High Fidelity

Passing The Time Away...

2009-12-18T01:27:00.006-05:00

It's December 17th, 2009. The time is now 10:35pm and I once again find myself sitting in an airport...passing the time away. And what better time than now to blog about stuff, especially since I have another hour to go before my flight leaves. I guess this may be one of those blogs where I look at things that have been going on over the past bit of time. I mean, it's been a while since my last post. Not that anyone is really reading this, but still, I like to think that I have a following. It makes it worthwhile...even if it's just one.

So here's the skinny of my most recent endeavors over the past few months:

1. Back in late August through early September, I made a trip to Denver for two weeks. My company decided they wanted to invest in me and introduce me to a new ERP system. So I flew to Colorado and went through two weeks of crash course training. It wasn't all work though. I met some interesting people (none of whom I have spoken to since the training) and got a chance to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of The Mile High City. To add to it, my anniversary was at the end of the month, so I flew my wife up and we celebrated up there. It was a good way to celebrate. Two years straight we've been somewhere other than home during our anniversary. Sounds like the start of a good tradition if you ask me. Definitely one that I'd like to keep going if I have it my way. (Some girl just walked past with her lips all poked out, looking like she's hung over, and squeezing her belly fat. Now she's just shaking it like a drunken Santa Claus. Hey, I said I was in an airport.) Needless to say, the Denver trip was good and it set me up for the next thing that took place.

2. So after I finished my two weeks in Denver, I was "stationed" in Boca Raton, FL. This place could probably best be described as the retirement community for the rich. All you see there are high-end cars, well dressed individuals in them, and dogs no bigger than chipmunks wearing t-shirts and scarfs that probably cost more than my winter coat. Yes, it's that type of place. Luckily, the beach was close by (which I never saw), and the only saving grace was Florida-Internal University which was down the street. They helped supply the youth of the place, so it didn't turn out to be all that bad. Overall, the project wasn't all that bad, and the location wasn't that bad either. I didn't get out that much as I normally would, but I made the best of it anyway. I was there for about a month and then I ended up leaving and heading off elsewhere.

3. I forgot to add that I started a little side gig somewhere between Denver and Boca. I now have gus4 Photography! I got started in photography a while ago; you can check the blog out here. But I decided to move it to a business a few months ago. I've had a few good clients, and I've learned a lot with them. They've helped me progress and develop my "eye".

4. I took a week off and went to Thailand. It was a much needed vacation (this came after my time in Boca). I actually saw a few new places that I hadn't seen from my first trip there. We landed in Bangkok and also traveled to Hua Hin. Big beach, open water and all the smiling a person can stand. Though I only saw the beach once, it was still worth the trip. I also visited a lot of the night markets and bazaars while I was there. This place is awesome when it comes to shopping! You can negotiate just about anything! Just try not to be TOO greedy. Sometimes you can lose yourself thinking that a number is too high, and you forget to convert it to your personal currency and you end up walking away from a really good deal that you would otherwise not come close to having back at home. Uaintnevalied racks up when she's there, and did so again this trip. Her mom made out like a bandit! After a week, it was time to return back home for me, while the rest stayed behind for a few more days.

5. So after I return back, I get changed to another project. San Francisco. Fun place, lots to do and see, and some of the best skyline pictures you can imagine. Let's not forget the Golden Gate. Aside from the red-eye flights, it's a pretty good gig. I have an awesome team I'm working with, and everyone gets along pretty well.

And that brings us back to here. My flight tonight has me taking a 3-hour layover in Las Vegas. I've already had dinner, won about $60 in a slot machine in the airport (don't ask me how I did it), and I'm now awaiting the plane while watching people walk by and realizing that booze, gambling and prostitutes do not go well for some people while they are here (and this poor girl is still walking around shaking her belly fat...what's up with that?!?). Needless to say, I'm having a good time while I'm sitting here. The array of individuals passing before me are providing an endless amount of hidden giggles and chuckles that I may no longer be able to contain. What more can I say...it's Vegas!

