Critical Cinco!

The World Is Our Playground; Not Our Graveyard.

Allo Hello people of the interwebs! Kazie here once again reporting LIVE from Planet Earth here on this Thursday! We're one day away from Friday people! If that doesn't excite you a bit then you might really be dead inside...or just a mad hater with an despicable aftertaste.

Anywho...Thursday! Time for another version of Critical Thursday and for today's post, the thumping matter within my cranium came up with this question/thought to discuss:

What's Next?

Two punctuation marks, two simple words; and yet this simple use of grammar is a very powerful combination. What's Next? Could mean a variety of things to people...what's my next challenge? what's my next objective? what's my blood pressure? what's my lunch today? what my future?

Most of us are consumed over being ahead of the curve; figuring out what's next for us in a futuristic sense. Which isn't a bad move on anyone's part. I give a thumb's up (maybe even 2...) if someone is able to plan their whole life story and stick to that game-plan from the cradle to the grave. In order to get things done in this world, you need to create a blueprint. Not a complete third-dimensional figurine of your life filled with the shortcuts and slip-ups that you will have at age 28 and those golden moments in your later years...nah. However, setting a goal for yourself is the first step towards finding yourself and what you will ultimately become in the future. 

The future is something good to plan for however sometimes we overlook what is already in front of us here and now; a handful of people are busy looking towards their future instead of living right here, right now. When we have a blurred vision, sometimes we miss golden opportunities that could eventually boost our chances to have a great future. For example, you're so focused on going to college and study your life away for 4-5 years yet you didn't spend anytime socializing with local students, going to a party or 5, attending a sporting event, or even talking to that guy or gal that had their eye on you in BIO 151. Experiences will help build you temple mentally, physically, and spiritually...the good, the bad, and the downright shitty...how else are you suppose to grow as a person besides studying organic chemistry at your desk?

Have some fun here in present day!

Speaking of shitty...that's what is always around the corner when we think about what's next; those moments that we try to avoid but just can't. Like one of my great psychology professor's said:

"Stress. Stress was part of your past, stress is part of your present, and stress will be part of your future."

Some of those stressful moments you will be able to recover very quickly; others might take a few days of healing wounds and patching lacerations in order to get back on your feet. As long as you get back up and keep moving forward then you are doing life right. There is nothing wrong with getting knocked down to the ground and getting curbed stomped a few times for added suffering; just get back up and go hard into the paint.

And maybe wear a helmet this time...

Everyone has a bright future ahead of them; all that varies is what you want to do, how do you want to do, and how much effort are you willing to give in order to turn that dream into reality. We all should have the mindset and will to be better every single day as a person; we all are human so we will have a slip-up or two here and there. As long as we get back up and chase after the trophy, the ring, the job, and the future that we want then you can get it and become a champion.

And then host an "I Made It!" party and invite me so we can cheers to your accomplishments.

So What's Next? That is entirely up to you.

Love Yo Face. Enjoy Thursday.

Critical Thursday Tres!

As another day rises up from the ashes and my eyes open slightly showing that I am indeed still alive on this rock...one question runs rapid throughout my cranium as I lay here...

Why So Serious?

The infamous question made famous by The Joker but yeah...think about it. Why So Serious? Why must life be oh so serious at every living moment of the hour, day, week, month, and year? Now I'm not stating that life is all play and no worries; there are some moments that should be taken seriously but everyday though? Not really feeling that read...

Most people are all about getting shit done here and now; which isn't a wrong way to handle your business. However, when it gets to the point that this is all you think about there lies the dilemma. You become so wrapped up in your own shit that you ignore the other shit that's happening around you which leads to your life becoming...well in simple turns...shit.  Everyone should be able to handle their own business on their own but don't get so over-consumed by this that you actually start missing moments in your life that you will indeed be sadden that you missed the opportunities to experience them. 

Life is short; we've heard this before and I'm pretty sure it will be on a bulletin board somewhere as we walk to get a cup of Joe as we just so happen to look that direction. Back on subject...life is short. (see? Told You.) It's not always a total paradise with our feet in the sand as we look out towards the horizon in relaxation; some chapters involve some dark and gritty details that we would like to overlook but that helps makes us into who we are. Enjoy your life and by all means...ENJOY IT! None of us REALLY know what lies ahead of us when we all pass away from this place. No matter what religion or non-religion beliefs you believe in...we all at some point will be no more.  It's scary to think about but that's a reason to live life as much as possible...at least for me it is.

