Lost in Life? & Spring Training has started!

So I am sure that in the past I have already blogged about being Lost in life, but this is my blog so I am going to write about whatever I feel like!  I have been unemployed for a little while now and although I have been doing some work on the side, I am getting to a point where I want a full-time job again (and hell, the money is bound to run out one day). I am going to be taking my Real Estate Exam in the next few weeks, but I am not sure if being an agent is what I want to do. What I am wondering is, how are you supposed to figure this out? I watched the Academy Awards last night and while part of me would like to be an actor I don’t think I have what it takes or really know what it would take. Then there is another part of me, who now loves to blog/write, but I have never considered this field as a career path, I don’t even know where I would begin. At the same time, I love marketing and have been enjoying the freelance work I have been doing lately, even more so than before! At the start of my unemployment I began studying Real Estate. I have always had an interest in homes and the real estate business, but is this what I will love doing?

I have learned so much in all the jobs I have had. I know that I work well with people and am not afraid of hard work, but I am not sure how create a career path out of that. And while my parents tried to guide me to figure things out, I know it all comes down to me and no one can make this decision for me. We aren’t ever really taught to pick out our career path, which is why I feel Lost. In the current job market it is hard to find anything, let alone your dream job – I don’t know where to start! I know I am skilled and capable, so there must be something for me out there. I don’t like to reach out for help too often, from my family or anyone else for that matter, but when you are Lost, how do you find your way? I know that 90% of the people that read this blog are my close friends and family (I appreciate that, by the way), but how can I get people beyond that circle to read what I write? How/Where do I look inside myself to materialize whatever it is that I want to/should be doing? Maybe this is my way of asking for help! What ideas do you guys have? Do you know someone with great advice or help for someone like me? Let’s hear some idea from you guys – help me get the ball rolling!

Spring training started over the weekend and I know I have said that I am not that excited about the Angels’ season – but I lied! Seeing them play got me as excited as I can be! I missed them, I missed knowing that they would be there playing everyday, win or lose, I could count on the being there next day. I am not trying to make anyone who reads this an Angel fan, I just want to get you pumped about the upcoming season! Baseball is a great sport! I know people find it boring, but this game is amazing and it deserves greater appreciation. With young players like Mike Trout, on their way up to the Bigs and Haren on the squad for the entire season, I am excited about where this season and team will go this year! So Angel fan or not, people get ready for baseball season!

Also by the way, Little League season starts Saturday and I have never been so excited!

  

Edited by: Natasha Dixon 

The double Vlog Epic!!!!

If you want to see the view from the other blog on the right side just click on Marc Blog its great!

Donate your time! & My Ratings on the NBA trades!

So if you don’t already know, I am coach at Encino Little League. I mention it because this post is about giving your time rather than just giving your money to others. I know I am part of the privileged group of people, who have a roof over their heads and family that supports me, in whatever it is I decide to do in life. This has inspired me to give back to the community I have come from, which is why I give my time to coach. I see my family friends who have the means to do so, give money here and there for various causes, but I believe that giving time can be worth way more. I know it takes times out of your day, but I strongly believe that we should all be doing something. If this means giving up a Sunday every other week, then so be it. Yes, people do need the donations, but if you the time to go to an old age home or a homeless shelter to talk to the people who are there, you can help their spirits rise. I know what I do isn’t for the homeless or elderly, but I not only attempt to teach these kids how to play baseball, I try to also show them what it means to be responsible and work hard. And when I can, I do go to help out at a homeless shelter. I guess what I am saying is that I wish people were not so self-involved, thinking that writing a check is enough. Go out there – volunteer your time while you still can, because you never know, there may be a time when you can’t!

Check out my reviews of the trades made before yesterday’s deadline!

L.A. Clippers trade Baron Davis and the Clippers' 2011 first-round draft pick to Cleveland for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon 

Los Angeles Clippers: B (Can be an A or an F in two years!)

