People Watching

I'm a people watcher. Not in a creepy way, more like in a "everybody has their own unique story and sometimes it's illustrated through their actions/outward appearance" way. The other evening while at a festival, I was looking around me and saw the usual stories walking around: Shy guy in the friend zone, Too good for anybody group of teen girls...then I saw it. Them. A small family of four that seemed to have came out for the evening of good, free family fun. They sat by themselves, a good bit away from anybody else. The music was blaring and the two children of the family were dancing. They ate festival food and laughed and appeared to enjoy themselves. Other festival goers seemed to avoid them. The family didn't care. It was obvious they didn't come from money but it was also clear that they didn't care what others thought about them. This made me smile. Far too many people live their lives in a way where they are constantly seeking approval from their peers. They feel they have to keep up appearances just to be accepted in this world. I say screw that. If I have to prove to you my worth then I don't need you in my life. This family seemed quite happy with what they have which says a lot compared to all of these other people walking the earth with so much material stuff yet are extremely unhappy. It was also refreshing to see they were raising their kids up this way. Riches can do you no good. Be happy with what you have, who you have and who you are.

Puzzle of Life

It’s like we are all puzzle pieces in this great world.  Some of us connect with one another with ease while others should be on the other side of the puzzle.  There is nothing exactly wrong with that, we are still part of the big picture at hand.  It’s just that when you find those other pieces that connect with you so easily, the picture starts becoming more clear.  Clearer for what you are supposed to be, where you are supposed to be and what your role is in this puzzle of a life.  

My Life

I've always been different; always stood out.  Sometimes people look at this in a good way, others may think it bad.  I just see it as being me and being true to myself.  I live my life the way I choose because I refuse  to wake up one day and see that I threw it all away trying to fit in when I was born to stand out.  I feel living this way will allow me to have true people in my life that are awesome and it may also thin out the ones that don’t belong.  I will be me and I will be happy.  You should do the same.   

A New Year

     It’s a new year so that is supposed to mean new beginnings, right?  I mean, that’s what they say whoever they are.  The idea of starting fresh at the beginning of something new seems ideal but a lot of the resolutions being made (yearly, mind you) are a bit on the “why the hell didn’t you just start doing that today?” list.  But we’re all guilty really of making these pristine promises to ourselves so what the hell.  Here goes nothing. 

-     -I promise myself to try to be healthier.  I’ve always worked out but will try to do so more often along with actually eating healthier.  I actually enjoy healthy foods so this shouldn’t be too difficult really.  Maybe substitute some vegetarian or even vegan recipes in place of my usual junk.  If I go that far I should really try harder to stop my Dr. Peppers.  I’ve tried in the past and the longest I’ve made it was a week.  I guess I could have worse addictions really.  Some people need their crack, I just need my DP.

2     -I promise myself to learn something new on a regular basis.  Our minds are amazing things if we give them the chance to obtain the knowledge we 99% of the time have at our fingertips.  I know I would like to freshen up on my Spanish and hopefully by the end of the year be able to hold entire conversations in this wonderful language.  I could stand to expand my vocabulary as well.  Everybody can really.  Whatever else my heart desires, I promise to educate myself on it.  One should never stop learning. 

3       -I promise myself to volunteer.  Whether it is money or my time, I should always be willing to spare some of both.  I understand I may not have tons of either but there are others out there with less than me.  We are all in this world needing the same things in the end.  The most important thing that a person needs, whether they know it or not, is the compassion of another human being.  Love one another. 

4     -I promise myself to continue making friends.  I make friends wherever I go.  I love people.  I love social interaction with others.  I know and love people all over this planet and am truly honored to call them my friend.  I want to continue on my path in this life with making more and more friends.  I believe everybody we meet is for a reason and they will play a very important role in our life somehow.  Sometimes we learn things about ourselves through others that we never knew.  This is always exciting. 

