Why We Love The Outlaws: The Outlaw Blues By Peter Fonda

You know every time there's a movie about outlaws or rebels challenging authority, people are quick to watch it. These are the guys who often challenge authority even when the odds are against them. From books to movies, no character gets so much fascination as an outlaw. I guess because they're willing to do things that we are ourselves are afraid of.  When I think about this fascination, the song "The Outlaw Blues" by Peter Fonda comes to mind.

Why do we admire these guys even when what they do is against the law?  It's because despite their unlawful acts, they are not afraid to challenge the establishment.  As blatant as they are, they are willing to keep going when where we are afraid to tread.  Most of all, they do it in style.  Now who wouldn't love that?

I'm not saying that I want to do something reckless or dangerous but when someone has guts to throw down when we don't, it inspires us to do the same.  Those who are afraid simply throw taunts and wait for the opportunity for the guy to fall  just to heap insults on him. When they do that, it only shows how afraid they really are because they can't where these guys can.   In the end, we love because they can and they will even if they lose.

Still Out There Trying To Make It Happen: Cinderella Man By Rush

You know every time I try to do something new, something comes up and just ruins everything.  Right I'm experiencing that again and it's' leaving a bad taste in my mouth.  Yet despite all these setbacks, it only serves to fuel my desire to achieve my goals.  At this point in my life, I'm sick and tired of of having all these distractions that's why I'm doing the best that I can to make it happen.  Rush's song "Cinderalla Man" helps keep me going when times are tough.

Apart from the disappointments from the last few years, I also am dealing with a bunch of new problems that's turning my world upside down.   I know nothing in life is permanent and you have to ready for change but it still hurts because of the hard work you put in to make happen.  I'm just using that anger and frustration to fuel that drive to keep on going to make things happen. Like I keep on saying, I was able to do it before, I can do it again. It's better than doing something stupid.

Life has been throwing me nothing but grief.  Still, whining about it won't make it better.  I'm doing what I can to make what I got left real.  I've so much as it is and I have only myself to blame.  I just want to get some order and stability in life as so many things have fallen apart.  Nobody said it was easy but nobody you should give up.  that's why I keep going.

It Is How I Feel Lately: Whipping Post By Allman Brothers Band

It's the weekend but I still feel low.  The same anxiety that has hit me two weeks ago continues to haunt me like the grim reaper on a terminally-ill patient.  So far, everything that I banked on went bust as if life forbids me to enjoy any kind of achievement.  When things keep going bad, you feel like you're being whipped all the time.  This is the reason why the song "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers comes to mind.

Nothing's been going right for a lot of us lately.  Every time I try to hope for the best, those hopes get shot down like a duck during hunting season.  What I get instead are a ton of problems and the worst part about is it happens when you already have too much to deal with.  Every bad news is like a lash on the back with a whip.  It makes you wonder if anything good will happen at all.

Well, right now I am just taking the bad as well as the good that life throws at me.  With more bad than good, that sure is hard to do.  Still I try my best to keep my head high despite all the disappointments.  Hopefully the day will come when all this bad juju will disappear.  When that happens, I won't be feeling like a whipping post anymore.

Wish I Was Able To Enjoy The Summer: Breezin By George Benson

Well it rain hard last night and the window wiper broke down.  It was good thing we were still able to make it back home despite the heavy downpour.  Still, I feel a little down that this summer brought out a lot of heat and everything we worked so hard for fell apart.  I wish things could've been different so we could have at least enjoyed the remaining days of summer.  One that I would've listened to if things were different would be George Benson's "Breezin".

If things were different, we would have been celebrating like crazy.  A week off to some outing would have been the icing on the cake.  Watching the sun while relaxing in some shady place taking comfort down south.  Man, we were so excited because it was within our grasp. Sadly, fate dealt a different hand and before we knew it, things went up in smoke.  I guess all that  I got left is this song which I was listening to last night to get the stress out before I went to bed.

Right now I am still weighing my options as well as trying to ensure that things keep on going.  It's no fun sleeping and waking up with pressure on you everyday.  I just pray that things get better and that I make the right choice when the time comes.  Right now I am listening to this song to relax and as well as dwell on what the summer could have been.  I just wish we could have enjoyed this summer rather than be apprehensive till June.

Cool Song But Don't Agree With The Suicide Part: Suicide Is Painless From M.A.S.H. Sound Track

Back in the day when you didn't cable to watch good shows, one my favorite comedy programs was M.A.S..H.  It was adapted from the 70's movie about medics in the Korean War and how they cope with the pressures of war and taking care of the wounded.  A lot of times they poke fun at the higher ups as their way of expressing their resentment about this war. every episode always made me laugh. Apart from the good script where I always find myself laughing at every episode,  I also liked the opening song.  The title was called "Suicide Is Painless".

