Author Archives: Rego

Musings Episode 25: Hate For No Reason…

by

26

So this weekend’s been kind of up and down for me…

il_570xN.345850943

At first I thought it was a joke, but now I’ve realized a person I once talked to, got along with, and really thought was cool people hates me.

Hates me.

….and I’ve no real idea why. I’ve considered just confronting them directly about it – but a few other friends of mine have advised against it. Yet I prefer getting to the bottom of things asap – no bars, no holding back, just straight talk. In situations like these it’s better to just shoot straight, get it over and done with.

Thing is, I don’t think the person has the guts to do it [openly state their hate] to my face. Which annoys me. If someone has the audacity to hate someone – and openly state it to others – but never directly say it to the person the negative energy is directed at – then that person is a coward.

tumblr_lr5852sqdo1qjm9bpo1_500

In relation to social matters, I have one main philosophy – hate for no reason, is unwarranted hostility. I don’t do well at all with unwarranted hostility. I find it unnecessary, time consuming, and a bad channel for energy. I tend to give everyone a decent level of respect, and have these mental “respect meters” in my head….if a person starts hating me for no reason though, or unnecessary negative experiences are thrown my way – the meter drops….and in turn so does my opinion of the person.

If it drops below a certain point, I no longer find it necessary for that person – that negative energy, to be in my life. Plain and simple.

383407_447458238619740_383637291_n

This got me wanting to write a bit about why hate for no reason – or hate in general, is something that should really be avoided. Dislike is inevitable at times – especially if there are valid, legitimate reasons…but disliking/hating someone without reasoning, is probably the worst thing you can do to another human being – not to mention yourself.

I’d like to touch on this lightly, as getting dark really isn’t my cup of tea. If I go dark I’ll only do it if the situation really calls for it.

So – hate. Why do people do it…? Why does it exist…? Why is it more frequent than it’s opposite, love?

it’s far easier to hate – but it takes far more energy. Energy that easily turns into negative energy. With enough focus on hate at the end of the day someone could render themselves sick – just by the way their energy has been focused.

SYF

Negative energy is a waste of time and effort. While without it we would never know it’s opposite – positive energy – at the same time after getting familiarized with it you’d think people would prefer to avoid it. It can knock you off course, make you less focused, and consume your thoughts.

If you regularly work out, it can actually lower your immune system thus hindering workouts and performance. This is why fitness consultants advise people to try and eliminate as much stress as humanly possible from their day to day lives. Stress, anger, sadness, any kind of negative emotion that releases LDLs and VLDLs (lipoproteins that create “bad” cholesterol) more often, and contribute to excess cholesterol levels increasing. Stress has a tendency to release the “fight or flight” adrenaline used when in a dangerous situation – it pumps out adrenaline when it’s not really called for or needed.

fight-or-flight-watch-my-adrenaline-make-me-fast-or-violent

Stress and building up hate inside yourself isn’t the only thing that can actually transmit negative energy or “vibes” your way – but interestingly enough so can someone sitting and thinking on their resentment towards you. It’s what many people, both religious and non-religious, and some cultures recognize as the evil eye.

Remember that saying “if looks could kill?” it also ties in here. This is why some cultures believe if someone is having recent, frequent negative experiences go on in their lives it’s potentially from an outside source – a person or thing that has negative energy directed at them, thus causing chaos and confusion.

This is where silver owned signifying redemption or mercy, and talismans come in. Some also believe that any negative energy can be removed with the burning of sage, etc.

tumblr_mdkgjy5aIt1rfroz5o1_1280

Energy, a lot of times is so overlooked. It’s what people in the 70’s called “vibes” – “you’re killing my vibe man,” really in effect meant one person could be making another feel a certain pulse of unwanted energy.

So when you think about it – this applies across the board.

When people are in romantic relationships, they feel desired, wanted, loved.

When people have good platonic friendships or great family support, they feel appreciated, needed, important.

….and when people are in conflicting situations or go through negative experiences they’re left feeling disrupted, uneasy, confused, on guard.

getty_rf_photo_of_man_holding_head

This is why it’s so important to filter or screen. Some people can, and will suck the life out of you. Chase Amante wrote a great article on this, about “psychic vampires.”

And really that’s what life is all about – going forward, getting better, and eliminating negative experiences.

When you walk down the street, you walk around or step over shit – not go through it. It’s as simple as that – anything negative in your life, you have complete control over whether or not to keep it there.

69080_628096550538686_117468084_n

So let go, and continue making you a better you. Just like I’m doing it’s better to kick the feeling out of your system rather than let it sit there. It just takes a little will power – hence why every single being on this earth was given free will. Humans and only humans – no thing else.

