I Grew from Monkey into Man

Freelancing And It Feels So Good

2010-03-27T01:23:00.002-04:00

Things are getting back into motion in a big way. I've started writing again for Broken Records Magazine http://www.brokenrecordsonline.com/mag.html

It's a unique collection of music from every genre. So far I've managed to write a quick country write up, interview Melora Hardin (from The Office), Tish Ciravolo, owner of Daisy Rock Guitars and I got to meet Dierks Bentley. Not too bad, eh?

A couple of more goals have been completed. I am also one month away from completing the fast food goal. I haven't had good control over my fitness efforts lately and I am going to change that. My summer 2009 fitness goal never got off the ground due to unfortunate circumstances so I am carrying that over to 2010. The goal will cover April 1-July 1. The goal is to lose ten pounds. I'll keep you posted.

My guitar playing is progressing and I am feeling more comfortable playing chords and such. I'm hoping to write a song soon but with trying to focus on writing, going to the gym and coming home after a long day of work, it's not easy to always juggle everything. But I think I can do it.

Write a song

2009-11-23T20:24:00.004-05:00

I want to write a song that'll get you high
I want to find the words that'll make everything feel alright now
So in another world and another time, that'll come along

In 2008, I made it a personal goal to get in better shape and begin guitar lessons. I'm pleased to say that not only did I accomplish both goals, but I still stick to them today. I finally figured out how to tap into a deeper motivation and help myself reach my goals.

With 2009 coming to close, I am preparing myself to be very focused 2010. I want to return to that creative drive I had when I was younger writing stories and drawing comic books. Having said that (if you saw the season finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm you might find that funny), here is an update on two goals:

Write A Song

Open chords? No problem. Simple riffs? I think I got it down. Barre chords? More frustrating than the time I avoided playing a g then c chord because I fumbled the transition. So now I am back to guitar lessons. I'm really excited because I feel like this time I will get over the hump and take my skill sets to the next level.

Working with my new 6-string professor, we are working on creating a song with only barre chords. Perfect. Since then I have been only playing barre chords. And it is frustrating! I still mute some strings, but I know that it takes time to build strength. In due time I think these lessons will open new doors for me and allow me to complete another goal: jam with a band.

Hopefully when it finally comes together I'll upload part of the riff or maybe even the entire song. Stay tuned.

Score 20 points in a pickup game of basketball

I always felt this goal was the silliest of them all and it probably is, but it felt good when I finally completed this goal. In fact I scored 26 points. At one point during the game when I told my friend of my goal, he asked me "You keep count?" Not anymore Steve, not anymore.

Go to MoMA or another museum

I recently went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and after a couple of hours completed most of the first floor. The Greek and Egyptian exhibits were my favorite. The ancient scrolls, hieroglyphics and jewelery were awesome. The eating instruments seemed so primitive to what we use now and the feeling I left with was that our culture has modernized things in such a way that what else is there left to do? An ancient fork was two long prongs. Today, it is four short prongs and pretty much standard. I guess it's really not a big deal, but you can see how something simple as a fork or spoon is pretty much standard now.

Attend a graphic design course

As a marketing professional, it is important to have some basic graphic design skills. I can use Photoshop and InDesign with ease but I wanted to learn Adobe Illustrator. We use it at work to design charts for our presentations and with the blessing from my boss, I was able to bring in an instructor for a two week course in Illustrator. I'll upload something in the near future. Nothing fancy, but a start.

The summer 2009 workout goal was never set due to certain circumstances. I'm not sure if I am going to designate a new goal in its place or just let it go. After all this isn't about completing every single goal. It's staying committed to wanting to be better and continue learning.

Covering something I will never know

2009-09-03T20:52:00.005-04:00

It was a normal bus ride into the city this morning except I couldn't keep my eyes closed. Normally I try to sneak in a nap, or at least keep my eyes closed long enough that by the time I open them I am four blocks away from my stop. Today, I was wired.

I put on Big Eyed Fish by Dave Matthews Band, the Lillywhite Sessions version. The chorus goes like this:

"But oh God
Under the weight of life
Things seem brighter on the other side"

A simple idea that when comparing yourself to others, everyone else seems to have it easier. The grass is greener on the other side. Of course until you hear their problems.

