Although I wrote this a couple of years ago...for some reason it still never fails to get me mentally prepared for any challenge that comes my way.


i gotta get on the come up
time to rise up and emerge from the shell
smell the roses and see the light
put up the fight to make things right
might... i be the one that needs to make this move
move toward content and peace to say the least
battle the beast that's been beating me for years
living shadowed by fears...tears that yearned the truth
i need a fresh start to a healthy heart
beating the right rhythms of blood...steady flow
to let me know that i am strong
wrong to presume that life has cheated me
depleted me of rights to vocalize
exercise my thoughts into known knowledge
i find it hard to believe that time stops us
flops us into a downward spin
look within and raise your chin
give respect to yourself cuz that's where it's due
its on you to do you and thats where i see me
let my light shine like the sun until my days are done
ready to step to the line...ready for war
ready to take the hit...ready for what's in store
catching a glimpse on the edge of anew
its a new year...what does it mean to you
time to shake it off...time to renew
time to find a peace...time to take the queue
grow like flowers under plowed gravel
motivate movement...let the mind travel
my friends...are you ready to submerge into the dive
only to resurface and know you're alive
survive insecurities and impurities of the past
drop all the grudges...keep the lessons that last
stand fast and grasp that of which matters
leave all the petty stuff to split and scatter
i can't wait until this battle is won
when we stand together and victory has begun
fists raised proud and tightly to the sky
the hint of warmth on my cheek as I cry
when happiness has triggered the ducts to flow
when the world sees the light of what i already know
its time...time to begin...5...4...3...2...1
we win.

This Is How We Get Down with Grand Puba



Phil (video) and Me (photos) had the stage on lock

Kris had the crowd view while representing with our OG staff shirt

To check out the images from our Nikon D80, HERE YOU GO!

And of course, what our video gurus captured for your viewing pleasure...

Blood of Kings Release | Sat, 8/15 | 1-5PM |
@Kingdom East Bay
SMILE when you see our Socialush cameras!!



Our folks at Adapt Clothing and Kingdom collab to present Blood of Kings. Check out the release party on Saturday, 8/15 from 1-5PM at the Kingdom East Bay store in Union City, CA.

LIMELIGHT RADIO ON ALL DAY PLAY: FRIDAYS at 9:00PM HOSTED BY “FIRST LADY” of SOCIALUSH, JAYME ESPERANZA
Limelight Radio focuses on highlighting independent artists and DJs of various genres through interviews, listening parties, live performance audio, and DJ sets. It is owned and operated by Socialush, LLC-the industry’s home for interactive access to real nightlife destinations, talents and events. Check out past shows HERE.
All Day Play (ADP) is internet radio how its supposed to be; good music, live dj’s, 24/7. APD features the best DJ’s in the Bay Area, Award winning podcast series, and Hip Hop, Soul, Electronica, House, and Rock music not being played anywhere else. Tune in now!



This week's featured artist, Bay Area DJ and Producer deedot, talks about his latest album release with Chicago bred R&B singer, Navery. The album, which is a collaboration EP called Alexandria Gray: Somewhere To Go, was released under Dusty Fingerz Productions and Head To The Sky (BMI). Hear the album with more from our interview with deedot, exclusively on Limelight Radio.

To hear show #46 of Limelight Radio featuring deedot, tune in on Friday 8/14 at 9PM HERE!

Sugarspun shares Moon Candy


Described as "sweet and tart, upbeat yet ambient, Sugarspun is a candy-coated mixture of lyrical laments sung in pop melodic hooks", Bay Area Indie Pop band, Sugarspun, steps into the spotlight on Limelight Radio. Sugarspun, made up of Abby (keyboard and vocals), Rex (bass and vocals), Rob (drums), and Rommel (guitar) talk about the release of their debut EP, Moon Candy.

Listen to the show here Sugarspun

Mr. E, BLUFIZZ, and Fran Boogie present:

GRAND PUBA & LORD JAMAR LIVE AT 111 MINNA
AUGUST 1, 2009

This is one show you do not want to miss! Check the promo for details.

In the process of getting to where you want to be in life, I'm sure people come across thousands of self-help books, quotes, advice, etc. that are published to inspire them. I know that I am one of those people.

