. On mondays, everything is a $1, so we take advantage when we can. It was a great time.Just for the record, I am a terrible bowler that has good games from time to time. Well in two games, I managed to lose to my 8 year old son and my wife the following game. This is a disaster because I usually win and talk a lot of trash. I had to eat crow and let me tell you....I DIDN'T LIKE IT!
Nevertheless, this wonderful day led me to thinking about the day to day life of most people in this country. It is full of deadlines, bills, work, worry, and some fun sprinked in so they don't go crazy. That about sums it up woulnd't you say?
Now, let's be clear. I think this sucks. However, it is the reality for many. I often think of a time when perhaps life was simpler or at least our time wasn't so pressed. Many would say that the time of the people has always been taxed. I wonder.
I wonder is it necessary for this so called PROGRESS. I wonder are all the comforts necessary. I wonder if progress is necessary. I wonder what are we progressing for? Where are we going and what is at the end of the line?
And if it isn't all necessary, then why are we killing ourselves trying to maintain this society? It is obvious that most of us are not satisfied. Yes, we may have some material STUFF, but does that lead to satisfaction of the mind, body, and soul? And isn't life ultimately about the mind, body, and soul?
I beieve that life doesn't have to be so work intensive, deadline sensitive, and headache oriented. I believe life can be about the simple pleasures. I believe life is about family, friends, and fun. I believe the majority of my time can be spent with family, friends, and fun.
The bottom line:
I desire more simple days with the family, friends, and having fun. Free from the stress of bills, deadlines, and madness of society. This desire shall be manifested and the fruits shared with the world.
It seems I am growing increasingly further apart from the major axiom of Western Capitalism that says that in order for a society to prosper, there has to be a poor and down trouden class.
I am growing to dispise this line of thinking. One it is just ridiculous. Two, there is a better way, but for some reason we (reletively intelligent people) think it is a bad idea to help other people. I am not in line with this thinking and will work to rid it from the people.
Labels: Life
Workout Challenge: Updated Picture #2
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Yeah ladies and gentlemen, the picture has been updated. You can see what you are up against.Understandably, if you are in this competition, you should not be at all worried just yet. From the picture, you can see a slight improvement, but here is what I know from carry this body around the last two weeks.
Everything is tighter than before. I still have a lot of work to go, but boy ole boy, it is happening. The best part is the way that I feel.
I remember talking to Nigel, Baby Fat Cali, about his workout. He kept on mentioning how good he felt now that he was getting in shape. When you are out of shape, you cannot really relate to those words, but know that I am doing my thing I can really understand it. I feel great. I wake up in the morning ready to pounce on the day and I do!
Yesterday, I ran another two miles. I was suppose to go and workout at Ballys and beat this body up, but I didn't. Before you get to excited thinking I fell off, the family and I went bowling and the time took a little longer than we expected. I will blog about the bowling trip later.
Now, I just want all my competitors to know that if they ain't working hard, they may as well get out of the competition because you can wrap this one up. You may not be intimidated by the picture now, but just wait another two weeks. I figure in a month there should be some serious changes in the pictures.
Stay on the look out for the next picture in two more weeks. But know this, while you are resting, talking it easy, drinking beer, there is this man in Illinois GETT'IN IT!!!!
WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?
I AM!
Labels: Workout Challenge
Another 4 Miles of Road Work!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I have not forgotten, UPDATED PICTURE COMING TOMORROW!!!Today was a solid day in my workout. I ran another 4 miles of road work. If you read my last post about my dog encounter, know that I didn't run that same route. I am not crazy.
I found another route to satisfy my goal for the day. After a few glasses of water and a cup cake made by my baby boy, I was off into the hot midwest heat.
I really like running when the sun is up. I believe that the suns rays are good for the body, so I like to get them in while I am working out and getting a good sweat.
I got a little jokes pointed in my direction about my post workout pictures. Someone noticed the water in each photo and asked was that because I was splashing water on my face before taking the pictures?
