Sometimes, the hardest thing in the world, is to resist the urge to just blow up and lay everything out on the line. But you see, I was raised to not air my dirty laundry. The feeling that if I don't start swinging now and get on the offensive, I am going to be spending a lot of time on the defensive. But it's simply not in my nature. In fact, doing THIS much really isn't either. But here's something that I learned from my grandfather.
When my grandparents got divorced, my grandmother went to some far ends to make my grandfather look bad. She spent the rest of her years telling horrible stories about him. I hated the man and I had never met him. Then one day, I decided to find him. When I finally met him, I found him to be a wonderful man. Then he pulled me to the side, away from the rest of the family, and asked my why I had taken so long to find him. I told him the things my grandmother had taught me about him. His response was one of sadness. "That ain't right .None of that happened". "What DID happen, then?" He looked at me, and I could see the heartbreak in his eyes. "It's not my place to talk her down, and i'm not going to start now. What you've heard about me is untrue, but I will not talk bad about her".
You see, that example spoke volumes. It was more important to him to maintain his integrity, than it was to speak ill of another person just to defend himself. I'm thankful for that example. It is because of that, that I will not defend myself, nor will I disparage anyone else. If you know me, you know my character, and that should speak for itself. I'm sad that things have to be the way they have become. I would give anything to change them. But, I can't.
"...and that's all I got to say about that"
- Forrest Gump
Monday, March 18, 2024
Friday, December 8, 2023
Full Force....
Strap in, kids, there is a lot to tell here....
Let me tell you about Full Force.
I have always been the guy who read every single liner note on albums. I don't know why that was important to me. Why did I need to know who Questar Welsh or Andre Debourg is? Why does it matter who "Easy" Steve Salem or Fred Munao is? I don't have the slightest idea. One of the first hip-hop albums I ever owned was the first UTFO album, and it was produced by Full Force. Then there was Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam with Full Force, The Real Roxanne produced by Full Force
Who the hell were these guys? I mean I knew their names from the album liners. Bowlegged Lou, Paul Anthony, BFine, Shy-Shy, Baby Gerry, and Curt-t-t. But WHO were they? Then one day i was over at the house of a family friend, Dan Jauregui, and looking through his records, and there it was. The debut album of Full Force. I "borrowed" it (pretty sure it never got back to him), and immediately fell in love with the music. They had hits on their album, "Unselfish Lover" and "Alice i Want You Just For Me", but the songs I loved were "Let's Dance Against The Wall", "United", and most of all "Please Stay". I learned that album front to back. I could sing ever word and hit every note PERFECTLY. This was the beginning of my love of Full Force's music. This album was followed by "Get Busy 1 Time" ("Chain Me To The Nigh"t is my JAM!, then "Guess Who's Coming To The Crib" ("Katty Women" and "Low Blow Brenda" were a couple of my favorites, but "Your Love Is So Def" took the cake). Then came "Smoove". The sound was maturing, as was the band. gone were the Gheri Curls, and the catchy signature shit like Gerry and his teddy bear, Paul and his headbands, etc...My love grew even more as "Don't Sleep" came about, followed by "Sugar On Top" (note: In 1999 when I opened True School Management & Productions, which in a year became True School Entertainment, I got the name from track #6 "True School Medley").
Let me tell you about Full Force.
I have always been the guy who read every single liner note on albums. I don't know why that was important to me. Why did I need to know who Questar Welsh or Andre Debourg is? Why does it matter who "Easy" Steve Salem or Fred Munao is? I don't have the slightest idea. One of the first hip-hop albums I ever owned was the first UTFO album, and it was produced by Full Force. Then there was Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam with Full Force, The Real Roxanne produced by Full Force
Who the hell were these guys? I mean I knew their names from the album liners. Bowlegged Lou, Paul Anthony, BFine, Shy-Shy, Baby Gerry, and Curt-t-t. But WHO were they? Then one day i was over at the house of a family friend, Dan Jauregui, and looking through his records, and there it was. The debut album of Full Force. I "borrowed" it (pretty sure it never got back to him), and immediately fell in love with the music. They had hits on their album, "Unselfish Lover" and "Alice i Want You Just For Me", but the songs I loved were "Let's Dance Against The Wall", "United", and most of all "Please Stay". I learned that album front to back. I could sing ever word and hit every note PERFECTLY. This was the beginning of my love of Full Force's music. This album was followed by "Get Busy 1 Time" ("Chain Me To The Nigh"t is my JAM!, then "Guess Who's Coming To The Crib" ("Katty Women" and "Low Blow Brenda" were a couple of my favorites, but "Your Love Is So Def" took the cake). Then came "Smoove". The sound was maturing, as was the band. gone were the Gheri Curls, and the catchy signature shit like Gerry and his teddy bear, Paul and his headbands, etc...My love grew even more as "Don't Sleep" came about, followed by "Sugar On Top" (note: In 1999 when I opened True School Management & Productions, which in a year became True School Entertainment, I got the name from track #6 "True School Medley").
