A bit of a preface to this next piece. First of all, it’s not written by me. It’s written by someone who’s very near and dear to my heart. I’ve always known that she was extremely talented with her writing, and told her that on numerous occasions, and this just proves my point. The story itself is actually about a stuffed animal that I’ve had since before I was born. “Baby Chris” as I’ve called him my entire life. He’s a small stuffed bear that fits into my palm that my mother received as a baby shower gift for me. He’s been chewed, punched, sat on, left in storage, thrown up on…the works. But he’s been there through it all for me. A comfort. A “go to” confidant.

"Baby Chris"

I left to San Diego for a period of time, and left Chris with her, to keep her company, and to comfort her because I was gone. Months passed and honestly I didn’t really think too much about where he was because I knew he was somewhere with her, and it’s not really like I sleep with him on a nightly basis. Then one day out of the blue, I opened up my front door and saw a brown paper bag sitting on the doorstep. Inside was Chris and next to him was an envelope marked “Mike.” I opened the envelope and found a letter wrapped in a sheet of paper that said: “PLEASE READ ME” with the “E” in “me” turned backwards. It was written in crayon.

I opened up what I had until this point assumed was a letter, but instead began to read a story. A story written “by” Chris. From his perspective of the past few months. A story about love. Hope. Potential. Destiny.

This is Chris’ story about his Forever Child. Me.

To my Forever Child: (by Jorie Nieman)

With a nose made of cloth, and no mouth sewn on I have no human voice to communicate with. So, I have decided to write you a letter to tell you where I’ve been and how I got back to you.

I remember the day you pulled me out of storage. It had been a while since you held me, but because you were my Forever Child I didn’t mind the minor distance in a downstairs closet. I felt the love you have always had for me. I felt the comfort I still provided for you.

Before I could get too cozy in your hand, I discovered you were going to a far away land called “Sand E.A. Go.” At first I was scared! I wanted to be near you to give you the comfort I have provided for you since you were born. Just as I started to worry, you placed me in the hands of a girl. A beautiful girl. A special girl. A girl who immediately loved and cherished me because she loved you.

At that moment I understood what you desired of me: to comfort and love not only you, my Forever Child, but your loved one too. I knew I was supposed to channel YOUR love and YOUR comfort to her through my being.

I didn’t know at that time that the events that followed would be the greatest part of my destiny.

While you were gone to your far away land to slay monsters and fight for pots of gold using only your mighty weapon “Macintosh”, the girl held me dear because she held you dear in her heart.

Every night she kissed my nose, said “I love you”, and then cuddled me up to her neck as she fell asleep.

Some nights she would start to cry, and I felt how much she missed you, so I would muster up every bit of your love, cuddle up to her as close as I could and with all kindness give your love to her; give your comfort to her just as I gave you mine throughout your life. It always worked for her, and because of this she took good care of me. She never rolled over me in her sleep. If I fell off the bed she’d search for me. When she made her bed, I got to be in front of the Pillows. I think the Pillows were jealous of me, but I knew they wouldn’t do anything. Everyone knows Pillows are lazy creatures.

Eventually you returned, exhausted from your battles in the land of “Sand E.A. Go” but not broken. The girl was exhausted as well. Distance is difficult between love. However, together you were able to restore the tired parts of your hearts – parts that I might be able to console, but only the two of you could mend.

Shortly after your return when I was expecting to be back in your warm hands, I ended up falling off the bed while doing my daily Tae Bo routine! Due to my body of padding and cloth I wasn’t hurt – but I sure was lost! How strange it was! After all the times I’d rolled off the girls bed, I had never ended up in this particular place! I had no idea what these strange creatures were all around me, or if I was going to be safe.

At first I didn’t worry too much. I figured the girl would find me as she always did. However, I hadn’t realized that her heart was now complete due to your return. She now had you to kiss goodnight. To say “I love you” to and to cuddle up next to her. Things were back the way they were supposed to be for you and your love. Yet my life was now different than ever before.

Once I realized this I began to cry. My Forever Child and his love had forgotten about me! Had all the love and comfort I provided been in vain? Had I not done enough? Did they not care? What was I supposed to do lost in this land of unknown creatures?

Just as my cloth heart was about to pop a stitch, I felt something on my shoulder. To my surprise it was one of the new creatures! Frightened, I jumped away to hide. The creature spoke to me and I immediately knew I had nothing to fear. The wisdom and pure intentions of this creature were unlike anything I had experienced before. He told me that he was a “Shooze” and his name was SneeKerr. He assured me that I was safe and welcome, for Shooze are serving creatures.

