It's Time For Bigfoot

I posted this information to show that Bigfoot is here to stay!

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ‘BIGFOOT’ DNA SEQUENCED IN UPCOMING GENETICS STUDY Five-Year Genome Study Yields Evidence of Homo sapiens/Unknown Hominin Hybrid Species in North America Contact: Robin Lynne, media@dnadiagnostics.com, 231.622.5362 DALLAS, Nov. 24--A team of scientists can verify that their 5-year long DNA study, currently under peer-review, confirms the existence of a novel hominin hybrid species, commonly called “Bigfoot” or “Sasquatch,” living in North America. Researchers’ extensive DNA sequencing suggests that the legendary Sasquatch is a human relative that arose approximately 15,000 years ago as a hybrid cross of modern Homo sapiens with an unknown primate species. The study was conducted by a team of experts in genetics, forensics, imaging and pathology, led by Dr. Melba S. Ketchum of Nacogdoches, TX. In response to recent interest in the study, Dr. Ketchum can confirm that her team has sequenced 3 complete Sasquatch nuclear genomes and determined the species is a human hybrid: “Our study has sequenced 20 whole mitochondrial genomes and utilized next generation sequencing to obtain 3 whole nuclear genomes from purported Sasquatch samples. The genome sequencing shows that Sasquatch mtDNA is identical to modern Homo sapiens, but Sasquatch nuDNA is a novel, unknown hominin related to Homo sapiens and other primate species. Our data indicate that the North American Sasquatch is a hybrid species, the result of males of an unknown hominin species crossing with female Homo sapiens. Hominins are members of the taxonomic grouping Hominini, which includes all members of the genus Homo. Genetic testing has already ruled out Homo neanderthalis and the Denisova hominin as contributors to Sasquatch mtDNA or nuDNA. “The male progenitor that contributed the unknown sequence to this hybrid is unique as its DNA is more distantly removed from humans than other recently discovered hominins like the Denisovan individual,” explains Ketchum. “Sasquatch nuclear DNA is incredibly novel and not at all what we had expected. While it has human nuclear DNA within its genome, there are also distinctly non-human, non-archaic hominin, and non-ape sequences. We describe it as a mosaic of human and novel non-human sequence. Further study is needed and is ongoing to better characterize and understand Sasquatch nuclear DNA.” Ketchum is a veterinarian whose professional experience includes 27 years of research in genetics, including forensics. Early in her career she also practiced veterinary medicine, and she has previously been published as a participant in mapping the equine genome. She began testing the DNA of purported Sasquatch hair samples 5 years ago. Ketchum calls on public officials and law enforcement to immediately recognize the Sasquatch as an indigenous people: “Genetically, the Sasquatch are a human hybrid with unambiguously modern human maternal ancestry. Government at all levels must recognize them as an indigenous people and immediately protect their human and Constitutional rights against those who would see in their physical and cultural differences a ‘license’ to hunt, trap, or kill them.” Full details of the study will be presented in the near future when the study manuscript publishes. ### Dr. Ketchum is available for interview or to answer further questions about the Sasquatch genome study and associated research on novel contemporary hominins at media@dnadiagnostics.com

I Am Having A Mother Fucking Baby!

It is my one shot to get the title right on this one. I will be honest I don't think their are very many positive statements that have the words "Baby" and "Mother Fucking" in it. But it is the truth. My lady and I are having a baby. The due date is the end of May 2013. To say we are excited is an understatement. To say I am stressed out or nervous is a triple understatement . I am pretty sure I went from a boy to a man overnight when Jamee told .
It's a scary world out there. I used to just have to worry about little ol' me but now I have a partner and a newborn to worry about . I just went from number 1 to 3 on the depth chart in a matter of three years. That is some serious slippage. But it is all worth it. Part of life is dropping the "I" and worrying about the "Us".
My girl and I think about it all day and everyday. We are nearing the end of the 1st trimester . She isn't getting morning sickness as much. She has a small bump and if you look hard enough you can tell.  We told everyone this past weekend via Facebook. Jamee was worried everyone would think she is just gaining a lot weight if we didn't annouce it soon. I feel where she is coming from. She is a tiny little skinny lady.  We should find out the sex of this little nugget around the New Year . At this point I am under the very truthful impression that I can't make enough money and we can truly never be ready. Two things that mess with my internal conscience .
The future is very bright . I mean sun in my eyes "blinding" bright. I am so thankful to be in the place I am . Things didn't feel so bright a few years ago and understanding that change happens within saved my life. Whether God is a man, woman, ball of energy or all of the above he has put a blessing into my life. It is my job to be true to the struggle and raise this monster in the likeness of the culture and traditions I gre up on.

