"What ta Do?" "What ta Do?"....

Gotta Start From Somewhere...


It's time to get excited people!!!! I called the "Bartending School" today. Yes!!!! Spoke with a lady who was very nice and helpful. I was calling for the free consultation. I was able to get a little information from her. She was to setup an appointement for me to come in and get more information. From there I would make my decision as to if I want to do it. So my appointment is next Monday(Feb 7th) @ 12pm. I am going to the location located in the South Loop. Now if I decide to do this, and I probably will, there will be one problem. Say for example if the classes start at 6pm, I will be coming from Rolling Meadows and thru traffic so 6pm would be pushing it. They do have a location in Schaumburg, which is next door to Rolling Meadows. That location is down the street from my job, which it would be very conveinent. Now here's the problem. I do NOT want to be coming from Schaumburg at 10 o'clock at night. It would take me a hour to get home. I would rather go to the South Loop location. I know this would be just temporary, but I would be getting home at 11pm. No time to study. No time to do anything. Or maybe Schaumburg would be good because I will be free between 5pm and 6pm, where I can eat and go over information or study. It's bad enough that I will be eating late and can't work out until the weekend. So whose who read this, what do ya think? What should I do? I will get more information at the appointment so this problem may not occur, but if it does, what I do??? I am very excited that I made the call, one step in the right direction for me!!!!


Back to School?.....


I had a conversation with my sister the other day. She was talkin' about her different options pertaining to grad school. Determining whether she wants to stay at Chicago State or attend another university. I believe she will stay there from what she is stating to me. She went on to tell me about all the programs that they have there and all the money that they have to give students for the programs as well. It seemed pretty interesting. So interesting indeed that it had me wonderin'. Yes!! Wonderin'! Some people know what I am talkin about. For those who don't, I will now. I have said that I will NOT go back to school, UNLESS.........it was involving computers. By doing research, I come to find out that several schools have good computer programs, but I don't want to pay that much for school... ***Threatens to tear up student loan bill...*** I will definitely put it into consideration though. So watch out!!!!!! I may be back hittin da books!!



Weekend, It's the Weekend...


Well my weekend was okay. On Friday I drove to Palos Hills to see my god-daughter. She was sooooooo happy to see me. Her bum momma made tacos and I played the PS2 with her dad. They moved out there late last year. The drive is not that bad. I get there very quick. Saturday my workout partner went to play basketball, a game I'm just about retired from. So I went to the fieldhouse by myself. Yes!!! By myself!!! I did pretty good too. I am so proud of myself. I started at about 1:25. I did 45 minutes on the bike. My calves were very tight so the bike was there for me. I did 20min, then 10min, and then 15 min. It was a good workout. After the bike, I went to the workout room and did about 1 hour on my abs. I struggled a little bit, but I got through. I told myself I wasn't going to do arms until today, but I managed to get in 20 min in...I changed clothes and walked out tired, but happy. I had a craving for combination fried rice, so that what I got. Then I hung out with my workout partner, he stays by the fieldhouse. We watched games and talked about a possible trip to Canada in August with his sister. Was supposed to go to a party, but wasn't in the mood. Went home and chilled out. Sunday I managed to do some abs and wash a little clothes. May go to mom's to finish the rest of them. I wasn't feelin too well but it didn't stop me from the phone. I talked to a lot of people. Some people I haven't talked to in a while. I did get one suprise call though. I'm not telling you all who it was though. The one person that I wanted to talk to I didn't, but there will be other times. **Looks out da window and sees sunshine**



Today I have an off day. I will clean up a little bit and will possibly visit my mom's for a little bit. Then I will workout later and possibly visit a friend after my workout..

****NO whammy, NO whammy, NO whammy!!!!!!!!****


-Da Original 1-

"Viva East Chicago, Indiana???"...


Last night was bowling as usual. I didn't do pretty hot(Remember, this is RECREATION) but I managed to get over 100 each game. A friend of mine said I should raise my goal in bowling to 125 instead of 100. I thought about it for a sec, but then told myself and then him(This is RECREATION). "I do this fo fun, main!" After bowling I went to Harrah's Casino in Indiana. I didn't have to work today so it was cool. I played**claps hands** my favorite game, "Let It Ride." I went up and down and up and down and up and down. I got to a point where I didn't want to go home with empty pockets**might get stranded** so I left with $50. I can't wait until Vegas in late March. I will definitely play my game there. **Singing New York, New York!!!**




Good Burn My Ass...


Since yesterday, my calves have been in pain. They have been burnin' like cookin' chicken in a skillet without grease, lol... (Awkwardly, I know someone who has tried to do that! Funniest thing I ever saw.) I have tried multiple walks to try to get around this. I have walked sideways, I have walked with alternating limps, I have even walked on my toes**Looks like I have high heels on, not cool** This is the first time this that I worked on my legs and I will do more with my legs. I am going to put more cardio into my workout. I really don't play basketball anymore so I still like to stretch and run, so it will work out for the best. The diet change has been good. Today I had a banana-lime smoothie, (very different) a salad with no dressing, (didn't have any) a bowl of brown rice, and dinner is undecided. Despite my situation with my calves, I will stretch and do a strong abs workout. I plan to do cardio tomorrow. As for the turn, getting what you want isn't always easy. **Shit, you can say that again!**




This T.O. @#$% is Making Me.........


Enough of Terrell Owens. Everyday I can't help to hear about T.O. At home, at work, or whatever, I hear about Owens playin or not playin. I just thought about something. I really don't want to talk about this. (I might add to later) I just wanted to let you guys and gals know that I'm tired of this...


-Da Original 1-

Frustration...Motivation...It All Sets In.....

Frustration...

What else could I be frustrated about? My BORING ass job. I am in here fresh off a vacation(BTW was due to THEIR error). I am tired of the management. I am tired of the people(customers and co-workers). I sit back in my isolated desk and get frustrated every time I think about where I'm at. I hear people say, "Yeah, you have a good job." "I wish my job was like yours." For starters, the position I have is not a job, it is a CAREER, so get it str8 okay??? Secondly, calling people who are delinquent on their car payments is very BORING. What makes it SOOOOOOO..bad is that you are basically calling the same people every month. It gets SOOOOOOO....(not keepin up with the amount of zeros) bad is that I know the customer name by heart, their number, I know family members, I know everything. All of their business, all their lame ass excuses. I know that you are to stick with your current position til something else falls through, but I don't know if I can make it to that. I have plans for 2005 and I still plan to pursue them, but....I just don't know anymore. I think it comes down to this: The position is a good position, but I am tired of collections. I was doing collections while I was attending DeVry, but it was cool back then. Now the second time around the collections' table, I can't stand it. When I am tired of a position, I become less motivated, less enthusiastic about it and do not apply 100% in it. I want to be able to enjoy my position. To get up in the morning and feel good about my career. I am tired of sitting here now. I have gotten more irritable up here and I may do something that I have no business doing, and I sincerely DON'T want that to happen. I know what I want to do and I just have to put more time into making it happen, even if it means sacrifice and more commitment.

