Saturday, June 30, 2012
Cruise - Travolta - The Ultimate Pants Off, Dance Off Contest
So, after yesterday's sub par blog, where I babbled incessant nonsense about heath care, I decided I was going to scour the internet for all the facts and come back today with my educated, well-informed take on Obama's plan and the senate's decision to declare it constitutional. But, lucky for you, TomKat filed for divorce, so it'll have to wait. Thank God!
Yep, after five years and one child (Suri) Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes called it quits yesterday, stating irreconcilable differences. What married couple doesn't have those? When I heard about the split, it didn't surprise me, but it did get me thinking a little about how perfect their little union started and ended. The rumor that I've always heard was that Tom Cruise is gay and Katie signed a marriage contract to work as his beard after ticket sales declined and his career took a minor dip. It seems very strange that after five years, the typical length of any Hollywood contract, their marriage dissolves. Sad, yes, but the good news is that this means Katie is now a free agent. And, better yet, so is Tom.
You all know what I'm thinking, right? You don't? Well, let me get out my blank canvas and brushes to paint a glorious picture for you. Check that, a FAB-U-LOUS picture. Imagine if you will, the most powerful gay couple the world has ever known. Forget Elton and David, Neil and David, or even Ellen and Porshe. What if Tom literally reached out to help Mr. John Travolta with his recent penchant for strong male masseurs? Imagine if those two got together and blossomed a romance that would undoubtedly shock the world. While the chances of that actually happening is admittedly slim, I'd love to see two middle aged movie stars find love together.
Speaking of things I'd love to see happen. One of my Facebook friends recently posted something described as a Pants Off, Dance Off Contest between some friends. While there were no specific details, and I'm not even entirely sure what a Pants Off, Dance Off Contest actually is, I certainly would show up to watch if I was invited. I mean, ever since I read that, I can't help but say Pants Off, Dance Off over and over in my head. It's the most catchy name for a contest every. Am I right?
It's so catchy in fact that I'm convinced I could probably make a million dollars if I actually set up a real Pants Off, Dance Off Contest and sent out invitations to 1 million men, charging just $1 for entry. I mean, what man could resist paying a buck to see a Pants Off, Dance Off Contest. It's genius!!! Okay, quick, get my party planner on the phone right away. Wait, what's that you say. You mean I don't have a party planner or anywhere to host a million party people. Oh, the shame...:(
Okay, we'll have to take it to the streets. I can see the headlines in the Seattle Times now: Pants Off, Dance Off Contest takes over downtown streets. Tom Cruise and John Travolta led a group of 1 million men down the streets of Seattle yesterday to celebrate their union as the greatest gay power couple in the world. The only question that remains is who would be the winner -- Cruise or Travolta? I guess we'll have to wait and see. Hey, it could happen...:)
Yep, after five years and one child (Suri) Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes called it quits yesterday, stating irreconcilable differences. What married couple doesn't have those? When I heard about the split, it didn't surprise me, but it did get me thinking a little about how perfect their little union started and ended. The rumor that I've always heard was that Tom Cruise is gay and Katie signed a marriage contract to work as his beard after ticket sales declined and his career took a minor dip. It seems very strange that after five years, the typical length of any Hollywood contract, their marriage dissolves. Sad, yes, but the good news is that this means Katie is now a free agent. And, better yet, so is Tom.
You all know what I'm thinking, right? You don't? Well, let me get out my blank canvas and brushes to paint a glorious picture for you. Check that, a FAB-U-LOUS picture. Imagine if you will, the most powerful gay couple the world has ever known. Forget Elton and David, Neil and David, or even Ellen and Porshe. What if Tom literally reached out to help Mr. John Travolta with his recent penchant for strong male masseurs? Imagine if those two got together and blossomed a romance that would undoubtedly shock the world. While the chances of that actually happening is admittedly slim, I'd love to see two middle aged movie stars find love together.
Speaking of things I'd love to see happen. One of my Facebook friends recently posted something described as a Pants Off, Dance Off Contest between some friends. While there were no specific details, and I'm not even entirely sure what a Pants Off, Dance Off Contest actually is, I certainly would show up to watch if I was invited. I mean, ever since I read that, I can't help but say Pants Off, Dance Off over and over in my head. It's the most catchy name for a contest every. Am I right?