And in case you didn't know I AM HAVING A MOTHER FUCKIGN BABY! And you know it's going to be a girl.

I just want to look like I play Golf

I am the worst golfer ever. Maybe in the history of the world. When I need to hit it straight it goes right and when I am nearing water my ball is attracted to getting wet . I used to consider myself hopeless in the game of golf but I have finally found my calling. Instead of practicing and being a good golfer I am going for "Looking" like a great golfer . I have thrown out going to the practice range and searching for professional help. It's a waste of time any money. Anyone can hit a golf ball down a wide open space. And anyone can let a club pro jerk them off for $150 an hour. I believe golf is one of those games where you just have to play and play as much as you can.

So my mission is to look like a good golfer. I had my old clubs gripped with bright red.  I hit the clearance clothes racks at Haggin Oaks and Golf Galaxy for the goofiest golf shit. I made sure that my shoes match my belt and match my hat too. I do that anyway, but when I match, people think you know what you're talking about . I also found a great deal on some legit golf balls that have been barely touched . I should have gotten my name slapped on them but that will be my next move.
The next step to looking like a good to great golfer is speed of play. Like I said before I don't hit the driving range. I only have so many good shots in me and I ain't trying to waste them on the driving range. When it is my turn to hit, I'm ready. I don't take thirty practice swings and I don't have to make sure my ball is in the perfect place. I will pick my ball up in front of everyone and better my position. Golf is war and there are no rules in war.

When I put all these things together I pretty much look like I am coming off the tour. That is until I hit the ball . Then you realize that I am just some sack trying to act like I play .

One Of The Best Weekends Ever

             

I had a good one this weekend. Actually I had a great one. I couldn’t have asked for a better three days. Nothing compares to a great weekend that requires minimal planning. It started on Friday as I exited work early. Normally I am a certified workaholic. It takes a lot to pull me from my desk. I am addicted to getting a commission check and making our clients happy. But Friday was a half day for me because I had some big plans to take care of.

Firstly I had set up some concert tickets to see one of my favorite bands Matt and Kim at The Fox Theater in Oakland. My lady and I had planned to drive down to Oakland on Friday and stay at The Waterfront Hotel at Jack London Square. I know when most people think about Oakland, not too many kind words come to mind. But we were pleasantly surprised at the kindness Oakland showed us while we were visiting. The Waterfront was a beautiful but dated hotel overlooking the Bay and Marina. The service was excellent and our room had a great view. The room had a sea theme, and rightly so, since we literally were perched over the marina.  After resting in the room for a few we went and had dinner at Miss Pearl’s restaurant. It was a southern seafood inspired restaurant.  We met the chef Eddie Blyden and to say he was a nice man was an understatement. The original version of the restaurant was a San Francisco staple thirty years ago and it has since moved on to Oakland. The food was good, the service was great, and the bread pudding was amazing. After dinner we got ready and took a ride downtown to The Fox Theater. The Theater was beautifully decorated. This was my first time at the venue but it will not be my last. I got us some seats in the balcony because I don’t do the standing room only thing at concerts. I want a safety nest to return to if things get wild in the crowd. We had some great seats in the Loge area which was in front on the general balcony seating. Matt and Kim put on a great show and Jamee and I were super impressed by their high energy and crowd engaging act. Matt can sing and play keyboard but Kim can sure play some drums. She was amazing.  After the show we literally walked out of the venue and hopped immediately into a cab and were back in our hotel room within ten minutes and tucked away in bed.

The next morning the sun was blasting through our balcony. Someone was telling us it’s time to get up. I ordered a pretty stunning room service smorgasbord of food and we decided to eat overlooking the water. We are pretty lucky just to be able to enjoy each other’s time with a great view. After breakfast we got ready and said our goodbyes to Oakland. We proceeded back towards Berkeley and made a stop at Golden Gate Fields. Horse racing is my game of choice. You can keep table games, slot machines and all other sports bets. Horse racing is where it’s at. I think in another life I may have been a dogfighting or cockfighting fan but nowadays I will stick to horse racing. My girl is a horse racing fan too and ever since we hit a trifecta on the Kentucky Derby she has been hooked. I reserved us a box and we hung out for about 6 races before we hit the road home. I didn’t win any money but after last week’s trip and winning about 600 buck I didn’t mind breaking even. When we got back to Sacramento on Saturday we sat down to witness the SF Giants take it to the Tigers in game three of the World Series. It was one of the best games I have seen and it was a prelude to witnessing them clinching it the next night.

