The Importance of Voting

There's was a time, long ago, when men and women threw everything they knew aside and cast themselves into the unknown. Taking everything they hold dear, they directed their future toward uncertainty because they believed the struggle was worth it. With a promise of freedom of religion, oppression, and a new life, they took a leap. That leap was remarked as foolish. It was laughed at, mocked, and envied.

Never before had a group taken such a grand stand against monarchy and routine government. To leave the known world and literally sail into hope. Hope is a monstrous thing. It can make men do the impossible. It can make people believe the unbelievable. Our founders fought for hope. Our ancestors died for hope. They fought the biggest fight our nation has ever seen because they had hope for a future that they could only dream about. Hope starts with a dream. A dream festers within an individual until that individual believes that dream to be achievable or even real. That is hope at work.

When someone tells you they have a dream, they are planting a seed of hope. You may not see it right away, but you can feel it growing if you believe in the dream. Susan B. Anthony had nothing more than a dream. It's amazing how a dream can grow into something so much more. Our founding fathers had a dream handed to them by a group immigrants that were tired of being told how to live. Those immigrants pursued that dream so that their decedents could have that hope of freedom.

Over time, our loved ones have died for that same freedom. That death should not be in vain. Your voice is just as free as you. Voting is another way that your voice is used.

Because Once is Never Enough (I'm Lying)

I would like to start by saying, "Hello." I've been very busy and FaceBook is such an outlet that I haven't needed the blog. Actually, I only use Revamp if it's too long for FaceBook. That being said, I have one of those stories for you tonight.

As many of you may be unaware, I have been in the hospital again. Yes, another Spontaneous Pneumothoraux! If you are asking yourself what that crazy word means, read the earlier post entitled My Lazy Lung. If you've already read it, then you know it, basically, means my lung collapsed with no warning signs. Allow me to explain.

I went to work on Tuesday morning with a slight pain in my pectoral. I paid it little attention due to the volume of work over the days before. I just assumed I was sore and needed a good hour to warm it up. However, I also, in the back of my mind, was afraid of what it could be. After moving a pallet at one store and really recognizing the pain, I refused to believe it. I moved on to another store and began to work. This time, after taking 30 minutes to work product that would normally take 8-10, I began to worry. It wasn't until I was actually short of breath that I chose to give in to reality and called my wife to tell her the bad news. Seeing how she noticed my chest pains earlier as well, she was not surprised. She had actually asked me before I left the house if I was feeling well.

Long story short, I had surgery and the Dr. removed (about) 4% of my right lung, "glued" the lung to the chest cavity, and did it all with a tiny camera and a robotic arm with a scissor/stapler combo. Pretty awesome technology, I must admit. The "glueing" process was similar to last time, with two major exceptions. One, I was out cold and two, he was able to place the "glue" exactly where he needed it as opposed to just filling my cavity and letting it fall where it may.

All and all, I should never have to experience that again... because of my right lung. I will be on Advair for about 6 months so that my lung can rebuild and learn to work with it's new size and shape. I will have to do some test along the way to ensure my lung capacity and overcome any shortness of breath.

I would like to say thank you to my wife, Becky, for always being by my side. She is my person. Now and forever. Also, mom, dad and aunt Glinda, thank you for coming down and being here for the surgery. It was a scary day and Becky needed support in the waiting room. Thank you for that. Everyone that called and text throughout the week, thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I felt them and He listened.

On a more personal note, I want to admit that I was more shaken up by this than I normally would have been had I not lost my grandfather to the exact surgery less than nine months ago. It made it harder to cope and harder to agree to. That being said, I was not afraid to go on the table. Whatever will be, will be. I just couldn't bare the thought of my family losing two members to the same thing. I'm glad that did not happen. I miss you Levi Bill Smith. I always will.

Kids Today

I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere in time, people got lazy. I don't mean that people are sitting at home not doing anything, it just seems that the a lot of workers have decided that they don't need to do anything but the minimum. From where does this mentality stem?

While I'm no model associate or some beacon of light that companies can use to guide their employees, I just believe in hard work. I have seen the decline of attitude, workmanship, quality and overall efficiency in the last few years. Maybe it's due to the fact that I have grown up and decided that my life and future are up me, as opposed to sitting around, waiting on a handout. I believe attitude has more to due with it than anything else.