Patriotism At Its Finest

2009-07-15T22:16:00.004-05:00

When I was a kid, July 4th meant several things. Perhaps a new outfit, going to see family or have family coming over, lots of BBQ that I probably wasn't going to see again until Memorial or Labor Day (depending on which one came after...I don't know and don't feel like looking it up to make this accurate) and shooting fireworks. Not those crappy kind that you get in some states due to law restrictions, but those good ones back in Alabama. The ones that could launch forever and a day skyward and then suddenly explode and leave paper residue all over the neighborhood and nobody cared because all of their kids were doing the same thing. And besides, the parents knew they were going to have their kids out their cleaning up the yard the next day anyway. You never really thought about the flag, or the country you lived in, it was all just a party of the July 4th experience. You were young, eating as much sticky / gooey / saucy meat you could get your hands on, and trying to blow up your siblings with as many skyrockets as you could tie together.

As you grow older, things start to change a bit. You may get a new outfit, but it's more for showing out and keeping up with the Jones's (for some). You're still eating for the same reasons, but now you're trying to get to as many BBQ's as possible because you want to sample and be seen (again...for some. Most of us are just trying to get as much free food as possible without having to cook ourselves). If you're shooting fireworks, it's because the last place you ended up in at night had kids over and they drug you outside with sparklers. Else you watched it from the comfort of your TV or attended some major fireworks production in your current location.

On July 4th, 2009, I experienced something a little different. I got a chance to witness the very thing that got our nation going, an event that tends to bring tears to the eyes of those that witness and definitely those that partake. I drove my brother-in-law and his wife to her naturalization ceremony. For those of you who don't know, this is were a foreigner swears their allegiance to the United States and (after a long and drawn-out paperwork process) becomes a U.S. citizen. She was one of 100+ people that had come to this country and realized how great it is to be an American, and all the advantages that are here and available to all of us. The ceremony was short (compared to the overall time it took to do everything), but meaningful to all who attended. There was a welcome from President Obama, videos of things that make America Beautiful, and videos on the history of what makes this nation the place that it is. They played "America the Beautiful" to a video they were showing, and the emotion in the room was something to behold. Granted, those that were just sworn in had a few tears, but many of their family and friends, those who were already citizens, were in tears, standing up with their hands over their hearts and even saluting. Even more surprising were the emotions by those who had held and/or sponsored the event on some many previous occassions. Many of them were overcome with emotion and doing their best to hide it. It made me feel good to know that even though we're not in the best of times, people still feel strongly in their nation, in what it stands for, and that America is definitely a place to come and try to make something of yourself.

This was all the more confirmed when, at the end of the ceremony, my brother-in-law's wife came out with the biggest smile on her face and her naturalization certificate. She proudly waved the little American flag they gave her and both she and her husband proudly stood under another flag and took pictures...grinning harder than I've ever seen them grin before.

I can't help but wonder what our nation would be like if more people considered stuff like this and viewed their country in this same manner. Perhaps we wouldn't be where we are today afterall. In either case, God Bless America!

My Day in the Airport

2008-07-10T17:40:00.002-05:00

So I'm currently in Charlotte, NC waiting on my flight to get here. I figured now would be as good a time as any to sit down and relax a bit, maybe even reflect a little on my past week. As I start this recollection, I can't help but think that I should probably blog some of the events of this week, which has proven to have a very odd-ball start, but will prayerful turn out to have a pretty good ending.

So the first thing that comes to mind is that I'm struggling to find a power outlet to plug my laptop in. This airport sucks when it comes to that. I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt to the fact that these things (airports) were probably constructed back in the day before laptops were major items and definitely before consultants dominated a significant chunk of airport traffic. Luckily I've found one...but we'll come back to this point a bit later.

So this past Monday, I start my normal travel routine: my alarm goes off at 4a.m., and I'm in the shower getting ready so I can leave and head to the airport between 5:15 and 5:30a.m. I'm doing better this week than I did last week 'cause (1) I didn't oversleep and (2) I packed up and was ready to go the night before. I normally pack the clothes I need for the week (obviously) as well as a pair of gym clothes 'cause I'm trying to make sure that UAintNevaLied doesn't have to roll me out of the house. So I lock up, jump in the car and hit the road and then it starts...

Strike 1. I suddenly remembered that I left my gym shoes at home. So I can't very well get my workout on in a pair of dress shoes, and going barefoot on the treadmill isn't going to cut it. So no major workouts like that taking place this week. Which, consequently, means that I've got to eat like a bird this week to compensate for the lack of the cardio.