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️ part 3
July 30, 2016
Last thought as I go to bed -
Awake.
WIIIIIDE awake. Mom used to say "Close your eyes and pretend you're asleep, until you are". Nonsense. Hats about as truthful as "when you start paying the bills, you Can make the rules!" I'm laying here, exhausted. But I have far too much in my head and on my mind to sleep. In 5 days, I will have actually lived longer than my father did (buon anima). My children are mostly all grown. In fact the only "underage" one I have, has been more mature than me since she was about 12. They're responsible adults. I'm a grandfather. When did WE become the "old folks at the barbecue"!? And I'm watching some of my peers pass so young. I'm watching some of my heroes go as well. It makes me wonder, how long do I have? At what age will my body decide "Hey, remember all those years of speed, coke, alcohol, cigarettes, hard-living and hard-partying you did? Time to pay the fuckin piper, son!" Will I be loved when I'm gone? Will I be missed? Have I really left that strong of an impression or made that much of a difference in those that life put around me? Was my impact positive? Will I be surrounded by my loved ones? Or will I die alone?
Isn't it FUN being inside of my mind?
By the way, while you're here, the soundtrack being currently played on W.A.D.E hits and oldies radio, is "Heartaches By The Number" by Ray Price.
Now I look at the clock and see its after 0200hrs (*Gunny Highway Voice* That's 2am for those of you that don't habla!) and my brain is going "Yo, it ain't but 11pm PST, Mr California Boy!" Thanks. Jerk. Ah well, in a few short hours my alarm will go off to take my antibiotics (for those of you asleep for the last week, I had to have an infected toe amputated). I better try mom's sleep recipe one more time, for all the good it'll do me.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Yes,
Even you.
Sept 22, 2022
Last Thought As I Go To Bed™
I've never understood making threats of any kind, open or veiled. The only time I really came close at all was when I advised a friend who was about to make a costly decision,
"Please remember this. By your admission, you've never been in a fight in your whole life. I make a living at it. You probably don't want ME to be your first."
That wasn't a threat. I genuinely love the guy and didn't want to have to hurt him.
Before there was an internet, there was my father who told me "if you threaten, they will be watching you. Never tip your hand that way." Reading The Godfather (Never make unnecessary threats. And if YOU'RE threatened, weigh the threat. If it has merit, deal with it accordingly. If not, dismiss the threat and lower your opinion of the one who made it), and The Art of War (Never exhaust your own resources to fight. Make your opponent come to YOU and exhaust his own resources to do so), reenforced my father's words.
I also believe in letting people think I'm not noticing what's going on around me. Better for you to think I'm stupid, and let you make the mistakes that strengthen my position.
If Tom Hagen had been Sicilian, and sonny had been more like his father, he wouldn't have been killed on the causeway.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Yes, even you, foolish and reckless person. I can love you and disassociate myself from you at the same time.
Monday, October 5, 2020
One Nation Under WHO?!
I just saw a long ranting post about The United States having a Christian foundation and we “need to get back to god”. It was made clear at the beginning that this was not a topic for debate. I’m respecting that. But I have something to say in response, so I’ll post it here.
Not for nothing, but there IS separation of church and state. Thomas Jefferson in fact, in commentary on the First Amendment, said “legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church and State”. If the church, and I mean ANY church of ANY religion, wants a say as to who is God or not, they can sacrifice their tax-exempt status.