Take in all the moments that life brings your way...the good, the bad, the despicable, the random, the take-downs, and the up-risers....all of them. Learn from them because in the end, all the experiences you've taken molds your life. Those experiences can help bring you towards better things and others (especially if you have offspring) can learn from you and what you have gone through and accomplished. You never know when you can be an inspirational upbringing to someone.

One of my favorite people that I enjoy watching and listening to is Mr. Philly Defranco (ironic since he Loves Yo Faces too.) on YouTube. Check out this video on his Top 10 Life Tips! They're funny and actually very thoughtful...but mostly funny. 

The video and he alone is a prime example as to not being so serious...serious seriousness can kill you slowly from within. Let your mind and body go through changes, get a new haircut, go to China, eat that Triple Decker Cheeseburger with small salad on the side, go to Disneyland AND Disneyworld, ask the girl of your dreams out...and if she turns out to be a bitch...well at least you tried. Don't have the serious stick be so far up your behind that you just don't experience life the fullest degree in all of it's wackiness and good times.

But Yeah! Don't be so serious in this game called Life...because it's not a game like Super Mario World where you go in a straight line from world to world trying to save the "princess". It's more like Borderlands...you're in the massive open world filled with all sorts of experiences, missions, people, loot, and XP at your disposal.

Now go out there and have some fun. 

And watch out for those Puppy Skags...nasty little fellas.

Critical Thursday 2!

Thursday is here! Time to bring out the ol' think bucket!

I was very surprised at how many people and shares that my first Critical Thursday post (Link!) received and just wanted to say thanks to all those that read, commented, and shared. Love All Yo Faces.

But onward we go for Round 2!

This week's question/topic is...

What do you define as "Making It"?

We all come from different backgrounds and upbringings across the globe but we all have a connection to this idea of "making it". And by making it, it could differ in personal details based on who you ask.

Some define "making it" in your riches, others with your occupation, some look at your house, etc, etc, etc. There are a variety of factors that people can make a judgment on someone making it but what does making it mean to the person that you just so happen to be?

In my view, some people define as "making it" without the regard of the material things and define it with waking up the next day. Some people are not as fortunate as others with waking up in a warm bed, eating a nice home cooked meal, or even going to a closet and picking out an attire to wear for the new day. Some have to wake up on sidewalks, park benches, dumpsters; basically a fight for survival each day out here in a world of chaos. However, based on their situation it might suck big time but some are happy that they are able to close their eyes and then re-open them to see another day. That could be some people's version of "making it"; seeing the future right now here in the present in an environment that doesn't look promising that they would even make it one more day.

Others can define "making it" love wise; some look at your partner and based that on if you're a success story or just another victim. A chosen few do find their lifelong partner in the earliest stages of their lives while others go through the ringer trying to find the one. And some don't even bother trying anymore after that first breakup/stab wound to the heart and just go it alone. But yeah...love can play a factor of "making it". Whether you're hetero on homo (Not judging.), love can have a strong effect on a person and their idea of "making it." 

Money, cars, cribs, mansions. People would only dream of this kind of lifestyle and define "making it" in this fashion. You got that wad of cash? You got that new car of dreams? How about a house that's not a double wide? The material side of things can come into play with "making it" since...well you need money to buy expensive things right? For me, I wouldn't judge this sense as the end all-be all of "making it" but some people just do. But if you are able to make it rain, then by all means go ahead. Just give me a warning so I can bring out my umbrella...ella...ella...ey!

"Making It"; It's a interesting concept to dissect and zoom in with microscopes to figure out the working details behind the words.

Putting myself under the microscope...I would define "making it" as having the ability to live comfortably and able to provide for yourself daily without fault. In simpler terms...you're able to survive and live by yourself without the assistance of others.  You have your own income, car, crib, and skill-set to live a good life for you, yourself, and that other pronoun that is not I.  I'm not knocking anyone that does not have this abstract idea of mine...you guys are living your lives how you choose. But this is how I view someone as "making it" on this 3rd rock from the sun.

Do I factor love into it? Yeah to a point...If you find your special someone that makes you happy and you make them happy then yes I can see that as "making it" in one part of the spectrum; I can also see some people that don't want a partner at all and still "make it". Now I can (experienced and have) seen love torture situations with promise and mess up a feel good story and turn it into a sorrow dark spell. With love, it's all up to the eye of the beholder. If you want it, just don't be so assumed by the want of it because you will ruin yourself. If you don't, well just keep doing what your doing.

Your inner circle will also play a factor. Friendships can help motivate and even inspire others to keep fighting and clawing towards their dreams. You can have 1, 5, 287, or 30,000+. Friends can make you feel alright and in your zone socially and spiritually which can fuel your fire and put a permanent smirk on that face of yours. Plus you can throw a nice "Making It" block party in celebration once you reach that plateau...and also get invited to theirs. PAR-TAY!

