This is a question for the girls

"This is the opposite of what I am talking about"

I was standing around tonight at a party. Two great guys who are very nice were chillin but the girls went to the guys that pretty much sucked. I'm facsinated by this. Do girls want deuchebags? Are they afraid if they commit to a good guy and get hurt? It actually is really interesting to me. If you are a girl what attracts you to another guy? This is fascinating to me. Guys like girls for what they look like at first but girls don't think the same. Is this biological? I truly am fascinated.

Right now you think I'm some sad, pathetic, resentful guy. I'm really not. I got laid last week but I'd still say this. This fascinates me but I want to know why. Do they want a guy that makes an ass of himself so later they can say that and control the situation? The funny thing is these questions will never be answered because similar to guys girls would never admit any of this. This is a scientific experiment much more interesting than anything I could think of in Science class. What do you think?

My trip to Japan

I never knew that choosing my CACI mentor, former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) and Executive Director of the CACI Leadership Program Joe Campa, would lead me to Japan. Mr. Campa asked me to accompany him on his trip to learn first-hand what it’s like to be a leader.


I want to thank him and the Navy Hospital Corpsmen in Yokosuka for making my trip so amazing. I not only got to experience the great country of Japan, but also got to meet some of our US Navy sailors who all treated me with great courtesy. I have such admiration for our Navy servicemen and women around the world.

The flight to Japan was long, but the people around me were very nice. The woman sitting beside me actually brought her dog with her in her carry-on bag. When we arrived at the Narita Airport and got through customs we were greeted by Master Chief Randy Pringle, Chief Mack, and 1st Class Petty Officer Ramirez. On our drive to the Gateway hotel in Yokosuka I got to experience driving on the left side of the road for the first time. Definitely something I’d have to get used to!

Friday was jam packed with Navy events. We started off the day with breakfast with some junior hospital corpsmen. The Navy Hospital Corpsmen are a vital part of the Navy and have helped save numerous soldiers' lives. At the end of the breakfast Mr. Campa gave out military coins to each of the young sailors to thank them for their great work. Afterward, we met with the Captain and Commanding officer of the Navy Hospital, Captain Pachuca and Master Chief Pringle. We then attended a birthday ceremony celebrating 113 years of the Navy Hospital Corpsmen.

Following that I was given a tour of the Blue Ridge Navy ship which was an amazing experience. We met the captain, and Joe gave the All Hands call to the entire crew congratulating them for their excellent service and answering questions about his time with the Navy.

That night we went out to an authentic Japanese Restaurant called Wan Restaurant. It was a unique experience for me. Before going in everyone had to take off their shoes and put them in a small drawer. We then sat on the ground with pillows and had a delicious meal. I even was able to use chop sticks without looking completely incompetent. Afterwards a few Navy sailors and I explored the city and the night life. There is no tipping in Japan. In fact, if you leave a tip some people will chase after you to give you your money back!

Saturday Joe and I went to a Japanese restaurant for lunch and had a delicious meal. The waitress did not speak any English so we had to point to the pictures of the food to order. Afterwards we checked out the Navy Exchange shop and bought some souvenirs. Joe was asked twice for his photo by Navy sailors. He really is a rock star here. That evening we attended the Navy Corpsmen ball at the Mercur hotel in Yokosuka to celebrate its 113th birthday. Mr. Campa was the guest speaker and gave a great speech honoring the corpsemen. It was an outstanding event and a great experience.

Sunday Joe and I attended the barbecue of Command Master Chief of the Blue Ridge Navy ship. Mr. Campa’s old shipmates were there as we the first ever MCPOC of the Japanese Navy which was quite an honor. The next day we were taken to the airport and back to America.


I experienced so much on my trip. One my favorite things about Japan were definitely Chu-Hi's, a vodka flavored drink that tastes like soda. The food was outstanding as well though I have to admit at times I didn't know what I was eating. The Japanese people were so nice and polite. We in America could learn a few things. I was also amazed at how efficient everything was in Japan. It took us about 5 minutes to get through security and customs there. They also told me the DMV takes under 30 minutes in Japan. Can you believe that?

 Everyone treated me with the utmost respect. I also want to state how impressed I was with all of the Navy sailors and Chiefs I met. They were gracious hosts and I feel blessed that they are protecting our country.