As to the other quote, it states it “endowed by their creator”. That the decision on who exactly that creator is, depends on the perspective of the individual in question. The Bible clearly states “work out YOUR OWN sin, with fear and trembling” not to mention “for anyone who knows to do right and does it not, to HIM it is sin”. By that rationale, if we take, for instance, a Muslim, who worships Allah and that is what he knows to be right, then to not call Allah “Ywh”, is not a sin. Not to mention that Allah and God are one and the same, considering that Islam is a split from Judaism. For at Mt. Sinai when Moses brought the Ten Commandments, Islam continued on with the law of Abraham, and Judaism followed the law of Moses.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
The Stranger The Boy Became
PREFACE
It has been suggested more than once, that I write an autobiography. I've considered it brfore but never really did so mostly because I have absolutely no idea how to. But the the thought occured to me, I write a blog, albeit infrequently, I write late-night musings. I have a million an one stories to tell about my life. From some of my earliest memories, to becoming a teen, to growing into adulthood. I can honestly say, there has never been a dull moment. Not ever. Now, i'm going to issue a couple of small warnings before we begin. First, as I have stated on my blog, I am going to share MY memories. If you were there, you may remember things different than I do, and that's ok. If you disagree, write your own book.This is how I remember events. I will tell you now that there will be some very funny stories, and some that may astonish you in many ways, the most common way being that i'm still alive. There will be some dramatic accounts, not fictitious, but dramatic. I will also warn you that there will be accounts of sexual abuse from when I was a child. Be advised, not ALL of this will be easy to read, and this is your only "trigger warning". Proceed with caution, but also with the carnival ride trepidation of "what's around the next corner". All i'm trying to say is that while it may be filled with fun anecdotes, it will be filled with what I remember. Not everyone will be happy with it. I will finish this preface with this very important announcement. I am not responsible for, nor shall I take responsibility for, how anything you read herein makes you feel. My words are my words, my memories are my memories, your responses are your responsibility.
Fair enough? Well then, lets proceed and move forward with some words from a poem I wrote so many years ago.
"So, come with me, as together we play with madness. Journey into the darkness of my mind. You can leave your fears behind, as I have plenty to go around"
CHAPTER 1
It's strange. Now that I finally decide to tell my story, I have no idea how to begin. The youngest memories are really mere flashes of images. Situations, persons, even places. But, how am I to recall the details? It's impossible to hypnotize me and bring out memories. I wouldn't trust those anyhow. I would be certain that the hypnotist would plant ideas that form into false memories. I don't need that at all. Why intentionally fabricate things when the truth can be so very horrible on it's own, and doesn't need additives.
I guess the earliest I an recall, was an apartment complex we lived in. It wasn't the best neighborhood to be found, but it also wasn't the worst. As I recall, the buildings were 2 stories high, and there was law in the very center, and i am almost sure there was either a sandbox or an actual playground. So, there was this kid named Sonny, that was my sometimes friend, sometimes bully. He would take things that were mine, and pick on me. Sometimes he go so far as to hit me. I complained to my parents about is. My dad's response was something along the lines of' "So Kick his little ass." Mom was of the same mindset. One day, I saw Sonny walking up to me, and without a word, I punched his hard in the face and made his nose bleed/ . I remember him going home crying, and me going to our front door of our apartment. I did NOT want to be out there when sunny finally shook it off. I got to the relative safety of home, reached for the doorknob to walk in.....and it wouldn't open. My mother had locked me out of the house. NOT that i was in any trouble, mind you. this was my mom's way of pushing me out of the nest. I remember crying through to door to be let in and she said "No, you two kids need to work this out between you". And here he came. As I recall, he shook my hand, and we were friends fom that day forward.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Last Thought As I Go To Bed™️ Part 3
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️
I’ve been binging on the series Bosch. Titus Welliver has really sold me on the role. Up until now, he’s always been the Bruja primogen “Cameron” from Kindred: The Embraced. At any rate, it’s a really good series.
But here is what sparked this little essay. There is a scene I just saw of a helicopter flying over LA at night. The blanket of lights stretched across the city, and I thought of how many times I’ve driven from Corona, or Riverside, down the 91 in the evening and could see those same city lights. They’re beautiful to me, and they make me nostalgic for home.