Over the next few weeks I learned about the other Shooze. Some were flat and thin. They glided around with ease and grace. These were called “WahKing” Shooze. Others were tall and appeared to have swords attached to them. They were sophisticated, strong and proud. They were called “SteelEtos” Shooze. But of all the Shooze, SneeKerr was the wisest, thus making him the leader. He spoke of adventures long ago of being stuck in mud and buried in deep snow. Of far away lands with streets as old as Pillows and places that smelled of cotton candy. Throughout these adventures, even when he was covered in foul-smelling muck and didn’t think he could go another step, he gained wisdom. I learned from his tales that even though I hadn’t planned on ending up with the Shooze, it wasn’t bad that I was there.

I learned, as the Shooze took care of me, that this girl always came back. They told me that things would work out.

As time passed, I started to enjoy my new life with the Shooze, but I also knew I was different from them. The Shooze were fulfilling their purposes…but I knew their purpose was different than mine. I knew what my life had been before, but I never imagined it would become what it had become now. I began to wonder what I was supposed to do and to doubt that the girl would ever find me.

Distressed and confused, I decided to consult SneeKerr. I expressed to him my love for the Shooze, but confessed that I had a feeling I was to do something different. I also expressed my fear that I would never be found. That although I was with wonderful creatures, I was in a place I had never planned on being in. I wasn’t sure what to do. I felt…sad.

He looked at me with loving eyelets and gently said, “There is no need to fear. Find your intention. Imagine yourself to be and you shall be. Focus on love, beauty, creativity, kindness, and allow all of your activities to be directed by your Source. Abandon and surrender the things of your cloth, and your intention will manifest.”

His words melted into the deepest fibers of my padding. As I spent time pondering and following SneeKerr’s advice, I discovered that I knew I wanted to be back with you, my Forever Child, so that I could give you my comfort. I recognized that that is, and has always been, my purpose.

Not too long after I started to focus on what SneeKerr taught me, the girl suddenly appeared! She was looking hard for the Shooze she hadn’t taken out for a long time. I watched as she searched and searched, but this time I didn’t doubt that she’d find me: I knew what my intention was. Just as she appeared to give up, she moved on last Shooze – and found me!

I noticed her pause for a moment when she saw me, but as a big smile crossed her face my joy became overwhelming. I knew I was on the path to my purpose – my destiny.

She picked me up so gently, gazed at me for a minute and then unexpectedly she started to cry. I didn’t understand at first. “Shouldn’t I be providing comfort for her?” I thought.

Then I felt it. A small sadness coming directly from her heart. A heart I had known so well. I realized that you are no longer the one she kisses goodnight, the one she says “I love you” to or the one she cuddles with. So right then, I cuddled up to her neck as close as I could to give her the comfort I was created to provide. Right away she relaxed. With a sigh and a smile she kissed my nose and told me she loved me, but that it was time for me to return to you, my Forever Child.

She knows that writing is the best way to tell you my story, so that you know I didn’t abandon you. I just needed to understand my full potential, my purpose and how to arrive at it. Now…here I am.

Love always,

Chris

When I finished reading this story I was in tears. Chris got exactly what he wanted. He’s fulfilling his destiny. Once he was lost and scared and confused as to where to go but now, he’s found and knows exactly what he needs to do. You’ll be happy to know that the trio has once again been reunited, and Chris couldn’t be happier. He has the girl he’s grown to care for, and his Forever Child with him. In fact, that picture above was taken just a few moments before I finished this. He’s right here with me, watching and giving his input into how I should bring the story across on my blog.

Chris’ journey is one that I think we all face at some point in our lives. What IS our purpose? Where are we going with our lives? What’s our “destiny” if you will? I think “SneeKerr’s” advice is something we can all grasp on to and use to better ourselves.

“There is no need to fear. Find your intention. Imagine yourself to be and you shall be. Focus on love, beauty, creativity, kindness, and allow all of your activities to be directed by your Source. Abandon and surrender the things of your cloth, and your intention will manifest.”

I don’t care who your “source” is. It can be God, Buddha, Allah, the universe…whatever. If we focus on the positive things in life, and hone our talents and our strengths we WILL find out who we are. We’ll find out where we’re supposed to go and what we’re meant to do. I’ve seen that in my own life ten fold. As soon as I started focusing on opportunity and good things, I received good things in return.

