Down with love!!

Plecia nearctica

The love bugs are back.

I hate love bugs. I have know idea why God created them, he must have been just seeing what would happen if you stuck two bugs together and told them to paste themselves on as many cars as possible…he was successful. (Please notice I described God as “he”…this is another post for another day!!)

For those of you who do not know, a love bug is by far the most menacing insect to Florida drivers. They are fly-like insects that are stuck together in their rear. For a couple months out of the year they float along roads and highways destroying the paint of every passer by. There are times when the road will be darkened by their overwhelming presence. There is no escaping them, they are constant nusance. Growing up I spent countless evenings cleaning them off the grills of my parents cars. I had forgettoen completely about them until the other day when they attacked my windshield.

When I was younger would separate them from each other. I now know that this is apart of their mating ritual and I was a straight player hatin on some poor love bugs, but this was payback for the countless hours I spent cleaning their cousins of the grill of a Volvo. What sweet irony that a “lovebug” is hated by all!!

A Glass Ceiling from the Gutter

Hello

Can you cut my lawn?
I need you to start at dawn!

HeY

Can she clean my house??
But be quiet like as a mouse??

Then

You can serve me some food.
Please don’t mind me being rude,

So

If you bOth can take the bus home,
I think I’ll drive to the spa alone


By the Way….


Do know any English?
No, then how much Can you really earn???

But

Please teach my kids Spanish,
They pRobably should learn!!

Wow

How many skIlls do you have?
You can do almost anything!

Oh…sorry

I can’T have you work at my office,

It’s the wholE immigration thing!!


Charlatan

Brushstroke!!

Artist

“One, such as a painter, sculptor, or writer, who is able by virtue of imagination and talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value, especially in the fine arts.”

Far to often this term is used to refer to a cut rate entertainer who graces the cover of a magazine. An “Artist” is one who for a lack of better terms “Keeps it Real”. Don’t get me wrong, I like to shake my laffy taffy with the next guy, but there are times when you just really need a throw back to some real music and real musicians. This is by far one of the best concerts I have been to in a very very very….I can not stress very enough…long time. The House of Blues was off the hook last night, except for the 60yr old drunk couple in front of me!! It was one of those concerts that you did not want the band to stop playing. Nothing is better than live music. Nothing is better than watching a group of artist at their craft…

Thank you Roots & Common for showing Orlando what Hip Hop is supposed to be.

Why it hurts so bad...

A KU Story

KU (University of Kansas) has just signed a top ten recruit for the upcoming year. This is a very big deal. Recruiting is essential to maintain a top tier program. As a modest fan, I try to follow what is going on up on the hill even though I am a thousand miles from the Campanile. (The modest thing is an understatement, I am a fanatic!!)

When I first went to KU, the team was ranked #1 in the nation. The 96-97 team was loaded with stars. Jacques Vaughn, Scott Pollard, Paul Pierce, Raef Lafrentz, and Billy Thomas are all alumni of that team who are currently in the NBA. As I watch them play now, I have a connection to them, but not the same that I have to more recent players.

During my student days, I played in the basketball band. We got to travel with the team and to all the tournaments. When the team lost, the band lost. When the team won, we got to travel…and travel we did!! Courtesy of the basketball team, I got to go all over the nation as a student performer. These trips were all expenses paid and even a little extra some days!! A winning team was more important to us than any other students on campus, our spring breaks all hung on the balance teams success. We were more informed than the opposing coaches. We studied every recruit and their potential to take us to the elusive Final Four. One of my good friends and I took it to another level as we would rate each player as potential on & off court stars and how that might affect our potential if a “thug” type player would affect the team. (See Lester Earl & Jeff Graves) Doing hours of research on people you have never met, gives you a relationship with these student athletes before they even step foot on the campus. We know their tendencies more than opposing coaches. At the school’s first practice, “Late Night”, we got to see them up close and personal.

Right now KU has a great incoming freshman and sophomore class of students that can take us far. The past two years we had exited in the first round of the tourney much to the dismay of the Jayhawk Nation. Both teams were whispered to be a championship caliber team and lost to schools ranked in the lower echelon of the tournament. With each loss, a group of seniors or outstanding underclassman will depart and make it to the NBA. This hurts as you never really get a chance to say goodbye to them as the walk through the tunnel for the last time of that season.

Recently, Kirk Hinrich, Nick Collison, Drew Gooden, Wayne Simien, and Aaron Miles have been the latest Jayhawks to make the jump NBA. All of these players took KU to the final four in consecutive years and nearly won the championship in 2002. I was extremely close to this group as I would work with them in the summer at basketball camps. I managed the dorm where they held the camp and would have to sneek the players in and out the back door at times to avoid the mobs of screaming kids hovering for an autograph. I got to know a few of the players pretty well and created an even closer bond with them. Each of these players was a true class act and were genuinely good guys. During the off season I would play lick up games at the gym and realize just how good they are…(and how bad I was).