What I've come to notice is that, sure - they make valid points...but how many of those publications really relate to my specific journey? A lot of them are just compilations of big complicated words that ramble on about things that go straight over my head, around the corner through one ear and out the other. Nothing has ever stuck like the wise ole words of Jay-Z.

Blinded by the sky beyond the clouds
scream out silent sounds
somethin is creepin with meaning so profound
i want to stare until its figure is found
as it reveals it steals me away from reality biting
senselessly nervous resort to nailbiting
though exciting i act as i look through the shaded window
tainted by the combination of dust and rain, i look again
i gain the ability to tear apart the gray
pull each shadow by its end
and make the sunshine my friend
inch by inch it unlocks its colors
while falling leaves stab me in the eye
i cry
but tears of stunned reaction
i lift up my hands in distraction
catch them as they fall with no direction
i see my reflection in the glare of his sunglasses
sweet as black cherry molasses
i squint and salute my eyebrows to glimpse what the sun brought in
the figure awaited/anticipated/and again
i see myself in the glare
i stare and watch the sparkle of my eye
die with one wisp of your soft thumb
im numb.
knees shaking as i fall to the ground and you catch me
enwrapped me/grasped me from my declining presence
your essence is now my savior
illuminate behavior that keeps life to stay pure.
JE

For those who don't know... when you walk into my bedroom, one of the first things that you'll notice is how my purple painted walls and subtle purple and brown accents create a sense of calmness and serenity. As you walk further inside and pass the chocolate brown curtains, you'll come to what looks like a brick wall. In actuality, what some may think is a brick wall, is my neatly stacked collection of PUMA shoe boxes (all labeled with which shoes it contains, of course). Needless to say...I'd really like to purchase these purple and white PUMA hi-tops. *sigh*

Irresponsible Jayme says..."my gub'ment check comes this week and a mere $60 to buy these shoes won't hurt that bad! I mean, it is on SALE and its FREE to ship! :)"

Responsible Jayme says..."i don't NEED a new pair of shoes because I already own a pair of purple Adidas kicks. Not to mention a business, a car note, insurance, mortgage, rent, bills, a dog, and a girl needs to eat and be clean (meaning food and toiletries)!"

Who reigns supreme in this battle? Responsible Jayme. To that, I reiterate the title to this post..."DAMN this unemployed hole I'm in!"

LIVE in concert will be: The Musonics, along with guest performers APlus, G-Dove, and Shawnie Bo. Come out and enjoy a good ol’ Bay Area summer night filled with good music, good vibes as well as Butter B and Big Von on the 1’s and 2’s!

Our folks at Kingdom do it again! Now in a tight collaboration with IMPRM, a new clothing line is born. Come check out the release party at the newly opened Kingdom East Bay store and keep the vibe rolling to the official afterparty at 111 Minna in San Francisco.

To get on the guestlist, email kingdomeastbay@gmail.com.

what is this world comin' to?
i can't stand the tripped out situations
mutations of what is supposed to be
the future we're supposed to see
growin' up to witness dying
lying and never trying to raise up
give up the shelter of your pillow
let go and look what lies yonder
come up with alternatives/make the choice
handle your business/utilize your voice
challenge who restrict your freedom
choose your own direction
passion and play/find that connection
compilation of goals made realistic
simplistic in style but keep it artistic
step by step
that's how we need to get it
motivation to find, that is our mission
rid broken dreams and lost visions
clean slates is what we need
be the positive and take heed
take the initiative and stand up
refuse to nurture lazy asses
its time to alert the masses
break the ceilings of glasses
there's nothing to stop you
the mission is cut clear
fear is only failure to captivity
denies your activity
towards downward mobility
humility is what to strive for
better to do than just to see
follow the dream to reign supreme.

JE

As much as a person sets out to improve their life in one way or another, there are always those days when doubt looms so densely, that the outlook for the future isn't as bright as it once was. If someone were to ask me if I was ever in that situation, I'd be the first to admit that I am one of those, struggling to keep my head above water. If it's human nature to make mistakes throughout life...shit, I'm as human as they get.

