music for my friends

So, Martin Sexton is one of my favorite artists of all time.  I don't know if I have ever seen someone more talented or better live than this man.  I've been sick for a few days and haven't had much to contribute, but I thought I would share a couple songs with you.  I have listened to these everyday for the past week and wanted to put them out there for everyone else.  Hope you enjoy.

Surprising Vacation

Again, its been a while since posting.  This time I have a real excuse.  I was able to take my first vacation in over 2 years.  Unfortunately, it was only for one night.  I went to Louisville Kentucky of all places.  A friend of mine was there for work and invited me up to hang out.  It is one of my best friends in the world that I hadn't seen in over 3 years so I jumped at the opportunity.  I couldn't wait to see my friend, but Kentucky seemed like the worst place on the planet to go for my one vacation.  I could not have been more wrong.  Louisville is awesome.  It's a beautiful city with lots of cool little districts.  We went to an amazing park, an Irish Pub, and a great dinner.  This was honestly the most fun I can remember having.  I was too quick to judge.  Its amazing what getting away even for a day can do for your soul.  I felt like a new person when I came back.  If you are having a crappy week or just feel like you are in a rut, just get out of town. Go somewhere new and make a new memory.  It will do wonders.

What's New

I haven't been on here for a little while.  Its been a pretty uneventful week, so not a lot to report.  Gym, work, home as usual.  But, this time I am requesting to help.  I've been getting burned out on my workout music and am looking for suggestions on something new.  My usual playlist includes some pretty cliche stuff i.e. rage against the machine and eminem.  Some other examples are Mirwais, the White Stripes, lo fidelity allstars, a perfect circle, and oasis.  Im not particularly proud of it, but it is upbeat, somewhat angry, and motivates me.  I am hoping that you all can suggest something that does the same for you.  It is very much appreciated.

New haircut, new man

I got my first haircut in 4 months today.  It had gotten down to my shoulders and I realized that I looked extremely creepy.  So, today I cut about 7 inches off and I actually look like a normal person again.  Not only that, I felt better for some reason.  Now its time to start making those other changes in my life I had talked about recently.  Unfortunately, being stressed out, I've been smoking more than ever.  It's going to be the toughest challenge, but I think I can swing it.

Just another Sunday.

So, after not being able to fall asleep until 4 a.m. and waking up to cats meowing at my door at 7 a.m., I had the brilliant idea to go to the gym to try and wake myself up.  What should have been an hour and a half workout took two hours and fifteen minutes. I probably zoned out about 100 times throughout.  I feel like I'm in a dream right now and I still have to go to work tonight.  On top of that, I have to be up really early to get to my other job tomorrow morning.  The only silver lining is the new Breaking Bad tonight.  4 cups of coffee at work will hopefully keep me from falling asleep.  Hope you all are having a more rested and relaxed Sunday. 

Well, Who Are You?

Another exercise in self improvement I have been putting some serious thought into.  So, I will pose the question to you, "If you were to meet yourself and spend extensive time with yourself, would you like you?"  I thought about this for a while last night.  I came to the conclusion that I would not like hanging out with myself as much as I should.  Obviously, we would relate on similar interests, but as far as personality and chemistry go, not so much.  I used to have a much clearer idea as to who I was and where my life was headed.  I was more social and optimistic.  This resulted in more friends, more fun, and peace of mind.  So, now I am going to change those things about myself that I am not happy about.  First off, Im going to be more positive about the things I can't change.  I am going to accept what comes and find the good in it.  I'm going to let things go more easily as well.  I tend to have a bad temper sometimes.  Instead of getting angry with others, I'm going to put myself in their shoes and attempt to understand their motives or intentions.  Now, comes the tough one.  I started smoking when I was 15.  I am now 27 and have kept the terrible habit.  Im going to attempt to quit or atleast slow down.  I want to be healthier.  Finally, I want to slow down on the drinking.  Im not over the top or belligerent.  I don't ever get really drunk or black out.  But, I know I would feel better if I toned it down a little.  In highschool I leaned towards more natural means to wind down.  I might switch back to that. It made me think as opposed to drinking which just numbs my mind or makes me tired. 
Anyway, I hope you think about the question too.  Its interesting to analyze yourself as much as you analyze others.

There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door.

I was thinking about my relationships and connections with the important people in my life.  Now that I am getting older, I began to think about the people in my past that I have lost touch with.  I still think back on the best times of my life and the people that made those times so memorable.  As George Jung put it, "So in the end, was it worth it? Jesus Christ. How irreparably changed my life has become. It's always the last day of summer and I've been left out in the cold with no door to get back in. I'll grant you I've had more than my share of poignant moments. Life passes most people by while they're making grand plans for it. Throughout my lifetime, I've left pieces of my heart here and there. And now, there's almost not enough to stay alive. But I force a smile, knowing that my ambition far exceeded my talent. There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door."
I think about that quote a lot.  So, I wanted to make a suggestion to anyone who might read this.  Life is too short to hold grudges or be stubborn.  You will regret it.  Take chances, make mistakes, don't be afraid to leave pieces of your heart here and there.  Most importantly, if there is someone from your past that made your world great, pick up the phone. Especially, those people that you had a falling out with. Bonus points if it's someone you were in a relationship with or in love with.  You don't have to be best friends again, but keep in touch with them.  Just send them a text message that says something like "Hey, this is ________________. I just wanted you to know that I am sorry we ever lost touch. I miss you and would love to hear from you."
I promise that you will be happy you did it.  And so will they.
If you are brave enough to take on the challenge, I would love to hear what role they played in your life and the response you receive.