“Yeah, how are you doing, by the way?”
“I’m good. T.O.M. came by for a visit.”
“Tom? Who is…oh, I got it. Wait, why you telling me? I’m all the way over here.”
“Just incase I happen to flip out for no apparent reason, you know?”
“Yep. My sister would always warn me up front whenever Tom came around. That always let me known that I had to be careful of what I said and do.”
After I talked with her, I tried to go back to sleep, but then I got a text message saying that I was invited to a dinner party and I had 15 minutes to get ready. Welcome to the high life Brian, I thought to myself. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed an energy drink. I then hopped in the shower, grabbed my best suit, and made sure m hair looked decent enough. Being from the south, I had the mentality that as long as my hair looked decent enough, I was ok.
I got picked up by the person who was throwing the party, who happened to be one of the judges of the competition. We pulled up to his house. I saw the producer that got me the job along with other people working on the show. I never was to type to go party or anything like that so this was a new thing for me. I got my plate of hors-d’oeuvres and stood along to the side to myself. As I was eating, I looked around at people laughing and smiling. I took a sip of my water and noticed that Kevin, the producer that hired me, was motioning for me to come to him.
I walked over to where he was and he introduced me to a couple of people that were there. Most of the people were agents, music and movie producers, movie directors, etc. Then I met Lisa Anderson. She was an up and coming artist that was expected to go huge. When she walked over and introduced herself, I was getting another helping of food.
“Mr. Howard is it?”
“Yes ma’am,” I said turning around.
“I hear you’re the vocal trainer on the show.”
“Yes ma’am I am.”
“Well, I’m Lisa, Lisa Anderson. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too,” I said extending my hand. “You’re the new artist everybody’s talking about, right?”
“Yeah, that’s me. How you liking LA? It’s different from South Carolina, huh?”
“Definitely, but I’m slowly getting used to how things go here.”
“Great. Well I’m going to go mingle with more people, be free to call me sometime. Here’s my card,” She said handing me her card.
I took the card and nodded my head. The rest of the night went pretty smooth. Some of the people were stuck up. They had the fakest laughs I’ve ever heard in my life. The kind of laughs you see on TV shows when the characters try to act rich. That made me laugh a little for real, and when the stuck up people looked at me, I stopped and acted like I was mingling. I got a ride home from Kevin.
I only got about 4 hours of sleep before I had to get up to get ready for the studio again. That day began with listening to the playback sessions I did with the contestants the day before. Then the contestants came in and were told that they had to sing a song as a group to open up the first show, and I was the director. I have background in directing. I was the main director of my church’s choir before I got this job. So, I split the contestants into three different sections: tenor, alto, and soprano.
I’ve never dealt with such hard headed people in my life. I’d teach the parts, and then the “know-it-alls” did their own thing and messed up the whole sound causing the day to drag on and on. Some people kept complaining and complaining, while others were trying to one up one another. It got to the point where I almost lost it. I opened my mouth to rant on all of them, but Cindy beat me to it.
“Everybody shut up! We should be lucky we got this far. I worked hard to get here, and I’m not going to let any of you ruin this experience. It’s 9:00 at night, so I don’t care if you guys hate each other, but let’s at least work together to get this done so we can go home and get some sleep.”
“Yeah!” I said pointing at them, acting like I was going to say that in the first place.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
How Did This Happen? Chapter 2
I drove home to get myself ready to go to Los Angeles. Everybody was excited for me. I was on every local news station in the city doing interviews. Almost everyday I was at another party or a cook out. It was like I had to visit almost every single family member before I left. Found out that that I had more “friends” than I thought. Here I thought I barely had any…funny how people want to be your friend through the good times and not through the bad. Through all that craziness I found time to call Heather just to check up on her. Talking to her was like bringing me back to reality. I had people asking me for money and I hadn’t even left yet. I had other people asking for my autograph, and I haven’t even trained one contestant yet. Yet, when I talked to Heather, I remembered I was still a regular dude trying to get by.
The time came where I had to go. I had my parents take me to the airport. I’ve never been on an airplane, yet ride on first class, so I was completely nervous. I figured I’d buy some new clothes and stuff with my first pay check so I only brought a couple of weeks worth of clothes, with a couple of my best suits, and some other stuff that was in compliance with what I could and could not bring on the plane. I slept the whole time so I can’t really explain what the plane ride was like. I remember we made a couple of stops before we actually got to Los Angles though.
I got off the plane and met the producer at the baggage claim. After we gathered my bags we went out to the limo waiting outside. We made our way to the rented pent house that I was going to stay at during the competition. The first month was already paid so I could have enough time to save up from the pay checks to pay for the rest of the competition. I got out the limo and walked into the building. Then went up to the penthouse as soon as the door opened, my jaw dropped.
This place was bigger than 3 times my room back in South Carolina. It already had furniture and a TV in it just waiting to be used. I had to slap myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I got my camera out and took a picture so it would last longer. The producer told me that I had the rest of the day to just enjoy my place, and that the next day he’ll take me to the studio where I was going to be. I called my parents to tell them I made it safely. After that I called Heather and she was happy I made it. She then asked me something that really caught me off guard. Good thing I was sitting down during the conversation.
“Brian, can I ask you a question honestly? If you don’t want to answer it because it’s too personal, I understand.”
“No, Heather, go ahead. Ask me anything.”
“Well I was reading in the Bible where it says, ‘whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart,’ and um, I was just wondering…”
“Yeah. Can’t really get mad, I said ask anything right? It’s like this Heather, I’ve always thought you were an angel, and I’m going to admit, that I had an issue with sex without physically having it if you know what I mean. But I’ve since repented and moved on, but when I look at you now I see the beauty within and out. For that I apologize for my thoughts.”
There was a silence then Heather came back on the phone.
“I forgive you, Brian. Thank you for being honest.”
“Don’t mention it. Just be ready when I find some break time and I come to visit.”
“I will. Well I got to get back to baby-sitting. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
The first thought that came to my mind was if this girl is not the one, then she better be an imaginary friend or something because I didn’t want my business out in the street.
The next day I woke up the sound of my cell phone ringing. It was the producer making sure I was up and getting ready for the day ahead. After I took a shower and got dressed, I went to the lobby and waited. As I was getting my mp3 player out, I found a picture of my parents and dog, Ginger. I remembered how sad Ginger looked after I left the house. My mom’s going to be staying up by herself now with nobody to talk to besides the dog because Dad goes to bed early every night. If anything made me feel bad for leaving home, that’s it.
The producer came by in his hummer and then we headed down to the studio. What my job was going to be, at least for the first couple of days, to listen to the songs they were going to perform and try to help with the mistakes I catch up on. The first contestant, Stephen, came in looking cocky and really felt like he had that competition locked. I saw right through it. As he sang the song, he did so many runs, I barely understood the lyrics.
“Whoa! Hold it,” I said interrupting him as he continued to go and go. “Look, Steve...”
“Stephen.”
“Stephen, I’m glad you know how to run. Heck I wish I could run myself, but the judges need to understand what you’re singing. All that running makes it hard to understand what you’re saying if you saying anything at all. Know what I’m saying?”
“My chorus teacher told me that all the time, but I never listen because well, I know I can sing. And I don’t need no bootleg teacher, or no second-rate average Joe from the streets to tell me how to do what I do. Peace I’m out of here.”
I knew right there and then that I was going to have a long day. Later on I met the eighth contestant, Cindy. She was a very sweet girl. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. When she started singing, it sounded so smooth and jazzy. I really didn’t have to say anything to her, other than the fact that she needs to open her mouth more when she sings so it doesn’t come out sounding like a mumble.
The rest of the day had its up and downs. I had to deal with a lot of attitude, and on the other side, I had dealt with some really nice people. It was enough to drive a person to suicide. During my lunch break, Mom called me and said that the Student Loans people are looking for their money, over 5000 dollars. I had to call them myself and told them that I needed a few more weeks. I told them what was going on, and even though I was way overdue with payments, they let me have just enough time to get my pay-checks so I can pay them off. I couldn’t wait to get that burden off my back.
So after my day was over, I met with the judges and producers. I gave them my take on the singers and their ability. I caught a taxi back to the penthouse and my face hit the sofa. I got a good minute and a half worth of sleeping, then I got a call from Heather.
“Hey Brian, how’d your first day go?”
“I am wore the heck out, baby. I’m willing to bet that most of these contestants are on some type of drugs, and whatever that drug may be, I don’t want any part of it.”
“I understand,” Heather said laughing a little.
The time came where I had to go. I had my parents take me to the airport. I’ve never been on an airplane, yet ride on first class, so I was completely nervous. I figured I’d buy some new clothes and stuff with my first pay check so I only brought a couple of weeks worth of clothes, with a couple of my best suits, and some other stuff that was in compliance with what I could and could not bring on the plane. I slept the whole time so I can’t really explain what the plane ride was like. I remember we made a couple of stops before we actually got to Los Angles though.
I got off the plane and met the producer at the baggage claim. After we gathered my bags we went out to the limo waiting outside. We made our way to the rented pent house that I was going to stay at during the competition. The first month was already paid so I could have enough time to save up from the pay checks to pay for the rest of the competition. I got out the limo and walked into the building. Then went up to the penthouse as soon as the door opened, my jaw dropped.
This place was bigger than 3 times my room back in South Carolina. It already had furniture and a TV in it just waiting to be used. I had to slap myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I got my camera out and took a picture so it would last longer. The producer told me that I had the rest of the day to just enjoy my place, and that the next day he’ll take me to the studio where I was going to be. I called my parents to tell them I made it safely. After that I called Heather and she was happy I made it. She then asked me something that really caught me off guard. Good thing I was sitting down during the conversation.
“Brian, can I ask you a question honestly? If you don’t want to answer it because it’s too personal, I understand.”
“No, Heather, go ahead. Ask me anything.”
“Well I was reading in the Bible where it says, ‘whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart,’ and um, I was just wondering…”
“Yeah. Can’t really get mad, I said ask anything right? It’s like this Heather, I’ve always thought you were an angel, and I’m going to admit, that I had an issue with sex without physically having it if you know what I mean. But I’ve since repented and moved on, but when I look at you now I see the beauty within and out. For that I apologize for my thoughts.”
There was a silence then Heather came back on the phone.
“I forgive you, Brian. Thank you for being honest.”
“Don’t mention it. Just be ready when I find some break time and I come to visit.”
“I will. Well I got to get back to baby-sitting. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
The first thought that came to my mind was if this girl is not the one, then she better be an imaginary friend or something because I didn’t want my business out in the street.
The next day I woke up the sound of my cell phone ringing. It was the producer making sure I was up and getting ready for the day ahead. After I took a shower and got dressed, I went to the lobby and waited. As I was getting my mp3 player out, I found a picture of my parents and dog, Ginger. I remembered how sad Ginger looked after I left the house. My mom’s going to be staying up by herself now with nobody to talk to besides the dog because Dad goes to bed early every night. If anything made me feel bad for leaving home, that’s it.
The producer came by in his hummer and then we headed down to the studio. What my job was going to be, at least for the first couple of days, to listen to the songs they were going to perform and try to help with the mistakes I catch up on. The first contestant, Stephen, came in looking cocky and really felt like he had that competition locked. I saw right through it. As he sang the song, he did so many runs, I barely understood the lyrics.
“Whoa! Hold it,” I said interrupting him as he continued to go and go. “Look, Steve...”
“Stephen.”
“Stephen, I’m glad you know how to run. Heck I wish I could run myself, but the judges need to understand what you’re singing. All that running makes it hard to understand what you’re saying if you saying anything at all. Know what I’m saying?”
“My chorus teacher told me that all the time, but I never listen because well, I know I can sing. And I don’t need no bootleg teacher, or no second-rate average Joe from the streets to tell me how to do what I do. Peace I’m out of here.”
I knew right there and then that I was going to have a long day. Later on I met the eighth contestant, Cindy. She was a very sweet girl. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. When she started singing, it sounded so smooth and jazzy. I really didn’t have to say anything to her, other than the fact that she needs to open her mouth more when she sings so it doesn’t come out sounding like a mumble.