Strike 2. On the way to the airport (remember, this is 5a.m. and I start boarding at 6:30), I hear what I think is something hitting my car as I travel 70mph (yes, dear, I was doing 70!), so I pass it over as nothing and keep on going. When I'm about half a mile away from the parking location, I start hearing a puffing noise, and I'm assuming it's my muffler. Notice I say assume. When I come to a start and to idle, I don't hear it any more, but when I go in gear and start taking off, there it is again...so now, my concern grows greater, and as soon as I get into my parking spot and get out of the car, there's my tire...flat as hell!! Do I have AAA (that's Triple A for those of you who don't know)? Yes, I do. Do I have time to call them and have them come fix it? No...

Now let me take a brief moment to clarify something. Yes, I know I am a grown man and a grown man should be able to fix his own tire, or at least change it if need be. I can do that, BUT DAMNIT, I'M PAYING FOR THE SERVICE...so I want my money's worth. You feel the same, trust me.

...I don't have time to call them because I need to get into the airport and make my flight. The car is parked and isn't going anywhere, so I'm expecting it to be right there when I get back.

Strike 3. To add to the misery, when we get on the plane and get in the air, it becomes quite clear that someone is funky as hell. I'm talking the kind of funk that makes you have to put in eyedrops because your cornea is burning. But to give you an accurate account of how funky...you know how there's usually a stewardess (or steward) that sits at the back of the plane to service the guests back there. She got up, covered her nose, and sat at the front of the plane the whole time next to another passenger. DA-YUM!! And of course, I'm back there clawing at the hatch that releases the oxygen, with absolutely no luck.

Strike 4. I'd think things would get better considering I've already struck out. Not. Before I give strike four, I will admit that my work week wasn't all to bad. Considering that I had a few items to play catch-up on, I was still at least able to put up two blogs this week, get a new lens for me camera (see previous blog) and just enjoy the fact that I've been blessed with peace. I got a call regarding some craziness on Wednesday night, but that doesn't count. All in all, a good work week.

HOWEVER, once I get to the airport, where I am now, I realize that I'm being checked out on the sly. Now keep in mind, I've found a hole to crawl into to get to a power cord. Some dude, who's hair is done up like a freakin' sunflower, from another country, wearing a ring with two hearts on it (yes, you can probably guess where I'm going with this), and that has on blush (yes...blush), has decided that he's going to come charge his phone. I don't have a problem with this, really I don't. However, slick here decides to "gracefully" slide down across from me and - thinking that I can't see him peripherally - begins signaling his "friends" that he's close to me and looking me up and down...so much so that he extends his "hearty" hand as if to see if I'd acknowledge and reciprocate his gesture.

Negative, Ghost Rider...the pattern is full!! (from Top Gun...good movie)

I don't say anything. I've put myself in such focus to my computer screen it isn't funny. I'm probably going to need glasses I've got this screen so close to my face right now. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against anyone's sexual preferences...but damnit don't sit next to me smelling like you dove head first into Chanel No. 1-5 and are grinin' like you don't know what to do with yourself. Knowing my luck this week though, I'll probably end up right next to him on the plane. Hell, I'll pay the $50 to go to first class in that case!!

Strike 5: I still have to fix this flat tire after I land.

Man, I never knew it was possible to have 5 strikes in one inning. And to think...I still have two days left in this week.

Snap Happy

2008-07-09T15:11:00.011-05:00

For my last birthday, my then fiancée gave me a Canon Rebel XTi, and I’ve been snap happy ever since. I probably took that thing with me just about everywhere I went for the first several months of having it. I’d even pack it with me when I went to church. Taking pictures is something that I enjoy doing and something I’ve been doing just for the hell of it since I was in high school.

I remember I was using a Kodak 35mm when I was in school. It was the kind that flipped up from the middle, and the flash was hidden when it was folded down. I can’t say that my pictures were that great, but I snapped up just about everything I could. My shots were normally of people, those that I thought were friends at the time, and trips, events, or other situations that I may have been around at the time. I can honestly say that during that point in time, most of the photography I was doing was simply to capture memories of my experiences and the people who may have been involved with them.

