The Red Storm

gauges...

2006-02-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been a long time since I have posted....I have been working as of recently for Miller Pipline which does not give me much time to use the computer. I love my new job it is fantastic although I have to get up really early in the morning. Whats new? lets see.....Oh yeah! I now have 10 gauge earings...the lovely Anna Stanley got a job as a peircer at Kaoz and I was her first. I love them and hope to go up two more sizes very soon. Have a good week everyone....

the storm

tattoo.....

2006-01-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

So I have decided that I am getting a tattoo. It will be on my right arm. I have been putting a lot of thought into what I want. I know for sure that it will not be anything generic or campy. I don't want a cross with a banner, or four aces, or a tribal armband, or anything of that sort. I want something that says something and something that is a unique work of art. Right now I am leaning towards a tattoo of Jesus on the cross with God in the clouds crying above him while his tears from rain from the clouds..then the blood from Jesus's hands flows down the road of Golgatha to a grave stone with a white rose springing from the ground. On the grave stone will be my intials and the date I was saved.

a crazy long day...

2006-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very long day. I was driving along the highway at about 80. Without warning my right rear tire had a blow out. Upon trying to pull over to the shoulder quickly due to the increasing amount of traffic behind me I hit the grass in the median. It sent me spinning towards traffic then by a mircle it shot me forward into the median away from traffic. God had his hand on me because if I had moved a few short feet the way I was orignially going then I would have hit a car head on at about 80. The only wrong with my car was that the tire was shredding and my rim bent a little..I will be getting those replaced tomorrow. God is good.

thestorm

time for a change....

2005-12-29T06:38:00.000-08:00

I think it is time for a change. Change, even though sometimes sad, is a good thing. The karate kid blog has served me well these past few months, but it is time for it to retire. I love you so much karate kid and Im sorry to let you go like this. It is time for you to move on to greener pastures. RIP karate kid. We will miss you

the storm

Christmas!!!!

2005-12-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

Yes it is my fav. time of the year. I love Christmas, not just for the gifts or food but for family and friends. I love Christmas parties and Christmas traditions. My sister, bro in law, and nephew came down. My nephew is the coolest kid ever. He is adorable and I love him with all my being. I would do anything for that kid. I am his "tio". Well I got my ipod shuffle for Christmas and it absolutley rocks. I love it Ive gotten some really good music. Sorry I haven't updated in a while but myspace has taken me prisoner. It is sad I know but I am going to give equal time to both. Love all of you and hope you have a great Christmas and you don't forget to thank God everday for his son.

the storm.

lyrics

2005-12-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

So this is how it begins
A reluctant kiss of bittersweetness
Do you know that I give of myself for you

Take me from this moment
Let this cup pass from me
This pain sings of my sacrifice
Drenched in misery

So this is how it feels
The pain in your face so harrowing
Why this way Father?
Why so much hurt?

Look on my face
It bleeds with love for them
Dont turn your eyes from me
I can't be without you
Daddy where are you in my moment of death?
Forgive them for I am the forsaken

new music

2005-12-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am quickly becoming excited over the music that I and a friend have written over the past couple of days. It is a style of music that I have wanted to do for some time now. I am ready to bring musicianship back to music. It is a style of music that everyone can appreciate and really get into to. I think it will connect with the raw emotions of humanity and that is what I want. I know that is a bold statement but there is just some music that achieves that and this music is turning out that way. The band name has been narrowed down to two final names. "the day after" or " the anxious" I am partial to the latter because I feel it embodies the music we are going to be playing. We shall see how things unfold over the next couple of months. If all goes well I think a band will be born that will suprise Mobile. Keep an eye out for more updates and keep it real.

the storm.

geneva designs

2005-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Check out my new link to "geneva designs" This is my friend Brett's design site and I think he is brilliant.

confusion

2005-12-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

My life has been quite confusing here as of late. Although if it heads in the direction I think it is I will be really happy. The Christmas season is upon us and I am really excited. My sister, brother in law, and my nephew will all be visiting and that makes me joyus. I have finally fixed an old relationship and renewedmy friendship with said person. Things are going good in my life right now. I can't complain at all. Well I am off to work on some music. Keept it real.

the storm

new song.....

2005-11-30T14:30:00.000-08:00

There will shortly be a new band apearing on the scene......as soon as we learn more songs and figure out a name. If you have any SERIOUS segesstions please feel free to contribute but don't be offended if we don't use yours. Our first original is almost complete and is very powerful. It will entail the torment Jesus suffered on the cross not from physical pain but from the pain of God the father having to turn away from Jesus the son. I am very excited as music is once again becoming my passion. To long have I adulterated on other hobbies. The time to renew music is upon us.

the storm

thanksgiving...

2005-11-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. It is in this moment that I wade through all the problems that I think that I have and realize how much God has blessed me in my life. Last thursday was my dad's 61st bday. I have the best dad that God could have ever given me and I have the best mom God could have ever given me. I have friends that care about me and would be there for me if I needed them to be. God has taken care of my family financially and he has blessed me with many abilities. He has taken care of my disease and proven himself faithful. Most of all he has loved me regardless of what I do. I deserve none of this but yet I am given it anyway. Sure my life has its problems everyones life has problems, but there is no reason to not be thankful. Thank you God for all that you have given me and thank you for all that you haven't given me. You know my needs and you know what I can and can't handle and you give accordingly. For this I am most thankful of all. When life seems to get tough and you think that everything is just crap ....take a step back and look at all you have to be thankful for. You may just realize that your problems aren't as big as it seems. Keep it thankful.

the storm

new friends.....

