Rolling Back... On Sanity!

Hey crazy cats, I'm really trying to get back into the swing of writing more. I came across a little situation that really called out to me. I write about goofy stuff and some serious stuff. I usually try to mix both of them up, so as not to bore you to death.
 Today's topic is about keeping sanity, grace, and strength during rough times. There are times, in every one's life, where we just want to throw in the towel and hang up the gloves. You know what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the epic adventure of shopping at Walmart!
 I, for one, have a Super-Duper-Mega-Collossal-Epic-24 hour-7 Day A Week (even on Rapture Day) Store in my neck of the woods. It literally sits right across the street from me. It is a Mecca for those who wish to spend their money. It's like a mega mall right at your fingertips.
 A couple of interesting things about this place, which also brings me to the essence of this entry...

1. No matter what time or day it is, the place is always, and I mean ALWAYS, packed. I swear the place is a mall purgatory!
2. You can never ever find parking! I once witnessed a lady trying to park as I walked in the store. When I left, two hours later (reason behind that to come), she was STILL looking for a spot!
3. I don't mind Walmart hiring handi-capable people. But why, tell me why do they have to hire some really strange handi-capable people? You know the ones I'm talking about too! They look like circus show runaways! They look like they escaped from the Ripley's Believe It or Not exhibit!( going to hell for that one). They take 45 minutes just to put one item into a bag. And while I'm on the subject, why is it that they can tell you EVERYTHING Paul, Ringo, John and George ever did but can't tell you where the hell is the dental floss aisle is at!?
4. What's the deal with the Walmart Security System thingy always ringing on me? It doesn't ring on anyone else! i can have a stick of gum in the bag and I'll be pulled over and groped as if by TSA at the airport as if I'm going on a transcontinental flight to Yemen.
5. What the heck is up with 40 billion registers and only TWO of them are open!!!! I swear the lines are soooooooo long.  Then you get the little "juvey" delinquent whose got an attitude all the time. it isn't my fault you got busted selling smack at recess to your friends. Just scan my bubble gum and don't look at me with your yellow eyes, ugly perm/weave/balding hair and messed up teeth all angry cause you don't know how to scan the thing right. you already made me wait in your line for at least an hour just to get up to you, in time to hear you complain that you haven't taken your break yet. News flash! You work at Walmart! You get no breaks!
6. Why is it no one speaks English! I've heard Spanish, Hindi, Tagalog, Pashtun, German, Arabic, Swahili, Russian, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, French, Creole, Portuguese, Slavic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, and even Pig-Latin! All I wanted was dental floss and I left with gum!
7. Why is it that I always get that one senior citizen who wants to pay for their $1500 40 inch flat-screen TV in pennies! My question is why??????? All they do is watch "The Price is Right" and "Maurey"! You don't need hi-def for that!
8. I love the mom who thinks it's OK for her 30 kids to run around the store, grab the bicycles off the rack and ride around the store on them. Then she tries to act all motherly and say she's going to place them in "time out" if they don't behave. Lady they just killed the old guy, who bought the 40 inch flat-screen TV! Go over there and beat the snot out of them! I'll watch your cart as you do. Heck, it's only got a couple of boxes of  Massengil and a Danielle Steele novel in it anyway. No one wants to take that.
9. I know that Walmart is a multi-billion dollar corporation. why is it that they can't replace their messed up carts? All of the carts have at least one wheel that's "jacked up". Do you know how annoying that is when you hear the clacketie clack throughout your hell-on-earth ordeal?
10. Finally, we come to the final thing that annoys me about Walmart. Why do they sell guns and ammo right next to the back to school supplies? That's messed up! Just saying.....

Well, I'm going to end it here. If anyone has other things that they find annoying about Walmart please let me know. I would love to read some feedback. Well, gotta go. I'm running off to Walmart. Keep safe and dream big!

Shattered Heaven

Hey crazy cats! It's been awhile, so I'm gonna just jump into our subject today. I promise to bring everyone up to date as we go along, later on. An interesting subject has come up in the news. As a matter of fact, lately it's all you hear from Hollywood. From Courtney and David, to Arnold and Maria...Yep, you guessed it...break-ups! They're messy. They're hurtful. They're commonplace. Gone are the days of sticking to the end. Gone are the days of fidelity.
 So I did a little research before I started writing this entry. I found out that:

1. 50% of marriages end in divorce.
2. 60% of married men and 40% of married women have cheated at least one time in their marriage.
3. 80%-85% of married couples have flirted with co-workers.
4. In recent years, women have become more "aggressive" when it come to pursue a extra-marital affair.
5. 90% of those surveyed say that cheating is morally wrong, but not a crime.

 We see these numbers and really don't react to them as we should. In part, I believe, it's because we don't "feel" the pain. However, when you're on the receive end of an affair, things are very painful. Usually, the hurt spouse looks for a reason why the other spouse must've strayed. The feeling of anger, sadness, disbelief, and many others fill the mind.
 We share our most intimate moments with them. We fall in love. We envision a world where only they exist. We set forth our desire to spend our lives with them. We marry. It should be happily ever after, right? Well, marriage is a lot of work. It's basically like having lighted matches in a dynamite factory and expecting nothing bad to happen. Sometimes, it works out and no explosion. Other times...well, let's just say it's really....well, you get the picture.
 When it comes to infidelity, it's usually a death-blow to a marriage. Yet, even a marriage can survive such a devastation. If you want to save it, you can. It isn't easy. There is a lot of work to be done. It's something that you work at for a couple of months then it's fixed. You can't pretend it never happened or refuse to talk about it. Although it's extremely painful, it must be addressed...by both sides.
 There's going to be a lot of yelling. There's going to be a lot of cold nights. However, if you did the crime, then do the time. It's only fair. No one held a shotgun to your head when you married....unless, it was a shotgun wedding.
 Only a few chose to try to fix it though. Lately, it seems like its easier just to throw it all away and try to start anew. My question is then: how do we learn from our mistakes then? If you can walk away and not accept the consequences, how do you grow? We evolve only when we see our weaknesses and try to get rid of them.
 It's going to be interesting to see where "The Govenator's" situation ends up at. However, we all know how is it going to finish. I don't blame his wife. She's on the recieving end. I can relate.
 Anywho, I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend. Take care of your loved ones. Keep safe and dream big!