This carried on into my earlier college years, where the same style seemed to show up in my shots. I guess at the time, I didn’t even view it as a hobby, just something to do…be in a place, see folks around, and snap the shot. It was as simple as that. The weird thing is that I started getting compliments on some of the pictures I took. I never thought much about it, but I guess that subconsciously it caused me to start “thinking” about the shots I was taking, and how they looked before I took them. I’ll admit that the ones I took then, at least the better ones, were often results of dumb luck. Still, they were mine and I took them. Over time, I moved from taking posed shots (still very much amateurish) to more candid shots. I don’t know why, but I moved to a stage of wanting to have the camera catch things “just happening”. It seemed more real then, and appeared to have more of an impact to memory than something that seemed “phony”.

By this time, I had moved from the Kodak 35mm to an Olympus D560. It was a fun camera to use. The pictures were normally okay, but the quality was better. I had no idea at the time of serious photography lingo, just the simple “see it, shoot it, print it”. I’m sure you can imagine that the pics often looked grainy, washed out, and often blurry. But still, a lot of them came out okay, and I started learning my camera more, and that’s when things started to change. I played with settings, resolution settings, using the timer and tripods, and the pictures got better. Still, my focus was people at the time, but there was a feeling of becoming more “seasoned.

After graduating and entering the real world, I just about took my Olympus wherever I went. I started shooting not only people then, but the objects / buildings / locations of where I was currently working. And I took them around different times of day and in different ways, looking for different angles and different setups – particularly night shots of the bigger cities I worked in. I moved on to editing my pictures using various editing programs, and that made a HUGE difference. At a friend’s wedding, I took some pictures – mainly because my then fiancée was the bride’s maid – but I was trying to take them differently than just shooting straight on. I was catching reflections in mirrors, and shooting individuals in mirrors from the reflection of mirrors (think about it and it’ll make sense).

This probably set the stage, ‘cause a month later I was presented my XTi and an expectation of getting good enough to probably do something (financially) with my photography was put out there. Since then, I’ve been trying to set the stage. I began reading up on digital photography, and have since then learned that there is SOO much to it…learning about f-stops, aperture, focal lengths, etc. Even my editing skills were getting challenged as I learned more about the capabilities of the software programs I used. However, more importantly, my pictures began changing. I’m a lot more open to the pictures I take. I still take pics of friends and family, but they have a different feel and quality to them. I try to keep them more candid, but with a much more natural feel to them. I’ve started looking at photographs in magazines differently now, and I find myself asking “How did they take this shot? What were the settings?” From there, I try to recreate it if possible. I really enjoy getting scenic shots…not just of landscapes (though a nice day when the sun is setting makes for a great shot and a peaceful mood), but also of city landscapes - especially at night. I definitely got into back in my Olympus days, but a better camera and editing software make for awesome shots that can take you places…or so I’ve been told and I’ve felt from pictures I’ve seen.

(Surfer's Paradise, Australia and W. Kerr Scott Reservoir - Wilkesboro, NC)

So I guess it’s definitely become more of a hobby now, but it’s more than just that. I really enjoy it, and I like catching moments that seem almost as grand as they are if you were there in person…or presenting a feeling that can make you wish you were there. I’m still an amateur, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t feel as much as a novice as I once did. I can’t thank my wife enough for helping bring me into this. She knows this more than anything I guess, ‘cause she has – more than she’d probably like – been the subject of my focus. But considering she’s the most beautiful thing on Earth to me, why wouldn’t I take aim? I’m still hoping and working towards that one day that I’ll be able to bring in a little something-something for this fun hobby, but until then I’ll just keep having fun with what I do and learning more to get better at it as I go along. And who knows, maybe I’ll continue to sneak a few into my blog.

I've Been Tagged, Too!

