Jonathan

Last night after getting home a little after midnight, i got a text that did not bring good news. It was from my camper's mom saying "he's gone Ogo". That was it, just like that the kid was gone. This is very very sad news but i believe he's gone to a place where he is resting in peace.

It sucks even more because i spoke to his mom yesterday morning asking when i can come visit him since they said he had taken a turn for the worse. I didn't realize how "worse" until she sent me a text back saying "feel free to come, jonathan doesn't have many days left". I knew time was of the essence but yesterday was slammed so i told her i would come either last night or today. So much for that.

It's crazy because on my way home last night i was thinking of what to bring along when i go there this morning. And i thought of bringing the Michael Jackson This is It dvd and sitting down and just watching it with the kid.

Maybe ten minutes later was when i got the text from his mom while doing some laundry that my kid jonathan was gone.

I know it's a really tough time for his family, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, I will be doing the same. I believe he is resting in the arms of The Father.

New Week

Funny, last night i found myself playing basketball. Yes, me. Like i always say when the hooping topic comes up, a man's got to know his limits. And basketball is definitely, as some famous guy said, above my pay grade. I finished the evening with a jammed finger and i rolled my ankle. Congratulations. I did go home a bit satisfied that it wasn't as terrible as it could have been.

I'm looking forward to this week. I think it's going to bring on some good things. Kicking off a new lifegroup tuesday, and then canvas is moving to sunday nights this week and a couple of other things will make this week a pretty solid one.

My scripture of the week via Daily Bread: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurace develops character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment". (Romans 5:3-5)

What's up World?

What's up world? i'm back here again, it's been a little bit since i last gave any of my schpill. Things have been pretty good of late, i can't complain. Yesterday, i had to turn down the opportunity to go to Kenya for a missions trip later in the year. it kinda sucked but i think it was quite necessary. i'm trusting that i'll be well into the new gig by then (august) and i just don't think it's so smart to go in asking for 12 days off when you're still fresh in the sea. Hopefully i'll be able to go next time around when i more settled and have gotten my life together. I'm still hoping to be able to take five days off for Camp Quality in July; at least that's only a week, so hopefully they can understand but ten working days, errr i dunno what i would say if i was the hiring manager. You'll have to be the best thing since sliced bread for me to agree with that. I think i'm pretty darn close to sliced bread, but i'm not there yet.
I have been reviewing my job searching strategy and looking at ways to tweak it. the saying goes "good things come to those who wait" but then doesn't the bible also say "the violent take it by force" (and yes it was speaking of the "violent" in a positive light). So i'm trying to find that perfect balance/sweet spot between the patience and the taking. I've always felt uncomfortable calling offices about job openings but that's just a step of hard faith i'm willing to take. it's funny because i got an article in the mail today talking about how saying To Whom It May Concern or Dear Sir/Ma on cover letters may be the kiss of death. Hmm who woulda thought. I just assumed to do that when no hiring manager was listed on the job posting. But it talked about how one should call to find out who the hiring manager or who the position reports to. It said HR people look at To Whom It May Concern as a sign of laziness. Wow, that was a smack in my face. Good thing i hadn't sent in the application for this really really good position that i saw. Cross my fingers and trusting God I get some favor for it. But lately i do feel like i can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm thinking and believing that things are getting ready to look up and sooner than later, i'll be done with this rollercoaster ride of job hunting. Either way, i have to take a upbeat look because it's not like any other decision, i can't just stop looking for a job LOL.

MASS

Haha! So democrats can't even win in Mass. what a joke! I find it so hilarious and unbelievable that this dude scott brown came out of nowhere and beat up on the dems in their stronghold. So much for hope N Change. Well i'll toast to the begining of the end of hope N change. This is definitely great news! Please, more from where this came from!

Follow-up to Yesterday

It was like pastor joel read my post last night. How crazy? His message was about not allowing your circumstances, dreams and issues overwhelm you. pretty legit stuff. Couple of lines i remember him throwing out there: "you have to put the things that mean the most to you on the altar". "Anything you have to have to be joyful, the enemy will use against you". I mean not that I feel like a need my new gig to make me happy, i don't. Most people wouldn't even guess that i wasn't working as of now. But it was just kinda of one of those things that help whip you into shape. I mean i think i allowed myself to get overwhelmed with the situation. But i'm done with that. "seek ye first...".