Stay sharp.

– Rego

Musings Episode 25: Hate For No Reason… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Related articles

For The Weekenders: Surfboard DIY, Bombay Bliss, Ninja Lessons

by

4

This summer’s been hot.

Too hot.

hot-weather

It’s the kind of weather where all you want to do is stay out of the heat, go swimming, and avoid the beach during high noon at all times for the sheer fact the sand will burn your skin off…so you wait until evening instead.

Well, while waiting until that time – why not be productive, not to mention creative….? Can’t think of any ideas…? I can.

Three words.

Surf.

Sand.

Sun.

Grain Surboards can help you out.

Grain Surfboards

In my most recent musing, I talked a bit about DIY – well, this is the perfect chance to exercise that side of yourself. You can thank the guys at Grain Surfboards for this. Formerly wooden boat builders, these guys thought it’d be a great idea to take the concept and put their time and effort into something smaller, more transportable, and, well, fun. Not that boating isn’t at all fun…but honestly – which one do  you think your date would be up for more?

Hey I know, we should build a BOAT!

Or….

Hey I know, let’s make our own surfboards (then head for the water so we both have excuses to see if both of us look good with less of our regular clothing on)!

Grain Surboards 3

The answer is obvious.

So it’s pretty straight forward – you google their website and head over to their online store – pick a board that’s to your liking (and body composition) and go from there. Wait a while for the mail to arrive (plan the order early on in the week to get it at a suitable time before the weekend), then sign for the package – receive it calmly until your door closes then proceed to tear it open to shreds like a 5 year old at Christmas.

Get in your zen moment, and call up that special someone you’ve been trying to get out and about – finally, you’ll have something interesting to suggest doing other than the same old lounge bar/restaurant deal. Head to your garage and push aside that floor jack and Snap-On tool set – from here up until the next few days your garage is now your “wood work shop.” Put on some nice music to work to, and create speak easy conversation while crafting your masterpiece and showing him/her the satisfaction of creating something so unique.

If that’s too much for you or you just really dig classes – sign up for one of their numerous classes now, and meet some new acquaintances.

Days later hit the beach up and enjoy your finished project.

Grain Surboards 5

You haven’t tried surfing until it’s on your own hand made board….

Then again if you haven’t tried surfing – you might want to learn first. Just a thought.

Speaking of hot, if you’re into hot and healthy foods it’d be a good idea to hit up a decent restaurant….not just decent but unique, original…inviting.

I’ve always been a fan of lamb…and with Bombay Bliss, there’s more than one way to have it. Now hang on – don’t let the drab website fool you – their site is nothing compared to their food. With so many options, it’s not wonder its a hidden gem. Forget Chicken Tandoori – so typical – let’s go for the works and start with Mumbai Pav Bhaji, a mixture of flavors and ingredients, my favorite two being mushrooms and bell peppers – win.

That was just to tease the pallet. Continue with either soup or salad, and have your fill and more with Spinach & Mushroom soup, or Asian corn with Edamame. Sit back and enjoy all this and take in your surroundings while waiting for the main “event” – I’d recommend sharing.

Bombay Bliss 2

Nobody likes to feel like they’re gonna burst. Plus…there’s always desert to follow. What – you didn’t think it was gonna be some boring chip shop menu did you? Think again.

Hands down the main event for me is Lamb Boti Masala….tender, succulent tandoori lamb cubes surrounded and embraced by a hot & spicy sauce. Now I’m not usually one for spicy – unless it’s Kimchi and a few others – but this….this place – and this dish, quickly changes my mind when I think of all the great (and aromatic) options they give to fuel your stomach.

Bombay Bliss 1

This is the perfect spot for friends, family, or even a date. The setting is neutral but welcoming, with a touch of class….I don’t go many places that lack class. So it’s a given you’re always being steered in the right direction 😉 If you’re vegetarian, they have plenty of options for you too. So go ahead, sit back, relax, eat to your heart’s content, and if you can manage grab some dessert after. Or before…I’ve always liked my dessert before dinner. *nods*

But let’s say after all the chill, calm zen moments you’ve had, you wanna take that inner peace and discipline and turn it into something cool…like being a ninja for a day. Or 3….or 5. You get the idea – ninjas = cool – and for a good long while they were the experts on espionage.

Ninja (1)

Well now you can take classes at Bujinkan New York Dojo, and be on your happy way to being one step closer to cooler…it also teaches serious discipline and self-awareness – not to mention a bunch of useful self-defense moves and the spiritual aspect of combat. With lessons every Tuesday and Thursday – it’s a chance you don’t wanna miss.