2005-11-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

The weekend was good. It was topped off by meeting Jessi Scott a fast new friend. She is currently attending Fbtc and just so happens to be one of the coolest girls ever. Even though she is country she ventured out and went to a punk show last night with me and neil. How cool is that? She is a blast to be around and I look forward to many more fun times. Today is also my friend Brett's Bday. He is finally 21. Congrats Brett, I am your only true mexican friend. Tonight we party like its 1999. Have a great day everyone. Keep it real.

the storm.

new post...

2005-11-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if I am truly living. Sometimes I wonder if most people even live their lives. We are trained in society to grow up in school, automatically go to college, get a full time job working 40 + hours a week, get married and have kids, raise them, get old and die. It has become the American formula for success. It confuses me. Most people don't make time for God or anything of that nature in their lives. Sometimes I think we should change the word life to routine because that is what it has become in the time we live in now. We wake up, eat breakfast, go to work, come home, spend some time with friends or family, go to sleep, then repeat. Most people don't know anything outside of that and how sad that must be. Everyone knows how fragile life is and how short it can be but it seems we chase after frivalous things never the less. I wonder if people even know what it is to truly live.

the storm.

announcement....

2005-11-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls of all ages!!! Come one Come all to the job side show!! That is what my job situation has been like over the past few years. I am constantly changing jobs. I am now being employed by Starbucks. I am really excited about this job because I have opportunity for advancement, plus I really enjoy working in a coffee shop. This weekend has been rather fun. I hung out with a friend I haven't seen in a while and we sang lots of karaoke this weekend. Some of my family is coming in town this weekend so I am looking forward to that.

wednesday....

2005-11-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

All American Kid

Popular but not plastic. Athletic but not a jock. Smart but not a brain.
You were well rounded and well liked in high school.

Who Were You In High School?

You Are Scary

You even scare scary people sometimes!

How Scary Are You?

blogthing

2005-11-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

I thought this one was dead on.

Your Hair Should Be Orange

Expressive, deep, and one of a kind.You pull off "weird" well - hardly anyone notices.

What's" Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Halloween....

2005-10-31T06:30:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday I went and saw the mobile ballet production of DRACULA!!!! It was great. The sets and costume designs were wonderful not to mention the dancing. The music was also great. I went with Angela, her family, and Whitney. We also stumbled upon Kmart at the production as well. The ladies looked amazing..like always. Tonight is the fall festival at church. I will be late due to work. I will not be in costume either. Man this halloween has not been what I expected it to be. Oh well there is always next year and my fav. holiday of Christmas is fast approaching. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I look forward to seeing everyone tonight. Have a safe Halloween everyone.

the storm

scavenger hunt...

2005-10-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the scavenger hunt and I still do not have a costume. This is sad. Usually I have this figured out a month ahead of time. I will figure something out tonight. I have been really busy with work lately and I forgot how much I despise working 9 to 5. Even though those are great hours I can't see myself doing it for the rest of my life. I am just one of those people. I am looking forward to the fall festival on monday night although I am going to be late because of work once again. I am going with Angela and Whitney to the Dracula ballet on Sunday afternoon, so that is going to be really exciting. I am looking forward to it a lot. Not much has happend in my life since I started work. I don't have a lot of time to do the things I would like to but that is life. I will update you on the weekend coming soon. Keep it real.

the storm

blogthings...

2005-10-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

hey eveyrone here are some more blogthings for you to look at.

Your Japanese Name Is...

Yukio Tokudaiji

What's" your Japanese Name?

Your Band Name is:

The Fearless Crybabies

Band Name Generator

Your Brain's Pattern

Your mind is a firestorm - full of intensity and drama.Your thoughts may seem scattered to you most of the time...But they often seem strong and passionate to those around you.You are a natural influencer. The thoughts you share are very powerful and persuading.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

You Are Somewhat Machiavellian

You're not going to mow over everyone to get ahead...But you're also powerful enough to make things happen for yourself.You understand how the world works, even when it's an ugly place.You just don't get ugly yourself - unless you have to!

How Machiavellian Are You?

Your Kissing Purity Score: 40% Pure

You're not one to kiss and tell...
But word is, you kiss pretty well.

Kissing Purity Test

Sick....

2005-10-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Today I am sick. Literally. Last night I went and hung out with kmart, ryan, and buzz on south's campus. We mostly played video games and looked at online comic strips. All throughout the evening I started to feel progressively worse. I figured it was from the lack of food I had that day. We set out on a journey towards Little Casears which turned out to be very rewarding. After eating we decided to go to the cemetary on campus. It was a hop, skip, and a jump away and the walk in the cool evening was excellent. Although this did not make me feel any better, it actually made me feel worse. I was sure I had a fever but didn't think much about it since I hardly ever get sick. Before leaving for home I dropped by to see Angela to get some sympathy from her. She told me I shouldn't have gone to the cemetary, which is true, and that I should go straight home. So being the wise person that I am, I listened to her. Upon arrival at home I learned that I had a 100.7 degree fever. I took some tylenol and went to bed. I awoke this morning still sick but not quite as sick. I am now running a 99.7 degree fever. I am going to rest today and try and get better. I hate this because I just started my job and now I have to take off. I don't want them to think I am just trying to get off of work. Keep it real.

the storm

superhero name

2005-10-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Steel AntYour Superpower is TechnologyYour Weakness is RainYour Weapon is Your Nuclear GelYour Mode of Transportation is Phone Booth

What's" your Superhero Name?

