25 Facts' Background of Your Blogger
1. I was raised in Delaware County, PA and my family still lives there in that same town.
2. Growing up, I knew nothing about the state of New Jersey other than I had relatives at the beach. I now live, work, eat, drink, sleep, #$%& and pay taxes here.
3. I am ABSOLUTELY convinced that some people do not want to fix things, and do not want your help. They will have to learn for themselves.
4. In 12th grade, age 17, I weighed 136 lbs. 15 years later, I weighed 276 lbs and had high blood pressure and per my doctor was on the verge of a heart attack. I changed that.
5. I have 4 best friends. The first is my Father, though sometimes I don't think he realizes it. One of them is a woman that I love and adore. She knows who she is.
6. People ask the source of my twisted sense of humor. (2) things: (a) Parents worked a lot growing up and the TV was my babysitter and (b) Matt Wallace. I'm not kidding.
7. I want a dog badly though will need to buy a bigger house. A large dog, and we will name him Roman.
8. The last time I was beat up was in 1993, and there were three of them.
9. Up until the last few years, I was concerned with what other people thought and tried to keep up with the Jones. That has stopped.
10. I left Corporate America to pursue Personal Training. I was a skinny kid, and an obese adult. I am fortunate to get a second chance and enjoy going to work everyday.
11. Money can't buy happiness, but it is a great down payment. Men and women that say "money doesn't matter or I just want to be happy" are full of sh#t. End quote.
12. I have moved a lot in the last ten years and I like where I live though remember where I'm from.
13. The first time I met Gervase Peterson I asked why a lot of people kept stopping to talk to him. Apparently I am the only person in the Tri State that didn't watch Survivor.
14. I have accepted I will never play in the NFL.
15. I have been in love twice. I am still single.
16. My sister Andrea is physically, the strongest woman I know.
17. The last time I jumped in the ocean was December of 2008. It was cold. And I don't regret it.
18. For a while I was on a liquid diet of bourbon and beer. It wasn't good for me.
19. In the next 45 days, I have a sh#tload of decisions to make that will affect the rest of my life.
20. If I'm in the gym without an IPod, I would rather be chewing on aluminum foil.
21. My best friend growing up passed away at the age of 20.
22. My nephew is the largest child I have ever seen other than an episode of Jerry Springer.
23. I have a scar at bottom of my left calf. It was a puncture wound from a javelin. I am not kidding.
24. I drink espresso daily and I am starting to think I do not need more caffeine.
25. I have also realized that I will be addressing questions about half of the information listed above because most of you are sick individuals. Good day.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Fear Of The Future? January 27, 2009
"It is never safe to look into the future with eyes of fear."
After training my clients last night (Mondays are my longest day), I was working on the computer and started thinking. I had hit the wall regarding productivity and opted to shut it down for the night. My brain was a little scrambled so it was time to decompress. I took a warm shower, finished a glass of wine, reviewed the next day's schedule, and up to bed I went.
I am flipping through the channels, and the movie "Almost Famous" was on. It always make me laugh, and as I have seen it a number of times, normally can put me to sleep. The movie describes the role of a teenager played by Patrick Fugit, who has the opportunity, through a little bit of luck and even more hope, to write for Rolling Stone magazine, covering an up and coming rock band by the name of Stillwater. It is portrayed in the late '60s, going through 1973, the year I was born. Fugit is trying to act like an adult, though he is 15/16 years old, and living the life of a rock star. The band is dealing with "growing pains" so to speak, of getting their music out there, while dealing with fame, fortune, and the debauchery of life on the road. Vocalist and guitarist, played by Jason Lee and Billy Crudup respectively are at odds on who is the heart and soul of the band. Crudup plays Russell Hammond, the quintessential rock start playing guitar and living the life. There are 3 consecutive scenes that cover Crudup wanting to get back to basics with the "real fans", find them accordingly in Topeka, Kansas,and in turn partying with all of them after a random invite from the locals, then crashing down to the reality that the band is not happy with his behavior as he has gone missing. Fast forward to Crudup ingesting LSD, climbing to the top of the house and jumping off into the backyard pool. As the party winds down, Crudup sipping from a bottle of Jack Daniels, the band bus pulls up, and the aspiring teenage writer and the band's manager whisk him to the bus. At this low, low, low point there is silence on the bus, everyone at their wit's end. If the movie ended here, two thumbs down. The song "Tiny Dancer" comes on by Elton John. As the music plays with everyone silent and angry, one by one, the band members, roadies, groupies and everyone else begins to join in and sing along. After researching, the song was written by Elton John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin, and referred to Maxine Feibelman, Taupin's girlfriend who spent time with the band while traveling on their early tours. She reached out and did everything from sewing costumes to the necessities of the band that were needed to keep them together through the rough times. So as the tour bus rolls out of Topeka, Kansas, the chorus gets louder until everyone is in unison. It is a touching scene that shows even when times are at their worst, you can stop and think about what makes you grind it out and and makes things happen. Towards the end of the scene, Fugit says to "Penny Lane"' played by Kate Hudson, portrayed as a fixture groupie though caring fan, "I have to get home." She replies "You are home." Every one of us has the occasional inner conflict regarding where we call home. Not the structure that keeps the rain and snow off our backs, but rather the surroundings we choose, the company we keep, the social and business circle to our left and right, and those we choose to protect and care for. We often reach out to people that may not be there for the right reasons when we need it most, or those or never seem to come through. Evaluate carefully, and please don't cut out half your life either. Just reevaluate those who bring out the greatness in you.
