Been a while..

Well this weekend, was not anything to special I pretty much did personal workouts, prayed, ate, and played poker. Lol yeah not too much was happening, although they've now given us a new curfew it used to be at 11:00PM now our new curfew is NO CURFEW! Now for some people this was super exciting as for me, mehh don't really care I don't like to go out over here too much these guys get very drunk and come back at 4-5AM not really the best 'soccer lifestyle" I've pretty much let liquor go since I left Miami, just cause I refuse to put it in my body anymore, along with soda.

Well we 3 games left in the "first phase" of the season we were in 4th we need two wins out of our last 3 games. This weekend we had a game on the road against SEV Horlandia something like that, well whatever important thing is we came out of there with the result a 2-0 victory. Juan who again was the only one on the roster out of the three Americans over here including myself, didn't see playing time, as the starting wing backs have recovered from injuries. We have another game this upcoming week, and hopefully we can clinch a birth into the next phase.

Starting tomorrow I'm going to be on a diet, I've profusely nagged the our gym trainer that I need more muscle and he's decided to put me on a special diet to gain some mas and strength, along with that I'm going to be put on creatine beginning tomorrow as well. So I'm pretty excited about that too, along with and some good hours and hard work in the gym I think I should finally begin to gain some muscle. Also I been doing extra work in the room as always, some push ups, sit ups, working with an elastic band I have for strength etc. I been drinking a ton of water, it is so sickly hot over here, in the states your heading into winter over here were approaching summer, and boy has it hit already I begin to sweat if I take a step outside it sucks!

Uhm what else, oh! About a week ago (the following is one of the few reasons I elect not to go out) at the "plaza" where everyone hangs out at, and talks crap meets up with people there was a fight. One of the younger kids from the U15s allegedly hooked up with some chick who had a boyfriend, obviously the boyfriend wasn't too happy and approached the young kid with about 20 of his friends, he swung a punch and fractured his nose I believe Juan (American) in an attempt to protect him, went out to break the fight but the Brazilians weren't having it, and they kicked Juan in his leg and then the fight seemingly broke up and everyone parted. I mean first of all, the kid is dumb for doing something to get himself in this situation, but this is the reason I don't go out much I mean I'm here to play soccer, and yeah although it's good to go out etc, I'd rather not just cause there's so many people out there in a "third" world country who just have no morals and you don't know how there going to react in situations, like imagine if it were an older kid and the fight escalated and guns were shot, I'd rather not take a chance. I know it's a far fetchd' idea, but better to be safe than sorry. That's why when I go out, I just go out to eat, or to the supermarket, etc.


My birthday is fastly approaching I will turn 19 years old, on October 1st this Thursday, pretty dopeeeee. Luiz Muzzi will be arriving the day before my birthday to bring me some stuff that my parents sent with him, and also I guess for I don't pass my birthday alone. It is going to be my first birthday in that I celebrate alone. My birthday falls on the same day as my moms so it sucks were used to blowing out our candles together. But were going to have a skype birthday celebration, so it'll be a virtual birthday party, how fun!! Lol my mom is going to be turning the big 25 yup she's that young ;) well not really but she looks 25 so that's what matters!

Also my prayer life with God has become so strong I'm almost at the verge of tears!! I'm excited about that because I've only cried once with my dad when he almost broke down when he saw me (long story, and too private) and also when I was younger and accepted Jesus in my life as my Lord and Savior. So it's exciting, it sucks cause I pray alone, when you pray with others you feel that good spiritual energy of the holy spirit so much more, but I still get that feeling praying alone, and I hear God talk back to me it's so strong I love it. So yeah after this blog I'll work out a bit, shower, pray and fall into a great sleep :). You guys won't see this blog till tomorrow morning cause I'm writing this as the internet is already out, but yeah till the next one probably on my birthday....

God Bless!