This is my super secret identity....maybe I shouldn't have posted this....

mountains

2005-10-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did the unthinkable. I moved a mountain. It was a mountain of batterys to be specific. I also moved a million flashlights. We, the people at radioshack, had to ship all of our c and d batterys along with flashlights down to florida to prepare for Wilma. I was so tired at the end of the day but managed enough strength to go play a game of ultimate frisbee, eat at foosackly's with buzz, and then trudge over to diem(hows that buzz) to see Whit. After that I came home and crashed. I really enjoy my new job though. I am learning alot about the different electronics and I am constantly finding stuff that I want that I don't have the money for. One day. Yesterday at work in the afternoon we played with some RC cars. It was loads of fun considering we raced a viper against a hummer. We also made the hummer run over the viper which provided a few minutes of fun. Everyone there is really nice and I am especially pleased with my work schedule. I seemed to luck out and get 9-5 monday through friday, so you know what that means. OH yes, Golf on saturdays from now on. I will post in a couple of days and let you know how my weekend is going. Keep it real.

the storm.

past few days....

2005-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a couple of days. I just realized it this morning when I awoke. Sunday John, Spotts, Tony, Mike and I all went to Eastern Shore Baptist Church and played music for their youth. I thought we sounded really great and it was a fun time. It was especially good when we went to Manci's afterward and had some killer burgers. MMMM they were good! I officially started work yesterday at Radioshack. All I ended up doing was training stuff and it didn't take me as long as they thought it would. I like everyone I have met so far they are all really nice. Tonight is church which I always look forward too. Well I am off to work now so I hope everyone has a good day. More on that later.

the storm

quizzes....

2005-10-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

I took two of the quizzes that Angela took on her blog. It seems that I am happily evil which means that I am 60% evil. The sad thing is that I put answers that I would honestly do. I didn't think they were that bad but Oh well. My hobby was geneology. I don't think I will ever do that. Ever.
Here are some other quizzes I took.

you are ghostwhite
#F8F8FF

Your dominant hue is blue, making you a good friend who people love and trust. You're good in social situations and want to fit in. Just be careful not to compromise who you are to make them happy.

Your saturation level is very low - you have better things to do than jump headfirst into every little project. You make sure your actions are going to really accomplish something before you start because you hate wasting energy making everyone else think you're working.

Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

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so far...

2005-10-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

I finally did it. I got a job. I will start week this coming week at RadioShack. If you need any electronics come by and see me. Yesterday was an awesome day. After finishing paper work at Radioshack I headed by Kmart's house. I pillaged and plundered while I played Zelda: The legend of the four swords and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. We then proceeded to Foosackly's where we partook of the evening meal. Our plans were to go see Alice in Wonderland at South but they were foiled by the ticket booth operator of doom, whom upon arrival informed us that they were sold out. Despite this discouraging news we still had fun playing more video games. Super smash brothers to be exact. We rounded out the evening hanging out in the bat cave and watching a session of D&D. It was grand. That is a small update on my weekend so far. Now I am off to South's campus once again with Kmart where I will pretend to be Richard Cone, a pre-dental student at south, to obtain free food at a biomedical sciences club outing. Man I love my life. Keep it real.

the storm.

Patience...

2005-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Patience. That word strikes fear in some people's hearts. The reason being is that nobody is naturally patient. It is a virtue that has to be learned. The process of learning patience is a long and hard one. Trust me, I prayed for it once. I say all this leading up to the events of last night where God taught me a little bit more about patience. Last night I went and played ultimate frisbee at the park with some friends of mine. When the game was over we all headed back to our cars. Mine, unfortunately, would not start. That is not really the frustrating part of the whole thing. The frustrating part came when we tried jumping it over and over again to no avail. It seemed my car had finally met its maker in the sky. It had gone home to chevrolet heaven. Forlorned and downtrodding I had one of my friends take me home. Upon arrival at the casa I explained the situation to my dad. He said get the truck. We headed back although I told him we tried everything but Maria just wouldn't make it. As soon as we arrived at the car my dad got out and told me to pop the hood. He took out a special wrench and turned the knob on the battery 3 turns. The car started up fine. What this taught me is that patience is the key to a non stressful life. Most of our stress comes from not being patient enough to see the easy solution to our problems right in front of our faces. If you have a lot of stress in your life pray that God will teach you patience. It won't be easy but it will be all the more rewarding. Keep it real.

the storm

weekend.

2005-10-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

This has been a fun weekend so far. The weather has been perfect. On Friday night Whitney and I headed to New Orleans to get her truck. Everyone had a lot of fun except for that small child she hit and the people who were put in the gladiator arena. I just decided offhand that I want a motorcycle. Not one of the sports motorcycles but the hogs. I want a custom made Harley Davidson. I need to work out and get a tatoo before I do that though. This weekend has been an ambitious weekend in my mind. What I mean by that is...I have been getting a lot of ideas about what I want to do with the next few years of my life. I realized there are many things that I want to accomplish in my life. There are places I want to visit, there are things I want to create, there are people I want to meet, and there are things that I want to obtain. I also realized that I have to have a constant creative outlet. If I don't I drive myself crazy with all the ideas I have. Which proves to me just how bad my ADHD is. I can't kid myself anymore. I hate taking the medicine for it because I feel like it stifles my creativity and makes me feel ok with being average. My main problem is that I have so many ideas that I don't have near the time needed to do them. I have to pick one thing and go with it but that is incredibly difficult for me. I have had an extremely hard deciding what I want to do with my life and I fear that I will never be able to truly set my mind on one thing. I feel if I only do one thing with my life then I have cheated myself out of life as a whole. Enough of all the brooding. I can't stand it when I brood. Keep it real.

the storm

another day in the life of me....

