Music Monday - "LA Song"

The other night I was at a local bar and they were having karaoke. You know, your typical bad, ear piercing karaoke. The same old thing, some guy/girl sings 50 times and all of the songs sound the same or a group of girls get up and sing some sort of song like "girls just wanna have fun" or you get that guy that butchers "Baby Got Back."

Anyway, I was sitting there enjoying my drink, trying to drown out the awful singers, when all of a sudden I heard this unbelievable voice coming from the stage. This girl (who was not only talented, but attractive) was performing Beth Hart's "LA Song." I've always liked Beth Hart's music. She has amazing way of bringing her life story out in her songs. But this girl on the stage not only sounded as good as Beth Hart, but maybe better.

It made me think of two things:

1. There are so many talented people in this world that never get discovered. They go unnoticed for various reasons - unlucky, don't ever take a chance, or just don't have the motivation to try.

2. This song made me think of something that I learned after moving out of state several years ago. I always wanted to live somewhere else after high school/college. I ended up in Tennessee for 3 years. The one thing that I learned is a lot of times you move because you want change or you think "the grass is greener on the other side," but usually you find that no matter where you go - it's you, not the place, that makes things different or brings about change. I'm not saying I will move out of state again, because I actually am about 100% sure I will. In fact, it probably will be in the next couple of years. But the one thing that I will remember is to not move because I think it will be better somewhere else. But to move because I want to move!

Here is Beth Hart's "LA Song." Enjoy!

Keep on, keepin' on
-J

"Autumn"

au=tumn – a: the season that comes between summer and winter; fall: in the astronomical year, that period between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice.

My favorite time of year is quickly approaching – fall! There are a number of reasons that I enjoy this time of year. Let me highlight a few:

1. Weather – I love the cool, crisp feel that you experience during this time of year. Whenever you can wear shorts, a long sleeve shirt, and sandals – you have to enjoy it. The temperature is perfect – usually around 60-70.

2. College Football – My favorite sport to watch. Many people talk about the NFL like it is their life, but I say nothing beats the atmosphere of college football. I am a HUGE Florida Gators fan and many of Saturday night festivities depend on how they do that day. GO GATORS!!!

3. Tailgating – Speaking of college football – tailgating season is upon us. I typically venture over to tailgate our state university. This year we have 7 home games! It’s a great time getting together with my cousins and friends and enjoying a Saturday morning. I can’t say that I always make it into the game, but I do usually watch every game on tv at a local establishment! 

4. Travel Season – Fall marks the beginning of my travel season for work. I typically will be out on the road for 6-7 weeks. It’s always refreshing to get out of the office for a while, and believe me – I need to!

5. Birthday – It’s hard to think about fall without thinking about my birthday. I turn another year older wiser!

I hope everyone has a great fall season!

Keep on, keepin’ on
-J

More from Corleone at Myxer

Music Monday - "Old Blue Chair"

Labor Day usually is the beginning of the end of summer. I started to think about this past summer and what I enjoyed about it.....

I've spent this summer golfing a lot more than I usually do. It was something I wanted to do. I wanted to try and improve my game by 2-3 strokes and I succeeded. But I also realized that I didn't get the opportunity to do one of my favorite things during the summer..... spending time on the lake, boating with my friends!

About 7 years ago when I moved back from Tennessee I took a couple months off of work. I had just left my current job and was in the process of looking for a new one. I was in no hurry! In fact, I decided that I would just hang out with some friends for the summer and eventually get around to getting a job.

So Big D, Todd, and I spent about 4 days a week out on the lake in the boat. We came to call these "umemployment seminars", which really stood for - "Lets waste away the day, get tan and not think about work" seminars. Actually, Big D and I were the only two that weren't working at the time, Todd just chose not to work very hard.

I really enjoyed those days and I wish I could go back to them. Not having a care in the world, no stress, and just relaxing. I decided this weekend that I'm not going to get too stressed over things in the future. Too many people that I am surrounded by on a day to day basis are stressed ALL of the time! People just need to lighten up and relax!

This song came to mind over the weekend. During our "Unemployment Seminars" on the lake we spent a lot of time listening to Kenny Chesney. "Old Blue Chair" has become my favorite song of his. I wanted to share this song and hopefully it will help you have a stress-free, relaxing weekend!

Keep on, keepin' on
-J

Music Mondays! -"Popular"

I’ve decided that I’m going to start something new, “Music Mondays.” On Monday I will post a song for that week. This song could have some significant meaning as to what is going on in my life, it could be a song from a new artist I’m listening to, or it could just be a song that has been stuck in my head all weekend long.

This week’s song will be “Popular” by Nada Surf. (I’ve included it below) This weekend students are moving back into college. I heard this song on Friday and it made me think of the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life. The great thing about moving or going to college is you can reshape your whole image. You are starting over, starting fresh. You can be whoever you want to be!