5     -I promise myself to improve my well-being.  Whether it be through meditation or even cutting certain people out of my life that only bring stress, I need to do this.  I can only be the best possible me by being at ease and happy.  Every day things can stress a person out but I will work on my reactions to these things.  Likewise, some people can be like a dark cloud and the minute I’m not around them everything seems brighter and more peaceful.  I need to stop hurting myself over and over again with certain things, people and/or situations.  Sometimes it takes the pain of letting go to actually feel the harmony and awesomeness that is life.  

Be Kind.

     I am nothing special.  I breathe, I love, I cry…anything any other person on this planet would do really.  I have my own story like each and every one of you.  Some of it touching, some of it may even shock you.  But in the end, I am but human.  I have my faults and I have my problems but above anything else I do try to stay positive, loving and kind towards absolutely everybody.  Not just because being kind is a nice thing to do and be, but because it is who I am and how I think everybody should be.  It’s a way of life.  You never know what somebody is going through.  A simple smile may bring, if even for a moment, a warm reminder that pain isn’t forever.  Who knows, maybe one day…perhaps today, you will need a caring gesture to give you a slight boost of light at the end of a dark tunnel you’re traveling through.  It’s when this happens you are reassured that there is still good in the world.  And that very encouragement is something special.  

Music Shuffle Quiz

Just like other music shuffle quizzes, put your music on shuffle and answer these questions with the song and artist you get. DON'T CHEAT  


Which song describes the mood you are in right now?

Jamming (Bob Marley)

Which song describes the mood you are usually in?

Get Busy (Sean Paul)

Which song describes one of your favorites things to do? 

Two Wheels (Wax)

Which song describes something else you like to do? 

I’m Shipping Up To Boston (Dropkick Murphys)

Which song explains the way you think about love?

Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye)

Which song best represents you?

Sheena Is A Punk Rocker (The Ramones)

Which song describes yourself in the future?

Bright Lights (Matchbox Twenty)

Which song describes yourself in the past?

None of Your Business (Salt-N-Peppa)



Which song would best describe your fashion sense? 

Ho Hey (The Lumineers)

Which song best describes your parents?

The Real Slim Shady (Eminem)

Which song best describes your family in general?

I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones)

Which song best describes your friends?

Welcome To Paradise (Greenday)

Which song best describes your public personality?

Your Body Is A Wonderland (John Mayer)

Which song best describes your private personality?

The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Which Song describes your deepest secret?

Distance (Christina Perri)

Which song describes your innermost desire?

Gin and Juice (Snoop Dogg)

Which song describes how others see you?

1,2,3,4 (Plain White T’s)

Which song is your life’s soundtrack?

The Times They Are A-Changing (Flogging Molly)

Which song is the first impression people get of you?

Crazy (Aerosmith)

Which song describes a big challenge for you?

Killing In The Name (Rage Against the Machine)

Which song describes your secret admirer?

Total Eclipse of the Heart (The Dan Band)

Which song will be played at your funeral?

Champagne Supernova (Oasis)

Which song is your message to whoever reads this?

Dance Wid Me (Hepcat)

Random

Random

Adventure runs through my blood.  Memories are better taken care of than material things.  And I have wanted so much of both of these here lately.  I am on a constant train of thought of something new to try and do.  I have a passion for so many things that I cannot possibly choose just one.  My constant love and understanding of everyone and everything around me inspires me to be the best me possible.  I believe a reason behind a lot of my thinking is due to the loss of a few great people I am grateful for having known.  I am sad that I will never see them again, actually it’s quite heartbreaking.  But it got me thinking how I haven’t lived up to quite what I feel I should be.  I haven’t done everything that I’m going to do yet.  I know this.  So look out world, I’m coming for you.

Thoughts at the Moment

     As you go through this life, you will never really know how you have touched others.  You may have somewhat of an idea, a tiny little glimmer as to how you made somebody feel, but never fully understand the exact impact.  This may be because people do not really know how much you have touched their lives, whether it be big or small, until you’re already gone.  And when it gets to this point, it’s too late to say thank you for whatever it is that needs thanks and I love you is out the window.  So never hesitate to show somebody you care.  Don’t ever feel like you are going to annoy a person with a simple hi or well wishes. It may mean more than you think and even more, it could be the last chance you get to. 

