Still Believe That Miracles Do Happen: Miracles By Jefferson Starship

You know despite my rants and woes about how hard things are and the annoying the developments that happens out of the blue, I still do my best to keep my chin up.  Even when my spirits are at an all-time low, I still believe that something good will happen not just for me but for those around me.  It helps keep me going during these tough and sad times.  One song that keeps me hoping that a miracle will appear is the song "Miracles" by Jefferson Starship.

Well I know this song is about love but we can all use miracles especially now that things are tough all over.  A lot of people out there have had it tough yet they never complain or give in to the pressure.  Many have managed to turn their lives around and even rise above difficult and impossible situations. That in itself is a miracle.  Guys like these inspire me and give me hope that if I keep on working on it, the world will turn.

Miracles don't happen just by rubbing a lamp or waiting for the fruit to fall.  You've got to work hard to make something happen.  The miracle is finding out what that is and using it to turn things around.  I am still hopeful that I will find that and hopefully that I be able to figure it out on my own.  That for me is a miracle that keeps me going.

A Little Shaky But Still Holding On The Faith: Thy Word By Amy Grant

Well tomorrow will be Easter Sunday signaling the end of the Lenten Week and more importantly, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It hasn't been an easy Holy Week.  I was not as steadfast as I usually am during Lent for too many distractions as well as too many bad news that hit me real hard.  Still I do my best to remember that this is a time for sacrifice as well as strengthening one's faith and that I must never forget the words of the Lord that will guide me through troubled times.  Right now I am listening to the song "Thy Word" by Amy Grant to help me stay on track.

This Lenten Week got off to a really shaky start and the latest bomb that I receive didn't do much to strengthen my faith.  Right now I am trying to fend off doubt, disappointment and anger and am trying to stay focus on the importance of Lent.  Even if it's a holiday, I feel so weary with stress rather than feel sanctified due to all this unresolved new miserable experiences.  It's bad enough that you feel being tested but you can feel being pushed to a corner.  How you'll respond will depend how you pass or fail.

I'm trying hard to hear what the Lord is trying to tell me right now. I wish it would be something to reassure me rather than worry me.  Well I'll try my best celebrate Easter and remember that if Jesus rose from the dead, we can rise above this bad situation.  After that, it's back to grind.  Lord please let your words protect for I am weary as I try my best to hold on to the faith.

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Trying Not To Give In To Temptation And Remembering That God Loves Me: God Is God

It's the evening of Good Friday and as with every Lenten Season, I am making a few sacrifices as we remember the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Whenever I reflect on what He went through during the last days of his life here on earth, I remember that even though he felt fear about what he was about to go through, he went through with it nonetheless.  He did because he loved us and  wanted to save us from sin and he also taught us not to fear because he will always be there for us.  That though about always being there for us has always kept me going but these days I feel that we are all being put to the test and I try hard to remember that no matter what God is always there for us and song that reminds me of that is "God Don't Ever Change" by .  Blind Willie Johnson.

When we were young, we were always taught that God was there and that he always care for us and wants the best for us.  The problem is that as you grow older, there are many distractions and problems that can make you doubt that.  It's really tempting to just give up the faith when the going gets tough.  Right now, that's something that I am reflecting during this year's Lenten Season.  Though I have been shaken by a lot of bad news during the last few years, I still hold fast to that teaching that it won't change because what God has done no one can undo.

As I've said earlier, I am trying hard to keep the faith alive.  It isn't easy especially now that certain situations have worsen rather than improved.  Still I don't want to give in even though I feel so hurt by that.  A lot of times I have accepted the unacceptable as proof of my faith.  Still I do believe that things will change because if you try hard it will and that is something that God has taught me and it will never change.

Prepare For His Return: Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord

Whenever the Lenten Season comes around, it takes to the more serious side of our Lord Jesus Christ for here we reflect on the teachings that he spread, the miracles that he made and most important of all his suffering, death and resurrection.  It reminds us that death is not the end and that life is eternal.  It also tells us that  he will return when the time comes and that we must prepare ourselves for that day.  I guess a good song that describes that is "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord" from the Original Sound Track of God Spell.

During Lenten we reflect on Christ's sufferings, death and his rise from death to remind us that we too can overcome our own sufferings and lead a better life.  I have to admit that gives me some hope that things will change.  I'm not devout Christian but I still believe that the Lord is there nonetheless.  Though I've been feeling down lately, I still remember this and it keeps me going.  There are times when it lifts my spirits when nothing else does.