There are some feel good rags to riches stories out here of people that made it; and I truly believe that EVERYONE has a shot of making it, reaching their dreams, and accomplishing their goals. All of these vary from person to person but all of us can "Make It". Never ever give up on what you believe in and what you want to accomplish...and above all else...BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. We all go through trials and tribulations in our life cycles that curb stomp us down to the ground and knock the wind out of us; that doesn't mean that you stay on the ground permanently. 

Treat your wounds, pick yourself up, build on your strengths and weaknesses, and keep moving forward.

We all have the power to do great things on this Earth.

Like one of my favorite gym shirts says...Make It Happen.

Critical Thursday 1

Thought of trying a little something something on Thursdays...Critical Thursdays.

In a nutshell, I ask a question and give out my version of an answer. Then you read, analyze, critique for spelling and punctuation errors, and you could even give me your own answer to the question asked by yours truly. (Would enjoy reading it, promises)

So...Here. We. Go.

To kick this off, I have to reference one of my good friends (BRY-TAY!) since he basically gave me inspiration on starting this by asking this question to me and his circle:

What does a woman want to have in the one?

Now of course, there were some short and sweet answers, some answers in essay form, and others had no replies; in the mixture of different perspectives, wants, needs, and desires...this question brought out a lot of emotion and thought. So here's my answer:

Cutting aside attractiveness, cuteness, and other physical appearance attributes of the specimen of her dreams, women want these 5 things in their version of the one:

Protection, Compassion, Love, Dedication, and Independence.

Don't worry I'll explain...

Protection: Meaning that she wants a man to obviously protect her both physically and mentally from harm. Doesn't mean that you have to have the upper body like the God of Thunder (unless she is into that sort of thing) but protect your woman! Make her feel safe when she is around you. When a woman feels safe just standing, sitting, or even cuddling right next to you...you're doing something right.

Compassion: Have a heart man. I know that this is something that most women out here think is non-existent because we are men! Yeah! Bacon! Gym! Video Games! GRRR! Anyway...yeah guys, learn this trait. Women want a man with a hard chest but behind that chiseled piece of equipment they want a heart...at least one for them anyway; when she is having a bad day, he comes in and tries to clean it up with a joke, tickle, or even a nice warm hug. Or even better...TALK! Showing compassion is not a sign of weakness; in fact she might reward you for showing your soft side every once in awhile (Hey-Yo!).

Love: This is the obvious one of the 5. Do you love her? Simple question yet complex answer...Do you love the girl?; better yet...does your actions and dialogue show it to her? If the answers are yes then congrats, you successfully have the 3rd thing. I don't have to explain this one since love varies independently upon the beholder but if you love her (and I mean really love her..) then yeah...should be fine in this area.

Dedication: It's one thing to love; it's another to be dedicated to the craft. By dedicated meaning that you're showing that you love her on the daily basis instead on just so-called important times. Now by dedication...that doesn't reference to spending a fortune on gifts, glamour, and propaganda. But hey...if you got it like that and show it off like that to yours then by all means go for it. Some girls...scratch that...the majority of women want someone that shows their love NOT in gift giver mode. Meaning, saying that I Love You, complimenting their wardrobe, cracking a joke, giving them a nice hug when you see them, making stupid faces at each other, taking her out for a dinner and a movie. See what I mean? Do you have the time to make her feel loved? This could be more important than love itself.

Independence: Tricky territory we are entering here interwebs. When you both are together as a couple, this doesn't really play into affect too much. But when you are both not in the same vicinity, can she be an independent female without your presence? Basically...can she be comfortable and herself in her own skin without you? Woman don't want somebody that will make her so clingy without you being around 24/7; you can't be around anyone for that long and not expect any fireworks to jump off (The Bad Kind.) Doing the couple stuff...yeah that's great. Remember...you have friends, family, co-workers, etc in your life as well that need your attention and services. When that happens, can she be an independent and do her thing while you go do your thing? Then when everything is finished up y'all can get back together and crash on the couch and watch a movie or cuddle up for the night? Ladies love people that let them be themselves both on and off the court so to speak. Don't be that one that turns them into a dependence. 

Whew! That was long...(Insert "That's What She Said" Lulz.). Think I got close to an essay answer but at least it's in paragraph form haha. But that's my answer to this week's question; would like to read some of your answers!

What does a woman want to have in the one?

Enjoy Your Thursday. Love Yo Face.