**Pops Digable Planets in CD player**
**Where I'm From?**


Motivation...

How I can turn from frustration to motivation just like that? Easy! Because..... "It Is What It Is", that's why. Through all the frustration with my career, I have been motivated. I have been motivated by a few positive things.

For example, my workout plan. It's been coming along very well. As you all know, my first workout in 2005 was very rough. I was so sore afterwards that I couldn't even put my coat on myself. Now that's sad. People say, "Oh, you'll only last a week!" or "T------ will try to kill you!" Well......BITCHES...... (sorry Mom for da language if you're reading) It has been THREE weeks and I'm still going strong. So all you who doubt me,**puts down the middle finger** can KISS MY ASS!!! Yeah I said it, if you have a problem with it, you know where to find me. The working out thang has also motivated me to eat better. Now I know from my previous post that you have read about the steps that involved food such as "Skip seconds" and "Skip buffets." If I want to have a much healthier diet, I need to calm those things. I've done well so far. I have controlled my intake of red meat. I have included more vegetable and fruits in my diet. I make smoothies everyday. (I am getting good at those!) Suprisingly, I have controlled my intake of alcohol.....Yes you heard it right....You don't need to read this sentence over in shock. I have been called an alcoholic when I know that I'm not. I did some research. If I choose to drink beer(Heineken,Corona,Guinness, SHIT....you know what beer is!!!!, I am to NOT exceed 24oz in a day. Heineken sells a 22oz bottle, which my friend calls "Da Deuce-Deuce!" I would be 2 ounces on point, but I don't really have anything in a week with the exception of Thursdays. I am doing good and I am very excited to know that I will see changes if I stick to my plan.


"So just watch me step alone, into the sunset,
Left foot, right foot 1-2 mic check,
Brewin funk inside my soul kitchen,
So pull up a chair here's a bit have a listen,
Of hard head intervene, damn I know you're fluent,
Yeah, cause Doodle ain't havin it and Butterfly knew it."
"Where you from?"

-Doodlebug, Digable Planets-


-Da Original 1-

Steps, Steps, and More Steps......

Hello everyone! Let's see how many steps you take on a daily basis.
Be honest with yourself.
No reason to lie to ya self.

Small Steps.....(Here.........we go!!!!!!!!)
**Note: The steps in BOLD are the steps that I currently do**


1. Walk to work. (YOU walk to work and see how YOU feel)

2. Use fat free milk over whole milk. (When I buy milk)

3. Do sit-ups in front of the TV. (and one, and two, and Go Bulls!!!)

4. Walk during lunch hour. (Sometimes)

5. Drink water before a meal. (All the time)

6. Eat leaner red meat & poultry. (I do now)

7. Eat half your dessert. (Has never happened,lol)

8. Walk instead of driving whenever you can. (Occasionally)

9. Take family walk after dinner.

10. Skate to work instead of driving. (Unless I skate for the "T-Birds or Violators")

11. Avoid food portions larger than your fist. (Now's that hard)

12. Mow lawn with push mower. (And have a stroke?)

13. Increase the fiber in your diet. (Doin' it, doin' it, doin' it well)

14. Walk to your place of worship instead of driving.

15. Walk kids to school. (Sorry no kids to walk)

16. Get a dog and walk it. (I'll walk your dog)

17. Join an exercise group. (Have thought about)

18. Drink diet soda. (Can't say that I do)

19. Replace Sunday drive with Sunday walk. (Depends on where I'm goin)

20. Do yard work. (If I'm at mom's)

21. Eat off smaller plates. (You can't be serious. You people know my appetite)

22. Get off a stop early & walk. (Yeah I do)

23. Don't eat late at night. (Uhh...Working on that as we speak)

24. Skip seconds. (What??? See #21)

25. Work around the house. (I have to. I live by myself)

26. Skip buffets. (Are you serious? See #21 again)

27. Grill, steam or bake instead of frying. (And doin' damn good at it)

28. Bicycle to the store instead of driving. (When the weather is warm)

29. Take dog to the park. (See #16)

30. Ask your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin. (I'll do that on next visit)

31. Go for a half-hour walk instead of watching TV. (I stay on the lakefront.)

32. Use vegetable oils over solid fats.

33. More carrots, less cake. (What about carrot cake though?)

34. Fetch the newspaper yourself. (Yeah I steal someone else's paper)

35. Sit up straight at work. (Very hard to do, but I somehow do it)

36. Wash the car by hand. (When it's warm outside)

37. Don't skip meals. ( Shit!....for the third time, see #21)

38. Eat more celery sticks. (And it's not just with buffalo wings)

39. Run when running errands. (Yeah I run alright)

40. Pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games. (No kids)

41. Take wheels off luggage.

42. Choose an activity that fits into your daily life. (Drinking beer, just kidding)

43. Park further from the store and walk. (No problem here)

44. Ask a friend to exercise with you. (I do)

45. Make time in your day for physical activity. (I can get physical)

46. Exercise with a video if the weather is bad. (Cardio......Yes! and a foul)

47. Bike to the barbershop or beauty salon instead of driving. (It's a no-go here)

48. Keep to a regular eating schedule. (Lookin good,lookin good I said)

49. If you find it difficult to be active after work, try it before work. (Not a problem)

50. Take a walk or do desk exercises instead of a cigarette or coffee break.

51. Perform gardening or home repair activities.

52. Avoid laborsaving devices.

53. Take small trips on foot to get your body moving. (Yes!)

54. Play with your kids 30 minutes a day. (You know what I'm gonna say)

55. Dance to music. (I am a dance and musik freak)

56. Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office. (I do)

57. Make a Saturday morning walk a group habit.

58. Walk briskly in the mall.

59. Choose activities you enjoy & you'll be more likely to stick with them. (So true)

60. Stretch before bed to give you more energy when you wake.

61. Take the long way to the water cooler.

62. Explore new physical activities. (I am, I always do)

63. Vary your activities, for interest and to broaden the range of benefits.

64. Reward and acknowledge your efforts. (Yeah, with sleep,lol)

65. Choose fruit for dessert. (Not tough on dessert)

66. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all. (Hmm....)

