Beautiful . . .

I dont think that Spring is officially here yet---But it is absolutely beautiful outside---
One of the prettiest days I've ever seen....
It has been a long hard winter-in more ways than one--

But with days like this----

I am ready for Spring and Summer----

Time to break out the shorts, get the pool ready and gear up for baseball season....

One of the best Blues Cd's ever

This is without a doubt one of my all time favorites--BB King --he's a legend and an awesome talent...Of course I love guitar--especially Blues guitar---and I actually had the opportunity to play on stage at BB Kings in Memphis--It was awesome--

Deuces Wild--Get the album--

Every song is GREAT

If You Love Me - (with Van Morrison)
Thrill Is Gone, The - (with Tracy Chapman)
Rock Me Baby - (with Eric Clapton)
Please Send Me Someone To Love - (with Mick Hucknall)
Baby I Love You - (with Bonnie Raitt)
Ain't Nobody Home - (with D'Angelo)
There Must Be A Better World Somewhere - (with Dr. John)
8. Confessin' The Blues - (with Marty Stuart)
Paying The Cost To Be The Boss - (with The Rolling Stones)
Dangerous Mood - (with Joe Cocker)
Keep It Coming - (with Heavy D.)
Cryin' Won't Help You - (with David Gilmour/Paul Carrack)
Night Life - (with Willie Nelson)

Fatherhood . . .

Sometimes I wonder if I am making any progress in life at all ---My life is good, Business is good, but my personal life has always has its bad stuff..One constant though--for the last 11 years --Ive been a Dad and very involved active Dad---I am extremely proud of that...

Will Smith
Just The Two Of Us
The first time the doctor placed you in my arms
I knew I’d meet death before I’d let you meet harm
Although questions arose in my mind would I be man enough
Against wrong choose right and be standin up
From the hospital that first night
Took a hour just ta get the carseat in right
People drivin all fast got me kinda upset
Got you home safe placed you in your basonette
That night I don’t think one wink I slept
As I slipped out my bed to your crib I crept
Touched your head gently felt my heart melt
Cause I know I loved you more than life itself
Then to my knees and I begged the lord please
Let me be a good daddy all he needs
Love knowledge discipline tooI pledge my life to you
Chorus

Just the two of us we can make it if we try
Just the two of us just the two of us
Just the two of us building castles in the sky
Just the two of us you and i

Verse 2
Five years old bringin comedy
Everytime I look at you I think man a little me
Just like meWait an see gonna be tall
Makes me laugh cause you got your dads ears an all
Sometimes I wonder what you gonna be
A general a doctor maybe a mcHaha
I wanna kiss you all the time
But I will test that butt when you cut outta line
trudatUh uh uh why you do dat
I try to be a tough dad but you be makin me laugh
Crazy joy when I see the eyes of my baby boy
I pledge to you I will always do
Everything I canShow you how to be a man
Dignity integrity honor an
An I don’t mind if you lose long as you came with it
An you can cry ain’t no shame it it
It didn’t work out with me an your mom
But yo push come to shoveYou was conceived in love
So if the world attacks and you slide off track
Remember one fact I got your back
Chorus

Verse 3
It’s a full time job to be a good dad
You got so much more stuff than I had
I gotta study just to keep with the changin times
101 dalmations on your cd rom
See me i’mTryin to pretend I know
On my pc where that cd go
But yo ain’t nuthin promised one day
I’ll be goneFeel the strife but trust life does go on
But just in caseIt’s my placeTo impart
One day some girl’s gonna break your heart
And ooh ain’t no pain like from the opposite sex
Gonna hurt bad but don’t take it out on the next son
Throughout life people will make you mad
Disrespect you and treat you bad
Let God deal with the things they do
Cause hate in your heart will consume you too
Always tell the truth say your prayers
Hold doors pull out chairs easy on the swears
You’re living proof that dreams do come true
I love you and I’m here for you

Good Friends (Who I consider Family)

Chillbumps . . .

If this dont make you cry or give you chillbumps---you need to go get yourself seen about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBYPaNc57Ik&search=autistic%20basketball%20player

I finally made the jump . . .

All the technology Im around and I have---I have put off the IPod craze---Not any more---I finally broke down and bought the IPod Shuffle -- to use on vacations and at the gym and so on-I loaded it up and i can say one thing---I LOVE IT....

It is great---Glad I made the leap....the sound is phenomenal and the price is pretty good too..

One Trait . . .

If there is one trait I am glad I was given at birth...It's the ability to smile and laugh and basically just be happy. Sometimes life has a way of making you lose it for a little while---but I always sem to find it again.

I have known people who lose it and never get it back---

I am not one of those people...
Mine always resurfaces---Thats something I am very proud of and very thankful for---It's an inner resolve and some heavy resilience...and God, for some reason, gave me a healthy dose of it.

Few More Pics From Paoli Peaks . . .

Pokey

As a kid, me and my sister had a family dog--It was a Bassett Hound named Pokey---We loved that dog---I am considering getting a Bassett...Those big old ears and droopy face---Pretty cool...

