Hello again! Sorry if it's been longer this time, but yesterday ended up being busy and extremely memorable. I made the decision at about 3 PM to go pick up Incubus tickets for $51 at the box office downtown. I was feeling kind of apprehensive about the price, but decided that they are a band I have always wanted to see and they arent getting any younger.
I can honestly say that it was one of the best live performances that I have EVER experienced. It sounded like CD quality music, and their newest release is just greatest hits. The fact meant that every popular song was played, and they didn't have to focus on promoting new music that noone cared to hear. Unreal, every Incubus song that you could have ever wanted to hear was played.
We got there late, so we were very near the back of the crowd. Colin and I separated early from everyone else and made our way all the way to the front of the crowd. Started plenty of mosh pits and went crowd surfing about 5 times, twice all the way to the stage. When you're at a concert like that, there is no reason whatsoever to hold back and not have a blast. I'm hurting badly today with plenty of bumps and bruises, but I wouldn't have done it differently for a second. Here is the progression of the concert:
Where we started:
Where we ended up:
The aftermath of the mayhem. Colin lost half his shirt and his glasses. I was drenched in sweat, and happier than ever.
All around one of the best concerts of my life. Great to see so many people there, and Cleveland embracing such great musical guests. Time for some sleep and recovery. Hope everyone has a great Friday and enjoys their weekend. And thanks to all that have voted in my poll, commented, and clicked on ads. It's a HUGE help, makes my blog more fun and rewarding. Thanks!!!
4th day in a row, this is getting outrageous. First of all, I really do want to say thanks for visiting my site and making it somewhat worth my while to continue posting. This is the most votes I've had on a poll in a long time (fine, ever), and a few ad clicks which makes money for me and takes it from the big nasty corporate googlemonster. Sorry commenting is so difficult, I tried to do it a few times and there is this stupid word confirmation. I think I have actually fixed that bug, so please try to comment again because I think the new format will make it a LOT easier. The more interaction there is the more fun, because I'll be the first to admit that my thoughts alone can't keep a site going. On to tonight's topic...
We have all come from a certain background, history, past, upbringing, whatever you may call it. I was raised in the city, by two Christian married parents, with a great older sister, good schooling, and the best friends I could ask for. You may have a similar background or it may be the complete opposite. Maybe your parents are divorced, you had no religion growing up, or you didn't have any siblings to make mistakes to teach you about. Maybe you're a country kid who participated in take your tractor to school day. Or maybe you couldn't afford new shoes for the new school year, and instead had to go to goodwill for the best pair you could find. All of it is irrelevant in who you are today, and yet it complete has shaped the person that you have become. When you meet someone new they have absolutely no idea where you came from or what experiences have shaped your character. But in your own head you know who you are, your inhibitions and hangups, and it feels like a total stranger already knows all of your insecurities.
(I absolutely want to point out that I was the kid who got shoes from goodwill, and lost friends and had to remake them when I switched schools. My upbringing was far from ideal, I just focused on the positives when I wrote it. All I wanted to make clear is that I realize that EVERYONE in the entire WORLD has been brought up completely differently...)
I have had the "what if I had done _______ instead" conversation endless times, and the conclusion for me has always been the same. Yeah it could have been more glamorous, or I could have seen more places, but would I still be the person that I am today? I could have learned the same lessons doing other things or meeting other people, right? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know about the idea of letting your history control your present. I have made many decisions in life that absolutely effect me in the present. Some of the biggest are the school and major that I chose, the job I accepting, the relationships that I have formed, and the way that I have interacted with my family. All of them have had many positive influences and paths opened, but there are always lingering side effects of past choices made.
I have gotten to the point where I have a fairly black and white decision to make. Do I A) Keep living this life, doing what I do, knowing who I know or do I B) wipe the entire slate of life clean and start again in a new place with new faces, experiences, and opportunities. I absolutely have the BEST friends I could ask for, and I have grown to appreciate and love my family unconditionally. But so many people stay so close to home for their entire lives. I really do think the reason I haven't been able to commit to a change is because I am scared of losing what I have had. My life isn't bad, I can't really complain about my situation... but is it worth risking an average, comfortable thing for the opportunity of complete bliss?
The opposite side to the argument is that the life that I am living right now IS perfection. I could potentially have met the girl of my dreams, will never find better friends, and my family is definitely only in Cleveland and Chicago. HOW DO I KNOW??? I can tell you this much though; I really do think that I will ultimately be happy in either situation. The people in my life today are fantastic, and I would never feel like I missed out by "settling" for them being the people that surround me. On the other hand, I do think that I have the ability to meet great new people and start a new life in a new city. The question is which do I choose.
I guess it's an impossible question to answer, and that fate really will ultimately decide. I don't know if I believe in God, but I do believe that we all have a path through life that leads to happiness. Not that it is pre-determined, but that we can all find absolute satisfaction if we are okay with the idea of letting go of the what-ifs. I won't have an answer tonight, or tomorrow... but I think the answer will come from the people and opportunities that find their way into my life in the very near future. I am at a point of change, and am excited for the opportunity as it unfolds. Whether that be here or far, far way, let the journey begin...