On Sunday I woke up early and hit the links at Cherry Island. It is a tough course and I was playing against my golfing arch nemesis Steve Lanterman . He usually beats me but today I finally got the up on him during the back nine and I never let off. The course is one of those that play with your ego. You can go for the legendary shot or you can play it safe and set yourself up for the next shot. I can’t hit that far so even when I am going for it all it looks like I am going for the safe play. After golf I went back to home base and proceeded to nap for the remainder of the day until the SF Giants Game was on. We witnessed the Giants winning their 2^nd World Series in 3 years. The game was fun to watch and included the usual torture that a Giants game brings to your stomach. After watching Sergio Romo strike out the greatest hitter over the last 40 years and win the game and the World Series it was officially an end to a magnificent weekend  

I am back for the meantime

Work is a mother . I mean I never have enough time in the day. People want this and employees want that. I want to tell them to "Fuck Off" but I always think one day I might need their help so I should keep my comments light. Or even worse, one day, they might be my boss and remember when I treated them like garbage and dedicate their life to ruining mine.
I like working. I should say I love working but that would be silly. I can't not be employed. If I got fired today i would have a job tomorrow morning by 8am . It's always been that way. I was once unemployed for three months about 7 years ago and I wanted to blow my brains out . Because the only thing worse than getting paid like shit is not getting paid at all .
There isn't really anything I wont do for a good paycheck. Five years ago I would have done a lot more for money but I have come to my senses over the last few years. Back then I would have robbed, stole, and lied for 5k a month. I have come to realize selling your soul isn't worth the cost of one good month. It's about 2013 and not October 2012.

And not to overuse the quote of the almost famous rapper Vitamin P "Get your mind right and get your grind right"

One Year Without The Drink

Firstly, I want to state if you can drink and do drugs all day and night than do it. Not more, but the most power to you. I commend your drive and desire. I just couldn't take being one person at night and than someone else the next day. I know I am not the only one that feels this way but at the time I did. I wasn't acting fake. I was just lost.  It was tiring, frustrating, and financially bankrupting to keep doing what I was doing .  I have just completed over a year of not drinking or doing any hard drugs. That means no Friday night meet ups with the boys or late night calls to the dope man to score a bag. Usually they were one in the same.  How do I feel? Well life still goes on but today I can most definitely handle what is on the horizon. It's not always good or bad but I know that I can get through it. I have a feeling of inner worth knowing that I have the life skills to make my own decisions . I am okay doing things on my own now as I used to be fearful making decisions alone. I know, what a pussy.

  I will admit that I never stopped smoking marijuana . This blog isn't about me justifying my life to anyone except God or whomever the higher being is up there in the sky .  Do some people think marijuana is bad? I am sure they are out there but I know what works for me. I keep the smoking quiet unless someone asks me, but for the most part I am always down for a good puff.

Now here in lies the debate. I go to Alcoholics Anonymous . I am an alcoholic because without drinking I don't desire to do half the shit I would do being drunk. This includes talking too much, spending too much, and pretending too much.   I participate in the meetings . I would never sponsor anyone unless I was completely "sober". Those are the rules. I get a lot out of the program. For instance you can share and laugh within the meetings. I am with people that feel like I do. I would never take away from the benefit of AA, but I can't always say I follow it 100%. It's free and bases it existence on donations from fellow members. I have met a lot of great people in AA. And without AA I would not be alcohol-free today. My main knock on AA is I don't feel like talking about drugs and alcohol all day long. I wasn't doing that when I was drinking and using so why do I want to talk about it all the time when I am not ? But maybe that is part of the attraction to AA. Most of the time talking about having a problem with alcohol or drugs is a no-no to all the "normal" people out there.