I am so determined to obtain self acceptance, self sufficiency and independence. But man, I have my weak moments. If it's late at night and I can't shake some sort of issue or dilemma that I'm faced with for some reason...I get so jaded that I can't even sort out my own thoughts even if I wanted to. Then beyond that, I'm disappointed that no one is there to help me sort them out. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I'm a nocturnal person. I sleep late and wake up late because I do my best thinking after dark. With that said...when my thoughts are actually able to process...the rest of the world is sleeping so there's no one to talk to. OK, so I know one other nocturnal person however she happens to be IMPOSSIBLE to get a hold of...and I mean IMPOSSIBLE. By the time I wake up the next morning, the intensity of my thoughts will have mellowed out to the point where I just don't give a fuck anymore. It's really a sad cycle.

So, let's just say that this is one of those times. I have so much on my mind right now...cluttered beyond repair. And boy do I hate clutter. I keep my environment organized and clutter free to ensure that my brain will be the same. But yeah...nothing can protect me right now. I have thoughts that I wish I could just forget. Like, I really don't want to give a fuck about stuff but I just do. It's not my fault when things unexpectedly trigger memories...and instantly I'm enraged to tears. Then what? Tears fuel anger. Now what? What am I supposed to do? Call ghostbusters? Fuck that. I hate my state of being right now and I wouldn't wish it on other people. I wish I felt my guardian angel's presence a lot more. Maybe that way I wouldn't feel like I had to watch my own back at all times. I'd be able to let some guards down because although it may not seem like it...i'm at maximum security lock down right now. And like it sounds...it's real lonely and sad to be held in your own captivity.

Thoughts of mine that drive me insane:
What the hell am I doing? Is whatever I am doing now going to benefit me in the future? Like realistically speaking...am I just wasting my time? Is it all worth the blood, sweat and tears...worth the time and money, the sacrifices the compromises...it is somehow going to pay off? Is it asking too much for even a fraction of assurance?

I HATE people that don't respect the term "relationship" in all aspects relating to it. Whether it be a manager/employee relationship, parental/sibling relationship, romantic relationship, platonic relationship...whatever the case...do the world a favor and make sure that you are mature and honest enough and willing to work the hardest you've ever worked to keep something strong together. I'd like to extend a huge FUCK YOU accompanied with a knee to your face to:
Managers that fuck over their own employees because of their own selfish paranoia...who think that they can manipulate the system and assume that their employees aren't educated enough to see what's really going on. During times like this when the economy is struggling...you better believe it's going to be a "survival of the fittest" mentality in the workplace. It is a Manager's responsibility to ensure that the game is played fairly and impartially without using their seniority as a means to drive their employees to insanity.

Liars, Adulterers (oh yeah and that includes people who are technically married but having marital problems who feel like committing adultery would be a good way to get back at their spouse or gain the attention that they aren't getting from their spouse.) Either get a divorce or suck it up! and if there are kids involved... well you can just go right straight to fuckin HELL. i hope your kid(s) don't learn by example from what their parent(s) do. Let's not forget the outside party who gets involved with a married person. I got one perfect word for people like you. KARMA. Not to mention the Golden Rule..."Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" I guess you wouldn't mind if someone else was having sexual relations with your wife or husband.

Other irritations: People who smack their mouths while they chew or eat while talking. People that don't pick up after themselves. People that assume. \People that use the government or the military as a solution instead of putting in the hard work to get yourself ahead in life. People that have cell phone but never answer them or ignore text messages that are clearly either urgent or alarming. People that complain have to complain about something even if no one else cares, regardless if it puts someone in a difficult situation. They have the "I'm not willing to adjust...you'll just have to keep adjusting and adjusting and adjusting until I'm happy. Otherwise complain complain complain" type of attitude. People that intentionally continue to do something even after they are asked to stop. No means NO. People who are not thoughtful. Fakers. Mosquitos. People who can't/don't/won't understand how a person can be Arachnaphobic. It means that someone who has Arachnaphobia, such as myself, is DEATHLY afraid of spiders therefore its not something to take lightly.

Limelight Radio celebrates its 1 Year Anniversary with KUSF and LIVE365.com as well as its Farewell/Finale as the Independent Music radio show makes its way to new opportunities. This 44th show, produced by Kris Tampol and hosted by Jayme Esperanza both of Socialush, LLC, highlights their favorite picks of the past year.

