Extremist

Extremity - 1. the farthest point 2. an unacceptable or extreme nature or degree The farthest point. That about says it correctly, an extremist will push the limit, will test the boundaries and go beyond them. Why? Because moderation doesn't result in greatness. If you ask your friends 9/10 will likely be people who do things in moderation. Nothing wrong with that, but for those select few people who REALLY want to make an impact on not only their lives but to those who they surround themselves with and even possibly the world? You must live life as an extremist. I have SO many friends who tell me everything is better in moderation. I say bullshit. You know what moderation most of the times provides? A sense of security, not too much risk, not too much reward, small joys and a balanced life. You like balance? You like regular? You like average? If you answer yes, to any of these questions then you don't aim for greatness, you don't aim for TRUE change, you don't aim for the extraordinary. You aim for safe, you can keep that safe and live with your what if's. I'll take the life that's worth speaking of. Now ask yourself who do you consider great in their respected crafts? What are some names that come to mind? LeBron James, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet? Those come to mind for me (biased on LeBron as I've seen him in my time & I'm from Miami) as 3 individuals who are wildly successful and because they took the extremist approach in life. This doesn't mean because you're an extremist you're guaranteed success. It's probably quite the opposite, if you live with an extremist mentality your failure rate will likely outweigh your success rate granted sometimes you nail it from the beginnings and become an all time great with your consistency over time like LeBron James. Now why is that? Shouldn't someone who does things at an extreme dedicated rate achieve success more often than not? The problem with that is that the extremist doesn't settle, doesn't like the average. So this means they must push open new doors that have never been opened, they must attempt at doing things in a radical way, an unconventional way because their way of thinking isn't the norm (average/moderate). But what about Warren Buffet and Steve Jobs? How did they become great? How did they impact the world? It's not because they said I'm going to try this and play it safe. NO. They said I'm going for a home run when they probably should've tried getting a base hit to win the game (God I can't believe I just used a baseball analogy). Nonetheless Warren Buffet's work ethic is published in many places and you can read more about it, and Steve Jobs has a movie you know the man wasn't moderate he always bit off more than he could chew and delivered someway, somehow. He pushed the envelope he innovated and now that he's passed way the head people at Apple don't share the passion he had, they are content with profits, and their loyal customer base. While Steve Jobs would've continued innovating. Instead Apple has mimicked it's competitors and have just become copy cats but with the stamp of Apple on their product. It's annoying, and it sucks. But you can teach someone to become an extremist about something when they lack the passion for it. Extremist doesn't just belong in the work field, but if you're going to apply it in that sense then do it with something you love. Otherwise it's going to be an unnatural force on your body that eventually will realize this isn't what you really wanted. People sometimes don't like extreme people because well, they're extreme. You ever hang out with a group of addicts? It's not an easy environment to be around if you're not participating in whatever the addicts are. The main thing about being an extremist for me is SELF CONTROL. Extremist are linked heavily to addictive personalties, why? Cause again, moderation sucks and if we're going to do something we DO IT. You need to realize when you have to cut back for a little or control the situation. You must be sure you have the right capabilities to provide whatever it is you are saying yes too if you're providing a service. So while being an extremist is almost always at 100mph you got to realize sometimes you must slow down. I'm an extremist (shocking right?). How? Well, I have a passion for what I do in owning my own soccer business. And it's success is highly dependent of me. What does that mean? It means I can probably do things in moderation and achieve success over a period of 5 years, the extremist in me sees the possibility of cutting those 5 years to 2 1/2 with a strong work ethic. But that comes at doing things at an unordinary pace. What are some of those effetcs? Sleeping 20 hours during a 5 day work week, working on weekends, staying up late, planning ahead, making projections, how to cut costs, and the list goes on. You can do these things probably over a period of let's say 2 weeks right while doing the regular day to day stuff. Or you can say I'm going to work 16 hours nap 4 hours eat if there's time and think of how can I take the next step in our growth. See most people are content once they get to certain profit margin and cruise control. But who in the WORLD ever cruise controlled to greatness? Nobody. You must push the accelerator at all times. Granted, yes do know when to slow down and manage things properly but continue to reach for more at all times. Love? Why bring this up, cause it correlates. You ever been in love with an extremist? Lol, sorry I literally laughed out loud. There is no I love you with them. It's I LOVE YOU and if we said these wedding vows that it's until death do us part then that's the way it's going to be. Don't think you're just going to divorce me, shit we probably have better chance of us death doing us apart then of us getting a divorce. You don't get in a relationship and quit 2 months into it, nobody got time for that. You indulge in wanting to figure out every little thing that moves them, you pay close attention to detail so that when you do certain actions you realize how she had a small smirk that she tried to hide. You take all those things into constant account to keep them happy because their love to you becomes of the upmost importance. Right now that love of mine is thrown into my business, I see when something as small as body behavior isn't right with one of my employee's, and I ask them what is it. In no way shape or form am I trying to micro manage either, on the contrary I'm trying to see in which way I can always improve and make things better for them as they feel is right. If you feel like there's no room for improvement then you should probably lay off the drugs cause you're doing that to an extreme clearly. Improvement is always possible because nobody is perfect. Enough for one post though, I wanted to share with you why if you really want to be great you must be an extremist. And share with you guys a little bit about my personal ways, this is My Life blog at the end isn't it? But anyways my end point here is simple. You want to be great? Then become an extremist don't push limits, pass them! Don't touch the boundaries, stretch them! Don't be afraid, fail happily! Don't doubt yourself, do what you love most! Do it to the extreme and watch how you change lives around and who knows maybe you'll make a real impact on this world.

