An Unhappy Post

In the U.S., I have found the following facts regarding yearly deaths from four common sources that plague our news outlets. Feel free to click on the links I have provided:

Opioid deaths - tens of thousands

Alcohol deaths - tens of thousands

Suicide - tens of thousands

Gun deaths - tens of thousands

I'm not sure what to say. They all have fairly comparable numbers. I want to dive into this a bit. Talk it through.

It's an Epidemic

We all have been a part of someone's life that has ended far too quickly due to heroin or other opiates. Only they can choose to get help and stay clean.
Opiates: Illegal unless prescribed by a doctor. Prevention plans have been put in place to seek help and defeat drug addiction.

"Rethink your third drink"

How many of us have honestly driven home when we should not have? Honestly. If you read the stats on the MADD site, you may be astounded. Only YOU can choose to stay sober while operating a 1-2 ton vehicle. It is not someone else's responsibility to ensure you follow the rules. And like opiates, only you can choose to get help if you realize that this is a problem, and only you can choose to stay sober moving forward.
Alcohol: A strict limit has been set for legal driving while partaking of alcohol. Prevention plans have been put in place to seek help and defeat alcohol addiction.

"Permanent solution to a temporary problem"

I think many of us have been impacted by suicide too. Family. Friend. Ourselves. Life is tough. I'm not saying that it isn't. I've gone through divorce, splitting time with my child, living in my brother's basement, looking for a job. All at once. And that is nothing compared to those who may have been abused, seen war, have been drug and alcohol addicted, or any countless other things that impact our minds, bodies, and hearts. Only we can choose to overcome the thought, though. Only we can choose to get help, whether that be through counseling, prescriptions, meditation, or something else.
Suicide: No possible government regulation, but prevention programs have been set in place for those who seek them.

Cultural Control?

The debate of the year - gun control. Tougher laws to get guns. Removal of guns completely... I don't have the answers, and neither does anyone else, but Will it stop the violence? We cannot see the future, and yes, we can do our best to compare ourselves to other countries. Let's face it though: we are not them. We live in a society that is afraid of their own shadows. A place that cannot talk freely to one another for fear of racism, sexism, religious beliefs... IN A LAND THAT IS BASED ON FREEDOMS! A land where whites weren't supposed to be better than blacks, Christians better than Muslims, straight better than gay. A society that is so afraid to relinquish any further freedoms as, in many ways, we are already in a police state - traffic cameras, telephone, email, drones, satellites - that we many grit their teeth and hold on for dear life. Where everyone keeps asking for more, and nothing is being balanced. Where the popular vote doesn't matter anymore. Where politicians seem to regularly do what is best for them and their 'sponsors' rather than what is good for those who voted them in office to begin with. Where left cannot agree with right, and where the center is never heard.

Listen, I'm in the same boat as all of you parents: I don't want my son to die due to gun violence. To have to hide in a closet and be barricaded in a room among other defenseless children and staff. I cannot even begin to fathom what the parents of all of these events have to deal with every day. But do we take the guns away from the good people, the ones we probably don't hear enough about that defend their homes from killers and robbers, or their neighbors, or our children? The ones who go through all of the steps to be put under microscopes? And if we do, what is stopping the guns from entering our country like the opiates and other drugs from Asia and South America? As we have seen time and time again, the bad guys don't necessarily follow the laws. There isn't a single one of us right now that can state that either way is right.

What is it I'm trying to say? We are all human. We all have fear. We are passionate. We are all flawed. Maybe we do need tighter restrictions - screening for mental illness and depression as a basic example. This will not stop those who want to do harm to others though. Do we stop selling nails and ball bearings and pressure cookers to stop another Boston Marathon bombing from occurring elsewhere in the nation? Or fertilizer? Or stop flights from happening? Or close our borders? Or, as in a few of the topics above: end alcohol consumption (it didn't work in the past), and stop the drugs from entering the country (wait...).