The Clippers wanted to open up salary space for the next two years with this move. This trade can only get an “A” if they take the cash they freed up and sign a top free agent in the next two years!

Cleveland Cavaliers: C

Baron won’t be happy in Cleveland and will have no motivation to play, especially since he never really got along with Bryon Scott. This trade looks like it was more for the Clippers first round pick of next year’s draft. The Cavaliers are trying to rebuild their team, but the problem is that Baron’s contract isn’t up after this season so they will still have him on the books for 2 years!

The Charlotte Bobcats trade forward Gerald Wallace to the Portland Trail Blazers for two first-round picks center Joel Przybilla and reserve forward Dante Cunningham.

Charlotte Bobcats:  D

I don’t really see the reason for this trade – it’s like they are giving up on the season! The Bobcats are a team that can make it the playoffs, but not much farther than that. It seems likes that isn’t enough for them, so instead they just gave up. Gerald Wallace is a fantastic player, who can do everything on the court, in return for him the Bobcats got two first-round picks – which look like they won’t even be part of the lottery! They also got two expiring contracts. Unless the Bobcats really think that they are going to sign a top-notch free agent, this move seems like a poor life decision.

Portland Trailblazers:  B+

I think the Trailblazers made the move they needed to make in order to competitive in the West. Even with Roy still hurting, despite being back on the court already, they still picked a solid player. They may have lost 2 draft picks, but the draft seems weak this year so not a big loss. The Blazers made this move just to keep pace with the rest of the teams making trades and I think in the end it will pay off!

 

Boston Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins and guard Nate Robinson to the Oklahoma City Thunder for forward Jeff Green and big man Nenad Krstic.

Boston Celtics: C- 

This is a weird trade for the Celtics. They traded away Perkins, the one player that was problematic for the Lakers in last year’s playoffs. The Celtics’ roster got a lot smaller yesterday, which may hurt them against the Lakers, Heat, Magic, Spurs or Bulls. Green is a solid player but he will be lost amongst the Celtics Big 3 and won’t have as much freedom as he did in OKC. Then there is Krstic, not much to say about him, ha. Ultimately the Celtics lost a very good backup Point Guard (Nate) and solid starting Center (Perkins).

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

This was another interesting move, but it looks like they are planning on going straight after the Lakers now! They picked up a Center (Perkins) who can push Gasol and Bynum around should they meet again. With Nate they also got a second back up for breakout Point Guard Westbrook (they already had Maynor as a backup). I think this deal will end up helping the Thunder because they needed a big body on the court. They already have great scorers in Durant and Westbrook, now they can clog with middle with Perkins, as long as he stays healthy!

 




Edited by: Natasha Dixon

Does life have a planned path? & The Shift from the West to the East!

So there is an old debate that comes up here and there and its religious based to a point.  The question  is, is life planned out ahead or do you create your own destiny?  I understand its tough to answer this question for some, and its tricky but I was wondering what everyone thought.  Before I ask you for your opinion I feel the need to give mine to you!  I am not one for religion for the most part, but I do think that part of this question is not entirely religion based.  In my opinion we might have a penciled path draw out but ultimately it is out duty to make the most of our life and create a life for ourselves!  We have choices every day to make life better and do something positive.  Every time we don't its a wasted day.  In the end I am saying that we might be born into a family of bankers and that might be the penciled out path that we have but at the end of the day its our duty to either make that work or create a new path!  We have one life to live and we need to make the best out of it.  A lot of people let life go by the waste-side and think they have to fit a certain mold, like take a 9-5 and pay the rent and then have a family and live happily every after.  There are many things I respect about my brother, but one of the top things is his push to live the life he wants to live.  He can go out in the world and get a 9-5 if he wanted to, but that isn't the life he wants, he wants to be an entrepreneur and and for now he is making it work.  Its not easy but he has created a path for himself that might not have been the same if he just went along with the regular path most people go on.  So before you go to sleep at night ask yourself, am I doing whats right for me right now?  Am I happy?

