Monday, January 21, 2013

"SACRIFICE...."


On some level, I feel as though I’m cheating my sons from having what I had as a teenager living at home with my family. My sons have been very patient and very understanding in their current living conditions. I’m sorry, I said that like they live in a garage with no roof attached. No, they’re in the house, I just want them to have it feel more like it’s their spot. You know, with their own décor of posters, a desk, nick-nacks, etc. It would be cool to surprise them. That would be cool. I could actually do that with the help of their Aunt Sherry up in Montello, WI. The kids love visiting with her and her family and visa versa.

Why am I getting excited right now and I’m just thinking of a possible plan? I’m so goofy, Hahahaha… Wow, it’s 5:38 in the morning and this is what I’m on. I owe it to them. We have a few things to straighten out, but overall, Daniela and I have some very awesome children. This is why I’m always putting them first. Everything I am is because of Daniela and our four beautiful babies. At this juncture in our family, I’m searching to make them proud of me as their father, a man and as their Mother’s husband. I know it may sound weird hearing someone say that, but I come from a place where acceptance from the world isn’t important to me. Acceptance from my woman and our children means the world to me without question or doubt.

Yesterday, we went to Golden Coral for breakfast. On the ride back from Waukesha, the conversation took a short detour. We got on the conversation of married couples and even those in relationships, but not yet, married and their financial stances. I’ve worked since I was 15-years old. My first job was as a “Sacker” at Safeway in El Dorado, AR. When people were grocery shopping, it was my job to put their groceries in bags (paper bags) and carry them to their vehicles and set them in the their vehicle. I got paid every Friday and it was the best thing since butter on rice. Well, when Daniela and I found that she was pregnant with Nasir (our firstborn), my mentality about many things changed. For example, I didn’t hang out with my friends as I once did. I was focused on Daniela and her health with the pregnancy. I would get paid and give her my paycheck. No questions asked, I’d just give it to her. Now, I know couples who maintained separate finances and would even do things separate with their money as though they were living single lives. Hey, do you! I just come from a different ideology.

You all have heard me say my father and the men I grew up around taught me how to love and be a man to my wife. Well, in those many hours, day and even years of learning how to love a woman and be a ‘real’ man, I had an epiphany. It came clear that if I claim to love this woman and if I feel she loves me, we bond in everything. It’s the idea of “What’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours.” Sharing is so important in maintaining healthy relationships. Did you hear that? I didn’t say maintain a relationship. Hey, I know people who hate one another, but who remain together because they’re comfortable being there. I said ‘Healthy Relationships.’ I’m the man who loves her and dedicates my every breath to her happiness. It becomes my driving force to do everything I can tomake her happy and comfortable. It just so happened Daniela felt the same way and in sacrificing for the other person created a momentum of positive natural energy, which cultivated our love for one another and our family. Now with my wife gone, I still have that motivation, drive and passion with nowhere to go. Sometimes, I feel as though, I’m going to explode. It is what it is…

When you are in a relationship and don’t share or sacrifice, I feel you’re anticipating the relationship’s demise. Why would you jump into anything you don’t see yourself completing or staying in through to the end? It would be counter-productive.

So, in that idea, I ask for you guys and gals to jump in and have faith in the relationship you’re pursuing. Sacrifice yourselves in the idea of love and building a family for you and your children. Love one another like you know the world’s end date. Love hard and often. Damn this neo-thinking of being politically correct and not showing affection in public. Show it in public. Teach these younger folks that it’s okay for a man to love a woman and be“Boo’ed Up” as the kids say. Let them know there’s nothing wrong with having one mate and staying with that one person without having to sleep around or cheat. Relationships are beautiful and natural. They aren’t easy, but if youput the work in, they are so worth it. You know if the person you’re with or interested in is interested in having the same thing. Get what you know you deserve.

Thanks for listening. We’ll talk soon.     



Saturday, January 19, 2013

BlackBerry 10 [Hands-on][HD]

This new Blackberry has some very interesting and awesome looking advanced elements. I'm still not totally sold on it. I love the BB Hub. It's a single location to manage everything on your phone. Pretty sweet. You are able to peek into the Hub and then go back. I like that aspect of it. It's compatible with the Mac iOS, but I wouldn't know how to use it. I use my i5 for my business and personal. 

Friday, January 18, 2013

"VAMPIRES..."

I'm watching 'Abraham Lincoln Vampire Killer' with my parents and sister. While I am enjoying the movie, I have thoughts running through my mind of story lines to write about.

I've always been a horror fanatic and specifically a fan of Vampires and Vampirism, but with the over saturation and commercialization of Vampires, I need to figure out a new slant on the culture of Vampires.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Pine Hill Rd: "NEWS FEEDS"

Yeah, friends and family to Pine Hill Road Diaries! This installment of my blog is dedicated to being a “News” update edition of the blog. I want to let you guys & gals to know what’s been going on in the lives of the 10th Street Matthews Clan.