The conclusion to all this is I don't drink and use today. I feel much better. I am in a place that I never though possible one year ago.  I do miss all my old friends that I used to get drunk with. I am sure they are on the same bar stool. That doesn't mean I don't want a huge Pina Colada or the coldest Bud Light in the world. I do, but like anything in life I have to make choices. One choice leads me to confidence and spiritual growth and the other leads to short term highs with really low lows . If you would have asked me ten years ago I would have taken the highs and the lows. But now I just want more . Can you blame me?

Products I support. Chapter Two. You can't go wrong with the white V-Neck

It's the truth! You can't go wrong with a clean white V-Neck. I mean you see them everywhere nowadays. It's not like they were invented a few years ago but it seems that you can always spot someone wearing one wherever you travel. I have tried all the brands. I have tried Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, JC Penney's brand, Macys, the one you find at Champ's or Foot Locker, but their is only one. There is only one brand of V-Neck that has the look, feel and won't break your pocketbook. Believe me I have seen 100 dollar V-Necks and besides buying dope off of a crackhead it would be a stupid decision to purchase one. The King of the White V-Neck in my mind is the Nordstrom brand. They come in packs of four for about 30 bucks and  even you little skinny pucks can  purchase them in slim fit. They normally come in Traditional fit and you can always buy them in store or online .  The only recommendation I can offer on good White V-Neck care is wash them with whites only and hang dry them if you get the chance. The more you use a dryer the smaller they get regardless if they say pre-shrunk.  I have a few things I really like about the classic V-Neck

1. It looks great under a dress shirt. Nothing looks stupider that seeing someone wearing a nice dress shirt and have a big chunky white crew neck shirt hanging out of the top. It makes it look like this might be your first job or you put on some dirty shirt over your dress shirt. Let it be known that the only acceptable undershirt to wear over your dress shirt is either a V-Neck or Athletic Cut T-shirt known by it's street name "Wife beater"
2. Sometimes a white V-Neck is so white it makes everything stand out. A nicely ironed or pressed white V-Neck looks good with come clean jeans and a pair of Chucks. The simplicity factor of the outfit will lend creditability to a nice, watch, great glasses, or a piece of jewelery .
3. If you can find some different colors in a V-Neck then go for it. Though all V-Necks have  a pretty short life cycle it is worth it to find some different colors . I have made a commitment to wearing the V-Neck so when I find some variety I spring into action .
4. Get your girl some V-necks or let her use yours for bed. You can't go wrong .

Products I Support . The First Chapter

When I find something I like I stick with it. Whether that is clothes or beauty products once I find something I like, it is with me, till the end. Yes, I said beauty products, because even 280 pound men need to look beautiful from time to time. This first chapter are items that use during and after I hop in the shower.

Let's start with my face. Every morning in the shower I use either Cetaphil or Panoxyl . Now Cetaphil is a mild cleanser that is great for everyday use. Panoxyl is a cleanser that will scrap paint of the side of your house. I would use this sparingly or you will wake up with itchy face. You have to find a product you can use everyday and sometimes twice a day. You need to also find out what kind of skin you have and where are your problem areas.
 After I get out of the shower I use a cotton ball and some Clean and Clear astringent to get off the extra dirt . After that I put on  the Target Up and Up Brand Moisturizer with SPF protection. These products work really well but I  always say if you can afford the Clinque 3-Step that is one to get. It has everything you need since the entire package  is a cleanser, astringent, and facial moisturizer.
 As for deodorant I used to be a strictly woman's only deodorant. I have four sisters so using my own was never an option. Women's brands are strong and it still has a nice mellow smell. I was over the men's deodorant with the extra strong scent . I felt like I was a Russian trying to cover up my regular scent   When I say deodorant I mean antiperspirant. If you want to stink after 2 hours wear deodorant. If you want to give yourself a fighting chance throughout the day wear antiperspirant. I was a Lady Speed Stick wearer for years but that was until I found Old Spice Fiji. This is a brilliant brand and it smells great. It smells so good that even my girl wears it .
These were just a few of the items I use and in the next couple of weeks I will be adding to this interesting list of products I use and support.