You are entitled to nothing. I'm sorry that I had to be the one to tell you.

I understand some readers may be taken aback by this post, but the truth is sometimes painful to those that have been numb to it. I do not wish to offend anyone, however, I am tired of picking up messes, listening to excuses and doing the jobs of said employees. If you can not focus on your job and do it to the best of your ability... quit. The unemployment rate is 9% in the United States. I'll find someone who wants to make money and wants to keep making it.

I'm relatively young so I'm not certain that generational stereotypes are a good source of blame. I believe there are many factors. People are tired of economic struggles, promises of change with no execution, lies, jobs being taken overseas, etc. I get that. I am as well. I just can't let that be an excuse. No matter what a politician says (or most people for that matter), I'll believe it when I see it. It's hard living in this Free World where everyday people are losing houses, losing jobs and losing a way of life, but don't let your poor quality of work be the reason.

I'm blessed to live in a good state with a strong economy, low unemployment rate (5.6%) and strong companies that are in need of employees. I'm also blessed to realize that my employment is up to me.
Do I like the fact that I HAVE to work? No.
Do I show that by being lackadaisical in performance? No.
I've had many jobs in my life. I've been promoted at most of them (too be honest, I didn't want to be promoted at the amusement park. I liked playing in the bumper boats with the kids. It was fun).

The point is this, I've done my job. I've done my job well. I do not want to do yours also...

New Thresholds

Patients Log
Aug. 19, 2011
Day 5

It's impossible for one to know their tolerance level without testing it. Whether it be for pain, patience or some other form of torture, limits would have to be pushed in order to know the true strength of oneself.

I have truly tested my self on both of the examples above: pain and patience. Sitting in a room for 5 days will truly test patience. While I have not yet met my limit, I have found myself keeping the door open just for the opportunity to wave at a passerby. Nurse's have become my link to the outside world and my wife actually looked forward to doing laundry this week! She was happy to do it because she got to go home for a couple of hours. I've been seen around the halls at night, carrying a machine attached to my chest via a tube, just to get a bag of ice and a glass of water. Honestly, I have water but the walks are the best part of the night. I have a few minutes, with Becky, to get out of the room and actually walk (I've been in this bed so long, my tailbone hurts).

As for pain, I experienced the most painful thing I have ever even imagined Thursday morning. To make it worse, they basically woke me up to do it! I can handle a lot of things, but I do not like to be woke up to go places or do something right off the bat. I digress; back to the pain.

Pleurodesis

In short, this procedure is a chemical way to keep your lung from leaking. To start, the doctor puts about 50 ML (estimated) of a (liquid) chemical into your chest tube. From the moment the doctor starts pushing that liquid, you can feel pressure in your chest and it burns for the first 3 minutes or so. After all of the chemical has been pushed through and you are so full that you can't breathe, the nurse will clamp the tube for 30 minutes so that the chemical can not drain out. At this time, the doctor will leave and leave the aftermath to the nurse. (Just another example of why nurse's are the heartbeat of the hospital. I feel, especially after this week, doctors are too busy to deal with patients and their questions.I say the 'too busy' part sarcastically, but I'm not a doctor so I don't know what they are doing the other 23 hours and 52 minutes out of the day.)

I can barely describe the intense pain that I felt during this time. It's close to what I believe drowning feels like. I had so pressure built up in my chest, and more importantly against my lung, that it was impossible to inhale fully. It was hard to inhale at all. I was gasping for every breath. I was trying to tell the nurse that I couldn't breath, but she knew that and only had one piece of advise for me, "Relax. Relax your muscles and breathe as deep as you can."

I will admit that I was as tense as the atmosphere of a first date after the telling of a poor humored joke that the other found offensive... seconds before the check came, but I was drowning on dry land! I had no intention of relaxing! I fought my basic instinct of Fight or Flight and chose to remain as calm as possible and believe I would be alright (and by calm, I mean stay tense, TRY to relax for about 30 seconds, then, have back spasms because my muscles were tired of being locked tight). At one point, Becky turned the iPod on and attempted to use it as a Focal Point to help me breathe and relax. It worked too... for about 4/5 of a song. Only 15 minutes to go.

