Hello hello. I know it's been awhile since my last post but a lot has been going on since then. Most of my time has been occupied by watching team Japan defend their title in the World Baseball Classic, Nepan Japan!!!! Also I've been busting my hump looking for a job. Glad to say hard work pays off. After four months of swinging my axe at the unemployment tree, it finally fell. Today I was offered a position at Majestic Behavioral Health as a Basic Skills Trainer/After School Program Staff, yes I know it's quite a mouthful.
Basically I help children with behavioral issues learn basic skills, help them with home work, and be kind of a mentor to them. Orientation is next Tuesday, so I'll be sure to keep you posted on how that goes. I don't know if I'm excited or nervous about the new position, but a wise man once told me that excitement and nervousness are the same emotion labeled differently, so I guess in that case I'm excited =)
Thank the Lord I found a job before baseball season started, cause I know my determination will falter once the Cubs start playing.
Keep on Keepin on,
Chris "Gainfully Employed" D.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Round two
In this corner standing in at an astounding 3 feet 10 1/2 inches weighing in at a robust 116lbs, Chris "Can't Miss" Della Valle! And in this corner weighing a combined weight of 1 1/2 tons, Foods Chris shouldn't be eating!!!!
That's right loyal Candorteers, it is time for me to once again get my eating habits under control and drop a few pounds. In order to do this I'm bringing back Project Sexified.
Project Sexified was developed by a team of Swedish scientists and it's purpose was to help people get away from all the negative thoughts and attitudes when dieting. It was first used in 1894 when the Sweed's shifted from Halibut to Super Models as their main export. The success of P.S. spread into most of Europe by 1948. Germany was the only exception because of Project Sexified's translation into German, Ninsexabloutan, which means No Sex for you. Clearly you can see why it never caught on.
Their are five phases to Project Sexified which have no set timetable for advancement. You body will tell you when it is time to move on, or jump back to the appropriate phase. I've listed the 5 phases below just in case anyone wants to join the project with me.
Thank you and good night.
Phase 1. Be able to walk up the stairs without going into cardiac arrest
Phase 2. Get up and go to the gym at least 4 times a week
Phase 3.The phrase live fat die happy is not acceptable a daily calorie count should be implemented
Phase 4. Cut out unnecessary calories like soda, beer, alcohol, and candy.
Phase5. LOOK AWESOME NAKED
Monday, March 9, 2009
a little pick me up
So today, much like any other day, I got up at the crack of noon to check my email. Well after sifting through the forwarded blond jokes and funny motivational posters I read an email that stuck with me. I wanted to share it and add a little to it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
HOW TO FAIL (SO YOU CAN SUCCEED) Failure is inevitable - it's part of the learning process, heck it's a part of life. I don't know a single person who learned how to ride a bike without crashing along the way. The key is to fail fast, fail often, and get back up. But remember to GET BACK UP!!!
1. FAIL FAST Once you have a basic understanding of what you're trying to master, you need to take off the training wheels. Don't waste time trying to learn every little detail before you get started...That's called stalling. You're going to learn as much from your first crash as you did from reading the manual.
2. FAIL OFTEN In order to accelerate your learning you need to keep trying. As a result, you're going to fail more often. This sounds bad, but trust me it's a good thing.The more you fail the more you try, which means you're that much closer to succeeding. No matter how outrageous your goal sounds keep at it. The following passage is from Og Mandino's book, The Greatest Saleman in the World...If I stumble I will rise and my falls will not concern me for everyone must stumble often to reach their goal. Only a worm is free from stumble. I an NOT a worm. I am not a sheep. Let others build a cave with their clay. I will build a castle with mine...
3. GET BACK UP The only thing you really need to be profitable, in a job or in life, is PERSISTENCE. It's the common thread that all successful affiliates share. Don't be afraid to try again after you've failed.
"Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison
HOW TO FAIL (SO YOU CAN SUCCEED) Failure is inevitable - it's part of the learning process, heck it's a part of life. I don't know a single person who learned how to ride a bike without crashing along the way. The key is to fail fast, fail often, and get back up. But remember to GET BACK UP!!!
