Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Week Two
This week I am on my three days in the gym and then the physical ed teacher by the name of Cliff, came out, and knew from our previous talk of the goal I had set for one month. I ended my training and decided that I would do two 3 minute sets on the bag. Cliff decided to take a few pictures for me and this was today I wish I had that movie maker as I am achieving my goal. And there is purpose within any thing which one decides to do.
This week shall be another challenge but one which I desire as I had mentioned on my blog I am raising the bar. What ever you set you mind to I believe you can do it when you do let your pride down.
Then the better of what one does endeavour to do is attainable.
He Floated Like a Butterfly and Stung Like a Bee
Muhammad Ali’s first sounds were “Gee-Gee, Gee-Gee.” His beautiful mother Odessa Clay called her son “G-G”. For the rest of her life, and years later, Ali would say, “After I won the Golden Gloves, I told Mama that from the very beginning I was trying to say, ‘Golden Gloves.” So began the life of Muhammad Ali, who celebrates his 70th birthday today.
Though many know him as the greatest boxer of all time, few know that it was actually the theft of his bicycle at age 12 that began his boxing career. After the bike was stolen, Ali ran to the police station, threatening to “whup whoever stole my bike.” Joe Martin, a white Louisville, Ky., policeman, told him he had better learn to fight, and in his spare time, he took Ali under his wing and taught him the ropes. Ali won his first fight six weeks later. When the referee raised his arm in victory, Ali shouted the iconic words that would become a self-fulfilling prophecy: “I’m gonna be the greatest of all time!”
But what was so incredible about Ali was all the courageous and selfless things he did beyond boxing. Ali literally stopped doing a million things to help someone. Fellow fighters get out of jail. It was so heroic, and of all the times we worked together, it is still my favorite memory of him. I also can’t tell you how many times, when we were driving on the road, he’d see a school and make me pull over. He’d meet all 200 school kids and sign 200 autographs, often with a kid on his lap. That was just his personality, to be so giving of his time. It seriously got to the point that when I saw a school, I’d think, “Oh my God, here we go again. We’re in trouble.”
About 15 years ago, I was a juror in court in downtown Manhattan. After the case was over, the judge asked the jury to enter and talk to him. We go in, and he explains that one of the jurors was a man who changed his life. We’re looking at each other, and he goes, “The juror is George Lois.” Everyone is looking at me, and I’m looking at him like he’s crazy. He told me he was a student at Columbia University in the ’60s, when there were furious debates about Vietnam and draft dodgers, and how that 1968 Esquire cover of Ali as St. Sebastian solidified the argument for Ali’s decision to not participate in the draft. The judge said it changed Columbia University students’ understanding and point of view about the war. I remember that because it speaks to the influence of Ali. From a narcissistic self-promoter who eventually became a man of enduring spirituality through a journey of formidable tests, Ali emerged as a true superhero in the annals of American history and a worldwide ambassador of courage and conviction. A boxing legend who courageously spoke up for black men and civil rights throughout all of his life. And on his glorious 70th birthday, I am privileged to salute him, with the rest of the world.
Raising the Bar
It’s week two since I came here and shortly after 8:30pm I jogged and then was to the gym. I had thought about it after this weekend and I do intend on staying here for at least a month. I have my agenda set as far as training and I have thought out the goals that I wish to achieve.
There are areas where I believe if we wish to do them and they are realistic – it takes on that thought process of weighing out the pros and cons. There are more pros to a decision when a decision is made and this one I am determined to follow through with. There are more rewards in what this month shall bring.
Perhaps that is an ideal, idea, determination, or several things. On this second week I have raised the bar. And I certainly am determined to see it right through to the end and then there is another goal which lies ahead.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Simple Sunday Evening
There is nothing like sitting at the table and having that talk about things. At supper this morning one friend of mine and his wife and myself where talking about the health care system. Just simple if you know what I mean. Then we went on to other subjects when I arrived back from just taking a stroll around town.
Thereafter I had to head out and get some batteries and I accidentally got D batteries instead of C batteries. Over and above that I had a hoot of a time with this karaoke system which is here. We all had fun with it and then I headed out again to replace exchange the batteries and even within a small town time is a precious commodity.
I have been fiddling with this laptop of mine and my restore disk is back at home but hopefully I over the last hour I have set up things correctly. What I despise is that I have to get new batteries for my laptop as without being plugged in the puter does not work for more than an hour at best. But that can wait.