67. Take stairs instead of the escalator. (Yeah, occasionally)

68. Conduct an inventory of your meal/snack and physical activity patterns.

69. Share an entree with a friend. (You should know #21 by memory now)

70. Grill fruits or vegetables. (The vegetable part, I'm doin)

71. Eat before grocery shopping. (Probably do)

72. Choose a checkout line without a candy display. (What line doesn't have one?)

73. Make a grocery list before you shop. (I'm doin it now little sister)

74. Buy 100% fruit juices over soda and sugary drinks. (Not hard for me to do)

75. Swim with your kids. (I'll teach your kids how to swim)

76. Flavor foods with herbs, spices, and other low fat seasonings. (I'm real good with that)

77. Remove skin from poultry before cooking to lower fat content. (Yeah, tryin)

78. Eat before you get too hungry. (You people know I will)

79. Don't skip breakfast. (Why would I?)

80. Stop eating when you are full. (You can comment on this for me)

81. Snack on fruits and vegetables. (Yeah, difficult but not impossible)

82. Top your favorite cereal with apples or bananas. (Not a cereal eater)

83. Try brown rice or whole-wheat pasta. (Brown rice is GOOD!)

84. Include several servings of whole grain food daily. (I do now)

85. When eating out, choose a small or medium portion. (Comment again)

86. If main dishes are too big, choose an appetizer or a side dish instead. (What dish is too big fo r me?)

87. Ask for salad dressing "on the side". (I actually do this)

88. Don't take seconds. (Don't take thirds should be #88)

89. Try your burger with just lettuce, tomato and onion. (I have cut down on burgers)

90. Try a green salad instead of fries. (At Wendy's I have, lol)

91. Bake or broil fish. (Very,very good to have it that way)

92. Walk instead of sitting around. (I do a lot)

93. Eat sweet foods in small amounts. (#21)

94. Take your dog on longer walks. (See #16)

95. Drink lots of water. (What I do the most on here)

96. Cut back on added fats or oils in cooking or spreads. (It's not easy people)

97. Walk the beach instead of sunbathing. (Again, I stay on the lakefront)

98. Walk to a co-worker's desk instead of emailing or calling them. (I talk to no one @ work)

99. Carry your groceries instead of pushing a cart. (Of course)

100. Use a snow shovel instead of a snow blower. (If I shovel mom's)

101. Cut high-calorie foods like cheese and chocolate into smaller pieces and only eat a few
pieces. (Does hershey's kisses count?)

102. Use nonfat or low-fat sour cream, mayo, sauces, dressings, and other condiments.

103. Replace sugar sweetened beverages with water and add a twist of lemon or lime. (You people know how much I LOVE lemon)

104. Replace high-saturated fat/high calorie seasonings with herbs grown in a small herb garden in your kitchen window. (Need a bigger kitchen)

105. Refrigerate prepared soups before you eat them. As the soup cools, the fat will rise to the top. Skim it off the surface for reduced fat content. (Never knew that, will try)

106. When eating out, ask your server to put half your entrée in a to-go bag. (See #21)

107. Substitute vegetables for other ingredients in your sandwich.

108. Every time you eat a meal, sit down, chew slowly, and pay attention to flavors and textures. (Wanted to put this bold, but then I would be lying to myself)

109. Try a new fruit or vegetable (ever had jicama, plantain, bok choy, starfruit or papaya?) (They're all good)

110. Make up a batch of brownies with applesauce instead of oil or shortening.

111. Instead of eating out, bring a healthy, low calorie lunch to work. (Will try one day)

112. Ask your sweetie to bring you fruit or flowers instead of chocolate. (She's almost 300 miles away, but I do love suprises!)

113. Speak up for the salad bar when your coworkers are picking a restaurant for lunch, and remember calories count, so pay attention to how much and what you eat. (It's da new year)

114. When walking, go up the hills instead of around them. (I run up them and slide down with a sled,oh....sorry, lol)

115. Walk briskly through the mall and shop 'til you drop ... pounds.

116. Clean your closet and donate clothes that are too big. (I clean closet)

117. Take your body measurements to gauge progress. (Not yet)

118. Buy a set of hand weights and play a round of Simon Says with your kids - you do it with the weights, they do it without. (I don't even watch American Idol)


-Da Original 1-

Sunday Morn.......

Well yesterday, really didn't go the way that I planned it to go. It started off when I attempted to save my go-kart from the depths of the results from the hits of Jack Frost. I succeeded, althought it took me almost 30 minutes to get the car out the snow. I found out that a good person, a friend of mine, passed away. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what to do. The thoughts of another person who had recently passed was still fresh in my mind and now this. I figured that I would watch the football games to help ease the pain, but then the Steelers lost. I have been a Steelers fan since I was little. To see them self-destruct like they did really hurt me. I didn't show it towards the fellas, but I just couldn't believe it.


I really don't want to bring up what I did after the games. I will keep this to myself unless I want to tell you personally. There are things in life that one can't understand but you can't dweel on that. You cherish and appreciate everything you have.

On a brighter note, one of my favorite breakfast spots, L&G Restaurant, OPENED back up for business. I was walking to the car and I saw people sitting down eating. The restaurant last year had caught of fire last year and I felt bad. That was the spot I went to after hours. Going to a club and waiting an extra hour for 5am. To sit down and eat, then walk home and fall asleep was great. Sunday breakfast before the games was cool. I don't have to cook breakfast(LAZY). Now I have that back, well at least until the end of May.


-Da Original 1-

It's Another B-Day People.......He's the DJ,I'm the Writer.....

Wanted to take some time out to acknowledge a birthday today of one of my favorite DJ across the land. Happy B-Day to DJ Jazzy Jeff as he turns 40 today.(WHAT???? 40????) Yes, the founder of one of the most prestigious productions "A Touch of Jazz" is now 4/5 of the way towards the half of century milestone. Was very known with the help of his partner-in-rhyme The Fresh Prince aka Will Smith, has sold over 10 millions records, and was a icon in the 80's for hip-hop music. From hits like "Girls Ain't Nothin but Trouble," to "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper," to "Parents Just Don't Understand," to "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson," and not to forget the all-time hip-hop classic, "Summertime," with the unheralded MC and himself, to buildin his empire of "A Touch of Jazz," and recently albums such as "The Magnificent, Hip-Hop Forever II, and Jazzy Jeff in the House f/SoulHeaven, he has placed a bid for contributing to the emergence of the hip-hop society.


Some people may or not know that his project, "A Touch of Jazz", involved people that you may recognize:

Will Smith
Kenny Latimore
Dave Hollister
Lil' Kim
Musiq
Bilal
City High
Glen Lewis
Jill Scott
and yes....Michael Jackson

He has done themes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and UPN's Between Brothers."
Also songs on:

The Simpsons Compilation album
Songs on soundtracks like:

Wild Wild West
Love Jones
The Wood
In Too Deep

DJ Jazzy Jeff is havin a CELEBRATION bitches!!!! Tonight @ the Shampoo Nightclub in Philly from 10pm to 6am(Now that's a party!!!) Special Guests consist of Biz Markie(Da Biz), Pete Rock(another icon), Maseo, Kenny Dope, Slum Village, and many more.**shakes head wishin he was in Philly** $10,wow!!!**shakes head once again**


I would go to Philly just for this Partay!!! I will though make sure that I'm out of Philly by Sunday Afternoon, just in case that there is a riot**If the Eagles win** or a massacre**If the Eagles lose**.


-Da Original 1-

The Past and the Present....