When the team loses in the tournament it is like getting a unexpected phone call from your girlfriend saying she is breaking up with you. Your plans are suddenly thrown out the window as you have just been dumped for a school that has 4 scholarship players (@#$% Bucknell)!! With a loss like this though, it is worse because you have to say good bye to guys you get to know and feel like you have known since their junior year in high school when they were first recruited. You even know their middle names, favorite movies, and meals. You see them go from boys to men in the span of four years, and even though they may not know your name, they are a big part of your life. KU is ready to make another run starting this fall, I just hope that next March is the year the pain goes away.

Absolute Faith

In absolute truth there is no faith.
Without faith we have no hope.
Without hope we have no dreams.
Without dreams our existence becomes dormant.

During my time here in Jamaica I have been doing quite a bit of meditating on things in life. My interest in others and their religion has been culminated by my quest to understand truth. So much is fed to one that “fact”, is often a matter of perception. As one changes his perspective, also his perception will follow suite. I find myself getting to a place of comfort, only to have a new idea challenge those ideas and send me on another quest. Grasping truth has been like grasping the wind, but maybe it was never meant to be held, only followed.

What is true? What is false? In school T or F test were the easiest or where they? What if you believed what is false to be true? Is it not true to you? The scientific method requires proof for a thesis or idea to become law. Through a system of test it can be proven that 1 + 1 = 2. This is basic equation that proves the idea of addition, because 1 + 1=3 is false. This sets a strong foundation and leaves no room for error in the theory. With no margin error in the theory this is called an absolute truth. Something so true it cannot be proven other wise.

An absolute truth is a great thing to establish. It allows you to place building blocks that advance everything from binary codes in computers to enormous mega structures like the Golden Gate Bridge. These truths often lead us to stay within its parameters that offer safety and consistency. When a person steps on his car brakes, the truths of friction and gravity slow them down. If the car did not stop, the person would be forced to question these theories, as it is the science behind brakes that makes the car stop.

One who has absolute truth has no need for faith. Again and again they can prove their theory by a group of experiments. Those who have a partial truth need faith in order to create an absolute truth in their mind. In their equation X + Y = 2. The question is now to a person of faith is what is that other truth? What is the X? X is infinite seeing it can be an equation within itself. Y can also be infinite seeing that there is no absolute. The only absolute is the end of the equation, which is 2. If I were to say that X = 4 then Y = (-2). This ongoing equation causes would go on for every possible number sequence. Yet it would still return to the absolute truth of the addition law.

How does this affect us in our day-to-day lives? Well we are faced with so many truths daily that it becomes often cloudy to observe the simple ones. Death is an absolute that we can never avoid. It is the end of all equations. Our existence in-between this absolute is what defines the X’s and Y’s of our lives. With every X, we must balance it with a Y in order to complete the equation. As a person of faith you are often faced with a question of the existence of God and his absolute being. This must be balanced with the truths that we know to be true in our lives. This can be very difficult as it seems the entire scientific agenda to is disprove the existence of God. In my equation, God serves as an absolute. I consider myself to have an absolute faith in believing in basic Christian principles. I understand that others may choose to believe strictly in science, or another faith. That’s okay. This is something that has happened since the beginning of time.

It is my belief that this equation will never be solved. If it could be scientifically proven that something supernatural existed, it would disengage the physical world, as we know it. Yet, there are so many signals pointing that something exists beyond our own understanding. This is where one would establish faith. Through it all, they are to many variables to firmly plant your foot in a stronghold and call it an absolute truth. Knowing this, one must take a “leap of faith” and create a foundation of truth in something in order to complete the equation. In my equation, Y = Yahweh. X = all other variables, but my Y never changes.
In my understanding of this principle, it has become obvious to me that this idea is far different than one would be taught in a textbook or church service. Each side has chosen to dismiss the other as they feel Science and God cannot co-exist. I beg to differ. I believe that they scratch each other’s back without even looking!! I think in years to come, a bridge will be made to understand our world along with a greater understanding of our creator. Until then, it will be a choice of faith in what you choose to, or not to believe.

Old School

When something is “Old School” does it automatically get “Street Cred”??? I went to play basketball tonight and was called “Old School” by some of the high school kids. I did not care that much, as it just felt good to get out on the court again after a 3-month absence. My game is not what it used to be, but every now and then you can see a flash of greatness!!

I am not sure how I should take it as a compliment, or as an insult? At any rate, I am fine being OS…the kids were shocked by my ability even though my moves won’t be featured on an “And 1” videotape. After the first couple of jump shots, that barely grazed the rim, I took my game inside and used some of low post moves to get my shot going. I got some confidence and really started to get in the groove of the game. Soon I was making no look passes and hitting long range 3’s. “Old School got game!!”

My freshman year in High School I got cut from the basketball team. I was shocked. Coming out of 8th grade, and fresh of a 5th place state finish, I was assured a spot on the team. Getting cut was a huge ego bust. I remember not hearing my name being called and getting that feeling like an American Idol contestant…(”So you had a bad day”)….As I stared across the court to the kids on the team, I remember thinking…”I am better than him, him …and definitely him!!” I stormed out of the gym. My pride would not let me cry in front of other people, as soon as I got home, I balled.

