JaDatNilla's T.I.M.E.

Grilled Cheese

2011-01-21T22:08:00.002-05:00

yo, yo, somebody please

I'm stoned and i wanna grilled cheese
2 slices of american, 2 slices of bread
it's the first thing i eat when i get outta bed

fire up the blunt and fire up the grill
smoke and eat some grilled cheese, you know its all chill
wash it all down with some hawaiian punch
now thats what i call a full course lunch

don't come at me with no provolone!
take it back to the kitchen and leave me alone
cuz ya know you can't fuck with perfection
the thought of grilled cheese gives me an erection

a simple little sandwich but it's the perfect snack
specially when the appetizer's a purp sack
cheeseburgers or steak won't put me at ease
the only thing that will is another grilled cheese

you know i love it, can't get no better
sometimes i cook it up with some chedder
people lookin at me like i got a disease
but i'll never get sick of a fuckin grilled cheese.

Check out my new shit

2011-01-20T18:41:00.000-05:00

I maintain a Posterous account which i update regularly. I will also import blog posts from here in the rare occasion i write one. Get at it.

Burn the Bible too!

2010-09-08T21:45:00.000-04:00

Brunei Mosque by Michael Stirling

The planned erection of a holy temple near "Ground Zero" of the 9/11 has this country in an uproar. Conservative Americans (primarily) have their granny panties in a knot. You'd expect it from our Muslim president though, wouldn't you? Oh, and the whole Muslim religion flew planes into the buildings, didn't they? No, it was a few extremists, even though the debate on that is still out... Even if that were the case, how is it fair to blame an ENTIRE religion based on a few extremists?

And then we have folks like Rev Terry Jones of Florida, who is scheduling a Koran burning on the anniversary of 9/11. Just when I thought we looked shitty enough... Now we have a man of the cloth coming out publicly and announcing a Koran burning? This is insane. As a man of deep religion and spirituality he should understand that no religion is greater than another. What would happen if a Muslim Imam came out and spoke against Christianity? (These same Conservative Americans would have their granny panties in a knot again..)

This is supposed to be a country based on religious tolerance and acceptance but this event is showing the entire world that we aren't. We're tolerant, as long as you're a white Christian male... It's no wonder that the world hates us. This country embraces the majority and oppresses the minority; these events unfolding in the past couple of days put it on the global spotlight.

How long can we keep pretending that this is the land of the free? How long will it take for us to see that the road to the American dream is paved with inhumanness, ignorance, and intolerance?

The Idea for Foursquare was Stolen!

2010-08-31T21:59:00.000-04:00

Some would credit Dennis Crowley and Naveen Selvadurai as being the two co-founders of Foursquare (the website that allows you to “check-in” at places nationwide). This may be true, but their idea was NOT original. It was obviously lifted from another source! They stole the idea! But from whom?

As I was taking an afternoon stroll the other day, it dawned on me. A woman was walking her dog and as they rounded the corner of a jewelry store, Rover lifted his hind leg and “checked-in” right there on the side of the building. Wouldn’t ya know it -- canines have been playing foursquare all along! That’s where the real credit is due!

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=889&picture=walk by Vojko Kalan

Disclaimer: Obviously this is a joke. I don’t see a lawsuit from a coalition of angry puppies ever ending up on the desk at the legal department of Foursquare. I’m also pretty sure this isn’t even where the idea came from, but it was an interesting observation.

Maybe we need to start looking at the animal kingdom for start up ideas!

Thoughts/comments appreciated!

Ghetto Dreamin'

2010-07-07T21:30:00.006-04:00

Packing some boxes and found some old notebooks of random things I've written from back in the day. Ever since high school it's been a here and there thing. None of it is necessarily good, but it is what it is. Just gotta put thoughts on paper sometimes.

Poverty, low cost housing, broken down cars.

no fathers, children raised with nothing but scars

stealing for food, killing for fun;

youths raised to live and die by the gun.

but searching deeper, where not even 20/20 eyes could see,

through all the boarded windows and other debri,

friendships bonded with the thickest of concrete.

Perhaps it's corporate america that has begun to deplete.

Greed and money runs every aspect of lives;

getting rich is not where we should strive.

Spend a week in the ghetto and your views will be slanted

where money and food can't be taken for granted.

Take it for what it's worth. Wrote that shit a long time ago. If it's perceived that there is no value, that's what's up too. But leave a comment anyway. Here is an uplifting picture.

42 Quotes from Live Rich

2010-06-01T21:12:00.006-04:00

Quotes from Live Rich, by Stephen Pollan and Mark Levine.

(The Biltmore House, photo by JaDatNilla)

To live rich is to be free, and to be free is to live rich.
You are the only one who can keep you from living rich.
Work isn't meant to provide fulfillment, it's meant to provide money.
To live rich you need to learn to spot future trends in your department, in your company, your industry, your profession, your market, your town, and your region, and act on them.
The only ways to make money without hard work are to inherit it and to win the lottery.
Someone else's success doesn't diminish you; someone else's failure doesn't improve your life one bit.
Being forced into a mold and pushed toward a goal that doesn't fit you can lead only to frustration and depression. Breaking free from these constraints and pressures emancipates your soul.
Your behavior and attitudes should be based on your own personal culture, not that of an organization. Your needs, not the company's, must be your priority.
Spend at least 20% of your time looking for and preparing for your next opportunity.
Don't look at people who are doing work for you as your "children." They're not beneath you and you're not above them.
Be kind to people on the way up because you'll pass them again on the way down.
Being reactive is a good strategy if you just want to be average.
The proactive person has seized the opportunities the reactive person was waiting to appear.
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Susan Jeffers
Your fears vanish when you do whatever it was that frightened you.
You may have been victimized, but you become a victim only if you let the past be the focus of your life.
Those who live rich know that failure comes only from not taking action.
Movement of any kind equals change, and change of any kind equals success.
Focus on ways you can change rather than just grow.
Set realistic, achievable goals and you'll meet the, get inspired, and continue to take charge of your life.
Ask any group of older people about their regrets. They wish that they'd taken more chances in life, that they hadn't played things so safe, that they weren't so conservative in their life choices and decisions, that they hadn't given in to their fears so often.
Don't lock doors shut without first looking inside and seeing where they lead.
You're business shouldn't be an extension of yourself. It's not your child, it's your business.
To live rich you need to have the freedom to do whatever you want.
Look for new opportunities rather than promotions.
Your mind is the only person that can bind your spirit.
Age is more a matter of perception and attitude than anything else.
To increase your chances to live rich you should maximize your number of face-to-face business meetings.
Whether it serves as a tool for self-revelation or not, writing a plan for your business, career, and life forces you to be proactive and makes your goals more achievable.
When a client comes to see you or vice versa, spend your time demonstrating how much you care, not why you should be hired.
You must constantly be expanding your skill base and knowledge.
Lean or move forward in your chair when you're speaking or listening to show enthusiasm and interest. Lean back and break eye contact when you pause to think.
Theory and abstract information can be gained from classes and books. Practical information comes only from doing.
Rules of negotiations: Establish a clear cut, reasonable goal
Learn all you can about the other person and the issue
If the other side hires a professional negotiator, so should you
Be collegial but direct and straightforward
Negotiate only with people who want to, and can, make a deal
Don't worry about winning or losing, just aim to achieve your goal
On networking: The more irons you have in the fire, the better.
Never assume your job or business is permanent, or the next job or client will automatically appear.
Newsletters shouldn't be selling pieces. Your newsletters should be reselling or reinforcement pieces.
If you wouldn't socialize with someone if you didn't work together, then don't socialize with him. Work is work and life is life. Keep the two separate.
For you to keep the good things you have, you need to give some of them away.
No employer can guarantee an employee job security regardless of his performance.
Make the most from every moment you're working and you'll make more money and have more time to live rich.
Images and graphics should enhance, not dominate, your web site.

Which ones did you like? Feel free to comment!

My New Personal Buzzword

2010-04-21T07:37:00.006-04:00

Fitness. But not just as in physical fitness as you saw with a few of my previous posts. What I'm talking about here is overall fitness. In addition to physical fitness, recently I've been interested in developing my financial fitness, a fit mind, and just an overall sense of well being. I believe that being sloppy in one area results in other areas not performing up to standard. Like a machine, each little piece plays a vital role in the output of the whole.

With that said, I will be concentrating on paying off all my credit card debt, reading more often, meditation, and I want to lose a significant amount of body fat by the end of summer.

My credit card debt is between 2.5 and 5k, which isn't a lot for most folks. However, it's driving me crazy! It just sucks knowing I owe somebody else money. I like Mint to take care of my personal finances. It tracks my spending, shows me trends, and offers tips and guidance.

As for reading, I plan on focusing on reading books, magazines, blogs in the areas I'm trying to improve, as well as those centered on my career in marketing.

Meditation is something I struggle with. Who wants to sit around and not think? A lot of us need to but it's harder than you think. Baby steps.

Physical fitness also includes a healthy diet. I am interested in eating mostly organic, but haven't committed to it 100%. It would be easy for me to say that the expensive nature of it is a barrier but in reality that's an excuse. It costs way more in the long run to be unhealthy. Chemo isn't the cheapest thing out there. Yeah, I'll go for the organic. Exercise is the other half of this equation and with summer upcoming I will definitely be a lot more active. I use BodyBuilding.com to help me. I like to think that I sort of hibernate in the winter. Get fat to stay warm. It usually looks good by the end of fall but then I just get fat again. Once again, another excuse. I'm not that mad.