2007-11-21T02:18:00.000-05:00

Well, it appears as though I've been tagged by UAintNevaLied. I'm a fair sport, so here's the rules:

A). Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
B). Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
C). Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
D). Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Without further TO-DO, here are Seven Random High Fidelity Facts:

I have two degrees that have absolutely nothing to do with each other. I initially graduated from Alabama A&M University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. The idea was to go into medicine, but I changed my mind after graduation when I saw where the medical field was headed. So I went to the University of Alabama and graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering and minors in Computer Science and Mathematics. Who knew?
My birthmark looks like the state of West Virginia. So there's this birthmark on the back of my neck that apparently looks like the state of West Virginia...or so I've been told. My geography and topography sucks, so I'll take your word for it, mom.
Collecting mechanical pencils used to be a vice. Okay, this one is weird, I know, but it's true. I used to have all kinds - thick, thin, multiple colors, etc. But I've narrowed it down to normal to medium sized barrels that have the thin, twistable, replaceable erasers. I also have a few drafting pencils as well. Between the two I only use .5 and .3 as any other size is too big or small. Hey, don't judge me. Like I said, this was a "used to be a vice", remember?
My hobby is collecting pennants. Okay, this one is more unique. Ever since I was a kid, I collected pennants - flags - from the places that I would visit. It could be schools that I liked, or places (i.e. Six Flags, Zoo's, landmarks, etc.). I would normally stay away from team pennants, but I've found moreso now that pennants aren't really made like they used to be, except for team stuff. So now, I get a team pennant to represent where I've been...normally for every new state or city I visit. I may have to start collection country flags for new countries I visit...I dunno, man.
I stay up late but with reason. Okay, though the reason may not make sense to any of you, here it is. I feel as though I'm missing stuff when I go to bed early, even if I'm doing nothing but watching TV or looking at the computer. Part of me feels as though I've spent most of the day inside an office, and that's 8+ hours that have passed me by and I haven't gotten to do what I want to do, and not necessarily have to do. For those of you who like to be asleep by the time the street lamps come on, ignore this one.
I played trumpet in high school. Yep...it's true. I actually played from 5th grade until I graduated. Little known fact...trumpet players make great kissers.
I talk in my sleep. I pray that my wife gets adjusted to this as I can foresee her waking one night and smothering me because I won't shut up. The sad part...I actually woke up one night to my own discussion. Even worse...I finished my sentence after I was awake and completely aware that I was doing it.

So there you have it. My 7 random facts. I only know one person to pass this two at the moment that hasn't received it. Man...I gotta find some new contacts on this thing.

Here you go, "cuzo": LifesABeach

What's Really Good!

2007-11-21T01:03:00.000-05:00

So, I've been emailed, tagged, IM'ed and spoken to the fact that I have a blog and haven't touched it since somewhere back in the summer. Well, a lot has been going on and I have been absent from the scene. So needless to say, my blogging time fell from a more frequent occurrence to that of a screeching halt. Nonetheless, after much prodding and bad-mouthing from others, I am returning. Though I don't really know who I'm returning too...it's not like many people read this thing anyway, right?

At any rate, I'm devoting this blog to things that have kept me occupied since I left. And yes, they are legitimate things so don't start getting ideas like I was spending all my time on a gameboy or Xbox....

...besides...I don't own either of those anyway.

So, here's a breakdown of what's been really good. Let's start at February of this year:

February 4th marked a day that started a domino effect for the positive in my life. This was the day I took the most special woman in the world, UAintNevaLied and put her on layaway by asking her to marry me. For those of you who are slow, "yes", I got engaged. It was a wonderful moment filled with tears, slob and runny noses and smiles all around. It was also Superbowl Sunday; how's that for a kick-off play, huh?!

Between February and July, I did some traveling for my job that put me in New Jersey, Washington D.C., Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, and Texas. I like to travel, so I'm not complaining at all. The work was good, the per-diems were awesome, and I was engaged. No...cloud nine wasn't high enough. I was on cloud 12!

Somewhere in late June - early July - I moved my fiancee (in two trips) out of the cold, frost-bitten land of Maryland and down to Hotlanta. It was definitely a change, but she's adjusted now and is enjoying the city very much. Of course, she was happy with the change in family situation as well. She was now much closer to her family, but still just far away. What more can you ask for, right?

August 9th: I turned 30. Yes...I finally left my 20's. But the youth is still strong. Especially when I shave all the facial hair. I look like I'm 12 then. Along with baking me an unbelievable homemade cake, I got a cool gift courtesy of my fiancee - a digital SLR camera that I carry around with me darn near everywhere I go. I sometimes wonder if she's going to shove that thing down my throat as I take photos of her when she's not expecting. August 31st: I make my final payment on my layaway purchase and completely take her off the market! Sorry fellas...you snooze, you lose!! So yes, we got married on the beach - surrounded by friends, family, loved ones, and people we didn't know (but according to some were somehow related to us). I'd personally like to thank each and every guy that at some point or another dated my wife (before we knew each other, of course) and somehow f*ed up along the way. Thank you...thank you!! You can start hating now!