When I walk in the door so often I think to myself which I am going to do write or just take in other things. I think that is a good thing yet this household is so wired for the internet from I pads, laptops, and a mainframe. And then three huge LSD and Plasma Screen televisions which as well are hooked up or can be hooked up to the internet.
I used to be on top of all of this but now I am in it and I can’t get out. All kidding aside Sunday was a Sunday. I had emailed the recording studio where I was working and I have not heard back from them but tomorrow come rise and shine I am at the gym and even within a small town one thing does lead into another.
Time, I wish I had that time to spend more of it on here but there are other things as well. Peace be with you as Sunday was just a day of many and before you know it February shall be here.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Simple Saturday - And Wishing All a Great Tomorrow
Today was my day off, and for most all seemingly here in town it was as well. I headed of to get some groceries and then after I watch a movie called “Inside Man” on Netflix. Good show it was and with two of my favorite actors – Denzel Washington and Jody Foster. I had seen it before but it was worth seeing again.
Then there is this little guy who is within Tae Kwon Do and he is only just 9 years of age and he always wants to spar. Feisty little guy he is but he has a manner about him which is always interested in doing something. We arm wrestle and he is an ambitions one. I truly get a kick out of him and he is a very decent boy he always wants me to do something – as he very enthusiastic with everything. I don’t know what he isn’t interested in and he can play piano, he has this mini drum system. And as well his idol is Bruce Lee. He has a collection on his computer of all the YOUTUBE’S of Bruce Lee and knows the entire bio of whom once was an idle of mine which I was just a little older – just about 12 if I remember correctly. I guess I better watch out. Its fun though as the simple nature of things is worth plenty of smiles as well as it passes the time. Then this evening I stepped out and there was one deer which was just half a block down. I was told that within the spring that they come out right into town and fest on the berries and other things which grown and are apart of what they eat. I wish I had a long zoom lens as I would have brought out the camera. As that would have been something.
There was not that much to do. Yet I had a kind of boring day as I am really within this routine. But I had a good time and for a weekend it was nothing really more. Just a simple day where outdoors for a bit and assisting with some things which required help – as well as well a movie.
It’s getting late but I did wish to say hello and across this universe of where so many can connect through those waves I do wish you a splendid weekend. I am going to catch another movie and then head off to bed.
Oh yeah from the last week I have been aching like you would not believe but here I have this bed that has a massage, it lifts up and goes down and I dare not push the vibration button – but I am getting a good nights sleep.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Conclusive Friday
Today was my anniversary of one week of being here where I am. I literally have been able to meet some people of all sorts but I have kept to my agenda of getting settled in which was one of ease. Then I could see that there were so many trails that I have literally done my own respite coupled with exercise. Fortunately I am staying with a family and there is always that small talk as well as a respectful between us all. Last Monday I wasn’t too sure of where everything. I have been eating very well as well the reason which I did come out here was by way of a friend of a friends. I am not one for sitting idle and the weather is much better than what one would ever have expected for a winter which is nearly over.
This morning I called to this school which has within it a public gym. I went over and met with the gym teacher as well as a very nice lady whom is the principal’s administrative assistant and after a talk they invited me to come back and try it out. When I arrived home, I had lunch and then was off to do some necessary things and then I went to the gym. I will tell ya that, when you snooze you lose. As in no way or shape or form was I in the same shape as I thought I was when I was cross training everyday. I ran for half an hour and then I hit the gym and focused on lats, abs, as well as deltoids. Come this next week I will do three days of cross training and the other half of hiking. I have done more within the last week than I have done within two months when I take everything into consideration. The gym is adjacent to the school which is very decent. It has everything there and man I can tell ya that each and every day I have ached but this weekend I am taking two days off and then shall be back at it on Monday. I plan this next week to do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday cross training and then Tuesdays and Thursdays hiking and jogging.
Right now I walk mostly to everywhere I have to go and I would guess that most would see this as boring but I am enjoying most all within this town. After two weeks I have documented my progress and after the end of next week I will review my progress. I have never done so much outdoors at this time of year but the weather has been supreme – there is even part of this town where the snow is nearly all gone. Aside of this, there really isn’t anything else to say at this point but for being one our south of my city I don’t miss it yet I do keep up to date with friends from the city. So my mindset has been on eating the proper foods and then half the day has been training and the other half has been meeting a few people as well as just things which I had never been able to. As I was so busy tending to family matters first and foremost rather than the other way around.