Right now they’ve got a trial month going on – $79. Keep in mind – this isn’t a place you can just drop into and check out – they want their students to focus fully on their training with no distractions – so walk-ins where people watch aren’t really allowed. They also have special workshops the first Saturday of every month – a different item on the menu every time. When you sign up – you’re signing up for a commitment – not a casual night out.

CIMG1233

What makes their classes so unique? Check out an excerpt from their site:

Any good martial art can teach you to kick, grapple or use a weapon. The Bujinkan arts differ in that we pursue the essence of the martial arts: living and training with the proper spirit. This can lead to a just and prosperous life… devoid of this spirit, one can be lead to ruin.

The Bujinkan arts emphasize the development of character. The qualities we strive for are honesty, desire to learn and perseverance. A warrior is always calm and never surprised by any situation. In this way, we neutralize an opponent’s ability through an effective economy of movement.

If you really wanna learn the art of ninjutsu – this is it.

Stay awesome 😉

– Rego

For The Weekenders: Surfboard DIY, Bombay Bliss, Ninja Lessons is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

“Nothing happens unless…

by

0

“Nothing happens unless first we dream.” – Carl Sandburg

Without exercising our imagination, just like we exercise our body, we can never expect to grow better than what we are, never expect to do more than what we have, and never expect to be better than who we were yesterday.

So exercise the right side of your brain just as much as your left, the same way you would if you were at the gym. This way, you can grow better than what you are, do more than what you’ve done, and be better than who you were.

Stay awesome.

– Rego

Musings Episode 24: Do it Yourself….

by

11

Growing up I was taught independence.

Initiative.

Self sustaining habits.

The works, really.

There was a period where I was home schooled, for a short time – it helped me skip two grades and graduate grade school early. This taught self-discipline and time management, which helps me a lot today.

time-management-blog-clock-image

I know – I’ve been late in posting my musings the past two weeks – but only because I’ve been working on a BIG project that’s going to provide valuable and EPIC content for all my readers.

Those are the only two hints I can give right now – anything else and I’d spoil the surprise.

Now I’m not at all a micro-manager – no way. I believe in telling someone to get something done, then sitting back and watching them execute it. Only if they’re steering off the path in a major way do I intervene.

decision

I like to give people flexibility to try different methods, new things, and alternate solutions. If a person finds a better, more efficient way of carrying out things – I look at that as time leverage.

As long as things are done properly, and in a timely matter, I’m not bothered much by the exact means in which the result was obtained – because there’s always more than one way to an answer or a destination.

What I don’t like is someone taking forever to decide on something then waiting until the last minute to drop the hammer.

This shows indecisiveness, and inability to make a snap decision independently.

a-wrong-decision-is-better-than-indecision-charlie-sheen

There’s two character traits I mostly live my life by – independence, being the stronger of the two – and interdependence – something that I’ve learnt over the years through relationships, both platonic and romantic.

Since I was a kid I really had no problem doing things on my own, speaking out, or learning things on my own. Because of this, I also had no problem getting into the odd scuffle every now and again – if it was warranted.

tumblr_mjnrpxqpOG1relxa7o1_500

There are huge benefits in doing things yourself – in certain circumstances. Other times it’s good to allocate things to other people if it pans out to be more time consuming or impractical than it’s really worth. To put it simply, it’s better to “outsource,” when the need calls.

A quick and easy example of this could be getting your car oil changed at a mechanic or doing it yourself.

The pros and cons?

Take it to the mechanic:

Pros – You don’t have to deal with doing it yourself and could be doing other things while your car is geting serviced.

Cons – They can throw any kind of cheap oil filter in there they choose to and they may not use the ideal oil type for the engine…thus inadvertently shortening your vehicle’s engine life. If you don’t have a second car you could be stuck sitting at the mech shop waiting for your vehicle anyway.

waiting+11

Doing it yourself:

Pros – You know what components are going into your car and can choose quality, for practically the same price. You learn a simple service enabling you to choose whether or not you want to outsource the task.

Cons – If you don’t have the tools (ratchet, washers, oil pan) you have to eat the initial investment. It’s a learning curve – whether or not you choose to conquer it is up to you.

Pros and cons of being a Do-it-yourselfer can be spread across any and all spectrums. The thing I like about doing things myself sometimes is the education – you can learn a lot if you just take the initiative and learn the basic structure of how things work.

Learning this could even mean just interacting with people from all aspects of life who specialize in various things – from mechanics to the art of conversation, a simple one-on-one conversation and genuine interest in someone’s talent can teach a person a lot.

quote-the-true-secret-of-happiness-lies-in-taking-a-genuine-interest-in-all-the-details-of-daily-life-william-morris-131165

Once you gain the insight though, don’t become a dick.

