tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194413312024-02-03T04:17:23.574-08:00Making sense of nothingClifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-69854985971562458042015-05-31T21:44:00.001-07:002015-05-31T21:44:14.933-07:00The ParadigmShe really is everything to me. Her familiar smell. The feel of her skin against the palm of my hand. The way her hip bones feel when I run my hand along her DANGEROUS curves. Her almond eyes. Her sparkly, white smile. Her ability to snap witty comments about like a whip. Her ability to rebuild me, brick-by-brick.<br />
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She has the ability to break me. But that is part of the allure; to be completely free with someone that you are willing let go of your preconceived notions of how a person should infiltrate your life. She allows me to be free. When I walk next to her, I know that my hopes, dreams, aspirations and goals are all hers, as well.<br />
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She comes in contact with people and they have a sense about her; they know she is intense and powerful and a force. They also know that she is soft and malleable. She is vulnerable; but maintains a sense of self. She is beautiful, beautiful to the core. Her mind makes me quiver in anticipation of the next conversation. Her heart makes me wonder what kind of thoughtful and selfless act will come next. Her smile allows me to lose myself when I look at her; its vibrant and earth-moving. Her expressiveness allows me to be confident in our connection. Her work ethic dwarfs my daily routine.<br />
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The Paradigm says that this couldn't happen; but it did. I would go through every single second of hardship, struggle and pain to be right here with her, again. Thank you for you. <br />
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Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-43151030722869380872014-12-26T17:21:00.001-08:002014-12-26T17:21:38.411-08:00Incentive, entitilement, sense.The holiday season, for me, has traditionally, at least for the last ten or so years, has been a time when mostly difficult times occur for me. Save a few great years with some great people, my recent holiday past has been just a pile of hot steaming shit. Three of the last five years has marked a breakup with someone who, I at least, thought was special; top it off with MAJOR financial difficulty and the holidays are anything BUT a time to reflect and be happy with life.<br />
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From the outside looking in, you should say that my life, in particular, it wholly contingent on the choices I have made. If you said this, I would agree with you, without a doubt. My life, as it is, has been because of the choices I've made. With all of that said, my sense of entitlement will sometime take over my sense of incentive, and into the doldrums I go. Everyone, at their core, deserves to have everything they want; life is about living, not just being alive. We all deserve to have what our heart desires and we also owe it to ourselves to understand what is truly important to us. The universe though, knows best and most of the time, it will throw you into a tailspin and make us re-evaluate what it is we are doing. Entitlement, is, at its core, in direct conflict with motivation and hard work. Entitlement will make you think that no matter what, the choices you make should have no bearing on the achievements that you deserve. It will make you believe that somehow, you should have already put in the work and any other work you do toward your goals would be for naught. As we all know, this is untrue, because as the old Karate maxim says, "A glass of hot water will become cold if hot water is not continually added".<br />
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When I think of incentive, I think of hard work as being the cornerstone of any incentive based plan. I think that life, in general, is an incentive based plan. The harder you work, the better you treat your fellow man and the more appreciative you are of the things that you have achieved, the more you will reap. Unfortunately, that doesn't always work out for everyone, at least not right away. I know I have felt that way before and I also know that no matter what, the expectation of what I believe I deserve will always set me back.<br />
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When you pit incentive vs. entitlement, you have two inverse terms; they are exact opposites and will repel each other. This statement speaks to the theme of this blog entry because although I have lost much around the holidays and there could never be worse timing, there has to be a message. There must be. I'm starting to believe that I am being pushed to achieve what I want, exactly on my own time. To do my thing and not be swayed by popular opinion and also to not worry about how my actions will affect others; the decisions I make will not always be popular. I also believe that now, more than ever, my choices need to be correct in regards to my future; I have to be this way, as living day to day has done nothing for me except to pass the time. I also understand that the choices I make and the mistakes I make really need to be considered as any small mistake could cause huge ripple in my life that could cost me dearly in the future. As has already been proven, the mistakes I make rear their ugly head to really teach me a lesson. A lesson, until now, that Ive never understood.<br />
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In the big picture, I need to have enough sense to sense when entitlement is taking over and when incentive needs to be directly in my cross hairs. Lets hope that is always, from here on out in this life. <br />
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<br />Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-30664429888168089112014-07-20T17:53:00.001-07:002014-07-20T17:53:35.613-07:00Foundations...Precedent, as defined by Merrian-Webster....<br />
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<sup>2</sup>prec·e·dent</h2>
<span class="main-fl"><em>noun</em></span> <span class="pr">\<span class="unicode">ˈ</span>pre-sə-dənt\</span>
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: a similar action or event that happened at an earlier time<br />
: something done or said that can be used as an example or rule to be followed in the future<br />
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: the usual or traditional way of doing something</div>
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<span>Full Definition of <em>PRECEDENT</em></span></h2>
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<span class="ssens"> <strong>:</strong> an earlier occurrence of something similar </span></div>
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<span class="ssens"> <em class="sn">a</em> <strong>:</strong> something done or said that may serve as an <a class="d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/example%5B1%5D">example</a> or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an <a class="d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analogous">analogous</a> kind <span class="vi"><a em="" had="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" no="" that="" verdict="">precedent</a></span></span></div>
