From New Bern..., 2 Charlotte, NC!!!

Mood: Vacation Mode
Music: Gavin Munoff "Live Concert" CD's

2day's Message: "Blood Should Always Be Thicker Than Water... Unless The Blood Is Thin & The Water Is Oh Soooo Soothing!!!" A.L. Jones Sr.

Just wanted 2 say that I'm sitting here in Charlotte, NC trying 2 get my bearings... I DEF Love it down here Bcuz it has that wonderful City Vybe... Reminds me a heck of a lot like home... Fast food, malls, sports team, downtown scene, parks, & night life...

I came South cause I made a personal pact with myself 2 visit my Xtended Family... They live on the East Coast outside of New Bern, NC. They had a Big BBQ Saturday & I surprised them all by sneaking in 2 C them... I actually arrived Friday..., but didn't C them until Saturday...

I have about 2 minutes of video footage & I was like the Returning Conquering War Hero... Folks went krazy when they saw me... The #1 comment was, "I Knew U Were Coming Bcuz U Told Us 2 NEVER EVER Bet Against The Black!!!"

The 2nd comment was, "I Knew U Were Coming Bcuz U Got Quiet On Facebook!!! U Stopped Posting & It Made Me Think U Were Coming Cause U Didn't Want Folks 2 Know Your Whearabouts!!!" WOW!!!

It was great 2 C sooooooooo many people I haven't seen in 5 years... It was equally great 2 C my own family... All 4 of my Aunts & Uncles (Jessie, Geraldine, Maryann, & Charlie)... Countless cousins... My own true only niece (my sister's child)... & a whole generation of NEW kids who I really Do Not know @ all... That was worth the trip alone...

My Family was MAD @ me Bcuz I chose 2 stay @ a hotel in New Bern rather than out in the sticks with them... C'mon Son!!! I do that @ least every other tyme... They should know me by now... I can't handle sitting out there in the sticks... It's Mind Numbingly Boring!!! PHEW!!!

I was also amazed @ how difficult life has been 4 a large sum of my family... Several have done prison time, several had drug problems, several had poor appearance due 2 health issues, & some have fallen upon some hard times... The youth don't seem 2 have strong role models..., lack of hope 4 the future..., nor guidance in what they can do 2 B successful in their own lives...

They all remark on how Amazing I LQQK!!! I smiled 2 myself bcuz 2 me..., it's the way I Always LQQK??? 2 them It's Amazing..., 2 me It's Normal!!! It clearly shows why I've never been able 2 spend major time nor identify strongly with this region of the South... I'm 2 intense, I quest 2 hard 4 knowledge, I'm 2 vain not 2 LQQK GOOD, I'm 2 technical with toyz/gadgets, I'm 2 self motivated, & I need much more culture in my life than they do...

But..., @ the end of the day we R still family..., & I love them ALL dearly... They love me..., they miss me..., & it's up 2 me 2 keep the bonds connected... Leaving them I traveled 4 hours across the state 2 Charlotte..., a city much more conducive 2 my mindset... I'll visit some other folks over here..., then head home on 2morrow...

Still a wonderful trip 2 reconnect with my roots, my past, my history, & my people... Remember..., U can run from many things..., but U can never run away from yourself... That's The Way Life Goes!!! PEACE!!!

aljonessr

Lenny White Anomaly Tour Iridium NYC 08.15.10

Mood: Trippin' The Light Fantastic
Music: Lenny White "Forever" Anomaly CD

Oh Man...,

Sunday August 15th, went to Iridium in NYC 2 C Lenny White’s Band perform his new CD “Anomaly.” DEFINITELY not music for the faint of heart. I slightly bogarted my way in as I circumvented the line outside, spoke 2 the young guy handling the ticket booth, & ended up sitting damn near on the stage. My crew is STILL trying 2 figure out how I pulled that one off… Dumb Luck!!! Shhhhh!!!

Lenny was in rare form as the music & the venue sounded terrific… Two main guitar players, a special guest guitar player, keyboardist, bass player, & Lenny White on drums. His new CD is a “Must Have” for your collection if you do not have it… It’s Hella-Fied, Electrified, Rock Influenced, Futuristic Fusion Inspired Jazz!!! Ole Skool/New Skool Fusion Is Back!!! LOL!!!