A lot of people extract information, apply it practically, and then forget exactly how they learned it in the first place. Every do-it-yourselfer is really just someone who’s studied their interests and gained insight from multiple sources.

However, the real and final learning process lies in execution, and executing well.

I’m not saying try and do everything yourself – not in the slightest…but every once in a while it’s good to have a go at something and see if you can conquer it.

arnold-conquer

Make it your business to learn or do something new at least once a week, and you’ll find you’ll develop more skills, gain more knowledge, and have more to talk about when interacting with other people.

I do, and it’s probably the best thing I’ve kept up in my life for a while. 😉

Stay awesome.

– Rego

Musings Episode 24: Do it Yourself…. is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Related articles

For The Weekenders: Yakitori, Wine on Tap, Life on a Boat

by

11

I’ve been eating pretty healthy lately….not that I wasn’t before – just, healthier. My workout regimes are changing, some exercises easy, others that need some hard rock to pull me through – it’s a process…but the end result is always worth it.

So this weekend I figured I’d treat myself. To some indulgence food…sort of. After about 3 weeks of mostly eating plant based protein – I figure it’s time for a little reward.

Yakitori 1 500

…and what better place to reward myself than at Sumi Yakitori in Brickell. This place…..hm….how to explain it – this place reminds me so much of Japan. Mostly because of the aesthetics – also because of the casual, warm atmosphere.

What separates this place from all the rest? The food is amazing. The whisky (yes, they have whisky – Japanese whisky to be more specific – vodka too) is choice, and the fact that they use binchotan – white charcoal, straight out of Japan – for all their grilling, allows them to create a taste that can’t be replicated anywhere else unless you visit J-Land yourself.

The real deal. Right here. In Miami.

The real deal. Right here. In Miami.

Be sure to make a reservation – then plant yourself at the bar, order a bottle, and prepare to enjoy all the grilled delights you can eat until the wee hours of the morning. In true Japanese fashion – this is Sumi Yakitori.

Alright – so I’ll admit, ever since enjoying massive pints in England I’ve developed a soft spot for alcohol on tap…now imagine you’re a wine lover. Imagining? Good…now imagine wine….on tap.

1003419_545988735436144_947627157_n

That’s right, Timone’s Pizza brings wine lovers everywhere their favorite fermented grapes to them in a way so unusual but so brilliant it’s a wonder why everyone doesn’t think that way.

Combined with a kick-ass menu and comfy leather seating, this place is great for hanging out with friends or a super casual date spot.

1011394_545988955436122_1087093915_n

Start with some marinated olives and a carafe of Pinot Grigio while engaging in simple but deep conversation, as you wait on your main entree of pizza made with Cherry & Heirloom Tomatoes, Arugula Pesto, Mozzarella, and a generous amount of goat cheese. If you’re not into pizza take a crack at their Riverview Farms Polenta – heavily laden with red sauce and mascarpone….gotta love mascarpone.

From here make sure the last time you ate was 3 hours ago – wouldn’t want to spring a cramp or worse – get seasick. Why….? Well, what better way to close off (or extend) a weekend by taking the initiative to learn about boats – more specifically how to drive – erm, sail them, I should say.

IP32_Acadame2

Leave the beer bottles and cocktails at the door for this one, because here comes some serious training. I remember when I was a kid – I always wanted to learn how to sail/navigate a boat. Then finally, at the age of 7, I got my first chance to take the captain’s wheel and steer one through a canal. The seas were as calm as the weather – but being that age it was still a massive thrill for me. Years later and I still remember my very first time behind the wheel like it was yesterday.

The Maryland School of Sailing & Seamanship offers a variety of courses – from a four day, live-on boat novice education, to a full on, week long advanced training experience. So if you’re new to the boating world grab yourself the easiest course first – but if you’re more seasoned give yourself a challenge. For those in between – they have something for you too.

Welcome to the big dog's playground.

Welcome to the big dog’s playground.

Now you’ll finally have an excuse to break out those white chinos and that captain’s jacket.

😉

– Rego

For The Weekenders: Yakitori, Wine on Tap, Life on a Boat is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

“The best style…

by

0

Musings: Quote Wednesdays…

“The best style is the style you don’t notice.” – Somerset Maugham

This is one quote I’ve been relating to all week. Sometimes, it’s not always about the most known, recognized, or even idolized. Often it’s the things that aren’t always directly in your face, mass acknowledged, and famous/popular.