Anyway, as the bus turned from 23rd street onto Madison Avenue, I noticed a bunch of EMTs standing over a park bench. On the bench was a man, which I can only presume because he had a sheet over his body. My heart sank. With the madness buzzing around him, this man lay frozen, gone from this world only his shell on the bench.

My first thought was "wow this man must have died over night, I wonder if his family (if he has any) will ever find out?" But then I saw something. A sneaker poked out of the sheet. It looked like a gray Nike sneaker and it was pointed towards heaven, almost directing the soul from the bench. And then my thought changed.

Let's pretend this man isn't homeless (and I still have no proof that he is), then why was he there? Immediately I created a scenario in my head. Let's take a walk in the park shall we?

It's 6 a.m. on Thursday morning and the man wakes up in his Manhattan's version of a spacious one bedroom apartment. He stares out his window and sees the sun greeting him over the East River. It's been a long week, he is looking forward to the weekend where he can run through Central Park and maybe finish reading the book he started a month ago. And, if he's lucky, he will read the entire New York Times Sunday edition. For now, he will go for a quick jog around the neighborhood.

He throws on his favorite pair of gray Nike sneakers, a little worn on the heel, probably 100 miles or so past replacement but they still feel so right, it's like he couldn't dare part with a shoe that has taken him so many places in the city. He stretches at the bottom of the stairs in his walk-up. Usually this is about the time his elderly neighbor comes out and checks for her Times. Today, she's late. After stretching his calves against the banister, he walks outside and soaks in the unusually cool air. "It feels like October," he thinks, "It feels so fresh."

He starts off slow on 18th and 1st, loosening his arms (his arm felt tight the night before, but he figured it was because he hit his funny bone earlier in the day). Then he gradually picks up the pace. Walking briskly past 21st and 2nd, jogging past 23rd and 3rd and now in a comfortable stride towards Lexington avenue and 23rd street.

He's sweating much more than usual. With the temperature in the upper 50s, his body isn't reacting right. He's in an all-out sweat but he is so cold. He can't stay focused for long and his body aches. He sees a park bench near 23rd and Madison, within feet of the Shake Shack. "Oh Shake Shack," he thinks. "I hear so much about it and I run by it all the time, I owe it to myself to stop and try it. Maybe Jeanie will like it too. We need to get out more together anyw..." Before he could finish his thought he noticed he stopped running. In fact, he started to hunch over. Not feeling like himself he sits down at the end of the bench.

Maybe he didn't sleep well last night. He really hasn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. Maybe he is just a little run down. He stretches out vertically and puts his head back. It wouldn't be weird for someone to nod off on a city bench, people do it all the time. Aside from the discomfort, he has no trouble closing his eyes. His last image is looking up at the sky, the sun hidden behind the Credit Suisse building. The cool air blankets him and he forever sleeps peacefully.

I'll be honest and say i didn't dream up that entire scenario at that moment. If I did, I would've ended up at 57th street and late for work. But I definitely thought the man might not be homeless and that he may have been on a jog, or a walk, and somewhere, someone, was wondering when their best friend, their co-worker, or their drinking buddy is going to come home.

As that song played I realized that we always try to imagine ourself in someone's shoes, even if we don't want to live that life. We imagine who that person is, what he or she is doing and the reasons for doing so. "The grass is greener on the other side" - we pick and choose aspects to covet and ignore other details, whether it is because we do not know the person or chose not to know.

I said a small prayer for that man (or woman? All I did see was a shoe) that his ghost is guided on its next journey. Hopefully he's up in heaven with a fresh pair of gray Nike sneakers.

Recovering and Moving Forward

2009-09-02T20:00:00.002-04:00

In what continues to be an interesting 2009, I had half of my thyroid removed last Thursday and I have to say that while my throat is still a bit swollen and it hurts to swallow, the scar is healing quickly. So if it looks good on the outside, who cares what it feels like on the inside right?

I figured today would be a short update with some links and quick stories. Hereeeeeeeee we go.

I was recently named the chairperson to BKR's marketing committee. Basically BKR is an association of global accounting and business advisory firms. I will hold the post for two years and will have the opportunity to speak at a roundtable discussion on social media in BKR's worldwide meeting in October. Stay tuned for more details. Maybe I should start adding some marketing related posts to my blog? Hmmm...