I realize this is a bit lengthier than what I’d usually write, but I feel like it’s worth it. This is the type of story that lifts me up every time I read it. (And makes me grab Chris and tell him I love him, just so he doesn’t feel like I’m neglecting him.)

If you feel something from this story, share it. And tell me about it. I’d love to hear what YOU get from it.

What CAN'T Google do?

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted anything of a useless rant, and since I have the time to do so today, I figure: why not?

First of all, the reason for this post is mostly just so I could whore out the fact that I have Google Voice now. It’s pretty much my favorite new toy ever. Free texting, phone calls, and .02 cent international calls. And a different number to screw with people if I really want to. And I can text from my computer. And I have super cool stuff like this widget:

Click it. Add your number (click the private button if you don’t want me to have it) and leave me a voicemail. It’ll come straight to me on my phone, or via my Voice account online. Why? I have no idea really…because it’d be cool to hear people’s voices who read my blog. Leave me hate mail, love mail or hell; just rant to me about your life for a while. I really don’t care.

Oh, and notice that the widget above is also neatly placed on my sidebar as well, so you can come back and leave love anytime you want.

Anyway. “On to the next one” as Jay-Z would say. (If you haven’t heard that song, check it out. It’s sick.)

Here’s a fun story. I had an opportunity to work with a company here in Salt Lake as a content writer. I was super stoked for the opportunity because it looked like a really cool company. So, I applied. A 250 word sample piece and resume later, I was greeted by an email saying I’d made it to the 2nd round, which consisted of a 3 hour timed writing test, just to see what I could do off the top of my head. 3 prompts later, and a couple follow up emails (about the span of a week) and I had my first interview. Then my second interview. Then my third interview. Then 3 more writing prompts that I got at 5 P.M. on a Friday evening, due Saturday morning at 10 A.M. The last 3 writing prompts were pretty detailed as well, so it ended up taking me my entire Friday night (’till 1:30 A.M. to be exact) to finish them.

So, you’d think after 7 writing samples, 3 interviews and a bunch of email correspondence that I’d have a pretty good shot at getting hired right?

Wrong. I was told they were moving in a different direction.

o.O

W.T.F? I’m not one to complain much, and at least they gave me a straight answer rather than just ignoring me, but seriously? All that time and effort and you DON’T hire me?

*bangs head repeatedly on a wall*

I was frustrated. Okay, still am a bit peeved, but I’ve moved on and I’m helping work on a few different things, as well as keeping my eyes peeled for new job opportunities. (If you’re reading this, and you have any job offers for me, please email me: mike@10centsworth.com). *end shameless self-promotion*

Random side note: Vendetta Red CONTINUES to be a band that amazes me every time I listen to them. I’m sad they’re not together still. Although, Zach does have a new band called Sirens Sister which you should all check out.

I have nothing left to say.

I’m boring today. But at least you got a post, right?

500 Days of Summer

If you haven’t seen the movie “500 Days of Summer” allow me to describe a certain scene for you before I go off on a diatribe about my feelings on the subject:

In the movie, there’s a scene where Tom (Joseph Gorden-Levitt) is going to Summer’s (Zooey Deschanel) apartment for a get together. Upon being invited, it’d been a few months since the two had stopped seeing each other, so Tom thinks that this is his chance to get back with “the one.” The girl who got away. In the film, the screen splits into two realities. Tom’s expected reality, and actual reality. The expected reality goes smoothly like he wants things to go. She’s very warm in her greeting, a lingering hug, leading him in and introducing him to all her friends while holding his hand. He gives her a gift, and she absolutely adores it, and kisses him on the cheek. He’s the center of the dinner party, and ends up alone with Summer talking into the night before she asks him to stay.

The actual reality is completely different. She’s cordial to him, but mingles with the rest of her guests through-out the night, leaving him alone to drink his beer. She accepts the gift gratefully, but not enthusiastically. And then he notices that she’s wearing an engagement ring, and leaves abruptly.

Both scenes happen at the same time, up until he sees the ring at which point it fades back into real time.

I’ve seen the movie a couple times, but for some reason this time around, when we got to that scene my mind up and wandered off on it’s own tangent. I started contemplating “Expectations v. Reality” and everything that goes along with it. How many times have you had a “split screen” situation happen to you? Where you go into it expecting it to go a certain way, and even trying to manipulate it to go that direction as you’re moving through what’s actually happening…but it just doesn’t turn out the way you’d planned. What does that do to you? Is it something you can shrug off, or is it something that gets under your skin enough and actually brings you down a little bit? Or even a lot?

