Understanding the Struggle

Rescued a Squirrel

So today on a walk through the neighborhood we walked by a baby squirrel that had fallen from a tree, apparently from the storm that had passed through earlier in the day. Charissa went home and got a box for the little guy (1-2 days old) and then we took it back to the house.

Luckily I was able to find a number for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and they hooked us up with a lady that specializes in squirrels and who lived just in Ocoee (15 miles away). So we jumped in the car and dropped the little guy off.

I didn't get much exercise, but I did help do something good today.

Peace!

Reading the Bible

Yes Twitter followers, I woke up this morning at 7am and did something just a few minutes ago that I honestly haven't done in years. I picked up the Bible and read the book of James. Alone in the house with a cup of coffee I took a few minutes and read through James. I don't know if I've even ever read James, but I do feel refreshed after reading.

I've got the link to the book of James below for anyone that has some time to read.

Enjoy. Let me know your progress as well. Peace!

Link: BibleGateway.com: Search for a Bible passage in over 35 languages and 50 versions..

Somebody's Worst Day

Today, like yesterday and the day before it, is someone's worst day.
Today someone, somewhere has more tears and questions than Warren
Buffett has pennies. Today may not be the best day for some of us,
but if it's not the worst day ever for you, be thankful. Be very
thankful.

My Dad and I rode by the Hospital as we left breakfast early Friday
morning. We both noted the number of cars that practically had the
parking lot filled. My first thought was that today someone's son or
daughter, mother or father, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece or
nephew, friend or even their grandparent is clinging to their last
moments here on this ball of water and land. Sadly, all they can do
is deal with it.

I know I'm guilty of blowing up issues that I have so that they have a
feeling of being larger than they really are. Sometimes the smallest
thing can affect a day or two of my life. Sometimes an issue can
affect a much longer period. I guess that happens when you view your
life through a microscope. Through the scope everything is big.

"Your reaction to the struggles of life is a direct indication of your
level of vision," is printed on the July through December side of Bill
Wilson's Metro Ministries calendar they handed out at church today.
That was a wake-up call for me for sure. I have issues at this very
moment which to me seemed huge, but in the scope of things are very
small. I can tell you that my level of vision was way far below what
it should have been. Sometimes you have to take off the blinders and
look around just to be thankful. At least I do.

On the flip side, My Dad lost his job Monday after over 10 years of
service. The economic struggles are making an impact all over and
Monday those struggles said hello to my Mom and Dad. I got to church
a little late today and was seated off to the right and behind of my
parents and my brother. Although my Dad didn't have the best week
ever I saw him with his arm raised praising God. That's vision! That
too was a wake-up call for me. A lot of people would sit around and
ask themselves why me, what now? They most certainly wouldn't be
celebrating during praise and worship.

"Your level of vision will determine whether God will work through you
or work around you," paints the front side of the Metro Ministries
calendar.

Where is your level of vision right now? I know my vision needs some
adjusting. Life is sure to bring many struggles with all the
celebrations, but if those struggles don't make the day your worst
ever, be thankful. Perhaps if your vision is strong enough, even
during that worst day that will come, you'll still be thankful.

For me, I'm putting down the microscope for the rest of the day,
hopefully for much longer. There's a lot to be thankful for and
analyzing every issues makes that hard to do.

Peace!

Sponsoring a Child in the United States

Today, Bill Wilson from Metro Ministries was the guest speaker in church. Pastor Bill does a ton and well, you just need to check out the site and see for yourself.

Through Metro Ministries I will be sponsoring another child, this time in the United States. MM allows you to be as involved in your child's life as you would like. You can visit them or even bring them down and take them to Disney World.

More on this to come soon. For only $23 a month you too can make a difference.

Sign up below!

Link: Home.

