Thanks Bamboo Forest of Pun Intended for not letting my tea burn

Thanks to Bamboo Forest for giving me a way to not let the tea burn. Not only have I been thinking, or over thinking about how to improve my productivity as stated in my previous post 'How I Plan to Keep From Getting Bored with Blogging' but I've also been searching for an easy reminder so I don't let the tea burn. Seriously. Not oh so long ago I put a pot of tea on, came back to the favorite hole here and low and behold, yeah you guessed it. I forgot the damn tea was on. I smelt it though. Can you say "tea bags stuck to the bottom of the pan, pan ruined!"

I'm not sure who I was the most upset with. Me the tea or this damn passion I have to go balls to the wall most of the time. Obviously the tea didn't have a clue. And my passion isn't going to change. Most of you know that I'm committed. If for no other reason than because it's fun and exciting and a huge challenge most of the time. Not only those two but I enjoy writing. I don't profess to be the most proficient writer, nor do I want to be. I do want to be me and have my voice shine through and that is starting to take place. Thanks to the little things like the Tick Tock Timer I'm getting my post done and being more productive. And I haven't burned the tea burn anymore.

The Gong works great too. Jump on over and check it out. Leave a comment on how it's helping you and what you have done with it lately. Then if you liked it or had some success with it come back and comment and let others know here as well or tweet it out to your friends.

Bamboo Forest writes for Pun Intended. He created tick tock timer that makes bloggers ridiculously productive. Thanks dude!

Just a quick update: MAKE SURE YOUR VOLUME IS TURNED UP... OR IT WON'T HELP BY THE WAY!

How I Plan to Keep From Getting Bored with Blogging Basics

Your Blog is on Death Row

It's just a matter of time and your blog will walk the green mile just like plenty before it. If it seems that every month the visitor numbers are declining or remaining the same, then it's time to ask yourself what can I do differently. Not so much of what am I doing wrong, but what can I do differently? Maybe your satisfied with your overall progress but if your like me you want to see improvement. That's just our nature, our drive our personality. We are what you call a go getter! We not only like to start a fire but fan the flame so to speak. 'so what can I do more of or do differently' should be our question.


Don't Give up, Don't Ever Give Up

If you have an interest in your blog and how it's doing then you don't have to ask yourself if it's dying a slow death. You know. You've checked your stats till your blue in the face and your clicking finger hurts. Possibly your at a point where you feel stuck and your just not sure this is for you. This is going to be the place you need to be. Let me say it again, "This is the Place You Need to Be.Period." The place that gives you that extra energy, that second wind. I have realized over the years that no matter what my feelings are, good bad or indifferent, they will change. When if I've put the effort into a plan or goal knowing I can reach it then why would I all of a sudden let that goal die out? If I could suggest anything to you then think about getting back to the basics. 


Don't Get Bored with the Basics

The basics are just that, basic! Stick with the basics. When I stick to the basics I usually get the best results. Have you ever heard someone say, "repitition". I think that doing the same thing over and over can get kind of boring. In fact I know it can. I used to hate showing up at my job and doing the same thing over and over and over each day. (notice I say used to) It usually didn't take me too long on those jobs to start to think about looking for something new. As in a new job. Needless to say this is not always and in most cases may not be the best answer. What I've usually found to be best is to ask myself what I could do differently? What other options might I have?

The real kick in the pants is fear and insecurity

Tackle these 'kick in the pants' head on. Make some changes in your daily routine and get back to the basics of when you first started blogging. You weren't bored then were you? Here are some things I pledge to do over the next 30 days.

• Stop Reading other blogs
• Stop Trying to hard
• Continue to look for little Improvements
• Stop wasting Time
• Pay more attention to my Passion
• Dust it Off
• Ask for Help
• Focus on Content

When I first starting blogging I wasn't reading every other Tom, Dick and Harry's blog out there. I was more focused on my blog. I was selfish yet making progress and sticking to the basic principles of blogging. My goals were being met and I was continually making improvement. I paid more attention utilizing my passion. I asked for help instead of thinking that I had all the answers. I wasn't wasting my time nor trying too hard.

CONTENT is still the most IMPORTANT

If it doesn't demand my attention then why am I reading it. I profess to stop reading other blogs that don't demand my attention. My content is suffering and if I can tell it's suffering I sure as hell know you can too. This doesn't mean I am not going to look at or read others' blogs. I will always read some blogs that entertain me, teach me or inspire me. Ones that I just read to read and comment on are off the list. I am trying too hard and wasting my time in doing so. I am going to focus more on my own content. Afterall it is the basic principle of blogging no matter what your niche is. If it isn't king it won't need a kingdom. And remember...

You Don't HAVE To Post Everyday!

When I first started blogging I was always looking for ways to improve. Just because someone else is posting everyday or twice a day doesn't mean that's how you need to do it. I have found myself trying to write a masterpiece with each article. Instead there have been some 'disasterpieces'. I do want each article to be a masterpiece, don't we all. But going about it hurriedly and wasting my time is not helpful. I need to dust it off and polish my content instead of being fearful and insecure by comparing it to yours.

I'll make a deal with ya, I'll read your blog and waste my time all day doing so, or the few hours I have, I'll read your 'Masterpieces' if you'll write my post content. Deal? Deal!

Get with the program, take care of your lawn. If the grass seems greener on the other side it's probably because your not taking care of yours. Stick with the Basics!

My Underwear does NOT Have Skid Marks...just so you know

Are you proud of your name/blogs image

My reputation is important. Whether online or by chance we meet in person, I am me and I try not to leave skid marks. But I know that I'm guilty if that's how you want to put it. In other words what you see is what you get. I hate stains and I know you do too, but I know that they're unavoidable. Know matter where you go you leave your mark. Whether commenting or posting, or shopping at your local grocery you leave your mark. You don't even know who's watching you sometimes. Maybe some youngster who has thought highly of you and your reputation.

Skid Marked, Catus Stained

What kind of reputation are you setting with your blog or online performance. Are you leaving some lasting impressions that are positive or do people remember you because your controversial and unpredictable and inflammatory. My problem is that there are just certain blogs I need to avoid. If for no other reason than not to feed into the negativity. I've came across a few assholes lately and been considered one for the negative comments that I've left disputing or disagreeing in what they posted. In all reality the average blogger can post what they want. But if your trying to build a lasting impression in a different light you don't want to be average, you want to be better so don't leave no skid marks.

Just know if you leave a Mark it's you

Sometimes I care and sometimes I don't. I am me and I won't compromise and change to please anyone. Does that mean I am right. Does that mean I'm wrong. It means I'm leaving my mark as who I am and not who you want me to be. The bottom line is you be you. Just because your blogging doesn't mean your necessarily going to be a different person than who you've always been. To be honest my problem usually lies in what's going on in my life at the present. Since I spend a great deal of time on here blogging and commenting, visiting others and so forth, I tend to forget that the events taking place outside of being online tend to be reflecting my online presence. And recently I've had a lot on my plate.

This is one reason this post has been revised (in case you visited or commented earlier and notice) I had it in draft and in a hast to get something up I hit the publish button. Once I re-read it this morning I realized it's not what I actually wanted to say. The meat of it was there but not in an appropriate content form. Actually in other words I see I was leaving a skid mark. I didn't want to leave you with that.  