I really like what Chad Ochocinco is doing this season. Chad is a big Twitter fan and while the NFL doesn't allow people to use cell phones on the field, Ochocinco has come up with plan B. He is going to teach one lucky fan a week (home games only I believe) hand signals that mean certain things. That fan will then log into OchoCinco's Twitter account and post the translated handsignals. The best part? He will fly the fan in for home games. A free trip to an NFL game? Sign me up. Here's a link for the full story.

I just finished reading Chuck Klosterman's Killing Yourself to Live and I have to say while the writing was up to par with his other work that I have read (Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs and Downtown Owl) this novel felt rushed and unfocused. Saying that, I still enjoyed it. I just feel like Klosterman only dipped his feet in the pool and could've easily expanded on the topics of his ex-girlfriends or his trip across America. If you are a Klosterman fan, read this book, however I would not recommend this book for someone who is reading something of Klosterman's for the first time. Pick up one of the other two books I mentioned first. You'll be glad you did. Up next in the book collection is Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane.

I am really enjoying watching the Yankees play this season. The chemistry is good, the team is winning and Derek Jeter continues to excel. Listening to last night's broadcast, it was noted that the last time the Yankees were 36 games over .500 was in 2004. My first reaction was "Wow, that 2004 team was that good?" and my second reaction was "I hope this team doesn't end up like that 2004 team." I got nervous for a few minutes. How could the 2004 team be that good record-wise? I don't even think you can compare the two teams because this year's pitching staff is so much better than what the Yankees were forced to throw out there in 2004. The 2004 team clearly had to rely on its offense but with CC pitching well and Pettitte really holding up despite his age, the 2009 Yankees can play looser knowing the pitching staff is holding its own. Don't remember what the 2004 team looked like? No problem. Click here.

I am a few days away from getting back into running (doctor's orders). With the temperature dropping to the 70s, I think it will be a great time to get back into it full time. I love running, it just seems I can't get myself out of the door lately. My ideal running temperature is between 45-79 degrees F, but I will go for an outdoor run here and there if the temperature dips into the 30s or upper 80s.

And lastly, if you are not the mushy type stop reading. I want to thank my girlfriend for taking care of me (even if she wouldn't admit I was in the 80% non-cancer group!). Now that I am well-rested I will go back to my usual ways of driving her crazy. In the darkest times you shine on me.

History Channel's Pawn Stars

2009-08-23T10:40:00.005-04:00

I just happened to be fumbling through the dial a couple of months ago when I came across History Channel's Pawn Stars (see below for preview). The show features a pawn shop in Las Vegas that has interesting customers with interesting items. They can either pawn or sell the items.

While the show is pretty straight forward, the show's main characters are funny and interesting as well and they do not dominate the show (just yet). As of now, it is still about the shop and the interesting items they come across. Check it out on Sunday nights on the History Channel.

I Grew from Monkey into Man

2009-08-18T18:54:00.003-04:00

I like this opening lyric from the Dave Matthews Band song Why I Am because it makes me think of evolution and all that comes with it. Consider this blog my evolution.

Moving forward because it's hard to roll backwards

2009-08-18T08:58:00.003-04:00

I've been running. Yes on the treadmill, on the boardwalk, but also in my mind. It's been a rough few months and I am still not sure if I want to address it in this blog, but I guess it may be for the best.

It started out a normal Friday(May 29) and I arrived to work preparing for my trip to Austin, Texas the next week. I was going to a marketing conference and I felt this was the chance to really come back with some good ideas for work. Sometime before noon my phone rang. I'm used to my mother calling me during the day, usually to ask me for a favor or to tell me if something came in the mail. When I answered the phone, it was like I knew.

"You need to come home right away," she said first. I thought the call was about my grandfather. He is 91 years old and despite having Alzheimer's still appears to be going strong. When my mom told me it was my dad who is in trouble my heart sank. I did my best to remain calm, but I started pacing around the office quickly. There were many phone calls placed on my way home and many things said but I am not ready to let it all out. What I will say is how I remember telling my girlfriend "I'm not ready for him to leave me yet."