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<em class="sn">b</em> <strong>:</strong> the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice </span><div class="sblk">
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3</div>
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<span class="ssens"> <strong>:</strong> a person or thing that serves as a model </span></div>
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<span class="ssens">In this context, we use it as a noun. Even further, we use it as a way to describe why an action taken at a previous juncture was used to serve as an example to be used in the future. In this way, we see that anything that has been set as a precedent in a relationship, be it business, personal, or romantic, can be used to steer clear of, or to expect another action taken in a similar manner. </span></div>
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<span class="ssens">Without being too cryptic, take this situation as an example: person asks other person to be at a job interview @ 9am. Interviewee can't make it to said interview because of another emergency or commitment, but yet made the commitment to the interviewer to be on time. Interviewer decides that although interviewee is fully qualified, this could be SETTING A PRECEDENT and decides to not reschedule. Interviewee then feels a sense of betrayal because they feel that this was something out of their control. Unfortunately, the interviewee does not see the forest for the trees, because this PRECEDENT has been set a while ago due to some choice or a path chosen incorrectly. </span></div>
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<span class="ssens">Now in the matter of our lives, the foundation we set with people, businesses or partners all hinge on the precedents we set with them. This is how history works; the adage is "if we do not take history in to consideration, we are doomed to repeat it". </span></div>
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Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-21396542278971072652014-06-06T21:37:00.001-07:002014-06-06T21:37:41.034-07:00The needy's need to be needyInstant gratification; we are all guilty of it, well, at least I am. Ha. Anyway, this is possibly, in my opinion, the number one killer of goals or satisfaction.<br />
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Throughout my time on this earth, I have learned that if anything is worth having, its worth working hard for. With that said, let it be known that although I consider myself a hard worker, I can always do better to achieve my goals and aspirations. Moving on, I find it hard to swallow when I see someone putting long term goals aside or ideals for instant gratification. The feeling of desire is a STRONG one.... but as ADULT humans, we should be able to sort through our feelings and come to a conclusion that should suit out goals and meet our desired short term needs.<br />
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A person told me some years ago, after telling me that I placed a close second to someone in an interview, that I should continue to work hard to achieve my dreams, as the hard work I do now, WILL absolutely pay off. I am paraphrasing, but that's the gist of what was told to me. I try to live by this statement and use it everyday to re-evaluate myself. I know what I want and I know what I need to do to get it. I also know that I need to constantly evaluate what I am doing to reach those goals. I also know that I need to tweak things and check myself to stay on track. I believe that this applies to all things in life - business, personal relationships, friendships and matters of the heart. I also understand that whatever it is you want will be EXACTLY what you will reap. <br />
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I constantly ask myself, what is it that you want? Is it the long-term, satisfying, full feeling of waiting and working hard for something you really want, or is to be needy. Need of the instant gratification that has you constantly wanting more.<br />
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Ultimately, its the needy's need to be needy that will win out. We have a choice. Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-41557052809967080562014-05-25T21:04:00.002-07:002014-05-25T21:50:35.629-07:00Behind the pastI'm an idiot - I hold on to the past. I constantly pine over days gone by, what I could've done better or am trying to atone for something I may have not completely followed through on. This could mean a relationship, work or anything personally that just may have not been fulfilling.<br />
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Catharsis comes from many different sources and I've used the past as a way to motivate me to achieve the things I thought I wanted in the past. For example, I put a screen shot of myself in the best shape I've been in as my computer background. I thought, "I need to look like that again". About a week later, my roommate sees it and says wow, you look way different. Of course, I took it to heart and told myself that I had to be there again. Fast forward a few days and roommate says, "Hey, now I know whats different about that picture! You don't have tattoos in that pic." Revelations filled my head and I realized that I will NEVER look like that because I am NOT that person. I am different. I am more than TEN years in the future and I'm wasting fucking time looking back. I've done it all my life and for not another second will I do that; I'm moving forward. I'm reinventing myself in an image that is all new. The person I was didn't get me to my goals that I had set for myself by 40 (which I will be in a month, fuck!).<br />
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The memories are good for stories and to be used as examples. If we do not move forward, we are going in reverse. An old Shotokan Karate axiom says. "In order to maintain hot water, you must constantly add hot water.". This is profound to me and something I have always tried to follow. Maybe I didn't realize that he was saying just that - add WATER. Not hot oil. Not warm milk. Not whatever the fuck I thought was better than hot water.<br />
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Hopefully we all get what we want and we deserve to be happy. We also owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be, EVERY DAY. Service is an important aspect of life, but also, if you can't serve yourself, you will never have the capacity to serve others.<br />
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Behind the past is the need to move forward. Do it every day.Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-63430387982686891952012-12-30T13:07:00.000-08:002012-12-30T13:07:13.787-08:00The ImmortalsDeath is constantly knocking on the door of our lives - shit, I could stumble out of bed, hit my head and be dead! Rhyme every time! Ha! Anyway, the only promise in life is death. I have had this discussion with many members of my family (friends) and there's always one question; what happens after we die?<br />