In everything there’s a hidden gem, and often because one method, or way, or visualization of something is constantly pushed to the forefront, often the most excellent things can be overlooked.

Take the time out to not follow the masses,  and instead stay a bit more aware of the less blatant things. You’ll be surprised how much more interesting it can be.

Stay cool.

– Rego

Musings Episode 23: Hesitation…

by

12

Alright so as you’ve all noticed I’ve been pretty busy this week….yet within all that busyness it brought to my attention the topic of hesitation.

“Hesitation will kill you.”

Is a phrase I grew up learning. So…slowly as I got older, I consciously trained myself to hesitate less and less. Keep in mind – hesitation and thinking something through before doing it are not the same thing. They’re vastly different and have their own pros and cons – hesitation having more cons. For many, hesitation increases more as they age.

ernest-hemingway-novelist-hesitation-increases-in-relation-to-risk-in-equal

My thoughts on hesitation? Personally, I think it’s inefficient. There are times when it’s beneficial, yes, but for the most part it can hold a lot of people back from their dreams, goals, and going after what they really want…and really, that’s what life is all about – moving towards those things – not being afraid and just dipping your toe in the water.

Hesitation can make you stumble and falter, where thinking things through allows you to look at a situation from all angles. Both can have the same ending, however – if you take too long in thinking something through that’s just the same as hesitation – in fact, you could almost say taking too long to think things through could turn into hesitation – merely because of the fact you may over think, thus creating fear, and in turn hesitation.

hesitation-quotes1

Years ago, I was on a warpath with hesitation – I’ve always been driven and ambitious, and never too fond of things that hinder my ability to do more, see more, and be better. So hesitation and I…? We never really saw eye-to-eye. I made up my mind that whatever I did I would:

  • Always look at the situation from all angles
  • After assessing the situation, look at how it contributed to my life
  • If it did indeed have potential to contribute to my life, take the leap and rarely look back

I won’t lie – there were some hiccups where I got burned from this method of thinking – but practice makes perfect, and mistakes are an education. So eventually I learned to assess situations more quickly and accurately, look at the even bigger picture, and then watch as hesitation slowly became non-existent.

nothing13

She still stops by to visit every now and again – but usually I close the front door in her face 😉

What I’m trying to say is, it’s not hesitation you should encourage, because really, that only breeds fear – and fear, my friend, can kill a person. So if fear is really a sense of hesitation, and people as they age become more fearful, what does that mean…?

hesitation-is-killing-you-facebook-cover-timeline-banner-for-fb

Is exactly what that means. Which is why I’m stressing it’s better to instead stop, and think. Both with your head, and your gut. Again – this is not hesitation – but situational assessment.

So if you’ve been wanting to launch your own business or website, assess all the angles and find the best path – but don’t hesitate. Things such as “someday I’ll do that,” “someday I’ll travel there,” “someday I’ll learn this,” are just cop-outs and excuses out of fear. That word “someday” is vague and noncommittal to goal setting, which really translates to “I’m too afraid of the possible outcome which is making me hesitant so I’ll probably never do it anyway.”

Funny-Best-Sayings-Life-Humorous-Hilarious-Quotes-1050

How will you ever know if something will turn out right/good/successful if you never even try? An outcome from an experience is better than no outcome at all due to lack of trying the experience.

100% effort with 75% success is better than 0% effort and %100 of “what if.”

Remember this, and slowly begin to work on yourself. As we age society tries to teach us that we become wiser – yet on the back hand it also tries to teach us that we become more frail, weak, unable to do different things – especially in old age. I think this is bollocks.

quote-Richard-M.-Nixon-remember-always-give-your-best-never-get-91490

Ignore that whole mantra.

Choose when you get older.

Choose when you get wiser.

Make it your business to make yourself better.

Make it your business to eliminate fear.

Make it your business to be stronger, smarter, faster, richer, well-versed, travelled, literate, suave, and anything else you can possibly fathom.

Hesitation is something that whispers in your ear you may not be good enough.

20287_20120804_095936_quotes-Favim.com-480075

It’s up to you to push it away, put your ear buds in, and walk on to the rhythm of your own beat, your own desires, and your own, better, ideal self-image. We came to this earth to achieve perfection, to be our best selves, and to experience all the good and epic things it has to offer.

Like I mentioned in one of my previous musings, anything we imagine exists – if it didn’t exists, we wouldn’t be able to imagine it. This is how society has grown so big today – this is how inventions were made. Imagination, fueled by full on fearlessness – no hesitation, no doubts, just persistence and realization of all possible angles.