It's so catchy in fact that I'm convinced I could probably make a million dollars if I actually set up a real Pants Off, Dance Off Contest and sent out invitations to 1 million men, charging just $1 for entry. I mean, what man could resist paying a buck to see a Pants Off, Dance Off Contest. It's genius!!! Okay, quick, get my party planner on the phone right away. Wait, what's that you say. You mean I don't have a party planner or anywhere to host a million party people. Oh, the shame...:(
Okay, we'll have to take it to the streets. I can see the headlines in the Seattle Times now: Pants Off, Dance Off Contest takes over downtown streets. Tom Cruise and John Travolta led a group of 1 million men down the streets of Seattle yesterday to celebrate their union as the greatest gay power couple in the world. The only question that remains is who would be the winner -- Cruise or Travolta? I guess we'll have to wait and see. Hey, it could happen...:)
Friday, June 29, 2012
Health Care, Ann Curry & Integrity ... what a combo!
So, I've come to realize that this blogging thing isn't as easy as I thought it would be. Coming up with fun and interesting stuff to write about on a daily basis can be tough. Take today for instance. I could write about Obama and health care...boring. I could write about Ann Curry leaving the Today Show...naw Or I could write about integrity...maybe. Or I could write about all three...Yep, lucky you!
As someone who rarely gets sick and hasn't been to the hospital in years, I find that I don't really have much to say about health care. Of course, if I were to get sick, I'm sure my opinions would change. As someone who is self employed, I guess health care should be more of an issue for me, but it's not. There are supplemental health care programs you can buy into...I think. I see that crazy Aflac duck on TV all the time, so someone must be using it. Okay, truthfully, I'm not going to write about something I know nothing about. Now I know I really should pick up a newspaper and figure out what's going on with health care. Naw, the way I figure, there's someone a lot smarter than me figuring it all out for me.
Which leads me to Ann Curry leaving the Today Show. It's hard for me to feel sorry for journalists on TV who sign multi-million dollar contracts and then cry when the network lets them go. Sure Ann is cougarific and does a great job, but everyone has a shelf life. Hell, even Regis is gone and the younger, cuter Kelly Ripa has moved on without him. She got a new set, is starting a new search for a replacement and the show goes on. It's a little like a pro athlete or rock star getting cut from the team or kicked out of the band. You only have a short window to earn that dough, so you better perform or you'll be replaced. I'm sure NBA star Dennis Rodman knew that he better pull down rebounds or he'll be cut from the squad and earning peanuts playing in Europe. Guns & Roses drummer Steven Adler knew that if he partied too hard, and it affected the band's dough, then someone else would come in to bang the drums. When it comes to the almighty dollar, nobody is safe.
Finally, let's talk about integrity. Dictionary.com defines it as adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Truthfully, I think a lot about integrity these days and try to live my life adhering to the moral and ethical principles I've set for myself. While I realize that my principles are usually far more lax than the typical person, I still think that if you say you're going to do something, then do it. If you say you're going to be somewhere, then be there. Don't give your word and then break it an hour later. If we all could live our lives with a little more integrity, then our lives would be richer and more rewarding.
As someone who rarely gets sick and hasn't been to the hospital in years, I find that I don't really have much to say about health care. Of course, if I were to get sick, I'm sure my opinions would change. As someone who is self employed, I guess health care should be more of an issue for me, but it's not. There are supplemental health care programs you can buy into...I think. I see that crazy Aflac duck on TV all the time, so someone must be using it. Okay, truthfully, I'm not going to write about something I know nothing about. Now I know I really should pick up a newspaper and figure out what's going on with health care. Naw, the way I figure, there's someone a lot smarter than me figuring it all out for me.
Which leads me to Ann Curry leaving the Today Show. It's hard for me to feel sorry for journalists on TV who sign multi-million dollar contracts and then cry when the network lets them go. Sure Ann is cougarific and does a great job, but everyone has a shelf life. Hell, even Regis is gone and the younger, cuter Kelly Ripa has moved on without him. She got a new set, is starting a new search for a replacement and the show goes on. It's a little like a pro athlete or rock star getting cut from the team or kicked out of the band. You only have a short window to earn that dough, so you better perform or you'll be replaced. I'm sure NBA star Dennis Rodman knew that he better pull down rebounds or he'll be cut from the squad and earning peanuts playing in Europe. Guns & Roses drummer Steven Adler knew that if he partied too hard, and it affected the band's dough, then someone else would come in to bang the drums. When it comes to the almighty dollar, nobody is safe.
