Olfactory Removal

Nostalgia…..Rulz….&….Bites

Nostalgia is truly a double-edged sword. With every smile it brings, it can also bring a tear. Tonight I hung out with one of my good friends Ed. Ed is huge. He is 6’8 and tons of fun. He is also a bartender in downtown Orlando, so he is very well connected. I spoke with him earlier in the day and we decided to get together. I had not really hug out with him since I got back in December.

Being a friend of a bartender has its perks, let me tell you. Ed gets much love from all the local ladies and the bartenders….SWEET!!! I wish I was still a lush because we did not have to pay for anything tonight. In my younger days, I would be sleeping on someone couch instead of typing at 2am…I kept it lo-key and had a beer & a red bull… to keep me awake.

Ed is a dear friend from high school. Just being around him makes me glad that I moved back home. I always envisioned myself being around the people I grew up with. In Cali I never felt as close to the people as I do in Fl. The people here just know me inside and out. Ed and I discussed the upcoming wedding for are friend Lou this weekend and the drunken debauchery that will follow with the old crew. A good portion of my high school click the “Mail Men” will be in attendance as one of our founding fathers is being tied in holy matrimony. Ed and I joked about funny stories of the past and how many drinks it would take before they all came out!! This was good nostalgia.

As we bar hopped around downtown, I was amazed at Ed’s treatment. He was not “rockstar” status, but he has the “Norm” from cheers appeal. Before he would sit down, a cold bud light would be waiting for him. Each of the 4 places we visited tonight had some form of live music playing. The last two places had guys with guitars playing solo covers. Downtown Orlando is not 6th street Austin…but it has it’s moments.

In the movie “Someone Like You”, Ashley Judd plays a jaded ex who goes through extremes in order to get over a former boyfriend. In one scene she goes to a doctor to have a gland (olfactory) in her nose removed just to avoid smelling the cologne of her ex. The sent drove her crazy and made the hurt worse. Ashley, I’m feelin you!! (btw, I love AJ…any woman that passionate about college basketball is a hottie in my book)
I do not want to get my olfactory removed, but maybe my eardrums. The most important sense to me is hearing. It is so important that I am able to listen to music that I wonder what would happen if I ever went deaf. As I child I would often get horrible ear aches/infections and be unable sleep until the wax was drained out. As I got older my hearing got tremendously better and I able to establish what is called “relative pitch”. (A music thing that can be important for band nerds like me!!) As I listen to music, certain chord progressions or key changes can instantly remind me of an overture once played. This can be an awesome gift as music is one of my greatest passions. This can also be a tremendous burden as tonight in the last two bars, songs were played that reminded me of a former girlfriend. Instantly I became silent and withdrawn from the world around me. Even though the relationships is now over, my overall feelings were taken back to a time when I was extremely happy…that consequently made me sad…go figure!! Although I am to blame for my current situation, which almost makes it worse, I tried to find the silver lining in this cloud… I do know this, for every unhappy memory; there is a wonderful one that brightens my day. Though the pain of lost love sting lingers, the fulfillment of true passion I once attained can be a soothing symphony.

Nostalgia can be such a paradox.

Smell these roses!!

This is my nephew Joshua. He is very very cute. Joshua is taking advantage of the day. Oh to be a child. Shortly after this photo we began playing his favorite video game, Chicken Little. This was a big mistake. After ten minutes I could not watch him run around in circles anymore. I began to help him every now and then.

I left the room to clean up the kitchen and search for jobs online. Each time little Joshy would get stuck on Chicken Little, I would hear: “uncle…..Uncle UNCle…UNCLE….”
“Yes, Josh”
“I need help”
“Alright…”
I could not resist the ever increase calls from a desperate 3yr old who’s sole existence rested on his completion of the next level.


Joshua now knew that a constant call would render him my services. I was fine with this as an old video game junkie, I knew how frustrating it could be not to beat a level.. Unfortunately a case of very very bad timing was on the horizon. As I was calling back a company that had contacted me the day prior, Joshua began the chant. At first I did not want to hear it. I had just started leaving a message on the VP of the company’s voicemail when I heard “uncle uncle…if you just ignore him, it will all go away. (Yeah Right) Just as I beginning to close message, my very very cute nephew was screaming….UNCLE…UNCLE…UNCLE….I NEED HELP!!!

I don’t think I am getting a call back tomorrow!!

Rasta Vibes I

Part I.

Immigratoin & Freedom

"The preservation of peace and the guaranteeing of man's basic freedoms and rights require courage and eternal vigilance, that the least transgression of international morality shall not go undetected and un-remedied. These lessons must be learned anew by each succeeding generation, and that generation is fortunate indeed which learns from other than its own bitter experience.”

Haile Selassie I
“Speech to the United Nations” New York City, NY October 4, 1963

Our forefathers would have been proud to know that this speech took place in New York City. (Although it would have been called New Amsterdam.) At the time this speech was made, the world was a much different place than it is now, yet many of these problems still exist. This speech given by Haile Selassie I was the basis for a Bob Marley song called “War”.


