Over Worked & Under Paid...its so unfair!

The struggle
The hurt
The pain
The longing
The want
The wait
The moment
The hope
The wish
The check
The opportunity
The ask
The job
The career
The chance
The risk... all the things I wonder...


In a season of life so tied up in keeping my head down, doing the job I'm tasked, becoming indispensable and leaving behind the best of my ability...  What's it all matter any way? What have I really accomplished? Why am I suffering? What do I have to show for it?

I'm trying my hardest!
I'm giving my heart.
I'm committing my soul.
I've shed the blood.
I've put in the hours and shed the tears...but for what... To Instagram it? To Tweet it? To Post it?

I ask again...But for what? Toward this? Toward an industry that churns out clones of interns second by second and year after year; just shy of running a sweatshop; claiming class credit equates hourly wages... please! They claim volunteering is a legal way to earn eager man power. They say keep your hours under 20 but they do realize that this is indeed a job in sports right?

I'm pushing my hardest for an industry the climes on the backs of the poor and placing its two left feet on the very finger tips the public has left to cling on to the side of the highest mountain we call "Life." For an industry that programed our parents to join in the get rich quick scheme of child-like warriors on Saturdays. (Note: It doesn't work but, the beauty is that every kid and every parent think that their kid is NEO...The ONE!)

These parents have mouths to feed, mortgages to pay, and loans to inherit... yet we don't care. We continue to use tax payers dollars to supply the rich and famous with "State of the Art" facilities and stadiums that are no more than play-things and hobbies for them; no more than a yo-yo pulled out of a 5th graders pocket. They throw it in our faces, do a couple of tricks for their friends in order to have their egos scratched, flex their sense of power within their poor communities and after a few years, find a sad soul who doesn't realize this yo-yo is a depreciating asset that somehow allows one to sale it for a higher price than what they bought it...does that make any sense?

In a time where the US has a Government with an "OFF-Button," where government leaders have no respect for the President of this country and continue to put pride before benefit when the letter B always comes before P and continues to deny the poor with an opportunity for health care while they've got all the health, care, money and wealth they can handle... my industry continues to raise ticket prices to the highest dollar amount known to man. Charging bogus entry fees to watch a boxing match in which two men dance around a ring and hug one another. And, if by the grace of God one of us poor souls find ourselves inside one of these amazing arenas...you better not ever think of eating inside...! Especially if you brought the family.  0_o

If so...bring the bank with you. The average bottle of water is around $5, a meal is anywhere from $12- $20 and lets not forget...you probably didn't come alone. Forget the family outings. Why are TV packages and stadiums finding that the tide has changed...well, look at these owners; take a glance at these prices....greed kills.

Greed kills your home-crowd advantage, kills the butts that were in those seats, kills the pockets to the pants to the butts in those seats, and kills the motivation to spend a day watching my community leader wave his yo-yo of a sports team in front of me an my kids. Kills opportunities to do great for our communities youth, teachers, and heroes.

Break Down: Family of 4

Tickets: Upper Levels- $40 X 4
Parking: How close??? (1/2 mile) $20 Fyi...that's if you're lucky.
A parking space cost nearly $100 in Big D around Jerry's World aka AT&T Stadium!!!
Gameday program: $15
Meals- $12 X 4 (no drinks)
Drinks- $5 X 4
Souvenirs.... Lets not go there! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Better yet... you need to be the guy below for the rest of the day!

Mr. Money Team



Feel free to do the math above...
It simply cost too much to entertain your family these days and there seems to be no breaks in sight.
The rich continue to get richer and the poor continue to suffer!

All the while... the little robots making all this happen are the concession workers, security workers, ticket takers, custodians, police, EMTs, cable workers, set up crews, network employees and low and behold all the little interns... who can only wonder...?

I'm anticipating recognition.
I'm deserving of progress.
I'm doing my best.
I'm going to get a full-time offer.
I've got great contacts...

But wait...aren't I? Do I really?

Its been so long, I don't even know what long is...
Its been so hard; I don't even know what hard is...
Its been so, so, so unfair that I've cast the word "Fair" out of my vocabulary. Life is not fair!
Just because you're good at something...does that mean you're supposed to do it? Just because you're deserving of something...does that mean you're supposed to get it?
Just because you're next in line...does that mean its your turn...?