Life Now @ 23

Edit: Thank you Diego, Jona, Diana, Crissy for motivating me to write again. Wow!! Since January I haven't posted on here, that might be the longest hiatus from the history of this blog! It would've honestly been longer but I was recently motivated by close friends saying I should keep writing. I wasn't sure who was still reading and who wasn't, but when the opinions of those who matter say I should continue writing, I listen! So today is a very special day for me, Twenty-Three years of age! That MJ number, and I'm trying to have a Michael Jordan like year! Aside from that it's one of the most amazing persons birthday as well my momma! Don't think there is -actually there is not a woman I know more supportive of my dreams, my happiness, my goals than her! More than just a mom really, a best friend, a constant worrier, an example, an inspiration, and a queen! Love you ma, happy birthday see you later!! So I was considering what to write about in this post, I figured I'd talk a little bit about life. I'm 23 life needs to slow down!! I'm trying to do so much still, I love traveling and want to travel to many far places! I want go in to the future so bad, but at the same time I want to enjoy every second along the way! Life will definitely pass us by fast though, so live your life with no regrets, do something for the first time, meet new people, take a chance, do something out of the norm, eat something different, be crazy. Life is so amazing, why live it to a boring level. Alright alright, I'm sounding cliche out here let me chill. I heard something in music the other day that's so true, "I stay thankful everyday cause I know my worst days are still some peoples best days or never will see days!" It's easy to lose perspective and take the food we eat for granted, the car we drive, the money we have, even the family we have! Live life each day happy, I remember just last week I was down and didn't want to do anything I was pretty demotivated. Then I got back to my old ways, hungry, motivated, pushing for my goals, messing around, a constant smile, always joking around. I get it, take life serious to reach your goals but seriously let loose. Laugh, do a prank, crack a joke, make a funny face, people say I'm growing up I don't have time for that I think you're crazy! If growing up means I have to be serious and talk about my insurance policies, and health care then I'm good. Y'all can keep that! I want to be young and vibrant even if I got white hairs!!! (I already do). I plan on doing things that scare the living shi* outta me. I will get on a roller coaster eventually I THINK. Why cause I ain't got time to not be trying to do something I hate. That's not a typo either! I want to something I hate because I want to be uncomfortable. How scary is it to be comfortable, and live safe, being average. Imagine you stop growing, learning, and just stay the same. Grow in something, anything!!!! I shout this cause it gives you reason to keep pushing forward for something. Grow in a sport, grow in a relationship, grow your business, grow your mind, grow an idea. Something!!!!! Alright for thoseeeeee that still care about my life updates (that is what this blog is about isn't it). I've quit playing professional soccer in pursue of something bigger, becoming an entrepreneur! I just opened up a franchise called Soccer Shots in Palm Beach County, Florida. Just opened up shop a month ago! I'm really crazy blessed to be able to work with kids in a sport that I love. I really hope to make an impact on some families through the game that I love so much! I'm also in the process of opening up another business venture that deals with soccer as well. Have two open ideas, with two different groups of friends who are trying to open up a business as well that I'm interested in. Uhhhh what else, I moved to Boca Raton, FL with one of my closest friends and former teammate Edvin, and a third roommate. My family is well, my brother is about to get married to the woman of his dreams and they go so perfect together I absolutely love them both like crazy! The bachelor party is coming soon, and wedding after that so excited for that day. My relationship life is as usual just living life enjoying every connection I make with people. To share ya life with someone would be so dope in my eyes, however I'm still working on me and don't see anyone that's worth the effort and time that a relationship really demands. I can't lie though I've created some new relationships that make me really happy, and rekindled some old ones, etc. I think that's about it on my end.... People often tell me I say too much, I expose too much, but I have a lot depth so what you see is only a casing for what's really inside. There's a very popular book that's actually one of three books I own it's called '48 Laws Of Power'. This book speaks heavily on not exposing much, however I disagree if I die tomorrow I don't want a mysterious life, I want everyone to know what I did. What I didn't do. Learn from mw the good, the bad, the stupid, the amazing. I aspire to inspire, to motivate, to touch people. How can one do that being close minded, being shelled off to people/the world. So learn from me, learn how stupid I was that I once let people who loved me cause I was always taking care of em when I'd go out bring me down and lose a contract. Learn how stupid I was to not take training seriously when I was younger and miss an opportunity to make it big in the professional soccer world. Learn how stupid I was to steal from my own family when I was younger. I'm transparent, I admit my wrongs, I'm open minded. But learn from the good as well, ambition will take you far. Family is number one. A relationship with God is an amazing blessing. Have dreams, and bring them to reality. Work harder than anyone else. Do something you love, don't get trapped in something you don't enjoy. Speak your dreams into existence. You reap what you sow. Give back to your family at any time you can. Take care of your GOT DAMN CIRCLE! If your circle is struggling BE the one who progresses them. Don't give up on people who have shown you loyalty, that's worth more than a snake with brains & money. Eat with those you starved with. 100 God bless & to another year of life, thank ya Lorddddddd!!!!

Sometimes you just have to laugh

So we're over mid way through the season here in Wichita and we're in the playoff race. Our next four games are very critical. We got to win I say 3 out of those next four to be in good shape for a playoff spot. So thats just the quick update on how things are over here in Wichita without too much being said. This past week was pretty crazy, I went to an invite only trial in Tampa, FL to try-out for the Tampa VSI Flames (USL). I was SO excited for as I'm always excited to be playing outdoor as oppose to playing indoor like I'm currently doing. I say it was crazy cause I had a game Friday night in Wichita against Rochester. A game we were "suppose" to win. Instead we lost pretty bad, it wasn't fun... So after losing that game Friday night I went home to rest ended up just staying up all night since I had to catch a flight at 5am Saturday. So on no sleep (not the smartest thing) I headed to the airport with my teammate who also was invited to this invite only trial in Tampa. Just got to my gate just as they were boarding (no surprise). So we got on the plane I caught a quick cat nap on the plane as we connected to Atlanta. From there hopped on our connecting flight to Tampa. Finally get to Tampa at about 11:30AM or so we had to be ready to train at 2pm. So we grabbed some power bars, & red bulls and headed to the fields. We complete our first day of training there, as for my self evaluation of how I did, I felt I did really well and stood out. Anyone who knows me, KNOWS that I'll be the first to critique myself so I was feeling real confident, plus friends of mine who were at the trial as well continued to compliment me, so everything was cool. I was suppose to stay at a friends house to avoid paying a hotel, luckily my teammate rented a hotel. Turns out my friend lives wayyyyy far away from where I needed to be so I couldn't get to his place. So I crash with my teammate he only asked for $20.00 for the hotel stay & gas. Thank God cause I really don't have money to be wasting like that, I don't make enough. Yeah, people have this assumption because I have nice things I have money. Let me clear that up real quick, I've been blessed with parents who want to give me all they can, I have a brother who doesn't hesitate to give me something if I need it and if I like something he almost always offers to buy it for me. Thank God for family huh? Also I used to make good money in my earlier contracts and is the reason I have other nice annemities I guess you can say. Okay back to what I was saying so I crash at the hotel with him for the night we pass out like at 9pm absolutely exhausted. Next day wake up at 7am and go out for our last day of training. Again I feel I have a great day of playing. At the end of the day I see the coach spoke with a few players one on one, he didn't speak to me. Instead I was spoken to with about 25 other players and we were told we'd be receiving emails in the coming days. I've been around long enough to know that means, they not interested in you. In the coming days I'd get an email we'll cross that later though. So after that my friend and I go chill out for a bit, then we head to the airport he has a flight at 7pm Sunday. My dumb self booked a flight to Chicago Monday morning to meet with the team that day and play a game at 3:30pm. Now remember my friend lived too far, and now my teammate was leaving the city so theres no hotel for me to stay at. I had enough money to get a hotel, but I don't have money + cab to be wasting like that. Sure, I could've called my mom, dad, or brother and said "Hey I have no where to stay, can you guys transfer me some money for a cab, food, and hotel please." I have ZERO doubt they would've snap sent me money, but as much as I have that luxury I hate using it. I'm not the type to leech off my family, they do SO MUCH for me as it is I feel like a burden to them sometimes. Not because they make me feel like that, but just how I feel about it. So I decide I'll sleep at the airport even though my flight didn't leave for about another 16 hours or so. So I lie down on the floor next to an outlet to have my phone charged and rest my head on my traveling bag. As I laid there knowing I failed another trial, not much money to my name, my indoor season not going as I envisioned. I thought damn I should probably be a little depressed, instead I took the latter. As I laid there I kinda just laughed at life. When you can laugh at life, it's truly a euphoric feeling. I laughed at my situation, and just thought hey its okay. You're doing what YOU want, you're chasing YOUR dreams, YOU get PAID to play what you LOVE. Not many people can say that, sure I don't live the best life. Can I live better in Miami with my family? For sure, but I could never comprehend if you have a CHANCE no matter how small it is, to chase your dream why not take that chance? So I continue to, regardless of ALL my failed attempts. Really, like I continue to fall, but I have such an AMAZING support system it keeps me going. I really just want to make it, to be happy but more importantly to give back EVERYTHING AND MORE to my family who's done everything possible for me. So after sleeping and waking up for 16 hours and eating a bagel and a Starbucks frap I finally board my plane to Detroit, from there get my connection flight to Chicago. When I get to Chicago I reach into my wallet and see I have about $75.00 I'm trying to savor every dollar I can. The team can't pick me up from the airport since they all traveled in a coach bus. So I head over to the taxi area and ask how much it costs to get to the hotel where the team was. The cab tells me it'll cost about $65.00....Again I kind of just laugh at the driver and say "Listen man I have $40.00 on me and about $2.00 in quarters could you just take me?" He sort of chuckles back and says yeah, that'll do. I finally got to the hotel, ate my teammates left overs from there dinner yesterday and a cold slice of pepperoni pizza. Again, I paused and laughed with two of my closest friends Kareem, and Edvin at our situation. They're pretty much in the same position I'm in right now at life. So we literally laugh at what I'm doing not showered all day, eating leftovers and a cold slice of pizza. Anyways from there we went to our game in Chicago, and it ended just like the whole weekend was not good. A bad loss to Chicago in a game that we really needed to win. After that hopped on a bus for a 12 hour ride back to Wichita. Finally got back to my house at about 8am Tuesday morning..... So that was a wrap up of my weekend, not the best one you can say. What I'm trying to get at with this post is that regardless of life throws at you be grateful, for your situation can ALWAYS be worse than what it is. And remember to laugh at life sometimes. It's not an easy thing to do, but enjoy life, remember the struggles, for when you do reach success life is gonna taste so much sweeter then. Cheers to your weekend being better than mine, and for the good coming weekends we're gonna have for the rest of the year. God is Good. God Bless