You, Me and Obamacare

           I think the guy is a genius. He is looking out for the American people. What do you expect the President of the United States to do? That is his job. We live in the richest, most ethnically diverse county in the world. A county that has opened its doors to people trying to make a better life for themselves . So why shouldn't he work on a bill to provide Americans with stable private healthcare ? Of course if you can afford it you should purchase it. And if you have health insurance you should be able to keep it without worry of unwarranted rate hikes. Healthcare almost seems like something only for the rich or the corporately employed can have on a regular basis. Right now I pay about $180 a month for health and dental coverage. I could spend $180 dollars in a night out with my girl or during an afternoon at an expensive golf course. Sure both of those actions are much more fun than shelling out almost $200 bucks to have the privilege of seeing a doctor to diagnose my ailments.

But check this out, I broke my left leg almost nine months ago and the final bill was $295,000! Now I wondered two things during the time I was laid up in a hospital bed. Firstly, I was there for 8 days and was amazed that $295,000 of services were performed upon me. That seemed like a lot. But what my insurance paid to settle was almost half of the total bill. The reason is the doctors provide so many services that go unsettled or under contractual obligation that if they don't overbill they lose money. I never understood the system until I was thrown into it.   Secondly I wouldn't have known what to do if I didn't have health insurance. The cost would have been a financial disaster for me and my family. The time off work alone was almost unbearable since I am 100% commission.

So I welcome the Obamacare plan being passed by the Supreme Court. Jack up my taxes if I can be assured that my fellow American citizen can be protected to seek out healthcare to protect themselves and their families

Who am I?

Who Am I? This is seamlessly an impossible question for me to answer. I could tell you who I was. A student, a musician, a rugby player, a drunk, a jokester, a cheat, and a thief. I could tell you whom I would like to become. A father, a husband, a leader, an owner, a provider . But I have a really tough time telling you who I am now. I think I am mixture of all. I know where I want to go but I can't seem to shake the persona of what I was. Does everyone have this issue or am I the only one ?  It's fun to  think about the past and it's intriguing to predict the future but it's kind of scary living in the present. The present appears to be so unpredictable and ever changing . I feel like I get my heartbroken a few times a week. I am slowly moving from what everyone else is doing to just worrying about myself and my immediate circle . That is a tough transisiton. I amost feel like I am trying to not care so much anymore. But in reality I am caring more about stuff that is important to me .

Hipper to the Game

It's not about staying on top. It's about being comfortable in thy skin while the world around us goes crazy. It's never going to stop,War, famine, economic failures, death, birth, heartache and heartbreak that is . But we can produce our minds to weather it all can't we? I mean we are all animals but what makes us different is the ability to reason in the face of danger or death. It's time to get Hipper to the Game.

Giving Yoga A Shot

I tried Yoga for my first time this week. I was truly impressed. I enjoyed the movements and the next day I really was quite sore. My favorite part of the gig was the almost total silence . I can't remember the last time I was in a room full of people and no one was talking . It was almost empowering knowing that the movements took precedence over others personal goals.

My other favorite of the evening was my girl was really good at it. I mean she did all the moves the instructor set forth . I know because I was watching her since I was unable to do the same moves ! No biggie because I know that all things that last take time . So I am excited for my next yoga class if I ever get off work early enough.

My Season with the Sacramento Capitals Part 1

I used to be a rugby player. A pretty good one I think. Loose Head Prop was my position. Right at the front of the Scrum. Really it's the left side of the scrum but you get the picture. I had a lot of leg injuries when I played but when I was on the field I put in work . Prop is usually a defensive minded position but if you give me the ball I am running some offense! I played for Chico State University and we won a lot of games. We played in what's considered the toughest collegiate league in the nation. After I gave up playing the game I moved to the coaching side . After years of coaching Women, High School Boys, and even a Youth Team I took a shot at coaching a Men's Club. I took the assignment as a forwards coach for the Sacramento Capitals. The Capitals are the oldest team in the Sac Valley and until a few years ago they were also the top team in the region.  It seemed as the team had lost a lot of former players due to disagreements on the future direction of the team . That was no big deal to me because I don't really know any of the former players of the Capitals. And in all honesty if you leave your team in the middle of tough times, I don't really want your punk ass anyway. Go play for someone else and down them out with your personality.  Now when I took the job I still couldn't walk because of my broken left leg and was still on two crutches slowly moving to one, then to a cane, and finally able to walk a little. No biggie unless it's raining , muddy, or a day that ends in"Y".
When the season started I wasn't even prepared to coach let alone be the only forwards coach of the Capitals. That was my fault but the I love the game and when someone asks me to coach I can't say "No". I was expecting a solid forward pack ready to take on the season and hopefully make the playoffs. What I got was a solid group of men with little or no rugby experience. The ones that did have extensive experience were still reeling from the loss of most of their friends and former teammates to the Sacramento Lions or the Division 3 teams scattered around the Valley. The men that had little to no experience were looking for guidance and assistance in learning a violent and beautiful game. On top of that we also had many players from the Pacific Islands such as Tonga and Samoa in which English wasn't necessarily their first language . I was up for a real challenge.