Finally, let's talk about integrity. Dictionary.com defines it as adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Truthfully, I think a lot about integrity these days and try to live my life adhering to the moral and ethical principles I've set for myself. While I realize that my principles are usually far more lax than the typical person, I still think that if you say you're going to do something, then do it. If you say you're going to be somewhere, then be there. Don't give your word and then break it an hour later. If we all could live our lives with a little more integrity, then our lives would be richer and more rewarding.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Hustling, Rage & More Basketball Dreams
Okay, this week I have my nose to the grindstone working hard to list hundreds of new clothing items into my eBay store (www.menschoice.info). Last Thanksgiving I told my family I was thankful that my parents instilled a little "hustler" mentality to all their kids. Don't get my wrong, by hustler, I don't mean we push pills on the corner, but we've all got our own little businesses and work hard to make them profitable enough to earn a living or reward us with a little extra dough.
Turns out the dough has been tough to come by the last few years, but I keep holding on to my dream of self employment. For me, the greatest joy in my life right now is being my own boss. I make my own hours, nobody tells me what to do and I answer to nobody, except the tax man -- he gets us all. I've been self-employed for the last 7 years now and time flies when you got your nose to the grindstone. It's not that life is passing me by, but life is definitely passing (insert Ferris Bueller quote here).
Lately, I've been filled with a little more rage than usual when I see these guys on the corner with their cardboard signs begging for my hard-earned deniro. With all the opportunities for work we have in the United States, and President Obama creating new jobs for us at an increasing rate, why do these guys still choose to stand on the corner and mooch off the working man. I guess I'll never have an answer to that.
So, I had another basketball dream last night. Charlie Cobb didn't appear this time, but this time I was on the bench for Lynden Christian High School and they were getting slaughtered in the state championship game. I didn't have the right uniform on and time was ticking away, but the coach finally put me in the game and I got the ball under the hoop and missed two lay ups, getting my rebound both times, before I put it back to score. I did the same thing on the next possession before finishing the game with a three-pointer and scoring 7 points in a losing effort. Something tells me my subconscious is telling me to try and try again, and never give up. Okay, if I must. Back to work...:)
Turns out the dough has been tough to come by the last few years, but I keep holding on to my dream of self employment. For me, the greatest joy in my life right now is being my own boss. I make my own hours, nobody tells me what to do and I answer to nobody, except the tax man -- he gets us all. I've been self-employed for the last 7 years now and time flies when you got your nose to the grindstone. It's not that life is passing me by, but life is definitely passing (insert Ferris Bueller quote here).
Lately, I've been filled with a little more rage than usual when I see these guys on the corner with their cardboard signs begging for my hard-earned deniro. With all the opportunities for work we have in the United States, and President Obama creating new jobs for us at an increasing rate, why do these guys still choose to stand on the corner and mooch off the working man. I guess I'll never have an answer to that.
So, I had another basketball dream last night. Charlie Cobb didn't appear this time, but this time I was on the bench for Lynden Christian High School and they were getting slaughtered in the state championship game. I didn't have the right uniform on and time was ticking away, but the coach finally put me in the game and I got the ball under the hoop and missed two lay ups, getting my rebound both times, before I put it back to score. I did the same thing on the next possession before finishing the game with a three-pointer and scoring 7 points in a losing effort. Something tells me my subconscious is telling me to try and try again, and never give up. Okay, if I must. Back to work...:)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Damn you Charlie Cobb. Get out of my dreams!!!
Okay, my freshman and sophomore years of high school I was cut from the basketball team. While, I rarely think about it these days, my subconscious must be having a field day with it, because I have reoccurring dreams about head coach Charlie Cobb and the try-out process. Maybe it's my subconscious telling me I shouldn't have given up on my dream of playing high school basketball in order to concentrate on track after being cut sophomore year, or maybe it's something more. Whatever it is, I can't figure out why ole Charlie keeps haunting me in my dreams.
As I think about it more, I wonder if Charlie is trying to tell me that my life has more to offer the world than running a successful online clothing store. Do I really want to be known as the guy who moves enough clothes online to pay the bills, or am I destined for something more? As I think back on it now, I came into freshman year a scrawny 5' 2" runt. I had some ball handling skills, but I can understand why Charlie and his crew passed on me. By sophomore year, I sprouted up to about 5' 5" and added some speed after lettering in track as a freshman, but that year the Gish twins transferred from private school and the Cascade football team won the state championship, so any hope of a spot on the squad was stolen by those sharp shooting twins and far more husky football players earning reward from sophomore Coach Nickelson.
Ya, luck definitely wasn't on my side. By junior year, the dream was practically over. I was pigeon holed into runner status and we all know coaches aren't about to put a cross country runner at point guard when there was a kid working year round for that position. Truth be told, I probably wasn't good enough. I make excuses now, but maybe I didn't work hard enough for the job.