Friends

(A non proofread no edit post) Usually at the end of a phone conversation you click end on your cell phone. And thats the end of it. This conversation ended with just tossing the phone to the side and seeing the seconds increase as if the conversation were still going on. It's one of those where you don't want to hang up, but you feel hurt to where words would be just that, words. Usually words carry meaning, but sometimes you know when words coming without meaning or purpose. I decided to stay silent with so much to say. This is an immediate ramble post, and one speaking with emotion. I always felt the need to write off emotion as soon as possible because its the most truest thoughts being spilled out. Maybe sometimes a little over the top but nonetheless truth. How do you judge your friendships with people? Is it an X amount of time + Y amount of fun times = how good of a friend one is. Or is it X amount of conversations + Y amount of time they are there for you. Is it just the good vibe you get from them, the comfort, the easiness of being able to count on them. I'm thinking of how friendship is judged in my eyes. I judge mine on loyalty really, and by the amount of time the person has proved it. Obviously, naturally you must hang out with a person enough times for you guys to have that ease and comfort and knowing that the person is loyal. Do you have friends based on status? Could your best friend never be a drop out? Could your best friend never be a drug dealer? Does your best friend have to be a college grad? Does your best friend have to be exactly like you, or the opposite of you? I've had few best friends, the ones who have always been there are my blood. But along the days of my life, I've had people I consider my best friend, cause we clicked and I knew at the end of the day whatever I needed they would be there for me REGARDLESS of the situation. After trying to better my friend and not so much change him, but give him a future we have kinda distanced ourselves. Nothing really happened, and I think the loyalty is there which is something I respect more than anything. But I think we both realized we're headed different ways and he wasn't willing to come up, so I'd likely be falling if I didn't prioritize correctly. I've had other best friends who we became that over time, by being honest and real with one another about every situation. We want the best for one another and we got to telling each other so many like tight nit stories that nobody knows that we can literally trust one another with any piece of information. We also have common likes, and just click. No pressure or thinking of how one needs to act or something, its just all natural. Now what happens when lets say your best friend is of the opposite sex, and she gets in a relationship. You're known as the best friend, but from my observations doesn't it seem as if the best friend always falls way off. Like you guys used to be able to hang out no problem, but now theres jealousy theres constant questioning about your relationship with your best friend. And it seems as if coming down to it, you end up having to choose sides. Obviously the stronger more intimate feeling is with that person who you're with. But the other person has proved loyalty over time. What do you value more at this point? Ask yourself this as well, is your best friend going to be there for you when they get involved with someone else or they gonna cut you off. I'm all over the place in this post, but I don't plan on editing it. Cause I'm typing with almost no filter so I like this more. Now as your best friend, I will always want whats best for you, sometimes it may come off as hating. Honestly, I want what I feel is best for you, and will make you a better person. If I come to realize that I'm dragging you down because I'm not doing things right, then the ball is in your court do you choose to wait and try and lift me up with you? Or do you say you've only become a carry-on baggage that I no longer wanna carry. Now my problem with best friends and then one getting into a relationship, is don't get into a relationship with X person until they've seen and understand your relationship with me! That way when you do get in a relationship, that person knows how it is, there is no doubt and theres a level of respect. Cause of the loyalty you've proven over time, or occasions or whatever. ……I feel I may be the best and worse person to be loyal too. I will be there for you regardless and my loyalty will never be in question if you've proven yours to me. But by the same token sometimes ones loyalty is so much, its taken for granted. I sometimes give off an "I don't care vibe" just because I know that persons loyalty will be there at the end of the day. This is a flaw of mine, I wish I could change it. But at least I take recognition that I guess I'm an asshole. I say that because its really a fu**ed up trait to have. My loyalty won't be questioned, I would hate to break ones trust, or anything like that. But like I said, sometimes peoples loyalty is so strong that I don't take other times seriously. I think I'm done with the friendship part. I kind of want to get into something else real quick. When you're known for a certain act or thing, and it comes with who you are. Giving up that side of you is almost like an addictive drug. Cause you're an authentic person, you're a REAL person. So you feel like as if you can't change, cause if you do everyone will look at you differently now. And that thought scares you, that thought that people see you through a new lens thats unfamiliar to what you're accustomed to scares you. I'm done. Thanks for reading.

2012 Quick Wrap

What did I accomplish in 2012? I feel almost withered and non willing to write this new year post because 2012 was just simply put not good. I had some crazy life experiences, and some cool stories I can write about and tell you about for days. But what did I ACCOMPLISH, what did I LEARN???? It sucks when you read that and think "I didn't get much accomplished in 2012". What did I learn? I learned a lot about myself in 2012 and a lot of it gives me comfort, but more of it scares the shi* out of me. One good thing I learned was how much I truly value time spent with my family, and how much they REALLY mean to me. I learned some not so pleasant things about me, and its gross to look at. I don't feel as if I change that completely either which is the worst part, but I do feel like I can alter it defend myself against it at least into some slight moderation. I skimmed through my blog to see if I had a new years post but it seems my first blog post wasn't written till March in 2012. Sucks cause I didn't really set goals. My goals this year are small, they are small in the sense of what they are and small in the sense of a time frame. I figure if I work out on the little things the big things can come together but I must take it step by step, brick by brick. My goals for 2013. - Complete the Insanity DVD. (60 days) - Complete my diet regime of eating 4-6 meals a day. (60 days) - Workout 2-5x a week in moderation, because of training and insanity. (60 days) - Dedicate more time to a balanced lifestyle that includes God rather than social activities. - Stop wasting time/energy in social activities that aren't truly of interest. - Save money. Those are my goals for this year up to now. For those wanting to know how my second professional indoor soccer season is going, it's going not as good as I thought. I want to be playing more, I want to showcase my abilities more. But I hear a good motivation quote from ET not gonna put it in quotes cause its not accurate word for word. But it went something like, when you want something that bad, you not even worried about the games you spend more time working on practice and perfecting your craft then ever playing games. Greatness. It hit me good, cause I just took a different approach to training, somedays I'll admit I be upset usually after a game of not playing and my training day is weak, cause I'm annoyed. But most days I be out there running hard, getting in, and you'll get jokes like why you working so hard you ain't gonna play and its friendly banter. But I don't care so much for playing now, cause I'm working hard for me, for my future, for whats to come, for what GOD got coming for me. So don't worry about whether you playing now or not, keep grinding if its something you really want. So in short without to much detail the Wichita Wings season isn't going ideal for me, I'll continue to work and continue to be so grateful for the love I get from fans, friends, and everyone. Telling me to keep pushing, they'll notice you need to be out there soon enough. All throughout adversity you must respect your superiors. The decisions they make, what they ask of you, what they feel you should do. Respect, grind and keep working. Ima keep doing it and pushing it and I hope to see a reward soon. God is good all the time. But you must not quit when times get hard, even if you feel disrespected or you feel its unfair, however you feel you need to realize thats only gonna prolong you improving. You need to get over it, and continue pressing towards your goal. X amount of a hard work rate over a Y period of time = SUCCESS. BELIEVE THAT!!! I'm done with this blog hope your holidays and new years were wonderful. I promise to come out with a more detailed post soon! This was not proofread or edited, so enjoy the grammar mistakes!! God Bless!!!