I had some flaws in my game. The next day I grew up and asked the coach why I got cut. He detailed all the tools I was missing to be an effective player. It was something I did not want to hear, but definitely needed too. I practiced that year very hard…( I would have made Allen Iverson proud). I came back to the coach at the end of the school year after winning the county championship and asked for a spot on the team. He allowed me and another kid to be on the summer squad. I was satisfied.

My High School career was not one of legend. I was a decent player, but God did not bless me athletically like he did some people. My basketball IQ is what separated me from most HS players. I played my final 3 yrs HS and did not receive a single letter from any schools to join there college squad. I was okay with that. I had already punched my lunch ticket to Kansas on a Music Scholarship!!

At Kansas I became a basketball nut. For the first time in my life I became just a fan in the crowd. It was difficult at first to watch the team run out on the court and not hear anyone call your name, but after realizing how much work it would take, I was happy being a fan. My intramural team won the residence hall championship, and I became a “gym rat”. Everyday I would spend 2 –3 hours of study time on the court. The kid who once got cut as a freshman, was now becoming a gym deity. My grades suffered, but my “Street Cred” was on the rise.

Irony. Be careful what you wish for. My dream of becoming a drum major in college was achieved, but with a price. I strained my patella (kneecap), causing scar tissue to form in my left knee. People would asked why I stopped playing ball so much. I would respond with, “I hurt my knee in marching band”. (Insert rolling on the floor laughter here.) After each game, I iced my knees like any other athlete. My doctor told me to stay off of it, and they could remove the tissue once it was healed. I did not listen. I was back on the field the next week performing for thousands at halftime. My absence from the basketball court was replaced with new questions of “ Aren’t you the guy with the funny hat??”

These days my knee still has pain every now & then, and my game is nowhere it used to be. My biggest obstacle is the extra 30lbs being carried on my frame, not my knee. As I am getting older, my moves are a little slower than they used to be, but still effective enough to show the young kids some skills. Through it all I am happy to be “Old School”…I think o am supposed to spell it “Old Skool”???…I ‘m not that hip anymore!!!

Mother's Day Roses

As you walk up to my house, you will pass a rose bush. This bush has been there since we moved in some 25yrs ago. Every season it will bloom with the most beautiful blossoms that make you stop in your tracks. My mom loves this rose bush, as do I. When I was a child I would surprise my mom when she got home from work. I would go outside, pick roses for her, and put them in a pot on a kitchen counter. I would then hide and watch her expression as she came through the door to find beautiful fresh picked roses. I got instant brownie points and got away with forgetting to take out the trash!!

Last year on Mothers Day (MD), I surprised my mom with a visit from Cali. I flew in on Saturday night and showed up to her church on Sunday morning. The entire soprano section was also in tears as I walked up and gave her a kiss. We the day followed with the traditional MD meal and laughs. We took pictures in front of the roses. I knew right there and then that as good as it was to surprise mums, nothing would beat being around her 24/7. I am a momma’s boy at heart and I was coming home!!

My decision to move back to Fl from Cali was met with some resistance. My roommate at the time felt that I was throwing away a good life I had started. True. Some of my friends did not understand why I would leave Northen California when it was a place that I loved so much. Also True. Even my own mom was skeptical when she came out to visit. She was shocked to realize that a good job, great friends, awesome church, and unbelievable weather could all be in one place, and that I was walking away from all this. Even she asked why?? The answer is the same as it has always been…”You only get one mother!!”

Before my father passed away, we talked about a few things in life he would’ve liked to see me do. On top of telling me how much he loved me, he also told me in specific words to look after my mother. After his passing I knew exactly how James felt at the cross when Jesus charged him to look after Mary. I have always felt that it was my responsibility for her well being even though it is still her who takes care of me some times.

My mom is very important to me and I so thankful to have her. On any given day she can cause me to pull my hair out or run face first into a wall, but I still cherish her with an undying passion. I do not have an Oedipus Complex by any means, but I do look to date women who have that same loving, caring, and nuturing characteristics that my mom possesses. As I am getting older and become a much more mature adult, I am beginning to understand all the sacrifices my parents made for me. It is an awesome feeling to be able to return some of that love.

In the Jamaican culture, parents never ever go to nursing homes. The reasons for this vary from expense to basic principles. From a young child I was always taught a saying that goes ”once a parent, twice a child”. This falls in correlation with the riddle from the Sphinx that Oedipus solved. It is a basic understanding that all people will go through a phase in their life when they will gain and lose their independence as adults. My mom is far from these days, but I did not only want to take care of her when I had too, I wanted to make some great memories as an adult to take with me when she is gone. The seasons of ones life may change but the love will always remain the same. Every rose I smell takes me to our garden, one day I know that scent will be nevermore.

“God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December.”-J. M. Barrie

You Got Served!!