Who You Foolin' ?

 Hello crazy cats! It's finally getting warm here in Florida! I no longer have to turn on the heater at night and wear my long-johns to work....Actually, the only thing I did was turn on the heater. The cold-spell is finally leaving us.
 Well, it's almost Christmas. The trees are in homes across America. Almost everybody have finished their Christmas shopping. The families are making last-minute tweaks to their traveling plans, in order to see their loved ones. The festiveness is in the air.
 Two weeks from now, we bid 2010 goodbye. It was a rough year, but I feel it was a year of learning and growing. This year, I learned so much about myself. I've learned to truly forgive others, to move passed petty things that bothered me for so long and finally the meaning of being an open book to the rest of the world.
 In my journeys, I have let many, including everyone who read this blog, in on the ups and downs of this exploration. I haven't hid much, when it came to the pain and triumphs in my life. Many a times, I have wondered the reason or lesson behind some of the things that have happen. Sometimes, the lessons are easy. They are straight-forward and clear. Other times, it is like trying to find out the beginning and end of a noodle in a spaghetti plate.
 On thing I have tried to apply to every facet in my life is be true to oneself. Believe it or not, we do lie to ourselves. We lose track of our light within us. We forget to see things through the right lenses. We blame others for our misfortunes. We try not to accept responsibilities.
 Being true to oneself is to really be honest. If something is a crutch, vice, or addiction to us, accept it. Acceptance is the first part. Case in point, if we get to work late everyday, then we shouldn't be annoyed when we get called on it. If we lie to the people we care for, then why do we get upset when they call us on it? If we become angry at people after we did them wrong, then expect nothing good of it.
 We reap what we sow. There are times when we get shafted. It does happen. Case in point #2, I recently let myself really wide open. I trusted a certain person. I felt that I could say and reveal anything. I did. This person didn't hurt me, not one bit. However, they didn't even acknowledge the fact of my effort. It stung just a little. I was kind of bruised.
 Was it done intentionally? I doubt it. Was it done out of fear? Tough one to call. It isn't easy. I'm not easy. So the question is was I honest with myself? I guess I wasn't. I tried to fit a square peg in a triangle hole. I tried to turn a blind eye to the rest of the factors in a complex equation. In short, I lied to myself. Why? I don't have an answer.
  I don't want to go down that road again. However, as human as I am, I will. It's human nature. It bites. It stinks, but it's life. The easy way around this is to be honest with oneself. That way, All the obstacles are cleared. Once we are honest with ourselves, we have a peaceful conscience. We have no reason, on our part with our soul, to be upset, angry, or disillusioned.
 When we begin to be honest and accept ourselves, we begin a metamorphosis into someone better, someone we want to become. Well, this one is done. Everyone take care. Hopefully, I will make one more entry before the year is out. have fun! Keep safe and dream big!

Dying is Worth Living For

 Hey crazy cats, greetings from the icy depths known as Florida. We woke up this morning with temperatures in the low 30's! Wow! Talk about a wake up. I moved down here to escape the cold weather and it seems to be following me. I guess the saying is true; you can run, but you can't hide. However, I keep on. The weather will soon get back to normal and I'll be back in my short sleeves and shorts.
 Today's entry is going to be an extension of what I've been writing about recently. I've noticed that occurrences have been happening that have merited me to touch on the subject. I don't pretend to be an expert on any subject. let's face it, I'm not even a novice! however, from what I learn, I share.
 Today I want to talk about the human spirit and its need to triumph. We all love the underdog stories. We love "Rocky". We've all cheer at the end of "The Karate Kid". We all cried at the end of "Men of Honor". We are all taught to fight and triumph over adversity. It is embedded in our DNA. It is the thing to do. Never give up. Never die.
 We see it everyday in sports. Athletes battle everyday for victory. They fight for the honor and prestige of being known as champions. They get paid a outrageous salary to perform and succeed at their respected profession.
 However, one thing that we haven't been educated to do is lose. We were never trained to die. We never like or acknowledge defeat. We fear death from the moment we are born. We look at death as though it is the end of existence.We make excuses when don't succeed. Bruce Lee once said, "To accept defeat — to learn to die — is to be liberated from it."
 Once we accept defeat, death, or any other form of failure, we are liberated from them. We no longer fear the world. We no longer fear our limitations. We are not bound to the mediocre existence that others dread. We finally begin to live. We finally begin to cherish life. We see the beauty of it all.
  Life isn't about whose the fastest, whose the strongest, or whose the smartest. Life is about enjoying the journey, seeing the beauty, feeling the warmth of it all. We see the wonders of what the Devine Creator wanted us to see. We see the newborn's smile while they sleep. We see the colors of the sunset for the first time. We hear our souls for the first time.
 Now with all that being said, failure (actually, the acknowledgement of it potential existence) is actually a good thing. When we see life without limitations, we brave a new frontier. That, my friends, is one of my new things I've learned.
 Well, it's another one done. I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Keep safe and dream big.

