#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 30 - Hopes For My Blog

Day 30: Hope For My Blog

For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Well, this 30 Day Blog Challenge has been great! I've been able to post every topic...maybe not on time...but I got to them eventually! I hope to continue to post often, and on topics that are interesting and relative! I hope to gain, not (just) fans, but friends of the site! People who are engaged and enjoying the experience of my blog! And I hope to continue to offer myself, an outlet... a way to express myself... to the world! We all need that! 

Thanks to all those folks to took this journey with me! And I hope you enjoy the "adventure" that is ahead! Have a great night!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 29 - A Confession

Day 29: A Confession

For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

There's really not much else I could reveal in this post, than I haven't already discussed in other posts, or tweets, or other social media! But I guess there are a few things I could "reveal" here, that some people may not remember, or know where to find it...

My name... is NOT (legally) ... Willie Stylez!!!

It's not William F Stylenzski, either! HA! That was a twitter thing! SMH! #DontAsk #DJM Hopefully I didn't just blow your minds! Good night! 

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 28 - Most Embarrassing Moment

Day 28: Most Embarrassing Moment

For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I have’t been “truly” embarrassed since high school, and all I remember about that was falling “UP” some stairs during morning “rush”! LOL! Yea, I’m sure that wasn’t the only thing that hurt my rep back then! 

I was never, what you'd call, popular! I have had PLENTY of embarrassing moments in my youth! From telling the wrong people about my crushes, and having them reveal them at the most inopportune times! ... is ANY time, opportune, for your crush to find out about your feelings...then CRUSH those feelings!?!? SMH!

To being called out about my "lazy" eye, back when I didn't have the confidence to ignore it or "return the favor"! And even down to the times I was "beat up" by elementary school bullies ... including a girl, and also a guy that was a lot smaller than me! Hey, I was non-confrontational! And then there was good old embarrassing moments at home... like the times I'd get whoopin's in front of my sister or cousins, for doing something stupid! SMDH!

Anyway, through it all, I have gotten through these moments ... or years... without much pride lost, but being a lot stronger because of it! I gained confidence from being able to overcome and minimize! I have also learned, there's nothing else ... well, not much else... life can't throw at me, that will leave me embarrassed or mortified! I've been through a lot, and I know, there's much bigger fish to fry in this thing we call life!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 27 - What's In Your Closet

Me and some clothes!

Day 27: What's In Your Closet
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My closet is not that complicated. I share this large walk-in with my wife, who actually uses 2/3's of the whole thing. I have my one rack full of summer, winter and spring/fall clothing. I keep my clothes sectioned off as follows (front to back):

• Dress shirts
• Suits
• Casual shirts
• tie rack
• a hanging organizer for different accessories
• Casual pants
• Dress pants
• "Play" clothes and jeans LOL!
• Dress coats
• extra jackets

Up top, I keep all of my other stuff organized, like PJ's, boxers, hats, accessories, etc. Down below, I keep my shoes, boots, and a hamper for my dirty clothes. My wife has pretty much the same stuff, so we keep the closet well stocked! LOL!

What's in your closet!?

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 26 - Your Hidden Talent

Day 26: Your Hidden Talent
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

OK, of all the posts in this challenge, I'm having the hardest time with this one. I mean, I'm sure folks know about all of my more obvious talents and abilities. But a hidden talent, is not the easiest thing to think of. I'll have to be a little abstract, just to pull this one off! I'm unfortunately, not that interesting, or secretive! LOL!

What I can do, is list all of my talents, and if you didn't know one of these, about me, then I guess we can call it "hidden"! Hopefully I'll cover them all (in no particular order):

• I'm really good with computers
• I adapt extremely fast, and well, to new technology
• I have quick and perceptive, deduction skills (I figure things out quickly, without much prompting or any clues)
• I have always been great at math ... I just get it
• I've always been told that I'm an exceptional writer and speaker ... although I've personally always had to work extra hard at it, and hated the subjects in school!
• I can bounce a basketball through my legs AND I have pretty good "handles"! Maybe not A.I. level, but pretty good for computer geek!
• I can make cars levitate with my mind
• Some people say I have a knack for organizing get-togethers ... I'm not sure how true that is, but I do try to "flex" that skill whenever possible! I love hangin with my people!

OK, so the 2nd from last one ISN'T true...I was just seeing if you were paying attention! LOL!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 25 - Your Biggest Regret

Day 25: Your Biggest Regret
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

To tell the truth, I don't (or try not to) regret anything in life! I firmly believe that there is no need to regret decisions/actions in life, only that we should learn from our mistakes! Those stepping stones are what make us stronger, and even successful, in the end!