Tonight I went out to dinner with my mums for a pre-mothers day dinner. The rest of my family will be going out tomorrow, so this was a “date” for her and I. We went to the Olive Garden(OG) by our house. Not a good idea.

If you have never worked in the restaurant, it is an ugly business that I think everyone should have to experience at least once. The truth is that you would not eat half the food you order if you knew how it got to you. At best, the back of the house staff in most medium grade restaurants operates on a 7th grade level. I used to work at the OG we visited tonight and was cautious about going, but my mom loves it there…argh!! I personally prefer going to restaurants where I have never worked, that way I don’t have to think about what I know to be going on behind those swiveling doors. To the credit of OG, they have some great company standards and the managers are always persistent about getting the food out fresh and presentable!! This is only the back of the house, the food must get to you by the hands of a server.

For those of you who have served before, you know the stereotypes associated with certain people. A few months ago I had this conversation with some former servers, I would not consider them racist, but they confirmed the “Denny’s” treatment of African-Americans. Whenever I go out I always feel the responsibility to compensate for this by making servers reconsider their preconceived notions about my people. Seeing that the current wait staff was 9yrs removed from my time, I figured that a new generation would put to bed old ideals. Not so.

Upon our seating I looked at my watch, A little after 7:15. We were sitting in a two-server section. This means that the two servers split the section by alternating tables. A couple minutes after we were sat, a party of five was sat in our section. I observed the servers as they rushed back to the service area to decide who would take the party and who would take the take the us. At 7:23 the party of five was making drink orders and we still haven’t been acknowledged by the wait staff. My mom sensed my anguish, and told me to be patient. I knew better, a 5 top meant at least a $20 - $30 tip, while our table probably meant the bare minimum. At 7:28 as the 5 top was getting their drinks and meals ordered, I told my mom that I was counting down from 30 seconds before we walked out. As I began counting our server waddled over. I have to give credit to my mom who kept a smile throughout the whole process. She was really oblivious to my knowledge of the restaurant “code” and just wanted to get some breadsticks!! I relented my sour attitude and tried to enjoy the evening.

Strike two came when we ordered. I was a decent server, I had enough know how to make simple conversation with my patrons and strike up a good conversation. The one thing you want to make sure you do is to not only get the order right, but make sure it is in the right order. The OG makes sure their servers know not to put in a food order until soups and salsds have been delivered…I think our server was missed that tidbit. Our food arrived a minute after our meal along with our appetizer. Great, it will be a buffet!! Good thing she did not forget my Chianti…oh wait she did!!
To the credit of OG, the food was amazing. I am a fan of the Chicken Marsala w/ Fett Alfredo. The food made up for all of our server’s shortcomings. More importantly, my date was going great as we kept each other laughing about the silly things only a family knows. My mom can be a riot at times and I just enjoyed being around her more and more these days.


Which came first the chicken or the egg?? As the server dropped off the check I glanced at it thinking of what to do? If I tip well, I am “breaking the cycle”??? If I leave the percentage the service deserved, I am only reinforcing old stereotypes. I normally am a 20% tipper so I decided to leave a 14% tip. I even broke out my cell phone calculator for this one. My hope is that my server is and was as oblivious to this melodrama playing out in my mind as my mom was… and these bad ideals from generations pass can be put retired. My mom smiled as I paid and we both left satisfied. She had dinner with her baby boy, and I got to serve our server!

Scream!!!

I am a Michael Jackson fan. Don’t get me wrong, I think he is a sick perv, but the man could possibly be one the greatest entertainers of all times. It is sad that such beautiful music is tainted by his post stardom actions. I was watching the coverage of Dubya on the news. That combined with all the junk in the evening news made me think of the song “Scream” Now I have always been infatuated with janet from the “Good Times” days, but the this collaboration was lyrically as good as it was on the dance floor.

I clipped these lyrics that made me think…Was MJ a profit???? Hardly, but I am feelin everyword being sung!!

michael)
Tired of injustice
Tired of the schemes
The lies are disgusting
So what does it mean
Kicking me down
I got to get up
As jacked as it sounds
The whole system sucks

(janet)
Peek in the shadow
Come into the light
You tell me i'm wrong
Then you better prove you're right
You're sellin' out souls but
I care about mine
I've got to get stronger
And i won't give up the fight
(michael)
With such confusions don't it make you wanna scream
Your bash abusin' victimize within the scheme
(janet)
You try to cope with every lie they scrutinize
(both)
Somebody please have mercy
'cause i just can't take it


-TRUE!!!

So Now You Know!!

So Now You Know!!

My 3yr old nephew Joshua came to me with a confession. While playing with my old G.I. Joe, a few of them broke in half. His face was so very apologetic…I couldn’t get mad. I told him that it would be okay and just to be careful next time. My G.I. Joe collection used to be a hot button issue in my house. This collection includes many original issue figurines and vehicles. From age 6 until I discovered girls…(13 not 20), my undying passion was the collection of as many Joes as possible. This collection grew to mammoth proportions to a total number of over 300 articles. My brother Wesley simultaneously collected his famed Transformers. His numbers closely match mine as he was also a fanatic.