2005-10-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome back everyone....I just threw some hot dogs on the grill, so why don't you come in and sit down. Yesterday was a pretty good day. For starters it actually seemed like fall weather. I know I know, you are saying to yourself Greg that can't be posssible. Well it was so get off my back. Sorry I am a little testy since I was up late last night. I will start working for SKCO automotive next week selling cars. There is a betting pool to see how long I will last at the job...see Jmo for details. Yesterday I went over to the pimptagon(Spottswoods house) and played video games, ate chicken, and enjoyed life. It was amazing fun. I did accidentally lock myself out of their house while they were gone working out so that would be the downfall of the day but it wasn't that bad. Today I am heading to New Orleans, or at least what is left of it, with Whitney. We are going down to get Soupie's truck from him for her. Hopefully it will be a memorable ride and I won't fall alseep. I will probably fall alseep. The hot dogs are ready, have one if you like.

Last night I watched a very interesting movie. It was an anime flick from Japan called Blood the Last Vampire. If you like vampire movies I highly recommend it, although I am hoping it is a series of short films because it left me wanting more. I will have to do some research on this. By the way, the ketchups in the fridge if you need it. Where was I? Oh yeah. They bend the rules on vampires a little but these days it is all up to interpretation. The real legend got thrown out the window long ago with the morals of today's youth. I am hoping this weekend makes for a good one. I need to figure out what I am going to be for halloween. If any of you have any ideas let me know. I am always up for suggestions, but beware I will let you know if I think they are stupid and I won't be kind about it. Just kidding, but seriously ....I will make you cry.

Well, I hope you have had your fill of hot dogs because that is all you are getting. You are starting to annoy me so get out of my house. See ya next time. Keep it real.

the storm

Ode to karate kid....

2005-10-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

This is a new haiku dedicated to the Karate Kid....

Sweep the leg Johnny
Put him in a body bag
Crane kick to the face

Pur genius as far as I am concerned. I love Haikus please post your own in my comments section. Thanks to kmart for his. You can even post a baiku in which the syllable pattern is reversed to 7-5-7.

Haiku

2005-10-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

The stars shine on listless eyes
Dreams awaken her
Love's melody fills the air

Haikus can be a beautiful thing and quite the carthetic experience. You should try writing one sometime. It is easy. It can funny, sweet, mean, or make no sense at all. Be creative and be bold. Try something you usually wouldn't. Keep it real.

thestorm

today in the life of the storm....

2005-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

The rough draft of the first short story is done. Im ok with it but it needs much revision. Now if I can only bug Whit and Angela enough to start designing the skin for me. I would like it to be a joint effort between the two of them because since only one of them did this blog for me(and it is amazing) how great will it look if they combine their powers. I don't know if I will be able to handle it. I have an interview tomorrow with a car dealership. I picked the particular dealership to work at because I won't have to work sundays. I need to pay off some bills and buy a laptop and an ipod. I don't need to buy the laptop or the ipod but I really want to. I also need a new cellphone. Man so many things to do, so little time. What I am talking about? I have all the time in the world. Sunday night class with the youth band is going great. This week I assigned them the task of writing a definition of worship. If any of you are reading this you better get it done. Angela make sure your brother and sister do this . I want to teach them not only how to lead worship but how to live it and what the Bible says about it. This has been a great ministry opportunity for me. It has been a lot of fun. I hope the kids are enjoying it as much as I am. Well off to watch final fantasy advent children with Kmart. Keep it real.

thestorm

Putting him in a body bag......

2005-10-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight we watch one of the greatest movies of all time....that's right.....The Karate Kid...I love this movie if you haven't noticed. Last night was quite an interesting night or so I heard. I wasn't directly involved in any of the events....sadly. I say sadly because I like to have really cool stories to tell later in life. Even though events can be stressful some times they are the salt that makes life tasteful. Most of the memories people have are of weird things that have happend to them, bad or good. Don't let these things stress you out, realize that you will have an amazing story to tell later that will make everyone laugh. This weekend has been a good weekend. Friday night I had some friends over and we watched one of the other coolest movies of all time , The Nightmare Before Christmas. Sat was good I cooked some ribs for my family and they were ....DYNOMITE!!!!!!!! Later I went to the pimptagon to hang out with spots and mike and watch the alabama game. Then I headed over to the Murray's house for mexican food and mafia with the sunday school class. I ended my evening hearing about unique events that took place at the bat cave from anglea and whitney. I am so glad that I will cap off a great weekend with two of my favorite things. Free Pizza and The Karate Kid......man people should be jealous of my life........That is enough for now..I am off to keep practicing to earn my blackbelt in keeping it real....

thestorm

Update..

2005-09-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

I walked outside this morning and it felt great outside. It almost felt as if some form of fall or winter might be happening. I am not going to get my hopes up though. Not much has happend in the past few days. My life isn't as exciting as some would think it to be. Suprising I know but what are you going to do. I look forward to this weekend. I think it is going to be a memorable one. I don't know why I think that I just do. Keep it real.

thestorm

our church...