September 2nd: The wifey and I take off on a two-week honeymoon to Thailand. That's right...Thailand. We've seen Hawaii and the Caribbean, so we did something different. It was AWE-SOME-MM!! Yes, I added the extra "M's" for emphasis! We visited Bangkok (thanks for the bootleg stuff), Chiang Mai (thanks for the cheap stuff and more bootleg stuff), and the island of Phuket! Outside of the 16 hours it took to get there, it was a tight trip! Of course I'm running on adrenaline the whole time, so sleep wasn't a factor!

October: We're back from the honeymoon and I'm working in the ATL. The later part of the month I get a call to go to New Jersey (again) for a couple of weeks. This is the first time I've been away from wifey since August. Hated it...and I did too! The trip was good, though. I got to hang with some of my new family members, including LifesaBeach.

November: Get this...I'm sent to Gold Coast City, Australia...a little area known as Surfer's Paradise...to help conduct training for a client. Yes...I was excited. I mean, I've never been to Australia before, so this was definitely an opportunity...not to mention that it was the second time I've been out of the country within two months. The suckiest thing about it was that my beloved wife couldn't come. That definitely put a bit of a dark cloud over the trip. I would have loved to have her there, but since I was only there for a week, we had to wait until next time. And yes, the picture to the right was taken by me. I shot it from the hotel room balcony, 22 stories up. Who knows, if I keep this up, I may be able to turn this camera thing into more than a hobby. Any mentors out there interested in taking on a FREE understudy?

So there you have it. That's what's been going on. There are other things in the mix, but I'm not going to spill the beans just yet. That's for me to know, and for you guys to find out later. I guess I'll just have to put it on the blog.

I hope this will suffice for now. I should have more dropped on here soon, as I have a load on my mind.

Writer's Block

2007-06-05T23:11:00.000-05:00

So I'm sitting at my computer wondering exactly what it is that I plan to say. To be quite honest, my mind is somewhat of a blank at the moment. I know that I want to write something but I just don't really know what that something is. I'm at the computer, thinking of what there is to say. I mean, I haven't put anything into my blog in a while, but the desire to want to have something there - the urge to have words written and an artform expressed - persuade me to do more than just look at the screen and hope for responses of old text. So in the spirit of fulfilling a need, I sit here and contemplate. I'm not quite sure just how long I've been thinking about what to type, nor am I certain of what all I've done as I've waited for an idea to come to me. I've managed to pull myself from my chair, eat a meal and watch a bit of TV, all the while searching for that inkling of inspiration, but alas I am without a topic or an idea of what to create and springforth into the blogging world.

So as I sit in Dallas, TX, I look outside and see Children's and Parkland Hospitals across I-35 South. The sounds of 18-wheelers and motorcyclists go zooming by. Interestingly enough is how I get up when I hear the sound of the motorcycles when they pass. They all seem to go shooting by, moreso in the southernly direction, at high speeds. My guess is because - at night - the law enforcement are few and far between, making the long stretch of 10-lane highway prime real estate for stunts, tricks and speed. The neat thing is when they all pass by in groups of 5 or more. I can peek out the window (as I'm sitting next to it) and watch them go by. There's a feeling of freedom in watching them, as I too ride - or at least used to. I know what it feels like to be saddled over a two-wheeled crotch rocket, with nothing but wind blowing in your direction (or force fed as the case normally is in this type of situation) and a blatant disregard for all those who can't keep up. It's a thrill, a privilege...and not one to be taken likely. Because just as soon as you're not respecting that privilege you become a wet spot on that real estate I spoke about earlier. And no one likes getting their car dirty after it was just cleaned.

I wonder how many will understand that last sentence.