In one word, YES! I have to explain. See, I have been drinking the water into my system. Then going out into the streets to run my four miles. In the process, the water seeps through my system and comes out of my skin as sweat, which enters my shirt in the form seen in the pictures.
So yes, I splash the water onto myself. The only catch is I do it from the inside out through HARD WORK!
On the challenge scene, the talk has died down a little bit. I don't hear all the confidence that was out there a couple of weeks ago. Everybody had jokes. Now they must be reailizing this is not a sprint, but a marathon.
But I got words of wisdom for those that believe they are going to be themselves in shape in a short 5 weeks or so, IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!! You better be working, sweating, and getting it now! There is no tomorrow baby! You have to get it now.
I am getting it! Still in high gear and am going to pound them weights tomorrow.
Whatever you are doing? Now matter how hard you are working or if you are taking it light, remember this: There is a man in Illinois, Cook county....Getting it!
WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?
I AM!
New Route, 4 Miles, & a Doberman Pincher
Friday, July 18, 2008
Today I went out an got it by running a new route at 11a along Governors Hwy. The first half mile was great. I felt good and it was a beautiful day.Well as you run down this particular stretch of Governors Hwy, there are some big beautiful homes that sit a good 150 feet from the street. Large areas of green grass and flowers decorate the front yards of these homes. I am running by them one by one jamming my music, Jay Z at the time, and focused on making the run a good one.
Out of my peripheral vision, I see a dog running quickly towards me. I guess I would have heard him barking, but I had my headphones on. My first thought was to run across the street and flee to safety....but Governors Hwy is a busy street. If I were to run aimlessly out there I would get hit for sure.
So I had no choice, I planted my feet and prepared to go to war this charging Doberman Pincher. Now I am not saying that to brag or anything, that was literally my ONLY option. I did not want to fight this animal, but there was no other choice. What would you have done?
I grit my teeth and eyeball the charging animal. At this point he is about 20 yards out and closing. I couldn't believe I was in this situation. Talk about disgusted, I was sick. Figuring if he only bite my arm, I could beat him off of me with my free hand. What can I say, I was out of options.
To my amazement the dog stopped charging about 15 yards out. He came to a stop about 12 yards from me. He was barking slightly, but was seemed more calm. I was standing still, frozen.
I began to walk slowly, further along my route. The dog followed me along the property line, always about 12 yards from me. I walked past the property line and began to jog away slowly.
At first I believed that I had a stand off with Doberman Pincher, then quickly realized that there must have been one of those invisible dog fences. Had to be, right?
Then again, he could have seen these guns under this shirt and said, "I don't want none of that." LOL!
Anyway, I continued along my route. Running up and down the hills. Enjoying the scenery along the way. There was a stretch where I got to run along a lake. It was really nice. I understand why runners really like running along Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago. It has to be nice.
There is something about physical fitness that just makes you feel good. I motivate myself when I am running by thinking that I am somehow motivating others to take care of themselves. All those people that ride by in their SUVs, eating White Castle, and drinking Slurpee's see me working, sweating, and giving the body what it needs....HARD WORK!!!!
I finished my run feeling really good. I was never out of breath. Admittedly, I was running slow, didn't time myself. I usually don't time myself. I think the distance was good and I will do it again. However, I know I will chose a different route next time!
Updated picture coming Monday!
WHOSE GOING TO MAKE A PLAY?
I AM!
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How about you? Do you have any interesting workout encounters with dogs chasing you? Or are you going to make a play?
Leave a comment below....
The Great Comcast Monster is Dead
Thursday, July 17, 2008
This past week I had my final battle with Comcast. Since buying our house in 2006 and installing the comcast service, they have been back and forth our home no less than 25 times trying to fix their mess. We had that Comcast Triple play, which is really Triple crap. Well, I won't lie the cable is alright. We never had a problem. But the phone and Internet are a different story. My wife and I work from home, so the phone and Internet is critical to our survival.
Long story shorter, the phone drops more than my Sprint cell phone and when the phone drops, the Internet is out. When the phone doesn't drop, the Internet is intermittent at best. Yes, when everything is working, it is the fastest thing around and that is what lead me to deal with them for so long.
