I ♥ ♫

There's just something about the music.

Maybe it's the bass.
Maybe it's the effects.
Maybe it's the vocals.
Maybe it's the guitar riffs.
Maybe it's the special effects.
Maybe it's the piano riffs.
Maybe it's the guitar solos.
Maybe it lasts 2 minutes.
Maybe it lasts for hours.
Maybe it's loud.
Maybe it's at a minimum.
Maybe it rocks the house.
Maybe it spits creativity.
Maybe it makes your head bang.
Maybe it makes it rock n roll all night.
Maybe it makes you dance.
Maybe it makes you sing along.
Maybe it lifts your spirits.
Maybe it takes away the pain.
Maybe it answers questions.
Maybe it forms new ones.
Maybe it makes you stronger.
Maybe it wipes the tears.
Maybe it makes you wiser.
Maybe it takes you somewhere.
Maybe it relieves memories.
Maybe it cherishes moments.
Maybe it makes you...you.
Maybe it's a remix.
Maybe it's unique.
Maybe it's a classic.
Maybe it's a mash-up.
Maybe it's a new joint.
Maybe it inspires.
Maybe it teaches.
Maybe it hopes.
Maybe it expresses.
Maybe it dreams.
Maybe it opens doors.
Maybe it shatters walls.
Maybe it does the unthinkable.
Maybe it shows the impossible.
Maybe it expresses the unimaginable.
Maybe it achieves the unachievable.
Maybe it's rock and roll.
Maybe it's techno.
Maybe it's hip-hop.
Maybe it's country.
Maybe it starts a journey.
Maybe it ends one before it starts.
Maybe it guides you through.
Maybe it keeps you afloat.
Maybe it's metal.
Maybe it's house.
Maybe it's dance.
Maybe it's scream-o.
Maybe it receives claps.
Maybe it receives cheers.
Maybe it receives boos.
Maybe it receives ovations.
Maybe it receives banter.
Maybe it receives awards.
Maybe it's dubstep.
Maybe it's folk.
Maybe it's pop.
Maybe it's alternative.

There's a lot about the music.
But one thing is true.

The music is apart of you.

I ♥ ♫

Motives On Tap 44

Been awhile since I've updated this little monster...
Took a little vacation from the cyber realms but now I've returned back to the digital world with my words.

So let's get back to where we started shall we?

44.

Time for another edition of living my life to the fullest because you only live it once. You should do the same.

-Kazie

Enjoy your Thursday.

A New Week Begins...

Sunday Night. Technically Monday morning I guess since I'm writing this around midnight...

But anyways, wanted to wish everyone well on starting their new journey this week. A week with new obstacles, new moments, new memories (both good and bad), and new progression. Be a positive force and you will reap the rewards.

Also for those that ate over 5 pounds of food on Thanksgiving (raises hand) remember to stop by the local gym and burn that little blubber of fat before it overstays its welcome in your tummy. Definitely plan on going there to burn and sweat for goodness sake today.

It's also CYBER MONDAY!!! So if you didn't get everything you wanted on Black Friday because of the gigantic mob of people that took the last few TVs and electronics...fear not!!! The Internet will have great deals for you without any pushing or shoving or punch throwing. What a relief.

Monday begins now but I'm going to rest up so that I can be ready.
Can't start out the gates with only a quarter of gas in me.

That probably came out wrong...

Bye!

Gobble Gobble

Wishing all of you people had a very entertaining Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Hope all those extra pounds of corn pudding, turkey, ham, and greens got into your stomach and filled you up.

And to those Black Friday shoppers...good luck out there lol.

Be thankful for another day, be thankful for spending time with those you care about and the feeling is mutual. We are blessed and fortunate to enjoy these holidays because not everyone is able to celebrate Thanksgiving at full capacity.

Don't take anything for granted but always be humble.


Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Hope you have a shopaholic Black Friday.

Hope you will have a terrific Friday

Hope you will be having a memorable weekend.

The 1%

No this isn't another one of those Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Richmond, Occupy Hollywood, Occupy Wal-Mart, or any one of those Occupy (Insert item that is richer than you) blog things.

