Hustle & Blog

This was the best moment of the trip.  Having a fine dinner with colleagues that I respect and am fond of.  We discussed personal affairs, marriage life, politics, pop culture, etc.  After dinner, the $950 tab was picked up by Christine, from the Kelley School Alumni office.  Thanks IU!

It's been 5 years since I graduated from IU.  The gentlemen that I had dinner with are all in their 30s.  At a stage in life where the future looks bountiful, but serious decisions still need to be made.

One of these decisions is who to partner with.  Important from a business perspective, but as equally important for marriage.  Sheldon, Regis, BT, Eli and myself are all single.  It's amazing that black men like this exist.

During our lunch conversation however, I began to understand why.  This was the men's only moment, during which 75% of the topic was female conquests.  I participated, however, everyone knows that I have been out of the game for the last year plus.  Later, I felt myself reflecting and having concern about the way that we talk about women.  I remember feeling this way previously about myself, but the discussion made them seem like toys.  I am not at this stage anymore, and feel like we will all eventually come full circle.  Maybe we will always discuss our private affairs privately.  I do pray though, that at the next 10 year celebration, our wives will be there with us and as men we will understand what their value is to us.  This will be God's way of forgiving us for the acts that we have found joy in, while concurrently demeaning the value of so many young women.  Peace and favor to my Brethren.

In the past 3 decades, I have been fortunate enough to witness some of the cycles and progressions of life.  I've seen a few foreign lands, and listened to plenty of people's stories of their journey.  I've accomplished some of my goals, fell short of others.  Altogether, I am happy pursuing happiness.

On my birthday, I had dinner with my family and tried to impart wisdom on my two younger brothers who will soon embark on the journey of boys to men.  I'm not sure if the message got across, but if either of them read this, it is simple.  "Enjoy your life while taking it seriously."  Oxymoronic, but thus is life.  The hedonistic pursuit of happiness has it's place, but must be countered with expectations of karma, and the loss of life's most precious commodity - Time.

Imitation is suicide, yet men must put away childish things.  In the words of Jesus: 

"If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.  If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you."  (Gospel of St. Thomas)

It doesn't take 32 years to understand the importance of this...

Anyone who knows me knows that I value the role and existence of my Mother.  As I look back over my 31 (soon to be 32) years of existence, I cannot fathom what would have happened to me if I did not have such a strong Black woman to birth, nurture, and guide me.  Though I may not be the man that I should, I acknowledge that the bit that I have accomplished is mostly due to her qualities as a Mother.  

When you look at the picture on the left, you see a beautiful woman exteriorly.  If you look deeper, you will find a divine soul that should be celebrated in a world of self serving, materialistic, promiscuous women that dwell today.  Her majesty cannot be measured by her shoe collection or jewelry estate, but rather her contribution to family development and the nurturing of future generations.

I solute all Mothers, especially single Mothers.  The times have dealt a hard hand to our Sisters, and I realize that some of it is our fault as Men.  Still, on May 10th, we must come to understand that a Nation can rise no higher than its Woman.  Therefore, I have no excuse but to revere the Lady of my life for my ascension.  I only hope that my sons or daughters experience the same.  Hats off to our first teacher, nutritionist, and giver of life.  You are appreciated...

Seasons, Seasons, Seasons. Folks, we elected a man who couldn't eat at a lunch counter in the South 40+ years ago as President. We're witnessing the bankruptcy of a nation who has enjoyed so much wealth. The complexities of life all boil down to the concept of seasons and cyclicality.

As the winter wanes, and makes way for Spring, I find myself dealing with the Mother of all personal emotional cycles. Not joy or pain, but that four letter word that begins with L.

L is a funny thing. Over the years, I have had personal struggles of receiving and giving to her. I have denied her existence at times, and been forced to recognize her power at others. I'm still not convinced that she is good or evil, I've settled on the conclusion that she can be either. I'm not sure what she means when she tells me it's ok to be with her, doing so is a test of my faith and exposes my vulnerabilities. I sometimes desire to change L, and other times realize that to be with her is to let her be free. If L were a painting, she would be an abstract piece, one that doesn't conform to any of Pythagoram's theories. Therefore, I have never been able to understand her using the scientific method. She evolves in real time.

I asked my professor of entrepreneurship, Dr. Haeberle once. "What is more important in life, L or money?" Dr. Haeberle paused and said "Malcolm, that's a philosophical question. L has been called the poetry of life, and I don't know about you, but what would life be like without poetry?"

So, my friends, I'm not sure how long this season will last, but it sure is better than watching everybody else eating at the counter from outside.

As the end of 2008 approaches quickly, I begin the annual routine of establishing plans and goals for the upcoming year. Unfortunately, this year, I missed the mark on my weight loss goal, didn't increase my net worth as much as I would have wished (market hurt me) and I still desire to be more focused in certain areas. I've decided to focus on one goal this year. Coming off of Barack's amazing run for presidency which peaked my interest in politics. I've decided that I'm running for office. Sykes!

Though I find politics interesting, I will not officially announce this, however, I will use 2009 to get in "political office shape". As we've seen in the past year during the Presidential and other local races, politicians must try to have the most unblemished characters, yet thrive in a capitalistic, darwinian environment. I think it would be a good idea for us to think of ourselves as running for office. Maybe this alone will help us to clean up our image. If anyone wants to support me for Mayor of a small town, let me know. I'll try to put an end to my ever present character flaws.