I think a lot of us do it on a more constant basis than we realize, and not just with dating scenarios. For example, I was in the elevator heading up to the floor the company I’ve been interviewing relentlessly with is on thinking to myself: “Who could this last interview with possibly be with? Perhaps they’re going to have me in just to tell me to my face that I’m hired? Maybe introduce me to the whole team?” Something grandiose like that.

What actually happened was that I walked in to an empty office, stood by the reception desk for a moment and looked around for a bit, finally was greeted by one of the managers who told me they were finishing up a birthday party, then was led into the conference room where I proceeded to interview (for a third time mind you) with some more team members. Then I was given ANOTHER writing assignment, and sent on my way with the promise that after I finished that, they’d be making a decision.

My fantasy world was so much better.

I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to dream. By all means, keep on dreaming all you want, just understand that the way you see things probably won’t be what the outcome actually is. As long as you can keep your sanity mixed with fantasy you should be good to go.

Oh, and for your own dating life’s sake, don’t expect the night to go a certain way, and completely stick your foot in your mouth by acting “weird” or “awkward” for the rest of the night because she’s not paying attention to you in the exact way you had planned out in your head.

That’s just stupid.

Out of her mind, or Concerned Mother?

First, read the above article. It’ll only take a minute. I can wait.

*pauses*

Alright, seriously? Let’s be realistic here. How much good is she ACTUALLY doing here? Is the fact that she is holding 4 books ransom (which is actually most likely going to end up costing her dumbass more money than it’s worth) really going to change the entire course of the way people label library books?

Here’s what I’d tell her, if I were ever lucky enough to be placed in her path:

Alright, check it out lady. First of all, there are better ways to go about this. You racking up $85 worth of library fines doesn’t exactly seem to be getting anyone’s attention the way that you’d like it to. How about taking it up with a city council or something like that? I still don’t think even that will do anything, but you can try. At least you’d be participating in your community, rather than trying to make some sort of childish stand. Seriously, you’re like the 6 year old who tells his friends they can’t play with a certain toy because it’s ‘theirs.’

I understand that YOU may not like the idea of vulgarity in books, but some people actually do! Otherwise they wouldn’t be available. What’s next? You gonna go raid Barnes and Nobles, and buy up every single book that has what you perceive to be an inappropriate topic?

*thumbs up*

Be my guest. You can single-handedly be the spark to an influx in our economy. And, it’ll give me entertainment, and more stuff to blog about because everyone will think you’re the dumbest person on the planet.

Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Doesn’t that include text as well as verbal forms of expression? Pretty sure the last time I checked it does. Keep your over-zealous conservative opinions to yourself you stupid whore. Give the library it’s four books back for the love of fuck. I hope they double your fine, just for being ignorant.

Seriously. Why do people have to be so damn stupid? It’s really not that difficult to avoid those sorts of things if you don’t want them apart of your life.

DON’T CHECK OUT THE BOOK.

Logical, right? Apparently not for this genius.

Someone needs to throw a brick with the Constitution attached to it through her window. Ha, look at me being all political. Well, not really, it’s more just common sense to me, which surprisingly, people seem to lack more and more these days. Idiots.

In other news:

It’s good to know that my ass is still small enough to fit into a child’s swing:

Pure. Glee.

Yes. That really just happened. Don’t you just love my face? Put me in a swing and push me a little bit and suddenly it’s like the rest of the world just disappears. Me and my swing. Well…not really MY swing per se, it was just randomly there and I decided that I wanted to swing in it. I also decided later that night I wanted to be pushed around in a shopping cart. And climb a sign (which attacked me…apparently signs don’t like to be climbed).

*sigh*

Ah, my life. :)

The following is an excerpt from a story I started working on about a year ago. It’s nothing fantastic yet, but I read over it and specifically enjoyed the journal entry portion. I remember trying to picture a woman who just absolutely floored me in every way, so I think that part came out a bit more succinctly. Maybe you short story-ers, or novelists (if there are any of you actually reading my blog of course) can point me in the right direction, or let me know if this could actually turn into anything. I know the surrounding scenario is a little drab, but keep in mind this isn’t recent work. So, without further adieu, I give you the start of a story with no name:

London knew he should be sleeping. Instead he laid in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. In his hand he still clutched a lone journal entry from the empty house he’d explored earlier. And the oddest part was that there was no journal, no other pieces of paper anywhere in the room that he found it in. It was like this specific entry was left behind for him to read.