All I kept hearing about was these Occupy rallies here and there about the 99% in the blue corner fighting the 1% in the red corner. And blah blah blah BLAH!! If you were looking for a political blog to rant about this issue along with our financial across with a side of the humorous 9-9-9 plan and touching allegations...sorry wrong blog.

What I'm typing about today is about the 1% versus the 99% in a different aspect; a more realistic view if you will. The 99% to me represent what's wrong with society. The moaners, the crybabies, the lazy, and the downright idiotic. People that love to complain about how the world screwed them over but don't take any initiative to fix it. Expecting that someone else will come in with their cape and magic wand and make all their problems go away; make all their pain brand new.

I got news for you. Life don't work that way for all.

I represent the 1% in this country. I'm someone that works towards making something out of my life. I'm someone that gets their ass kicked mentally and physically on the daily basis, stand back up, brush off the dirt stands, and keep moving. I'm one of these people that have a job and loves working to make a decent salary. I'm blessed to have my eyes, nose, mouth, heart, feet, hands, and every other single body part down to my pinky toe that is in working order.

If you work for a living, go to college, make a salary, do work. If you aren't someone that tries to take advantage of people for the sake of your advancement or depend on someone else to fix your problems...then congrats, you are officially part of the 1%.

And that's not a bad thing at all.
I rather depend on myself to fix my own damn problems.
Not wait on a handout.

Now back to regularly scheduled program...

Slacker...

I've been slacking in a few areas.

Focusing on one main objective does make you feel as if doing anything else besides that is obsolete and not worth your precious time and effort. Yes, we can get carried away at times...literally.

This gigantic amount of schoolwork that I'm focused on completing has made me miss out on a few things such as going to the gym, hanging out, eating a full meal, and other activities. But in the end, it's usually worth the time and effort because you can finally relax and get that burden off your chest.

It's okay to be a slacker sometimes.

When working on some areas, you are taking away time from other things. And the funny thing? You don't really notice it until it randomly shows up in your timeline; and then you will have to sadly decline and return back to your mission at hand. It's okay.

Friend can wait, family can wait, hell...even your co-workers at work can wait. If you need time to do some personal changes or an assignment for a class or even just a little getaway from the world, do it! Don't wait until the world makes you an appointment for you to do something...it's your life. Use your time however you please.

We as people can't keep a firm hand on all our stuff; sometimes things are just more important than others. People might get mad that you are busy. Well that sucks for them...you're busy doing something that you believe is beneficial to your success. They don't like it? Tell em' don't let the door hit them you know where on the way out.

And don't worry...the world will still be spinning upon your return.

DO WORK!!!

Motives On Tap 43

Sitting on my bed, brain is in a trance, hmph. Must have been a good day.

First thing to write on the digital paper...if you are living in the United States of America and are of age and went to the polls and voted in your district; give yourself a pat on the back for practicing your right as a citizen of this great country.

I believe there is nothing shown as a powerful act other than voting. Especially when it comes to voting on people that will be chosen to run this country. To the President, seats in the Senate and House of Representatives, and even the Sheriff. We as citizens have a right to vote for whoever we want for legit reasons. And no...a legit reason is not based on race, gender, or whatever sort of categorizing that you can figure out.

Voting on someone that you would be happy with to be your representative and works for you to have a better life in certain aspects such as financially, protection, and justice along with others. Had a few close races in this area so it looked like a fairly decent amount of voters went to the polls.

But simply put...voting matters.

You can't do it now since the polls closed about 4 hours ago but seriously. When the next round of elections come into play, go vote.

Other than that, today's been pretty peaceful and full of laughs and bonding. From cracking jokes and random acts of hilariousness with some friends to bonding with the misses; it has been a great day from the social side of things.

Been listening to some tunes on the iPod. A real fan of Drake lately since his new album, Take Care, has been leaked. Yes...I've listened to it and liked a few songs from what I've heard thus far. Definitely grab a deluxe combo when it comes out later.