     Childhood seems to go by at the pace of a snail but once we become adults it seems to be flying by in no time.  And when we start losing those we once shared the “we’re going to live forever” mindset with, it really starts to sink in that we are only human.  Anything can happen at any given moment and we really have no control over it or the outcome.  I guess that is what makes life daring and exciting in a way but it can also knock us down for a horrible, unwanted reality check. 

     If you are reading this, you are still here.  You are alive still for a reason.  Live for today and don’t waste a moment.  Those dreams you have always dreamed, it’s never too late.  Don’t worry too much and try to spend as much time on this earth happy and helping others be happy too.  After all, this is your life to live and you get only one chance at it.  Why spend it any other way but blissful.  

Things To Believe In

     In a world that seems to be going to shit, I try to be optimistic.  I try to see the beauty and the amazing things in this life.  Here are some things that I still believe in.   

-I believe that anybody instantly looks better with a smile.

-I believe in laughing and lots of it.  It burns calories and fights depression.  So laugh your asses off. 

-I believe in being strong when everything seems to be falling down around you. 

-I believe in rock n’ roll.   (Also if you haven’t heard it, look up Frank Turner’s song I Still Believe and you will be blown away and agree with number 4.)

-I believe in miracles.

-I believe in celebrating whatever your heart desires any chance you get. 

-I believe in good people.

-I believe in playing. 

-I believe in Karma.  Sooner or later your deeds, good or bad, will catch up to you.

-I believe in God.

-I believe in following my passions.

-I believe I can make a change in the world for the better.

-I believe in love.

-I believe in freedom of expression.

-I believe in education.

-I believe in our military.

-I believe that there is beauty to be found everywhere.  You just have to open your mind and your heart to see it.

-I believe in ghosts. 

-I believe in tomorrow.

-I believe in art.

-I believe in true friends.

-I believe in tattoos.

-I believe in children.

-I believe in magic.

-I believe in get-togethers and lots of food and laughter.

-I believe dreams do come true.

-I believe in forgiveness.

-I believe in kindness. 

-I believe in myself.

-I believe in you. 

Things I've Learned Outside of Class

Things I’ve Learned Outside of Class

-No matter how old you are, you never should stop educating yourself.

-If you are blessed to have a family that loves you, even though you occasionally butt heads and do not agree on most things, you should still ALWAYS love them and respect them.

-You cannot, no matter how hard you try, change somebody.  That said, it is also uncouth to try and do so.

-Do not take things for granted.  Even if you aren’t having the easiest of days lately, it can always be worse. 

-Children are honest and open until they get older and are told not to be.  If at least a small part of all of us never grows up, we can hold on to some of that amazing genuineness that they have. 

-The elderly have the best life stories and lessons to share. 

-Everybody has a reason why they are the way they are.  Take some time to read the pages before you assume the cracks on the cover tell it all.

-You can’t choose how you feel but you can choose what you do about it.

-Never lose your sense of adventure. 

-No matter how much you care, sometimes some people just won’t care back. 

-Friends really do come and go.

-It’s okay to be different.  Stand out.  Be noticed. 

-I’m glad that I never smoked cigarettes.

-If you want something, you’re going to have to go for it.  Take the risks.  At least you tried, right?  Don’t be 80 years old wondering “what if?”.  (Still learning this one but keep trying to remind myself daily.)

-Chance is definitely a gift.  So act on it when given a chance.

-Bad things do happen to good people.

-Always suck it up and say you’re sorry.  If you care about your relationship with a person, swallow your pride and get over it.  If you don’t, then you are saying they’re not worth it.  And that is sad.

-Giving is so much better than receiving.  Especially when it is unexpected by the person receiving. 