Here in the Midwest, the stars fill the sky, there are lightning bugs and other things that I didn’t grow up with, the awes and wonders of nature. G-d knows I love NYC too. It has become a second home to me. I fit right in from my first day there. When I’m not there I miss the hustle and bustle, the food, the street venders with their Halal gyros, the bodegas that still sell you beer after hours, the West Indian joints with their bed patti in coco bread (thanks to my big bro Kangol for introducing me to those.....
But at the end of the day, SoCal is home. From the smell of the ocean, to the mountains you can see off in the distance, to the city parks, the lights of the city at night. One of my favorite songs is from Undercover, called “Work It Out”. Ojo wrote “ooooh California attitude gets the better of me, must be something in the air”. I feel that line even when I am so damned far away.
I could sit and write all night about growing up between Orange County, and San Diego county, because I have so many fond memories of life in a simpler time, in a part of the country i love and miss.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
And goodnight SoCal. Thank you for an amazing childhood.
I’ve been binging on the series Bosch. Titus Welliver has really sold me on the role. Up until now, he’s always been the Bruja primogen “Cameron” from Kindred: The Embraced. At any rate, it’s a really good series.
But here is what sparked this little essay. There is a scene I just saw of a helicopter flying over LA at night. The blanket of lights stretched across the city, and I thought of how many times I’ve driven from Corona, or Riverside, down the 91 in the evening and could see those same city lights. They’re beautiful to me, and they make me nostalgic for home.
Here in the Midwest, the stars fill the sky, there are lightning bugs and other things that I didn’t grow up with, the awes and wonders of nature. G-d knows I love NYC too. It has become a second home to me. I fit right in from my first day there. When I’m not there I miss the hustle and bustle, the food, the street venders with their Halal gyros, the bodegas that still sell you beer after hours, the West Indian joints with their bed patti in coco bread (thanks to my big bro Kangol for introducing me to those.....
But at the end of the day, SoCal is home. From the smell of the ocean, to the mountains you can see off in the distance, to the city parks, the lights of the city at night. One of my favorite songs is from Undercover, called “Work It Out”. Ojo wrote “ooooh California attitude gets the better of me, must be something in the air”. I feel that line even when I am so damned far away.
I could sit and write all night about growing up between Orange County, and San Diego county, because I have so many fond memories of life in a simpler time, in a part of the country i love and miss.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
And goodnight SoCal. Thank you for an amazing childhood.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Last Thought As I Go To Bed collection..... part 2
Last thought as I go to bed ™ - "If I Were To Die Tomorrow" edition.
Know this. If you've never believed a word I've ever said, know this one thing. If ever you've heard the words "I love you" from me, I meant it. I meant it then. I mean it now. Even if we have beef. Even if there is separation and ought between us. Even if your response to this is to tell me to burn in hell......I love you.
Goodnight, you little bastards.
I FUCKING LOVE YOU ALL.
YES, even you. Whoever you are.
March 13, 2020
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️
- Someone accused me of not having long patience.
I read “My People” by Aba Eban. All of it. Every last word. Don’t tell ME I don’t have patience lol
I have read “Night” by Elie Wiesel, but it occurs to me that I’ve actually never read “The Diary Of Anne Frank”
I’m in the middle of “Through The Storm” by Tom Clancy and General Fred Franks Jr (USA ret.), and I have on deck “Thunderbolt” by Lewis Sorley about General Creighton Abrams, and “Rommel: The Trail of the Fox” by David Irving. I will get a copy of Anne Frank and put it in the lineup as well.
Sometimes I ramble. Don’t judge me.
Goodnigh, you little bastards.
I love you all.
M
- Lion
Know this. If you've never believed a word I've ever said, know this one thing. If ever you've heard the words "I love you" from me, I meant it. I meant it then. I mean it now. Even if we have beef. Even if there is separation and ought between us. Even if your response to this is to tell me to burn in hell......I love you.
Goodnight, you little bastards.
I FUCKING LOVE YOU ALL.
YES, even you. Whoever you are.
Last thought as I go to bed ™. Fathers, remember this.