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Me, I've pondered this question more than I should've over the years. I've often struggled with the fact that I don't believe in any afterlife, at least not in the way that many think of it. I don't believe that you go anywhere, but into the ground and become fertilizer. I do believe that there is something bigger than us, but I don't believe that it has anything to do with what the fuck we are doing on this planet.<br />
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Life, itself, is fleeting; as is everything to do with life. Love, hate, struggles, successes all can be gone or come in a second. I've experienced what people would say is a miracle, but also experienced the absolute antithesis of that; losing all. That insight, is enough to implant the thought into my head - how do I become immortal? Do I want to be immortal?<br />
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Bart and myself had this discussion and he maintained that he wanted to be immortal - I couldn't get on board. Being consciously immortal wouldn't be rewarding. You wouldn't live with any sense of urgency. Who cares if you get up that day or not, you've got ETERNITY. As I said before, just as everything is born, everything dies. But I truly believe that you can be immortal......<br />
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Being Immortal is as simple as making yourself UNFORGETTABLE. Make your mark. Be that person. It doesn't matter with who or with what, but to the people that matter, make sure that they will never forget you. They will pass it on. No one worth not forgetting will EVER be forsaken. For me, that's what life is about. Put that indelible mark on the consciousness of those that need it or mean that to you...........<br />
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Everyone I hold dear to my heart, to me, are the Immortals. Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-52489105888499372502012-07-31T22:40:00.002-07:002012-07-31T22:40:54.034-07:00<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo&feature=player_embedded">Eye Opening!!!</a>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-20153098424237484242012-07-24T19:23:00.000-07:002012-12-30T13:34:38.536-08:00Across the linesIts often been said that successful relationships take much work; I subscribe to this, but I offer this in return. I believe that relationships are difficult, but only because people make them that way. I hold the belief that there are certain things that make ANY relationship successful and when you follow those, the relationship status will take care of itself.<br />
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In my experience, a relationship of any kind (business, personal, or love) is one that both parties have a vested interest in and will do whatever it takes to make successful. A relationship takes sacrifice. A relationship is a PARTNERSHIP, plain and simple. When you enter into a partnership, you also acquiesce to the fact that NO ONE gets everything they want. It's impossible to consider yourself without first considering your partner. It seems so simple, but with my lack of success in relationships, I have found that there is one binding action....... being inconsiderate of your partner.... that will cause a relationship to fail.<br />
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Most relationships for me have been a lot of me giving and not receiving. Of course, I have done my share of taking also. For the most part, I believe that I have a firm grasp on what makes a relationship successful. Trust, respect, being a good listener and lover, being insightful and being able to really put your partners thought and needs into action. It doesn't take much to make someone happy - take what they say and do it. Listen and be open to communication or moving out of your comfort zone. Relationships shouldn't be comfortable; they are a time of discovery and growth. Growing with your partner is a great way to try new things with someone you love and trust. Let it go!!!!!<br />
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In closing, I guess that if someone can take a morsel out of this and apply it to their own relationship, that would be a success for me. I've made the mistakes and had the successes..... please keep yours as new and shiny and great as it once was. Thanks for listening. <br />
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<br />Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-65866860280115112082012-01-26T22:03:00.000-08:002012-01-26T22:14:36.433-08:00Interview with Brandon McGrathPlease check the other two interviews on my blog with Brandon...... thanks!!!!
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<b>1. So it seems that every time we interview, you're in a new band and I am broken up with a girl, or with a new girl. Are bands as much drama as chicks?</b><br />
- I would venture to say that bands and bitches supply an equal but different type of drama. Either way there is always the good times and the bad, as with anything in life.<br />
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<b>2. Reno has been burning up in flames, getting decimated by earthquakes and shootings, yet all of our friends are still here and want to move back, if they left; why is that?</b><br />
-Because the Reno/Tahoe area is a fucking great place to live! Being an adult in this town is different and fun, granted there is sometimes not alot to do, because we are a smaller town than SF or the like, but i enjoy my relaxation as much as i enjoy the playtime and there is plenty of both in our great city.
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<b>3. Who is in your new band and how does this differ from all the rest? And can I just stand there and bob my head to the music, or will it evoke uncontrolled old-man mosh (and subsequent broken hips)?</b><br />
-The new band is called Deadpool, named after the comic book character we all love/loved. It consists of Me(vocals), CJ Wintch(Beats/BackingVocs), Buck Feero(bass), Cole Hamel(Gitfiddle), and Joel Bedolla(stringmedleys). It is fun melodic HC with some inter-weavings of several different genres of music, and we are writing whatever sounds good and fun to us and what we think our "fans" will enjoy. There are a couple parts that i think might bring out the oldmanmosh in you my good friend!
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<b>4. Did the interwebz ruin the underground, or is it a way to find what is cool, new, creative and original first? Shit, at least tattoos still hurt.......</b><br />
-Accessibility, or a lack thereof, is what made the “underground” interesting and fun to be a part of. As soon as the Internet revolutionized the way people market themselves and whatever they were selling, it made everything accessible and lost the intrinsic value of having to know something or someone involved, and learning of it word of mouth. Now anyone can just point and click their way through life. People then, and now, were quick to adopt trends and styles based on whatever they googled that day and that is why we are constantly surrounded by posers, sellouts, dweebs, and fakes these days. Sometimes I wish the Internet would just die; but then I realize I need a new pair of shoes and have to go to Zappos because they have more color-ways and a dope selection son!