But the 30 day blog challenge would be no fun if I didn't follow through with my "big regret"! So, to comply, I must say the biggest life lesson I've had (due to my regret), would be:

TIME!

• Not making enough of it available to my kids
• Not giving enough of it to my wife
• Not dedicating enough of it to my own success
• Not making more of it so I can spend times with friends,

I am not a master of time, by all means, but I have learned to cherish it, give it to those I care about, and make it available when my kids need it most! I have spent the majority of my life working, trying to be perfect, and trying to be the best at whatever it is I was doing at the time.

However, I found myself neglecting my family, my friends, even my personal goals! So I have learned to take advantage of whatever time I can scrounge up, spend it with the kids, spend it visiting friends! It has made a huge difference in my relationships and the respect you gain. People realize you're going to be there for them, and they can depend on you. That is the greatest I could have!

Calories Burned Doing Household Chores #HealthAndFitness

I spend a lot of time trying to find easy ways to get my daily workout in. After a pretty strenuous day in the yard, with sweat pouring and all, I realized ... you can burn some serious calories doing yard and house work! But how many!?

So I did some research, and found a couple of sites that helped me get a pretty good idea of how great a workout housework can be! The calories can add up quickly, and you can get a great workout around the house, meeting (or even surpassing) those at the gym!

* NOTE: The caloric examples below are for the average 5'9", 150lb. man in his mid 20's. You can use the Calorie Burn Calculator at http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc for help figuring out your personal numbers.

Yard Work

Yard work is some of the most labor intensive you can do. Doing muscle toning and strengthening tasks, like digging and raking the leaves, not only burn lots of calories but can help tone muscles in your arms and legs.

• 30 minutes of digging in your yard will burn about 126 calories, the same amount burned by 18 minutes of low impact aerobics; and surprisingly, over 32 minutes of light weight training. Digging tones the muscles of your calves, thighs, arms and shoulders. If you do it vigorously enough and continue the activity for 20 minutes or more, you can raise your heart rate and strengthen your cardiovascular system.
• Washing your car works your arms and abdominal. For every 30 minutes of car washing, you'll burn 153 calories; which is equivalent to 17 minutes of Zumba!
• Weeding for 30 minutes burns anywhere between 184 to 225 calories ... pretty close to the same as running 5mph for just over 20 minutes. Weeding tones your thighs and buttocks. Just be careful to bend with your legs while keeping your spine straight, or you could hurt your back.
• Raking leaves for 30 minutes burns 135 calories. The resistance offered by the leaves makes this chore a type of light weight training, which it far exceeds calorie burning, by 15% . Raking leaves tones all the major muscle groups in your body.

Indoor Chores

And let's not forget our inside chores! Everything from mopping to washing dishes offers a calorie burning benefit! Here's some tips on indoor workouts, you didn't realize you were doing:

• Scrubbing the bath for 30 minutes burns 200 calories. Removing that stubborn soap scum from your tiles is a great way to tone the muscles of your arms and shoulders.
• Carrying shopping bags for 15 minutes burns 55-90 calories, and depending on how heavy the bags are. Distribute the weight evenly on each hand, or swap back and forth at regular intervals. Carrying too much weight on one side won't just overdevelop those muscles, it could injure your spine.
• Cleaning windows for 30 minutes burns 112 calories, the same number used in 20 minutes of power yoga (about one-third the length of a typical power yoga class).
• Loading the dishwasher for 15 minutes burns about 30-35 calories, which is less than the 77 calories burned when washing them by hand.
• Mopping for 30 minutes burns about 153 calories, just under what you'd burn in doing pushups for the same amount of time!
• Ironing for 30 minutes burns about 77 calories and tones the muscles of the upper body. Stand up straight at the ironing board and press down firmly. Switch hands periodically so you don't overdevelop one arm.

Other Calorie Burners

Here are some other activities that burn surprising amounts of calories:

• Climbing stairs for 30 minutes, burns about 274 calories
• Painting your house for 30 minutes, burns about 171 calories
• Showering and toweling off for 30 minutes burns about 144 calories

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 24 - What Attracts You (In Love)

Day 24: What Attracts You (In Love)
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I was just discussing this with Sunny, over at Spoken Word & Thoughts, and as I agreed with her that,

...in general, most people will find they love different and certain things about about each person they've been in love with. It’s all about the experience each person gives you!

 So, again, taking a page from Sunny, I think I'll explore this question, by looking at MY current "boo thing" as she called it! LOL! So that would be my beautiful wife, Alexis.