In closing, give as much as you can to those who without question can and will do the same for you as the future is a long road ahead. Until next time.....
After training my clients last night (Mondays are my longest day), I was working on the computer and started thinking. I had hit the wall regarding productivity and opted to shut it down for the night. My brain was a little scrambled so it was time to decompress. I took a warm shower, finished a glass of wine, reviewed the next day's schedule, and up to bed I went.
I am flipping through the channels, and the movie "Almost Famous" was on. It always make me laugh, and as I have seen it a number of times, normally can put me to sleep. The movie describes the role of a teenager played by Patrick Fugit, who has the opportunity, through a little bit of luck and even more hope, to write for Rolling Stone magazine, covering an up and coming rock band by the name of Stillwater. It is portrayed in the late '60s, going through 1973, the year I was born. Fugit is trying to act like an adult, though he is 15/16 years old, and living the life of a rock star. The band is dealing with "growing pains" so to speak, of getting their music out there, while dealing with fame, fortune, and the debauchery of life on the road. Vocalist and guitarist, played by Jason Lee and Billy Crudup respectively are at odds on who is the heart and soul of the band. Crudup plays Russell Hammond, the quintessential rock start playing guitar and living the life. There are 3 consecutive scenes that cover Crudup wanting to get back to basics with the "real fans", find them accordingly in Topeka, Kansas,and in turn partying with all of them after a random invite from the locals, then crashing down to the reality that the band is not happy with his behavior as he has gone missing. Fast forward to Crudup ingesting LSD, climbing to the top of the house and jumping off into the backyard pool. As the party winds down, Crudup sipping from a bottle of Jack Daniels, the band bus pulls up, and the aspiring teenage writer and the band's manager whisk him to the bus. At this low, low, low point there is silence on the bus, everyone at their wit's end. If the movie ended here, two thumbs down. The song "Tiny Dancer" comes on by Elton John. As the music plays with everyone silent and angry, one by one, the band members, roadies, groupies and everyone else begins to join in and sing along. After researching, the song was written by Elton John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin, and referred to Maxine Feibelman, Taupin's girlfriend who spent time with the band while traveling on their early tours. She reached out and did everything from sewing costumes to the necessities of the band that were needed to keep them together through the rough times. So as the tour bus rolls out of Topeka, Kansas, the chorus gets louder until everyone is in unison. It is a touching scene that shows even when times are at their worst, you can stop and think about what makes you grind it out and and makes things happen. Towards the end of the scene, Fugit says to "Penny Lane"' played by Kate Hudson, portrayed as a fixture groupie though caring fan, "I have to get home." She replies "You are home." Every one of us has the occasional inner conflict regarding where we call home. Not the structure that keeps the rain and snow off our backs, but rather the surroundings we choose, the company we keep, the social and business circle to our left and right, and those we choose to protect and care for. We often reach out to people that may not be there for the right reasons when we need it most, or those or never seem to come through. Evaluate carefully, and please don't cut out half your life either. Just reevaluate those who bring out the greatness in you.
In closing, give as much as you can to those who without question can and will do the same for you as the future is a long road ahead. Until next time.....
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
2009 Time To Make It Happen
So I am up late the last few nights suffering from insomnia, and it hits me. Epiphany, no. Epiphany was a girl I met at the beach last summer. Is it time to try to revolutionize a product or service that is always being upgraded? No. As I sit at my desk today, preparing for the week and the life ahead of me, as well as amidst the stress of the daily trials and triumphs of everyday living, I start to think... Do I make a difference? Now, do I mean did I send a check to Sally Strouthers (LD) covering the 0.54 cents a day to change the life of a child in need? Not exactly. My theory has always, and will always be that, while the country is Saving The Whales, Saving The Eastern Indigo Snake and the Red Kangaroo (Yes I had to research that and no I wasn't aware prior of the situation), what happened to making a difference in your area, community, and amongst your family and friends? Do I think the animal planet should be ignored? No. I am aware that the low percentage of recovery for these species can affect the human race? Yes. Though let's think about the human spirit and it's needs first. And I will not back down from this. Try me.. It is time to get back to basics.
