Drink, Smoke, live it up!!!!

See, I'm not the first one to judge but I think that the following subject and opinions have to be said.  it's one of those things that make you shake your head in awe.  It's the loss of self-respect as an adult in comparison to the young bucks out there today.

When I was a teenager, I always had a problem drinking.  I would hang with my friends and there would be little or no alcohol.  I was always aware of that Spanish saying, "Tell me with whom you walk and I tell you who you are".  I wasn't invited to too many parties because I didn't drink or smoke. (Weed)

I, in my early 20's on occasion, did drink and I always said it, If I'm going to drink, it's to get fucked up!!!  So, I did.  I got fucked up to the point that I ended up on the FDR drive in the lap of my best friend at the time.  She didn't know how we got there either.  In fact, it was at my ex best friends bachelor party that it happened.

Anyway, I'm ranting on to make a point.  I understand why young people of today, and I mean persons between 21-34 years old, go out and have a party/great time.  I understand the need to smoke and get high.  I understand.  I pray that they, soon enough, understand it's time to grow up and move forward with your life.  It's not all about getting high.  It's not all about fucking that shorty tonight.  It's all about your individual growth.

I, shake my head even more, when I see my generation still doing it!  I was sitting down enjoying the weather yesterday in front of my building while my daughter was in the sprinkles.  A couple of young girls sat down to eat something they had bought from the store.  As they were going home, I was told that they smoke and get high with their mother!!!!   I asked how old they were and they told me 14 years old!!!  They even said that they were having sex and that the mother knew about it.

That got me mad, not at them but at their ignorant mother.  it's not the bad student, it's the bad teacher.  Or in this case, the bad parent!  We blame our children for not making it far in life and yet we are terrible role models.  I love my children too much to give them a bad future.

My generation smoking and drinking and whoring and hanging out like its okay then complaining about it the next day.  "Oh man, I don't have enough for this or that."  Whatever.  If you are one of those people that missed out on your youth, well then, I'm sorry to say, too bad!  You can't regain it but you can enjoy your life without those stupid things like Herb, ex, beer, fuckin' rum!  Whatever it takes you to escape, you can find other ways.

I'm 44 years old, I don't drink, don't smoke and by the looks of me it's obvious I don't sleep around.  I'm very proud of myself.  I did what I did in my 20's and I'm paying for it now.  The only thing I miss from back in the day is the friendships.  Now, as an adult raising two children, I see the light in a different way.  I want my children to live long and happy lives.  I want them to be drug free and non-alcoholics.  I don't want them relying on a substance to achieve their goals.

I think what I'm basically saying is that only you know what's best for you and you are not going to find it on the bottom of a shot glass or at the end of a blunt.  Don't hate on others because they don't like what you do.  Most of you need to learn from experience and I pray to God that the experience don't kill you. 

Bless you all...Do it while you're young and live.  Once you're older you can't get it back no matter how hard you try.  It can break up a marriage, can have you end up a grand parent.  You can die from disease.

I'm just saying.

Tightness!

I'm feeling a little tightness today.  I received my first tuition notice from my daughters new school.  It's $288.00.  When I called the school to ask why is it so much, she said that it wasn't the first tuition payment but rather the fundraising payment. 

i was under the impression that the fundraising payment would be split across the board in 10 months but now I find out that It has to be paid now before the school starts.  And that's not even the tuition payment!!

SMH...I have no idea what I am doing.  So, I asked God why am I in such a tight position, or even better, why would he allow others that are responsible for our kids too, not pay anything and have us in such a tight spot.  They're living the life but no responsibilities!

Something is going on and I'm telling you, I will be hitting the lotto soon.  For me to deal with all this nonsense and have to live literally month by month barely making it and my kids not being able to enjoy an icy off the street or something to cool them down because of stupidity! 

I can understand why some people give up on our lord.  Why some people don't believe in him.  I believe in him so much, I get mad at myself for doubting sometime.  I have to pray for a great outcome to my situation so:

Dear Lord, Almighty Father, I am your humble servant and I love you.  Your presence is felt everywhere I go and I am grateful for that. I know you have a path in mind for me and I ask that you grace me with the Holy Spirit so that I may see and walk the path for me.  I pray that you remove all hatred in my heart and fill it with love.  I am lost and wonder why.  You can guide me to a better life.  I ask for my daily bread and that you revenge against those that wish harm to me and my family.  I call your name Almighty Father and thank you for all I have been given.  I await your response with open heart and patience.  Forgive me for doubting  and bless all that seek and find you.  In his almighty name!!!!  Amen.