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<b>5. I asked you this in your first interview - I wondered what you would be doing in 10 years! Well, its been five, how has life changed? Besides getting sexier as you age?</b><br />
-Running 2 businesses, 2 dogs/kids, practically married because I have been with the same girl for so long. If anything has changed it has been for the better though. I am 30 years old now and have done and seen a lot, but there is still so much that I want to accomplish and do before I leave this earth. I crossfit as much as I can, and I am being diligent, finally, about getting back in shape. Things are looking up my friend.
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<b>6. What is the answer to our global energy crisis? Or is there one?</b><br />
-Nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal and proper responsible regulation and usage of these types of energy could run our whole country if properly implemented with sound infrastructure. Our government and people are however still hooked on oil because the transition to these alternative fuels, and methods of energy production, are not being facilitated by the main energy companies of America and the world. Like they say we vote with our dollars and unless the proletariat gets unlazy all of a sudden, and quits using oil/coal, then nothing will change. Such is life.
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<b>7. The Constitution has 27 amendments, which one is the most important?</b><br />
-I would have to say the first, of course, because it outlines our basic rights as citizens and protects us against a tyrannical government. After that the reconstruction amendments 13,14,15 are the most important by far; ending slavery, allowing everyone to vote, due process, citizenship, all the good stuff that makes our nation a great place to be from.
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<b>8. How do I tell someone that I gave you a foot massage and that Im not gay..... AT ALL? Is it as difficult as telling someone you LIKE to rollerblade?</b><br />
-You just tell them, and then if they talk shit you know they are insecure in their sexuality and probably not good people anyway! Foot massage bros for life!<br />
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<b>9. I don't really get angry anymore, I've learned to channel it in different ways, therefore I have been pretty successful in the game of life lately; does anger drive you?</b><br />
-I love anger sometimes, it has its places, although few and far between as we grow older. Rationality and a cool head are almost always the high road. Channeling anger is still using anger in my opinion, and in-fact, channeling it is what separates the mature and tactful from the irrational and ignorant.<br />
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<b>10. Who runs Barter Town?</b><br />
-You know who, MASTER BLASTER!!!
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<b>11. And now, the ubiquitous straightedge question - how has it changed in Reno, or it is just like it always was?</b><br />
-So different, so contrived, and bordering on meaningless sometimes when I see the current face of people involved with straightedge. My answer to your earlier question about the Internet applies to this a lot. I wish it was how it used to be, however I have the pride of knowing I was a part of it when it wasn’t cool and wasn’t defaced by shitty people. If you don’t know the lyrics to “the discipline” by Earth Crisis, you’re not straightedge bro! hahah
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<b>12. People are people, but why do you think so many that we know have a heightened sense of entitlement? Where the fuck did that come from?</b><br />
-This town breeds that in people, hence the term “reno famous.” Most people with that attitude are going nowhere fast and the people that deserve to have that chip on their shoulder usually are the ones who don’t even know the definition of entitlement. I’m here to party and chew bubble gum, and Francona stole all my double bubble so I guess it’s party time.<br />
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<b>13. Dude, I asked you this last time also - have you had your defining day?</b><br />
-I can definitely say I have grown as a man in this world a little bit every day, however, I still feel like there is something out there that I haven’t accomplished yet that will be my defining moment/day.
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<b>14. Finally, give propers to those you want and Ill tag the shit outta them on this post and in my blog. And see you for the fights this weekend!!!!</b><br />
-Big ups to my brother Jess Brown on his way to being a Nurse and doing big things best friends are hard to come by and I am proud that you are one of them. My good friends that I have known for years and consider brothers: Clifton Kump, Adam Krause, Troy Elizares, Rob Thompson, Allan Llaguno, Matthew Baker, Jose Galvan, Nate Weatherbee, The Wintch Brothers(Brad,CJ,Scotty), Matt “Tiny” Lowe, Elzo, Layne Kolbet, and a few I may have forgotten but will always be there for if ever needed. I love you all and hope the coming years bring us all prosperity, fortitude, and health.
My SD family: Nicky Smalls, Gary Kindle, Chris Martin, Conan Dunn, Christian Morales, Marcellous “Brian Georgia Bulldog” Freeman, All the Barwest homies, the Victory MMA homies, and everyone that I have a good time with when I am in that town. Thank you all for the laughs and random fun we all have had, you are all the reason why I love that city.
To my new Band mates CJ Wintch, Joel Bedolla, Cole Hamel, and Buck Feero, I am stoked to be doing music with you guys and if we stay diligent and have fun we will accomplish a lot with this project. Don’t hesitate to change things up or pass on criticism, because from it may come greatness! Haha.
To my Crossfit Family: Thank you all for pushing me and encouraging me to strive for improvement every wod. It means the world to me, please believe! Adam Crull, Chris king, Ty Jones, and the rest of the gang at CFI.
Much love to my sister Julie McGrath for being an amazing sister and someone I am proud to be not only a brother, but best friends with. Europe was unforgettable and thanks for putting up with me for 3 weeks straight!
Moms, Barbara McGrath, you are beautiful and stronger than you give yourself credit for. Please take this year to start to realize your potential and do things that you have always wanted to do, but never got around to, because you doubted yourself or had an excuse not too. Me and Julie love you tons and really love to see you happy and well.