No more! I now have AT&T for a lot less money and the Internet speed is similar. I don't recognize a difference and I am on the Internet all day long. If you know me, you know I am addicted to my email. (There I said it, so y'all can get off my back about it! LOL!) So if there was a noticeable difference, I would recognize it and complain, but I haven't had any problems so far.
I cannot tell you the pleasure I had canceling my Comcast service. I shouldn't enjoy something so much, but I did. I mean, they have been really sticking it to me with their premium pricing for a long time. Having me to believe that their Internet was sooooooo muuuuucccchhhhhh faster than everyone Else's.
Well, the world has caught up to you Comcast. And I will do my best to tell people about it. Your pricing has to come down to compete with AT&T.
Then, I know what you are thinking, "Your TV/Cable is not as good, right?"
Wrong! It is actually better! I got two free DVRs for my home with a comparable cable service that has better features. I don't have one complaint, I cannot set a reminder on the remote for shows I want to watch like on Comcast. I guess the thinking is that you can just record the show and watch it when you want. No need for reminders.
Anyway, I could not wait to send this blog because I officially cannot stand Comcast. If you have that service and cannot get the AT&T U-Verse 300 package in your area, good luck!!!!
But if you can switch, I would suggest running to your phone to make a CHANGE!
Talk Never Wins
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to talk to you today about something that is very important to our futures and the future of our children. This is an epidemic running rampant through the world community. What is this epidemic of which I speak?Talking. I am sick and tired of hearing the talking, the posturing, the commenting, the analysis. At the end of the day, the only way you are going to win this competition or anything in life is to STOP THE TALKING and DO MORE!
Today, I got up, went to an 8:30am business meeting near Hammond, Indiana, got home about 11:30am, did some appraisal work, ran 3 miles, completed my work, and posted this blog.Monday, I went to Ballys and got my weight lifting and ab work on. Thank you, Krystal! She work my abs to death, but I want more.
Sunday, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill. That was the furthest I have ran in at least 4 or 5 years. I was hurting, but I did it. I am going to continue to BEAT THIS BODY UP!!!! What are you going to do? Talk about it.
Talking is not going to beat me, the boogie man, or the game of life. At some point, you have to stop talking and put some work in if you want to make a play in your life. Afterall, if you don't want to make a play, why are you in the game?
I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes:
"What your doing speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you are saying." - Unknown
Wow! Doesn't that just say it all. If you were to look at what I am doing, you will know exactly what I have been up to. Look at the picture. What do you see? SWEAT & WATER!
That's right! I have been running, working out, and drinking water.
Stop talking, put some miles in, do the studying, take care of your body and excel!
WHOSE GOING TO MAKE A PLAY?
I AM!
Reading: Declaration of Independence
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Declaration of Independence is a very powerful document. To put the world on notice that there is a tyrant in the community that is infringing on the rights of the People takes a lot of courage to say the least.Quote from Declaration of Independence:
"WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation."
End Quote
This individuals were living under a rule that they felt obligated to defeat. Because if they continued in this state, they would be dooming their lives to intolerance, random violence, economic disaster, and lost of basic sovereignty and control over their future.
Powerful when you really stop and consider the words.
Quote from Declaration of Independence:
"WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness __ That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
End Quote
Wow! You have to remember that they are talking about the British Crown. This is deep because the British owned and controlled everything that was considered to be America, so they say. To have one of your own creations rebel against you is powerful. And imagine the size balls these people had to have to sign this death certificate.
Because had they lost the battle to the British Crown, all of them would have been executed. Believe that! The problem everyday people like myself have is understanding the deadly game some are playing with the rest of our lives. Yes, they will lie, cheat, steal, and murder to get ahead. It is the same game that has been played for centuries, the strong survive. That is the ideals of Western Thought.
The Declaration goes on to make many claims as to why they are departing. Most people don't read that far into it. Nevertheless, it is a powerful document and really sets up the Constitution or the Government the language of the Declaration of Independence talks about setting up in place of the Tyrannical Rule of the British Crown.