Also if I don't like what you say on your blog then I'm probably not visiting the right blog. There are way too many blogs out there. No need to feed into the ones that will get my blood pressure up and that's when my reputation is affected. And not in a positive light. Overall I consider myself a positive person, a little too blunt and honest at times but positive and honest. 

Do it Because you enjoy it!

My life is not built on or paid for through blogging. It's something I enjoy and do so happily. Why because it's a freedom I'm given through what ever you want to call it, it's there and I will participate. I will be your best friend or I can be your worst enemy. My goal is to do it with a passion that gives me an outlet. And in doing so I hope I can help others along the way and catch the crap before it leaves any unpleasant remarks.

Need to Wipe Myself With Anticipation ~ Friday Funny

I thought I'd lighten up a little and try to get back to adding a little humour in with today's post. I found or actually came across this picture on Facebook. Along with several other hilarious ones. This one did catch my attention and I definitely laughed out loud for several minutes.

I'm not Immature I'm just having Fun

It's kind of a follow-up from the previous post in asking myself what I want to be when I grow up. I may not have remembered how I answered that question at the time but I remember how I've answered it repeatedly since. I always said I wasn't going to grow up, I am just going to get older. For someone who does take things on an all too serious level at times, I just practiced that saying as a simple reminder to lighten up have fun once in a while.

Life's too short to always take things in an overly serious manner. So when I saw the pic above I wanted to share it in hopes you'd at least get a good laugh like I did. If it made you giggle or brought a memory that put a smile on your face let me know. If I get old enough to have to ever go to a nursing home or the likes, I'm sure that'd be me pulling the chord on someone in some way or another.

5 Things I'd Like to Learn or Accomplish

One thing that I find healthy is setting goals of the things that I'd like to learn. When I was a kid I remember hearing that all too famous question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" I'm not sure what I said back then do you? I probably said something in the neighborhood of  "I want to be basketball coach or football coach". I definitely don't remember thinking anything about wanting to learn piano chords. Although I was always curious about music, mainly the guitar. Or being the lead singer in a Rock Band. Yeah that was it. That's what I really wanted to be the next Sammy Hagar or Eddie Van Halen.

It's never too late to accomplish the things you want to learn such as playing piano chords or even the guitar is it? What about learning to speak Spanish or writing a novel? Well here's a short list of things I'd like to do before I grow up. That is if I ever do decide to grow up.

• Learn to speak Spanish
• Write a novel or (finish the one I started)
• Learn to Play Piano Chords  
• Visit other countries
• Get back to the farm

This may seem like a generic list to some but in all actuality these are some very important things I'd like to accomplish. The book and getting back to the farm life is the most desirable things I have in mind. It's like my spirit cries out sometimes for the smell of cattle, hogs, horses and hay. I've always liked the Ohio River so it would have to be someplace close to there or another huge body of water. But that's another post at another time

So what about you. Do you have any things that you have a need or desire to accomplish? Or better yet share with me some of the things that you have accomplished from goals you've set. Doesn't have to be a huge out of this world type of thing, just something that was important to you and you did it.

Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Chris Brogan what they can teach me Compete

What Larry Bird and Earvin 'magic' Johnson can teach us. Teach us about competitiveness, motivation, friendship, differences as well as likenesses and love. Love for the game of choice, for the game of life for each other. One shy and one outgoing, complete opposites in most respects. Both winners on and off the court. Both in the end overcoming inner fears through competition and desires to be better.

Two guys with one ambition that was created equal by likeness. No other two players in the history of the NBA have had such competiveness spirit so inspired by the other. Some say they "saved the sport" at a time when it was going under. Some loved to hate one because he was white, others loved to hate the other because he was black. Both had their fans. The Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Boston Celtics. East vs.West, that was the spirit. It was great! 'Aye mate,' I couldn't wait for Sundays.

Game on
Game on. It wasn't until one left the game that he realizes his spirit is built and driven by the other. When Magic announced his disease and infection (HIV) Larry reached out. Prior to this they rarely shook hands or looked eye to eye before a game. They competed. Their completeness was built on being the best as in one out doing the other. Championships didn't matter. Rings were only accolades. It was the drive to be better than the other. Fuel for the fire.

My life is explained by their definition. My drive is defined by their spirit. How can I be better. Give me something to shoot for. I hate it when I see you win. I want to win, I am a winner! I am a competitive blogger I want to see my 'Lee's Shizzle' in lights so to speak. I'm not just another blogger, I'm the next thing a search engine hates. Every time the rectangle box is clicked I want my name to appear. Dam search engines get tired of me. I wear them out.

Picture a blog, be it Chris Brogan, David Risley, Brian.... pick a blog and set your goal to compete. I for one did this exactly in the beginning.

But Wait There's More
Larry finally spoke to Magic. But only after he realized that his competition was gone. Once diagnosed with the disease he had to, or chose to step away from the game. Who reached out. His biggest competitor. Larry picked up the phone and said 'how ya doing I heard, but how ya really doing?' He couldn't even play the game that night. It no longer meant the same. His competition, his drive was sidelined. It just wasn't the same. How would you deal with it if Chris, Brian or Johnny Chow no longer existed would you still want to be the best? Would your drive still be there?  I love it when a problogger posts their earnings. It’s really exciting and inspiring to see how others make their living from blogs and is always a great source of ideas.

Is it Really about the Money
Is it really about the money or is it about being the best? I challenge you to ask yourself this today. 'Am I envious and want to be the best' or am I goal oriented and are my talents being utilized. I'm not running for office but I'd like to think that if it was up for vote I'd be 'Player of The Year'. That's been my history, that's been my desire. Not to be equal but to be better. Being equal is not good enough. How do I do that? How do I accomplish this. First I have to set my goals high and realize that they're reachable. Then I have to put my passion in drive. No one is going to do it for me. No one is going to give it to me for free.

But wait there's even more
I may never buy anything from Chris, Brian or the Info dude but my goal is to have you buying from me. Is that a goal set too high. But wait there's more... it's only $19.99. No your goal is what it is. It may not be to sell the next audio, visual, social, facebook twitter or myspace blog. It is what it is. Don't let me tell you any different. Don't follow false perceptions and don't waste your time. Utilize it to the fullest. You are your best engine for getting the motor running.. 10-4 good buddy! Your mission is simple, solve the problem others seem to ignore. Your own ambition.

I'm getting ready to go eat an eleven pound pizza... now that's a challenge.... try to be the best each and every moment of everyday.

I am Whacked.......Seriously! Just Shoot Me Now!

Wow... the past couple of days have seriously been up and down. Most of you know that I've been in the process of making changes to this blog (my baby). From dressing it up to giving her a new domain name has been a wow effect. No other way to put it than that. I knew there was a reason I had put it off for so long.

For anyone who is starting out with a blog, as in new, I suggest that you go ahead and purchase a domain name and not put it off like me. Not that it is that difficult but it's a pain to go into all other resources you've been using and update all the things that you've been using and benefiting from. At least it has been for me. Just do me a favor and say.. "domain name" real fast 3 times and you'll know what I'm saying or trying to say.

However it is like a fresh start on one hand and gives me some new found energy in motivation towards pumping it up and shaping it like I want. She's got some hips and curves now baby! Oh, yeah! (If your new here, don't take nothing too serious as we're learning how to lighten up and not take life so serious) We want to have fun and I want you to experience a fun filled day if only for a moment each time you log on to Lee's Shizzle. Any suggestions, any input you have, any ideas or fun filled learning curves you want to add or see, feel free to hit the contact me and reach out. I'm open to guest posting and even if you want to do so anonymously, you can do that as well. As a matter of fact I challenge you to send me a post you been wanting to write but doesn't fit your blog. You just want to get it out there and let others see because it's a little off the wall so to speak. I will see if it fits in here, .......well helllllooooooo it probably will so giterdone!