At the 30 minute mark, the nurse, Sarah, unclamped the tube and allowed the liquid to drain. It did not drain. Well, it may have drained, but it WAS NOT fast enough! I actually told Sarah she lied and asked, "What was the point of counting down?" I did apologize later for that and she said, "Don't worry. You took that really well and it did not hurt my feelings one bit."

I laid in bed for the next 2 hours as this poison leaked out of me at "The Speed of Smell." The pain in my chest slowly eased. However, the muscle in my lower back intensified, causing the right shoulder, right pectoral and abdomen to follow suit. Luckily, Sarah was able to reach my doctor and ask about a more potent shot to ease the pain. While morphine has been a very dear friend to me this past week, the liquid muscle relaxer that I was introduced to quickly won me over. Sarah also granted my request for a heating pad. I knew I liked Sarah!

I sit here today well rested and nearly pain free. The nurses come in from time to time to check vitals and ask, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how is your pain level right now?" Never again will I answer that question with a 10... at least I hope not.

My Lazy Lung

"Breath is Spirit. The act of breathing is Living. ~Author Unknown"

The complexity of something so simple is astounding to me. One second, you're lying on the couch enjoying the mindless shenanigan's of a syndicated sitcom, the next, you are flat on your stomach, on the floor, trying to talk yourself into ignoring the pain caused by inhaling long enough to take one more breath. It's a funny thing, this moment... Alright, not so funny IN the moment, but later, you will laugh. I promise.

I think you now know what led to me being in this hospital bed. Starting with the pain of what appeared to be a pinched nerve in my right shoulder blade (Aug. 9th), I tried to stretch it out by laying down. That was a mistake. I remember chuckling at my wife when she was sprawled out on the bed, a couple years ago, with a pinched nerve, thinking she was being a weenie... She was happy to return the favor... With interest.

After learning to laugh at myself while having a diaphragm on fire, I picked myself up off the floor and iced my shoulder for the remainder of the night. The next morning (Aug 10th), I made my way to the Chiropractor to be radiated (X-Rays), poked (acupuncture) and twisted (adjustment). I went back the next day, as well, before going to my job to hand in my doctor's note. They sent me to the clinic they use, in case the injury occurred on the job. It was there I was told the true source of my pain.

Spontaneous Pneumothoraux
**If you've never heard of this condition, you're not alone. I had never heard of it before Thursday (Aug. 11th). I put a link in the name of the condition (above) so that you could become familiar with the types of Pneumotharaux that exist. This is a painful and, apparently, common thing. If you or a loved one are 20-30 years old, then read about it and know what the symptoms are.**

Thursday afternoon, after walking around with my lung laying atop my stomach, I was admitted to the E.R. with a collapsed lung. I was treated as a First Priority Patient. I was the least nervous person in the room. I was swarmed by upwards of 18 people at times, signed more pages of consent than I've ever seen, set up with an I.V., and had a tube in my chest faster than the Micro-Machine Man could read a disclaimer about choking on his product. It all went pretty smoothly, aside from having to readjust the tube twice after the initial insertion.

After an overnighter, a few more doses of radiation, and a sippie cup that probably cost ME more than the wheelchair that I rode out on, I was off to live my life... for Three Days.

On Monday (Aug. 15), I went to the doctor's office because I didn't feel as well as I believed I should have. I was right to worry. My lung had decided to take another vacation to Tropic of Stomach: South Resort. Great news... if you like bad food, needles in your arms and tubes in your chest. Good thing the morphine is plentiful! I had scar tissue that was still rather fresh. I didn't want a tube sucking on my insides for 3-4 days, trapped in the off-white walls and yellow rustic of that bed. As if I had a choice, right?

I could write a novel about my experience at this facility, but I'll keep this post short. Today (Aug 17th), I have been in this room for over 48 hours and have at least 24 remaining. Possibly, 48. I keep sane by posting on FaceBook, Twitter, and reading about the relationship of The Pioneer Woman and Marlboro Man. Even more than all the technology, Becky has been here. She has kept me laughing, played cards with me and played a whole lot of "Go-For!" When I was stuck in this bed so long that my tailbone feels bruised, she was the one running down the hall for ice, holding my hand whileni try to get up and go to the restroom, or pick everything up because bending over makes my lung hurt. She has really put her fear of this situation on the back burner and made sure I was comfortable. What else is new, that's how she operates. Enjoy laughing at my pain as I hope to post anecdotes and quips on Revamp the longer I stay.