-Sing, dance, play…do these and do these often.  Don’t be so uptight.  Life can be enjoyed if everything doesn’t have to be so serious all of the time. 

-Be appreciative and show your appreciation. 

-Never let somebody control you.  Do not submit to anybody.  It drags you down and your life is pretty much paused until you get out of that.

-Hate is real and it sucks.  Love is real too though.  They say that it is easy to hate and takes effort to love.  Why not accept that challenge, people?  Why not just love?  Wouldn’t it be such a nicer world to live in? 

-Being happy isn’t really all that hard if you just let yourself.

-Step outside your comfort zone.  You can see things differently this way.

-Most of the time, what you are looking for, really is right in front of you.

-People deserve a second chance.  But a third?  Probably not.

-Dream.  

My Christmas

     As the holidays quickly approach us, I find myself in my usual thoughts I get this time of year.  Though I have much respect for those who get excited for the upcoming “most wonderful time of the year”, I still understand how it can be such a depressing time too.  Memories tend to swiftly surface of times past that not only bring a smile to my face but also an ache in my heart. 

     As a child, the holidays did not just mean presents.  It was the time of the year that I got to see family that lived far away.  I grew up in a small community in southwest Louisiana and a lot of my family lived in complete other states.  And since my grandparents lived right next door, everybody came to our houses for the holidays to celebrate.  I had aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over that would be in during this time.  When I was a child, it was indeed the most wonderful time of the year. 

     The last Christmas I had with both of my grandparents was in 1999.  The following year they decided that they would travel to west Texas to visit family there.  I remember that Christmas just felt strange because they were not there.  Then in May of 2001, before I got another holiday with her, my grandmother passed away.  My grandfather passed in 2004.  I had always been close to my grandparents so this hit me really hard.  I hid a lot of my pain though; I didn’t want others to worry about me when they were hurting as well. 

     The holidays, to me, have never been the same again.  Everybody has either gotten too old to travel or have already met up with my grandparents in heaven.  Cousins have all moved around even further than they were as kids for the most part.  And ever since my first “weird” Christmas, I have been trying to find either normalcy in the way things go now or find a way for things to go back to the way they were.  Maybe it sounds silly but the pain I feel is very much real.  I want my Christmas back.  

Where is the love?

     I am relieved that I have a caring heart.  My gentleness has brought to me friends to love and compassion for others.  I find the need to help without reward and the desire to not hate.  Love and kindness are like breathing oxygen to me.  So if it is such an effortless thing, why is there so much hate and pain around us?  Why is there prejudice and cruelty?  Where are the respect and the unselfishness for humanity?  And if we keep on like this, what will become of us?  What will become of our children?  

What is a friend?

     What is a friend?  What is a true friend?  Sometimes in life we find the true meaning of this simple term.  The people we believe to be a great person and friend usually turns out not to be, and the ones we least expect to be there for us in times of need are the the angels.  Why does it usually go this way?  I guess it's a true mystery of life.  

     I have had friends I thought I could count on.  Good friends at one time.  Now they are nothing more than a cherished, faded memory in this journey  I call my life.  Miss them?  Oh yes, very.  But I also have a life, a future, to live rather than dwell on the past.  I try to keep my head up high.  Sometimes are harder than others, but I know I can get through anything with the true friends.

     What is a true friend?  They are the ones who stick by you no matter what.  A simple disagreement cannot trash the relationship.  They are the shoulders you cry on.  They are the ears that listen and the voice that tries to help.  They are the arms of an angel that try their best to shield you from the horrible.  They are the laugh that makes you laugh.  The smile that makes you smile.  The cry that makes you cry with them.  They are the love that loves you, and loves you for you. 

     I want to take the time to thank my friends and tell yall that I love yall.  You know who you are.  I know who you are.  

Live

Remember to laugh

Remember to smile

Each day we live

We survived another mile

Remember to breathe

Remember to see

All the wonder of life

The gift it can be

Remember to stop

Remember to go

Take in the beauty

Go with the flow

Remember to love

Remember your heart

Give many hugs

Try never to part

Remember to hope

Remember to give

Take in the world

Simply just live. 