If your having any problems in accessing the comment section or can help me address any issues that I am overlooking, all help is appreciated. For all of you who reached out on Twitter and Facebook, I really appreciate it Many Thanks. For those who said they missed me... many thanks.. for those who didn't well I prolly didn't miss you either so now I said it.

Today is a new day... stay in it. Having one foot in yesterday and one foot in tomorrow leaves you crapping all over today. One moment, sometimes one second is best and really all we have. No guarantees.

Guess I'll Just Fake an Orgasm....Never Take yourself too Seriously

It took me so long I had to fake it... Sorry to disappoint ya but it's true.

I Tried I Tried
Hey even guys know how to fake it sometimes. Fake It Till Ya Make It... my motto. Whatever, whenever however your life's going, sometimes you just have to fake it till ya make it. I've disappointed enough people that I wouldn't want to make it another so I faked it. Hope it pleased ya!

Seriously...though sometimes in our everyday endeavors we have to please someone, and maybe just maybe that someone is our self...oooooh.. *enter funny face*.... wouldn't want everyone to know that I know how to please myself now would I, that's kinda weird. Or would I? Unless your minds in the gutter.

This article is written because, well just because...I think about how often I live my life in comparison to how I really want to live my life. Now don't go getting deep here, some people can't take the deep ShiZZ.. but really, how often do I peel a banana the way you think it should be peeled. There is an art to everything, or at least a part to everything..gosh I gotta quit faking it, or my readers or gonna click the clicker and move on. Now I'm laughing out loud for sure.

If you have a goal you want to reach... Hypothetically speaking, your goal is to have 100,000,000 traffic followers each  month. No not month dammit, daily. Let's not set the goal short. So your goal is to have some traffic. I hate this hypothetical theory with traffic so let's say... let's say knocks on the door. You have a goal of someone knocking on your door each day. How do you do reach this goal. Your not popular but you need a knock.

Never Take yourself too Seriously
Well I might put a sign on the door that says knock, no? That's too easy..people that come by everyday don't knock anyway they just come on in. So now what do I do. The damn sign is up and no one is knocking. I hate Shizz like that. My goal is to make you knock. I need a knock dadgummit!

Sign didn't work, now what? Hey...you didn't knock so I just locked my door this way you can't come right in, you have to knock or go away. Locked the door, how simple was that. You knock every time you come over now. You have to otherwise I don't know your there or here whichever. Sign says knock, door is tight so you have to knock or go away cause your locked out otherwise.

Fake it Till you Make it
The point is that there is a solution to every problem. It doesn't have to remain a problem. Sometimes I'm the problem. I lived in a very serious world not all so long ago. I took things way too serious. The complete opposite as this post. It's not a very serious post. For some of you though you are wondering, what's wrong with this Lees Shizzle.

For those who think like that, this post is for you. Why do you take everything so serious. Lighten up. Give yourself a break and let a little steam off. Fake an Orgasm, Fake it till you make it. Maybe you don't like the movie your loved ones watching, or the miniature..... miniature golf game dirty mind.

It takes practice to do either or. Seriously. I won't go into the details of how a guy can fake it other than tell you that it's possible for each and every one of us to fool some people some of the time. Just not all the people all of the time. Nothing new you haven't heard, just a little reminder to lighten up and give it a go.

How the Internet is the New American Dream

From 'rags to riches', From 'persecution to Freedom'
The American Dream is "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position." James Truslow Adams -his book written in 1931 ~ The Epic of America

Thomas Wolfe said, "…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ….the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him."

Each has his own definition of the American Dream. For some it's to have more material possessions. It's a well known fact that when most think of the so called 'dream', it's to have a piece of land and a huge house, a wife/husband and children and riches. For others it's just the souls desire to live and be himself and have rights. To have a right to his belief system as long as it not forced upon or interferes with others.

My Definition My Dream
In order to fully and honestly share my beliefs in this post I think it's only fair if I share my definition of the dream. To me the American Dream is having the ability to freely pursue a life that is not interfered with nor interferes with the life of others. To enjoy the ability to worship a God of my understanding and surround myself with the likes of others. To be rich or poor and still be loved the same. To not be persecuted in any form regardless of being one or the other. Yet have the opportunities to be equal in both.

For years the lull of the dream lured countless many from other countries to the shores of America in hopes of fulfilling their 'American Dream'. Some found what their heart desired, others found it a much difficult task and struggle to obtain. Neither gave up. Today the term or phrase coined as the American Dream has faded. People have lost faith in what it has meant to them and what our forefathers intended.
 
Internet is the New 'American Dream'
I say don't give up on your dreams. The invention of the Internet has been considered one of the greatest business tools ever and rightly so. It has provided even the smallest of businesses countless millions. It's the new frontier, the new shore. You don't have to have a college degree, (not that I'm discouraging education) but you don't have to fall prey contrary to today's beliefs in certain areas in order to succeed. The Internet is growing faster and faster than anyone ever expected. So fast at times it's hard to keep up. If your going at it alone I'm assuming your putting in 12 to 18 hours a day attempting to fulfill your 'Internet Dream'.
 
Some questions I've asked myself lately 

• Am I learning the right methods for success and not trying to reinvent the wheel.
• Am I being scammed and conned or am I doing my research
• Do I have the right mentors
• Am I using my time wisely
• Am I building myself up appropriately

I could add to this list as the days go by, but the most important thing for me is to continually ask myself these questions and others in my attempts at being successful. When I say am I learning the right methods for success and not trying to reinvent the wheel I'm referring to how I am approaching my goals. Am I doing it based on others success or am I trying to create something new that isn't there. In doing so am I being scammed and conned or am I doing my research. Am I listening to others who are considered pioneers or am I following those who bash them and are envious and jealous. In other words do I have the right mentors or am I confusing the two. And in doing so am I building myself up appropriately. Not compromising for the sake of others and those who want to benefit from doing so.
 
Give people hope and they will follow you anywhere 
When I first think of this I think of 'Go west young man'. I think of the Gold Rush and the 49'ers. Be careful in considering what you want to accomplish. Not everybody who was successful went west during the gold rush. They followed other passions that they had possessed. I'm being told through blogs and ebooks that If I select my training materials and mentors cautiously, I can have the Internet business I've been dreaming of. You can earn nearly unlimited income with the right ideas and business plan. But I say you do need a plan. Don't just follow someone who gives you false hope to anywhere.
 
Lately I am beginning to see a little more clearly in how my approach has affected my abilities. How it has blinded me into falling prey to those who feel like a victim instead of using my own potential at success and following those who are successful instead of those who are just wannabes. I say build your own respected brand anyway you want. That's the beauty of Internet expression and freedom. But take notice that others did come before you and give them credit. For they were the ones who paved the way. No need to try to push them aside and reinvent the wheel. If that's your goal, go find a new frontier. Maybe this one isn't for you.

I Am Not Naked and You Are Not In Charge

Who's in Control of your Life
Pretty picture huh? Imagine that. Me standing next to you and you...... Oh never mind....you wouldn't understand. First of all I am not Naked and You are Not in Charge! Though I've been known to give up a little control every now and again I'd still like to think that I'm in charge of my life.