The rest of the day had its up and downs. I had to deal with a lot of attitude, and on the other side, I had dealt with some really nice people. It was enough to drive a person to suicide. During my lunch break, Mom called me and said that the Student Loans people are looking for their money, over 5000 dollars. I had to call them myself and told them that I needed a few more weeks. I told them what was going on, and even though I was way overdue with payments, they let me have just enough time to get my pay-checks so I can pay them off. I couldn’t wait to get that burden off my back.
So after my day was over, I met with the judges and producers. I gave them my take on the singers and their ability. I caught a taxi back to the penthouse and my face hit the sofa. I got a good minute and a half worth of sleeping, then I got a call from Heather.
“Hey Brian, how’d your first day go?”
“I am wore the heck out, baby. I’m willing to bet that most of these contestants are on some type of drugs, and whatever that drug may be, I don’t want any part of it.”
“I understand,” Heather said laughing a little.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Hide the Super Christians here comes some realness
Before I get started, I just want to let the devil know that he will not win. The rest of the Upstate District Conference will be blessed and life changing services. I believe that with all my heart. My mom has some back problems, but God. My pastor and a bunch of the members of the church has the flu, but God. All these problems, let's me know that God is up to something. I can't wait for tonight and tomorrow night at church. Just wanted to get that off my chest.
As many of you know, writing and music are two passions of mine, and since I haven't played the drums is forever, I guess I need to work on my writing. Which I am. Check this new thing I'm working on called How Did This Happen? I hope you enjoy it. After I finish this, I might work on it some more.
A couple of days ago, I watched this video done by a guy that I have the upmost respect for, Marchello Currence. The video was called Google Hiliary Clinton's views on: gay marriage and abortion. As you can probably tell, through out this video he talked about Clinton's stand on gay marriage and abortion. He did the some thing for Obama in another video. At the end of the video he said that we shouldn't vote for either Clinton or Obama. So we should all vote for McCain? I mean he has the Republican nomination in the palm of his hand, am I right? Well here's my thing. I said on eariler blogs that I'm for Obama. Is it because we have the same morals? No. I think he's the best person for the new direction the US has to go in. I know we as Christians tend to vote for the person that we think has the same morals as we do, but sometimes we never hear about their politics. Yes I do hate politics, but we got to face the fact that it's not about morals any more. It's about politics. I know that morals are important and I respect that, but I also think that if we vote in a person that has the same morals, that it's highly possible that he's the worst choice for the country's economy because we never did hear about his/her politics. Get what I'm saying? To me you got to let me know more than the face that you're a former pastor, or you spent time in jail. What do you want, a cookie?
Well it's almost noon. I'm going to make my lunch. Be blessed my friends.
~Daniel
Friday, February 15, 2008
How did this happen? Chapter 1
People are still asking me how I did it. Even today I still can't give a straight answer. I guess you can say that it happened by accident. How can a fat guy from a little town in South Carolina pull off the unthinkable? Well let's go back a little bit to get some background information.
I was just a freeloader. I graduated High School in 2005 and I went to college for a couple of semesters, but didn't find school worth it, so I dropped. Would sometimes go week after week without taking a shower because I didn't have any where to go. Went to church Sunday after Sunday and it was the same thing, after service would go to the van or car depends on what had the most gas, and listen to my mp3 player. All the other musicans talked to each other, shook hands, and all that. I'd just sit in the car and sing aloud. Had a little bit of a stuttering problem so I was scared to open up and talk sometimes. I was 20 years old and stayed in the youth class because I felt like I wasn't mature enough to go in the adult class for Sunday School. Then during the week, would just stay home and watch and/or listen to sports talk radio via the internet. Deep down inside I knew that I was going to arise from my ashes, but my head didn't ever want to believe it.
Growing up in the Bible belt, I always believed in God. My faith was something I never took for granted. Of course I wasn't ever the perfect Christian, but I always asked God for forgiveness of anything I did wrong.
Mentioned before that I was a musician. I play the drums. I was always interested in the drums, ever since I was little. That's how I learned how to play as a matter of fact, I remembered what I saw, and mimicked it. After a few Sundays of getting in trouble after church for playing to loud, and messing up all the time, I got polished enough to become the main drummer at the church I was going to at the time.
So anyway, I was doing the usual and just sitting on the couch messing around on my dad's lap top. I saw the one of my old friends was on and sent her message. I went to the kitchen and came back and she had sent a message back saying, "I'm going to an audition for a show, and it's happening down in your area. Want to meet up there?" I thought nothing of it, and I said that I'd be glad to. Some weeks later, I met her down where the auditions were happening. Turns out she was auditioning for a spot in in this national singing contest. This was my first time ever seeing her in person. I've only seen pictures. So when we met, my first reaction was that I want to go out with this girl.
Before her turn came up, Heather started practing her vocals. She asked me for my help, and I did my best to make sure she stayed in tune. I kept telling her not to make the mistake by singing out her throat, and that singing from her belly is the way to go. So as she went in her to her audtion, I was sitting in a room listening to my mp3 player singing softly along with the songs. I didn't know that a major producer was sitting beside me. Heather came out audition crying a little because she didn't make the cut. I gave her a hug and started leading her out. Before I got out the door, the producer stopped me.
"Young man. Young man! Stop for a second, I want to talk to you."
I turned around and looked. Heather was star struck because she knew this guy was. I had no idea.
"Sir?"
"Are you in this audition?"
"N-n-n, ahem, n-n-no sir I was just here with a friend."
"Well, I'm one of the guest producers on the show. Will you do me a favor and sing a little something for me?"
I looked around at all the faces that was being nosey and I shook my head.
"Ok. How 'bout this, ok? Put it on your favorite song on that mp3 player of yours, close your eyes, and act like you're home alone singing to yourself."
"I can try."
I put it on my favorite song and closed my eyes. Tears swelling up because I was scared, I started singing along. I opened my eyes after the chorus and got a round of applaudse. The producer then took me into the room with the judges. Heather stayed in the waiting room waiting.
"Excuse me, I know y'all in the middle of a audition, but I got an impromptu person for you right here," the producer said to the judges. "I never got your name son."
"B-b-b-rian Howard."
"Well Mr. Howard, if I could automatically put you on the show, I would, but sadly we got rules to follow. So what I'm going to do, I'm going to make you my assistant. With that, you will be the vocal trainer for the contestants for me. Are you willing to do that?"
My mom wouldn't have minded if I got paid picking up trash on the streets. She just wanted me to have a job doing something. So when she found out about job oppotunity, she told me to jump on it. I took the job. The pay was better than both of the jobs I got let go from combined. Since the actual show didn't start for a couple of more weeks, I had time to say goodbye to my friends and family.
After the audition stuff, Heather and I went out to lunch to celebrate my new job. During our conversation, she grew more and more attractive to me. So out the blue while we were eating I said something I'd thought would never ever come out my mouth.
"You know Heather, before we met, I always thought you were pretty. Now after meeting you, I think you're beautiful."
She looked a little surprised, and I looked down and continued eating.
"No need to be ashamed Brian. Brian, look at me. I love you."
I almost choked. This was to much for me to handle. Just got a job of the lifetime, then a beautiful girl said she loved me. After lunch, I took her back to her hotel. Before she got out the car, she invited me up. I quickly got reminded of that story in the Bible where Potiphar's wife didn't suceed in suducing Joseph. Then I remembered what I read in a study Bible where it said, "Remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience to God."
"I'm sorry, I can't." I said.
"I understand. Well, I guess I'll see you when I see you then. My plane is leaving in the morning. Good luck on your new job. Just so you know, I wasn't going to try anything. I'm a Christian too, Brian." Heather winked as she got out the car.
"Heather!" I called after her. She turned around.
"Maybe when I get some free time, I can come visit you and we can hang out."
She kissed my cheek and walked off.
I was just a freeloader. I graduated High School in 2005 and I went to college for a couple of semesters, but didn't find school worth it, so I dropped. Would sometimes go week after week without taking a shower because I didn't have any where to go. Went to church Sunday after Sunday and it was the same thing, after service would go to the van or car depends on what had the most gas, and listen to my mp3 player. All the other musicans talked to each other, shook hands, and all that. I'd just sit in the car and sing aloud. Had a little bit of a stuttering problem so I was scared to open up and talk sometimes. I was 20 years old and stayed in the youth class because I felt like I wasn't mature enough to go in the adult class for Sunday School. Then during the week, would just stay home and watch and/or listen to sports talk radio via the internet. Deep down inside I knew that I was going to arise from my ashes, but my head didn't ever want to believe it.
Growing up in the Bible belt, I always believed in God. My faith was something I never took for granted. Of course I wasn't ever the perfect Christian, but I always asked God for forgiveness of anything I did wrong.
Mentioned before that I was a musician. I play the drums. I was always interested in the drums, ever since I was little. That's how I learned how to play as a matter of fact, I remembered what I saw, and mimicked it. After a few Sundays of getting in trouble after church for playing to loud, and messing up all the time, I got polished enough to become the main drummer at the church I was going to at the time.
So anyway, I was doing the usual and just sitting on the couch messing around on my dad's lap top. I saw the one of my old friends was on and sent her message. I went to the kitchen and came back and she had sent a message back saying, "I'm going to an audition for a show, and it's happening down in your area. Want to meet up there?" I thought nothing of it, and I said that I'd be glad to. Some weeks later, I met her down where the auditions were happening. Turns out she was auditioning for a spot in in this national singing contest. This was my first time ever seeing her in person. I've only seen pictures. So when we met, my first reaction was that I want to go out with this girl.
Before her turn came up, Heather started practing her vocals. She asked me for my help, and I did my best to make sure she stayed in tune. I kept telling her not to make the mistake by singing out her throat, and that singing from her belly is the way to go. So as she went in her to her audtion, I was sitting in a room listening to my mp3 player singing softly along with the songs. I didn't know that a major producer was sitting beside me. Heather came out audition crying a little because she didn't make the cut. I gave her a hug and started leading her out. Before I got out the door, the producer stopped me.
"Young man. Young man! Stop for a second, I want to talk to you."
I turned around and looked. Heather was star struck because she knew this guy was. I had no idea.
"Sir?"
"Are you in this audition?"
"N-n-n, ahem, n-n-no sir I was just here with a friend."
"Well, I'm one of the guest producers on the show. Will you do me a favor and sing a little something for me?"
I looked around at all the faces that was being nosey and I shook my head.
"Ok. How 'bout this, ok? Put it on your favorite song on that mp3 player of yours, close your eyes, and act like you're home alone singing to yourself."
"I can try."
I put it on my favorite song and closed my eyes. Tears swelling up because I was scared, I started singing along. I opened my eyes after the chorus and got a round of applaudse. The producer then took me into the room with the judges. Heather stayed in the waiting room waiting.
"Excuse me, I know y'all in the middle of a audition, but I got an impromptu person for you right here," the producer said to the judges. "I never got your name son."
"B-b-b-rian Howard."
"Well Mr. Howard, if I could automatically put you on the show, I would, but sadly we got rules to follow. So what I'm going to do, I'm going to make you my assistant. With that, you will be the vocal trainer for the contestants for me. Are you willing to do that?"
My mom wouldn't have minded if I got paid picking up trash on the streets. She just wanted me to have a job doing something. So when she found out about job oppotunity, she told me to jump on it. I took the job. The pay was better than both of the jobs I got let go from combined. Since the actual show didn't start for a couple of more weeks, I had time to say goodbye to my friends and family.
After the audition stuff, Heather and I went out to lunch to celebrate my new job. During our conversation, she grew more and more attractive to me. So out the blue while we were eating I said something I'd thought would never ever come out my mouth.
"You know Heather, before we met, I always thought you were pretty. Now after meeting you, I think you're beautiful."
She looked a little surprised, and I looked down and continued eating.
"No need to be ashamed Brian. Brian, look at me. I love you."
I almost choked. This was to much for me to handle. Just got a job of the lifetime, then a beautiful girl said she loved me. After lunch, I took her back to her hotel. Before she got out the car, she invited me up. I quickly got reminded of that story in the Bible where Potiphar's wife didn't suceed in suducing Joseph. Then I remembered what I read in a study Bible where it said, "Remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience to God."
"I'm sorry, I can't." I said.