I guess the most important thing that we should always remember from all this is that when we go through trails, we shouldn't loose hope.  He made it through and so can we.  Another important thing is that he will return when the time comes.   Until then we do what we can and keep the faith.  That's probably the best way to prepare the way of the Lord.

Sorrow And Hope: Babylon By Don Mclean

Still feeling down about what I learned last night.  What made it worse was the fact that a lot of other people know.  Finding that out as I got back from work once again sank my spirits like a ship that was torpedoed at sea.  To it's a bummer is an understatement.  Right now I'm listening to the song "Babylon" by Don Mclean.

Right now I'm really sad.  When this year started, it was a very rocky start due to what happened to last year's holiday.  Just when I thought things would look good might happen, this came out of the blue and everything just fell apart.  It's  left me confused, frustrated and stressed out.  The worst is that a lot of people were bewildered as well.

This really stinks right now and the worst part is that it's out of my hands.  Everybody's wondering what's going to happen now as well.  Still, I hope that this will be resolved eventually.  I still have faith in God and in Bergson's Shipwreck Theory that these bad times won't last.  I guess I just have to bear with it for a while.

Keeping The Faith Alive In The Hopes Of Salvation: May Bukas Pa By Rico J. Puno

Well it's now the week of Lent and during this time we reflect on the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  During this time we also examine ourselves and repent for the sins that we have committed.  We do this because we want to conquer the death that sin brings and join our Lord on the day when he comes down from Heaven.  Lately, my faith has been a bit shaky but trying my best to keep it alive because part of me still believes in the promise of salvation.   This is the reason why I chose the song "May Bukas Pa" by Rico J. Puno.

Another reason why I chose this song is because last night I received some really bad news that filled my heart with worry.  Things are bad enough as it is and now we got more problems.  It filled me with doubts about my faith in God at time when I should trust in him even more.  I feel like we're being put under some kind of trial and we're stressed out as it is.  Some people out there may mistake me for some drama king but I guess needed something to reassure me that to keep the faith and this song is about that.

I lost my faith once and was angry for a long time and it didn't do me any good to ease the situation.   I don't want to do that again let alone do anything that I would regret for the rest of my life.  For now I'll do my best to keep the faith.  It's not going to be easy I need to keep my head on my shoulders now more than ever.  Keep the faith and it will pass and hopefully salvation is right there in the end.

What I Try To Do On Holy Week: Lead Me Lord By Gary Valenciano

I can't believe that it will be Palm Sunday this weekend.  This means that it is now the high point of the Lenten Week.  In my country, it's a holiday on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. For students and employees, it's the time for them to go their favorite hot spots but for the faithful, it is the time to reflect on the lasts days of Jesus from his from the Last Supper to his torture leading to the Resurrection in Easter. It is a sacred time where we remember the Lord's sacrifice and his triumph over death which should remind us that he did so to save us from sin.  A good song to start off this sacred week is "Lead Me Lord" by Gary Valenciano.

I won't go through the details of the things that we do on this most sacred time for us Christians.  I do know that during this time we should remember that our Lord came down on earth not to rule but to serve and more importantly to save us from sin.  The miracles he performed were done not as a magical gimmick but to show how much he is willing to help us even when it seems impossible.  The beatings, humiliation leading up to his crucifixion was done for our sake to destroy sin with his death on the cross.  The resurrection was proof of his power over death and those who believe would likewise enjoy eternal life.

I'm not a perfect person and I admit there are times when I make some mistakes that I really regret.  Whenever the season of Lent is upon us, it does remind me that there is hope and salvation.  That when all the sorrow and suffering is over, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes I resist but at the same time, I still believe as it keeps me going through the tough times that I go through.  That's why when Lent is upon us, I really set all material things aside cause it's nothing compared to what Lord went through and He went through it for us.

Reminds Of The Fun Times That I Had During The Summer: Here At The Western World By Steely Dan

In two days, school will officially be over and that marks the beginning of the summer break.  Right now I'm a jealous at the kids cause they now get to kick back and take it easy after a hard year of studying.  Makes me miss the good old days when March, April and May were the best months of the year.  Those months were bliss cause there was always something good to do and you were never bored or pressured all that time.  Remembering how I use to enjoy the summer with my friends and brothers reminds me of the song "Here At The Western World" by Steely Dan.