Is that selfish? I'm sure I can think of many reasons why it is and isn't but if you know me, and know my family, you will know how close we are. I remember when I was maybe eight or nine years old and I wanted to order SummerSlam on pay-per-view so badly. My parents weren't crazy about spending $30 a pop for all these wrestling events and my dad was making his case for skipping one. "But the Ultimate Warrior is his hero," she said. I'll never forget that. And for some weird reason the moment she said that, I knew I would never forget it.

Maybe I was glued to the television when the Ultimate Warrior paraded around the ring in face paint and shook the ropes. But was he my hero? Maybe for the eight-year old's definition he was. Fast forward to my early 20s and it is an entirely different meaning.

A long time ago I decided that whatever silly things that a teenager becoming an adult can hold against his parents it was time to let go. Sure you fight with your parents or wish things may have been different in some aspects, but when you take a moment to reflect upon where you are at that moment in life you have to ask yourself "Is it really that bad?" My moment came after graduate school. I knew I had been better off, better off for the sacrifices my parents made, better off for the master's degree I just obtained, better off because I felt I had a good head on my shoulders (never been in any trouble, etc.).

My heroes were my parents, I knew it then and I know it now more than ever. Is it cliche? Definitely, but it's the truth. I will never forget the sacrifices my parents made for me to go to a college that I could not and did not want to afford. I will never forget the sacrifices my dad made for me. I feel like I owe a great deal to my father. I owe him more than I feel I could have ever repaid him; for how he guided me through life has made such an impression on me, even if I wasn't fully aware of it growing up. Mom, don't worry, I owe you a great deal of credit as well.

My dad passed away that day on May 29 and it was just unreal. Before we left the emergency room I took his Ukrainian Cross off from him and placed it around my neck. I had to take it off for a while, for some reason it irritated my skin. Now, I wear it proudly and I am happy to say my skin seems proud to; it no longer irritates me. Things have changed and I consider myself lucky to have such an influence in my life. His lessons are with me forever and I will be sure to pass them along to the next generation of family who will only know him through pictures, stories and the smile from our faces when we relive those moments in our mind. I spent a good amount time with my father before he passed. We had great discussions about all the possibilities that lie ahead. We even took a tour of his old neighborhood earlier this year. I'm lucky to have called you dad and I miss you and I love you. I hope where you are now you are getting all the rest you deserve.

As for 101 in 1001, some goals have been completed and one has to be changed.

83. NY Auto show with my dad. I will go and I know you will be there with me too.

98. Perform for an audience. Completed. My dad always told me he wanted me to play Amazing Grace on guitar at his funeral. During the second night of the wake, I brought my guitar but I only wanted to play for him. So I played quietly. But the room grew a little silent and the sound could be heard throughout. I played for him because without my dad, I would've put the guitar down months ago. I will keep playing. For you, I will keep playing.

91. Double my book collection. Completed. I am a member of the Barnes & Noble book club and I have purchased too many books. I have read them all however. One day I will put that list online. Also, I am happy to report that I have some friends who have published their work and with their blessing I will one day mention it here.

Read the Godfather. Completed. Excellent book that is much better than the movie, which is saying a lot.

No non-essential purchases for three months. Completed. I actually went six months before I purchased an iMac.

Learn another language. In progress. With the help of my amazing girlfriend I am learning Polish. I know seven phrases, but they're an important seven.

Properly budget my money. Completed. Every month, I budget my expenses and make sure I stay in line.

Here's to Getting Back on Track

2009-03-03T22:02:00.005-05:00

I said that February was a slow month for sports but it also turned out to be a slow month for blogging. There is no excuse for not posting, so I will get back on track with a post tonight.

I guess I haven't accomplished any goals in February but I acquired a bunch of cool items to help me along the way.

First my buddies got me two books to add to my collection: The Yankee Years and The Godfather. My book collection is growing and this will be one of the easier goals to achieve.

The best gift I received was Nike +. Nike + works with your iPod and tracks how far you run, how many calories burned, and uploads it to Nike's website to track progress. I'm selling it short and you can find out more information by visiting www.nikeplus.com. But the gift was awesome and I have been using it along with a set of brand new Nike sneakers my girlfriend got me. Thanks babe!