"I understand. Well, I guess I'll see you when I see you then. My plane is leaving in the morning. Good luck on your new job. Just so you know, I wasn't going to try anything. I'm a Christian too, Brian." Heather winked as she got out the car.
"Heather!" I called after her. She turned around.
"Maybe when I get some free time, I can come visit you and we can hang out."
She kissed my cheek and walked off.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
One Night Can Turn Your Life Into Hell Chapter 2
So the next day, after Riggs took his daughter to school, he headed to his office. As he pulled into his parking spot, he thanked God for another day then went on in to the building. He walked through the building doing his daily ritual which is basically saying “morning” to everyone who said morning to him. Sort of like the beginning of the movie Trading Places. When he got into his office, Jada was sitting on the couch. She stood up and extended her hand. Riggs shook it and asked her to have a seat.
“So Miss Jada, what brings you here this morning?”
“Well I was just wondering what it was you actually do, Riggs.”
Riggs started to explain what he did, and as he was explaining, he noticed that Jada wasn’t necessarily there to listen to him ramble. She wanted something else.
“Um, Jada? You’re not really here to know what I do, are you?”
She hesitated and then shook her head. Riggs took a deep breath.
“You know, maybe in a couple of days we can go out for dinner. Will that be cool?”
“Yea. Well I got to go see my dad. He was sleeping when I left. I guess I’ll see you in a couple of days then. Here’s my address and phone number to reach me.”
They shook hands and Jada left. Riggs hadn’t been on a date for about 3 years, so he called in his assistant, Carter for advice.
“Ok the first question is how much money you got?” Carter asked the person who owns the company.
“Never mind,” Carter continued. “Um, well if you’re going to take her out to dinner, go to a place that’s not as cheap as fast-food and not as expensive as a formal restaurant, know what I mean? Don’t want to over/under do it. Keep it just…”
“Simple?” Riggs jumped in.
“Moderate.”
“So Miss Jada, what brings you here this morning?”
“Well I was just wondering what it was you actually do, Riggs.”
Riggs started to explain what he did, and as he was explaining, he noticed that Jada wasn’t necessarily there to listen to him ramble. She wanted something else.
“Um, Jada? You’re not really here to know what I do, are you?”
She hesitated and then shook her head. Riggs took a deep breath.
“You know, maybe in a couple of days we can go out for dinner. Will that be cool?”
“Yea. Well I got to go see my dad. He was sleeping when I left. I guess I’ll see you in a couple of days then. Here’s my address and phone number to reach me.”
They shook hands and Jada left. Riggs hadn’t been on a date for about 3 years, so he called in his assistant, Carter for advice.
“Ok the first question is how much money you got?” Carter asked the person who owns the company.
“Never mind,” Carter continued. “Um, well if you’re going to take her out to dinner, go to a place that’s not as cheap as fast-food and not as expensive as a formal restaurant, know what I mean? Don’t want to over/under do it. Keep it just…”
“Simple?” Riggs jumped in.
“Moderate.”
Sunday, November 18, 2007
One night can turn your life into hell
Just when you think that everything’s going well and awesome, one situation happens and turns everything into hell. He was just enjoying life. Until that night, he was the friendliest guy you could ever meet. If you needed clothes, he’d by you some clothes. If you needed food, he’d cook for you. If you needed some money, he wouldn’t hesitate giving you just enough money to survive. He owned his own business so money was never a problem for him.
A few days before that night, he was eating at a fast food restaurant. As he was leaving he bumped into Jada. Jada, the scab on your leg that you want to scratch but you were told all your life to leave them alone. Jada apologize and he smiled and nodded showing that it was ok. He walked out to his car and noticed Jada followed. He let down window.
“Can I help you, Miss?” he asked.
She looked at him like he was an ex boyfriend that did her wrong.
“Riggs?”
“Yeah that’s me. Do I know you?” he asked wondering how she knew his name.
“I’m Jada. I’m Henry’s daughter. The guy you helped out a few weeks ago?”
“Oh yes, Mr. Henry, I remember him. Ok?”
“I just wanted to thank you for helping him out the way you did. He’s been on the streets for years. I’m so glad you found him when you did.”
“It was my pleasure. Well I got to head home, but here’s my card to my business. Be free to make an appointment, if you want to talk.”
Riggs handed Jada his card and headed on to his apartment. He ran up the stairs and was met by his daughter at the door. His sister, Lisha, came out the living room. Riggs held money in his hand, and Lisha grabbed it as she walked out saying, “See you next week.”
Riggs’ daughter was 5 years old. 5 years ago, Riggs was a senior in high school. It was his last year so he wanted to make the most of it. So one night he was at a party with his then girlfriend, and while he was drinking his punch, he didn’t know that it was spiked. Both Riggs and his girlfriend got tipsy so they ended up kissing all the way to a bathroom at the house they were at. About 3 minutes later, they came out the bathroom and continued to party. The next morning, Riggs had such a bad hangover he didn’t go to church. That Monday morning, Riggs girlfriend came up to him and told him that she was pregnant. This shocked Riggs because he was always taught to wait until marriage. He didn’t remember doing anything because he was so drunk during the process.
Now how Riggs ended up getting custody was very strange. He was just getting his business started while working at a grocery store to make ends meet so he could help raise his then 3 year old daughter. Riggs and his girlfriend broke up after graduating high school but still went out together just to give their daughter a sense of a family environment. So one day Riggs was working a night shift and he got a phone call that his daughter and ex-girlfriend were in a car wreck. His boss granted him the rest of the day off and Riggs drove to the hospital. His daughter was ok just had some bruises, but his ex-girlfriend died on arrival. So after arguing with his ex’s parents for about a month, Riggs finally got full custody of the child thus why she’s staying with Riggs now.
A few days before that night, he was eating at a fast food restaurant. As he was leaving he bumped into Jada. Jada, the scab on your leg that you want to scratch but you were told all your life to leave them alone. Jada apologize and he smiled and nodded showing that it was ok. He walked out to his car and noticed Jada followed. He let down window.
“Can I help you, Miss?” he asked.
She looked at him like he was an ex boyfriend that did her wrong.
“Riggs?”
“Yeah that’s me. Do I know you?” he asked wondering how she knew his name.
“I’m Jada. I’m Henry’s daughter. The guy you helped out a few weeks ago?”
“Oh yes, Mr. Henry, I remember him. Ok?”
“I just wanted to thank you for helping him out the way you did. He’s been on the streets for years. I’m so glad you found him when you did.”
“It was my pleasure. Well I got to head home, but here’s my card to my business. Be free to make an appointment, if you want to talk.”
Riggs handed Jada his card and headed on to his apartment. He ran up the stairs and was met by his daughter at the door. His sister, Lisha, came out the living room. Riggs held money in his hand, and Lisha grabbed it as she walked out saying, “See you next week.”
Riggs’ daughter was 5 years old. 5 years ago, Riggs was a senior in high school. It was his last year so he wanted to make the most of it. So one night he was at a party with his then girlfriend, and while he was drinking his punch, he didn’t know that it was spiked. Both Riggs and his girlfriend got tipsy so they ended up kissing all the way to a bathroom at the house they were at. About 3 minutes later, they came out the bathroom and continued to party. The next morning, Riggs had such a bad hangover he didn’t go to church. That Monday morning, Riggs girlfriend came up to him and told him that she was pregnant. This shocked Riggs because he was always taught to wait until marriage. He didn’t remember doing anything because he was so drunk during the process.
Now how Riggs ended up getting custody was very strange. He was just getting his business started while working at a grocery store to make ends meet so he could help raise his then 3 year old daughter. Riggs and his girlfriend broke up after graduating high school but still went out together just to give their daughter a sense of a family environment. So one day Riggs was working a night shift and he got a phone call that his daughter and ex-girlfriend were in a car wreck. His boss granted him the rest of the day off and Riggs drove to the hospital. His daughter was ok just had some bruises, but his ex-girlfriend died on arrival. So after arguing with his ex’s parents for about a month, Riggs finally got full custody of the child thus why she’s staying with Riggs now.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Reality Chapter 12
Daniel’s mom told him that the garage would be a good place to have a set of drums. Daniel took that to mind, while Jeanette didn’t pay much attention to it. Some time ago, Daniel started to clean the house. At first he cleaned the living room area by stacking up paper and making everything look neat on the coffee and in-tables. He got mad props from Jeanette and Rich when they came home from work. Time after that, Daniel cleaned the bathroom because his sister Alisha was coming home. Either way Daniel decided that since he wasn’t going to work or college, he was going to help keep the house clean to the best of his ability.
So some time after he cleaned the bathroom, Daniel worked on the kitchen and dining room area. He even swept and mopped the floors, something that really hasn’t been done in a while. Again, he got props from his parents when they came home from work. They even promised Daniel that he was going to get paid for doing that. Now, Daniel probably shouldn’t have accepted getting paid, but he wasn’t getting paid any other way.
Then one day, Daniel and Ginger, his dog, opened the door that leads to the garage. He looked around as Ginger was wagging her tail thinking about how he could possibly get the garage looking decent. The garage made a landfill seem clean. Daniel looked at Ginger. Ginger looked up with her tail wagging licking her chops at the same time.
“Ginger, we can do this.” Daniel said.
Ginger looked in the garage, and then walked to the back door to get Daniel to take her out. Day by day past and Daniel didn’t even touch the garage door. As the day was passing, his church was having a 3 night conference called Harvest Fire. It’s the only big conference Daniel’s church has a year. His pastor calls it “his baby.” Now Daniel and his family just joined the church some months ago, so this was their first Harvest Fire. The conference really started Sunday morning with the Pastor speaking, and it went through Tuesday night. It was one of the most powerful conferences Daniel had ever been to in his life, and he’s been to plenty.
The last night was the most awesome night Daniel had ever seen because it was like God allowed the people to visit him instead of God visiting them. Daniel usually cries with the anointing is strong is church, but for some reason or another no tears was coming. Jeanette even called Daniel down from the musicians stand and prayed for him, but Daniel just stood there waiting for the tears to come like they’d usually do. They never did. People were speaking in tongues and falling out all around him, and Daniel was just standing there with his arms raised. He didn’t understand.
Besides all that, the conference was still the best conference Daniel had ever been to. The day after the conference ended, Daniel went in the garage and worked on stacking things up to clean up a little. It was hard work, but Daniel got enough finished for one day. Jeanette and Rich were proud. Rich said, “You’re just trying to take all my money, aren’t ya?” Later that night, Daniel over heard Jeanette talking to his Grandma that he might get a used set of drums to get some practice. Daniel wants to be the best drummer he can be, and practice makes perfect.
Daniel signed on a messenger and this girl that he really can’t stand imed him. She asked what he did, and Daniel told her. She then said, “Kool. Sounds fun.” Daniel responded by saying, “The devil is a lie.”
So some time after he cleaned the bathroom, Daniel worked on the kitchen and dining room area. He even swept and mopped the floors, something that really hasn’t been done in a while. Again, he got props from his parents when they came home from work. They even promised Daniel that he was going to get paid for doing that. Now, Daniel probably shouldn’t have accepted getting paid, but he wasn’t getting paid any other way.
Then one day, Daniel and Ginger, his dog, opened the door that leads to the garage. He looked around as Ginger was wagging her tail thinking about how he could possibly get the garage looking decent. The garage made a landfill seem clean. Daniel looked at Ginger. Ginger looked up with her tail wagging licking her chops at the same time.
“Ginger, we can do this.” Daniel said.
Ginger looked in the garage, and then walked to the back door to get Daniel to take her out. Day by day past and Daniel didn’t even touch the garage door. As the day was passing, his church was having a 3 night conference called Harvest Fire. It’s the only big conference Daniel’s church has a year. His pastor calls it “his baby.” Now Daniel and his family just joined the church some months ago, so this was their first Harvest Fire. The conference really started Sunday morning with the Pastor speaking, and it went through Tuesday night. It was one of the most powerful conferences Daniel had ever been to in his life, and he’s been to plenty.
The last night was the most awesome night Daniel had ever seen because it was like God allowed the people to visit him instead of God visiting them. Daniel usually cries with the anointing is strong is church, but for some reason or another no tears was coming. Jeanette even called Daniel down from the musicians stand and prayed for him, but Daniel just stood there waiting for the tears to come like they’d usually do. They never did. People were speaking in tongues and falling out all around him, and Daniel was just standing there with his arms raised. He didn’t understand.