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Here's my Questions? (Answer by leaving a Comment below.)
1. When was the last time you read the Constitution?
2. Do you think it is important to the today's Political discussions?
Enjoying the Day!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, in the mist of this great competition it is important not to lose your sense of self and remember to stop, slow down, and enjoy life from time to time.
Today is Saturday and I have taken a day off from my workout routine to have a glass of wine, relax, play some Wii with my boys, and generally enjoy life. You know, contemplate the wonders of life.
(Also, I want to enter a false sense of hope in my competitors because they will think I fell off drinking this wine.) Hahahahaha, everyone cannot do this in the middle of a serious competition. I can!
Don't think for one second that I ain't serious about this. I am going to smash this competition and the "so called" competition. Now that I know these boys are reading my blog, I know I got them because I am in their heads so much. So read on Baby Phat Cali, Chubby Chase, the Big Booty Rapper, Flabby and Sick, Big Belly Boyd, Over the Hill Amiel, read on fellas.....Starting Sunday, i am back GETTIN' IT!!!
This coming up week is all about the Abs. My workout trainer and wife, Krystal, vowed she is going to get me right. All I have to do is submit to her instructions.
WHAT YOU GONNA DO, WHEN BIG FRED RUNS WILD ON YOU?
Whose going to make a play?
I AM!
Ran 2 Miles Before Ballys Weight Lifting Workout
Friday, July 11, 2008
I just had to pause and drop a quick blog. I was instant messaging with a friend, Fat Boy Baker, and started talking trash about our competition and calling me a fat boy. I warned him that empty words wasn't going to win this competition.
I AM BEATING THIS BODY UP!(That's sweat, Baby! The stuff of Champions!)
To emphasis this, I went to my basement and ran two quick miles and took the above picture. Sweat and hard work is going to win this competition and I AM WILLING TO WORK!!!! How about you?
Whose going to make a play? I AM!
The Matrix of the Constitution
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The last couple of days have been very interesting. I have had powerful discussion with some deep people about subjects that most of us don't want to think about.Nevertheless, I love to think about these things. As you may have guest, I a conspiracy thoerist. What I have discovered is that the best way to keep a secret is to hide it in plain sight. The reality of the Matrix world we live in is obvious to those that take the time to do some BASIC research and reading.
I know, I know, people don't like to read and definately don't appreciate having to do some research. In this sound byte society we live in Instand Gratification is the mantra of the people. This is a tradegy because somewhere along the way in the development of this country and mindset, the yearning to think critically in all aspects of life was drained.
The wild thing is when you talk to people that are "passionate" about politics or a certain politicians and find out that the haven't even read the Constitution. How are you going to be passionate about politics and have no conception of the Constitution? Isn't the Constitution the most important document in our political system?
If you agree with the above questions, ask yourself this. Why was the last time you read the Constitution was in the 8th grade? I know it was the last time you read was the 8th grade because that was the last time I read it....before I regained my hunger for first hand knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking.
I believe you understand far more than you did in the 8th grand and if re-read the Constitution today, you would understand it much better than you did as a teenager. Right?
Good. Now, go and read the Constitution.
The Matrix is all around us, but we are too stupid to read some basic documents and get an understand of world, country, and political system we have submitted to. Now, if you have done some basic research, you will caught the phrasing I used in the last sentence. If you didn't unerstand that, get to reading.
I found myself in Borders the other week and saw some pocket sized constitutions and declaration of Independence for .99 cents and bought two. I should have gotten 10 to pass out to other people....I have already given away one of these books.
Good luck, Neo!
Best Body Challenge
Monday, July 7, 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, I have entered into a friendly competition amongst some of my best friends in the whole entire world. One guy in California, he shall remain nameless, started talking trash about his workout routine and the progress he has made. It didn't take long before someone called him fat and a challege was issued. What is the challenge?Whomever has the best body by Homecoming at SIU, gets "set out" by all the other participants. This simply means that for that weekend, the winner doesn't have to pay for ANYTHING!! This includes meals, drinks, snacks, whatever!