The things that originally attracted me, and also things that keep me attracted, to her are (in no particular order):

• Her determination
• Her ability to be independent without being resistant to assistance
• Her work ethic
• Her moral fortitude
• Her love of family
• Her love for her children
• Her smile, and the hope it brings
• Her eyes, and the brightness they give the day
• Her butt...because I like Big Butts and I cannot Lie!!!
• Her love of travel! Because I love to explore the world "out there" too!
• Her ability to love me, and see past my faults
• Her patience
• Her strong will

There's probably more, but I think you get the point and the picture! I love my wife, and SHE is what Attracts me, in love!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 23 - If You Won The Lottery...

Day 23: If You Won The Lottery...
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Ask anyone that question, and you'll starry eyes, dreams of relaxing and helping friends and family and all that good stuff! I can't say I wouldn't be vastly any different, in my fantasies of winning it big! But, today, I thought about, what would it REALLY be like to win a huge jackpot!?

What would I really want to do with my life, while all that money affords me the lifestyle I could only dream of!? Who would I REALLY help, versus, who would I steer clear of!? There are really so many things to consider, when winning a large sum of money! Are you going to invest it, give it all away, spend it all or just end right back up in the poor house, again! So after doing that #RealityCheck I created the following list, of what I would realistically do, if I won the Lottery:

• Pay off debt.... mine and my wife's; for my mom; for a couple of our really close friends (because it ain't no fun, if you can't take your real friends with you on a trip or adventure)
• setup education trusts for my kids and grandkid - only education and a headstart in life will take them far
• I'd give money to my favorite religious organization and charities
• I would still only buy a "newer" car every 3-4 years ... if I really like it. I would also limit the number of cars I own to 2, MAYBE 3 at most. You can always get benefit of owning a large vehicle or pickup. But having 7 or 8 cars is pretty wasteful! 
•  I would buy 10-12 weeks of timeshare points from the top 3 or 4 property companies. That way I have luxurious living accommodations, all year long, without wasting 10's of millions achieving it. I'd have a main residence that I'd spend about 2 or 3 months at, then I'd travel the rest of the year!
• I would still work...but it would definitely be my own business, and working remotely! Can't travel all year long if I'm stuck in an office or in someone else's server room! LOL!
• My kids would have to still get jobs and go to school. I would not spoil them, otherwise, they'll never learn to be independent and make something for themselves! 
• I would invest some of my money in very safe areas. But I wouldn't mind doing some risky, aggressive investments...but those wouldn't see more than a couple hundred thousand or so, depending on how much I won! I am not trying to end up poor!
• Just try to have fun, be safe and make it till I'm gone! Again, if I get rich, I'm not trying to go back to being poor! LOL!

What do you foresee in a future with lots of money!?

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 22 - Your Worst Habits

Day 22: Your Worst Habits
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Unfortunately, BAD HABITS ... are a fact of life! It's great to have good habits, but when you recognize your worse habits... sometimes it's hard to believe you've let it get "this bad"!!! Here are some of the things that bug me, about ME!

1. Work-a-holic - I work 24-7-365 ... for work (on call), home, and with family and friends! I only get "days off" when I'm on vacation with my wife! And even then, we usually stay at resorts where we have to cook and clean up after ourselves! LOL! 
2. Don't delegate well - I'd rather do things myself, than trust someone else to do it. I'm getting better at this at work. But at home, I still cling to tasks and chores I should give to others!
3. Quick tempered - yea, I'm generally non-confrontational and laid back. But if you get on my bad side... which if you hit the right triggers, can happen rapidly... I will GO OFF! It's a constant battle to keep it under control!
4. Eat when I'm not hungry - I work overnight, a lot, and sady, find myself eating, not because I'm hungry, but because I'm sleepy/tired! Or, if I see something that I like to eat, I will binge on it, regardless if I'm hungry or not! One day I'll get it under control! But shoot, I want to do it even right now! SMH! 

Those are my worst habits ... have you found yours? 

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 21 - What Makes You Sad

Day 21: What Makes You Sad
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

So, coming off yesterday's topic of Happiness, the obvious opposite of that is Sadness! I find that the exact opposite of each of those things I described yesterday (family, things I enjoy) can be a cause for sadness! But I guess I should give more thought to this subject.

Well, there are a few things that can make a guy like me upset, saddened, hurt, unable to function, etc. Firstly, there's death! I hate it! I literally wish everyone could live forever, and not deal with it. But it's a fact of life ... for now!

Secondly, I can't stand rejection! I find it one of the hardest things for me to deal with and function behind! I spend a lot of time trying to do what's right by folks, and trying to make people happy! So, feeling rejection from those people makes me sad! Especially when I care for those people. There's so many examples of rejection, but any of them, for me, can be devastating...not only to my ego, but to my overall existence!