Do you think about who is actually in charge of your life? What do you base your every day simple no nonsense decisions on? I'm guilty. I've bought things at the local market that I saw on the tube just because. I can tell you that more times than not I was disappointed in myself not so much with the outcome of the taste or how it fit but in myself. I bought it, you I bet I did. You know why? Because something in my ear said do it. And more than likely I will try it again or I will choose to take charge.

Peers
No- don't misunderstand me. I think you should take risk and try new things. But when doing so they need to be your decisions not your partners, parents or peers. The 3 P's. Let's call them that for now. Let's say that you don't drink alcohol. You don't like alcohol or even bars for that matter, yet your friends from school or work want you to go out for the 'good time' evening. You don't want to disappoint or say no because you have a need to please your friends and not disappoint. Your better half, you thinks NO but you say YES. Now who's in control.

I remember when I was a young lad... oh be shhh... it wasn't that long ago, at least I can still remember. I tried a joint. In school back in the 70's and.... ok 70's, we all did it. Why because we all did it. We thought that it was the thing to do. I couldn't wait for mornings to get here so I could burn one on the way to school, yet I hated it. I freak'n hated it. My peers were doing it so I wanted to belong. I sure as hell didn't want to be different. I wanted you to like me and you were cool. Now who's in control.

Parents
Mom and Dad wanted me to stay in school upon graduation by going to this local college. I wanted to go to Harvard. I had goals dammit. They said this local school is close by and I wouldn't have to work and save for a year or two to be able to attend the school I had in mind. They said in there quiet breath, "don't grow up and move away, your too young." I said OK that sounds like a great idea. Though every time I walked in that building, to every class I attended, I wanted to pull the damn fire alarm and yell FIRE! Now who's in charge.

They also introduced me to this local, here we go with that 'Local' word again, but they introduced me to this local gal who they thought was so nice. I'll admit she is pretty and has a nice personality, is loving, caring and to this day is a great Mom. The problem is we didn't mix. I didn't want me to be with her but they did. So I did. Now who's in control.

Partners
I was desperate to make her happy. Forget about my needs, her and my parents wanted us to be happy together. I watched shows on TV for goodness sake that I hated. I couldn't go to the bathroom without telling her where I was going. When at school I'd get a 'why didn't you call' between classes. I didn't want to disappoint her so when she said jump I'd say how high. I was being manipulated into being controlled. So many other things I could share but Now who's in control.

I am not Naked
When I say I am not naked I am saying that I have control. I can control the decisions I make based on what my needs are. I make sure my needs are met and in doing so I am much more happier and those around me are to.

If I hadn't allowed my peers to control me, they might not have continued to do the things they did each and every day. They would have even respected me more by allowing me my freedom of choice to say no. My parents, now that's another issue. It's hard not to want to please your parents. But when I took control of my life and the accomplishments I made without their manipulations interferring, even they say during those times they were the proudest of me.

As for relationships and even after marriage, sometimes you just have to give yourself permission to walk away. Walk away and gain respect for self. Give yourself permission to be happy. To find the person that you can be compatible with, not the person someone thinks you should be with. I know some of you have made this decision already. You are with the person your happy with, your compatible, yet your parents do not like your wife, husband or significant other. This makes it difficult for all of you. Who is the most important person in your life today? If it's not you then someone else is in control.

The 3 P's
No matter how hard you try, you cannot please others all the time. Someone is going to be disappointed. I say why does it have to be you. Take control of your life. Make decisions based on your needs not on what you think (big word here, THINK) others want of you. This has been a huge lesson for me to learn and once I did I was a different person. Practicing saying no, or giving yourself permission to say no is important to me.

I like to say.... I am not Naked and You Are Not in Charge..... I am in control of my life today!

When Regurgitating Becomes less Motivating

"In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these." Paul Harvey 



Does a regurgitator become less and less of a motivator
I came across a site recently where I found an article in the archives (ever go there) talking about, "Dude tell me something I don't know." As I continued to read I was fascinated by how small the article was in relevance to how much it was actually saying.

I know it's difficult to come up with new and refreshing content but hey I too get tired of reading my own stuff let alone yours if it isn't grabbing me by the cojones anymore. After a while it starts to get stale and produces less and less of what your trying to do. Or does it. If you keep repeating stuff that not only you and others in your niche are saying it starts to turn me off. Most of the time all I have to do is see the post title and I know what your fixing to say. I begin to think to myself, "what a wonderful life" (sorry a song just entered my noggin) but I do begin to think to myself, "Here they go again, no use wasting my precious time here any longer."

Or Does It
As Paul Harvey said, "page 4".-- What else intrigued me was the comment section. A lot of valid points were made for both sides of the argument. There was actually about an equal amount of comments for both sides of the article. Now who knows if the side in disagreement where the ones saying the same ole thing or not, only visitors of their site know. But some of the valid comments in rebuff I'll mention below.

• Depends on your audience (25% new vs. 75% regulars)
• There is nothing new under the sun … sometimes it’s not the “what” but the “how” that matters
• How do you know what others know? Just because you know it doesn’t mean they do
• You can say the same things as others in your niche by adding your voice with a spin

Having said that, I still don't like watching a movie more than once. Really, I don't. I know some people however who will watch the same daggone movie five, six, even 10 times. Oh you won't catch me doing that. But hey that's just me. Now I will read something again and may have read the same book over on more than one occasion but it's very rare.......So dude, tell me something I didn't know!

There is nothing wrong with being repetitive. In fact I'm all for it. I don't think it's always about trying to figure out a new way of doing something if it's working. I'm a stick to the basics type of dude. But if you want to keep my attention then you have to make sure and add your voice in the shizz by putting a new spin on it. At least once in a while. No?

What do you think? I really am curious about this one, though I believe I know what your thinking. I won't  know if you don't say. Why you looking at me looking at you looking at me.

And now you know the rest of the story. Good Day! PH again...

Yeah it was just Me! Twitter I like you now

google images

Is it just me or what
Am I the only one who seems to have a hard time with twitter? For some reason I really don't like their site. It seems like it's difficult to navigate at times and search etc.. Maybe I don't use it often enough to bash it too hard, but for as popular as it seems to be, I find it difficult to use. So I'd like your opinion. Do You like it or don't you? I'll have a poll with this post so if you would vote and tell me what you think. Scroll down to find the poll. (by the way this was the full post and it no longer includes the poll since no one voted)

Yeah it was just me
This is a follow-up from the archives regarding an article I had written some 7 months or so ago. At that time I had just signed up for twitter and my stay was short lived. As you can tell I had little interest in it at first. I joined right after Michael Jackson OD'd on drugs and of course a million tweets per second was going out about this and that regarding his death. I couldn't even refresh the page on twitter.com fast enough. As soon as the page refreshed, another 450 tweets were queued. Yeah, you remember don't ya?

Since
I knew nothing about tweet deck, hoot suite or any other twit shiz. Hell I don't even know if they existed yet. All I know is I couldn't really be patient enough to take the time to figure twitter out. Besides I had very few followers and followed all the wrong people. For whatever reason, maybe all the buzz or me getting tired of Facebook and farmville vampire pet gifts, I decided to give it another try.