Since then, a lot of opportunities have come my way and I've managed marginal success at some, but I've also managed to botch a lot of them. As I approach middle age, new opportunities are bound to cross my path and I'm sure Charlie Cobb is going to keep appearing in my dreams. It's just the way it goes. Truthfully, I guess I didn't REALLY give up on basketball. I kept playing pick up through high school and college. I eventually dunked a basketball when I was 19. I practiced with the community college squad at Everett and kept up with the best of them.
Lesson learned: There's potential in all of us. It's just a matter of fostering that potential into something great.
It seems cliche to say that you should never give up on your dreams, but, looking back, I should have never given up on my dream. Follow your passion and don't let any number of Gish twins or husky football players stand in your way. Forge on and Charlie will notice you.
A few years after high school, I saw ole Charlie watching the Marysville-Pilchuck baseball team one spring afternoon when I was working for The Globe as a sports reporter. I didn't have to introduce myself. Turns out ole Charlie remembered the scrawny kid who chased his dream for a few years in his gym. Even in failure, you're able to impact people's lives. Keep striving for excellence people. In the long run, it'll pay off.
Oh ya, and if there's a little peppercorn in your salt shaker, don't fret because it just adds more flavor to your meal.
As I think about it more, I wonder if Charlie is trying to tell me that my life has more to offer the world than running a successful online clothing store. Do I really want to be known as the guy who moves enough clothes online to pay the bills, or am I destined for something more? As I think back on it now, I came into freshman year a scrawny 5' 2" runt. I had some ball handling skills, but I can understand why Charlie and his crew passed on me. By sophomore year, I sprouted up to about 5' 5" and added some speed after lettering in track as a freshman, but that year the Gish twins transferred from private school and the Cascade football team won the state championship, so any hope of a spot on the squad was stolen by those sharp shooting twins and far more husky football players earning reward from sophomore Coach Nickelson.
Ya, luck definitely wasn't on my side. By junior year, the dream was practically over. I was pigeon holed into runner status and we all know coaches aren't about to put a cross country runner at point guard when there was a kid working year round for that position. Truth be told, I probably wasn't good enough. I make excuses now, but maybe I didn't work hard enough for the job.
Since then, a lot of opportunities have come my way and I've managed marginal success at some, but I've also managed to botch a lot of them. As I approach middle age, new opportunities are bound to cross my path and I'm sure Charlie Cobb is going to keep appearing in my dreams. It's just the way it goes. Truthfully, I guess I didn't REALLY give up on basketball. I kept playing pick up through high school and college. I eventually dunked a basketball when I was 19. I practiced with the community college squad at Everett and kept up with the best of them.
Lesson learned: There's potential in all of us. It's just a matter of fostering that potential into something great.
It seems cliche to say that you should never give up on your dreams, but, looking back, I should have never given up on my dream. Follow your passion and don't let any number of Gish twins or husky football players stand in your way. Forge on and Charlie will notice you.
A few years after high school, I saw ole Charlie watching the Marysville-Pilchuck baseball team one spring afternoon when I was working for The Globe as a sports reporter. I didn't have to introduce myself. Turns out ole Charlie remembered the scrawny kid who chased his dream for a few years in his gym. Even in failure, you're able to impact people's lives. Keep striving for excellence people. In the long run, it'll pay off.
Oh ya, and if there's a little peppercorn in your salt shaker, don't fret because it just adds more flavor to your meal.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Alec Baldwin, I can't quit you...haha
So, I had dinner with some friends last night who don't have cable. Can you believe it? Yep, there are still people who choose not to have cable. Don't get me wrong. They're not the wooden cabin, off the grid type of people. I mean, they have internet access and get their fill of Thirty Rock online, but I realized they miss out on all the crazy stuff Alec Baldwin is doing in his "real" life.
Ya, it became apparent to me last night that I'm the one who watches too much television. Well, at least the one out of the foursome at dinner last night. I guess they're just happy knowing Alec as his wise cracking character Jack Donaghy and not that raging egomaniac who writes a divorce book for men after his nasty divorce with Kim Bassinger, calls his kid a fat pig in a voice mail, gets kicked off planes for arguing with the flight attendant when he didn't want to turn off his phone and beats up on the paparazzi for getting too close. Ya, as much as I love the on-tv Alec, and enjoy his handsome look and stellar acting on the big screen, his off-screen antics make me think he's not such a good guy.
Hell, who am I to cast judgment? I mean, a lot of people judge me before ever talking to me and I hate that. Why do people do that anyway? I guess we've all become accustomed to judging people. Maybe it's our thirst for details about celebrities' lives that ultimately leads us to cast quick judgments. I mean, if Joan Rivers wasn't so quick to crack a joke about celebrity outfits on Fashion Police, would we really care if Gwen Steffani or Alyssa Millano wore the dress better?