I guess you won't know until you experience it for yourself. Make sure its all worth it.

Make sure you Love it!

GENERATION NEXXT: (FYFL) Washington Park Buccanners vs. Miami Gardens Vikings Super Pee Wee RECAP 32-20

Hollywood, FL. (Washington Park)-Today's Florida Youth Football League (FYFL) Super Pee Wee matchup between the Washington Park Buccaneers and the Miami Gardens Vikings was one to remember as the Bucs sailed past the Vikings 32-20.



FYFL Bucs vs. Vikings
"Crucial Catch of Cancer"

Little Warriors 

In case you missed it, the "Super Swagger" of the FYFL was taking siege over Washington Park as the Washington Park Buccaneers played host to the Miami Gardens Vikings in their Generation Nexxt TV premier.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, both teams showed streaks of pink in an effort to remind us all of the importance of making the "Crucial Catch" of cancer.

For more info on Free Cancer Screenings in FL visit: http://voices.yahoo.com/where-free-cancer-screening-florida-4727874.html

Game Day Matchups 

 On paper, both teams seemed evenly matched. They both were equipped with multiple playmakers, along with athletic, running quaterbacks. Also, both teams were armed with running backs who could run like the wind. Needless to say, both coaches were very confident heading into today's contest; so much so...that when asking both coaches for one player in particular to keep an eye out for in today's game, they both replied, "All of them!"

Well... they were right! Coach Murvin Wright (top right) vs. Coach Peter Rose (bottom right) both came with one goal in mind and that was to establish the run at all cost!

Run...Boys! Run! 

Bucs No.4 Omar Gonzalez began and ended the day scoring at will against the Vikings defense. Scoring 4 TDs on 12 carries for a whopping total of 76 yards rushing and a game winning touchdown as time expired in the 4th quarter to push the Buccaneers to an undefeated 6-0.

For what seemed like a slow start for the Vikings, No.1 Elijah Hardy and No. 2 Tyquavevius Hicks manned a vicious comeback late in the 4th Qtr. Hardy finished with 2 TDs and his side-kick Hicks finished with several extra point runs and a TD of his own. However, their performances still wouldn't be enough to mount a comeback as time would soon expire late in the 4th Quarter as the Vikings suffered their first loss on the season; now at 5-1.



With every Super Pee Wee play, came a dozen Pee Wee plays; meaning a heavy dose of fumbled snaps, missed tackles, off side penalties, delay of games along with a barrage of screaming coaches who were in udder disbelief as their teams became plagued with flags and stoppage whistles.

These were simply little reminders that though these are our little warriors in pink, they are also our kids! Our future! We as leaders, as teachers, as parents and coaches are their role models. We are charged to lead by example. With that being said, I'm proud to have seen one of Miami's very own community leaders, NBA Champion of the Miami Heat, Udonis Haslem out supporting winners of the Super Pee Wee contest!

 

By: Orlando Gunn

For more information, visit the Generation Nexxt Website: www.mygennexxt.com

Perfect Harmony

Perfect Harmony

 

Thank You. Thank you for your time. Thank you for lending your mind. For a second lets sit back and forget. Forget that we don't know each other. Forget that you're closed off to strangers and a blinking cursor. Lets be open. Lets be friendly. Act as if  I'm the one you think about first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Relax and understand that I'm here for you; mentally and emotionally. I'm your confidant. I'm your best friend.

 

Take a walk with me; hand and hand, enjoy the aqua blue sands; enjoy the peaceful fields down memory lane; a land where the skies sparkle like gold diamonds inside the Galleria and where anything goes. Do this...relax. Take a deep breath. (Gasp.) Now let it out... (Whoooooshhhhhhh)

 

Look to the skies with me; look to where the sun shines its brightest rays on you; where joy and peace intersect along a highway of success in which you be the driver and I, your gps. All is good and all is well because we're in perfect harmony.

 

Lets be real. Lets be honest.

Every human wants love and respect. Everyone wants to be told that "You Are AWESOME," vs. "You're Awful!" From a Mob Boss, to a Ball player, to simple ole me...its all the same. We want to feel valuable.

I've got news for you... YOU ARE VALUABLE!