Needless to say I haven't looked back since. I think what really hooked me was the fact that one of the affiliates I am associated with had a CPC (cost per click) campaign and I made a few hundred dollars from it practically overnight. Not only that people were following me without even asking. If you know me, you know I really don't like to be followed.  Not even from one room to the other so I was like, "why do all these people keep following me." (no I don't have a huge following either, but to me it's a lot)

What I like about Twitter now
Now don't get me wrong I don't spend a huge amount of time on twitter. I probably in all honesty spend less than 1/2 and hour a day on the average and that's on a good day. I do like it and appreciate it's benefits as a social media outlet. I have learned a few things about it such as hashtags and how to refine those in searching for certain follows or whatnot. I'm sure there is a lot more to learn and benefit from using it if I took a little more time to refine my use.

There are a few other things I like about it. I like finding other bloggers and successful and motivated people in the blogosphere. I enjoy clicking on the links and seeing some of the photo's and images that people take to sharing and showing off. Whenever I can I like to get on there and talk about my favorite sports team and rant about yours. I like some of the inspirational quotes. They pick me up just when I need it. I like seeing what people are saying in realtime about current events not just reading about it on a news page. When I have an urgent issue I have found it's quicker to get a reply back on twitter instead of waiting on said person to email me back.(sometimes not always)

I could go on and on but I'd like to hear from you. Have you found twitter useful in your everyday life, not a necessity mind you but useful. How do you compare it to your experiences with facebook or other social media outlets? Also if you do want to follow me here's my link. @cadilacjax  

Just a post to let you know..

Thought I'd take the time to let you know that I will be working on the site today. I plan on doing some work on the design and replacing the theme. I'm hoping that this won't be too painful nor take too long either. It's something that I've been needing to do for some time now and with everything else that's going on with my blogging life and other sites, I've continued to put it off.

So if you experience some difficulties while attempting to read up on some older post or see that the site is not available you'll know why. I appreciate all the visitors here and also need to say that  as well. This little blog started out struggling just like any other newbie has before and will after me but it is slowly picking up speed and I owe this too my readers and faithful visitors. Thanks!

I may be reaching out to some of you today if I run into some problems, so beware. Otherwise feel free to take a look around if you will and read some older post or come back later or tomorrow and see the new design. Let me know what you think and look for me on twitter as well. Once it's done I'll send out some tweets letting everyone know.
Here's a couple articles from the ole archive you might find interesting:
Facebook is a Sissy Site, Oh yeah what's your Redneck Name

Kinda Makes You Want to Run through the House With Scissors Don't It

How to For your Internet Marketing Geeks ~ No Bones About it

I don't profess to know all the ins and outs of Internet Marketing, I do know that I'm able to make money online and it's not that difficult. There are some things that you should know in your attempts and really they are pretty basic and simple. While simple yeah, but they still take work. Here are just a few ideas that might get you started and help enhance your abilities in your hopes of Making Money Online.

At the same time I am not one who loves some of these ideas they do work and are proven as being successful for most if your willing to put in the effort. First of all you need to:

• Start with a Plan
• Get Ranked in SEO
• Dominate your Niche
• Interact with your visitors
• Learn Email Marketing effectively
• Build responsive email opt in list
• Provide Free or Giveaway

With most of these I've tried and had success. I say most of these because the others I am just passive with. Such as email marketing and building a responsive email opt in list. I am just lame when it  comes to this. I hate opening my email and seeing some spammer try to benefit from my click of the mouse so to speak. Now does this mean that email marketing is a scam spam...No in no way am I saying this. I do at the same time receive legit emails promoting legit products. My point is, and this is from my perspective, my point is that I tend to open these less and less as compared to let's say a giveaway. Or Interaction from visitors.

What's your experience? Do you open emails that push a product like a drug? I can buy Heroin on the street I don't need your email spam to tell me that I can get high from your device. Just sayin...and no I don't do heroin..got any? Email me....see if you get a response.

You Don't Have To Be A Vigilante ~ Guest Post

This is  a guest post by a good friend of mine Maria Muir. I know when she sent it that she was afraid that I might not post it. Just read it and you can see her displeasure in how she has to defend her beliefs in the way others perceive what she calls a 'Vigilante Approach'. It  is too bad that this is true. I think of Katie Couric, Allistar Campbell, and the emails I receive each day downing our current and past Presidents here in the United States, or making fun of Muslims or your political beliefs and Religion. Sometimes it's just too much. Sometimes it speaks the truth. When I received this post in my email I couldn't refuse. I may delete all the others without sending or forwarding but this I wanted you to read. Thanks Maria....

How can an ordinary person influence what's going on in the world? There's no such thing as an ordinary person. We are all extraordinary and we can all do something. We can inform ourselves of what is going on in the world. We can share this information with others. We can influence those in power. The Internet is the people's source of power and influence."
With the power of the Internet, a small demonstration was organized through FaceBook members in the city of Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday. We were all of about seventeen people set up next to the statue of Donald Dewar in Buchanan Street. It was very cold and with some placards, leaflets we began a long and weary task of trying to draw some people to the governments injustice to a young woman called Hollie Greig who was sexually abused when she was a child.

Our aim was to inform the general public about the treatment of Hollie and her lawyer Robert Green, and the paedophile cover up within the UK Government. There has been media blackout throughout the country, there have been gagging orders placed, web pages closed, youtube videos taken down and threats of arrest.

We quietly handed out leaflets, thanking people for taking them. Some didn't even read them and just rolled them up into a ball and threw them away while standing beside us. Others simple walked past as if we were invisible, others tut tutted and shook their heads.

'Vigilante'. I was a little offended by this because I'm not a vigilante and don't see myself as one.

When these same people read in their newspapers the next day of how another child has died from abuse, or another MP has been convicted for a sex crime, a child has been mowed down by a drunk driver, a pensioner has been robbed, they ask, 'Why doesn't someone do something about these awful crimes?'

Who do they actually expect to do something? The people on the street handing out leaflets in the cold pouring rain? The ones they walked past when trying to raise awareness in protecting children? The ones who have a little more courage than others to raise their voice and be heard?

We ask those same people for help, a little support and maybe a few hours of your time to hand out leaflets. Those same people always say that it isn't any of their business, it doesn't concern them, they don't want to get involved with a vigilante group. So if they won't help, then who do they expect to try and make a difference, to give them a voice, to fight for their rights?

How many times have you ignored someone on the street handing out leaflets? Have you ever stopped to listen to someone shouting through the mega phone to find out what they are shouting about? How many times have you refused to sign a petition without reading what its about? Or do you automatically think to yourself, 'Vigilante'?

These simple things only take a few minutes of your time and you are giving your support to a worthy cause, and your doing it quietly. What would make you feel good, signing a petition or reading a leaflet and showing support, or walking by completely ignoring them only to find the next day in the news what the petition was about?

Think of it this way, you have protected a child simply by taking a few minutes to sign a petition. You have helped in stopping the local hospital closing down or the only corner shop for miles, You have helped raise awareness about a worthy cause, you have saved someones life. Doesn't that make you feel good? What is so wrong with showing support for a worthy cause and what is wrong with allowing people to hear you?

Or here is the harsher alternative: You have just refused to help protect a child, you have closed the local hospital and corner shop, another worthy cause has failed because of lack of support from the general public, you just let someone die. You have just shown the world you don't care about society.

When people approach you on the street to support their cause, they are not asking you to be a vigilante. They don't want you to be shouting from the rooftops, causing riots and getting arrested. They are asking for support in the only way that they can. They need your help, your voice, your support.