The weekend is here and I would never believed so many avenues would open and yet they have. Sure within a small town there are people whom are pondering who I am perhaps. But what I believe in is that taking action has come to bring about many things and I have been enjoying this time and I don’t factor in when I will return, as for right now this is definitely home. Mind you I have never seen so many older folks yet they are really young at heart.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Group of a Few
Merely a grouping of a few as I have come to know this town
much better within stride.
Eating Disorder I Have
It has come to my attention that I am mentally ill. I was always known I was neurotic for that matter who isn’t? But it still comes as some thing of as a surprise to learn that I am suffering from an actual mental illness. Others, perhaps, will not be surprised in the least.
The particular mental illness that afflicts me was added only recently to the so called “Bible of Psychiatry.” Otherwise know as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This is the humojungo reference book that officially catalogs all the mental illnesses recognized by modern psychiatry. The latest edition is nearly 1,000 pages. You would have to almost have to e pathologically normal to find nothing in there that applies to you. Qualifying as sane does not get any easier when new disorders are regularly added to the already gigantic manual. The goalpost of sanity now have been moved so close together that I can no longer squeeze through. What afflicts me is one of the latest additions proposed for the diagnostic manual, something called avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder – or ARFID. Until recently, people suffering form this disorder were dismissed as picky eaters. Well now we suddenly are sic and need help. ARFID is defined as an “eating or feeding disturbance” that includes avoiding foods of a particular taste, color, or texture. That’s exactly what I do. I avoid foods if the taste is bad, if the texture is lumpy or slimy and if the color is grey, green, or mottled beige. If this makes me mentally ill, I plead not hungry by reason of insanity. Consider oatmeal, a slimy, lumpy, grey food I have always found unspeakable horrible. I always thought it was the people who liked oatmeal who were mentally ill. And yet it clearly is not them but me whose symptoms are to be described in psychiatry’s foremost diagnostic text book.
Well, I don’t care what the doctors say, I still despise oatmeal. For that matter I hate liver too! If there was a religion that forbade eating liver, I would sign on as a missionary with the motto of “Eat not of Liver, for it is an unclean thing, and also slimy, with putrid taste and disgusting appearance. Whosoever filleth thy mouth with liver shall be cast into a fiery pit, along with some friend onions.” Yeah this sound like something of worth. (Grinning) This is somewhat by the way, but notices how easily mental illness is repurposed as theology. It goes the other was as well when the mentally ill are afflicted with religious delusions. If it was just liver and oatmeal that provoked my uncontrolable gag reflex, I probably would not need professional help. There are many other foods, however I would rather wrap in a napkin and secretly lip into my pocket than eat. Among them are broccoli, spinach and all the organ meets except baloney. Heart, lungs, and tongue will be scrapped off my plate untouched, but I do so love that slice of baloney, in a sandwich with lettuce and a tad of mustard. I also cannot eat anything in cream sauce. Any food that could possibly be improved by immersion in cream sauce I would dispose of as a hazardous waste. Asparagus likewise disgusts me. Fish as well. It doesn’t help when I am told that this fish dish has not fishy taste to it, nope that doesn’t seem to fix the situation/disorder I would surmise. And I am supposed to be the crazy one!? Now that picky eating has come to be a mental illness, we can perhaps look forward to a cure. The big pharmaceutical companies probably are working even now on new drugs to treat the disorder. Imagine a pill that could make me like liver!
I kinda think that I would spit it out when no one was looking or hand it to the dog standing under the table mind you for some reason he doesn’t suffer from this disorder.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Not too Fast or Too Slow
Yesterday I had to drive back into Saskatoon as I had and appointment and some things which needed to be processed. I am so akin to Saskatoon with really knowing it by way of people and by way of areas which I have been too and met people by way of all the photographs which I have taken.
It was different as I now know how serene a town is in comparison to Saskatoon which recently within the news within 30 years if not earlier it shall grow from 250,000 thousand people to half a million. This doctor is one of a kind. He literally went the extra distance in setting up so many things. I just wished to get in there and back out. All forms for the duration of this respite and pause period are now set up and I even went to my folks and told them everything was great. I don’t wish for them to worry about me. Especially my mother whom certainly does have her hands full and I hope that she gets better as she has been taking care of all matters and she is overloading herself. I so know this and I called while on the highway my brother and left him a message as to where I am and the telephone number. By the time everything was done with my doctor whom is a general practitioner whom teaches at the University as well. He was surprised after all the forms were filled out at how well and how at ease I am with things. I guess everyone was right as I did have too much going on and my doc said that what I have put into place is tremendous. I explained to him of my goal structure and how far I had come. He was impressed and he is not one of those “in the door out the door” kind of practioners. I think that as his father was in the medical area he went the same route.
