The Process is yours to accept..trust it..endure it..sigh..humility..That last one though..

You have it all figured out at this point don't you? How to input the proper steps thru information learned. Just plug 'THE' solution into said problem annnd..WTF!?!? Why is this happening.. What do you mean I can't type it into the search engine that knows ALL? That's not fair! How did "they" do it?.."They" didn't tell me to go that route/or it was going to be that hard(I've realized they and "I heard" is used so many times when asking someone to explain their own thoughts in general). Family and friends along the way helped me focus.. most times requiring me to pay attention and E-n-d-u-r-e...

The Fear(s) in you..deal with them or they'll be ...WAITING..

Fear is a healthy emotion in some regards. Displaying fear is something I've never grown accustomed too. "Never let'em see you sweat" was a motto I first heard in a commercial from my youth, and as a young man It became a whisper in my ear as challenges arose and disappeared. The fear emotion allows you to respect whatever/whomever the situation is pertaining too. The 'yipps'..butterflies even 'bubble guts' are all signs. The names may change but the emotion you're feeling is the same. Agonizing about why. You get upset for allowing more emotion to show than you wanted. Breathe.. My guy! You're human after all..

I packaged this up real nice 4 you all..

I've realized what makes people in Today's Tomorrowland move. The "packaging" or the package itself shall I say. Knowledge and information comes from everyone and anywhere. People, places and things may verbalize it. While we tend to learn from inanimate objects. I've drinketh from plenty cups(plural) of said Kool-Aid as I was infatuated, in respect to the 'packaging.'
Obviously the term 'packaging' is used as a metaphor for this post. The outside wrapping of the package may be physically/mentally appealing, OR for the sake of argument, may not be palatable at all . We all get caught watching a train wreck because of the fascination with packaging at times...

Ole School taught me.. Old fashion is always in style!

Age in this equation is magnified x's 2. The personal feeling across the board young to old as the seasons up top changed has been refreshing! Even where hair once flowed and the hairline taketh away. Weathering of skin becomes obvious. Even better, technology hasn't eliminated EVERYTHING. Some of us thinking and actually DOING...things! The old slogan "just do it" from a bygone era is still appreciated. Effort in society from men that still give a damn to challenge and challenges be dammed.( Heads up guys! guess who make up a vast part of our society.. ask yo mama)? There's a small part of envy I had for those that knew the who, The what and The why before they were adults. I felt rogue, All my actions were definitely resistant to the "Quo". I was living a version of Manhood witnessed directly from 'ole school' or an old fashioned way of thinking...

The bliss of Ignorance and Men...Still today?!?.

I take issue with grown men comfortable with 'Ignorance being bliss theory" STILL. Nowadays the internet has solved all those conundrums that mommy/daddy could not. I believe you make conscious choices to be informed about things you feel still matter. You sir! are a product of Your choices made..or NOT. You're at an age where all responsibility of knowledge is yours. Let the 'spoon feeding cease and desist. Searching for life's "blueprint" designed especially for you is something that should be fully experienced and devoured. There's a certain amount of selfishness that comes with the construct of said "blueprint." When you adamantly refuse to develop your mental(ity)beyond what you made it through high school/college..W.T.F. is that about?!?

Full Disclosure: For years I've been on Purp! Close your eyes with me and party..