2005-09-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

I have been at FBTC for a while now, or at least it seems that way. There has been a lot of change since I've started coming. I have seen the highs and lows of the church. Lately it seems that the church has begun to fall apart. It has been a long process but the deteriation is there. I would first like to say that I believe in our new pastor. He seems to me to be a man of God who will lead by the word of God, which is what this church needs right now. I have noticed one thing about our church. It seems that there are a few people of our church who want it to run a certain way and they get there way. I think this is why the church is in the state it is in. I don't think FBTC has been run in the will of God for some time now. I say it is time for reformation. I hope our new pastor does not cave to the pressure that will surely be brought on him by those who were stated control of the church in our so called by laws. If we see the church maintaining that direction and that pressure being applied then I say we take a stand. I am so tired of people just leaving the church because it isn't the way its supposed to be. How about instead of running we stand up for what God would want for our church. Our flock should be lead by our shepard with the help of God. We have a decision in what goes on in our church. If we feel we are not informed enough before we make a decision, then take a stand and refuse to make that decsion until we are informed. God is going to take his church back or he is going to let it fade away. I for one refuse to run and change churches. I choose to fight to keep this church alive and in the will of God. I will stand behind our pastor 100% and I refuse to stand by and let him be pressured by those that think they know howthe church should be run or how they want it to run. To quote a song, "The problem is not Hollywood, the problem is not Washington, the problem is a weak divided church of scared christians."

The time to be scared is over, the time to take a stand is now.

thestorm

Friends...

2005-09-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

First I would like to say thank you to Angela for making me such an awesome new blog. It melted my face off. Second I would like to say that I have some of the best friends in the whole world. They are an eclectic group of individuals. I love you guys. You make life so interesting and beautiful. Without you everything would be mundane. So if you are one of my friends go ahead and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. I appreciate all of you. I love you all of you and I will always be there for all of you.

thestorm

new start

2005-09-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

First I would like to say that if you did not attend Angela's party, you missed out on a good time. Congrats on being 20 Anglea. I don't have any real comments to post at the moment. We had a blast at Angela's party and afterwards at her dorm. The only problem is that I was extremely tired from my i.v. from earlier in the day. It has a way of doing that to me.
I have started working on a series of short stories that are connected with one another. I know that sounds like a novel but it isn't. I am going to release them on a web site, hopefully designed by Whitney and Anglea, each month. It will be kinda of like a comic book with out the pics. It will be about 5 afflicted people from 5 very different walks of life. It will deal with their inner self conflict and the search for the purpose of their afflictions. I will not release any more info at the time you will just have to wait to find out more. I expect everything to be up and going in at least 2 months maybe sooner but I say 2 months to give myself some breathing room. I think everyone will enjoy it immensly though. Keep it real.

thestorm

Birthday!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or at least I think it is her bday. Her counter on her blog says it is but her party is tomorrow but either way HAPPY BDAY!!!!!!!!!! We are going to get crunk tomorrow. OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!
Drink up me hearties YO HO!!!!!!!!!!

thestorm

Life....

2005-09-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

It seems you never realize what you have accomplished till much later. We spend so much time concetrating on future events that we forget to live in the present. Before you know it those moments we sought after so much have come and gone, but it wasn't really what we expected it to be. The anticipation turned out better than the real deal. How many things in our lives do we take for granted? Beauty is everywhere. It is in all the small things in life. The way a loved one smiles, the sound of your children's laughter, the way your spouse would sing in the shower because they thought no one could hear them. These are the things that make life worth living. We chase after material things like cars, money, and houses constantly. We think once we obtain these things life will be worth living. Those things are fleeting. One day they will all be gone. Then what?

To many times we miss out on life just trying to obtain it.

thestorm

self-actualization....

2005-09-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Somtimes change is needed. Without change there can never be progress. We would stand idle for the rest of our lives not reaching our full potential. Maslow created an ideal called the heirchy of needs. In his heirchy of needs he states that man must fulfill certain needs in his life before he reaches self-actualization. Self-actualization is Maslow's portrait of man's fullfillment of his potential. To reach this level as a human being man must meet certain requirments such as physical needs, emotional needs, and mental needs. This in and of itself is not such a bad explanation of how man works. The only problem is that Maslow left out what I like to call the "God factor." Man, to reach self-actualization, must let God meet his needs and must not rely on himself to do so. If man can let go and lose everything, then and only then through God will he gain everything. One's full potential is only acutalized when it is in God. This being said I have decided change is needed. I must make progress. I must reach spiritual self-actualization and to do so I must lose everything to gain the world.

thestorm

her....

2005-09-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

It happend once again. What happend? She happend. She waltzed into the room with that all to familiar sing song pattern and there I, without defense, slowly succumbed to her seduction. She was a past love. A fleeting romance into which i delved my entire being only to push her aside in the wake of distracting desire. Many times after that she sang her sirens song to me, but I, being of unwilling nature, withstood her assault. This time I was not so steadfast in my rejection of her. How could I be? How could I withstand the narcotic aroma of her uncomprismised passion as it permeated from her soft snowflake skin? I could not. I could not look into the misty eyes that beheld me with a yearning for reconciliation. I was lost; a casualtie of this silent war between us. I had become a prisoner of her. She now was my love once again. Let me speak thy name without compramise fair maiden. Let me declare to all my undying passion for you. Love, they name is Music.

thestorm

Pride

2005-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Pride. It is a deadly word. Pride alone has claimed emipires, ideals, and man alike. We see its devastation but yet we fall victim to its whims. Some people don't have a problem with pride and others fall prey to the delusions the sweet narcotic brings. What makes us so succeptable to its charm? The answer is simple. Pride helps us to feel how we have always wanted to feel. It creates that sweet dream of perfection. It glorifies us as we dance to its hynoptic rythms, embracing the sweet nothings of grandure that we whisper in our own ears. Pride is not a product of praise from others. It is born out of the desperation of greatness longed for,the yearning to be something more than just average. What man has failed to realize is that pride is a lie. It is an enchantment filling our heads with self adoration and grandios acheivement. When pride sets in we tend to overestimate our worth as a human being. Pride causes us to judge others. Pride is what caused social class systems and genocide. Pride has filled our world with anger, tears, and hate. It has raped our morality and crippled our decency. Pride is satan's greatest weapon. Why? Because it refocuses our attention on how great we think we are and lessens it on the fact that we are actually nothing. Who we are as humans can only be defined by who we are in Christ. If there is one thing you need to remeber as a Christian it is this.