Off to Wichita!

Well Miami is done! I'm flying out tomorrow morning back to Wichita, Kansas for my sophomore season with the Wichita Wings! I'm excited for this upcoming season, while in Miami I had a ton of fun I'm ready to play soccer all day & night. I have a "plan" for myself in Kansas, I always make plans because a goal or dream without a plan is just a wish. Now, do I always stick to my plans? History says I don't....I will hopefully try to and be able to accomplish the goals I have set ahead of myself. Some of the exciting things happening in Kansas this season is, I plan on coaching a local youth team. I recently got my coaching license, and it's a good HEALTHY way to stay distracted. I also shipped my car up there so I will be able to drive around this time and be more independent. The most exciting part probably though will be living with my teammate Edvin. We go back to playing together in Jacksonville, and last season in Kansas to now being roommates it'll definitely be interesting to say the least. Most of you probably want to know what happened while I was in Miami, basically worked for my father, played soccer when I could, went to the gym, and enjoyed the weekends. I lacked a lot of sleep this time around but did a lot more. No details this time around!! I did turn 22 while I was in Miami so that was like the biggest event that happened, along with my cousin having her first child Alexander "The Great"!! Anyways I PROMISE a more detailed post after some time in Wichita, after all with all the cold weather up there I'll be indoors much more and I'm sure I'll blog. I hope to stable my relationship with God as its an everlasting fight, Susan if you're reading this keep sending those verses through text message they brighten my day every time I read them. Thx you all for the support as always and love or hate. Whether you disapprove, approve, dislike or like thank you! I take the good with the bad always, and will always look for the positives in life. God Bless!!

Thanks to you.

Want to just thank all my readers for the support through the good and bad. I didn't open all the way up but I did open up to you guys to a certain extent. The support I got for yesterdays posts were awesome. I'm pretty happy I decided to post and not be selfish. I will continue to post as eventful things continue to happen. Just wanted to thank all you guys. Had over 150 reads yesterday alone, and the messages I got regarding the post made me realize I speak to more people than I thought. Till the next one.... God Bless

ATL-MIA-SPAIN-MIA-SPAIN

Edit: Mixed all my previous blog posts and made just one big one. A full complete update, enjoy! An update…Better late than ne…so cliche, never mind. Anyways last you guys heard about me I was on a plane on my way to Miami after failing to land a spot on the Atlanta Silverbacks NASL squad. When I got to Miami apparently my dad spoke about me to a friend of his who had a connect in Spain and told him that they could have me trial over there if I wanted too after seeing my resume. I would have to pay the flight though. I was thinking of not going, figuring if I didn't make the Atlanta team how would I make it to 2nd division club in Spain, but with my parents insisting that I go, and given this is my dream to play football overseas how could I say no? So I did what I do, leave Miami again, hop on a plane and continue to chase the dream. I came with a great mindset, my mindset was very much alike what you read in the last post about dreams. I was really close and connected with God and living strong and responsible. Just like I was in Atlanta as well. I thought I finally made that full conversion and let go of all things holding me back. Well in Spain I planned on staying a month, 2 weeks into training with the reserves squad and a few first team guys I was feeling great. The players & coaches had gotten a liking to me and things were going good. Then in the middle of a training session I feel a tear in my quad muscle, I finish through the rest of training (adrenaline) and then proceed to get a massage after training. While laying on the table the fisio of the team started to massage my quad when he felt the "gap" he tells me he's certain I have a tear. I'm in a lot of pain and he tells me he can't massage me he may make it worse. I was told to pass by later that day to get it checked out by the doctor. Sure enough we ran the tests and I had a tear in my muscle 3cm deep. It would leave me out at least two weeks, which was the rest of my trial period…..I decided you're only given a chance like this once, so I speak to the trainers, and manager and decide I will sit out a week and come back after that. So I do that, but when I came back I was definitely not at 100% I figured I had to suck it up and continue to push. Then my month of trial comes to an end semi-succesfully I guess. The manager and director speak to me and ask if I'd like to stay another month for them to have a better look at me. I oblige and say I'm starting to feel better with my muscle. The next session I decide to really push myself, I have a great session but feel in a lot pain again. I get checked out again by the doctors after training etc, they tell me I'm done. I ripped my muscle again, and to further play on it without proper rest could really affect me long term and that it wasn't worth it. I literally lay on the fisio table in tears bemoaning my bad luck & just so frustrated. I felt like I couldn't catch a break and was beginning to doubt myself. So I speak with the manager, and director again they tell me to get healed up and report for pre season, I feel lucky now and am so excited to get healed up and return. Miami, oh how I have this love hate relationship with you. I set up a 3x a week therapy sessions mixed with upper body work outs and rest/working for my dad. I needed to rehab for a month, after that I was cleared and ready to begin training and getting my body fit to return to Spain and hopefully land a contract! I would have a month to do so. I continue with the gym, but now I've added playing pick up games, some 5s a side, some 11s a side and training 2x a week with my "mentor" so to speak in Miami. I feel great and I'm doing well with some minor slip ups, of alcohol outings (nothing new), outings with girls (nothing new), and putting myself in situations where I think I'm allowed or better yet I deserve to be in, because of my hard work week. This takes me back to the dreams post, have you ever seen those YouTube videos of motivation and inspiration? Do you ever see partying, cell phone, girls, alcohol, in those videos? Na, you see sacrifice, dedication, willingness! But for whatever reason whenever I seem to gain any sort of small success I feel I deserve to do what I please. On the contrary when you have some success you need to prepare yourself even more for whats about to come! But na, I lie to myself and others with how I go about certain things. I give such great advice but can't seem to take my own. So anyways before I continue to get off topic, things continue to progress in that manner and before I head to Spain I take a weekend to go to Vegas to celebrate my brothers birthday. I won't even get into what happened in Vegas on here, but whatever we have a great time or whatever. But now it's time to leave to Spain, in my greatest natural form I pack less than 24 hours before my flight. At the airline a whole fiasco, this one I'm going to keep personal as well but a whole fiasco between my family pops off at the airport before I leave. Already in bad spirits and falling more out of touch with my relationship with God, and more into "my life" and doing it as I please. Anyways everything gets sorted out, I depart from my family with some strange, angry good-byes…I've never been good at this, but given what had just happened this made it one of my worst good-byes ever. About 14 hours later I'm finally back in the city of Valladolid and ready to get going. I rest for the weekend and get ready to report to training on Monday, for whatever reason I was in this "fuc* everyone" mode and was in thought process of like I'm here to play not make friends. I'm kinda embarrassed by my behavior that day in the dressing room. I basically walk in don't greet anybody unless they greet me, and tell the equipment manager where are my clothes? He says have you spoken to anybody about training today? And I responded yeah the director told me to report today. Which he snapped back well he's in Japan right now, so you can go have a word with the manager about training today. I stormed out, naturally embarrassed since I was confident I was about to train. I speak with the manager and we have a distasteful conversation that I won't care to repeat but now I was standing outside very frustrated, and angry. After speaking with someone in management I'm told to report to training on Thursday and to get there early to speak with the manager. That night I went home, and changed my thought process and began to humble myself. I did in my own way, but without prayer. It had been maybe a few weeks at this point where I hadn't really fell to my knees and prayed to God. I prayed to him, and gave him the occasional thank you but no serious interaction or relationship with him for quite some time. So thursday arrives, it's 830AM on the dot I arrive to the training grounds. Training doesn't begin till 930, there are no cars in the parking lot. I felt like I was waiting for my girlfriend to arrive after sending me a text saying "We need to talk" instead I just waiting for the manager. I was going to ask if I could be allowed to train and trial with them for the preseason as was prearrange. Me signing in Europe was HUGE cause my parents basically said they wouldn't support me no longer soccer wise after this. I waited for exactly 23 minutes what felt more like 2 hours, when the manager finally parks and I wait for him to get out of his car and walk to the door where I'm at. The conversation to make it short ended with me just asking to be evaluated honestly, that he knows I play left back and said we are kind of filled at that position to which I say just give me a chance to show you what I have to offer, if you don't like it it's fine if you do then good for both of us. Either way no hard feelings or anything I just want a chance, to which he said did you bring your running shoes? And I answered "Yes". He responded Go change and get ready. The first session dealt with a bus ride to the woods, where we ran this trail. After some stretching and warm up, we run 4 kilometers in 16 minutes, 5 minute break another 4 kilometers in 15 minutes followed by a 10 minute break then 7 sprints over a distance of 150 meters. My first day and I was gassed! I felt like all the running around Miami I did whether it was the gym, playing small sided, or beach soccer it paid off. Eric Thomas words kept playing in my head "When you wanna succeed as bad as you wanna breathe then you'll be successful!" I had that in my mind in the last 1/4 kilometer where my lungs were breathing heavyyyyyy I said to myself I'm gonna pass out before I stop running. I finished nicely at the top of my group. I was pretty satisfied with my performance, from there went home had lunch, a shake, rehydrated a bit and passed out till the next session later that day. I got out there and did well. It was an exciting first day. Fast forward now, two weeks later after my arrogance and unwillingness to pray or get my mind in a right state of mind I'm told my services wouldn't be needed. I get a call from a 3rd division team with a contract offer though, so not all is bad! The offer though is ridiculous and I must decline, and go back to a contract I'm already tied up with (happily I might add) the Wichita Wings. So where has my arrogance, and disrespect of myself gotten me? Not where I want to be. I feel like I suck at this thing we call life, I sound depressing I know but I'm not hear to write a fairy tale. I'm here telling you a story of my life, where maybe you can grab the good out of it and subtract the bad. It's currently August the 14th my flight back to Miami is the 21st. I have plan to "do things right" when I get back to Miami and prepare for pre-season in Wichita which I'm definitely excited about. I don't know how long before I fall off track with my plans, as I always seem to do. I'm beginning to lose confidence in myself and question how bad do I really want this "dream". It's all I know and it's all I'll ever chase, will I ever reach it to the success that I dream about though, I guess you the reader will have to stay tuned in to see. Keep chasing your dreams, and remember take the good from here. Miami on Tuesday and Wichita in two months from now…take care guys God Bless!!