The darkness was deafening as a kid. I wasn't popular for reasons out of my control. Being a bit different and difficult..meh! I would consume myself in thought as a form of escapism bringing order to my chaos.. and then MUSIC..I heard a melody dancing in the backdrop of darkness. It was just there! Unidentifiable at first, my youthful 3rd eye couldn't comprehend the sound. It was different?!?I wasn't paying attention. The Purple One was in! He'd infiltrated my mind like a mist. Overwhelming me without knowledge.. Instantly I was jarred to the core. I was a mature 11yrs old 1982. What is this? WHO was this? Part of me felt like I should be sneaking to listen in the basement like we did Richard Pryor/Redd Foxx records(yes records! #Vinyl)...
I'm just a guy with a story to tell like others. My 'travels' as a kid led me away from East St. Louis to Texas, Indianapolis,Chicago and a brief stint in Springfield. Finally back to East St Louis after a few years 'on the road' until I eventually graduated. The Purp)le One was the constant mental stimuli on my rocky road. My pops really enjoyed Prince! Unbeknownst to most, We would wax on about his skill set and creativity to get you to listen to him. Which for a kid your super hero Dad! Is kool enough to share space with your musical life muse! How triple O.G was that? Fast forward to Reunion Arena in Dallas. As I stated the year is 1982( It was my version of @bryanadams  'Summer of 69') Too young to go, but too late the concert ticket was bought..My cuz Reggie D. skillfully purchased it(spoiler alert; names will not be changed to protect!..I love my big cuz) I have a vivid recollection of my night and all the fun had. Years later The #prince experience still registers with me. He was still someone that I admired well into my adult life, in this day and age. As said before, I'm just a guy with his story to tell about walking into the proverbial Purple Rain and stayed there...MM out. #music#prince#purple#genius#innovator#freedom

This is DEFCON 1: Alpha Male alert! Some Men have the wrong impression..It's NOT ENOUGH!! .sorry...

Attention! Wait! what time is it? I took too long of a pause. I have to get this 'liquid  fire' mainlined directly into you..'Get in my belly'(s/o to fat bastard circa 1999 #Austinpowers google it) It's not enough...It's just NOT...the math was done on scratch paper by primates! you know, the ones used in all things of relevance..duh(Dancing baby monkey ,monkey riding dog, Jane asking the monkey for directions.."waterfall?"...) It's just not enough to be a man or exist as said one. Here's a thought, why not become the Man you envisioned for yourself..despite what everyone thinks you should be doing to include the parrreennttss!(watch Pursuit of happiness circa 2006 the basketball court scene for clarity..muy importante') Where's the liberation in that? It indulges future speaking points, teaching moments and hale maybe bonding(sarcasm). This morning you opened "your eyepods" to yet another day. You ought to be appreciative of spreading your wings once again.To inhale life's' questions and obstacles then attack them head on like a 'Reality housewife'!..

It's just time young padawan(In my Obi Wan Kenobi to young Luke voice). Another example in my humblest opinion(I'm the author of this soooo) Figuratively speaking Big bro. Dwade to lil 'big azz bro' Lebron also 'figuratively' speaking about remaining in Miami at that time. It's time.. go Become. It's no longer O.K. to remain dormant. You can obviously, it's your life. Why cheat YOURSELF of getting the most out being a fully formed man. The responsibilities/burdens, Ups and the pissed off downs. Then there's falling in LOVE and living another day to repair life after heartbreak/breakup.The journey homeboy! Manhood is a journey and a series of mistakes and ego bruising as you evolve into a Man and 'Become' A King of your own destiny..Mufasa damn it!.
Literally speaking even if you muck things up in the process, It's the learning curve of Life you're creating for yourself.. Go succeed, fail, live and b.r.e.a.t.h.e. life. Exhale others answers of life and go take a few healthy metaphoric 'Sips'..I've been drinking for years friends.   

Watch where you shakin' that... thing!! but definately..SHAKE IT like a polaroid..it's 2016!

"I see you over there watchin', So why not give you somethn' to look at". Must I show you the way? Of course !..I answered. It's not just o.k. to do it, I personally believe it's mandatory...Well I mean if you're able and this isss the Millennium. Even if you never thought you'd see yourself doing it before. I believe in smile therapy as much as anyone, so It's a no brainer to me. What I meant by that statement is to say we all do things we're slightly uncomfortable with(or just damnit don't wanna do it "I'm TIED"..no 'R' needed) to make a stranger, friends or significant smile maybe even keep that #smile goin etc.. My point in mentioning that? Unless you've been on your console gaming every damn day, working or just hanging out with your jackass/Hangover friends too much lately.. Stop rubber necking around it's you NUT! You've probably been oblivious to her humming in the car or doin a lil ditty-bop in the house to her most favorite song of ALL TIME!(be aware of the use of the word all time.. in this context..It just means this month til it's out of her system and then 'On 2 the next one')..But she's #dancing..albeit on beat or verrry equilibrium challenged off! No need to worry about the details now, just get in there bub! before" turtleneck..Steve jobs" guy steps in off the bench...