The lucky part  during this season was I had the opportunity to coach again with my mentor and good buddy Jason Crother. When it comes to rugby he is Obi Wan. I wish I could say I was Luke Skywalker but let's just say I am a wannabee Jedi. He gauges the weather, the other teams playing style, field size, and time of day. I am the kind of coach that thinks possession is the name of the game and if the other team isn't handling the ball they can't score. Simple enough? What Crother brings to the table in preparedness I try to make up for in enthusiasm. Let's face it the game of rugby can either swallow you whole because of the sheer energy it takes to play or it can change your life for the better in many aspects . I am always one to joke and I believe if you are going to go into battle you might as well have a good laugh before you have to put your life on the line.
Little did I know that I was going to be in for the season of a lifetime with more drama than a daytime soap opera. But that's for next time..........Stay tuned.

It still trips me out

Do you like this view?

Just a couple of pins!

It blows my mind that I broke my leg on October 1st 2011. That would be about 6 months today on the dot. I can't do a lot of stuff I used to. I can't do a squat. I can' t jump off the porch and run to my car. I couldn't chase down a hoodlum stealing an old lady's purse, and if a mountain lion was chasing me I probably wouldn't make it to safety. I have put on a little weight but I was a fat ass before the accident so my clothes aren't complaining.
Some good things have come out of the whole experience. My girl Jamee has taken care of me through the whole process. She has been amazing. I am going to marry that little beezy one day and not because she made me breakfast everyday for three months but because she has made sacrifices for me that not just anybody would make. The only problem is she steals all my jokes. All of them!

Another great thing that has come out of the accident is it keeps my butt in my desk. I get to work at 7am and I leave after 6pm, everyday, Monday through Friday. I have had the opportunity to build a business with my mentor and good friend . He gave me a chance to be a part of it and I jumped on it . So when I see people posting about their workouts, or other physical accomplishments, I don't get upset. Cause I have things in my life that people couldn't even touch no matter how many pushups they do.

Ouch

The CD of my Youth

Everyone has one. Everyone has that one or two CDs that remind them of their youth. The CD, that when played, can bring you back to times when being stupid was the norm and money wasn't part of the gig. That CD for me is The Click Down and Dirty. I can sing out loud every song from that EP. And I am talking about the original version and not that bullshit remix Jive Records put out a couple of year after the release. For me the The Click was everything I wanted to know about the Nor Cal gangster. It was all about repping your team and having your brothers' back. Or should I say Sohabs?  I mean what's better than some old school E-40,  D-Shot, B-Legit, and Suga-T? Songs like "Mr Flamboyant" and "Let's Get Drunk"  make today's music look like kiddie stuff. I think I was a freshman or sophomore in high school when I first listened to Down and Dirty. It literally changed my life. I have to give credit where credit is due and Darren Hair was the one that gave me my first listen to Vallejo's finest rap group. As I get older that CD for me was the one. I can't deny A Tribe Called Quest as another inspirational music group, but The Click brought it all together for me. "Ya I am hustler on the go"

Keep quiet. It's only Tuesday

I know it's only Tuesday, and I'm sick, but this weekend I am making a trip to South Lake Tahoe. It is for my soon to be brother in law Eric "Karl or Carl" Marks. I throw in the "Carl" to reference the children's book author Eric Carle and not the famous philosopher Karl Marx. Strangely enough they are both German . I bet for a minute you thought I was some sort of intellectual but I am merely a fan of books with pictures.
This weekend is his bachelor party. It's a one night event and probably one night is all we are going to need. South Lake Tahoe is almost like a hidden gem only known to Northern California locals. It is mostly a stop off from a weekend of skiing but to me it is a lot more. They have about six casinos that cater to the crowd passing through for a weekend getaway. I learned how to bet horses there and though I will always be grateful my wallet is not so lucky. I have also seen some Raider playoff games up there and was mesmerized by the Raider fans. I remember going up there and staying at THE BLOCK. It used to be a snowboarder motel with themed rooms. I have stayed in the Pac Man Room, The DVS Room, and the Vivid Room.  It was truly a sight. Always remember ,South Lake is cleaner than Reno, bigger than North Lake, and not as hectic or expensive as Vegas.