In sounds better in Latin:

O Domine, Pater omnipotens, ego sum, servus et humilis amo te. Praesentia ubique tuus vadam, et palpato eo habeo gratiam. Scio tibi in via animum mihi rogo mihi gratiam Spiritus Sancti ita ut videat et ambulet in via pro me. Oro vos in corde meo et auferam omne odium amore replebit. Et mirum est cur pereo. Quisque ut meliorem vitam ducere. Obsecro te pro meo panem et vindictam contra illos qui volunt malum mihi et familiae meae. Voco nomen tuum, Pater omnipotens, et gratias agam et ego dedi vos omnes. Responsum tuum exspecto toto corde et patientiam. Dimitte me ut benedicam dubitandi et quaerere et invenire. In omnipotens nomen! Amen.

Thanks for letting me vent a little!!!

Married, gay or taken..........Heartbroken

I had to elaborate more on this comment from facebook because I feel that I fall into one of these categories.  I feel many of us fall into the category (Heartbroken). 

Many of us, good people, come out of relationships and after having mourned the proper time, find it difficult to find love or trust again.  One of the reasons is that we still hold our emotions on our sleeves and although try not to admit it, it shows.

Depending on the way the relationship ended, someone may actually rise to the top faster than the other.  If there was abuse, negligence or even abandonment, then I agree it should have been over quickly.  No one needs to be in that kind of relationship.  What happens tho, when someone leaves for nonsense?

It leaves the other heartbroken.  It hurts and it shows.  the energy surrounding that person doesn't allow anyone to see their true self.  Therefore, affecting the attraction if there is any.  All the good ones are out there.  You have to give them a little time to talk.  Get over the last relationship and give them reasons to trust again.

For those that know me, know my specific situation.  I must admit that I MAY have been at fault about 5% but the rest is hers.  Anyway, in reading another comment, it says to love, honor and respect the partner and they will be there forever.  Got news for you, it doesn't work that way.   I gave of my all and she still lost her mind.

I guess what I'm saying is that, the good ones are there.  You may have to work a little harder to see them but I know they are willing to give you a chance.  those that are heartbroken need to lower their guards just a little bit.  Stop teasing unless you truly are interested.  Follow thru and take a chance.  i don't want to hear that there are no more out there when you haven't try at all.

One more thing, We don't all drink, smoke or hang out hard.  I personally prefer a walk to get a milk shake.  Talking about life and it's hurdles.  and a smile that will motivate me to try and see you again.  I hate seeing beautiful women hanging out wasting their time to be with a hood rat that is going no where.  And then you bitch when they screw you and break the hell out because they don't want a relationship.!  (Hit it and quit it)

Don't complain!  We are not ALL married, taken or gay.  Not that it even matters for some of you! 

MY personal opinion

I have to give it to the gay and lesbian community.  They must have pushed hard and made the right connections to mow over those radicals that did not have open minds.  Kudos. I would like to say that I believe in the Constitution and in the United States.  I believe in its process and the people that honestly run and protect it.  (God bless the soldiers that keep my freedom at all costs)

Personally, I have no opinion on gay marriage.  If they want to feel the agony of what is marriage, then whatever.  Before I continue, I would like to say that it's true, everybody has a friend or family member that is gay.  I just happen to have both.  I love my teacher.  He is a mentor to me and without him I wouldn't be where I am today.  A respectful, loyal, Intelligent human being.  (Pats his back!)  I owe him plenty.

I love him more because he didn't let his lifestyle define him.  He respected you because he demanded respect.  He never got fresh with me or crossed the line with anyone.  He was in a monogamous relationship for over 30 years and I admire him for that.  He made it work.

I have a sister that is gay and she is happy.  She is in a relationship for 10 years.  Again happy as can be.  She respects herself and the lifestyle and she is a great person for it. I love her.  She is making it work.  Not because she is gay but because she feels it's love.

Please keep in mind that this is my opinion.  I have a major problem with the gay and lesbian community that let the lifestyle define them.  They have No respect for others simply because they feel that homosexuality is the master race.  They use being gay to manipulate others and convince others that they are gay because they are.