Anyway, day went pretty smooth. Church was good, grabbed some grub with some good friends and then hit up the tennis court for about two hours (or more actually). Time went by fast out there. I definitely feel like i'm getting better. My serve is getting a little more feel to it and i was able to get a number of good backhands in. The forehand had great moments, i'm looking forward to working on it some more.
Cowboys lost their playoff game and Saints won theirs. I don't really have a team to root for anymore since my patriots got whacked by Baltimore. Anyway, NFL is for the birds! lol.

On more important front, 24 is back! First show was pretty good. They've got this whole US v Iran kinda thing going. looks to be interesting. I think it'll be better than last season (hopefully) especially since "sweaty" garafollo isn't on this season. Heh!

deuces

The Wait is Over

What's up blog world? It's been a minute, no maybe i should say it's been ages. Different reasons for that, which i'm sure i'll detail but not all, not right now at least. it's almost two o'clock in the morning, got church in the AM but dude, i really can't sleep. I'm somewhat stressed out but I'm trying not to be. As you may know i've been debating my next steps in life, it's getting a tad dizzy out here. I think that's playing into my lack of sleep. It's been like that the last few nights, i've eventually fallen asleep but it's been taking more than usual. And usual is not a short time either. I'm doing my best not to be worried, prayed about it and put it in God's hands but i can't deny the fact that it's starting to bother me a good amount.

I've been applying for jobs that i think are pretty adequate for me and what i'm looking for, including my caliber, asking pay and role criteria. I've even applied for some that i would assume i'm overqualified for but it's awfully quiet out there. Although i have heard a few noises lately, i'm hoping those noises get louder. But the last couple of days, i can't figure out if the whole situation is just getting to me but i'm starting to feel i need to do something. I really have little to no idea what that something is but i just have this feeling like something needs to be done. I don't know if it's my natural self wanting to somehow take control of the situation, which i honestly don't want to do because i've put it in God's hands but sheesh dude. It's like what to do? I've had thoughts about the whole grad school shindig, which i definitely want to do eventually but i just don't feel like it's the right time. Most of the schools i would want to apply to would like me to have at least 2years of work experience. Unless i go the MS and then MBA route later; i mean if it comes to that fine but i don't really see that as such a great strategy but hey who am i to say. Anyhow, i talked to the mom about the whole grad school gmat about a week or so ago so maybe that's what got me thinking crazy. who knows?
Like i said, i just feel like i need to change strategy. But i just added a new thing to my job search business. I started following up applications with phone calls, that's helped a bit but i got an e-mail from one that might be interested saying no calls (this is after i had already called and left a voicemail). Heh! I read the e-mail and i'm like "good to know"...after the fact. Actually a legit opportunity, she needs to holla at me. On a more serious note, i've been networking at least trying to, keeping up with previous contacts and such, there are very few things that i'm not doing at the moment that i can think of. I guess i need to broaden the horizon. I don't know if it's time for a more radical step but i don't think i'm ready for that and I honestly don't think that's in His plan for now. As much as I don't know and I'm still waiting for the right door to open, i kinda discern that "that" ain't it, at least for now.
I know and understand His using this time to teach me something. as obama would say, "this is a teachable moment", it's always a teachable moment for us not him. Anyway, i believe God is using this time to do some work in me, some of which i have and can definitely identify. But i'm ike c'mon God let's get moving to the next phase. But who am i to rush Him. All in all i'm staying positive and believing that something good is right around and i'm turning the corner. Thy Will Be Done.

Let me try to catch some snooze...

Funny

My brother passed over this article from Times of London. Fabio Capello mocks David Beckham's man of the match award. Here's the classic line:

"Yes, I was a bit surprised,” the England manager said. “I just thought it was like Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize after eight months as President. Beckham gets the man of the match after 30 minutes here . . .”

By the way, i'm hoping to hit up the Dynamo v Galaxy game. Looking forward to watching Beck play, it'll be fun!