Dreams...

This was written on 05/03/12 Sure, we all have dreams. We've always wanted to be the person that "made it" or be the person who was different in a good way of course. But a quote so simple yet so profound comes to mind when I think of dreams. "To get something you never had you have to be willing to do something you've never done." So sure, we respond with, "Well I never gave up fast food, so I'll start doing that". That makes the quoted statement true, so we expect a different result. I think the proper quote or what was meant by this was something more like "To achieve something you've never had, you must sacrifice what you value most." Sounds a little deeper, and it may even make you question what is then more valuable that "dream" or those things you know you have to give up but don't want to. When you talk about sacrificing things you value most, I'm talking about those afternoon days at a friends house, or those weekends with your friends, or that girlfriend consuming up so much of your time. I'm not one to say anything i have done this all backwards since I signed my first professional contract. But, I mean you constantly see people achieve dreams and defying odds and still manage to do it living recklessly. So you go on to figure you can do it as well. Or you say well they live that lifestyle five times a week, I'll do it twice a week and should still be able to achieve my dreams. When your thought process becomes as such, step back and revaluate how bad it is whatever it is you want to try to accomplish. I can't ever remember responding any different when asked growing up what I wanted to be, other than a professional soccer player. Today, I still say the same thing when people ask me. But now the follow up to that isn't what it used to be. It used to be, "Well you have to do good in school, be a good kid, and train very hard at every practice to achieve that." Now the follow up is "Oh yeah, you're 21 years old what have you done and/or what will you do to make that a reality." It can go into so much more detail like your sleep schedule, your training regime, your diet, drugs, alcohol, how much water do you drink a day, do you stretch every morning, the list goes on and on. People think training 7 days a week is enough to make it as a professional. It doesn't work like that, there are so many factors out of your control, you must do what you can in EVERY part of your life to be successful. I mean go back to when you were a kid and you said you had a dream of playing professional anything, if it was soccer you didn't say my dream was to play for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers (no disrespect intended, I played there), but what I'm trying to say is when we dream we usually dream of playing in Barcelona, Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester, the biggest football clubs in the world. But we're not willing to give up a few things we grew up with, cause we weren't raised with the mentality of a professional since the chances of making it are so unrealistic. Michael Jordan I can't quote the exact of what he said but he said something like, On your way to the top you must be unreachable, too busy, and training to get there, but once you get there you must be able to be reached out too, spend time, and help while continue training. I remember me telling my mom one day, "Ma the first time I ever see Barcelona play at the Camp Nou I'll be playing against them." I have an unrealistic out of no where chance of possibly making that a reality, I'm aware of this. But to get spiritual here, listen it's apart of me and when God has a calling for your life and you do what He is asking of you, you'll bear fruit. For God didn't make any of us to live in lack of anything, He made us to live an abundance. Recently I've been praying and hearing God real close to my heart slowly tell me things I must give up. I won't lie He's asked me for a lot, something I'm even hesitant about because I'm human and think you know I can do it, or that I've done it before so I can handle it. Honestly, though it's been probably the most clear I've heard God in a really long time Him asking me for a lot of thing- well actually everything. I ask God everyday for the strength to be able to give up everything to Him and He be in control in my life so that I may live as a supernaturalist everyday, and in Gods presence and grace! It's so easy not too, and so hard to do so. But I'm really asking God for the strength to do so, and to be able do His will in my life correctly. God Bless

Break...

I have a bunch of pre written blogs as I still enjoy writing. I just haven't been posting I don't know why exactly but I just haven't really felt like posting...So for now no more updates, maybe I'll change my mind seeing as I've touched people all the way in Budapest. Maybe I'm being selfish, maybe I want some privacy, maybe I'm afraid to see what some of you'll think? Anyways for now...no more posts, hope all my readers are doing awesome. God Bless

An interesting story!

I got this in an email and loved it! It's a great read! Leave comments if you'd like....I'll update more on my things later on probably next month!

The boys and girls in Mrs. Stephens' fourth grade Sunday school class entered the room and quickly found their seats. The girls were dressed in frills and lace and chatting excitedly about the candy-filled baskets they had received that morning. The boys pulled at the unfamiliar ties around their necks and quickly discarded the sports coats they had obviously been forced to wear. The room was filled with excitement – for good reason. It was Easter Sunday.

Mrs. Stephens wanted to help her students understand that there is so much more to the Easter holiday than new clothes, chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. It is more than family gatherings and tables filled with luscious food. Easter is about life. Easter celebrates the certainty of Jesus' death on the cross, the fact that He was buried, and the reality that He came out of that burial tomb to conquer death – so that we can have life - eternal life with Jesus in Heaven and abundant life with Him here and now.

Mrs. Stephens came up with a plan. After sharing the Bible story of Jesus' resurrection, she gave each one of her students an empty plastic egg and said, "We are going to take a walk outside and I want each one of you to find one sign of life and put it in your plastic egg." As the children filed out of the room, Mrs. Stephens noticed Danny, a little Down syndrome boy who had been coming to her class for some time. His bright smile and sunny disposition had immediately won her heart. In fact, when it came to Danny, she often thought he had taught her so much more about the unconditional love of God and the joy of simply being a child of God than she could ever teach him. When she heard the other children make fun of him, it broke her heart. She always corrected the children and tried to help them see just how special Danny was, but Danny seemed oblivious to their hurtful words and thought of each child as his "buddy."