The word freedom has tremendous depth. It is almost always accompanied with the blood of those to secure it. In our country we have been blessed to have so many freedoms we often take for granted. The ability to post a blog without too much interference or fear is a wonderful thing. (for those who are reading this due to the Patriot Act, I Love America, don’t worry!!) I have a great deal of respect for those who have fought to ensure that our freedoms are secured. From the Declaration of Independence to the “I Have a Dream” speech, we have been a nation who has struggled to ensure our freedoms, yet the struggle continues. As a country, we have been bestowed with the ability to grant others theirs. That makes me proud to be an American.

As a person of Jamaican heritage and a son of two immigrants, I am very nervous about our current immigration situation. The law is the law. Those who break it should not be rewarded, they should be punished by a fair & righteous justice system. If I stole a hybrid(lets say a Lexus 400h…I want ride in style!!), I could not claim that I was trying to protect the environment, but did not have the money!!! The initial act was wrong. Bottomline!! Under no circumstances should the law be violated. Yet we must examine the environment put into place that created situation. I will come back to this example.

Currently our illegal immigration situation is a very complex problem. Most immigrants simply want the freedoms that you and I enjoy. Since they have never truly been given this opportunity by our government, they have taken it, by force. This is unfortunate. What could easily be accomplished 40yrs ago is almost impossible. (Unless you are from a select group of countries.) For this last statement I turn to the Declaration of independence.


“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

…..Or unless you are from a country south of our border…then you are less than equal. A few weeks ago the statement was made by some in Washington, saying, “ These people do the jobs most Americans don’t want to do”…Profound. Hearing this, I could not believe what was being said. Immigrants were being touted as a second-class citizen openly and effectively in order to pass legislation. This was very disheartening as many good people were instantly sub-graded in status as human beings. Did our forefathers mean all men, or just the ones from countries we like? What happened to the unalienable rights given to us by the creator?? What happened to their pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness?

Marley sang these lyrics in the song “War”. These lyrics are a direct quote form the Selassie speech. Until the philosophy which holds one raceSuperior and another inferiorIs finally and permanently discredited and abandonedEverywhere is war, me say war That until there is no longer first classAnd second class citizens of any nationUntil the colour of a man's skinIs of no more significance than the colour of his eyesMe say war That until the basic human rights are equally Guaranteed to all, without regard to raceDis a war That until that dayThe dream of lasting peace, world citizenshipRule of international moralityWill remain in but a fleeting illusionTo be pursued, but never attainedNow everywhere is war, war

Surely we do not want a war, but this could what is going on across this great nation of ours. Right now citizens are patrolling the border, armed and ready to dispatch of any person crossing the border. A wall is planned on being constructed. But only one border of our nation? Are we creating another East Berlin? War is never the answer. How can we avoid this?

Long before our current immigration policy was created people from all over the world immigrated to places like Ellis and Angel Islands. The statue of Liberty stood as a beacon of hope. The Golden Gate Bridge were arms that welcomed all new comers to the shores of their American Dream. Today the most historic neighborhoods have the name of Chinatown or Little Italy. As I discussed the immigration situation with my mom, she described the early times when she first came to this country. She and my dad worked very hard to provide a comfortable life for my family. I highlighted the words worked very hard because that is exactly what our current immigrants are doing. Working very hard.

Living in California, I saw the immigration population first hand. Working in the apartment industry, a good portion of the work force tended to be immigrants. Even worse was the assumption that the companies we contracted for knew about it and this was a great way to cut cost. Uh oh….who’s breaking the law now. The ugly truth is that America has created an environment were the illegal immigrant could survive. For every person who has ever had a illegal immigrant work for them, the blame is on you. Now it is not just me who has stolen the car….we got all of corporate America going to the slammer too!!!

What a mess we have…How do we solve this?? What about the freedoms we hold so dearly?? To complete my analogy I will resolve it like this.

In order to obtain a hybrid and ultimately better the environment around me, it would be more conducive for the carmakers to reduce their profit margin making the high more cost effective. Ultimately this will have an impact as the grater good will be served in the face of pending energy crisis….How does this translate!! The government needs to make and effective immigration policy making it conducive for an immigrant to successfully and legal obtain citizenship if so desired. This will take a sacrifice on the part of the government and also corporate America but it will serve the greater good. In Selassie’s speech, he states:

“guaranteeing of man's basic freedoms and rights require courage and eternal vigilance”. He continues to say: “These lessons must be learned anew by each succeeding generation, and that generation is fortunate indeed which learns from other than its own bitter experience.”

Today as Americans we stand faced with this challenge to ensure freedom in this country for all who seek it. This road will not be easy, but neither was the one that led to this countries emergence as a defender of these freedoms we now have the ability to bestow. This will take sacfrices on all sides, both mental and physical. In the end, if we are successful, our country will shine as “One nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for all”

I Said It!!

