At many times while we smile upon the happy memories.

It seems so much easier to find our memory bus stopping at the melancholy ones.

At times like this it’s so easy to fall into a depressing coma, wherein our body stays in the same place but our minds relive the emotional impacts of things bygone.

I am prone to this once a blue moon, not too sure if it’s just me but it’s interesting.

Interesting because when we move away from the small or big hurt we can truly see where our actions could have been…well quite frankly…. Much better.

This is the point where we can either learn from it OR stay there with the memory bus patiently waiting….it’s not wrong to stay there mind you.

While I wish a time machine was made…it’s not lol or the creator of it has somehow bypassed me and if I do meet him remind me to chokeslam him.

SO…while this could be ‘that’ post to kick your self-worth in the balls or ovaries and tell you to move on…it’s not haha

There is a time to be hard on yourself and a time to be compassionate.

Here’s a few simple bits of food for thought:

When we see patterns or bad habits that cause bad memories learn or try to analyze where the problem comes in. There are many of us that LOVE to hang onto our ego but really…let’s drop it in our thoughts and look at it from maybe the other person’s side.

ALSO we are not always right, although at most times it feels that way

When emotions overwhelm us get out of the space you’re in. I’ve found that these thoughts happen in the bedroom or driving or just while you have moments of solitude. Before you become enclosed in these thoughts or ‘what ifs’ get your body moving as it will take your mind off or at least when you walk and think it may change the ‘tone’ or the way you think about the situation.

Finally, if we are to dwell at a thought at least go get yourself a cool drink while you engulf yourself in thoughts. Oh and another great thing to do is to WRITE down whatever you feel or what happened. Sounds weird? try it, you’ll feel better or at least feel better looking at it.

That’s about it! If you have any suggestions or random thoughts let me know.

Peace and God bless

D

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Enjoy!

I’ll get to posting more often when I can sorry guys!

This is from my point of view so if you think different or wanna add something in comment up and I’ll edit it in!

The story starts in the year 2000.

It’s the new millenium, I was in high school…lookin for something fresh to do instead of actin a fool. One day I stumbled upon a flyer. Now the OGs in the scene will know THE flyer I’m talkin about. It was for a company called “youcanbreakdance.” For my homie Anil and I this was a sign from the heavens, “let’s rip that first trial lesson” we thought and so we rolled into 97 Currie street. A shaky elevator in a 80’s esque decor and design building led us to the studio on the 3rd floor. We go into meet our to-be teacher Quinn. This dude…to us, was straight up sensei steez…the charisma king of that era. Little did we know what he really was about. But that’s for later. For now he’s the realest haha.

A Maori brother, that said he was all about the dance from the 80’s era – can’t argue with that.

He knew how to talk in a commanding way, seemed to know it all and for a newbie this was just too good.

We were taught a 6 step, basic tops, basic drop, freeze and backspin. Apart from the fact that a large amount of it was taught the wrong way it was sufficient enough to get us excited.

The feeling of finding something you know you’re gonna love from day one is like finding a winning lottery ticket but never losing that buzz.

As the story goes, I met a lot of other homies there – many of which consist of the local Adelaide scene and are pillars to it. Gerald, Dreaded, Mel, Badge, Roger, Tim Swift, Thomas, Francis, Adam, Abe, Edwin to name a few.

His school grew into a small army of ‘breakdancers’ which was fair enough. That is, till the realness of the dance seeped in. Many of us started to realize the limits to Quinn’s joint. The brainwashing of the students that seemed to worship him than enjoy the dance.A sort of suffocation of the soul and wallet was felt by many.

Mind you this is a short version of the Quinn story. If you want to know more hit let me know and I’ll post a detailed account :p

Basically it was a money camp for the dude and by the end the place deteriorated off the scene.

Before it deteriorated, a group of ‘anti-Quinn’ crews and people were brewing. It must’ve been around 2001-2002. I recall meeting dudes dancing at the Renaissance arcade which then shifted to the Adelaide University room behind the uni bar. At that time I was real tight with the infamous Gerald Gibbons, Roger Chan, Jeremiah Soo, Nathan Forbes, Markiyan Andruchowyz  and Gregory ‘fantasy’ Eden.This group would later become the OG original members of the now notorious Nokturnal crew (est. 2002). On the other side of town was All-turn-it Lifestyle which was Mel, Thomas, Eddie, Raymond and Adam from what I remember. Cruise Kontrol which was Benny Badge, DJ, Dasher, Sho, Liam, Sam, Brendan ‘bowl him Warnie’ and Ray if I recall correctly. Finally, there was also Adelaide’s oldest crew at the time Floorplay which was Seppi, Simon, Moses, Sasha and Roper.

The X Games really brought the defining moment for many crews at the time…and the real beginning of the anti-Quinn movement of the new crews.