By the time I arrived home here within this town. I was tired and I knew that the State of the Union was on last night. I wished to watch it and near the end I just headed off to bed. As when you get back with it and my intention was never to be idle but to take on a pause time and still have a routine. Thankfully the pain of last night went away. Within the body our muscles tear when we train and then they rebuild better. It’s much like when a bone is broken, after it heals – the bone itself heals and the bone is actually stronger than before. This morning I raised the level of my running to a little longer stride. Well it’s not a push it’s a mindset – as this is my work and it may come across as being lazy but I don’t place too many things off. So far so good. Today I exercised all in all a total of nearly 4 hours, then this evening I will go into half an hour of stretching. So the structure or routine is there and by the end of the week I will do finish off this part of my outdoors training and then raise the bar. I have a nursing friend which runs and even if she had not wagered a bet on if I could achieve this I know I would.
Outside of this I have to ROLF set up a new banking account here, make seven calls between today and tomorrow. So I will throw in my own diary within this now and then but every day is like the other within a small town unless you make it different. Yet believe it or not I feel more at home here.
The above picture is that of my doctor and he was educated in medicine at Queens University. With all that I am doing I will as well have some massage therapy set up and by the time all the contacts are made by Thursday I shall have my choice of a few physical therapy clinics for work on my legs in addition to my training.
I’m goin not too fast or too slow.
Within the Morning
While the sun was just coming up I hiked and ran for two hours all in all. The sky bridge is a distance of nearly 2 miles and I went to the other side and then hiked down to the bottom where there is a small trail that goes into the river. There after, rather than taking the trail I walked back up the valley within the bush as I thought that would be a good workout. Yet I can feel it.
As then I took time to stretch while approaching the bridge and then ran the distance back.
I have only missed on day - yesterday.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Republican Battle
Here I thought these where races with some substance where one does look for the best rather than watching what we have been seeing. If you think the world is falling apart and many people do and if you think that to some degree the job of holding it together falls to the leadership of the United States a reasonable assumption then this, 2012, must be a very drab year.
For what has the leadership of what we once called the free world come to? The Obama blimp, once so optimistic, so steady a vessel of hope and change, all that we have been waiting for has long since torn and deflated, come to earth. Three years in office have changed the Light-Bearer to just another ordinary and somewhat more partisan that usual Mr. Politician. Obama doesn't have it anymore. Or perhaps there is some hidden agenda which we all wait to see come about. Thus, the spectator swivels his attention to the prospective candidates from the other party, the Republicans. It’s a little like going from a troubled sleep to a full bore nightmare. Is this a means and way within the primary process? The way to choose a person for the most significant position in the world?
Can any process which allows Ron Paul, isolationist, fundamentalist libertarian, as someone seriously to be contemplated for presidential office, be itself taken seriously? Can a process which elevated for a bizarre moment the pizza baron, the enthusiastic but utterly amateur, Herman Cain, be taken seriously? Is Mitt Romney, who has slightly less voltage than a stack of cardboard, the man to lead the world? Santorum, Gingrich, Bachman seemingly don’t pass the grade for the "A" team but merely a "B minus". This has illustrated to the world how to make exemplary usage of words within a two letter alphabet. And what are these primaries anyway? A series of high school display debates, seven or eight candidates furiously going from auditorium to auditorium, some of them burning money by the bushel, fighting among themselves. I don't find the money nor cents within that, pardon the pun. The waste within a campaigning process which lacks so many important areas in which so many do wish to take place rather than a pathetic audition ceremony for an office. So then, if one looks at the US and despairs that its current President is not up to the job, that the world is in one of its more parlous and perilous moments. Is it then possible to look to the Republican slate largely a collection of everyone’s a third choice and feel a gust of sane optimism? There's no one on board of that ship to inspire the passengers. It's frightfully mediocre, maybe a good cast for theatrics, but for President of the United States?
Politics certainly have taken on a branch of awful reality TV shows. It hinges on the same qualities: exhibitionism, mortification of the players, and cynicism.
Not a good thing for a great Republic. Nor for those of us who wish it well.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Winterscapes of Worth
Within the afternoon I headed out on one of several trails. The weather is pleasant and as well there is something very cathardic embarking
within a simple manner. It is the trail which I do either walk or run during the night. Today I jogged within the morning and then within the afternoon I decided to share this one area which I jog.