Open Door Policy

 Hey crazy cats,  it's another entry in the insanity known as this website. It's been awhile since my last entry. it has been busy in my life, but I really want to make at least one more entry before the year is out. So, as usual, I'm going to jump into thee subject of this here blog-thingy.
Recently, I came across an interesting life lesson. It came in the form of a question. The question is ; "does everyone I know know how I feel about them?" How many times have we let those opportune moments pass us by? We take them for granted. We  believe that we will always have tomorrow. We forget  how fragile our lives really are.
 We sometimes take the people in our lives for granted too. I'm not saying that death is always at our  doorstep. Sometimes, if we wait too long, they leave. They don't leave because they want to. They leave because we push them to.
 There are times where we don't say an "I love you" or an "you mean so much to me" or even an "I'm glad you're here". Sometimes, people leave because they feel unwanted or unneeded. Sometimes, we do need words of enlightenment. We do need to know where we stand.
 We  must always strive to be open books. We shouldn't keep our true feelings hidden from our loved ones. How do you  expect to grow and prosper if you keep that seedling in your heart hidden from the sun? If we are afraid of getting hurt, it renders us weak and afraid to let our hearts grow. If problems are like rain, then we must let it rain. Even plants need rain  to grow.
 If we are afraid to live and love, then we are already dead. If we are afraid to dare, then we have stopped dreaming. If we lose faith, then our lives have no meaning. It is easy to pretend to live and be strong. However, living is taking that risk. Living is being courageous and making your own destiny.
 Do not be afraid to tell anyone how you feel. Everyone you meet is in your life for a purpose. Cherish them. Care for them. Let them know.
 We are only here on this earth for a little while. We are here for only a fraction of  a billionth of a moment. Let's make it worthwhile. Be not afraid of being true to yourself. Be honest and explore. Love while you still can.
 Well, I'm going to call this one done. Before I go, I want to wish everyone a happy holidays. Have fun and enjoy one another. Keep safe and dream big.

Mistletoe and Athlete's Foot

 Hey crazy cats! It's another beautiful day here in sunny Florida. the year is finally winding down and we're heading into the Christmas Holiday Season faster than Lindsey Lohan heading into rehab after a court appearance. This time is the time of year where everyone starts to reflect on all they are thankful for and begin to welcome family and loved ones into their house. it is also the time where all of us single folk realize that we don't have a date for anything during the holidays!
 It's really awkward to start dating during the holidays. For one, you don't want to seem desperate. Second, let's face it, why do you want to buy a gift for a person who may not stick around after Martin Luther King Jr Day (I know I know.....cheapskate). Third, your family will look at you and wonder what were you thinking when you bring that "prize catch" ( Zuckerman's Famous Pig...That's a Charlotte's Web reference) to dinner.
 So where does that leave us? Well, for starters, it's almost zero hour. Unless you can pay off a hooker, who looks like Julia Roberts (cue Roxette), you out of luck. It's hard finding that special someone during the year. It becomes nearly torturous during the holidays. Furthermore, family members add to the embarrassing situation when they see you alone and then try to play matchmaker. They say things like "I have the perfect girl for you". Then you're stuck with a morbidly obese, emotional train wreck with 17 kids who is dying for attention (you're gonna eat that?!! (see other entries for this reference)).
 Everyone hates being alone for the holidays, but I'd rather be alone than with Miss I-Need-To-Take-My-Meds-So-I-Don't-Wig-Out-And-Kill-Everyone-At-The-Party. Does it suck? Hell yeah it does! Is it livable? Sure is. Am I going to be the object of matchmaking at its worse? Does Charlie Sheen have a sex fetish? Yep and Yep! Am I sad because if it? Nope... Not one bit.
 I actually enjoy the fact that I don't have too many problems during the holidays. There isn't the problem of finding the right gift (although it is cool to look for the perfect gift). I spend my time with my family and friends. That's enough for me. Yeah right!!! People who know me know that I'm a clown. I love having fun. Sometimes, I get on their nerves.
 Sorry about that ADD moment. Back to the subject at hand... We have to learn how to live comfortably with ourselves...alone. Once that objective is achieved, then the rest comes as an added bonus to life. There isn't a reason to be depressed. There isn't a reason for sorrow. So big deal we're alone....but are we truly? We have friends. We have family. Isn't that what the holidays are all about? Why must we think that we need someone in our lives during the holidays to validate our existence?
 Yes, I will admit that it is great having someone during the holidays. It is nice to kiss someone under the mistletoe. However, I don't buy into the lies and propaganda that our society has placed upon us when it comes to relationships and the holiday season. It is dangerous to think in that manner. Why do you think the suicide rate jumps dramatically during the holidays?
 My friends, all I ask is for you to enjoy the holidays. Who knows, maybe I'll ask you to accompany me to a dinner or two....hmmm, I'll get back to you on that. Keep safe and dream big!

Up is Left and Down is Green

 Hey crazy cats, another week is flying by at speeds that rival a hummingbird's fart (doggone that's fast!). I want to get to the entry as soon as possible today. I wanted to discuss the beautiful and often awkward subject of the crush.
 We've all had it when we were young. We all remember how terribly uncomfortable we felt when we were around that person. We felt like our world was complete, yet falling apart all at the same time. Their eyes were like shining beacons in the dark, yet we were afraid to look them in their eyes for fear they would see the feeling we harboured for them. Our hearts quickened when we see them and at the same time they make our hearts just want to stop. We find everything wrong with the way we're dressed (when they see us). It really is a blender of emotions.
 We think that these feelings eventually leave when we reach our adulthood. We find it clumsy and embarrassing to continue to feel this way. Some of us, actually find this feeling to be a weakness. We think it to be very childish to even suggest its nurturing and growth. My question is why do we choose to oppress these feelings? Aren't these feelings the ones that poets and artists write about? Aren't these the feelings that last all our lives?
 These feelings eventually develop into something more. These feelings are the foundation of what we will experience later as love. Maybe that's why so many relationships aren't so romantic. Maybe that's why so many relationships fizzle.
 However, my entry is about the way we feel and not even think about telling that person how we feel. Recently, I've had these feelings (believe it or not). I know it's stupid, but I can't bring myself to say anything. Maybe it's for the best. I'd rather keep a friendship. However, the feelings have been there for quite some time. It's hard to rationalize with your heart. It's hard to control what we feel and who for.
 Sounds silly, huh? Why would a grown man (whose almost 40) feel this way. No actions were taken to pursue anything with this person. I believe I hide it very well. As far as she knows, I'm just a funny goober. Again, maybe it's just for the best.
 Some my question to you all is what would you do? I would like to hear some really thought out answers. It's easy to say yes or no. It's really easy to say a prefabricated answer. It's not easy to say what you really feel. It's one of the most difficult things to do.
 I'm really interested to hear some of the responses. As for me, I will not say anything. Not because I'm afraid, but rather I respect this person so much. I don't want to risk damaging something really nice. It's just me. However... Well, let's just say I'm always open to the possibilities.
 Well, I'm calling this one done. Everyone have fun! Keep safe and dream big!