I said it!!

I am a nanny right now. It is not a permanent thing, but I am just helping out my fam until the end of the school year. I am also looking for jobs, but I am in no hurry. My sister and her husband both work 40hr+ weeks. My mom normally watches the kids, but as she is getting older, I feel much more comfortable driving the kids around than having her do it. I wake up at 6am every morning to get the kiddies ready for school. I make lunches & dinner. I have even read a few bedtime stories. I am very domesticated, to say the least. My nephews are 8, 6, and 3. Isaac is the oldest and Joshua is the youngest. Nathan is the middle child. They all have energetic personalities that will leave you in stitches before too long. My mom spoils them as any good grandmother should and I have turned into quite the disciplinarian. Together we play a nice good cop/bad cop.

Today I did the unthinkable. Most days I try to be a cool uncle by taking the kids to the park, playing soccer, etc… just the stuff I wanted to do as a kid. (Truth is I am not that cool). My brother-in-law works nights and sleeps in the day. As the kids came home from school they were all wound up. Before they made there way upstairs I told them to keep it down. Isaac began his normal routine of questions about why it was necessary to stay downstairs. At the end of questioning I cracked like Jack Nicholson in “A Few Good Men”….I said it….

”BECAUSE I SAID SO ISAAC!!”

The single quote I despised as a youth has now unfortunately become apart of my repertoire. His face showed the same irritation I had as a child as I knew their was no getting pass that end all statement. I must admit, it silenced him and I was realeaved to be off of the witness stand, but the overall hypocritical feelings were beginning to set in. I decided to explain the situation to him. Right on cue, he shrugged his shoulders and went on playing with his toys.

Never say never!!

Pelican Bar!!

The Pelican Bar

If this story read from the ending to the front it would not be as magical. I will let you know that the ending is just awesome to me, but you may find it otherwise. Still, this tale is worth sharing. Many people believe in God, some people don’t. I have a firm belief in God, that is my choice. Everyone in the world has the ability to make a choice. I am thankful for this ability to choose, because it makes the debate interesting and my faith stronger. I will let you know that at the end of this story you will have to make a choice of what to believe.

We pulled into Ruddy’s house in Kingston and the brakes were giving a swan song. The entire week prior, the brakes had been squealing but today the sound was unbearable. We were renting the car from Ruddy who is the brother of my brother in law Wayne. (That can get confusing… I know). We had driven half way around the island from Duncans to Kingston. The trip took over twelve hours to complete after a few stops at some “off the beaten path” sites. Stephie, my German navigator and a KU buddy, had set up this trip taking us to some amazing places on the island I have never even heard of. Kacia, another KU buddy, played DJ from my handy dandy PSP. Together we were a threesome carving up the island of Jamaica on a wicked 3 day tour. This was day two.

That night, as I explained the brake situation to Ruddy, we agreed to get it taken care of first thing in the morning in order not to fall too far off of our schedule. The brake shoes would take a couple of hours to replace and we would be on the road by 10am. We all agreed and headed to bed as it was a long day.

As the morning begun Ruddy and I headed out to a local auto shop to pick up the parts. This was the first obstacle. As we learned quickly, brake shoes can be a very quirky purchase. Needless to say, the auto parts shop did not have the part. Nor did any auto part shop in greater Kingston. As we departed the store, we noticed that the rear tire was flat. At this point I was like a Nascar pit crewmember, watching the clock. The tire was changed with a quickness that would make Jeff Gordon jealous. I realized that the 10 am departure would need to be pushed back an hour or two. As we went to the auto mechanic we left the car there. Ruddy’s wife came to pick us up as we searched Kingston for these rare brake shoes. This care was a Mazda, and very common. We ended going to the dealership(on the other side of Kingston) to buy the part. Along the way the mechanic let us know that the flat tire, “was actually punctured, and would need to be replaced. Oh yeah…. btw, as the another mechanic was taking off the brake shoes, he broke a bolt from the brake caliber, so that would need to be replaced also!!”

I looked down to my watch, the time was nearing 11am, and we still have not found brake shoes. I had to put in the call. To my surprise the ladies were very calm even if I wasn’t. I think Ruddy & Michelle picked up on my angst. I wanted to get on the road as soon as possible. Murphy’s law states what can go wrong, will go wrong. By 1pm, I was a believer. We had made arrangements to meet a friend who was going to let us have “Afternoon” passes to an all-inclusive 5 star hotel. We were pumped about this, and I did not want to miss this opportunity. With each passing moment, our window of enjoying this gift became smaller and smaller, I was not happy. Also along the way, we were planning to stop at a spot Stephie insisted on, called the “Pelican Bar.”