Christ can do everything on his own, he does not need you, he simply chooses to use you.

the storm

what makes me tick....

2005-09-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

The other day I was playing pot limit Omaha on the internet. For those of you that don't know how that is played I will explain a bit for you. It is similar to texas hold'em. The only difference is that the player gets 4 whole cards down and has to use two of them in his had and 3 on the board to make his best five card hand. Now that I have educated you a bit let me get back to my story. So I was playing a pot limit Omaha tournament and the follwing hand came up. I was dealt A K X X. The X's represent two other cards that aren't important. The flop came down K spades 10 spades and K hearts. This gives me trip kings. I am sitting well in this position considering only one other person stayed in with me. The turn brought the A spades make a possible flush out there but that didn't concern me now that I had made a boat(full house). The river only improved my hand by bringing the last King in the deck. I was now sitting on the four horseman of the apocalypse( the 4 kings). I was stoked until the other guy turned over Qspades Jspades X X. He had made a royal flush. My four kings got beat by a royal flush. Most people would be sick over this. This is a horrible beat. This hand made me realize why I love this game so much. It is an emotional rollercoaster. I love this game for the strategy, the amazing suck outs, the horrible bad beats, and everything that goes with it. This game isn't for the timid or weak. You have to be fearless, strong, composed. Ive seen this game make grown men cry. Its a bigger rush than any extreme sport could ever give you. It is a representation of life. That is what makes me tick. Keep it real.

thestorm

for once....

2005-09-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

We live in a society full of vanities. They are all around us. We pursue them each day without any thought. Sometimes we get so caught up in it that we think if we just had that one thing everything would be great. We look for easy solutions to not so easy to fix problems. I have found myself doing a lot of that lately. I can't expect a life without problems. Problems create character, wether it be good character or bad. If there is no resistence there can be no growth. Having that in mind I now venture to say that problems are what make life...life. Conflict is the essence of humanity. History revolves around it. Some people thrive on it. We as christians should grow from it. We as chrisitians can use conflict to our benefit. Through conflict we can show others the power Christ has in our lives. So before you complain and whine remember that Christ has power in your life and has a purpose for your problems and conflicts and he will help you weather the storm and grow in your resistance. Keep it real

thestorm

a few days gone

2005-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a few days since I have posted on here, that is partly because I am a slacker and that I haven't had much to write about. The past few days have been good. There is nothing in particularly exciting to talk about just hung out and had some fun. There are some things in my life right now that I am confused about. I won't go into any detail considering they are personal matters, but I am trying to work these things out in my mind. If you feel you are a close enough friend to know then you can ask me but if I don't tell you don't be offended. I thought I would share a qoute with you today. It is from the movie Good Will Hunting. Robin Williams character says, " You have never experienced true lost, for to do so you must love something more than you love yourself." Think about that.

thestorm

tournament

2005-09-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

As I promised, I am now going to fill you in on the tournament of last night. I was satisfied with the results allthough I did not win. I came in 11th out of 100 so that is a good tournament. I played well and only really made one mistake the whole night. In the end I got all my money in with the best and hand of A J suited and got out drawn on by an 8 5 offsuit. It was a really weak call on the other guys part but one I would let him make everytime I played with him because going to the flop he was a 3 to 1 underdog and I would make money off him 70 percent of the time. The feild was saturated with weak players as I suspected it would be. I had some trouble finding any hands to play all night. I ended up only playing about 5 or 6 hands, which I am proud of because I used to play way to many hands. I will share with you my bluff of the evening which I think was great. The blinds were 200 and 400 and I was on the button. There were 4 limpers, this alone is enough to show the weakness of the feild, before it got to me. I looked down to find 10 9 offsuit and I also decided to limp since there was already 1600 in the pot providing me with 4 to 1 pot odds on my money. The flop came out A Q Q rainbow. It was checked all the way to me wherein I bet 500 into the 2000 pot, which is a severe underbet considering the size of it. I wanted them to think that I wanted a call and a call I got. I decided right then and there that no matter what the next card was I was going to push all my chips in the pot with absouletly nothing. The turn came out a measly 3 of clubs and it was checked to me. I hesistated for sec trying not to seem overeager as to make him think I was trying to represent strength when I was really weak. The other guy in the pot had lost a big pot to me early doing the same play but I had the nuts at that point so I figured I could make him laydown. I calmly said' "All In." He sat there and thought a moment and then showed me his Ace and folded. I had made him laydown top pair. It was an amazing play and an amazing bluff. Later he asked me if I had the queen, I lied and told him I did and that he made a good laydown. He said he could tell I had it by the calmness I was displaying. This was the greatest compliment on my play I have ever had. Ive actually got to the point where I can make people think what I am want them to. I was very pleased with the tournament and my reads. Keep it real.

thestorm

the day of....