Quote: - 'Quiet voices are heard by many, louder voices are heard by less.' - Maria Muir

Sometimes it takes more than one voice to be heard, it may take more than one action to be seen, it may take many to fight for justice, but fight we will.

If we don't stand up for our beliefs, if we don't stand up for justice, then we don't stand for much.

Being a Good Doggie ~ Guest Post

This is a fantastic guest post from Steve over at SteveScottsite.com. Steve's site focuses on Lifestyle Design, Internet Marketing and Personal Growth.  I love this post because it’s straight from the heart. I'll let Steve take over from here, but I encourage you to pay his site a visit to see how he's getting more out of life.

I’m a big fan of Lee’s ‘in your face’ style of writing. So for my guest post I’d like to write something that’ll shake things up. You might not agree with it, but this is how I honestly feel…

Before I get to the meat of this article, I’m going to make a few assumptions about who you are:

• You live in a country that’s governed by some form of democracy
• You work for a business which requires your physical presence
• You feel like there’s something missing from your life

Like I said, these are assumptions. And when you assume something you often make a mistake about a person. But statistically speaking, I know that most of the people reading this post will match the description that I just listed.

Moving on…

I want to start by giving you my frame of reference. I’m a proud United States citizen who loves his country.

But with that being said…I also feel like my country has a few major problems. And in this guest post, I want to talk about something that’s always bothered me.

Excessive Flag Waving

In the U.S. we love to wave our flag. Give us a reason and we’ll fly our colors. Furthermore, we love to talk about things like freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness.

Now me being me, I’m often annoyed by a lot of my fellow flag-waving citizens. They always talk about freedom when they really don’t have any true freedom.

The truth is most of these people live lives of quiet servitude.

They think they’re free. But in reality they’re not.

Allow me clarify…

A Lack of Freedom

From the moment we’re born, we’re forced into a regimented way of thinking. Here are a few highlights:

The Educational System- There’s a major flaw in our educational system. At an early age, we’re taught that mistakes are bad things that must be avoided. But if you look at history, you’ll see that the biggest innovations are made from a system of trial-and-error. It’s our mistakes that help us grow and learn.

What bothers me about education is the fact that creative problem solving isn’t emphasized. We’re basically forced to memorize facts-and-figures and never question authority. Anyone who challenges the status quo is labeled a trouble maker and dealt with appropriately.

Learning is supposed to be an incredible experience. Unfortunately most education systems have twisted it into something different.

Possessions = Happiness- We live in a consumerist society. Advertisers are constantly jamming the notion down our throats that we need more “stuff” in order to feel happy about life. They hope that whenever you’re down, you’ll go out and buy their new widget to feel better.

There’s a harsh reality to possessions--- The more you own, the less freedom you have. (If you’ve ever moved then you know what I’m talking about.) I believe in a simply philosophy that I ripped off from the movie Fight Club--- “The things you own end up owning you.”

The 9 to 5 Mentality- As we grow up, most of us have been programmed with the belief that we need a job to feel normal. However I think a job is the quickest way to never become free.

Seriously, it annoys the crap out of me to hear some knucklehead talk about freedom when he’s caged like a rat in a 9 to 5 job.

Does this sound like free to you?

• Working a specific amount of time each week
• Asking for permission to go on vacation
• Being forced drive in rush hour traffic…every day
• Having the government take a chunk of your paycheck before you get it

This doesn’t sound like freedom to me. No, it sounds like one of…

Pavlov’s Dogs


You’ve probably heard about Pavlov and how he could get his dogs to salivate at the sound of bell. I think modern society is structured in the same way. Be a doggie and you get your treat.

Go to school. Get a job. Spend a few weeks each year vacationing. Then retire with the hope that you can finally relax.

This isn’t freedom. It’s a form a mental slavery. We’re programmed to believe that if you work really hard, your efforts will eventually be rewarded.

Honestly… life doesn’t work that way. If you want something you go after it. You don’t wait for others to give you permission. Instead, you have the courage to express your freedom and move towards your heart’s desire.

As they say, “fortune favors the bold.”

Parting Words…


Okay, I recognize that this post might be a little preachy. I know 99% of the people reading this will probably disregard everything I just said.

So let me talk to that special 1% out there in the blogosphere…

Right now, you posses the only tool you really need to have complete freedom---Desire.

If you find yourself wishing you had more freedom then you have what it takes to make it happen.

The good stuff in life always starts with a genuine desire for something different. And usually this desire is enough to propel you into success.

It’s up to you to take control of your life. Nobody is going to give you what you want. In fact, most people around hope you’ll behave just like them---Like a good little doggie.

Are you just looking up or Looking ahead too

Today I'm going to do a short post here to share about the upcoming week and what's in store. It's time to follow-up on the recent post about my blog goals by finishing up the Objectives and Resources. I hope to get these completed. As I've stated before, for me this is important to help me track my progress and give me a purpose to continue to move forward.

I've seen some growth this month already and hope this continues. If you haven't noticed I did add an about me page and a contact me page. Both are what I consider a little generic but I've gotten more emails by at least having the contact me page up there. I've always had the Kontactr button available in the sidebar but it seems that it's more visible now.

Now back to some other things I have coming up. Tomorrow I am going live with a guest post from Steve over at Steve Scott Site. If you want to see someone who's not only talking about following their dreams but taking the risks and leap of faith to do so, you should definitely hop on over and take a look see at his site. I'm very much inspired by Steve.

Also James from increase your website traffic has offered to put together a video for this site that I hope to get up soon. This I am very excited about as well. This guy is unbelievable in his efforts to show you how to increase your traffic, stay close to your readers in the process and not sacrifice your commitments such as family along the way. Both of these guys get two thumbs up from me and I think you'll enjoy what they have to say in upcoming post.

If you have any request you'd like to see me blog about, feel free to leave me a comment. I'm open to allow guest posting as well so feel free to contact me with some details if your interested. Otherwise I want to leave you with this little funny I found this morning. I hope you enjoy it and leave with a smile.



Employer: "John, I wish you wouldn't whistle at your work."
Boy: "I wasn't working, Sir; only whistling."

Bullet Proof Internet Lifestyle What is It? The Bald Face Truth

Everyday I receive emails from some ignoronamoose asking me about living the Internet Lifestyle. How do I receive those checks in the mail while I just sit at home and do nothing?

First of all let's get something straight. I don't sit at home and do NOTHING. I know you and you know who you are asking these questions and if you think that Living the Internet Lifestyle is sitting at home and doing nothing then your the ignoronamoose I'm referring to. The sooner you realize that you have to work your ass off if you want to make a living online, the quicker you’ll start heading towards your goals.

If your  a newbie to blogging and your searching for ways to make money online, and I'm sure you are if that's your goal, then you should know that first of all:

• Don't buy into every ebook
• Don't join Tribes with a wishful list
• Don't believe everything you read
• Don't be afraid to Disagree
• Don't Be Lazy
• Don't forget your vest
• And Don't get your Panties in a wad

Let me break down my bitch'n and moaning here so you don't have to email me asking for something that you should already know. In order to succeed in life financially, materialistically and be happy... whether that be blogging or scooping chicken shiz outta your neighbors chicken shed, you need to have the balls to go with your ideas and figure out how to scoop more efficiently.