I really made it a point to pass all my subjects at the end of the school year.  That way I could really enjoy the summer without the worrying about summer classes.  After that, it was anything goes as my brothers and I  would either go to a friends house, watch a movie or go to a party.  Even when we didn't have money or the means to go out, sometimes the gimmicks would come to us as our friends would drop by with some eats, drinks and other "party favorites".  There was never a dull moment when the summer rolled in.

Well, student life has long passed me by.  These days I still go to work throughout those three months even when the temperature is scorching hot.  When I see the smiles on those kids, it really takes me back to the times when the summer was the time of the year.  Well I hope the enjoy the summer as long they can.  I sure did.

Happy Thoughts: Fantasy By Earth, Wind And Fire

When you're down and stressed out, what adds insult to injury is that you don't have the time nor the money to find any relief.  What happens it sure can be a real downer.  Well, in times like that I just do the next best thing and think happy thoughts.  Find that safe little corner in my mind where I can relax and take shelter from the harshness of everyday life.  One song that does that is Earth, Wind And Fire's "Fantasy".

All I need is to slap on my earphones and turn up a 24K song.  This one will very nicely when the stress starts pouring out.  Takes me out of the ugliness like an-out-of -body experience as I close my eyes.  There the good times come alive again.  All the buds are there and the partying comes alive again.  It may not be real but it's the next best thing.

I do hope when all the problems are resolved, I get to go out more. A lot of people are telling me that I've been stressing myself out too much.  Well I do plan to do that when things get better for now.  For now, this will do.  A few happy thoughts to chase the blues away.

Don't Leave Them In Shambles: Don't Leave Me This Way By The Communards

Continuing what I blogged before about give and take,  there are some of us who don't follow that rule.  There are some there who just come out of the blue and get what they can from people.  The worse part about this is that when they get all that they can, they take the money and run.  As they exit, they leave people who they got what they want from them in shambles.  That's just plain wrong.  When people do that, the song "Don't Leave Me This Way" by The Communards comes into mind.

Even if our situation is urgent we must never abuse the generosity of others.  Unfortunately, there are some there some who make their problems other people's problems.  Those guys who they took their problems to often are the ones who become burdened.  That isn't fair anymore.  Asking for help and dragging others to the abyss is already abusing and that's no understatement.

We all need help but let's not pass the bad buck to others.  Also do not forget that they went out on a limb for you.  It's not right to leave them that way.  People like that should be taken care of especially in this age where everyone looks out only for themselves.  Don't leave them in shambles.  Because if you do, they might not be so generous next time.

Last Week Of School: Goodbye, Goodbye By Oingo Boingo

You know I've been so stressed out lately that it just hit me that it's the last week of school.  For seniors of elementary, high school and college, they're probably rehearsing everyday for graduation while the others are now taking their final exams hoping to make the grade as the school year draws to a close.  Once it's over, the party will be breaking out night after night as students bid goodbye to another school year.  This signals the start of the summer vacation and as kids are now free to play, roam and have fun.  Whenever the school year starts to end,  the song "Goodbye, Goodbye" by Oingo Boingo comes to mind.

I get this idea every time I see the last party scene in the movie "Fast Times At Ridgemont High"  where Jeff Spicoli and his crew come rushing in and they join the party after school year has ended.  I remember the good old days after the last test paper has been passed and you know it's enough to keep you out of summer class.   You rush out of that classroom and shout for joy for you are finally free.  What follows next is three months of unbridled fun where you where you want to go and do what you want to do.  Best of all you can stay up all night and sleep all day since there's no school day or school night.

For freshmen, sophomore and juniors, it's a time to party like there's no tomorrow while seniors in high school and college, it's a transition phase to a new level in their lives.  Graduating high school students now choose the path that they want to go to while college kids now enter the real world.  For those who are in clear, savor every minute of your vacation and savor the company of your friends.  You've earned it after a year of studying and waking up early everyday.  Just be careful not to lose your head cause you might over do it.  Happy summer kids and have fun while it lasts.

The Politics Of Give And Take: Give By Missing Persons

Life is all give and take. When someone helps you should do the same for that person when he asks for it.  This is especially true when that person when out on a limb to help you out.  It's a no-brainer because he helped you no questions asked.  People who helped you even if they're hard up and ask for nothing in return should be helped because that's how give and take works in this world.  Missing person's song "Give" pretty much sums up what give in take is all about.