Random news and notes:

I recommend a little French restaurant in the city called Le Jardin Bistro. Located just a few minutes over the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan, this little restaurant offers a intimate environment and delicious french styled cuisine. The pricing was affordable and the vibe was just right.

I'm looking forward to DMB at SPAC this year. I put in a request for both the Friday and Saturday shows. The grounds are awesome and it is great for tailgating. My girlfriend is going to get a DMB overload this summer but I don't think she minds.

I'm really looking into a bicycle for the 5 boro bike tour but I am not really looking to make a big purchase right now (another goal). I might just wait a while.

The whole Arod scandal needs to go away. With Bonds, it was about a guy the media despised; now with Arod, it's just another name. Is anyone surprised? And, if someone looking to make a buck is going to leak Rodriguez's name, release all the others. It's only fair and the media has one big field day rather than multiple field days as each name is released. Of course by not releasing the names, these people will get their 15 minutes of fame when they release books in the future detailing their use.

My personal writing has also taken a hit but lately I have been on an upswing in creativity (if that's the right word). It's nothing towards my book but I'm getting there.

This weekend we set our clocks an hour forward. It's time for the sun to meet me after work and staying out long after I get home. It's a rebirth, a time when my energy is high and feeling good. A chance to sit along the water and watch the waves crash and dance. All these things will have more meaning this time around.

It's quite a scene to stare at the water. The sea is a big blanket that seemingly stretches out forever as it collides with the sky along the horizon. The blue is enchanting; it is so easy to get lost in it. Even more, it does not reveal just how deep it runs. Two feet off the beach it is ankle deep and out at sea it conceals a whole other world. Message in a bottle?

An Amazing Time

2009-01-20T14:44:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged in a while and this laziness can't be tolerated! So I'm here today to provide a quick update with some notes. Here we go...

Watching the inauguration was not only one of those "where were you moments?" it was truly an eye-opening experience. With all those people gathered throughout Washington DC, Times Square, Harlem, Chicago, California, it was the first time I saw our nation rally around the dawning of a new presidential era with hope (Feel free to tell me I'm wrong). It was like a scene out of a movie, or something I would see in another country where the people line the streets full of hopes and dreams and put their entire faith in a new leader. After learning about the rallies of our parents in the 60s, I felt today's America lacked that power to stand up and make their voice heard in large amounts. Today, that changed as people came together and had the same wide-eyed gaze at our newly elected leaders, ones who may not bring change immediately, but restored a country that desperately needed a reason to believe again.

February is notoriously a slow month for sports but on the bright side it is only a couple of weeks away before pitchers and catchers report. Will Andy Pettitte return to the Yankees? I'm not holding my breath but I think the Yankees can move on without him. Time to let the kids pitch in the fourth and fifth spot in the rotation and if they fail, so be it. I'd rather they work out the kinks now that lose their confidence shuffling between AAA and the majors.

My goals are not forgotten as I try to plan them out each day. I'm starting to think that if I cannot accomplish them in 1001 days, the bigger victory will be completing it one day. It's quite a list and I am confident it will be done.

Lately I can't help but to completely stop and stare. Stare into space and wonder. Wonder and imagine. Imagine and hope. Hope as this feeling takes over. Taken over by a feeling that the best is about to come.

Keep on Runnin'

2009-01-06T22:34:00.005-05:00

In March 2008, I made an honest effort to start running consistently. I started out by walking at a quick pace for 30 minutes. Soon after that, I started running 1 mile and walking the rest. Eventually, I started running for three minutes and walking two minutes for a half hour. Now, I can run three miles in under 30 minutes.

In preparing to run for a 3k and ultimately the Men's Health Urbanathlon, I decided I needed to step up my game. Since I had 3 miles under my belt, 4 shouldn't have been to difficult. Tonight I had enough energy to run 5 miles but that's another goal altogether. I ran 4.10 miles in about 37 minutes. Not bad for the first run.

And to celebrate my milestone, I'm treating myself to a small bowl of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.

Brother can you spare a dime?

2008-12-28T20:25:00.002-05:00

I figured I would take the next few moments to talk about a goal that didn't make the final cut: Fill up a jar full of change for 6 months and then use it to go on a random road trip.

