Bucket List!

Thankfully, I'm in a far better mood today, then when I placed my last post...

As the story usually goes, had multiple events worth posting about over the last month or so, but time is always evading me...but that's my usual disclaimer, so I digress..

...below are what I'm determined to do before kicking it...(not necessarily in order of performance)..

1) adopt an African child/children

2) write an auto-biography

3) star in a movie...even if only in a minor role

4) see the Pyramids

5) swim with dolphins

6) marry & raise kids

7) build an orphanage in Africa (most likely Nigeria)

8) write a novel

9) speak a word into someone's life so encouraging or beautiful they're brought to tears

10) choreograph/teach dance professionally

11) skydive

12) speak French, Dutch, Arabic, Kiswahili, Spanish & Pidgin English fluently (& maybe Japanese too, but that might be pushing it)..

13) invent something. anything.

14) build a substantial business that will support my family, as well as missions & volunteer projects around the world.

15) visit Dubai

16) learn to sing

17) take underwater coral pictures off the Great Barrier Reef

18) learn guitar or piano professionally

19) start my own charity

20) own a horse (the only pet I really want)

21) compete on a major singing or dance competition show such as Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, X Factor, etc.

22) walk the great wall of China

23) perfect Latin dance forms i.e. Salsa, Paso, Tango, etc.

24) write a screenplay or musical

25) see the Sahara (note I did not say "cross the Sahara", as that's a completely different undertaking)

26) grow dreadlocks

...and that's just the first list...

The awesome part is that this is actually doable...if I were to make a list of all I've already done in only 32 years of life, it would be at least 15 times longer than the list above...I'm excited!!

again, these are not just wishes...by God's grace, I will accomplish each of these before leaving this life...now that I've spoken it into being, it'll happen...watch as I tick them off 1 by 1...

Pieces of me...

(I originally started writing this about 2 wks back when in a particularly depressed mood...it started as a classic "Psalm of David/Lamentation" style prose, but then as I went back to edit it & the mood had lifted, it ended up just being a little reflection on life's "mid-life lessons" (boring, right?)...but hey, it was writing practice for me & a time of transparency for you all to see another side that I don't normally post on this blog...enjoy)

I think that many times this blog is a reflection of my accomplishments, life's great moments as would generally be defined by the general populace...moments of excitement, joy, adventure (I like that word), thrill, etc. But there's obviously another side to life.. I think it's partly a "guy" thing to hide those moments of frustration, anger, disappointment, or even deep discouragement, loneliness &/or sadness...but I don't think I'd be human if I didn't experience those feelings & I don't think I've fooled any of you into thinking that I don't...

So while you don't come online & look up this webpage to see what a bummer of things my life sometimes is, I do feel that there's a time to share the difficulties in life with those we are close to, as I believe that one of our greatest comforts in life is drawn from knowing that others we love go through similar times of difficulty, heartache & frustration...Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Cor. 1:4)

So enjoy these few random melancholy musings, that while seemingly soppy & sad, are actually proof that we need a well-rounded spectrum of experiences/circumstances to make us into what we should be..

--I miss Africa!...as most of you know, Africa was not only home for 10 years, but was also the where I started my adult life, discovered the real meaning of giving my life for others, traveled extensively on my own, learned to be a true missionary & the was, incidentally the birth place of this blog...The myriad of beautiful/exquisite/original & memorable experiences can't be repeated here (although they'll be printed & bound at some point), but serve as a collection of the most memorable years of my life & are a permanent part of me...since "coming to America" I've been in a time of learning & change, but I do feel that I left my heart in Africa & thereby am clearly not my full self..I know I'll return there someday...
     missing the myriad of true & close friends I made there over the course of a decade has also been an extremely difficult adjustment (although, thank God, I've made new friends here & am surrounded by family as well, which is great)...the abrupt severance of my connection with so many who I'd grown to know & love over 10 years in Africa has been an extreme challenge...but thank God for facebook, right?

--Adjusting to life's different stages is both challenging & interesting...Developing a depth in life comes from God's hand & is many times acquired in that realization that life doesn't turn out the way you want it to, or in my case, being at a place in life where many things would've been differently had I been in control at each faze of life...but that's where that surreal & trustworthy perspective touches your life that makes you pull down faith...that testing of your spirit that can result in utter peace, when you realize that a Greater work is at purpose in your life...this is the age where I'm at; where the look back views full & amazing years lived, but the future is still open & untouched...So I guess this "middle" feeling of limbo & adjustment I'm experiencing can't be mid-life crisis, as there's still too many experiences ahead...or maybe it's a "pre-midlife" crisis...yikes..