Soul Mate

    What is a soul mate?  Webster defines the term as “a person who is perfectly suited to another in temperament”.  While I agree with this description, I also believe it to go much deeper than that.  Most people hear the phrase “soul mate” and automatically think of it as that person they are meant to spend the rest of their lives with.  Don’t get me wrong, this is a soul mate in my book as well.  But I also consider that is only one version of the term.

     Have you ever met somebody and later on that meeting somehow impacted (whether big or small) your life?  How about (dare I say it) changed it?  I strongly feel that people come into our lives for a reason.  We may not know it at the time of our first encounter but later on know that our life would not be the same had we not come across one another.  Perhaps we are meant to touch their life as well.  I have always been a firm believer in everything happening for a reason. 

     So the next time that you meet somebody new, remember that they very well could touch (or even change) your life in the future.  Or you change theirs.  Either way, soul mates were just united.  

It's Been Way Too Long

It’s so good to see you

It’s been way too long

You look so good

Sorry I did you wrong.

On so many long nights

I heard and watched you cry

I controlled your every move

But everything about you was a lie.

I didn’t do anything to help

I watched you suffer every day

Sorry I wasn’t making you happy

Mindless of me to lead you astray.

Finally had way enough

Of doing you so wrong

Reflection of mine, you look good

It’s been way too long.  

Live

See the sun see the sky

See the people passing by

Feel the breeze upon my face

On my tongue the air I taste

Get out and live your life today

It may be gone another day

Don’t wait for tomorrow to try and see

How freaking awesome life can be.

My Bucket List...for now.

My Bucket List…for now.

1.    Become a successful, published author.

2.   Invent something amazing.

3.   Live in Boston.

4.   Act in a movie.  A principle role, not just background.

5.   Write a screen play and see it turned into a movie.

6.   Live in California; preferably the San Diego area.

7.   Visit Scotland and Ireland.

8.   Learn as many languages as possible.  Fluently.  (Know some Spanish.  Working a little more on my French since I should know a lot more of that than I do!)