Sad Day

Isn't it sad what has happenend in America? Since when did race hustlers start determining who can own an NFL team? Wow...i have to say i'm shocked at this. You might not agree with Rush Limbaugh, i happened to think he's funny 90% of the time but for pete's sake, it's his bloody money. Why in the hell is that anybody else's business. Whatever happened to post-racial America? I guess it was all a dream...just like Hope N Change. I have to say this is really really a sad day in America.

Olympics

So yes, I'm happy Rio got the Olympic gig. Chicago is already a city with high taxes, great corruption and home of an egoistic president. It did not need more of it. I actually really love the city of chicago, i honestly wouldn't mind moving there. But honestly, Obama really thought he cold swoon his way to the olympics. talking about his personal story, how america has looked wack over the last several years but now that he's in office, it's all hope and change. what a lameO. I hate to say it but this was pretty sweet. His ego really tanked! Do i really think it will change how he sees things? NOPE. the guy is in so in to himself, he's oblivious to reality. Oh well. he basically said hey dudes pick Chicago because of ME. He's so lame. Maybe this is the beginning of the end of these kids running the country. Put some adults in charge please. Anyway, Happy Friday! And happy Birthday to my boy Jarrett. Many more dude!

Some fun!

This is from the same beach at least 20 years later. wow! Enjoy! at my expense

Link to facebook album

Here it is: Nigeria-The Good, The Bad And The ___

Enjoy!

Back again!

Wow! It's been almost two months since I last blogged. I have to say i've been a lazy blogger. But anyhow, I'm back. Within the last two months, I went to Nigeria came back, went to Retreat for Canvas (church young adults ministry) in Austin and now i'm here about two weeks after. It's been an interesting, fun as well as rollercoaster eight weeks. I'll be detailing going forward. Anyhow, i just posted the pictures from my trip to nigeria on facebook and i wanted to link it here. Haven't figured out how to link my facebook page to this blog but hopefully i figure it out ASAP.
Nigeria was amazing, what can I say. It was more than i expected in so many ways. I took over 650pictures, i only posted like 170 on facebook just to give folks the idea. I think i said it on one of the pictures, one phrase to describe Nigeria: Work in Progress. I honestly wish i detailed everyday as the days went by. But all in all, i got to see family members that i hadn't seen in a while, some i had never even seen before. Also saw family friends that remember me since when i was 'this' small...blah blah blah. you know the drill. But it was all good. The love of family and friends is not comparable. It was a delight.
Nigeria, is full of corruption. One quick story. While we were there the Central Bank of Nigeria FIRED the top banks CEOs. Yes you read that right! They fired them, who in hell or heaven gave them the right to fire a CEO of a private company. And that's not the end they put them in JAIL. Dude if that's not a banana republic, then i don't know what is. They made up some BS charges that they mismanaged their banks. So what if they did, which they really didn't...the banking crisis is worldwide. Even if they did, that's up to their shareholders...which in one bank I am. It's pretty sad man. Anyhow man, I'll be blogging a lot more often.
Oh by the way, I'm looking for a new J-O-B now. Godwilling I'll have a really good one soon. Wish me luck and godspeed! For now, I'm Out!

Headed to where it ALL began...

So the trip begins tomorrow. I'm getting more excited as it draws near. I'll be out for a month or so but hopefully i'll be able to get a few posts while i'm gone. Since i won't be in the middle of nowhere. Just finished packing and now the countdown begins. Going to be a long flight...Let's get it!