I've just been in a state of mind the past few days. Not a certain emotion can be stated from my mind because it's a mixture of a few. I think I'm just focusing more on what has to be done because I got get things stomped and accomplished in order to be successful. And that's something that some people don't seem to get; life is not a hand out. You got to put in some work in order to move forward.

I'm doing work for me so that I can be a better person. From going to college, working at my job, accomplishing daily challenges, and all the other goodness in between. Going through the days looking for free handouts might let you cost through for a little while but eventually you're going to have to put some work in. You want something that you think you deserve? Do work towards it and grab it by the horns with force.

But yeah...that's my current blog status I guess haha. Finishing up this cup of Orange Juice and calling it a night until the daylight hopefully comes again to my eyes as I start a brand new day.

Blessed is I, and so are you. Ttyl.

What's this? 43.

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
-Sam Ewing

Havoc. The Good Kind.

Been another fun-filled week of events for I.

Of course the usual routine is filled with classes and trips to the office for a few shifts since I need money and academics. But besides that...a lot of other things occupied my time.

Such as the start of another fun-filled season of VCU Basketball! Woot!!!

It was fun walking back to Siegel Center to wait in line in order to see the new team play against the University of California! (Of Pennsylvania...) Yeah, we didn't play the actually Golden Bears from the Golden State in our exhibition; we settled for the Vulcans from Pennsylvania to kick off the basketball festivities.

The first half was sort of a stressful to watch since it was an actual close contest...at first. I guess VCU just got nervous; Wouldn't you if you played in front of 6,675 people? But we were able to get the victory with a final score of 71-48. GO RAMS!!!

Also did some PR type work for the Rowdy Rams since apparently I'm the media person of our group now haha. So that was fun getting in front of a camera making a fool of myself...wasn't the first and definitely won't be the last.

Hmm...what else happened this week?

Did some more radio goodness at the station. Both the video game kind and the sports kind. Very informative and fun sessions on the WVCW podcasts.


Halloween Weekend was a good ol' time as well. Especially with the part of me not working it. :)
Costume choice? Sky Blu from LMFAO with my boy Redfoo.

Yeah..we shufflin' every day. Good times haha.

Been a great couple of days. Just keeping a smile on my face, focusing on my objectives, and going with the flow. Enemies and barriers have shown in my path but they have been unsuccessful in causing harm...and trust me they will keep trying.

My saying for this week: "Haters gonna hate even when your dead."

Don't bother messing with them. Their mission is to mess you up with their hatred and make you miserable. I have them, you have them. Rise above hate.

I have a good aura around me currently. Gonna try to keep it around for awhile. Wishing all of you well wishes wherever you are. Enjoy yourselves, have fun, and stay out of trouble.


Let's cause some H.A.V.O.C. out here.
It's time to shake things up.
Enjoy your weekend people. Ttyl.

MotiTunes!, On Tap, TGIF, Oh My!!!

What up good people around the Interwebs!

I'm super excited that it is Friday. One good reason...payday lol. But other than that, I'm just happy to see another day through my eyes without any pain or disabilities. Truly blessed with that.

But also my energy levels are blasting like a music speaker with super bass why?

One phrase: Five Finger Death Punch.

This metal band (also known simply as 5FDP) is one of my new favorites in music with their raw energy, amazing guitar solos, moving lyrics, and basically their sound overall because it just sounds fresh.

I just picked up a copy of their new album, American Capitalist, and it is beyond incredible. You can relate to every song on Capitalist since 5FDP sings about the strong surviving, live life to the fullest, and the American Dream. This is definitely a must buy for any rock n roll or metal lover.

My favorite song has got to be "The Pride". It talks about the American Dream and it's something that can never be taken away from us. We have the will to survive, the fight to stay hungry, and to make our lives memorable on this planet. You are not alone; we all live the dream. The energy, the lyrics, the sound, everything. This song is a must here...just go get the whole album while you're at it. You will not be disappointed.

Here's "The Pride". (Listen to it as you keep reading...please.)

As you are headbanging as you scroll down the page, just wanted to say that I hope your TGIF moments are full of joy and that your weekend goes off the charts! After all...it is Halloween weekend. So bring out the costumes and have a good time causing some spooky mayhem wherever you are.