I liked this idea because it could have been repeated multiple times over the course of the 1001 days. Often during college I would spend weeks saving up change and then treat myself to a fun night at the bar. One time, I managed to save $100 over a many weeks for a trip to the city. But in the end, I thought it was too vague on the list and didn't really give me incentive to do anything more than take a road trip, which is already covered in another goal.

Random notes:

It is so sad to see the Jets go from being the hottest team in the league to being one level above the Detroit Lions.

I saw Phantom of the Opera on Broadway over the weekend and it was an amazing show. No wonder it is the longest running show on Broadway (in history).

With the new year approaching, it is time I got my workout regime back to where it was in 2008. Sometimes it is hard to reproduce the intensity that I had but all I need to do is remind myself why I am doing it in the first place.

I finally figured out where the auxiliary jack is in my car and now my satellite radio has crystal clear sound.

I want to get back into bowling and I think I might just start practicing again tonight...

Close but not close enough

2008-12-24T14:07:00.003-05:00

So it's Christmas Eve and I am happy that the holiday season is here. With all the bad news, grim outlooks, and general feeling that people cannot succeed in these times, it's good to be able to spend time with the family and realize that success doesn't come from monetary wealth, or interest rates, or return on investments but rather from the those we care about.

My family is small, so these holidays don't turn into hour long marathons. It's just sitting around and talking and making each other smile whether it be from finding the right gift or telling a joke just funny and edgy enough that it's something you can tell your mother without shame (or not). And with a year of guitar playing under my belt, I will be lucky enough to play some songs with my dad on the acoustic (I'm up to 5 guitars now, 4 acoustic, 1 electric and it may be 6 if i decide to string this old dusty guitar that has been hidden in my parent's closet for the past three years).

As for the rest of the weekend, I am looking to spend a decent morning at the gym on Friday, starting up my old routine now that my body seems to be in much better shape since my accident. Also, someone special has something special planned for me and I haven't the slightest idea what it is. But if my hunch serves me right, I may be able to cross something off my 101 list.

Which reminds me, the title of this post comes from one of my goals: score 20 points in a pickup basketball game. I played basketball for the first time in about 6 months over the weekend and after showing very visible signs of rust, I manage to score 8 points, about half of what I usually get. I'll give it another try soon.

Random notes:

At first, I didn't think I would be a big fan of the Texiera signing, but the more I think about it, the more I look forward to seeing the guy play first. He brings defense at 1B the Yanks haven't seen since the days of Tino (who by the way should've won a gold glove with the Yanks and it was a shame when it went to Palmiero one year where he played the majority of his games as a DH), a big bat who sports an OBP of .440ish, and is a switch hitter. If he can cut down on his strikeouts just a bit more, something he seemed to do last season, he will provide the protection that takes the pressure off of Arod. Now, only if Arod can figure out how to just play the game without any worries...

This acquisition also leaves the Yankees with Nick Swisher, Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera and Xavier Nady and Brett Gardner all in the outfield. Out of all those players, Nady has the most appealing contract and doesn't have a no trade clause. I like Nady, he has some pop, plays a decent outfield and doesn't seem to complain. While he seems the most tradeable, I really hope the Yankees keep him. He will lock up the RF spot. With the power of this lineup, Gardner, who has a bit of speed to him, should get the CF spot and shore up the defense. Damon, who is abysmal in center, only because of his arm, is actually an above average left-fielder and should start the majority of the games there. That leaves Matsuit to DH and Swisher to platoon and rest starters. Of course you could always try to see what you can get for Matsui (isn't that Lincecum for Matsui trade that never happened coming around to bite them in the ass?).

I can't wait for the 2009 season. I decided I am going to try my best for opening day tickets to the new Stadium, even if it means I can only buy 1.

Finally, the team should consider leaving Joba as the #4 starter and let one of the young guys pitch the 5th spot. My preference is Hughes. He has shown that he can throw the ball well. After all, didn't the Tigers let Bonderman basically mature in the majors? I know different team, different mindset, but if Hughes doesn't work out, the Yankees can try to trade one of their outfielders mid-season for an established veteran on a losing team who wants to contend for a championship.