 


Yesterday I talked about Carmelo and then today there was another big move in the NBA.  Deron Williams was sent packing to New Jersey!  But I don't care to talk about this trade in particular, even though I do think it was a good trade for the Nets.  The big thing here is the shift in power from one conference to the other!  Two eastern conference teams improved themselves a lot this week while the western conference took a step down.   For years the western conference was the elite place to be, but now it seems that has changed.  Its a nice shift if you have a team in the west you want to make the playoffs like the Clippers *cough *cough!!!  The great thing about these moves is the two eastern conference teams didn't improve themselves enough to make them serious contenders for the championship this year or most likely next year!  So coming from my side I am happy with these trade because it makes the road easier for my team but its also great because its nice to see a change in the leagues every once in a while!  Things are looking up for the Clipps show and at the end of the day that's all that matters!



Edited by: Natasha Dixon 

Is college for everyone? & My thoughts on Melo!

So from a young age we are thrown into school and are expected to stay there until we are 18, if not 22 or older! This got me thinking about the age-old debate, is college for everyone? School was never my thing, I struggled through it and hated it, but I knew that college was important, so I went and got it done! Then there are people like my gf who seem to love education. She always talks about how she misses being in class and learning new things. I love learning new things, but on my own terms and about things I care about! There are also people like my boy Z, who got into UCLA and went back and forth for a bit before deciding to not go back. He now works a full time job, making good money, doing something he loves, all without having been to college. In my view, college is not for everyone by any means. I also don’t believe that college is as necessary as people make it seem. What is college really about? Education is great, but come people learn more through experience and practice than by sitting in a class listening to a lecture. So what are your thoughts? I am glad I went to college, it was a great experience for me, but I don’t think it is for everyone! Was college for you? Do you think it’s for everyone?

As promised yesterday, here are my thoughts on the Melo trade! After months and months of talks – Carmelo was finally traded. The question now is, was it a good trade or not? In my opinion this trade may end up back firing on the Knicks. If Carmelo ends up signing a 3 year $65 million extension, the Knicks won’t have any cash to spend when Williams, Howard and Paul are free agents!  The Knicks do have a very good one, two punch, but now they have an aging point guard and have lost two good players in Chandler and Gallinari. They have depleted their roster for a second superstar in hopes of becoming an elite team once again (key here is depleted their team, elite teams don’t do that!), but they didn’t seem to keep budgeting in mind while doing so.  The Nuggets at least ended up getting something in return for Carmelo instead of just letting him walk away in the off season! In my opinion this move won’t help either of these teams reach the elite status they want. The Nuggets went from being a potential 7^th  or 8^th seed, to missing out on the playoffs and the Knicks may have added 3 or 4 wins to the record, but they are still far off from becoming an elite team like Boston or Miami. I do however, like this trade because it makes one Western Conference team a bit weaker, putting the Clippers one step close to making the Playoffs!


Edited by: Natasha Dixon 

How Important are Politics to you? & My Thoughts on the All-Star weekend (mainly the dunk contest)

So last night at dinner with my family, politics came up. We all know they can be a touchy subject, but that is not really what this post is about. I am curious to know how important politics are to you.  At what age for they start becoming important? Yes, I know when you are young and in grade school, but at what age does it not only become relevant to your life but also something you begin to follow more closely? I know that throughout 90% of last night’s conversation I had no idea about what was being discussed. In the last few years I have attempted to follow politics more and more, but sometimes I just don’t care. I know they affect me on a daily basis, but for me, I just can’t seem to get interested in them. Is there a perfect age when politics become relevant to you? In my opinion, I doubt it. However I do think it is important to have a basic understanding of the politics around you. For example, I have a basic understanding of the issues in Egypt, but I doubt that I can have a well-informed debate about them. Maybe some people have what it takes to follow them and some people don’t, I am not sure, but I want to hear from you!  You know my stance, so what is yours? What is important to you and what isn’t?

