I haven't been on my computer for a few reasons lately, but there is a lot to talk about. I guess since my last post I've been had the pleasure of taking some down time about a week ago. I went to see my family out near Daytona, and could use a release from my world over here. I feel that even though your family may get on your nerves or ask you for strange requests, I feel that there is still a sense of tranquility around them. Plus the alluring sounds of waves on the beachside help too, lol. So I had a chance to visit my family, my Aunt Nay (who is doing very well), and my two favorite little cousins who always keep me on my toes Arrington and lil Zae.
I went over my lil guys house and hung out with them for a while trying to figure out if we could go somewhere. By the time we had our plan to go watch Iron Man 2 it was already 8pm and their grandma wasn't having that! I guess I'll have to catch up with them next time and have a plan on the way over there so we can put it into action immediately.
Aside from hanging out with the young fellas I had a chance to go down to this "Old Fort Park" which is part of some archeological ruins from Native Americans that inhabited the area roughly 400 years ago. They had a gospel festival at the park where I had a chance to meet a few old friends of my cousin (those of whom my grandma would probably remember). I also met the pastor and assistant pastor of the church most of the older members of the family grew up in...pretty cool. Personally, its fun to hear about history through the stories of others; its much better than reading books, lmbo.
Speaking of history, I was shocked and intrigued to hear that Edwin Moses, the great and most winning 400 meter hurdler ever, could be seen running around the streets where my family grew up. My uncle Jimmy said that the Moses family lived down the way from the family and young Edwin used to be around. I don't think that he lived there, but apparently he had family that he would visit in that same area. Pretty cool!
After a long and tiring day I had yet to complete one final task: putting together a TV stand for my aunt. It was already past 10 and I still had an hour drive back to Orlando that night. I think one of the things keeping me there was the fact that there was an NBA game on at the same time, lol. If I didn't have something to keep my attention I would have crashed right there on the floor. Fortunately I pulled myself together and made it back safely just before 1am to plop into my own cozy bed for the night. The life of...a family man...Track news up next
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Vacation from vacation
Hey there bloggers whats up! This is DK signing in for more live news. I have been pretty unconsistent with the posts recently due to some unanticipated changes in my schedule. Recently it seems like I've been working every day at one place or another. Thankfully I do have a job that pays my bills, so that is always better.
Last weekend I had a chance to take a much needed trip back home for a break. What is funny is that during the winter months people don't normally go FROM Florida TO Michigan. Florida is an ultimate vacation spot, but I needed a break. I wanted to run at UofMichigan that weekend, but due to the knee issue I decided to simply enjoy time with family. It seemed like I was only there for about 2 days, but it was really 4. I traveled most of the time; all morning Thursday then a 6 hour drive Saturday morning and a similar return trip of 5 hours on Sunday morning turning right around to fly back on that night.
Saturday I accompanied my parents to Derek, younger brother's, hoop game in the upper peninsula of Michigan at his school. It was the first time I had ever been up there so it was kinda a new experience for me. At first I didn't want to go because so much time was spent traveling, but I really wanted to see my brother so I made the trip. Derek's team won the game by 2 points that weekend and are now in the playoffs trying to secure the top spot in the conference. Afterwards most of the families from the team went to dinner ane we had an opportunity to meet everyone. As small as the school is and as far North as it is, there are some really good people that go to his school and overshadows the fact that its very small and in the UP. Everyone up there seemed really nice and pretty cool so Im happy things are working out for Derek. He is only a Freshman, but is showing a lot of promise for the future. He has started a little less than half the season. Im really proud of my him, and can appreciate the excellent work I see him doing on and off the court. He's a better student than I was and I thought I was doing something, lol.
The time I was actually at my parents house I just watched a few movies, worked out once, ate a lot of really good food, and talked a lot with my parents. I hung out with David, my older brother, a lot less than I wanted to, but since we're out of school and have jobs its not as easy to hang out like it was on Christmas breaks. Two of my high school friends (Lindsey and her sister) came over to see me for a few hours. Its always good to see them.
So, I was able to get another break from intense training, enjoyed Michigan, and saw some of my family and friends. This is the life of a family man.
Last weekend I had a chance to take a much needed trip back home for a break. What is funny is that during the winter months people don't normally go FROM Florida TO Michigan. Florida is an ultimate vacation spot, but I needed a break. I wanted to run at UofMichigan that weekend, but due to the knee issue I decided to simply enjoy time with family. It seemed like I was only there for about 2 days, but it was really 4. I traveled most of the time; all morning Thursday then a 6 hour drive Saturday morning and a similar return trip of 5 hours on Sunday morning turning right around to fly back on that night.
Saturday I accompanied my parents to Derek, younger brother's, hoop game in the upper peninsula of Michigan at his school. It was the first time I had ever been up there so it was kinda a new experience for me. At first I didn't want to go because so much time was spent traveling, but I really wanted to see my brother so I made the trip. Derek's team won the game by 2 points that weekend and are now in the playoffs trying to secure the top spot in the conference. Afterwards most of the families from the team went to dinner ane we had an opportunity to meet everyone. As small as the school is and as far North as it is, there are some really good people that go to his school and overshadows the fact that its very small and in the UP. Everyone up there seemed really nice and pretty cool so Im happy things are working out for Derek. He is only a Freshman, but is showing a lot of promise for the future. He has started a little less than half the season. Im really proud of my him, and can appreciate the excellent work I see him doing on and off the court. He's a better student than I was and I thought I was doing something, lol.
The time I was actually at my parents house I just watched a few movies, worked out once, ate a lot of really good food, and talked a lot with my parents. I hung out with David, my older brother, a lot less than I wanted to, but since we're out of school and have jobs its not as easy to hang out like it was on Christmas breaks. Two of my high school friends (Lindsey and her sister) came over to see me for a few hours. Its always good to see them.
So, I was able to get another break from intense training, enjoyed Michigan, and saw some of my family and friends. This is the life of a family man.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time well spent
Yesterday marked another annual family Christmas party here in FL. Every year we get together to see each other, talk, play games, and just have a good time. As a first-timer I had an amazing time! Cheerful music warmed the large house as relatives arrived to decorated lights, flowers, and Christmas colors. There were probably 45 people that were scrambling around at one time, and about another 20 or 30 who unfortunately missed out this year.
I ended up meeting many cousins I’ve never met, at least remember meeting, and many of their children too. Finally, the stories of relatives “in the good ol’ days” were piecing themselves together as I met some of the participants from them. Everyone was soo welcoming and loving as our family naturally is, and I definitely felt welcome.
We had tons and tons of food which, not surprisingly, felt inadequate after a few minutes. I felt like I was experiencing Thanksgiving all over again, because Lord knows that I was thankful for all that food! Included were deviled eggs, fresh veggies, ham, grilled and barbecued chicken, peas, sweet potatoes, cabbage, corn bread, and green beans to name a few. The peas and sweet potatoes were my absolute favorites and you better believe I went back for seconds (LOL).
The night was great and after dinner we played charades and a few other games. Although a few of my favorite cousins weren’t really there we all had a great time. I always like playing around with my younger cousins and listening to them try to catch me up on their whole life before the night ends :). There was one conversation though, that was drilled to my head when it was all said and done. After listening to a few stories from my uncle Jimmy-Lee, he said, “Now you listen here. Whatever you end up putting your mind to, you make sure that it’s what you want and you don’t let anything stop you from achieving it.” He told me that nothing is impossible for me and that I can be great, but I have to really want it in my heart. “You have to be willing to go further than when it starts to get tough, and never quit,” he said. “Sometimes you have to make sacrifices that will be tough, but they’ll get you to that level of greatness that you’re striving for. Do something,” he continued, “that is yours that no one can take away from you, so when it’s all over you can say that you did that. In everything you do, you should be so determined to do your best so that every time you would feel honored to sign your name on it saying Daniel stood here, Daniel did this work.” He really spoke to my heart and just reminded me that if there is something you want, you have to set your mind on really achieving it with no compromise, and you can’t say it’s too hard I quit anytime in between. When the time comes for me to step up and dig deep, I want to say that I was able to pass the challenge!
I ended up meeting many cousins I’ve never met, at least remember meeting, and many of their children too. Finally, the stories of relatives “in the good ol’ days” were piecing themselves together as I met some of the participants from them. Everyone was soo welcoming and loving as our family naturally is, and I definitely felt welcome.
We had tons and tons of food which, not surprisingly, felt inadequate after a few minutes. I felt like I was experiencing Thanksgiving all over again, because Lord knows that I was thankful for all that food! Included were deviled eggs, fresh veggies, ham, grilled and barbecued chicken, peas, sweet potatoes, cabbage, corn bread, and green beans to name a few. The peas and sweet potatoes were my absolute favorites and you better believe I went back for seconds (LOL).
The night was great and after dinner we played charades and a few other games. Although a few of my favorite cousins weren’t really there we all had a great time. I always like playing around with my younger cousins and listening to them try to catch me up on their whole life before the night ends :). There was one conversation though, that was drilled to my head when it was all said and done. After listening to a few stories from my uncle Jimmy-Lee, he said, “Now you listen here. Whatever you end up putting your mind to, you make sure that it’s what you want and you don’t let anything stop you from achieving it.” He told me that nothing is impossible for me and that I can be great, but I have to really want it in my heart. “You have to be willing to go further than when it starts to get tough, and never quit,” he said. “Sometimes you have to make sacrifices that will be tough, but they’ll get you to that level of greatness that you’re striving for. Do something,” he continued, “that is yours that no one can take away from you, so when it’s all over you can say that you did that. In everything you do, you should be so determined to do your best so that every time you would feel honored to sign your name on it saying Daniel stood here, Daniel did this work.” He really spoke to my heart and just reminded me that if there is something you want, you have to set your mind on really achieving it with no compromise, and you can’t say it’s too hard I quit anytime in between. When the time comes for me to step up and dig deep, I want to say that I was able to pass the challenge!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Aunt Nay
Yesterday was my Aunt Nay's Birthday. She is an astonishing 85 years wise, and still rolling. I started the day out going to the early church service then came back for a nap. I really wasn't planning on sleeping for 3 hours, but from all of my house searching the day before I was pretty tired. Luckily I woke up just in time to get down to the house where they were sitting the food out and gathering for prayer.
I was happy to finally meet my cousins Wonzel, Darryl, Willie, and Alvin. They're all older and have kids, but it was good to catch up with some more family. I met Willie's son who seemed like a pretty smart guy. He's about 16 or so and plays basketball and baseball. Also among the star studded guests were my cousin Jackie (Aunt Jackie she says to call her) and her husband Jimmy-Lee. They are truly hilarious; they always have stories to tell and are both pretty animated so I try to ease my way over whenever I hear an uproar that either of them are in middle of. I also met Netta and her grandchildren KK and Kameron. KK is a pretty little girl probably about 9 and her cute little brother Kameron is only about 3. He was crying a lot yesterday, but I know he is going to be a lil G when he grows up...it runs in the family.
Aunt Nay was in and out of the spotlight all afternoon because she was a little sick. She had a small cough and her nose was running, but that would not keep her from thanking all of the family for showing up on another special day for her. There was plenty of eathing going around, and Aunt Nay ate more than she usually does, which was good to see. Im sure she was up in Spirits with all of her cousins, nephews, and grandchildren around.
The whole ordeal only lasted about 5 hours before people started heading out, which I thought was pretty short for a family gathering. It was sunday and some people traveled from around Florida (Miami) to join us so I could see why they would leave a little earlier. I guess all good things come to and end, or at least a halt, at some point or another. I stood on the porch talking to Darryl, Wonzel, and Greg (Porsche's Husband) about track, fishing, and cars for a while.
I was probably one of the last people to leave the house that night at about 930. I was keeping Aunt Nay company after she said she couldn't sleep very well, and had decided to eat some chocolates someone had brought over. I decided to have a few pieces of coconut cake that Porsche made, that had everyone talking earlier that day. I think that was my first coconut cake that I've had and it was really good. Porsche is another one of the great cooks in the family. Im working on mine still. At half time of the Green Bay game I headed back down the street to take it down after a full day of excitement. All in all, today was a good day.
I was happy to finally meet my cousins Wonzel, Darryl, Willie, and Alvin. They're all older and have kids, but it was good to catch up with some more family. I met Willie's son who seemed like a pretty smart guy. He's about 16 or so and plays basketball and baseball. Also among the star studded guests were my cousin Jackie (Aunt Jackie she says to call her) and her husband Jimmy-Lee. They are truly hilarious; they always have stories to tell and are both pretty animated so I try to ease my way over whenever I hear an uproar that either of them are in middle of. I also met Netta and her grandchildren KK and Kameron. KK is a pretty little girl probably about 9 and her cute little brother Kameron is only about 3. He was crying a lot yesterday, but I know he is going to be a lil G when he grows up...it runs in the family.
Aunt Nay was in and out of the spotlight all afternoon because she was a little sick. She had a small cough and her nose was running, but that would not keep her from thanking all of the family for showing up on another special day for her. There was plenty of eathing going around, and Aunt Nay ate more than she usually does, which was good to see. Im sure she was up in Spirits with all of her cousins, nephews, and grandchildren around.
The whole ordeal only lasted about 5 hours before people started heading out, which I thought was pretty short for a family gathering. It was sunday and some people traveled from around Florida (Miami) to join us so I could see why they would leave a little earlier. I guess all good things come to and end, or at least a halt, at some point or another. I stood on the porch talking to Darryl, Wonzel, and Greg (Porsche's Husband) about track, fishing, and cars for a while.
I was probably one of the last people to leave the house that night at about 930. I was keeping Aunt Nay company after she said she couldn't sleep very well, and had decided to eat some chocolates someone had brought over. I decided to have a few pieces of coconut cake that Porsche made, that had everyone talking earlier that day. I think that was my first coconut cake that I've had and it was really good. Porsche is another one of the great cooks in the family. Im working on mine still. At half time of the Green Bay game I headed back down the street to take it down after a full day of excitement. All in all, today was a good day.
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