(transparency alert)
--I'm at the point where my bachelorhood has gotten to be an ironic mix of tedious expired overdue impatience & a subtle adjustment into a sort of settling that's neither disturbing nor peaceful...(?!?!) The lesson is that God's plan for mankind was not to be alone (!!)...I've always had a dream to marry & raise a family & while some say that if you're single for X amount of years it will always be that way, I'm still a dreamer in that regard & always remain hopeful for that utopia I've come to idealize...but until that time, I still dream of meeting that angel who I'll click compatibly with, as we strike romance right off the bat & live happily ever after...maybe the trick is getting to be this romantically inclined charmer, so as to attract said angel into my life...or maybe another life lesson will be learned through all this that love, while beautiful, is far from perfect & that the ideal happiness is not found in a perfect match of barbie & ken, but in two imperfect people filling the missing pieces in each other's puzzles (mmmm...kinky)..

So to that end, I don't go to movie's or to dinner (absolutely never) by myself, as doing either of these would ring the "bachelorhood bell" so loudly in my ear that I'd run out & marry the first random chick I found on the corner & God knows that wouldn't last (although it worked for Richard Gere in Pretty Woman..If life & movies were more like each other, life would be so different)...

This is getting too long...so 2 help you all avert boredom & the acquistion of a sudden case of the "I-fell-asleep-while-reading-a-blog-post-syndrome", I'll sign off here..

thus ends part 1 of "pieces of me" on ad 4 life, by Brian Whyte...see you in part 2...

My Density!!

Have any of you guys seen that movie Back to the Future..in the scene where the nerdy little Marty McFly senior (then a teenager) is practicing how he's gonna ask his soon-to-be wife out to the "Enchantment Under the Sea" dance...in his typical fumble-bum fashion, he nervously stammers out, "You are my density!"...

After Whitney Houston passed I realized how big a fan of hers I truly was when I found myself now buying her music, playing her CDs & collecting "remembrance" issues of different magazines featuring her life, legacy, fame, etc. Just as her life affected me, her passing affected me deeply..

The part that made me think the most deeply was the fact that she had such a unique life & a gift that no one else will ever have & yet she died before she was even 50, after battling with severe addictions for decades...It's clear that Whitney Houston's destiny was to give the world her voice as she did...but was her end a piece of her destiny, or could that have been avoided?

This brought me to thinking about what my destiny is...not just in the generic sense of "who am I?", but more as to how can I live out the full potential of my life & not let any of life go wasted, or not waste life as I live it...I thought of all the bucket list type things I'd wanna do, all the possibilities in life & all that I've already done & I realized that being where God wants you to be & living each day to the full is the essence of destiny...I know that I have gifts that I've not used, as well as been more greatly used in other ways than I may even know...but no matter what the story of life & how it's lived, where, when, with whom, etc. regardless of my circumstances, love is the greatest part of life..(1 Corinthians 13).

I asked the Lord about this & He spoke to my heart with the following message:

Part of the question for you is, what kind of destiny do u want to create? What type legacy do you want to leave for the next generation & for your circle of influence? All these questions & more will help you determine your destiny…
I have set you on a path. I have destined you to come to earth at this time & I have given you that which you need to know Me & be used of Me, but the rest is up to you. You know that I have called you & that I have destined you to be Mine, but whether you will follow or not, is up to you.. You have followed & your destiny of loving, living for & serving Me has already been served, but how you will leave your legacy in other ways is also up to you.. You could write a book on your past experiences for other generations to follow… You could leave your mark by influencing those of less fortune in Africa & make a destiny that way... You could have a family & children & this will also be passing life to another generation & keep your name & works & vision alive… but all of these can also be done together & are all a part of your destiny… So that answers who you’re destined to be, as well as how you can shape your destiny, for I leave a lot up to your heart’s desires & your will-power & ability to choose your desires & to follow on the path that I’ve led…this & more is your destiny…
Remember, also, that your destiny is your destination--& that’s Heaven. Everything you do points to your one day arriving home with Me & then your destiny will really be realized once you're faced with Heaven, the angels & your loved ones, you’ll know that I created you for a reason & that your life was no mistake & that big or small your destiny was realized in some way…probably in a bigger way than you think..So keep going, keep keeping on & don’t forget who you are (a child of God) & who I created you to be (a light & encouragement to others)…if you do this, you will fulfill your destiny & you will fulfill your heart’s desires…

Have you been there?