I would like to say that I love my readers and am happy to be able to post this story. It could have been a more tragic story, brought to you from another view point. Life IS that fragile.

Does Dreamer's Disease Need a Cure?

I feel I do have Dreamer's Disease. I'm always thinking of ways to improve technology or inventing the "Next Big Thing." I've had countless ideas that were actually feasible and within reason of putting the effort and time into developing. I use this energy to make music, write Stand-Up material, write and perform in skits, and mostly, annoy my wife with constant ramblings and insane ideals of book writing (I have written the first chapter and have the setting, plot, and most characters completed, but I've really lost interest). While Dreamers Disease is probably one of the best "illnesses" you can acquire, it's no Goal Setter's Syndrome. I'll explain.

Dreamer's Disease is an infatuation of realistic ideals that one conjures in daily life (examples are above). While dreaming about ways to improve your life or the lives of those around you is good (and healthy), all in all, you're still only dreaming. Goal Setter's Syndrome differs in one significate aspect... By setting goals, and achieving them, accomplishments follow. In other words, dreams are important to development, but goals are essential to dreamers.

I've spent a good amount of my "illness" making excuses for my worst attribute: procrastination. I think overcoming procrastination is the key to moving past DD and inheriting GSS. Excuses are just another form of my attribute.

"If I had a keyboard/midi controller, I could make better beats. I NEED one."

My procrastination shall no longer stand. It will crumble to goals I set and cower as I come closer to achieving them. I've decided that dreaming is now just a step in my goal making process. Dream to believe in the possibility; set a goal to achieve my dreams.

Taking Over Your Dreams

If you've never seen the show "Futurama," allow me to explain a small detail of the show. The show takes place in the year 3001. Companies have the ability to "beam" commercials into your head while you sleep. Commercials that involve you and make you have a connection with the product in the "commercial." Pretty crazy idea, yet brilliant. I'm sure that corporations today would LOVE to develop this technology. Anyway, my point...

Last night, I had a dream that really made me think. I dreamt that I purchased a new phone. I believe it was a Samsung Galaxy S or a Droid X. Doesn't really matter, it was a dream after all. I played with this phone quite a while in this dream. I remember feeling frustrated trying to use the touch screen. Getting mad at the phone for not being as easy to use as my old phone. I was furious at this phone for dropping a call, being hard to text on, and the overall performance and User Interfacing. I even went as far as wanting to go back to AT&T and taking advantage of the 30 day return policy and buying a new version of my old phone.

I understand that at this point of my story you are wondering, "What is he rambling about? What is the point?" Good question. Here's it is.

Does Apple have a machine that can interfere with my dreams!? I was really upset with that phone. I woke up literally appreciative of my iPhone 4! That got me thinking... And now I'm asking you, have you ever had something like this happen? Have you ever woke up and been happy to have a PC over a Mac or have a Ford over a Chevy? Just wondering.

Troubled Times for All

Today is the day. I have already released the album for listening, but today is the day you can download it!

The process is simple:

Go Bandcamp.com;

Click Buy Now;

Either put zero dollars to download it for free,
or put how ever much you would like to pay for the album.

You're done!


I would also like to point out my Favorites:

Discrimination Scrutinizer (Change)
Haunted (Never Stop Me)
I Had To (Outta the Streets)

Of course, I love them all.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Are you getting sick of standing there looking pretty? Do you want to hide away in your box until December comes around? I want you gone too. Quit staring at me. It's not like I broke your favorite ornament. Why can't you pack yourself up?

B: You really need to take down the Christmas tree.

J: I don't want to take down the Christmas tree.

B: I don't want to take it down either.

J: I put it up, you take it down.

B: I don't want to take it down.

J: You're off all day Saturday.

B: You're off all day today.

J: Maybe we don't have to take it down. It's not bothering me.

B: It is pretty.

J: Maybe it will fit in the closet like that...

B: Maybe.