Ironically though, he still hadn’t even glanced at it. It just didn’t feel right to read someone else’s journal, no matter where it was found. Still, his curiosity grew every second he held the papers in his hand. Finally, after some time of talking himself in, and out of looking at it, he turned on the lamp by the side of his bed, and began to read:

July 17^th, 1992

4:20 in the fucking morning. I should be sleeping but my mind is spinning uncontrollably. You’re on my mind, just as you have been for the past week. Partially due to the fact that I just got off the phone with you 10 minutes ago, but that doesn’t really matter. You’re there whether I’m talking to you, with you or neither. Always in the back of my mind.

It’s the smallest details too. I can see the outline of your lips on the rim of the wine glass you were drinking from. I still have the scent of your skin on my hands. I find myself running my tongue along my lips, just hoping to taste you one last time before I go to sleep. Toying with the ring that somehow ended up on my pinky, and mistakenly got left behind.

Where did you come from? I know that’s such a cliché question to ask, but it’s the first time I’ve really meant it. How is it possible that in such a short period of time, I can get to know you so well that it feels like I’ve been around you since I was born? Like we’ve grown up together. Shared the same experiences. Had the same conversations over, and over and over again. It’s mind numbing, and at the same time incredibly satisfying.

I still remember the first time that I met you. The shock that resonated through my entire body when my hand touched yours upon introduction. The fact that it felt like no one else was even around us, even though the yard was full of about 20 other people. The fact that I couldn’t take my eyes off you for most of the night. Even then I knew that there was something insanely different about you. Something I wanted to explore, but I couldn’t because of both of our situations, and so I let it fade from my mind.

I’ve never even remotely met anyone like you. Beautiful. Classy. Elegant. Sexy. Intelligent. Witty. Talented. Confident. Compassionate. And the list could go on and on. There was always a lingering feeling from your presence, even before any of this. It was as if someone had taken a strongly scented perfume, and sprayed it all over me. I could feel my mind drifting to you even the day after I’d seen you last, wondering who you really were, and what you were about. Being intrigued by the small portions I was allowed to taste in the brief moments that we were around each other.

But eventually the feeling would dissipate, and you’d become nothing more than a slight memory.

I hardly know you at all, and yet I feel like I know everything, and nothing all at the same time. It’s all so damn natural with you. What is that? It’s like when we talk, neither of us needs to even finish a sentence, or sometimes even say anything, and we understand what the other is thinking. I can hear the tone of your voice when you’re vulnerable. I can hear it when you want me to fuck you. I can feel you when you’re a little bit off, even if it’s just through the way you send a text message. I can sense when you’re excited, or happy.

All over the period of one.week.

I have to force myself through out the day to focus my mind on other things so that I can stay productive, and continue working towards my own personal goals. And even then, when I’m consciously trying to not think about you, you find a way to creep into whatever it is I’m doing.

“What’s that?” The image of you in my head will ask.

“Oh nothing, just trying to get some work done.” I’ll respond.

And just like that, my thoughts change from whatever it is I’m doing, to you. Wondering what ‘this’ is. If it’s something that could last. If it’s something that could possibly be permanent. Sending out as much positive energy into the universe, in the hopes that somehow, someway, it will come back me and allow me to have what I want.

You.

Some people have a “spark” when they’re around each other. If most people’s chemistry is a “spark” the ours must be closer to an explosion. I can hardly be within 5 feet of you without wanting to feel you. There’s enough passion burning between us to set fire to an entire building.

It’s like a devils dance with the two of us. I love how I don’t even have to touch you to make you arch your back and make you lose your train of thought. And when my lips do brush against the nape of your neck, I can feel your fingers dig into my legs, just grasping for something to ground yourself. How you’ll kiss me, and suddenly have to catch your breath because somehow I took it from you. How I know that in any given moment, I could have you, and you know you could have me.

Or the way you’ll look at me from across the room, and suddenly everything is spinning. You’ll press yourself into me innocently, so that no one else can see, but enough that I know what you’re thinking. The sexual chemistry we share is enough to make porn stars blush. And yet, that’s not what all of this is about, because in the midst of all of that, there’s an added element that was completely unexpected. It leaves the realm of pure lust, and suddenly becomes intimate.

Hell, I know how crazy I sound right now. Talking about “intimacy” and all these other feelings that run through my head, every second of every day since I’ve gotten to know you more. But I just can’t seem to help myself. Suddenly there’s this woman in my life who just…understands me. Even parts of me that no one has ever had the ability to see into before.