I'm kinda late on writin bout yesterday but last night was pretty interesting. I did a light workout here at home. Worked on arms, shoulders, and abs...just a little sore, but I'm gettin da hang of this workout thang people. Along with two friends (one I haven't seen in ages), went to the Abbey Pub last night to see Jean Grae perform. You people readin this will not know who this aggressive-minded sista is but that's okay. Jean Grae comes off the Okayplayer,(yeah Roots, Common, Mos, Kweli, Jill, those guys) was underground with a group called Natural Resource. Both of her parents were musicians and she was born in South Africa. You are not going to hear her on the radio or see her in a 'Bootylicious' type video or any video for that matter. Her music, lyrics, and her stories are phenomenal and I wish the best of success to her. I was also blessed to find out after my arrival to this Irish-American pub located on the Northwest side of da Chi that my main man Diverse was to perform. I knew him back in da high school days. Been lookin for this "1am" CD for da LONGEST. I was able to talk with Diverse like ole times and get his CD, "THANK YOU!" Da CD is off da chain as I expected. Very happy about that. Both performers did they thang on da stage. Live and uncut. Jean Grae is more attractive in person than da pics I have seen B4. Up da ladder she goes, but no one will overtake my main squeeze "Kelis" not just yet. If she goes thru wit da 'marriage thang' then I may have to re-arrange my ladder. **stares roughly at Nas CD cover**


Even though da koncert was hittin, somethin even more interestin happened last night. I was in my usual "Hip-Hop Mode" and I was interrupted by this beautiful brown skinned sistah. She called my name as if she knew me. **Duh** She must know me. Come to find out that this sista, who stood about 5'5'' , maybe 135-140, with a sparklin smile and cannonball eyes, was the same sistah that I had a crush on back when I was 16. She was 18 at that time. **Yes I can have a crush on someone,lol...** I liked everything about her. Her smile, her walk, her personality, her body, EVERYTHANG! I thought my life was on pause every time that I saw her. We were very cool back then, knew her since I was 12. Bad thing was that she wouldn't give me the time of day. I turned down MANY women to get dis girl and it wasn't happenin. Don't know if I was too young or what. She won't never give me a good reason as to why.


Anyway, we talked at da koncert, she was with her friends, we were by da bar talkin, catchin up on ole times. She still looks da same, even better in some areas. She really was impressed by me. **Now she wants to come around, I was thinkin** We had a good conversation. Then we parted ways, I joined my friends and enjoyed the koncert. Later she came by and grabbed me, went back to da bar. She bought me a drink and expressed herself to me. She was very, very attracted to me. she wanted to go out on a date. She wanted to build with me. Now I was askin myself, why didn't she come around with this when I was 16? I knew that we were perfect for each other back then, but it took her 10 years to find that out? Was it too late? Did I still have a crush on her? Any man would take this sistah and wrap her up fo life. She wanted to give me her number. But I realized something at that moment. As much as I wanted this girl in the past **and some people know how BAD I wanted her**, I felt that she wasn't on my level then, and even though she has changed, becoming more afro-centric and intellectual with life, that she is still NOT on my level now, and it wouldn't work. I told her things have changed since then and that we can be friends, nothing wrong with that. She was cool with it. We exchanged numbers and went separate ways. It was very ironic as we left each other that Diverse was performing a song called "Leaving!" My friends have been eyein' dis sistah and told me that she was the best-looking sistah in da whole place. After da koncert, we caught eye-contact and she gave me a wave. I waved back. We were going outside, and I had a Heineken bottle in my coat pocket **please don't ask me why, lol**. I took the bottle out and put the piece of paper than she had written her number down on, stuffed it inside the bottle and threw it in the waste basket by the curve. My guys thought I was very stupid and crazy for doing that. Besides even if I didn't give her my number, if she really wanted to, she can get in contact with me thru other people. My friend told me that I am not the same person that he knew in high school and that proves one of the many theories to his argument, and at that moment, I suddenly thought about a friend, a very good friend, who is somewhere in the land of "Ypsy" that will maybe one day I will be able to hold her and make her mine. **I guess I have a crush, hunh?** With that thought of her, a huge smile came across my face. I told my friends that "Yeah, I am crazy!" and "Yeah, I am stupid!" They both replied, "We know!"


-Da Original 1-

My Un-Organized Confusion...

Well as expected, I did a post yesterday. As expected, I was prepared for feedback. I received four phone calls from friends who read my post yesterday. They all didn't understand the post I wrote. Not one of them alerted me of the word that I wanted to hear, but I had one friend that I spoke with (thru IM), to tell me that my post was the most CONFUSING post that she has ever read. That was the word I wanted to hear. CONFUSE. I wrote that post that way for it to be confusing. Now for the people that didn't understand the post, I am here to explain it.


My battles in dealing with patience and impatience is one of few issues that makes things in my life confusing. Things I have written to or for people, has been confusing to them. They have try to figure out what do I mean by what I write. They don't understand the point I'm tryin to get across. They don't try to read in between the lines. Instead, people take the easy way out and just say, "Oh, you're just weird!" or "Yeah, you just crazy!" They try to avoid getting confused by the means of me. Now this also confuses me for the simple fact that sometimes I like for people to see my writing and understand it. I don't write as much as I used to but even back then, my writing still confuses people. That was a big reason of why I stop writing for a while, it played a part in it, but does this make me a CONFUSED PERSON?


Confuse is defined as to bring to ruin; to make embarrassed; to disturb in mind or purpose. Am I a confused person? Well I write posts, letters, and sometimes poetry that can be confusing. I sometimes have a hard time putting my feelings into different forms on paper. It's not that I am slow or anything, but I have so many thoughts that run through my mind all the time it makes it very difficult for me to gather all my thoughts together and exert them out the way that I want them to come out. My intentions is not to confuse, but to express. It is not to ruin, but to create. I usually don't mean any harm with this, but it gets often misunderstood and confusing to most people.


Some of my actions can be confusing to people as well. I am the type of person now that expresses whatever is on my mind. I didn't use to be this way. For example, I would go on dates and it wouldn't seem like a date. Now I know you're wondering what does that have to do with confusion? On some dates, I would confuse my date and also myself. The objective of the date is to get to know the other person, to be yourself, to have fun. This objective sometimes gets confusing for me. When I start to describe myself to someone, I sometimes confuse the person about myself. I don't do this intentionally, but it does happen. I would make a lot of gestures, a lot of outspoken comments. That's the type of person that I am, but the other person doesn't know this. So they would get the wrong impression of me, and come up with own thesis about me. I understand if a person doesn't want to hang out with me, but at least see me for who I am before you make that decision,and not to call me confusing.


There are other things that links myself and confusion together. Things such as my career, relationships with friends and family, my goals, etc. I know a person has a right to change his or her mind about their career options, but it doesn't make that person confused about it. Some people beg to differ, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I just feel undecided about my career, but not confused. My friends and family, most of them, takes the easy road and say I'm just confused, or crazy. They say that I am different from most people that they know. Am I supposed to be just like everyone else? When all my friends on one night want to hit da club and I'm the one who objects to that because I'm not into da club scene anymore, that doesn't make me confused. They believe different. When I can't make a decision on something as fast as the next person can, that's doesn't make me confused. When I change my goals, does that make me confused?