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

My life wasn't the most troubled. I didn't grow up in the slums or the ghetto. I had two parents at home; both whom pushed me to be great and made me work for everything I ever had. They showered me with love... disciplined me when necessary and were my biggest fans. From school plays, to Honor Roll, to a National Championship all the way to earning a masters...but who cares...really?

 

Its not about where you start in this world, its about where you finish! Each one of us get 24 hours a day.  The question is...How do you spend yours?

 

Each one of us get a chance to live. The question is...Do you live life to the fullest?

 

In a quest to find this nimble balance of passion, love, joy, career and success, I've put myself to the test. Nothing was given unto me accept unconditional love; both from Jesus Christ and my loving Mother. So through it all, I've pushed, fought, struggled, studied, failed, cried and endured and even asked God why? But, I've come to understand, its all a part of  this journey I call Perfect Harmony.

 

Today... I walk to the beat of my heart and the rhythm of Gods words...all the while looking back with a :) on my face as I think to myself, "Look how far I've come!"

 

I caution you that your path toward Perfect Harmony isn't going to be ALL rainbows and roses.

Its not all going to be handed to you on a silver platter where the waiter says... "You're path to success Sirrrrrrr." lol. Whomp. Whomp.

 

There will be Snakes in the grass... which is why I keep my grass cut low.

So low you can't even mow it! lol (Back to the script...)

 

Not everyone will be your friend.

Not everyone cares that you exist.

Some folk don't like you because you breath.

Some folk don't like you because you laugh funny.

Some folk don't like you because your swag is better than theirs.

Some folk don't like you because you've done more in your life than they have in theirs.

And lets be real...some folk don't like you because they simply don't care.

 

Grand Father was a wise man; whenever I came to visit the ATL from Germany, he'd ask me how the grades were...it wasn't much to me at the time but, even after all the hard work he did on the farm with the tractors and the pigs, he still maintained a fresh bank roll of cash in his shirt pocket!  (Still blows my mind.)  o_O

 

For every "A" I mentioned, he'd give me $10, for every "B" he'd squeeze out $1. So, needless to say... I was pushing for greatness. I never got straight A's by the way. (Came close in 7th grade. lol... Stupid Home Ec., it really wasn't my turn to wash the dishes that day!)

 

This was a small gesture that became a cornerstone in my life.

If you think long enough you'll be able to identify with your own cornerstones.

You'll be able to rely on an old saying or an old friend or mentor.

Someone out there loves you, supports you, and calls you friend.

Someone out there believes in you and wants to inform you that you indeed are...

AWESOME!

 

In closing... I challenge you the following:

 

Dream a dream; wake up and LIVE IT!

 

Imagine; imagine the best you EVER! & MAKE IT HAPPEN!

 

Fight; FIGHT LIKE HELL! & NEVER GIVE UP!

 

Never allow self doubt; when it creeps into your mind...remind yourself God's Got Me!

 

Speak; No one knows what you want if you don't open your mouth. Make the ask. Be specific.

 

Lastly

Seize The Day!

Know One Wants This More Than You Do!

So, Go Get It!

 

Written by: Orlando Gunn

www.orlandogunn.com

IG: Orlandeaux

Twitter: orlandogunn

Looking back...I must have been crazy!

Looking back... I must have been crazy.
Who was I to dream?
Who was I to think the pastor was speaking directly to me?
Who was I to jump in a car at the thick of night and make my way down to South Beach for the next 4 hours; on little to no sleep, merely on faith alone, no connections, no friends, no appointments or meetings. Are you crazy? You must be! Wait...I must be!

Who was I to think that I could earn a masters degree? Does anyone in your family have a masters? Did someone tell you that you were capable of learning to a higher degree? Or learning period. Did someone inform you that you could live life to a higher standard or demand higher education from you? Did someone impart wisdom in your life; suggesting that by some miracle you were just as smart as the other kids? If so...boy please! Give me a break. Wait...Wait...Wait... this must be the sick joke we're looking for! I mean...I'm looking for.

Who was I to think that I could be the only Walk-On Athlete to perform in front of 32 NFL Scouts for the 2010 LSU Pro Day? Pahahahahaahhhaahahaahh
This is the one I just can't get over! I get it...its all a dream. You didn't actually do this right. That is about as real as me suggesting that Obama and I have the same pair of socks in my top drawer! LMAO :)

Ohhh, this next one is pretty good too!