Now, before I move on, let's concentrate on us first. It is a new year, though I began my "New Year Resolution" type of changes probably in November of 2008. I started by doing a "Winter Cleansing of my house. Sounds cliche and basic, but you would be amazed what it did for me mentally. I stepped up my quality of living through this, little diet, little changes in my workout, and bigger changes in my career and personal life. Why do we need a date, time or event to make mandatory changes in our lives? Dumb. I do not yet know the median age of my readers though I do not take that into account when I advise that some things need to be done immediately. I have mentioned in past posts, you want to get in shape? Go back to the gym. (I have a great trainer for you.) Unhappy with your job or career? Make the move, 30 minutes early and leave 30 minutes later. Unfulfilled love life with no passion? Jump ship and follow your heart. But these are things that only you can change for yourself. A friend of mine gave me some of the most simplistic advice I have ever heard. "Wake Up Happy." Every morning. Now, this can be achieved by starting with the changes above, then step two, find the greatness in others. An employer as well as friends have come to the agreement part of the reason for my success in business as well as personal relationships (MOST of the time), is that I talk to the prince and the pauper with the same amount of respect. I do not judge, I do not prey on the weak, and I do not become judgemental, even if those around me may chose to do so. I am strong enough in my own being that I stand my ground regardless. I am now speaking about changing those around you. EVERYONE brings something to the table. As confident as many of us seem to say we are, we listen to others and are very selective. Do not be a fool, though listen to everyone; we often let the best information go because of the individual. We may not think they are on our "level." We may think they have an angle or cannot fathom anything parallel in our respective lives. Get that out of your head. Now this is one of my shorter posts though I think it's gets right to the point.
This year, after reading a lot of different magazines, books, as well as the thoughts and expressions of those close to me, it is time to find the "Inner Fighter" in you. Stand up, do not sit down, makes great things happen and bring out the best in others. Put your dukes up, like Tom Cruise in the movie "Far and Away." Fight to make a change and a difference in your life and the lives of others......
Overwhelmed? Don't be. I am extremely fortunate to have great people in my corner; find those around and move towards total happiness. There is a scene in the movie "The Perfect Storm." Diane Lane is waiting for Mark Wahlberg to come home from his job as a fisherman out at sea for months. She is in the bedroom, throwing on make-up quickly to the point I was surprised she didn't look like Bozo The Clown with the veracity of the application. She runs down the stairs, out the door, and almost tackled the love of her life. Now that would be combining the football movie "Invincible" and the scene from "The Perfect Storm." It reminds of an E Mail from my Father (love you Dad) that described, a scene from 30 years ago, when he came home from one of his first business trips. My Mother came running out of the house and out a Brian Dawkin-esque hit (GO BIRDS) on him because she missed the love of her life. For those of you that have this in your life, congratulations, you are truly blessed. For those of your still searching for it, again, find the inner fighter in you. Keep your fists up to protect yourself, then embrace it when it happens. What I learned from this? Do not wait for your "ship" to come in. Meet it halfway. Capture the essence of your being, one change and act at a time. Here is your guide..
Soooooo, for 2009, I leave you with this..
Make Those Around You aware of their strengths
Make More Friends
Make More Love (a lot more)
Make More Smiles around you
Make (and achieve) Goals
Make More Money
Make Mud holes Of Those Who Disrespect or Distract You
Make More Friends, again
Make A Difference
The reason for all of this? Breathing in life NOW, based upon making the most of every moment. Plus, when it is time to meet your maker at the watering hole in the sky, have a story to tell. Who wants to be the person with nothing to bring to the table? I don't.
Make it Happen, I am, and so should you.............. Until next time......
Now, before I move on, let's concentrate on us first. It is a new year, though I began my "New Year Resolution" type of changes probably in November of 2008. I started by doing a "Winter Cleansing of my house. Sounds cliche and basic, but you would be amazed what it did for me mentally. I stepped up my quality of living through this, little diet, little changes in my workout, and bigger changes in my career and personal life. Why do we need a date, time or event to make mandatory changes in our lives? Dumb. I do not yet know the median age of my readers though I do not take that into account when I advise that some things need to be done immediately. I have mentioned in past posts, you want to get in shape? Go back to the gym. (I have a great trainer for you.) Unhappy with your job or career? Make the move, 30 minutes early and leave 30 minutes later. Unfulfilled love life with no passion? Jump ship and follow your heart. But these are things that only you can change for yourself. A friend of mine gave me some of the most simplistic advice I have ever heard. "Wake Up Happy." Every morning. Now, this can be achieved by starting with the changes above, then step two, find the greatness in others. An employer as well as friends have come to the agreement part of the reason for my success in business as well as personal relationships (MOST of the time), is that I talk to the prince and the pauper with the same amount of respect. I do not judge, I do not prey on the weak, and I do not become judgemental, even if those around me may chose to do so. I am strong enough in my own being that I stand my ground regardless. I am now speaking about changing those around you. EVERYONE brings something to the table. As confident as many of us seem to say we are, we listen to others and are very selective. Do not be a fool, though listen to everyone; we often let the best information go because of the individual. We may not think they are on our "level." We may think they have an angle or cannot fathom anything parallel in our respective lives. Get that out of your head. Now this is one of my shorter posts though I think it's gets right to the point.