It was raw times in 2000-2002. A LOT OF BEEF. Everyone hated on everyone, any jam any concert we were at each other like pit bulls. Getting into fights, talking about taking dudes out…you couldn’t go to a hip hop gig feelin easy because you knew it’d be time to get down. Go to the wrong jam and you’d be feelin real small as the other crew would dominate the cyphers and not let others in because that’s how it is if you weren’t there with family. Or if you did it was mayhem…all on one and all out disses that were hardly about your dancing. The type that ruins your month – it was all about the BEEF. To be honest that was the Nokturnal element, we loved the beef and never shyed about letting you feel the heat. Perhaps not the best side of the story but every scene has a history and it’d be a shame not to hear about it.

It was the most hate fuelled scene. Like ancient Rome, scheming and plotting in the dark of night for supremacy.

Many a dope battle was had – All turn it battles by Mel which brought Lil John and Moy from Havikoro in 2001 was a defining battle in the Adelaide scene. Won by the now famous Fresh Sox crew.

Step 2 Dis a 2 on 2 which crowned a new era and supremacy of the scene when Gerald Gibbons and DanL won bringing the NOK pineapple shirts to world infamy. From then on Nokturnal continued to drum the hate of the scene with their style of signature aggression in battle and dominance (while some or many may contest this fact the winner of battles in the era were usually Nokturnal familia. As I said feel free to post your version of the story).

Let’s stop here for now. Where All the crews were new families and the post-Quinn was in full effect. We’ll soon hear about:

- Fresh Fools

- Da Klinic (Da Decline of a good cause)

- Richard Seidel the real OG sensei we should’ve had

- Floorplay, CK, Deadly Moves beef

- Nokturnal adventures from the seat of a green Holden hahaha NATE DAWG!!!!

Bonus story. Back in the high school days Badger and I were the illest nemesises at the underage parties also known as Euphoria at the time haha Some mad heated battles happened back in those days…

This post is quite brief but gives air about how the scene was back in the day.

The day and times everyday tell us where we fall short, what we are not and what we cannot become.

When are we given the opportunity to feel the sunshine of a positive word, a positive line in the press?

The excitement in what we call our “life” seems to have sadly been put on auto-pilot by the influences around us.

So here is 2 cents that may hopefully be the shiny 2 coins that you look at in peace because you know it represents a piece of hope.

We may always miss it but it we can find comfort, love and inspiration from our immediate surrounding people, our inner thoughts and our strengths themselves.

So, here’s a one-step check for inspiration. Look back at your happiest times in life.

What were they?

What were you doing?

Where was it?

Who was there?

From there think…are there any common occurances?

A common activity, environment for example.

Take this happy thought and try to bring it to reality…how can it be applied to everyday life? Career? Upcoming decisions?

Hopefully, this can help guide you towards a more soul-glowing, smile evoking and enlightened decision for you.  I know it has definitely helped me!

And there you have it!

Thank you for listening in and if you have any thoughts, ideas, feedback feel free to comment!

Hasta luego

Dan Lee

As we all stand at our points in our lives.

There are times when we wonder if where we’re headed is the correct path or at least leads to the destination which we hold our eyes to.

Now the past 6 months I’ve lived in Korea. A frivolous (meaning I saves $0 in 6 months), but highly action-packed lifestyle that has led to a halt. Too much baseless enjoyment for a short-term fix. While wonderful, have not really filled me with a sense of fulfillment whatsoever. But! They have brought me to the point where I can understand the significance of taking small steps to a more fuller life.

What sort of small steps?

- Human dialogue

The type of conversation that lets us grow together – not as gesture of ‘dumping one’s thoughts on another to get it off their chest’ but to feel like something genuine has been shared even after the hang out. It doesn’t have to be serious or even useful while the context of this does presume it. A good heartful laugh, a grin that doesn’t disappear at a shared recollection…or a shared silence to think a matter together. Let me know if this makes sense. Lol

- Defining You

OK. This is where we should all understand that in no way am I or is anyone better than You. You are you and you are the best you! Easy right? Maybe not…The mind controls the way we control this way of thought. We’re all rather caught up on the ‘other’s’ conception of us. So we fall, falter, become depressed, nervous etc. These are all natural but we all have something we are exceptionally good at. Even if it is a shared talent we can always find a way to layer a spin on it that is uniquely You. From going to the gym, to walking a dog, to even just doodling (there are better examples but please try to apply this to yourself even if for a 17 second pause) we can fuse our love with some form of purpose.

There’s two for today. Let’s take it slow.

I am all ears for your thoughts so feel free to comment.

With a smile, from Korea.