I was once told that I'm gay.  A lesbian that I once worked with swore that I was gay because I liked Broadway musicals and medieval art and so forth.  I laughed at her face.  She swore it up and down to the point where, it affected me.  I got upset and I challenged her to a, excuse the words, pussy eating contest.  She immediately shut up.

I immediately thought, "I'm not pushing my straightness on her, why is she pushing her gayness on me?"  I respect, appreciate and accept homosexuality in my life.  As long as I'm respected, appreciated and accepted for who I am.  I don't think I have to "Grow up" to have an opinion.  It's my God given right and God's law is LAW! 

I don't care about this whole gay marriage thing.  To each their own.  If you're for it or against it and you make comments about the contrary, are you judging or are you just exercising your rights?  Either way, it's another day in NYC.  A city that never ceases to amaze me.

"Papo's Variety Store" Preview...A Musical by Ken Bravo

This is a preview of my play "Papo's Variety Store".  It's me playing the opening scene and song.  the music and lyrics are my originals.  Please read the set up below.

The set up:  It's 4:30 in the morning on the street corner of Forsyth st and Rivington St.  Mandingo the junkie just got his fix and is feeling real nice.  He sings about his next fix and how he has to plan to find another fix.  As he is done with that song, it begins to play a salsa rift which opens the stage like a morning sunrise.  It gives the world the opportunity to meet and greet the other characters.  You will only see Mandingo.  (Played by me)

For those that have the privelage to see this preview, please feel free to comment on the song and the music.  Please keep in mind that I'm not a professional singer or actor and this was my attempt to show the person who plays Mandingo the way it should be played.  I don't mind constructive critism but if you are being rude and obnoxious, remember it's better not to say anything at all.

Copyright: Ken Bravo Entertainment. 2011 The use of this video is strickly prohibited without the written consent of Ken Bravo Entertainment And/or it's representing officers.  You do NOT have permission to upload this on to youtube or any other social network.

Another case of SMH

Last night, I was talking to my friend about how young people today are taking pictures with just them pouting.  Now, I don't know where this fad originates from.  I assume its an attempt to show that they have lips (the thin lips) or an attempt to make a face that says something. (Maybe sexiness)

I don't know but I think its a dumb fad.  Growing up I learned that women want/need to enhance their looks with make up.  I also learned to appreciate beauty in the natural look.  I've found that the woman that looks like she's not wearing make up when she is and looks beautiful is just perfect.

To enhance a picture by pouting in it just makes you look sleazy.  Natural beauty is in/on everyone.  You just have to find it!  There is no reason to make yourself look ridiculous.  Now, I want to discuss those pics of older women pouting.  LOL  I have to laugh.  I appreciate women who accept life for what it is.  Some woman feel like they haven't finished life and need to act like they are teenagers again. 

Even some beautiful, sexy grandmothers.  Remember, you don't have to be old to be a grandmother just a mother at a young age.  Anyway, the pouting fad was picked up by the older generation.  C'mon people, you're beautiful as you are!  A smile says soo much more! 

How about Deuces?  As far as I know, when you drop a deuce it means you're taking a dump!  How did it turn to something said during a picture?  maybe I need to try to re-hatch my youth again? I don't know.  I also just want to remind you that this is one man's opinion and not meant to offend.  How can I offend all you lovely ladies.  Then again, how do I know you're lovely and beautiful if you're making that face?  LOL  It's another case of SMH

You know who you are!

I wanted to talk about the friends that ruin a happy marriage.  You know who you are.  You're that person that hangs out with a married woman or man and encourage drinking, infidelity, lying and so forth.

You're that person that can never find the right partner for you so you want your friend to be the same.  Misery loves company I guess.  You were there when your friend and her husband were boyfriend and girlfriend and you loved them both equally.  The day they got married, you missed the hang out and decided that you want to bring your friend back to the dark side.

You design situations in your favor so that turmoil can interrupt what would normally be a beautiful relationship.  You tell your friend one thing, then tell the partner something different so that you look good in the light.  You will NEVER be happy because your complex has caused you to have NO self-esteem. 

You use your body to attempt to get whatever you want and often end up getting used.  You are on drugs or some sort of stimulant and you want the world to be on that with you too.  I have so much contempt for you but knowing that you will never be happy comforts me. 

If one day you learn to accept life for what it is and live and let live, there maybe a chance.  Other than that, your screwed.  Good for you.  Again, I know you will never read this but in the event, you know who you are.