For The Love Of Chuck

I love him. I love Chuck. He doesn't go by Charles or Chaz . He goes by the name of Chuck Taylor. For me he usually comes in white, but he has thousands of other colors and sizes. To me he is the man. I have had him on my feet for over 14 years. It is safe to say that I am wearing Chucks ninety percent of the time . At first they were rigid and we didn't get along so well. I thought it was him and he thought it was me. But alas it was me that needed to conform to Chuck cause Chuck Taylor doesn't conform to anyone .

Nothing is fresher then a new pair of Chuck Taylors and a clean white T from Nordstrom. Nothing. The world is your oyster when draped in those two items . There is also something about getting a new pair dirty that brings complete satisfaction. I mean Chucks look good new but they look even better dirty. My Chucks have been to Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, NYC, Florida, Portugal, Italy ,and Spain. They are, to say the least, appreciative world travellers. I can't thank them enough for the good times we've had. Hopefully one day when I am in an old folks home, kids will come to visit me, and we'll both be wearing the finest shoes ever made, Chuck Taylors.

Back to the Pool

Not me but you get the picture

I jumped back in. Into the pool that is. It's the only full body exercise I can do now while trying to get back to 100%. Having a broken leg means that I can't carry around a 45 pound plate, jump rope, do squats,or go for a run. I thought I was pretty limited until I found the pool. Despite the look of my body I used to be a water polo player and swimmer. If you don't believe me I have people out there that can verify. And I am not one to hold on to old accolades but if you want to see my 1996 HS Water Polo Section Title give me a day and I will dig it out of the garage for you . I have played in Hawaii and even a few Junior Olympic events. I had a good shot but I was better at defense and was a heck of a two meter guard. 

Enough of the reflection of the past. I am back swimming again. Not in a Speedo but regular old swim trunks. Part of my American Citizenship states that I will never where a Speedo again upon US held territory. I swim about 1,000 yards three days a week. That is roughly 120 laps a week. It beats the hell out of riding a bike and trying to find certain exercises that don't incorporate the full use of my leg. And swimming makes me happy . At 285 pounds I know I can still swim a mile or more if I had too. So if you want to drown me you're going to have to at least drop me off five miles out at sea

Just so we are clear on Bigfoot

I have always had an obsession with Bigfoot. Some people call the creature Sasquatch but for the sake of this blog we are going to keep calling them Bigfoot. I can' remember how old I was but I have always been fascinated by Cryptozoology or the study of unknown animals. I grew up and have always lived in the city but anything related to nature has caught my attention. My dad's family are cattle ranchers in Humboldt County and fondness for the wilderness has always been a part of their culture.  That being said I have religiously followed every website and television show related to the animal they call Bigfoot. Well it look like my prayers have been answered.
They will soon release the first scientific peer review of the animal that has lived side by side human beings for thousands of year. The head of the study is a lady named Melba Ketchum. She is a DNA scientist and an important person that has been brave enough to take a chance at proving Bigfoots' existence. She is not alone but her name will always be associated with the project. Proving the existence of Bigfoot is a small step in opening up the world and universe to the possibility that we are not alone and we are not even the only hominid living on planet earth. That's right Bigfoot is or will be proven to be  a form of Hominidae. I am not saying that they are human beings but they are part of the lineage that has evolved into a successful forms related to primates and even more closely related to human beings. This could change everything we thought we knew about our evolution and the evolution of all of nature .

It is a matter of time before the world will need to accept the fact that the creature called Bigfoot is a form of ancient hominin. It may have traits that we lost a long time ago in our evolution or maybe never had to begin with. I am very excited for the answers to be published. A few of the things I have heard is that Bigfoot is more closely related to us than chimpanzees which are currently our closest living relative. This doesn't make them an ape but something in between. The mitochondrial DNA that was tested points at lineage of  a human mother but the nuclear DNA may be from something we have never seen . I have followed a few of the websites like Bigfoot Evidence, North American Bigfoot Search, Bigfoot Field Research Organization, and the ever confrontational Robert Lindsay. It is safe to say that something big is about to happen in the world of Bigfoot that will and can change everything we have ever thought about our own existence. I cannot wait for the release of the information and to all the people that doubted the existence of Bigfoot, "I told you so".

