The Raddest Day Ever.

   Today was my Ferris Beuller day haha I've been working so damn much; and I've been spending so much time with my family; I hadn't had a chance to actually skate in a LONG time. Add in some Michigan winter weather; and you're looking at one bummed dude.

   Fortunately, I was able to get up to Modern Skate Park on last Saturday for a solo session. I hadn't skated in months... but I hadn't skated Modern in almost 2 years!! I threw my blades and my board and my helmet in the trunk, and headed out.

   ..Got there and forgot my skate shoes tho (had on winter boots for the snow) so I could only blade. Don't get me wrong, I had a great session. I was the only one on blades.. but it was cool. Got some of the younger kids interested in blading, and got some kudos from the boarders. Still, I was really bummed that I forgot my shoes. I was curious to see how I would do on the board at Modern. I hadn't even stood on one in a month or so due to work..

   Well, today was the day. I took a personal day from work, and got some errands done in the morning. Had a good breakfast, did some work around the house, and then headed up to the park for the 3pm session. Got there a bit early and headed to the pro shop.

   I've been wanting to expand my board selection a bit. I've gone thru a few different decks, but still been ridin the same wheels and trucks from last spring. I had some nice new bearings, but I was interested in getting a set-up made for miniramps and park skating. Went with an 8.5" and some big soft 56mm wheels and some ceramic bearings.

All I can say is: holy shit.

   Pardon my french but Holy fkn Shit this is what a skateboard is suppose to feel like!! The wider deck, mixed with the bigger wheels and smoother bearings... I was cruisin in a way that I've never cruised before!! I finally had my AH-HA moment!! It all clicked!

   THIS was concrete surfing. THIS was what a line felt like! Don't get me wrong!! I've flown around on blades hundreds of times! I've floated. I've skated lines in vert and street. But this... was unlike anything I've ever felt before. It was close to meditation. I had an empty park... and beautiful new board... and I was coasting!!!! I was riding transitions and pockets like I've never done before! Wall ride style! I was airing the banks, doing powerslides, manuals, it was amazing! I skated the mini ramp, the vert ramp, a clover bowl; and all over the street course. I couldn't even pick a spot to stay still I just cruised around from area to area.

   Today was destined to be a good day, regardless. Anytime at the skate park, off work; is a good time. Anytime you get a new deck or a new pair of skates... its destined to be good. But today was different. Today, the switch went off. The lightbulb popped. Today, I was skateboarding. Before today, I was pushing around in my driveway... popping ollies and shuvits. But today, I was a true park shark!! I'm so geeked for the future months to come! I'm so motivated and ready to progress more than ever! 

#ThankYouSkateboarding

With A Purpose

   In all honesty, when I created this blog... I wasn't sure what my "goal" or objective was. I'm sure not trying to get sponsored lol And I'm not really trying to play the retail game with tshirts and skateboard decks (haha That's an uphill battle!) but I knew I wanted to do SOMETHING.

   I've always been agnostic atheist.. growing up, etc. I've always been interested in the idea of faith and spirituality. I've always investigated it. But it was nothing that struck me particularly.

   Here I am now, almost 30 years old; and I still don't claim to have it all figured out. Recently, though.. I've been really searching. And something placed the word in my ears. The thought in my head. Something has told me; "do this."    ....and so, I will. I might as well.

   That brings me to where I am today. Writing a blog whose (I hope) ends justify it's means. For now, these just seem like silly words. Incoherent sentences and private thoughts. But I know, one day, my message will reach somebodys heart. I've been writing for almost a year now. The website, also a year old. And I'm just now seeing it pull itself together.

   It's a great feeling!

   This past year (well, the past 7 years really lol) I've been battling some shit in my personal life. For a while, I used skating as an escape. A way to get away from my responsible adult reality haha But recently, I've actually tried binding my personal life and my passion for skating. I've used it as a tool. And in the process, I've really developed exactly what I want this site to be

   It further proves everything I've been thinking. It's just like working on a new trick, or a new line. You need to first envision it. See it's completion. Then you start analyzing the mechanics of it, and you start planning how you can make it work. Before my very eyes, this idea has taken life And is growing and living with me! It's evolved so much in the past 10 months; and I'm beyond excited to see where it continues!

   Thank you ALL for the help, inspiration, and support. As always, any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Any suggestions, or questions. And, as always; I hope these little blog entries find you in your time of need. I hope to lend you all the same help, inspiration, and support that you have given me! Let's work together & keep the shred alive

Finding An Endless Summer

   Sheeesh; it's been a long time!! As previously stated, I started a new job last summer. More pay, with more hours and more responsibility. As great as it is for my career, it also hindered my ability to skate everyday. I had a nice routine of 2-3 hours a day after work. I was also immobile last summer, which has since changed! I'm looking forward to a spring/summer of nonstop skating in 2015! I plan on pushing myself to my physical and mental limits

   Regardless of my concrete time, I've been laying a lot of other foundation for this website and the SkateLife organization. 2015 will be an amazing year; for me, and for this company! The site is almost done, and will be up and online by February! Teeshirts, stickers, and other merchandise will be printed soon, too! But that barely begins to describe what I plan on doing..

   It's hard to balance working a full-time (60+ hours a week) job, and being a full-time single parent. Add to that, being a home owner and volunteer in the community. It's almost impossible to find time to skate each day. But, it's so important to me, I do. I spent the fall (and early winter) of 2014 skating as much as I could. Even if I caught a few hours of nice weather, warm enough to hoody up and throw on my blades and hit the p-rail for awhile in the driveway.. or lace up some kicks and go skateboard around the block a few times when I go out to get the mail. As long as I stay at it!! I'm also working on some indoor designs I plan on creating. These would help me exercise and practice certain tricks when the weather doesn't permit going outside. Not to mention my newly purchased year's membership at the local indoor skatepark ;] I think I'm gonna be set for awhile!! No Excuses!