The respect Joe Campa received was tremendous. He is famous on base and you can tell how much admiration they all have for him. We were stopped almost everywhere we went for photos. He gave several great speeches to sailors about the importance of their service and how it can develop them as leaders in the future. You could tell everyone was ecstatic about his visit.


If you had told me a month ago I would have the opportunity to go to Japan with Joe Campa I would not have believed you. I feel truly honored that Mr. Campa gave me the opportunity to travel to Japan. I look forward to my next trip there. It was truly an experience I will never forget.

It's hard to start over

A couple years ago I blogged about the "comfort zone." The place we all find ourselves at some point in time.  This blog encompasses the same idea. Starting over is hard. Whether it be in a new job, a new relationship, a new hobby.  It takes a lot of courage to start from scratch. 

I like my job a lot, but even if I didn't it would be hard for me to change careers.  You spend so much time becoming skilled in one thing it seems like you've gone too far along to change.  We're all told that your 20's are the time to change jobs, to take chances. But no one mentions the cost of a cable bill, groceries, drinks, Dunkin Donuts.  It's easier said than done.

It's even hard to start a new hobby. I've still never ice skated, never played golf, never snowboarded. Not necessarily because I'm not interested, but because I don't want to fail. I want to stick with what I know I'm good at.

Relationships are probably the best example of how hard it is to start over. We invest so much time with another person.  So many memories are created. Photos are posted on Facebook. Common friends are made. Families are formed.  Sometimes it seems people stay with each other out of comfort rather than love.

I guess starting over is so hard because we are, at the core, creatures of habit.  Though we all have different priorities, most follow the same general routine. We all brush our teeth , go to work or school, and go to sleep.  But is that such a bad thing? Is it so bad being comfortable? Maybe not. Maybe a so called boring life is a good thing. What do you think?

How do douchebags not realize it?

I've always been fascinated by douchebags. The definition of douchebag according to Wikipedia is "a person, usually male, with a variety of negative qualities, specifically arrogance and engaging in obnoxious and/or irritating actions, most often without malicious intent. Who writes these Wikipedia entries anyway?

For me it's simply a person that is just not chill. I don't get how people don't realize they are douchebags. The lack of self awareness in people is pretty shocking.

Douchebags can take on many different faces. The number one sign you are a douche is arrogance. Usually these people actually have very low self esteem so overcompensate and try to act like they are the shit. These people are the worst. The second is loudness. Okay, some people can't help it, but don't you hate that dude at the bar that just screams and shouts about everything. It's all about attention. That is what these people want.

The third is maintenance. If you spend 45 minutes gelling your hair and spraying cologne all of over yourself you probably are a douche. Also, people that lie about how much action they get are douches. If you have to lie about that stuff the chances are you barely get any.  Even if you do its from a girl that likes douche bags so there's nothing to brag about. Though I will say some girls seem to really be attracted to the douchebag race but that is for another blog.

Anyone who pops their collar is usually a douche. I know that is generic to say but why do people actually do that? Don't give me the BS excuse that you didn't know you were doing it. It takes effort to pop a collar. In my opinion, the reason is for attention and to get girls. That's another thing, anytime a person sacrifices who they are to attract a girl it is being a douche. Look, we all want to look good in front of the ladies, but don't sell your soul. Girls can usually pick up on this anyway.

I always wonder how people like this can wake up in the morning and not realize they are a douche. Do they just not care? What goes on in their head? It's truly amazing to me how many of these people populate the world. I wonder if it is something in a person's DNA or just how they are raised or maybe just who they surround themselves with. Is this something that can be cured? The sad thing is douchebags usually don't know even know they have the disease. There are probably a few douche's reading this article. Please feel free to comment.

Things I don't like

Life is awesome for the most part. There are a lot of terrible things going in the world, but at the end of the day I still get to listen to 2pac and Phil Collins and watch the Celtics.  However, some things I really dislike. Hate is a strong word and there is too much of it in this world already. But these things below, as the great Peter Griffin would say, "really grind my gears."

People who can't merge: This happens everyday on my way home on 66.  Without fail at least one idiot driver will totally disregard all the signs, and the fact that they are somehow the only car driving in the farthest left lane. Then they will swerve in at the last second causing traffic to be backed up. If you don't know how to merge correctly stay off the roads or move to Nebraska where there is so merging.

People at work who put everything on speaker phone: I can't go into specifics here, but seriously why can't you at least close the door when you are on speaker? Why do we need to hear everything you say? This isn't even for conference calls either. Some people put their hairstylist on speaker. Unless you have some kind of hearing problem show some respect for those around you. It's just amazing how many people in this world are oblivious to common decency. Also, put your damn cell phone on vibrate. I don't need to hear the latest Kesha hit from your cell phone 4 times a day.

Ryan Seacrest: One of my rules is to not hate people I don't know. However, I almost have to break this rule for Ryan Seacrest. Look, the guy is more successful than I will ever be, but there is a 0 percent chance he is a genuine human being and would be chill to hang out with.  It is sad we will be bringing in the New Year with him for the next 50 years. By the way, I love Dick Clark but take him off the air. It is ruining his legacy.

The New York Jets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Duke: I hate all these teams. The order depends on the season. Notice I said hate here because we are talking about a team rather than a person. I think it's fine to hate a team but not an individual.  Anyway, the Jets suck at life. Sure, they beat the Patriots, but with people like Cromartie and Bart Scott how do Jets fans sleep at night? I used to hate Rex Ryan but his wife does foot fetish videos so I almost feel bad for him.. The Lakers? Let's just say without being gift wrapped Pau, Kobe would still have 3 rings. Is he a great player? Yes. Is he Michael Jordan? That's like saying is Lil Wayne, 2pac. It's just foolish. As for Duke, well they are Duke. I have no real reason to hate them besides the fact that I'm a UNC fan which yes makes me a sports hater. We all are in some ways whether you want to admit it or not.

711 Hot Dogs: You may think I love 711 Hot Dogs but the reality is I hate them with all my heart. I hope the inventor of the 711 Hot Dog did not live a good life.  It's a terrible addiction that I hope to break completely someday. There is nothing worse for you in the world besides maybe Taco Bell.

The term FML: One of my biggest pet peeves is people who complain about meaningless stuff. FML, my coffee wasn't hot enough. FML my hair dryer broke. There are people starving in Africa. Shut up and gain some perspective. The fact that you are posting on Facebook means you have a computer which means you are probably more fortunate than 95% of the world.

Reality TV: I know,  this must mean I'm a hater right? No, the reason I watch TV is to get away from reality. I don't want to watch stuff I could do on my own. I could bring some of my friends in on a Friday night and be more entertaining than 90 percent of these reality shows. It's not the reality shows fault, it's the consumers for being too bored with their lives that they have to watch others. I miss the days of Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Step by Step.

Modern Music: There is some good stuff out there, and it is better than it was 5 years ago. but the stuff on the "hit" music stations is pretty much crap.  Kesha? Do people seriously like her. I heard a song from her and thought it was a joke but apparently she's the number 1 artist in the country. The only reason these songs are "good" is because of the beats which are made by the producers. The producers are better than ever now because of the technology. Makes me even sadder that 2pac wasn't alive now. Who knows the amazing stuff he could've done(tear).

People that like to hate stuff for no apparent reason: I know, didn't I just write about 10 things I hated? Yes, but I could back each of these up with 15 examples. A lot of people like to hate stuff because something is popular. For example, saying  they hate Leonardo Dicrapio in the Titanic. Really, well why? The guy played his role perfectly and if you didn't shed a tear when Kate let him go at the end you probably don't have a soul.   Or Facebook is so lame? Really, actually Facebook is freaking awesome and is one of the best inventions of the last decade. How else would I post my Beer Pong Tournament invites?

At the end of the day life is awesome but you can't like stuff without disliking stuff too. That's life in a nutshell.

Things I love

A lot of people like to hate stuff in life.  I'm not sure why they are so angry, but obviously they must not listen to enough Phil Collins or do enough kayaking.  Anyway, I thought I'd write a few things about stuff I like. The world is a messed up place but it's important to remember that all in all life can be pretty great.

Kayaking on the Potomac: Everyone should have a place in life they can go to relax and contemplate the meaning of life.  For me it is the Potomac River. Sure, the water is dirty,and there are now supposedly Bull Sharks roaming around, but I'll be going kayaking on that river until I'm 97.

Sam Adams Cherry Wheat and Sam Adams White Ale. I love all Sam Adam's beers(except the Chocolate one) but these are the best. If I could have one drink for the rest of my life it would be ice cold lemonade. My second choice, Sam Adams Cherry Wheat though you can really only drink like 3 of those. Sam Adams White Ale is one of the most underrated drinks ever made. It's only out for about 4 weeks in the spring so check it out.  The Blueberry Beer at Boston Beer Works is outstanding as well.

Dunkin Donuts Coffee: My love for Dunkin Donuts is hard to explain in words. If I ever become rich I will buy the franchise. Every Saturday and Sunday morning you can find me at the Cherrydale Dunkin Donuts buying an extra large coffee cream and sugaaa with a sesame bagel. It is like clockwork. Starbucks can suck it.

The Boston Celtics: I like everything about this team and franchise. Larry Bird can walk on water in my book.  The current squad is just so damn likeable. From Big Baby taking charges, to Kevin Garnett scowling at people, to Rajon Rondo being awesome at everything. Frankly not liking Rondo is similar to not liking Santa Clause or not liking free pizza. You are crazy if you don't.  I love them and am so proud to be a fan.

Baths: I always get a strange look when I tell people I take bath's. I don't understand why it is weird. It's relaxing and feels good and there are few things better in life better than drinking a cold beer, with a good book, in the bath tub. It must be one of those things people don't like because they think it's not cool to do it. Just do whatever feels good and who gives a crap.

2pac, Phil Collins, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, and Tom Petty: An eclectic mix I know, but each one brings something different to the table. I listened to only 2pac for four straight years in high school and while he is still the best music artist ever, these other four are close.  The important thing in life is to love music whether it be crazy emo stuff, country, rap or classical. Music makes everything better. Except Justin Beiber, he doesn't make anything better. Though his song with Ludacris is kind of catchy.

Honest people: I like people that don't beat around the bush. Say what you mean.  Screw manners and tell me the truth to my face. Except if you don't like bald people, then just lie to me.

Office Space: For my money the greatest comedy of all time with Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura a close second. This movie is a comedy but also a documentary on office life. Should be required viewing for anyone about to enter the Corporate World.

There are a lot more things I like, but this article is getting Bill Simmons lengthy (love Bill Simmons by the way). The important thing in life is to be passionate about stuff. Don't like stuff, love it. That's what life is all about.

Redhead Pride

"Scotland has the highest percentage of natural redheads, with 13 percent. Ireland is a close second, with 10 percent. Only about 2 percent of people in the United States have naturally red hair."

I talk a lot about being a red head. It's probably annoying but it is part of my identity and frankly if you aren't a red head you just wouldn't understand. Being a red head or "ginger" as some call it is a package deal. You get the hair, the freckles, the sunburns, and the distinction of being the token red head pretty much anywhere you go. The other night I was at a party and two other red heads were there.  It was an incredible scene and made me realize how rare it is to see a red head, an actual red head. No, people with brown hair that turns slightly red in the summer do not count. I hate when people say that almost as much as I hate people that  can't merge correctly on 66. But I digress...

Being a red head wasn't something I was always proud of. As a kid I was called "Carrot Top" or "Red" and was really sensitive about it. Like any other young kid I wanted to fit in. I wanted to have brown hair and brown eyes like everyone else. Now it's different.  Would I like to to be able to go for a run without wearing SPF 80? Sure. By the way, I think the whole SPF think is BS. As long as you're wearing SPF 25 or higher and reapply a few times it doesn't matter what you buy. It's like buying a diet Coke with a quarter pound cheeseburger and fries. Same result, different name.

Being a red head means only getting a "tan" when your freckles come together after a long day in the sun or in a dark bar. It means wearing sun block when it's raining. It means being "the red head" anywhere you go. But you need to embrace it. I always joke that red heads are their own race, but in a way we are our own people.  I can go a whole week without seeing a Ginger.  By the way I don't think red heads should be allowed to go bald. Why give us the hair if we are just going to lose it? Genetics suck sometimes.

People need to embrace what makes them different. Everyone has something that separates themselves from someone else. Whether it be personality, interests, talents, looks, etc. embrace your uniqueness because being average just leaves you as another number.