Highlight of the night??? After copping my tee-shirt which I’m proudly wearing right now (the oh so vain 2nd picture)… Folks head up to the bar 2 get Lenny White 2 sign their CD’s & who’s sitting there chilling like he doesn’t have a care in the world???

The One & Only Legendary Bass Player Extraordinaire Mr. Stanley Clarke!!! I (politely) shoved a few people out the way & made sure I eased up 2 take their picture & shake this man’s hand…

1st fusion record I ever heard (cause I was a hardcore R&B, P-Funk kinda kid) was Stanley Clarke’s “School Days.” I actually stole…, a-hem (borrowed that vinyl record which is still in my collection 2day) & I’ve been HOOKED EVER SINCE!!! What A Wonderful Night In NYC!!! PEAAACCCCEEEEEEE!!!

What Gets Me Up In The Morning??? LIFE!!!

Mood: NRGetic & Xcited!!!
Music: John McLaughlin & Chick Corea "New Blues, Old Bruise" 5 Peace Band CD

I Have That Innate Fear That If I Don’t Get Up In The Morning (short of the fact that I’m probably deceased), I Might Be Missing Something!!! Life is too short & our frame of reference is so tiny; that to miss out on 1 day is to literally lose a lifetime…

Think Big Picture!!! You are walking along the beach, you pick up a handful of sand, sift down to one single grain of sand, & then you compare that to all the sand that’s left on the beach… That Is Our Life Cycle!!! Every day we are on the verge of being insignificant in the overall scheme of things… So missing out on what 2morrow may bring my way is not a gamble I’m willing to take…

My alarm clock is set for 5:30AM…, I rarely need it… I beat it up (not physically) but time-wise almost every single morning… Although I am a morning person…, I cherish that early morning solitude… This is not the time to talk to me about world events, bills, sports, or the next gig I have on the horizon…

I’m the 1st one up, 1st one in the shower, & 1st one to stir the motion of the day… I meditate in that quiet time as I re-charge my Force Field so I can fully take on this new day… When the weather is nice, I’ll step out the back door onto the patio & absorb the start of the next day of The Rest ‘O My Life!!!

On work days I usually know where I’m going & what I need to accomplish that day… For the curve balls thrown my way (because as a utility company we are a crisis management operation…)

I step firmly in the batter’s box, clench my bat, eye up the pitch, & give myself the best possible chance for success… Whether I hit a single or home run out the park…, my goal is to get in the game & stay fully engaged once I’m in there… We WILL solve the problem because we are a utility & This Is What We Do!!!

On days off…, I live to explore the true beauty of life… You get to go outside & play in your own sandbox to your hearts content… You can do whatever you want to do as you chase the dreams you dreamed as a kid that you should’ve NEVER given up on… (Langston Hughes “A Dream Deferred”)

This is when you put aside all the pomp, the circumstances, the ego’s, & power struggles to Relax & Be Yourself!!! Those are the things that get me excited to wake up every single day to participate in this thing we call LIFE!!!

Thebrotheraj

1st Day Back!!!

Stepping Back Up 2 Da Plate 2 Hit Da Next 1 Out The Park!!!

Sometimes those mini-breaks are just what you need in order 2 clear your mind… I took last week off…, & then on the “Spur O’ The Moment” went down 2 Washington, DC over the last dayz of the Holi-Daze!!!

Met up with some kewl folks in that region & just had a ball… Since it was the Memorial Day weekend, with all that the Military means 2 that part of the country it was bizzy down there… Many events, celebrations, & what not keeping folks engaged…

On my way back 2 NJ I saw a young military man who was “Mass Transiting” like I was since I didn’t drive down… I took the daggone train this tyme & what a blessing & a pleasure it was… No stress, no traffic, I just sat back in my seat, fired up my laptop, put in my fave AJ DVD (that would be me playing wit da band), & just left the driving 2 Amtrak… But…, I paid the young man’s fare because I always appreciate NE of those folks who put their life on the line so AJ Can B FREE!!!

