I am one stubborn dude. Many of you already know this. I've been walking to the beat of my own drum my whole life, and I always will. Recently I've decided that I have a few problems I'd like to take care of. This is my blog describing these issues and the reason behind them.
1. I am 10 pounds heavier than I was last year at this time. That puts me at almost 20 pounds heavier than I was in high school. This does not sit well with me. I have always been rather proud of my physique, and I've kind of let it go a bit. I decided to change this. I have begun a rather vigorous training regiment, much of it revolving around Wii Fit. This sounds silly but that game kicks your butt! I have also started running...RUNNING! I also have decided to let go of soda for a while. I'll elaborate in a minute. So far I've started losing, so I feel pretty good about that.
2. Soda is my favorite, especially Mountain Dew or Cherry Coke; Dr. Pepper and regular Coke are also very good. I probably drink 5 or 6 cans of something a day, which translates into around 550-600 calories per day. Therefore, I've decided to kick it for a while. I don't know how long I'll go, but I will give it a shot for at least a week. This is more about proving that I don't need it than losing weight. I've always said the world wouldn't be safe if I was off the juice, and so I've hesitated. Well kids, I'm 4 days into it...it sucks! I have never wanted a drink so bad in my life! But I haven't killed anyone...so far...and I have done pretty well for the most part. I feel a bit more focused at work, even if my brain isn't firing quite as fast as I'm used to. The really messed up thing is that it's ruined what's left of my sleeping patterns. You'd think with zero caffeine you'd sleep better; I've had a horrible time! I'm even on sleeping pills and I can't sleep! UGH! However, I do feel myself getting used to the idea.
I'll post if anything dramatic happens, but we'll just have to see. I will say this though; I feel a fire inside of me that I haven't felt for a while. Man your battle stations; this is war.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Things You Shouldn't Say or Ask an LMT and more...
There are a number of things that are very interesting about my career; the stigmas, the news stories about people acting on those stigmas, and some of the most uncomfortable situations imaginable. I've decided to shed some light on some of those things. This will hopefully clear some things up about the massage world for those 'massage virgins' out there.
1. Never EVER refer to a Licensed Massage Therapist as a 'masseuse.' Masseuse entails sexual favors in addition to (more often than not) lackluster massage skills. I suppose there are LMT's out there that do these outright illegal things, and they give us a bad name. There have been a number of massage parlors shut down for this lately, and they shame me...
2. Having a male massage therapist does not guarantee a deeper, rougher massage than having a 90 pound girl would give. In school, I got my trash kicked by said girl, and I love to tell people that. It's not about size or muscle; what we do is about body weight and leverage. Do not let anyone tell you different.
3. We do not use our chins to massage...ever! One of my teachers in school had someone ask her if she was using her chin! She was working on the guy's butt too! First of all, gross. Secondly, that really wouldn't work seeing as you can't get any leverage whatsoever. So really, that just doesn't work.
4. Yes, I have had people fart in my face. My wife has had someone poop their pants on the table. There are other things that probably shouldn't be mentioned in this public forum, but yes, gross stuff happens. We pretty much ignore it, so it's not really that big of a deal...
5. Sometimes we really DON'T want to talk about some of the drama in your life...Your daughter's sexuality is definitely one of those things (yes, I've been there). Other things I wouldn't bring up would be anything sexual of any kind, your wild days of drug use and alcoholism, or, especially for me, please don't tell me all of your political views and how much you love or hate Obama. I'll be honest; I DON'T REALLY CARE.
6. It is actually very entertaining to see people's reaction to my telling them what I do. I get a variety of looks, questions, and of course, the lean. The lean, as I've mentioned in previous blogs, is when someone starts rubbing a specific joint or muscle and says "Oh really? Because I've been hurting a lot in this area." and proceeds to lean in as a subtle hint to work on them. We hate this. We know most of the time you are half-kidding, but we get it A LOT. So, I have come up with a great response to this..."Well, my rates our 50 an hour. My number is ____. Give me a call and we'll set something up." I have been pleased with the results.