Best-Quotes-Inspiration

When you can do that – when you can do something, without that churning, uneasy feeling in your stomach starting up – and instead go forward with a calm, warm feeling…you’ve beaten hesitation. You know what you want, when you want it, how you want things to go, and that you deserve every good idea that pops into your head.

Keep your eye on the ball 😉

– Rego

Musings Episode 23: Hesitation… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Related articles

For The Weekenders: Revisiting The 1920s, DJs Calling The Shots, Partying It Up At A Gas Station

by

9

Jazz. Booze. Dancing. Comfy lounge sitting areas. Eye candy. Great DJs.

I remember being a DJ. *sigh* good times.

I want all of this packed into my soon approaching weekend…especially the latter two of the aforementioned.

janet-jackson-sexy

….and so do you. A little presumptuous, you may say – but read on my defensive friend, and enjoy. After all – would I ever steer you wrong? 😉 So let’s cut to the chase.

Lately I’ve been listening to The Shanghai Restoration Project – and the other day while driving recalled a memory of a conversation a good friend of mine had with me in university. He’s from Shanghai, and I remember the history lesson he gave me on how jazz was actually banned there. This got me thinking – dammit, it’s time for a bit of jazz appreciation – which brings us to Tomoka.

Tomoka 2

It’s always good to start your weekend off with something relaxing and comfortable – like a warm-up before a workout…and Tomoka can help you with just that. Imagine what it was like back in your great, great grandparent’s era – before all the wrinkles. When you think about it….in terms of jazz and swing music – they had some kick ass stuff.

In this instance – I say let’s totally respect our elders. They knew music before we even knew what sound was. Tomoka lays it down with a unique setting, great music and aesthetics that take you back to that special time and place in history. It’s best to get a reservation – trust me it’s gonna be needed – Tomoka is tucked away beneath McCoy’s on 89 MacDougal St (at Bleecker) in New York – who’s kitchen you’re escorted through to reach the downstairs access of this little gem.

Tomoka 3

Order up two Irish car bombs, or a drink of your own creation (the bar tenders are flexible) grab a seat, prepare for some live jazz, and enjoy.

Alright – so maybe you wanna skip the warm-up and just jump straight into the thrills. Fine. Fine. Don’t appreciate the hybrid mix of old and new. Instead, grab the hottest friends and flings you can find and get your bum over to Audio Discotech…and keep in mind – this isn’t for the faint of heart. Prepare to party. Hard.

It's like watching a replay of the front door of that club I went to back in uni all over again.

It’s like watching a replay of the front door at that club I went to back in uni all over again.

Okay so maybe I lied – about the moving on from old and new. Audio Discotech does the same thing, except more 70s retro aesthetic. Imagine a sunken dance floor, neon lights, infinity mirrors, and so many DJs you start losing track of who to ask to play what song.

Did I mention those crazy neon lights also sync to whatever the DJs are playing at any given moment? Yeah….oh and there’s not sitting allowed – you heard me, no sitting. I won’t allow it. This is not the environment for lounging and intriguing conversation – if you’re here, you’re here to dance and nothing less. So don’t get too comfortable, unless it’s on the dance floor…to which you should prepare yourself for numerous eargasms.

"Give me a high five because that was legen-WAITFORIT-dary...!"

“Give me a high five because that was legen-WAITFORIT-dary”

Try not to work up too much of a sweat though – nobody likes sweaty. If you’re really worn out and need a quick breather, then shuffle over to either of the two bars they have and ask the bar tender for a refreshment. While you wait, take in the sights and sounds, because this is one for the books. Expect yourself to have such a great time this night out becomes more than just a cocktail story, but an experience remembered for years to come.

Remember how I mentioned in Musings Episode 22 about saving your cash for places that are TOP quality…? Now’s the time – if you’re gonna blow your money – blow it on Audio Discotech, and nothing less.

table-service

You’ll be glad you did.

You know I just realized – ironically, it’s Labor Day weekend, and for 1-2 hours I will be doing laborious work – quick side story – today I hopped into my car only to hear an obnoxiously loud squealing/dragging sound coming from the rear wheels. Turns out my lover of 8 years needs new brake pads. So I strolled right back into my place and ordered some.

Speaking of automobiles and the like – your next stop for the weekend will be related to just that – vehicles….and service stations. Mostly service stations. Except a unique, original one – the kind that has DJs and proper alcohol – as in a full bar, not a little section of an aisle.

Did I mention a dance floor, too? Well, that’s what you’re going to get with The Station.

Why yes, those are tables made out of tires.

Why yes, those are tables made out of tires.

If three of my buddies from the auto auction came to me and said they wanted to gut a gas station and make a night club out of it, I’d be the first one to throw down the initial investment.