Danlee

- Basically…you’re no pimp and you don’t need words to say it because you live in…literally one room haha but it’s cool if you’ve lived in a Western society it’s mad fun in a novelty way. Can’t say I’ve had one bad night here. So, one more time LOW PIMP STATUS

- It can get lonely for those that need people around them. I’m quite in tune with myself so hardly feel the need for company as my days seem to be filled with awesome people…sounds douchebaggy I know but yeah, being able to dance and go to training, or just hang with homies (aka close friends) that are a phone call away helps. So, one more time NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE “I FEEL LONELY” but most of you guys are awesome (I assume. as u read this blog. thank you )

- The freedom to do some interior decoration…is well…very limited. This is pretty obvious because I know IKEA doesn’t create their summer catalogues with a one room in their mind. But if you enjoy a cozy place which you deck out with the small dainty things in life like a fridge and freezer of what you love to consume, an entertainment system deemed worthy by peers and a chill out area…there really isn’t much more you need. So, one more time IKEA PEOPLE LOOK ELSEWHERE

I think that’s really about it…it’s amazing what products there are out there for really utilizing space and yes they freakin rule. Like the diversity of stacking shelves that double up as clothing and food stations. iPod docks that double up as hands free kit while you eat ramen etc etc.

The one warning I would like to give people is though…Korea,  China, Japan, or any foreign country that is WAY DIFFERENT to your home will be fun…but come about one month or two does come the I WANNA GO HOME BLUES. If you can get over that and have good people around you basically you’ll be fine. So take heart for those that may be a little downsome it’s OK things always get better if you stay smiling and if not go and take it out on the punching machine or at the baseball batting cages in every district.

If you need any other suggestions on how to feel better when overseas feel free to comment to ask for more or share how you do it because, Hey we’re all human and good tips in life can change our life in one moment, one sentence…one word.

Oh and just in case I didn’t make it clear (which I didn’t haha sorry.) the title of the post suggests the more as we become attuned to the lifestyle of where we are…the weaker the novelty gets of well…living there.

On that note I bid you a wonderful December that is to come.

Enjoy your days wherever you are.

Hasta luego.

Danleeme

Now, many would perhaps think this frustrating or suffocating. But in fact, it’s pretty freakin’ awesome. Why?

- It’s a super big bedroom I never had without the parental advisory

- Eat, sleep, do whatever you like ( did I mention eat and do whatever?) at whatever time… i.e. bringing friends over and chilling on the rooftop watching the Korean night lights, then back to the room for loud music and dancing with a 24/7 downstairs that can legally sell all…Now I don’t drink that much but friends often think otherwise.

- Waking up to the sunshine knowing it’s all up to you to make the day. I personally enjoy the feeling of having bought my own groceries and enjoying them for breakfast with a satisfaction that is 100000 times better than pre-made by someone.

hmmm it is the ‘morning’ for me aka noon as I write this entry.

So it is high time I ran off to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

May you all have a super day and night.

Dan Lee

ps.

Next post teaser will be perhaps some downsides on the one-room but they hardly outweigh the benefits.

- Decided to go teach English in Korea for a year

- Learn more about my roots

- Open my mind by leaving the home “comfort” and really see what it’s like to live in the “motherland”

I arrived in Seoul on the 2nd of September

Moved to Busan on the 12th

Started teaching on the 15th…

Now living in Seo Myeon which is central Busan in my one room apartment.

Just getting used to life now…

Some thoughts will be coming up but its 2am.

Questions are welcome.

Peace

Dan

It seems there are many turns in our life wherein each decision paves the way to a new direction.

Every year brings a new one…

Different aspects of our life are tested…

and our strengths and weaknesses truly come out.

These are those pivotal times in life where one can look back at the road they’ve travelled, let their eyes glean with tears and be truly proud of where they are standing. 

Many of us fall to our own vices…

Our poor judgement of people, ourselves, a system that controls our lives, a culture or whatever may be relevant to you. 

Hopefully before my 25th birthday in July – a new road will be set in place or the current road shows its destination point. But even before that happens…

It is the mindset that encaptures a true sense of pride in who we are, who we have become and who we will be that instills us with the motivation to push on with hope and happiness.

We are all not perfect but we are all blessed with many unique talents and quirks. 

Whether we look back to reminisce or forward towards aspirations, hold your head up with pride (and perhaps humility for some mistakes we have made as we are but humans) and march on.

The road’s shorter than we think, but when you’re walking it – we just don’t know the duration.

So for the final note, stand for who you are…be proud…be dignified and be fulfilled. 

Peace and God bless

DanL Rockswell jumpin out of hiatus like he jumped the pulpit with Mase haha

Image by abbyladybug via Flickr

Congratulations to President Obama!

This is some super fresh news people!

Increase the peace all and have a sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet day!

Today’s theme song is:

Nas – Black President

‘And though it seems heaven sent we aint ready to have a black president’

D