Besides all that, the conference was still the best conference Daniel had ever been to. The day after the conference ended, Daniel went in the garage and worked on stacking things up to clean up a little. It was hard work, but Daniel got enough finished for one day. Jeanette and Rich were proud. Rich said, “You’re just trying to take all my money, aren’t ya?” Later that night, Daniel over heard Jeanette talking to his Grandma that he might get a used set of drums to get some practice. Daniel wants to be the best drummer he can be, and practice makes perfect.
Daniel signed on a messenger and this girl that he really can’t stand imed him. She asked what he did, and Daniel told her. She then said, “Kool. Sounds fun.” Daniel responded by saying, “The devil is a lie.”
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Reality Chapter 11
For weeks Daniel has been complaining that he hadn’t been getting enough playing time on the drums at his church. He felt that his skills were becoming limited. He even went as far as to say that he would go to back to his old church just to play drums, which is an hour drive from his house. So one Sunday night, Daniel came in the church for the Sunday night service, and the pastor asked him to play since his son, the regular drummer, had to work.
Daniel was excited and nervous at the same time. The verse in the Bible that says “For every one that asketh receiveth…” kept running through his head. So Daniel walked up, and got on the drum set, while his stomach was in knots. The young organist of the church walked in and got on the organ. Daniel was trying to adjust the snare drum and the hi hat to his liking but couldn’t get it to work right. So Daniel started rocking back in forth quoting the scripture “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13),” over and over hoping that would help him.
Praise and worship started and Daniel choked. He played like a rookie. He got off-beat a lot, also kept getting unpleasant looks from one of the members of the Praise team of disapproval. Being the soft hearted person that he is, Daniel kept mouthing that he was sorry. It wasn’t until after praise and worship ended that Daniel figured that he could lower the seat to feel more comfortable. Of course Jeanette kept telling him that he didn’t choke after the service, but Daniel knew the truth.
At his old church, Daniel would just play, no holding back. He would hop in the drums and wouldn’t think about messing up. For some reason however when he got the opportunity to play at his new church, he couldn’t get himself to play to his full potential. So from that moment, Daniel proclaimed to himself that when or if he gets another chance to play the drums during the service, he won’t think so much.
Daniel has been chatting on one of his messengers more. For one he met a dude on a message board that was born and raised in the city Daniel spent the first 5 years of his life. They chatted one time, and had a good conversation. Also Daniel found himself chatting with an old female friend of his that shares the same passion for writing. She was going through relationship issues, and Daniel was there to provide some humor and smiles. One thing Daniel loves is bringing happiness in depressing situations.
Another person Daniel chats with from time to time is this up and coming singer that lives in West Virginia. One thing Daniel does is that when some one sends him a song he/she wrote and recorded, Daniel will be honest on how good the song is. On that note, Daniel feels that this particular singer’s songs leaves a lot to be desired, but Daniel loves to chat with her. Something about her is attractive to Daniel, but he knows better than to go deep in it. She often calls Daniel the “Random King” and she’s the “Random Queen.”
Daniel also found time to create a message board of his own, with low expectations of getting members. Reason being is because Daniel has created a few message boards in the past with high expectations and both died miserable deaths. Neither had much grown and/or activity. So with this new message board, he figured that he would advertise it much at all, and when he would advertise it, he wouldn’t pay much attention to the response. To his shock, his board got some members and some activity. One thing Daniel is doing though is that everyday, he’s posting on his board with the thought that his board is the best on the internet. In his eyes, that’s the only way his board will grow.
Daniel was excited and nervous at the same time. The verse in the Bible that says “For every one that asketh receiveth…” kept running through his head. So Daniel walked up, and got on the drum set, while his stomach was in knots. The young organist of the church walked in and got on the organ. Daniel was trying to adjust the snare drum and the hi hat to his liking but couldn’t get it to work right. So Daniel started rocking back in forth quoting the scripture “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13),” over and over hoping that would help him.
Praise and worship started and Daniel choked. He played like a rookie. He got off-beat a lot, also kept getting unpleasant looks from one of the members of the Praise team of disapproval. Being the soft hearted person that he is, Daniel kept mouthing that he was sorry. It wasn’t until after praise and worship ended that Daniel figured that he could lower the seat to feel more comfortable. Of course Jeanette kept telling him that he didn’t choke after the service, but Daniel knew the truth.
At his old church, Daniel would just play, no holding back. He would hop in the drums and wouldn’t think about messing up. For some reason however when he got the opportunity to play at his new church, he couldn’t get himself to play to his full potential. So from that moment, Daniel proclaimed to himself that when or if he gets another chance to play the drums during the service, he won’t think so much.
Daniel has been chatting on one of his messengers more. For one he met a dude on a message board that was born and raised in the city Daniel spent the first 5 years of his life. They chatted one time, and had a good conversation. Also Daniel found himself chatting with an old female friend of his that shares the same passion for writing. She was going through relationship issues, and Daniel was there to provide some humor and smiles. One thing Daniel loves is bringing happiness in depressing situations.
Another person Daniel chats with from time to time is this up and coming singer that lives in West Virginia. One thing Daniel does is that when some one sends him a song he/she wrote and recorded, Daniel will be honest on how good the song is. On that note, Daniel feels that this particular singer’s songs leaves a lot to be desired, but Daniel loves to chat with her. Something about her is attractive to Daniel, but he knows better than to go deep in it. She often calls Daniel the “Random King” and she’s the “Random Queen.”
Daniel also found time to create a message board of his own, with low expectations of getting members. Reason being is because Daniel has created a few message boards in the past with high expectations and both died miserable deaths. Neither had much grown and/or activity. So with this new message board, he figured that he would advertise it much at all, and when he would advertise it, he wouldn’t pay much attention to the response. To his shock, his board got some members and some activity. One thing Daniel is doing though is that everyday, he’s posting on his board with the thought that his board is the best on the internet. In his eyes, that’s the only way his board will grow.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Reality Chapter 10
Through the weeks, Daniel began to grow spiritually. Physically he’s still at home with no job. He’s lost a lot of friends through the weeks, while he’s growing, and to say that didn’t hurt Daniel would be a negative. Nobody seems to want to chat with him. His blog entries have been getting fewer comments by each entry. The feeling of being avoided has been the real mood. Seemed like the more Daniel grew spiritually, the more his so-called friends left physically.
Through his growing, Daniel turned away from secular music. He felt like he was being two-faced to God by listening to both secular and Christian music. He explained it all through this blog entry. Here’s the 2nd paragraph:
“So here we go. In Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) it says “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” What I get out of these two verses is that God telling us to be hot or cold. In other words, live for God or don’t. Don’t try to do both. Stop listening to Jay Z and J. Moss. Stop listening to Mary Mary and Rhianna. Stop listening to Da Truth and T.I. Why am I mentioning that? Well let’s go this way. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) that “the tongue can bring death or life…” Think about it. What kind of life is being brought out by T.I.? 50 Cent? Lil Wayne? When’s the last time you felt God’s glory listening to Umbrella? When’s the last time you felt the need to lay hands on some one after listening to Amusement Park? When’s the last time you got into the presence of the Lord listening to Same Girl? Huh? “Daniel, why you hatin man?” Because it’s time for some of you guys to get the truth. I know you think it’s a fat beat but there’s a spirit behind it. Got me? Look guys, God is sick of us being lukewarm. Worshipping God on Sunday and fornicating to Snoop Dog on Tuesday. Praising God on Sunday and buying the T.I. album on Thursday. God is saying make up your mind!! Who are you serving?”
Daniel was really motivated at a Christian concert he went to, that really taught him a lot...
Daniel found out just now that his stand against being a cussing worshipper, a booty-licious praiser offended some people. He’s not surprised by this. One of the main people it offended was his good friend. They chatted earlier, and Daniel asked him:
“Daniel: I haven't been offending you in anyway...you know with me avoiding secular music and all have I?”
“[Friend]: Yeah”
It seemed like Daniel was losing friends right from left. He leaves the computer on basically all day, and not one IM from his friends. He understands school is back on, but what about after school? No im.
Daniel has also been having a hard time sleeping lately. He’s getting over a habit, and fantasies keep trying to pop in his mind. So Daniel finds himself leaving the TV on, or the CD player on to get his mind on something else.
With all this stuff going on, Daniel figured that there’s no where else to go but up.
Through his growing, Daniel turned away from secular music. He felt like he was being two-faced to God by listening to both secular and Christian music. He explained it all through this blog entry. Here’s the 2nd paragraph:
“So here we go. In Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) it says “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” What I get out of these two verses is that God telling us to be hot or cold. In other words, live for God or don’t. Don’t try to do both. Stop listening to Jay Z and J. Moss. Stop listening to Mary Mary and Rhianna. Stop listening to Da Truth and T.I. Why am I mentioning that? Well let’s go this way. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) that “the tongue can bring death or life…” Think about it. What kind of life is being brought out by T.I.? 50 Cent? Lil Wayne? When’s the last time you felt God’s glory listening to Umbrella? When’s the last time you felt the need to lay hands on some one after listening to Amusement Park? When’s the last time you got into the presence of the Lord listening to Same Girl? Huh? “Daniel, why you hatin man?” Because it’s time for some of you guys to get the truth. I know you think it’s a fat beat but there’s a spirit behind it. Got me? Look guys, God is sick of us being lukewarm. Worshipping God on Sunday and fornicating to Snoop Dog on Tuesday. Praising God on Sunday and buying the T.I. album on Thursday. God is saying make up your mind!! Who are you serving?”
Daniel was really motivated at a Christian concert he went to, that really taught him a lot...
Daniel found out just now that his stand against being a cussing worshipper, a booty-licious praiser offended some people. He’s not surprised by this. One of the main people it offended was his good friend. They chatted earlier, and Daniel asked him:
“Daniel: I haven't been offending you in anyway...you know with me avoiding secular music and all have I?”
“[Friend]: Yeah”
It seemed like Daniel was losing friends right from left. He leaves the computer on basically all day, and not one IM from his friends. He understands school is back on, but what about after school? No im.
Daniel has also been having a hard time sleeping lately. He’s getting over a habit, and fantasies keep trying to pop in his mind. So Daniel finds himself leaving the TV on, or the CD player on to get his mind on something else.
With all this stuff going on, Daniel figured that there’s no where else to go but up.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Reality Chapter 9
It’s been some time since Daniel has really chatted with somebody. Last person who IMed him was his friend Kurt. It’s not that big of a deal though. He’s been watching funny videos on this website. He’s also been posting on message boards here and there to let them know he still exists but other than that, Daniel’s been almost boycotting any communication. Of course he’s been commenting people’s pages here and there, wishing happy birthday’s and such. That’s all because of pure boredom.
As far as the online crushes he has, Daniel decided to let them all go. He decided to forget them all. The crushes still pop in his head from time to time, but that’s as far as it goes. The following is what he wrote in a blog entry on his webpage.
“Now last night, I was praying to God before I went to bed, and basically I told him that I'm no longer going to hold on to the girls I have a crush on. Ever have a crush, then they go out with other people, or they just don't pay you any mind at all? or they just don't feel the same way? Yeah, sucks don't it. Well my advice...is to move on. That's what I'm trying to do. I'm sick of being depressed, mad, and sad over girls over the internet. It can't be healthy. Note, I did not say the attraction left. The girls you have a crush on, may be the ‘one’, but all i'm saying is, don't let it get to you so deep that if they lightly hit you on the arm, you fall down crying. Just take is slow.”
While letting go of crushes, one of which being Briana, he also decided to proclaim some people back to God. One Sunday morning at church, his pastor told them to get pictures of people that needed to be saved and bring them that Wednesday night. The plan was to spread the pictures over the altar and pray over them. Also the pastor said that starting that midnight he wanted the church to go on a three day fast to make Wednesday night more powerful.
So starting that midnight, Daniel went on a three day fast. This was the first fast he’d ever done in his life. He did eat at dinner time, but other than that Daniel spent most of his time studying the Bible and praying. As he was studying and praying, he printed out a couple of pictures, and then a couple of more that Wednesday night. He could’ve printed out more, but he forgot. So that Wednesday night, Daniel and his mom went to the service with the pictures looking forward to the prayer. As they walked in, service was going on, but the prayer hadn’t started yet, so Jeanette was happy. The pastor got up, and quoted some scripture, and then the prayer started.