Cahoots and other interesting places

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, ex wife, family, and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, and I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing.

Please do your part! Today is one of the many National Mental Health Days throughout the year. You can do your bit by remembering to send an e-mail to at least one unstable person. My job is
done!

Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive
quickly!

From one unstable person to another... I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty good in mine!

New Year's Resolutions..

So apparently I have some...a few actually...

Here are the top 10 (not necessarily in order of priority):

1) NOT txt & drive...it's completely illegal & it's gonna get me in a wreck one of these days...

2) Be financially sound...my goal is to double last year's income...(roughly 25 Gs)

3) Stay spiritually focused...While attending my cousin's church, after the service one of the pastors asked me if I'd any spiritual goals for the New Year...and that made me think...as much as I love the Lord & consider myself a spiritual person, I hadn't actually thought @ my specific goals as far as my walk w/ the Lord in 2012...In one way I thought that was a good thing, as by nature I try to take time w/ Jesus every day & talk to Him as I go about my day, meditate on Him when waking & lying down, take time to read the Word each day, etc. So all this will continue...so while I was happy that these things come naturally, at the same time, I did want to set a new goal for myself (at this preacher's prompting) & in the end decided that my spiritual goal for this year is 2-fold:

a) think positively about myself...I realized that as much as I believe in & love Jesus, my outlook on myself & my day-to-day circumstances can be pretty negative at times....much of the time, actually...but since God is Love, Happiness, Inspiration, etc., since He created me, I should exude those same things...& furthermore, if I believe He's all-right, all-good, has a perfect plan for me, etc. I should be happy that my life is as He wants it & that He'll perfect it as I go along (I'm still convincing myself of this goal even as I write it now..)...

b) I'd like to see manifestations of miracles this year...it's always inspiring/motivating to see God's hand move & I want 2012 to be no exception...I'm looking forward to miracles of supply, healing, renewed hearts & ppl turned to Jesus...should be exciting..

4) Star in a major motion picture..I'd like to have a speaking part in a movie this year...I'm coming up w/ a bucket-list (which will be really long...thankfully it'll include experiences I've already had...which might not seem to make sense) & 1 thing on that list already is to star in a movie...my last year's experience as an extra doesn't count towards this bucket-list goal, as I want to see my name on the credit at the end of said movie that I star in...Being that loads of movies are being made in Atlanta these days, this one should be pretty easy...keep ur fingers crossed, everyone..

5) Get into a new relationship...while my last relationship lasted more than 2 years, that now seems a few days in comparison w/ the 30+ years of my life...after being single nearly 2 years after that it seems it's time for me to turn on the love-light in my life again..let's see what (or rather 'who') 2012 has for me..I'm trying to devise a plan as to how this will come into being (although, if there's anything I've learned as to how not to get into a relationship, it's to plan for one)...will it be online dating that does the trick? or will I turn on sparks with someone I already know, or meet someone entirely new? We Shall See!!

6) Pump major iron!!! I plan to put on at least 10 pounds this year (which for me is a lot, seeing as I've weighed roughly the same weight over the last 10 years)...Plus, being generally fit/ripped is always cool..may help in the modelling/movie department too..

7) Eat health food...this goes along with the previous resolution & I'm determined to stay a "health freak" as some of my dear African friends have termed me...

8) Take time w/ family & friends...due to both the higher costs of city living & the desire to start some kinda savings, I've turned into a complete work horse & a total anti-socialite...I'm set to have this change over 2012 & am determined to hang out w/ friends (make new ones) & family throughout the year...

9) Which brings me to my Europe trip, speaking of family....I'm excited about doing the usual London/Belgium trip, but am also convinced I'll see Paris again after 6 or so years...Holland is also on my 2012 wish-list...

10) Build a solid team of associates with my LegalShield business..the future is bright (golden, in fact) with this new opportunity & I'm looking forward to not only selling many, many memberships here in the city of Atlanta, but am also looking forward to building a team of associates between friends here & throughout the country as I introduce others to the same opportunity I was introduced to a half-year ago...

aaaaaaand 1 more for good measure:

11) Write...determined (there's that word again...maybe that's what all these things will take) to make further headway on researching towards & writing my book on my time in Africa...this will also keep Africa in my heart & help me not miss it so much...

What are your 2012 resolutions?

On set..

I had a good time working on set as an extra for the production of the film 'Coma' last wk Monday & Tuesday...