Who was I to think that I could leave a small town like Killeen, Texas... KILLEEN, TEXAS! Where kids grow up thinking they'll never go to a big school! (whatever big means.) Where the town is considered a black hole. (meaning if you don't leave after high school, you'll never leave!) Where the youthful rap circles at lunch and in the middle of the hallways tend to be the feeding grounds where youth aspire to become rappers and artist... (Oh! Our childlike desires.)
Note: some actually do!
Oh, and where kids grow up actually wishing upon a star that their athletic gifts will propel them to become some big shot NFL star! (mind you... 5-10 out of every 10,000 kids do get a shot every 4 years or so.) The latest kids to get a Billboard in our area are RGIII & Colt McCoy.

But forget that...who was I to think that I had the mental capacity to pass my SAT and ACT and go on to attend a school that was 7 hours away from the only home I've really come to know? You're telling me that some little, black, military kid whose a bit country at heart thought he could hang with a bunch of young scholars who were raised, trained and sometimes forced to achieve greatness at such a large Division I institution? Bahahahaah! Please stop, this is way too much! Are you sure? A nationally accredited University? Get out of here!

Who was I to think that I could of all things...walk-on to a National Power House of a football team in the 2007 National Championship LSU Tigers?
Are you sick? You must be ill! Once again...this must be some kind of sick joke! I'm done with this. I'm done questioning myself...

The truth is... until we see ourselves among the good, among the elite, among the greats, we'll never achieve such a thing. I'm a visionary. The Bigger the Dream...the better! So dream! Dream the wildest of dreams. Chase the craziest of them all and when you make it...take a moment to realize just how far you've come.

Thank the people who helped you get there. Remember the words that encouraged you along the way. Remember the doubters that fueled you as cried yourself to sleep.
Rejoice at the doors that slammed shut in your face and over the relationships that ended! You are far better because of it all. You are far far far better because of it all.

Thank your lord and savior! Thank  your support systems.

Momma I love you.
Dad I know I've made you proud!
Sis, I'm glad to be your brother!

To everyone else...we laughed, we cried, we talked it out and hugged it out...but without all of you, I wouldn't be me! So from my heart to yours...THANK GOODNESS FOR YOU. THANK GOODNESS FOR YOU ALL!

1 LOVE OG

Fin-NATION Appreciation: Meet Roger Avila aka Dolfan Maniac

MIAMI, fl: Miami Dolphins Football is back!

Call up some buds, fire up the grill and grab your jersey because, the time of year we all have been waiting for... is here! Welcome 2013 NFL Football Season. Fins Up! "Its our time!"

This year…it’s simple: “It’s Our Time.” The Miami Dolphins have furnished a mindset of “Back to Football” along with the true reason behind sport: “Quality time spent with others.”

Meet Roger Avila

For many Miamians, Dolphin loyalty is apparent however, for one fan in particular the Fin Loyalty runs deeper than our South Florida waters. Meet Dolfan Maniac: Roger Avila.  As a teen, Roger witnessed the Dolphin greats take care of business in both ’72 & ’73; moments so joyous that he never forgot the sweet taste of victory. Roger was blessed to witness the magical Marino era and the hard hitting combination of Thomas and Taylor yet, it still lacked Victory’s sweet splendor. Today, his love and loyalty still remains and if anything has only grown. Roger has kids of his own who now, have wives of their own.  The stadium bares a new name, (Sun Life) and there is a new logo at the helm however, Roger admits that one thing remains the same…faith and football; his cornerstones in life. 

The Icon: Dolfan Maniac introduced 19 years ago first began during a tailgating pregame contest in which the #1 Dolphins Fans competed to show who had the most team spirit. Known as Roger at the time, this was the moment that his "Dolfan" identity would forever change. With a body shaped like the Incredible Hulk, the personality of Hulk Hogan and a kiddy Dolphin helmet strapped to the top of his head accompanied by a set of pom-poms, Roger became a fan favorite and won the hearts of Dolphins fans everywhere that day. From then on the persona only grew; adding face paint, a jersey, and football pants that allowed the fans to connect and recognize him, not as Roger but as an extreme Dolphin Fan.