1:30pm. - Our three hour trek to Treasure Beach and the Pelican Bar was just getting started. We stopped to get some fresh fruit and snacks along the way for lunch. (Jamaica has the best pineapples hands down!!!) We got a chance to drive through parts of Jamaica that I have not seen since I was very young. Mandeville was the highlight of this road trip for me, as we used to live there when I was a child. Driving through Jamaica, the landscape transformed from rocky ocean to a lush mountain valley and back to white sand beaches with the snap of a finger. I narrated along the journey explaining all I knew about Jamaica and its history to my female passengers. As we arrived at Treasure Beach shortly after 4:30, we could not find the Pelican Bar. The lonely planet book said we would be able to see it from the beach. This was the only case where the book was wrong. After discussing this item with a local fisherman, who was also a former NYC fireman, we discovered that it was cheaper and better to catch a boat 15 miles up the road at Parotee Beach. The evening was quickly approaching. Stephie really wanted to go to this spot. I reluctantly agreed, as I knew we might miss our opportunity to collect on the resort passes. Fate would ultimately decide and we headed in the direction of Parotee.

Two days prior to this, Stephie had randomly met two German women, who were dining in a restaurant where we were also eating. They told her of an amazing bar, in the middle of the ocean. She had made her mind up that we were going too. I was hesitant at first, because I was not sure of the road, but we agreed to make it an adventure. As we parked on Parotee Beach, in the distance, we could see a hut in the water. I was in shock, as I could not even begin to fathom something like this. We all began to get very excited. I acquired a boatman in my best Jamaican accent, (the dialect is called “Patois”…and I am terrible at it!!) and we were on our way. A 10-minute boat ride, a mile out, and we were there.

It was just after 5:30 pm when we arrived at the Pelican Bar. The Pelican Bar is a bar/restaurant built on a sandbar a little less than a mile of the coast. Its position makes it interesting for it is surrounded on all sides by water. A large number of wooden stilts hold up the hut, which is the size of a large living room. To park the boat, the driver beaches it on the sandbar two feet below the water surface. I am 150% positive that this place would never(… in a million years) pass any kind of building code for construction, but that is what makes it so cool. The bar itself serves various Jamaican seafood dishes along with cold beverages. We all decided to have a drink and then we try to make it to the resort.

I decided to check out the exterior of the bar and walk around a bit. I have never been so far out in the ocean where I could just walk like I was in a kiddie pool. As I strolled along the outside of the bar, I thought that this would be a great photo op. I had Stephie take a picture of me from the bar in the water. As I walked back to the bar I saw a stingray swim by me. I freaked. I know they are not aggressive, but that is not something you see everyday. I did not mind the fish swimming about, but those rays just look so creepy in the water. I proceeded to grab my camera and go on a photo rampage, snapping shots of this very peaceful creature.

After my close encounter I made my way inside. It was just after 6pm and the sun was beginning to set. I am a fan of sunsets if you have read my previous postings. This was by far, the most amazing sunset I have seen in my life. I put my camera into overdrive and began snapping away. I took over 30 photos of this sunset. My partners were also in awe its beauty. At one moment I looked over and caught a glimpse of Stephie. I snapped a shot that I am in love with.

I mentioned before that I have a strong faith in God. As we returned to the beach, I was beside myself. The day that had started so unpredictably had turned into one of the most enchanting moments of my life. I was forced to ponder to the question, was this all in the greater plan? Was I meant to see this? For all the things that had gone wrong in the day, were those set into place by something beyond me…? I don’t know. But…I do believe in God. I believe he intercedes for us even if it is beyond on comprehension at the time. For me, that sunset was a serendipitous event that only the creator could manifest. This is my choice. This is my belief.

On the way to the resort I could not hold in my feelings. I discussed what had just occurred to the ladies. I knew putting that kind of statement out there could field not only resentment, but also open a can of worms that no one like the smell of. In a true melting pot fashion, Kacia agreed with me, and Stephie disagreed (“and two out of three ain’t bad…A wise man once said). Thinking back on it, I am glad that we all had our own opinions. That is the beauty of it. Some people will live their entire lives not believing and some will. The choice is the real beauty; we can choose to believe in something or not. I choose to believe.

To see the pictures click here!!

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/oliverrking/album?.dir=/f1ddre2&.src=ph&.tok=phV5wvEBV0WSvJ_1

King Kong

In the latest version of King Kong, Peter Jackson does an amazing job as the director in recreating a well-known story. I pondered what made this movie so different than the others? Sure the stunning special effects and realistic environment made the story come alive more than ever before. Jackson used to made Kong seem much more “human” in this film than the previous directors. Kong had a personality we could all relate too. In the movie the gorilla laughs, cries, gets angry, and shows many more emotions that you and I posses in our everyday lives.