This year, after reading a lot of different magazines, books, as well as the thoughts and expressions of those close to me, it is time to find the "Inner Fighter" in you. Stand up, do not sit down, makes great things happen and bring out the best in others. Put your dukes up, like Tom Cruise in the movie "Far and Away." Fight to make a change and a difference in your life and the lives of others......
Overwhelmed? Don't be. I am extremely fortunate to have great people in my corner; find those around and move towards total happiness. There is a scene in the movie "The Perfect Storm." Diane Lane is waiting for Mark Wahlberg to come home from his job as a fisherman out at sea for months. She is in the bedroom, throwing on make-up quickly to the point I was surprised she didn't look like Bozo The Clown with the veracity of the application. She runs down the stairs, out the door, and almost tackled the love of her life. Now that would be combining the football movie "Invincible" and the scene from "The Perfect Storm." It reminds of an E Mail from my Father (love you Dad) that described, a scene from 30 years ago, when he came home from one of his first business trips. My Mother came running out of the house and out a Brian Dawkin-esque hit (GO BIRDS) on him because she missed the love of her life. For those of you that have this in your life, congratulations, you are truly blessed. For those of your still searching for it, again, find the inner fighter in you. Keep your fists up to protect yourself, then embrace it when it happens. What I learned from this? Do not wait for your "ship" to come in. Meet it halfway. Capture the essence of your being, one change and act at a time. Here is your guide..
Soooooo, for 2009, I leave you with this..
Make Those Around You aware of their strengths
Make More Friends
Make More Love (a lot more)
Make More Smiles around you
Make (and achieve) Goals
Make More Money
Make Mud holes Of Those Who Disrespect or Distract You
Make More Friends, again
Make A Difference
The reason for all of this? Breathing in life NOW, based upon making the most of every moment. Plus, when it is time to meet your maker at the watering hole in the sky, have a story to tell. Who wants to be the person with nothing to bring to the table? I don't.
Make it Happen, I am, and so should you.............. Until next time......
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Regress or Progress: New Year's Eve 2008
Well, where do I start? This is a revision of a revision of a
revision. Not due to lack of memorable details, but rather a lot of
information and unsure what to include and what to omit. Stay with
me.... Names have been changed or just not mentioned, or maybe I just
don't remember.
The day started with a 1/2 day of work. Done in early afternoon
and planned to spend time with a best friend I would not be seeing for
NYE. After an afternoon of relaxing and talk, we parted ways for our
respective plans to step out for the night.
Let me preface this narrative description with the following: I
can only speak for myself but the anticipation and planning as well as
the actual night itself never seem to match up to the picture you
paint in your mind. Assumably you set the bar too high, so high that
is unrealistic to reach and exceed. Anyway........
After talking to the res t of the gang of NYE warriors, the
destination is the bright lights of Atlantic City. As I get ready to
get on the road, packing a bag and closing down my house for the
night, I start to think about what the night ahead will bring. It is
like an adventure waiting to unfold, and for those of you reading this
who know me, there is NEVER a dull moment..
So I clear out my car, lock the house, and I'm off. One stop at
the liquor store for adult libations, and for some, the holiday may
have started and ended too soon. Arrests are made as I'm leaving the
store and I behave and go on my way. As I get on Route 73 towards the
AC Expressway, so the journey begins...
I confirm with the rest of the tribe my ETA and I am en route. I
decide that before I cruise down the Expressway, I decide to make a
stop at a restaurant and bar though I have passed 100 times though
never stopped in to check out. Reason for my stop tonight? Compare the
atmos phere of a local establishment, in comparison to the mecca of
debauchery that Atlantic can provide. I pull into the parking lot,
walk in the door, and after a minute I am greeted by "Tracy." With a
devilish though friendly grin, she asks if I am old enough to have a
drink. I dig into my pocket and hand over my ID. She smiles and hands
it back and says "I would have said 24-25." I almost proposed on the
spot. After some talking, she asks if I'll be having another and
reply, no, it's time to get on the road. I pay, thank her, and she
said "You are young, good-looking, so I should have the world by the
b@lls.." I again thank her for the kind words, and walk out an inch
taller.
On the road again. I'm maybe 4 miles from the Expressway driving
through Winslow Township, and though at the start of the day I wasn't
completely sold on the guarantee of a good time, the excitement of the
unknown kept me moving. As I travel down the road, the radio
frequencies available start to change. I scan and hear everything from
the classics like Led Zepplin, 90's grunge and current day hip-hop. I
am a music junkie so all were making the drive go fast. Then it
happens. As I am in the left lane, an American Made muscle car, I am
thinking a '05 Mustang, is flying, probably pressing 100 MPH. As
tonight is the night for defensive driving, I move quickly over to the
right to protect myself from the line of fire. In any other situation,
this would have been the smart move. Unfortunately, Mr. or Mrs.