Roger takes us back to the moment it all changed… “A lot of people want to know how I got my name well… It happened during the Marino days. We weren’t faring well against the Patriots, the fans were booing, no one was watching the game and I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned to the crowed, jumped from my seat and started encouraging the crowd to never give up on our boys! As I began chanting… “Lets Go Dolphins!” I heard out in the distance… Get it on Maniac! Get it on Maniac! Get it on!”  The name stuck ever since.

Twenty-five years of tailgating later… Dolfan Maniac the Icon lives on. 25 years of believing, 25 years of fan-hood, loyalty, pictures, partying, hugs and sweet family memories.

“We haven't always been victorious. Its been 25 tough, long and hard years of bleeding aqua and orange,” admitted Roger. Its Hard…its so hard but, its something that we love. Our families love that 6 months out the year we are dedicated to the Miami Dolphins. We deal with the ridicule. We deal with the losses but, at the end of the day, our love is tougher. Heck, imagine how the players feel!"

 

Though Sunday's is a family affair, its usually Roger and his two sons Roger Jr. and Rory that represent the family tradition. "Its turned into a Bro's thing!" said Rory. "Our wives are very supportive. They enjoy it whenever they decide to come out and more importantly they see how much joy it brings us; how happy we make other fans. The most fun part of it all, is that our wives get to brag about us making it on TV to their friends, added Rory."  Though every Sunday doesn't end in victory, the Avila family enjoys every moment. "The key for us is that the fun outweighs the losses," said Roger. 

Faith and Football

Roger has played football ever since the age of 10 years old and says suiting up for Miramar High School were some of his toughest moments. He admits that football tested and prepared him mentally for anything that life could throw his way.

 

"Football is a chess game," said Roger. When you're tired, your lungs are burning and you can't breathe, you still have to take a step ahead and be more physical than the guy across from you. If you can master thinking ahead under fatigue and under pressure and continue to accomplish your goals, it puts you on a great path toward success."

Roger went on to add that though he had football in his life, something was still missing. He admits that football isn't everything, nor is it the only thing. "My missing piece in my life was the Lord. I fell into drugs, and alcohol," he admitted. "Even though I worked and played, I still found myself using drugs."

When Roger isn't planted outside Sun Life Stadium rooting for his favorite team, you can find him every 2^nd and 5^th Saturday leading chapel at Metro West Detention Center by 930am. Roger also holds Bible studies inside inmate cells.

 
"Last Saturday alone… I witnessed 45 people give their lives to Jesus Christ. My ministry is real. No sugar coating. I confess my sins and my weakness to these young men. You have to open up and be real with these men. I give them my number and address and when they come out, its not a complete turnaround all the time, but it’s a step in the right direction. Sometimes the tragic part is that they find Jesus in jail and leave him there all at the same time. Its tough, but I never give up hope."

Roger gave his life the Jesus Christ at age 40. He says that his faith and football gave him hope. Hope is the message that he wishes to communicate to Dolphins fans everywhere.  The Dolphins is truly considered a family to Roger and he is committed to the team like no other. So much that, he has been battling with thoughts of putting the "Dolfan Maniac" to rest but its hope that keeps him going.

 

"I want to see this team win the Super Bowl! I witnessed the undefeated season at 12 years old and I want my boys to see this! It’s a fans number one dream!" said Roger. "When it happens we’ll be there to enjoy it."

Rogers orders to the current Dolphins players are simple: Pray Hard. Work Hard. Play Hard.

His favorite players are Cameron Wake, Mark Clayton and Super Duper. 

"I love the Miami Dolphins like I love my family!  I’m a Dolfan ‘til the coffin slam!”

–Dolfan Maniac

Written by: Orlando Gunn

 

Dance Like the World Is Watching

I'm living for the present and the future doesn't exist!

 

 

It's a gift remember? Tomorrow isn't promised!


I understand...you're human. I understand...you grow content.

Content with the state you're in. The art of hard work no longer interests you.
Too busy looking for an easy button I see.
Guess what? They don't exist.

This gift called LIFE...the one you were given...the one you did absolutely nothing for, nor do you deserve; I want you to cherish it.

Treat it as if its ALL you have; all that you've ever known.
Treat it as if you'll never get another one.

I want you to LOVE it!
Love like you've never been hurt before.

I want you to GIVE it!
Give like you've never expected something in return.