Some people were walking the aisles, some people were on their knees, and some people were standing still…all the while everybody was praising and worshiping God. A fresh anointing hit that place so. Daniel was on his knees just thanking God. The pastor started speaking in tongues, basically putting a period on the whole prayer. After that night, Daniel started proclaiming the people on the pictures saved. Even though they were still cussing and stuff, Daniel was still proclaiming them saved. The pastor told the church to do that after the prayer and that everything they’re doing now is just residue. Daniel took that and ran with it.
While proclaiming people to God, Daniel also just began praying over his own life. Proclaiming that he won’t be in the position he’s in the rest of his life. Proclaiming that he will have a job. He will have a family. He will make it.
As far as the online crushes he has, Daniel decided to let them all go. He decided to forget them all. The crushes still pop in his head from time to time, but that’s as far as it goes. The following is what he wrote in a blog entry on his webpage.
“Now last night, I was praying to God before I went to bed, and basically I told him that I'm no longer going to hold on to the girls I have a crush on. Ever have a crush, then they go out with other people, or they just don't pay you any mind at all? or they just don't feel the same way? Yeah, sucks don't it. Well my advice...is to move on. That's what I'm trying to do. I'm sick of being depressed, mad, and sad over girls over the internet. It can't be healthy. Note, I did not say the attraction left. The girls you have a crush on, may be the ‘one’, but all i'm saying is, don't let it get to you so deep that if they lightly hit you on the arm, you fall down crying. Just take is slow.”
While letting go of crushes, one of which being Briana, he also decided to proclaim some people back to God. One Sunday morning at church, his pastor told them to get pictures of people that needed to be saved and bring them that Wednesday night. The plan was to spread the pictures over the altar and pray over them. Also the pastor said that starting that midnight he wanted the church to go on a three day fast to make Wednesday night more powerful.
So starting that midnight, Daniel went on a three day fast. This was the first fast he’d ever done in his life. He did eat at dinner time, but other than that Daniel spent most of his time studying the Bible and praying. As he was studying and praying, he printed out a couple of pictures, and then a couple of more that Wednesday night. He could’ve printed out more, but he forgot. So that Wednesday night, Daniel and his mom went to the service with the pictures looking forward to the prayer. As they walked in, service was going on, but the prayer hadn’t started yet, so Jeanette was happy. The pastor got up, and quoted some scripture, and then the prayer started.
Some people were walking the aisles, some people were on their knees, and some people were standing still…all the while everybody was praising and worshiping God. A fresh anointing hit that place so. Daniel was on his knees just thanking God. The pastor started speaking in tongues, basically putting a period on the whole prayer. After that night, Daniel started proclaiming the people on the pictures saved. Even though they were still cussing and stuff, Daniel was still proclaiming them saved. The pastor told the church to do that after the prayer and that everything they’re doing now is just residue. Daniel took that and ran with it.
While proclaiming people to God, Daniel also just began praying over his own life. Proclaiming that he won’t be in the position he’s in the rest of his life. Proclaiming that he will have a job. He will have a family. He will make it.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Reality Chapter 8
For a few months, at Daniel’s church, the choir has been rehearsing for their debut recording. All Daniel was basically doing during the rehearsal was…standing. When the other people weren’t there, Daniel played the congas, but other than that, Daniel just stood. In his mind, Daniel knew he wanted to play a song on the drums, but he figured that they’ve already been rehearsing long enough, and he couldn’t add anything to the project. One Sunday, however, Daniel and the other musicians got certificates from the pastor, plus a $25 check from the church.
The certificate said “Your loyalty, devotion and tireless efforts in creating a melody of music, unified through one sound yet creating an atmosphere of praise & worship for God’s people. Your give has been instrumental in the strengthening and breaking through process while gathered in worship. God will not forget your labor of love that you minister like David through music. We appreciate your gift to the Body of Christ, given this 5th day of August 2007.” Then the pastor signed it.
To some people they would consider that an honor, but to Daniel it was useless. Daniel hadn’t done anything music wise since he joined the church. He played a couple of songs one Sunday because the regular drummer was on vacation with his family. He played one Wednesday night because the regular drummer had to work. Other than those, Daniel hadn’t done anything. So Daniel figured, since he got $25 dollars just for standing, he wondered what he would get for sitting. He told a couple of people that and got a laugh.
On the night of the last rehearsal, Daniel got his shot to play. The drummer had to work, and nobody else was there to do it. Daniel didn’t exactly take it with open arms, but he got on anyway, after the music director told him to. The youth choir was rehearsing at first, so Daniel found the beat and played at the tempo. After that the regular choir got up. They went through the song list for the CD. The pastor ending up playing a couple of songs that night because Daniel thought he couldn’t handle them. After the rehearsal, Daniel was told by some people that he did a good job. Of course he got it from his mom, but he also got it from the pastor and other members. That made Daniel feel sorta good.
Later that week the musicians had a music workshop. The guy that was running it was a very well known musician. Daniel knew of him as a great organist. Anyway, it came time when he called the musicians up on the stand to play. The regular drummer went first with the rest of the band and did a good job. The instructor told him to do this and that, but over all it was good. Then another drummer got up and played. She didn’t do as good as the regular drummer but it was still decent. Then it came down for Daniel to play. Daniel played it safe. He was nervous as all get out, so he figured he would get away with playing it safe. Then the instructor told Daniel to calm down, take a breath, and close his eyes. Daniel was close to crying right then but he didn’t. The instructor told Daniel to imagine that he was at a concert, but for some reason Daniel couldn’t do it. He tried his best, but it didn’t come out that way. Daniel got off and sat through the rest of it.
Alisha was there to take Daniel home, and all the way home Daniel kept to himself. Alisha asked him questions, and Daniel would give safe one or two word answers. As they pulled in the yard, Daniel got out the car, walked in the house, and Jeanette knew something was wrong from the get go. She told Daniel to go the kitchen and heat up the pizza. Daniel went to the kitchen, looked at the pizza boxes, but Daniel just wanted to go to his room and lay on his bed. That’s just what he did. He lied on his bed and let the tears run. A few minutes later, Daniel got up, made sure his was looking semi-straight in the mirror, and we back to the kitchen to heat up his food. Jeanette walked in the kitchen and asked Daniel what was wrong.
“Well, I was asked to play at rehearsal and I just couldn’t play my best. I always get nervous every time I get on that particular set of drums. At the old church, you know, I just played to play. Then the instructor was there and it made me more nervous. The thought of quitting popped in my head.”
“Now you know who that is right? Don’t you let the devil mess with your mind like that.”
So came the day for the recording. The whole service went wonderful. Of course, Daniel just stood there doing much of nothing. At the end of the recording, the pastor, who was also the emcee of the service, introduced the musicians. Daniel, not surprisingly, was left out because he didn’t do anything. It hurt Daniel, yes, but he didn’t show it. He just smiled and nodded his head to the beat the musicians were playing. Daniel tried to joke around with it after the benediction saying that he didn’t break a sweat. One point that really put Daniel back to reality was when this lady asked him, “What were you doing back there?”
“Standing.”
They all started laughing, including Daniel himself. As Jeanette drove them both back home, Daniel once again kept to himself. He started to feel useless again.
The certificate said “Your loyalty, devotion and tireless efforts in creating a melody of music, unified through one sound yet creating an atmosphere of praise & worship for God’s people. Your give has been instrumental in the strengthening and breaking through process while gathered in worship. God will not forget your labor of love that you minister like David through music. We appreciate your gift to the Body of Christ, given this 5th day of August 2007.” Then the pastor signed it.
To some people they would consider that an honor, but to Daniel it was useless. Daniel hadn’t done anything music wise since he joined the church. He played a couple of songs one Sunday because the regular drummer was on vacation with his family. He played one Wednesday night because the regular drummer had to work. Other than those, Daniel hadn’t done anything. So Daniel figured, since he got $25 dollars just for standing, he wondered what he would get for sitting. He told a couple of people that and got a laugh.
On the night of the last rehearsal, Daniel got his shot to play. The drummer had to work, and nobody else was there to do it. Daniel didn’t exactly take it with open arms, but he got on anyway, after the music director told him to. The youth choir was rehearsing at first, so Daniel found the beat and played at the tempo. After that the regular choir got up. They went through the song list for the CD. The pastor ending up playing a couple of songs that night because Daniel thought he couldn’t handle them. After the rehearsal, Daniel was told by some people that he did a good job. Of course he got it from his mom, but he also got it from the pastor and other members. That made Daniel feel sorta good.
Later that week the musicians had a music workshop. The guy that was running it was a very well known musician. Daniel knew of him as a great organist. Anyway, it came time when he called the musicians up on the stand to play. The regular drummer went first with the rest of the band and did a good job. The instructor told him to do this and that, but over all it was good. Then another drummer got up and played. She didn’t do as good as the regular drummer but it was still decent. Then it came down for Daniel to play. Daniel played it safe. He was nervous as all get out, so he figured he would get away with playing it safe. Then the instructor told Daniel to calm down, take a breath, and close his eyes. Daniel was close to crying right then but he didn’t. The instructor told Daniel to imagine that he was at a concert, but for some reason Daniel couldn’t do it. He tried his best, but it didn’t come out that way. Daniel got off and sat through the rest of it.
Alisha was there to take Daniel home, and all the way home Daniel kept to himself. Alisha asked him questions, and Daniel would give safe one or two word answers. As they pulled in the yard, Daniel got out the car, walked in the house, and Jeanette knew something was wrong from the get go. She told Daniel to go the kitchen and heat up the pizza. Daniel went to the kitchen, looked at the pizza boxes, but Daniel just wanted to go to his room and lay on his bed. That’s just what he did. He lied on his bed and let the tears run. A few minutes later, Daniel got up, made sure his was looking semi-straight in the mirror, and we back to the kitchen to heat up his food. Jeanette walked in the kitchen and asked Daniel what was wrong.
“Well, I was asked to play at rehearsal and I just couldn’t play my best. I always get nervous every time I get on that particular set of drums. At the old church, you know, I just played to play. Then the instructor was there and it made me more nervous. The thought of quitting popped in my head.”
“Now you know who that is right? Don’t you let the devil mess with your mind like that.”
So came the day for the recording. The whole service went wonderful. Of course, Daniel just stood there doing much of nothing. At the end of the recording, the pastor, who was also the emcee of the service, introduced the musicians. Daniel, not surprisingly, was left out because he didn’t do anything. It hurt Daniel, yes, but he didn’t show it. He just smiled and nodded his head to the beat the musicians were playing. Daniel tried to joke around with it after the benediction saying that he didn’t break a sweat. One point that really put Daniel back to reality was when this lady asked him, “What were you doing back there?”
“Standing.”
They all started laughing, including Daniel himself. As Jeanette drove them both back home, Daniel once again kept to himself. He started to feel useless again.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Reality: Chapter 7
Some days later, Daniel was at the computer listening to a podcast that was done by a guy that runs his own messageboard, and has a heart to encourage new Christians to show them where to go. He also had his wife and his sister featured in the podcast. The podcast was basically teaching young Christians what they should be doing to grow. Daniel was enjoying it.
Daniel was almost done listening when there was a knock on the door. Looking out the window, Daniel realized that is was his old friends Ben and his younger brother Adam. Daniel invited them in, and then Daniel stopped the podcast. Ginger wouldn’t stop sniffing them. Ben said she smelled his dog, but Daniel thought it was the cigarette smell that got to her. Anyway, they talked for about 20 minutes about random topics such as wrestling, jobs, road trip, and etc. So, Adam and Ben decided to invite Daniel to go to McDonalds. Daniel put some jeans on over his shorts, and put a shirt on over his undershirt. Then he picked and brushed his hair as quickly as he could. He got his shoes on without tying them and left the house. They went to McDonalds, and ate there. They dropped Daniel off then they left to go to another friend’s house.