Remember...you are entitled to enjoy life as much as the next person. Make it work.

Enjoy! Ttyl.

42.

I am what you fear most.
I am what you need.
I am what you made me.
I'm the American Dream.

-Five Finger Death Punch

Motives On Tap 41

You only have one life to live.
One chance to make something out of nothing.
You have multiple enemies.
You have various barriers.
You have the hunger.
You have the will.

Make it work.

Motives On Tap 40

I swear life tested my abilities every day this previous week.

But thankfully I was able to pass the final exam with flying colors and make it to the weekend. I might not have that fancy house or that new car smell in my driveway or even a spare meal to eat with my payroll...but I'm here.

Happy to be here. Happy to be still breathing. Happy to be alive.

The week was over early academic wise with Fall Break and all; so that was a blessing. Just dealing with the daily load of life's activities was the primary mission of the week. Did it pretty well in my view; got a few workouts in, hung out with the miss and a few allies, got work done, and kept my head afloat.

Of course it wasn't all happy days, sun rays, and spring flowers every day. Had some rain on my parade for a few hours in the form of drama and decision making but luckily those didn't last too long.

So what's on tap for the remainder of my weekend? Work and Halloween accessories searching. I got most of my costume ready...except the shoes. (Note: How Finish Line got a pair of red shoes sized 13 mixed with a pair of orange shoes sized 9.5 is beyond me.) So because of this little fiasco...I got to return them and hopefully get these bad boys before the haunting festivities begin next weekend.

Should be a fantastic glorious time. Wishing the same for you guys and gals during this weekend. That's what it's for right? Glorious and fun times? You get the picture.

Enjoy it. Gotta get back to work. Hee Hee. :)

Ttyl.


40...

Always strive to excel, but only on weekends.
-Richard Rorty

Motives On Tap 39

Thankful for another week of adventure!

Last week had it's high points, stressors, and moments of randomness. But I've survived.

I'm ready to start the new week...are you?

Get ready.
Set.
GO!

Be Not Afraid of Greatness. Today be greater than your competition.

-The Rock

Motives On Tap 38

What a week ahead of me.

The past few days have been quite stressful. Just going through all the emotions that are currently in my mental state and the people and places involved with my high levels. Co-workers, supervisors, girlfriend, friends, family, strangers, patients, professors...it all just put a crack on my armor and made me a little more on edge.

But I'm taking some time to myself just to regroup. Spent a little energy off my objectives when they were completed by working out, playing a video game or two, blasting some music, downing a beer. You know...the usual to get my mind off the negative.

Now it's Monday night. I at least got 2 of my exams done online and did rather well on each to my satisfaction. Prepping for my last one of the week which is a few days away but hoping for the same results of the previous...if not better.

Other than that, made myself another Weekly Challenge; a rather simple one for me. The Challenge (numero dos! (2)) is to spend 30 minutes or more each day this week working out. Working out your body is a great way to build muscle, steady blood flow, stamina, and melt your stress away with every rep. I haven't been as intense as my usual self and cut back on my time at the local gym plaza but that shall change this week.

Already started well on that aspect with doing a Chest & Back routine from my P90X exercise program. By the way, it works haha. Been slacking a bit on it thanks to Gears 3 but I'll be back doing the full routine shortly.

Mission of the Week: Don't stress the small stuff. Looking at the bigger picture I've let a lot of little things get to me recently. I'm going to try and not focus all of my energy on the little things that make me tick unless they physically or mentally become irritating. Just going with the flow, staying above sea level, and enjoy the days.

Wishing all of you a fantastic week!!! Want to join in my workout challenge? Don't be scared! Jump in!!! You don't have to go the gym everyday...go for a jog or walk, play some DDR, take a yoga class. Just do something with moving your body, burning calories, and staying fit.

And here's number 38...ttyl.

If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end.

- Julius Erving

Thank You Mr. Jobs

‎"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

-Steve Jobs
1955-2011

Motives On Tap 37 (+ Challenge Update!)

Hey ya!!!

Another day, another blessing to see it.