In the movie the one scene that made the viewer relate to Kong more than any other is when he is observing the sunset with Naomi Watts. She simultaneously begins to sign the word beautiful. They both watch the sun descend into the ocean. At this point both characters in the film are equal, they are both in awe of the natural beauty. At this point in the movie Kong has been transformed from a giant gorilla, to a creature with feelings and emotions similar to you and I. He begins to speak the universal languages of love and compassion. He becomes one of us.

Towards the end of the movie I found myself pulling for Kong even though the end was inevitable. It was easy to get wrapped up in the story when you know how it is going to end. As Kong began his ascension to the top of the of the building, I remember hearing some of audience member’s begin the sniffle. Throughout the movie, Jackson’s character development of Kong made him more than a gorilla, it made him human. With the final fall in the horizon, Kong was a friend and not a 1200-pound gorilla. As he fell, so did our vision of being connected to someone or something through that universal language. Kong stood for the simple things we want to hold so dear, love.

Right now I live in a mostly wooded area I do not get to enjoy the sunsets like I used to in the Bay Area. When I was in Jamaica I got a chance to see some of the most amazing sunsets I have ever experienced. As the sun set on my final evening I was faced with realization that my time in Jamaica was coming to an end. My mind pondered on all of the wonderful ones I had seen in the prior weeks. A sunset can be symbolic of so many things in ones life. For me it was the final one I would enjoy on Jacobs Beach. I wrote a prayer from a rock on the beach as the sun descended below the hills in the distance. My prayer was written for all beings to enjoy life as I do. I realized that most beings have not been endowed as we have. God has blessed us with the abilities to not only enjoy sunsets, but to write about them a week later and share that wonderful emotion with others. I am thankful for the ability to even write this story.

The picture here is of my final sunset in Jamaica. Like Kong, watching a sunset lets me feel a little more human. For that brief moment, I feel like I'm not so alone in the world knowing that someone, somewhere, is watching this also. With all the trappings of our lives, watching a sunset for the few moments in the evening reminds me that God made this day for you and me, we should make the most of it. We are all apart of his wonderful creation, we should all be enjoying this world to its fullest.

Spiritual Awareness

As a child I was always happy go lucky. My third grade teacher used to call me smiley because I always had a smile on my face. As I got older my spirit/soul became disturbed by all the hatred and anger in the world. I remember when my parents would get into a fight and it affected me more than them. I wondered why someone who you loved would ever say or do something to hurt you. I would get so angry and want to run away at times. These days, one does not have to go far to have their spirit disturbed. It seems that the entire world is filled with negative energy. This can cause serious damage to ones spirit.

When I was in college I remember being exhausted after a football game. I was the drum major of the band and had everyone coming up to me all day and asking me questions. At the end of was physically exhausted but more so spiritually exhausted. I had given all of my spiritual energy to those around me. My director told me that I was important to the band because everyone fed off of my energy…I thought he was a little crazy until the first game. Then I understood. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. That was the first time I recognized the fact that I am as much of a spiritual person as a physical one. I became aware of my own personal energy and how people and actions of others around me would affect it. I had always been sensitive as a child. Most people set up barriers around their spiritual body so they are never really hurt, but they also never let their spirit run free. I have always let my spirit lead me, if you are not areful, it can be ed astray by the wrong people.

I think understanding your true inner spirit is the first step to repairing it. We all are born with certain spiritual traits whether they are related to good things or bad. I have a very creative spirit along with a spirit of compassion for others. I also have a strong spirit of pride, which can be a good thing or bad thing depending on how it is used. Understanding your spiritual sides helps you understand why you react to certain items in your life differently than you would at other times. A person who has a spirit of truth within them, hates a liar…and vice versus.

I have a strong faith in God; I think you know that, I love the “footprints” poem. I have found it to be so true in so many things I do. When I was living in Cali, I had a job that drove my spirit into a dark place. My fun loving nature became dark and angry, I was yelling at friends and fighting with who ever I could. It ruined a relationship because I refused to trust people. All of this was because the negative energy that I was being force to accept at my job. So many facets can affect your spiritual body. Your friends, job, diet, exercise all play apart on not just your physical body, but your spirit and soul as well.

One night in Sacramento I lost it and began yelling at everyone outside of a bar. My tirade continued to a police officer and my friends who were with me. I ended getting out of a cab in the middle Sacramento and decided to walk around a city I have never been in my whole life. I had hit rock bottom. I had to make some changes. I got back to God because he really does offer us true healing, from the inside out. Later that year I went to Jamaica and had one of the most spiritual experiences in my life. I felt reborn as I swam in the ocean & basked in the rays from the sun. I could not believe that I had created so much stress in my life only to realize that the things of this world are only temporary. I realized that true happiness and joy comes from the inside out. All these things that I did as a kids, seemed so foreign to me as an adult. I new I had to return to that happy place one and for all.

I quit my job, apologized to my friends, and started putting myself in around positive people and situations. I cleansed my spirit by prayer and fasting. With a new clean spiritual slate, I began to keep up a “spiritual” diet in order to protect it from all unwanted attributes.
Keeping your spirit clean is important. It is like keeping your room or car clean. If you don’t do it, things pile up, and then the task seems too large before too long. The good news is that God gives us strength to move mountains, so surely we can do a little housekeeping within our soul.