Andretti thought they would beat me to the punch and pass on the
right, which is where I was moving to. As we learned in high school,
two objects cannot occupy the same place at the same time. In
response, Cannonball Run opts to go BACK to the left, which is where I
was retreating to. I down-shift and brake as fast as I can as my
opponent is moving just past me. Normally this would have been OK;
except for the fact that a Honda Acc ord was making a left turn as
traveling at about 25 MPH. I am forced to pin it to the far left into
oncoming traffic, avoiding Speed Racer who is still on the move, then
punching and passing the turning Honda, probably scaring the you know
what out of the innocent bystander. My heart is now beating out of my
chest. Adrenaline rush yes, little scary, yes, though overall amp ed
me fo the rest of the night.
The AC Expressway is not too bad. It is amateur night so I am
cautious, especially after the Route 73 500 that I just finished my
last lap on. I reach Exit 5 and weave through back to Route 30/Absecon
Blvd and see the skyscrape of Atlantic City. I am here........
I walk up to my buddy's house, ready to cook for the crew; Pasta
and chicken, lobster tails, and vegetables are on the menu. And a few
drinks for good measure to start the evening. After exchanging hellos,
I get down to cooking. I was moving so fast, and catchi ng up with
everyone, I couldn't tell you the ups and downs within the kitchen.
Everyone was fed and started to get dressed for the night. A good meal
prior can take the edge off of the potential hangover to come.
As I am getting dressed, I am thinking not about the night to
come, but rather those I would not be spending it with. Scheduling
issues, circumstances or whatever the case may be, I focus, or tend to
progress rather than regress, as hindsight may be twenty-twenty, it is
time to FOCUS/POWER. Groomed and ready for a night on the town we call
our transportation, having a few drinks and laughing about the prior
summer and all the fun that was had. The summer of 2008 was a blast,
non stop, roller coaster of a time that you will probably hear about
from me here or in the future through the grapevine. The Lincoln pulls
up, and we're on the road.
Originally, I was planning to see two musical idols of my youth
tonight: Q Tip from Tribe Called Quest, guest DJing at Caesar's
Festival Pier and DJ Sat One, who I first heard spin at the Grape
Street Pub in Manayunk, since has changed location, I knew by his
nights in Philly, his CDs were always a huge hit at my parties in the
area. Actually his CDs were the highest % stolen from my house; many
say "borrowed." When they are not returned, they were stolen... After
a few phone calls from friends that knew I landed these tickets, they
were sold at premium prices. Seen them both before and will see again
so for a nominal price, they were gone......
So the new plan, after my ride down (noticing that the it is now
$3.00 and $0.75 respectively for tolls) and scalping of tickets (no
heritage reference) is to let the night lead me. Single and in a party
mecca, why not? Plenty of miserable people doing the date thing
because of what society and media tell them. Don't want to be alone.
Can't be alone. You Are All Sheep... So I let the night lead me.
Dressed and getting into the car, the night begins. After a few
stops to see local friends at the Trop, we want to see the locals and
not so locals in a bar. Upon walking in, it is mayhem... And getting
worse by the minute. We plan to see midnight elsewhere, difficult to
get a drink, and then it happened.
"Hi."
My response: "Hey."
"And I thought Santa left all of the beautiful gifts under my
tree about a week ago." End quote.
OK. I'll play along with you.. "Well, were you a good girl this
year?" Response: "I actually was a very good girl this year."
Silence. OK. Biting again. "What do you mean?"
"Well I finished my masters, moved, landed a great job, and
behaved for the most part. So where are you from?"
Me: Originally, PA. I live in Marlton, NJ.
Lass: "What do you do?"
Me: When I wake up, for entertainment, or for a living?
Lass: "Well, A B and C."
Me: First two it depends and changes often.
Lass: "OK. Fair enough. And the third?"
Me: I am Personal Trainer in Cherry Hill."
Lass: "I'm calling Bullshit. YES. BS."
Me: OK. and why? And on a side note, are you giving me a lap dance?
Lass: "You are dressed like you are your own tailor. That's a
corporate guy trait. Personal trainers wear, well, other things. And
lap dance? Why?"
Me: Seriously, that's what I do. Oh, the lap dance? You are
sitting on 1/2 of me.
La ss: "oh, I'm sorry, it's crowded as hell in here. Enough about
our resumes."
Me: Agreed.
Lass: "Either way, I am kissing you at midnight."
Me: Rrreeeaaaalllly? You think so?
Lass: That's right. And Why? Because my friends and your friends
are near one another, we are not with a significant others, and that's
that..."