That Time to Pause and Renew
This certainly is the allowance to have time to renew and re-energize that last time I had done anything of the likes was back a few years ago. Permission to pause, hmm. I am finding that I am within that zone now. I had wrote much on this very subject as it was and always was apart of the dynamics within life which I enjoyed – yet I can’t say I entirely did what I am doing now. But I am doing it. There are sometimes a thought that I have been transported back to the past when times were those which there were what they called – “Party Line” phones. One phone serviced two homes in the rural areas. I recall it well when I was a kid visiting his aunt and uncle out on the farm.
Within a cadence and ease I now feel like I have a foundation. Saying goodbye to those overloaded practices which drain energy, sap productivity and poison relationships. Sustainable ways which are intuitive which this path have always seemed to serve me in a productive way with right strategies that engage my mind, body, and strengthens the spirit. I guess you could call it right loading rather than overloading. It’s all within a shift. This time within a pause rekindles the opportunity to take that pause. For myself, I truly am taking that time to pause and enjoy the rewards of the good things – without the need to worry over things that need to be done, and literally enjoy the moments.
Everyone has that capacity to wear out it illustrates itself in a variety of ways. But I have really put into place that “think again and don’t ponder too long”. The business of having to feel that you have to be available within life within this techno era – I feel is neither a need nor a necessity. Within this experience and process of all of this has been to step back and step out of the flow. The business of always having to be available has temporarily gone out the door and it leaves for a time to reshape as mentioned above.
The word quick seems to be the pace of many yet I have slowed down. A slower pace might just be the best medicine for many I am finding that it certainly has rendered more even within these few days. I have run now for three consecutive days combined with eating three meals a day. I am sleeping much better than I had before. I believe apart of this was finding that I was locked within a certain way. I was so busy running and trying to keep up and as well catch up – without ever having the chance to just appreciate the moment. I am getting to know a few people here, I got my hair cut and was amazed to find that most all stores never open up till 10am. Yet it made for a walk as well as an afternoon semi jog and walk along one of many winter trails. Some may feel that they are lazy when they are taking that pause. I feel that society as a whole might be going to fast – yet I am not caught up within what others do. Yet while I am enjoying my journey I have come to engage within that small talk which is one of ease.
What I do believe is that this time is one which I am rejuvenating the areas which I love and am inclined towards. And there is something to be said between the thoughts of what is in value without an insistent need but rather an option which re-energizes rather than our need for the quick, better that than a meltdown.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
I wish to make mention that as I am on my laptop it’s been giving me a few problems as I have had a white flickering screen now and then. I thought I would make mention as I have always enjoyed the shares. I have always loved to write something within the evening and it’s not the same as the internet speed which I had on my home network nor am I on my desktop but within good time I shall get to you. I know I have several friends on here and I thought it was worth mentioning at this point there are so many areas in which I wish to write on. As I thought it may very well be worth mentioning.
Captures of Interest
Apart of the weekend which include the Gardiner Dam which supplies hydro for apart of Saskatchewan.
Weekend Muses
Yesterday, it finally warmed up. there was time within the morning through till the 1pm to head out and see this small town. It is small but it was amazing to see this Gardiner Dame. It was windy mind you yet it was really the very first time in having the opportunity to see the city and the surroundings.
With all things considered I decided to opt out of my jog and just take care of doing wash and then taking a nap. I can certainly admit that I am not used to a weekend within a small town but perhaps this is something which I am coming to understand this process of slowing down and enjoying the time. And I have enjoyed the people which I am with.
With this laptop it’s nice but it seems to me that there is something wrong within my settings and I don’t dare to make any changes as all my software are back within the city. I think I am so used to being on the go, that it really is something to just stop and relax. So it’s all within a process. I would guesstimate that I have always been one that is very interested in areas that I never have taken the time which I am now to just not be a perfectionist but rather swallow my pride and relinquish that inner spirit within myself.
The first weekend in a town of the size of 2,500 people. It really is different but it's comfortable. Now that is small but thus far I have had more waves within that country style fashion which are different to some extent within the city. Every morning I am up early and I have that first cup of coffee. And within some manner or shape and form it’s truly comfortable when things fit like a glove and where I am. Whom I am staying with right now is certainly as so.
As of Sunday I woke early and went for a jog and then shoveled some snow. I stopped into the local convenient store and had as good conversation with this one person whom was running the station and ironically we had a few laughs within our conversation. The one thing which is for sure is that one shall never get lost around this town.