Mr. Sandman

Have you ever woken up from a dream and swore that it was real? Then only to find that in reality you did not score the game-wining touchdown but severely kicked your significant other sleeping next to you. (Then your next dream takes place comfortably from the couch!!) Dreams are an amazing aspect that we possess. A gift that we as human have been given from Jah. Dreams shape our everyday lives and has provided us the some of the most creative minds the world has known.

But what is a dream really? Psychiatrist say that dreams are a pathway to out sub-conscious mind, a gateway for us to tap into a realm that exist only within our brains. Just as dreams can be wonderful, they also can be terrifying in the form of nightmares. Nightmares serve as a balance, without them, we would not truly appreciate a dream that could be considered a fantasy.

As a child I would often get in trouble for day dreaming in class. I could not help it, I was fascinated by clouds and the world around me. I would often just stare off into the distance. Even today my mind has a tendency to wander when I am not focused on a specific task.

When I think of my own personal dreams and compare it those I see being lived out all around me, I filled with joy. I have been blessed in my life to see vision start from a dream and subsequently manifest themselves into reality.

When I was a 5th grade my brother became a drum major at Deltona High School. I got to tag along with him wherever he went. I became a band nerd from the first day they offered the class in middle school. My dream was to become a drum major in high school just like my big bro. In 9th grade I tried out for drum major. My brother drove down from the ‘University of Florida just to support me. As they announced the drum majors, my name was not on the list. My dream was crushed. With a few syllables my dream had quickly turned into a nightmare. I was very proud as a youth and still harbor some of those traits. Being humble is something I struggle with on a daily basis. On that day I was humbled greatly.

My sophomore year was another disappointment. I was lost in the shadows of my older siblings never truly gaining an identity. With my dream of being a drum major was almost lost. Yet with every whisper of it around the band room, my heart listened.
With a new school came a new opportunity. On the first day the audition sign up was posted, my name was on the list. I practiced day and night in preparation for the chance to chase a dream. My audition was flawless. My dream became reality.

Later I continued to dream and achieved the same success in college. I was a drum major for three years after suffering 2 defeats in tryouts. The Dream lived on. As I started unpacking last night, for some reason I found my old drum major hat from high school. My mom must have placed it in my room for some odd reason. It was faded tremendously, yet my memories of the dream fulfilled will never go dull.

With every victory in life there is a setback. For every dream achieved there are a thousand others that never make it to fruition. Yet some of us are scared to dream. We are blessed with this great gift just as much as it is a curse in the form of a nightmare. We should never fear the latter though. With each dream we are given an opportunity to make it come into reality, good or bad. We only get one shot at life; it would be costly not to take stock in our dreams. Our return on a dream realized is worth more than diamonds. Living in a dream world is a perfect place for me. It keeps me going.

Our fears are our nightmares. Success is driven by our dreams.

Every night before you sleep, pray for sweet dreams.


Sleep Well,

O

A Jamaican Hike

As the scavengers circled above, I knew I was in trouble. Surely they were not coming for me, yet I was the only thing half alive insight. The story could not end this way. I decided to press onward, I had come this far and I knew that this would end with victory or death. I was committed.

Earlier my trek began on the paved road outside our villa. I just wanted to see what was beyond the curve of the beach. It was Wednesday and I needed a change of pace from my normal routine of readings. It was just before 10 a.m. A quick hike and I would return for an afternoon siesta. Do I need water?? Na, I will be back before it gets hot!! Wallet? Sure just incase I need to buy some souvenirs. Camera? Of course, what would a hike be without photos. Cell Phone? Yea, just incase someone calls. PSP? Check, I wanted to rock out to some tunes along the way.

The first hour was uneventful. I hiked along a mostly sandy beach. Along the trail I saw a baby shark. This was not a refreshing sight, seeing that I had been swimming in those same waters an hour earlier. Apparently he was caught some distance off the coast though…Swew!! Towards the end of the hour the terrain became more and more rocky. I had passed a fisherman hunting in the shallow waters. Little did I know that this would be the last human I would see for some time.

As I approached the first of many obstacles, I was overcome with a sense of bravado. As I went along, I found what seemed to be paths here and there. I joined these paths before returning to the rocky coast and cliffs. 15ft below was the ocean with its crystal clear waters. I thought to myself, “if anything I can swim around?” My first obstacle was a large boulder. It was about 15ft high, which now made the water 30ft below. There was no getting over it. The only choice was to turn around or find a way around. That little voice in all of us telling me to turnaround and call it a day was subsequently silenced by the spirit of adventure. All of the sudden reason and planning were tossed aside for rush of adrenaline. I was going to take on the rock; I just had to figure out how. To the right was the ocean and very very sharp coral rock to cushion my fall. To the left uncertain rocks and a steep climb. I decided to take the path without the coral cushion. After a short climb I found myself straddling a cave and a dubious fall. Needless to say my focus was sharper than the rocks I clung too. Like Spiderman I made my way up, over, and around this rock. My first victory only made me thirst for more. I was a junkie, and like most junkies, my demise was inevitable.