You are right. Guns weren't made to start fires, or open a can of tuna, or even wipe your nose when you have a cold. Their soul purpose is to injure, maim, or kill. That fact cannot be denied, whether it be human or inhuman. The thing that scares me most is when the cards all get put on the table, and only the 'bad guys' are left toting firearms when they tell the law to suck a big one, what are we going to do? Hope law enforcement gets there in time? This isn't meant to be argumentative. These are real concerns.

This country is in a sad state of affairs. There are no right answers. People die every day,and the rate at which it is happening seem to be gaining speed. Almost like a butterfly effect. Walking hand-in hand are conjecture, hate, and fear. I can state my own beliefs, but that isn't going to fix the fact that we need to start finding solutions.

I just hope we find them soon.

Be safe everyone. Count your blessings. Share love. Find facts and don't believe the first thing you hear.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." --Henry Ford

Peace out.

What can I say, I'm thankful

For years on Facebook there would be this post going around having people state what they are thankful for. One item a day. I didn't see that this year, and well, Facebook doesn't control me so I'm going to do it on my own. Nana nana boo boo.

As we all know, being thankful should happen more than one day a year. That said, here is a list of both serious, and not-so-serious-but-still-awesome, things I'm thankful for.

1. Good people - family, friends, strangers
2. Bacon
3. Fresh water - to drink and bathe in
4. The gym (I have a feeling I'm going to be ouch-ing tomorrow... I'm still wiggly from my chest sets today)
5. So many different genres of music to suit my mood
6. Farm-to-table restaurants (including, but not limited to) Moxy and Pigtail
7. Humbling moments to remind us we are humans when we often feel that we are gods
8. Events in our lives that make us remember that we are loved when we feel unlovable
9. Imagination and creativity
10. Stories to share at bedtime with my son
11. Cars - even though mine is on its way out
12. Garages to park my car in when it snows
13. The anticipation of picking out a Christmas tree to adorn our small apartment with
14. Grocery store
15. Opportunity to make a difference
16. Faith
17. Hope
18. The ability to learn
19. The ability to teach
20. Sadness to make you appreciate joy that much more
21. Technology that has improved everyday life
22. Sunsets
23. Bonfires and beverages
24. S'mores with all the fixin's (Reese's PB Cups, Hershey's milk and dark is a great start)
25. Nonsensical laughter of a 7 year old
26. Shelter to stay out of the weather
27. Razors to save my neck from that agonizing itch
28. Family values, truth, honesty
29. Past, present, and future defenders of our country
30. Senses: The sound of the ocean, the glow of the moon, the smell of decaying leaves, the pant of a dog, the feel of fresh flannel sheets on a cold winter night.

There are so many more 'small things' that we overlook, and while we are told that we shouldn't sweat them, perhaps we shouldn't disregard them either. Feel free to add your own 'thankfuls' in the comments. I would love to see them!

Have a safe and wonderful holiday, everyone. 

Rookism Round 2 - INSTINCT

After the events of the day, I figure a bit of levity is in order. I often wish that I was a real superhero as depicted within the pages of the novels I am a character in to go out and relieve the world of terror and destruction.

"Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining, Knight."
"Hey, quit dry humpin' and get your shit together."
"Well, that's just shitabulous."
"Son of a bitch! Someone please tell me I did not just fucking die."
"You want to see how to make your enemy soil themselves?"
"You're not my type, big guy."
"You little death-cheating bastard."
"What, it's not enough to cheat at Go Fish? You have to cheat death, too?"
"Frankly, I don't give a rat's ass."
"I swear I can smell their shit-eating breath all the way up here."
"Back off, you nasty bitches!"
"What is this, a Martyr Gras parade?"
"He's.....he's fishing with Cha-Ka!"
"That's it, time for a beatdown!"
"Hell no! I just made all sorts of promises I couldn't keep, blah blah blah."
"What can I say? I'm a ladies' man."

I hope this revives some great memories and laughs from INSTINCT. The senseless acts of violence in Paris carried out by those despicable people will not be forgotten. Prayers go out to all peoples for peace and love to overtake this darkness.