Me: No.
Lass: No. Why? Or what the %^&**(?
Me: I'm kissing you.
Lass: "You think?"
Me: Yup
Fast Forward: 45 minutes later as the count-down begins, there is
a cutie standing behind me. 10, 9, 8, 7 6, 5..... And sure enough, she
plants a number on me. "See, I kept my promise." No and Yes. "Do you
know what I went through to get here? Yes. There are 800 people here.
We have a drink and laughs and we both go our separate ways..
As I'm leaving, navigating carefully through the masses, a girl
is TRYING to take a picture. Taking too long. I gently excuse myself
around her. then I hear a male voice behind me and my people, mumbling
something sounding like what the F and trying to get my attention. I
have been down this road 400 times. Sure, ace, what do you need? I
turn around cautiously, explain I was trying to get by and leave it at
that. Said patron opts to continue to run his mouth, and my patience
has waned. Fortunately a member of my entourage briskly convinces him
that him and his party should go back to what they are doing and enjoy
the night. Said entourage member also, within .5 seconds had the
aforementioned 25 y/olds knock-off Dior dress shirt from Express tied
in a knot cutting off his circulation to his upper extremities. It's
over Johnny, it's over. Security approaches, saw the entire thing and
escorted him out through the kitchen. After working in the nightclub
business, this unfortunate party-goer is encountering what they call
"being tersely escorted out through an area where there are NO
cameras. The ER and his dentist are the next stops.....
So my group is all over the place. After another cab ride, a few
stops I end up in the smoking lounge at, well, who the F knows? I step
in, put my overcoat down, and take a call from my best friend who is
in Phila for the evening. Bad reception, can't here shit. Step towards
the door, Wishes exchanged and a promise to call in the next few
minutes or so. I turn around, poof, jacket is gone . WTH? Well, I
guess the occasion brought out the worst in people. I am moving on.
Walking over to the card area, there are not too many vacancies to
sit. Sit down at a Video Poker machine, sit down with my donation and
get started. Get on a roll and a few hundred later, i AM READY to meet
up with people. Great thing is that, despite the steam coming out of
my ears, I was a few hundred to the good. Full houses, four of a kind,
the cards just fall. Happy New Year to me. Karma? Who cares..
So the rest of the gang are pulling slot handles, playing
blackjack and everything else. It's 2 am at this point, and I walked
in the door at 4:25 am. fun night. Any other details you as readers
can forward to me. What we walk away as a lesson or words to grow on:
Off Kilter View's The Top Ten. Here we go.................
1. Create your own time and destiny. As you can see, I did.
2. Surround yourself with those who you truly love, as life is
passing by. Those who you reach out and care for may not be around
per their choice all the time.
3. Step out and kiss a man or woman that you may not know, live
each day passionately.
4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
5. Enjoy the drive as much as the destination. As we know, it is
not a sprint but a marathon.
6. Protect those who depend on you. Do not prey on the weak.
Stand strong at all times. That is your job. Case closed.
7. Live, love, and every once in a while, party like Guns and Roses.
8. I just watched the movie "The Bucket List." Sit down and watch
though even if you don't and just hear about it from me, do not write
a must do list with 6 months to live. And find the joy in your life.
Do not wait until a eulogy, tell them about your love and passion now.
Do i t now....
9. Witness greatness and with no ego involved, practice that.
10. With 9 rules, remember them and live your life day by day,
moment by moment, and F smelling the roses. Tackle the head
cheerleader, knock out the bully, shake your neighbors hand and not
kiss that ass, dance in the car, sing in the shower, live fully and
deliberately, and read my next blog. Catch you all on the flip
side..........
revision. Not due to lack of memorable details, but rather a lot of
information and unsure what to include and what to omit. Stay with
me.... Names have been changed or just not mentioned, or maybe I just
don't remember.
The day started with a 1/2 day of work. Done in early afternoon
and planned to spend time with a best friend I would not be seeing for
NYE. After an afternoon of relaxing and talk, we parted ways for our
respective plans to step out for the night.
Let me preface this narrative description with the following: I
can only speak for myself but the anticipation and planning as well as
the actual night itself never seem to match up to the picture you
paint in your mind. Assumably you set the bar too high, so high that
is unrealistic to reach and exceed. Anyway........
After talking to the res t of the gang of NYE warriors, the
destination is the bright lights of Atlantic City. As I get ready to
get on the road, packing a bag and closing down my house for the
night, I start to think about what the night ahead will bring. It is
like an adventure waiting to unfold, and for those of you reading this
who know me, there is NEVER a dull moment..
So I clear out my car, lock the house, and I'm off. One stop at
the liquor store for adult libations, and for some, the holiday may
have started and ended too soon. Arrests are made as I'm leaving the
store and I behave and go on my way. As I get on Route 73 towards the
AC Expressway, so the journey begins...