Dr. Psycho Sam's Blah-Blah-Palooza: By-gones be By-gones

 

 Hey crazy cats! We're off and starting another week. Fall is in the air. We, here in Florida, feel it in the air. The temperature this morning was a cool 60 degrees. You can't ask for anything more.
 Enough about the weather! I'm going to jump right into the entry. Today, the subject is going to be about grudges. You know full well we have all had grudges. We get angry at someone and we hold onto negative feelings for as long as possible. We look for reasons to keep in our silly ways. My question is why?
 To understand why people do the things they do is to go completely insane. We are all different, yet so much alike. Most of us laugh at what the consensus thinks is funny. We all get angry at what we all think is an injustice. It is amazing, however, to see how many of us will tend to go against the norm and become angry, to the point of a psychiatrist's golden dream, at people.
 Usually, a grudge is directed to someone we know fairly well. It can be a family member, a best friend, or a co-worker. The grudge goes from an upset feeling to a deep-rooted hate. It's like a venom that takes a strangle-hold on our conscience and heart and does not want to let go. It slowly corrodes the soul and makes us lose our light from within.
 When we look at it like that, there isn't a real reason to keep a grudge against anyone. Sometimes the best thing to do is to let go. The first step is the hardest. It is like walking across hot coals. Yet, it can be done. All it takes is swallowing our pride, keep a check on anger, and letting the other person how you feel without trying to hurt them with attacking words. Tough job, huh?
 I don't pretend to hold the cure-all answer to life's greatest mysteries. I don't pretend to give you the magical spell to make people change who they are. I do talk about who I am, who I've become, and what I feel. Some will like it. Some will hate me...even more. I try to be the best person possible. Life is way too short to hate.
 I recently had an encounter with a person who I was truly upset at. We sort of stopped talking to each other on a really sour note. Two months had passed before we started talking again. We didn't start off by saying we were sorry or that we had valid reasons for our argument. We just simply started talking. We were reminded how great it was just to talk. It was like going back to the way we used to talk before the argument.
 About half way through our talk, we started to talk about what happened. Instead of arguing, we talked. We said we were sorry. It wasn't a forced apology. It was geniune. It was beautiful. Our friendship stood the test of an argument. Our foundation has been solidified.
 Now, the question is were we holding a grudge against each other? No. We were just a little stung. Sometimes, in friendships, stuff like that happens. I'm just glad it worked out very well. I don't like making enemies. Life is about making positive influences on other people's lives.
 Now, if we could only do the same with.....nevermind. Having that happen is like wishing for a million dollars. It could happen, but chances are slim...
 Anyway folks, I'm calling this one done. Have an outstanding week. Keep safe and dream big!

It's a Smelly Situation

 Hey crazy cats! It's another beautiful day in sunny Florida. The Fall brings cooler temperatures and a nice cool breeze. Ah yes! The luxury of living in paradise!
 My blog today is a revisit to an old subject. When I worked at another part of the hospital, I was confronted by it day after day. When I moved to my current position, I was under the impression that I would never be subjected to the cruelty of it again! I am talking, of course, of very smelly body odor!
 Usually, I would be talking about smelly people that come off the street. Some of them have the excuse of being homeless (which is really sad. I wish more were done to help these people). Others, just really don't care or are trying to fool the system by making think that they are crazy.
 My whole problem isn't really with these people. It's with fellow employees that smell so bad they would make maggots gag! They literally smell so bad I have gotten sudden uncontrollable fits of rage! You all know what I'm talking about. That rage you get when the smell takes you by surprise. The smell is like a terrorist attacking your nostrils, with no mercy what so ever. These people's breath smell so bad it seems like they ate a gym sock sandwich! You swear that they intentionally ate hot garbage, filled with nasty rotten codfish, and purposely set out ruin every one's day.
 One thing is to have a mental disorder, in which your judgement for cleanliness is impaired. Another thing is to not give a fat rat's butt about not cleaning yourself. At first, you try to be supportive. You try to drop hints like saying how bad it smells. Then, it escalates to giving perfumes and soaps as Christmas or birthday presents. Finally, it reaches the pinnicle of putting up Glade Air Fresheners!
 I think that at this point the clues are very clear. Yet, to some, they are not! I am beginning to believe that only a bullhorn point-blank on the ears would be the only way to get the message across. Maybe, I could just take a bat write "smelly" on it and hit them across the face. Yet, I still don't think it will work.
 So, what to do? If I were still in the Navy, I doubt it would've lasted that long. I remember one time a sailor didn't like to showers. He was instructed to take showers under supervision. Worse yet, he had to demonstrate the use of soap. That's embarrassing if you ask me!
 So, here I am. I'm stuck with some smelly people. I tried putting Vicks up my nose, breathing through my mouth (like they do at the medical examiner's office), Febreeze, Plug-ins, and puking. Is it fair that I'm being subjected to some chemical warfare? No! Is it fair that I'm losing brain cells everytime I smell this person? No. Hopefully, some cosmic force is going to make things right.
 Anyways folks, I'm calling this one done. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. See you all back here soon. Keep safe and dream big.....someone pass the Lysol!