That’s exactly what a group of club savvy gentlemen did when they started up this establishment, and I’ve gotta say bravo, dear brethren. This place shouts originality, maintaining all the key elements of an old gas station and combining those with an all-night after hours dance club.

The Station Dance Floor 2

Open from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., this is one you save for Saturday night when you’re rested up and ready for a round of tequila and never-ending string of good beats. Grab that fling you’ve been seeing for a while and watch as they begin to realize the reasoning behind your undying passion for all things automotive.

Two drinks in hand, shuffle over the nearest shadowy corner and sip slowly as you warm up for the dance floor with conversation of camshafts, engine blocks, and the real reason behind your love for manual transmissions. Then take them by the hand and lead them outside to both a dance floor and playground of furniture crafted out of packaging crates and tires – it’s more classy than it sounds.

The Station Dance Floor

And that’s it. From here, you’ll know what to do…I hope.

So get out there, explore, have some fun, and don’t go home until you have a story that begins with “Remember that one time when…”

I’ll leave you with this song to get your weekend off and kicking. Sexy, soothing, and always refreshing….practically legendary – a little of J.J.

Stay cool. 😉

– Rego

For The Weekenders: Revisiting The 1920s, DJs Calling The Shots, Partying It Up At A Gas Station is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

“When love and…

by

0

Musings: Quote Wednesdays…

I got so into writing this week’s “For The Weekenders” post, I completely forgot to schedule this one…! Sorry about that…but it’s here now – enjoy.

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.” – John Ruskin

Pretty self-explanatory – do what comes easiest to you, what you love to do, and you’ll achieve nothing less than perfection. If you can come easily think of something that you would enjoy doing all day, everyday, for the rest of your life – hone and perfect that passion and you could very well turn it into a lucrative opportunity.

I remember when I used to fence – foil and épée were my two favorite forms…almost everyday I fenced, and more and more I considered making it a career. The more I considered it, the more I practiced, the better I became, and the better chance I had at it. Persistence makes practice – and practice makes perfect.

Stay awesome.

– Rego

Musings Episode 22: College Life…

by

19

So I met up with a friend at a bar last night, and no more than five minutes as I walk in they’re explaining to one of their buddies how they’re taking an oath to quit drinking until December.

…………

…………………..

………………………………..

Yeah....sure.

Yeah….sure.

Their reason….? They’re going for their Master’s degree. So they’re trying to “straighten up” during school time.

I don’t believe it’s all about just “straightening up” or being super hard on yourself.

I remember my university days….it was epic. Topics I liked. Classes I could take naps in. Great lounge bars I could go out to. Great pre-hangover places I could eat at…which lead to no hangover.

Do you even get hangovers anymore

Mind you this was only in the second year.

The first year I was hell bent on studying – I’d done all my drinking/clubbing/partying a good while before I decided to attend university…and that in itself was a real education. So I was burnt out from all that.

I think the only downside to going to uni was the limited time I had available for travel…but even then not so much, because with a smooth tongue and a skill for writing I practically had money thrown at me to travel places for “educational purposes”. Taking up Rhetoric and Logic also played a big part in my high school days as well…

SmoothTalker

…that and learning to talk to practically everyone during my party days *nods*.

Don’t get me wrong – I learned a lot. I know far more about how businesses run in other countries than I would’ve ever known had I not tried my hand at such opportunities.

There’s a certain thing about college life. It’s a time freeze between not quite growing up and the real world. It’s both haze and fantasy – for those who go straight from high school to college, it seems like ultimate freedom…but for those who take a break from the academic world and then come back to it on a level such as university/college – it’s kind of a joke.

A joke as in, sometimes, more often than not, a person can often find themselves looking around at everyone who’s freaking out, getting drunk, acting out, doing completely moronic things and think “holy shit…is this all people think there is to life…?”

drink gpa

This too, is a joke…and if it were the truth – all my friends in England would’ve failed miserably instead of getting epic careers all over the fucking world. Nice try, extremist chart maker.

When you avoid the what I like to call “trap” of going straight from high school to college/university – some, if not a lot of, things get shifted into perspective.

First, you discover that there’s more to life than trying to fit into a group or become the hottest thing since hot apple pie.

Next, you discover that people outside of a close, concentrated academic environment exist – and guess what…? It’s not all about cliques.

Then, you discover how glad you were that you grew up with a mix of public, private, and homeschooling – because the real world is waaaay different than 12 solid years of being around the same damn people (thank God I dodged that bullet).

Alright, so everyone’s story is different, and maybe that last sentence only applies to a few – but that’s not my point. My point is, college life can teach you a lot about yourself – if you play your cards right.

keep-calm-and-play-your-cards-right-3

Rule number 1: It’s not always about drinking.