This is an upcoming mini-series produced by A&E, playing next year over Memorial Day wknd..It stars James Woods, Geena Davis, Joe Morton, Burgess Jenkins & others..From wat I understand it's a 3rd remake, with the original having been a 70s version with Micheal Douglas, then another mini-series of the same story done in the late 90s..

I play a medical intern & will most likely be seen wandering the hospital, checking on patients, etc..of course, once editing is done, u may not even see my face at all..But hey, it was an experience nonetheless & a good way to make a little extra on my days off..

This was my first time being on a movie set & it was quite a sight to see the intense detail & tediousness behind making a movie..Interesting how it all coincides...you've got the set director leading his tech team who are putting up reflectors, taping of lights, marking camera spots, building the set, basically...at the same time the director director is looking at shots, communicating with the actors & watching each rehearsal & take (1x the set director & team finished putting everything in place)...then the director has an assistant director who's also directing certain takes, & the set director has a first assistant too...then there's the "extras director" who's looking at the whole scene apart from the immediate actors & bringing in (through his assistant) all of us who build the scene surrounding the actors..the chain of command trickled waaaay down...amazing..

Then there's the camera crew & computer technicians..this whole team makes up about 20 0r 30 ppl, not to leave out the costume & make up department & then all the extras...for most of the scenes I worked in, the actual actors were only 2 or 3 in each shot at one time, but altogether there were between 35 & 50 of us on set at any given time...

More extra roles in the future will hopefully lead to an actual role, or more significant film appearance in the future..

I recommend extra work for those looking for a little side income, or something to do on your day off, or even for someone just wanting to experience being part of a movie, seeing how it's all done, etc. Try it sometime!

coming back...

ok, that's it...

I'm back...

it seems that adventure still abounds, although, certainly in smaller & less exciting doses....but adventure is adventure & it's time I started writing again...

Ok, let me tell you the real reason I'm writing on this site again...

A book by the same name of this site is being currently constructed (penly speaking)...in order to write good book material, I need to keep my writing skills honed/up to snuff/practiced/sharpened....ok, I think u get the point..

all that to say...I'll be writing up here again..

Tune in to tomorrow's post (or the day after, depending on how life goes over the next couple days) which will tell about my adventure being a part (a small part) of the mini-series Coma, starring Geena Davis, James Woods, Burgess Jenkins & others...

See u then..;)

closing temporarily...

when traipsing around Africa saving souls/bodies/spirits, experiencing cultures, seeing the world, performing, writing, giving, doing, etc. I felt a more intense kind of gratification in knowing that I was making a difference & then hopefully inspiring you all by telling you about it here on this blog...

Now, however, I live a slightly boring life here in suburbia, going to work & back, as I adjust to a new lifestyle & get set up to study (what I don't know, but certainly something that will help set me back in Africa making a difference & experiencing Adventure for a Lifetime)...

So for the timebeing, because I'm so boring, I thought I'd officially take leave,
as well as take time to write my book, before all my beautiful African memories leave me...

So with that I take leave...I certainly won't close the site, cuz for those new to it, there's many an adventure to read about, picture to enjoy & story to be inspired by...there's 5 yrs worth of blog up here, so feel free to peruse around & enjoy to the full...

Meanwhile, I'll try & find another more fitting name for a site that can host more boring tidbits from a less adventurous time that is mine (the present)...

Stay tuned...;)

Stories of Hope/Kindness during Japan disaster...

March 11 stories that warm my heart
by Celly Kamoi on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 1:25am (reposted w/ permission)

Some of these are taken from my friends and family's posts on FB and others are Tweets. The generosity of heart in a time of crisis touches my soul. I love Japan, and though I haven't lived there for 11 years, it's still my home and I feel the pain and want to be with my countrymen. There is love and kindness out there - I've never felt so patriotic about my country as I do now.

Even if you only read a few, it will encourage and warm your heart. My people need your help and prayers!



* Lots of stories coming out about people risking their lives/giving their lives to save others. What I find most touching is the little things, like the homeless people bringing cardboard to the people sleeping in the cold in stations where they are stranded. The homeless, often ignored by all of us, may not have much to give, but they are doing what they can.

* My sister wrote: During the earthquake, I thought I was going to die. The trains were stopped, so I walked towards my friend's house. There were no taxi's running, the restaurants and shops were all full of people who couldn't get home. After I'd walked 4 1/2 hours, hope was fading, the temperature dropped and I was so so cold. The masses of people crawled along like little ants dragging their feet. At that time I had just crossed this bridge, as I came down there was an old man with the trunk of his car full of "hokkairo". He passed them out to the weary people walking, encouraging each passer by. I immediately felt warmed inside through the kindness that was shown.