From the top of the rocks I could see a beach in the distance. My interest was sparked. Could I make? … Of course…”I’m O King baby!!” My trip in Jamaica had been a serendipitous adventure and surely this would become part of the fairytale. As my watch struck noon I once again heard that voice who was not so tiny anymore. Yet, my spirit wanted to push on. Surely I was not the first to attempt this feat, and I could always swim back. I decided to press on.

Around 12:15 I made it to a little beach. Like a desert oasis, this tiny stretch of sand served as a temporary resting place for me as I took time to appreciate all the natural beauty. I vowed to return to this beach one day…but by boat.
Looking at my watch I decided to push on. I wanted to get to the beach in the distance that could not be to far away now. The terrain became much more treacherous. I found myself clinging to trees and rocks more the ever before. Those paths that I had seen before had suddenly forsaken me and I was lost for all intense and purposes. Above me I noticed one scavenger, I thought his nest must be close. I pushed forward. I knew that if I could stay close to the coast, I would eventually get back to the rocks. An hour after I had left my little beach, I found myself knee deep in thorns and brush. This was not good. The forest provided some protection from Jamaican sun, but my swim trunks and tank were soaked with sweat.

As I reached another rock obstacle, that tiny voice was broadcasting loud and clear. “Turn around….NOW!!!” 3hrs into the trip, Reason and Adventure had a pow wow. They decided to bring forth a case of why I should carry on. “Surely the beach is closer than a return trip that took us 3hrs to get here? Lets keep going and see what happens…You’ve come this far right??” Unwillingly my doubt subsided and fear once again turned into adrenaline as I pushed on with a feverish pace. I found an old log and proceeded to bash my way through the brush, making a path were none existed before. My legs bloodied and scared became numb to the pain as I raced through thistles along my way. As long as I was bleeding I was still alive. My decision keep going could only be met with victory. My will to succeed was at times putting my life in peril as I was all alone. I could’ve fallen at any moment and broke something. To make it worse, not only would no one have known, but the chances of me being found would have decreased seeing that the scavengers (now 3 in #) were still circling above. Am I strong enough. My faith kept me strong. I have strong idea that this path I was going down (both figuratively and literally) was leading somewhere. God has always made a way for me when things seemed impossible….Why would today be any different?? Turning around or calling for help was not an option only unless I was faced with death. My faith brought me peace, although I wished it could somehow formulate that peace into some form of hydration. (Oh Moses….how did you pull that off??) I realized that without hydration, my muscle could cramp at any time or I could lose my balance. These thoughts raced through my mind as I climbed up another rock. I realized I was truly walking (or climbing) by faith and not by sight!!

I returned to the coast to see the beach was coming closer but still I had some impossible terrain to be crossed. 4hrs into the journey and my camera battery was dieing. I decided to make one last video of my trip. (Just incase they find the camera and not me!) At this point my play list had thankfully switched from Rock to Gospel. My spirit was lifted. I made my final plan and assault. I would attack from the coast as long as possible. This proved to be a difficult choice as the loose rocks and sharp coral edged the coast. I was forced to push my way through the brush and trees. I found the terrain to filled with twice thorns as before, my legs and arms had no time to bleed. I needed water and fast. As I came over a final set of rocks I could see two heads swimming distantly in the water. Where there are people, there is water!!

It was just after 2pm and I was exhausted. The final obstacle was some thick brush that came up to my shoulder. I tried to bash my way through but to no avail. I thought, “Isn’t every Jamaican supposed to carry a Machete… standard??” I wanted to scream as this final barrier kept me from triumph on white sandy beaches. My frustration only led to more cuts as the thorns dug into my thighs and hand. The battle wounds well deserved. My senseless bravado had led me to dead end only a hundred yards from my goal. My scars would only prove the legend one day….but first I had to find a way out of this brush. It could not end like this. I took time to compose myself. I was not going through chest high brush. This was a fact. I decided to back track slightly and find a way around. Surely if I could make it to the coast I could find a spot to dive in. Even if it meant losing my electrical items, I was willing to take that risk. As I began to back track, I noticed a set of rocks just beyond some shallow brush. Overdrive kicked in. I made and one final charge and subsequently began to pick up speed. My legs charged through the vines like a running back barreling over defenders. At one point I was walking on top of the brush and branches like Christ on water. Finally my sneakers hit sand. I put my arms up in celebration of the victory. My ocean audience applauded with calm waves crashing in.