Kids Dealing with Day-to-Day Living

The kids are doing well. We continue talking about Daniela and I really maintain keeping her relevant around our house and with the kids. They’re very receptive and engage in the conversations about their Mom. They even tell their own stories about her during family interactions.

The new chore schedule is underway and working well, so far. Instead of chores being daily or weekly, I’ve chosen to assign chores monthly. One entire month for assigned chores cuts down on the arguments about whose day or week it is. Now you only hear arguments once each month, =D!

Due to not being able to get out to visit the schools, as I’d like, I’ve created a form, which the kids take to school and have their teachers sign for verification and accountability of their assignments and behaviors in class. This began very testy with N’kya and Nasir, but once I explained our positions and stations in the family, they fell in compliance without issue.

What’s Up w/ Me (Ray Ray)?

I’m having issues with getting proper rest. Working third shift isn’t a problem. The problem comes when I try to do too many things throughout the day without getting that proper number of hours to sleep. I’m awesome on six hours sleep.

My job searching has actually landed a few interviews and I’m thinking there’s a few rays of sunshine peeking through the clouds above me.

My sister has been trying to get me to go back to school, but I’m still letting that settle on my mind. I have a few things I need to set up and get situated properly before I make an awesome jump like going back to school. My interest in school would be more business focused and aiming to getting into the corporate arena…maybe.

Family Plans

I purchased Jiujitsu Kimonos for Nile and N’kya and will be getting Nasir and Naim’s within the next couple of weeks. Once they all have their kimonos, we’ll start our training as a family in Kenosha at Gracie Barra. I think our greatest opportunity to bond as a family is through Jiujitsu and we all want to start working on that bond.

I’m trying to plot a Wisconsin Dells trip, but it’s still very sketchy right now. I’m looking for a target date around mid-February. Sounds doable.

What’s On The Horizon?

The focus is everyone doing well academically and settling in during this semester. My focus is employment and designing a financial plan for growth and stability for our family’s household. I’m focusing on 2013, as the foundation of my new era, which is about financial growth and independence. I’ll discuss more in this topic in blog posts to come.

One Man’s Opinion…

There has been a lot of news coverage on the President’s new ban on assault rifles and the lines have been drawn in the sand from both sides. I don’t understand why this is such a, so-called “Hot Topic” for our country. First, as most of you already know, I’m an advocate of our Second Amendment and our Right to bare arms. I come from a family of men and women who support the gun culture.

In a picture on my Face Book Page, which caused a lot of controversy, I posted a picture of my AR-15 and the caption said: I apologize if you didn’t understand when I first said it, so let me clear it up. My AR-15 is not for hunting. My assault rifle is for people; for anyone who threatens my family or our way of living. I plan to lay them down without hesitation.

All of the attention going to restrictions on registering or licensing weapons brings up another question. Why is the focus on those who are purchasing weapons legally and not those who are purchasing illegal weapons? Those who are following the law and purchasing weapons legally are trying to the best of their ability to do things within the letter of the law. The millions of illegal weapons in the streets seems have slid off the table while those law abiding citizens are again being targeted and punished. I went and bought three more 30-round clips and am going again this weekend. Just to let you know!!!



Be safe… Protect your family and your rights!!!







Tuesday, January 15, 2013

"LEADER'S FAITHLESSNESS..."


Hey everyone, I only have a few minutes before, my countdown starts to head home. Yeah, I have to start earlier because the ignorant and utter-blatantly stupid’s sense of attempting to join the “Big Boy’s Club” continues to create the belief in some minds they’re above their capabilities or station when they’re mildly mediocre.

In managing teams, a leader must fill a position with a player he feels is capable of executing what the coach wants to do. For example, in the 49er’s victory over the Green Bay Packers this past weekend was much in part due to the 49er’s Quarterback. His manipulation of what the Packer defense saw verses what they were capable to defend created opportunities for the San Francisco win. This comes down to individual team sports as well. Leaders who don’t trust their players should replace those players or allow those players the room and have the faith in those players to actually play their positions.    

"WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT..."


For the past few days, I’ve had an overwhelming sense of necessity to pursue and research career/industry-transitioning opportunities for myself. I’m at that midlife’s point where we should access and assess my personal individual successes in life, love and career. Honestly, I’ve been blessed in life. Some may think I’ve lived a mediocre life, but I don’t agree. My life has been so awesome. I know most of you guys are going to think I’m talking about my wife, Daniela, which would normally be correct. I’m talking about my life with Daniela, before Daniela and even after Daniela. My life has been a very awesome experience.

Taking A Look At My Career Ambitions

As a young naive dreamer living in the rural back roads of southern Arkansas, I dreamt of doing and being many things. I’ll never forget, my undying passion for wanting to join the Marine Corps and going career. I was going to be an officer and join JAG having an awesome career while being stationed in Japan. After doing my 20-years, I was going to retire and enter the civilian corporate arena and work as an attorney with a corporate firm practicing Intellectual Property Law.

Things happen…

Then I came to Milwaukee where the dream changed. I was going to join the Milwaukee Police Department and follow my father’s footsteps in a career of law enforcement.  I was going to be a real gunfighter for justice. Then, nothing.