Valerie Foley, I love you and always will. I hope this year is great for us and that you can progress even more to becoming the happy, beautiful girl that I have the privilege to see. No one understands you like I do and I hope you realize that, whatever problems, whatever you need, I got you, nothing else matters unless you let it matter.
I'm sure there is other people I would like to mention however I don’t want to take up your whole blog so I will leave you with this.
If a man is measured by the company he keeps, then they're gonna need a bigger tape measure, because the one that they use doesn’t measure into the echelon of awesomeness that me and my friends have attained!Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-10740451892610586722012-01-23T17:10:00.000-08:002012-07-15T00:24:28.061-07:00No regretsI rarely write on here anymore. It seems that my pursuit of the status and dollar that I used to despise so much has caught me in its clutches; it this the life we choose as we get older? Whats the reasoning behind it? Why do we ALL become what we despise so much? When do we take a step back and realize that we are, in fact, all that we hated.<br />
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I think it is that we hate the unattainable; I might have realized this because I've had so many damn convos about this subject lately, that maybe its just a light that needed to be shone on me. Its weird how the universe works, because these "moments of clarity" seem to come just at the right time.<br />
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I write a lot about missed opportunities and getting older and basically just regretting the things I DID NOT do. Well, as I get older still, I learn that it was for a bigger plan, that maybe I can make a mark in a different way and influence people with my perceived mistakes. Its a weird reality, but a reality that I see more and more everyday, at least for my life. Maybe writing and publishing these random writings is part of the plan?<br />
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I guess the point of this is to understand that the only thing you can count on is yourself and to do YOUR thing, day-in and day-out, peoples opinions be damned. That's not to say you should discount everything everybody says, as the special people around you have your back, but really, just do your thing and learn, every day.<br />
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Maybe there are no missed opportunities...... there certainly are no regrets........Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-58649021278223158932011-07-18T14:24:00.000-07:002011-07-18T14:26:35.556-07:00Some writings published elsewhere......<a href="http://xmajormalfunctionx.blogspot.com/2011/07/making-sense-of-nothing.html">http://xmajormalfunctionx.blogspot.com/2011/07/making-sense-of-nothing.html</a>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-12546578573778909632011-07-18T14:21:00.000-07:002011-07-18T14:22:45.247-07:00This damn thingThis damn thing will be jumping with content ASAP. Some good, some weird and some just plain bad. I do feel that you will all learn something about yourself through my experiences. Which is the point of this damn thing, isn't it?! YEP.Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-52972766641443529862010-11-13T11:38:00.000-08:002010-11-13T11:43:28.194-08:00The Love of the Fight and the Fight of Love.Everyday, I am grateful for that day; life is all about new experiences and I am thankful that I can learn something new EACH day. Unfortunately, it just confuses me that much more.<br /><br />One thing that will not waiver, is my commitment to finding my utopia. I do not care how many times I fail, I will fucking get back up each time. I have fought and fought and fought. I have loved and loved and loved. And have failed at both of them. I will succeed one day. I will learn and I will succeed. Mark these words.<br /><br />Hopefully YOU can find your utopia and these words can inspire you. Thanks for listening.Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-12009602079658648012010-07-30T16:22:00.001-07:002010-07-30T17:02:51.592-07:00Yin and Yang........Yin and Yang are, according to Chinese culture, representative of the opposing forces in all of nature. If you are into the science point of view, it is physics in its simplest form; for every action, there is an opposite, but equal, reaction. If you are religious, it could be good and evil.<br /><br />I like to live my life a lot like the philosophy of Yin and Yang and be cognizant of it EVERY minute of every day. It really puts things in perspective. I attempt to consider every side of both stories and make a real effort to be educated of either viewpoint. Sometimes though, you have to draw the line.<br /><br />Now I know you are thinking, where do you draw the line? Well, that is what this blog is about; where I draw the line and what kind of repercussions you could probably expect by having the personality, idiosyncrasies or neurosis that make up your being.<br /><br />There is an old saying, "Opinions are like assholes; everyone has one and they ALL stink." I really like this because it points out the fact that really, no one knows you like you do and at the end of the day, you are truly the only person who must answer for your actions.<br /><br />Truly though, you cannot make a decision based on what other people think; this sets you up to fail and could cause you to become resentful of that person or situation. When making decisions that matter to your future, health or heart, you have to make a decision that best suits you. What will I get out of this? How can I minimize the damage caused to the people important to me by making this decision. Will everyone understand and do I care enough to consider that in my final call?<br /><br />I like to say that "not EVERY decision I make will please EVERY person I care about." This is bond; when you have to make a decision that is important to you, ultimately, you will be stepping on someones toes. That is where the theme of this blog comes into play. Considering the push back you get from your push forward is key. Preparation for what may come will buffer the your response to the possible backlash. Knowing that you can expect repercussions for everything you do, is a way to enlightenment.<br /><br />My main point is that we should all do for ourselves, while considering the people that are important to us and their reaction. We cannot prepare for everything, but just some consideration and the application of some simple rules would probably help us make some important decisions smoother.<br /><br />Finally, just remember that its how we cope with the opposing forces of our actions that make us what we are. Those forces are around us and definitely rule our universe.............Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-71497694271902389172010-01-19T19:52:00.000-08:002010-01-19T20:15:48.929-08:00TimingIt seems that this blog has very much so become a more personal outlet for me. I try to not be so specific because , well, I want everyone who reads this to take something from it. I don't know what it is, or why it is, but I have been learning a lot about life in general; I can't explain it, but I do know that I have had a heightened sense of intuition about life situations. Today was no different. Here is that lesson as I saw it......<div><br /></div><div>Timing seems to be one of the main components of a successful existence. Whether it be that girl that you just couldn't come to terms with, the job that was just not what you were looking for, or the house that someone bought right out from underneath you, timing will dictate much of your future. Your timing has also dictated much of your life up until now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had an epiphany today as I was reflecting on my life in the past year (the general theme of this blog nowadays!); I walked around the corner to get a diet coke and Marci, the owner of our vending machines, is standing there filling up the sodas. I asked her for a DC and she handed it to me. As I asked her how much she says, "On the house". Great!!! Wow, that rocked. It seemed that my timing was right on at the time. Earlier in the day, I texted a friend a little hello and it seemed that they were having a super bad day and it brightened up their day beyond all of my expectations. It seems that today, my timing was ON POINT. </div><div><br /></div><div>Timing has been at the forefront of my life; the more hours I live and interact, the more I realize that even the smallest thing could have a massive impact if timed correctly. I also understand now that timing is not a situation that is out of your control. I believe, that much like luck, the choices you make right now have much to do with the success of your timing. Taking my prior anecdote about my friend and their bad day, it was due to the fact that I know this person and they might like to hear a few choice, nice words from me. I chose the afternoon because it is usually crunch time and the stress level might be high. And it worked wonders! It has had much to do with opportunity; if you stay abreast of the important people and things in your life, you can use your perceived timing to make quality choices and maybe gain a few successes. All-in-all, timing seems to be a major factor in the molding of your life as it was, is and shall be. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe we should stop and look around.</div>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-1729457184187044892010-01-10T21:00:00.000-08:002010-01-11T01:33:35.583-08:00In this life..........you will realize it is hard enough to be yourself, let alone someone else. <div><br /></div><div>This year, just about everyone I know went through some sort of life-changing experience; be it a break up from a wife or long-time girlfriend, a death or a house foreclosure, someone had a difficult year. We all learned a bit about ourselves from this as hardship makes you tougher and prepares you to appreciate the good times that much more. My year was no different - but I learned much about myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, I went through two difficult break-ups, had two close friends die and I reached all-time lows at work and with personal self-esteem. I had a very taxing time just dealing with life. But all of that was not for naught; I learned that my threshold for pain has increased exponentially and that I can take whatever might come to me. I am ready to take on the world and it is because of the pain that I have felt this year. Although it seemed like a never ending stream of distress, I found out that I could take more and more and still remain resilient. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have realized that I need to be myself more and more; as I get older, I have less tolerance for games and peoples bullshit. FOR REAL!!! This life is short and a year can pass you by in the blink of an eye. I also realize that I have less time for holding grudges. People come and go in your life and the ones that can't respect me and love me for me, they can fuck right off. Got no time for you!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I will resolve to be myself. I will resolve to be nice to the people who deserve it. I resolve to not care about the people who do not show me the same respect. I resolve to do what I want, when I want. I also will respect and show that to the people who respect me back. It is hard enough to be me; and if you know me, you know why. </div><div><br /></div><div>All-in-all, life is tough and it is a constant test. And it will beat you down. But being who you are, no matter what, is what will guide you through this life.......</div>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-79927178586905753792009-12-07T17:45:00.000-08:002009-12-07T17:58:02.010-08:00These four walls.....or how ever many you haveWe as people feel the need to guard our feelings. I understand this school of thought, but to me, it is much better to tell people how you feel, or to be yourself. <b><i>Be yourself all seconds of every day</i></b>.<div><br /></div><div>That is why I write on this; because I know I am not the only one, and that maybe someone I care about can take away from this a little morsel of inspiration or information that they can use to make themselves better. But would I be able to get to know someone or help them if I didn't open up? No, I would not!!! If I care about someone, I want to get to know them, good or bad. I want to know their inner-feelings. Their hopes, dreams, hardships, likes, dislikes, whatever those may be. You cannot get to know someone or allow someone to know you by keeping your feelings guarded from them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now I am not saying that you should open up to everyone you meet. But if your friends, boyfriend/girlfriend or family have no idea of where you are coming from, you cannot expect them to understand and help you. Or you cannot expect to have a fulfilling relationship. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lately, I have had a big-time slap in the face when it comes to feelings. I have learned that I don't have time for someone that doesn't want to at least trust me. I take pride in the fact that I can be trusted. Please, seek out those that you trust and confide in them. Who else can you trust?