Later that night Daniel noticed a pain in his left ankle. It bothered him for the rest of that night and the next day. He spent most of the day with his leg elevated on a chair while searching the internet. While he had the spare time he typed up a blog and recorded an audio blog. During the recording of the audio blog…
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Yo you crushin on briana?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: i am attracted yeah”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Haha have you told her that?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: not really”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: well i think she might know, if she read your story or w/e”
“Daniel aka Big d says: yep”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: I'm going to see briana next week”
“Daniel aka Big d says: Cool”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: yea i'll try to put in a good word for ya. “
“Daniel aka Big d says: heh! aight man”
So because of this conversation, Daniel admitted on the voice blog that he was attracted to Briana. A couple of hours later, Seth decided to IM Daniel again.
“Seth aka SonShyne says: how can you be attracted to a chick you never met in real life?”
This hit Daniel hard. He thought about it, and it got him feeling terrible. He’s been in that type of situation before a couple of times where he found a couple of people online pretty. Even “dated” some, but they always ended up making Daniel depressed because he knew that he’d never have a shot of meeting them. So, how was Briana going to be any different? Why did he always get so caught up in fantasies that weren’t going to happen? As a matter of fact Daniel chatted with Briana a couple of days before. Daniel had written something about a dream he had.
“Elle Es: i almost got jealous about that chick who kissed u. i was like WHAT HOL UP...daniel got a girl kissin all on him. im jus playin with ya. dont take it serious”
Daniel should’ve figured right there and then that nothing was going to happen with Bri. Something has got to give here. Something has got to give or Daniel is going to lose his mind.
Daniel was almost done listening when there was a knock on the door. Looking out the window, Daniel realized that is was his old friends Ben and his younger brother Adam. Daniel invited them in, and then Daniel stopped the podcast. Ginger wouldn’t stop sniffing them. Ben said she smelled his dog, but Daniel thought it was the cigarette smell that got to her. Anyway, they talked for about 20 minutes about random topics such as wrestling, jobs, road trip, and etc. So, Adam and Ben decided to invite Daniel to go to McDonalds. Daniel put some jeans on over his shorts, and put a shirt on over his undershirt. Then he picked and brushed his hair as quickly as he could. He got his shoes on without tying them and left the house. They went to McDonalds, and ate there. They dropped Daniel off then they left to go to another friend’s house.
Later that night Daniel noticed a pain in his left ankle. It bothered him for the rest of that night and the next day. He spent most of the day with his leg elevated on a chair while searching the internet. While he had the spare time he typed up a blog and recorded an audio blog. During the recording of the audio blog…
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Yo you crushin on briana?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: i am attracted yeah”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Haha have you told her that?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: not really”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: well i think she might know, if she read your story or w/e”
“Daniel aka Big d says: yep”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: I'm going to see briana next week”
“Daniel aka Big d says: Cool”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: yea i'll try to put in a good word for ya. “
“Daniel aka Big d says: heh! aight man”
So because of this conversation, Daniel admitted on the voice blog that he was attracted to Briana. A couple of hours later, Seth decided to IM Daniel again.
“Seth aka SonShyne says: how can you be attracted to a chick you never met in real life?”
This hit Daniel hard. He thought about it, and it got him feeling terrible. He’s been in that type of situation before a couple of times where he found a couple of people online pretty. Even “dated” some, but they always ended up making Daniel depressed because he knew that he’d never have a shot of meeting them. So, how was Briana going to be any different? Why did he always get so caught up in fantasies that weren’t going to happen? As a matter of fact Daniel chatted with Briana a couple of days before. Daniel had written something about a dream he had.
“Elle Es: i almost got jealous about that chick who kissed u. i was like WHAT HOL UP...daniel got a girl kissin all on him. im jus playin with ya. dont take it serious”
Daniel should’ve figured right there and then that nothing was going to happen with Bri. Something has got to give here. Something has got to give or Daniel is going to lose his mind.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Reality Chapter 6
It’s been a few months since the conference, and things are finally looking up for Daniel. He has a job. It’s not the best but at least he’s getting money in his pocket. He doesn’t spend that much time on the computer anymore except to check email or work on some of his writing. Sometimes he even…
There was a knock on the door. Daniel wasn’t expecting company at all, and plus his hair looked a mess. He put a du-rag on with a hat and went to the door. He opened the door and wondered why the person at the door looked so familiar.
“Hey Daniel, it’s me.”
“Hey! Who are you?”
The person laughed a little and then said, “It’s me, Nikki.” Daniel then remembered what was going on. Nikki was in the neighborhood visiting one of her relatives and Daniel had mentioned that if Nikki wanted to meet, he was all for it. Daniel gave her a hug and invited her inside. She looked a little different then what Daniel imagined her to look like.
“So, Nikki, what brings you here?”
“Just wanted to see you before I went back to California. Basically so we can say we actually met.”
“Cool, well here I am. Sorry to disappoint.”
“No you look fine. I should’ve called first, huh?”
“Yeah, that would’ve helped.”
Nikki laughed as Daniel grinned a little bit. They talked for about a half an hour or so. The most Daniel has really talked to anyone. Nikki’s sister honked the horn outside, so Nikki got up to leave. Daniel and Nikki hugged, and then Daniel did something that was out the blue. He gave Nikki a kiss on the cheek. Nikki returned the favor, but to his lips. They locked eyes, and…
“Daniel, wake up! We got to get Alisha from college,” Jeanette yelled.
This startled Daniel as he woke up. He smelled his hand, and then realized that he had to take a shower. Jeanette told him to hurry up. Once again, he had a dream that seemed so real. These would happen often. Daniel thought he had them under control but obviously he didn’t.
He got out the shower, dried himself off, and put on his clothes. He gargled some mouthwash and spit it back in the sink. He combed and brushed his hair, then made his way to his mom’s van.
“Sleep well?” Jeanette asked.
Daniel just nodded his head.
There was a knock on the door. Daniel wasn’t expecting company at all, and plus his hair looked a mess. He put a du-rag on with a hat and went to the door. He opened the door and wondered why the person at the door looked so familiar.
“Hey Daniel, it’s me.”
“Hey! Who are you?”
The person laughed a little and then said, “It’s me, Nikki.” Daniel then remembered what was going on. Nikki was in the neighborhood visiting one of her relatives and Daniel had mentioned that if Nikki wanted to meet, he was all for it. Daniel gave her a hug and invited her inside. She looked a little different then what Daniel imagined her to look like.
“So, Nikki, what brings you here?”
“Just wanted to see you before I went back to California. Basically so we can say we actually met.”
“Cool, well here I am. Sorry to disappoint.”
“No you look fine. I should’ve called first, huh?”
“Yeah, that would’ve helped.”
Nikki laughed as Daniel grinned a little bit. They talked for about a half an hour or so. The most Daniel has really talked to anyone. Nikki’s sister honked the horn outside, so Nikki got up to leave. Daniel and Nikki hugged, and then Daniel did something that was out the blue. He gave Nikki a kiss on the cheek. Nikki returned the favor, but to his lips. They locked eyes, and…
“Daniel, wake up! We got to get Alisha from college,” Jeanette yelled.
This startled Daniel as he woke up. He smelled his hand, and then realized that he had to take a shower. Jeanette told him to hurry up. Once again, he had a dream that seemed so real. These would happen often. Daniel thought he had them under control but obviously he didn’t.
He got out the shower, dried himself off, and put on his clothes. He gargled some mouthwash and spit it back in the sink. He combed and brushed his hair, then made his way to his mom’s van.
“Sleep well?” Jeanette asked.
Daniel just nodded his head.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Reality Chapter 5
The next week, Daniel was at a conference. During the last day of the conference, he was sitting by himself in the cafeteria. He was mimicking typing on a computer with his fingers, while thinking of what he’s been through the night before. What happen the night before is that he was sitting in the back of the car with Jeanette and Thelma, who is extended family. She’s been close to the family for years. Anyway, Jeanette and Thelma got to talking about Rich. Jeanette explains what she’s been going through, and Thelma was shocked. As their conversation was going, Daniel was in the back with tears in his eyes. He couldn’t handle hearing about his mom going through so much. It made him sad. So sad he started tearing up and crying. Jeanette told Daniel not to cry, but he couldn’t help it. He cried all the way to Thelma’s house. Daniel climbed out the back and got in front. Daniel and Jeanette then were heading to Jeanette’s sister’s house because they were staying there to have a place to sleep during the conference. Daniel started crying again. His mom starting singing, “I've gone through the fire/And I've been through the flood/I've been broken into pieces/Seen lightening flashing from above/But through it all I remember/That He love me/And He cares/And He'll never put more on me/Than I can bear.” Those lyrics were at the right moment at the right time. Then Daniel started thinking of a song that goes like, “You don't know my story/All the things that I've been through/You can't feel my pain/What I had to go through to get here/You'll never understand my praise/Don't to figure it out/Because my worship/My worship/Is for real.” Daniel cried himself to sleep that night.
Back to the cafeteria, Daniel was holding back tears still mimicking typing on the computer. It didn’t work out to well, because the tears decided that they were going to come down anyway. He didn’t understand why it was happening. The day was going as good as it can be. He was actually singing in the choir. Maybe that was part of it. Daniel sat in the tenor section of the choir, but he’s a natural baritone. Getting up to tenor was something Daniel couldn’t do, but it didn’t get to him at all. He was getting better until this one young girl came to him and asked, “Are you ok?” That made Daniel cry harder because he knew that he wasn’t. Everything from his dad to his own problems just kept pressuring Daniel like it was his fault.
All this was too much for a 20 year old to go through. It was like the weight Daniel’s been dealing with for the past 20 years wasn’t getting any lighter. He was on the verge of giving up and…
“Daniel, Daniel calm down, ok? Just calm down. Go to the bathroom and wash your face. I’ll get you a drink.” Daniel’s friend Mical said.
Daniel nodded as he walked to the restroom. He got some paper towels and looked in the mirror. He looked so pitiful. What a way to spend the last day of a conference Daniel thought to himself.
After all that crying and stuff, Daniel was drained. He could barely keep his eyes open for the rest of the day. Sinuses were starting to come up too. That was the last thing Daniel needed. He didn’t cry anymore. A few people came up to him and talked with him about it which Daniel really enjoyed. He later typed a blog about it and a few people said that they’re praying. He also got a call by one of his Aunts that was worried. Happiness seemed to be on the horizon.
Back to the cafeteria, Daniel was holding back tears still mimicking typing on the computer. It didn’t work out to well, because the tears decided that they were going to come down anyway. He didn’t understand why it was happening. The day was going as good as it can be. He was actually singing in the choir. Maybe that was part of it. Daniel sat in the tenor section of the choir, but he’s a natural baritone. Getting up to tenor was something Daniel couldn’t do, but it didn’t get to him at all. He was getting better until this one young girl came to him and asked, “Are you ok?” That made Daniel cry harder because he knew that he wasn’t. Everything from his dad to his own problems just kept pressuring Daniel like it was his fault.
All this was too much for a 20 year old to go through. It was like the weight Daniel’s been dealing with for the past 20 years wasn’t getting any lighter. He was on the verge of giving up and…
“Daniel, Daniel calm down, ok? Just calm down. Go to the bathroom and wash your face. I’ll get you a drink.” Daniel’s friend Mical said.
Daniel nodded as he walked to the restroom. He got some paper towels and looked in the mirror. He looked so pitiful. What a way to spend the last day of a conference Daniel thought to himself.
After all that crying and stuff, Daniel was drained. He could barely keep his eyes open for the rest of the day. Sinuses were starting to come up too. That was the last thing Daniel needed. He didn’t cry anymore. A few people came up to him and talked with him about it which Daniel really enjoyed. He later typed a blog about it and a few people said that they’re praying. He also got a call by one of his Aunts that was worried. Happiness seemed to be on the horizon.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Reality Chapter 4
Well today’s the day, the wedding that rivals all weddings. Daniel woke up with his stomach bubbling with joy. He looked in the mirror and told himself, "Your day is finally here." He got dressed to go to the cleaners to get his tux. He waiting his whole life for this day, and he’s finally was marrying the girl of his dreams. On his way to the cleaners, he got a call from his best man.
"Yo Daniel, this is it my friend. You ready?"
"I’ve been ready for this my whole life, Kurt."
"That’s my dude. You’re off to the cleaners’ right?"
"Yes sir, I am."
