Aggravation Into Energy

I have a couple of cats. They wake up about the same time every day and bug the shit out of me every morning. My wife wakes up earlier than I have been, and is usually the one that feeds them. I have decided to change things up in this new year. Instead of cussing at them and turning over and trying to go back to sleep, I have been arising when they stir and start their groundhog day-like each and every morning routine, feeding them, and going about the business of starting the day. I write each morning and enjoy some quiet, reflective time. This gets me out of bed earlier, and gives me more time to get the day going in a relaxed and poised manner. So, instead of getting pissed (angry, not drunk), I thank them for reminding me it's time to wake up and spend some time alone with my thoughts and to connect with the Great Spirit. So far, so good. Everybody's happy. Especially my wife. All this time I thought she liked getting up. I think she enjoys sleeping in just a bit better.

Live Coverage

Dawning Of A New Day

Today is a new day. There is an air of hopeful anticipation in the air for most people. Regardless of political affiliation, the process of inauguration is exciting. It represents change; change of administration, change of policy, change of leadership and management style, change of philosophy. I am aware of the grave state of affairs, and I know that one person or group of persons is incapable of solving all of our problems. I am hopeful that the incoming President and his staff will carry out their duties responsibly, competently, and with as much foresight as humanly possible. May the Constitution not be trampled underfoot. May wisdom be the credo. God Bless America.

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Evil Genius Chronicles

I just finished listening to my friend Dave Slusher's Evil Genius Chronicles podcast, his first one of the new year. It really resonated with me. Do yourself a favor and go check it out. Better yet, subscribe to this great show.

2009 Already?

Time has a way of slipping by, especially if we are living in an unconscious manner. I admit that I have spent a great deal of my life avoiding the present moment; daydreaming the time away. Thinking of the past or the future. Dwelling on dark imaginings or fantasizing about some other place and time, some other set of circumstances, some other reality. I aspire to being present, now and always. That is my intention.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, everyone!

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Waiting

Here's a picture I call "Waiting". I found this in the bowels of my archives. This is done in the old Paint program.....

Up Early

I am up a bit earlier than usual this morning. I made the choice to try pulling myself from the computer and getting to bed about an hour earlier with the intention to get up earlier. It worked. I got the same eight hours of sleep, but I woke up earlier, refreshed and ready to take on the day. I have been making different choices these days. Choices which nourish the life-force, and put me back into alignment with the reality that is coming alive in me. I am giving myself time now to do the things I want to do. Time has such a way of racing by. I am learning to embrace the moment rather than over thinking and obsessing about what is, and how that might possibly affect what will be. I am making conscious choices to move toward that which I fear. I know that fear is not negative. Fear is an excellent teacher, if one is willing to push through it and not cower before it.

I am re-reading The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. It's good stuff if you are out to recapture your creative essence.

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Righteous Action

Stop trying. Stop striving, and learn to live again. Learn to let go. Learn to be free again. Unlearn the gestures of tyranny of self. Unshackle from the past. Let yourself flow with the freedom of the moment. Act from your limitless core. Speak the truth in love. Better yet, let the truth be expressed through holy silence feeding righteous action.

Embrace the multiplicity of life. Enjoy the fragments that produce such a varied prism of color.

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Beyond Our Means

"Our government has lived beyond its means for decades. We now
face a crucial juncture, at which we determine whether to continue down
the path of debt, inflation, and government intervention or choose to
return to the economics of the free market, which have been ignored for
almost a century. Increased debt leads to higher taxes on future
generations, while increased inflation diminishes the purchasing power
of American families and destroys the dollar. No society has ever
achieved prosperity through indebtedness or inflation, and the United
States is no exception. We cannot afford to continue our current
policies of monetary expansion and unending bailouts. Unless we return
to sound monetary policy, sharply reduce government expenditures, and
realize that the government cannot act as a lender of last resort, we
will drive our economy to ruin."
Ron Paul

"Wake up, people!"
Diet Pepsi Max.

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President Obama

Congratulations, President Obama!

Shift Happens

Wordless Wednesday - From The Getty Center Garden in L.A.

USC Parent's Weekend

Here are some pics from Parent's Weekend, including some at the Trojans VS Sun Devils. Trojans 28, Sun Devils 0! Fight on, Trojans!

New MacBook Pro

Apple replaced my MacBook Pro with the new model. I was given the choice of the previous model, which was set aside for me for a few weeks down at the Apple Store in Charleston, or, the brand new model. I took a chance and went for the new model. I am glad I was out of town for a while, because if I picked the machine up any earlier, I would not have had this option, as the new versions would not have been released yet.

Thanks to Casey Koronkowski, the incredible Apple Genius who treated me beyond my expectations, and expedited this exchange for me. Thanks also, Casey, for transferring my data so quickly and cleanly. All I had to do when I got home was turn this baby on and rock!

I like the keyboard better now than on the older MBP. It is way more responsive for my typing style. I know some people prefer the old style, but not me.

I am back in the saddle, and it feels allright!

It was worth the wait.

Instructions: Take a picture of yourself right now. Don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair - just take a picture. Post that picture with NO editing. Post these instructions with the picture.

My buddy , Andre Pope posted this on his blog, and it seemed cool, so there ya go!

"Niche Expression"

Everything has changed. The way we shop has obviously changed. The way we entertain ourselves and interact with others has changed. We no longer have to be slaves of what the big machine dictates. We don't need to put up with whatever "next big thing" they choose to spoon-feed, shove down our throats, or otherwise foist upon us.

In his enlightening and highly recommended book, Buying In, author Rob walker has this to say:

"The mass market - indeed, massness itself - is dead. No longer must we accept the stultifying, homogenized monoculture of decades past, as niche expression is made available to us at last. Companies must, as more than one guru has put it, provide personalization."

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Jury Duty

I have been selected for Jury duty here in myrtle Beach for the week. Today was the qualification process. They had one case for the day, and I was not selected. I am still required to appear each morning until Friday. The fact that the court is pretty much across the street from Broadway At The Beach, the place I work, makes the logistical aspect of attending pretty darn easy. If anything, I consider this experience a study in psychology and sociology. We humans seem to have mastered the fine art of getting ourselves into trouble.

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Ready For The Pool

Something New

I can't escape the feeling that new things are on the horizon for me and my family. It is now less than two weeks until Katie goes off to college. We leave on August 19th (this is also Betsy's Birthday). Move-in day is the 20th.

It will certainly be a different dynamic around this little house, but I am thrilled that Katie has such a great opportunity ahead of her.