Operation Orlando: Visiting Orlando (World Vision)

So I got word that I can visit Orlando, the child I sponsor through World Vision, in Peru. I'm more than excited about the opportunity honestly. I would love to visit sometime this year and do my best to help him and his familyin anyway that I can. I still need to clear the details through World Vision, but I would really love to be able to provide something that is crucial to them taking the next step out of poverty. Maybe I'm just an optimist that lives in a sheltered World.

Nevertheless, I will continue to check into this. Step one, I go to Peru. Step two, Orlando comes to the United States. Step three, impact is made..change is made.

Nothing happens if you can't see the dream coming true.

More updates to come. If you're interested in coming and helping (build shelter, plumbing, etc) leave a comment and let me know. Extra credit goes to you if you speak Spanish. My four years of espanol eludes my memory:-)

I'll keep you in the loop with the information I find. Peace!

New Cabinets, Countertops, and Appliances?

So someone came out today to give an estimate on replacing the cabinets and it seems like it will cost about what I thought. The whole process began with the want to get some new appliances (fridge, dishwasher, stove). The next thought was countertops and well if you're going to do the countertops you might as well do the cabinets too.

Right now the plan is to get an idea of costs and then take a step back and look at this wacky economy. Want vs. Need...the ever competitive battle:-)

The want also had me show them the bathroom and redesign that too.

More updates to come....

NBA 2K9

I've been out of playing video games for quite some time now. I'm not
sure exactly why, but ever since I got GTA4 I've just put the
controller down. The summer is passing though and that means that
another basketball season is sneaking up on us. It also means that
another hoops game will hit the shelves and while they're usually
pretty much the same, this shot of KG for NBA 2K9 has me ready to
throw down now!

Mmmmm

I'm on a Chipotle Burrito kick. Had one today. Very enjoyable. The
only down side is the $1.50 for adding guacamole. Kind of a rip, but
oh well.

Go get ya one!

Weekly Story: In a Funk

I'm in a funk. I made a decision today to actively get out of the rut I have worn for myself. I find that all I do lately is jump on the computer after a long day of work and waste time. That or watch TV or text message or send in tweets (www.twitter.com). I feel like a cigarette butt that's been pushed into the ground. Time to make a change.

The great thing is that I can make a change. Like the savings plan which I began a few weeks ago, I will set a few guidelines for success/change.

1. Less time on the computer. I'm not going to set an exact time amount, but I will knowingly attempt to spend less time on the net.
2. When I'm done with work, I'm going to put my phone down and leave it down.
3. I'm going to do some form of exercise three times a week.
4. More Church time.

Those are the guidelines. It begins now.

Peace!

Ex-Gator Dupay charged with felony rape, kidnapping in Utah

This made me say WOW!! Very sad if it's true.

Link: ESPN - Ex-Gator Dupay charged with felony rape, kidnapping in Utah - Men's College Basketball.

Weekly Story: Learning

How many times have I posted about learning in this blog's existence? I'm not sure exactly, but at least a few. I suppose at times I learn in small bites, while others it's like a smorgasbord of knowledge heaped upon me that feels like I just traded seats with Joey Chestnut and now must eat 60 hot dogs to keep going.

The learning that I'm referring to isn't necessarily found in a book, although I need to do some of that too:-) I'm talking about life's hills and valleys.

The last few months I've been learning at a phenomenal pace. Hopefully I'll retain. Hopefully I've grown.

Time to slam another dog down...can you pass the mustard?

Hot Beverage (coffee/tea) HEAVEN. Thanks Tassimo!

I'm sitting here drinking my first cup of coffee from my new Tassimo Hot Beverage machine. If you recall, I posted on this a few months ago as I returned from my honeymoon in Maui. I used this machine daily there and it blew me away at its ease of use and quality of finished product.

I'm telling you right now. Everyone who drinks coffee or tea should have this product. There is NO CLEAN UP and it makes a cup of coffee in a matter of seconds. It's perfect!!

Price on one of these is about $160, which may or may not sound like a lot. The machine is worth every penny though. This is a machine my Dad would love, or maybe my Mom since she always makes the coffee:-) I'm sure you'll love it too!