And finally, seeing others hurt! Again, this is especially true for those I care about and/or love!  Seeing them hurt, seeing them struggling, in pain, etc., just breaks my heart! This is probably one of the main reasons I spend time trying to please (some) people, and try to make them happy! If I see them hurt or sad, then it makes me sad. So being the cause of that sadness, is just unfathomable to me!

What makes you sad!?

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 20 - What Makes You Happy

Day 20: What Makes You Happy
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

As I posted back on November 24th 2014, I believe the happiness of my family gives me my greatest joy! I spend a considerable amount of time trying to keep my kids busy in activities they enjoy! I try my best to connect with my wife and make her happy! And although I don't have the most time to dedicate to them, I try to spend time with my extended family and friends whenever I can!

I also find happiness in doing things I enjoy! Like traveling, working on creative pursuits (like this blog) and music! These things fuel my life! I try to indulge in each whenever possible, so that I keep my stress levels down, and my endorphin's high! It's important to find and know what makes you happy! It can be the difference between a miserable life, and a fulfilled one!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 19 - Your Favorite Movie

Day 19: Your Favorite Movie
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I swear I was just talking about this movie recently, and my love of it! It may have been because of the recent, and sad, story. The inmate that inspired the tale, Frank Freshwaters, is being sent BACK to prison after all these decades, "on the lam"! The man is almost 80 years old, in bad health and just living out his days in Melbourne Florida! SMH! Anyway!

So back to the subject at hand, My Favorite Movie!

Well, my favorite (as you can tell by the title image) is the critically acclaimed, 1994 film, starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, and directed by Frank Darabont:

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

The Shawshank Redemption is a gritty, emotional and jarring tale of law, punishment and friendship! It inspires with it's hard look at life behind bars, but shows that perseverance, purpose and hope, are what's most important in life! The film originally flopped, but after rave reviews and 7 Oscar nominations, it was a Home Video HIT, cult classic and one the greatest films, ever made!

More info available at: http://www.shawshankredemption.org

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 18 - A Photograph Of ... ME!

Willie Stylez @ A Party!

Day 18: A Photograph Of ... ME!
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

For today's post, we needed to post a photograph... recent, I assumed ... of ourselves! Well, this is me! I'm suited, not booted, but looking quite ready to do whatever! I happened to had been at my cousin, Angie's, birthday party! Her wonderful, loving, children, all pitched in and made this wonderful event happen for their mom! She was VERY surprised, and as always, I had a great time partying and hanging with the fam!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 17 - Your Favorite Blogs

Day 17: Your Favorite Blogs
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I have to admit, I have not kept up on all of the blogs I follow, but there are a few lately, that catch my eye, more than others. Sadly, most of my favorite blogs of the past, have gone by the way side...the product of busy lives pulling at their authors. Or maybe uninspired, as I had been for so long! Or a little bit of both!

Well, whatever you do, check out the blogs of my faves, listed here, and all of the "current" blogs that I follow. Hey, what the heck, checkout some of the the not-so up-to-date blogs I've followed in the past too! There's great info in those too!

Current Favorites (in NO particular order):

• Spoken Words & Thoughts - http://sunnydelyte21.wordpress.com
• How-To Geek - http://www.howtogeek.com
• Lexi Flint's Author Alcove - http://lexiflint.com
• Rocki's Reality - http://rockisreality.com
• de La Pen - http://www.allpeneverything.com
• Lady Blogga Says - http://ladybloggasays.com
• GlobeTracer - http://globetracer.wordpress.com
• Retirement Savvy - http://retirementsavvy.net

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 16 - Thoughts On EDUCATION

Day 16: Thoughts on EDUCATION
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I'm a huge proponent of Education! If you are to succeed and make a difference, you have to be educated! Now where you're educated all depends, in my opinion, on your circumstance and goals! If you're going to be a pilot, rocket scientist, or surgeon...be prepared to sit in a class for the next 4, 8, maybe even 20 years, after high school! But if you want to be a carpenter, computer tech or mechanic...then traditional universities may not be your only option, and sometimes, not even your best bet!

Find education where it lives... in schools and universities for academic and highly skilled careers, but it may be in technical/vocational school or apprenticeships, for skilled trades! Sometimes, it may be even found in just real life, real world, experience! Education is not a one-stop shop, find it, where it lives!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 15 - Where Will You Be In 5 Years

Day 15: Where Will You Be In 5 Years
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Before yesterday, I just had a vague idea of where and what I wanted in my life, over the next five years. I mean, it was clear enough, that I wanted to be "successful", "have less debt", "find new heights to reach in my career"! But I didn't really have a PLAN!