This has been kind of a random one eh? I hope you enjoyed the read. Yes, I love what I do. But as you have come to notice, I need a little rant here and there.
1. Never EVER refer to a Licensed Massage Therapist as a 'masseuse.' Masseuse entails sexual favors in addition to (more often than not) lackluster massage skills. I suppose there are LMT's out there that do these outright illegal things, and they give us a bad name. There have been a number of massage parlors shut down for this lately, and they shame me...
2. Having a male massage therapist does not guarantee a deeper, rougher massage than having a 90 pound girl would give. In school, I got my trash kicked by said girl, and I love to tell people that. It's not about size or muscle; what we do is about body weight and leverage. Do not let anyone tell you different.
3. We do not use our chins to massage...ever! One of my teachers in school had someone ask her if she was using her chin! She was working on the guy's butt too! First of all, gross. Secondly, that really wouldn't work seeing as you can't get any leverage whatsoever. So really, that just doesn't work.
4. Yes, I have had people fart in my face. My wife has had someone poop their pants on the table. There are other things that probably shouldn't be mentioned in this public forum, but yes, gross stuff happens. We pretty much ignore it, so it's not really that big of a deal...
5. Sometimes we really DON'T want to talk about some of the drama in your life...Your daughter's sexuality is definitely one of those things (yes, I've been there). Other things I wouldn't bring up would be anything sexual of any kind, your wild days of drug use and alcoholism, or, especially for me, please don't tell me all of your political views and how much you love or hate Obama. I'll be honest; I DON'T REALLY CARE.
6. It is actually very entertaining to see people's reaction to my telling them what I do. I get a variety of looks, questions, and of course, the lean. The lean, as I've mentioned in previous blogs, is when someone starts rubbing a specific joint or muscle and says "Oh really? Because I've been hurting a lot in this area." and proceeds to lean in as a subtle hint to work on them. We hate this. We know most of the time you are half-kidding, but we get it A LOT. So, I have come up with a great response to this..."Well, my rates our 50 an hour. My number is ____. Give me a call and we'll set something up." I have been pleased with the results.
This has been kind of a random one eh? I hope you enjoyed the read. Yes, I love what I do. But as you have come to notice, I need a little rant here and there.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Truth is Currency
This is one of those blogs that popped up in my head at about 3 this morning. I can't get it out of my head, so I'll put it up and hopefully it makes sense.
What is truth? Truth is the currency that all good things are based around and the bad things are always seeking to destroy. Truth is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, and yet it is also an impenetrable wall protecting those who defend it. Truth is the light in the darkness, and yet the road to truth is often the hardest road to find. Truth is unbreakable; truth can shatter the soul into infinitisimal pieces. Truth is as hard and cold as ice, yet sometimes it warms and comforts us to the core.
I think about truth a lot. I try to base everything I do and say around it, even though I know it may be hard to accept sometimes. The hardest thing for me is that truth has a tendency to change based on perception. Not only that, but opinion has its say on truth. I dare say that 'the right thing' for some is not necessarily true for others.
So, riddle me this Batman...what IS truth?
What is truth? Truth is the currency that all good things are based around and the bad things are always seeking to destroy. Truth is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, and yet it is also an impenetrable wall protecting those who defend it. Truth is the light in the darkness, and yet the road to truth is often the hardest road to find. Truth is unbreakable; truth can shatter the soul into infinitisimal pieces. Truth is as hard and cold as ice, yet sometimes it warms and comforts us to the core.
I think about truth a lot. I try to base everything I do and say around it, even though I know it may be hard to accept sometimes. The hardest thing for me is that truth has a tendency to change based on perception. Not only that, but opinion has its say on truth. I dare say that 'the right thing' for some is not necessarily true for others.
So, riddle me this Batman...what IS truth?