Best Video Clip Lately

Go watch this---I love it...

http://www.guzer.com/videos/pimp_ko.php

I put this up on the bathroom mirror . . .So I will remember

The Essence of Character
"Your true character is revealed by the clarity of your convictions, the choices you make, and the promises you keep. Hold strongly to your principles and refuse to follow the currents of convenience. What you say and do defines who you are, and who you are…you are forever."

Paoli Peaks 2006

Great Snow, Great Friends, Great Trip----A well deserved break and probably one of the best trips I have ever taken . . .

Easy .. .

Some people in our lives are just easy to talk to---
whether it's new friends---
or people we've known for a long time----
conversation is just as easy as breathing-----

Thats the kind I like----

Always Great

Is there any song that Carlos Santana releases lately that isnt great? I dont think so....I just heard the latest "Just Feel Better" with Steven Tyler from Aerosmith----I never get tired of hearing his guitar---and changing the lead singers for each song adds a great touch---

Way to go Carlos...

Glow . . .

Some people have a glow---They light up a room--with their personality--their smile---their being. I guess we are a lot like moths in that way--people are drawn to other people that have that "Glow". Lots of people go through life at about 45 watts---but when you see someone that is burning 100 watts-- it is amazing--we want to be around people like that--to find out what is on the inside that causes it---and to just be in the light and excitement---

That kinda glow comes from way down deep inside---a peace, an inner happiness, a larger-than-life view of the world and situations. I have been fortunate to be around a lot of people like that--and I try to bring light into any situation----optimistic-I know---but it is so much better than going through life at 45 watts.

SNOW . . .

Big Snowball Fight, 4 Wheelers . . .

What more can I say----A great day...

Theme Song . . .

I think every baby that is born should come with a theme song---That way if you get a little down or something is going on in your life, you can pop in your theme song---and get your groove back---

I got mine picked out--

I wish the doc would handed my Mom and Dad ---"SuperBad" by James Brown---
That is one more feel good, get things going song---

So go pick your theme song----and dont pick a sad old country song---
pick something that makes you feel glad to be alive---

Valentine's Date . . .

I had a hot date tonight---I went to the nursing home with my Mom and Dad and my date was my Grandmother, Nana Brooks--my Mom's mom. It was awesome. They had a banquet for all the people and the place was fixed up just like a high school prom. Everybody was dressed up and looked great and laughing and eating. They gave away prizes and we won the grand prize. Then the best thing they did was crown the King and Queen---They both lived there and had been married 71 years ---one of the ladies told their whole life story and it was incredible.

Now I'm not a real emotional person----But that hit me--I watched the couple put on their crowns and take pictures holding hands---Love can be an awesome thing...

Quote For The Day . . .

"If your memories are bigger than your dreams, then you are in trouble."

Last Night . . .

Dr. Jesse Duplantis was our guest speaker last night at church. It was great. The church was packed, probably around 8 or 900 in the auditorium, and we ran video feeds into the over flow sections...so there were a lot of people. Dr. Jesse did great ---he said some things I really needed to hear. I was very impressed and when it was all said and done 51 people were saved or rededicated their life to the Lord.

One of the things he said was "It easy to tell whats valuable to you in your life....Because it hurts to give it up---could be your money, your time, posessions or your heart--But a lot of times thats what we need to do---Give up what is valuable to you--So God can work in your life."

He also talked a lot about us not being able to move forward if we are constantly looking backwards. All successful people have the ability to move forward in life, overcoming past failures and working toward future successes.

It was a great Service---I was very impressed and got some more good stuff to build my life to where God wants me to be.

Something Not So Important...

Ok --There are 2 TV shows I will watch if I happen to be at the house. My Dad always said "I'm not gonna let a television tell me what to do" and I agree. I dont rush home because these shows are on. Life is too short to be booked up by TV.

Anyway the 2 shows are Fear Factor and Las Vegas.

Fear Factor gives me something to watch and wonder whether I would or could do one of those stunts...Mindless maybe---But definitely fun to watch...

The other show is Las Vegas. I love how that show is put together. The Actors, the Directing, the Storylines and the editing, make for a great show to watch...

So there are my picks---you decide.

Something Very Important . . .

I have had situations in my life that have tried to take away my self - esteem and confidence. Some have done it and some have come close---One thing I know for sure...no matter what happens, no matter what mistakes I make, no matter what circumstances I find myself in, nobody or no situation will be allowed to make me feel bad about myself. God gave me a conscience that does a great job of keeping me in check. I have friends that shoot straight and still build me up...

So no matter who you are--if you are reading this---
Never let anyone make you question what talents and good stuff God has put in you...
Cause when it comes down to it---We all got issues --
Just because theirs are different, doesnt mean theirs are better.

I Love A Fighter...

Every favorite movie I own, every person I admire, every person I respect all have one thing in common--they are FIGHTERS...It's cliche', I know----but when someone stands up for what they believe in, it motivates me---it makes me want to do better...to stand tall for something--to walk proud...