Now, I know I need a plan! I need a plan to begin to find myself, my goals and my future! I know I need to really scope out, HOW I'm going to find these things, WHEN I'm going to do specific things, and WHAT those specific things are!

I also now know, I have to be active in my plan! "A Plan without Action, is just a Dream wasted!" And I don't want to waste the dream I live in. I don't want the things I have accomplished, and the life I have built, to be lost because I didn't do what was necessary to fulfill the plan!

I also know, I need to be reevaluating and modifying the plan, whenever necessary! Life can throw so many curveballs at you that when you think you have it all figured, you can be beaned in the head and knocked out (or knocked down) by the pressure! Change and unforeseen catastrophe can also cause needs for readjustment and adaptability! If you can be adaptable, be retaught, you can succeed at anything!

And finally, I need to be patient with things that I have no Direct control of! There's so many things we have no direct control of, so we have to have patience to let those things work themselves out and be worked, around us. That way, we can find our own end-game, without being distracted and dismayed by the things we can't control! We, of course, want to be conscious of them, but only time will allow those things to be worked out. But always keep in mind, how does that thing affect me, and you may grow to realize you have some INdirect influence over those things! You do what's right for you, your life, and your future, some things will line right up... at the right time!

In 5 Years, I want to be HAPPY, I want to be COMPLETE, and I want to be SUCCESSFUL! I have my own definitions of those words...hopefully you have your own definitions of them, too! We have a destiny, some say we can control it, others say we cannot! But I do know one thing ... we CAN shape it! And if the shape is not quite the geometric object you intended...start reshaping it NOW! It's pliable, and it's flexible! Make it happen..for you, and for those you love!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 14 - 3 Healthy Habits

Day 14: 3 Healthy Habits
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I haven't lead the most healthy existence in the past year or so, but I have been changing my ways, of late! After a trip to my doctor, for an annual physical, I was charged with the task of losing 10-12 pounds (as a short term goal)! So I have not taken my assignment lightly, though I have backslid a little, and started a few healthy habits:

1. Exercise 3-4 days per week, including 20+ minutes of cardio and 30+ minutes of weight training
2. Eat meals with, at least, 70% fruits or veggies and drink plenty of water!
3. Eat foods with low or no, added sugars and reduce starches (potatoes, bread, etc)

Like I said, it's a journey, and my goal is to make these healthy habits, part of a healthy lifestyle change! What kind of healthy habits do you have?

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 13 - What's Inside Your Fridge

Day 13: What's Inside Your Fridge
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Surprisingly, this post caught me at a time when there's not in my fridge (at least, according to my kids)! We actually have 2 refrigerators ... don't all large families... but I'm just going to get into the inside fridge, since it's a bit more exciting! So here's a rundown of the contents, of our family fridge:

Freezer

• Veggies (mixed veggies, spinach for smoothies, cooking tidbits, corn on the cob, stir fry veggies, etc)
• frozen fruit (mostly for smoothies)
• veggie burgers (DANG, we have a lot of veggie options)
• salmon burgers
• chicken breasts
• waffles
• toaster strudels
• ground turkey
• ice ... in the ice maker! We were too lazy to fill ice trays! #FirstWorldProblems SMH!

Fridge

• several types of Milk (2%, soy, almond, chocolate)
• coffee creamer
• Butter and margarine
• Eggs
• tons of condiments & dressings (from Ranch to Worcestershire; Miracle Whip to Relish; everything to bro
• water bottles
• hot dogs
• salsa
• fresh veggies
• fresh fruit
• Lemon Juice
• Apple Juice 
• Shredded, grated and sliced cheeses
• Kid lunches
• Lunch meat
• Turkey bacon
• Turkey sausage
• Leftover food from my daughter's job

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 12 - Your Favorite Childhood Book

Day 12: Your Favorite Childhood Book
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I read a lot when I was a kid. So much so, I can barely remember all of the books, magazines, comics, encyclopedias and articles that I read! I was totally knowledge hungry! There was nothing that could pass in front of me that I didn't want to consume read! So, unfortunately, I can't even begin to tell you what was a favorite prior to my formative years!

But the first, favorite, book that does come to mind was put in front of me around my 14th birthday! I was in 9th Grade English at Cass Tech Detroit, with what I characterized at the time, as an "Angry, Wordy, Crazed" teacher by the name of Mrs. McCampbell! Mrs. McCampbell would literally argue and fight with me about my disdain for present participles, prepositional phrases and The Oxford Comma ...well, maybe not the Oxford Comma, but indeed, all the rest! LOL!