Matter of fact on the way down when I arrived @ Union Station, I needed 2 catch a cab 2 my hotel which was not in the immediate downtown DC area… As luck, fate, destiny, karma (or whatever else you want 2 call it) would have it, @ the information counter was another guy going 2 the same area I was going… The Information Guy gave us the krazy & hectic way 2 get there..., or said we could probably just split a cab & get their directly…

That’s what we did… Come 2 find out we were on the same train 2gether, he was from Union, NJ, works in Clifton as an Auto Store Manager, & we hit it off right straight out the gate… About 15 minutes into our trip our cab pulls over because his fellow cabbie flags him over. The guy had a flat tire, but couldn’t change the tire because he could not remove the tire & had no handle 2 raise his jack…

Me & Phil consented 2 help without even blinking an eye. I jacked up the vehicle with our jack, Phil changed the tire, I lowered the car, the passengers stuck in the cab, & both cabbies were grateful 4 our help. Most folks in our position would’ve said, “Keep It Moving It’s Not My Problem!!!” But what was our rush??? We were already down there, we weren’t under the gun 2 B NE where @ a specific time, & we had the skill set 2 Do The JOB!!!

So just on the strength of the ending & the beginning of my trip 2 DC…, how do you think the rest of my time down there went??? Daggone Skippy it went well… As matter of fact I sent a picture from my phone 2 some folks back home showing a Corona, my hat, & my mini bottle of Grand Marnier on my hotel room nightstand. It was good 2 get away 4 a few dayz & just relax 2 NJoy self…

Hope your holiday was Xcellent & you are re-charged & RET 2 Roll Into The New June Month!!! Do Not!!! I repeat…, DO NOT carry any of that old drama from last month into this new month… Simply wipe the slate clean & Keep It Moving!!! Holding it in & allowing it 2 foster will only kill the joy you are trying 2 achieve… Come On Now!!! It’s summer, the weather going 2 B hotter, the clothes get looser, & it’s good times 2 B had by all… PEACE & BLESSINGS!!!

2day's Message: Oftentimes, people tend to get wrapped up and busy with things that don't really matter in eternity. It's easy to get consumed by your career and stay focused on your goals. It's good to work hard, but you've got to learn how to play hard, too, so you can stay in balance. I heard somebody say, "It's not that life is so short, it's that we wait so long to begin living." If we want to truly enjoy the journey of life, we have to take time to stop and smell the roses.

Do you appreciate the people you love? Do you hug your children before you leave each day and give your spouse a kiss? When was the last time you called your parents to tell them how much you love them? That's how we can enjoy the journey. If you'll stay determined to enjoy the journey of life, you'll live with no regrets. You'll see your path shine brighter and brighter, and at the end, you'll be able to say, "I made the most of my life. I enjoyed my family. I enjoyed my friends. I finished my course with joy." Joel Osteen

P.S. 1^st day back on the Grind… Of course I ain’t doing much of jack… This is my catch up…, clean up…, & talk about how good it was 2 B away mode 4 2day… 2morrow I’ll actually think about working!!! Even after My Boss walks in & asks how was vacation??? I Xplained it… Then he said, “Good…, But It’s Over Now…, & It’s Back 2 The Real World!!! Get 2 Work!!!” He Really Don’t Know Me That Well @ All Yet Huh??? HE WILL!!! ROFLMAO!!!

P.P.S. Oh Yeah & What Joel Said!!! I do not take myself that seriously, I don’t let things get in the way of living My Life, & I know how 2 play Real Hard!!! The secret 2 that??? Is learn 2 play like kids do… They don’t care about the mortgage, the stock options, or the deadline… They just hit the park & have a ball… Never give up on your Inner Child!!!

aljonessr

Secretz Of Succezz!!! (Networking!!!)

Well It's Tyme 4 Wordz Of Wizdom...,

It's been a minute since I've mined the Internet searching 4 some Gold... But maybe I've found something 2 spur your thought process & get your mind moving in another direction... Xspecially since I'm Ret 2 Hit Da Bandstand Hard 2nite!!! I have 2 B Focused & On My Game Man!!!

The #1 Reason I am moderately successful & relatively happy in my life is the Network I've built... Folks think its just because of "Who I Am" that AJ Is Effective!!! That is part of it..., but the other part is I identify key strategic people who orbit around me that can B instrumental in assisting me with the work I do in my life... Quite frankly there R tymes U simply have 2 step out of your comfort zone & Put Yo'self Out There!!!