</div>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-69704478640134785282009-01-11T23:27:00.000-08:002009-01-11T23:41:46.582-08:00Late in the gameScrew it, I am a late bloomer. I read an astrology article once (yeah, I know, lame) that suggested that Cancers were late bloomers and they tended to be successful later in life; whatever you guage success as.....<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I have again immersed myself into martial arts and have enjoyed reading of several great martial arts books. So what you say? Well, I have been searching for enlightenment all these years, and now, with a few years off from any sort of any deep thought really, I have come to an absolute point for my life; life itself is enlightenment!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me wax on this point; it isn't that I didn't know, I just didn't realize it. I don't need church, nor do I think Jesus, if he existed, really gave me an easy way through this life - he didn't, and we all know how. But much of my circle understands my plight; we all grew up the same and ended up in the same place; right here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I took about 3 solid years off from the practice of martial arts to rekindle my love of riding and racing motocross bikes. Although not exactly unsuccessful, it was expensive and injuries were costly to my wallet, personal life and physical abilities. Anyhoo, it seems that with a few years of contemplation of reading, watching and not a full on practice of martial arts, I have become a much better martial artist. My body seems old, but my mind is younger; but in a strange paradox, my technique is far better now and I am now able to pull of feats in the gym that I never thought possible before. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why is this? Sometimes you need time to grow and realize what it is that you want and your reason for this shitty existence. I realize that it is just to become better and to grow as a person - to face your fears and to realize that life is just that; living. Inexperience is the devil, as my buddy <a href="http://bartmccoy.com/">Bart</a> so profoundly told me years ago and his words have never been more evident than now.</div><div><br /></div><div>On that tip, I will be refocusing my blog to include some interesting and hopefully witty anecdotes about training and life, and hopefully I can get some insight to all of you with interviews of interesting people that are around me and in my life. Besides, I can't do this shit alone..........</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-46552683014236720532008-07-29T13:05:00.000-07:002008-07-29T13:15:00.510-07:00Interview with Brandon McGrathBrandon is close, close friend of mine, and he inspires more than a few people. I interviewed him here <a href="http://http//nothingsense.blogspot.com/2006/02/brandon-mcgrath-not-til-daylight.html">http://http://nothingsense.blogspot.com/2006/02/brandon-mcgrath-not-til-daylight.html</a> and it seems that since then things have changed a bit for him. Here is the interview in full, conducted in April.<br /><br />1. Hi. Two years has passed since I interviewed you. What gives since then?<br /><br />Got a new band going called 1618 that i am stoked on. Everything else is pretty much the same just hustlin to make money and finish up with some school stuff.<br /><br />2. Nat Geo - Reputable news reporting or reckless journalism?<br /><br />Absolutely reckless journalism. They have an agenda with everything it seems. Lately i have chalked it up to all media and government is completely corrupt and it will take nothing short of a coup or revolution to change things in this sinking ship of a nation.<br /><br />3. Barack or Hillary?<br /><br />Obama all the way. He is passionate and forthright also he is not your typical career politician. Hillary is wacked out and needs to just let go. For god sakes the woman started NAFTA which was one of the worst and most corrupt acts to ever be set forth in out government.<br /><br />4. Why do people not respect other people? And what can we do to maybe heighten consciousness to their lack of respect?<br /><br />First and foremost we need to stop letting people get away with disrespect. Whether racially or socially, it shouldn't be tolerated or shrugged off anymore.<br /><br />5. You have a new band since we last interviewed. How is this one different from the last one. Haven't you realized that hardcore is dead? People want shitty metal, how do you counteract that line of thinking?<br /><br />My new band is called 1618 and it is alot different than my last project both musically and stylistically. We gave up on metal because everyone has a shitty metalcore band now, that whines about girls, and has cookie cutter song structure. We have gone with a new and original feel that mixes it up, we have been compared to poison the well, snapcase, and the refused, but our newest stuff even has a biohazard/rage against the machine feel. We are basically just having fun and coming as original as possible.<br /><br />6. The greens want Ethanol and alternative fuels which use up farm land faster than you can shit out your corn tortilla. The good 'ol boys want us to drill, effectively doing the same to untrampled land - WTF is the answer?<br /><br />The answer is all the stuff the conglomerates are not throwing money into like hydrogen, nuclear, solar, geothermal and wind. The true right thing to do is to have a balanced infrastructure of all of these and it would take a fraction of the cost it takes to use oil to implement all of this on a national level... then i say we drill Alaska and sell it to the Chinese to pay off the bullshit war debt we have accumulated thanks to oil.<br /><br />7. Reno? Or somewhere else? And why? Reno ain't so bad, is it?<br /><br />I love reno. So much great stuff to do both in and out of town. I also dont mind San diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and a bunch of other cities. I think reno; no matter what town i eventually settle down in, will always feel like home to me.<br /><br />8. Books or movies?<br /><br />Movies all the way.. I am all about popcorn, laziness, and visual stimulus.<br /><br />9. Organized religion has been high on my lists of HATE lately? What is your take? And are you atheist or agnostic? Or does you loves some Jesus?<br /><br />I would classify myself as a spiritual/agnostic. Using the term agnostic in the sense that i don't believe in organized religion at all. I feel that the bible is a fictional story, and just that, nothing more or less. Religion is a cancer to free thinking and self-worth. if you don't have faith in yourself why would you waste all your time worshiping something completely intangible, and why would you put your faith in a story that has been obscured, misinterpreted, and exploited from the day the dead sea scrolls were found.