1. FAIL FAST Once you have a basic understanding of what you're trying to master, you need to take off the training wheels. Don't waste time trying to learn every little detail before you get started...That's called stalling. You're going to learn as much from your first crash as you did from reading the manual.
2. FAIL OFTEN In order to accelerate your learning you need to keep trying. As a result, you're going to fail more often. This sounds bad, but trust me it's a good thing.The more you fail the more you try, which means you're that much closer to succeeding. No matter how outrageous your goal sounds keep at it. The following passage is from Og Mandino's book, The Greatest Saleman in the World...If I stumble I will rise and my falls will not concern me for everyone must stumble often to reach their goal. Only a worm is free from stumble. I an NOT a worm. I am not a sheep. Let others build a cave with their clay. I will build a castle with mine...
3. GET BACK UP The only thing you really need to be profitable, in a job or in life, is PERSISTENCE. It's the common thread that all successful affiliates share. Don't be afraid to try again after you've failed.
"Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Woohoo I'm a professional
So I woke up this morning, well ok this afternoon, to find that someone bought one of my articles that I posted on Helium. Which makes me a professional =) because by definition a professional is anyone who gets paid for a service and I got paid a whopping $5 bucks for my service. If you want to take a look at the little money maker click here -------> http://www.helium.com/items/1284807-comic-book-recommendations-for-people-who-dont-like-comic-books
Monday, February 23, 2009
New Purgatory
As most of you know I was suppose to be Kansas City for the next 10 days, hanging out with my Dad and Step-mom, recharging my batteries, and coming up with a plan for the next six months. Well sometimes things don't happen the way you want them to. The following is an account of the events of the last three days.
All great adventures I usually have start with a phone call, this one was no different. My Dad and my Step-mom Lucy were going to be flying out to California to pick up a RV that will be used for their 3rd walk across the United States. They called and wanted to know if they swung by Vegas, would Frank and I be interested in driving back with them and spend some time in KC. Always looking to spend more quality time together, I said yes. The four of us left early Thursday morning, with a full tank of gas, 12 boxes of cheese-itz, and not a care in the world.
Everything was going fine until we got past the Hoover Dam and into Arizona. I don't know if it was a mixture of high winds and a 30 year old RV, or this trip was doomed from the start, but when the extra storage compartment blew off the top of the rig, we should have know that we were in for a bumpy ride.
We stopped once to retrieve the shattered remains of the compartment, and then again in Kingman to assess the damage on top of the little RV that could. After Frank and Dad came down from the Brown Behemoth they told us that there was four small holes that needed to be patched. They decided that they would take care of the holes after breakfast. We ate at Cracker Barrel and I hate to say it but...it was the best part of the trip. That's right I said it, eating at a glorified general store was the best part of this trip.
After breakfast and patching up the holes, we were on the road again. Time seemed to stand still as we crawled along at an impressive 50 miles per hour, stopping every chance we could to stretch our legs didn't help matters. At around 6pm that night is when the real fun started. We were about 30 miles from the AZ/NM boarder, yes you read that right, we've been driving for close to 10 hours and were still in AZ, when we heard a loud bang, started to smell something burning, and lost power. We pulled over, popped the hood and saw that the radiator went ka-put. For those who aren't well versed in the mechanical word, Ka-put means, stopped working, or broken.
When driving a 30 year old motor home, these things are expected and being the well prepared people that my parents are they were ready. Whipping out her trusty AAA card Lucy started to dial the road side assistance number. After she hung up, she informed us the coverage they had didn't cover RV's, so they would have to pay for someone to come out and tow us. AND!!!! since we were still in Arizona they would have to send somebody from the nearest Arizona town, 100 miles away, instead of the nearest New Mexico town, which was only 30 miles away. Oh and did I mention that the tow company changes by the mile =(
After the tow truck journeyed over 100 miles to get us they towed us to Gallup New Mexico, or what I'd like to call Hell on Earth. If you've been lucky enough to have never been to Gallup A.K.A. the Devil's Armpit, I'll give you the lay of the land. It has one main road, which failed to have sidewalks, 13 versions of Motel 6, Augie's Automotive, a Taco Bell, and a truck stop.
