Over My Dry Spell

  I know it has been awhile since I have written anything and some of you probably thought that I would never submit another piece of blog work again. Well, fortunately for all of us I am currently out and over my dry spell and busy spell. I made a commitement to myself to leave time in my day for the things I enjoy such as writing and painting. So I hope you enjoy the freshness of my writings and look forward to more to come. I hoping to get my readership back up and go further and expand on it. So please support, share, and more importantly subscribe....


-Mr. J

Letting Go

 

    I sometimes sit around and wonder about the direction my life is going. Is it everything I have ever dreamed of, or is it lackluster and craving the excitement that I dreamed of as a child? In life nothing is simple and more times than most it never turns out the way that you want it to. A giant obstacle for myself, as well as others, is the life lesson of learning to let go. Letting go of the past, letting go of the ex,letting go of your childhood, letting go in general. I find it hard to let things go and resist change because of the fear of not knowing the outcome. However, if we are always resisting we are in turn never living. You can not stay caged up in a life of monotony and experiencing life to the fullest requires letting go and accepting change. It isn't easy and by far one of the hardest things to do as a parent, lover, brother, and human. Whenever I feel the need to hold on to things that I know I need to let go of I think about all the great things that could potential walk into my life once I make space for them. So ask yourself, is it time to let go and give something else an opportunity to make an impact in your life?


-Mr. J

Getting Out of a Slump

    It as been a week since I had last written because life seems to always prove effective in delaying self pleasures. My latest train of thought revolved around the feeling of consistency without change. Day in and day out my life goes through the same rountine daily, weekly, and even monthly. As I started to realize that I needed to make change in my life, I started to list all the things that I wish would change. The list filled up a good half a page and then I took each line and briefly wrote out the barriers or opportunities that are preventing me from making those changes for the better. Most of the changes started with small things such as different breakfast choices or switching up the daily routine by adding a brisk walk in the park or lunch with some old friends. They then evolved into 5 year plans or yearly plans to make improvements to my personal self. So I encourage everyone to start with small changes if your unhappy with your day to day life and get on the right track to happiness.

"When you are always living for others, you sometimes forget to live for yourself."-Mr. J

Mother's Day

    Mother's Day is tomorrow folks and hopefully you have something planned for that very special lady in your life. Furthermore, for those like myself who grew up with one parent please cherish and hold that irreplaceable person very close to you. I remember back in elementary school I got to make my Mother's Day presents and Father's Day presents. My mother was extremely blessed because she received both of those presents. I find it great looking back that the teacher's at the school allowed me to do this because I was one of a small handful whom had no father. So rather its a nice dinner, breakfast in bed, a family photo shoot, a bouquet of flowers or fruit, or something you created that is truly special, have a blessed and safe Mother's Day.

Presidential Support for Marriage Equality

   

    Over the past few days it has surfaced that both Obama and Biden support gay marriage. Biden was the first to support marriage equality, but Obama in several statements made over the past few days has stated that his views on marriage equality have changed and he now supports the rights of gays to marry in the United States. However, he also stated that he agrees that it should be left up to each individual state. With the election looming ever so close, I feel that this was a short-sell in terms of votes from those of us that support equality. The supporters of equality can be found on both sides of the fence and even some Republican voters feel that marriage equality it important in the United States. This would be a great feat and even historical because Obama is the first president to stand behind gay marriage, but just like promises made in 2008 how far does this support go? Will he be active in the changing of a nation in terms of marriage equality or after reelection will the support disappear and not be brought back to table? As a tax paying, voting, and involved American citizen I am hopeful that this will cause a wildfire of state support for equality in marriage. What are your views?



-Mr. J

When I Think About Rain....

    I know that it has been a few days since a new blog post has surfaced, but I had a crazy week and will now catch up by posting a few blog posts today to kinda catch up. I was suppose to be at a rate of two blog post a day but that has not been turned into a reality yet. Enjoy!

    As I walk through the streets of my town, a slight drizzle of rain starts to fall down upon me. I'm not in objection to rain so I continue to walk. Meanwhile, I'm analyzing the very rain that's steadily hitting my skin. As I look around I notice that the rain is just not falling on me but the lady walking next to me, the guy across the street, the child following behind his mother, and even the mayor as he leaves city hall. It is then very clear to me that rain, as simple as it is, has a much more complex and fair value. Unlike many Americans today, the rain does not discriminate and falls evenly on anyone and everything. The rain is also clear, you can see through it and know what your up against. It would be a perfect reality to think that one day everyone could be like the rain. Fair with clear intentions, equal in grace, and furthermore never ending. So I urge everyone, learn from the rain and support equality for everyone!
-Mr. J

Beach ready....perhaps not?

    As I sit here to type this blog post I'm having an ongoing struggle with the thermostat. The reason being that each hour that goes by its getting hotter and hotter which means one thing...Summer is right around the corner. Summer brings with it many pros and cons including no school, vacations, and heat strokes. We are going to briefly tackle beach vacation and highlight 5 tips to having a fun, safe, and healthy time.

1.) Don't Forget the Sunblock
    This is very important because with Summer comes a lot of sun which carries UV rays that damage your skin. Yes we all want to be tan and looking fresh, but there is a growing trend in melanoma cases related to over exposure. One way to help prevent skin damage due to UV rays is to apply sunblock with SPF according to directions on the label. It is also best to get waterproof and sweat proof formulas to further enhance the effects of the lotions or sprays. Places such as Walmart and Target have great selections of sunblocks for all ages.

2.) Limit Your Time in the Sun
    I know it sounds like a drag but limiting your sun exposure is also another way to prevent skin damage as well as other health related issues relevant to the heat. If you were to install the WeatherChannel app on your mobile device it can give you UV index alerts so you know when the best and worst times to be outside are.

3.) Research Your Surroundings
    For those of you whom will be traveling to places that you have never been to before beware!! Make sure you get a realistic and accurate account of the surroundings and type of area in which your lodging is held. Also keep in mind that many locals will try to scam or even kidnap tourists.

4.) Spend Smart
    To have a blast does not mean to drain your bank account. As a general rule you should always have at least one months worth of bills saved back before going on any trip or venture. However, instead of staying at that 5 star hotel that you will only use to sleep and shower in why not go for a 4 star or even a 3 star hotel to save money for other fun activities. You could save hundreds by doing so and it gives you more freedom on a rainy day. It might also be a good idea to get a room with a kitchenette so you can go to the grocery store to buy snacks and such to hold you off in between meals.

5.) Travel in Groups
    I know it feels like your back in elementary school again but the importance of traveling in groups is something that needs to be discussed. There are a lot of shady characters out there just looking for that singled out tourist to scam, rob, or snatch. You've heard it a million times before, there is safety in numbers. Never travel alone at night or visit a bar or club alone! Always bring a friend, preferably a DD.

-Mr/ Jay