Life is for living not living up tight

As of late I have never felt closer to God, I have never felt more sure about anything than I'm sure of my life, and what my goal purpose is. I'm not saying oh I found out what I need to do in life, and then God is going to take me away but for now, I know what my mission is I've once again felt Gods connection, and can hear him speak to me, I know I may sound crazy, or a fanatic, as people claim, but I'm just a kid, who knows that God has an everlasting love for us, and gave his only child to suffer on earth for us, while peasants killed Him. It's incredible how we can go through each day not even saying thanks to God for the food we have, the water, the shelter, and family. I can't relate to you people out there with split families or dad's that left you but what I can tell you is that God is willing to take you in no matter what. Just go to him. Ugh I know I sound like I'm trying to convert people to Gods ways, but it's just- it's just a feeling that feels so perfect inside it makes you feel peace of mind, and keep things in perspective. I get angered pretty easily but I just ask God for patience, and I ask Him to take over my life, to be in control and let things fall together in his power. I see through eyes of faith now, I don't see through these blinded eyes of the world that seek money, fame, and cars, for happiness. Yes those things are nice, but it's so much nicer when you can find God, and be at peace of mind. I wake up everyday at 6:30 training is at 9:00. The reason I wake up at that time is to pray and thank God for the day, if anyone knows me they know I love to sleep in, but it's just you need to find time and dedicate it to God, and before I go to sleep I pray to him as well, in fact I pray while out on the soccer field, in the gym, while eating I talk to him in my mind. I'm obsessed I guess. It doesn't make me a different person, or weird don't judge me for what I believe in, I'm just inviting you guys to find God his love is not like any you can find. I understand by doing this post I may lose some fans cause people will disagree with me on the topic of God, but hey if you take this the wrong way I'm sorry I'm not trying to challenge your God or say mine is better, I'm just trying to let you guys understand that the reason I succeed is God. Trust me I know myself better than anyone, and I know that I'm not that good of a soccer player to be here in Brazil getting paid to paly and do what I love, it's a dream that I'm living but only because God has this idea of me going around the world playing soccer, and telling people about God. God is trying to show the world that he can take anyone a kid from Miami who prior to this past year wasn't able to make the A team on his club, but by me staying humble and always giving God the credit for when I did good, he's using me as an example to the world. And I say the world cause people all over the United States know my name, people in Mexico, people in Colombia, and now people in Brazil, I'm not sure where God will take me next, but I do know he's going to take me to bigger and better places. Some people may think "Wow your cocky" but believe me I'm not, I just have FAITH that God is going to take me as an example to the world, and people may also think you know if your wrong your going to look stupid right? Well Jesus was a man like you and I, and he would call a crowd of as many people as he could to tell them, hey this guy is blind I'm going to make him see right now. He would've looked stupid if he wasn't able to but he knew that God was going to let him down. Just as in the same way I invite all of you, all of you who have stuck with me and supported me, and kept on reading my blogs and leaving comments on it thank you, and I now invite you to continue my journey with me around the world, as I give God glory as I progress and as I go around the world. I pray you guys may all be as blessed as I am and if not don't worry have faith, for David killed Goliath with stones. We can conquer anything we set our minds too, if we just believe and have faith in our God. We all live in question in what are purpose is down here, don't seek answers just let God take control of your life, and live life to the fullest each and everyday I'll leave you guys with a quote.

"Life is living, not for living up tight" - Jay Z


God Bless

Believe & Faith

Hey back again, well lately I've really been putting in some serious praying time waking up extra early to pray, and praying no matter how sleepy or tired I am at night before bed. So yeah I've felt really energetic and rejuvenated as of late. I just figured I got to be thankful for all the great things I have and not dwell on negative thoughts. So I've been having a positive mindset about everything, I guess you can say I live in a different world then you all, cause I don't believe in "reality" in the way others do. People think just cause something looks impossible in the human flesh, it can't happen, but I believe I have a God who can choose things to change at His will. I love Usain Bolt he's the fastest man on the face of the Earth, and he's 6 foot 5 inches. People always told him "Yeah your fast, but you'll never be the fastest your too tall." Oh really? He has crushed the world record in this specialty the 100m and with each growing year he continues to beat his previous record standing at 6 foot 5 inches proving all the doubters wrong. Gotta love that. I love his confidence as well, when he races he's not worried about the people he's racing against he's just worried if he will beat HIS world record again! In my mind to be successful you must first have confidence in yourself, secondly give it all you have, and lastly never give up. You can't ever give up, never ever no matter what to be great you will go through trials and tribulations, which is why I love runners like Usain Bolt beating the odds, he's not suppose to be the fastest man in the world he's "too tall" yet he is, and you can't doubt him anymore. People have said and will continue to say I won't be good enough to make it and that I'm not good enough to make it, I look at them back and smile and say I know your right. Why get into an argument with someone about if your good enough or not? Just go out and prove it to all of them who talk crap behind your back saying your too slow, your not strong enough, your not tall enough. I'm not gonna sit there and tell them okay let's go race see who's faster, just let them hate. People love to see the bad in others and judge them, which is why I have my opinions on people, but I only share them if it's asked of me. I don't go around snickering about others or saying stuff that's just going to bring someone down. Anyways I don't know what the reason for this post is to be quite honest, I guess I just felt like venting a bit.

Tomorrow we have a practice game at 10AM and I'm on the roster thanks to the Lord :). Don't know if I will be getting playing time but nonetheless it's a start, and I will be waiting for the second they call me to go out there and show them what I got. So yeah before I keep on rambling about pointless stuff that you guys don't want to read, I think I'm going to just end this here. I'm going to go to bed it's only 8PM, but I'm tired and am not in the mood to talk to people really. I miss my family so dearly, and can't wait to get back home and fly out on vacation with them and just be secluded from everything. There is a gym there so you better believe I'm going to be working out, and running on that sand. Ok enough enough enough, God Bless all of you, may you guys have blessed days and never stop having faith for God's grace won't take you where God's grace won't protect you.