Appreciate the Stress of the Life you Choose

I accept it. The stress that is. The stress of the life I choose. I chose to wake up at 5am everyday to go hustle in the mortgage business. I could be a barista or a janitor if I chose to be . Live a stress free existence . But that shit ain't for Cam Villa. But neither is speaking in the third person. I like the stress. Bring it all on me. I don't crack that easily. And if and when I do I will act accordingly. But do  really even know what stress really is? I don't have kids and I don't have a mortgage. I do still live paycheck to paycheck but it's getting better . Or maybe I am just getting smarter. I stopped drinking and doing hard drugs over 6 months ago and that has brought a mental clarity that has been amazing. It doesn't erase the stress but it allows me to cope. The more minutes of the day that I am myself , the more chances I get to get to succeed. And in this life it's about getting in as many swings as I can.

10 years of what?

Today it will have been 10 years since my father passed away. Sometimes it seems like a world away and other times it feels as if I just saw him yesterday. I miss him a lot but I also understand that a whole lot of him is in me. Therefore when I really miss him I just have to look into myself and I find it comforting .

Joe Marion Villa III was a good man. He had a pretty dry sense of humor and was a fabulous cook. He would bend over backwards for you but he was passionate about making sure you understand how respect and hard work are business partners in a thriving industry called "Life". We had become very close over the years before his death and I will always be thankful for that . He was quick to give you his advice on something but he never got upset when you didn't follow his words. I liked that about him. He didn't judge but he at least had to get out his point before you make a choice.

I know he is up there, here, by a beach, with Fran his wife, watching over my brother , sister, and all the people in our family . I miss you Joey V. But I want to let you know I am doing great , and if I can't see you I can always lead by your examples.

Ain't nothin like a cane

Firstly, I want to state that canes or any other walking apparatus that resembles a cane is only "cool" when you don't have to use it. That being said some days I look like an old man and on other days I look like a street hardened pimp looking for my next dollar. It all depends on my dress.  I have moved up from crutches to a walking cane about two weeks ago. I feel like I am starting to get this old life back. I can get around a lot better and I am able to do things like cook and carry my own plate. That doesn't sound like a lot but when you have a choice between eating over a sink and having to ask someone to carry your plate it starts to get frustrating . My doctor said I have come a long ways and the physical therapy I have been doing has shown. That being said I still am a long ways off from running, jumping, and the occasional flip off a diving board. But remember life is about progress, and I feel like I have made a lot of that. No one was against me during this process but a lot of people doubted I would be back at it so fast. They said I would walk for six months. But hey when you ain't got kids, a mortgage, and no car payment, you got some time to get better. I couldn't have done it without Jamee "Jimmy" Sims, but we don't have to tell her that cause she'll just read it in this blog. Watch out World!

I am man, hear me roar

Happy New Year everybody! I wish you the best in 2012.
About a year and a half ago I started this blog. I wanted to get some stuff off my chest and just talking about it wasn't cutting it.  I was at a point in my life were things weren't going the way I planned it. My job sucked, my alcohol and drug use were out of control, and the relationships with the people closest to me were stressed out or non-existent.  I was tired of life around me and just wanted to walk away. So I started to write this blog. Things started to make sense. I was able to go back and read my words and I started to see a change in my behavior. The things I learned, is that life is not my motion picture to direct. I can never be a director of my own movie and also hope to star in it. Life doesn't work that way. The only thing I can be responsible for is my own actions. That was a tough pill to swallow.

So in July of 2011 I made a conscience effort to be sober. No more alcohol and drugs to alter my mind and personality. It was tough at first but I learned that life has so much more to offer when I am not out chasing a high. Earlier in the same year I also decided to leave the place I was working and to start working with someone I looked up to with great respect. Making those two choices allowed me to focus my energy of growing in my personal life. To have the love of a partner is something that is sought by many and obtained by few . I have that and it is my oppotunity to embrace it and grow together. I am not perfect and for fucking god's sake I hope I never am. My life is just that, mine, and I hope that 2012 brings more happiness, more roadblocks to conquer, and new goals to focus upon. So again I wish anyone who takes the time to read this the very best of luck to you in this new year approaching .