My brother got a car and discovered girls when I was in 5th grade. He left his trusted collection in my loyal hands. I guarded Optimus Prime more than I guarded my loins!! Together with my new transformer and GI Joe collections, I had enough toys to last an entire year. But….just as any kid…I wanted more!! With a room full of toys my parents were hardly convinced that I needed to purchase any more toys…”but I gotta get the new Duke”…my mom was not haven it. I needed a new strategy. Enter: Robert S*

Robert S*(Rob) was that kid in school. The kid that you always knew would be servin 5 to 10 for something. His list of attributes include; bully, heart throb, liar, trouble maker, etc…. I was only interested in most indulging quality…”Five Finger Discount Champ” Rob had a knack for going into stores, removing the Joes from their packaging, and walking out with them. He would show up to school the next day with three of four newly obtained contraband. Rob was also a savvy businessman. He would unload his product for 1 or 2 bucks depending on the rarity and demand. Special request might garner a higher price, but they were always cheaper than the purchase price and who could beat the service?? Also as a perk, being a “client” of Rob’s also garnered his protection from other bullies!! This was a win win situation. I wasn’t buying stolen goods, I was protecting my own ass’sets!! (I am still convinced of this!!)

My collection doubled from a 100 or so to over 200+. Rob and I became daily associates. My allowance became my drug money, and GI Joes were my crack, and Rob was my pusher. Like any junkie I could not wait to go to school, foaming at the mouth when I would see him. If he shrugged his shoulders with nothing to offer, I would get depressed. Some days I would even buy double characters just for a fix…I knew I could trade them with the kids at my church who were all impressed with my growing collection. This was a business too.

Rob got caught. A panic rushed through my class as we were all connected in his trafficking. Rob was a true thug and never ratted us out. We were all safe as he was just smacked on the hand by Babylon. Sure enough a month later he was back to his small time dealings. I slowly weaned myself off of of this habit and until the end of the year. In sixth grade I discovered the fairer sex and lost my obsession with the collection.

Growing up as a “God Fearing Christian” I felt a bit of guilt about everything at the time. I knew that stealing was wrong, but I wasn’t stealing so that made it okay… right?? No. How often do we as humans try to justify doing something wrong by circumventing it through another person? How could I now get mad at Joshua for breaking something that should not have been mine in the first place?? Karma is a funny thing. Sure enough that each time I would return from college my mom would have given more and more of my Joes away. Slowly but surely a once abundant collection has been dwindled down to less than 100 items, most of which are broken or beyond resale value. Through it all, I have learned a valuable lesson….So now I know!!!
“And Knowing Is Half The Battle”

Ronaldinho.....Nuff Said!!!

A couple of years ago I was in London visiting my oldest brother. We began talking about sports as most guys do. I was fascinated by his seemed to be expert knowledge of soccer (or football for you purest). He began to tell me about a player known as “Ronaldinho”. His excitement sparked my interest and I loosely followed the progress of this player and his favorite team, the London Arsenal.

As Americans, we take to sports heroes and often create legends around them. When one player excels in a sport, we tend to exalt them in a way that creates a legend before the ink dries. The names like Jordan, Elway, Ruth Gretsky, Woods, Ruth, etc… all carry a tremendous amount of respect for their respective sport. Internationally this also happens, but very few stars are able to crossover to this extreme as in the world of soccer. Ronaldinho is this player. He is not the over hyped mega star like David Beckham, Ronaldinho is the real thing. If Neo (from the Matrix) played soccer, he would take lessons from Ronaldinho!!

This sport is played in every corner of the world with as much or even more passion than any other. Recent world cup ads ran and stated that “Wars would stop for this event.” I hope so. The world should stop to watch Ronaldinho play. He is a truly gifted individual.

On Wednesday, May 17th two powerhouse teams will meet for a match that will set the table and mood for the world cup. The London Arsenal will be playing Barcelona for the Champions League Cup. This may be one of the greatest soccer showcases the world has ever seen as two of the world premiere clubs will square off. Set your Tivo to record this match. You will need to watch some of these moves in slow motion to truly appreciate it. Ronaldinho will be playing for Barcelona and Thierry Henry will lead a star studded Arsenal team. These two will later represent there countries of Brazil and France in the World Cup, respectively. You owe it to yourself to watch this match and find out what all the hype is about.

Wedding Crushed Part Duex

Part Duex
“Why I am no longer welcome in Jacksonville”

Sunday morning rang in with a knock at the door of house keeping! “Go Away!!” We stumbled around a bit and finally made our way out the door. We had to pick up gifts and and shirts for the wedding. I could not decided which shirt to wear with my fancy vest and tie set. Dirk and I went to Burlington to pick up a few items while Ed was getting a haircut, after that it was off to the wedding.