They even offer free delivery on orders of $30 of many brands of their T-Disc system. I'm thinking of having some delivered every two months. Can you tell I'm excited??

Go get one you coffee drinkers. Enter Hot Beverage Heaven!:-)

Link: Tassimo - Discover Tassimo.

Rhymedy

Check out Rhymedy. I've had Don't Hold Ya Breath going in my head for a week.

Peace!

Link: MySpace.com - Rhymedy - ORLANDO, Florida - Hip Hop / Rap / Experimental - www.myspace.com/wetherhymedy.

I got my own Tassimo

I just got back from picking up my very own Tassimo Hot Beverage Machine!! I used this daily in Maui and loved it!!! Now I can have coffee too:-)

Peace!

Link: Tassimo - Tassimo Store.

Mike Jordan Breaks Backboard (1986)

Yes this is real! It was a Nike exhibition game in 1986. This is for you youngsters that doubt and think Kobe, Lebron or any other player is better than Mike.

Sometimes I dream...that he is me....

Rubik's Cube Solved!

Another item has been added to life's list of accomplishments:-) I just solved the Rubik's Cube!!! Above is the picture to prove it and yes, because it's the 4th of July I gave you all a little Red, White and Blue action:-)

On to conquer something else. Peace!

CP3 gets a new contract too! $68,000,000.00!

Chris Paul tore through the NBA last year (look up the stats) and the New Orleans Hornets are making sure CP3 doesn't pull a Baron Davis anytime soon. Four years, $68,000,000.00!

Read more about it below.

Happy 4th of July!!

Link: ESPN - Paul agrees on four-year, $68M deal to keep him in New Orleans - NBA.

Arenas getting paid! $111,000,000.00

Six years of work, and yes playing ball at that level is a lot of work, for $111,000,000.00 isn't bad. That is a whole lotta money folks. Before you start throwing stones, just remember the guy who signs the checks makes even more or he wouldn't pay that kind of salary. Big money in the world of sports.

I just hope Gilbert can still play at a high level after the surgeries. A year ago Agent 0 could play some BALL!

Read more about it below. Peace!

Link: ESPN - Reports: Arenas agrees to six-year, $111M contract to help Wizards' future - NBA.

Go See Hancock

I know people are hating on Will Smith's new movie Hancock, but I really enjoyed it. Forget the critics and go check it out. The movie rocks!

Peace!

inPassing

Just got the NEW inPassing CD. Awesome stuff from a local crew. Check them out!

I'm getting a few copies, so if you know me and you want one, let me know!

Peace!

World Vision: Orlando Writes!

This afternoon I got a nice surprise in the mailbox. My first letter from my World Vision kid Orlando! I posted the letter and picture so you could see for yourself. Very cool!

Remember, you too can sponsor a child for as little as $1 a day.

Break out the cigars. I'm a Dad!!!:-)

(PS: CLICK THE PICS FOR LARGER VIEWS)

Autoplay SUCKS!

Autoplay (when you go to a site and video plays without you pressing
play) is the worst invention EVER!!! I can't stand that. ESPN.com
has me going elsewhere for sports updates because of their autoplay.
If I want to watch video, I'll hit play. Otherwise keep that stuff
still.

Peace!

New Car

Weekly Story: Inspired to Save

I'm back in savings mode. I guess with the economy and where it is right now, it's a good time to get on one of my kicks. By nature I'm a spender. I work hard, money enters my account and then I find something cool to give the money to. Shirts, games, TV, gifts, dinners, and my last purchase a new car. I find many ways to spend the green. So yeah the car is a necessity, but the kind isn't.

Now I know my "wanting" of "nice" things isn't going to change. I'm not trying to change that. All I'm trying to do is tone it down so that I can once again build up my savings account. I was explaining this to a co-worker last week and they said, "Well, do you contribute to your 401k?" After my response, they said, "Well, that's 21% you're saving right there."