* Heard a story last night of a woman and her baby who were caught up in the tsunami. A man on a second floor balcony climbed down to help her, passed the baby up, and helped the woman up, only to be washed away by the tsunami himself. Selflessness like that is amazing.

* In the middle of the night, I was walking home from college. A lady at a bakery was giving out bread. She kept her bakery open till late hours and was doing what she could do to help others. I was so touched. Tokyo is still not a bad place to live! Such a heart-warming scene.

* Seems the Yakuza up north were out in force after the quake... HELPING DIRECT TRAFFIC.

* Just read about the citizens of Osaka showing up in droves to donate blood.

* I was so moved by the statement issued by the UN Secretary General, saying, "Japan is one of the most generous and strongest benefactors, coming to the assistance of those in need the world over. In that spirit, the United Nations stands by the people of Japan and we will do anything and everything we can at this very difficult time." This is a perfect example of doing good to others. They will do the same to you, when you most need their help.

* This afternoon at the convenience store there was a group of young punk looking guys buying drinks and beer. When they got to the register, one of them realized if he bought the beer as well, he wouldn't have any money left to make a donation for quake victims. He returned the beer.

* My husband walked for 4 hours to come back home. He was feeling weak at Akabane and this man offered free coffee saying "It's pretty cold huh? Warm up with this hot coffee!" Thanks to the him, my husband regained the strength to keep walking. It must have really touched him because he's been repeating the story 5 times. Thank you to the man passing out free coffee.

* This afternoon, I saw a young guy who has radical looks. He donated put several ten-thousand-yen bills to a donation box saying his friends “We can buy a game anytime”. I heard his words and that made me and the people around there what is important and we donated a bit too. I re-realized that it is not appropriate to judge people by their looks.

* When the earthquake struck Japan, I was working at the restaurant. The restaurant was almost full. After the earthquake, we guided the guest to go out from there because it could be dangerous. I thought great part of them would leave there without paying, but most of them came back and paid their bill. The rest of them, who didn’t pay yesterday, came back to the restaurant today to pay. What a beautiful country Japan is.

* Weep! I was so touched I cried super hard! That international call from a stranger just now, it was a phone call of worry and support from someone who called their own number, except with Japan's country code hoping to connect with someone in Japan! I didn't quite understand the English, but I understood what the person was trying to say! She said a lot of people over there are "praying for Japan"!

* It happened last night. A convenience store near a train station managed to open for business with a power generator. While I was waiting in a long line, the generator stopped, maybe because it ran out of fuel, and the cash register stopped. The entire store was pitch black. Everyone put the things they had in their hands back on the shelves and left, even though no one would've noticed if they walked out with them.

* An elderly man, probably over 80, who was rescued from the disaster area said "We will be OK, we are pretty sure we will. We have experienced Tsunami from Chile so why can't we do it this time?" he said with a smile. He again said with a smile, "It is useless to say something sad" to the news reporter trying to get some comments of sorrow. His wife standing next to him told the reporter sharply "Don't take photos of our disgraceful look". From this conversation, we can see how courageous the people who built Japan have dignity.

* A conversation I overheard on the train between two grandmas. "The police are telling us to turn the lights off because there's not enough electricity. We used to spend a lot of time without lights for the good of our country during the World War 2. This time, we don’t need to worry about the bombs falling over us. We’ll gladly turn off the light, won’t we?” The people around them got silent for a second. My eyes welled up with tears

2011 kick-off..start it out right..

employ these principals & 2011 will be your best year yet..

*Don’t let mistakes of the past blur your vision for the future. Focus on the good to come.

*I am willing to go anywhere, anywhere, anywhere—so long as it’s forward.2

*People are always blaming their circumstances. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.3

*Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.4

*“When you pass through the waters … they shall not overflow you.”5 God doesn’t open paths for us in advance of our coming. He doesn’t promise help before help is needed. He doesn’t remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God’s hand is stretched out. Many people forget this and are forever worrying about difficulties which they foresee in the future. They expect that God is going to make the way plain and open before them miles and miles ahead, whereas He has promised to do it only step by step as they may need. You must get to the floodwaters before you can claim the promise.
I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”6

*Faith gives us courage to face the present with confidence and the future with expectancy.7
________________________________________
1 Mottos for Success.
2 David Livingstone (1813–1873).
3 George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950).
4 William Carey (1761–1834).
5 Isaiah 43:2 NKJV.
6 Isaiah 41:13 NKJV; Author unknown.
7 Mottos for Success.