Upon arrival at the wedding it was our mission was evident. The reunification of a once mighty force of men who together could dominate the world….at least so we thought!! The reality was that it was going to be a very long night of jokes and nostalgia. My fellow crashers were Ed & Dirk. As we made our way through the church, we were all taking notes of the ladies present!! There was a ton of potential in the room that was for sure.

(This is a tender section for the ladies)
The ceremony was great. Watching one of your friends get married is such an inspiring event. This is the 3rd “Crew wedding” I have attended and each one almost draws me to tears. I am so proud to have these guys as friends and being there to share that moment with them is truly a blessing. All of my friends have married girls who I think the world of. Amy has become a friend who I look forward to getting to know. People like her just don’t come about too often, I am happy for Lou to find someone so great!!
(Back to the juicy details)

We arrived at the reception hall shortly after the wedding. It was only about a mile or so from the hotel and wedding site. The DJ encouraged us to take advantage of the snacks. He did not need to point out the “open bar.” In traditional fashion we began our assault on the bar. Lou had told us the week prior that he wanted this to be a time to remember. I wish I could have kept up my side of the bargain.

Ed, Dirk, & I were assigned to Table 16. Behind me were Chris & Eleana, Matt & Ana, and Jurgen & Kelly. The whole crew was together. Lou had also put his three lovely (female) cousins at our table…(Thanks Lou!!) This made for some interesting conversation for the three eager eligible bachelors at the table trust me!!

The first couple hours went by uneventful. The meal was great and drinks kept flowing. The traditional items such as dances, wedding tosses, and cake eating went on. While these items carried on, our level of sobriety quickly departed. Being around my friends was so great. Matt, Chris, & Jurgen represent such a special part of my childhood. The great aspect about our friendships is that time has stood still for us. Though we have been friends for almost 17yrs…We are still the same kids playing video games at Nick’s house. Like a fine wine, our friendship only gets better with age. Needless to say, a few “I Love You Guys” were uttered throughout the night!!

I am a dancing machine. The prior night’s escapades were only a teasers for the moves I would breakout on the dance floor. Once again I could not help it, Ed just shook his said as he knew that it would be only a metter of minutes before I was making a fool of myself!! Right on cue, I started making the rounds, fortunately I was not the only one. We were all three sheets to the wind and not looking back. We had set sail to familiar grounds. Salsa, Swing, Hip Hop, Reggae, Reggaeton, …I danced to them all. As always getting much love and attention from the ladies I had my fair shair of dance partners. I am not sure who grabbed my camera, but some of these moments were captured. Some photos I have deleted, btu some are too funny to let go.

We went outside to take a group picture. I am always big on making sure that these moments have stills of taken for future meetings. As we stepped outside the daylight provided an unfriendly reminder that time it was still early. It was barely after 7pm and we were all blasted. Trying to organize 10 people for a photo proved to be a difficult task. Once one group was rounded up, someone had to run to the bathroom. We finally got a group shot taken. Looking back on the pic, it seemed like it was just out of an episode of friends….(although their were no brothas on friends, you get the idea!!)

After this point things begin to get a little cloudy…I remember finding out that the ladies at our table were all legal…but barely….I remember finding out that everyone was hitting on Lou’s sister, and I was being a bit overprotective….and somehow, we all got into a muffin fight back at the hotel…conversations with more ladies…& Sometime after that, all of the night fades to black.
The morning after was not fun. As I awoke we found Dirk in the bathroom hugging the toilet. Ed was fine but just shaking his head at me…Sorry!! We started unpacking and I ran into Amy in the hallway. I guess our little muffin fight turned into a disater that required an extra tip for the service crew…oops!! On my way down into the car I ran into a couple guys from the wedding party who were a little upset at my “Playa Hate’n” ways…Sorry fellas but not on my watch!!! The hotel staff also showed the same distain to my antics the prior night…Oh well. It is fair to say that I am probably no longer welcome in the city of Jacksonville for some time. I wish I could have gone back in time but you only get one chance at life. I was happy no one got hurt and we all had the time of our lives…So thanks to Lou for facilitating a wonderful weekend and giving us yet another reason to party!!

Giddy Up!!

The Kentucky Derby is supposed to be the super bowl of horse racing. To me it is a reminder that God has a sense of humor.

Growing up my fascination with horses ended when a pony stepped on my foot at the age of 5. I kept my distance from them since that point. A friend in College was an equestrian rider. She took to me riding one day and got over my fears. Horses are remarkable animals. They are like giant dogs always starving for our attention. Our ability to domesticate them as animals has been essential to our history. What would story of Paul Revere if he had rode a camel??

I used to live in San Mateo, CA, which is 20 miles south of San Fran. About a mile from my apartment was a horse track called Bay Meadows. I have always wanted to see a horse race, so one weekend some friends and I decided to go. I had no idea what I was doing. I lost every bet for a total of $20. (I really broke the house) Horse betting can be a tricky thing. We had a great day just hanging out in and around the track though. My favorite part of the event was to go down and check out the horses before the race. Getting up close and personal with these majestic animals gives you a better understanding of who they are. My appreciation for the sport rose immediately and I went back a few times.