The children soon returned from their walk, depositing their eggs on the teacher's desk as they made their way to their seats. Inside one student's egg was a butterfly. In another was an ant. Others had collected flowers, twigs, blades of grass and leaves to fill their eggs. But one egg had nothing in it. Everyone knew whose egg it was. Mrs. Stephens silenced the giggles with a look of warning. When she asked Danny why he had not put anything inside his egg to show signs of life, his face broke into a huge grin as he responded, "Because the tomb was empty."

Danny understood the profound truth of Easter. The empty tomb is the ultimate sign of life and a miracle like none other.

Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. The women knew Jesus was dead. Some of them had seen Him die. And they were sure His body was in the tomb; it had been there since Friday. But when they went to anoint the body on that Sunday morning, the tomb was empty! The body could not have been stolen. Nobody was playing tricks on them. They were not merely fooling themselves. The miracle was real! They could see the empty tomb with their own eyes. Jesus Christ really had risen from the dead!

On this Easter weekend, spend some time thanking God for the miracle of life. And then share the good news with someone else: He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Let's Pray
Father, Thank You for the miracle of life – abundant life here and eternal life with You in Heaven. Help me to celebrate that life every day as I seek You and follow Your plan for my life. Today, I say with the Apostle Paul, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" In Jesus' name, Amen.


God Bless!

ATL decision...

On a last minute flight back home to Miami from Ft. Lauderdale. Obviously since I'm on this flight things didn't work out in Atlanta, coach gave me 20 roughly 25 minutes to play in this "next" opportunity. I came in and immediately tried to get into the attack, I felt I did as much as I could in the 25 minutes honestly. I got into the attack about 4-6 times twice whipping in some crosses, another time putting a through ball onto the striker going at goal, and a few runs at goal I made where the ball was played too long, or I didn't get played at but was making the run. Defensively I only had one, one on one on the edge of the 18 with arguably our opponents best player, I shielded the ball well as he tried beating me, and with composure outta the back I cleared the ball. That was just about the game. Coach spoke with post game and told me….


Right now physically your close, but not there yet and I feel like you didn't make enough of an impact on the game. I also don't notice a change of speed like a second gear like a pinging pass, and a quick movement. Regardless your a good player, and we went through about 3-4 left backs before you, and you were the closest to being signed. Unfortunately we just don't feel your quite there yet, we have you number though and can call you so keep training.


I defended my argument and case, but he turned it down and said to take this as advice and not criticism and to keep working. So I thanked him, shook his hand and was on my way. The guys that I was living with were bothered and felt I should've signed. I don't know if there opinions are biased since they got to know me as a person, but thats just the way it worked out this time around. The game of soccer is unjust, but so is life. You simply gotta make the most of your opportunities when they are presented, I didn't I guess. The whole time here though I prayed for Gods will to be done in my life, I begged God please do your will. If this is it, I take it with my head held high and continue to see what direction God wants to push in me next. For now I get to back and see my family and friends and REST (not for long though). I haven't seen my family since Xmas, and my older brother/best friend since October!

So like I said for now I'll be able to relax, and rest and enjoy my family, friends, and dogs! But after a little bit of resting it's back to the grind. I'm chasing a dream, no dream comes easy. I dream of playing in the first league in Australia and living there, that's a dream for me. You must understand in chasing a dream, especially one like soccer the odds are so against you making it, so against you achieving any form what so ever of success!! But with hard work, dedication, and it being Gods will I know I will succeed and come out on top. In this there will be many highs and lows but it's all worth it for when you do make it and you become a constant in the professional ranks. It's a grind, and that's what I'm gonna do get on my grind after I rest a bit. Count on it, I'm 21 years old I still have my season in the MISL with the Wichita Wings to look forward too, but I'm chasing a bigger picture, a bigger vision, and to attain it I must put in the necessary work required. This will be a tough task for me living in Miami as we all know my struggles there with distractions, but I believe I have a strong core of supporters mixed of my friends who'll hold me accountable, my family, and good friends. God is good, let Him take control of your life. Sow into the kingdom, and reap the fruits of your labor from Heaven. Should be landing soon, love you guys, the readers, followers, for all your messages, calls, texts, prayers, everything. Just another bump in the road!!


God Bless

2012 life wise

I've always been very open & personal in my blog. I feel like I never should have anything to hide so that is the way I go about things. I also feel as if these words, and life struggles, and success people will be able to relate to and learn from. Like that one time I got a touching email from the kid playing over in Budapest, that's what this blog is intended for.

So 2012, I was thinking big things, big dreams, big money schemes, etc etc. What has 2012 brought me instead? I went back to drinking ways, I got back into a partying lifestyle (like in Miami in 2010) and worst of all I got caught in a gambling habit, sports betting. With the mixture of all these things I manage to piss a way a ton of money, so much that I don't have money at the moment & was considering pawning old things like watches, jewelry, etc etc. I wasn't sure what do & how it would affect not only me but those around me. At the same token I don't think there are much bigger blessings than those that make you realize who will ALWAYS be there for you regardless of the situation. I got myself in such a big debt that I'm still paying off today but again I'm so lucky to have a brother & friends, who's helping me pay this off. It's no easy thing, admitting you messed up, and its definitely no easy thing putting your ego to the side. I've learned to do so though, I've learned ego is such an ugly thing. It'll keep you from receiving and doing so much, just because you don't want to look bad in the eyes of those who you thought mattered. When in reality the only ones that matter, can most likely be count with the amount of fingers you have and that's it. Obviously I haven't placed a sports bet since, and it doesn't interest me. I was thinking making money quick, instead I got myself in a hole that I couldn't get out of myself, thank God I have people helping me around me.....As far as the drinking goes, since coming to Atlanta, I've made a pact with God to no alcohol during my time here, outdoor requires a ton more discipline than indoor does. It requires more fitness, and more proper care of your body. So I've been successful in that so far, and I do it happily and willingly considering it'll only benefit me.

So that goes for my personal life. As for my continuing relationship with God oh Lord how it's had it's ups and downs. Recently though for about the past monthish or so, I feel on a little bit of high with God feeling so blessed to know that the creator of this whole entire world (think about that for a bit) loves me, and cares about me. God has always answered my prayers whether that be from my soccer career, all the way to making my fathers cancer disappear. God is always always always good. Its easier said in hindsight rather than when your "in the moment." The biggest change I've noticed in my relationship with God is the willingness to read His word and learn more about Him, also the desire to want to please Him by trying to be celibate, and make pacts like no alcohol to show Him the sacrifice I'm willing to make to play this game I love & give Him glory. Some may think well, giving up alcohol isn't all that hard...For me though, it's a daunting task to ask of. I love drinking alcohol, but I will deny my flesh the pleasure, and instead feed my spirit.

Lastly to finish up on my personal life I will speak about women. In 2012 women have been very kind to me, I have made good friendships of those who we were on bad terms with before, and I'm happy with where all my relationships with women lie right now. I'm currently dating a girl, and it's long distance so a pretty tough task but I'm happy for now with the way things are going and hopefully it'll continue to progress as such. I never get to into it about women on this, cause well thats not only speaking about me when this topic comes up, it involves speaking about others with me. So to be fair to all the women, I keep names and details absent from this blog. But yeah, life in 2012 has been no easy task, you figure as you grow you learn more but there you will continue to ask yourself when will you stop "learning from your mistakes." The answer is never, you can learn from your mistakes you've MADE, but there will always be mistakes in your future, so prepare for the bumps in the road ahead and keep your head high towards the sky. God is always there with open arms to help you. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Good day everyone


God Bless

MISL Season wrap up/Soccer update

I haven't written since last year...pretty sad. Usually (like most people) I get motivated in the beginning of a new year to write again or do something I haven't done in a while. Obviously that didn't happen. But anyways Vegas was crazy, so much going on it's a really awesome city but not for me honestly. I'll take Miami any day over it, but that's probably biased since I'm from there. I really enjoyed spending time with my family, and hanging out with them. Also gotta give a S/O to my girl Kristi she took me out in Vegas style and it was really cool, tons of fun, and no sleep hah. Overall I'd give Vegas like a 6-7 the buildings, shows, & food are a must while there but I guess for me I'll just take a beach over anything really, but you definitely have to go there once!