So here's to all that. What things are you doing? What a better day to start than today!

Randomness & a Recipe

2010-04-08T22:48:00.007-04:00

Just a quick post. Shout out to my new follower , and also my first follower. The first follower started following cuz I threw up some Trump quotes. What up Donald Trump?

Anyways, made some pretty good juice on the Jack. The recipe was:

handful of strawberries

1 lime

1 chunk of pineapple (palm size, 1.5in thick)

1 orange

Turned out damn good.

Rap lyrics of the post: What am I doin’? What am I doin’? Oh, yeah, that’s right, I’m doin’ me

I’m doin me .I’m livin’ life right now, And this what I’ma do ’til it’s over.. ‘Til it’s over.. But it’s far from over…

The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking - Norman Peale

2010-03-22T20:11:00.004-04:00

In my follow up post to The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Peale, is his work The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking. Give me some feedback on these quotes, numbered for your convenience!

Always act as if it were impossible to fail, and God will see you through.
Will you be a hero or a coward?
That what you constantly think is going to happen, tends to happen.
Big thoughts get big results, little thoughts get little results.
Unselfish giving makes real giving possible.
For so many people, failure is simply a matter of not making the expenditure of physical and mental effort that is needed for victory.
A primary step in being well liked is simply to like other people and like them sincerely, not for a purpose.
When you start to think positively about your relations with other people, when you start to see their behavior as a result of problems which they are not handling successfully, you quickly become one of the people people like.
People who are able to turn criticism into a positive situation are going to attract friends.
Whenever a man differs with you or criticizes you, try to show him by every look, by your demeanor, and by your actions that you love him.
Always try to bring out the best in people and you will be welcomed wherever you go.
Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
Treat your body right if you want to feel right.
The top can turn out to be a rat race and ulcers, if being at the top is all you're interested in.
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark.
To stimulate abundance, think. Really think there is a way to better conditions.
Most fear is an unreal bluffing of the imagination.
We don't really possess anything, except in our subconscious.
A difficulty may break you, or it can make you. It all depends on how you take hold of it, and what you do with it.
The only place I've ever been where people have no problems is a cemetery and there they are all dead.
Christianity and Judaism are basically Oriental faiths and the value of quietness and meditation is emphasized in the Bible.
To follow the will of God is to prosper; to rebel against the will of God is to be destroyed. -Mencius, sage of China
It's amazing what simple persistence will do when you use it intelligently on your difficulties.
You are indeed greater than any difficulty, always remember that.
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. - Isaiah 30:15
Make every effort to keep your mind free of unhealthy thoughts.

Did a couple or more stand out to you? I write these down because they are some of my favorites in the book. I hope you can find your own meaning to some of these words.

The Power of Positive Thinking - Norman Peale

2010-03-03T01:48:00.002-05:00

Quotes from The Power of Positive Thinking that I enjoyed! Numbered for convenience!

The greatest secret for overcoming the inferiority complex, which is another term for deep and profound self doubt, is to fill your mind to overflowing with faith.
They conquer who believe they can. -Emerson
Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain. -Emerson
Ten Rules for overcoming inadequecy: *Always picture success no matter how badly things seem. *When a negative thought arises, voice a positive thought to rule it out. *Do not build obstacles in your imagination, minimize them. *Do not be awestruck by other people, they are as scared as you. *Repeat 10x's daily "If God be for us, who can be against us?" *Get a counselor to help you understand why you do what you do. *10x's daily, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me." *Make a true estimate of your own ability, and raise it 10%. *Put yourself in God's hands. *Remind yourself that God is with you and nothing can defeat you.
At intervals during the day practice thinking a selected series of peaceful thoughts. Such peaceful thought images will work upon your mind as a healing medicine.
Words have a profound suggestive power, and there is healing in the very saying of them.
Talk peaceful to be peaceful.
Our physical condition is determined very largely by our emotional condition, and our emotional life is profoundly regulated by our thought life.
The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.
One never does wrong by doing right.
Affirmative prayers release powers by which positive results are accomplished.
It is in our subconscious that our life is largely governed.
The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind free from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine. Forget self, think of others. Do as you would be done by. Try this for a week and you will be surprised.
Slow down, for whatever you really want will be there when you get there if you work toward it without stress, without pressing.
A major key to success in life is to be completely releases and throw all there is of yourself into your job or any project in which you are engaged.
No objective leads to no end.
A man who is self reliant, positive, optimistic, and undertakes his work with the assurance of success magnetizes his condition. He draws to himself the creative powers of the universe.
I believe God gives me power to attain what I really want. I expect the best and with God's help will attain the best.
The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. - William James
Get the truth into your mind and you will be free of your failures.
Analyze people who are really efficient and they always seem to do things easily, with a minimum of effort.
...in any situation be relaxed, keep calm, take a friendly attitude, have faith, do your best. Do this, and you can usually make things come out alright.
Plan your work and work your plan.
Everywhere today we see people putting on an act because of their inordinate desire for popularity in the superficial sense in which the word is often used in modern society.
Get a deep spiritual experience so that you have something to give people that will help them to be stronger and meet life more effectively. Give strength to people and they will give affection to you.
It is natural to cry when pain or sorrow comes. It is a relief mechanism provided in the body by Almighty God and should be used.
According to your faith, be it unto you. - Matthew 9:29
If there is deep desire, intensity of longing, and a sincere reaching out after the Power then it will be given.

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life - Dr Wayne Dyer

2010-02-22T01:13:00.006-05:00

Quotes that caught my attention from Dr Wayne Dyer's book Change Your Thoughts...