Take Flip Da Skrip... My son was a given... He's my seed, my co-pilot, my mini-me if U will but the "New Improved Version!!!" Jay on bass was a natural fit who fell into the collective... He's not the best player in the world..., but he brings enthusiasm, the right attitude, & is a great team player. Tasha completed the circle, not as the best singer..., but she brought balance & femininity 2 all that testosterone in the group. So collectively the sum is much greater than all our individual gifts... Network, Network, Networking Baby!!! R U deeply embedded in my cipher??? Hmmmmm???

2day's Message: "There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your live those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect." Nikki Giovanni

STRATEGIC NETWORKING:
Increasing Your Networking Return On Investment (ROI)

Why are some people "luckier" than others? Well folks, I'm here to tell you that "luck" has nothing to do with it. One reason it seems as if one person is more successful than another, is that they've managed to build a network of people who KNOW, LIKE and TRUST them.

Having a good network will greatly improve your chance of success in your personal and professional life. But getting a good network requires thought, desire and action. Here are some simple guidelines to increase your return on your investment in networking:

Focus Your Efforts:
You should target two to four of the same networking groups to meet with each and every month. Don't make a habit of being a "guest networker" because it's not effective. There is an old advertising rule that says, a prospect has to see an ad seven times before it takes hold in their consciousness. Your objective is to build value relationships not transactional ones. By attending the same meetings consistently, you will be KNOWN.

Practice First:
Practice your "rap"—that is, your 30 second elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch should be clear, concise and create curiosity about you and your business. A simple script could read as follows: I am (insert your profession here), for (insert the name of your company here). I do (insert what you do here), for (state who you serve here), so that they can (insert the benefit/value your product of service provides them here).

Set Your Goals:
For each networking meeting, you should have a clear objective—your ROI. For example, you could set a goal for yourself of identifying four [4] connections—prospects, resource or center of influence, and schedule two [2] face to face meetings for the following week. That way, you have a clear, objective way of judging your networking effectiveness. Overtime, you will be able to see the results.

Get Ready:
Check your "attitude" prior to entering the meeting. Put on your positive, happy and confident armor. Make sure you are ready to listen twice as much as you speak. And lastly, make sure you are ready to be a resource for others—become a "go giver."

By following these tried and true suggestions, you will achieve a basic business objective. That is to be known, liked and trusted. In so doing, you will exponentially increase your networking effectiveness and build your long term relationships that result in a high return on your networking investment.

RJ Lennon is the senior business coach at MasterMind Coaching & Consulting. RJ brings over 25 years of marketing and sales management to his coaching practice, having filled roles a business owner, independent contractor, corporate salesman at both Chase Manhattan Bank & Sun Microsystems, and a former top-producing real estate broker. For more information contact RJ directly at Rj@MasterMindConsulting.biz

aljonessr

2010 Handbook!!!

Yo Folks...,

Here's Something From 2009 I Just Updated It 2 Reflect 2010... My Own Personal Issues R Italiced & Highlighted In Red. Copy List, Make Font Black, Then Highlight Your Own Issues In Red & Take Some Time Over The Rest Of 2010 2 Work Those Issues Out... Peace, Love, & Blessings!!!

Subject: FWD: 2010 Handbook

2010 HANDBOOK Health: 1. Drink plenty of water. 2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. 3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. 4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy. 5. Make time to pray. 6. Play more games. 7. Read more books than you did in 2009. 8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. 9. Sleep for 7 hours. 10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile. Personality: 11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. 13. Don't over do. Keep your limits. 14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip. 16. Dream more while you are awake. 17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. 19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others. 20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present. 21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. 22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. 23. Smile and laugh more. 24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. Society: 25. Call your family often. 26. Each day give something good to others. 27. Forgive everyone for everything. 28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6. 29. Try to make at least three people smile each day. 30. What other people think of you is none of your business. 31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. Life: 32. Do the right thing! 33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. 34. GOD heals everything. 35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 37. The best is yet to come. 38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it. 39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy. Last but not the least: 40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did. Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thy might & lean not to thy own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him & he shall direct your path. P.S. Real Last But Not Least!!! 777. SEND AJ SOME O' YOUR $$$'s!!! He's Flossing Again!!! ROFLMAO!!!

aljonessr

1st Quarter Closes & 2nd Quarter Begins!!!