Friday, July 3, 2009
After attending the Transformers movie last week, it brought up some issues that I have...not with the movie, but with the public in general...so I have compiled a nice and neat little blog to rant about it. They are things that I think must go. Enjoy.
1. I think the most obnoxious thing in the whole world is when you are watching a movie and the people next to you cannot keep their mouth shut. They giggle, they laugh obnoxiously, and I miss critical moments of Megan Fox...I mean the movie...And then they have the nerve to shoosh people! Seriously! If you want to talk during a movie, go pee or something. I'm sure the porcelain gods would LOVE to hear about your boyfriend.
2. I also greatly dislike when people say 'That band/movie/book sucks." Really. Isn't it fascinating that record companies pour money in to these bands, not to mention book publishers and movie companies trying to finance something they believe is of value to the general public. It's fine if you don't like something, but if it's on the airwaves or the big screen, obviously it means other people do. A great example of this is the band Nickelback. You love em or you hate em. That's all well and good...but to say they suck when they've sold millions of albums is rather naive, don't you think?
3. There is a very annoying habit among the general public in regards to my profession...The minute anyone learns that I am a massage therapist, they do the whole "Really? Well, my shoulder has really been hurting..." and they leave it hanging as the rub it and lean closer. If you know someone who is a massage therapist, don't do this! It's not funny; it's not cute. It's extremely irritating and working on you becomes the last thing we want to do. We spend all day working on people, enjoying the flow of cash as we do it. We also tend to be pretty giving people. However, when you do this, you might as well tell me to clean your bathroom while I'm at it. Maybe you can hire a monkey to put up with your shenanigans.
4. Dishwashers that don't actually do anything but spit a little water on your dishes have to go. We have had trouble with ours since we moved in to our apartment and have instead opted to wash by hand...then it becomes difficult to want to do them due to the soap that somehow gets everywhere, wrinkly hands that smell funny, smelly water, and trying to find a dish towel somewhere in the cupboards...Sad I know, but I've lived here for about 2 years and I still can't find them!
5. Finally, the sick voice must go. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the sick voice, it is pretty easy to recognize. Have you ever met those people who any time they 'get sick' , elevate their vocal range to that of a boy going through puberty? That high, airy sounding voice that always includes a sigh that sounds like Santa died? If you really don't know what I'm talking about, you need to get out more. I might as well be a hermit and I hear it EVERYWHERE.
Thank you. I feel a little better.
1. I think the most obnoxious thing in the whole world is when you are watching a movie and the people next to you cannot keep their mouth shut. They giggle, they laugh obnoxiously, and I miss critical moments of Megan Fox...I mean the movie...And then they have the nerve to shoosh people! Seriously! If you want to talk during a movie, go pee or something. I'm sure the porcelain gods would LOVE to hear about your boyfriend.
2. I also greatly dislike when people say 'That band/movie/book sucks." Really. Isn't it fascinating that record companies pour money in to these bands, not to mention book publishers and movie companies trying to finance something they believe is of value to the general public. It's fine if you don't like something, but if it's on the airwaves or the big screen, obviously it means other people do. A great example of this is the band Nickelback. You love em or you hate em. That's all well and good...but to say they suck when they've sold millions of albums is rather naive, don't you think?
3. There is a very annoying habit among the general public in regards to my profession...The minute anyone learns that I am a massage therapist, they do the whole "Really? Well, my shoulder has really been hurting..." and they leave it hanging as the rub it and lean closer. If you know someone who is a massage therapist, don't do this! It's not funny; it's not cute. It's extremely irritating and working on you becomes the last thing we want to do. We spend all day working on people, enjoying the flow of cash as we do it. We also tend to be pretty giving people. However, when you do this, you might as well tell me to clean your bathroom while I'm at it. Maybe you can hire a monkey to put up with your shenanigans.