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
Nature doesn't create a storm that never ends. Within misfortune, good fortune hides.
The mystery itself is the doorway to all understanding. Lao tzu
Don't try so hard to make something work...simply allow.
Become an astute observer...judge less and listen more.
See the unfolding of the Tao inside everyone, including yourself, and be at peace with what you observe.
By not displaying what is desirable, you will cause the people's hearts to remain undisturbed. Lao tzu
Pursuit of status, be it monetary or a position of power, blinds us to our relationship to the external Tao, along with the contented life that is available.
We must replace personal desires with the Tao-centered question: How may I serve?
Remind yourself daily that there is no way to happiness; rather, happiness is the way.
Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, love is knowing I am everything, and between the two my live moves. Nisargadatta Maharaj
Man was made to sit quietly and find the truth within. Lao-tzu
If a thought or behavior divides us, it is not of God; if it unites us, it is of God.
When you're in touch with the energy of your origin, you offer the world your authentic intelligence, talents, and behaviors.
Whatever you feel within you as your calling -- whatever makes you feel alive -- know in your heart that this excitement is all the evidence you need to have your inner passion become reality.
Serve the needs of others, and all your own needs will be fulfilled. Through selfless action, fulfillment is attained. Lao tzu
The main problem with listening to ego is that you're always caught in the trap of striving and never arriving. Thus, you can never feel complete.
Live in accordance with the nature of things. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. Stand by your word. Govern with equity. Be timely in choosing the right moment. Lao tzu
Be receptive to everyone, particularly those who may not routinely receive respect, such as the uneducated, homeless, or troubled members of our society.
Analysts might tell us that the economy is failing if it isn't continuously growing, but we can realize that excessive growth, like cancer, will ultimately destroy itself.
Embrace oneness by seeing yourself in everyone you encounter.
In situations where you're expected to hate an assumed enemy, stop yourself from these judgments and walk an imaginary mile (or two) in their shoes.
Your imperceptible center is your vital essence.
You can't arrive at a place of peace and inner satisfaction when your entire existence is motivated by not having enough.
Discontinue pressuring yourself to perpetually accumulate more.
No ego means no trouble; big ego equals big trouble.
What's my own nature if I have no outside forces telling me who or what I should be? Then work at living one day in complete harmony with your own nature, ignoring pressures to be otherwise.
Improve your vision by looking beyond what your eyes see.
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
When a leader trusts no one, no one trusts him. Lao tzu
Instead of believing that you know what's best for others, trust that they know what's best for themselves.
Take pride in refusing to take credit for the achievements of others.
Love those you're entrusted to lead, just as the sun loves our planet. Simply be there to serve, never demanding anything in return.
Live without attachment by being generous.
The less you focus on making a profit -- instead of shifting your energy to living your purpose in harmony with everyone else -- the more money will flow to you and the more opportunities for generosity will be available to you.
You don't need another thing to be happy; it's all being provided for you right here, right now.
Have an unquenchable thirst for the intangible and enigmatic force that supports all life.
How do I know the ways of all things at the beginning? I look inside myself and see what is within me. Lao tzu
If you have truly attained wholeness, everything will flock to you. Lao tzu
You must be empty in order to become filled, for attachments keep you so restricted that nothing can enter your already-filled self.
Change your life by actively observing nature's way.
Change your life by consciously choosing to be in a state of gratitude.
Change your life by examining your urge to boast and be self-righteous.
Note how your gratitude for another truly nurtures your Tao path, not that of your ego.
To know humanity, understand earth. To know earth, understand heaven. To know heaven, understand the Way. To know the Way, understand the great within yourself. Lao tzu
Greatness attracts more of its own self to itself, just as thoughts of inadequacy act upon a belief that ensures that deficiency will become your reality.
Whatever you desire to become or to attract to yourself, make the internal shift from "It probably won't happen for me" to "it's on its way."
I get what I think about, whether I want it or not.
I came from greatness. I must be like what I come from. I will never abandon my belief in my greatness and the greatness of others.
You have the ability to choose calmness in the face of situations that drive others to madness.
Your origin is more from the Tao than from parents, culture, or country.
Your inner light is more trustworthy than any guidebook, and it will point you in the direction that's most beneficial to you and everyone you encounter.
Waste no opportunity, abandon no one, respect the teachers, and care for the student.
Change the image of yourself to a being who's in accord with eternal power, and the virtuous life you want to see will be visible.
Entertain the exact opposite of what you've been conditioned to believe.
Trying to control leads to ruin. Trying to grasp, we lose. Lao tzu
All of life is a movement toward perfection, so what need has he for the excessive, the extravagant, or the extreme? Lao tzu
Give up needing to control.
Every use of force, even the smallest, creates a counter force.
He who thinks triumph beautiful is one with a will to kill, and one with a will to kill shall never prevail upon the world. Lao tzu
If you change the way you look at your world, you must include noticing your language and demeanor.
Rivers and streams are born of the ocean, and all creation is born of the Tao. Just as all water flows back to become the ocean, all creation flows back to become the Tao. Lao tzu
The more you push against it, the more resistance you create.
One who understands others has knowledge; one who understands himself has wisdom. Mastering others requires force; mastering the self needs strength. Lao tzu
If you realize you have enough, you are truly rich. Lao tzu
You don't need the approval of others or another possession in order to be happy -- you must merely understand yourself as a divine piece of the eternal Tao, always connected to that infinite essence.
Focus on understanding yourself instead of blaming others.
Catch yourself as you're about to tell others how they "should" be. Use the opportunity to practice allowing them to learn their own lessons without interference from you.
By not claiming greatness, the sage achieves greatness.
Discontinue deciding what anyone else should or shouldn't be doing.
When you look for it, there is nothing to see. When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear. When you use it, it cannot be exhausted. Lao tzu
Worldly pleasures only seduce you into becoming dependent on them, and they leave you always wanting more.
Stay under the radar and you'll outlast all who strive to be recognized.
The pieces of a chariot are useless unless they work in accordance with the whole. A man's life brings nothing unless he lives in accordance with the whole universe. Playing one's part in accordance with the universe is true humility. Lao tzu
You will die as you live.
Examine your attachments with the idea that you gain by losing and lose by gaining.
Teaching without words, performing without actions -- few in the world can grasp it -- that is the master's way. Lao tzu
When you give of yourself, asking nothing in return and withdrawing your need for recognition, you'll experience more contentment.
Your primary relationship needs to be with yourself, not your family, business, country, culture, or ethnicity.
You can take the sunshine and bask in it, or you can burn yourself to a crisp.
I am in love with every church, and mosque, and temple, and any kind of shrine. Because I know it is there that people say the different names of the One God. Hafiz
The farther one goes, the less one knows. Lao tzu
You must allow yourself to be guided by the same Source that twirls the planets around the sun, and trust that it will direct you perfectly without your having to interfere.
Pick something that has some particular value to you and give it away. It's important that it be something you really like, for the more attachment you have to an item, the greater joy you'll feel as you let it go.
While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die. Da Vinci
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature. Helen Keller
Don't attempt to control anyone; instead, foster growth without dominating or ruling.
Seeing the smallest mystery reveals the grandest mystery.
In each, I see the face of Christ in one of his more distressing disguises. Mother Theresa
Behave beneficently toward the neighbor that is a kinsman and the neighbor that is a stranger and the companion by your side. He who behaves ill toward his neighbor is not a believer, nor can ever be one. One who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry by his side is not a believer. the Prophet Mohammed
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
Even if no one sees or acknowledges it, an act of unkindness contains energy that impacts our entire universe.
Silence is your evidence of inner knowing. Talking to convince others actually says more about your need to be right than their need to hear what you have to say!
In this world, the greater the restrictions and prohibitions, the more people are impoverished; the more advanced the weapons of state, the darker the nation; the more artful and crafty the plan, the stranger the outcome; the more laws are posted, the more thieves appear. Lao tzu
If a man knows no limits, he is fit to lead. Lao tzu
See yourself as a being who gives rather than collects, and live on what you need rather than practicing conspicuous consumption.
If only the ruler and his people would refrain from harming each other, all the benefits of life would accumulate in the kingdom. Lao tzu
Look at the ocean: It's the most powerful force on the planet because it stays lower than the streams, which are necessarily and inescapably drawn to it.
Emulate those whose greatest impact on humanity used the least violent methods.
If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness. Lao tzu
Practice forgiving, and avoiding judgment, when you see reprehensible or evil-minded ways.
The sage always confronts difficulties, he never experiences them. Lao tzu
Practice keeping your life simple and non complicated.
Never assume that you know whats best.
See yourself as someone who's on this planet to assist others. Look for opportunities to be of aid, particularly to those who need your leadership.
I have three treasures which I hold fast and watch closely. The first is mercy. The second is frugality. The third is humility. From mercy comes courage. From frugality comes generosity. From humility comes leadership. Lao tzu
What you fight weakens you; what you cooperate with strengthens you.
Practice seeing yourself in everyone else.
When two opponents meet, the one without an enemy will surely triumph. Lao tzu
If war ever does become inevitable, one should practice defense rather than offense.
To think a sick thought is to allow sickness to crop up.
Pain is a natural phenomenon, but suffering is a choice. Sai Baba
Live the mystery by beginning to perceive what average eyes fail to notice.
Rather than attempting to control others by speaking frequently and loudly, allow yourself to become an active listener. Many of the answers you seek from others will surface if you can remember not to speak or even ask.
For you are each wondrous indeed, yet no one more wondrous than another. Neale Donald Walsch
Rather than demanding more because you're older, bigger, richer, or more powerful, leave those you're in charge of alone whenever feasible, trusting in their inherent wisdom to do the right thing.
Demand less and encourage more as much as you can, allowing them to pursue their own excellence and happiness. Your trust will lead to their trusting themselves and the wisdom that created them.
The hard and stiff will be broken; the soft and supple will prevail. Lao tzu
If leaders on both sides of any matter were willing to at least listen to each other, conflicts wouldn't need to escalate to life-and-death proportions. By listening, yielding, and being gentle, we all become disciples of life.
The master can keep giving because there is no end to his wealth. He acts without expectation, succeeds without taking credit, and does not think that he is better than anyone else. Lao tzu
Remember that no storm lasts forever, and that hidden within are always seeds of tranquility. There is a time for hostility and a time for peace.
Paradise is where I am. Voltaire
Are you willing to be sponged out, erased, canceled, made nothing? Are you willing to be made nothing? dipped into oblivion? If not, you will never really change.
The sage does not hoard, and thereby bestows. The more he lives for others, the greater his life. The more he gives to others, the greater his abundance. Lao tzu

Thoughts on the Haiti Disaster

2010-02-15T02:49:00.003-05:00

The earthquake that struck Haiti and killed more than 250k people was quite a disaster. Since the quake, it was nice to see the outpouring of support from the world and especially the United States. If you would like to donate to the cause you can go here, which is one option of many.

However, what kind of rubs me the wrong way is that Haiti was struggling long before this disaster hit. Why does it take a disaster for people to want to help?

Also, there are many people here in our own country who could use aid, whether it be financial or otherwise, but there is nowhere for them to turn. An example would be the fact that many people are adopting Haitian orphans. That's terrific, as it gives them a chance at a much better life. BUT...how many American kids are in foster care right now? What's wrong with adopting one of them?

In the end, I cannot hate on people wanting to make the world a better place. But seriously, why does it take a disaster for people to open their eyes?

Voluntary Simplicity - Duane Elgin

2010-02-01T01:10:00.004-05:00

As you know, when I read books I like to make note of anything interesting or catching that I come across. Here are some quotes I liked from the book, Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin.

To live more voluntarily is to live more consciously
To live more simply is to live more purposefully and with a minimum of needless distraction
This way of life is not a static condition to be achieved, but an ever-changing balance that must be consciously and continuously made real
Only give up a thing when you want some other condition so much that the thing no longer has and attraction for you - Gandhi
To live peacefully, we must live with a reasonable degree of equity
...if people in developed nations consume more than their fair share of the world's resources, then they are taking food, clothing, and other essentials from those who are in great need
He who knows he has enough is rich - Lao Tzu
Our stay on earth is brief and people should place much of their love and attention on things eternal
Common denominator of the simple life: the understanding that the making of money and the accumulation of things should not smother the purity of the soul, the life of the mind, the cohesion of the family, or the good of society
The character of a whole society is the cumulative result of the countless small actions, day in and day out, of millions of persons
Even the smallest action done with a loving appreciation of life can touch other human beings in profound ways
Greater simplicity frees time, energy and attention for personal growth, family relationships, participation in compassionate causes and other meaningful and satisfying activities
Small changes that are seemingly inconsequential when viewed in isolation are of revolutionary significance in their cumulative impact
To break through the superficiality of a consumerist existence and deepen our appreciation of life, we can remember that it is the universe that is our home and that death is our ally
If we do not become conscious of our automated patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, then we become, by default, human automatons
We are so busy creating ever more appealing images or social facades for others to see, and so distracted from the simplicity of our spontaneously arising self, that we do not truly encounter either ourselves or one another
In an era dominated by hideously complex problems of global dimension, the ability to see the world more clearly is essential to the survival and well-being of the human family
The ultimate responsibility for growth, irrespective of cultural setting, remains with the individual
Much of the solution to poverty lies in the voluntary actions of those who live in relative abundance and thereby have the real opportunity consciously to simplify their lives and assist others
The hallmark of a balanced simplicity is that our lives become clearer, more direct, less pretentious, and less complicated
Four "Consumption Criteria": 1. Does what I own or buy promote activity, self reliance, and involvement, or does it induce passivity and dependence? 2. Are my consumption patterns basically satisfying, or do I buy much that serves no real need? 3. How tied are my present job and lifestyle to installment payments, maintenance and repair costs, and the expectations of others? 4. Do I consider the impact of my consumption patterns on other people and on the earth?
By programming television to achieve commercial success, the mind-set of entire nations is being programmed for ecological failure
In weakening others, we are weakening ourselves.