Things happen…

By the time I became a father with my first child/son, I was lost and was only trying to find a paycheck. I would see guys downtown in their suits going and coming in and out of buildings on their corporate rat race. I was so envious. My wife saw that desire and she totally supported me in my dreams and ambitions. She was my sole-motivator. She allowed me to pursue my dreams. She pushed me through my college career and multiple degrees. She was so awesome.

Things happen…

My great-grandfather and father sold me on education as the way to take our family name to the next level. While growing up, I would hear how education is the way for African-Americans to rise from the ashes of national-social disparity in economics and possibility. Now, instead of hearing that I’m not educated or don’t have enough experience, I’m disrespected and discriminated against for the opposite. Today, I hear that I’m too educated and have too much experience. In other words I’m over qualified. What the… are you serious?

So here I sit on my couch watching one of the greatest movies ever, ‘A Bronx Tale’ starring Robert De Niro, pecking at these keys on my Mac Book trying to figure out which direction to go as far as my career goals. Most of my working career has been in the non-profit sector. I’m thinking about taking the leap to try and find employment in the for-profit sector. I’ve been very comfortable in the NFP Youth and Family Services Industry, but I need to secure financial security and believe I can make more money in the for-profit sector. At the end of the day, it’s always about making a better life for my children (family). 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

"I'm Bored As Hell..."


Today is another boring day in the life of a misguided and lost spirit. I sit near comatose in the living room of my parent’s home while my sisters sit on one couch doing one another’s hair, my father in his Lazy Boy chair and my mother scans the room to complain about everything while she chain smokes her cancer-sticks. My nephews and kids are in the kitchen posing as easy marks for my harassment and bullying. Everyone is gearing up for the NFL Playoff Games. No, please don’t get it misunderstood. I’ve not converted to being a fan of Professional American Football. As I stated earlier, I’m bored.

I spoke with a close friend about a few business investments he thought I would be interested in. I need to get more information on them, but they sound easy and not too expensive to start up. I guess he asked me because of my management experience and financial contribution possibilities.

Dang it! I have to find something to do…     

Thursday, January 3, 2013

"FCA..., Everybody Eats, B!!"

A few nights ago, my 15-year old son said he wants to get a job so he can get his money up. That’s the idea to save money and basically not be out here broke and torn. Young folks call it ‘Eating’. That’s what it is then. I’m glad he has an understanding of money and the need for money, but I’m more excited that he wants to get it the legal way instead of trying to get it how his father and many of his family tried to get it.
#fca #mwawg #pinehillrddiaries #loheadz #brewcitycertifiedbboys #family



Wednesday, January 2, 2013

"Sonhos e Pesadelos"

The above title translates to Dreams and Nightmares in Portuguese. Dreams and nightmares...

Please don't toss me the pity rag when I say this, but my dreams and nightmares tend to give hope I'll see my wife again.

This morning, I dreamt my wife hadn't passed. I dreamt, we were back together and happy again. In the dream, I spazed on her which made her afraid of me. She then ran off and left me with the kids. I tried to find her, but couldn't locate her. I roamed the streets, I even used my application on my phone to track her down, but no luck.

Whoa... The pain was so extreme. My chest hurt and my heart strained. Hahaha...and that was in the dream. When I woke up, my emotions made me want to cry. Wow.

I wonder what that dream meant. How can I learn to control these emotions? Wow.

RM

Rack Lo Feat Seminole Sport-Flyest In The City

I'm so loving this video starring the Lo-OG "Rack LO".... HAHA.... Raw!!!!


"GOLDEN DRAGON'S TAIL..."

I would love to share a pot of Golden Dragon's Tail Tea with you.
We could go to Rachabo's on East Brady if they still serve tea.

Last I heard,
due to the commercialization & utter idealisms of being original,
when there's nothing new under the sun,
the popular thing is now wine tastings.

Where I'm from,
the only people who drink wines are called wine-o's, which is another way of saying drunks.
I guess now it's swag to drink wine,
but not to be a drunk or wine-o,
so we politically & correctly say it's wine tasting.

Hey... Do you!

The Gods would build in ciphers & cosmic forums on the second floor towards the back with candles at the center of the table.
The candles served as a fulcrum between seven Gods.
7-gods politic over 7-Tea cups and knowledge the culture born through truth which is the power we possess.

So do the knowledge.

Hot scalding water in that small pot with the sack of Golden Dragon's Tail soaking, water absorbing,
magic from the tail marinating,
and my lips anticipating...

I pour it,
still hot,
still steaming into my cup as the steam rises in a faint mist towards the heavens.
As I bring the cup up,
the heat causes my tongue to moisten.
A few drops of honey in the cup repels the sting.

Imagine, you and I sitting together over a pot of Golden Dragon's Tail.
Our magnetic isms creating electric energy between us as we build on a new improved universe.
Atoms expand when U and I verse...over a pot of Golden Dragon's Tail Tea.

RM