No man is an island and there comes a time when we need some help.  When people step to give what they can to help, you be happy that they do it because people like that are a rare breed these days.  Some of them are willing to help you even they're hard up themselves.  They won't even ask for anything in return.  As I've said before never take these people for granted cause it's hard to find such people who will give when others won't.

That's why you should be ready to give to them in return when they're down and out.  Don't wait for them to ask you.  Just do what you can and that will be appreciated.  They gave to you before so give back when the time comes.  That is what the politics of give and take is all about. Give and it will be given back to you.

Life's A Gamble And A Game: Fortune Hunter By The Firm

These days, people doing the best that they can to make things better.  Some have even went to great pains to do things that they have never done before.  This is because there is a chance that they may make it big or at the very least, make ends meet.  Sadly, gambles can go either way resulting either in double or nothing.  Whenever someone says life's a gamble, the song "Fortune Hunter" by The Firm comes to mind.

A lot of times, I've seen people take great risks at life.  This is because of the hard times that we all been feeling.  You try to gather all your resources and learn all that you can as try something new in the hopes that it would uplift your life.  Even for those who want to stay on the safe side are gambling.  Staying in one place isn't always a sure bet that you're safe cause you'll never when things will fall apart there.

Making choices in life is the same as rolling a pair of dice.  Even when you don't roll, you already made a bet on what you already have.  It's fact of life that nothing is permanent.  Whether you like or not, there will be a time for you to take a gamble.  Life is a gamble and a game but the stakes are just to high to lose.

Still Pushing To Make A Change: I Want To Make The World Go Around By The Steve Miller Band

Though we've done the best that we can in trying to keep up with the pressures that life brings, it still galls me that we can't go any relief.  Instead, something always happens that the situation worst than it was before.  Sometimes I feel so worn out that even as I sleep I still feel the stress.  Yet as I turn in and turn the lights out, I still hope that something would happen and things will change and I keep trying to make it happen.  That wish for something to happen reminds me of  the song " I Want To Make The World Go Around" by The Steve Miller Band.

Everyday, I try to fit in my search within my time in the hopes that I can find the answer that I seek.  So far I haven't had any luck yet.  Either there are so many obstacles blocking your path or the prospect turns out to be a dud.  This always seems to happen at the time when I need most or when more problems come crashing in.  Either way it's like adding insult to injury.

Still I keep on trying because I really want to see a change.  I've been trying to go out of my comfort zone in the hopes that I may find that which can bring about the change that I've been waiting for.  It's been a long time since something really good happened but it won't happen just by wishing it.  I just think about what King said in the movie "Platoon" about keeping it hard and dry and the world will turn.  I just hope that I do something right to make it so.

We're Not Always Wrong: Sometimes I'm Right By Hubert Sumlin

Ever had those times when you say something awkward during an important discussion and everybody writes you off.  Maybe because at the time, we just blurted it out without thinking and because of that we're shut out of the discussion.  What's worse is that after that mistake, people will always use that instant to clam you up whenever you give your input.  Still, that doesn't mean we're always wrong and there times when we do have something important to share and it could be that what we share could be the right thing.  When you know what you say or believe is right, the song "Sometimes I'm Right" by Hubert Sumlin comes to mind.

For anyone who's ever experienced this kind treatment, I wouldn't be surprised if it hurt to be treated that way.  That seen and not heard label can sure be a blow to one's ego.  One mistake should not define what we think about certain things.  It gives you that feeling that everything that you're going to say is wrong or will be ridiculed and shelved and I for one am tired of that.

I'm saying this not because I want to grab the spotlight or anything like that.  I'm just saying that people could  at least give us another chance to what  we have to say.  We're not perfect individuals but we're not always wrong.  There are times when what we believe or say can be right.  All we ask is to be heard and respected.

The Feeling That Memories Stir Up: Come Get These Memories By Martha And The Vandellas

As I've said before, the reason why I love 24K Weekend (formerly 24K Friday) is because it plays a lot of songs that I grew up with.  Many of these songs have now become so rare that you can only hear it on 24K. Apart from that it's the next best thing to a time machine as the memories come alive with every great song played on that program.  It sure stirs up the emotion whenever you hear them play on the airwaves.  The emotions that stir deep inside me whenever I hear these songs reminds me of the song "Come And Get These Memories" by Martha And The Vandellas.