4. Dishwashers that don't actually do anything but spit a little water on your dishes have to go. We have had trouble with ours since we moved in to our apartment and have instead opted to wash by hand...then it becomes difficult to want to do them due to the soap that somehow gets everywhere, wrinkly hands that smell funny, smelly water, and trying to find a dish towel somewhere in the cupboards...Sad I know, but I've lived here for about 2 years and I still can't find them!
5. Finally, the sick voice must go. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the sick voice, it is pretty easy to recognize. Have you ever met those people who any time they 'get sick' , elevate their vocal range to that of a boy going through puberty? That high, airy sounding voice that always includes a sigh that sounds like Santa died? If you really don't know what I'm talking about, you need to get out more. I might as well be a hermit and I hear it EVERYWHERE.
Thank you. I feel a little better.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Happy in the Meantime
It's been an interesting month or so...however long it's been since my last blog. I spent the majority of it at UCMT grading finals, which is absolute misery for me. It is so difficult to put a grade on people. All in all the students did well, which is good.
This summer is looking fairly good so far. I'm headed out to the City of Sin next week for a skin conference with Keish and my sister/sister's husband, and I'm pretty stoked about it. My car died last week, so I got a new one. It's a Kia Rondo, and I'm enjoying it. Hopefully I'll be able to hold on to this one for a while. We're also gearing up for a Disneyland trip in the fall, so hopefully we can stash some money from now til then.
No news from the Golden Door Spa in Park City for Keish yet, but for some reason I'm not too worried. The people that have heard something have been given No's, so I'm cool with waiting for it a bit. Unfortunately, neither Keish nor myself were blessed with patience, so we'll see how long that lasts. I'm mostly just enjoying the time I get to spend with her due to her not working as much.
You could say life is never easy and this economy isn't very beneficial to a Massage Therapist, but we're doing pretty well all things considered. I'm not as busy as I could be, but I'm content...for now. One of my favorite bands Lit wrote a song called "Happy in the Meantime" which pretty much describes how I'm feeling. Look it up. It's a good one.
This summer is looking fairly good so far. I'm headed out to the City of Sin next week for a skin conference with Keish and my sister/sister's husband, and I'm pretty stoked about it. My car died last week, so I got a new one. It's a Kia Rondo, and I'm enjoying it. Hopefully I'll be able to hold on to this one for a while. We're also gearing up for a Disneyland trip in the fall, so hopefully we can stash some money from now til then.
No news from the Golden Door Spa in Park City for Keish yet, but for some reason I'm not too worried. The people that have heard something have been given No's, so I'm cool with waiting for it a bit. Unfortunately, neither Keish nor myself were blessed with patience, so we'll see how long that lasts. I'm mostly just enjoying the time I get to spend with her due to her not working as much.
You could say life is never easy and this economy isn't very beneficial to a Massage Therapist, but we're doing pretty well all things considered. I'm not as busy as I could be, but I'm content...for now. One of my favorite bands Lit wrote a song called "Happy in the Meantime" which pretty much describes how I'm feeling. Look it up. It's a good one.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sometimes I look into the mirror, and ask myself some pretty simple questions...at least, on the surface they sound easy.
Who am I? Well, that depends on the day. I've been accused of being reckless, unstable, sarcastic, and oft times too honest. I was told that I have no soul the other day, based on my innate ability to withstand ridiculous amounts of pain during Structural and Trigger Point massage. Yes, they are both intense. But I just don't show it I guess. So basically, I'm to understand that I am an incredibly honest psychopath with little to no soul...Ain't that a great thought on a Tuesday morning...
Where am I going? Usually work, sometimes crazy...Most often I am attempting to find something to do...Even if it involves going to Walmart at 2 in the morning. Where I'd like to go is wherever I can find myself...Sometimes I think our identity gets lost when we get stuck in routine.
What do I want from life? Usually a Mountain Dew and an evening with a horror movie or a few hours to play MegaMan. Now that I think about it a motorcycle would really be a cherry on top...Seriously though, a Mountain Dew would be fantastic.