I deal with the confusion status almost everyday, whether it involves someone else or just myself. The post that I wrote yesterday, I know that was confusing, but I was also making a point as well. Nobody saw it. I undertstand why as well. I wanted to say more than what I wrote yesterday, but the post would have been much longer and no one would have read it. (Be honest) So I tried to cram it all together and make it short, but I made it confusing when I did that. It wasn't really confusing to me because I knew what I was saying, but others didn't feel the same way. It doesn't bother me when someone tells me that I'm different, or weird, or crazy. I would like for someone to pull up a chair, open up my brain, and dissect the many ideas, thoughts, and issues that swim freely on the inside. Try to organize them, and put them into sections for me. Now is that too CONFUSING for someone to do?


-Da Original 1-

Is Patience Really a Virtue?......

Hello Blog, I'm back. I haven't been on here in a while. Wasn't really on the computer like I'm usually am. I had a very enjoyable week. I did some things with people that I care about. It was good to get out and enjoy the beginning of the new year. After my weekend was over, I realized two things: 1. I am on vacation this week. Yay!! 2. Questions was raised in my head about several issues. I would like to discuss one of the topics today. It's about being patient, having patience.


The word "patient" can be defined as 'bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint.' It's also defined as 'manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain.' Patience is something that I have been dealing with my whole life. For the most part, especially when I was younger, patience has NOT been my best friend. I mean it has helped me on a few occasions, but the majority of the times, patience has really hurt me. So therefore I was impatient. Being impatient has helped my aggressiveness but it has hurt my attitude towards things. I would do things that would eventually get me into places that I care not to be. I have lost things and people due to my impatience. I know I can't turn back the hands of time, but I know that I can improve on that and make it better. People were against me and have said that I have a problem. Even if I felt that I was okay, there were always things that lingered behind me and impatience was one. Instead of helping me, people just downed me and left it at that. So much for being supportive....


I have had growing pains. A lot of people do NOT understand why I act the way that I do, or the way I acted in the past. It took a lot of hurting people, losing people, whether to other people or other places beyond our existence, to realize and pinpoint out that I needed to change, but only I can make that change. I know that I had to change other traits about me but this one was HUGE.

I feel now that I've done a good job with being patient, but I can do better. Being patient can also bring out other things such as anxiety. I become very anxious at times, but for some of the things that I prefer to have in life, I have to be patient. I have to take a seat and wait for it to fall into my lap. What happen if it never comes? Is patience really a virtue then? Should I have been IMPATIENT and pursue what it is that I want? You can say 'Catch 22' but would that be appropriate?


Back to the definition of patient, have I been bearing pains? Yes! Have I beared trials calmly? I really don't think I have. Have I done this without complaint? Can't say all the time. So there it is. I am patient AND impatient. I always have been and I will continue to be, but I am now dealing with that much better now than I have in the past. I think that is the difference here. Can I be more patient than impatient? Yes! Can I be more impatient that patient? Yes! It just matters what it is about or who it may pertain to. I honestly think that you pick what issues that you want to be patient on and the ones you want to be impatience on. You just have to prepare yourself for the consequences for the choices that you make. My choices in the past haven't been so hot. My choices now have been a lot better, but things still don't go the way you want them to go, and it leaves you asking yourself questions such as: Should I wait for this to go through? Can I wait this long for someone? Is this career choice worth the wait? The answers to this questions you have to find on your own. You have to come at peace with yourself, and let yourself see what you want to discover. If something or someone is important to you, being patient and impatient will play a significant role in what you are trying to find out. You should not ask yourself those questions because you will now start to feel uncomfortable about yourself and will be thinking about it all the time. I feel you just need to relax your mind and let nature take its toll in life. It is not the end of the world if you don't get the career of choice or the person of choice or the life of choice, but the patient/impatient toggle shouldn't be the only factor in those. I can go through this battle. I feel that life is a battle sometimes. You need to be challenged. You need to see that everything doesn't work out all the time. Being impatient or patient can either make or break you but it shouldn't destroy your ego or your confidence. You need to lose to gain. I have lost a lot, but I have also gained. I can say that I feel good about all the opportunities and challenges that I have posed on myself in 2005, and the patient/impatient factor will be there, either I want it there or not.


So is patience really a virtue? I think that it is, but I also think that impatience can be a virtue as well. It just depends on you, and not what people tell you. Other people do play a role in the patience/impatience battle, but only YOU determine the role that they play. You control the patient/impatient battle! It is definitely a war, but a war that can be fought with the right weapons.


-Da Original 1-

Da Sport Column....

In yesterday's sports, the best in the East face the best in the West(record-wise that is). Phoenix hosted Miami. The Suns gave Miami da beatdown 122-107. Steve Nash 16 points, 16 assists, amazing!! I don't know if Phoenix can keep this up. Their bench is short, and they need to rest Nash because he wears down in the playoffs. Miami needs more than Shaq and Wade(weird...it's usually Shaq and Kobe,oh well) to step up or they too will be in trouble.

I have been seeing highlights of this kid in the ATL. Name is Josh Smith. Goes by J-Smoove. The Hawks have inserted him into the starting lineup, and he has not disappoint. Look out for J-Smoove.

Can Chicago sports get any worse? It's bad enough we have Terry Shea(offensive coordinator for the Bears), who by the way stated on a radio interview that he graded himself a B for the job that he has done with the Bears offense. Now if you read this and you do or don't watch football, it's okay...but I want to break down the Bears offense and you give whateva grade that you feel that Shea deserves to have:

For starters:

The Bears were 32nd(which is LAST by the way) in the NFL in total offense(which is the combination of run and pass yards) with 238.5 yards per game.
Kansas City was 1st with 418.4 ypg
Baltimore was 31st with 273.4 ypg

Do you think he deserves a B?....

The Bears were 32nd(LAST again) in passing with 137.0 yards per game. Now I just saw Peyton Manning on Sunday throw for 360 yards(IN THE FIRST HALF). Like the old football commerical, you make the call!
Indianapolis was 1st with 288.9 ypg
Baltimore(damn,their offense is bad too,lol...) was 31st with 144.5 ypg
The Bears have used four quarterbacks this season. In total for the season, they combined for NINE touchdowns. Manning has thrown TEN touchdowns over a TWO game span this season.

Do you still think that Shea deserves a B?...

The Bears were 25th(what??? not LAST?) in rushing with 101.5 yards per game.
Atlanta was 1st with 164.0 ypg
Oakland(not Baltimore,they can run the ball) was 32nd with 80.9 ypg
The Bears are still in the bottom fourth of the league in rushing.

Do YOU still think Shea deserves a B??...

BUT WAIT, there's more.....

Not to mention, the Bears finished with a 5-11 record...(Yes 5 wins,11 losses...no soup for you!)

The Bears scored 14.4 points per game, which was(that's right, you guessed it) 32nd(LAST) in the league.