I want you to LAUGH it!
Laugh like you've experienced tears of joy.

Most importantly...DANCE it!
I want you to dance like the world is watching!

You see...dance is the ultimate expression of one's self.
Heart, Mind, Body, Soul...its all of you.

Your self-confidence exudes confidence.
Your expression uplifts those who may be depressed.
You poses the ability to inspire; encourage; relate.
You have the ability to start a movement.

Lead and they will follow...

Your body speaks to the world.
Express yourself.
Be all that you can be.

Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Taken!

So in short... Shake What Ya Momma Gave Ya! #foolin :)

Red Woods...Enter at your own risk!

Red Woods

Lost... frantic... I can't keep up.

Lost...frantic...I can't find my way.

Lost...frantic...I'm all alone.

Lost...frantic...I'm out of breath.

Lost...frantic...I'm sinking... I can't breath!..my heart hurts!..I can't reach the only branch remotely close to me! Hope continues to fade away...deeper and deeper I sink. Its covering my mouth! Its covering my nose..! EYES WIDE-gassssssssssssp! Lights Out!


Welcome to the Red Woods... luscious red lands composed of pit falls, sharp turns, unexpected beginnings, deception, lies and tough endings.

A land surrounded by heartache the size of the Amazon and enough fallen tears to fill a river of regret longer than the Mississippi.

Its rich, blood-stained color comes from the lost love and heartbreak suffered by the many men who dared travel its remarkable and unpredictable lands. The fallen leaves are not leaves at all. From a closer view one can see that each leaf-like being is merely an illusion. This scorched, tattered, battered and broken collage is simply the finished master piece of  thousands of broken hearts. Some shattered, some lost or stolen, some gut-wrenched, and some taken with excruciating pain, all left here to lay prison to this barren land.

All hope is lost. All love is lost. Only the hollow, haunted  howl of the midnight sky remains off in the distance.

A land where the sun does not dare to rise.

A land where the birds don't chirp over the morning dew yet, blood-thirsty wolves howl at the scent of you. Blades of grass dare not grow yet, dirt and filth accumulate with each deceptive and manipulative lie.

Atop the trees, Crows soar overhead...looking for their next pray and for the next lost love or dead.

I remind you...Welcome to the Red Woods: The Land of  The Lost Love.


Amongst the fear that surrounds me... Momma ain't raise no punk. I'm a soldier! Ready for battle! I made a promise to myself to fear nothing but God himself.

I also made a Promise To You... That I'll Never Quit!

Cleats laced up, Gloves strapped on, Dri-Fit ready and a Love cape on.....I'm coming to rescue your <3 !

Before I said hello, I'd already made a promise to myself. Before I said hello, I'd already prayed for you. Assured that I'd already made a deal with God, I'd given my life to Christ and asked for his forgiveness... I'd said my prayers 6 and 7 times over. I'd mustered all the faith within my soul and decided to "Let Go and Let God."

Needless to say, Hun...I'm down for whatever! Ready. So, I don't have to get ready!

I'd sworn to love you until Earth freezes over! Even still... the warmth from my love for you, would continue to thaw out a portion of this world, soon...soon giving life to a flood, eventually giving rebirth to a frozen land.

 I'd sworn to always be there for you regardless of my state of mind, situation, or socioeconomic status. Broke, Broken, Rich, or Ballin...this love will remain all yours.

I'd sworn to love you until the day you find my Tears in the sea!  Even on that day I won't stop loving you.

I'd sworn to love you until the day you met the man with identical finger prints as me! Only when these things are complete you can make a case for my love to cease. But...you already know...Even then, I won't stop loving you!

Until Then...
I'll continue to march through these Red Woods in search of your love; in search of your heart; in search of your friendship; in search of the real you; FLAWS N ALL. I'll battle the hatters. I'll defend your doubts. I'll mend your broken heart. I'll clean your wounds. I'll feed you and nurture you back to trust; back to friendship; back to laughter; back to having a good ass time! But, more importantly back to Love!

I vow to be consistent

I vow to encourage you

I vow to be patient

I vow to appreciate you

I vow to be your best friend

I vow to be your supporter

I vow to push you when you need it

I vow to lose a wandering eye

I vow to give you all of me

I vow to love you unconditionally...