Fuck. That sounds like such a line when I write it out. But it’s really not. I’ve played music for people for a large portion of my life. It’s what I do. It’s how I express myself. Say things in ways that no one else understands except for me. Things that aren’t brought to life with just the words I’m voicing, or the chords I’m playing on a piano, but rather through my entire soul being able to pour out into the atmosphere.

You see that. I know you do. I know you feel it. I can see you when you’re listening, and it’s not just with your ears. You have the same expressions I have when I’m playing. You understand it. Which means you understand a part of me that no one else have ever been let into. Not because I haven’t wanted to, it’s always been there, but no one has tried, or been able to get in. It’s been like my own personal sanctuary. The place where I can go that no one else gets into because it has all of my personal feelings inside. The place that people hear about when I explain my music, but never got to see firsthand.

Until you walked in and sat down beside me, like you’d been there all along.

I’m not worried though. I trust you with that. I know that you see what that is for me, and how deep inside you actually are getting to be a part of. And I thank you for that.

I know that things will happen as they’re supposed too. It will all play out as the universe designed. But fucking hell I know what I want to have happen. I know how I want things to end up. And so I’ll continue to hope. Foolishly. Naively. Completely. Uninhibitedly. Hope that the puzzles we’ve both been piecing together for our entire lives, but haven’t quite been able to finish because there’s just a few pieces missing, will finally finish themselves.

Because we found the missing pieces.

London put down the entry, and stared at the wall for a moment. Was it just a coincidence that he’d found this entry? Or was there something someone was trying to show him? And if there was, for some reason what could that possibly even be? All this was from what he could see was a man who obviously wanted a woman very badly. And from the way he described her, rightly so. So now the questions remained: who was she? And who was he? And where were they now? Did he get what he wanted?

“Shit.” He mouthed to himself. This was like a teaser to some sort of romance novel, except because it was real he was curious about what happened next.

He decided he’d go to the courthouse in the morning, and see what information he could find about previous residents in that house. Perhaps that’d lead him to something. He rolled over and placed the entry on the nightstand before turning out the light. He stared at the ceiling, imagining the most beautiful woman in the world…until he fell asleep.

After Midnight Project

Every once in a while I’ll stumble upon a band or an artist completely on accident, and they’ll worm their way into my heart, earning a permanent place amongst some of my favorites. That’s pretty much what happened with After Midnight Project. In the midst of my writing endeavors, I came across CWG Magazine, which is essentially an online magazine devoted to anything and everything in the music world. I was on their site looking around for examples of interviews, in preparation for some of my own that I had talked to people about doing. (Because that’s what a good writer does don’t you know. Research!) Anyway. The first interview I clicked on was with these guys. To be perfectly honest, the only reason I did click on it was because I thought the name of the band was pretty rad. It caught my eye. Then I started reading.

I could go on about the interview and all that, but in order to make a long story short, I ended up getting the CD. It started to get played here and there within my rotation of new music (because for me, that rotation changes almost daily with the bands I’m constantly finding) and I totally got into their sound. I didn’t really pay attention until I saw them perform live though.

I’m a huge advocate of a good live show. With all the technology that there is nowadays, it’s really easy to put out a great sounding record but absolutely SUCK live, because it’s all production value (a la Taylor Swift) and no talent. So when I went to see AMP live, I was crossing my fingers that they’d at least have some semblance of talent.

They did. They had more talent in their left pinky than I’d ever seen. I was absolutely FLOORED by the vocal control, the tightness of the band, the sound quality, and the energy that they exuded while they were onstage. I talked to Jason after the show, and just said “Well done sir, well done. I came hoping for mediocrity, and got a force to be reckoned with.”

“Let’s build something to break” is the type of album you’ll listen to once and walk away with a few songs that catch your attention. It’s an easy listen CD because you’ll instantly find something that you just want to listen to over and over again, and you’ll be hooked. Here’s my advice though. KEEP LISTENING. When I first went through the album “Scream for you” and Take me home” were the two songs that stuck out at me. Both have a heavier feeling, while maintaining that melodic feeling that takes you somewhere with the story of the song. After the show, I went through and listened over and over again and started to hear different things. “The Becoming” is now my favorite song on the CD, and The Criminal is quickly finding it’s way into my heart as well.

The lyrics are deep, yet easy to relate to. The music can be crunchy, and heavy – but it never loses it’s emotion. The melodies from the guitars that mix with the vocals never overpower, only compliment. Overall, it’s just a really, really solid album.