There are about 10 people at least competing in this challenge and the competition is going to be fierce, but the trash talking has already hit legendary status. The winner is selected by a random group of females that will decide who has the best body after everyone has taken their shirts off.
I should mention that the majority of the participants are from 30 to 36 years of age and well past their prime, so it is going to be halarious when half of us take our shirts off. As you can see from my picture, if I don't do some serious working out the laughter may be on me.
But you have to understand that this competition from some close friends that hate to lose to one another in a card game, let alone a fitness challenge, so it is going to be interesting.
I have three solid months to get this bag of bones in shape and that is what I plan to do. Since entering the competition two days ago, I have log 6 miles of running and plan on starting an intense Ab, my weak spot, routine once my wife gets back in town. Basically, I refuse to lose this competition because I love to talk shit to these guys and they know it. This is going to be classic.
This challenge is awesome because the backbone of it is the re-dedication to physical fitness in our lives. So we are really pushing each other to live, eat, and be healthy. As men, sometimes competition is what we need to get it going. I will tell you this, it has worked for me. Not only am I going to win, but I am going to return to the condition I use to be in when I attened SIU, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where I played football.
Once upon a time I use to be in some real shape, hence my comment above stating that we USED to be in shape, me being included into that. But that is behind me because I will be in great shape once again.
It is my plan to keep you posted on my workout progress and I will update my picture when there has been some real progress. Maybe I will do a new picture every two weeks, so we can see the transformation together.
Oh yeah, I forgot the winner also gets a T-Shirt that says, "I Won" on the front and, "Champion!" on the back. Needless to say, along with that victory goes the right to talk as much trash as you like because you pulled it off.
This is going to be a great competition and I look forward to winning, rubbing it in the faces of my friends, and getting back into great shape!
Get ready!
Interesting Debate: Public Aid and Barack Obama
Sunday, July 6, 2008
I was with a few of my friends yesterday at a small get together. Had a good time and some great conversation as usual when I get with my close friends. Well, it is hard for anyone to come together and not discuss the political climate and the Obama call for change in this country.Now, I agree that change is necessary and needed in this country more so than many others. If you recall in my last blog post, I mentioned that I have some issues with this country. Well, I guess today is as good a time as any to let some of my beef out.
Our discussion began with the issues of public health care, education, and aid. I have a really good friend that I have watched evolve into a Republican, but he is in denial of the title. He has all of their classic arguments, but doesn't want to be called a republican. LOL! It is kind of funny, but it is what it is. So natuarally, when you start talking about assistance and helping people out, he carts out the classic argument that you want a small percentage of hard working Americans to take care of the rest of the country. Which as a hard working American, I am certainly sensitive to this matter.
He mentioned that a person should only have 4 years of public assistance and if they cannot get their mess together after that, then they should be cut off. Hey, who would argue with that? I conceeded that he makes some interesting points and they may in fact be true. Sure we could debate the time frame, but why?
Another friend of mine said, "What about the children?" You have to have them on longer because of the kids, they cannot fend for themselves. My first friends comes back again with the classic Republican view that you are creating dependence if you do this that will cycle into generations of people on aid and weighing down the government. All great points!
I like to come from the reality that if your neighbor cannot feed himself and his family, then you are not safe. I don't understand where people come from thinking that they can exploit and degrade a people to the point where they cannot feed themselves and you are just going to live in this country next to them and not have any problems.
If the people around you are not eating and satified, I don't care what type of car you drive, house you live in, job you have, conversations you engage, you are in trouble because that person will hit you or anyone else in the head to fee their babies.
My point: We are all in this together weather we realize it or not!!!!!!!
Here is another question: When did it become so EVIL to want to help out other people?
I get that you don't want to support the people that are just laying on the system, but when did the concept of giving back and helping others pick themselves up because such a bad thing? I just don't understand it. We act as if we are suspended on an island these people are not ever going to effect our lives. We must wake up from this dream.
Second debate: Barack Obama.