However, one thing I did love about her class, was the reading! She gave us profound, meaningful and lasting epics to consume, which gave me a contrasting view of her, as an insightful, intelligent, beautiful, chocolate skinned Goddess of Knowledge!!! OK...I was only in 9th grade, so I am sure the contrasting description didn't sound that poetic...but that's about what I was thinking! LMBO!

Anyway, back to the task at hand... Mrs. McCampbell was the teacher that introduced me to GREAT literature ... not just the good, or even mediocre, stuff I was ravishing through at the library! She was also the one to introduce me to "To Kill A Mockingbird":

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee published in 1960. It was immediately successful, winning the Pulitzer Prize, and has become a classic of modern American literature. The plot and characters are loosely based on the author's observations of her family and neighbors, as well as on an event that occurred near her hometown in 1936, when she was 10 years old.The novel is renowned for its warmth and humor, despite dealing with the serious issues of rape and racial inequality. The narrator's father, Atticus Finch, has served as a moral hero for many readers and as a model of integrity for lawyers. One critic explains the novel's impact by writing, "In the twentieth century, To Kill a Mockingbird is probably the most widely read book dealing with race in America, and its protagonist, Atticus Finch, the most enduring fictional image of racial heroism."

I highly recommend that anyone wanting a very engulfing read, should pick up this book! And when you do, think of my Goddess of Knowledge, and all that she did for this young Black kid from the inner-city and his love of literature ... and eventually, his love of advanced English concepts!

Thanks Mrs. McCampbell ... wherever you are!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 11 - 10 Favorite Foods

Day 11: 10 Favorite Foods
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Anyone that knows me or has ever seen me, realizes there's something quite evident about me...I'm a BIG guy! And big guys don't get that way, from pulling away from the table early! LOL! So today's topic is all about one of my favorite subjects... FOOD!!!

My 10 Favorite Foods, in no particular order, are as follows:

1. Baked Pasta Casseroles (lasagna and baked spaghetti are my faves)
2. BBQ Chicken
3. German Chocolate Cake
4. Cheddar Bay Biscuits
5. Waffles
6. Boston Creme ... anything (cake, pie, donuts) 
7. Chicken Quesadilla
8. Baked Salmon or salmon steak
9. BBQ Boneless Beef Ribs
10. Turkey Meatloaf (my own special recipe ... or the recipe my wife made today, LOL!)

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 10 - BEST Trip Of Your Life

Day 10: BEST Trip Of Your Life
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

As most folks know, I'v been on A LOT of trips! But, for BEST, I have to say there is a tie!

The most life changing vacation had to be my trip to Vegas in 2005, when I married one of the most exceptional women I've ever met! My wife and I enjoyed a weekend full of fun and friendship, accompanied by several friends and family that made the experience even nicer! The cap for me, of course, was the beautiful wedding and knowing I was taking my beautiful bride home with me!

Our Wedding

Probably ONE of our funnest trips we've ever taken has to be the year (2012) we took most of our children to Disney! We had my 3 younger kids, that are still home, our 2nd oldest, our oldest and her family, and even a family friend! We had a great time bonding and connecting with the kids, all while enjoying one of our biggest family vacations ever! Nothing beats spending time and growing in love with your family! And doing it while enjoying a life-long experience, makes it even more enjoyable!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 9 - What's In Your Wallet

Day 9: What's In Your Wallet
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Of course, today's topic tackles a very sensitive subject for me...my bulging, monstrous, zippered and tattered wallet! For the past several weeks, I've been fighting with this unwieldy beast of a pocket organizer! It has too many items in it, but I can't see to put it on a diet or get it to conform to a consistent workout regimen!

Since today's topic is this beast's contents, I'll run down to you, why my leg is so much fatter on the left, than the right:

• Debit & Credit cards ... like 73.4 debit cards... only 1 credit card... I've learned my lesson!
• Health insurance cards... some innumerable amount of cards for the innumerable amount of plans, options and people in my house!
• Coupons ... because my wife says I never use coupons...ONE day, I'll prove her wrong...that's NOT today!
• Receipts ... because sometimes you just gotta take stuff back!
• Gym membership ... gettin my flex on! #SummerBody
• Business Cards ... cuz I'm in business...and I have cards to prove it!
• Voter Registration Card ... people died for this right, so I take it very serious!
• Customer Loyalty Cards ... from Speedway to CVS to Starbucks to AMC Theaters... I apparently spend all my money on crap I either can't afford, or CLAIM I can't afford!
• Notes, papers, nondescript pieces of papers ... Yeeeaaahhh ... this may be where I start when it's time to thin out the wallet! 