Back from Camp Quality

It's been about five days and i guess i've settled back from camp. I've had time to think and rethink the days there and nothing has changed. It was definitely an amazing time. It was indeed an experience of a lifetime, volunteering and working with the kids and the good folks that spend their summer working this camp. Honestly, i didn't know what to expect; especially regarding the possible limitations of the kids and exactly how much 'fun' it would be. But my expectations were WOWed. The only bummer i had was that my kid wasn't able to attend, he got a fever couple of days before. Then they tried to fit me in with another kid and he didn't show up because he got cold feet. That did make the me feel a bit bummed for first day or so. Although, by half way through the week, i realized there the reason why God "stuck" me in the situation and it was for a much greater reason (which sorry, i can't share on here). Anyway, it was a week i will never forget. I definitely plan on going back next year, God-willing.
I honestly feel like i got more out of it than the kids did, and they had a hella fun. I ended up sharing a kid with another guy (who i happened to ride with to the camp) and that worked out pretty well, i think. I swear i thought he was quiet when i first met him, but nooo. He was up out of his wheelchair doing thriller by Wednesday. That pretty much made my week. He was a fun loving kid, who makes you think he's some mellow camper. Sike! He became a legend by the week's end. He learnt from the best. J/K, maybe not.
Apart from the great campers, the staff and the other volunteers were really good. i honestly think i had a conversation with everybody. I didn't realize I could talk that much. Heh! No really, i had convos about everything from college to wildlife and the environment. The people were great and it's definitely a good feeling to see so many people give up their time to do such demanding work for no [monetary] reward. This gives me hope for the future, i guess the world doesn't all the way suck. lol. I'm sure i'll be posting more about Camp Quality soon and later on as well. But this is just a brief de-brief. I look forward to next year, as well as the other events before then. Word on the street is I may get to meet my camper that wasn't able to come because he lives in the area. That would be awesome. I'm out.

Long time no see

Wow. I didn't realize how long it's been since i posted last. I've been in and out lately which has been keeping me busy, despite not being at work the last few weeks. I won't guarantee i'm going to get back to being consistent just yet, as I have more traveling to do. It definitely has been fun but I'll post up a few updates.

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July, America! What a great country. I am blessed to be living in such a great land. Here's to keeping it a great land!

Happy Birthday America!

Public Enemies

Hmm. Just saw this movie for the second time. I really don't know what to think about it. I thought the picture was great, acting was decent but it wasn't all that. I remember being in Chicago while they were filming this last year. (Why did it take so long by the way?) Anyway, what i didn't like about the movie was the excessive shooting. I love guns, don't get me wrong but there was so much shooting for no reason. No aim, nothing just criminals shooting automatics with no aim in sight. It became kind of bizzare, like why are you wasting all that ammo fool? The other quib i had with the movie was the silly accents especially of Christian Bale's character. It was really silly. I dunno who he was trying to sound like but he didn't sound like anything but a idiot. it was like a wannabe new york/boston accent. I didn't know Chicagoans speak like that, maybe during the depression but not now they don't. Those were my two main problems with the movie. Other than that, I thought it was OK. I still haven't seen Transformers 2, maybe this weekend.

Sarah Palin

I like Sarah Palin, as a matter in fact, I like sarah palin a lot. Her move today does leave me scraching my head, scraching really hard. Mostly because it's so puzzling and so different that you really don't know what to make of it. Some are writing her political obituary, some are saying she's starting to run for president. Who knows? Maybe she's just fed up with all the nonsense that has been following her around since she became national figure. She's been beat up horribly by the left and the right, so heck why not throw in the towel and say screw this, I have a family (young family by the way) and i honestly don't need this. To hell with politics. As much as i think that is possible, i kind of doubt it b/c she just doesn't seem like one to throw in the towel, maybe i'm wrong but i'll hold my judgment. Maybe she does want to run for higher office, who knows. One thing we can say is she dances to her own drumbeat and that i can respect. I may not agree with you but if you feel you know what you're doing, more power to ya. I do wish her all the best though, it seems she thought and talked about it with her family pretty well, so that works for me. If she and her family are happy then honestly, who cares. I've seen some of the same people (especially on the right) that always had something negative to say about her saying oh no, she's ruined her career, well you fools...you didn't want her to have one anyway. This wouldn't be my strategy but i'm not her. I think she's got a pretty bright future regardless of what she does or doesn't do. Godspeed, Ms. Wasilla, godspeed.

Happy Friday!

Today's my last day on the job. Looking forward to the future!

Sanford Saga

Since pictures are starting to surface on Mark Sanford's girlfriend, from what I've seen, she's ok looking. But I do think I've figured him out: he just wanted 'a wise Latina'. It's all part of the GOP's Big Tent outreach and his foreign policy bonafides.

We'll see if that really is her.