So onto the MISL & my rookie season. Last you guys read I was recovering from my injury I'd say I'm about 90% NOW just cause I never healed it properly, and there are still movements I can't do so that injury affected me a lot more than the 6-8 weeks than I thought. Anyways I was blessed to have two fantastic coaches and a whole bunch of great teammates my first year in the league, all the big expectations weren't made out to be with many setbacks during the season. But I feel good about next season, I've learned a lot about the indoor game the best way you can, by simply playing. We ended this season not making the playoffs, but we've definitely created a good bond and I'm excited for next year. The MISL refs though in all honesty really need to improve, so many bad calls I saw this year! I'm talking about calls that change the complexion of the game causing different results, they shouldn't have that much control in a soccer match. Oh well...right now Milwaukee Wave host Baltimore Blast for the 2nd game in the best of 3 series where the first match saw Milwaukee winning in convincing fashion 14-2 I believe. So for me I met a ton of great people in the league, and it's cool how everyone knows everyone in this league. Also playing in Wichita has been a huge blessing for me, I'm humbled and feel lucky to be apart of such a great organization, and to play in front of the BEST fans in the league!!! When you got fans waiting for you at the airport on a Sunday night that's love. You just won't find that anywhere else. I will be coming back to Wichita in October and I get jittery just thinking about it.

Also in my last post I wrote about going to the USL Combine, I gotta say I'm not a fan of it. It seems like a money scheme thing more than anything. And I don't say that cause I had a bad combine, I say that cause everything is so jam packed. Most players were exhausted by the last game or even second game. I definitely was considering my schedule that weekend, this is how it went for me.

Thursday - Game vs Milwaukee in Wichita 730pm ended around 10:30-11ish
Friday - Drive from Wichita to Kansas City at 2am 3 hours get to KC @ 5am catch a 6:30am flight.
Friday - Connect in Atlanta around 8:50am catch a 9:40am flight to Sarasota.
Friday - Arrive to Sarasota around 11am catch a shuttle to IMG Academies. Have lunch.
Friday - 3:30pm training session followed by a yoyo test got home about 6:30pm finally.
Saturday - 90 minute game at 11am
Saturday - 90 minute game at 3pm
Sunday - 90 minute game at 9am combine done at noon.


It's so ridiculous & hectic and most importantly unfair to the players! But oh well lesson learned, if you have another option besides the USL Combine, take it! So yeah the USL combine was not good to me, also considering I was kinda beat up from playing Milwaukee.

After that I wrapped up my season in Wichita which ended about 2 weeks ago today? I wasn't sure what I was going to do after the season so I called up one of my buddies who's playing for the Atlanta Silverbacks and asked him to get me in contact with the coach, I did & was asked to come try out and show what I got. I been here now for 11 days & for the first 9 days I was doing really well, I know I impressed and was getting along great with the guys. The training regime here has been really tough on me, given the fact I haven't rested for more than like two days in the past 6 months (aside from Xmas) has my body worn out. So doing these two a days was killing me, I kept up & produced a good work rate. Then I was told Saturday (yesterday) would be my like my main trial as we played host to Mercer University, unfortunately I played God awful, and had the worst performance since arriving to Atlanta, along with pulling my hamstring in the 55th minute and asking for sub out. Post game I asked the coach to have a word with him. We ended up deciding we'd speak over the phone cause he had to go.

So I called him and the conversation long story short was "How can I justify to the GM, President, & Ownder giving you a contract when you failed the exam, the main part today" there was a lot more open and honest conversation between the coach and I but it ended up with him saying the words a soccer player never wants to here. "Well we have your number, and we'll call you if anything." I knew what that meant, and I knew what time it was. So as I spoke with my parents, brothers, and friends I was trying to figure out when I was gonna go back to Miami when I got a call back from the coach. The call again to make long story short went like this "After reanalyzing your situation, I'm gonna give you another chance. We have a game Wednesday so rest today, tomorrow, and Monday get your mind right or whatever you have to do. Tuesday I'll see you at training, and Wednesday you'll have another chance." I was ecstatic, humbled, and thankful. Ecstatic to have another chance to earn a contract, humbled by the belief the coach had in me and his change of heart so quick, which I feel like quite honestly was God interjecting. Sort of like God saying, na na na na, these are the plans for my son, so He will succeed! So obviously thankful to God & the coach for a second chance, not everyday we get one but when you do....better be damn sure you make the most out of it. So that's where I am right now soccer wise, my next post probably tomorrow will talk more about my life, and how I 2012 has not been good to me, and my struggles in my personal life. Tune in for it read it!! God is goooooood

God Bless!!!

Flying...

On board of flight from Wichita to Dallas for my connecting flight to Las Vegas. First time in my life I'll be going there, gonna spend 6 days 5 nights there, so obviously I'm going to be spending Xmas over there. My family flies in two days after I land and we're going to stay at the Mandalay Bay. As for the first two days I don't know where I will be staying just yet...Plan on just going and see what I like and go with it, you know? Whatever we'll see wassup. I'm extremely excited about it, and to see my family who I haven't seen since I left Miami in October. Should be a fun & new experience, I know don't post pics on here but I do post them on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram so add me on any of those or follow @Villegas1919.


Anyways aside from my vacating this upcoming week. I returned to action last week in Milwaukee against the Wave. I only played the second half, and I felt I did okay but my fitness is not even close to what it used to be, but I'll keep working on that. I had a big scare when I guy landed on my leg rolling on top of me, but thank God I didn't sustain an injury. Anyways the Wave gave it to us and we lost to them. Give them credit though they play really well, and movement off the ball is almost machine like, very good tough team to beat. My knee is still hurting in my training sessions but enough that I can still play through the pain. Our next 4 games are against rivals Missouri Comets. It's gonna be a crazy four game stretch that could make or break our season, we will see. I can promise you that the team, and I though are busting our ass and working hard to get better with every session to compete at the highest level in the MISL. Besides that the only other soccer related news I have about me is that I've been accepted into the USL combine at the end of January and plan on attending it in Bradenton, FL. I'v very excited about it, and it should give me a great chance of being noticed and being offered a contract to play in the USL, then once the season is done, I would come back straight to play with the Wichita Wings.

On a God related note, my constant everyday struggle in battle against sin, has been an up and down these past few months. I progress but fall into sin way too much, it is not easy given the influences around me. But I must attempt to continue to bettering not only myself but my relationship w God each and everyday. And instead of having such a roller coaster relationship, have a constant steady one that will get stronger. Pray for me readers :)

In speaking about relationships Wichita, KS has brought me a lot of fun, new, and even special relationships. I didn't think much of this city coming here like I said, but it has definitely been a pleasant surprise and a lot of fun. The focus though still remains all the same, soccer soccer soccer. Giving God the glory for the talents which He blessed me with. Well I'm about to land in Dallas, for my connection to Vegas. Will blog maybe after Xmas if not next year ;)

God Bless!!!!