Sorry little fella. Looks like you're going to stand still and look pretty for an undetermined amount of time. Maybe we'll change your ornaments and call you a Valentine's Day tree. Eh, doubtful. We'll probably leave the same ornaments on and call you a Valentine's Day tree. Yeah, that's more realistic.

I Saw the Signs...

Last week, I bought a new hair remover cream at Sally's. I didn't really need one, but it wasn't Nair, and I hate the way Nair smells, so I thought what the hell, I'll give it a whirl. All the signs told me DO NOT put this stuff on your upper lip, but did I listen? Noooo!

1st sign: It was 4.99, but it rang up 9.99, and I didn't realize it until I had already paid, so I had to get a refund.

2nd sign: I was reading the directions where it CLEARLY said, "No Odor" I could smell it already and the cap wasn't even off, so obviously my definition of no odor is vastly different from theirs.

3rd sign: I take off the cap, and what appeared to be water started running down the bottle and my hand. I thought that's weird. I hadn't used it in the shower, so where did the water come from? I smell my hand, and OMG it smelled like nasty, nasty skunk chemical.

4th sign: I get it all cleaned up and screw the cap back on, and the part attached to the bottle (think toothpaste: the part that the toothpaste comes out of) breaks off...it breaks the F off. So here I am standing with this crap I will probably end up throwing in the garbage.

Despite all the signs, I put it on my upper lip. About 15 seconds go by, and it starts to burn, and the smell is miserable. I think to myself, I can do this. 15 more seconds go by, and by this time my lip is on FIRE. I start trying to wash it off, and it is like gum on the bottom of your shoe it just won't come off. By this time my head is under the faucet, and maybe just maybe a tear rolls down my cheek.

I finally get the fire off my upper lip, and I get out the hand mirror to see what kind of damage I had done. It worked! I was supposed to leave that crap on my lip for 4-6 minutes, and in a mere 30 seconds it did its job.

Moral of the story? Don't use Clean + Easy Hair Remover from Sally's. Unless you're into that kind of thing, and by kind of thing I mean torture... My lip burned for hours.

Self Aware

Today, I was creating a short resume to apply for a promotion at my job. Creating a list of skills was part of this process. I know a resume is a way to make yourself look good in a short amount of space and highlighting your best attributes is key. However, it got me thinking about the traits and habits that most people hide or flat out ignore.

Self awareness is defined as: aware of oneself, including one's traits, feelings, and behaviors. That goes for good or bad. I'm aware that I bite my nails, have a tendency to ramble on about unimportant matters and can ignore everything around me when focused on something. Those are a few of my bad.

I believe that Self Awareness is probably the most important attribute that one can possess. It has to be True Awareness though. One can not dwell on minute details that makes one have false belief. For example, I'm aware that my nose is big. I don't believe that I am ugly because of this though. I feel that other features I have balance out that "honker" and give it character.

I'm sure the purpose of this post. I guess I just wanted to put this out there for people to see and give everyone a little glimpse into my thoughts for the day.

Building self-esteem and confidence come from self awareness. Making life-altering decisions come from it, as well. You have to know yourself before you can move in the right direction from whatever obstacle you may be facing. Whether that obstacle is: deciding your major in college; finding a job that is right for you; potentially ending a marriage/relationship; etc., self awareness is the first step.


Being self aware is knowing:

• what you want in your life


• your strengths and weaknesses


• what motivates you and makes you happy


• what you want to change about yourself or about your life


• your achievements so far


• how you relate to others


• you need to improve as a person


• your most important beliefs and values


• how you see yourself as a person

WHatever you are doing in life, I hope you are happy. If not, dig deeper and find happiness.

I Want to Hold Your Hand Mitten....

A little bit about our oh so glamorous life (Every time I say the word glamorous I want to burst out in song thanks to Fergie; she taught people across the world how to spell glamorous).

Anyway....

We have a bedtime routine. John always kisses me goodnight and we will hold hands or touch in some fashion until we drift off. Last night was extra special because it is winter time people, and we all know that winter makes your skin dry. I crawled into bed wearing my mittens (sexy, right?) because my hands were saturated with lotion, and believe it or not wearing mittens/socks/gloves really does help. John held my mitten. Ain't love grand?

I probably just confirmed several marriage stereotypes, but I wouldn't have it any other way. ♥ It doesn't get any better than this people.