Why did I remember this song all of a sudden?  Apart from being a good song to listen to. I guess dwelling on my current situation made me remember it again.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not contemplating on the suicide or anything rash.  I am against suicide but to admit I am still frustrated not at what's happened but also because I find myself at another situation where I am placed in a state of uncertainty.  I have to admit it lets the air out of me.

As I said earlier, one thing  I won't do is the suicide part.  If I do that, I'd give in to the pressures and thus have lost.  I don't want someone talking down my grave and saying "You didn't have the guts to keep on going".  Still, right now I really feel down about how things are going.  I just hope that I turn things around while I still can.

I Wish At Least One Dream Would Come True: Save Me A Dream By Paul Williams

I know it's childish to say this for once I wish that a dream would come true.  These past few years have been very rough.  Nothing good been's happening while bad things keep coming.  It's been a long time since something really good happened.  Makes you want to wish on a star in the hopes that at least one good dream would come to life.  As I write this, I am listening to Paul Williams' song "Save Me A Dream".

All these hassles is making me remember when I was young.  I had so many dreams back then but I learned the hard lesson that having dreams and making them come true are two different things.  Wrong decisions and pressure led to the demise of those dreams.  Right now I'm trying to save whatever I can and with the way the world is, that's getting harder and harder.  Once they're gone, you can never get them back especially when time has passed you by.

Still, they say that when you're alive, you can still make your dreams come alive.  You just have to man up and work hard.  I know it's easier said than done but if you want them to come true, you have to be ready to  do just that.  It's been a long time since I felt really good.  I just hope that one would come true.  That would make my day.

Things We Don't Tell Our Mothers: Tell Mama By Savoy Brown

Well the weekend's here again and it's no ordinary weekend.  This is because we are celebrating Mother's Day.  On this day, we honor our mothers who brought us into this world and continue to love us no matter what we do or how old we get.  Still, sometimes we don't do our mothers right, especially when we make mistakes and don't tell them.  We can't tell them because we don't want them to worry eventually they would know and would do all that they can to help us cause they care. Since it's Mother's Day, I feel the song "Tell Mama" by Savoy Brown would be appropriate for this post.

Nobody's perfect and there are times when we do things behind our mothers backs because we know that they wouldn't approve and we just couldn't resist.When we do so, that's when things go wrong and we find ourselves in a mess of trouble.  Still, these things have a way with getting back to our mothers and since we are their children, they would always intervene.  They do so because they are always concern about us. If they weren't they wouldn't be mothers.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let keep that thought in mind. It's not fair to cause our mothers trouble after all they went through for us.  You only keep secrets because you know it's either risky or wrong.  In the end, we all go back to our mothers when things get rough because they are the only ones who'd stand by us when things fall apart.  So on this day, let's show our love for them.  They do so for us everyday even when there are things we don't tell them.

Something We Can Call Our Own: Got To Find My Own Place By Stanley Clarke

I remember a friend of mine who insisted on buying a laptop that he can use for both work and for his own personal activities.  His parents tried to dissuade him by saying that they got a new computer and they planned to give him the old laptop that was still running in good condition.  He refused and bought the laptop that he had his eyes on for a long time.  When asked why he still bought it, he said not only is it a new and fast model, it's something that I can call my own.  That's something that I can both understand and relate to.  That feeling to want to have something to call your own reminds me of Stanley Calrke's song "Got To Find My Own Place".

When you start acquiring things through your own means, it's a sign that you are now on your way to becoming an independent person.  You get to buy what you want and do what you want through your own means.  You feel that you are truly in control of your life.  Pretty soon, you know what your place is in this world.  When you establish that you have your own identity and you are your own person.  You are finally independent.

These days it's getting harder and harder to do that.  They say our economy is now getting better but only few reap the benefits.  Given that kind of scenario, it's hard to find your own place in this world. Still, if you are determined, then you will eventually attain.  Keep at it till you get it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

If I Were Rich: If I Were I Rich Man From Fiddler On The Roof

I remember back when I was a teenager, I saw the movie version of "Fiddler On The Roof" and one of  my favorite scenes there was when he started singing the song "If I Were A Rich Man".  This scene just came to my head because every time I read the paper, the news claims that the economy is booming but everybody's broke and unemployed.  Sometimes it makes you wonder what you can do if you were rich.  That's the reason why I'm going that song for today's post.

If I had money, I would divide it evenly with my mother and brother's, giving a little bit more to those who have families because I want to help them take care of the kids.  With my share, my first step is to clear all debts then buy car for my mom so she can go places and maybe one for myself.  I'd contribute more  to the expenses around here and the remainder I would probably spend on martial arts lessons as well as anime and save for a rainy day.  Basically that's it that I would do if I had a lot of cash at hand.  I guess I just want all of us to enjoy the wealth.

Sadly, that's wishful thinking and like that main character, I often wonder if it's not my destiny.  Well, I still do what can and save up what I can  prioritizing the things that keep this place going.  Well we all can use a little something and that's what I'm working hard on.  That's the sad reality of it all. Still the things that  I can improve if I had some extra cash or better yet if I was wealthy man.