Sometimes, all your kid needs is your words of encouragement and wisdom.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
March 13, 2020
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️
- Someone accused me of not having long patience.
I read “My People” by Aba Eban. All of it. Every last word. Don’t tell ME I don’t have patience lol
I have read “Night” by Elie Wiesel, but it occurs to me that I’ve actually never read “The Diary Of Anne Frank”
I’m in the middle of “Through The Storm” by Tom Clancy and General Fred Franks Jr (USA ret.), and I have on deck “Thunderbolt” by Lewis Sorley about General Creighton Abrams, and “Rommel: The Trail of the Fox” by David Irving. I will get a copy of Anne Frank and put it in the lineup as well.
Sometimes I ramble. Don’t judge me.
Goodnigh, you little bastards.
I love you all.
M
- Lion
Tonight,
my patented "Last thought as I go to bed ™" is targeted at ONE
individual who will actually laugh at this like i did. If my humor
typically offends you, now would be the best time to piss off. Ojo Taylor,
this one is for you. Thanks for being REAL and being who YOU are, not
what others expect of you. I love you, bro. Thanks for the years you've
influenced my life for the good. Back before I knew you, but loved your
music, and now that we've gotten to know each other a bit.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Last thought as I go to bed ™
I get "humility".
Everyone tells others to "be humble". When is the last time someone told you "Be EXCELLENT!"? When is the last time someone said "if they can't see your vision, then they're too small minded. Keep moving forward and if they fall off, let them."?
I have dealt with many adversities in my life. Some were of my own doing, others weren't.
I've been homeless, addicted to drugs, drowning in alcohol, put in jail, placed on house arrest...I've fallen face-first into massive piles of shit....but what I've never done, was stop moving forward.
So, stay humble? Fuck that. I will instead, choose to remember where I came from and never allow myself to go back.
I choose excellence. I will voice my opinions, I will take up arms, I will combat injustices. That is who I am, head to toe.
I expect those I associate with, to do the same. Iron sharpens iron.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Yes, even you haters. It's YOU that give me the drive to prove you wrong.
I get "humility".
Everyone tells others to "be humble". When is the last time someone told you "Be EXCELLENT!"? When is the last time someone said "if they can't see your vision, then they're too small minded. Keep moving forward and if they fall off, let them."?
I have dealt with many adversities in my life. Some were of my own doing, others weren't.
I've been homeless, addicted to drugs, drowning in alcohol, put in jail, placed on house arrest...I've fallen face-first into massive piles of shit....but what I've never done, was stop moving forward.
So, stay humble? Fuck that. I will instead, choose to remember where I came from and never allow myself to go back.
I choose excellence. I will voice my opinions, I will take up arms, I will combat injustices. That is who I am, head to toe.
I expect those I associate with, to do the same. Iron sharpens iron.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Yes, even you haters. It's YOU that give me the drive to prove you wrong.
Last Thought As I Go To Bed ™
Sincere question, not meant as to start arguments, but just a matter of curiosity. DISCLAIMER: There is nothing in my personal life that raises this question!!!
I have seen a lot on social media about sexual expectations in relationships and marriages lately. The primary focus being along the lines of “your S/O is under no obligation to have sex with you” or words to that effect.
Fair enough.
But my question then becomes, if you feel no obligation to have a sexual component to your relationship, or even to only engage when YOU want to, With I’ll-regard for the needs of your S/O, do YOU still have an expectation of fidelity from that partner? Are THEY obligated to remain faithful when you choose to be sexless?
Discuss!
In the meantime, goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Sincere question, not meant as to start arguments, but just a matter of curiosity. DISCLAIMER: There is nothing in my personal life that raises this question!!!
I have seen a lot on social media about sexual expectations in relationships and marriages lately. The primary focus being along the lines of “your S/O is under no obligation to have sex with you” or words to that effect.
Fair enough.
But my question then becomes, if you feel no obligation to have a sexual component to your relationship, or even to only engage when YOU want to, With I’ll-regard for the needs of your S/O, do YOU still have an expectation of fidelity from that partner? Are THEY obligated to remain faithful when you choose to be sexless?
Discuss!