The answer? Of course we would. The truth is that we care about Gwen and Alyssa. We want them to look stellar on the red carpet and accessorize with the right shoes, jewelry and handbags. Wait, what's that you say? You mean it's only me? Damn you pop culture. You've got a hold on me and I can't stop watching. The reality is that I love reality tv. I want to know which Teen Mom ends of graduating and who ends up in rehab. I care about Flava Flav and want him to meet a sexy young woman capable of fulfilling his desires. Ray-J, Bret Michaels and Antonio Sabato Jr. deserve love too and I need to watch it.
Okay, obviously we all have our issues and mine have become more apparent the more I write here this morning, but I encourage all those Americans out there who have cut the cable to save a few bucks, or regain their sanity, to get back on the crazy train. You deserve it. I mean, Alec isn't going to be around forever. He's getting married again and will likely be raising a new little fat piglet real soon. Don't blame him. Embrace him for all his zanny off-screen antics. Judge not less ye be judged. And, for goodness sake, if it doesn't make it to cable, please post it to You Tube. I just can't get enough!!!
Ya, it became apparent to me last night that I'm the one who watches too much television. Well, at least the one out of the foursome at dinner last night. I guess they're just happy knowing Alec as his wise cracking character Jack Donaghy and not that raging egomaniac who writes a divorce book for men after his nasty divorce with Kim Bassinger, calls his kid a fat pig in a voice mail, gets kicked off planes for arguing with the flight attendant when he didn't want to turn off his phone and beats up on the paparazzi for getting too close. Ya, as much as I love the on-tv Alec, and enjoy his handsome look and stellar acting on the big screen, his off-screen antics make me think he's not such a good guy.
Hell, who am I to cast judgment? I mean, a lot of people judge me before ever talking to me and I hate that. Why do people do that anyway? I guess we've all become accustomed to judging people. Maybe it's our thirst for details about celebrities' lives that ultimately leads us to cast quick judgments. I mean, if Joan Rivers wasn't so quick to crack a joke about celebrity outfits on Fashion Police, would we really care if Gwen Steffani or Alyssa Millano wore the dress better?
The answer? Of course we would. The truth is that we care about Gwen and Alyssa. We want them to look stellar on the red carpet and accessorize with the right shoes, jewelry and handbags. Wait, what's that you say? You mean it's only me? Damn you pop culture. You've got a hold on me and I can't stop watching. The reality is that I love reality tv. I want to know which Teen Mom ends of graduating and who ends up in rehab. I care about Flava Flav and want him to meet a sexy young woman capable of fulfilling his desires. Ray-J, Bret Michaels and Antonio Sabato Jr. deserve love too and I need to watch it.
Okay, obviously we all have our issues and mine have become more apparent the more I write here this morning, but I encourage all those Americans out there who have cut the cable to save a few bucks, or regain their sanity, to get back on the crazy train. You deserve it. I mean, Alec isn't going to be around forever. He's getting married again and will likely be raising a new little fat piglet real soon. Don't blame him. Embrace him for all his zanny off-screen antics. Judge not less ye be judged. And, for goodness sake, if it doesn't make it to cable, please post it to You Tube. I just can't get enough!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Chirping birds and sexual innuendo
So, I've decided the chirping of the birds on this glorious summer morning is only as glorious as that one shrill little bird wants it to be. But who am I to criticize. I don't know anything about this bird. Maybe it's out of practice. Maybe it's papa bird left the nest when they were born and this cute little guy wasn't trained how to sing like the rest of the crew. Whatever it is, when that one little bird is a little off, it can really mess with your morning.
Given that the morning started off a little out of tune, maybe it's time to bring up the emergence of the white rapper. Lately, I've been noticing a lot of white rappers stepping up to give it a go on the mic. You know, writing a rhyme, finding some beats and posting a video on You Tube or Facebook to try and make it big. As a fan of rap music, I can appreciate their craft, but let's be clear -- not every kid should try. Some kids are better listening than recording. It's still fun though.
Sometimes I still try to write poetry and it ends up sounding like a bad rap song. It rhymes all too well and somehow any semblance of cleverness is lost in the rhymes. But that doesn't stop me. I'm convinced that what I'm lacking is a good sexual innuendo. Ya, I said it. Sexual innuendo is the key to a hit these days.