You will be meeting a whole new set of friends. People that have never met you before! If you weren’t popular in high school but always wanted to, now’s your chance! Or maybe you are tired of the attention and just want to lay low? That’s cool also.

This song made me think how important it is to give everyone a chance. Everyone is different and unique in their own way. You may not think you have anything in common with someone, but you never know.

So my advice to freshmen starting this new journey we call “college” - give everyone a chance, don’t make judgments based on appearance or first impressions!

Keep on, keepin’ on,
-J

"Destination"

des=ti=na=tion – a: the place toward which someone or something is going or sent.

The other day I was sitting here thinking of places that I’ve never been and would love to go to. It made me imagine all of the wonderful places and things I have never seen. So I decided to put together a list of “destinations” that I would like to visit. (These are in no particular order.)

Dubai – Not many people think of the desert when listing top destinations they want to travel to. But if you had to pick a desert destination, Dubai would be the one. This city is now one of the fastest growing tourist places in the world. From driving the dunes in a land cruiser to the impressive, breathtaking skyline, Dubai is a city of endless possibilities and continues to grow. Interesting fact: 25% of the world’s operating construction cranes are currently in Dubai – working!

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil – I’ve always wanted to visit Brazil and I figure – what better place than Rio De Janeiro? And of course the best time to visit would have to be the Brazilian Carnival – the annual celebration held 40 days before Easter and marking the beginning of Lent. This event is like Mardi Gras, only LARGER! Another reason to travel to Brazil would have to be – the women! Brazilian women are the most beautiful in the world! Interesting fact: Tijuca forest, a huge rainforest that rises in the middle of the city, is the world’s largest urban rainforest.

San Diego – I’ve always wanted to visit California and what better place than San Diego? The mediterranean climate makes the weather there is awesome! Blue skies and wonderful beaches are enough right there to make you want to visit. San Diego is also in an excellent location as it lies just north of the Mexican border and just south of Orange County. Interesting fact: It is the 8th largest city in the United States.

Italy – I have always wanted to visit Italy. Whether it’s the beautiful ancient architecture or the world famous food, I’ve always been drawn to Italy. It strikes me as a perfect vacation spot. It has a diverse climate and a wonderful culture. This may be my ultimate destination. Interesting fact: The leaning Tower of Pisa has slowly tipped to one side over the years and now currently leans over about 14 ½ feet!

New York City – I believe every person should visit NYC at least once in their life. In fact, I believe that everyone should live in NYC for at least one year of their life! Known as the “City that never sleeps,” NYC boasts one of the most diverse cultural meccas in the world. I’ve never traveled to the northeast part of the U.S., but when I do NYC will probably be my first destination, with Boston as a close second. Interesting fact: Almost 50 million people visit New York City every year!

Australia – I’ve always wanted to visit the “land down under.” It just sounds like it would be a cool place to go! I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that it seems very much like America, although I am sure it is very different. It would be cool to tour the outback and see the unique wildlife. Interesting fact: Australia’s Christmas holiday comes in the middle of summer.

Augusta, GA – Why Augusta, Georgia you ask? It’s not a tourist destination. Well for one week it is one of the most amazing places in the world – Master’s week! If you are a golfer or even if you are not, you’ve probably heard of this tournament. If you asked anyone who enjoys golf, what course they would like to play more than any other? Your overwhelming answer would be Augusta National! I’ve always wanted to go to this golf tournament and have tried to get tickets for the last several years. This is the toughest ticket in sports. Interesting fact: Augusta National has only 300 members and membership is by invite only. It took Bill Gates over 10 years to be invited to become a member!

Hawaii – Many people who’ve been to the islands have always told me that, “you have to visit Hawaii if you get a chance!” With temperatures averaging upper 80’s in the summer and averaging low 80’s in the winter, how can you beat it? Whenever you see pictures of Hawaii, the ocean looks bluer and the land looks greener. It reminds you of what paradise would probably look like. Interesting fact: Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States.

St. Andrews, Scotland – The town of St. Andrews is known as the “home of golf.” What more reason do I need than that? It is in every golfer’s dream to walk on St. Andrews Links. Golf has been played there for over 600 years. Interesting fact: golf was originally played on 11 holes out and 11 hole in, resulting in 22 holes. It was changed to 18 holes in 1764.

Keep on, keepin' on

-J

"Connection"

con=nec=tion – a: the act of connecting. b: a person with whom one is associated with, as by kinship or common interests.

So here is the deal – I’ve been laying pretty low when it comes to relationships this summer. I just haven’t had the time or really the motivation to pursue one. I’ve been hanging out with some different girls. Some of them I have had a mild interest in, others just as friends.