Although I've lost a lot of stuff that reminds me of the good old days, these songs help keep those days alive.  The songs that played when we partied with the pals on weekends and summer vacation.  The songs that remind us of the special girl that we once adored.  The songs that reminds us of the places where we all went to and hanged out where everyone knew each other.  So many good times that were kept alive by these cool songs.

Well even though the show has been taken off the air again, I still have my collection of 24K greats.  As I play them, I always get caught up in the songs as they take me back to the past.  I still can't believe how long it has been and how fast it went.  It gets me every time a song is played.  So many great memories that I will always treasure as long as I live.

Doing Your Best In Your Work: The Finest Work Song By R.E.M.

Last night I saw an episode on History Channel's "Ax Men" where the foreman was chewing out a newbie for slacking off at a crucial period where they were struggling to make the deadline.  Rather than do what he was told the newbie talked back when which infuriated the foreman.  Having had enough, the foreman told the newbie to get out cause he's fired.  In the end, the newbie was mumbling sour grapes about the job as he made his way out of the forest.  When I think about that scene, somehow it reminded me of the song "The Finest Working Song"  by R.E.M.

These days the work place is very unstable.  With the economy in bad shape, people are lucky to have a job.  Still, when you're working have to always give it your best.  This is especially true when the demands are tough and expectations are high.  To add to that, when your gives you a chance you have to take it seriously.  This is because he believes in you so don't let him down.

I'm not saying you should be a rate buster because that will get you burned out in the long run.  I'm just saying that you do your best when you're at work.  Sometimes you don't realize it but what you do helps a lot of people even in a small way.  I took that for granted once and I won't that same mistake again.  Do your best in your job and it will pay off in the long run.

Family Is Everything: The Family Song By Smokey Robinson

Today is my father's birthday and although it's been three years, I still can't believe he's gone.  What's worse is that he died at the time when everything was going great with the family and every time I remember that, it still cuts me deep.  That's why I really value my family even more these days because they are the world to me.  I don't want to see anything bad happen to any of them.  When I hear Smokey Robinson's "Family Song", it reinforces that feeling that I have towards my family.

Why is family important?  Because they are the one's who are always there for you in the good times and bad.  They are the first ones who will rush to your side when things fall apart.  Even when they are in a bind, they'll still do their best to help you.  They do this because they love you and you are a part of them because you are family.

That is something that you should never forget.  No one else will love and support you the way they do. It is only just that you be there for them as they have done for you. So at the very least, keep those bonds strong for they run through your blood and your soul.  Family is everything and that is something that you should never forget.

It Does And It's A Lot Worse The Second Time Around: History Never Repeats Itself By Split Enz

I keep writing about that "vicious" cycle because it keeps happening at certain points in my life.  As I've said before, it starts with a slow rise and just when I think things are looking so good, something happens and I find myself face first on the concrete and in pain. I as blog about this, I can feel that cycle happening again only it's much more vicious than when I was a kid.  That fear of repeating that cycle is bests described in the song "History Never Repeats" by Split Enz.

One reason why I hate that vicious cycle is because it gives me an indication that I haven't learned anything from the past.  The fact that it keeps happening in that order has gotten me paranoid.  I do what I can to avoid the repeat but alas, something either me slips by or it hits me flush in the face.  Either way, I find myself saying "here I go again".  Whenever I say that, it really gets me depressed because once again I fell into that vicious cycle's trap.

Despite always falling victim to it, I'm still determined to break the cycle.  People told me that anything is possible and that includes remaking your life.  Lately, that thought is the only thing that keeps me going when things are bad. As I go to bed, I still believe that I can break this cycle.  But leave no doubt, history does repeats itself when you don't learn from it and it can be worse the second time around.

When The Dream Dies: Foreclosure Of A Dream By Megadeath

Back when I was a teenager, people use to tell how good life was.  Prices were low and it was easy to live on your salary.  You work hard and you could reap the fruits of your labor.  These days, it's a different story.  Things are so hard up just having the simple dream of the house, the car and the family has become unattainable.  When I think about hard things are now and how even the simple dream takes a huge effort, the song "Foreclosure Of A Dream" by Megadeath comes to mind.

Every time I read the news, I hear stories of people losing jobs, houses and even their families.  No one is safe as simple laborers to even top CEOs are now in the unemployment lines.  The worst part is when they have to sell the homes that they worked so hard to build.  What's even worse is that what they sell it for might not even meet their needs.  Hard times are getting harder.