I never quite realized that sometimes being stuck inside a hotel room with nothing to do could really open you up to things that you would normally not pay attention to or give a second thought towards. I've found that looking out the window and just watching things go by can be both peaceful and educational. For example, I've watched people turn the corners near the hotel and I've noticed that most drivers tend to make a left turn a lot faster than they do a right one. When the emergency copters are flown in to the hospitals across they street, they almost always land with their tail rotors pointed south. Each tree in front of my hotel is the exact same kind, and it's the same on the other side of I-35. There are three flag poles with a different flag on each. The wind is blowing but the American flag is catching more air than the other two, yet there is no obstruction to any of them. One of them isn't moving at all.

I wonder if other writers have serious writers block when they sit down to tell their stories. I wonder what kinds of inspiration they keep at their desk, or the different mantras they use to get their creative juices flowing. I always figured Stephen King had a combination of comic books and old Alfred Hitchcock movies to come up with some of the stuff he has. But inspiration is different for different people I guess. Some have a gift and others don't.

Perhaps some of them just sat in front of a window and looked out on the world...waiting for the flourescent light bulb above their noggin to light up.

As for me...I just wish I had something to say.

Good Guys Finish Last?

2007-05-02T01:22:00.000-05:00

I stepped out of myself one day, and fell down to my knees
Casting teary eyes upward, I began by saying "Please..."
Help me to understand, that as I look into my past
I can't help but wonder, why do Good Guys Finish Last?

I have done my best, to be the best, man that I can be
But for some odd reason over time, those I care about still leave.
I've been cheated on, lied to, and even made fun of
But still, I kept on giving my all...a heart filled with love.

When I think back to those I cared for, and left me for others just the same
Is it because I was different; did I not play the game?
Many variations of this question, to this day still last
And on my knees I ask again, why do Good Guys Finish Last?

I've been in situations, where I thought that things were good
Only to find the one I loved, was kicking it with the "hood".
All this time I was genuine, and quite sincere...it's true
But in the end I was left with hurt, and despair too.

But it's not just around relationships, it's also been with friends
The ones I thought I could depend on, who'd be there to the end.
Go out of way to be there for them, I did this - what I speak is truth
But it hurts just the same when in the end, I was just a doormat for their boots.

Yet still I try to maintain, and keep my head held high
'Cause in my heart is a pain, the reason for my teary eye.
To not care at all is easy, but I can not accept that task
For I am a good guy so please tell me, why do Good Guys Finish Last?

I lowered my head in shame, thinking that my plea had gone unheard
And on my knees I sat in silence, my heart and mind perturbed.
Moments passed and longer still, I kneeled in quiet vain
And then a gentle voice spoke unto me, and said "Let me explain."

The experiences you have had to bear, the lessons you have learned
Were placed in your life strategically, to prepare you for your turn.
You have had "trial runs" in the past, to parallel what you've been told
That just because something glitters, certainly does not make it gold.

All of those that claimed to be your friends, that turned out not to be so true
Have given you insight to what a true friend is, thus making a better you.
And through it all you stayed the course, you were the one to endure
A definite quality of a Good Guy, one whose friendship is pure.

And as for your relationships, and those for whom you cared
Let not you further worry of this, for unconditionally your love is to be shared.
It is their lost...those who left, and from past hurts you now see
That a true partner would give you her all, just as you'd give your all to she.

So young man do not waist your time, dwelling on the past
For truly I say unto you, Good Guys don't finish last.
They are groomed so when the right one comes, it will appear as though it's fate
And the two will grow together as one, love and blessings will overflow their plate.

I thought over the words carefully, for they did make sense
And set my mind more at ease, but I still was somewhat tense.
And I asked who is the one for me, searching for years I've tried and tried
Heaven opened up, smiled gently on me and said, "UAintNevaLied".

Not to be Taken Lightly

2007-04-27T23:59:00.000-05:00

Throughout the day I had moments where my mind would drift...pondering over different ideas of what to blog on. To be quite honest, I actually logged in a couple of times and began typing my introductory paragraph, but I could never quite finish my overall thought as to what I really wanted to say. I had a few topics, but even those began to escape me or would fall by the waist-side as that internal voice within me would ask "Do you really want to write about that?" So after starting and stopping for about 4 times, I decided that I'd step outside and put my mind on to other matters of creativeness - addressing my failed attempts to write to a later point. It was at that moment that I actually began, unknowingly, formulating what it was I wanted to put here.