What am I destined to become? I have been told that I am a lot like my father...If I end up half the man he is, I can call it a day. I want to take my career further. I want to transcend everyone's expectations of me. I want someone to come up to me one day and say, "Your song called _____ got me through a really hard time. Thank you for writing it." I don't see that one happening anytime soon, but I've always wanted that to happen. Or maybe I should become a werewolf. That'd be sweet...
If you can't tell, this is mostly a tongue-in-cheek blog. I'm in an introspective, slightly unbalanced mode. Grading finals will do that to you I guess. Sorry if you are irritated by the fact that some of this is dead serious, and other parts are not. Sometimes it's just better to let out all your thoughts rather than suppress them.
Who am I? Well, that depends on the day. I've been accused of being reckless, unstable, sarcastic, and oft times too honest. I was told that I have no soul the other day, based on my innate ability to withstand ridiculous amounts of pain during Structural and Trigger Point massage. Yes, they are both intense. But I just don't show it I guess. So basically, I'm to understand that I am an incredibly honest psychopath with little to no soul...Ain't that a great thought on a Tuesday morning...
Where am I going? Usually work, sometimes crazy...Most often I am attempting to find something to do...Even if it involves going to Walmart at 2 in the morning. Where I'd like to go is wherever I can find myself...Sometimes I think our identity gets lost when we get stuck in routine.
What do I want from life? Usually a Mountain Dew and an evening with a horror movie or a few hours to play MegaMan. Now that I think about it a motorcycle would really be a cherry on top...Seriously though, a Mountain Dew would be fantastic.
What am I destined to become? I have been told that I am a lot like my father...If I end up half the man he is, I can call it a day. I want to take my career further. I want to transcend everyone's expectations of me. I want someone to come up to me one day and say, "Your song called _____ got me through a really hard time. Thank you for writing it." I don't see that one happening anytime soon, but I've always wanted that to happen. Or maybe I should become a werewolf. That'd be sweet...
If you can't tell, this is mostly a tongue-in-cheek blog. I'm in an introspective, slightly unbalanced mode. Grading finals will do that to you I guess. Sorry if you are irritated by the fact that some of this is dead serious, and other parts are not. Sometimes it's just better to let out all your thoughts rather than suppress them.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Fallen
This is the latest song I'm working on. It's called Fallen. I could use some input. This will be a lot more of a rock song than you're used to from me. Think Matchbox 20-Third Eye Blind kind of thing. I'll post a recording later.
If these walls could talk
I wonder what they'd say
They know I had it all
They know I gave it all away
It took the worst in me
to find a better place
It's no surprise the writing on the wall
can never be erased and
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I'm holding on to something, don't let it be all or nothing
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I hear the voices calling, don't let it be all for nothing
If the sun went down
and the night was still
And I lay in bed awake
nothing but time to kill
If I keep dreaming
I'm afraid I'll always be alone
So just leave a light on
Maybe I'll find my way back home
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I'm holding out for something, still I know it's all or nothing
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I hear the voices calling, don't let it be all for nothing
And I wanted you to see
There's nothing more to life, nothing more than how hard we try
I wanted everything,
But there's nothing else, nothing else but you and I.
If these walls could talk
I wonder what they'd say
They know I had it all
They know I gave it all away
It took the worst in me
to find a better place
It's no surprise the writing on the wall
can never be erased and
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I'm holding on to something, don't let it be all or nothing
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I hear the voices calling, don't let it be all for nothing
If the sun went down
and the night was still
And I lay in bed awake
nothing but time to kill
If I keep dreaming
I'm afraid I'll always be alone
So just leave a light on
Maybe I'll find my way back home
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I'm holding out for something, still I know it's all or nothing
I'm falling, I'm falling down
I hear the voices calling, don't let it be all for nothing
And I wanted you to see
There's nothing more to life, nothing more than how hard we try
I wanted everything,
But there's nothing else, nothing else but you and I.
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