Making the final show: Nonagon, Stone Mecca, Jazz Troncher, The Elevaters, Pomelo, Zero to Couch, Punchface, Barnone, Unagi, Kero One, Melina Jones, Joyo Velarde, The Campaign, and Chinky I. To hear this special anniversary/finale show, click HERE.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE OR CLICK HERE TO HEAR A REPLAY...

Our boy Anthony and his Kingdom crew opened up a second KINGDOM store, only this time in Union City. (First store is located in Stockton) It was cool to see the different folks coming through to check out the new spot and I just couldn't help thinking how dope it would be to have a studio/office for Socialush, LLC. In due time.

Anyhow, if any of you are in the UNE, come check out KINGDOM and pick up the latest in urban streetwear gear.

WE AT SOCIALUSH.TV HAVE DECIDED TO TAKE LIMELIGHT RADIO ON ITS NEXT VENTURE IN SUPPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MOVEMENT. FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2009 MARKS THE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF LIMELIGHT RADIO AS WELL AS THE FINALE SHOW TO BE BROADCASTED ON KUSF AND LIVE365.COM. SO WE INVITE YOU ALL TO STAY WITH US BECAUSE LIMELIGHT RADIO IS JUST GETTING STARTED.

ON BEHALF OF SHOW’S PRODUCER, KRIS TAMPOL AND LIMELIGHT RADIO SHOW HOST, JAYME ESPERANZA… WE’D LIKE TO EXTEND OUR THANK YOU’S TO KUSF, LIVE365 AND ALL OF OUR LISTENERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND FOR THE REAL MOTIVATION BEHIND WHAT WE DO…THE LOVE AND RESPECT WE HAVE FOR MUSIC.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION…

I got an exclusive interview with DJ/Emcee/Producer and Plug Label creator, Kero One, for Limelight Radio PLUS songs from his latest album release, Early Believers. Make sure to tune in this Friday, 6/12 at 8:30pm to KUSF 90.3FM or LIVE365.com. Thanks for all of your continued support!

At my cousin's birthday party last weekend...I took the opportunity to reacquaint myself with an old friend...a lifelong friend that has seen me through good times and bad and has always been there for me to hear me out whenever I had anything to say. Fun times reminiscing last Friday...we took it back to the old school that's for sure.

Thanks for holdin' it down, even to this day, Mr. Mic.

I love my girls. Words aren't required to understand. The ability to exhale amongst girlfriends is something I can never and will never live without.

When you know it's time, you call for a potluck, don't forget the alcohol, and the crew is there in a heartbeat.

"A true friend stabs you in the front".
-Oscar Wilde

It was brought to my attention that whoever tried to view the videos that I posted yesterday, weren't able to as they were set to "private". MY BAD! I've gone ahead and fixed them so that anyone can view these awesome clips of happy moments. I invite you all to please visit my blog again and be prepared to giggle and smile at all the goodness. Thanks All! ~ Jayme

Mr. Jordan Esperanza, Ladies and Gentlemen...

The video says it all.

PS Happy 31st Imes!

Everyone has busy schedules. Thanks to the power of video via my Blackberry Bold, Melissa (who was there at the bday dinner on time) was able to virtually wish Imee (who came to the bday dinner late) a happy birthday. It was so cute, I had to share with the world. ;)

Taken from blog.socialush.com:
Quannum Projects' own Joyo Velarde takes the spotlight on Limelight Radio having just released her self-titled EP on May 26, 2009. With the Quannum Fam on her corner, she is geared up to take center stage on her own as she prepares to release her first full length album around November 2009. With an exclusive interview with Limelight Radio host, Jayme Esperanza of Socialush.TV, Joyo shares her journey to get where she is as well as some exciting news for the future.

To hear the show, CLICK HERE!

Like all normal human beings, I've been on both ends of lie. What I've failed to really take the time to think about...is... now this can get confusing...but let's try this example:

Imagine a cat and a mouse, who have an intentionally lifelong bond for whatever their reasons may be. One day the cat decides to lie to the mouse.

If the cat lies to the mouse...

Does it cross the cat's mind - what if the mouse knows the truth the whole time and is just observing how far the cat will take the lie? Does the cat automatically think that just because things seem normal with the mouse, that's all that matters and they've gotten away with it? Or does the cat ever think to itself, if the mouse knew the truth and just took all the lies in, how painful it can be to have something silently eating away at the mouse? how would the cat feel?