2005-09-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the night. I look forward to some healthy competition tonight, or at least I hope there is some. Usually the field is saturated with weak players. I hope to take advantage of this and hop out to an early chip lead. I played teusday night at the double olive in midtown. It is for fun and it usually is fun. Starting next week though they will be giving out $50 every time you win a table which means I can make an extra 2 to 3 hundered a week. That will be extra nice, especially since it is a freeroll. Last night was youth and it was good. I always enjoy playing music with some of my best friends and hanging out with the kids. There are some very unique kids in our youth group. They rock. This is the extent of my post today because I have had nothing to really comment on lately. As soon as something new comes into the news look for a comment post. Keep it real everyone.

thestorm

the unthinkable

2005-09-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

Yes the unthinkable happend today. Due to my main source of income floating away with Katrina I went and got a job today. If you are still breathing Congratualtions. If you fainted I hope someone comes along and finds you. For the next 3 months I will be doing hurricane clean up. It is going to be a good job and I think I will enjoy it. During the time I am working I plan to get my real estate licesne and then go on to eventually own my own company. It may take a few years but the journey there will be rewarded in the end. I think I am going to start reviewing movies on here, so keep an eye out for that. Other than that, my life right now is pretty much leading up to thursday's poker tournament. I plan on winning, anything less than first is unacceptable. Root me on in your thoughts and I will not dissapoint. Keep it real

thestorm

another day

2005-09-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days have been laid back and non stressful. My sister and nephew came down from north carolina for labor day this weekend. That was a special treat. My nephew is the coolest kid ever. Most of my day was spent chilling with the family. My nights were spent at the bat cave. It has been a good past couple of days yet uneventful as far as blogging goes. The next big event is the poker tournament at south this thursday night. Keep a look out for a play by play from that tournament amongst other things. Keep it real

thestorm

a new day

2005-09-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today is a new day. A new dawn came this morning bringing new problems but also new solutions. In my last post I explained my views on all the lawlessness occuring during the aftermath. In this post I would like to focus on the attempt at good. There are many people who didn't lose their lives during the hurricane but are sacrificing them during the aftermath. Men and women, who have left their families behind in the safety of their homes, to brave forward through destruction and chaos to shed a beam of light into the emmense darkeness. I salute you fair warriors. These brave individuals has risked their lives to simply supply medicine and food. They are the last life line to the decaying body of civilization and rationality in New Orleans. In order to keep peace these men and women must continue to brave on no matter what the consequences. What can we do? Anything is the answer. Even little things will not go unnoticed. Giving bottle of waters to the power workers or to people standing in line to get gas. Just show a little of the love and grace God has shown us. Patience. Patience with people during this time of crisis is emmensly needed. Simply being patience with others can show them the difference between your life in Christ and those without. People tend to react in specific ways during times of crisis. They tend to lash out when challenged, but we as christians have the power of Christ in our lives and are not succembd to that. Show people the difference in our lives, show them the power and the love that Christ has. This and only this is the solution to healing humanity.

Humanity is recovering

the storm

Chaos

2005-09-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

Chaos. That is what they are calling it. That is the label the media has supplied for the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans. True, it is chaotic. Am I suprised? Not in the least. What do I call it? I call it evidence. Evidence of the de-evolution of mankind. Evidence of man's carnal nature. What you are watching on tv is the degredation of humanity. Some call it survival. I disagree. Man is above mearly surviving. Man was never meant to just survive. Man was meant to live. Therefore man was given a conscious. If that is what you would like to call it. The sense of right or wrong. Even if you want to argue that right or wrong is purely situational you have to admit at least that it is there. The lawlessness that abounds in the cesspool that was once New Orleans is all of conscious decision. It is not due to primitave survival instincts brought on by catastrophe. Innocent people are surrounded by degenerates who live by their own will; live for their own greed and gain. Each act of horridness tightening its grip and slowing the pulse of human decency, broadcast across our tvs. We watch. We watch in shock and horror. Amazed at the breakdown of human behavior. We can't get enough. We sit in front of our tvs, minute after minute, soaking it up. Pretending that we didn't expect this to happen, all along knowing this is not the worst of it.

Humanity is waining.

the storm

little about me

2005-08-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

Since nothing of extreme importance happend today, I though it would be nice to share a little about me with everyone. Not to many people know me all that well. There are things that might even suprise you. I was born in Benton, Arkansas in 1982, yes that makes me 23 years old. As a child as I was always on the go. My parents tell me they had a hard time keeping up with me. I started studying classical piano when I was 4. It was fitting that I did such since my sister started training for classical dancing when she was 3. Had to keep up with the Joneses you know. I enjoyed it immensly and gave myself to it whole heartdly. I practiced 2 to 3 hours each day for 18 years. Although I still love to play the piano I find it hard to make as much time for it. I played sports as a kid as well. Baseball and basketball made up much of my childhood. I have always been in church for as long as I can remember. It has always been a part of my life. This was extended up into my highschool days as well. My highschool days were serious fun. I have a bijillion stories I could tell but time and space are factor so I will not. I also enjoying singing, theater, sometimes I decide to draw, and sometimes I feel the need to draw. I try to be a regular renissance man. I feel it is good to be well rounded. This is just a little view into who I am but i will continue to add tidbits throughout this blog. If you ever have any ?'s feel free to ask.