They had a league low 26 touchdowns.(last again)

Their leading running back had 948 yards.(Everybody is gettin a 1,000 these days)

Their leading receiver had 699 yards. (Very,very sad)

Three Bears share the lead in touchdown receptions for the team which is two.(Terrell Owens had three touchdowns in the FIRST game of the season)

Bears quarterbacks were sacked 66 times in the season.(Some offensive line we have)

I can go on and on and on with this as you can see. So do you STILL think that Terry Shea deserves a B for the job he has done with the Bears' offense. I certainly don't think so. I don't think that YOU believe that this man should get a B.....and obviously the Bears organization doesn't believe that he deserves a B either because they FIRED him!...and I do not want to talk about his replacement...that's another headache waiting to happen...


-Da Original 1-

He Should Have "MOONED" Society....

I believe my last post was Sunday morning. Sunday was pretty much laid back, nothing spectacular happened. Oh wait! The Vikings beat the Packers on Lambeau Field. I called it too. What I didn't call was Randy Moss faking a "moon shine" to the Packers crowd after scoring his second touchdown of the game. People are making a BIG deal out of this. I don't know why, or maybe I do know why. He is targeted by many people. They always find something negative about Moss. I watched a Vikings' game earlier in the season. The first game that Moss came back from his hamstring injury(ouch!!). Moss caught a touchdown pass in the end zone. After he got up, he ran over to a handicapped person(looked like he was paralyzed) and Moss gave the guy the ball. Another time he scored, he gave a kid who had a Moss jersey on the ball. No one talks about that. Instead they bring up all the negativity in the character to Moss. This society is really, really sad. There may be some things that I don't agree with when it comes to Randy Moss but why target him. He scored twice on Sunday, helpin the Vikes, who were counted out by everybody(except for me!) win. It's also really sad that one of my favorite shows,"NFL Primetime," was very reluctant to show Moss's celebration. I was very angered by this. How could this station(ESPN), which I watch DAILY, not show this, but they can show Jake Plummer, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, shows the crowd that he's number one with the finger in the middle of his hand, OR they can show a series called Playmakers, where they have selfish, money-hungry athletes, who are doing drugs, going to strip clubs, fighting, showin after-sex scenes, but they can't show Moss's fake-moon to the crowd. I understand if he REALLY did take his pants down and REALLY mooned the crowd, but he didn't. Now they are about to show another series on ESPN, called "Tilt". I saw the preview of it the other day. I don't want to talk about that but it reminds me of "Playmakers." Why couldn't they just talked about the Vikings' victory? They couldn't. People love DRAMA. People love CONTROVERSY. These sports shows are beginning to become more like your 10 o'clock news. As you can see sports does have disadvantages as well. Illegal use of drugs, court cases, suspensions, fights, just to name a few. What ya think???...


-Da Original 1-

Whirl-a-rific.........

It's a little after 10. I am at my friend's house on his computer. I didn't go home last night. Got myself positioned just right on the GHETTO lazy boy and it was a wrap for the night. Whirlyball was off the chain last night. We had some very intense battles last night. I did manage to score a few times as well. I usually do score when I go. I am very talented, what can I say? *looking out the window* Everybody had a good time last night. The people at Whirlyball already know us(We are regulars, used to be). We had our own referee, and the manager is real cool with us. He gave us a discount and everything. They know after all the times that we have been going there that WE MAKE OUR OWN RULES! We got it like that!(Got a problem with that?) After all, I am Rick James and THIS is a CELEBRATION! So the ref was just there to manage the clock and score. We do the rest. I did manage to get popped in the thumb, but I didn't feel it at all. I'm a warrior. So much adrenaline off of alcohol and having fun, you don't realize situations like that. Someone pointed it out to me, but I didn't care. I was kickin it. It was good to see everyone have a good time. For the people that didn't make it for whatever reason, YOU REALLY MISSED OUT!!! A few people had good reason as to why they didn't make it(They know who they are :-) ). Overall, these past few days have been very good, and this week coming up will be good for me too. I really don't have too much else to say. *WHAT??* Yeah I can write short posts as well,lol....Can't wait to do Whirlyball again and I hope I don't have to wait a year to do it, but maybe there is someone out there that will have plans for my 27... Hmmmm.......!!!!! Just lets enjoy 26.


-Da Original 1-

The NBA is Still Fantastic.............

The 2004-2005 NBA season has been very interesting. Many things have caught my eye the third month into the season. Some teams have had good starts(Suns, Sonics, Heat(you should make Shaq your mayor), Wizards, Cavaliers(you should give Bron-Bron team ownership), Spurs(scary)). Some teams are still trying to find themselves(T'Wolves, Pistons, Pacers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Nuggets). The Bulls are 12-18. That may not mean much, but they are starting to get things together. People have made comebacks(Grant Hill). People have fallen off(Sprewell). Scoring is up from last season. People have stepped their game up(Wade, Amare). The stars are all still aligned as well. So I would like to just touch on a few topics here.


First, my awards so far for this season:

Eastern Conference:

MVP: LeBron James, Cavs(with Shaq a close second....)

Rookie of the Year: Emeka Okafor, Bobcats(Ben Gordon is coming up on ya big guy...)
Comeback Player of the year: Grant Hill, Magic(no question)
Sixth Man of the Year: Ricky Davis, Celtics(Sorry Damon Jones, you're starting now)
Most Improved Player: Dwayne Wade, Heat
Most Disappointing Player: Vince Carter, Nets
Most Improved Teams: Cavs, Wizards
Most Disappointing Team: Pistons


Western Conference:

MVP: Steve Nash, Suns( yeah I said Nash!, got a problem with it???)

Rookie of the Year: Beno Udrih, Spurs(All of the rookies are in East. Hmmm...I wonder why?)
Comeback Player of the Year: Grant Hill, Magic(I know he plays in the East)
Sixth Man of the Year: Antonio Daniels, Sonics
Most Improved Player: Amare Stoudemire(without a doubt)
Most Disappointing Player: Hmmm....How about.....Latrell Sprewell
Most Improved Teams: Suns, Sonics
Most Disappointing Team: Hornets(I knew this was coming...)

In the other NBA news....

Sprewell(age 34), wants a contract extension from Minnesota, stating that he needs to "feed his family!" Now let's see here....Sprewell is scheduled to make $14.6 Million this season. I mean how BIG is his family? There are people in more need(Tsunami) and he's talking about feeding his family. I have no problem with a man that wants to feed his family BUT I would think that $14.6 Mil would cover your family's meals for a lifetime....BTW.....Is this the same guy that got those RIMS????.....Just wanted to throw that out there,lol....

Vince Carter(who somehow leads the East forwards in the All-Star voting) just recently said that he did NOT play to his potential in his tenure in Toronto. Now if I was a Raptors fan, I would be pissed off. This man is already overrated as it is. There are many athletes that would bend over backwards for an OPPORTUNITY to play in the NBA. When I go to war on the court every night, I expect my teammates to give the same 100% effort that I'm giving. I have lost a LOT of respect for Vince. This is the same guy that said if the GM, Vice-President, and Head Coach of Toronto did not resign, that he will demand a trade. Who the ..... does this guy think he is? What has he done? NOTHING!!!!!!! This is also the same guy that didn't not want to give up his All-Star starting spot to Michael Jordan, and Vince Carter(if I remember) was injured that season and just came back before the All-Star Game. Sure, Jordan wasn't voted in. I understand that, BUT this is Jordan. Unlike Vince, Jordan IS somebody. McGrady and Iverson did NOT hesitate to step aside for the one of the greatest of all time. So why couldn't Carter do the same? If he comes to Chicago,....I will stop because I am gettting a little angry talking about this.