Mood: Seeking Understanding & Knowledge

Music: Stanley Clarke “Lisa” CD At The Movies

Of Course It Has!?!

My life has continued 2 blaze along @ Warp Speed as things are cranking up. On the work front…, I believe the Kid Gloves are finally coming off & they are starting 2 lean heavily on The Kidd*** 2 produce some hard results.

They’ve gotten me involved with Safety Audits this week. I was in Harrison Monday, Summit 2day, & I’m scheduled to go to the Elizabeth Electric District Thursday 2 observe their process. Vince is going 2 Italy for 2 weeks so all those things he’s responsible 4 are going to slide onto my desk. Please…, I am up 4 The Challenge!!!

Musically saw the band get an 11^th hour call 2 head down to Sixty Park in Newark 2 meet the Promoter who’s working on doing live music every Thursday. The had a killer band there & when they asked for Bday shoutouts (Tasha’s Bday was that upcoming Saturday) they asked us 2 take the bandstand.

Well what better way 2 advertise yo skills than 2 whip it on them when they ask 4 it??? We did a slick rendition of “The Long Walk” & from the crowd response I’m Xpecting a call from Big Mike 2 put us on the bill somewhere in the future…

Also doing some Xperimenting in The Studio with recording the band. We had someone shoot video of us awhile back so you can see how we act… Now working on recording ourselves as I LQQK 2 dabble into some CD production. It’s a work in progress…, but they R getting a kick out of it. So I’m on the right track…

Personal is hectic but in a stay sharp kind of way. Nothing so negative & detrimental that it’s going 2 bring me down. But I must stay focused, keep my eye on the prize, & continue 2 pace & bless myself as I maneuver through this minefield we call life.

This is the start of the 2^nd Quarter. The 1^st Quarter is over & done with & we’re coming up quickly on the 1^st six months of 2010!!! Where are you as far as you’re goals, your dreams, your hopes, & desires are concerned???

Trust me…, waiting around for that Big Miracle DOES NOT get it done. You must step to the table & put some plans in place to Make It Happen!!! I am not where I fully want 2 be…, but I’m working the plan as I continue down the path I feel I’m destined 2 pursue.

What about you??? What are you waiting for??? Who are you waiting for??? Let me help you with that one… Go take a Good, Long, Hard, LQQK in the mirror… You see that face staring back @ you??? That’s “The Mofo Right There!!!” That’s your Mover & Shaker who’s going to Set It Off!!!

Align yourself with strategic partners who can help make your goals a reality. Don’t let those who truly got your back…, slip through the cracks… But DEFINITELY shun all those who oppose you. They will only cloud your vision & Slow Yo’ Roll!!! Let’s Get 2gether & Get This!!! Set & accomplish a goal in this 3 month window… If you wait any longer…., 2010 will surely pass you by… Just like 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2011 Will!!! The Time People Is NOW!!!

2day's Message: We serve a God of abundance! He wants to pour out His blessing on you until you are so full that you are running over with His goodness. Notice how this verse starts. It says, "Give, and it will be given to you." Your giving is what sets the blessing of God into motion in your life.

Giving is like a seed. When you plant an apple seed, it doesn't just grow a single fruit. That one seed grows into a tree that has an abundance of apples. The same thing happens when you obey God in your giving. You get an abundant harvest in return. You are so blessed that you can't even contain it! You have to just keep giving, and the cycle just keeps repeating itself.

Is there something the Lord is telling you to give today? What do you have in your hand that you can use to be a blessing to someone else? Take a step of faith and set the blessing of God into motion. As you do, you'll open the door for His abundance to flow in every area of your life. Joel Osteen

P.S. In a nutshell that is the ultimate Secret 2 My Success!!! As mean, as tuff, & as difficult as I can be (mostly 2 make u better as u go inside o' yo'self)… Deep down in my core…, I am & have always been A Giver!!! When I give…, it always comes back 2 me 7X’s!!! I also like 2 receive now…, because even I need a little strength in return every now & again… But stretch, grow, give, & Xpect abundance in your life as part of the reward of servitude.

aljonessr