The tow truck guy dropped off the RV at Augie's and was nice enough to take us to Motel 6, where we got a room and crashed for the night. The next morning my Dad walked down to Augie's and let them know the situation. Augie and his automotive minions didn't know how long it was going to take for them to get parts for a 1970 something GM RV, so we were stuck...in Gallup...without transportation...in Gallup...for God knows how long...in Gallup...confined to a one room hotel...in Gallup.
We were hoping to get out on Friday, because Dad and Lucy had a presentation in St. Louis on Sunday. If you have no idea what I'm talking about click here http://christwalk.us/ to learn more.
One option was to rent a car, drive up to St. Louis, do the presentation, then drive back. We called the only two car rental place's in Gallup, A.K.A. Slidell of the West, but they not only charged by the mile they charged $10 for every state you went through. Another option was to fly outta Albuquerque and pick up their car in Kansas and drive to St. Louis. Ticket prices were outrageous, so that was out of the question. There was no way to get out of Gallup, A.K.A. Alcatraz of the desert, the presentation was shot. It felt like I was in the movie, Groundhog's Day, trapped in a Podunk little town, and everyday felt the same.
Our mornings consisted of getting up, walking 3/4 mile to either Taco Bell or TA Truck Stop for breakfast, watching Law and Order, and sleeping hoping to wake up and realize this was all a bad dream.
Our Afternoon's and Evening's consisted of snacking on whatever we salvaged from the RV, watching Law and Order, and sleeping hoping to wake up and realize this was all a bad dream.
Late Friday Augie's informed us the the RV wouldn't be ready until sometime Monday, which meant we were here til Wednesday =( This news would be a blessing in disguise for half of the prisoners. Frank had to be home before Wednesday for school, and was planning on flying out of KC early anyways. In an act of love, a love only a parent knows, our Dad suggested we call someone to come get us. "WHAT...We were being paroled, what did we deserve to get released on good behavior?" Was what ran through my mind the second he was done suggesting it.
I felt bad at first I figured we were all in this together, but Dad and Lucy both assured us that there was no reason for us to all be here miserable, if there was a chance to take a life line, do it.
So Frank and I called the only person in the world to give up their Saturday and drive 800 miles to come save us...Our Mom. The Calvary came, we said goodbye to our Brother and Sister in Arms, and drove out of Gallup, A.K.A. 3rd level of Hell.
Even though I'm in the comfort of my own home while I write this, I know there are two still in exile, the following message is for you.
Your day is coming soon, even though it seems like the rain's of misfortune will never stop, it will. Your rainbow is coming. Stay strong, don't give up, they may take your cash, but they will never take your FREEDOM!!!!
All great adventures I usually have start with a phone call, this one was no different. My Dad and my Step-mom Lucy were going to be flying out to California to pick up a RV that will be used for their 3rd walk across the United States. They called and wanted to know if they swung by Vegas, would Frank and I be interested in driving back with them and spend some time in KC. Always looking to spend more quality time together, I said yes. The four of us left early Thursday morning, with a full tank of gas, 12 boxes of cheese-itz, and not a care in the world.
Everything was going fine until we got past the Hoover Dam and into Arizona. I don't know if it was a mixture of high winds and a 30 year old RV, or this trip was doomed from the start, but when the extra storage compartment blew off the top of the rig, we should have know that we were in for a bumpy ride.
We stopped once to retrieve the shattered remains of the compartment, and then again in Kingman to assess the damage on top of the little RV that could. After Frank and Dad came down from the Brown Behemoth they told us that there was four small holes that needed to be patched. They decided that they would take care of the holes after breakfast. We ate at Cracker Barrel and I hate to say it but...it was the best part of the trip. That's right I said it, eating at a glorified general store was the best part of this trip.