In the meantime, goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Last Thought As I Go To Bed™
Not directed at any one person, as I see this a lot, and I’m all about just letting people have fun...but what is it with this “challenge” craze the last couple of years?? We must have cured ALS because the Ice Bucket Challenge left just as quickly as everyone could grab a towel and get into warm, dry clothes. Everything is a “challenge”. And the scary thing is, things like this lead many of these impressionable social lemmings to follow the masses into the Blue Whale Challenge. And while we are doing the stare at the sun challenge, we seem to forget about our 22 veterans per day committing suicide. How about THAT for a challenge. The Reach Out And Check On a Vet, Whether You Served Or Not Challenge....
I’m going to sleep now, but first, take the color of your mom’s bra, the first song that pops in your head, and the 27th letter of the alphabet to find out your Psychedelic-Star-Wars-Human-Sacrifice-Space-Monkey-Deviled-Egg-Worship-Sex-Armadillo name.
Lastly, remember, taco truck food and LSD cure cancer.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Not directed at any one person, as I see this a lot, and I’m all about just letting people have fun...but what is it with this “challenge” craze the last couple of years?? We must have cured ALS because the Ice Bucket Challenge left just as quickly as everyone could grab a towel and get into warm, dry clothes. Everything is a “challenge”. And the scary thing is, things like this lead many of these impressionable social lemmings to follow the masses into the Blue Whale Challenge. And while we are doing the stare at the sun challenge, we seem to forget about our 22 veterans per day committing suicide. How about THAT for a challenge. The Reach Out And Check On a Vet, Whether You Served Or Not Challenge....
I’m going to sleep now, but first, take the color of your mom’s bra, the first song that pops in your head, and the 27th letter of the alphabet to find out your Psychedelic-Star-Wars-Human-Sacrifice-Space-Monkey-Deviled-Egg-Worship-Sex-Armadillo name.
Lastly, remember, taco truck food and LSD cure cancer.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Last Thought as I go to sleep:
If you remember nothing else, please remember this....we are ALL Marco from Trapoja
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
If you remember nothing else, please remember this....we are ALL Marco from Trapoja
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all.
Last Thought Before I Go To Sleep ™️ - Coheed and Cambria edition:
Cause when the rug gets pulled out from underneath,just embrace the fall.......
Good night, you little bastards. I love you all.
Cause when the rug gets pulled out from underneath,just embrace the fall.......
Good night, you little bastards. I love you all.
A little bit rambled, but here it is., my Final Thoughts As I Go To Bed™️
There is something that happens to you when you surround yourself with
excellent people. They tend to expect and even demand excellence from
you. How can you go wrong with that? The opposite is equally true. When
you surround yourself with negative people you tend to begin to absorb
that and immerse yourself in negativity. The biggest problem there, is
that that same negativity will drive away the people who could have a
positive impact. It all comes down to the choices we make, in our
personal orchard. Anyone who has spent any time around trees knows that
if you have a branch that isn't producing fruit, you have to cut it
off, lest it kill the entire tree. This is a life principle as well. If
you have read my writings, you know that I firmly believe that. You
see, iron sharpens iron. It may seem like a bit of a played cliche, but
it's an undeniable fact.
More importantly is your position, or as we called it in the Army, your "situational awareness". You have to be aware and beware of those in your life who have a tendency to wallow in misery. It's something that some people can't seem to live without. The saddest part is that they are so firmly entrenched in their misery, that they will sabotage their own happiness AND attempt the same with yours. When you start to stand up, they want to pull you back down. As the OTHER cliche goes, misery loves company.
All of this seems like rambling a bit. Chalk it up to me being tired. The bottom line is this. IF you want to succeed, surround yourself with successful people and emulate their habits. But for G-d's sake, get rid of the negative influences on your life, and demand excellence from YOURSELF!
It's all a choice.
"There are those who look for ways to succeed, and those who look for excuses NOT to."
- Sir Mixalot
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all
More importantly is your position, or as we called it in the Army, your "situational awareness". You have to be aware and beware of those in your life who have a tendency to wallow in misery. It's something that some people can't seem to live without. The saddest part is that they are so firmly entrenched in their misery, that they will sabotage their own happiness AND attempt the same with yours. When you start to stand up, they want to pull you back down. As the OTHER cliche goes, misery loves company.