Download it, go out and buy it, whatever you need to do. If you’re a music enthusiast, this is one that will stay in your collection for a long, long time. And if you’re ever able to see them live (they’ll be on this years entire Warped Tour) then please, please, PLEASE go see them. You won’t regret it.

Stay tuned for my interview with the band. Yes, that’s right. I said interview. Don’t worry kidlets, I’ll keep you posted.

So I’m sitting here at 2:19 in the morning, staring at a blank blog entry page, trying to figure out what could POSSIBLY be so entertaining to anyone who reads this to write. Suddenly, it dawns on me. “Just write Mike!” So, I start. I start writing a load of nonsense that makes absolutely no sense. In fact, that’s what I’m doing right now, as you read each word and absorb it into your psyche. You’re currently a victim of my mindless rambling.

So mindless in fact, that suddenly, I have the ingenious idea to interview myself. Me. Asking questions, to myself. WHO DOES THAT?!

I do. And it’s coming up next.

So Mike, how’s life?

Not horrible. Not great. Things are at least progressing, so that’s something right?

Hey, as long as there’s progress. What’s new?”

Well. First of all, I hate that question. What do you expect when you ask something like that to a person? Could you possibly be more vague? That’s just one of those questions you ask someone you haven’t seen in a while just to be nice and make small talk. A “I’m not really interested, but I’m going to ask anyway” question. But, seeing as you’re me, I’ll answer. A whole lot of writing. Still for BargainBabe and Wounded Warriors, and working on my first article for Plentii.com. Hopefully everything will go well, and it’ll turn into the first of many more to come. Other than that, just living life, trying to dig out the hole I dug for myself.

Wow. Not quite the response that I expected, but…okay. Glad all the writing is going well, but that seems like a lot of “all work and no play makes Mike a dull boy” shenanigans. Are you doing anything to keep your sanity?

Well, actually yes. Last Monday I got to go see Muse in concert, and had the additional treat of getting to go meet them backstage. I’ve been a fan of them since 2005 when I saw them in concert for the first time. Getting to see them play, and having them completely melt my face off yet again, was one of the best experiences ever. And a greatly needed distraction from my otherwise monotonous life.

Damn. You got to meet Muse?

Well, technically you did as well…

Oh. Right. I forgot I’m the one interviewing myself.

I’ll let it slide…how about we just move on to the next question?

Great idea. Let’s get into some harder questions.

Oh goody…

How’s the love life?

Pass.

What?

I said pass.

Well, I know what you said, but why are you passing?

For one thing, you already know what my love life is. And for another, you also know I don’t talk about it publicly.

Dude, this interview sucks.

Bite me.

Well, I’m sufficiently bored…which is ironic because this entire post started OUT because we were bored…

Not my fault. You just ask stupid questions.

Um. Technically you’re asking yourself stupid questions. So. You lose.

….

Yes. You did just lose to yourself. How does that taste going down?

I hate you.

…should we get you therapy? Because hating yourself leads to self deprecation, and other more extreme problems…

Okay, you know what? I’m done. This by far the dumbest idea I’ve ever had.

That makes two of us.

WE’RE THE SAME PERSON!

Which just makes you look even more stupid for yelling at yourself…in a blog post.

$@#%^!!!!

wookie/flickr

So I went to a dinner the other night for a friend of mine, and seeing as my car is (still) out of commission, I used public transportation. Hooray for bus and trains! I’m pretty much a fan of public transportation for a few different reasons. Sometimes it’s nice to just hang out and get driven around, listening to music or reading, or even writing as I go. And the other reason is because I LOVE to people watch. And there’s no where you can see more interesting people than on buses or trains. For example:

The ride to dinner was rather uneventful, but after dinner I was waiting at the Trax station, and there was one other person on the platform. A large, Polynesian man, about my age, wearing a pair of sunglasses (at 9 at night mind you) and totally jammin’ out to whatever he was listening to on his iPod. I mean, seriously like full out rapping out loud along, and throwin’ his hands around like he was on stage.

My first reaction was: “WTF? So, this is awkward.” But then, I thought to myself “Hm, what if…”

So, with my headphones on as well (although with no music playing in mine) I followed suit with him and started bouncing my head along with his rhythm. He cocked his head at me for a brief moment, but then resumed his platform performance, this time with a white boy back-up dancer. We continued until the train came, nodded at each other to signify a job well done, and then boarded the train.