So what have I been up to? The usual grind of academics and work mixed with good times. Also, the "Make Someone's Day" Challenge that I challenged myself this week. Speaking of which...here's the update on that.

Tuesday

This was basically make people laugh day for me. From my co-workers at the radio station, to my classmates, to even strangers on the street. I made a variety of people have a good chuckle or two; some lasted longer than others. But it was a good feeling just making someone laugh for a little bit and just get their minds off whatever it is has them occupied.

I think the biggest laughfest happened during my radio broadcasts at WVCW. What can I say? I'm a comedian I suppose.

Wednesday

I got news during my shift about a former co-worker of mine that I basically enjoyed being around. Unfortunately, he could not work due to his back injury and surgery. And to make things worse...he couldn't get any aid and has been struggling with his loved ones financial wise.

So when I heard this I helped started a little donation since the guy was a joy to be around and made working here a breeze during his time here. I only had 5 bucks in my pocket but if I had more I would give it to him since it's for a good cause for a good guy.

At the end, a total of 80 bucks was donated to him. We wish him the very best.

We're thinking of you, Walter.


So today is Thursday. I just woke up so haven't made someone's day yet. But I'll update soon when I do. Other than that, let's enjoy another day on Earth.

On Tap 37...ttyl.

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

-Buddha

Challenge Update!

So the "Make Someone's Day" Challenge for the week is underway for me and I've already completed it for today!

How so?

Ironically it happened at my place of work. We had a patient that was in serious amounts of distress and pain; you can see it the person's face that they were just plain miserable. Unable to talk clearly, barely moving, and such.

Their doctor ordered a few x-rays on the patient and since they were too unstable to move, we had to move the patient. So just by looking at the patient straight in the eyes telling what was going to happen, the patient was able to get some comfort. Ironically, the comfort was coming from me even though I was the one moving them around and such.

Basically, I kept talking to the patient just to give them some sort of comfort during their whole ideal. And that even made the patient crack a smile during the process. The procedure took awhile to complete but our team managed to complete the task.

So that was my good deed for this Monday...at least one of them. :)

Hope your Monday went well wherever you are...ttyl.

Challenge: "Make Someone's Day" Week

Whoa...this weekend has been epic thus far.

My glorious weekend of Oktoberfest, karaoke, Socctoberfest, dancing, bar hopping, music blasting, and fist pumping was exactly what I needed.

Now that it's coming towards end I'm looking towards a new week of adventure.

And then this random thought popped in my head:

What if for one straight week I could make someone's day?

Pretty random I know. But I kept thinking about it and I'm seriously going to attempt this mental challenge of mine. For this next week, I'm going to make someone's day with either a laugh, hug, talk, date, chill time, or something every day this week.

Yes, keeping yourself happy is a great way to keep your stress levels to the minimum. Doing it by helping someone else out could do double the work.

Anyway, I thought this thought was rather interesting. I think everyone should try this out for a week. Just go through your day and see if you can just make someone's day. It's not as complex as you might be thinking...this should make this week that much more fun.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.
I know for a fact that I have.

See ya Monday! Ttyl.

Rough Edges

"Some days everything is swell. Other days you just want to fall into the well." -Kazie

Today was one of those days for me where everything just seemed rough around the edges.

The festivities started with cuddling with my insomnia Wednesday night. An as an extra bonus, I had a early AM class to attend along with a lot of other tasks on my daily to do-list. One of those included an afternoon exam...could this get even better?

Oh but it can.

So I would say I finally dosed to sleep around 5 AM and got at least a solid 2-3 hours of sleep until my alarm went off. And by alarm I'm not referring to my digital clock. The alarm would be the roofers above my heads banging on the roof. I seriously felt as if a migraine was banging on top of my cranium. Quite terrible but I couldn't wander back to sleep with all that going on upstairs.

Other things such as school assignments, deadlines, and even one of my tires losing air piled on to my levels of irritation for the day. But during it all...I kept my cool around the edges.