Wichita, KS

So I've been living here now for a little over 2 months now, and I gotta say I've pleasantly pleased with this city, besides the weather! It's only December and its in the 30s already the cold months over here are January and February though so, brrrrrrrrr....Anyways nightlife in comparison to Miami would obviously be a dumb thing, as far as the people and socializing and just having goes Wichita is alright. People here are kind, fun, outgoing, and actually pretty spontaneous. I've met a lot of cool people here so far who I still plan on maintaining a friendship with once I leave Wichita. I doooo gotta admit though, that the way they talk over here gets to me, not in their accents but more so in the I guess midwest slang you can call it. LOL I don't know what it is exactly, but I have noticed there are things that the midwest people just do, like say "really?" after anythingggg you say almost. I mean I laugh it now, cause I just always notice it. Don't take my stats and believe them, but for me I think about 70% of the women you'll meet in this town who are 19-26 are either married, or have kids. They just don't like to wait over here, and I'm guessing when the snow piles up there isn't much to do here....But honestly it's a cool town, I've enjoyed it so far and it's actually a lot bigger and more populated than what I had envisioned. Hopefully Wichita keeps being good to me as it has been besides from my injury of course, and I will get to enjoy my time here, make more friends, and create lasting memories. I'm done blogging for the day this is my third post!!! Enjoy look forward to blogging maybe after the Milwaukee game, for now gotta pack my bags and prepare for the trip.

God Bless

USL/NASL

I been trying to prepare or at least get a contract for when I enter the outdoor season at the end of March. I'm looking to play in the USL or NASL for this year. I have spoken with many coaches, and have had trials set up that I have unfortunately been unable to attend because of conflict with my seasoning schedule with the Wichita Wings. Anyways I feel very blessed and thankful for the opportunity to play for the Wings, but the season only runs from October-March, I need to be playing somewhere else during those 6 months. I have gotten an official invitation to the USL combine at the end of January and hopefully there I will earn my contract to play with a team. I know there are coaches who specifically have my profile and know that I'm going, so really the rest is up to me. So that's just a quick little update as far as outdoor soccer goes, and what's to come with that...I might be going to the Philadelphia Union/Harrisburg FC trial in like less than a week, but it really depends on how my knee feels, I would hate to go and perform lousy because of my injury. So that timetable is running out, and I need to decide on that quickly, VERY quickly! I'll post about the USL/NASL whenever any more news comes as far that goes.

God Bless!!

Hiatus?

Lol I'm sure there was plenty people who were disappointed by me not posting any posts over a month into the season, some of you did let me know that via email, text, etc. lol BUT IM BACK....I hope so at least.

The reason I momentarily stopped blogging was cause after a strong first showing in our first game as a team (and myself individually I feel) I ended up getting injured in the second game of the season getting a level 2 LCL sprain on my left knee. Anyways obviously I was extremely disappointed and didn't really know what to do...I mean i've never had a serious injury, serious being an injury that forces me to sit out, for more than two weeks, or something I can't play through physically. This injury did both of those things to me. I was scheduled to be out 4-6 weeks after getting an MRI check. The date of the injury was November 4th. I remember being in my room after getting the MRI results that night, and doing sprints, cuts, & jumping in the hallways of my hotel telling myself I'll work all day if it'll allow me to get back sooner. I told my trainer the next day what I did and that I wanted to train and he made me do certain movements and kick the ball lightly which showed me, I would have to sit out and do nothing pretty much, because the pain that I really felt kicking a ball, or doing a certain cut was pretty bad. So I went on and I did some exercises, was on meds, and was constantly icing it, and in a brace. But as far as it goes for physical work, I would not be allowed to. I felt like some diva, just sitting on the sideline not training while the rest of my teammates are working hard, I don't know it's just not like me to sit out and watch. I'm a guy who loves to play the game, whether it be a professional match, or pick up in the parking lot back home.

Anyways through this process I wouldn't say I handled it appropriately or was to positive throughout, I was more angry at the situation than anything. I'm also away from home, so that family physical support wasn't there anyway I settled on some temporary satisfactions which got me no where. Thankfully I realized it soon enough, and got back to my roots, prayer, speaking with my family and focusing on getting back. I watched all my teams games live, or online when on the road, which just is torture in a way. I mean you see your teammates playing and you just want to be out there to help them, even when we won 20-4 one game, I wanted to go out and help get a shutout. Nonetheless it has been a long process of recovery, with some setbacks, but more progress than anything thank God. I trained my first full session yesterday, and followed that up with another one earlier today. I'm clearly not 100% I don't have a ton of confidence on the ball, and my thought process is taking a little more time, as I'm getting used to the indoor game again. Thankfully I have greatly experienced teammates who are helping me get back on track right away.


Finally today I get to travel with the team on my first road game, and it won't be an easy one, in fact it'll be the hardest one. Facing the defending champions and currently 6-0 Milwaukee Wave we have lost to them twice so far by a total of 5 points in games that could've gone either way. This will be the third time we face them and I'm excited to make an impact on the game, and do my part in helping the team pull out our first road victory.

Our game is on Friday December 16th you can catch it live on MISLLiveSoccer.com I think coverage for the game starts @ 7PM central time.


God Bless!!!

So excited!!

I can't get ready for bed, I feel so good, happy & excited for tomorrow season opener versus the Comets! It's gonna be a packed, and loud arena! Man I feel so privileged and blessed to have this opportunity! God is tooooo GOOD, it's amazing. I'm gonna blog up again after we finish our back to back games this weekend. Tomorrow @ home versus the Comets, then away in KC versus the Comets again the next day!! God is with me!!

Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Grasp that !! That's powerful!!


God bless!

Pre Season Support. Wings

My last post was October 14th. Since then we've had 25 training session and signed 6 new players to fill up our team roster. We also had a inter squad scrimmage which ended in a 17-16 final score, with a lot of good things coming from the game. The best? The fact that 3,000+ fans showed up for a scrimmage. It's the most amount of fans I've played in front of in my short career indoor/outdoor. And I gotta say this community has truly embraced the Wings coming back and I'm grateful and feel privileged to be apart of it.


As a rookie stepping into the MISL I think I've made a decent transition of being able to understand the rules, and the style of play, I've also been very lucky, excuse me, blessed to have teammates who are not only veterans but highly respected in the league. I've been able to learn tricks, tendencies, and certain players style of play thanks in big part to these guys and watching some game film. We also have a great coach who is leading our team, and has me feeling confident. One thing I love about this organization although they're in their expansion year there not coming out with a "lets build for the future" attitude. Instead they've come out to the contrary of what most new teams do & that is to win right away. I've read the blogs doubting us saying "teams will win easily against them" but we don't have to respond to those blogs, doubters, or haters, our performance on the field will speak for itself.

Personally I'm not sure what my role on the team is yet exactly but I plan on being a piece of the puzzle to winning this year. I'm busting my ass off, I'm taking no days off, and I'm hungry. November is two days away. In November we begin the season November 3rd to be exact at the Hartman Arena @ 7:00pm come out and see for yourself what were about.


On to a little about me, so far Wichita has been great, nice people, I've gotten recognized at the mall and stuff pretty cool. Tomorrow we got two a days still, and after our second session I got a radio interview. I've gone out to check out the city it's a nice city not too populated but it has a good young crowd, the food is pretty decent. We've hit up some hispanic places out here, if you got any recommendations let me know! I'm so excited to start playing already, the team to beat is Milwaukee and we play them twice in the first month of the season! We open up with a back to back against the Kansas City Comets which is our cross city rival. I'm thankful for this opportunity and got to make the most out of it. There are a lot of people I miss & wish I could be with. But honestly this is where I want to be and while everyone is doing their own thing. I'm out here doing me and chasing mine. I didn't hop on a plane and leave Miami to eat shi* out here, I came chasing a bigger picture, this is only the stepping stone. God bless everyone hope to see you locals there on Thursday!

For my Miami people, go to the team website to watch the games streamed online live! WWW.WichitaWingsIndoorSoccer.Com

Also check out Peter Espinosa's blog on the Wings, he put up a pretty cool post about me. Appreciate the support Peter!

Will update probably after out first back to back game. I'll leave y'all with this Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."


God Bless