Let me get straight to the point. Being a so called "black man", it is difficult to say anything that is seen as not 100% total support of Obama, but I have never been a person to follow the grain, so I will say what is on my mind.
I am not a big believer in this guy because he is a politician. I am not that old, 32, so I have not experienced many presidential canidates, but I am an advit reader and love history. Historically, Politicians have lied, cheated, stole, and said anything to get into office. Once they get there, they don't do half of what they said they would do. So, I just don't get caught up in the Obama hype.
To prop this guy up on a pedistal as the end all be all of so called "black America" is dangerous because what if he turns out to be a crook like the rest of them. Now, I get the significance of him running and the powerful statement that could make, but this guy is not the top of the ladder. We were once Kings and that is the image that should be driven into the hearts and minds of our children. We are the creators of civilization. It donesn't get any bigger than that.
But my point to my debating audience was to be careful with Obama. We found out during the Democratic process that what we see ain't always what we think it is. Example, before the race "black people" loved Bill Clinton and thought he was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but during that election the truth came out. He is not a great supporter of "black people" and wasn't even that great of a President. In fact, many of his policies and proceedures led to the state the country is in now.
With that, I said to be careful with Obama....he just may not be what we think he is. I won't even go into his political affiliations and many of the organizations that he is a part of that have been responsible for state of being we find ourselves in today...ie the Council on Foreign Relations and more.
At the end of the day, I hope I am wrong about Obama and this country. I hope it is as great is the ideals posted on paper. My problem is actions speak louder than words and the words of this country and have been in lock step with the ideals written on paper. Where I am from, when your actions don't match your words....you are known as a hypocrit.
I don't think that is too far off! It may be strong and something you don't want to hear, but you cannot call it a lie. And that, my friend, is the truth!
The Fourth of July
Friday, July 4, 2008
I will make an attempt to keep this conversation light and fun, but today is a difficult day for me. I will explain this in a minute.
The family and I had some serious fun today. As you can tell from the image, it involved the Wii. My mother bought the boys the Nintendo Wii for some reason. Grandparents don't need reasons to spend their money on the little ones. It just seems to be what they do. Hey, I didn't complain because I was really interested in this game console.
Turns out the Wii is awesome! We have been having big fun playing bowling, Mortal combat, Darts, and variety of other games. For more on that, you are going to have to visit my son's website at www.JayelsWorld.blogspot.com. He is developing a blog about the things he like and I am certain it is going to involve video games. The bottom line is we had a great time.
Now, why is today a tough day for me? Well, I just have a real problem with the hypocracy of this country. The fourth of July is suppose to represent a day of freedom for this country, but the truth is if this were 200 and some odd years ago....I would be a slave. And freedom would be the last thing on my mind. The focus would be on basic survival from the oppressors and madmen that believe they have the Godly authority to control and own people.
So, this is the reason this day is hard for me to celebrate. It is full of crap! Many things in this country bother me very badly and we will discuss them in the future. Sometimes I get people telling me that maybe I should leave the country if I feel so ill towards it, but that is a hard thing to do because it was my ancestors blood, sweat, and tears that built this land. I will not even go into the fact that it was also their understanding of agriculture, building, government, and basic knowledge of the Universe that also supported these efforts. With this in mind, I say, "Why would I leave a land that was built and supported by my people?"
I wouldn't! I would stay and fight! That is what I plan to do unless these oppressors run the country in the ground and that is where it seems like it is headed.
Nevertheless, I hope you are enjoying your day, but please don't be like the majority of people and sleepwalk through their lives and opportunities to make a difference in the world and country we call our own. Don't allow the media and politicians to frame your understanding of history and landscape of this world. Be the most radical thing you can be....an independent free thinker that has the ability to form and shape their own opinion.
Thought is possibility!
The family and I had some serious fun today. As you can tell from the image, it involved the Wii. My mother bought the boys the Nintendo Wii for some reason. Grandparents don't need reasons to spend their money on the little ones. It just seems to be what they do. Hey, I didn't complain because I was really interested in this game console.