Dr. Psycho Sam's Blah-Blah-Palooza: Rediscovering Discovered Country

 Hello crazy cats! This entry is kind of like something I came across and something I recently witnessed happen to one of my friends...well, sort of. The question I will ask is one that we don't see often in our age and time. If it happens and it works, it is nothing short of a miracle.
 The article I read posed the question would you remarry your ex? Wow! I know! I know that about 90% of you will yell out not just no, but heck no! Then you start thinking...hmmmm.... Well, if the conditions were right I would. Then you start to think about the bad times first. However, those bad thoughts turn into good thoughts. Before long, you have a feeling of comfort.
 You probably think I'm crazy or just plain stupid. Yet, I've seen this happen quite a bit recently. One of my friends ( she will remain nameless) called me up the other day with an interesting dilemma. She was seeing this guy, but not dating him (can someone tell me the difference?). An old flame came by. She loves everything about this guy. She also didn't want much to deal with him.
 Mind you, when my friends speak with me about certain issues, I never try to tell them what to do. I only suggest alternatives and let them either pursue the alternatives or make up their own. The decision is always theirs to make. This way, they always feel empowered. I never say you should break up or forget that loser. I try to just present the facts, that they've told me, and clarify any confusion. They usually have the answer all along.
 So back to the story... Yes, she did end up back with the old flame. She has never looked happier. She understands that there's going to be rough spots. All relationships, especially rekindled ones, have them. She has proven to me that if you really want to, anyone of us can do or achieve anything.
 I know some people (mostly my friends....right Vero?) are wondering my thought about the subject. Well... hmmm. I would like to make peace with everyone. I would love to close that chapter in my life. I would love to say thanks, I'm sorry, and maybe even leave with a smile. As for reviving a relationship, that's a good question. I figure that even if I ever entertained the idea, it takes two to reconcile. So, I guess it's like North and South Korea. No one ready to make the first move, neither negatively or positively.
 I guess it's really my fault. I'm usually the one who braves first. I guess I grew tired after I tried several times early in the event. I grew jaded. I became bitter. I later grew out of it, but I never made an effort to revisit the issue. I know of couples who have done the closure thing and have worked out well. They've gone on with their lives after the closure.
 So, I guess I would like closure. As for the question?...well, the jury is still out on that one. I will not say never. I will not say impossible. I've seen The Creator do some amazing, way off the wall, jaw-dropping, logic-defying things in my life. So, my answer is I have no answer (that's really politician-like).
 Anywho, please feel free to give me freedback, opinions, share stories either here or on my Facebook page. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great weekend. Keep safe and dream big!

Dr. Psycho Sam's Blah-Blah-Palooza: Genesis

Hey crazy cats! I have decided to start something that I probably shouldn't be starting. I'm going to call  the segments Dr. Psycho Sam's Blah-Blah-Palooza. I'm not an expert on anything. I'm even qualified to tell you to get lost. As always, this is meant for entertainment. if you use it in your life, be aware of all the fire and brimstone that will follow! You've been warned! Keep safe and dream big!

Go! Go! Power Rangers!

 Hey crazy cats! I was just reading the news in Puerto Rico, when I came across some very crazy news. The article I was reading dealt with the cast of "The Mighty Morphing Power Rangers". Admit it, you watched it too. As a matter of fact, you mimicked the fights against the Putty Patrol. Anywho, they were doing like a "where are they now" thing with them. So, without further ado, here you go!

Jason David Frank: The White Ranger. After MMPR, he had small parts in shows. He now owns several Karate Dojos and has developed his own form of the art. He's married and has one child. he has also made his pro MMA debut recently. He won the fight.

Thuy Trang: The Yellow Ranger. After MMPR, she went on to do small jobs. Tragically, she died on September 3, 2001 in a car accident.

Amy Jo Johnson: The Pink Ranger. After MMPR, Amy has done quite a bit of work on TV. She has a daughter . She continues to do small work.

Walter Emanuel Jones: The Black Ranger. He did quite a bit of work, after the show. He appeared in "Dogwalker". He has had some problems with the law. In July 2009, he was busted for DUI. The charges were dropped in April 2010.

David Yost: The Blue Ranger. After the show. He hasn't done much. He came out of the closet, went back in, then came back out. That's about it.

Austin St. John: After MMPR, he retired from acting. He's a paramedic in Sterling, Virginia. There are rumors that he wanted to star in a gay porn movie (seriously).

There you have it! That's enough of me. I just wanted to end the week on a weird note. Y'all take care of yourself! Keep safe and dream big!