Any comments? What are your take on these quotes? Do any comments really stand out to you?

DatNilla Meditates

2010-01-25T01:47:00.004-05:00

One of my goals for this year is to begin meditating on a regular basis. I have meditated a little bit in the past, including taking a class called Relaxation Training in college (if it or something similar is offered at your university, I would definitely recommend it) but I was never able to get into a regular routine. This past Wednesday I attended a thirty minute sit and lecture at the Zen Center of Asheville. I figure I will better my chances of developing a regular meditation schedule if I actually get out of the house and go do it with other people. (at least at the beginning)

Upon arrival I told the instructor that it was my first time at the center. He gave me the quick overview and basically said, "sit down and shut up". Much easier said than done. After just a few minutes I was already anticipating the ringing of the bell signaling that the thirty minutes were up. My mind was constantly racing between this and that. Am I slouching? What's that noise outside? My knee hurts! etc. etc.

This is quite normal for beginners, so I'm told. The important thing is realizing that these are just thoughts. They will come and go, and to get your mind back to what you were doing.

After zazen and the lecture afterwards, I walked outside feeling like a new person. I was much calmer, and felt much better mentally than I had before. It's amazing what a quick thirty minutes can do. I plan to continue attending these sessions regularly and more posts on the topic may appear in the future.

Do you meditate? What has it done for you? Are there any tips or tools that you would like to share?

Seven Goals for 2010

2010-01-18T02:17:00.004-05:00

I came across an article written by Jonny at "The Life Thing" about a structure that will change your life. It is a system of goal setting that is broken down into 7 sets of goals, aptly named "The 7 Life System." They are:

7 life principles
7 life goals
7 before 20/30/40/etc goals
7 yearly goals
7 monthly goals
7 weekly goals
7 daily goals

You can read the article in its entirety here: A Simple Structure That Will Change Your Life

It is basically a system that starts you off with giving 7 principles that you would like to live by in your life and breaks it down all the way to daily goals. The way that it is set up allows you to focus on the big picture and then break it down into very small pieces that will allow the ball to begin rolling.

I will share my 7 goals for 2010 here. (in no particular order)

Be closer to my long distance girlfriend
Save $1000 and pay off credit card (around $1500)
Work out on a regular basis
Meditate often (every other day to start)
Maintain this blog
24 cumulative hours of service/volunteering
Read 12 books
Bonus goal: Find meaningful work

This is where my focus will lie in the upcoming year. Hopefully at the end of this year I will be able to look back and have a sense of accomplishment knowing that I was able to complete the goals I set forth.

What are some of your goals for this year?

30 Days...(finale)

2010-01-07T15:46:00.002-05:00

The end of the month has come. I must admit I kind of fell off the bandwagon the last week of the year due to going home for the holidays.

The results? I lost about four pounds.

I know it doesn't seem like much, but it's better than gaining weight like most people do at this time of the year. I feel that I have given myself something to build on. I plan to continue working to build a better body. I got a Jack Lalanne Power Juicer for Christmas and I feel that this will greatly enhance the nutrition aspect of it.

I will continue to keep you updated once in a while to let you know how it is going. Six pack by summer? It's very possible and only I can make that happen.

Thanks for following!

30 Days...(day twenty three)

2009-12-25T07:31:00.002-05:00

Today I performed three exercises. Dead lifts, 135 lbs, 3 x 10. Bench 135 lbs, 3 x 8. Upright row, 45 lbs, 3 x 10.

The dead lift is probably one of the best single exercises out there. It recruits muscles from all over the body to complete the lift safely and successfully. It's hard as hell. And it hurts. That's probably why you don't see people doing it very often. However,

if you were to choose just one exercise to do, I would tell you to make it the deadlift. (yet far too many people find excuses not to do it)

Best of luck in all that you undertake. Start deadlifting!

30 Days...(day nineteen)

2009-12-20T06:47:00.004-05:00

Today is the 19th day of the 30 days to a better body challenge. I wanted to get a change of pace today because I wasn't really feeling that "into" working out. The exercise I performed, bear with me, was a 4 part exercise. I first stiff-legged deadlifted, went straight into an upright row, flipped wrists at the top of the row and performed an overhead press, then the negative part of a reverse curl on the way back down. Kind of 4 exercises in one. I used 45lbs and did 10 x 10. That's it! It took about a half hour but got a lot of my body involved and my heart rate amped.

I have something to admit. I skipped my workout two days ago :( The important note here is that it wasn't the end of the world. The most important part is that you get right back to your normal schedule the next time. Do not let one missed workout turn into a week, turn into a month. This is oftentimes what happens. One slip up and its all downhill. I was very close to allowing this to happen, but I reminded myself that I was only doing this challenge for thirty days. I can quit in two weeks if I really want to. (I'm assuming/hoping that the laziness will pass.) Forgive yourself, and get right back at it the next go round.

30 Days...(day fifteen)

2009-12-16T07:45:00.002-05:00

I had a quick, intense workout today. Started off with bench press, 135 lbs, 3 x 8. Then I did front squats, but at the top I performed an overhead press, once in front and once behind the neck, 45 lbs, 3 x 8. I finished with good mornings, 45 lbs, 3 x 10.

I have noticed I have been feeling a lot better over the past two weeks. Physically and emotionally. I hope the trend continues!

Check back for more updates!

30 Days...(day thirteen)

2009-12-14T20:22:00.002-05:00

And on it goes. Today I started my workout supersetting one-legged leg extensions 50 lbs, 4 x 10, with leg curls, 50 lbs, 4 x 12. I then supersetted the dumbbell fly 15 lbs, 4 x 12, with pullups (6,6,5,4).
My goal is to get through my workout as quickly and efficiently as I can while still putting in the necessary work.

A great resource I use frequently is http://www.bodybuilding.com. It is great for beginners all the way to professional bodybuilders. I really liked this article. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/11-methods-enhance-training.htm.

Good luck in all your endeavors!

30 Days...(day eleven)

2009-12-12T02:17:00.003-05:00

Today's workout consisted of dumbbell swings (I used a 35lb plate), 4 x 10. Then stiff legged deadlift, 95 lbs, 4 x 10, finished up with close grip bench press, 95 lbs, 3 x 10.

I finished the workout in under a half hour.

UPDATE: I find it is much easier to workout when I have to blog about it! If anything, I don't want to let any potential readers down. Although I still have a long way to go, especially in regards to healthy eating and cardio, I have made some progress so far. The scale shows I've lost about two pounds, which is far from extraordinary, but I'm hoping that after the thirty days are up, it will at least give me some motivation to continue along this path!

30 Days...(day seven)

2009-12-07T21:51:00.004-05:00

Today I got a quick workout in. Incline bench, 95 lbs, 4 sets (12-10-8-8). Upright row, 45 lbs, 4 sets of 10. Supersetted leg extensions, single legged, 50 lbs, 4 sets of 8, with leg curls, 50 lbs, 4 sets of 10.
I was feeling pretty sore the third and fifth days. The first day after lifting you tend to be sore, but many times, it last until the second day as well. Which for me, with my every other day split, means I'm sore on lifting days. So far, I feel that working through the soreness and lifting anyways is the best way. I have felt that my muscles seem to loosen up after working out. Releasing soreness. I thought about using it as an excuse for a day off, but I've found that working through it seems to give me more benefit. Might seem a little counterproductive but it's working.
My diet is still a problem. I have been eating slightly healthier, but am still giving in to cravings for sweets or just junk food in general. This is definitely an area I will need to improve over the coming weeks, however, the holidays will make this even more difficult.
Keep pushing on. "If you're going through hell, keep on going."

30 Days...(Day four)

2009-12-05T01:11:00.004-05:00

Today I took the day off again as I was really sore from Wednesday's workout. It doesn't seem like much on paper but when you haven't lifted in awhile it can (and did) take a toll.
The highlight of the day was grocery shopping. I did good! I bought mostly fruits and veggies! I'm on my way to becoming vegetarian. I don't know if I will ever fully crossover, but I'm looking to at least drastically reduce my meat consumption. I've touched on this in an earlier post. http://jadatnilla.blogspot.com/2009/04/stop-eating-meat.html. There are a wide variety of benefits to cutting meat out of your diet. Especially the fast food! That stuff hardly qualifies as meat. One burger could contain meat from hundreds of cows. Gross!