Days like these happen to people. Not every day of our lives is gonna be peachy, a set of roses, or whatever day care fairy tale you want to come up with. It gets tough out here and it can get to you when things just aren't going your way. However, for my sanity's sake I kept my composure leveled because in the back of mind I thought that if I snapped, the day would increase in difficulty and make it 100 times worse.

So how did I keep a leveled head on the playing field? Deep breathing exercises.

Just took a few minutes out of the day and just took some deep breaths releasing the stress, anger, and everything negative out of me and focusing on the awesomeness that today has brought me in small containers.

I also took a trip to the gym to let out some "frustration". That also did the trick.

They're plenty of ways to settle your mind from reaching critical levels of stress and irritation. Just do your best to keep above a ground when the going gets tough.

Preparing for a better tomorrow...after all, it is Friday so why stress about that??

Ttyl.

MotiTunes!: Art of Dying

"If I can get through this. I can get through anything."
"If I can get through this. I can get through anything."

No matter how many times I hear that in this song it will never get old.

My music hunter inside of me was looking for some new tunes to jam to during my daily hustle. During my hunt, I ran across the band, Art of Dying, and decided to give my ears something new to listen to after hearing "Die Trying" (HINT!: another great song! )

The song I'm currently listening to is "Get Through This". It's a energy thumping piece of alternative goodness from Art of Dying. The main theme is getting through things that make you stronger. We all have to get through some unbelievable barriers and objects on the daily basis; this song makes them seem like small stepping stones.

I love the energy, the vibe, the guitar strokes, the lyrics, the smell...well maybe not the smell. This song is banging and should be a definite add to your music library. Especially if you are going through something, press play and let the darkness fade.

Because if you get through this, you can get through anything.

Check it out!

"Get Through This"

Balance (On Tap 36)

Can you believe it's Wednesday already?
I really can't with all the activities that I'm currently involved in with all these radios shows, classes, study time, quality time, gym time, and all other sorts of times that I have.

But it's a good thing. Staying active and constantly on the move is a great way to feel accomplished, have a positive mindset, and also getting some things done off your to do list. However, don't overdo your work capacity and go overload; that will definitely mess up your performance when it comes to tasks. We don't want you stressing out now do we?

It's been a cool yet busy few days. Just taking things one at a time and doing my best. That's all I really can do.

Pace yourself, do your best. That makes life so much easier.

Enjoy your Wednesday folks, I gotta run....work is calling me. (Sprints!)



(Sprints Back to Laptop...)



Oh yeah...Number 36!!

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

-Beverly Sills

Motives On Tap 35

TGIF, folks.

Been a crazy week for you? Well you might be extra thankful that the weekend is coming soon.

Hope all of you enjoy it and take some time to yourself to fully make yourself whole before the new week approaches. Just make sure not to go too crazy out there.

Enjoy!!!

And here's On Tap Number 35...

Oh look at that. It's Friday. And do a happy dance!

-Kazie

Motives On Tap 34

You ever had that moment in time where you just stare at the ceiling or the sky for awhile and just let your thoughts wonder?

That happen to me on Sunday night.

It was pass my nighttime and I just couldn't sleep because my mind would just not turn off. Well, according to natural sciences, the human brain never turns off unless...your dead. And I was breathing at the time so I was still living. But anyway, I was just thinking about random thoughts and where I was at that current moment.

Looking back at my timeline. The good, the bad, the bizarre, the suffering, the rebuilding. Just looking back at events that molded me in this current state. Everyone has a moment like this from time. Yes, there are some moments when I look back that could have been differently with a different decision but you can't change it.

And I think that's one flaw in certain people: They let their past decide their future.

Like one of my psychology teachers told me: You had stress in your past, you're going to have stress in your present, and stress will be in your future. This is one of the most truthful statements that I've heard during my college career. We work so much on trying to have a stress-free life but in the end that kind of life doesn't exist.

In my view, there are lives with minimum stress and there are lives where stress has taken over. I prefer living my life and some days stress levels will rise up a little bit. But as long as I'm not letting it consume myself so much that I can't fully function to the best of abilities...then I'm ahead of the demons.

DO NOT LET STRESS TAKE YOUR LIFE!