From Tiger to Cheetah

 Hey crazy cats, it's almost the weekend. I hope everyone is getting along nicely and things are going great. Today I decided to dive into the topic of Tiger Woods. Yep, it was only a matter of time. I really don't know what to make of all of it. Let me state my case and you can comment on it.
 I believe the Elin deserves some props for handling the situation the way she did. Divorce is never pretty. Hearts are broken and lives are torn apart. What was once the most beautiful and purest form of love our imaginations can conceive becomes a rotting pile of what once was beautiful roses. To make matters worse, children are involved. As if the destruction of love weren't bad enough, when children are involve it makes it infinitely worse.
 However, my entry isn't really about the road to destruction that both went down. My entry is about the night in December. As Tiger's SUV came dashing out the garage and rounding  the corner, he lost control and smashed a fire hydrant and then a tree. He couldn't blame the snow because in lives in FLORIDA! So my whole dilemma is what really happened?
 We all know. Tiger goes into another room. Elin picks up his phone. She sees all the texts that the fool left on the thing. She goes spider-monkey. He makes a mad dash for the door. Elin becomes "Hulk smash" angry. By now, Tiger figures that he needs to get out or it's his day of reckoning.
 So he gets into his SUV, he figures that it's now or never. He sets in his course, hits the gas, goes from 0-120 mph in .0000000000002 seconds. Little does he know that he will not get far! Seconds later, glass goes flying, bumpers come off, and a golf pro gets a concussion.
 There lies the mystery! You see, Tiger claims Elin never hit him. However, there was a golf club ( one of those really super expensive ones), blood, an ambulance ride, and finally a cover up. We all know what truly happened. Tiger got his claws clipped!
If you think I'm siding with Tiger, you're nuts! The dude thought he was all powerful. He slept around, even while his wife was pregnant! That's really cold-blooded! Plus, she is a hot looking woman! So I ask why Tiger why?!
 Now, he's going to shell out money, for a pretty long time, for a stunt that lasted maybe 15 minutes. The equation doesn't add up. He played and he lost. He lost big. He knows that he was the reason for the destruction of his marriage.
 So, the moral of the story? Do I really need to state it? We all know. Elin will suffer the heartbreak til the check clears. Tiger will suffer the failed marriage til another bimbo comes his way. The children will suffer the most. They are the true victims.
 Folks, be good to your spouse. Cherish what you have. Tomorrow may be too late. Keep safe and dream big!

A Rare Gem

Hey crazy cats, I hope everyone's week has started off on the right note. Today, I'm just going to jump right into my entry. It's kind of like standing under the shower while the water is still cold. so, let's get started.
 What is a friend? Is it someone you know at work? Is it someone you have a crush on? Is it someone who gives you money? Is the value of friendships measured on the amount of friends you have on Facebook? Or is it the "fame" you have by how many people follow you on Twitter. How many of us have friends who will literally walk through hell with you, just to make sure you come out fine?
 A friend is a person who we care about, love, admire, share our pain and triumphs, who gives you a hand when you're down and who is there to share a laugh. They have the strength to tell us when we make a mistake. They help us to achieve more. They cry when we cry. They are those that we wish we were kin.
 A friend will not back stab you or take advantage of you. They are there at whatever hour when you need an ear. A friend is there to give you strength when you need it. They are there to let you know your fly is down. A friend listens and not judges.
 So my question I ask is who fits this description in your life? Many of you will say God. Good on you! religion is very good. Others will say family. Very well. Family is very good too. However, think really hard. Is there someone besides God and family who fits this description? Does a name immediately pop in your head or does it take forever to think of someone?
 It's not an easy task to really find out who your friends are. I say if you have a friend...a true friend, cherish them! They are very hard to come by. Lately, friendships are based on how or what services can be provided.
 As I said, these little gifts from heaven should be appreciated. For those of you who are married, make sure your spouse is your best friend. Trust me, it's a title they would love to hear come from your lips. They are not a ball and chain.
 Well, if you're expecting a whimsical ending, well you're out of luck. I just wanted to put a little thought in your head as we start off this week. To all my friends, thank you for being in my life. Without you, I'd be really empty and boring.... well, just empty. Keep safe and dream big!

A Little Rain

Hey crazy cats! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend (or what's left of it...). I just wanted to take this moment and just type away some things that have been in my mind lately.
 Unfortunately, it hasn't been a bed of roses lately for me. Yes, even I get into some ruts. I've noticed that life is a lot like a roller coaster ride. We have our beginnings, ups, downs, screams, twists, loops, turns and finally ending. Depending on what the Divine Creator chose to gave you, you can have a fairly nice ride or you can have a cookie tosser.
 I think that I'm going through a drop in my life. Granted, I enjoy the ride. I just don't like my heart and stomach pressing up on my uvula. The beauty of it all is that there's going to be an upswing. In essence, it's all part of life.
 That brings me to my entry. I've noticed lately that people aren't really allowed to grieve. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or the frustrations of life, we have been told that it's not right to be sad.
 Now before anyone jumps down my throat with the issue of depression, let me state that this is about being sad. If you are depressed, please seek the help. I believe that those who seek help for their depression are very strong and courageous people. However, this entry is about being slapped now and then by life.
 We are continuously told that being sad is a weakness and we should do everything in our power to stop it. My question is then...why? I believe that we should feel sad from time to time. I feel that we need a little reminder of sadness and pain in order to make us appreciate what we have in our lives now.
 I've seen many people say that their lives are better when a relationship ends. if there was drugs, abuse, or any violent crime, then I would say yes. It is better physically and emotionally the scars will heal. Again, I do not speak about the extremes.
 I recently broke up with a woman who I found to be the best little gift from heaven. You may ask why the heck did I break up with her then?! Well, let's put it this way, love doesn't always win. Sometimes, respect has a lot to do with it.
 When I was married, we made a rule in the house never to call the other names. I've never even used the word stupid. It was about having respect for the other's feelings. Towards the end, however, I was called everything to include some choice words that even Ike would've never said to Tina.
 OK, back to the entry... Although I did what I that to be right, I still feel a sense of loss. There is an emptiness. I spent a lot of time getting to know this person. I walked away before things would have gotten worse. This does not make it any better.
 Am I sad? Yes. I am very sad. Now I'm not going to say that it was her loss, or good riddance, or any of that other garbage. It's not true. However, time will heal the pain. Time will move forward. This experience will be added to my soul. I have learned.
 Unfortunately, joy cannot exist without sorrow. Love cannot exist without pain. Even in sunny Florida it rains. It's a part of life. So let yourself be sad. Cry if you want to. It does the soul good. Tomorrow, it's a new chapter. hey, just because the roller coaster is at the bottom doesn't mean the ride is over. Hang on, the thrilling part is about to start! Keep safe and dream big!