30 Days...(day three)

2009-12-03T18:15:00.003-05:00

Back to the iron today. I do not have a planned schedule of what I'm going to do, but basically it boils down to doing a full body workout. 4 exercises. 3 or 4 sets each exercise. Reps in the 8-12 range.
Today I started off with front squats. 135 lbs, 3 x 8, 1 x 6. I then moved straight into incline barbell bench press. 115 lbs, 2 x 8, 1 x 5. Next I supersetted pullups (not to be confused with chin ups) 3 x 6 and upright rows 45 lbs, 3 x 8.
I read once that Bruce Lee liked to alternate exercises so that you get blood flow throughout the entire body. Which is why I did legs, then chest, then back, then shoulders. His physique was one of the best ever, so who's to argue?
Lastly, I plan on doing some sort of cardio between lifting days. However, it was rainy yesterday and quite frankly I hate cardio. I did some stretching exercises for about 15 minutes to loosen up the sore muscles from the previous days lift.

I think the most important thing isn't about what kind of exercises or weight or rep range. consistancy as well as strict form is more important. Never forget though, that diet is probably THE number one factor in improving your physique. You are what you eat!

30 Days to a Better Body

2009-12-01T16:36:00.002-05:00

Today is December 1st. Since people usually make new years resolutions at the beginning of the year, I figured I would get a head start. For the next thirty days, I am going to work out six days a week. I've been on and off with exercise since I was in high school, but I could never stay consistant. Today is a new day, and the road to the new me is underway.

For my workout today I did 4 exercises. First was the stiff-legged deadlift. I performed 4 sets of 10 (4x10) with 95 pounds. I followed that up with the bench press. I did 4x8 with 135 lbs. Next I supersetted (performed exercises back to back, 1a-1b, rest, 2a-2b, rest, 3a-3b, rest, 4a-4b) with bodyweight lunges and barbell shoulder presses with 45 pounds. 12 reps per exercise.

The entire workout took about 35 minutes. My heart rate stayed elevated throughout because I don't rest very long. This gives you a cardio benefit as well.

I currently weigh 164 lbs, I hope to lose between 5 and 10 lbs in the next month. My ideal weight presently would be sitting around 150-155 lbs.

I will keep you posted!

The 9/11 Conspiracy "Theory"

2009-10-23T14:10:00.007-04:00

I recently viewed the documentary "911: In Plane Sight". It was a revealing look into the events surrounding the terrible tragedy on September 11th, 2001. I definitely recommend it. If you have Netflix it is available to watch instantly on your computer. Total run time is about 72 minutes.

The movie points out several discrepancies as to what the nation was led to believe and what "really" happened. Key points included are:

The hole in the wall of the Pentagon could not have possibly been created by an airliner
There are tons of surveillance cameras on the Pentagon, yet none showed a plane crashing into the building
No debris from an airplane were found at the Pentagon
President Bush said that he learned of the events because he saw the video of the first plane crashing into the Towers, yet no news stations had footage of this. (because it was a "surprise" attack) How is that possible then?
There was a short explosion on both planes right before they impacted the Towers
There were unidentified objects on the bottom of the planes, which is inconsistent with commercial airliners
Several firefighters reported that they had heard explosions inside the buildings after the attack
People who witnessed the airplanes said that they were NOT American Airlines planes
There was a report from a Cincinnati news station reporting that Flight 93 made an emergency landing at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport because of a suspected bomb on board, yet "flight 93" crashed in PA about an hour beforehand

I cannot say one way or another way really happened that day, and it's obvious that the government doesn't want us to know. After all, the average American is way too stupid. Was it just a ploy to get Americans to back a war against terrorists? (Which leads me to another point, how can the government possibly stop every person that wishes to strap a bomb on their back and blow shit up?)

How does it make you feel that it was our own government that could have been responsible for the thousands of deaths that day? Not to mention the thousands of soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Who really are the terrorists?

Will the truth ever be revealed?

(I'll probably be on the FBI watch list now, how wonderful!)

Religion's evil side

2009-10-04T15:19:00.005-04:00

A quick short story.
The other day I was hanging out with a few people I had never met before. A very chill group of people. At one point, "Lisa" and I began discussing religion. (I can already see you start to shudder) I consider myself agnostic; she is a devout Christian. When I expressed my view her reply was something along the line of, "thats okay, God put people like you here to test the strength of my faith." Wow! She basically said, "you don't believe what I believe, so your opinion isn't worth a shit." Thank you so much.
When I realized that she was a psycho, Jesus-dick rider (go ahead, tell me I'm going straight to hell), I quickly excused myself. There's no reason to engage in discussion with people like that. They believe what they believe. Any opinion that isn't in line with their own they reduce to simple child's speak.
This is one of the many, many ugly sides of religion. It divides people. Me and her were most likely pretty similar people with similiar goals and aspirations. However, when she found out I wasn't a Christian as she was, nothing that I said after that had any credibility.
Yes, religion has plenty of upside too. I don't disagree with that. It's instances like these, though, that just turn me off to organized religion. We are all one people, who should be sharing and caring for this earth and for one another. Regardless of race, religion, sex, political affiliation,etc. we are all in this together. As soon as we can realize this, the world will be a much, much better place.

Kill that chicken!

2009-09-11T18:59:00.005-04:00

A quick thought. I would argue that if you could not actually bear to take an axe and cut a chicken's head off then you have no business eating a wing. This would go for all animals, of course. Could you put a .357 magnum in a cow's head? (Sorry for the brutal image my Hindu friends) If the answer is no, then no steaks or burgers for you! Couldn't hurt a cute little piggy, bye bye bacon with those eggs. [eating eggs isn't pleasant if you think about it, they come out of vaginas].
The point that I'm trying to make is that it's important to know where your food is coming from. Whether or not you actually do the slaughtering, you are contributing to that animal's death. Just because you pay somebody else to take the blood off your hands doesn't mean that the blood hasn't been shed.
I will also add that I, in fact, would kill the animal myself. I have no real issue with that. I think that if you do have an issue with that, and you aren't a vegetarian, then you are a hypocrite and a coward. I have hunted before and would love to hunt again. The difference is that I recognize that this piece of meat was once actually a living, breathing animal. I understand and appreciate the sacrifice that has been made. Not as hardcore as the Native Americans would've but... At least give it a thought.

The Free Knowledge Era

2009-09-01T13:20:00.008-04:00

I am proud to promote and perhaps introduce to you the latest and greatest idea that has hit the internet in quite some time. It's potential and reach is limitless. The impact that this site could have is astounding. I'm of course talking about http://academicearth.org/.

There are tons and tons of free lectures ranging in all types of subjects from professors teaching at some of the most prestigious universities in the country. The sooner more schools get on board with this site the better. It is a truly wonderful tool to be able to spread this knowledge to people who would otherwise be left in the dark. Anybody has access to the internet, be it at the library, or benefiting from your neighbors unsecured wireless network. It is a great time to be alive. Possibilities are endless!

The Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell

2009-07-26T15:07:00.006-04:00

The secret cause of all suffering is mortality itself, which is the prime condition of life. It cannot be denied if life is to be affirmed.
The only true wisdom lives far from mankind, out in the great loneliness, and can be reached only through suffering. Privation and suffering alone can open the mind to all that is hidden to others. -Igjugarjuk
What is a god? A god is a personification of a motivating power or a value system that functions in human life and in the universe -- the powers of your own body and of nature.
This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. - Chief Seattle
You don't teach until you are asked; you don't force your mission down people's throats.
Fly the middle way. Don't fly too high, or the sun will melt the wax on your wings, and you will fall. Don't fly too low or the tides of the sea will catch you. - Daedalus
Desire and fear: these are two emotions by which all life in the world are governed. Desire is the bait, death is the hook.
Love thine enemies because they are the instruments of your destiny.
The troubadours celebrate the agony of the love, the sickness the doctors cannot cure, the wounds that can be healed only by the weapon that delivered the wound.
And what is the nature of the wasteland? It is a land where everybody is living an inauthentic life, doing as other people do, doing as your told, with no courage for your own life.

The Coffee and Bacon Diet

2009-07-18T08:32:00.003-04:00

What if I told you I knew about a secret diet that will guarantee that you will lose anywhere from ten to thirty five pounds in just ten days? Would you be interested? What if I then told you that the only thing you need to do is buy two simple ingredients from the grocery store? I am here to tell you about the coffee and bacon diet! Yes, just coffee and bacon. Each day all you need to do is eat a pound of bacon and drink a pot of coffee a day. Amazing results have been shown and blah blah blah.
Am I serious? Obviously not, but doesn't it seem like a lot of the diets that are out there these days? Sure, if thats all you ate for ten days I'm sure you would lose weight. However, would you be any healthier than you were ten days ago? Chances are, not a chance. People are, all too often, concerned with a quick and simple fix. The magic diet, the magic pill, the magic stomach exercise. These industries are very, very rich; they got that way cause we don't like to work hard.

Here's a real secret: There is no such thing as an easy way out!

If you want to lose weight clean up your diet. Drink water. Exercise. Reduce stress. Get a good night's rest. Don't give up. It really is quite simple, yet for so many people its unrealistic. Why? Because it's so much easier to give up than to press on. It's easier to say, "oh, this doesn't work. I think i'll try [next diet, pill, machine on the list]." And on and on it goes.

Take a small step today. Anything that get's you closer to your goals is a step in the right direction. Good luck and stay strong.

You're so Selfish!

2009-06-21T17:18:00.004-04:00

Something occurred to me the other day that came as quite of a surprise. Whether or not you agree with it really isn't important, as I'm not even sure about how I feel at this point. It just dawned on me and made some sense. With the exception of a few very noble people (think Jesus, the Buddha, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, etc) every single person in the world is selfish.