Rule number 2: It’s not always about getting the top grade.

Rule number 3: It’s not always about following the herd.

Rule number 4: It’s no always about shying away from the herd.

For many, if they’ve never lived on their own before, college is more like a crash course – an easy, fluff version of a crash course, mind you, if mum and dad are still supporting you – but a crash course nonetheless.

How did I spend so much money

I went to university in England…oh, and as a side note – I use college/university interchangeably throughout this whole post – due to the sole reason in the states, college is equivalent to university, BUT university in the UK is not  equivalent to college – yet instead college is a precursor to uni. So it’s merely for the sake of grammatical relation across the board.

Right, so to continue….

I went to university in England – and I remember seeing students wait around for their student loans to come in…I remember the dialogues well – they were too funny not to.

“Aw man…I need my student loans like now…I’m totally skint from this month”

“What happened?”

“All the nights out…I’ve been at The Adelphi almost every night this week, too…plus me and a few mates went up to Blackpool last weekend…..but I’m gonna spend this one a bit better – I need groceries, new shoes, and I’ve gotta get a couple books I’ve not been able to find at the library.”

“Aww, that sucks. I’m in the same spot…and the pressure of my assessment being due right around the corner hasn’t been much help either. So hey – once you do get a top up how about we head over to Roper or Revolution? They’ve got drink specials going on.”

“Definitely, let’s go.”

Bloody Mary Prayer

The best part was when the deposit dates drew nearer, nearly everyone heard these sort of conversations, and when walking down the street you’d see the queue of students at the ATMs on campus around 8 o’ clock at night. I couldn’t help but laugh…not at them, more with them.

I used to be one of those students in that line. Not for the same reasons – not really pressed for cash in the usual way most of them were.

Not going to college right away was a sort of cheat sheet, for me at least…and it can, and should be, for a lot of other people.

For those of you that missed out or are about to miss out on that opportunity, however, let me shoot a few pointers your way….also PLEASE note – these pointers apply to ALL aspects of life…not just college/university. It’s a quick rundown, no more than 3 points, so don’t worry about settling in for a nap.

Managing your money is probably the first thing anyone should learn, no matter what age or what they’re doing, whether it’s schooling or career, business or just being a bum.

Drinking, is not as bad as everyone thinks – if done in moderation. For one, to an extent and with the right balance, it can open up entirely new ways of thinking….just look at all the great writers 😉

Power of moonshine

Anything’s beneficial in moderation. Except exercise – the sky’s the limit with exercise so there’s a benefit all the way. The key with drinking here though is to cut back a little on your nights out to just any old bar, and instead live like the Swedes – host house parties if you’ve got the space…the booze are less and you can use your money on other nights where the places are TOP quality, and nothing less.

Grocery shopping and what not isn’t as hard as many may think. It’s just what you eat that’s key. If you grab a good healthy cookbook, that uses a few consistent ingredients, you’ve got yourself a gold mine – which means more money to stash aside and reinvest, and more money to celebrate with because you picked a great handful of investments. So go ahead…step away from that pizza box and cup of ramen.

Grab a few solid credit cards, do NOT use them to spend stupidly – take your core bills, charge them off those credit cards according to category, and prepare to watch time leverage work in your favour….

just don’t forget to pay the bill, in full, and on time – as mentioned in my Musings Episode 19. Execute this properly and you’ll be rolling in dough.

wads-cash-006

Lastly, focusing intently on something and stressing out over it gets you nowhere.

Why? Because when you spend time running around focusing on “how is this going to get done, I’ve got this going on and this to do, the deadline’s this, the demands are that, yadda yadda yadda.”

No.

Stop the mental chatter…and focus on what’s good for you. First thing in the morning, get up to complete silence, and meditate. It doesn’t have to involve incense, it doesn’t have to involve a pray room, it doesn’t even have to involve focusing on the things that are priority. It just focuses on what’s good for you. What makes you tick, what makes you think, what makes you driven, and what makes you push forward. What makes your blood boil, what makes life life, for you.

That’s what needs to be focused on. The success will come and the anxiety will deaden, with minimal effort on your part, and a few small, simple solutions.

The thing here is to not lock onto all the issues in life – but lock onto the main things that you know will get you ahead, while having fun….then take those “issues” and try making Limoncello out of them 😉

Once you learn how to do this….

Then you’re in the right direction headed to the right track…and remember….

even-if-you-are-on-the-right-track-you

…so you know what to do.

Hope this helps…

– Rego

Musings Episode 22: College Life… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life