Casting Pearls

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."

Someone who I trust very much said this to me yesterday. It struck a chord. Whether you are a Christian or not, the quote from Matthew should resonate.

We all have something special to share with one another. Something more precious than material things. Ourselves. Our hearts. Our souls. Our passions. Our 'pearls'. We want to share them. Make life better for those around us, bring success to our jobs, and feel as though things today are better than they were yesterday because of the role we play daily in the moments of the world.

Unfortunately, not everyone is receptive to receive these pearls.

Remember though, they are ours to share with the world. Stop sharing what you have with those who would choose to devalue your offerings. Break the cycle. Walk away and find someone who finds them of value. 

To advance this point a step further: Just because one does not find value in something you do or did does not mean you lack worth. Nor does it matter if that number is 5, 15, or 55. Never confuse this fact. Your worth is a not a value that can be given a number from someone else. It's not based on Likes, Shares, or even attaboys. It is not something that I can give to you or tell you how to find. It must be found on your own when you are ready to find it. 

When you can be receptive to yourself. 

Moral of the story is that you must realize how important your pearls are before you cast them at your own hooves due to you not holding yourself with the high esteem that you should. While gifts, even if they are dirty, are wonderful, they look a whole lot better if you decide not to trample all over them yourself. Share yourself with those who value you. Move beyond the rest that don't. Never leave yourself behind.

Rook out.

Let's Catch Up

Not since fricken August have I been here. Holy nutty! How time flies. It seems like I've been so busy, and I have. I have been working for a company on a contract basis that is based in Exeter rolling out a project management and accounting software combo, Workamajig. I have also been working on a lot of freelance stuff for businesses, both website and print graphics. It has been nothing short of bat-s crazy as of late! I am very appreciative though. It is nice to see the bank account actually go up for a change, haha. And the people I have been working with have been truly amazing making me feel a part of a team when as a contractor you normally are just an individual.

I wish I had some sort of other exciting news.

Oh, well, I created a new cover for author friend, Rick Jones

And tomorrow I get to try my hand at hard cider. While I have made plenty of beer in the last few years, this will be my first fruit-fermented beverage. 2 plain with 2 separate yeast types, and a third with hops.

Don't forget that tomorrow is the first day of your life all over again. If you are lucky enough to wake up, you can make a difference by: being a hero, surprising yourself, and making others smile. Don't take life for granted. Appreciate your privileges. Give your best.

Peace out.

Masa Sushi & Hibachi Grill - Review

I've been going to Masa for quite a few years now. Never have I been disappointed. That's saying a lot. I've been there dozens of times at this point, and even bringing a few first dates there knowing full well that I could rely on the staff to make a great evening, and that only I would mess things up ;)

Tonight was no exception.

I took pictures, see below.

If you didn't know it was tuna, you would think it was a rare steak with the flavors placed over the top. This isn't the first time I've had this, and I hope it won't be the last.

So many flavors that paired well. The woodiness of the asparagus, mixed with the richness of King Crab, and the awesomeness of steak over top.

Absolutely decadent and rich, this salmon belly was a real treat

A very humble looking piece of sushi, but don't be fooled! The flavor that popped into my mouth was amazing.

I'm a big fan of squid, and this just made this already amazing feat of flavor that much better.

And I cannot believe it, but I didn't get the photo of the last dish that was handed to me over the sushi bar. He even came around to explain it to me. It was done in two pieces, one side was Super White Tuna (which come to find out isn't tuna at all!) over rice with a sour lemon, garlic, and olive oil flavor enhancing sauce of deliciousness, the other was partially seared, thin sliced clam. You have no idea how amazing that was.

As you can see, much of this is not something you typically see hit your everyday sushi plate. These aren't the California rolls and Philladelphia rolls of the American sushi scene. These are authentic pieces of craftsmanship that were made for me tonight, and I got to hear some amazing stories and make a great connection with the big man in charge at Masa. It was a humbling experience to taste his favorite flavors, and his favorite things to create, and I will not soon forget it.