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S.

My Favorite Things - 2010 Edition

I stole this idea from someone else, then I took over my husband's blog to put it out there for the world to read. I guess that makes me....not very original. Now that we've cleared that up, here are a few of my favorite things from 2010.

1. iPhone 4. I fought the smartphone thing for the longest time. I made up all kinds of excuses why I didn't want/need one. Basically, what it boiled down to is I'm cheap. Plain and simple. The iPhone 4 changed my life. I'll have an iPhone for as long as they make them.

2. Pumpkin Roll Scentsy Bar. It's divine. It makes my house smell like Fall. I've also heard it is an aphrodisiac, but I can't confirm or deny that.

3. Big Bang Theory. The funniest show on television. Period. We discovered it this year and watched all the past seasons. This show has made me laugh so much this year. "Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur..."

4. Dark Kiss by Bath and Body Works. Everyone needs to start praying RIGHT NOW that this scent doesn't get discontinued. That always happens to me. I LOVE it, and usually when I fall in love with a scent they discontinue it.

5. Sony Vaio Netbook. This little guy has made traveling and going to class so much lighter. It's fun. My niece loves it. She's three and she thinks it is just her size.

6. Tide Febreze Sport. Smells phenomenal. Since I don't actually do the laundry around my house, the only requirement I have of laundry detergent is that it smell good. This one fits the bill.

7. Adidas Kanadia. I have always loved Adidas. This shoe takes comfort to the next level. I like that it isn't boring. It's a fun, lightweight, super comfy sneaker. I wear them a lot more than I thought I would.

8. Gardetto's Deli Style Mustard Pretzels. Need I say more? Yum.

That's all I've got for now. I hope everyone has a fabulous 2011. Maybe I'll blog a little this year, or maybe I won't. We'll see.

Becky

New Album Listening

Hello, All.

I have decided to allow you, the readers of this blog, access to my New Album Early. You can't download it yet, but you may listen as much as you want. I hope you like the music and feel the passion that I have put into it.

Enjoy it HERE

*Editor's Note:
Some of the songs are older and sound that way. After the purchase of new equipment, I re-recorded a couple of them, but not all (Don't hold that against me). I would also like to point out my Favorites:

Discrimination Scrutinizer (Change)
Haunted (Never Stop Me)
I Had To (Outta the Streets)

Of course, I love all of the songs. Those are just the ones I'm feeling more right now.

God Speaks!

It's amazing how the Lord decides to connect with you. He has the ability to do anything He so desires, and He chooses to speak to me today! I have friends that are Christians. Some that are fully devout and others whom are studied but choose to move through life in their own way. I read the Bible and know the word, yet choose to stay away from Organized Religion (Remember: Religion is interpretation), a topic for another time. Yet Jesus and/or God chose to send a stranger to me to remind me that He is there and waiting.

Now, Dale is not a "perfect" stranger. He cleans the floors at the Super Center I start my day at. We've had the morning "Hello. How are you today." Today was different. I don't remember how it started but today Dale stopped and talked for a minute... and it was right on time. We started talking about how the world has changed over the last decade or so, and how it all seems a bit surreal. Then, he asked me a question that I haven't heard in many years,

"Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?"

"Of course I have," I replied. As we continued to talk, we discussed Revelations, it's author and moved back towards the topic of a changing world.

I'm amazed by the feeling I had walking away from Dale today. Even though I believe that Jesus is my Savior and the one that I will follow through the fire if need be, it stands as a reminder that He is there and that He wants you to know that. God is good... God is good.

Thank you, Dale. You'll be on my mind as I take another look at this Earth. Maybe one day I can come back to you and bring you a perspective that gives you a little of the feeling that you passed to me today. God Bless, my friend.

Discography for Life

This is something I have thought about many times. It's almost an "If you were stranded on an island" question, but slightly different. I have given this much thought and have narrowed it down. I probably won't have an answer until the end of this post. Here goes...

"If you could only listen to one artist/band/group, past and future recordings, for the rest of your life, who would it be?" (I'd really like to know WHY as well. Add that to your comment please)

At first look, this question seems easy, but consider the overall scenario. One artist/band/group FOREVER! No other music. No other artist/band/group. What does one base their decision on? Most current albums vs. new artist with tons of potential? Past Star with a catalogue of hits vs. (once again) newer artist with only one album that really touched you? So many choices.