Now it's obvious that the degrees of selfishness can vary greatly. On the worst end of the spectrum, there are people who are solely looking out for themselves. They do not care who is in their path. Their best interest is the most important thing to them. On the most subtle side, though, it seems as though we are still guilty of being selfish. When it all boils down to it, I would argue that people are still looking out for their best interest.

For example, whereas the aforementioned selfish person may hang out with X because they have a big boat, perhaps another person hangs out with X because they make them feel better about themselves. Think about the people around you. Most people's circle of friends are people who they feel comfortable around. We as humans are attracted to people who lift us up as opposed to bring us down.

To be truly great, we need to look beyond what other people can do for us, no matter how subtle that may be. Whether it's because of the boat or just because that person makes us feel better about ourselves. When we can get past the ego and the selfishness, that is when we can move into higher realms of consciousness.

Much easier said than done, I know. Any thoughts?

I wish I could've...

2009-05-27T22:18:00.004-04:00

So I recently decided to quit my job. I had what most people would consider a "good" job to have right out of college. I made a decent salary, had health benefits, and the company had a 401-K match. However, I decided I wanted to move to Asheville, North Carolina. Neither my roommate, nor myself, has ever been to Asheville. We haven't seen the apartment we're moving into. We don't have jobs lined up. It's basically a shot in the dark.
When people hear this, at first they think I'm crazy, but then they basically say I wish I would've or I wish I could do something like that. They then rattle off one of dozens of reasons why they couldn't possibly do that. Granted, some people may really be stuck in a situation where this wouldn't really be possible. For the most part, though, people's minds throw up roadblocks. It's our nature to want to be comfortable. It's when we step outside our zone that our brains begin telling us reasons that we shouldn't be doing things.
It is really sad to hear people come up with all these reasons they can't just do what they want. What people fail to realize is that it is possible. I'm doing it. Will it work out? Who knows. I may not be able to find a job and be out of a home in three months. But the opposite may happen too. I may find that it was the best decision I've ever made. Fight past the fear. Life is too short to say "I wish I could've..."

The Cost of Renting VS Ownership (Home)

2009-05-03T11:31:00.005-04:00

I write this post as a seeker and not a supplier of knowledge. I am very interested to know whether it is truly better to buy and own a home or rent out a property. I, myself, have never owned a home. I actually don't even plan on owning a home anywhere in the near future. I'm just curious because I know that there are many hidden costs of owning a home that people generally probably don't even think about. On the outside you say, I bought this house for 125k and I sell it for 200k, so I just made $75,000! Not quite. Just think about...
This forthcoming list is by no means comprehensive and perhaps you could help out but just off the top of my head I think about:
-Landscaping costs including mowing the lawn (which means buying a lawn mower, keeping it in working order with gas, oil, etc), any trees or shrubbery, mulch, flowers etc, etc, etc. You get the point.
-Outside maintenance costs, such as putting a new roof on the house or giving it a paint job. A new driveway, a new mailbox. Again, etc, etc, etc.
-Inside maintenance costs, such as any type of plumbing, electrical, appliance, woodwork, painting work that would need to be done.
There are also property taxes and a slew of other things I probably don't even know about. Also, when you own a home you tend to fill up the space you have with "stuff". Keeping yourself in a smaller place would force you to keep to the necessities because you wouldn't have the space. Which would reduce spending, or at least free up money to actually DO something worthwhile as opposed to buying "stuff" and "things".

I would like to hear some input from anybody. Anything is appreciated. When the numbers are actually broken down any profit you may have made by selling your home might not actually be as profitable as you had originally thought.

Update: Found this really cool tool from the N.Y. Times. Rent or Buy?

Stop Eating Meat!

2009-04-26T11:39:00.004-04:00

For the longest time, I had never really thought about eating meat and its effects on our world. I was, and continue to be an omnivore but more recently I have started to think about what it means when we order a burger from our favorite spot.
Earlier I thought people who didn't eat meat did so because they felt bad for the animals. I now realize that there are many other reasons not to eat meat. One reason is that the land that people use to raise cattle could be used to plant a hell of a lot more vegetables. Also, don't forget the energy and resources wasted to process the meat. Then there's the animal rights argument.
Check this article from the NPR, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103323943&ft=1&f=1053.
I don't think I will ever go completely vegetarian. After all, humans are meat eaters. I love me a good steak or a venison burger. Its just important that people know the impact of eating meat. I think eating meat sparingly is the way to go!

Arizona Vacation

2009-03-29T11:50:00.003-04:00

Recently I went to visit a couple friends in Tucson for a few days. The area was very nice. Being from the Midwest, seeing mountains and cacti everywhere was quite a site. I was generally turned off by all of the different shades of brown. Everything looked thirsty and needy. It is the desert, though, so what should you expect? Anyways, here is a link to my Picasa account with some pictures from the trip.

http://picasaweb.google.com/JaDatNilla/Arizona09?feat=directlink

Arnold Classic 09

2009-02-21T09:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I bought my tickets for the 2009 Arnold Classic Sports Festival. It is an annual three day event held in Columbus, Ohio that features a wide spectrum of sporting events and also a fitness expo with over 650 booths. You can find more information at one of my recommended sites, http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2009arnold_info.htm. As well as ticket information at http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/j4w9k7.
This will be my first year attending and I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. I have an interest in health and fitness and I think that being around a bunch of like minded people will be good. I will admire all the huge people walking sideways through doorways, men and women! Not only is there a bodybuilding competition, but a strongman as well. If I could only gain 20 pounds of lean muscle and drop 8-10% of my body fat in the next two weeks maybe I could compete! Good luck to me. Don't worry, I'm not serious.

There's a NEEDLE in your ass!

2009-02-07T15:46:00.004-05:00

With all the newly uprooted information surrounding Major League Baseball players and the use of illegal steroids, now is a good time to bring up the subject. Why not? All the major sports news networks are talking about it. With the recent announcement that Barry Bonds' 2003 urine sample tested positive for roids, and a newer report involving Alex Rodriguez of those nasty Yanks, steroids are again at the forefront. On an aside, why are those being tested now? Why weren't these guys caught five years ago?
Anyway, that is not what this post is about. I wanted to talk about my personal view on steroids. To me, I really don't care whether people choose to use steroids or not. After all, they're adults. If these choose to do illegal drugs, it's their choice. The justice system will deal with it, I don't have to concern myself.
Personally, though, the thought of using steroids has come in and out of my mind over the years. Starting in the late years of high school. I have always known guys that have used, and the great physical results that have come out of it. I have done research on the different types of steroids and their effects, positive and negative. I like the idea of a quick fix, a "magic" pill of sorts.
However, when I really thought about it, people do steroids for other people. Not including professional athletes, who may use just to be able to sustain the level of play necessary to make an enormous paycheck. I am talking about the average Joe. In the end, you're using to impress other people. To have rock hard abs and amazing biceps so you attract a gorgeous woman. So that other, smaller, weaker, guys in the gym look on in admiration of your physique. That's all well and fine, but it isn't for me. In the end you're putting your health in jeopardy, which is the exact opposite reason to why you should work out and lift weights. If its the personal recognition you are seeking, that's cool too I suppose, but do yourself a favor and do it naturally, or at least with regular vitamins and supplements. You will find that the extra hard work will be worth it. You will be more proud of your accomplishments, and will be able to look in the mirror and be proud of the body that YOU built. Not the needle.
Do it for yourself, not for others. Maintain a regular exercise and establish a clean diet with a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Preferably raw. As Russ Simmons would say, "DO YOU", and do it for you! Good luck.
All comments appreciated!

Language: Earth

2009-01-25T11:13:00.003-05:00

How would you like to be able to go nearly anywhere on the planet and be able to communicate with the people there? Call me crazy, but I think it would be a great idea for every school in the world to teach their national language as well as a new language I will call Earth. We could come up with a language, or simply convert everybody to speak...Chinese? To be fair, and so nobody complains we could also just develop a completely new language or divert back to latin.
I know this may seem crazy, but it could be quite a powerful tool if you go get off the airplane basically anywhere a major airline can take you and the people will instantly greet you with a language you can actually understand. Knowledge would spread much more rapidly and with more ease than before. People on this planet can begin to feel more one with others all across the globe.
If we start now, within a few generations this could happen. In a perfect little world, this would be how it worked. However, people are stubborn and those in high power generally don't want the majority of the population to be educated, so this is more unlikely to happen than getting struck by lightning and winning the lottery on the same day.
Comments?

Your Cellphone is Killing You!

2009-01-04T12:42:00.004-05:00

Okay, so perhaps it isn't that bad. However, I recently purchased a new LG cellphone. As I was reading through the owner's manual, towards the back in the safety section, I noticed a large nine page section titled "FDA Consumer Update". I immediately thought of articles I had read at http://http://www.educate-yourself.org/cpd/index.shtml about the dangers of cell phone use. I encourage you to check out the site as it is quite thought provoking. I will sum up some of what these nine pages contained.