Turns out the Wii is awesome! We have been having big fun playing bowling, Mortal combat, Darts, and variety of other games. For more on that, you are going to have to visit my son's website at www.JayelsWorld.blogspot.com. He is developing a blog about the things he like and I am certain it is going to involve video games. The bottom line is we had a great time.
Now, why is today a tough day for me? Well, I just have a real problem with the hypocracy of this country. The fourth of July is suppose to represent a day of freedom for this country, but the truth is if this were 200 and some odd years ago....I would be a slave. And freedom would be the last thing on my mind. The focus would be on basic survival from the oppressors and madmen that believe they have the Godly authority to control and own people.
So, this is the reason this day is hard for me to celebrate. It is full of crap! Many things in this country bother me very badly and we will discuss them in the future. Sometimes I get people telling me that maybe I should leave the country if I feel so ill towards it, but that is a hard thing to do because it was my ancestors blood, sweat, and tears that built this land. I will not even go into the fact that it was also their understanding of agriculture, building, government, and basic knowledge of the Universe that also supported these efforts. With this in mind, I say, "Why would I leave a land that was built and supported by my people?"
I wouldn't! I would stay and fight! That is what I plan to do unless these oppressors run the country in the ground and that is where it seems like it is headed.
Nevertheless, I hope you are enjoying your day, but please don't be like the majority of people and sleepwalk through their lives and opportunities to make a difference in the world and country we call our own. Don't allow the media and politicians to frame your understanding of history and landscape of this world. Be the most radical thing you can be....an independent free thinker that has the ability to form and shape their own opinion.
Thought is possibility!
7 Year Wedding Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Today is my 7th wedding anniversary to the greatest woman in the world. I cannot tell you how fortunate I am to have been with this woman for so long. She is incredible.
It is funny how life throws you curve balls because back in college I could not have imagined that I would have been married for one, and this happy for another. These seven years have flown by as if they were 7 weeks. I guess that is when you know you are with someone special, the time just flys....or is that old age?
Anyway, I am often asked the question by my friends, "How do you and Krys do it? How do you make the marriage work so well?"
Well, I don't know how it works so well..., but it does. We try our best to be open and honest with one another about all matters and we are not shy about calling the other person out when they are on some BS, but that is rare because we have an understanding that we are in this life together and we both want to make the best of it.
Communication is the key to a great marriage. You hear that all the time, but it is the truth....that is why you hear it so much. We talk all the time and take the time to reconnect with one another on a spiritual, mental, and physical level. All of these are very important to a balanced life and marriage.
Obviously, we have common goals for the family that we put above all small and petty things. Our addictions take a back seat to these goals ALL THE TIME! I think this is sometimes where people fail, letting their addictions get the best of them and their partner.
Addictions can be anything thing from drugs and alcohol to nightclubs, video games, shoes, or food. The point is to not put any of these things in front of your mate and both of your family goals. Family first is the motto and we are serious about our family.
For instance, my wife and I love beer! Who doesn't right? LOL! Anyway, there have been times when we didn't have enough money to get us a 12 pack because it would jepordize the goals of the family and direction we were moving. Well, in this case we don't buy any beer. It is that simple. You have to control your additions to do what is best for the family.
Support is the other key that I would give to a successful marriage. If you are not willing to support your mate 100% in their life endeavors, then you may as well not get married. Support is the key because if that other person doesn't feel like they are not getting the love, respect, encouragement, and support from their mate, then it just simply ain't gone work. Please respect the desites of your mate because if you don't, then you can forget about it.
We used to live in Dallas, Texas and Krystal loved it. She had a job that she really enjoyed at JDRF, Juvenile Diabeties Resource Foundation. Inspite of this, she supported our move to Chicago, Illinois in my quest to be an entrepreneur. This was in 2002 and we have been here ever since. That was outstanding because she could have faught me and we would have stayed, but that is not what it is all about. When I asked her why, she said, "If we never came to Chicago, you would have always regretted and wonder what if and I could not live with myself if I did that to you."
Wow! I love that woman with everything I am!!!!!
Happy 7th Anniversary to me and my Babycakes!!!!!