I eventually came to the decision that Eminem would not be the winner. While I love his music, his last album only had about half the power of his first 3. Jay-Z? Another great rapper, but not the one.
The Top 3:
Maroon 5
Kid Rock
John Mayer

Looking up all three, you'll see multiple parameters of thinking.

Maroon 5: While they've been around since 2002, they only have 2 (and a B-Sides so 1/2) albums

Kid Rock: Started as a rapper in the early 90's and moved into a Country/Rock genre all his own. Old-School Hip/Hop and Rock mixed with Country and some Soul.

John Mayer: With 4 Major Studio Albums, The John Mayer Trio Album, and some here and there side projects, he has the past work and the potential for more.

Whew! This is tough! LOL
All things considered, I believe my Musical Life now belongs to... John Mayer! Sorry M5 and all others. John Mayer speaks to me on levels that most other artist only TRY to on one or two songs. Meanwhile, EVERY JM song is an experience for you soul and brain.

No Offense but...

I go to a Barber Shop where multiple people are there waiting to serve. Usually when I walk in, one person is anxiously waiting for the next customer to walk in. That would be me. Having been to this establishment before (over the last 6 years, it's been my only place I go to get a trim), I have found one person that I like and another I will use in this persons absence. I assume that most people have a specific person they trust to not mangle their mane. My stylist name is Laura.

Today when I arrived, there were 2 stylist waiting and Laura was with someone. They took my name as usual and asked me to come back. Here comes the namesake for this post. When I told them that I would like to wait for Laura, they look at me as if I just told them that they had the Bubonic Plague and to stay away from me! Maybe it's just me, but after giving a few other people in that shop an opportunity, and they chopped at my hair like they were trimming a bush with a sling blade, I believe I reserve the right to wait for a stylist I trust. I have stated too many times that customer service is about the customer (imagine that), and that the consumer should take a stand to ensure they are treated (and, well, serviced) to their expectations. I would like to go on record and state this,

"No offense, but I will not be another tip. Another in and out customer that you can herd through like cattle to make another dollar. I will point out your bad attitude and overall displeasing professionalism. If you wrong me, make it right on your own accord. Apologize for your lack of passion and send me another Customer Service Representative so that my experience at your establishment may be one that will make me return."

Later, a riveting story about Texas Roadhouse and a lying waitress...

Real Men of Genius (Mr. Multiple Hat Wearer Guy)

I made my own Real Men of Genius Commercial about my friend Doug. Hilarity ensues. ( Set-Up - Doug works at a company where he does many, many things and is called upon to do a variety of jobs. For that, I say he wears Multiple Hats.)

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Welcome Back

I've decided it's time to get back to blogging and leave FaceBook a little less overcrowded with my nonsense and ramblings. So, I'll ramble on here instead! LOL That said, here we go...

Closer to Technology, Further from You

Hi, Everyone! It's been a LONG time since I last posted... Almost 5 months!! It's hard to believe it's been so long concidering all the capabilities allowed to me these days. I have an iPhone with internet access, a Wi-Fi network at home for my desk and laptop (so theoretically, I could blog from the couch), and email blogging availible to Revamp as well (iPhone has 3 email accounts... just sayin). Yet, here we are 5 months later and I'm finally back on.

So while I have been FaceBooking (I think i just made that a verb) like a mad man, I don't seem to have time to blog. Hmmmm. Whatever! I'm on now and that's the important part. What's been going on with my followers? How's life? Any exciting news out there? I have some!

I start with "real" work (the money making work). I earned a Trainer position at my job and have been working on "improving the craft." I get to show the Probies the RIGHT way to do things and honestly... I don't work as hard. I have to the first week or so but on week 2-4 of training, I have to let the trainee pick up the speed.

On to "fun" work! I should have a New Album out January!! I'm waiting on a "Special Guest" and myself for one more song and mixing. This album shows to be more uplifting, less "basement" sounding, and more seasoned (Shameless to self-hype, but I'm the only one who's heard it all).

Well, I'm waiting to find out what's going on in your life. Until later!