My victory dance was now short lived I found the most desolate beach in human history. “Where were those two heads I previously saw?” I began my march along the beach. Like an angel transfigured in the shape of a human, I found a man waiting on his fisherman friends to return. He asked where I had come from? I laughed. His eyes opened as I told him my journey. He offered me some of his water, but I only took a little not being greedy, he seemed hesitant about it at first. He would have given me a ride but his friends were returning soon. Rather than waiting I decided to make my way home via a taxi. My journey was almost complete. I asked him how to get the main road and he said there was a path a few hundred yards up the beach. Great!! I was on my way again after a tease of some water.

As I approached the path I saw the hill in the background and knew thatI would be climbing this in order to get to civilization. I pushed forward. Uphill I walked for what seemed to be an eternity but was more like 45 minutes. At points I felt my hamstrings and calves cramping and stopped to stretch them out. My chest was imploding as my heart raced. I could see the heat rising from the earth ahead of me. As I looked down I saw blue empty shells of shotgun scattered about the road, I realized that this was a road seldom used. I wonder what or frightfully “who” the were shooting at? Surely I was not trespassing? I hope I was not walking into someones illegal garden?? My head was becoming light as the heat was causing slight dizziness. Was this it? Did I come all this way to pass out on some country road with no water? That tiny voice had gone fishing as he was disgusted by all my antics. His displeasure with my actions has left him with a smug smile ever since my first no. I knew I could make it, yet every step seemed as though I was mixing cement with my feet. My PSP provided me my only solace as the praise & worship tunes played out. As I reached the end of a long straight I made a turn. I pulled out my earphone to here the only thing sweeter than the music playing. A car horn. Yes that sweet-augmented fifth was more the devil in music for me now. I shook off the cinder blocks around my ankles and concluded my trek by hiring a taxi. Although he was not heading in my direction I offered to double his fair if he took me home. The 15 minute car ride home did no justice to the 5 ½ hour trek I had made. As I surveyed the landscape from the passenger window I shook my head and realized…

I ‘m an Idiot!!

But I would do it all over again!!

Grandma Visit

Granny,

Over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house we went. My granny is just over a 100 yrs of age. She has a spirit that makes me smile every time I think of her. She lives in Long Road Jamaica, which is a few miles inland off the north central coast. Her house is a shack at best and she loves it!! Her smile and laugh would light up any room. As I walked down the steps to her house, her eyes lit up as it was an unexpected visit, surprises are always welcome by everyone. (My embrace of my grandmother was a spiritual exchange). It was nice to make the pilgrimage to see her. She lives so far from what we would consider civilization. The road took 45min just to travel 4 miles!! At points people walked by and stayed ahead of us as we conquered the terrain. Yet her smile made it worth it.

Growing up I never spent much time with granny because we lived so far away. My mom always told me about her, but as the song says, ”Ain’t nothing like the real thing”. My granny is quite alert for 100; she keeps up on politics and all that is going on from the radio broadcasts she listens to. My cousins still live around her and offer her support for the little things she needs, but she mostly lives on her own surrounded by a host of grandchildren.

As we talked her message to me became clear. She wants great-grandchildren from me!! I thought my mom was bad, but how do you dodge a 100yr old when she asks you questions about why you are not married? I explained to her that I was not ready yet and was still searching for the right one. She understood but said before she goes to heaven; she would like to hold one of my children. I fought back a tear. Her life is such a wonderful refreshment to the chaos we have created. Her appreciation for the simple things in life makes my existence seem that much better. She loves all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I could only hope that my life would be as blessed as her has been. We talked a little more and she reiterated an idea to me numerous times. Her quote for the day was this:

“The good you do, will get you through life”

She uttered this to her other grand-children hanging around the house and to me a few times. She said these words with a sense of pride knowing that I had come so far to see her. This brought her a great amount of joy just seeing me she said. My life was the embodiment of her trials and tribulations at that moment. She saw me as a shinning example and that, “it was all worth it” smile came on her face. Very few of us get this type of gratification from a simple visit. Again her words caused a rush in my heart. I imagined her world before I was even born and the temper tantrums my mom must have thrown. I imagined the extra hours she put in to send my mom to the best schools and eventually to college. I imagined all of her extras patient as she watched over my brothers and sisters my parents worked abroad. All of the love that she has shown to her family was being returned by a simple visit. It humbled me as I felt I was in the presence of greatness. My life is where it is because of the love she shared, and I was overjoyed to return a small portion.

My granny visit was coming to an end. After a toast and some lunch we made the trip back to Kingston. Before I left, we embraced, exchanged “I love you’s” and said our goodbyes. On my return home I reflected on the joy this day had brought. My trip would not have felt right if I did not see her. My life would not have been blessed if I had not known her.

Welcome

I hope to use this forum to communicate my innermost thoughts and ideas. I also plan on throwing in a crazy story or too!!

Get ready to see topics from all over the spectrum. Join in and lets have fun!!

Love for All,

O King