I am also tired of people pinpointing out all the negative issues in the NBA such as the fight, the Kobe and Shaq dilemma, the Kobe dilemma, the selfishness of players, etc... Just recently, on the other side of the world, Tsunami destroyed many. The count is up to 147,000 people, and is still rising. A man by the name of Arn Tellum(an agent) has talked with his seven players to come up with a way to contribute to the disaster. Here comes the Shoot-a-Thon. The seven players agreed to donate $1,000 for every point that they scored in the week of January 9.

Bob Sura, Rockets: 20 points= $20,000
Pau Gasol, Grizzlies: 20 points= $20,000
Jalen Rose, Raptors: 21 points=$44,000 *
Jermaine O'Neal, Pacers: 32 points= $55,000**
Kobe Bryant, Lakers: 27 points= $27,000
Tracy McGrady, Rockets: 26 points= $26,000
Mike Miller, Grizzlies: 16 points= $16,000

*= Jalen Rose has decided to donate $44,000 because he scored a career high of 44 points on March 16, 2002 while a member of Bulls.

**=Jermaine O'Neal has decided to donate $55,000 because he scored 55 points in the previous game before he dropped 32 on the Spurs.

Arn Tellum will donate $55,000. He is matching the highest total of his seven players.

Now I KNOW what you're saying....there are more than seven players in the NBA. Slowly but surely other players and teams are starting to contribute to donate money in their own special way. The players union is donating $500,000. The Harlem Globetrotters are donating $100,000.


"I LOVE this game!" "Don't you?"


-Da Original 1-

Don't Ya Sometimes Just Sit Back and Wish......

"I wish I was a little bit taller,"
"I wish I was a baller,"
"I wish I had a girl who looked good I would call her,"
"I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat and six-four Impala!"

- Skee Lo-


I was thinking yesterday about something on my way home from work. Now this was about nine-somethin' in the morning. We were sent home due to a power outage. "Yes!!! And 1!" I was thinking about that I wish they would have told me that the power was out so I didn't have to waste a trip going all the way out there,lol....I meant gas could have been saved here. Hello? No, I was REALLY thinking about something on my way home, or someone. I was thinking about a friend of mine. Out of respect to him, I will NOT disclose his name. I have known him since 1993 I guess. He was pretty humble for the most part. You know, he went to church and stuff, high school, work, and all of the good things that teenagers get to do when they are teenagers, but as you know over time people do change. They change either for the worst or for the better. My friend has encountered some things in life that has made him a good person and also made him a not so good person(In some people's eyes). Everybody knows at least ONE person who has been blessed with numerous opportunities in life. More opportunities and breaks than yourself. You sit back and try to understand why does this person get all these opportunities when you have to work hard for everything that YOU want. I mean maybe you are not jealous, and I am not jealous of my friend, BUT why? What really hits home with me is that he has NOT taken advantages of all of his blessings. He makes one mistake after another it seems like. You look once and he's doing good and then you blink ;-1 and he does something out of character. So now you are banging yourself on the head wonderin' why. He is your friend, but you WISH that he would have made smarter decisions. He is very talented(and he doesn't even know it :-( ....). You want to see your friends do well. You want to help them if you can. Now I believe that he has gotten himself into a mess that I believe will be very difficult to get out of, and for the FIRST time in the lengthy period that I have known him, I cannot help with this situation. I feel bad but he constantly puts himself in these similar situations all the time, and I don't understand why and I WISH I did.



Which this leads me to the next thought I had(I'm at home,now). I WISH that I had a few of his opportunities. I didn't have things fall into my lap like he has. My mother had numerous jobs. She had the job that brought home the bacon(turkey I prefer,lol...), she had the job of being my mother, my father, my friend, my counselor(you get the POINT here). She also has pointed out to me that things didn't fall into in my lap, and like myself, didn't understand why. I WISH I knew the answer. I have a good idea why. I cannot look at that as "Things Not Falling Into My Lap For $800 Alex!" Different things fall into different people's laps! The greatest mother in the world fell into my lap. The second greatest mother in the world fell into my lap(For those who don't know who she is,that would be my sister). The opportunity of having good friends that will stand by you side by side fell into my lap. The opportunity of living life, breathing everyday, having fun fell into my lap. You see where I am going with this I hope. You have opportunities all the time, you just have to be able to identify them and acknowledge them. So maybe I should just sit back and WISH about being a bit taller, perhaps being a baller, or having a girl that look good so I can call her, and maybe having a rabbit in a hat with a bat and a six-four Impala. lol..........


-Da Original 1-

The Day After My Day.....

My day has past, but if I want, everyday can be my day. Tonight is bowling night. Friday I workout. Saturday is WHIRLYBALL. Sunday is NFL playoffs. So as you can see, it is what it is(like the saying above). Yesterday, two of my friends from way back, tricked me in by telling me that they were taking me to a brunch. I ended up at Bubba Gump Shrimp. I love Bubba Gump Shrimp, I had a good time, I got my bucket of shrimp and the Hush puppies with shrimp on the inside. (If you haven't gotten by now, I love shrimp) Then they took me to the museum. I enjoyed myself there as well. Even though I could have gotten in free(Harris Bank Employee Discount), I was being treated, so it was cool. I went home and took a relaxing hot bath to help my soreness. My workout partner didn't want to drive in the weather(I don't blame him), so I didn't workout, but I will workout on the Total gym at home today. I'll go very light so I won't stay sore. I received a gift and a card today in the mail from a very close friend of mine. It was so ironic that I was talking to my friend when the mailman buzzed my door today(Was sent home today due to power outage,YAY!!!!). It was from the person that I was talking to. WOW!!! My face lit up brighter than light itself. I thanked her. It made me feel good inside. I usually don't expect things but when I do get something, I do appreciate it. :-) Then after my bath, two more good friends of mine, didn't mind the weather and treated me to the Cheesecake Factory. Yum-Yum!! I got my usual and I was very happy. I did get my shot of Jager in, and it was well appreciated. I received calls and text messages from family and friends, some people that I didn't expect to call or text me did. Overall it was good.


People are excited for Whirlyball Saturday, I have told people between 9 and 10pm. My sister told me that my timing preference setup was ghetto. I told her it is what it is, just make sure you're there. :-) I feel it will be a good show up though, although there is one person that I truly wish can be there will not be there. I was told by her that she will be with me in spirit, and her spirit will live in me on Saturday. :-)


So I would like to thank all of the people who recognized my special day. Those who didn't, there is no love lost. I am 26. I am mature. I don't hold grudges. They're people who have screwed me over but I have survived. I have lost some to greener pastures, but they are still with me. I have been blessed with 26 years of life that I would not change for the world. Now I'm looking forward towards the next 26 years. Peace out!!!!