A friend came out to visit and my roommate and I took him to the track. Again I was in awe to see these four-legged gladiators take to the track. As I strolled through the gallery of horses, I picked my pony!! I was sure as anything that this horse was going to be a winner. I scooted up to the window and placed my two dollar bet. I can’t recall the odds, but it was around 12 – 1 or something. A nice $25 payday would have made up for the previous shortcomings of wagers past. With ticket in-hand, I headed over to our box. With a sound of the trumpet and shot of a gun they were off. The thunder from a horse track is nothing like that of a Nascar car event, but it is still exhilarating. As the horses made their way around the track my eyes began to sparkle as my horse edged to the front. With a photo finish he crossed the line in first place!!! Finally, victory was mine!!!

I walked up to the counter to cash in on my winnings. The payout would be enough to bring me back a couple more times I was sure. I don’t really enjoy gambling. I do it for the fun and do not put too much stock in my bets. Truth be told, I am a horrible gambler because I just don’t have that zest for cash as some people do. Handing my ticket over the cashier I noticed his odd look did not match my Kool-Aid grin.

“This race has not been run yet” He said
“Uh, no I bought this from you ten minutes ago” I replied.
“Sorry sir, but this is for a later race at another track, did you tell me for the race at Bay Meadows”
“Why else would I be here!!”
“Sorry, the best we can do is a refund”

My once proud prance had turned into a slow limp back to our box. My friends were amused by my ever-steady streak of bad luck. At this point I was convinced through and through:
God has a sense of humor…. and I am the butt of every joke!!

Give Earl Thanks

Thanks Earl!!

I love the game of golf. A couple years ago I would play 4 –5 times per week. With all that practice, I should be able to hit the ball well?? I am a terrible golfer! It is fair to say that I am the worst golfer on this side of the Mississippi. If I can make it through an entire round without losing 10 or more balls I feel like I should get a green jacket. One time I took a swing and the ball went behind me. The 8yr old kids watching began to chuckle. It was okay though, I was apart of the revolution.

A long long time ago I used to think that golf was only for white people. I grew up watching the game every now and then, but saw it as only a game for Caucasians, how archaic. My only care for golf was watching Bill Murray try to blow up the gopher in “Caddyshack.” I remember a kid down the street from us who would always go and play golf with his dad. We had a single golf club at our house, for some reason, that I used to hit balls every now and then. Until I graduated high school I still believed that golf had no room for a black man. Then the Tiger revolution began.

In 1996 Tiger Woods exploded onto the golf scene. He attracted new sponsors but more importantly he showed that the game could and should be played by anyone. Jackie Robinson did the same a few generations ago for baseball. Was Tiger the first black golfer? No, but, he was the first to cross the lines with such substance that it made it impossible to ignore? Absolutely. Woods’ impact on golf will be felt for generations and possibly centuries to come. Just as a baseball field now if filled with players from all over the world, the golf spectrum will also spread across cultural lines that have existed for hundreds of years.

Woods is a product of a interracial marriage which is even more of a credit to who he is and what he represents. Woods is a renaissance man. He is by far the most dominant athlete in his sport right now. Off the court he is also a savvy businessman who charmed the world with his infectious smile and intense fist pumps. His wife is also super uber hot!! Really hot!! He is the envy of every man. Tiger has transcended the game of golf to a prime time sport. What was once a sport for the aristocracy of this country has now become a cultural phenomenon.
I wish I started playing as kid just as Tiger did with his dad Earl. The videos of them playing golf as Tiger was just able to walk is amazing. The vision of the father has now become a reality for the son. It is remarkable to think his father saw his son’s potential as just a child. It is unfortunate that Woods the senior will never get the opportunity to understand the impact that he has had on the world as much as his son. Tiger gives credit to his father for everything he is. What a lasting tribute to a man who the world may never know but only through Tiger his son. This is a metaphor in so many ways.

NBA....&.Random Thoughts

I love this game!!

I am watching th NBA Playoffs right now. I am a Shaq fan. Most people think he is a huge waste of space. I you have ever played basketball; you understand how much of an amazing athlete he is. I also love watching Dwayne Wade. He is amazing with and without the ball. The NBA is the best it has ever been and I have been watching my entire life. Most people would argue and tell you the Michael Jordan days were the best, but you need true parity for the games to be exciting. This year it is wide open and the champs could come from anywhere….

Got a few job offers today, when it rains it pours. I am not sure if I should take them, or hold out for something better. I also really wanted to go to London again for a few weeks, but that may not happen for a while now. I am still pondering my options as I have a little bit of flexibility. I should have a true update by the end of the week.

I am going back to school in the fall. I will be working on a psych degree and then going to grad school for counseling. It should only take a year or so, but time will tell. I am excited about being a student again. My moms is even happier.

I am still collecting stories from the last night of the wedding….Sorry my memory is a little shot!! Part two should be coming after I find out the truth of what happened!!