Nowadays I hear the economy is doing well and the government claims that there jobs available.  The problems is that whatever gains are made from the economy, it doesn't reach the ones who need it most.  As for jobs, there are jobs out there but they don't fit the qualifications of the applicants and competition is stiff since they are only interested in hiring younger applicants.  Despite all these, I still believe that you can still achieve the dream.  Sadly, it's going to be difficult and that's no understatement.

People Who Turn Your Life Upside Down: Freedom Rider By Traffic

I remember an episode from the television show "James At 15" where he befriends a rich but wild teenager who does a lot of outrageous antics. James further gets attracted to the guy after he gives him gifts that were fancy and extravagant.  James' opinion of the guy changes, however, when they go to New York where the guy's actions land James in jail.  That's where he realizes that this guy just used him and would just dump when the going got tough.  When it comes to people who turn your world on its head, the song "Freedom Rider" by Traffic comes to mind.

Why do I we find such people appealing?  I guess it's because they take us to places we couldn't go and we get to do things that we couldn't.  The problem is that these guys fill us with so much vices that before we know it, things spin out of control.  In the end, they ditch us in the middle of the road all messed up and in deep trouble.  That's where we realize too late that they were just using us and when good times are over so are we.

I'm not saying that I'm against having a good time.  However, there's a difference between that and losing your head and everything else to someone you don't know.  You really have to know when to hit the breaks and call it quits and you have to be careful about such people because in the end they might just use you since you're so eager.  In the end, these people aren't your friends.  They just turn your world upside down and leave you in a messy heap.

It Will Come: A Change Is Gonna Come By Sam Cooke

If I remember right, I've used Henry Bergson's "Shipwreck Theory" twice on this blog now.  I fell in love with that theory because it reminds me that no matter how bad things are, it will pass. You just have to tough it out for a while.  Before you know it, the storm has passed and the good times are back.  That philosophy always carried me through the tough times.  Another good song that reminds that the tough times will end and a change will come is Sam Cooke's "A Change Will Come".

I read that Sam wrote this to describe the hardships and the hope during the Civil Rights Movement.  This could also describe the hardships that we face in our own personal lives.  When we're faced with so many problems and no one to give us a hand are times when life can be very hard.  Still, just like that line in Billy Joel's song "Second Wind", we just need a little faith to keep us going.  Before we know it, the worst is over.

I know I've been ranting a lot on my blog about all the things that get me down.  Still I believe that this storm is will past.  It's just taking a little longer than I thought.  That said, I still persevere through these tough times and I know I'm not the only one.  A change will come sooner or later and I will believe in that.

One Of The Best Songs For Working Out And To Inspire: Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme) By Bill Conti

One routine that I haven't given up since I was a teenager was working out. I started working out with weights and martial arts to get in shape cause just like a lot of kids, I guess I wanted to look good.  Now that I'm getting older I still work out and there are times when I listen to music to get inspired.  One song that gets the blood pumping is "Gonna Fly Now"  from the movie "Rocky" by Bill Conti.

Who wouldn't be inspired by the scenes where Rocky was working out for his title match with Apollo Creed.  The weightlifting, bag punching, one-arm push-ups and of course the jogging.  Although some of the routine is not part of boxing's training, it does want you to get up and hit the gym.  I especially love the part where he was running up the steps and at the end of the song and started jumping up and down in triumph.  It means that you can overcome any obstacle if you're determined enough.

Apart from a great workout song, this also reminds you that anything is possible if you try hard enough.  That has always been what the Rocky saga is all about.  Working out isn't just about being fit but also about being inspired to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.  That's why I keep working out because I want to apply what I do in exercise to how I deal with life's obstacles.  Though I've been feeling down a lot lately, songs like these keep me going both in exercise and in life.

Wish The Good Times Were Back Again: Bring It Back Again By The Stray Cats

Weekends haven't been the same since 24K got axed again.  It was my only escape from all pressure and stress that bears down on me every week.  It took me back to the times when life was fun and friends were always there.  It was the next best thing to bringing back to the good times and with the way things are, I'm beginning to wish that I was back in those days.  This urge to go back in time when all the 24K songs were new and fun times abound remind of the song "Bring It Back Again" by The Stray Cats.

As I've mentioned in a lot of my previous posts, I sure miss the days of my youth when things were always fun.  Although I seldom had money, there was always something going on during the weekend.  Most of all, we were listening to a lot of the songs that you can only find on 24K.  They were brand new back then and they were played during the days of my life.

