Oddly Enough

In early elementary school, I remember the anxiety of having to bring home questionable test scores to my mother. I never really tried to put forth too much effort in school or with my homework and I don't know why. Going to school every day was nothing more than another laborious chore to be completed with toleration.  My hunger for knowledge and new experiences however, came from home and family. Education was of major importance to my mother. As a single parent and elementary school teacher for eighteen years, the meticulous detail she put into the preparation of her classroom where she taught so many young minds came from love. Always big on reading and specifically of murder mysteries, she hired a carpenter to create a bookshelf in our hallway at home and crammed it full with all forms of encyclopedia, classic literature of old and current novels of note.  It came to a point that with just about any question I asked, the response would be "go to the Wall and look...

Eat Less Sugar I used to be a sugar addict until I was forced to change my habits and eat less sugary but more healthier foods. It was then that I noticed how much clearer my brain functioned. I mean I can literally see farther, focus longer, even a higher tolerance for pain. (this is just me) One good idea would be to replace sugary foods with fruit. Fruit is still sweet, but it isn't processed sugar. These days, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are my personal substitute for candy. Also, starches like bread, pasta, potatoes and rice can also have the same affect on your body as eating sugar directly. There is no substitute for fresh vegetables. Next time you feel sluggish and want to grab something sweet for a quick pick me up, I challenge you to have some basic chicken soup or any vegetable soup with a good strong broth will do.....I dare you! #youngcubiclesoldier You can be You, reach your Dreams serve God & still Enjoy Life Now It's My Turn...

Take a Walk I strongly suggest this become a daily habit. When you get outside and go for a walk, it really clears your mind. The fresh air is good for you, not only that, it’s good basic exercise! For the best benefits, you'll want to raise your heart rate at least a little on each outing. Even as little as 30 minutes a day can produce worthy results and after a while you'll miss it when you don't take the time out for yourself. If you have become accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle, you'll notice the changes in your mood along with your balance & coordination. An added advantage you can also take time to be alone and separate yourself from the days noise and clear your head. According to the Center For Disease Control & Prevention, physical activity helps control weight, but it has other benefits. Physical activity such as walking can help improve health even without weight loss. People who are physically active live longer and have a lower risk for he...

If you follow my blog or YouTube channel it's obvious work has been inconsistent to say the least over the past several months. A lot has gone down in my personal life... new observations, new lessons lead to new levels of responsibility. Life has squeezed my wife and I with volcanic pressure for some time now. We're on our way to diamond strength. I've backed myself into a corner so to speak. Hearing the Word but half studying and limited, I dare say half hearted prayers yet again leading to continued stop & go spiritual and personal growth. With all the busy work going on, I can't remember the last time I sincerely "cried out to the Lord". Too many 'off center' decisions and far too many instances where I should have stepped up....but didn't. I know what's missing. What's Up With My Prayer Life?   OK, Let's Fix This Let's Cut To The Chase. The bottom line requirement is to: ▪Fear God & Obey His Comma...

How do you define "Innovative Thinking"?  How many times have you heard the term "think outside of the box"? One day while riding the train into work, a young man walked back and forth selling his candy throughout the car.  Now this is not unusual as four out of five days I see at least one person, usually two selling something on the trains.  But this young man had something a little different.  If you weren't interested in his five cent candy he would counter with  "I'm collecting one million pennies in one hundred days, can you help"?  In this post, I'm going to share my thoughts as I walked away from that encounter and why I think this was a smart idea. Los Angeles County has an immensely large homeless population so the amount of people out panhandling or trying to sell items no one else would want in order to obtain food, drink or drugs is over the top.  Hardly a few days will go by without someone asking to obtain favor.  To m...

OK, so you got knocked down when your laptop was stolen from your car.  It didn't have all of your information on it but it did have enough of what you are currently working on to set the project back by at least a month.   To add fuel to the fire, your landlord is getting heat from the management company about the length of time you have been allowed to remain 45 days behind on the rent.  Never mind the project funding has a direct connection to your rent being in the rears.  After all, who on the team is more committed than yourself?  H aving reached a stage where home and work life are blending into becoming one and the same, keep in mind your significant other probably does not share your level of passion and willingness to take risks, although she absolutely may support you and your work. Take a moment to consider the cost of quitting and how it will affect your immediate relationships. The pressures of life will never stop pounding on the gat...

The following is my best recollection of the events I experienced while operating an airport livery shuttle during the Northridge Earthquake of January 17, 1994. Photo Courtesy of JW Griffin Like most mornings the monotony of waking up at 2:45 am was not at all what I considered fun.  This was the start of what I knew to be a very long day. On the road four to six days a week up to fourteen hours and three hundred miles per day, life became one long van trip around Southern California. It’s funny and strange how taking to the highways and meeting at the very least six new people every single day could become so addicting.  The idea of being a driver as a means of employment was not something I put much thought into. Unemployment has a way of directing ones decisions out of necessity but this turned out to be a life changing experience.  What I didn't expect was the beauty the Southland has to offer. Considering the people, the landscape, architecture...