I believe that is a plus.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tranquility within the Walk
The Skywalk Bridge
The bridge was formally opened October 23rd, 1912. The first train to cross the bridge came from the west. It consisted of 29 cars loaded with wheat. Then safely across, the engineer blew the whistle, as did the other engines responding in the yard. The last official train to cross the bridge was on March 16th, 1987.
At the time of construction, these were the highest concrete piers in the world. Each structure required more than 20,000 bags of Portland cement. The bridge structure sitting atop the 9 piers was originally across the St. Lawrence River near Montreal, constructed in 1885.
This portion of the bridge was taken apart, moved and re-assembled
in 1911.The viaduct is 3000 feet in length, combining 9 piers and 9 approach structures. The bridge deck is 150 feet above the water, making it one of the highest in the Prairie Provinces.
The longest pedestrian bridge in Canada is now an integral part of the Trans Canada Trail in Saskatchewan. I have never been within this part of the province but it was great to get out and start what I wished to embark upon. Below what now is the largest pedestrian bridge are a variety of trails. I have found the place of which I shall build back up strength.
Today was the first day I have walked as much as I have and it’s a quiet place here however I do like this. As well, the weather shall be much warmer tomorrow.
Yet I was very surprised to of the history as well as the nice surprise of trails which I could see below.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Rekindling Life & Spirit
I don’t think it’s necessary to go into details however shortly after the New Year there were many things which I had as major stressors nearly every day. I ended up at emergency. I would suppose that the combination of several things were much more than one person could do family, as well as other avenues which all added up. I spent a few days within the emergency unit as my blood sugar levels were much too low. I could go on with this but two weeks past, my doctor in concert with one tremendous lady which is part of the health care system made some arrangements for a respite. I guess I was pushing things myself as well as there was far too much on my shoulders.
Upon being given several options I thought that a respite away from my home would be good and I arrived here today. I shall see how it goes within this small town and to not have that time not have an obligation and just take each day as it comes shall be good I think. During this time the weather became so cold and within a few days the forecast is that it warms up – as it has literally gone down to 50 below zero within the last few days. Within a few days the weather is supposed to be back up there and I do have an open agenda within this town and I am thankful for that.
I believe I shall stay here within this place for the next few months. Who knows? I do like it. Small towns are nice and we shall see how it goes but thank god as I am in good hands, as well as I know I have my own work cut out for me. And while here I do place to nurture back as again I came very close to blowing out a gasket. It’s been a humbling experience but there is something that can come about from anything if I wish for it to be. I think this was truly within the coming as I had spoken with many and to my surprise most of it I already realized.
I have always been very determined, yet many things did add up. I don’t think it’s necessary to mention all but what I do look towards is my own independence was I can live life and readapt. All things concerning back home are taken care of and again it’s time for setting goals. The goals that are with the intention of what I wish to do. I have always been very family oriented – yet one friend of the families told me that I may very well have to let it all go for the next six months if not a year for my own health. When she said it, I already knew that was the only manner that this could be done.
I made a visit to my folks and I spoke with my mother, she started to cry as she knew very well the family things which were going on and she is getting older. I hugged here and told here that I shall see here within a few months and I must say this is a very hard thing to do. I do pray that she does regain here health completely – but while I was en route to this place in which I arrived today the person which was with me said that she well understood the situation and that I do need to take this much needed time to render back my own health.
Where I am, is a small town which is an hours drive from the city I reside in and now I do have goals of which I can do in a holistic manner and without the obligations. There is something to be said for living life freely. As I believe that this was long in the coming and it’s better late than never. I don’t fret on the past, nor do I worry, and I do have to get back my strength and as well I have written much on life within this blog. Tomorrow, I begin living again and around here there is not that much to do. What I do look forward to is nature, and bringing both mind, body and spirit back – as this is something I see as not easy, nor too hard. Upon the day that I leave this town more than likely shall be either within the spring or summer.
Right now it’s contentment within simplicity and I am glad today that I finally have had the chance to make a post. I do have my work cut out for myself but sometimes things as such do happen and I am not too proud to say that I got through the last month and that I look forward within the future of the journey ahead.
Sincerely and with Honesty,
Jack
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Combo Which Had Households Laughing
In 1945, Martin from Ohio met a young comic named Jerry Lewis from New Jersey at what was called the Hatclub. Before this time the two never had met each other and then seemingly there came a twist within the performance. When the two met there was something that just took – Jerry being the one whom would do nearly anything for a laugh created a laugh and Dean kept to his a more serious tone compared to the busboy image of Lewis. At the time of their beginnings this didn’t go over all that well especially within their duration at what was called the Hatclub. The owner warned that he was ready to fire the two with their antics – yet the audience was doubled over the combo of comedy meets melody. Dean and Jerry went for broke and it took them far further than they could ever even envision.