What's In YOUR Wallet!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 8 - 5 Current Goals

Day 8: 5 Current Goals
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Due to my job, I have to look at short term goals all the time! But here, I'm not going to talk about corporate financials, team motivation, and fiscal growth for share holders, like I normally do! I'm just going to talk about my own, personal, goals and what I plan to (hopefully) do in the next 12-18 months:

1. Fix all the broken and/or messed up stuff at my house
2. Get trees in my yard cut down that will allow us to get our pool... FINALLY, after about 8 years! SMH!
3. Finish my current major project, a server hardware replacement project, at work within the next 6 months! ... I know I wasn't supposed to mention work, but hey, it's a big part of my life!
4. Get my youngest 2 kids involved in a new or competing sport by summer vacation! Right now it looks like Soccer and Figure Skating!
5. Replace my truck tires before they pop!!! I've put this off WAY to long!

Hope everyone is looking at their short term goals and making them! Here's to success!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 7 – Your 5 Favorite Songs

Music

Day 7: Your 5 Favorite Songs
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

As most folks know... MUSIC IS MY LIFE! So I have TONS of "favorite" songs! Well, since that is the topic of the day, I'll give you a quick sample of my 5 Favorite Songs ... from April 2015! LOL!

1. YOGA - Janelle Monae ft. Jidenna
2. Get Right Back (To My Baby) - Vivian Green
3. Conqueror - Estelle
4. American You - YelaWolf
5. See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth) - Wiz Khalifa
   Who DOESN'T like this song!? 

Check out more of my "favorites" each and every week on my music blog, www.StylezRadio.com! 

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 6 – What Are You Afraid Of

Day 6: What Are You Afraid Of
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

So when I think of things to be afraid of, I am not usually the one to fall into the category! Like bugs... they don't often bother or freak me out. It has to be something super nasty for me to even flinch! Darkness doesn't bother, basements are usually cool, and although I hate to see live (or dead) rodents, I can't say I fear them!

But one thing I do "fear", and some of my relatives can attest to this, is ... FAILURE!!

Yea, good old Failure! I fear failure because I hate to be wrong, or uninformed, or even letting someone down! And I don't mean losing...because hey, there can only be one winner, right!? So somebody's gotta lose occasionally! But I mean, legitimate, barebones, Failure!

I try not to dwell on it too much, and I try to see the bigger picture in situations that may result in a failure. But all in all, I try to either know everything I can, or do every thing I can to succeed! Success is like a drug ... and Failure is my kryptonite!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 5 – Your Proudest Moment

Day 5: Your Proudest Moment
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

At my age, I have racked up some pretty proud moments! Everything from life's firsts (car, home, degree, job, etc); to life's big accomplishments (moving out, achieving goals, being honored by others, getting married, etc)! So trying to choose my most proudest, was a little tough!

Although I have had many children that I have helped raise, there was no greater feeling of accomplishment, than when I saw my (biological) daughter for the VERY FIRST time, during her mom's midterm ultrasound! When I saw that little baby, swimming around in that amniotic fluid, looking like a tiny person ... I just lost it! I couldn't even play the tears off, they were pouring from my face!

My wife and I had made a life, and it was going to be my responsibility to love her and protect her, and give her a good home! There's that unconditional love you just can't even explain! That made me proud to be who my parents made me to be, proud to be with a wonderful woman to share that love with, and proud to know we were going to have a beautiful baby looking up to us and knowing we were going to be great parents for her! I love all of my children equally, but that moment, made the gift of life so real, that the emotions just couldn't be contained!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 4 – Your Dream Job!

Day 4: Your Dream Job
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

Coincidentally, I mentioned in my 2nd blog challenge post, that I was already in my dream career! That would be Information Technology, or IT for short! I have dabbled in IT, ever since I could remember! But I usually peg my first "real" interaction back when I was 9 years old, and received my first computer! And I didn't do what most kids did on their first computer (play games, use it for homework, etc). I actually did "work" on it!

I used it for programming, tearing it down to learn how to rebuild them, and even created my own games! Things like this, excited me! It gave me a sense of purpose and accomplishment! A few years later, when I was about 11 or 12, I was building networks. Then when I graduated high school, I started my own business, where I designed greeting cards, did marketing ads, using computer graphics, and eventually began building websites! By the time I left Michigan State University in my 2nd year, I was well on my way to learning all I could about technology!