Well there is this one girl, “K”, who at one time had my interest and then it went and then it came back and then it went, etc, etc….. you get the idea. Well anyway, she is a very good looking girl and really fun to hang out with. (Any guy would be crazy not to want to be in a relationship with her!) Well, call me CRAZY!!!

I’ve known “K” for a couple of years now. But this summer we’ve actually hung out more than we ever had. A lot of that has to do with the fact that we now live in the same town. So this summer it has basically (somewhat) just been a friendship. It’s one of those situations where she’ll give me a call and say, “I just rented so-and-so movie, have you seen it? If not come on over.” Or I’ll send her a text and ask if she is hungry for pizza and will go grab some food over a beer. Or maybe she’ll send me a text that says, bad day at work! Margarita??? Very casual, nothing official! In fact, I think the word “date” has only been used once or twice and mainly in a joking manner.

Well, last night things got a little more personal. She called me just to chat. (which she’ll do from time to time) Well during our conversation that included me laughing at her last disaster of a date she went on last week or her giving me trouble on my latest music tastes, the conversation took a weird turn.

She said something to me about going back to her hometown this weekend to hang with her family! And normally this would not have phased me, but I could tell that this was more than a “friendship” weekend.

I won’t deny that I am attracted to her and do enjoy hanging out with her. I know, I know, you are thinking – so what is the problem? Well the problem is that I just don’t feel that connection for her. I’ve had it before. In fact, 3 months ago I would have been like, “sure, count me in.” But I just don’t get that right now. There is just something missing and I can’t pinpoint what it is?

So there I was in an awkward situation. So I made up some excuse, I told her that I am golfing on Saturday and have told some buddies I would go to the fair with them on Friday. This is not really a lie because I do plan on doing all of those things. But I think if I really wanted to, I could definitely pass on the golf and the fair.

Anyway, I could tell that she sensed something was a little different after this was brought up. And I don’t want things to be awkward, I just am not interested in pursuing a relationship with her right now. (I’m not sure why, but I’m just not!) I have interests other places at this time. So hopefully things won’t change much. But we will see!

Keep on, keepin’ on
-J

"Innocence"

in=no=cence - a: freedom of sin, moral wrong, or guilt through lack of knowledge of evil. b: freedom from harmfulness; inoffensiveness.

Okay, before we go to far into this post, let's be honest: this post is obviously not about me. I lost my innocence a LONG time ago. Sure, I was innocent at one time. It was when I was very young and naive to the world. These past couple of days have made me think about innocence a little more. Why? ........ my niece and nephew were in town!

It's always fun to have them around. They brighten up your day and to be honest I haven't been that high in spirits lately! Anyway, just to watch them play and enjoy their childhood makes you happy. I started to think, why is it that when people are asked, "if you could go back to any age and begin, what age would you go to?" And you always get answers like 25, or 21 or some time in high school. But why doesn't anyone ever say.... 2!

I mean, seriously! You have your whole world in front of you. Endless possibilities!

It was great to see my niece and nephew this week. I got to spend some time with them as we went to the park and spent an afternoon at the zoo. It's fun to watch Maci have no fear of any animals. As I was rushing past the boa constrictor aquarium trying not to even look over at this "spawn of the devil", she had her face pressed up to the window and banging on it like she wanted to play with it! (As you probably guessed, I HATE snakes!)

It was fun to watch Kael follow his big sister everywhere. Even though it took him a little longer. (he just started crawling a couple weeks ago) His emotions change with his sisters'. If Maci starts crying, he gets upset. If Maci starts laughing, he just cracks up! It's funny watching an 8 month old belly laugh!

“A child has no ego, no past or future. The child has no attachments, and because of this, he is able to express himself fully, without any prejudices or preconceived ideas.”

-Amma

Keep on, keepin' on

-JJ

"Summer"

sum=mer - a: usually the warmest season of the year, occurring between spring and autumn. b: a period of fruition, fulfillment, happiness and beauty.

I wanted to give everyone an update. I know I have been a little lax on my posts lately. But I've been enjoying myself. This summer has been pretty good. Unfortunately, it is going by fast. It's nice that the weather has started to warm up and hopefully it sticks around for a while. This summer has been good for several reasons:

Vegas - I went to Vegas in late June and had an excellent time. Obviously, it is hard not to enjoy yourself in Las Vegas, but this trip was especially good. I always seem to forget just how nice it is to unwind and take some time off of work. And there is no better place to do it.

Golf - I am playing some of the best golf I have played in a long time. It's been a good year on the course and I've been able to get out a little more than I have in past years. Hopefully this continues, as I have some big tournaments left this summer.

Friends/Girls - I've really enjoyed meeting some new friends this year. It's always nice to meet new people and do new things. I've also hung out with some cool girls this summer. I think what has made it even more enjoyable is that I've turned down a couple chances to be in relationships. I'm just not looking for that right now. It's been fun to hang out with a couple girls and I've made some great friends.