Other random notes:

I'm really hoping I can hit 4 miles this weekend running. I almost did it the other day but stopped myself after 2.5 miles. That run was meant to be a short one. I am trying to set up my runs in this type of setup:

Day 1- 3 miles
Day 2- 1.5 miles
Day 3- 2 miles
Day 4- 1.5-3 miles

I'm almost done reading Mental Floss' History of the World. After that I am picking up a short read written by my former boss and current marketing mentor Sweta Vikram. I am excited to read it and when I do, I would like to share my thoughts with the rest of you and link it to Amazon where you could purchase it.

Last but not least, a buddy of mine decided to throw his hat into the whole blogging experience (we are like 4 years late to the party you know?). Check out his site listed on left as the site under Brandon's 101.

Until next time, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I promise there won't be too many changes

2008-12-18T00:03:00.003-05:00

I have to change one of my goals. Today I was talking to my buddy Asher and we are planning to go see DMB in Vegas in May. But if I go to the two shows in Vegas plus the show in MSG and at the IZOD Center, I would have been to 4/6 shows in two months.

I am changing the 6 DMB concerts to "Attend 6 non DMB concerts."

Quick notes:

Right now only a few people know about my blog. I quietly added a link to my facebook and I will be sending out a big email to more people on Friday or Saturday. I want to blog about something non 101 in 1001 related to kick it off.

If the Yankees are going to sign Manny Ramirez, hopefully it is for no more than two years. It seems the team is valuing experience regardless of age and Manny is one of those players who isn't showing signs of slowing down despite getting older. Greatest hitter of our generation? He may just be.

I decided I am going to give a much more solid effort in my guitar playing. I can play many chords, but I have still have trouble identifying strumming patterns. I really need someone to play alongside to get better.

I like my car.

The initial response to my 101 in 1001 has been great so far. I made some of these goals with my friends in mind, hoping they can help me experience more in life. Hopefully by Saturday two more goals will be completed.

#76 times 100

2008-12-16T21:40:00.003-05:00

When I made the original list, I had "run 5 miles." But after giving it some thought, it really should be run 500 miles in one year. I figure it goes something like this:

Run 3 miles four days a week for 50 weeks (I deserve those two weeks off)

12 x 50 = 600 miles

Maybe I should have made the goal 600?

Also, my first post contains an outdated list. Typos, repeats, and old goals = no good. You can always find the latest and (hopefully) error free goals on the right.

She's my #1

2008-12-16T00:35:00.000-05:00

This is a Harmony Rocket circa 1969. It's #1 and my favorite to play. Once I get the Breedlove fixed, I will post pictures of it.

#74 Start a blog

2008-12-15T23:28:00.001-05:00

Well I figured if I am going to do this and really give it an honest effort, I should throw myself a bone in the beginning.

To be honest I always wanted to do a blog, but I allowed laziness to make it easy to control me and I shied away. Besides, I figured if I am going to do this it would be far easier to be anonymous. Now, I'm going to throw myself into the fire and hold myself accountable for my opinions.

I've had articles published before. I am not trying to brag, my writing needs work. But there is something beautiful about writing, the more you do it, the more it magically clicks and the words just flow. Does it makes sense? Sure in your head, but not always to someone else reading it. One of the things I promise to do is to give my posts a serious edit (please forgive me if I skip on it tonight). I have a bad habit of writing a piece and instantly pressing"submit." I tend to ignore editing my own pieces of work. Now that there are two or four eyes on me, I'll kick the bad habit.

Blogging is great. It brings the world closer together. One day you may come across this in a random Google search based on a common word used. Or, you may hear about it from a friend because I might have something intelligent to say. Either way, I'm glad you here.

Journalists work hard to find, develop and publish their stories. They learn to ask the right questions (0ne can only hope), find the right angle, and ultimately (again, we can only hope) represent the people's right to find the truth. They aren't the highest paid (you learn this early in college), but the level of reward for uncovering the next Watergate is far too great for some to ignore.

With the shift to blogging, podcasts, YouTube and countless other sites, the competition for one's attention has never been higher. Where one would need 50 cents to read to read the writing stlye of a local reporter or the opinion of a certain columnist, the internet rewrites the rules and allows fairly free access to anyone's ideas. We all know this can be a great thing but a potentially dangerous thing as well.