After breakfast and patching up the holes, we were on the road again. Time seemed to stand still as we crawled along at an impressive 50 miles per hour, stopping every chance we could to stretch our legs didn't help matters. At around 6pm that night is when the real fun started. We were about 30 miles from the AZ/NM boarder, yes you read that right, we've been driving for close to 10 hours and were still in AZ, when we heard a loud bang, started to smell something burning, and lost power. We pulled over, popped the hood and saw that the radiator went ka-put. For those who aren't well versed in the mechanical word, Ka-put means, stopped working, or broken.
When driving a 30 year old motor home, these things are expected and being the well prepared people that my parents are they were ready. Whipping out her trusty AAA card Lucy started to dial the road side assistance number. After she hung up, she informed us the coverage they had didn't cover RV's, so they would have to pay for someone to come out and tow us. AND!!!! since we were still in Arizona they would have to send somebody from the nearest Arizona town, 100 miles away, instead of the nearest New Mexico town, which was only 30 miles away. Oh and did I mention that the tow company changes by the mile =(
After the tow truck journeyed over 100 miles to get us they towed us to Gallup New Mexico, or what I'd like to call Hell on Earth. If you've been lucky enough to have never been to Gallup A.K.A. the Devil's Armpit, I'll give you the lay of the land. It has one main road, which failed to have sidewalks, 13 versions of Motel 6, Augie's Automotive, a Taco Bell, and a truck stop.
The tow truck guy dropped off the RV at Augie's and was nice enough to take us to Motel 6, where we got a room and crashed for the night. The next morning my Dad walked down to Augie's and let them know the situation. Augie and his automotive minions didn't know how long it was going to take for them to get parts for a 1970 something GM RV, so we were stuck...in Gallup...without transportation...in Gallup...for God knows how long...in Gallup...confined to a one room hotel...in Gallup.
We were hoping to get out on Friday, because Dad and Lucy had a presentation in St. Louis on Sunday. If you have no idea what I'm talking about click here http://christwalk.us/ to learn more.
One option was to rent a car, drive up to St. Louis, do the presentation, then drive back. We called the only two car rental place's in Gallup, A.K.A. Slidell of the West, but they not only charged by the mile they charged $10 for every state you went through. Another option was to fly outta Albuquerque and pick up their car in Kansas and drive to St. Louis. Ticket prices were outrageous, so that was out of the question. There was no way to get out of Gallup, A.K.A. Alcatraz of the desert, the presentation was shot. It felt like I was in the movie, Groundhog's Day, trapped in a Podunk little town, and everyday felt the same.
Our mornings consisted of getting up, walking 3/4 mile to either Taco Bell or TA Truck Stop for breakfast, watching Law and Order, and sleeping hoping to wake up and realize this was all a bad dream.
Our Afternoon's and Evening's consisted of snacking on whatever we salvaged from the RV, watching Law and Order, and sleeping hoping to wake up and realize this was all a bad dream.
Late Friday Augie's informed us the the RV wouldn't be ready until sometime Monday, which meant we were here til Wednesday =( This news would be a blessing in disguise for half of the prisoners. Frank had to be home before Wednesday for school, and was planning on flying out of KC early anyways. In an act of love, a love only a parent knows, our Dad suggested we call someone to come get us. "WHAT...We were being paroled, what did we deserve to get released on good behavior?" Was what ran through my mind the second he was done suggesting it.
I felt bad at first I figured we were all in this together, but Dad and Lucy both assured us that there was no reason for us to all be here miserable, if there was a chance to take a life line, do it.
So Frank and I called the only person in the world to give up their Saturday and drive 800 miles to come save us...Our Mom. The Calvary came, we said goodbye to our Brother and Sister in Arms, and drove out of Gallup, A.K.A. 3rd level of Hell.
Even though I'm in the comfort of my own home while I write this, I know there are two still in exile, the following message is for you.