Both Martin and Lewis made key appearance on the first Ed Sullivan show in June 1948. As many whom had the chance to appear on the Ed Sullivan show it took two that were then noticed in an entirely larger arena.
In October of 1948, the teams were stars of the television as within each night families sat down to watch, laugh, and listen. On April 3, 1949 they debuted on their TV version of their "Martin & Lewis" radio show on the NBC-TV network, with guest Bob Hope, with their inaugural program drawing an array of reviews.
Now Dean was thrilled to be out of New York City, a place he had developed a lifelong hatred for. He liked the fact that California, because of its earthquakes, had few tall buildings. Suffering as he did from claustrophobia, Martin almost never used elevators, and having to climb multiple flights of stairs in Manhattan's skyscrapers was not his idea of fun. Although they received only a modest $ 75,000 dollars between them for their films, Martin and Lewis were free to do one outside film a year, which they would co-produce through their own York Productions.
There is much more to say within what all happened between this combination of two people but Dean came to love New York and between the two of them they did certainly make many households laugh. Yet to this very day, day I have never seen a combination of what Dean and Jerry made.
Within their own time they were the satire and enjoyment of many.
And the song which was that of Deans with a tad of Jerry's Comedy With Amore...
A Good Day Regardless of Outcomes...
We met - the owner and myself - for two hours if and we discussed nearly everything without anger but more so the discussion was progressive. I decided to meet with him rather than leaving it go on. We discussed how things were and as well how things have been. He like I was rather reserve yet he is a smart man. After a lengthy discussion we came to realize things from both ends. I am not sure how you can summarize a lengthy meeting yet at certain point most often after half an hour the formalities end and you cut to the chase. Which we did.
Sometimes discussions can be like a game of chess within business as often business is just that. Yet after a lengthy discussion there I could understand where he was and he could understand where I was and I indicated that. We had a gentleman’s discussion if you will and sometimes those can be the most tedious but all in all there was a summary and I shall see it in paper and by way of one last meeting on Friday or Monday at the latest.
I thought I would wait I even told him that after I could see that the discussions were going well and he had placed everything aside. There were many questions thrown back and forth without argument I think this shall work out within a fine manner as I had indicated everything which I had concerns with and ironically he did as well. So often when it comes down to discussions such as this you have already been wrote off. I believe that this now shall work out within the manner of which it was intended to be. I don’t have high hopes yet I do believe that there will be the best out come within this. Thus I don’t fret on it but I shall have the recordings I have made and I think that I will have an affiliation of which I am rendering to enable me to do things as a consultant.
I never thought it would be back within this realm. Yet I feel that I can do much more with terms and conditions along with the other areas and venues. So it was a progressive day which shall turn out within the best.
I never worked all my life to be played and I don’t think this was the situation, however at the end of this meeting I felt that there agreed with the notion of my position being that of a consultant rather than marketing manager and to be entirely honest I am most pleased with how things worked out. Business is business – yet this is something different which is a choice of my own. Business does not come easy and I never took music as a business but the talks of today were really what should have been the negotiations of earlier days.
I am glad I arranged the meeting and whatever shall be will be. It’s a good day for cleaning your shoes it’s a good day for singing blues. It’s all in all been a good day as to make a decision.
Mission complete from my end...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Cheese Wiz
Yes there were some things that did not work out as planned yet I can return to it. Apparently there were some transitions which this recording studio was going through. As they were closed from Christmas right through the duration of New Years after one hand didn’t know what the other was doing. So I have yet to obtain the music of which I have made as I was in a placement where the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing.
I shall this week meet up with them all yet while I was and have clients for them I was amazed that early within the week that they had placed so much money within very expensive recording devises. At this point I knew was to speak with two people and I have yet to be able to reach them. It’s one thing to walk in passively and just listen and it’s another for an owner and directed manager to no tell you what is going on other that beat around the bush. I have never been paid for all the work that I had done and what I came to find was that I might have made a mistake – yet as well I know that I was rather stressed out within the time with all that was going on within my surroundings.
I don’t wish to defame this place yet before I did think I was being taken advantage of. So rather than carry on with this I thought I would leave some time space for the owner to think things out as the last time I was there the recording manager would have the time to speak with the owner and if there is one thing this is not that large of a town where people don’t speak. I myself, have decided to start applying for the work of which I love and as well maybe this was not something which was for me as when I originally met the recording manager it was more with what I could do and there were a few times in which we I did have my say. I gave him a decorative bokken, which is a wooden Japanese sword within the form of good will.