My shovel may be smaller than yours. Yours will scoop more shizz in one scoop than mine, but if I scoop a little faster and a little smarter then I can definitely fill up the spreader a lot quicker than you. Why? Because I work harder. I don't stand around asking how. Instead I take action and start scooping. Get my drift!

If you want to scoop the most chicken shit, or in this case make money online, then you have to be willing to work a little harder than the guy beside you. There's no need to stop and ask questions to get answers to the simple questions. Instead of emailing every successful blogger you find or reading every link your mouse is addicted to clicking, start doing something useful with your time.

There is only one clear answer. The Problogger you just left to get here from isn't going to give it. Heh, he may try to sell it to you but here's the bottom line. It takes hard work to MMO and no ones gonna give you the real way they make it. Simply because it's a business and not a hobby. If you want a hobby, blog about "how to part-time blog as a hobby." Not about how to become an "Internet Marketer let me see those checks."

The Truth of it is, is that it takes a lot of hard work. You can't just sit at home and do nothing. You need to capture the attention of your readers. No blogger is going to make money online by sitting at home and doing nothing. This isn't an overnight thing. Blogging with success takes action. If you don't want to work hard then keep that 7 to 3 job because blogging isn't for you!

You can still email me though. I am willing to help. I just don't want to have to attempt or even make an attempt to try to answer what you should already know. I do answer all emails and do so timely. But if you want the secret to success in Living the Internet Lifesyle, then work your ass off, scoop the most chicken shit! Stop looking for the easiest way to fill up the spreader. Be passionate about your blog and work hard.

Frolicking Friday ~/~ Let's Romp (visit and follow on twitter/facebook)

If you can't effin romp to these you can't romp
It's Friday once again. For this blog that means it's time to take the opportunity to get away from the usual bs and visit and compliment other sites/blogs. Below you will find a list of blogs that are not only interesting but inspire me as well. The information provided below the site/blog describes it by the author and or by my personal assesment. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. If so leave them a comment or let'em know by following on Facebook and Twitter. So Start Romping!

                                                                  Scribble Scratch
Adam Diver says -- ScribbleScratch.com is a blog (weblog) website aimed at webmasters, in particular the less experienced. You will find a repository of useful articles for web entrepreneurs. The articles are aimed to help you with all aspects of starting and running your own Internet business and making money online. Honest, tested product reviews on products that make your online experience easier and more profitable. In depth case studies covering a huge range of webmaster topics including SEO, traffic, marketing and profit generation.

                                                              How To Make My Blog
Thanks for visiting HowToMakeMyBlog. I am Marko Saric and I write articles on all things blogging. I am a blogging consultant and I help bloggers with their WordPress blogs, with Thesis Theme, with branding, blog promotion, search engine optimization, and affiliate marketing.

                                                        Personal Development to Live Big
Why this blog? I started this blog as a way to give back to the community what I have learnt and experienced, to share with you my journey into the inner peace and completeness, which some seek in our life. There came a day when I realised that instead of looking up and asking for help I needed to look inside myself… “inner-self”.

                                                                    Karsun's World
I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately. About Me: I'm a freelance writer and have my own business for website design and hosting as well. I'm the editor for the Krewe of St Andrews and have various articles published. Right now I attend FSU and have a degree in Criminology and I'm married with kids that have paws, feathers and fins.

                                                                       Diary 4 Life
I’m the author of Diary 4 Life and I hope you enjoy your visit to the blog. Please feel free to have a look round while your there; let me know what you think about the layout and content. Also drop me a line using the contact page and let me know what you like and don’t like. Make it a habit of yours to come back for regular visits. I first began to develop my skills of helping people in my younger years at home. Both my parents were teachers; my father worked in secondary education and my mother in primary education. (I sincerely enjoy Paul and he is becoming one of my favorite online mentors. lee )

A New Site and 4 New Lifestyle Additions on AccuWeather

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of AccuWeather. All opinions are 100% mine.

I promote the upkeep of your site as much as anyone. As a matter of fact in my guest post I did yesterday I shared the importance of how doing a little tweeking here and there on occasion will bring it alive. It gives it a face lift so to speak. Very important at times. Have you checked out AccuWeather recently? Perfect example of a 'New Site and 4 New Lifestyle Additions'.

I noticed this because I check that site quite frequently. For example users’ forecasts are displayed with their radar and their local video, all from one view on the home page. Clutter has been consciously reduced throughout the site, with larger displays and a new tabbed navigation putting more choices than ever at the tip of my fingers. The 4 New Areas are:

• Health
• Travel
• Home and Garden
• Outdoor.

If I click on the Health tab and I frequently do because of allergies and migraine headaches, the first thing that pops up is a graph that displays a five day forecast for migraines. It goes into detail letting me know if my risk are beneficial or the chances are extreme. Today, well actually the next 5 days look good as far as my migraines go. If you've ever suffered from these type of headaches you know they are devastating. I've had them since I was a child and sometimes they last anywhere 24hrs to 4 or 5 days.

For me it makes it easier to plan how I might need to spend the next few days. For example if the forecast was for an extreme high risk of migraines I would need to prepare around them since they sometimes keep me in the bed and in the dark. I'm not always able to do this as I don't always know when an attack will occur but AccuWeather does help in preparations. I don't always trust the weather man do you? I can remember the weather man being the funny guy on the news. We'd go "hey everyone, Less Rainy's on"! I have to give science some credit though along with new technology because the predictions have gotten a lot better over the past few years. Do you pay attention to the weather or use AccuWeather? How does the weather affect your day or planning?

A Lesson Worth Learning A Lesson Well Learned

             Edvard Munch, The Scream 1893 (one of the several versions)


Breasts and bottoms look boringly alike. Faces, though, can be quite different and a damn sight more interesting!  Lee Remick

When the Pain of remaining the same
I was once a mentor to several individuals. I'd still like to believe that some of the suggestions I gave others are still being used within them today. That those suggestions and their experiences with using them are still producing results, as well as getting passed on to others. I've lost contact with most of these guys so I'll never really know without reaching out to them to see. I do know that from my personal experiences that if you believe in something strong enough and with a passion that can't be ignored people will see this and gain something in the way of self-worth and personal momentum in their own lives. Even when it seems extremely painful.

Oh the days of Old
When I was younger, like yesterday-- okay a little longer than that-- Like maybe two days ago or even 20yrs ago I had a tendency to be shy. I looked at things differently than I do now. It reminds me of how I used to look in the mirror and see someone else. Someone I didn't know. Today that someone doesn't even exist as I knew him then. At least the way he use to think. What I saw in a mirror is what you saw only I perceived it as being different. When I looked at myself I saw a lot of flaws. You didn't see them but I did. For example if you have body image issues and think you are over weight when you are not, that's an issue of false perception and not you seeing yourself as you actually are. For a lot of years this was devastating. It had nothing to do with weight by the way that is just an example. It was an overall sense of low self-esteem. I just didn't like myself. Yet I didn't know how to break free.

The Truth about a Mirror
That damned ole mirror did that to me. George Strait says it best when he sings "that the truth about a mirror don't really show what's deep inside. It can't read between the lines.."(Troubadour). If your young or even if your old and haven't begun to see yourself in a positive way it effects the outcome of your social abilities. It took me longer than one night to realize this. It took a mentor and an open-mind. People didn't and don't see me the same as I see me, at least back in the day. Hell when I was a kid I had wrinkles, yeah so what, no really I didn't but I had little imperfections in the mirror that you couldn't even see. A poor self image. A low self-esteem.