I'm convinced that rappers just sit around the studio thinking about different ways to rhyme about their private parts. A few years back Fifty Cent had his "Magic Stick" and Lil' Wayne had "Lollipop". Now Flo Rida is rhymin' about blowing his "Whistle". And don't even get me started about Rhianna and Chris Brown blowing out the candles on her "Birthday Cake". Yep, sexual innuendo paves the road to success. And the dirtier the better.
Let's put it this way, I think I might just start writing down every hidden little sexual innuendo that comes to mind. If I come up with a great one, and it's dirty enough to catch your ear, yet clean enough to get on the air waves, I might just get rich. So, don't be surprised if some day you see me on You Tube with the other white boys. If you do, please have mercy on me.
Come on, there's room for a 36-year-old white guy along side Fifty, Wayne, Flo Rida and Rhianna. Okay, maybe not, but any chance to get me next to Rhianna on stage will work. Okay, okay, enough with the mid-life fantasies. I admit it, it sounds like I'm one of those kids who is better off listening to rap music than recording it. Man, I just squashed my dream before it even started. Well, I guess I'm just destined to be like that little bird singing out of tune.
Given that the morning started off a little out of tune, maybe it's time to bring up the emergence of the white rapper. Lately, I've been noticing a lot of white rappers stepping up to give it a go on the mic. You know, writing a rhyme, finding some beats and posting a video on You Tube or Facebook to try and make it big. As a fan of rap music, I can appreciate their craft, but let's be clear -- not every kid should try. Some kids are better listening than recording. It's still fun though.
Sometimes I still try to write poetry and it ends up sounding like a bad rap song. It rhymes all too well and somehow any semblance of cleverness is lost in the rhymes. But that doesn't stop me. I'm convinced that what I'm lacking is a good sexual innuendo. Ya, I said it. Sexual innuendo is the key to a hit these days.
I'm convinced that rappers just sit around the studio thinking about different ways to rhyme about their private parts. A few years back Fifty Cent had his "Magic Stick" and Lil' Wayne had "Lollipop". Now Flo Rida is rhymin' about blowing his "Whistle". And don't even get me started about Rhianna and Chris Brown blowing out the candles on her "Birthday Cake". Yep, sexual innuendo paves the road to success. And the dirtier the better.
Let's put it this way, I think I might just start writing down every hidden little sexual innuendo that comes to mind. If I come up with a great one, and it's dirty enough to catch your ear, yet clean enough to get on the air waves, I might just get rich. So, don't be surprised if some day you see me on You Tube with the other white boys. If you do, please have mercy on me.
Come on, there's room for a 36-year-old white guy along side Fifty, Wayne, Flo Rida and Rhianna. Okay, maybe not, but any chance to get me next to Rhianna on stage will work. Okay, okay, enough with the mid-life fantasies. I admit it, it sounds like I'm one of those kids who is better off listening to rap music than recording it. Man, I just squashed my dream before it even started. Well, I guess I'm just destined to be like that little bird singing out of tune.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
SAD or HAPPY...Let's all go on vacation!!!
So yesterday one of my Facebook friends posted something about Seasonal Affective Disorder. Living in Washington, I figured we all have a slight case of that, but who wants to medicate if you don't need to, right? Well, I got to thinking and wondering exactly what SAD was, so I looked it up. It's kinda funny to me that the acronym is SAD. It's described by Wikipedia as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression. It's a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer, spring or autumn year after year.
Yep, I got it. Oh well, I bet if I looked up 100 other disorders, I'd be convinced I had at least half of those too. That's why I stay off of Wikipedia. I'm convinced that too much learnin' gets you in trouble...:) I do my best to stay a little stupid. And I'm damn good at it too. There's less trouble that way. I certainly don't wanna be too smart for my own good. My smartness definitely supercedes my goodness. Or was it the other way around?
As someone who searches for the silver lining in any predicament, I was thinking that all of us with SAD should just sit down and write songs. If Radiohead and Beck can make hits like Creep and Loser, I'm convinced that us Washingtonians could use the blues to take over the charts.
Then again, maybe the airwaves don't need any more songs about depression. How about we just listen to Jack Johnson and wish we were vacationing in Hawaii? Better yet, start saving those pennies and lets plan a vacation. We could all go together and call it: Hawaii And Plan Parties Yippee-Kiya, or HAPPY. Damn, I'm clever. Truthfully, it took me about 10 minutes to come up with that. Sounds like my dumbness is superceding my smartness big time this morning. I guess solving mental health disorders isn't as easy as I thought. If only a clever acronym was the trick. Well, keep your heads up Washingtonians. Our two months of summer is here. Let's make the most of it.