This past weekend was the NBA All –Star weekend and it seemed to have lived up to the hype! The Rookies beat the Sophomores in a fun game where Wall made a sick pass to Blake! Then there was the All-Star game itself in which  the West was ahead for most of the game, until close to the end when the East tried making a comeback, however the West held it together to get the win!

Saturday was the biggest day of the All Star weekend – Congrats to Steph Curry, Team Atlanta and James Jones on winning their respective contests. A huge congrats to Blake Griffin for winning the Slam Dunk Contest!  I had two major issues with the Slam Dunk Contest. Firstly, Ibaka was totally ripped off! I am a huge Clipper fan and Griffin fan, but Ibaka dunked from behind the free throw line and got a 46!! ARE YOU SERIOUS? It should have been Blake and Ibaka in the final round, however Blake still would have won because he just so damn impressive. Just a fun fact – Blake is the first player in the NBA to participate in all 3 days of the All Star Weekend. My major problem with the Dunk contest was how branded it was. Kia paid some serious dough for that final dunk! The entire contest was a damn commercial and it got old quick. I think TNT and the NBA agreed to say “Kia” every five words. Next year let’s make it about the fans and just have the players dunk the ball. I don’t even want to get into the stupid rules for the Dunk Contest this year because really it was just an hour long Kia commercial.

Don’t worry people, tomorrow I will share my thoughts on Carmelo finally being traded to the Knicks!

How do you make your relationship work?

So if honor or Presidents day its time for another relationships blog!  So I was talking to my boy BD JB this morning and when I asked him what he was doing for our Little League practice (yes, you will get updates) he said going to study at his gf MV (Congrats on the new car).  I found this to be the cutest thing ever!  Then it got me thinking how do you make your relationship strong.  Many of us lead very busy lives at times but you have to always find time for the ones you love.  I think I think I lose sight of this at times because I live with my gf but that is no excuse.  So recently we have gotten in to Friday Night Lights the show and we now are watching it together from season 1 to the end.  Everyone has their way to connect and spend time and I wonder what anyone else is?  Its not just about going to dinner or telling the other how much they mean to you, but its about setting aside time for them and letting them know you want to be with them.  I am not perfect in this area by any means but then there is the other side where you need to balance the time with your partner, time with your friends and time with yourself.   In the case from the start with this blog as you can see JB needs to study as does his lovely lady so since they might not get a chance to see each other again today the made time to do something with one another, they might not be studying the same thing but its shows they care and they can support one another.  I am working on carving more time out for my great lady but it all takes time.   You need to think about whats important to you and make the effort to make it work!  Remember the key, "A couple that studies together stays together!"

SORRY NO SPORTS TODAY BUT THE EXPERT WILL BE BACK IN THE OFFICE TOMORROW!

ENJOY PRESIDENTS DAY!!!

Zoe and her greatness!

Zoe is just great at Touchdown!

Valentine's day & Pujols

So I was wondering what Valentine's day became what it seems to be today.  I know the story behind the so-called holiday, but my real question is when did it become about the gifts?  I honestly thought it was the one so-called holiday where dinner, movie and flowers was enough!  I guess I am wrong.  The couples around me are exchanging gifts like its someones birthday!  I mean its a day to show the person you love how much they mean to you, and I guess buying a gift shoes that?  I went to dinner and a movie with my great lady and I think it was a very nice night because it ended with something great! (Friday Night Lights that is, don't be dirty people!).  My mom got some gifts, and most of my friends did some gifts.  Hell one of my friends took a weekend trip!  Last year I did one night away and I thought that was too much, but hell what do I know, my relationship is only 2 years old I  must not know anything.  As much as I might have learned this year from people around me but I will stand my ground and say V-Day is about being together and not buying gifts.  We have anniversaries and birthdays for that!