It's great because it forces writers to become better at what they do. People will not tolerate second rate reporting or content with lack of solid proof to support one's claim. It's bad because people will report their opinion as fact and uninformed readers (who fail to do take on their own fact finding mission) will take it at face value. Such is the problem with news program channels these days. Sure, the opinion section has long been a part of the newspaper (see the Federalist Papers in The Independen Journal), but the lines at how it is presented is blurred. Show host's personalities drive the news story, the questions asked and influence the spin. No disclaimer is brought to the viewer's attention.

Anyway I rambled on long enough, hopefully this is something I stick with, and you do too.

And with that, #74, start a blog is completed. Brandon, cross off #101 on your list, you got me on here.

-Paul

My very first blog, what a better way than to be motivated

2008-12-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

2008 was a pretty big year for me. I went from a slow crawl to standing up and taking bigger steps. Building upon one goal from 2007, I managed to set two more in 2008 and exceed my own expectations. So for 2009, why not create 101?

I came across 101 in 1001 from a few friends and figured it was not for me. I already felt more motivated than most people I know but then it dawned on me: I'm still afraid to readily jump and take that next step. With that said here is everything I want to accomplish in the next 1001 days...

Watch all 3 Star Wars films
Run 4 5k races
Run 2 10k races
Ride the 5 borough bike tour
Jam with a band
Run the Men's Health Urbanathlon
Drive across 5 states
Go to an opera
Write a book
Invest my money
Propoerly budget my money
Get contact lenses
--Work related-- will eventually reveal when the time is right
Photograph some of the finer scenes of Staten Island
Start a website
Freelance journalism- just one more time
Bench 200+ lbs for 1 set, 6-8 reps
Write my own song
Brew my own beer
Go overseas
Visit New Orleans
Go skiing
Jump rope for three minutes straight
Visit family members I haven't seen in years
Volunteer one day of my tiem at nursing home
Take a day off and walk around NYC and take pictures of anything and everything
Go to the Sam Adams Brewery
Go on a wine tour
Go to a Jets game
Motivate one other person to do this
Treat my parents to dinner
Spend an entire day on the beach, long after the crowd has gone
Purchase a random CD and review it on this blog
Ride the bike trails of Staten Island
Ride my bike to work
Go sleigh riding
Play a full round of golf (18 holes)
Join a bowling league
Read a 1,000 page book
Read the Bible
Get (another) tattoo
Learn (serious attempt) at another language
Get my own place
Throw out old junk mail
Do not make any major purchases for three months (nonessential electronics, etc)
Attend 6 DMB shows
Return to Nashville
Score more than 20 points in a game of pickup basketball
Buy an HDTV
Watch a local act perform at a SI bar
Go to MoMA or another museum
Take my dog to the beach
Read the Godfather
Give up fast food for three months
Attend a graphic design course
Be vegetarian for two weeks
Go to Wrigley Field
Complete Summer 2009 goal
Visit Spanish restaurant in Kingston (if it's still open!)
Stay late or arrive ealry (min 3o minutes) to work for a week
Offer to take my little cousins to park, aquarium, or baseball game or something
Regain contact with lost family member
Do 50 consecutive pushups
Walk to the supermarket
Shovel a neighbor's walkway
Learn to ballroom/swing dance
Go underwater
Open a 12 month CD bank account
Try an Indian cuisine
Go to the gym before work for one week
Allow someone to read my writing book
Go to church for 6 months
Teach someone to play guitar
Start a blog
Run 4 miles
Run 5 miles
Run 6 miles
Go to Vegas
Go hiking
Begin collection of items of interest
Hang guitars on my wall
No soda for 2 months
Attend the NY Auto show with my dad
DOnate old clothes
Inspire someone else to do 101 in 1001
Take a cooking course
Go out but don't drink for a month
Attend a trivia night at a local bar
Go to an expensive club and party like a rock star
Go to a random concert
Double the size of my library (currently ariund 40 books)
Have 100 comments on my blog
Discuss politics, sports, communication, current local events regularly on my blog
Go to opening day at Yankee stadium
Host a poker night
Do 10 unassisted pull ups or chin ups
Visit the west coats again
Put on a performance for an audience
Purchase entire DMB studio catalogue
Visit a Buddhist place of worship
Write letters to three family members