OK, before I confuse anyone further than I already might have...I just felt the need to express my frustration about people who think they are slick enough to lie about something when in actuality they aren't.

I'm no expert and obviously I am not a pulse monitoring lie detecting machine. I have, however, been taught by trained professionals how to observe a person's speech, body movements, responses, etc. in order to determine whether or not a person is lying. I've also read many studies about lie detection and have watched actual footage of real criminal interrogations to help develop my detection skills. To this day, I'm not sure if I mentioned to anyone the extent of how much I've studied this...or whether it mattered to anyone or not. As an HR Manager, one of my main responsibilities is to handle employee relations issues. You wouldn't believe the issues that have been brought to my attention, some sad, some easy, some irritating, and some can be completely fucked up! To deal with these cases, I've learned that you have to have thick skin, impartial attitude, and good judgment of both character and actions. In other words, if an employee or a manager is trying to swing something shady...I want to do all that I can to make sure that doesn't happen. Anyway, enough about that. I'm just really sick of being lied to. Most of the time, people lie to me about things they have no reason to lie about! Maybe I'm the mouse wondering if the cats who lie to me know or even care what I could possibly be thinking. What I do know is that I've managed to not expect people to think one way or the other. I'll just wait and see I guess. In any case, allow me to drop some thoughts of mine about it...

Have u ever looked into a persons eyes
And see the kind of proof you fear?
There’s just no way in hell to disguise
Lies...projected on your face…clear

Like crystal it’s heard in crisp detail

Why is the subject of truth a constant fail-

Ure lack of interest to have a clean conscience

You watch as I deteriorate, weaken, become nauseous

Listen to you spit lies when you think you got me?

Shit, I’d never bet on your undercover ability

You forgot I’m skilled, trained to judge one’s character

Investigate daily, watching for devil’s messengers

Fabricate reasons to create diversions from fact
Been around too many, too easy to call your act

Common excuses ring constant, making me deaf

Body language is textbook…face it…you got no truth left

Sometimes I wonder how it possibly feels

Have the nerve to lie even before the last one heals

Forreal? I plead daily, “MAY NO ONE FUCK ME OVER”

Yet I’m helpless like a straight inmate forced to bend over

If that thought never dawned on you, I hope it haunts you each day

If you can live with that sight, to hell for your soul, I’ll pray.

If I was an enemy or stranger, who’d expect you to care?

The fact is I’m not. You just choose to push me there.

-Jayme E.

I think I learned to love jazz music by watching The Cosby Show. I just saw one of my favorite Cosby jazz moment episodes, The Cosby Show The Younger Woman, Season 1, Episode 22 where Cliff and Claire play my favorite jazz song of all time: "In A Sentimental Mood" by John Coltrane.

It was a proud day for the Esperanza's as the newest addition to the family, Jared Dominic, was baptized last Saturday in Berkeley. Here are some pics that I thought were pretty cool...

The last three shows that I've hosted have been lots of fun and have been on rotation in my itunes. Why? I really do believe in the music that we highlight on Limelight Radio.

For those who don't know... either we haven't been in touch in a long time, or maybe you just stumbled upon my blog and have never met me before, or if you do know me and we have been in touch... yall have just been living under a rock haha -- anyways...I host a weekly radio show called Limelight Radio for a company that I co-founded called Socialush, LLC. If you haven't done so already, please check out our website at socialush.tv and see what we're all about. Limelight #37 i'd say is the funnest show that I've done so I urge you to listen to that one if you only have time or the interest to listen to one of our shows. Just click on the show you want to hear and *poof*... get ready to eargasm.

Sometimes when the world seems like it's crumbling to the ground...something about the kids take all of your worries away. I like to thank God everyday for the little things (in this case literally) in life that make it worth while.

I've had better Mother's Day weekends throughout my life than the one that just passed and if it wasn't for a few of my little homies...it could've been a lot worse. Let me just recap why...

First up... my godson Jordan. Just look at him (pictured above)! Crazy cute...and so aware of my favorite color! All he had to say was, "Here you go Ninang! A Fwower seeeee?" It was over! haha. I've always thought of Jordan as the godson that most reflects me just because of his silly antics and socialability...maybe that's why we vibe well. And such a heartbreaker he is! This dude had 2 girlfriends AND and ex! WTF? He can be seen at the bus stop at school hugging on a girl while whispering "I love you" to her as they part for the day. Oh bro! Such a ladies man he is.


