A blog about my experiences as a father, husband, military professional, and martial artist.
Featured Photo: Master Mace Devries, 7th-degree Black Belt in Songham Taekwondo and Black Belt in TAC Krav Maga, and owner of Polaris Martial Arts, executes an arm-bar during a live roll at Polaris Martial Arts, July 16, 2025.
“A man who is not a father to his children can never be a real man…” ~Mario Puzo, The Godfather I know it’s been a while since my last reflection. There have been many life changes in the past few months that I’ve been on the fence of divesting this medium. However, just when I…
Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ~Confucius Hey there sports fans, I had to take a short hiatus in June with everything going on so I could prioritize and execute before burnout set in. But don’t you worry, I’m still grinding and storytelling, so here’s the latest. Picking up the DD214…
“It is a proud privilege to be a soldier – a good soldier … [with] discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self confidence born of demonstrated ability.” ~Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Yesterday, I retired from the…
Our life is what our thoughts make it.” ~Marcus Aurelius Every morning we wake up, hope the day goes our way, fear the unknown tasks to come, and have faith we will make it through unforeseen challenges. Circumstances that are unpredictable keep us sharp. Those are the moments that make us appreciate the good times…
I just want to work hard, make money, eat with good people, and love the same woman over and over again.” ~Jason Statham First and foremost, Happy Easter! This time of year always feels like the time for rebirth and new beginnings. The trees are green again, the flowers are blooming, and the fish are…
Don’t speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke. Your body doesn’t know the difference. Words are energy and cast spells, that’s it’s called spelling. Change the way you speak about yourself and you can change your life. What you’re not changing you’re also choosing.” ~Bruce Lee There are many things valued in this world,…
If you build it, they will come.” ~Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), Field of Dreams Long after watching the cult classic, “Field of Dreams,” I finally learned what this famous quote means. If you create something others want, they will come to you instead of you pursuing them. This past month has confirmed this thesis on…
To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” ~Fictional motto of Life Magazine, from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty First things first, Happy Holidays to everyone reading this entry! I wish you nothing…
“Bills are paid. I’m working. I’m happy. My family is ok. I’m ok. Those are the little things that matter. ~Carlos Dominguez Growing up, I was no stranger to change. I attended four different elementary schools, and was often the loner kid for high school and college. The holidays are an interesting time for me…