Today is really a different story.  I don't recognize the songs on the radio anymore.  Friends are now hard to find and are busy with their own problems.  Worst part of it is that is that the good times have been replaced with problems ranging from money to family.  Sadly those good times are now just a memory that I hold on to when things are tough.  Though they can't be brought back, I wish they'd bring back the 24K Weekend Program which is the next best thing so that I can listen to those rare songs that were played during the best of times.

I Don't Want To Get Up But I Have To: Why Get Up By The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Feeling a little low again.  If there isn't one problem ruining your mood, it's another.  Unlike comedy shows, problems can hit you very hard and in some cases drive you up the wall.  Times like that, I wish I could just sleep and not wake up.  Feeling that way reminds me of the song "Why Get Up" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Just when I think things are getting good, something happens and everything just hits the fan.  It's been going on like that for the past couple of years.  The only time I feel at peace when the night sets in and everything has died down.  When I shut my eyes, I do the best I can to fall asleep even during times when I don't feel sleepy yet.  Sadly by the time I feel comfortable, my alarm clock rings and it's morning again and once again I have to face another crummy day where some will come out of the blues and sink me to a new low.

Though I wish I can stay in bed and not get up, I can't.  There are commitments that need to be met and issues that need to be addressed.  Apart from that, I have to earn my keep. Well, grown-up life isn't easy so you just have to live with it and deal with it as best as you can.  That's the reason why I have to get up but I don't want to.

How Would I Justify Myself: In My Defense By Queen

Sometimes I wonder how do I summarize myself and the things that I did at the end of my life.   The fact that things have not been going well and that I'm getting older are making me start to wonder about it.  Though I have been trying hard year after year, I've haven't had much success.  As a result, I get a lot of flack for that from time to time.  How I justify myself for the things that I do reminds me of the song "In My Defense" By Freddie Mercury.

So why do I do things that I do?  I guess I wanted to make my own choices and spread my wings.  I wanted to do the things that I want for once.  Unfortunately there were times that I gave into criticism.  Because of that I am where I'm at.  Still some things that I gave up or didn't was because there were people who needed me and now I am making with what I have left.

What keeps me going is the hope that one day some of things that I can still achieve would come true.  I just want to do them my way because sometimes people can put so much pressure on you that you feel suffocated.  I may succeed or I may fail but what is important is that I did on my own free will and it was something that I wanted to do.  That's the best defense I can give on my behalf.

It's Never Easy: It's Hard By the Who

Every time the year starts, the one thing that I pray for is that things will get better for me and my family.  Sadly, what happens is always the opposite.  What's worse is the problems are harder than last year and you really have to dig and weather the new storm that the year has brought.  Nobody said that it would be easy and when new problems come out, it can test you to your limits. When you're again reminded how life is, it's best summed up in the song "It's Hard" by The Who.

As I've said in the first paragraph, something will always remind you that life is not easy.  How you face will depend upon you.  Just like this song, some buckle and complain while others try to find a way.  Some do it the hard way while chose to think things through to find the better.  I'd rather be the latter than the former so long as I find a way out of this hardship that life dumps on me.

Sadly, it's a fact that life is hard.  This is especially true when you're already old.  The worse part is when you're growing older and your options start disappearing.  Despite that, I still believe in changing things around if you keep on fighting.  Well that's  what I've been doing all this years.  I'm trying my best to keep up with life's hardships.

Knowing Who You Are As You Move On: I Got A Name By Jim Croce

Whether you're human, plant, animal or an inanimate object, you have a name.  People sometimes take that for granted.  Having not only identifies who you are but also acknowledges you're somebody.  Knowing that helps keep you moving through life.  One song that reminds of that is Jim Croce's "I Got A Name".

Quentin Tarantino used in the movie "Django Unchained".  I was wondering why he did that because for one thing there were no highways back in the Old West.  Then it hit me that in the case of Django, having a name is all that he had to call his own. As he sets out to rescue his wife, one of the best scenes was when a slave owner asked him his name and if he can spell it and he did adding that the D was silent.  The fact that he knows his name and how to spell is his way of saying I'm my own man and no one can hold me.

Having is a mark of your individuality.  Being proud of your name shows that you're not afraid of anything or anyone and you're ready to face whatever challenge life brings you.  To say your name is to say it with pride because that is who you are.  No one can take away from you.  So carry it proudly as you cruise down life's highway no matter how bumpy it gets.