Next up is my ninja boy wonder-master story teller nephew/homie Jaylen. Don't let this sweet and serene picture of him sleeping deceive you...he is a fireball when he is awake! He had been asking his ninong (my BFF) if he could come to my house to visit and the day finally came. We made cookies, he played with the royal dog Tempo, played some games on the laptop, watched some basketball, he told some awesome stories, and topped it off with his favorite snack...Philippine mangos! Haha this kid is just so fun to have around...and not to mention a great partner to have while playing swords! Fun times indeed!


And last but not least... my protege, Miss Aysiah Estores. Ahhh a breath of fresh air. I'll let her talent speak for itself. We're just about done with her first song. The only thing left to do is bring her to The Beat Temple to record it like the pros do. Click on her picture to hear the full song! It's DOPE just to witness how much talent this little girl has. Or you can just click here to here AJ Estores singing, Daddy Says.

I sure do luuuhv them kids...

I believe that the lack of communication in relationships today, regardless of whether it is a personal or business relationship, is the cause of failed marriages, unsuccessful business ventures, health complications, violence, alcohol and drug dependency, broken homes, juvenile delinquency, and death.

A Person without the desire to obtain the ability to effectively communicate will not succeed. A Person who strives yet still struggles to effectively communicate will gain the respect that will eventually help them to reach success. Increase the Peace. Communication is Power.

Those are my words and below are the words of Susan M. Heathfield:

Interpersonal Communication Dynamics

Each of us is a radar machine constantly scoping out our environment. Human beings are sensitive to body language, facial expression, posture, movement, tone of voice and more. To effectively communicate, these interpersonal communication dynamics must match your words. Words are distantly useful for people who are scoping out the meaning of a communication.

Without awareness of the whole person, who is doing the communicating, including the factors in interpersonal communication dynamics, you miss much of what is being communicated. At the same time, if you communicate without understanding all of the interpersonal communication dynamics your listener sees and hears, you fail to use powerful aspects of communication.

Your body language, facial expression, posture, movement, and tone of voice can help you emphasize the truth, sincerity, and reliability of your communication. They can also undermine your communication if the words you use are in congruent with the message sent via the interpersonal communication dynamics.

Since communication is shared meaning, your words must send the same message as the other interpersonal communication dynamics. The consistent message ensures effective communication.

This blog entry has been a bit of a work in progress. Unfortunately I have been inundated with work, the business, and daily struggles...just know that I have not forgotten my duty to blog.

After pretty much was all said and done this past weekend, AKA my birthday weekend, my friend Sharmaine and I had a very key conversation:

Sharmaine: So Jayme, how do you feel now that you are 31?

Jayme: I feel like it took me 31 years to learn something...like I just had an epiphany

Sharmaine: What is it that you've learned after 31 years?

And so I began...

I've been told in the past that I tend to have unrealistic expectations for people and for myself. My take on that observation is that, for me, I always thought that people needed to meet a certain standard to be defined. Meaning...I'll call you a professional if you've worked your way up and have advanced enough in your career to be classified as a pro in your craft (as per Wikipedia):

A 'true' professional must be proficient in all criteria for the field of work they are practicing professionally in. Criteria include following:

1. Academic qualifications - a doctoral or law degree - i.e., university college/institute
2. Expert and specialized knowledge in field which one is practicing professionally
3. Excellent manual/practical and literary skills in relation to profession
4. High quality work in (examples): creations, products, services, presentations, consultancy, primary/other research, administrative, marketing or other work endeavours
5. A high standard of professional ethics, behavior and work activities while carrying out one's profession (as an employee, self-employed person, career, enterprise, business, company, or partnership/associate/colleague, etc.)

Or, I will call you a friend if you exemplify (as per Wikipedia):
Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them.

However...
I've learned that you always have to expect the unexpected. Even if you have expectations set for people in particular, the unexpected will undoubtedly happen on more than one occasion. It's not as black and white as I thought. That is a reality and should be a part of the overall definition of professional or friendship, regardless of whatever degree. No one will ever be a perfect friend and not everyone needs to have a doctorate degree to be a professional.