-Da Original 1-

Today is My Birthday....

Happy Birthday to me!!!! Happy Birthday to me!!! Happy Birthday to me!!!....If you don't know by now, today is the day. I turn 26 years old. I am slowly getting up there. 30 will soon be here for me, but that's not the focus today. Today is 26. I'm not working on my birthday and why should I? Two of my friends are taking me to a brunch today, I am excited about that, well I am always excited about food. I have plans to workout today, and the rest is open. It is snowing outside now. I will be doing Whirlyball on Saturday. I'd made calls, and hopefully I'll have a good turnout like last year. If you read this post and I didn't tell you about Whirlyball, then you are invited. It's a CELEBRATION Saturday!!! I feel like a million bucks(even though I'm a little sore still). Good day everyone!!

-Da Original 1-

Workout Monday.....

Does Kanye West workout? Or did he make the song just to make it? I ask that because one of my many resolutions for 2005 consisted of self working out. I did see the Kayne West video once(not a fan of videos really). They made working out look so EASY. Unfortunately people, that was NOT the case for me,lol.....My good friend and I worked out yesterday as scheduled, and as expected I ended up very tight and sore, but this is what I wanted to do. We worked on our upper body(arms,chest,abs,shoulders,back). My workout partner looks like he has been working out since he was 2 years old. I realized that he put dedication and determination into getting something that he wants to have and can be proud of it. That is part of my focus for 2005. Whatever it is that I am trying to do, I want to put the same dedication and determination into it, like he has with working out and having something that you can be proud of. I am still excited about working out, even though it has just been only one day. Now whether you know it or not, this IS very important. A lot of people can get discouraged after the first day, or the first week of working out and just stop. They may feel it's not for them, or they don't have time for it, or they could be just str8 lazy. I will workout a couple more times this week to get myself accustomed to it. I give myself an A for my effort yesterday.


In other news about my Monday, I received a call from a gentleman that has seen my resume on Monster.com. This was regarding a position as a loan officer. I haven't gotten a chance to talk about my career, so I will now. Another of my many resolutions for 2005 was involving a much needed career change. Currently I deal with consumer lending collections at Harris Bank in Rolling Meadows(next door to Schaumburg and Woodfield Mall), or to simplify that, I call people who are delinquent on their car loans and see when they will be paying. I was told that there is room for moving up in the company, but let's ask a question. Do I really want to do bill collecting for the rest of my life? My co-worker next to me has been collecting for 18 years here, hasn't gone anywhere. I cannot be satisfied with that, and being the only African American in my department has really nothing to do with the way that I feel. I feel that I have to be happy in what I do. Getting up in the morning, feelin bad that you have to go to work is not a good feeling. I want to be excited sometimes when I go to work. I am not excited at all when I come out here everyday. Yeah, the money is good for now and they have benefits that kicked in the moment I was hired, but I am not happy here. I sit here everyday and I don't want to do nothing. So I know what you people are saying. "If you don't like it, then change it!" Well that's what I plan to do. Within the next couple of months, I should be pursuing a career in bartending. I have always liked bartending since high school.(I am NOT an alcoholic,lol....) To have that on the side isn't bad,though. I will return the call to the gentleman regarding the loan officer position. I wouldn't mind being a loan officer. I heard that the money was good and most importantly the position is enjoyable to have. I will stop writing now because I am SORE in the fingers(just kidding), but I am sore.

-Da Original 1-

In Today's Sports....

By it being Sunday, you know there was football on. I watched the Vikings blow it as usual but somehow still clinched a playoff spot. My Steelers won and they rested their players. 15-1.....It's been a lonnnnnng time since my team has done something of this caliber. The Rams somehow got in. The Bears gave up nine sacks and Favre improves to 11-0 at Soldier Field against the Bears. Even the back-up for the Packers came in and was productive. In college b-ball, my Arizona Wildcats won 97-74 today, and Duke, Wake, Washington won as well. I didn't see any NBA today...(No League Pass Today... :-(...) but I did hear that Amare Stoudamire scored 50 points tonight. I will be excited to see how he scored 50 and who did he murder in the process. I believe the Bulls play Detroit tomorrow. The Bulls won in Detroit not too long ago, so the defending champs will be hungry. So between that and the Auburn/Virginia Tech bowl game, there will plenty to watch after my workout.

How Many Swings Will I Have This Year?.....

I woke up real excited today. Why you ask? The New Year has gotten me excited. I hope to possibly start my workout tomorrow. I have to get myself a weight belt and some gloves. I'm working out with a good friend of mine. I do plan to make this my routine. I don't want to be one of those people who work out for two weeks and then stop. I'm trying to break some lazy habits of mine. I am approaching my 26th birthday on Wednesday. Wow, 26 years old. What's to say about that. I always have things on my mind and I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes it does happen and you will have to do the best that you can to stay above the water. I will have many opportunities this year to do many things. I made a smoothie today using orange juice, bananas, ice, lemon juice, and some protein. It was really good. I'm used to eating McDonalds every morning for breakfast, and we ALL know what McDonald's can do to ya. Now I'm replacing that with smoothies and bagels with low fat cream cheese. I am suprising myself these days,lol....As usual, today is football sunday, and that's all I pretty much did today. Hung with the guys and watched football and played PS2. I did although have one thing on mind today. I was thinking about the many resolutions I have made for myself this year. I will have plenty of swings to take, but will they be the right ones? I don't want to strikeout like Sosa,lol...(He really does strikeout too much!!!) I want to be patient with my swings and make sure that I make the proper contact to put myself into play. I don't want to be on the on-deck circle, waiting and thinking. I WANT TO BE IN THE BOX! Like they say, practice makes perfect!



-Da Original 1-

A New Swing To The New Year....

Well the New Year is here people. 2005 is here. I have recently decided that it was in my best interest to start myself a blog. I was somewhat inspired to conduct this new adventure of mine by a very good, caring friend of mine(she knows who she is). I send all my thanks to her and wish her a very prosperous New Year, and the same for everyone who may take the time to read my blog. Of course, you will not find all of my personal encounters here but you will find most of them. I will basically translate some of the thoughts that I go through on a daily basis. I can look at it as my getaway perhaps from the outer world. I will touch on certain issues such as music, sports, relationships, advice, just to name a few. You will be able to, if you chose, to post a comment to me by posting anonymously. Whether it is regarding my post, or whatever you want to say, but due to the respect of others, please keep it clean and don't get too personal(I'm learning,...lol). I will also reply back to you as well. I have many swings to the new year. I will be doing more learning, more exploring, more improvement to my lifestyle, and many more. So just sit back and take a ride on the J-Train....I plan to go places where I have always wanted to go and I want everyone to come along. I'm out....

Happy New Year to all!!!!

-Da Original 1-