God Bless

Been a while

Well I have not been playing poker on PokerStars I banned myself for 60 days en route to do what I said I would. Although I have been playing on another site but only cause I have been receiving money from someone who is "staking" me. Staking means they pay for you to play you give them part of your profits. So yeah, been doing that but I can't play on PokerStars for 60 days and I plan on not playing poker, besides where I'm being staked at. So I'm somewhat sticking to not playing but I'm being offered something nice of playing esentially for free so kind, of need to take advantage of that.

But yeah besides that I've gone out, and been just messing around more I guess, I mean there isn't much we can do here but yeah, we try to make the most of it. Anyways this weekend we won 4-0 as we completely dominated the game were going back into training in about an hour from now. I believe we have gym, then after a physical/technical training session. I've also recently made a purchase I bought the new Nike vapors below is a picture of them. Also would like to give a special congratulations to my girlfriend who finally got her first job at, Banana Republic! Also congrats to my brother who just got hooked up and bought a 2010 BMW 528i in blackkk.....must be nice. Lol but yeah things back at home seem good, things over here are shaping out well just got to keep on with having faith in God. Well I miss my family and girlfriend very much their support is so crucial in making this work for me, and I couldn't be happier with how much support I get everyday from my brothers, parents, and girlfriend. I'm going to leave you guys with some pictures

God Bless


My cleats
My brothers new car
My wonderful girlfriend and I
My friends here in Brasil chilling under the ocean ;)
And my moms and pops their mad cute haha.

Linkin Park-Breaking the habit

It's a good song but has something to do with my post obviously. Well as of right now it is Friday, and less than a month away from my birthday, and only 4 days away from my anniversary with my wonderful girlfriend. Although it feels as if it's been way moreeeeeeee, it's only going to be two years, I know to some of you that may be a lot, but it's not for me or at least it doesn't feel that way. This is however my first long serious relationship, I was always a "player" I suppose. Anyways I've learned a lot from her and it's been an amazing experience and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world even if she isn't the one I end up marrying. But I must admit I do picture me spending the rest of my life with her, just not ready to tie the knot ; I'm too young. So this post was meant for a few things just to announce what I've already said, and to comment that my soccer is going really well as of late, my relationship with God has gotten real tight again, and praying in the shower morning and nights has become so fiery? Lol nonetheless I'm feeling complete, and just ready for something to happen, not in a bad way but more as of in the sense of something better, I don't know we'll see soon.

I would also like to announce my first break from poker like real break of no poker starting on Monday September 7th, like not even playing a small game with friends for at least two months. They're a couple reasons why I'm doing this, first is that in my free time over here besides listening to music, playing video games, and being on the internet and/or talking to friends, all my free time is taken up by online poker. I feel as if I should go out more and experience the city even though it's very small, and I've probably experienced it all. Also I want to dedicate more time to God, and bonding with teammates. Secondly I'm not going to lie I've lost some of my winnings back to poker, although I still have a nice amount of profit, and a vacation with my girlfriend to Disney World paid for it feels nice to not waste it right back where you won it. Thirdly I would like to prove to other as much as myself that I don't need poker in my life that I can do with out it. Now some of you might say "Wow 2 months, that's nothing." Well how about you stop smoking for two months? Or how about you stop drinking for two months? Or how about you stop biting your nails for two months? I'm just using random examples but what I'm trying to say is letting go of habits that become apart of your daily life are hard to get rid of especially if you've grown with it, and are now at an age in which you can choose what you want for you. For example I used to drink every other weekend when I was 17 but entering my senior year last year, I decided was going to be more serious with soccer, and decided to barely drink and never get drunk. In all honesty I can't remember the last time I was drunk. Also I chose towards the middle of this year to let go of fast food, I haven't had fast food likely in 4-5 months. I also haven't drank soda in about 5 months, besides when I tried Guarana it's Brazils most famous soda and had to try it, it's really good by the way. I guess what I'm trying to say here anyway is that I'm trying to prove not only to others but to myself and God that I can let go of these bad habits, and live a better life without them. I know God sees these things, and rewards them. Although if no reward is given, I'll still be happy with the self accomplishment which is earned when you complete these tasks.

Right now it is 12:39AM I should probably be sleeping everyone in my room is just going to sleep now, but I've chosen to write this out then fall into a nice sleep. Tomorrow we have a game at 3PM and we need to win this game to get back on track. Congrats to Juan Dominguez who appears is going to get his first start out here he's a 92 (meaning born in 1992) and play's left back. I've lately been playing at left back, and have actually really enjoyed the way Brazilians play with their wing backs, they're very attacking and although it is a physically demanding job, I think I can play it just as well as central back if not better. I'm going to wrap this up now as my eyes are beginning to close, and mind starting to wander off. So may all of you back at the States have a blessed labor day weekend, and live it up!


God Bless!!

PS Marta check for errors I actualyly proofread it this time, and made sure there were no mistakes :) Ciao