Booyah! Motivation

 Hello crazy cats,
 It's another beautiful hot day in sunny Florida. Summer is trucking along and the fun is in full swing. Summer is a time for hot dogs, hamburgers, bbq, and vacation!
 We are now into August. This year is flying by quickly. I was just sitting here daydreaming and thinking about yesteryear. A while back, the beginning of August was a time which I loved. It was full of fun and celebrating. Now, although it's still fun, it has become less of celebration and more of just normal fun time.
 This brings me to the latest thought for this entry. We all seem to get complacent in the lives we live out. We celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, divorces, World Cups, and other life milestones. We sometimes forget that, although these things bring us great joy, they are temporary. We receive the good and forget that, sometimes, there is bad that accompanies them. It's all part of life.
 Recently, one of my friends has been going through a tough time. He is very optimistic. He goes out with his friends and has a pretty good time. He's back into the swing of things. However, he did let us, his friends, know that things aren't all peachy-king. That's the way life works.
 So you may be asking yourself what's the purpose of this entry? Well it isn't a sad entry. I'm here to motivate people to the point of self-combustion! Are tired of being down? Are you tired of waking up and thinking the day sucks? Are you tired of being sick and tired? Then just walk outside!
 It sounds ridiculous, but it's true! We tend to let ourselves be sucked into our sadness. Well, the buck stops here! We all have bad days. We all go through rough moments. If we don't watch ourselves, we fall into this terrible spiral of despair.
 I remember that when I went through a rough moment years ago. I was on my way to the Persian Gulf and I had to leave my then wife behind. She was going through a rough time. However, country came first. War was on the menu and I was being served.
 As I was leaving, I couldn't help but think how big of a douche bag I looked like. No one understood why I just couldn't stay behind ( God only knows I tried). It was very tough for me to go and leave someone who I cared for go through such a trying time in their life. Yet in the end ( depends on how you see it), things turned out fine.
 Life has a way of fixing itself. The only problem is we must accept the outcome. Sometimes it sucks. I admit it. Sometimes we are doing a little jig. Whatever the outcome, we must venture forward. Life is full of splendor and wonder. If I were to have gotten stuck in my depression when my life fell apart, I would've never have started my business. If I wouldn't have had a catastrophic event, I wouldn't have met the wonderful people in my life.
 We shouldn't wait on anyone or anything to help us. People say that things happen for a reason. I say bull do-do. Things happen because they happen. It's up to us to take advantage of the moment and turn a negative into a positive. We must have an indomitable spirit. We must alway strive to win. Life is beautiful. Life is hard. Life is all worth it!
 Now go out there and get them tigers! Keep safe and dream big!

Come Out Fighting!

 Hey crazy cats! It's another day in beautiful tar-balled filled Tampa Bay!...well, not yet...but soon. I'm having quite a bit of problems thinking of some things to write lately. Then, (today actually) it hit me. Write about your friends!...all 2 of them. Well, if you include all the voices in my head, then we're talking about ...hhmmmmm...maybe 120,000!
 Anywho, my entry today is that of how to help out friends who have gone through a rough patch in their lives. Many times, we think we are doing the right thing by tossing out some classic one liners. We've all heard them before..." it will get better", "it wasn't meant to be", or my favorite " look at the bright side".
 Do you really think that they want to hear that? The answer is no. I would rather have a person tell me how much they know it sucks to be heartbroken, devastated, or whatever it is. I would rather hear my friend say that it bites, but this is what I did to begin to move on. I don't need Hallmark quotes. We don't need Hallmark quotes.
 Recently, I had a nagging feeling that a friend of mine had been going through a problem. I did what a good friend would do. I reached out and contacted him. He responded. It was heartbreaking hearing a really good person going through a tough time.
 He is the type of person who is the epitome of the word peaceful. This guy wouldn't even harm a fly. However, he has been going some troubles lately. His patience has been wearing thin. His happiness has become not-so-happy. With all the garbage he has gone through recently, I can't blame him for taking such an approach to the situation.
 I, for one, am not going to feed him the stomach-churning nonsense that I spoke about earlier. All one can do is listen. Now that, my friend, is an art in itself. I, personally, prefer someone to hear me out. If they have something to say, let it come from the heart. We don't want to hear nonsense. We want to hear support.
 So, back to my friend, he is having some troubles. He has tons of friends who talk to him everyday. He goes to church and his church friends do help him. Unfortunately, he is the only one that is going through stuff. No one can help him, but himself. Only he can help himself.
 Sounds harsh huh? That's the way life is, unfortunately. We go through life and go through so much pain. However, life is beautiful. Each tear we shed is like water for our small plant that we're growing ( yes, more analogies).
 So what's the moral of the story you may ask. Well... there ain't none. There is only one thing that we can take away from this. Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Keep safe and dream big!