So I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I've been working hard, but definitely playing harder!

*I'll try not to be such a stranger these next couple weeks!

Keep on, keepin' on
-J

"Sin"

sin – a: any offense against a principle or standard. b: something regarded as being shameful, deplorable, or utterly wrong.

No, this post is not going to be about all of my sins in life. That would take quite a bit of time and probably don’t want to admit some of them. Instead I wanted to talk about my recent trip……. to Sin City! (Las Vegas)

I will not give you a total rundown of everything I did. Simply because there are some things that must remain confidential! As they say, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!”

But there are some observations that I want to share. These are things that I notice every time I venture to this wonderful getaway.

1. First, expect it to be hot! Surprise, surprise, it’s hot in the summer in Las Vegas. But for some reason people can’t understand this. I mean, all I heard the whole time I was there were people complaining about how hot it is. Come on people, it's Vegas in June! What do you expect? I for one don’t mind the heat, in fact I enjoy it. I guess this probably bothers me so much because I am so tired of people complaining about everything! Why can’t everyone just relax and enjoy life? They complain if it’s hot, if it’s cold, if it’s raining, some even complain if it’s not raining!!! If you want to complain about the heat go on vacation in Buffalo….. in DECEMBER!

2. The most beautiful women are in Vegas. Seriously, does every HOT girl visit Vegas the same time that I do? It doesn’t matter if you are at the Bellagio, Bill’s Gambling Hall, or the local gas station – you are definitely going to run into some of the most beautiful women you’ll ever see. I guess that could be one of the reasons I enjoy this city so much!

3. I’m tired of hearing every one say, “well, I expect to lose money when I go to Vegas!” Well, I DON’T! I don’t go out there to lose money gambling. I understand I am going to spend money on food, drink, cab fare, etc., but I would like to think that I can win some money playing poker.

4. Vegas has some of the best food in the world! In fact, I read the other day that of the Top 100 restaurants in the world, Vegas is consider to have 22 of them. More than double any other city in the world. Some people can’t comprehend how can Vegas have better beef than the Midwest? How can they have better seafood than the coastal states? Remember people, this is Vegas. They can get anything they want within hours and these restaurants do.

5. Sleep is SOOOO overrated in Vegas. I actually got 10 hours or so in the 3 nights I was there. So I consider that pretty good. But really, why would you want to waste your time in Vegas sleeping? You miss out on so much. It’s hard to lay in that bed knowing that right below you there is so much action going on. I feel sorry for one girl out there (we met up with her and her friends while in Vegas. We actually knew them before the trip), but she slept all day on Sunday! She wasted a whole day in Vegas on sleep! It may have had something to do with the night of partying that we all did, but still….. a whole day!!!

I just wanted to share a few of those thoughts. It was definitely a great trip and look forward to my next time! (In fact, my mom informed me that I could fly out there on July 4th for $120!!!) Is that too soon???

It was great to see you Vegas and hope to see you again soon!

keep on, keeping on,
-J

"Options"

op=tion - a: something chosen or available as a choice.

Yes, I am still alive! As you have probably noticed, I haven't posted for a while. I have been pretty busy not only with work, but with some personal things. (nothing major, just keeping busy)

So I was thinking today that I should probably post something on my blog. There are numerous things I could talk about. It's nice to have some options. Some of the items I could choose from include:

1. Weather - Everyone around here is talking about the weather! It's raining.... blah blah ..... there's flooding everywhere... blah blah ..... tornados, etc. But I decided that if you want to hear about the weather you can check the news. Or I could post about...
2. Women - And I am not talking about posting about women in general, but rather the complexity of them! (so I guess you could call it "complex") Anyway, women are by far the most confusing and possibly contradicting species in the world. I won't go into too much detail here, because I may save this for another post. Or.....
3. Vacation - Yes, I am going on vacation at the end of this week! Off to Vegas, Baby!!! But I figure that I will have better stories to tell on this subject when I get back, so I will hold off on this topic.
4. Decisons - It just amazes me at some of the terrible decisions that my friends make. Sometimes I just sit there and think, "really? are you serious?" I mean, do people ever take a step back and see what everyone else sees? I will probably visit this subject in the future.
5. Work - blah, blah, blah.... who wants to hear about work? It's the same old thing..... everyone has complaints, but no one does anything about it. Work is work, something to pass the time when I'm not playing.

So as you can see, I have some options. (along with others) I enjoy having options and right now it seems like I have more than usual. I'm someone that likes to keep their options open. Does that make me non-commital?.... yes, but we've established that. Does that make me a bad person? .... no, I don't think so. Sometimes you just want to take a step backb and see what's available and evaluate.

Hopefully I will be able to post more in the near future, but in the meantime I am going to go check out one of my options.

Keep on, keepin' on

-J