"Ok, man. Come by my hotel room after you get your suit, so we can talk a little."
Daniel hung up the phone as he pulled in the parking lot. The lady at the counter offered her congrats as she gave Daniel his tux. Daniel smiled as he walked off to go on his way to Kurt’s hotel room.
Kurt was staying at the nicest hotel in the city. Daniel came up and Kurt welcomed him with a handshake and a hug. They talked for a little bit, and then Kurt put the bow tie on Daniel. Daniel put the tux on. They then rode to the church together. Daniel’s dad was handling the ceremony, since he was an ordained minister. Rich wasn’t Daniel’s first choice, but he figured it’ll be easier just to go to Rich besides using some outside help.
The ceremony was beginning. Daniel was in his position and Kurt was in his. He looked in the crowd and saw both sides sitting patiently. The scene looked like something out of a Tyler Perry movie. In the ceiling there was…
The organist got on the organ and starting playing while, the bride walked down the isle. She looked so beautiful. She was crying all the way down. Daniel teared up a little as well. Rich asked for tissues for both of them. Jeanette got up to sing a solo. After she finished up, Daniel joined her in a duet. It made the whole room get up and applaud. Then it erupted into a praise session. The anointing of the Lord filled the place so, that the sound of praise was all the music that was needed. It was something that had to be experienced in person to understand.
After it all settled down, Daniel and his bride to be finally said their vials. Rich asked Daniel if he took her to be his awfully married wife, etc etc etc, and Daniel said I do. He asked the bride the same question, then all of the sudden everything stopped. Nobody was breathing or moving. Daniel looked around and wondered what was going on. Even hi future bride to be was just frozen in time. This could not be happening....
…and it wasn’t. Daniel was sleeping the whole time. He woke up in a cold sweat looking around just to see if was in the same old room in the same old bed. Reality had once again set in. He got up to get a bottle of water out of the cabinet. Ginger got up too because she thought that she could get Daniel to put her outside, which is what happened. As Ginger was doing her business, Daniel began to think. What in the world did that dream mean?
"Yo Daniel, this is it my friend. You ready?"
"I’ve been ready for this my whole life, Kurt."
"That’s my dude. You’re off to the cleaners’ right?"
"Yes sir, I am."
"Ok, man. Come by my hotel room after you get your suit, so we can talk a little."
Daniel hung up the phone as he pulled in the parking lot. The lady at the counter offered her congrats as she gave Daniel his tux. Daniel smiled as he walked off to go on his way to Kurt’s hotel room.
Kurt was staying at the nicest hotel in the city. Daniel came up and Kurt welcomed him with a handshake and a hug. They talked for a little bit, and then Kurt put the bow tie on Daniel. Daniel put the tux on. They then rode to the church together. Daniel’s dad was handling the ceremony, since he was an ordained minister. Rich wasn’t Daniel’s first choice, but he figured it’ll be easier just to go to Rich besides using some outside help.
The ceremony was beginning. Daniel was in his position and Kurt was in his. He looked in the crowd and saw both sides sitting patiently. The scene looked like something out of a Tyler Perry movie. In the ceiling there was…
The organist got on the organ and starting playing while, the bride walked down the isle. She looked so beautiful. She was crying all the way down. Daniel teared up a little as well. Rich asked for tissues for both of them. Jeanette got up to sing a solo. After she finished up, Daniel joined her in a duet. It made the whole room get up and applaud. Then it erupted into a praise session. The anointing of the Lord filled the place so, that the sound of praise was all the music that was needed. It was something that had to be experienced in person to understand.
After it all settled down, Daniel and his bride to be finally said their vials. Rich asked Daniel if he took her to be his awfully married wife, etc etc etc, and Daniel said I do. He asked the bride the same question, then all of the sudden everything stopped. Nobody was breathing or moving. Daniel looked around and wondered what was going on. Even hi future bride to be was just frozen in time. This could not be happening....
…and it wasn’t. Daniel was sleeping the whole time. He woke up in a cold sweat looking around just to see if was in the same old room in the same old bed. Reality had once again set in. He got up to get a bottle of water out of the cabinet. Ginger got up too because she thought that she could get Daniel to put her outside, which is what happened. As Ginger was doing her business, Daniel began to think. What in the world did that dream mean?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Reality Chapter 3
A few weeks later, Daniel was still in the same state. He tried to live more positive and more actively, but he always found himself spending most of his time on the computer chatting and posting on message boards. It seems like Briana has put Daniel out of her life completely, because she’s plays the mute card every time Daniel even tries to get in contact. So, trying to move on, Daniel just read the bible and watched some Christian videos. Then he came across a video of one of his favorite singers. As excited as Daniel was, what he was about to hear was both shocking and a bit heart breaking.
His favorite singer was a Gospel singer that was also a pastor a church in California. Apparently a rumor was spread that this guy came out the closet. So this video was a response to it. About a minute and a half into the video, the so called man of God started cussing. He was cussing like he’s been doing it for years. This was the same guy that’s probably led a whole lot of people to the Lord. He’s preached in a bunch of conferences and has performed world wide. After all that, he killed his witness.
Daniel was really taken back by this. First the girl he thought was the one stopped talking to him completely, and then his favorite singer was never really a man of faith at all. Things couldn’t possibly get worse.
“Hey Daniel-Son.”
Daniel looked to his right and in came his dad. To say that Daniel and his dad didn’t get along would be too nice. Yes, they had a few things that both of them could talk about, but all in all, Daniel had hatred towards his dad. Daniel loved him, but didn’t like him. Both Daniel and his dad, Rich, are known to be hard headed. One of the things Rich does that made Daniel feel the way is do is often times when Daniel’s mom, Jeanette, would try to converse with Rich, Rich would always turn it into an argument. Before Alisha went to college, she would often tell Daniel, “You know mom was crying again this morning.” This was not shocking but it was always disappointing. He knew Rich was the cause of it.
“Hey pop.”
Ginger was goes crazy every time Rich or Jeanette comes home. She sleeps all day but as soon as someone opens the door, it triggers something in her to go spastic. Ginger always makes the $mistake though to go to the backdoor claiming she wants to go out and do her business. Rich with his short fuse never believes she has to go, so he threatens to shoot her, kick her, etc. In spite of all that, Ginger always goes to him being playful and nice. What Daniel gets confused about is when he play-fights with the dog, Rich is the one saying “Don’t be mean to the dog.”
Well today wasn’t so different. Ginger went to the door ready to go out. Fussing as all get out, Rich let her out. As she would often do, Ginger proved Rich wrong and did something in the back.
“Momma J says: Hey, son!”
“Big d aka Daniel says: Hi, mom.”
“Momma J says: Is your padre home?”
“Big d aka Daniel says: Sadly yes”
“Momma J says: stop it.”
His favorite singer was a Gospel singer that was also a pastor a church in California. Apparently a rumor was spread that this guy came out the closet. So this video was a response to it. About a minute and a half into the video, the so called man of God started cussing. He was cussing like he’s been doing it for years. This was the same guy that’s probably led a whole lot of people to the Lord. He’s preached in a bunch of conferences and has performed world wide. After all that, he killed his witness.
Daniel was really taken back by this. First the girl he thought was the one stopped talking to him completely, and then his favorite singer was never really a man of faith at all. Things couldn’t possibly get worse.
“Hey Daniel-Son.”
Daniel looked to his right and in came his dad. To say that Daniel and his dad didn’t get along would be too nice. Yes, they had a few things that both of them could talk about, but all in all, Daniel had hatred towards his dad. Daniel loved him, but didn’t like him. Both Daniel and his dad, Rich, are known to be hard headed. One of the things Rich does that made Daniel feel the way is do is often times when Daniel’s mom, Jeanette, would try to converse with Rich, Rich would always turn it into an argument. Before Alisha went to college, she would often tell Daniel, “You know mom was crying again this morning.” This was not shocking but it was always disappointing. He knew Rich was the cause of it.
“Hey pop.”
Ginger was goes crazy every time Rich or Jeanette comes home. She sleeps all day but as soon as someone opens the door, it triggers something in her to go spastic. Ginger always makes the $mistake though to go to the backdoor claiming she wants to go out and do her business. Rich with his short fuse never believes she has to go, so he threatens to shoot her, kick her, etc. In spite of all that, Ginger always goes to him being playful and nice. What Daniel gets confused about is when he play-fights with the dog, Rich is the one saying “Don’t be mean to the dog.”
Well today wasn’t so different. Ginger went to the door ready to go out. Fussing as all get out, Rich let her out. As she would often do, Ginger proved Rich wrong and did something in the back.
“Momma J says: Hey, son!”
“Big d aka Daniel says: Hi, mom.”
“Momma J says: Is your padre home?”
“Big d aka Daniel says: Sadly yes”
“Momma J says: stop it.”
Monday, July 09, 2007
Reality Chapter 2
Daniel woke up about 5 hours late, and checked the fridge to see if he had anything to eat for lunch. The fridge was close to empty and Daniel’s wallet was empty which meant going out to eat was out the window. So Daniel got a soda and turned the TV on to see what was on. When he found something worth tolerating, he turned his mom’s lap top on that was left on the coffee table. As he signed on to the messenger he uses quite often, he got an IM from Briana.
“Elle Es says: Hey D!”
“Big d aka Daniel says: Hey Bri, how are you?”
“Elle Es says: I’m fine, how about you?”
“Big d aka Daniel says: I’m good. It’s been a while.”
“Elle Es says: Yea I know. This job has got me working hard.”
“Big d aka Daniel says: But I’ve seen you on plenty of times, and when I’d try to talk to you, I never get an answer. I was wondering if you were mad at me or something.”
The conversation ended after Daniel said that. She said nothing else, which made Daniel suspicious. Something just didn’t seem right. But in all that, Daniel still felt responsible, so he turned the lap top off and took the dog for a walk. While he would usually take his CD player with him, this time he took nothing but his cell phone and keys. Ginger, his dog, was just excited to get out the house. She was jumping all around as soon as Daniel touched her leash. So as they were walking, Daniel just let the thoughts run through his head on what just happened. Briana was a girl that Daniel thought he could possibly go out with if they ever met. With him living in South Carolina and her living in Texas, it made it hard for that to become possible, but Daniel still thought that it was a possibility. Reality on the other hand made himself known, as it has plenty of times with Daniel.
Daniel felt his cell phone buzz in his pocket and it was his sister, Alisha.
“Hey Dae’!”
“Hey Lish, how are you?”
“I’m just peachy and yourself?”
“I’ve been better, but all and all I’m good.”
“Awwwwwwww, are you okaY?”
“I’ll be ok,” Daniel said after laughing.
Alisha talked about how her summer classes are going in college, which made Daniel feel a whole lot better bout his life, not.
“So, what you are you doing?” Alisha asked.
“Taking your daughter out for a walk. She’s panting like crazy right now.”
“Oh, poor baby! Well, you have a good time, just wanted to check out on you.”
“Ok, Lish, have a good one.”
“You too. Bye!” Alisha said in a high pitched voice.
Daniel returned the favor and hung up. As Daniel and Ginger were heading back home, Daniel tried to shake his situation off by telling himself that he’ll get through it. He thought about a song that says:
“I just can’t give up now
I’ve come to far from where I started from
Nobody told me, that the road will be easy
But I don’t believe, He brought this far to leave me”
Daniel walked in his house, gave the dog water and a treat, and then got on his knees and prayed to God to give him strength to get through.
“Elle Es says: Hey D!”
“Big d aka Daniel says: Hey Bri, how are you?”
“Elle Es says: I’m fine, how about you?”
“Big d aka Daniel says: I’m good. It’s been a while.”
“Elle Es says: Yea I know. This job has got me working hard.”
“Big d aka Daniel says: But I’ve seen you on plenty of times, and when I’d try to talk to you, I never get an answer. I was wondering if you were mad at me or something.”
The conversation ended after Daniel said that. She said nothing else, which made Daniel suspicious. Something just didn’t seem right. But in all that, Daniel still felt responsible, so he turned the lap top off and took the dog for a walk. While he would usually take his CD player with him, this time he took nothing but his cell phone and keys. Ginger, his dog, was just excited to get out the house. She was jumping all around as soon as Daniel touched her leash. So as they were walking, Daniel just let the thoughts run through his head on what just happened. Briana was a girl that Daniel thought he could possibly go out with if they ever met. With him living in South Carolina and her living in Texas, it made it hard for that to become possible, but Daniel still thought that it was a possibility. Reality on the other hand made himself known, as it has plenty of times with Daniel.