For All Those Who Work Hard Every Day: Working Man By Rush

Next week will be May 1 again.  Not only will it be my fourth brother's birthday but it celebrates Labor Day, a non-working holiday where employees get a break from the daily grind to relax and spend time with friends and family.  Speaking of work, a lot of us no matter where we're employed work hard day in and day out to provide a better future for our love ones.  It gets tough out there but we do what we can because for our dreams and the people who depend on us.  A good song for those who work hard everyday is Rush's "Working Man".

No matter what profession we are in, we all work hard.  Some do so for the money while others do because they love what they do.  They get up really early to make it to work on time and once they arrive, they start the job at once.  No matter how difficult the job, they don't complain and keep at it until it's done.  When the day is over, they have a brew or two to wind down before calling it a day.

Not every job is equal with some paying more or offering extra benefits which some of the lucky ones are able to land.  Others just work hard and try to do some things on the side just to earn a little to make ends meet.  Still we all work as hard as we can not only for income but because work defines who we are and though it may not be our dream job, it still gives us some dignity.  When May 1 comes along, let's wind down a bit for we deserve it after a hard time working.  After that, it's back to the daily grind as we continue our pursuit of prosperity and security.

Why Summer Is Best Time Of The Year: The Sun Is Shinning By Bob Marley

Despite how down I'm feeling lately, the meaning of summer is not lost in me. It's the best time of the year where when we all let loose and spend time when people we like.  After all the hard work that we all put in day in day out, we deserve to take a break.  After all, the suns is shining and we should be happy for the sun to shine so brightly always it reminds us of good it is to be alive.  Whenever the suns shines bright this summer, I listen to Bob Marley's song "The Sun Is Shining".

Ah the summer days.  Hanging out with friends and bros from sunrise to sunset.  It's a time to be free from all the stress that ties us down where we breath the air and soak up the rays and make a splash with our love ones.  It's the time when laughter fills the air and everybody lives it up while the temperatures high. Whether it's day or night, there's always something to do and the next would be another fine day cause the sun will up and shinning bright.  That's what summer is all about.

Though my summer this year will be tedious and stressful one, that thought helps lighten the stress.  When I see the excited looks on kids faces because their off to the pool or to some place to waste the day, I kinda feel happy for them since it reminds me of my summer escapades.  As for the sun, as hot as it is, it still reminds me of the good times that I had which is why I don't mind the heat.  The sun is shining and for those who can, come out and play.  It's the best time of the year to do so.

When You're Kids Won't Get Up Or Stay Put: Sarap Ng Buhay By The Juan Dela Cruz Band

As I've said, now that school is over and summer is here, the only thing that is on the mind of every student is to have fun.  After all that brain-squeezing and book-cramming as well as waking up early in the morning, kids want to just sleep all day and party all night.  The problem with the summer is a lot of them would be awake in the afternoon and when you ask them to do something, they just vanish as they go off to another escapade while you're left with all the work.  Summer may be fun for students but for parents it's a long and hot two months.  When kids sleep all morning and disappear during the day, the song "Sarap Sa Buhay" by The Juan Dela Cruz Band comes to mind.

I have to admit when I was a student, one of the things that I wanted to do was just sleep the whole morning much to my parent's headache.  They had to really shake us awake for breakfast.  When we were kids, all we did was eat and play and when we became teenagers, all we cared about was what's the plan for the day.  There were the days when we had to do something in the house but once it was over, it was party time all over again.  It was summer and every kid just wanted to cut loose while he or she still can.

When I look at my nephews and nieces going off to the mall or swimming at a friend's house, it sure brings back memories of all the things we did during the summer.  These days I now realize what my parents went through we ran around the house or partied all night.  Oh well kids will be kids.  When it's their down time, there's no stopping them when they want to have a good time.

Party Day In Day Out: Get Down Tonight By KC And The Sunshine Band

Yesterday morning I was jogging really early and as I was leaving the village I could hear music from some of the houses.  It appeared some teenagers were having a party and despite the fact that it was 3:10 am, they were still partying.  I forgot that it was summer and when summer rolls in, kids cut loose and get down.  Ah, it sure reminded me of the good old days when April and May were the best months in the year because school and we partied like there was no end.  Remembering when those fun times reminds me of the song "Get Down Tonight" by KC and the Sunshine Band.

Remember coming home from school with a big smile on your face every time the last of exams were over? That's because you had freedom to sleep all day and party all night.  There was always a call from a friend asking what's happening or better yet, an invitation to gimmick.  It gets better when you get invited to a party and the gang's all there.  So long as the music was good and so was the company, the party continued even as the sun was now about to rise.

Seeing those kids party sure brought back memories.  These days, getting is what I got at the back of my mind.  Nowadays I need all the sleep I can get and partying is now just that, a distant memory.  Still remembering those times is enough to lighten the stress.  Party hard kids but party safe and enjoy the summer as best as you can.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.