SAD or HAPPY ... Let's go on vacation!!!
So yesterday one of my Facebook friends posted something about Seasonal Affective Disorder. Living in Washington, I figured we all have a slight case of that, but who wants to medicate if you don't need to, right? Well, I got to thinking and wondering exactly what SAD was, so I looked it up. It's kinda funny to me that the acronym is SAD. It's described by Wikipedia as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression. It's a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer, spring or autumn year after year.
Yep, I got it. Oh well, I bet if I looked up 100 other disorders, I'd be convinced I had at least half of those too. That's why I stay off of Wikipedia. I'm convinced that too much learnin' gets you in trouble...:) I do my best to stay a little stupid. And I'm damn good at it too. There's less trouble that way. I certainly don't wanna be too smart for my own good. My smartness definitely supercedes my goodness. Or was it the other way around?
As someone who searches for the silver lining in any predicament, I was thinking that all of us with SAD should just sit down and write songs. If Radiohead and Beck can make hits like Creep and Loser, I'm convinced that us Washingtonians could use the blues to take over the charts.
Then again, maybe the airwaves don't need any more songs about depression. How about we just listen to Jack Johnson and wish we were vacationing in Hawaii? Better yet, start saving those pennies and lets plan a vacation. We could all go together and call it: Hawaii And Plan Parties Yippee-Kiya, or HAPPY. Damn, I'm clever. Truthfully, it took me about 10 minutes to come up with that. Sounds like my dumbness is superceding my smartness big time this morning. I guess solving mental health disorders isn't as easy as I thought. If only a clever acronym was the trick. Well, keep your heads up Washingtonians. Our two months of summer is here. Let's make the most of it.
Yep, I got it. Oh well, I bet if I looked up 100 other disorders, I'd be convinced I had at least half of those too. That's why I stay off of Wikipedia. I'm convinced that too much learnin' gets you in trouble...:) I do my best to stay a little stupid. And I'm damn good at it too. There's less trouble that way. I certainly don't wanna be too smart for my own good. My smartness definitely supercedes my goodness. Or was it the other way around?
As someone who searches for the silver lining in any predicament, I was thinking that all of us with SAD should just sit down and write songs. If Radiohead and Beck can make hits like Creep and Loser, I'm convinced that us Washingtonians could use the blues to take over the charts.
Then again, maybe the airwaves don't need any more songs about depression. How about we just listen to Jack Johnson and wish we were vacationing in Hawaii? Better yet, start saving those pennies and lets plan a vacation. We could all go together and call it: Hawaii And Plan Parties Yippee-Kiya, or HAPPY. Damn, I'm clever. Truthfully, it took me about 10 minutes to come up with that. Sounds like my dumbness is superceding my smartness big time this morning. I guess solving mental health disorders isn't as easy as I thought. If only a clever acronym was the trick. Well, keep your heads up Washingtonians. Our two months of summer is here. Let's make the most of it.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Death Before Dishonor
I just finished up photographing the United We Stand mixed martial arts fights in Lummi. One thing I always enjoy about the fights is the body art on the fighters. I'm convinced that fighters take their purse straight to the tattoo artist for fresh ink. It seems with each new fight there's something new to enjoy.
As someone with no tattoos, I can still respect the art and message these fighters are trying to convey. One tattoo that caught my eye and got me thinking this week was United We Stand Middleweight Champ Ty Jameson's chest piece that states Death Before Dishonor.
At first, I figured it's just something bad ass to put on your chest to intimidate opponents. But the more I got to thinking about it, the more I realized that honor is paramount in native communities. Elders receive respect above all else. They're not forgotten, but rather celebrated. That's something where I think white culture falls short.
The last few years I've had a "friend" turn their back on me. When you share something in confidence and they hold it against you for years, that's always something that's hard to take. Obviously, that's enough to make the friendship end, but maybe death is a bit much. It's definitely enough to wish a flurry of punches from Jameson on them. If only it was that easy.
I guess the message from all this is to honor your friends, honor your family and honor your elders. If not, you never know who might be wishing death on you. And who needs that kind of bad karma?
As someone with no tattoos, I can still respect the art and message these fighters are trying to convey. One tattoo that caught my eye and got me thinking this week was United We Stand Middleweight Champ Ty Jameson's chest piece that states Death Before Dishonor.
At first, I figured it's just something bad ass to put on your chest to intimidate opponents. But the more I got to thinking about it, the more I realized that honor is paramount in native communities. Elders receive respect above all else. They're not forgotten, but rather celebrated. That's something where I think white culture falls short.