I've seen hundreds of people take their lives just because they couldn't handle stress. Because they wanted to be someone other than themselves. You are You; don't let the public manipulate you into something that you aren't. Don't let stress manipulate you into saying that you are a loser because you don't have a fancy car, a mansion, or a 7 figure salary. Work on being a person that has fun while handling business while being you. That's how you live.

You will have stress; Everyone will. But if you let it get the best of you then you might as well wave the White Flag and surrender. Keep yourself happy and stop mopping about your past mistakes; you have a bright future ahead of you.


And today's On Tap is....

Give your stress wings and let it fly away.

-Terrri Guillemets

Motives On Tap 33

Friday.
The final boss battle before the credits roll.

It's been quite a week for myself in a good way. Just been handling my business with academics while also making time to enjoy myself with other random activities and such. I feel really accomplished as this week comes to a close.

I also learned something that people need to hear: Make time for your inner happy. And what that means is schedule a little time in your jam-packed daily routine for some you time. Whether it's going to the gym, reading a magazine, hanging with your friends for lunch, whatever it is that you do.

Plus, I also started doing P90X. I love working out and all but I wanted to see if I can actually push myself to this routine for the next 90 days. I'm on Day 5 and man...I can already see some "improvements" lol. Not even gonna lie...this fitness program is tough but worth the work. It's a very good mixture of exercises regularly done at a gym and you don't stop. I feel like I burn a gigantic amount of calories and sweat so much that I could fill a small lake. But I love it, hopefully I can survive the full 90 Days.

Other than that, I'm level headed and just enjoying life at the moment.
Hope you guys and gals are doing the same.

And On Tap numero 33 is...

I might be too strung out on compliments,
Overdosed on confidence.
Starting not to give a f!&k and stop fearing the consequence.

-Drake

Enjoy your weekend.

Motives On Tap 32

Monday.
One of the biggest evils that man has to face besides avoiding parking Nazis and heavy traffic on the local highway.

And probably communism. But no bigger nemesis than Monday.

The good news about this Monday is perhaps that it is National Video Games Day!! Now as an avid gamer, I'll join in the fray later after I get some work done to celebrate this joyous occasion with some gamers on Xbox LIVE with a few rounds. If you like playing video games whether you enjoy the PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo 64, Playstation, Atari 2600; go play some today!

Other than that, Monday is gonna be a great start for you guys if you have the right attitude. Don't nag that you have to get up for work like almost everyone else that is blessed to have a job. Instead, take a few deep breaths, wash up, and prepare to kick some ass. Not literally unless one of your job descriptions is to physically kick some ass on the daily basis.

Enjoy your Monday people. Make a good run out of the gates, we got a few more days until the weekend comes back at us for another session of relaxation.

LET'S DO IT!!!

Arise.

And here's today's On Tap...Number 32!!

You look around like ain't nothing stopping me. This is my time, my choice, like the whole damn world gotta hear my voice.

-Project Lionheart

MotiTunes!: Project Lionheart

You ever have that feeling when you listen to a new song that you just got to have it? Well that just happened to me.
I was watching some trailers for NBA 2K12. Yeah, video game trailers...shocker, eh?

Anyways, I watched one of them (this one to be exact) and as I kept watching it I really started to get my attention of the visual and more on the soundtrack in the background.



Project Lionheart is based out of Seattle, Washington. A mixture of 3 artists from Punk Rock and even West African percussion together to make an interesting fusion of hip hop.

From what I heard for the first time on this song, I was impressed by their art. The song is very relaxing with a smooth beat and vocalist that blends well to make a very pleasing song for your ears.

Give it a listen.

The song is called "They Come Back"

"They Come Back"

Motives On Tap 31

Thursday.

Mission: Make It To Friday.

GO!

By Thursday morning, we'd gotten over the worst of it. 

-William Scranton

TGIF! (On Tap 30)

Friday could not come soon enough this week.

With all the hurricane business to start the festivities and numerous amounts of power outages along with the cleaning up of all the damages...I'm pretty sure I am not the only person looking forward to the weekend.

As an extra bonus, it's Labor Day Weekend!!! So fire up those grills, grab a few 6 packs, and bring plenty of food for some good eating in the backyard!