Your day is coming soon, even though it seems like the rain's of misfortune will never stop, it will. Your rainbow is coming. Stay strong, don't give up, they may take your cash, but they will never take your FREEDOM!!!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Every once in a while I write something that I'm really proud of. This is one of these times. I wrote this a couple of days ago while I was on Helium, the website, not the gas. It tickled me, so I wanted to share it with all of you. If I ever get around to learning how to play my harmonica, I'll even sing it for you. Please to enjoy.
The Morning Coffee Blues
Woke up this morning, groggy as hell
Four nights in a row, that I didn't sleep well
My head feels like it was in a title bout
I hit my alarm, but it was all snoozed out
I got the blues, you know this ain't no news
I got the blues, my heart is one big bruise
And the only thing I know is all I do is lose, I got the blues
Shuffled into the kitchen, my wife waiting for me
Started the yelling, I swear that woman is half Banshee
Said if I don't get a job today
She'll take the kids, with no delay
I got the blues, you know this ain't no news
I got the blues, my heart is one big bruise
And the only thing I know is all I do is lose I got the blues
To start my day I needed to wake myself up
Went to the sink and got my trusty coffee cup
But the pot was empty, just my luck
Shook my head, and said, "guess I'm...screwed"
I got the blues, you know this ain't no news
I got the blues, my heart is one big bruise
And the only thing I know is all I do is lose, I got the blues.
The Morning Coffee Blues
Woke up this morning, groggy as hell
Four nights in a row, that I didn't sleep well
My head feels like it was in a title bout
I hit my alarm, but it was all snoozed out
I got the blues, you know this ain't no news
I got the blues, my heart is one big bruise
And the only thing I know is all I do is lose, I got the blues
Shuffled into the kitchen, my wife waiting for me
Started the yelling, I swear that woman is half Banshee
Said if I don't get a job today
She'll take the kids, with no delay
I got the blues, you know this ain't no news
I got the blues, my heart is one big bruise
And the only thing I know is all I do is lose I got the blues
To start my day I needed to wake myself up
Went to the sink and got my trusty coffee cup
But the pot was empty, just my luck
Shook my head, and said, "guess I'm...screwed"
I got the blues, you know this ain't no news
I got the blues, my heart is one big bruise
And the only thing I know is all I do is lose, I got the blues.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Where have all the Heroes gone?!?
I woke up this morning to the annoying gong noise my cell phone makes that let me known I had a text waiting. The text was from my friend Corey, a fellow baseball enthusiast and all around nice guy, it said, "Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003." I was crushed after reading this bombshell. I felt as if someone ripped out my baseball sized heart and whacked over the green monster that is my hopes and dreams. At first I thought he was joking, poking fun at arguable the best player in all of baseball. When I turned it on ESPN to see for myself, I knew it was true. I just don't understand, have we slipped so far down morally as a culture that it's harder and harder to find heroes, or people to admire?? It seems to me that every time I turn on the tv I hear about another "superstar" getting caught with there hand in the cookie jar. A-Rod, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens in the world of baseball. In the basketball world there's Kobe and Sir Charles with their transgressions. But this moral slip isn't reserved for people in the sports world. "Heroes" in other arenas lack the moral character they once had. Bernie Madoff in the world of finance and I could name at least five government officials that took off their white hat years ago.I feel like Charlie Brown in his classic Christmas special living in a world that lost it's way. There's a scene where he can't take it anymore and yells at everyone, I feel a Charlie Brown moment coming on, excuse me.
AARRGH!!!! WHEN DID WE STOP DOING THE RIGHT THING AS A COUNTRY!?!? WHEN DID WE STOP DOING WHAT'S RIGHT AND STARTED DOING WHAT WE FELT LIKE!!!!! LIFE IS BLACK AND WHITE, NOT A WORLD OF GREY!!!! DO GOOD, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN! ARRGH!
Ok sorry bout that, what was I saying again? So I ask you where did we go wrong?? How can we get this country back on track? Will there ever be a time when I won't fear picking up a magazine or turning on the television because I'll have to hear about another American Titan's skeletons.
Good Grief
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