But as time went on I could see that in some cases it’s a give intake but by no means am I going to do that all or nothing thinking as I will meet with the owner in which made all the promises. I don’t feel that it’s come to an end – I might have for all I know but if there is one thing I am getting my music and I shall not be charged for it as a customer and with all the some 20 companies which I had met with, they shall not record nor do one thing until I do reply back to them all. Sometimes silence is golden and come the mid week I will arrange for a meeting to listen and then pending the outcome make my decision pertaining to monies spent out of my own pocket.
Yet during this duration, I have been up beat and made the switch into my training as well as photography. It’s not back to the beginning as I see it – as I have been within this position before with micro management. So as today was a day of thinking things out within a thoughtful manner I feel good last week with the exception of friends was I able to address this situation. As it placed me in a very precarious position. And still does.
For now I could very well go to this other recording studio – but as I listened there was a huge competition between those which I was with and as I learned how they were not making money and needed to – yet there focus was on the other competition rather than forgetting about the competition and doing what they do best. Here again I did indicated that as they were so in need of new business.
So for now the best case scenario is that this either ends on good terms but within the meanwhile I have been embarking within my training. I never went in there with recording with the intention of working for them yet they were the ones that made the offer.
So time shall tell all. What I learned early within my life was never to place all the eggs in one basket and I guess I was rather correct. Yet I am sure we shall have some form of alliance yet I don’t fancy working out of my home under some unknown contract. So we shall see. Yet I will never even consider going to the competition but I am at question with one as to if I should ask for the return of the gift I gave him. Or if I should just leave it as is. Most of all I wish to keep at least an alliance as well as get a copy of my recordings.
I think that is the best thing to do and to keep a good alliance as I would like to think that I am above this kind of management or organizational (if that is what you call it).
I know I sound teed off but I am not but I am not about to bend over nor need I – if you know what I mean. What would you do in a case such in which you never received any monies thus far and what came out from a one employee who records is that the few that work there only were paid on commission. I never heard that one all I heard within one of two meetings was that I would be taken care of. Now what is being taken care of? Don't get me wrong I was prepared for this as an "in case of" situation you can measure up people yet still when you have brought in business and your cost should you not be redeemed? I know within business when I made a promise I held it. Meanwhile for the rest of the week I started back within my running after the new year and I guess there is a time to push and then there is a time not to push – right now within this scenario by no means to I wish to push. I would rather just move ahead. As this is within the area I like as I have seen all too many business people take advantage of people.
I though this question out there as in two days I will have arranged a meeting with the owner. If not I will do what is needed to get the songs of which I had recorded and either go another route.
Cheese Wiz
Yet I know to keep an open mind in situations such as this as I shall. Your comments are truly appreciated on this matter as what would you do?
Monday, January 2, 2012
The first write on 02.01.2012
Here it is within the second day since the 2012. I spent much time and left the computer alone as there was not enough time within the day and I had spent much of it with my friend Jim. Jim is married and works within what is known as Corrections Canada. We looked at things within a review in a manner of in our own lives as well as within all that took place during the last year. Ironically for one that used to always call me to have his computer serviced - he has much more going via computer than I have ever seen.
You name it we talked about it. The New Year and the endeavors of which he as well as I have. What I found was that there really is not that much difference. Within goal structures we do have a few things which we intend on doing and other than that here we are within 2012. I think Jim was more tuckered out with all of the things that go hand in hand with his family in a good manner. And the son of a gun went and bought me this gizmo that I have yet to figure out but that can come later as there is something to be said about good friends. Now for the first person of two friends I met waaaay back when I moved into Canada - Jim has been a friend right since Grade 11. There is something to be said for friends that when you have moved so much that you have continued a friendship with. Seemingly when we get started we can’t stop saying either, “remember when …..”added with some things which we just get going and don't stop sometimes if you know what I mean. Yes, we are pretty much like brothers as the duration of our friendship throughout all these years.
Jim was born within these parts he literally seen many places along with his wife. But what amazes me and if ever read this he would kick my behind - is that he always makes that remark, "remember when we did this...” You can't help but have a good time. Which we do but we laugh at things thereafter.
I think when you look at all things which have taken place there is much in which you seek the good and the good seemingly is in what you make it. The New Year came and with cadence I do hope and believe that 2012 shall be a good year.
It’s all within the belief factor...