Do wireless phones pose a health hazard? ...There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of Radio Frequency (RF) energy in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF in standby mode. So basically, the entire time the phone is on, its emitting microwave energy. Lower levels of what we use to cook our food. Held right next to our brains. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research.
What are the results of research already done? A few animal studies have suggested that low levels of RF frequency could accelerate the development of cancer in laboratory animals. Three large epidemiology studies have been published since December 2000. Between them, the studies investigated any possible association between the use of wireless phones and primary brain cancer, tumors of the brain, leukemia, etc etc. None of the studies demonstrated the existence of any harmful effects from wireless phone RF exposures. However, none of the studies can answer questions about long term exposures, since the average period of phone use in these studies was around three years. Even at my age, I have owned a cellphone for at least six years. I'm sure for many readers it is much longer.
What about children using wireless phones? Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised the children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For example, the government in the United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such recommendation in December 2000. Their recommendation to limit wireless phone use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists. However, they felt it necessary to issue these warnings! What does that tell us?

It also says that the backs of phones should be kept two centimeters away from the body. I don't think my phone is that thick, therefore, holding it up to my ear as usual isn't the way to go! This will definitely be on my mind next time I receive a phone call. Further, they mentioned that the levels safe for exposure was developed by an institution of engineers. Where are the doctors in all this?

This information came straight out of the owners manual! I was somewhat surprised to see this information right there in front of me. I was previously unaware of the dangers until I read the article listed above, and now seeing it in the manual makes it even more real. Why would this section have to exist if their wasn't some sort of concern?

Will I stop using my cell phone? No! I just bought it! LoL. It is, however, something that people should be aware of. Check out your owners manual and see for yourself.

A Little Time Now...

2008-12-29T21:04:00.004-05:00

My boss, quoting a physician he once visited, said something along the lines of "you can spend a little bit of time taking care of your health now, or you'll be paying it all back later." What he meant was that spending a few minutes exercising every day and making healthy food choices will pay off because in your later years you will be sitting in a doctors office all the time because your bad habits are beginning to catch up to you.
Let's face it. Doctor's visits can be a real waste of time. From the seemingly endless amount of time spent in the waiting room, to the wait in the actual room, to the fifteen seconds it takes your doctor to prescribe you with a drug and send you on your merry way, a lot of time is wasted. Add up a couple visits a year, or even worse a couple a month. One doctor for this, another for that, see a specialist for what you've got. As you can see all this time can add up rather quickly.
It doesn't have to be that way though. Exercise might not even have to be a set part of the day. Park further away, take the stairs, clean up. All of these can be a great way to incorporate a little more movement in your life. Just as important is the food choices you make. Take a couple seconds to plan a meal instead of going out to a restaurant or grabbing fast food. Not only will it save your money, it will save your waistline, and also probably minimize those doctor's visits.
A little time now goes a long way. Whether you do or do not, it will all balance itself out in the end.

Professional Athlete's Salaries

2008-12-13T12:52:00.005-05:00

People like to complain that professional athletes are way overpaid. I wouldn't disagree. The money these players make is insane. This money could be so much better spent. Our economy is at its lowest point in decades, yet athletes such as CC Sabathia get $161 million dollars over the course of seven seasons. Over 99.9% of the population of the entire world will never make this amount over the course of a lifetime. He now has enough money to get his great grandchildren through college and beyond if he so chooses.
Blame CC Sabathia? Blame the Yankees? Blame professional sports? NO! Blame yourself. We are the ones who are supplying these athletes with their paychecks. If nobody went to see a game, buy memorablia, play fantasy, etc. then these organizations wouldn't exist. Very simply put.
If you have a problem with it, stop going to games. Spend money on things way more important than entertainment. There are people starving right in your own neighborhood. We have the opportunity in this country to spend money how we choose. Stop complaining and do something about it!

Abraham Biggs

2008-11-23T22:14:00.005-05:00

The tragic story of this young gentleman needs to be told. If you want to read the entire story, Google his name. In short, this nineteen year old broadcast his suicide live on a social networking site Justin.tv.
People actually said things like "do it" and called him "faggot". Are you serious? How do you feel now? You are the people who should be dead right now. Not this poor, confused college student. You people suck. It's people like you that make this world such a terrible place to live. Show some compassion. It astonishes me that people could be so cruel. What was so great about talking shit to a complete stranger? Does it really make you feel good about yourself? When I first read this story I was genuinely shocked. Looking back, I realize I shouldn't be. Not in this world.
Eventually the human race will be able to come together and be one with each other. Keep the faith.
To be fair, there were people who tried to convince him not to do it, and somebody eventually called the police, and I applaud you for your actions. Although in the end it wasn't enough, at least you tried to do the right thing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
For the people who pushed him to do this, hopefully this teaches you an important lesson. Something you will never forget.
Don't be a hater.

Do You - Russel Simmons

2008-11-18T21:36:00.005-05:00

Quotes from "Do You" by Russell Simmons

Your imagination is God itself. - Paramhansa Yoganandi
Once you ruin your foundation, you can never build any higher.
Be conscious about the choices you make with your money and always try to support the people who support you.
Doubt, criticism, insecurity...is all noise. These are the sounds that slow us down.
You dream about making money, or about the money you lost, instead of appreciating that you're rich this very second.
The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive. - Thich Nhat Hanh
There's a reason you have two ears and one mouth. Once you stop talking, you'll be able to start listening to your higher self.
That's what a good life is all about: taking one of the skills God's blessed you with and actually acting it out.
Live your life as if you're already where you want to be.
Stalling is one of the worst things you can do to your dream.
The dictionary is the only place success comes before work. - Vince Lombardi
Instead of staring at the prize, stare at the process.
...worthless emotions like desire, resentment, apathy, pride, and envy (in yoga, known as the five Kleshas)
When you put in a hard days work, you'll sleep like a baby. Not because you're physically worn down, but you're spiritually lifted up.
Your happiness ultimately comes from the way you work, not where you work.
...ego stands for Edging God Out
...none of the truly good things in life have come from worrying.
When you're working your hardest, the world opens up to you. When you aren't, your mind becomes cluttered and the world becomes closed.
There's never only one way to react to a situation.
Patanjali's 5 Yamas are: Ahimsa, or the abstention from harmful actions. Satya, or abstention from lying. Asteya, or the abstention from theft. Aparigraha, or the abstention from the attachment to possessions. Brahmacharya, or the abstention from gratuitous sexual activity.
You don't have to listen to society. It's okay to look inside yourself and find an answer that's different from what society says.
We need to stop worrying about who's bad and who's good and start worrying about ourselves...our struggle to realize the divine in ourselves is why we often have such a struggle seeing it in others.
If you do good by the world, then the world will do good to you.
By lifting up others, you lift up yourself.
...as big as my house is, I've learned that I can only sit my ass in one chair at a time.
...the only purpose in life is giving back to the world.
As a society, we were rightfully outraged when thousands of innocent people were killed in the 9/11 attacks...yet the equivalent of seven 9/11's takes place everyday from preventable deaths around the globe and we act like it isn't happening.
We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness. - Thich Nhat Hanh
You can't be a good leader unless you're a good servant first.
Always check out new things for yourself before you judge them. Otherwise you're going to miss out on some incredible opportunity.
When you study the various spiritual scriptures, you begin to realize that nearly every one is the same.
It's more useful to bring people together than to divide.
Today I shall judge nothing that occurs.
You have to remember that Jesus wasn't a Christian, Muhammad wasn't a Muslim, Abraham wasn't a Jew, and the Buddha wasn't Buddhist...these great prophets didn't look to separate themselves...they were only interested in promoting ways to stay in union with God.
The more people can empower, the more blessings you will generate for yourself.
The successful people are the ones that listen to every opinion.
If you see a truth that's being ignored you have have to stick up for it.
You should always be looking at ways you can give, not ways you can take.

The Art of the Deal - Donald Trump

2008-10-12T12:56:00.004-04:00

Here's some of the quotes I enjoyed from The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump.

I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present.
The fact is...if you're right, you've got to take a stand or people will walk all over you.
Sometimes your best investments are the one you don't make.
I aim very high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing til I get what I'm after.
Its not how many hours you put in, it's what you get done while you're working.
If you're going to make a deal of any significance, you have to go to the top [of the company].
Much more often than you'd think, sheer persistance is the difference between success and failure.
The worst of times often create the best opportunities to make a deal.
Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war.

Why Men Don't Have a Clue... - Barbara and Allan Pease

2008-05-15T01:12:00.006-04:00

Quotes from the book, Why Men Don't Have a Clue and Women Always Need More Shoes.

"A woman needs to know but one man well to understand all men; whereas a man may know all women and not understand one of them." -Helen Rowland
"Men's brains are manotracked. They can't make love and answer questions on why they haven't taken out the garbage at the same time."
"The 'me,I' technique has four parts. It describes your partner's behavior, your interpretation of it, your feelings, and the consequences of their behavior on you."
"A child's behavior is a direct result of the parent training, good or bad."
"The greatest urge in human nature is to feel important."
"Nagging is the result of poor communication."
"7 things men do that drive women insane. Why do men continually offer solutions and give advice? Why do men keep flicking through the channels with the remote control? Why won't men stop and ask for directions? Why do men insist on leaving the toilet seat up? Why do men make such a fuss about going shopping? Why do men have such disgusting personal habits? Why do men love gross jokes?"
"Women allocate one point per action or gift, regardless of its size. If men ran a point-scoring system they'd allocate points relative to the size of the action or gift."
"For women, it's not the size that matters, it's frequency."
"Only enemies speak the truth. Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty." -Stephen King
"People say they love the truth but in reality they want to believe that which they love is true." -Robert Ringer
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." -Mal Pancoast

Some things to ponder...feel free to comment!