I confirm with the rest of the tribe my ETA and I am en route. I
decide that before I cruise down the Expressway, I decide to make a
stop at a restaurant and bar though I have passed 100 times though
never stopped in to check out. Reason for my stop tonight? Compare the
atmos phere of a local establishment, in comparison to the mecca of
debauchery that Atlantic can provide. I pull into the parking lot,
walk in the door, and after a minute I am greeted by "Tracy." With a
devilish though friendly grin, she asks if I am old enough to have a
drink. I dig into my pocket and hand over my ID. She smiles and hands
it back and says "I would have said 24-25." I almost proposed on the
spot. After some talking, she asks if I'll be having another and
reply, no, it's time to get on the road. I pay, thank her, and she
said "You are young, good-looking, so I should have the world by the
b@lls.." I again thank her for the kind words, and walk out an inch
taller.
On the road again. I'm maybe 4 miles from the Expressway driving
through Winslow Township, and though at the start of the day I wasn't
completely sold on the guarantee of a good time, the excitement of the
unknown kept me moving. As I travel down the road, the radio
frequencies available start to change. I scan and hear everything from
the classics like Led Zepplin, 90's grunge and current day hip-hop. I
am a music junkie so all were making the drive go fast. Then it
happens. As I am in the left lane, an American Made muscle car, I am
thinking a '05 Mustang, is flying, probably pressing 100 MPH. As
tonight is the night for defensive driving, I move quickly over to the
right to protect myself from the line of fire. In any other situation,
this would have been the smart move. Unfortunately, Mr. or Mrs.
Andretti thought they would beat me to the punch and pass on the
right, which is where I was moving to. As we learned in high school,
two objects cannot occupy the same place at the same time. In
response, Cannonball Run opts to go BACK to the left, which is where I
was retreating to. I down-shift and brake as fast as I can as my
opponent is moving just past me. Normally this would have been OK;
except for the fact that a Honda Acc ord was making a left turn as
traveling at about 25 MPH. I am forced to pin it to the far left into
oncoming traffic, avoiding Speed Racer who is still on the move, then
punching and passing the turning Honda, probably scaring the you know
what out of the innocent bystander. My heart is now beating out of my
chest. Adrenaline rush yes, little scary, yes, though overall amp ed
me fo the rest of the night.
The AC Expressway is not too bad. It is amateur night so I am
cautious, especially after the Route 73 500 that I just finished my
last lap on. I reach Exit 5 and weave through back to Route 30/Absecon
Blvd and see the skyscrape of Atlantic City. I am here........
I walk up to my buddy's house, ready to cook for the crew; Pasta
and chicken, lobster tails, and vegetables are on the menu. And a few
drinks for good measure to start the evening. After exchanging hellos,
I get down to cooking. I was moving so fast, and catchi ng up with
everyone, I couldn't tell you the ups and downs within the kitchen.
Everyone was fed and started to get dressed for the night. A good meal
prior can take the edge off of the potential hangover to come.
As I am getting dressed, I am thinking not about the night to
come, but rather those I would not be spending it with. Scheduling
issues, circumstances or whatever the case may be, I focus, or tend to
progress rather than regress, as hindsight may be twenty-twenty, it is
time to FOCUS/POWER. Groomed and ready for a night on the town we call
our transportation, having a few drinks and laughing about the prior
summer and all the fun that was had. The summer of 2008 was a blast,
non stop, roller coaster of a time that you will probably hear about
from me here or in the future through the grapevine. The Lincoln pulls
up, and we're on the road.
Originally, I was planning to see two musical idols of my youth
tonight: Q Tip from Tribe Called Quest, guest DJing at Caesar's
Festival Pier and DJ Sat One, who I first heard spin at the Grape
Street Pub in Manayunk, since has changed location, I knew by his
nights in Philly, his CDs were always a huge hit at my parties in the
area. Actually his CDs were the highest % stolen from my house; many
say "borrowed." When they are not returned, they were stolen... After
a few phone calls from friends that knew I landed these tickets, they
were sold at premium prices. Seen them both before and will see again
so for a nominal price, they were gone......
So the new plan, after my ride down (noticing that the it is now
$3.00 and $0.75 respectively for tolls) and scalping of tickets (no
heritage reference) is to let the night lead me. Single and in a party
mecca, why not? Plenty of miserable people doing the date thing
because of what society and media tell them. Don't want to be alone.
Can't be alone. You Are All Sheep... So I let the night lead me.
Dressed and getting into the car, the night begins. After a few
stops to see local friends at the Trop, we want to see the locals and
not so locals in a bar. Upon walking in, it is mayhem... And getting
worse by the minute. We plan to see midnight elsewhere, difficult to
get a drink, and then it happened.
"Hi."
My response: "Hey."
"And I thought Santa left all of the beautiful gifts under my
tree about a week ago." End quote.