Getting older for us MEN..is I dunno..Kewl!.....Tune in for more!

I was turning 40! Oh gawwwd..I couldn't believe I was about to lose teeth specifically designed to improve my smile..bump that!.."preventive maintenance" was key, brushing and flossing became more of a religion. Quite frankly it wasn't funny NO MO..too many men I'd known that didn't have Hockey or MMA as a hobby/career were 'bald mouf' (as Sandra Kay would so eloquently put it). It was something that deftly scared the 'ish' out of me.I tend to smile TOO D$MN MUCH! Not to mention I did my share of watching t.v as a kid. plus I really enjoy sports. There was no stopping it from where I was sitting. The Jefferson's (George) and Good Times 'ain't we lucky we got'em'(James..James..JAMES!) was in heavy rotation at my crib.My ole' boy controlled the remote and t.v. guide with every d$mn thing circled already!) 'Money Mike' Jordan was walking on air in the 80's! and 90's with cool azz Bugs Bunny and he couldn't escape the hairline thing. I didn't know what to do! Once the dreaded DNA gene hit or better yet U-N-D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D Father Time. I'm a regular dude (like most) So I didn't have extra to splurge on implants, cosmetic surgeries or Spanx for men... OUT of the 'effin' question( try a mudrun, Crossfit..something that involves an ACTION verb..i.e running,dancing lifting..etc.stop limiting yourself saying you don't have time to improve on you). I watched and implemented examples of men that were aging gracefully..i.e.Harry Belafonte, Smokey Robinson,Rev.Timmie McNeese (My Grandfather)..all had tidbits of knowledge that helped. Then I added that special sauce.... ME! Who else did you think I was gonna say...

Say Man!! HEYYY!..Which "FRIEND" did you ask to co-sign thaaaaat!?!?..

The aha! moment is upon you. At this very moment your outlook on life is paramount to becoming the 2.5 version of yourself(I only know of one guy in the year 3000! and he resides in the A.(tlanta) have been for a while..chillin! (What up 3!) murdered the fur leggings #lightyears.. The biggest mistakes I've seen thus far are MEN confusing 'ish' that's just for chicks.. pink toes. slim goodies ..WOMEEN damn it! That's trending at the moment. If you're like most, we live in the moment..FOR..the moment( at least I do)..I follow a few trends, as most of us do. I'm also mature enough to understand. I know when to practice restraint of certain looks, and for me that's foremost! I've been known to posses a certain young spirit(clothes included) Even though it may be the hottest SH*T IN THEM STREETZ  pimpn!!! #ducklips and pouty lips are a NOOO GOOO  hell naw..cut it out! Who co-signed that look? Which one of your supposed friends said "go ahead press send"?..It was a  joke! they made a funny!?! Hehehahah see just playing?!? No one took you serious. Sharing straight 'gobbage'...FOOL

Manhood O'Manhood where art thou!..YOU START MISSIN..The streetz START talkin..!

Mmmm..I like the sound of that...#MANHOOD( The voice in my head is of Mr.Hand while stroking my invisible goatee...Fast times at Ridgemont High#classic). I was under the impression that entering the "Secret Society of Man" I was 'gettin' INCHES boy! A slew of them, spread all over for good measure..if you must know I was hoping to get...tall..er? Yes taller! We'll go with that(It's still a PG-13 blog). Was I sorely pissed! What I did get was a wealth of knowledge that eluded me..just learning to PEE straight with some consistency "whew" I thought I was doomed!  Side-note: The free spirit in me love the fact that certain decisions were made recently that allowed 'people to be people'. I diiiig! Enough of that, back to my soap box..
I've often contended that I/We as men need change in some areas of our daily..but certain I'll say "FEATURES" should stand as defiant as say a..flag!?! My memories of tough guys did #NOT show them as being unkind or not being chivalrous, quite the opposite..Hale the earliest stories I heard about my Uncle Marvin Sr. was something I used to scare friends in the projects while having 1 up stories. His #manhood was/is intact like a chastity belt. Merle said his nickname was 'Thug be damned' or SUMTHN on the corner(blocks came later ya'hearrrd) don't quote me on the name. You know how 2nd hand info can be( pops is no longer chillin' with us)..