Reel to Real

Hey crazy cats! Another weekend is upon us. It's time to unwind and relax some. As for me, I'll be working on some projects on the burner. I really love doing the videography. It definitely is a very big stress reliever for me.
 Since I started Caribbean Sun Productions, I have met so many people and done lots of fun stuff. I feel very liberated when I'm behind the lens of a video camera. I find that I can create a world that others may be intrigued to visit. It is one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had.
 Sometimes I wish I had a partner that is as crazy and zany as I am. I could just imagine the ideas that would come out. For now, it's just me doing all of it. It does get kind of hectic at times, but it's always fun.
 A few years ago, I started out by doing home movies (no, not that kind you perv!). I would shoot some stuff, edit it, burn it on DVD and send it to family. I managed to do three of them for the family. I don't know if they have them. It would be nice if they did.
 From that little experience, I jumped in over my head and started doing weddings! Talk about a wake up call. I had no idea on how to do pre-production or anything. It made me think of way to work on my craft. I wasn't anywhere near good (not that I'm a James Cameron). However, the love of the art really helped me in pursuing the knowledge I needed.
 The next step in my evolution was doing a small show that live for a half a season on this website (SamVidBlog News). I don't know why people liked it. If you ask me, it stunk..lol.My friends were great. I wasn't. I didn't like being in front of the camera. I was most comfortable behind it. However, this taught me alot about planned and improv materiel. It also taught me that my friends have hidden talents (time to exploit them! lol).
 After a little time off, I was back into the swing of things. That's when things really began to take off. In less than six months, I have been blessed with so many opportunities that it makes me smile form ear to ear. I really love all the things that are happening.
 Now, this entry isn't meant to gloat (not by any means). I just wanted to share some of the history behind Caribbean Sun Productions. I enjoy what I do and wish to share it with everyone. I'm always looking for people to get involved with and do some projects. There is nothing quite like the feel of having an idea and seeing it materialize before your eyes.
 So to my friends, thank yo for supporting and believing in me. I have the best friends in the world! I'm looking for some people to share and work with. So if you're interested, look me up! I wouldn't hurt to do something cool.
  Remember to always believe, even when people tell you different. Do it! There's nothing worse than a "what if?" in one's life. All you need is yourself to believe in it. You will accomplish it. Well, this one is tarred and feathered. Have a safe weekend. Keep safe and dream big!

Change

Hey crazy cats! I recently had an interesting situation dawn on me. It wasn't so much about how to deal with work or dealing with the insane traffic here in Florida. It was, however, with an issue that really makes people stop and think for a moment. The issue is of letting go.

Within the last couple of weeks, I have experienced the loss of a friend, the graduation of a family member, and one of my close friends moving away. All of these issues dealt with letting go.

The first issue is quite obvious. the passing of a person unexpectedly really leaves one coping with so many questions. For what it's worth, I've gotten pretty decent in dealing with loss at this level. Sounds morbid, I know. However, once we accept the fact that we, as humans, aren't eternal then it becomes a little easier to accept when a close person or loved one passes.

The second issue is more like dealing with the fact that my family members are growing up. i remember when I arrived here 5 years ago, they were just little rugrats in middle school. It has been a wonderful experience seeing them grow and learn.

The third issue, well... let's just say that because of the Internet, there won't be a reason not to stay in contact. So I'm not going to put the person's name out there and say they better stay in contact. It wouldn't be right. It would be funnier that all holy hell, but it wouldn't be right. Plus, I don't want to get my teeth knocked out.

All these things have an underlying theme of loss and acceptance. We have a rough time doing this. We tend to like to hold on to things and people that makes us feel good and bring happiness in our lives. This isn't a bad thing either. It's just that things do change.

I, for one, can tell you about acceptance of things that we don't want, the feeling of sorrow when the change is so hard that you think you're going to die, and the anxiety that makes your heart beat so fast it wants out of your chest because its all overwhelming. Yet, we survive. We don't like the change, but we press on.

My whole outlook now on change is totally different from a few years ago. I look at it now with a sense of wonder and hopefulness. I'm not saying that I'm immune to the feelings that change may evoke. I'm just saying that I try to look at it in a different light.

We are always evolving. If we look, we see it everyday. Things never stay the same, no matter how hard we try. Sometimes, the change isn't good. Most of the time, if we look at it, it's for the best! we will enjoy the outcome.

Now, before I close this one out, I do have one thing more to say. However, it will be "encrypted". It is meant for someone. Let's see if they pick up on it. Yippee, a mystery!...

Me di cuenta que fuiste tu. Sabes que hay otras formas como conseguirme, si quieres. Creo que seria bueno que hablemos, sin nadie interesarse. Me gustaria...MNB.

OK folks, this one is heading off to Arizona to get deported. Have a great rest of the week. Keep safe and dream big!

Pass the Geritol!

Hey crazy cats! It's another day here in sunny (soon to be oil-soaked) Florida. The weekend is here and I, for one, need the rest. I've been working quite a bit lately. I'm not complaining about it. It's just nice to have a day of relaxation now and then.

Yesterday, I was treated to a nice event. A family member of mine graduated high school. It was held at the university's stadium across the street from where I work. As sson as I got there, I knew we were all in for a trial in patience like no other. Now, it wasn't the fact that we stood in line for 45 minutes just to get in. It wasn't the fact that they were selling bottled water for $4 (Holy Moses in lower rider jeans!)! it wasn't the fact that we were all sweating like Lindsey Lohan taking a breatherlizer test. It was the fact that the ceremony was slated to start at 3 pm and they had 631 to graduate! It was like the entire State of Florida was graduating! To make things worse, they were calling them off one by one! However, it was a very nice graduation.

As we left the stadium, I feeling came over me. I didn't know quite what it was. I was slowly sneaking up on me. Then, without warning, it attacked. It was the realization that I'm getting old! I'm no longer one of those guys! It's time to face the music. My greys are there for a reason.

When these kids were born, I was watching "In Living Color" on the newly launched Fox Channel! Oh my God, I thought. These kids never knew what it was like to live without cable, or the cell phone, or even the microwave! The only way they know about "The A-Team" is because of re-runs.

It's kind of funny. I still don't have kids. I haven't really figured everything out yet. To some, I'm not mature enough. However, I don't care. I love who I am. i have enjoyed my life thus far and will continue to do so.

Life is beautiful. It is up to us to make the best of it. Whether it be making millions on Wall Street or just enjoying the subtle things in life, we are what we make of it. I believe that every moment is worth our 100%.

So, after that long graduation, the incredibly long and iritating drive home, picture taking, and feeling all old I feel like I've done quite a bit. Do I have some regrets? Yeah, but just a few. My life isn't perfect, but it's the perfect life!

Ok folks, calling this one cut and capped! Keep safe and dream big!