Very excited for today myself seeing that I basically have a full plate of events to attend to today. My afternoon basically involves tacos, beer, soccer, and red sweater vests.  Some of you don't get that last part of the previous sentence but if you're a VCU student or fan...exactly. :)

Then after all the sporting goodness, a night out the town along with some other enjoyable moments are in the workings for myself.  So here's to you Friday...we've been through a tough week and this one's for you for not coming fast enough.

Cheers.

And here is today's quote for On Tap...number 30!

Enjoy your weekend folks!

 

The only liberty an inferior man really cherishes is the liberty to quit work, stretch out in the sun, and scratch himself

-H.L. Mencken 

P.S. Red Sweater Vests= University of Richmond for those that were confused. We play them in soccer today.

Motives On Tap 29

Never pass on the small stuff.
You will regret it later.

"It's something about losing something that makes you thankfully for the little things life brings."

-Kazie

Motives On Tap 28

Another week in progress and for some on the East Coast they are still without power.

But fear not...we shall overcome.

The rebuilding phase continues in a positive direction as more than a couple of thousands have regained electricity in their households and some power companies are making it their goal to have at least 90%-95% of householders back and running before the end of the week.

Irene is officially a tropical depression and far away from the states and Canada so that's a sigh of a relief. This isn't gonna be an easy task to clean up all this mess she left behind but as long as our heads are above water instead of drowning under it then everything should be back to normal before we all know it.

All the trees and the flooding waters throughout the states still need to be cleared up. Remember that these tasks will take time to complete so you may be in the dark for a few more days...as am I.

Keep your head up people and stay positive as you continue through your days.


And here's today On Tap.

Because if you have a strong foundation like we have, then you can build or rebuild anything on it. But if you've got a weak foundation you can't build anything.

-Jack Scalia

Final Score: Human Race 1, Irene 0

"Survival. It's what man is really good at." -Kazie

Hurricane Irene has finally left us here in the East Coast and boy can girl leave some damage on your home on the way out the door.

Massive flooding, vicious winds, trees falling down like lightweights, power lines on the fritz, roads shutdown, houses damaged, cars totaled. It was just a never ending cycle of bad news coming down on us during this weekend.

At least 21 people died from the carnage that was Irene and sadly that number might be increasing soon. According to experts, the range of damage done on the East Coast overall is around $7 billion. And not to mention the millions of people that are currently without electricity in their households.

But out of all this there is a positive; a pretty big one if you ask me...and that this: We survived.

Yes, it wasn't pretty by any imagination but that fact that we survived Irene is a step moving forward. We have survived bigger disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the California Wildfires, 9/11. World War I, and many other historical conflicts that threatened us. But guess what? We may have lost a few souls and I give condolences towards them and their families but we are still alive and kicking.

The rebuilding process will take some time; This is probably the most hated sentence in this post but it's true. You can't satisfy every one's personal need of power in one day when there are millions that are in the same boat as you are. The clean up crew has a lot of tasks on their checklist to complete and it will take a while until all those conditions are met. We just need to have some patience because as bad as you think you have it right now...someone is doing far worse.

I have no power, probably won't have it for a week but I'm forever grateful that I'm still living. That my vehicle is still in good traveling condition. That I still have a job to go to and make some sort of salary. I'm a lucky guy in every sense of the word; so I can go without power because I know it will eventually turn back on. I would be lying if I want everything in the crib to be up and running ASAP but I'm in no rush. Yeah I'll lose the food and drinks I have in the fridge but at least I'm still fortunate to even have a fridge.

So people complaining about why the power ain't on yet, please do me and those that think similar to me a favor....shut up.

For everyone that has been affected by Irene I wish you all safety and peace of mind as we go through the aftermath and the rebuilding process. We will return to our regular scheduled program of life...just gotta watch a few reruns until the power comes back on.

Protect your neck and watch out for them trees on the road. We've been through many disasters here in the states and survive, let's not let this Category 1 Hurricane be the dagger shall we?

Survival is the name of the game. Well...game on.