GOOOOD Morning East St. LOUIS!!! pardon my fresh..'The Boogie'..

I had a random thought..This by no way me being disrespectful to the 'Boogie down Bronx.' I would however like to ELEVATE a city in Illinois that's NOT anything like anywhere you've witnessed. A place where the buffalo's and Mudfoots( Fat Albert circa 1972) roam. Some stay to hold the forte. Others move on to tell the tale of the city affectionately known as 'the Boogie'. It sharpened edges long before I knew I needed one. Also, what it meant in future endeavors throughout life!...period. This is two-fold for me..'The Boogie' and the rearing of my older brother Antonio( YES! I dropped his government) in said boogie..I would love to tell you how Ice cold he was in them streets..sheeiiit!..THAT'S A LIE! Tony is goofy as HALE If you know him! But you'd love him all the same..Oblong body shape with eyes so small he earned the nickname "Chinese n***a" as a kid (school was different..sorry for the UN-political correctness of the language but, meh). The 70's and 80's in 'the boogie' were the times, It was a vitally important for me. Not just about girls, joning,ranking or buying clothes getting thorough..etc.For me it was Tony, T-rock TNT,Master prepping, poplocking and break dancing UNLIMITED! And yes before you ask THAT was his introduction.. dammit man! I'm glad to be from a place that the status quo was "Iron sharpening iron" daily. Your mettle..MY mettle was tested by my big bro before I stepped out into the city. Where the guarantee was real, no pop quizzes about life here. You will be tested!..En garde young man.."On your guard I say." Arm yourself with the knowledge of understanding what you're about to face, no slight of hand needed. The sparring and brotherly squabbles I had with tony prepared me for the daily grind. No "soft shoeing" for my guy when it came to the verbal( the knowledge was like second hand smoke straight from San & Merle). Despite his demeanor or what it seemed outside the crib..He wore a lot of "stripes" in place of his little bro..A many of days man..A many of days..Am I my brothers keeper..I didn't know that was a question..I grew up with my very own odd shaped, goofy ass big brother Superhero thing happening....#goodmorningeaststlouis..Love is Love..MM

Because I was thinking about you....

Those times when I thought.."Mom I got it"(she allowed us kids call her San) "I can do it all by myself" and then my WHATHEFUKEVA! kicked in..I dunno if it's called stubbornness or 'being grown' at an early age but..."I CAN DO IT"! (of course she stepped aside.. As she never stood in the way of us kids being independent...not grown their is a difference). I wanna say at 4y.o. I was going on 25! AFTER many failed attempts, I looked back for her with defeat in my eyes. Not knowing what happened or where she WENT!!! Sannn.. I'm bombing here, the love your life?! She became 'The watcher' from a distance. Watching..observing..slightly chuckling..She then asked the 64,000 dollar question. "Are you quitting? or do you need help?"( the task was the task it didn't matter to her WHAT it was, so don't get hung up on that) Huh?..what kind of crazy question is that. Of course I quit if given the choice, the task was too hard. She repeated the question more succinct while starring into my eyes.."Are you giving up? or do you need help". Immediately my little mind was working to understand the choices. I knew I didn't want to disappoint my favorite girl..plus as a caveat she was the strongest person I'd ever known hands down, bar none, put A RING ON IT!( Now passed away, it still remains true of any person I've come across)..

To be or NOT to be..A sore loser..not cool after..