The deadline has passed and Albert doesn't have his contract!  This means it looks like Pujols will be hitting the free agent market next off-season!  Pujols is by far the best player in the game right now and its been awhile since we had a player like this on the market.  Yes, we had Crawford last season but he is no Pujols!  I wish most big name players hit the market like it looks like Pujols can!  We might have Pujols and Fielder on the market next off-season!  We should have also gotten Adrian Gonzalez but we know that won't happen now.  So since i am not happy with the way the Angels worked their off-season I am so excited for next season!  I mean the Angels can maybe do something special this year but damn I want another off-season, I love signing players and making things happen!  Lets all start getting excited to see Pujols get $30 million a year!

Friday Night Lights & NFL Holdout!!!

I am going to start writing again soon.  I won't be able to do everyday because it gives me headaches but I will try my best and when I can I will get everything back to normal!  I want to thank everyone for the love and support since my damn eye surgery, and I will be sure to tell everyone about it in the upcoming weeks, so look out for that blog.  Please enjoy this and lets get the creative juices flowing again people its nice to be somewhat back for now!

So I have recently gotten into the show Friday Night Lights, and yes I know it just ended but I am only on episode 13 or so.  First off I do recommend it to anyone not just guys its a really good show so no one who reads this ruin it for me!  But what I feel the need to blog about is the F*&KING intro!  It might be one of the worst intro ever!  Its cheesy, and stupid and it makes me think I am watching 7th Heaven which blows!  The show is about the town of Dillion in Texas and the into makes it seem like its only about romance.  They even make the football part of the intro look cheesy!  You can ask my gf but every time we watch and the into comes on I complain!  I think shows should do a way with the intro, it is just pointless!  Look at Cougar town (yes I watch it and yes I love it) but they do 6-8 mins of show then they show the title with a clever line and its commercial time, and once back from commercial its like the intro never happened.  Not many shows get away with great intros like the Simpsons do!  So if anyone who works on a show out there reads this (I doubt it) take some advice from a TV watcher!  Stop with the stupid intros they don't do anything but waste my time!

 

NFL fans around the world are now hoping the NFL reaches some agreement in the near future because if there is a holdout no one will be happy about it!  Yes, I admit I am not as educated on it as I might need to be but hell I am still going to give my opinion.  ESPN and many articles claim they are $1 Billion apart now maybe its just me but doesn't meeting in the middle make sense.  Yes, they need to add a rookie scale so 1st picks don't make more then vets like they have been and yes I think they should get better retirement because they are risking their life every game and they lose years off their life for out entertainment, but really $1 billion apart!  Lets be serious here!  The NFL is a monster of on industry and if they think they can just get replacement players to play if need be they are kidding themselves.  They will lose more money with replacement players then they would if they just agreed somewhere in the middle.  Think about how badly baseball was affected after its half season!  They never recovered fully, I do think football would recover quicker then baseball but still!  Someone here needs to step up and take some responsibility to make this happen.  As fans we pay $100's a game to see these guys hit each other and they are going to not play because they are all to greedy for their own good!  Man up sit down and make a deal, or in the end both the owners and the players will be out on a lot of cash and then we are all losers!  

The Worst News EVER!!!

What did she just say?

Ben Roethlisberger Gets Humped!?

Got I love this!

SportsCenter Commercials

This was actually very shocking t see for me, I mean really Brisk?

Super Bowl Commercial

Got how does she feel that they had to use a body double to make this commercial interesting?  The great thing is she has paid so much cash to make her body look young and it still can't be featured on a GoDaddy Commercial!

California on Egypt

Sad but great!

First Super Bowl Commercial

This was the first commercial after the kickoff of the Super Bowl!

Thank you for the love but....

So I am into the Vlogs right now so enjoy!

Video Blog After Surgery!

I know the patch is sick!

My Eye

So later today there will be a video blog about my surgery so everyone will get an update but here is a picture for now enjoy!