All of this seems like rambling a bit. Chalk it up to me being tired. The bottom line is this. IF you want to succeed, surround yourself with successful people and emulate their habits. But for G-d's sake, get rid of the negative influences on your life, and demand excellence from YOURSELF!
It's all a choice.
"There are those who look for ways to succeed, and those who look for excuses NOT to."
- Sir Mixalot
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️
I started playing guitar in 1978. Between my chord chart and watching my dad and sometimes my dad play and uncle Charles play together, I taught myself to play. Eventually, after many years, I learned how to play very basic leads and riffs. But all of it hard rock and metal, save what Dad and Tio played.
40 years later, I am JUST discovering The Blues. Don’t be stupid, of COURSE I’ve always KNOWN about the blues. But I’ve never really listened to the blues, nor have I played the blues....until today. And what have I learned today? My fingers don’t fly on the fretboard like my brother Joe Feingold, but I can play and riff blues like I was born to it. I may have just finally found my wheelhouse.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all. Especially you, BB King. Rest well, wherever you are.
I started playing guitar in 1978. Between my chord chart and watching my dad and sometimes my dad play and uncle Charles play together, I taught myself to play. Eventually, after many years, I learned how to play very basic leads and riffs. But all of it hard rock and metal, save what Dad and Tio played.
40 years later, I am JUST discovering The Blues. Don’t be stupid, of COURSE I’ve always KNOWN about the blues. But I’ve never really listened to the blues, nor have I played the blues....until today. And what have I learned today? My fingers don’t fly on the fretboard like my brother Joe Feingold, but I can play and riff blues like I was born to it. I may have just finally found my wheelhouse.
Goodnight, you little bastards. I love you all. Especially you, BB King. Rest well, wherever you are.
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️
If you’re ever curious, I’m not THIS dedicated to ANY cause. “Set myself on fire? Listen, let’s take a break, sleep on this, and come back tomorrow and try again..”
Goodnight you little bastards. I love you all
Even you, Johnny Storm. RIP
If you’re ever curious, I’m not THIS dedicated to ANY cause. “Set myself on fire? Listen, let’s take a break, sleep on this, and come back tomorrow and try again..”
Goodnight you little bastards. I love you all
Even you, Johnny Storm. RIP
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️
Typically anymore, when I can’t sleep, I’ll go out and spread a sheet on the couch, turn on my thunderstorm and that drowns out my brain and i drift off to sleep.
Not tonight....
The sound of gentle rolling thunder and a decent pouring of rain is playing, when W.A.D.E BrainRadio decides to go with the flow. I hear a familiar voice begin to mournfully sing
“What is this, that stands beeefore me? Figure in black, which points at meeee....”
So much for sleep tonight. Tomorrow is going to be SUCH a long day
Good night, you little bastards. I love you all
And goodnight to you, Mr. Osbourne, wherever you are.
Typically anymore, when I can’t sleep, I’ll go out and spread a sheet on the couch, turn on my thunderstorm and that drowns out my brain and i drift off to sleep.
Not tonight....
The sound of gentle rolling thunder and a decent pouring of rain is playing, when W.A.D.E BrainRadio decides to go with the flow. I hear a familiar voice begin to mournfully sing
“What is this, that stands beeefore me? Figure in black, which points at meeee....”
So much for sleep tonight. Tomorrow is going to be SUCH a long day
Good night, you little bastards. I love you all
And goodnight to you, Mr. Osbourne, wherever you are.
Last Thought As I go To Bed™️
Ya know, I’ve spent the day thinking about my current profile pic and the time in my life in which it was taken. A fresh kid who had spent the last 3 years of his life in a mixture of living on the street, bouncing couch to couch, sometimes walking around all night half strung out or drunk. Until one night my mom (Roberta Funes) asked me to come home and just have supper with the family. I got there and mom let me in the house, told me to go get a shower, which I did. Wrapped in a robe I stepped out of the bathroom to the laundry room where my mom was washing my clothes. I’ll never forget the conversation that took place.
Mom -“Your dad and i were talking last night”
Me - “Oh? About what?”