I've always wanted to write this post. It's been writing itself for the past 8yrs at the very least (s./o. to #potus). It's real amongst a lot of today's adults..sigh..let's get it. What was taught you ask? How to take a loss IN ANYTHING! absorb it in some ways similar to a win and even try being gracious in a loss.. make sense? As a kid it took me time to learn and it maaay have spread into early adulthood for some, but you learned. Why? Because you seem petty as an adult sore loser! No hashtags..nope! no made up fancy words combined for trending purposes..No sir! It's a regular word in heavy rotation in Websters..petty. "You can't win'em all" was ingrained in the noggin as early as a competitive streak was noticed at home! Society wasn't like it is today. My parents/aunts,uncles,grandparents etc. Did not/was not entrusting society to hopefully teach me life lessons. I still remember a certain 'rotund' basketball player constantly stating "I'm not a role model" so true. To be or not to be a sore loser is the ? My personal(my blog) belief is that it lowers the value of whatever it is you're so agitated about. Also, it's an unfiltered look at YOU as a person. Getting caught up in the masses is easy.All things being social you're tried in the public's opinion anyway..

Clean up your house already...it's 2015!

Days of the odd couple(Google it) Ala' Felix Unger lashing out at 'Oscar' for being filthy are unceremoniously over (good riddance). I mean if you want company at your home at any point in your LIFE..male/female you pick!!It's real simple, most guys think their level of clean is sufficient..chances are..meh! If you are unfamiliar with cleanliness ask a woman in your life that'll take pity on your soul. Plead to her compassionate side. Maybe to stop by once in awhile for reinforcement pointers if needed. The small chance that your ego and eardrums will survive the constant ridicule,loneliness and different hand lotions from Bath and BodyWork are low.. but HEY! there's something for everyone, shout out to all the 40 year old virgins with supple hands. Especially the one's with the high score on games that most people don't care about ANY DAMN WAY. I'm not saying go overboard and start obsessing. No need to develop a nervous tick or 'I declare war' on a family member's head if things are out of place(see Deuce Bigalow and Monk) Instead why not start a simple habit..Maybe try giving yourself enough time to clean/pick up behind yourself(you know the stuff that your mom screamed at you about as a CHILD) before you leave your house. That way you won't have much to do if company follows you home or you get a surprise visitor..How many surprise visitors have you had by #NOT cleaning up gotten you in the past?..I'm just saying..allow me to continue. I'm one for having a warm feeling to my place.."lived in" as some would say. Having an inviting place that someone wouldn't mind being in besiiides you is not bad..try it. You've obviously done the leg work to move out on your own. Now is not the time to bottle up! GIVE yourself as many chances as you can in the friends/dating arena(NON VIRTUAL) no internet connection is needed here.Wow! yeah that just happened I threw a bumgarner curve right atcha'...concentrate grasshopper.. your goal is to attract friends. Just K.i.S.S.(keep it simple stupid). let's not make things hard. Almost forgot, there's a certain amount of want and laziness that you may have to confront...MM

Rich Dad.. nah!..poor Dad..not so much either, but KOOL Dad!!."I'll take some of that action!

Ah..why yes, I'll take some of that action as the title states. Being at the edge of darkness with a teenager( a girl no-less). "The end of the WORLD as we know it"! Has come and gone a few times. We're still breathing( golf clap + mom's burning skull stare down,equipped w/smirk & attachments). The days flipped by so fast I lost count. I kinda waited for the 'other shoe to drop' looking for the "Dad I hate you rant" or the "Where's mom because dad you're just dad! you don't/wouldn't understand conversation". Don't get me wrong I've gotten on her nerves, YEEAAHH BUDDY! I've heard it through the mom pipeline. Ultimately they grow up and move out..or act like they triiied.The point I'm making is when they're old enough to want you around other than their prerequisite A.T.M.(If you have kids you have my permission to rock the #4life t-shirt). I honestly don't know what I've done to earn favor. "She likes me..she likes me..Hey Mikey"! I was deemed the heavy in my family. Even though her mom got right down to it at the drop of a hat. In my own family it was always "wait til Merle get's here" or "when I tell Merle about: insert WHATEVA dumba**  thing of the day(like ordering a flavored coffee drink)! I don't think you really sign up to be the heavy though, I think you're kind of nominated..sigh..such is life..whateva'. After awhile I stopped waiting...almost wishful thinking that my #ultimatefail came quickly.I couldn't wait to start the repair process. The slow start was baffling though..gotta' tell ya. I was preparing like I was a 'Dooms day prepper' or gearing up for The Zombie Apocalypse somehow!?! Then prom..WOW!!!Graduation was both liberating and freeing,but wait..s-l-o-w-d-o-w-n things were happening so fast. During those times you do a bit of reminiscing with your minion(s). They tell you stories about how you saved the day.. and not once..huh, who would've thunk? It's those times you don't think they remember. Uh oh! They remind us in vivid detail(immediate image of dad in commercial on sidewalk with what appears to be his little girl practicing her cheerleader cheers)..it's groovy Google it..

The building of the BACKBONE! The latest trend and tested very high in focus groups!!!

Very few things bother me since the turn of the century..I find myself asking or trying my best to answer these quandaries we'll call them. The backbone.. from experience is suppose to gain strength as you age. The adolescence of a young man is crucial, I speak from 1st.hand knowledge. The proverbial building of a backbone start as soon as you can walk. Understood,challenged and acknowledged while going thru those male adolescent years. Some things cannot be duplicated online gaming or #twitterbeef/facebook rants and message boards.Verbal jousting(joning/ranking some call it) is a cruel albeit innocent way of coming of age(and so necessary). It introduces you to trash talking early in life. Whereas you're not a fully formed adult male and still NEED your mommy/daddy to do all your damn leg work. There's a point in your life as a man(operative word) BACKBONE decisions will need to be made and expected of you! Ownership and responsibility are things that randomly come up when mentioning anything that resembles a spine=man. At this point your 'proverbial' backbone should've been in full use now for some years. I don't wanna' hear how you put your foot down to get the newest gaming system/phone..Oh but the No Sir!! I mean a decision of merit YOU made with weight or responsibility attached. Buying a car, purchasing a home, moving out of your parents humble abode/or not etc..Deductive reasoning and talking to oneself about not making such a decision is human nature, no judgement here(The pimp hand is cocked in standby mode) but to walk through life with someone else making all of your tough decisions..for shame!! You may as well let them carry your scrotum and all it's attachments. I remember it being an honor to do your last name proud. Nowadays we'll change it in a New York minute for a gimmick.. say word #ochocinco(no shade #factsonly)..I can run with this but you get the gist...MM

Eye candy...Really? Im a Guy?!?

Here's the deal?!? I've heard from the Women. It's true!! it's so true Run Quickly!! The verdict is here to stay. They want more pictures of YOU!(less in the bathroom shirtless of course.. naughty naughty boy #tasteless) But yes! more pictures of you. The popularity of online dating is a fact that can't be denied. The trending look of bearded characters and their pets looking identical..without photo-shop is The 'shiznit' for friends&family(insert only a face that____ would love) JUST them though.. But then there's this post I'm writing. Fact is, taking numerous pictures juuust to get the right one is annoying as HALE to me also..

Friends! How many of us have them...

I mean the real kind! The boundary between real(ity)and virtual friends has s-l-o-w-l-y become a #blurredline in some of our minds. The rate in which people are acquiring "friends"on social media speaks for itself. Some think posting 'errthang' that comes to mind, or a bunch of likes and you're somehow kindred spirits.The X amount of "thumbs up" and smiley faces that people..."shiiit!..my bad",. FRIENDS! (got to be more careful,I nearly offended a generation) click in your direction, The more and more SHARING you do?!?
Nowadays the landscape of America has changed before our very eyes. This post became special to me in the middle of writing. I had an unannounced guest show up on my doorstep after 25yrs...

Diary of a Wimpy A$$ Kid(Man)..

Stop..stop! Hold the hell on. I've written about the sign of the times lately and "nice guys" finishing first. Somewhere in the proverbial laundry chute a few signals may have been crossed...A WIMP! was #not to be mistaken for being a nice guy. Being a wimp is something you may not readily admit(I can dig it). Obviously it's something you wouldn't shout from the rafters, but something that's definitely curable. Security for women is one of the most popular answers given(even from the most independent) when asked questions about what they need to"FEEL" in a relationship(PG-13 version ladies)...