Pastor Cupples said that "Nothing Happens Til Somebody Gets Mad" --He said that the guy who invented Air Conditioning was sitting around sweating one day and said--"You know what--I am sick and tired of being hot all the time".

Then he went and did something about it---Makes really good sense to me...

Out Of Firsts . . .

I was flipping the channels last night and landed for a second on some sitcom---I Dont even know the name of it---The lady was talking to her husband about their relationship, and said "I guess we are just out of firsts."

I turned it right after that because the show really wasnt any good...But that one line stuck with me. What a great life lesson.

I dont want to ever run "Out of Firsts". There are a lot of things I want to do, places I want to see and goals I want to reach...They will all be "Firsts" in my life.

I think it is what keeps us going---the "Firsts".

Snowball Effect . . .

I've had the privilege of working alongside Presidents and CEO's of companies. One thing I've noticed through the years from these successful people, is that they make decisions, make them fairly quickly and they are usually good. I think that comes from a couple of things.

First, they must have made some bad ones in the past they have learned from.

Second, there is a snowball effect to decisions. They get bigger and better in your life.

Once you get the ball rolling with a few really good ones, they come more easily. It seems these guys are completely comfortable with saying yes or no to a question, or giving a direction to a project.

It's a great trait to have --and I am working toward that in my own life.

Great Stuff from Steven Covey . . .

Quote:
Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no greater investment.
Author:
Stephen Covey

Shopping . . .

I havent bought a brand new vehicle since 1992---But I am seriously shopping for a new truck--I have about had my fill of SUV's--I believe I've owned one of almost every kind---

So right now it is a toss up between the Ford F150 and the Nissan Titan---I've test drove the F150 and liked it a lot---But I believe I'm gonna lean towards the Titan---Going to test drive one of them this week...
Either way---It's going to be exactly the way I want it---4 door/leather/all the bells and whistles---Or I will just keep right on driving mine...I'm in no hurry...

Ready, Set, Go . . .

I'm ready for this week---It's gonna be a great one---

I've had a little time off this weekend, hung out with some good friends and am ready to work hard and make it great...

I've got a lot to accomplish. My short term and long term goals are in place and every day of every week gets me a little closer---as long as I keep my eye on the Finish Line.

Positive People . . .

It is great to have people surround you who believe in you. A good friend emailed me this...

"You are an amazing talent, steady mentor to your son and loving man."

Sometimes I wonder if I am doing well with my life, and then I get an email like this.

Thank You...

My Pick . . .

I've got to go with the Steelers . . .I think they will play tough and win---

But hopefully it will be a great game...

Best Zig Ziglar Quotes . . .

1. When you associate with winners, your chances of winning goes up.
2. You dont have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
3. If you arent on fire, then your wood is wet.
4. Im not going to ease up, slow up or give up until I'm taken up.
5. You dont drown by falling in the water. You only drown by staying there.
6. You can have everything you want if you help enough other people get what they want.

Unanswered Prayers . . .

I am so glad God doesnt listen to me sometimes---
You know on some things, He has to be sitting up there going "Don't do that, dont pray that, its not good for you."

I am very glad for answered prayers---and I have had a bunch---
But I am much more thankful for the unanswered ones...

P. S. I know Garth Brooks had a song about this---but it is worth repeating...

Life Is Great . . .

I dont think there has been a time in my life I have ever felt better...with the help of the workout routine and a good friend acting as my personal nutrionist...my body and my mind is in the best shape of my life...

Now, I have the time and resources to keeping myself healthy, I am not going back. I wake up ready to go, have lots of energy and work harder and think clearer than ever before.

I think its a pretty cool thing to say at age 38.

I wonder . . .

Sometimes I wonder what I do to deserve God's blessings. Everytime I'm going through something, God has a way of blessing me with new projects at work, friends calling, eating a big steak with my Dad or something. I know I have not done much to deserve these, But that is what is cool about God. None of us deserve it, but He has ways to help us through---Maybe our eyes are more open to the blessings that are there all along.

Thanks God.

Communion . . .

Tonight at church we had communion . . . Now it is normally a very special thing---but tonight meant a little more to me than usual...Before we started Pastor Rob said something I needed to hear..."We all stand here imperfect people, we all fall short, none of us have it together--but we are trying and that is what is important---and the reason we even have a chance to try is because of Jesus--and thats what we are paying respect to and giving thanks for tonight with this communion."

I recently had somebody tell me " you go to church and act all holy, but then you do things that are wrong."

The only thing I can say to that is, at least I'm trying, It's much better than the alternative.

I cant speak for God--but I believe that He would rather have me trying than giving up.

Thanks Pastor Rob---you are truly a Man of God.

Good Friends . . .

For some reason---My friend Michael and I have a weird connection. He and his wife Linda live a couple of hours away and weve been friends since High School. I am one of those people who can count the number of good friends I have on one hand. Michael and Linda know when to call----If I am struggling or going through something---somehow they know---they call---everytime I need to talk---it's weird---But that is a true friend---he and Linda have been there--Thanks guys--Appreciate you....