I cannot thank Jimmy, Amber, and the rest of the Masa crew enough for an amazing time tonight. They are always attentive, friendly, and all of this is why I go from my home to 20+ minutes away to get my sushi. I urge you to make the trek to 1707 South Willow St. in Manchester, NH.

And hey, don't forget to invite me! Suckas. Peace out!

Don't Do It For Chris Farley...

Some people had Belusi. Others had Williams. Perhaps Laurel and Hardy. I had Chris Farley.

I just got finished watching I Am Chris Farley on Spike. I forgot how much I loved watching him. Matt Foley, Tommy Callahan, Gap Girls. I very much connected with him in high school. Often my fellow schoolmates would have me impersonate him (with little to no cue, mind you) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Little did I realize his lack of self esteem, and while I knew he battled addiction it was quite painful to watch being reflected through the eyes of his friends and family for this special. 

"John Hancock... it's Herbie Hancock."

Excuse the Language - WTF Drugs?!

This post, while not being about alcohol will quickly get into some adult language, so earmuffs... or blinders, kiddies. We all know that addiction is just a fact of life, right? Drug use isn't slowing down, and in fact new nasty types of these lovely pieces of S are hitting the street hard. 

We see it in our mainstream media, whether that be TV, movies, or music. We can't get away from it, and we can't just push it aside any longer!

So what do we do differently? What are we doing wrong as a nation to continue seeing these things effect the lives of our friends, families, and neighbors? Is it because one just wants to belong to something bigger than what they feel like? Or want to cover pain? Or maybe because they are just plain bored?

Well, I'm sorry, but any excuse you can come up with is straight up BS. 

"...Livin' in a van, down by the river!"

Get Help

Since graduation, I think I know of about a half dozen deaths due to drugs or alcohol from the class of 1998. 

I'm sure there have been more that I missed. 

We all have something we want to escape from in life. I know I do. But there is no escape. 

It starts out in the shady part of the room, when you first lay eyes on whatever it may be. This is when it would be best to get help. Often, people don't.

Funny things happen and it gets kicked around, bounces off a wall or two, and makes it closer to the center of the room. You step over it, perhaps overlay a rug. Have you ever tried to vacuum a rug that isn't flat? As you vacuum, not only do you ruin the rug in that one spot that is raised, but you miss the dirt on either side never truly doing what you intended to do. 

Refresh.

As the monster gets bigger, so does the weight on our hearts and minds. There are lots of ways to "forget" the weight we bear. Drugs, alcohol, and self-inflicted pain to name a few. It's funny though, the more we do to forget the pain, the more it tends to return like a screeching siren. Even when you thought you figured it out. Even when you thought you fixed it.

That seems to be what happened to Chris. That seems to be what happens to many. 

Stop. Stop the cycle. Confront the beast.

Head on.

No mercy.

Get help. Seek a professional and talk through the problems before you dig yourself an early grave! Feel like it's too late? Are you reading this? Then it's not. Get help now. You were given the opportunity to make a difference today. Start by making it in your own life.

You are worth it

If you have gotten this far, don't stop. You have something to live for. Take a look in the mirror, or perhaps the reflection you see in your monitor. Look yourself in the eye! Don't be embarrassed. Don't be ashamed. We all have self worth. Believe it. Take it from me, I've had to learn it the hard way. 

Know that you have gifts to share. Know that you have joy to spread. Know that you are loved.

Know that it starts from within. 

Don't do it for me. Don't do it for your kids. Not your parents or your neighbors. Hell, don't do it for Chris Farley.

Do it for you.

The Clown's Prayer

As I stumble through this life,

help me to create more laughter than tears, 

dispense more cheer than gloom, 

spread more cheer than despair. 

Never let me become so indifferent, 

that I will fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child, 

or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. 

Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, 

make them happy, and forget momentarily, 

all the unpleasantness in their lives. 

And in my final moment, 

may I hear You whisper: 

"When you made My people smile, 

you made Me smile."