Not much new to report on today. But thought this was a great video of the top 10s of this NBA season. I know not everyone appreciates the NBA, but these videos are impressive even if you don't care about the sport. One week til my first vacation in over a year, I cannot describe to you how excited I am. Goodnight world!
Hello again... two in two days, things are getting a little out of hand. First of all, the only conflict people had with my choice of Cavs players was Z starting over Shaq. But I think that if he is being so passive and supportive, "coach" brown will choose to bring him off the bench in a supportive role. Z always starts out fast, hits his first three or four mid ranger jumpers, then can ride the bench for awhile. So I think Shaq coming in at 8 mins in the first would be a perfect fit for our rotation. I think I'm right on this one...
And speaking of being right... I had a conversation tonight with some close friends about how it seems like I always think that I am right in whatever I say. Now I a, the first to admit that this may be true. I am definitely opinionated, and I am not afraid to express my feelings. But the point with which I had to argue was the idea that I seem like I think that I am always right. Whether you are passive or neutral or shy or quiet, do you not always think that your own opinion is "right" based on how you feel and your beliefs? Why would you ever feel a specific way if you didn't stand behind it and think that it was right. I just think it's funny when people say to me, "You always think you're right," because... yes, I do think that I am always right. Now someone else can absolutely have a completely different opinion than me, but they sure better think that THEY are right, or else what is the point of their opinion besides playing devil's advocate, right?
To balance out that thought though, I also do feel a lot of times that people find me to be harsh or overly opinionated. I can definitely see where that perception comes from, and it is something that I would like to change as time goes forward. While I do like to argue and converse and see others' views, the last thing I want is for people to think that they can't be honest or open with me because I value my own opinion more than others'. That is the furthest thing from the truth, and if I ever seem as if I am implying that CALL ME OUT on it and I swear I'll do my best to change.
Another former Raptor is now a Cavalier, and I am as happy as ever. But I'll be even more happy if the trend continues and brings Jose Calderon and Chris Bosh to American soil. Last year we had a few players that were definitely second rate at this point in their career. That list for me included Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, and Joe Smith. Maybe some great veteran leaders in there, but I think our team now has just as much in that department. So let's quickly go over the order that players will enter our lineup:
Starting 5 Mo Williams Delonte West LeBron James Andy Varejao Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Reserves Shaquille O'Neal Anthony Parker Jamario Moon Wally Sczerbiak Daniel Gibson D Block JJ Hickson
I know I'm missing a few, but I don't think they're too important. The only point that I'm trying to make is that our first 10 players in the game are all people that I have confidence in. Might have been nice to pick up Ariza or Artest, but for what our options became I am definitely happy with the situation we having going into next year.
On another note, I am currently waiting to hear word about getting my own Finish Line store. At the same time though I am constantly looking for a different job where I dont have to work nights and weekends and it uses my skills and education to a greater extent. If anyone has any recommendations or knows of job openings, Puh lease let me know!! I am willing to relocate and take any position where there is room for advancement and it takes some creativity and thinking. I am looking to move into something else pretty quick, so I will take any leads that I can get.
Final thought for the night: MadTV is painfully bad. Goodnight.
Good morning world! I was just browsing the internet today, and I came across this blog and thought it was pretty cool. I read all the posts, watching the videos, and then realized it was mine but I forgot since I hadn't posted in a month. The worst thing that you can do as a blog writer is be inconsistent. Followers don't like seeing the same thing for weeks on end, so I am ONCE AGAIN going to try to get back into it and stay into it.
The latest Cavs' development involved signing Anthony Parker from the Raptors to a short-term deal a few days ago. I, personally, am feeling pretty good about this pickup. He is a 6'6" two guard who can provide some of the perimeter defense that killed us in the playoffs. But I really do think that that problem was addressed more so when we traded for Shaq. Picking him up indirectly meant that we will not have to double team in the post anymore. This will result in our guards being able to stay out on their assignments outside, so even a small defender like Delonte will be able to stay close to their man.
I think the bigger upside to picking up Parker is obtaining another player who is past their prime. I mean, we lost Ben Wallace and Joe Smith this offseason, so we needed to pick up another potential bust who is coming to Cleveland's own Sunny Hills Retirement Home. Think about it... we could potentially make the all-time least useful veteran team with our history: David Wesley, Eric Snow, Lorenzen Wright, Joe Smith, Ben Wallace, and so on. Now we've added 37 year old O'Neal and 34 year old Parker. If they stay healthy and get playing time then great! But the better chance is that one or both get injured. Don't get me wrong, I'm as excited as any other optimistic Cleveland fan, I'm just realistic enough to know not to put all my excitement into one season.
I know this post isn't much, but I'm getting back into it. It's a beautiful day, I'm in a great mood. Hope everyone has a great day; I'll leave you with this dunk contest video:
And here is a live video of my recently rediscovered song of the day. Even if you don't like the Chili Peppers, watch the video and check out the Will Ferrell lookalike on the drums. Makes the whole thing seem like an SNL skit:
