I'm Still Alive. And May Be Better Than Ever.

It's been a while.  I know.  Busy times.  Schedule changes, visits from family and friends, explorations, other random excuses, etc.  The break was nice.

I updated the About page today, due to a forum post that ended up being a soapbox speech of self-promotion.  I sometimes think I come off as a little arrogant in my writing, although it's more a reassurance thing for my own personal development rather than an "I'm better than you, look at how I live my life"... um... thing.  Oh well.  Maybe it would be more important if my writing was for money.  You'll never see ads or sponsors here though.

Updates will be less frequent, but when they do happen, I'm bringing the goods.  Quality instead of quantity is the new philosophy.  Writing became an obligation before I took a breather, and that's just not my style.  When inspiration hits, I'll milk it for all I can...

Because sharing... is caring.

The Warrior Diet.

I like to get out of my routines.  I'll usually switch things up for a month so I can challenge myself and see if any drastic changes occurred.  This month... The Warrior Diet.  Don't worry, I'm not looking to lose weight... just changing up the way I eat.

The premise is simple.  I eat one big meal at the end of the day to satisfy all my food needs.  That's all.  It's pretty much fasting during the day, but I'm not starving myself since all my calories are being taken in at one time.

I'm on Day 2 right now... I'll keep you updated.

Turning 23.

I learned quite a few things this past year of my life.  To commemorate the occasion, I've decided to share 23 things for the 23 years I've survived.

1. Moving to a new location only changes the scenery... but it won't change who you are.
2. That being said... moving will give you new perspective and can open you up to things you weren't aware of before.
3. A degree is not a guarantee you will succeed, but a degree will give you the tools to succeed.
4. Money is not an end, but a means.
5. Owning a car is a luxury, not a necessity.
6. Spending less than you earn is essential to building wealth.
7. Investing in yourself doesn't always have to involve money.
8. The more you learn, the more you realize that there's not a lot you really know.
9. You can't lead without knowing how to follow.
10. You can't convince people through force.
11. You can't please everybody.
12. Giving yourself a chance to succeed can lead to good things.
13. You determine your own happiness.
14. Continual preparation and practice gives you the ability to handle things at the most pivotal moments.
15. Being a better listener makes you a better communicator.
16. Fulfilling your potential doesn't have to be defined by your career.
17. Developing hobbies is important in making you a more balanced person.
18. Maximize on your strengths.
19. Know your limits.
20. Creating your own path can be a struggle.
21. You can't have everything... but you don't need everything.
22. People will surprise you sometimes... for better or worse.
23. You can do all the planning you want... but you truly live through doing.

I've Got Some Exploring To Do.

No worries people... but I'll be taking a break from posting for about a week. My plans for a "vacation" with a good friend of mine are finally coming into fruition, as I will be busy relaxing and enjoying the sights and sounds of the San Francisco Bay Area for a few days. Next week I'll be coming back full force though, as I just finished a couple books that I'd like to react to and expand on.

Thanks everyone for the support!

Windfalls...

Yesterday, I found out some wonderful news.  My income tax return deposited into my account, and my deposit for a contract that ended this month will now be mailed back to me via check (it was a pretty large deposit at the time since I didn't have much of a credit history).  This was money that I really didn't account for, so I'll count it as a sudden windfall.

I now have some options... and since I'm in my early 20s, I'll be realistic.  I could: