Sunday, November 27, 2011

It's That Time Already?

What a crazy past few days. Actually, past week. With my best friend flying in from AZ for Thanksgiving and hearing that my other best friend is getting married. It started off with one of those surreal moments of, Holy Shit I'm getting old. 
I'm grabbing a drink at the bar after work with Kyle (who just got back from AZ) and we start having a discussion about 3rd world countries. We get interrupted several times with this "special" friend that has a crush on Kyle. This guy always buys him Tequila shots [which Kyle refuses every time] along with several awkward looks and eye stares. It's the funniest thing ever. I thought it couldn't get any better until this drunk lady walks by, stops, asks if we are talking about 3rd world countries, and tells us that we are way too smart to be here. Before we have the chance to say anything, she just blurts out. "Are you two gay? I mean, you (pointing to me) look straight, but you (looking at Kyle) look feminine." That's the perfect beginning to this festive Thanksgiving week.
Along with Thanksgiving, I had a 5 year reunion. How crazy is that?! 5 years since high school. It doesn't seem that long but when I walked into that room, I realized how many people/friends I hadn't seen in that entire 5 years. To me, it's always fun to listen to people I barely know and either see how awesome they are or how.. goofy or creepy they are. I always have a blast but this night was hands down awesome. Drinking with people I had only known sober and seeing who they truly were or at least were drunk was absolutely fascinating. But with all great nights there's always one moment where it goes downhill... and that one moment is seeing my best friend from 7th grade barging into the room with a giant tray of tequila shots. I'm talking like 40+ tequila shots that he is just handing out to everyone. And... that's pretty much the end of me remembering everything and only remember spots. 
One thing I've noticed/learned from this weekend is that 1) I should be thankful for a lot of shit in my life (Thanks Mom, she gave me a speech about thankful-ness) 2) I've run into some people that always view the past as the good old days and that the future can't possibly even come close to that. Which, my hand is up, my past was hella-fun! And I wish I could travel back in time where I didn't have so many responsibilities or to some of the greatest moments and scenes that are in my head. But I've realized that the future can hold anything in the realm of possibilities just as long as I don't get too lazy and that I keep my priorities straight. 
And I think that it's easy to be side tracked and distracted to lose focus of where I want to go in life when I listen to some types of music. Actually, some of my favorite music makes me get a little side tracked where it makes me 2nd guess myself. I think everyone knows that listening to depressing music when you're depressed will send you even deeper in the rabbit hole while listening to motivational music/clips when you are highly active and productive will blow away your goals.
At this moment of life where the future is dark and stability in life is real shaky, it's easy to think, want, and miss the feeling of the past. It's because we knew what it was and what it felt like, the future is cold, dark, and mysterious. And I believe that most people are ready to face the future, it just comes down to whether or not, they will overcome the fear and nervousness of the excitment that is to come. Which I hope all of my friend do, because it's ok, to be scared and nervous, just as long as you take that first step. 

Much Love


PS: This is the song that got me to take a moment and think back about my life. What could have been, where I could be, and all those silly-fake-scenarios.
"And all I find are souvenirs from better times, before the gleam of your taillights fading east, to find yourself a better life..." - Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration 
 
   

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Proteins and Carbs and Fats... Oh My!

I have a problem. That problem arises from as far back as I can remember. I. Am. A. Health. Nut. Yes, there are more dedicated people than me. Which always makes me think I can do better. Which is awesome because I could listen to people talk about how this chemical compound mixed with this Amino Acid will jack your muscles up or how this protein compound plus this herbal remedy will greatly reduce your body fat.

I think it's amazing how knowledgeable people are when it comes to their own human body. These people may not have passed high school biology (I'm sure most did) but... What I mean is that they may have not had huge strides in science or what is taught is the education system, yet they are some crazy mad scientists when it comes to the human biology and how it reacts to certain chemicals at pre, during, and post workouts.

It blows me away, and I visited a friend that has this mad scientist part of him. (which is awesome, I wish I had that type of knowledge) I simply asked him that, 1) I'm losing weight way too fast and 2) how do I keep it at this [secret] weight. I was taken back. He Dropped Some Knowledge on my ass. It was awesome, I could ask him anything and he told me what I should expect if I take it properly.

I had to think to myself, what a great feeling it has to be when you can help explain how important different supplement are to improving your life. Although, they are only supplements and should supplement a great nutritional diet to really feel the changes. Let's be honest, there is not a "Limitless" Pill, nor would they ever let the common person come in contact with that.

There is one type of supplement that I strongly believe in. I believe that it helps me endure the shitty 8 hour days of retail. Memorize, Remember, and Process all the new information that comes into my life, whether it be, new joint locks or chokes, escapes or take-downs, new combinations in Muay Thai, trying to understand the Ancient Civilizations, or to this, simply writing. It keeps me focused, clear minded, and my attention span is off the charts.

Onnit Labs is the creators/site where I dabble with improving my Congnitive Functions and having the most crazy-awesome-unexplainable dreams. Alpha Brain + New Mood. Best Sleep + Best Dreams I've ever had.

Few of My Current Supplements from Onnit Labs
I take days off and still feel great. I understand that there is a Placebo Effect (which I believe in). Most times, when I get off work, I really just want to sit my ass down on that couch and watch TV. When I do take Alpha Brain I can tell the difference when I get off work when I usually have the mental power to still learn something [piano, guitar or MMA]. That difference right there is why I like to share this with all my friends.

I also signed up to help save some cash for my friends, If you type in the coupon code LUCKY you can save 10% your first order. I would recommend to try Alpha Brain and New Mood.  But since I'm a poor-ass college grad I understand money is tight. It took me a few paychecks to save up for a nice sized order (as you can see in the picture, above)

If anything, check out the site, poke and prod the site and read some information on it. Want to try a free sample, let me know, I'll gladly let you try it out for a couple days. Until next time....

Seize the Day!!

Much Love

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

"Small World"

There I was. In this foreign place that seemed so familiar. I was searching for something. What? I could not say. I just kept moving, moving past the signs which I couldn't make out and the people that I didn't recognize. I started to move faster until I hit an opening. And there it was. My destination. I finally caught up with my friends that I met from My Adventure. It couldn't have been more clear than to recognize, Suet, Ia, and Ryuichi. 
There I was. Back in Taiwan. Speaking Mandarine and laughing with my friends. My surroundings became clear as I could finally make clear of the symbols and sayings that hung everywhere. Just as I had figured out this environment it suddenly changed. I'm racing up this steep hill. Chasing something, somebody in a bright blue car. I'm speeding past small shops and nearly hitting pedestrians. Am I in an action movie? No, I finally figure out that I'm racing Ryuichi to his restaurant. I'm almost there, almost caught up to him and as I near the top, My car stalls from the climb being too steep. I can feel the panic, the fear as my car starts to pick up speed from rolling backwards. I calm myself, making a shifting movement and blast through a side alley with the feeling of relief as I made it.
There I was. Stepping out of the car. Just as my foot hits the ground, everything changes. I'm placed inside this restaurant. With a feeling of excitement to finally see my friend's dream come true. His very own restaurant. I'm taken back, with a slight, of-all-places-kind of feeling. I see two old friends from High School. Prinzy and Hollerud. Of all people, these two sitting indian style sipping on ancient cups full of Ryuichi's prized soup. I had to know, what brought these two here. As we greeted each other with the loud American gesture across the room, I start walking towards them. With each step I feel a shooting pain in the bottom of my foot. It keeps growing until I can't take the pain. 
There I was. Laying in my bed, realizing that one of my sores from Wrestling(BJJ) and Muay Thai was rubbing against one of my blanket's tags. Thinking to myself, I have to cut those off. Then a pure moment of clarity. What just happened. What felt like a few days, had only been a few dreams. Now I'm left with the thought that makes me wonder, "Just because it was in my head, does that make it not real. It's etched in my memory with a lesson, emotion, and visual picture. Could my dreams be a view into another parallel world, or just be a glimpse of what could be next."

(C) 2011 Nov, Nate Miller's Dream.
 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tuesday Night Ritual

The past few weeks, every special Tuesday, I get to have the honor of getting my body beat on by multiple people, while, trying to fend for my life as I also try to submit the other person. It is the best thing in the world! I absolutely love it. It only last for an hour, since I'm in the real world and my job usually makes me miss the first hour.

After that body wrecking experience, I move on to Muay Thai. Where I get to take out the stress of getting shit on by customers that stop in to Walgreens. Where I really want to ask them, where do you think you are? This isn't BK. You ain't getting it your way, son! But... I have to simply apologize for their rudeness that I can't meet any of their demands. I now understand the stress of having to deal with other nations (which I'm sure is 1000000x more difficult) where you just have to keep telling them that you are not going to meet their demands but they better shape up before we blitzkrieg their ass.

For 2 hours I get to kick and punch pads and learn different types of 4 count-combos that have a mix of kicking and punching, or implementing knees and elbows into the mix as well. Besides learning how to fend for my life (I'm only a buck 33) it's a great workout.

The Class Room

There's a lot of experienced fighters that are amazing teachers. Which makes me want to start giving basketball lessons and other things that I love in this life. What a great feeling it must be to teach someone that is wanting to learn something that the teacher is passionate about.

With all this torture that I put on my body every Tuesday Night (and Hopefully Thursday night... depending on how well my conditioning and fitness increase) I have to spend about 20 minutes tending to my mat burns and any other skin injuries on my body.

Pouring large amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide which then I have to endure the awful pain that it brings. Worst part ever! But I absolutely DO NOT want to get any weird ring worm, Staph, or even worse... MRSA. I'm too much of a germ-a-phobe that I take all the precautions so I don't get anything nasty on this body!

But, I guess, as Amy Whinehouse says: "Pain Makes Me Feel Alive." I wouldn't 100% back that up.. But I'll definitely have that, awesome soreness tomorrow knowing I had a great workout and that I'm improving how much my body can physically do.

Connecting the Mind-Body-Soul one step at a time.


Much Love


PS: What a great Versus Commercial. Inspirational and Motivational. Can't beat those two aspects. This guy is Dropping Some Knowledge! Check it out!!!!!! 2nd Place <--- Click!


Monday, November 14, 2011

Bringin' Back the Old School

Since my trip to Taiwan and even when I returned to the States, I've been hooked on reading books. Crazy, I know. Who would have thought that I would spend time reading. I think from my high school days, I didn't even read a single book and well into college I didn't read either. Well except for a few random books like: 
And of course. The Harry Potter Series. 
Which I sped through all 7 in a matter of months.
Since I've been back in the States (probably, 5 months?) I have read a handful of books ranging from straight page-turning-suspense to humbling self-awareness to how-to-make-a-million. Which were all awesome to read and I recommend them to everyone! (Authors: Stieg Larsson, James Patterson, and Timothy Ferris) 
BUT... ATM 
I'm currently on this weird. Ancient. History. Kick. I personally blame the great TV show of Ancient Aliens where I learned to be an avid fan of Giorgio A. Tsoukalos who is one of 'historians' on the show. The best part was when he became part of the Joe Rogan's Experience Podcast #125. (If you have any interest in Ancient Knowledge, Facts, and Theories... Go to the iTunes store and look for Joe Rogan's Podcast #125, I highly recommend it, great for long road trips! It's also FREE!)
But all of this has made me pick up the book, Chariots of the Gods - Erich von Daniken, which blew me away! This book was packed full of simply awe-dropping facts and different information about civilizations that I never knew existed. Along with that, it tells about how highly technological some of the artifacts and buildings we have found over the years. I've always known about the huge stones that most historians/people have thought that the ancients used giant logs to roll these into place, but when I read about everything and all the possibilities, it became clear that there is no way that it would be feasible. The things they did back then, while not having the knowledge of "the wheel" it just gives me that WTF!? moment, as I can't imagine how they did what they did.  
Reading this book (Fingerprints of the Gods - Graham Hancock) and listening to another JR podcast #142 starring Graham Hancock. I have only started this book, and have learned quite a bit already. Some of the mind-blowing information that has taken me back is the fact that Antarctica was mapped out hundreds of years before "we" knew about it. There was a map of Antarctica that actually shows how it looks before all the ice covered the continent. One of the most interesting facts is that Antarctica isn't a huge continent but it is made up of 1 giant land mass and 2 smaller land masses. Graham Hancock introduced me to the theory that something epic happened to the Earth that caused the crust to shift about 2,000 miles. Thus, bringing the ice coverage of Antarctica. Pretty crazy to think about, as the possibility could be there, since... Maybe that shift made North America's great glacier to melt and allow life and Native Americans to thrive there.  
The most amazing thing is the Nazca Lines. I don't even know enough to type up a solid description. So I've attached a short clip about them. This is what I find. just. simply. AMAZING. how'd they do it? why? and it just brings me to another... WTF!?!? moment in my brain as I can't comprehend it. 


With all this talk about Ancient History and the possibility of Ancient Aliens, I gotta jet and go read more about this topic. 
 
Much Love
PS: Interested in this topic too? Love to talk about it? Hit me up at AlastarSwift@gmail.com  If you've heard of something else crazy and sweet, send me a link! Have you heard about Easter Island? Check that out!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

11/11/11

A couple days late, but I've always been told that it's better to be late than never. The first time I had ever been told about make a wish on 11:11pm was back in High School. What a long time ago, and there I was on Friday, November 11th, 2011 @ 11:11pm making one of those super epic wishes. What did I wish for? Man, I'd love to tell you, but then it wouldn't come true... and well it's just not worth that chance!
But it's on the lines of... Staying dedicated to keep learning new things each and everyday that I have. Whether it be getting my ass kicked by a mother of two @Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or learning how not to punch and kick like a girlie-girl @Muay Thai or even to my new fascination, the Piano. 
To be honest, this mother of two, is legit. She's awesome, she's taught me a lot of different escapes, chokes, joint locks, and how to transition to different positions. She's great and I feel amazingly lucky to be able to train and learn from her. Despite her awesome tenacity and how fast she chokes me out or gets me to tap.
The scariest part in this whole after-college life is... The expectation that I should be someone. Have that career, or have my life all figured out. [Which I give props to all that have this together more than I do] I really feel like I'm just learning how awesome this world can be (and how shitty it can be too) but I feel that pressure. These looks from parents whose kids are all starting with great companies. I don't let a lot get to me, but I always get that nervous/awkward/pressure that I should be doing something that other people respect.
I'm sure many people would say, "that's your ego talking, you don't need to keep up with the Jones." Which I understand, but if I get that nervous/tense&Awk pressure, I'm sure other college grads are out there feeling that same pressure. Which sucks, because it's not a cool feeling. I don't think anyone should have to feel this awkward moment.
So remember that you aren't the only one out there, my friends. My hand is up and I have a couple shoulders to lean on. Life isn't made to do a solo run through so let's make it easier for us and take this step together.

Much Love

"I was put here to do something before I'm lying in that casket, I'd be lying on the beat if I said I didn't know what that is, The world's a stage and we a play a character..." Macklemore - Vipassana