OK. I'll play along with you.. "Well, were you a good girl this
year?" Response: "I actually was a very good girl this year."
Silence. OK. Biting again. "What do you mean?"
"Well I finished my masters, moved, landed a great job, and
behaved for the most part. So where are you from?"
Me: Originally, PA. I live in Marlton, NJ.
Lass: "What do you do?"
Me: When I wake up, for entertainment, or for a living?
Lass: "Well, A B and C."
Me: First two it depends and changes often.
Lass: "OK. Fair enough. And the third?"
Me: I am Personal Trainer in Cherry Hill."
Lass: "I'm calling Bullshit. YES. BS."
Me: OK. and why? And on a side note, are you giving me a lap dance?
Lass: "You are dressed like you are your own tailor. That's a
corporate guy trait. Personal trainers wear, well, other things. And
lap dance? Why?"
Me: Seriously, that's what I do. Oh, the lap dance? You are
sitting on 1/2 of me.
La ss: "oh, I'm sorry, it's crowded as hell in here. Enough about
our resumes."
Me: Agreed.
Lass: "Either way, I am kissing you at midnight."
Me: Rrreeeaaaalllly? You think so?
Lass: That's right. And Why? Because my friends and your friends
are near one another, we are not with a significant others, and that's
that..."
Me: No.
Lass: No. Why? Or what the %^&**(?
Me: I'm kissing you.
Lass: "You think?"
Me: Yup
Fast Forward: 45 minutes later as the count-down begins, there is
a cutie standing behind me. 10, 9, 8, 7 6, 5..... And sure enough, she
plants a number on me. "See, I kept my promise." No and Yes. "Do you
know what I went through to get here? Yes. There are 800 people here.
We have a drink and laughs and we both go our separate ways..
As I'm leaving, navigating carefully through the masses, a girl
is TRYING to take a picture. Taking too long. I gently excuse myself
around her. then I hear a male voice behind me and my people, mumbling
something sounding like what the F and trying to get my attention. I
have been down this road 400 times. Sure, ace, what do you need? I
turn around cautiously, explain I was trying to get by and leave it at
that. Said patron opts to continue to run his mouth, and my patience
has waned. Fortunately a member of my entourage briskly convinces him
that him and his party should go back to what they are doing and enjoy
the night. Said entourage member also, within .5 seconds had the
aforementioned 25 y/olds knock-off Dior dress shirt from Express tied
in a knot cutting off his circulation to his upper extremities. It's
over Johnny, it's over. Security approaches, saw the entire thing and
escorted him out through the kitchen. After working in the nightclub
business, this unfortunate party-goer is encountering what they call
"being tersely escorted out through an area where there are NO
cameras. The ER and his dentist are the next stops.....
So my group is all over the place. After another cab ride, a few
stops I end up in the smoking lounge at, well, who the F knows? I step
in, put my overcoat down, and take a call from my best friend who is
in Phila for the evening. Bad reception, can't here shit. Step towards
the door, Wishes exchanged and a promise to call in the next few
minutes or so. I turn around, poof, jacket is gone . WTH? Well, I
guess the occasion brought out the worst in people. I am moving on.
Walking over to the card area, there are not too many vacancies to
sit. Sit down at a Video Poker machine, sit down with my donation and
get started. Get on a roll and a few hundred later, i AM READY to meet
up with people. Great thing is that, despite the steam coming out of
my ears, I was a few hundred to the good. Full houses, four of a kind,
the cards just fall. Happy New Year to me. Karma? Who cares..
So the rest of the gang are pulling slot handles, playing
blackjack and everything else. It's 2 am at this point, and I walked
in the door at 4:25 am. fun night. Any other details you as readers
can forward to me. What we walk away as a lesson or words to grow on:
Off Kilter View's The Top Ten. Here we go.................
1. Create your own time and destiny. As you can see, I did.
2. Surround yourself with those who you truly love, as life is
passing by. Those who you reach out and care for may not be around
per their choice all the time.
3. Step out and kiss a man or woman that you may not know, live
each day passionately.
4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
5. Enjoy the drive as much as the destination. As we know, it is
not a sprint but a marathon.
6. Protect those who depend on you. Do not prey on the weak.
Stand strong at all times. That is your job. Case closed.
7. Live, love, and every once in a while, party like Guns and Roses.
8. I just watched the movie "The Bucket List." Sit down and watch
though even if you don't and just hear about it from me, do not write
a must do list with 6 months to live. And find the joy in your life.
Do not wait until a eulogy, tell them about your love and passion now.
Do i t now....
9. Witness greatness and with no ego involved, practice that.
10. With 9 rules, remember them and live your life day by day,
moment by moment, and F smelling the roses. Tackle the head
cheerleader, knock out the bully, shake your neighbors hand and not
kiss that ass, dance in the car, sing in the shower, live fully and
deliberately, and read my next blog. Catch you all on the flip
side..........
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