The reality is that it's 21% that's loosing money faster than I could spend it. It's retirement though. Long term planning, so I don't really care. The market will come back eventually and so will the 401k.

I'm not happy with just my 401k. I want some additional funds in a savings account that I can turn into a MMK account that may earn a little interest. The good news is, at this point (because I still have a job...and I'm thankful for that), all it takes is a little discipline. It takes two other things. Accountability and a GOAL!!!

The accountability will come with this post. The starting goal will be to slide (save) an additional $500 a month into a savings account.

Once I get back on top of my finances I'm sure I'll adjust the Goal (hopefully up). Last night I started using a free finance program you can find at Mint.com (thanks Gajda). I haven't used this program more than a day so if it sucks, don't yell at me:-) Anyway, after two months I should really be able to see my spending trends and that will help with this kick to save. I'll even give you an update on the program if you're afraid to try it.

So does this mean you won't see my blogging about a new phone, or some other gadget? No, of course not. I can't change who I am, nor do I want to. I just want to SAVE a little more.

Who's gonna save a little more with me? Who's saving with me? Who's saving with me? LOL, sorry Jerry Maguire just entered my head when I typed that first line:-)

Peace!

PS: Thanks Mr. V, you've inspired me to save:-)

South Lake's Demps breaks U.S. high school 100 record

Local guy is FAST!!!!!!

Link: South Lake's Demps breaks U.S. high school 100 record -- OrlandoSentinel.com.

Spectrum's McDonald's Big Mac Chant

McDonald's is looking for a new Big Mac Chant. This is what my bro put together. Freakin rocks!! If it gets picked, it will be the new Big Mac Chant you hear on commercials and the radio. Gotta dream big Mac right:-)

A moving building? Looks like it!

Designed by Italian architect David Fisher, the 80-story Dynamic Skyscraper gives residents the ability to completely change their view. With the use of a simple voice command, the apartment’s entire floor can rotate 360 degrees.

While most skyscrapers are constantly battling the effects of wind, the Dynamic building uses the wind’s rotation to generate power for the entire building. Residents can park cars inside their apartment using a special elevator. With plans for a smaller version in Moscow, work on the Dubai skyscraper is expected to be completed in 2010. Apartment prices range from $3.7 million to $36 million. Watch below!

Snoop Confirms Detox

Looks like Snoop has confirmed that Dr. Dre's long awaited (10 years) album IS going to happen. According to Snoop, it's real, it's hot and it's worth the wait.

Can't wait!

Link: AllHipHop.com Daily News - : Snoop Confirms Detox; Dre Producing Upcoming Album.

NBA Draft Tonight

How I feel today

It has been a crazy, long day. I stumbled upon this picture that
kinda sums up how I feel after today. Don't get me wrong, there was a
lot of blessing in today, but it was still a wild one.

and the journey continues....

Third Day on The Tonight Show, July 29th

Third Day's new album Revelation drops on July 29th and on that same day the band will be on The Tonight Show!!! Very cool! Be sure to DVR that bad boy!

Link: Third Day Weblog: Third Day on The Tonight Show, July 29th.

Update: Mio Knight Rider GPS

More on the Mio Knight Rider GPS. $270...are you gonna get one?

Funny Car Commercial

So I got a new car recently, but not from this place...hahaha! Times
are tough and people are getting creative. Just a thought...what
about getting someone sexy...ummm, na, then it wouldn't be funny. LOL!

Enjoy!

KITT...I need ya buddy!

Mio is coming out with a new GPS unit that speaks in KITT's (Knight Rider) voice. Now I must say when I saw this, my first thought was, "THIS IS SO COOL!!!" A turn by turn guide in Kitt's voice!!! Are you kidding me!!! It apparently boots up by saying, "Hello Michael, where would you like to go today?"