9.   Create awesome music and share it with the world.

10.  Have more friends than fingers that I actually can say I trust with my life.

11.  Host a holiday dinner/gathering at my house.

12.  Learn to swim and get over my fear of water.

13.  Build a snowman that is taller than me.  Hell, build a snowman that is taller than 6 inches. 

14.  Make a snow angel.

15.  Play in a paintball war.

16.  Learn to use chopsticks properly.

17.  Never have to see or talk to my ex again.  (Seems to slowly be happening)

18.  Go on a meditation retreat.

19.   Climb a mountain.

20.  Run a marathon.

21.  Visit all of the continents.

22.  Be the maid of honor in a wedding.

23.  Dive the Queen Anne’s Revenge.

24.  Go skydiving.

25.  Kiss the Blarney Stone.

26.  Model.  Not typical, airbrushed bs.

27.  Make money being me.

28.  Leave an inspirational note some place random for somebody to find.

29.  Help and watch my kids be awesome people. 

30.   Go to a real beach.

31.  Stop drinking soda.

32.  Get a professional camera and take amazing photos.

33.  Go to a St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

34.  See a famous play on Broadway.

35.  Learn to cook an amazing gumbo.

36.  Go on a winter sleigh ride.

37.  Have an oceanfront home.

38.  Visit a castle. 

39.  As unselfish sounding as possible, have an entire day as the center of attention being pampered and spoiled.

40.  Inspire someone.

41.  Go to Voodoo Fest.

42.  Learn a martial art.

43.  Purchase the old Kolb building in New Orleans.  Have a pub downstairs and live in the 2nd and 3rd floors.

44.  Experience weightlessness. 

45.  Achieve financial abundance with my passion.

46.  Give a heartfelt surprise to somebody. (Can never do this enough!  So awesome!)

47.  Receive a heartfelt surprise by somebody.

48.  Throw a mega party.

49.  Learn to ballroom dance.

50.  Do something completely crazy and out of character.

51.  Ride a huge roller coaster.

52.  Change the world.

53.  Learn sign language.

54.  Go to a costume party.

55.  Have a beer at Oktoberfest.

56.  Host SNL.

57.  Star in a rock video.

58.  Wash my hair in a waterfall.

59.  Take my kids to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

60.  Bury a time capsule.

61.  Sleep on a hammock on the beach.

62.  Have my moment.

63.  Break a world record.

64.  Form a band.

65.  Go on a trip around the world.

66.  Sing a duet with somebody.

67.  Take a first aid Red Cross course.

68.  Become a vegetarian for a year.  Perhaps longer.

69.  Ride an elephant.

70. Take a random flight somewhere.

71.  Go zip lining.

72.  Make jogging a habit.

73.  Win a food challenge. (Came in 2nd in this so far)

74.  Snowboard.

75.  Experience a white Christmas.

76.  Design clothes.

77.  Kiss under mistletoe.

78.  Go to NYC during Christmas time.  See the tree in Rockefeller center.  Ice Skate.  Experience the beauty of the holiday décor across the amazing city.

79.  Help women who are/have been in an abusive relationship.

80.  Make my family proud.

81.  Learn to stand up for myself better.

82.  Start a movement that actually means something.

83.  Go camping.  Like, actually sleep outside.

84.  Go to a masquerade ball.

85. Learn Irish step dance.

86.  Kiss at the top of a Ferris wheel.

87.  Sing Karaoke.

88.  Sleep in front of a fire place.

89.  See the Saints win the super bowl again but in person. 

90.  Find the end of the rainbow.

91.  Learn several magic tricks.

92.   Catch a foul ball at a baseball game.

93.  Prove my critics wrong.

94.  Hula dance in Hawaii.

95.  Become a yoga instructor.

96. Take my kids to Disney world.

97.  See the Rocky Horror Picture Show live.

98.  Ring in the New Year in a big way.

99.  Write and publish my biography.

100.  Do Halloween in Salem, Ma.
101.  Run in a 5k. (About to do my 3rd one!!)
102.  Conquer an obstacle course of some sort.
103.  Visit the pyramids.
104.  Go to the Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. 
105.  Dia de los Muertos in Mexico.
106.  Kick negative habits.
107.  Learn to say no without feeling guilty.
108.  Visit the Hollywood star walk of fame and see the stars of people like Lucille Ball, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson.
109.  Travel with a band for a tour.
110.  Plant a garden.
111.  Heal my past.
112.  Volunteer at a pet shelter.
113.  Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
114.  Attend the Olympics.
115.  Start my own business. 
116.  Spend the night in a medieval castle. 
117.  Go on a humanitarian trip to Africa.
118.  Partake in a Japanese tea ceremony.  
119.  Learn to say yes without feeling guilty.
120.  Go to a huge water park and brave all of the water slides.
121.  Go to the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
122.  Solve a rubik's cube.
123.  Learn to juggle.  (Learning this now)
124.  Go skinny dipping. 
125.  Go to a Bruins game in TD Garden.
126.  Go to the Tunnel of Love near the city of Klevan in Ukraine. 
127.  See the Northern lights in Iceland.
128.  Eat sushi in Tokyo.  
129.  Visit Ground Zero in New York.
130.  See the Statue of Liberty in person.  
131.  Be able to do a handstand again.  
132.  Spend time in Jamaica.  
133.  Send a message in a bottle. 
134.  Give my autograph.
135.  Stand in a major public area holding a 'Free Hugs' sign.
136.  Randomly pay for somebody else's meal in a restaurant.
137.  Learn to spin and mix music.
138.  Go to the airport with no preconceived idea where to go and board a plane.
139.   Run the Boston Marathon. 
140.  Hold a snake.