The last few years I've had a "friend" turn their back on me. When you share something in confidence and they hold it against you for years, that's always something that's hard to take. Obviously, that's enough to make the friendship end, but maybe death is a bit much. It's definitely enough to wish a flurry of punches from Jameson on them. If only it was that easy.
I guess the message from all this is to honor your friends, honor your family and honor your elders. If not, you never know who might be wishing death on you. And who needs that kind of bad karma?
Thursday, June 21, 2012
I've decided that people who say they live their lives without regret are full of sh---nizzle cookies. Ya, I said shnizzle cookies. After all, this blog is PG-13. I can write about marijuana and gay marriage, but excrement is off limits. For now anyways...:)
Back to my original thought. Life without regret isn't realistic if you ask me. We all have regrets. Denying them isn't healthy. Just admit it already. For me, my education is a bit of a regret. With graduation season in full swing, I can't help but think back on the five years I spent in college.
For four years I struggled determining what I wanted to major in, going from education, to English, to psychology, to journalism -- before eventually finishing with a General Studies Degree. That last year I spent trying to figure out how to get of of college with a diploma that might land me a job. It did, but not for long. Between the 8 a.m. classes and 2 a.m. club nights, college is just a big blur right now. Sometimes, it seems like such a small and insignificant part of my overall life.
It might seem like that, but the reality of it is that educational decisions are very important. All you graduates should take a few seconds, check that, days, weeks, months or years, to determine what to study and what your studies will eventually lead you to do in life. Trust me, you don't want to end up with regret. Good luck!
Back to my original thought. Life without regret isn't realistic if you ask me. We all have regrets. Denying them isn't healthy. Just admit it already. For me, my education is a bit of a regret. With graduation season in full swing, I can't help but think back on the five years I spent in college.
For four years I struggled determining what I wanted to major in, going from education, to English, to psychology, to journalism -- before eventually finishing with a General Studies Degree. That last year I spent trying to figure out how to get of of college with a diploma that might land me a job. It did, but not for long. Between the 8 a.m. classes and 2 a.m. club nights, college is just a big blur right now. Sometimes, it seems like such a small and insignificant part of my overall life.
It might seem like that, but the reality of it is that educational decisions are very important. All you graduates should take a few seconds, check that, days, weeks, months or years, to determine what to study and what your studies will eventually lead you to do in life. Trust me, you don't want to end up with regret. Good luck!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Seems like every year about this time Washington finally manages to string together enough sunny days to make me happy for more than half the day and I start to forget about moving away and spend a little time thinking about where my life has taken me in the last year.
This year has brought me lots of little joyful moments. As I get older (almost 36 now), I try to take the time to really enjoy these little moments. I try to live in the moment and enjoy every smile I get, every song I hear and every encounter that comes my way. Live life to the fullest. Why not, right? As a freelance photographer, these moments are often captured, so reflecting on them is always a joy.
Last month I went to the movies and a friend said he likes movies, but only if they finish with a happy ending. For me, I don't always need the happy ending to every moment. I like a story that has twists and turns, ups and downs, good and bad. That's life. That's how life is supposed to work out. In the end, if your story finishes with a happy ending, then you've been blessed. And if not, as long as you enjoy each little joyful moment to the fullest, you've been equally blessed.
As the people in my life experience both good and bad moments, I try to approach them with an open mind and open heart. I try to listen and respond as a good friend should, but I realize I'm not always as successful at this as I should be. I guess each year holds a new challenge. Whether you seek them out, or they just come your way, let's live these challenges to the fullest. I think I might just go search one out. I need a few more joyful moments...:)
This year has brought me lots of little joyful moments. As I get older (almost 36 now), I try to take the time to really enjoy these little moments. I try to live in the moment and enjoy every smile I get, every song I hear and every encounter that comes my way. Live life to the fullest. Why not, right? As a freelance photographer, these moments are often captured, so reflecting on them is always a joy.
Last month I went to the movies and a friend said he likes movies, but only if they finish with a happy ending. For me, I don't always need the happy ending to every moment. I like a story that has twists and turns, ups and downs, good and bad. That's life. That's how life is supposed to work out. In the end, if your story finishes with a happy ending, then you've been blessed. And if not, as long as you enjoy each little joyful moment to the fullest, you've been equally blessed.
As the people in my life experience both good and bad moments, I try to approach them with an open mind and open heart. I try to listen and respond as a good friend should, but I realize I'm not always as successful at this as I should be. I guess each year holds a new challenge. Whether you seek them out, or they just come your way, let's live these challenges to the fullest. I think I might just go search one out. I need a few more joyful moments...:)
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