thestorm

a woman's scorn

2005-08-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone went through the storm, so I don't have to tell you what it was like. Its my feelings on the aftermath that I want to share with you. Towards the middle of the storm I braved my way down to Kmart's house to try to alleviate some of the boredom that had set in. At around 8 I decided to start home. After saying goodbyes and thankyous I stepped through the door into something unfamiliar. There lay the rotting corpse of a once lively neighborhood. I was transported back to the times of the old ghost towns. No one stirred or made a noise. There in front of me was the war torn battleground, the devastation of a woman's scorn. Walking down the street my eyes beheld the damage. There lay wooded wounded soldiers and beside them the survivors weeping for the fallen. Each step back towards home a reminder of the grace God had shown us. The night was spent sleeping under the bittersweet breath of Katrina. The next morning was spent trying to restore some sense of normalcy. The battle reports started to flow in at about noon. Reports of massive casualties and extreme damage. It seems that biloxi and gulfport's defenses were not enough against the juggernaut of Katrina. As we listend to the horror and hurt people endured reality set in. We were lucky. Spared. Only being able to pretend to share the hurt of those only 30 miles away. To any of those whom I have played with at biloxi, if you or any of your loved ones didn't survive this war, I weep for you.
If someone was to drive by my house it would seem it was just another normal day in mobile. Another hot afternoon were one would complain and sweat only to retreat to the solace of air conditioning inside. The only evidence of the war would be a neatly stacked pile of limbs. The casualties of Katrina piled up on the sidewalk awaiting a proper burial. "Into perspective" is a term that is used alot these days. You realize how valuable things become when they are not obtainable. Small things even, things like ice, air conditioning, even just a cold drink of water. It is in these things we should wonder about the vanity of our lifestyles. As we long for power and escape from the heat, others only a short drive away long for life. A life where things were as they were before. They long for loved one's gone and one's not yet found. They long for not temporary vanities but for relationships and memories that were destroyed. May our prayers and thoughts go out to these people. May our vanities be pushed to the side to make way for the loss of others.

day of rest

2005-08-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

As I sit here conveying to you the events of my day, Katrina weeps staining my yard with her tears. Why she has chosen us to bestow her grief upon I do not know, but I will try to fill you in on what happend today before her grief turns to rage. Since it was the day of rest we lifted our weary travel worn souls and fled to refuge from the constant war that tears us during the week. The congregation was light due to the panic a hurricane usually tends to create, but none the less we entered God's prescence. The afternoon was spent hiding in the bat cave trying to hold down the fort before we were discoverd and told we had to leave due to the mandatory evacuation that was set into place. Annoyed and down trodden I split ways from Angela and Whit. Forced to entertain myself I retreated to the solace of my tv room where I was whisked away to the magical land of apathy and mindlessness. Now I sit here waiting.......
The calm has set in, it is only a tease, one last chance to pretend that it is just another rainy night in Mobile. How long it will last I do not know, but for now I wait. I wait for Katrina to take the turn onto Leroy Stevens, up my road and onto my front lawn. Its the waiting I can't stand. Katrina do your worst, we will only get back up and show you that you can't keep us down. Be safe everyone and know that I am thinking of you.

the storm.

Just so you know

2005-08-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

What can I say about yesterday? Even though it wasn't eventful it was a much needed day of relaxation. I awoke early to the hum of a lawnmower enjoying it's morning meal. I glanced out my window to spy the patron of the hungry humming beast to find him in hopless desperation yelling for his wife over the immense noise his mechanical pet was procuring. After a few feeble attempts he decided all was lost and went back to the monotany of his task. I quickly became disinterested and left my room for the kitchen where I broke the fast of the night before. It had only been 3 hours since i laid my head to rest but the job had gotten done and I had a new vigor about me. After doing some morning chores and favors for my mother it was time for the monthly routine of which I had become accustomed( if you don't know what I am talking about ask someone who knows me really well). After the hours had dispersed amongst movies and sleep it was time for yard work. Considering that yard work is completly trite i will leave all details about it out of this blog. The night ended with good friends around the pool discussing the inevitable destruction that lay out in the gulf. An early bedtime was in order so as to prepare for the incessent nagging of Catrina that was just on the horizon. If I am not blown away, look for another post soon.

Greg"theredstorm"

Oh what a night!

2005-08-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

Indeed what a night it was. It was the type of night that will not soon be forgotten. A night delved into the past, laced with sweet memories that intoxicated with the euphoria of love lost and friendships gained. The day itself was not to exciting, but sufficient in making the night seem that much more fun. Poker and video games permeated the majority of the day, while a few friends slipped between the cracks to interject some meaningful conversation. After eating dinner and watching MadTV with kmart(Kevin Martin for those who don't know him so well) we set out for the nights adventure. After composing myself and gathering up the courage I plunged deep into the jungle of sound that surrounded the dorms of my destination. After what seemed to be many hours and way to many decibles, I finally reached the bat cave of Angela and Whitney. Now it seems that these two girls lucked out and got one of the biggest dorms on campus. All jealousy aside, I was happy to be hanging out with two good friends. Some more people showed up sparingly throughout the next hour, ready to be entertaind for the evening. After a few movies we decided it was time to eat....at 2:00 in the morning. Nothing like greasy whataburger to make the rest of the night meant to be spent in a restful slumber turn into the biological nightmare of indigestion. While chowing down the plunder of our adventure we interjected tall tales of highschool past that were met with open arms and hardy laughter. All in all it was a great evening, but the time for rest was upon me so the night expired into my memories forever.

2005-08-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hey! I'm trying to work on a template here! Check back in soon to see what mischief I've caused!

- Angela