A few stops in, he came over and introduced himself as “Feki” (spelling..not sure..) and asked me what possessed me to join him on the platform. I told him I just decided to join in, so as to make it seem more normal. He just laughed, told me I was a crazy white boy, and we chatted the rest of the way home.

I win.

I’ve neglected all of you, I know. And I apologize, but I have good reason! I’ve been quite busy with a few things, which I’ll get into in a moment. My life is finally starting (in certain areas) to look up, and hopefully will keep trending in that direction.

Before I delve into my excuses as to why I haven’t posted here as frequently lately, I want to talk about irony. Wikipedia says that irony is a situation, literary technique, or rhetorical device, in which there is an incongruity, discordance, or unintended connection with truth, that goes strikingly beyond the most simple and evident meaning of words or actions. So, what’s so ironic about my life right now?

Most of you may or may not know, I’ve been pitching various publications lately in order to write for them, and get paid. I’ve decided that writing is my passion, and I’m pretty good at it, and getting better daily, so why not turn it into my job? Makes sense to me.

I’ve made it known before that I’m not exactly the best at holding down a job, saving money, or being credit friendly. It’s just never been my strong point, and as such has put me into a predicament that I’m having to dig out of currently. I’m slowly learning how to do that, and implementing such strategies as they become relevant to my life. Essentially, I suck when it comes to money management.

I spend because I want, not because I need. And I’m not exactly a thrifty shopper either. I just go grab what I need because I know what it is, and move on.

Here’s where the irony comes in.

Over the past week and a half or so, I’ve been writing for Wounded Warriors, which is a military family support blog. What topics have I been assigned to post daily about?

“Anything to do with personal, or family finance.”

So I thought to myself, “Okay, I can do that easy enough.” And I have been. You can go check out the posts I’ve done. Just look for my name at the beginning of each post. I figured this was just coincidental, and a good foot in the door for some extra cash, and more exposure.

It continues. My friend Phil Villarreal made mention to me about a friend of his that was looking for a part time blogger. Most of you probably got spammed by me yesterday about a guest post over at BargainBabe.com. Now, I’ve only guest posted, it’s still left to be seen if I’ll be doing more work with Julia over there (cross your fingers for me) but now that’s not one, but TWO writing opportunities that deal with…

Personal finance, saving money, and being frugal.

WTF?

And, to top things off, I’ve been in contact with the editor over at Plentii.com. Let me quote a section from their “about” page as to what this websites goal is:

What is Plentii?

The world of personal finance: redefined. All things money circulating in the pop-culture blender, served up in a language you can understand. Fun, fresh, & focused on your personal success by giving you actionable ideas on how to EARN, SPEND, & SAVE. Smarter. And often with a social conscience :)

Ok, so let me recap. I write a daily post about personal and family finance over at Wounded Warriors, I’ve guest posted, and may get the opportunity to continue posting over at BargainBabe.com, and now have a potential opportunity to write for Plentii.com.

Is it just me, OR IS ANYONE ELSE NOTICING A TREND HERE? The kid with the worst credit in the universe, horrible saving and spending habits, and a general lack of know how in the financial world is getting to write articles ABOUT how to be a savvy saver, spender and earner. If that’s not irony, I don’t know what is.

**Disclaimer: Just to make note, I do not take my own knowledge and post it. I make sure I research something before I write about it. Don’t want to pass along MY bad habits to other people.**

I think the universe is trying to subtly help me out by drilling into my head strategies and pointers for making my financial situation better. Thank you universe. I’m paying you back in the form of an entry on my blog.

Gosh there’s a lot of links in this post.

You should click on all of them. *waves fingers in front of your face entrancingly*

So, I’ve basically inadvertently given you the reason I’ve been so flaky with my posting on here. Go me. I took a rant on irony, and made it useful. I think I deserve a cookie or something.

In other news, I’ve rekindled my love for the library, have been trying to cook more (nothing fancy really, just chicken and rice so far), scored tickets to go see Muse live, as well as Train and Hey Monday, and have officially kept up on my own personal journal for two straight weeks.

Oh, and I’m entering myself into an Acrostic Poem contest. Don’t worry, I didn’t know what the hell an Acrostic was either until I looked it up. Here’s an example.

I’ll post mine when it’s finished, and submitted.

OH. And for all of you people (and by all of you I mean 10) that have subscribed to get an email from me when I post new blogs? Yea, you’ll be receiving an email about my lack of correspondence shortly. I learned that it DOESN’T automatically send you guys an email upon subscribing. I actually have to do that myself. Crazy eh?

I’m gonna shut up now.

Ciao.