Daniel felt his cell phone buzz in his pocket and it was his sister, Alisha.
“Hey Dae’!”
“Hey Lish, how are you?”
“I’m just peachy and yourself?”
“I’ve been better, but all and all I’m good.”
“Awwwwwwww, are you okaY?”
“I’ll be ok,” Daniel said after laughing.
Alisha talked about how her summer classes are going in college, which made Daniel feel a whole lot better bout his life, not.
“So, what you are you doing?” Alisha asked.
“Taking your daughter out for a walk. She’s panting like crazy right now.”
“Oh, poor baby! Well, you have a good time, just wanted to check out on you.”
“Ok, Lish, have a good one.”
“You too. Bye!” Alisha said in a high pitched voice.
Daniel returned the favor and hung up. As Daniel and Ginger were heading back home, Daniel tried to shake his situation off by telling himself that he’ll get through it. He thought about a song that says:
“I just can’t give up now
I’ve come to far from where I started from
Nobody told me, that the road will be easy
But I don’t believe, He brought this far to leave me”
Daniel walked in his house, gave the dog water and a treat, and then got on his knees and prayed to God to give him strength to get through.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Reality Chapter 1
Daniel got up this morning and thought that things were going to be different. He thought that he’d actually go outside the house and do something productive. Once again, though, he found himself sitting in front of the computer chatting and posting on message boards. That seemed to be his life ever since he messed up in college. What happened is that Daniel was on probation, meaning that he had to keep his grade point average up to a certain level through out the semester. So at the beginning of the semester Daniel told himself that he was going to study more and do whatever he could to pass. So for the first few weeks he was doing just that. Reading what he had to read, doing his homework, etc. Then all of the sudden, a feeling of laziness came over him. He didn’t do much of nothing. Of course in his mind he was trying as hard as he could, but in reality he wasn’t doing anything productive school wise. Amazingly he passed Physics with a C, but as far as the other classes, well here we are.
“Daniel, what are you going to do? You can’t just sit here. Look, I’m going to see if I can get you something going at my job. I’m not going to promise anything, ok? I just don’t want you sitting around the house all summer, especially if you’re on probation from going to school in the fall. You need something to get you some money in your pocket. You do want to do something besides mowing lawns right?”
I nodded.
“Ok, well like I said I’m going to try to get you something.”
“Thank you, mom.”
Daniel’s mom left the house leaving Daniel sitting at the computer thinking, once again about his life. He looked at his cell phone and saw that he got no calls or text messages which weren’t a real shocker. Daniel hardly got any of those. It wasn’t really a bad thing to him because most of the time he could care less. There was one girl he would think about often and she probably does not give a flying two quarters about him, but he didn’t care. It was just one of many fantasies running through Daniel’s head. He never really had any temptation to deal with, just a whole bunch of fantasies. Not necessarily a good thing but—wait a minute, she just signed on. Daniel’s going to try to IM her.
“Big d aka Daniel says: Hi!”
Maybe he’ll get an answer this time. A few minutes later and there was still no answer. She does have dial up internet so Daniel gave it a little more time. Another few minutes passed by and still no answer, so Daniel exited out the conversation and left it alone. By the way the girl’s name is Briana. She is an up and coming Christian rapper out of Texas. She one of the nicest women Daniel has ever chatted with.
“PraiZe says: hey hey”
“Big d aka Daniel says: hey man”
“PraiZe says: What’s up?”
“Big d aka Daniel says: n2m just chillin, and you?”
“PraiZe says: same, just woke up lol”
Daniel didn’t think it was funny at all but he went along with it.
“Big d aka Daniel says: heh”
The conversation went dead for a few minutes after that. Daniel got bored and turned the computer off. He figured since nobody was chatting, no body would mind. He then went to his room and fell asleep.
“Daniel, what are you going to do? You can’t just sit here. Look, I’m going to see if I can get you something going at my job. I’m not going to promise anything, ok? I just don’t want you sitting around the house all summer, especially if you’re on probation from going to school in the fall. You need something to get you some money in your pocket. You do want to do something besides mowing lawns right?”
I nodded.
“Ok, well like I said I’m going to try to get you something.”
“Thank you, mom.”
Daniel’s mom left the house leaving Daniel sitting at the computer thinking, once again about his life. He looked at his cell phone and saw that he got no calls or text messages which weren’t a real shocker. Daniel hardly got any of those. It wasn’t really a bad thing to him because most of the time he could care less. There was one girl he would think about often and she probably does not give a flying two quarters about him, but he didn’t care. It was just one of many fantasies running through Daniel’s head. He never really had any temptation to deal with, just a whole bunch of fantasies. Not necessarily a good thing but—wait a minute, she just signed on. Daniel’s going to try to IM her.
“Big d aka Daniel says: Hi!”
Maybe he’ll get an answer this time. A few minutes later and there was still no answer. She does have dial up internet so Daniel gave it a little more time. Another few minutes passed by and still no answer, so Daniel exited out the conversation and left it alone. By the way the girl’s name is Briana. She is an up and coming Christian rapper out of Texas. She one of the nicest women Daniel has ever chatted with.
“PraiZe says: hey hey”
“Big d aka Daniel says: hey man”
“PraiZe says: What’s up?”
“Big d aka Daniel says: n2m just chillin, and you?”
“PraiZe says: same, just woke up lol”
Daniel didn’t think it was funny at all but he went along with it.
“Big d aka Daniel says: heh”
The conversation went dead for a few minutes after that. Daniel got bored and turned the computer off. He figured since nobody was chatting, no body would mind. He then went to his room and fell asleep.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Is our country so messed up that if a black man can speak properly, it's a bad thing? Obama is an educated black man. George Bush was considered racist for calling Obama articulate. If you want to see racial profiling, come to South Carolina. Go to Memphis. Go to Kentucky. I mean, give me a break. Interracial couples are getting a bad break from their relatives. That's just stupid. Oh, I admit, it is a little UN-natural. Not gay marriage UN-natural, but it's like an expectation for black to be with black, white to be with white, and so forth. I, for one, am a product of an interracial relationship. So, I personally see no problem with interracial relations. When I see an interracial couple get married, all I think about is how cute the baby is going to be. Most of the girls I've been attracted to in my life happens to be white. Most of the black girls I had a run in with were your stereo typical black girls. My thing now is that I don't care how fine you think you are, if your ignorance or personality is more ugly than your appearance, you ain't my type. That's the bottom line. If a black man wants to marry a white women, who are we to stop them? You love who you love. People try to use that for gay marriage, but it's not the same. Being Gay is a lifestyle, not a race. Blacks have been ridiculed for years and years. There has not been signs on buildings saying "No Gays Allowed." There hasn't been a "gay" water fountain. There hasn't been a gay bathroom. If you think about it, they can't be surprised about getting "ridiculed". They're trying to get by in a country that was founded on Christian values. Put 2 and 2 together, idiots! But back on the real subject at hand, I have no problem with interracial relations. I'm for them all the way. If you're in a interracial relationship and your parents and/or friends are getting on you about it, tell them where to stick it. Be nice about it, but it is your life. Most of my Dad's family is probably still against him for marrying my mom. But they can stick it, cause I don't want to meet them. I'm willing to bet that some of my Mom's side is mad at her from marrying my dad, and to them, they can stick it too. I know of a girl right now that's getting bashed for going out with a black guy. It's ridiculous. Straight up ridiculous. If you're so ignorant, and you think that love can only be found within your race, then from the bottom of my heart, I hope you never find love. We got to learn to love everybody.
Be good y'all,
Daniel
Be good y'all,
Daniel
Friday, February 02, 2007
Once again back from popular demand is your boy, you cousin from a different aunt, your brotha from another motha. How y'all doing? I'm doing awesome. Everything has been great since Sunday night. I'm telling you the anointing of God was so strong in that place. I've been praying more at night. The stuff I watch has been cleaner. One thing I learned is that you can make it. Always remember that through all the things you go through in life, if you have God, you can make it.
As for the Super Bowl, I want the Colts to win, but I'm starting to be iffy about that. Think about it, how many times in the history of sports have the "underdogs" come back and win the whole enchilada? A whole bunch of times, right? I'm just saying I won't be surprised either way. That's my thought on it. Oh, I got to tell y'all this. When my mom got up to do announcements Sunday Night, she mentioned that a church is going to be showing the game. Then she said, and I'm not lying, "Can somebody say Go Bears." If you know who and how my mother is, you can't be surprised she did that. I was dying myself.
There's a lot of Wrestling DVD's I want. Like the RVD DVD they made a couple of years ago, the new ECW DVD, the new DX DVD, and etc. All of them look like they're worth the watch. I might get at least one when taxes are done. Speaking of wrestling, I think it's slowly becoming like it was back in the 90's. The matches are getting better, the promos are starting to make since, except for Vince "I like showing my winkled butt" McMahon. He knows how to ruin a show doesn't he? I admit the man is fit for his age, but who gives a crap? I mean really, who wants to see a man old enough to remember Hulk Hogan when he had hair on his head, wrestle? Now they're are exceptions like Ric Flair. He can still handle himself. He deserves respect. ECW is starting to be good, a little. I do hope to see more extreme matches in the future. I know that people say the old ECW is dead, blah blah blah. But hearing Joey Styles saying "Oh my God!!!" is what I look forward to weekly.
More audio blogs are coming for those who listen. I don't know about the videos, though. The ones I've made have been slacking on the feedback side, so my thing is, if people are commenting it tells me they don't like it. At least the audio gets feed, at least more than the videos.
But anyway, y'all be good. Big ups to Ashley for adding me as a friend on Xanga. To my friends on MySpace who are reading this, be sure to comment the page and stuff and I'll get back at ya. I'm not as mean as my pictures look, ok? To my friends on FaceBook, hello. I don't know if y'all remember I'm even on your list for friends or what, but I'm still here. Y'all can leave something on my wall or comment on my notes. I don't bite. To everybody else who might be reading, thank you.
God bless,
Daniel
As for the Super Bowl, I want the Colts to win, but I'm starting to be iffy about that. Think about it, how many times in the history of sports have the "underdogs" come back and win the whole enchilada? A whole bunch of times, right? I'm just saying I won't be surprised either way. That's my thought on it. Oh, I got to tell y'all this. When my mom got up to do announcements Sunday Night, she mentioned that a church is going to be showing the game. Then she said, and I'm not lying, "Can somebody say Go Bears." If you know who and how my mother is, you can't be surprised she did that. I was dying myself.
There's a lot of Wrestling DVD's I want. Like the RVD DVD they made a couple of years ago, the new ECW DVD, the new DX DVD, and etc. All of them look like they're worth the watch. I might get at least one when taxes are done. Speaking of wrestling, I think it's slowly becoming like it was back in the 90's. The matches are getting better, the promos are starting to make since, except for Vince "I like showing my winkled butt" McMahon. He knows how to ruin a show doesn't he? I admit the man is fit for his age, but who gives a crap? I mean really, who wants to see a man old enough to remember Hulk Hogan when he had hair on his head, wrestle? Now they're are exceptions like Ric Flair. He can still handle himself. He deserves respect. ECW is starting to be good, a little. I do hope to see more extreme matches in the future. I know that people say the old ECW is dead, blah blah blah. But hearing Joey Styles saying "Oh my God!!!" is what I look forward to weekly.
More audio blogs are coming for those who listen. I don't know about the videos, though. The ones I've made have been slacking on the feedback side, so my thing is, if people are commenting it tells me they don't like it. At least the audio gets feed, at least more than the videos.
But anyway, y'all be good. Big ups to Ashley for adding me as a friend on Xanga. To my friends on MySpace who are reading this, be sure to comment the page and stuff and I'll get back at ya. I'm not as mean as my pictures look, ok? To my friends on FaceBook, hello. I don't know if y'all remember I'm even on your list for friends or what, but I'm still here. Y'all can leave something on my wall or comment on my notes. I don't bite. To everybody else who might be reading, thank you.
God bless,
Daniel
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