How did I Break Free
Others can be more objective where I may have notions of imperfections or assets that I feel I have. In school I had very pretty girlfriends, I made excellent grades, got awards in basketball (POY), and later on won the spelling bee. I've accomplished such things as Employee of the month not once not two times but three. Was nominated for Employee of the yr. on two occasions in a very large company I might add. Did this have any affect on how I thought others seen me? Possibly so. Yet it had no effect on how I continued to see myself. It was never enough. I continued to push myself to even greater achievements until I gave up. Just gave up and walked away from it all. I Found myself on the street having left everything I owned. Left it  to take care of its self. Today I still don't know what happened to 'all my material possessions' but I know what was happening to me.

This is just a suggestion 
Imagine all your imperfections, all your flaws and problems. Now take all of them, throw'em in a huge pile in the middle of a football field along with your neighbors', your friends' and your friends' friends flaws as well. This way no one can hide. It's all out there for you to see how others see themselves too. They got pretty big flaws amounting to huge piles as well. Give it some thought and decide which pile you would take back. You have to choose a pile, I won't let you escape with nothing so choose a pile. You can't just start over so to speak. Which pile did you take back? Most people regardless of how false their perceptions are will usually almost always  take their own pile back. "I don't want your problems, I'll keep mine. Give them back they're not as bad as I perceive."

If you've experienced this or are experiencing these issues I suggest it's time to make a change. What would you tell a friend who had the same thoughts? Would you be thinking so black and white if it was another person in this situation instead of you? I guess that's how it all began. I began to challenge my thinking and ask myself what would I tell someone who's having these issues. I started to look at it as I am not alone that I am not unique, possibly others are like me. We all have a pile. I started to slowly but surely make progress.

Will I ever change
To make a longer story shorter I started to listen to my mentor. Someone who for whatever reason took a special interest in me. Without any expectations he reached out and I reached towards. For the first time in my life I began to lose the sense of a false perception. Today I'm very outspoken and spit out shiz like I got a screw loose or something. For me that's improvement. For me to speak first today is not unusual, back then it was a miracle. I typically didn't say anything unless spoken to and had to say it twice to be heard. I hated it. The worst part of it was that people didn't see me as I did. Yet I didn't even realize this. Today I see some shades of grey not all black and white. The pain of staying the same was becoming greater than the pain of making some changes.

I began to Trust
I somehow found the courage to begin to trust myself and others. It's part of the risks I take. Oh I've been hurt because of it. When you mistrust someone it's easy to set yourself up for this to happen. I still have some issues and struggle with trust. Just not the mirror. I know who is in the mirror now. A lesson worth learning-- a lesson well learned. Don't listen to the mirror if it doesn't tell the whole truth.

That damned ole mirror anyway!

eCommerce What Platform are you using

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PayLoadz. All opinions are 100% mine.(photo google images)

Although it's only in the thought process. I discovered something on the web or lack thereof in my search that I think needs to be available to others. So I'm thinking about turning it into an ebook and have been searching for a service to sell downloadable items such as:

• Software
• eBooks
• Articles
• Files and Forms

I came across PayLoadz while looking and found they have an automated service that will deliver a product to a potential customer instantly after they make the purchase. Their system uses PayPal's system and Google Checkout. Of course both of these I am familiar with and easily get excited about some upcoming ventures I hope to get rolling on.

They have a whole range of items for sale as well. The ebooks catergories is the one I checked into the deepest. It's actually quite fascinating to find so many different categories available. From the best sellers taking place right now and the newest available. You can find anything that has to do with Travel, Money and Business to Biographies and even music. Really just about anything and everything is there. Some of these are Free so if you just wanted or need an ecommerce platform to promote your product, whether buy or sell something for a penny Payloadz is worth checking out.

A couple of other interesting features is their Free lifetime Basic Account and First month free for all Premium Accounts. You can even use a Button Code Generator for Donation Downloads. Let your customers decide what they want to pay instead of giving something away for free. If someone really likes your blog or what you have been saying and promoting they're sure to think it's worth something. You don't always have to give everything away, let them decide. And best of all they're so confident that you'll like their platform that they have a money back guarantee, that if your product doesn't sell or your not satisfied, you'll get 150% back.

Sharing A Guest Post and My Experience

Today I want to take the opportunity to share with you about my experience with doing a guest post. I made a comment recently, actually a few reaching out to others in providing a guest post. It seems that it's a very popular way to promote not only your own blog but bring attention to the individual blogger you laid out the post for. I was more than happy when Maria Muir gave me this chance. I sincerely enjoy interacting with her on her blog and I see her practically everywhere I visit as well. So it was a welcomed opportunity.

Learning Curve
For me this didn't come as no easy task. Sure I can write and I'm learning how to promote in the social realm. (Notice I did say learning.) But once I pasted it into the email and hit send there's no turning back. For me it's all about taking the risk to get my blog out there for others to see and provide a quality post for another blogger. Since it is my very first guest post I won't critique myself too much. I can be my own worst enemy or my favorite critic. I'll let you decide for yourself what you think. The post is about "How to Bring MY Blog Alive"  using my 7 Simple Easy Steps. I won't elaborate on these I'll just encourage you to go check them out and let Maria know what you think of her blog as well.

Fun, Exciting equals Success
The experience was fun, exciting, a little nerve racking but all in all was a success. Whether or not anyone reads it or comments, for me it was a success. I promote taking risk quite often so just taking the risk to have my name in lights makes it a success.

What kind of risk have you taken with your blog lately? What experience do you have with guest posting?

Keep it Simple Don't throw the Baby out with the Bath Water

In a previous post I talk about the Fear of Success relating it to life and blogging. At least I attempted to even if I don't fully understand it myself all the time. Even as I write this content I catch myself, having just started to type, and I'm fearing that it might not come across like I want. I'm being indecisive. How do I know this other than the simple reasons? I start editing it and re-reading it before I get two sentences typed out. #fail

You are a result of your Decisions
Each and everyday we are faced with some type of decision. From what time you should get up to what time you should rest your neck again. Sometimes these type of decisions are easy to make yet sometimes  we make even the simplest ones difficult. Needing to re-read and edit prior to finishing it  takes too long. I read somewhere that this is not a good thing. You should just write and write then once your done worry about editing it afterwards. When you do this your words will flow better and your post will take half the amount of time. How do you write and edit?

Keep it simple
Sometimes it's so easy for me to complicate things. When blogging as in other things in life I've vowed to keep it simple. If I begin to complicate such things I tend to lose sight of my reason for what I do and out the door goes the baby with the bath. Then I'm unhappy. So I encourage you if your struggling to get back to the basics. Every post doesn't have to be a trillion words, every title doesn't have to be perfect. It is important to be thoughtful in both aspects with keywords ect. if your looking for a new audience and so forth and want the search engines sending them your way. But even you type in simple phrases in your search don't you?

Reaching Out
Having said that this post is about reaching out to you as well. I sometimes am guilty of all of the above in not keeping it simple. I also think that sometimes my post content is too long and could easily be shortened or broken down into 2 posts instead of one. I'd like to have some feedback with this from you my readers in how you see some of my post and writing style etc.. Do I drag things out and do I need to shorten it up at times? All of our input is important so please leave me a comment. Thanks it's appreciated.