Mom - “About a son that we love who has a drug problem, but just might want to get clean”
We had never talked about it, but there it was. I broke down crying because I wanted help, and my mom and dad just wanted their son back. It took a bit to get clean, but eventually when I knew I could pass a piss test, I headed to the navy recruiter. As I was walking towards his office, the army recruiter stepped in front of me.
Recruiter - “Can I show you something?”
Me - “Sure”
We stepped into his office and he pointed to a poster on his wall, and there she was. She was beautiful, she was sexy, and I was in love. Her name was
The M60A3 (TTS) Main Battle Tank
Recruiter - “Ever thought about doing that? Do you think you have what it takes to be a Tanker?”
Me - “Yes!!”
I took my ASVAB. A few days later I went to San Diego MEPS and went through my physical passed it all, and took my oath of enlistment.
Recruiter - “You’ll be heading out to Ft Knox, Kentucky, the home of armor for your basic and AIT. You’ll do it all at once, what we call OSUT (One Station Unit attaining). When do you want to leave?”
Me - “I want to be on yellow footprints yesterday!”
I swore In August 26, 1988.
I arrived at Ft. Knox September 19, 1988
And THAT is where my life truly began. Thank you Roaddogs (C 3/81) and all our cadre for being such an important part of me becoming a man, and having the honor of being called A Tanker.
I would stand at the very mouth of hell with all of you tomorrow, ready for whatever comes, because without y’all, there would have been no me.
RIP SSG Richard Gardner
RIP SSG Duffy
Thank you for all you did for us.
Goodnight you little bastards. I love you all.
Even you,
DS Larry Hester,
DS Melvin Keithley Jr.
DS ROBY
DS Chaucey
DS Gardner
DS Duffy
Senior DS Rohlman
ARMOR! UP FRONT!!
Ya know, I’ve spent the day thinking about my current profile pic and the time in my life in which it was taken. A fresh kid who had spent the last 3 years of his life in a mixture of living on the street, bouncing couch to couch, sometimes walking around all night half strung out or drunk. Until one night my mom (Roberta Funes) asked me to come home and just have supper with the family. I got there and mom let me in the house, told me to go get a shower, which I did. Wrapped in a robe I stepped out of the bathroom to the laundry room where my mom was washing my clothes. I’ll never forget the conversation that took place.
Mom -“Your dad and i were talking last night”
Me - “Oh? About what?”
Mom - “About a son that we love who has a drug problem, but just might want to get clean”
We had never talked about it, but there it was. I broke down crying because I wanted help, and my mom and dad just wanted their son back. It took a bit to get clean, but eventually when I knew I could pass a piss test, I headed to the navy recruiter. As I was walking towards his office, the army recruiter stepped in front of me.
Recruiter - “Can I show you something?”
Me - “Sure”
We stepped into his office and he pointed to a poster on his wall, and there she was. She was beautiful, she was sexy, and I was in love. Her name was
The M60A3 (TTS) Main Battle Tank
Recruiter - “Ever thought about doing that? Do you think you have what it takes to be a Tanker?”
Me - “Yes!!”
I took my ASVAB. A few days later I went to San Diego MEPS and went through my physical passed it all, and took my oath of enlistment.
Recruiter - “You’ll be heading out to Ft Knox, Kentucky, the home of armor for your basic and AIT. You’ll do it all at once, what we call OSUT (One Station Unit attaining). When do you want to leave?”
Me - “I want to be on yellow footprints yesterday!”
I swore In August 26, 1988.
I arrived at Ft. Knox September 19, 1988
And THAT is where my life truly began. Thank you Roaddogs (C 3/81) and all our cadre for being such an important part of me becoming a man, and having the honor of being called A Tanker.
I would stand at the very mouth of hell with all of you tomorrow, ready for whatever comes, because without y’all, there would have been no me.
RIP SSG Richard Gardner
RIP SSG Duffy
Thank you for all you did for us.
Goodnight you little bastards. I love you all.
Even you,
DS Larry Hester,
DS Melvin Keithley Jr.
DS ROBY
DS Chaucey
DS Gardner
DS Duffy
Senior DS Rohlman
ARMOR! UP FRONT!!
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