I was still doing graphic design, web design and also started dabbling in video production and editing. Then I got a job doing software testing! I moved from there to my first systems administrator job! But all the while, I was knee deep with my own business, doing technology consulting and computer repair! After several years as a Systems and Solutions Engineer, I left that company to do more Systems Engineering as a contractor. Self employment always felt good, but with all the kids I have, doesn't pay the bills consistently! So though I don't run my own business in IT, being a Systems Engineer and Project Leader at my newest company (since 2011), I continue to find joy and happiness in my dream job! And like the saying goes:

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” 

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 3 – Favorite Quote

How Do You Want To Be Treated?

Day 3: Favorite Quote
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

I have had many "favorite quotes" throughout the years, but one that I always preach to my children, and try to ensure they hold tight to, is inspired by "The Golden Rule"! The Golden Rule, loosely quoted, is:

Do Unto Others, As You'd Have Others, Do Unto You!

So, most days, when I find my children arguing, fighting over a toy or just not getting along; I usually ask them one of the following:

1. Is that how you want to be treated?
2. Did you do what you could to be accommodating, or kind?
3. How would you feel if they did that to you?

Usually I'll get a response that indicates they need to hear my tried and true quote:

ALWAYS, Treat Others, How YOU Want To Be Treated! 

Now, THOSE are words to live by!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 2 – 20 Facts About Me!

Willie Stylez

Day 2: 20 Facts About Me!
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

So today's topic is all about ME!

1. As of today, I'm exactly 38 years, 6 months, and 9 days old!
2. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Alexis, for 10 years, come May 5th!
3. I have 6 kids, 1 grandson, 3 god-children a grandson from my god-daughter!
4. I only have one biological sister...but I've adopted a few extra! 
5. My favorite colors are Black, Red and Green
6. My first pet was a dog
7. There's more hair on my head now, than when I was a teenager (wore the ball head)!
8. There's also a lot more grey hairs in my head now than I'd like
9. I wear 2 different sized shoes, depending on the type (12 for most gym shoes and 13 for dress shoes)
10. I've traveled to more than half of the states on the East Coast (9 out of 14) and almost half of the states in the country (20 out of 50)!
11. I've owned about 10 vehicles in my life, but only 1 was an SUV
12. I moved 7 times by the time I was 8 years-old!
13. I love technology ... duh!
14. I don't know how to skateboard
15. I do know how to roller-skate
16. My bowling average is currently 129 ... but it's been higher! 
17. I don't eat pork ... and it's NOT because of religious reasons!
18. I'm a Christian
19. I have an IT degree and several technical certifications and certificates
20. I already work in my dream career (IT) but I want to ultimately end up retiring to travel the world with my wife!

Well, that's enough about me! See you tomorrow!

#30DayBlogChallenge - Day 1 – Your Blog's Name

Day 1: Your Blog's Name!
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

BACK STORY: Circa 1999, I was working on a magazine with some friends and we needed some filler articles and content. At the time, I considered myself, something of an Advice Guru, and we decided to include a column called... you guessed it... Ask Willie Stylez!

Fast forward a few years, and I started my website and BBS forum, where I answered questions from folks about whatever topics they wanted. I got more Tech, than personal advice, questions but it was still fun offering help! Later on, I ceased receiving questions (didn't get many anyway) and just started writing all about my life, thoughts and randomness! Since I already felt I had a well established online presence as Willie Stylez, I just continued to run with that them, opening not only a Blog, but an online radio station and several other ventures! Today, only the blog version of the online station, StylezRadio.com, and the regular blog, AskWillieStylez.com, remain. But because I still feel writing and sharing are my best outlets, I will continue to be here ... for you to Ask Willie Stylez!!!

WHAT STYLEZ THINKS ABOUT => Yet Another 30 Day Blog Challenge! The Sequel!

So I have decided to do another Blogging Challenge! Once again, I'm inspired by my Blog-Sister, Sunny D at Spoken Words & Thoughts! I am going to make a good faith effort and hopefully get more posts this time around, than I did in November, last year (only 9)! So, hopefully, you will all enjoy this May 2015 Challenge, and please don't be shy ... Like, Comment, Share! I do this for you too! Talk to you soon!

#HistoricTracks #Classic Lift Every Voice And Sing - Wardlaw Brothers #HOTTRACK #BlackHistoryMonth

Lift Every Voice And Sing - Wardlaw Brothers

In 1900, For a Lincoln birthday celebration, James Weldon Johnson writes the lyrics for a song, that eventually becomes "Lift Every Voice and Sing". With music by his brother, J. Rosamond, the song is first sung by 500 children in Jacksonville, Fla. It soon became known as the "Negro National Anthem".