#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!

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

Day 23: If You Won The Lottery...
For more info on this 30 Day Blog Challenge, click here!

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 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 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 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 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 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!

#WillieStylezSays - Wisdom and Opportunity

"Wisdom and Opportunity are an amazingly blessed combo! But to appreciate it, take advantage of the Energy and Freedom of Youth!" #DontWasteIt - Willie Stylez

"#Happiness, I See It" (Part of a Poetry Series by STYLEZ #TheSweetSeries)

#Happiness, I See It

by STYLEZ, #TheSweetSeries

Happiness, in your eyes,
I see it, like the sun

Happiness, a good book in hand
I see it, like you know it ends well

Happiness, On the porch on a cool day,
I see it, because you look so relaxed

Happiness, you're deep in thought,
I see it, I hope you're thinking of us!

Happiness, in your arms,
I feel it, when you squeeze me back!

Happiness, I want it, For You Always!

WHAT STYLEZ THINKS ABOUT => Law Enforcement vs. Everybody – What will force them to actually #ProtectAndServe!?

Recently, I was reading on a friend’s FB wall about another example of police officers, overstepping the boundaries of “Protect And Serve” and into the realm of “Abuse and Exploit”! Read a little here:

Quinshon Shingles (pictured) a rising rapper who claims New York Police Department (NYPD) officers entered his aunt’s apartment without a warrant, handcuffed him, and forced him to rap for his release has won a $7,500 settlement in the case, the New York Daily News reports.

In her comment, my friend asked the question:

…there seems to be a disproportionate amount of Caucasian people in law enforcement in policing minority neighborhoods. What if WE (as minorities) apply for these jobs and do these jobs... will this type of abuse still be there?

So What Does STYLEZ Think?

I would LOVE to believe that racially match-making police officers to their assigned communities would aid in reducing some of the excessive violence, exploitation and corruption, HOWEVER, I have seen first hand, black-on-black, Latino-on-Latino and White-on-White offenses occur between Law Enforcement and Citizens they are charged with "Protecting and Serving"!

I don't believe anything will quell these offenses besides ensuring proper psychiatric evaluations are used in the selection of Law Enforcement officers, including evaluating their anger management, coping skills and their ability to handle the pressures and ills of policing society! Unfortunately, that alone would probably reduce most police forces to bare bones staff!

Secondly, it will take one other simple action on the part of the Criminal Justice system when it comes to handling the arbitration and remediation of the offences... ACCOUNTABILITY! The day you make Law Enforcement officers accountable for their deeds and actions, across the board and no exceptions, is the day you start to reign in some (not all of course) of the ills that Law Enforcement commit against the public! At this point, they get away with murder, and have no reason to feel responsible for their actions! And that has got to stop!

More on Mr. Shingles story just further reveals and supports my point, if we don’t hold them account, Law Enforcement will continue to be corrupt and exploitive:

N.Y.C. Pays Settlement To Handcuffed Man Forced To Rap For Release

Mar 26, 2014 By Hannington Dia

Shingles, better known as “Sauce Da Boss,” alleged in his suit that officers David Grieco and Joseph Patton entered the East New York apartment to question a suspect. They eventually cuffed him and told him to craft some “spits and bars,” and if they liked his lyrics, they would release him.

Shingles claimed the encounter killed his desire to perform onstage.

According to Shingles’ suit, Grieco and Patton fooled the building’s superintendent in to giving them a duplicate set of keys to enter the apartment.

Grieco and other officers from the 75th Precinct have been under investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau for allegations, including stealing jewelry and illegal apartment searches. Grieco is also named in 12 federal and state lawsuits for civil rights violations.

In its response to the suit, the city denied Shingles’ claims. “It does not appear that either plaintiff was arrested… there will be very few police documents relevant to this matter,” Assistant Corporation CounselQiana Smith-Williams said in court papers. Despite this stance, the city continued the suit without any depositions. They claim no wrongdoing in the settlement.

"MY – #Life" (Part of a Poetry Series by STYLEZ #TheSweetSeries)

MY – #Life

by STYLEZ #TheSweetSeries

You came, You saw
You Conquered!
But it was needed, wanted
I wasn’t subdued,
You surpassed!

Surpassed Expectations…
Surpassed Requirements…
Surpassed End Goals…
Surpassed What I Deserved…

Life is filled with surprises,
Little ones, big ones,
and You are that special one!

If it ends, I’ve already lived,
If you go, It’ll already be gone!
Life is nothing without,
Life is everything within,
Within You! Because of You!

You give me Life!
My Life!

“Above All Is You” #TheSweetSeries – A Poetry Series by STYLEZ

I have known my wife, Alexis, for over 20 years, and in those years we have been friends, lovers, spouses, parents and now grandparents! But one thing has not changed in that time, I have always adored her and felt blessed to have her in my life! She has always been a beacon for my love and has always been a SWEET reminder that no matter what, we can do it, no matter what IT is! To express all the many feelings I have for my Sweet (my pet name for her), I have decided to write a series of poems and affirmations. I present to you… #TheSweetSeries

Above All Is You

by STYLEZ, #TheSweetSeries

My Life,
My Love,
My Heart,
My Focus,
My Charity,
My Attitude,
My Solitude,
My Beginning,
My Happiness,
My Dedication,
My Revelation,
My Conscience,
My Inspiration,
My Intelligence,
Above all, is YOU!

WHAT STYLEZ THINKS ABOUT => Moments In Black History (via Spoken Words & Thoughts - @spknwrdthts)

So What Does Stylez Think?

 

After reading this, it still surprises me and I realize sometimes, you forget how manipulative the customs and then laws were, in order to "keep us under control"! And how far we've come to fight and change those laws! But how far we still need to go to get people to turn from these attitudes!

MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY

1857
Richmond, Virginia, passes a comprehensive slave code that, among other stipulations, prohibits self-hiring by slaves, restricts blacks from entering certain parts of the city, specifies street etiquette, and forbids slaves from smoking, carrying canes, standing on the sidewalk, and using provocative language.

via Moments In Black History | Spoken Words & Thoughts

Powerful reminder, huh!?



That is what Stylez thinks! What do you think? Leave it in the comments!

WHAT STYLEZ THINKS ABOUT => "Bad" Kids and their education! Is it time for a change?

A Facebook (and real life) friend posted a topic recently about types of suspensions given out to kids when they are "being bad" or violating rules, etc. She jokingly related:

If I were in school, I would be elated to be suspended! Don't have to get up early or do in class assignments! Heck! Why not try to get suspended to have a legimate reason not to go to school???!!! LOL

But she has a point here, what is going through the mind of a kid when they're suspended!? What can schools do to curb or deter that WANT to be suspended attitude? Is there time for a change? This Is What STYLEZ Thinks!

My kids' school does both "no school" and "in shool"... they call it In-House strangely enough... style suspensions. It depends on the offense and number times the kid has violated certain offenses. But I do think the In-School suspension probably discourages the kids from thinking they are going to get away with chillin at the crib! But it still sucks because they don't do any work and they continue to fail their classes, so I don't think it's as effective as the teachers think. I think they should make it like a learning bootcamp. You go to In-School Suspension, you're away from your friends (or most of them, since I'm sure "that" crowd probably runs together) and then force them to do EXTRA work, projects, homework, etc! Now THAT would teach them!

I have a few kids at home that love school and In-School and Out-of-School suspensions would hurt them to their hearts. But I know, a couple of my kids and SO MANY kids at their school seemed to live for those "free days"! SMDH! I hated it and complained but it fell on deaf ears. So many administrators are still under that archaic notion that you need to remove the "bad element" to save the good. But they don't realize if you keep tellin a kid they're bad... then what do you think they're going to be!?

Not to say I don't agree in some instances... because I know I don't want drug dealers and gang members around my kids when they're supposed to be learning. But dang, you can't deny and deprive these kids of education, then they will just reville in their own stupdiity and continue down the same dead-end path they're own with no repurcussions in sight, until it's too late! I have tried to talk to my couple of wayward kids, and provide a good example of hard work! But hey, I'm just the parent, who they think "isn't cool like the entertainers/their friends/etc"! So it was a battle to keep them on the straight and narrow! But I feel so strongly about education that I don't any kid needs to be completely devoided of that chance to learn! That's Bad!

So, that is what Stylez thinks! What do you think!?

Posted via email from Ask Willie Stylez - The Posts

WHAT STYLEZ THINKS ABOUT => “DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK!" #StylezIsBack #ItsaCelebration

Well, actually, I guess you could call it a comeback!! That’s right, I’m back and I’m hoping to be more consistent with my Blog and Tumblr postings! Let’s start from the beginning…

2011 saw the death of my father-in-law, an AMAZING, GENEROUS, KIND, PATIENT, WISE, WONDERFUL man who helped… take that back… he DID raise my children, especially the older 4 from birth!!! He was instrumental in the success, progress and stability of my family long before I even became involved with my wife in 2001! Well, all that came to an end on November 16, 2011 when Iran Milo Wasson; Grandfather, Father, Mentor, Teacher, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Confidante, Traveler, Thinker, Music Lover, Historian, etc, etc, etc; passed away from complications with colon cancer.

This began the transition, which actually began long before that, but was at that time, smack right in my face! It was the moment, my father-in-law and my own father, Alexander Williams Jr., another AMAZING, KIND, HARD-WORKING, PASSIONATE, STUBBORN yet ULTRA SMART man had been preparing me for! They were my blueprints to success as a father and leader of my family! I had to step up and do whatever it took, make sacrifices, make the right moves, etc… to raise and take care of my children the best way I could!

I asked myself for weeks… was I ready, how was I going to make this work, I had a new job, a lot of financial pressures, a business I needed to figure out what to do with… but then it happened! Jehovah stepped in! Between November 2011 and May 2012, life seemed to be on fast forward and slow motion at the same time… but things just came together! My job worked with me to make sure I could be there for my family and especially my children! My finances miraculously came together as I took on the right jobs and assignments to get what I needed, of course not all I wanted, but definitely just what I needed to get financially stable again even with substantial losses I took in 2010 and 2011! It all came together! All I could do was thank Jehovah, through his son Jesus Christ, for all the blessings I was receiving!

The rest of 2012 went quite well for my family, and even through a few struggles here and there, we came out of it renewed and strong! So with that, I felt the time was now to start reanalyzing what I was doing with my time, my goals, and my world! So what I came up with… I won’t really reveal now… but what I will say, is I’ve made some decisions (NOT resolutions), to reshape and refocus some goals and tasks that I may have neglected in 2012.

One of which is my blogging. I haven’t written a good posting since June 2012, and even before that, it was sporadic at best! So here’s my refocused goal…

-          Blog, write, surmise, meditate on some THING, TOPIC, PERSON, ACTIVITY… SOMETHING! And WRITE!!!

-          It may not be daily, maybe not even weekly, but try to have something out there on a semi-regular basis… just to let you all know… I’m STILL Willie Stylez… I’m STILL here… I’m STILL relevant!

And with that being said... LET’S GO!!!

And That Is What STYLEZ Thinks! What do you think? Please comment, make suggestions, or just say WELCOME BACK STYLEZ!  

Posted via email from Ask Willie Stylez - The Posts