Getting ready to move out in a few weeks. I am still going to help out as a nanny, but my duties will be greatly reduced. Went swimming with the kiddies today!! Last week was the first time I have been swimming in our pool in at least 15yrs!! Wow that water was cold!!

If you have never heard of Craigslist.org, you are missing out on one of the webs best secrets!!

So to recap!!

Go Heat!!
Still looking for a jobby job!!
Mmmmnnnn….Co-eds!!
Two days later I am still a little cloudy!!
Looking for a Condo in downtown Orlando!!
Craigslist Rules!!

Wedding Crushed - Part 1

Wedding Crushed
Part I

Everybody loves a wedding. Lou and Amy have been together for ever. The wedding was just a reason to party. And party we did.

The day started horribly. I had to pick up Ed in Orlando early because of a funeral I was attending. The lady who passed away was a family friend from my mom's church. She was a true saint. She spent 25 yrs as a missionary in Africa with her husband. She just returned to Florida a couple of years ago. In November she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Her family gave her a wonderful tribute and there was not a dry eye in the building. Her life’s testimony is something legendary. Although I only met her in passing, I was inspired by the life she lived.

After the funeral I shot home to get packed. I had to grab a haircut also. If you are ever in Deltona, never never never NEVER, go to Keith Barber's. In Jamaica, the barbers are very classy and can really cut. I am new around here so this was a crap shoot. The guy who cut my hair had to be the worse barber I have ever been too. In the middle of cutting my hair, (which took almost an hour) he ran outside to try and wave down a girl pumping gas across the street. This mixed with the fact that he was focused more on the NFL draft than my hair silently irritated me. The last half an hour in the chair I just sat quietly and waited for him to be done. Tip....Yeah right.

After being butchered, I picked up Dirk & Ed and we were off. Jacksonville was about a two hour ride away and I had been delegated to do the driving this time. Ed is a massive size man and Dirk is no small fry either. Taking Dirk's Tiburon or Ed's truck was out of the question. We were all staying in the same room anyway so it was a fun road trip. Once we got checked into the Downtown Wyndham, we set off to the rehearsal dinner. Even though none of us were in the wedding, Lou invited us because we are all like family. Jurgen (Dirk's brother) represented "The Crew" in the wedding. We were all very close in high school and have remained very close to this day. Lou could not have us al in the wedding so Jurgen was selectedelegate delagate. This was awesome for me as I could just sit back and enjoy. The dinner was great. Mazziano's is a awesome eatery. We also were given 3 drink tickets which we took full advantage of. This was the beginning of a very long night.

After dinner we returned to the hotel. We all started pounding on the booze Lou passed out as gifts to the wedding party. In Lou's room Jurgen got lit up. This was not as bad as his "I am a Rhino" episode, but he was very entertaining to watch. Lou kicked us out 11 and we headed over to the bar were he and Amy work. There the drinks kept coming. I started slow, as I tried to pace myself. Didn't happen. Ed is a bartender also and started ordering shots all around. A couple of toast later and I was toasted.

There was a band playing who was something like "Tenacious D". They played really well and were also funny. Being the only black guy in the bar made me feel a little uncomfortable at first because I hate feeling isolated. Normally when I go out I like to go places that have a good mix. This place was cool though, so I quickly blended in to the scene. The band started to play so me hip hop and reggae. I am a sucker for music and everytime I say that I am not going to dance...I end up an the floor. Jurgen also tries to get the latest dance moves from me every time we go out. We became dancing fools. As always the ladies showed a brotha some love on the dance for as well. The night was going great. Seeing my friends again was awesome. Between dinner, drinks and dancing, we all had a blast. Kelly and Eleana (Jurgen & Chris's wives) were also there. They were also having a good time as the boyz began behaving badly. It is such a great thing to have the people you grew up with as close friends. We are all such kids once we get out. I can't imagine growing up any other way. A moments like this, are the entire reason I moved back home. As the night progressed, I found myself very glad not to be driving home. I was smashed.

For some reason, I started making more and more eye contact with the band. I saw the mic and knew it was calling. As last call for drinks was made, the band asked for request. I took leap of faith."Redemption Song" I shouted. He nodded and agreed if I returned with a shot."No Problem" A shot of Patron and the haunting intro was being strummed. This is by far one of my favorite songs of all time. For some reason I inched closer and closer the mic. I was music major in college and have a decent voice, but I am no Bob Marley. With enough liquid courage, I slid over to the mic and began to belt it out. My friends began to laugh and chuckle as the "Ol Oliver" was back on stage!! The band began to laugh also as I mixed up a few words here and there. I am a bad Jamaican!!

After my rendition, it was time to go. We all were done and it was closing time. We scooted over to the hotel and with the wedding party, made some night moves!! Dirk and Derrick made friends with some very nice bridesmaids and the wedding crash was on!! As for me I retired to the room. My experience tells me that I am too old to be getting crazy the night before a wedding, I decided to chill. This was just the beginning of long weekend, I needed to pace myself. Didn't happen.

Showin Ed some loves!!!