I loved Knight Rider as a kid. KITT was the car I dreamed about. Funny how I just got a black sports car and didn't even think about how it's kinda the same. Charissa mentioned it when I first got it, but I didn't think much of it. Maybe it was a subconscious thing;-)

Anyway, Mio's new product is set to retail for around $270. The "cool" side of me says, "Dude, you can't get that!", but the Knight Rider fan says, "KITT, I need ya buddy!"

Peace!

Uh oh Ice Cream Lovers

If you had a problem eating too much ice cream before, then the
Prepara Neoprene Ice Cream Pint Sleeve ($7.95) isn't going to help.

Enjoy:-)

MercyMe: Cover Tune Grab Bag - "Never Gonna Give You Up"

Another installment of MercyMe's Cover Tune Grab Bag. Love this stuff. Doesn't this make you wanna go buy a Rick Astley CD??? Listen and get your love on:-)

Peace!

www.mercyme.org

OnStar

I just activated OnStar (another feature) and it too seems pretty cool. It has turn by turn navigation ($100 first year upgrade), phone service (for a charge), etc. The first year is free for everything OnStar does besides the turn by turn and the phone.

What's with all these charges for the good stuff??:-)

Peace!

Link: OnStar By GM | OnStar.com, Car Safety Device and Vehicle Security System.

XM Radio

So with the new car comes a few features and one of those is a 3-month free trial with XM Radio. I haven't really explored all of what XM can do, but I'm having a hard time getting past the fact that I would have to pay $12.95 a month (beyond the 3 months) to listen to the radio. Am I so far behind the times that this seems wierd to me??

Has anyone else experienced OnStar or have any thoughts on it? Let a brother know!

Peace!

Link: XM Service & Subscription - Pricing, Plans, Service.

Outta This World Wedding

Man! Some dude always has to up the ante doesn't he!:-) A japanese
company Rocketplane Kristler has joined forces with wedding planner
1st Advantage to begin having wedding ceremonies while on a one hour
space flight. Cost would be a cool $2.2 million. The goal for the
space wedding services to begin is 2011, but they will be accepting
applications starting July 1, 2008.

Fellas...start saving:-)

Weekly Story: Returning to Mama Nems' Soulfood

This week I returned to one of my favorite places to get food in the World, Mama Nems' Soulfood.  I grew up on pinto beans, mustard greens, fatback, and fried potatoes.  My Mom and Dad are from the South (SC and NC) and those foods, along with many other southern dishes, are ingrained in my soul.  You don't realize the things that truly define and make up your upbringing until they aren't readily available.  At least that's the way it worked for me.  There were times when eating a plate of beans or fried chicken (that was homemade) seemed so opposite of what my friends were eating, that I just wanted a pizza or some other junk.  Now that food, that soulfood, makes me happier than any food I can buy.  I've had the blessing of experiencing some wonderful meals at award winning restraunts from New York to Beverly Hills to Maui, but I would pass all of that for a plate of Mom's food. 

That brings in Mama Nems' Soulfood.  A good friend of mine opened up Mama Nems' to pay tribute to his Mom and since it has been opened he and his Mom have been blessing people with great southern soulfood.  If you haven't been here, you must go.  If you can't sit down and eat, they have take out too.  It's unreal!  This week I had Bar-b-q chicken, collard greens, lima beans, mac and cheese and bread pudding.  All of it rocked!!

You might even see someone famous like Shaq or Steve Harvey there too:-)  Trust me...this place is the place to be.

New Corvette:-)

About an hour ago I took possession of my very first Corvette:-) It's
a brand new 2008 model with 430 hp. It's awesome! Pics coming
tomorrow!!!

Peace! Time to go drive more;-)

Rubik's Cube

Last night I made a Rubik's Cube look like the picture above...well,
minus all the colors matching up:-) I haven't played with the RC
since I was a kid and unlike then, solving it would be a cool thing to
add to the list of things done. I doubt that will happen anytime
soon, but we shall see.

Go get ya a Rubik's Cube!