It's seems pretty self explanatory, but I guess the lesson learned goes deeper than that...at least for me.

Just the term 'expectations' and how it affects relationships throughout life is a huge thing to have to understand. In a normal situation, a person would never expect their friends and/or family to ever hurt them, right? In a perfect world these people would never...it would be impossible because friends/family would never in a million years want you to feel hurt, pain, sadness, betrayal, abandoned, etc. on account of something that they did. Well... throughout my 31 years, I've come to realize that it's not that absurd. And to look at things from a dual perspective, people that are expected to pose a negative impact on your lives, can also emerge as angels going above and beyond to make the best moments in life happen.

Life is full of surprises and I think that expecting outcomes and assuming capabilities prevent us from being able to enjoy those surprises.

I learned that everything isn't on your time table. People realize things at different times. Their reactions may be delayed or vice versa and can also differ from yours. Honestly it makes the impact feel a lot more tolerable rather than feeling impact that had been marinating in pool of assumption, paranoia, disappointment and many other unnecessary emotions that can make things worse.

I know... it all seems like jibberish...but to me...I really do feel enlightened. I encountered many unexpected things within the past few days. Some negative and some positive. All I know is that nothing can be 100% what you expect it to be...seriously for better or for worse.

True, these are things that people learn years before they turn 31...but honestly, how many of those people who claim to know these lessons, actually believe and practice it? It takes real maturity and discipline to come to terms with reality. I know that I haven't FULLY grasped the practice but I have belief in it. Best of luck to all. Peace.

In today's economic situation, employment is a frequent topic of conversation in any social setting. For the first time in a long time however, it surprisingly brought a positive light to this particular conversation. I recently met someone who has, what I think is, a very unsuspectingly awesome job. And here is why:

All that is required of him is to collect "junk" that people are trying to get rid of. Like the title of this blog states, one person's junk is another person's treasure! After less than 3 weeks at his job, he has been able to collect several TVs ranging from 42" - 58", antique camera and video equipment, audio equipment such as speakers, amplifiers, etc...and I'm talking all in perfectly working condition. Rich people buy multiple amounts of 1 thing just because they can...then later realize, "what the heck did i do that for? it's just taking up space so I'm gonna get rid of it" People with obscene amounts of money, I swear. All the while he gets paid his normal hourly pay, company profit sharing, tips, and if he decides that he wants to sell these items to anyone...he gets to keep 100% of the profit! That's 4 different avenues of income in one job. I love it! Who knew that collecting junk could be so profitable!!

Here we are...March 2009 in Las Vegas, NV where the long awaited reunion and wedding of my cousin Eric took place. We've all grown up but we will never grow out of being family.

We've had the pleasure of working together with the talented ladies of Everlasting B.A.S.S. (Bay Area Sister Sound) at a couple of their events and also for Limelight Radio. I had to share our latest video profile for their 1 Year Anniversary Party at 330 Ritch last month. The video says a trillion words and the energy will make you start groovin' in your seat.

Props to Sir Kris Tampol for this video masterpiece and Socialush Exclusive! Turn up your speakers for this joint!!!

You all should tune in to hear some good music and your homie, yours truly, hostin' with the mostin'! Or....ya'll can just sit together and laugh at my wack radio-hosting skills. It's all love. Here are the latest shows...just click on the image to hear the show.

I've come to realize that my friend Liza is the most awesomest Bride-to-be that I've partied with...for so many reasons! She's dope! Congrats Ma!

Here are pictures from a small little get together (pre-bach party) last Friday and then Liza's bach party the night after.

My godson Jay Esperanza Jr. turned 11 *sigh*


OK, so the AK 47s? HAHA, it's not what you think! I promised my godson J.J. a day at Dave and Busters to celebrate his 11th birthday so the three of us (of course lil' bro Jordan had to come too!) visited the Milpitas spot.

First stop...House of the Dead 4...hence the AK 47s. Yup, you know I got in the mix and shot a few zombies with them! The pictures speak for themselves...check them out.


Here they are eating and playing some other fun games:

This boy can EAT!

They got each others back!

JJ playing House of the Dead 3

Jordan and his new fave sport...Bowling.

While JJ took off to play more games...Jordan decided to hang out with his Ninang. ;)


FUN TIMES!