This past week has - for the most part - been a good week with the exception of the passing of one of my cousins. She put up a battle against cancer and was finally called "home" this past Tuesday. This lead me to think about another member of my family who had a battle with cancer and won. Somewhere after that I got to thinking about other issues that I've witnessed, heard about, read about or saw...and then it hit me.

I realized that I had a lot to be thankful for - that there are a lot of positive things surrounding me that need not be taken for granted nor ignored. And I sat there, taking a minute or four and absorbing this epiphany. Mind you, I wasn't just thinking this in regards to me, but in regards to people...us...in general. I realized that I've never had to battle cancer, shield myself from a barrage of bullets, wear casts to repair broken bones, lay in the hospital from car wrecks, or go through life not knowing what it is to be loved. I thought of these things...and I became more thankful. I noticed that I was actually having my work day from the comfort of my home and for the first time in a long time, working with the view of my yard right outside where a sense of peace was awaiting me once I was through with my work. It was something to look forward to, but at the same time, the mere fact that "that" something to look forward to existed was a blessing within it self.

Back in school I would get up in the morning, open my blinds and see the day before me. It was always a good day when you could open those blinds, see the sun illuminating the room, the clouds were way up, and a shallow breeze completed the day. What I hated was that I normally had class during those days...class in a building where there wasn't much of the day getting in. I came up with a theory, and that theory was simply this: God gave us an abundance of those perfect days (perfect, of course, being defined differently by different individuals). These days are plentiful in number, but there is a certain allotment in our lifetime. And although we have many of these days designed for us, we are limited to partake in them because of school, work, responsibilities, etc. So on various occasions I opted to take my days and not leave them for granted. I know I skipped a couple of classes (okay, more like an entire day) so that I could get out in it, but something in me felt as though I would be wrong to let it go without stepping outside. I would get in my car and just ride around...no particular destination...no set goal in mind. I would just ride...windows down, music playing and a smile on my face. I knew that I should have gone to class, but somewhere inside I figured God wouldn't be upset for me taking advantage of something He made just for me. In fact, I felt He was happy that I'd made the choice I made!

So what am I really trying to say? I guess I'm saying a lot: pay attention to those little things around you because they're bigger than they appear, take advantage of things when you can, because before you know it they'll be gone, live for the day as best you can (but still try to plan ahead for the future), because tomorrow isn't definitely promised. I'm saying a lot of things but they all ultimately tie back to the same idea (well, at least they do in my head). You're the reader here...the meaning will be interpreted differently for your eye than mine. As it should...

...I dunno, man.

To Glorify or Not to Glorify

2007-04-25T14:40:00.000-05:00

April 16th proved to be a very interesting day in the life of college students everywhere. For those of you who may not understand what I'm referring to (or have been without news or TV for more than a week), I'm speaking to the massacre that took place at Virginia Tech. As a quick reminder, 33 students were slain at the hands of one Korean student, Seung-Hui Cho. According to forensics and other police reports, Cho went berserk and unleashed over 170 rounds upon students before putting himself out of his own misery.

Granted that this is simply a rough outline of what occurred, it's not really what I came to say. My concern is more towards the role the media has played in covering this event. Is it just me, or does it appear to be displayed as more of a viewing spectacle than a tragic event? Now I, like most others, like to know what's going on and where, but to parade this around for more than a week and have every news station, news net, paper, etc. showing this over and over and over and over can be a bit much. Let me clarify; it's not so much that they were giving updates, but the constant repeating statements about the number killed, how, who-dunit, etc. to me was uncalled for - especially when they began showing the photos from the video that Cho sent to the TV Station. Personally, they could have just showed Cho's school portrait and let it go at that. Instead, they showed all that he sent: photos of him holding his gun at the camera, poses of him with both guns drawn, etc. The video that he made was played over and over again and available to any and all who cared to look. Should we be concerned that a message is being sent out to future delinquents who think the world is out to get them and this is the way to deal? Why give so much attention to the villain...what about those that were affected, both directly and indirectly? Yes, I know this coverage came (eventually), but glorifying (in a manner of speaking) someone for such a heinous crime tends to be giving more credit than I think the media knows.

But I guess they just want the rating...