Two Sides to Every Coin

2008-03-27T13:26:00.004-04:00

Today in marketing management we were talking about a book called No Logo: No Space No Choice No Jobs by Naomi Klein. In which she apparently describes global brands to:

exploit third-world workers
increase unemployment
reduce domestic wages
erode workers' rights
censor media
debase local cultures

Which brings up a significant point. There are two sides to every story. We all must try and see both sides of an argument and rationally try to interpret it based upon our own beliefs. However, this is so much easier said than done. Very often, people only see things in one light. This is wrong. Take for example child labor. I am not condoning it in any way but just an anecdote.
What if that child, by going to work, is providing his family with food. Would you rather the family starve? Should the child resort to violence to feed his family? No, he should work. What if the company he is working for is providing housing, education and contributing in other beneficial ways to the community? Should he not work? Would the community have been better off not giving that opportunity? Some of you will argue yes. You are entitled to your opinion. Just know that there's always more than one viewpoint. Take both sides and filter them for yourself to arrive at an even greater truth.

The Power of Losing Control - Joe Caruso

2008-03-10T19:32:00.006-04:00

When I read, I like to write down certain quotes, phrases, examples, etc. I would like to eventually share all of these. I will start with The Power of Losing Control by Joe Caruso. All quotes are by the author unless indicated otherwise, but don't quote me on that.

If we see or hear a particular phrase, or witness a particular event, we can't really know that we've understood its specific meaning until we've read it or view it in context. If we see a man running down the street we can't really understand the meaning of his action until we become aware of its context. He might be running from a mugger, or because he just stole someones purse, or because he saw someone being hit by a car and is running to get help.
Understanding the power of context in any specific circumstance is one of the most profoundly important aspects of all human experience.
Finding power in a situation where you feel you've lost all control is a paradox -- an apparently self-contradictory statement or situation, or two opposite truths that, rather than cancelling each other out, actually lead to a greater truth.
By considering two apparently contradictory truths we can arrive at a higher or more meaningful kind of truth.
Sometimes pain is a choice. The nature of the struggle is up to us. We don't have to let fear control us.
Letting go of the illusion that we have complete control over our outcomes will free us from our fears, allow us to bring more of ourselves to the work we need to do, and enable us to find happiness and power no matter what life brings our way.
Need for understanding is a fundamental component of the human condition.
We are, in essence, who we tell ourselves we are. -Robert Walter
It's possible for someone with a negative driving myth to believe in it so deeply, live it so compellingly, and espouse it so eloquently that he or she can influence others to adopt it as well.
Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're right. -Henry Ford
The fact is that we can never really know how anyone else feels and that our feelings are never exactly the same as anyone else.
We can't give our opinions about anything without revealing a piece of ourselves. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
How you see the world reflects who you are, and who you are determines how you see the world.
Respond intelligently even to the unintelligent. - Lao-tzu
The man who makes everything for happiness depend on himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for happiness. - Plato
If you know yourself, commit yourself to understanding and managing yourself, and find the power within yourself to achieve the goals that will enhance and elevate the meaning of your life, you will find that your ability to influence others through your example will be exponentially enhanced.
To know your job is, in effect, to know your place in the world at any point in time and in every place over time. And, if you don't have a clear idea of what your job is in any given, there's no way you can do that job well.
The Four Rules of Engagement: 1) Everyone is always right. 2) Everybody's greatest desire is to be right. 3) You can't change another person's mind. 4) You can help people shift their perspectives.
There is no knowledge without experience. -Einstein
Counselors, psychologists, therapists, and social workers are quite familiar with the fact that, whether it is good for us or not, we will seek out those who will validate our myths and avoid those who contradict our myths.
It's difficult to let go of anything we define as valuable.

So there it was. Go pick up a book and start reading!

Total Quality Management

2008-03-05T13:23:00.004-05:00

The philosophy underlying TQM, as articulated by W. Edwards Deming, is based on the following five-step chain reaction:

Improved quality means that costs decrease because of less rework, fewer mistakes, fewer delays, and better use of time and materials.
As a result, productivity improves.
Better quality leads to higher market share and allows the company to raise prices.
This increases the company's profitability and allows it to stay in business.
Thus the company creates more jobs.

Deming identified a number of steps that should be part of any quality improvement program:

A company should have a clear business model to specify where it is going and how it is going to get there.
Management should embrace the philosophy that mistakes, defects, and poor-quality materials are not acceptable and should be eliminated.
Quality of supervision should be improved by allowing more time for supervisors to work with employees and giving them appropriate skills for the job.
Management should create an environment in which employees will not fear reporting problems or recommending improvements.
Work standards should not only be defined as numbers or quotas but should also include some notion of quality to promote the production of defect-free output.
Management is responsible for training employees in new skills to keep pace with changes in the workplace.
Achieving better quality requires the commitment of everyone in the company.

Hill, Charles W. L., and Gareth R. Jones. Strategic Management Theory, 7th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin,2007. 128.

Marketing Test

2008-02-19T16:41:00.003-05:00

A short story about today:
Our teacher had graded exam one and had them in class for us. He began by saying, blah blah blah, how was the test, blah blah blah..then he told the class that about on average, each multiple choice question takes about a minute (there were 58 questions). Some of you finished a little later then that, and well, one of you finished in thirty minutes and he stared right at me. I'm thinkin to myself, oh no! i blew this one didn't I? Then he was talking about somebody in the class got a 98% and that in his six years of teaching, nobody had ever done that well on the first exam. I peered around the room and came to the conclusion that it must have been the girl behind me, she seems to be quite intelligent.
He began by calling out our names alphabetically to approach him and privately view our scores. I was the second person called and I told him just to yell it out and that I didn't care whether people knew how well or badly I might have done. He replied, no no you must come up here. So now I'm thinking I'm really screwed. I see a 98, and since the test was out of 150 I was like yeah that's not too good. He then congratulated me and I looked next to the 98 and it said 147. I was shocked..I cooly played it off and gave him a "no shit?!". First time for everything I guess.

Ode to Beer

2008-02-07T14:42:00.001-05:00

Drink for you, drink for me
Drink an extra if it's free.

Drink in pajamas, drink in a suit
If she's ugly, drink til she's cute.

Drink on land and drink in the sea,
Drink some more, take a break to pee.

Drink a bottle, drink a can,
But don't foget the little man.

Drink a Miller or have a Bud,
Drink in dirt and drink in the mud.

Take some time to drink a beer.
Share a laugh, shed a tear.

Drink a Corona, drink Labatt's Blue,
Pay for me cuz this one's on you.

Drink when you're happy, drink when you're sad,
Drink if you're tired and drink if you're mad.

Whatever you are, drink with a smile.
For we all know, you'll be drunk in a while.

-Produced by the publisher, that's me!

A Little Life Lesson in...Skittles?

2008-02-02T19:37:00.001-05:00

Today I would like to share an intersting little anecdote. I was in my room with my friend, we'll call him Osurd, and I had a bag of the new chocolate mix skittles. Sidenote: comes in flavors such as vanilla, s'mores, milk chocolate and brownie batter, *product recommendation* haha. Back to the original story. So I offered him the bag of skittles, which only had about five left. He replied, "Oh, thanks man. Theres like 5 skittles in here."
Now to some, that may have seemed like an okay response. But it took me aback a little. Those were my last five skittles. It's not like I was eating the whole bag and only offered him some at the end. The bag was left over, we had been eating them the night before. So my point is, try to focus on the positives. I didn't have to offer those skittles at all. Appreciate the fact that instead of taking them for myself, I offered them to you. I don't want or need somebody to praise me for it and tell me how gracious I am, but don't come at me with something like that.
I know it was just a small thing, but it made me think a little, enough at least to write it down. Take a step back and see things for how they are, not how our confused minds' want us to see.

Healthy Recipe and Randomness

2007-12-19T12:15:00.001-05:00

I got my grades! 3.407. The best semester to date! Also, a lady at my work gave me a scratch off ticket for Christmas and I won $20! I've never won that much before! LoL, simple pleasures.

As for the recipe, its a new way to enjoy a healthy classic, tuna fish.

Preheat small frying and apply fat free non-stick spray
Mix tuna and mayo (light or fat free) in a bowl as usual.
Beat one egg (or egg white) and dip one side of 2 pieces of bread (i use wheat) into the mixture.
Add other extras, I prefer american cheese and jalapenos.
Put the sandwich into the pan and cook on each side until golden brown.
Enjoy!

I don't know the specific nutritional facts but I know it has a lot of protein!

Last day of work until the beginning of January. Good stuff.

First Blog!

2007-12-18T12:17:00.002-05:00

So today I make journey into the world of online blogs! I haven't had too much experience with blogging but I feel like sometimes I have some things to say. Whether or not anyone reads it is really not my concern, but I'm hoping that those who do will get something positive out of it.
I am currently awaiting the results of this semester. Thus far I have 3 out of 4 grades posted and I have a 3.55. I am expecting the last grade to be a B so that'll drop me to around a 3.4 but that will still best my previous high gpa of 3.17. We shall wait and see.
My Christmas shopping is finished. I'm pretty happy with all my purchases and feel that all the recipients will be pleased. I enjoy shopping for my family and significant other. Its the one time of the year I don't mind going in debt, as long as they are happy.
I guess that's enough to tickle my fancy for now. Feel free to comment! Happy holidays and may you all stay safe.