<br /><br />10. Is your future clear to you yet? I asked you this before, and now it is two years later. Any other ideas?<br /><br />Well i know what i want and i know how to get it. I know where i want to be, so yeah i would say my future is much more clear than it was. i used to never plan for the future but now all i can think about is what i need to do to make life more fun and worthwhile down the road.<br /><br />11. Finally, give shout outs......who supported you?<br /><br />Well of course The Family and my friends who are also family. My girl Valerie for being supportive when i need it most. And personally i have to give it up for CK1 the Cliffy Kumpster, Jess Brown, Jose Galvan, Adam Krause, Matty B, and my bandmates for helping keep me grounded the past couple of years, and for being the best friends/family a guy can have.<a href="http://nothingsense.blogspot.com/2006/02/brandon-mcgrath-not-til-daylight.html"></a>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-45855994201357036122008-07-09T23:36:00.001-07:002008-07-29T13:05:43.622-07:00Big Bob's ChallengeAt Jasons wedding, Big Bob challenged me and a few others to lose enough weight and train hard enough in MMA to fight amateur at this time next year. <div><br /></div><div>Well, I have taken Bobs challenge to heart and have decided that by my 35th birthday I will have competed in at least one Am MMA fight and will be down to 170 lbs for that fight. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are my current stats - 230 lbs </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Amazing, considering I was at 200 lbs as of Jan 07. Well, this is it, this is where it begins and it ends.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-74293657371410099352008-04-20T20:57:00.000-07:002008-04-20T21:19:56.078-07:00InspirationI can't help it; I have to be inspired to create works via the medium of writing. I have a hard time being my own inspiration; this is why posts on my blog have been few and far between.<br /><br />I have very little outside stimulus. I have great conversation with my girlfriend, but fulfilling conversation from others, trips or visuals have been sporadic.<br /><br />Recently, I have been contemplating my role in society. Not society as a whole, but in my little slice of the community that I live in. I learned a long time ago that I probably can't reach everyone. But by reaching a few, maybe the <span style="font-style: italic;">trickle-down effect </span>would be enough to get more people involved reading my work, therefore doing my part and adding some sort of validation to what I do.<br /><br />I think that is what has been the problem. Artistic expression is for personal validation. You do it for yourself, recognition is just an aside. People do what the love because it is just that - a love. Passion stems from an inner need to get out. A need to have an outlet. Something that you like doing. Something that you think you might be good at. For me, expression through written words has always been a little slice of goodness; with my inability at times to express my self through speaking, I turn to this as a means to an end for expression.<br /><br />I am not much of a fiction writer. Understandably, as I get older, I learn to mask life experiences in story, but literally. Fiction writers have a knack for telling their life in words, but without personalizing them; that is truly artistic. I am more like an analyst. I am able to make what is good, better. I can take someones idea and run with it, but my own ideas might be few.<br /><br />Stimulus is the grounds for change and advancement of society. An old master said it best; "Hot water will not remain hot without adding more hot water". And that is the truth.<br /><br />Inspiration is the hot water that keep the wheels churning for me. And, I surmise, for all artists. Just by writing about my lack of inspiration, maybe I can find some deep down inside. Maybe I can inspire the reader of this to look at what is around them.<br /><br />I love to express myself. I am an artist in my own right, and I admire anyone that can shape someone by doing what they love to do. People that collect, aren't the ones that move the world. Those are the ones that hold us back - they don't add their flavor to the circle that they live in.<br /><br />Culture, as I define it, is the person, places or things that helped shape who you are. And when you live in a culture that is devoid of forward thinking or expression, then you lose inspiration.<br /><br />I had an interesting talk with a few good friends last night, and it was enlightening. I kind of felt that who I am is important, whether or not I am recognized.<br /><br />In closing, thanks for the inspiration......whoever, or whatever you are.......Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-45143735753713690122008-04-09T20:06:00.000-07:002008-04-09T21:02:01.406-07:00Outstanding.........was the job done by Nat Geo to portray the negative side of Straightedge. Well, it turned out how I thought it would.<br /><br />Thanks to Nat Geo for interviewing someone that is over 25 and has some tenure. Thanks for leaving the second half of the show with the negative tone. Nothing like ending on a high note. (sic)<br /><br />Thanks to Nat Geo for being a true small-time media outlet and turning the coppers on to the "SHOW".<br /><br />Thanks to the Reno kids for trying to debunk the myth of being gangsters by having a cutlass on dubs. Sweet!!!!<br /><br />Look, we all knew how this was gonna turn out. The fact that this was exactly the way I thought it would be just reaffirms the battle that we would have. Unfortunately, we all know that straightedge is a loose knit bunch of wild men (mostly, and some poser girls) that will probably sell out soon.<br /><br />All-in-all, this show was a pile of garbage. And kudos to the RGJ for being the absolute rag that it is. Small town dicks........<br /><br />Just take a look at this garbage that they chose to print - <a href="http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008804080343">with clever title and all. How cute!!! <br /></a><br />In that I am absolutely amazed by the amount of ignorance posted in the comments section of the articles on the RGJ. Do I hate all muslims because some muslims might be associated with Al-Qaeda? No way!!! That same kind of narrow-mindedness is what got us into the pathetic situation our country is in right now.<br /><br />If you are reading this and are not straightedge, let me say this!!! We choose to stand for our right to choose what we put into our bodies. We stand for our right to be who we want to be. Due to the actions of a few misguided individuals, we have all been labeled in a manner that is inconsistent with the masses.<br /><br />Straightedge is not a "scene". Is is not an afterschool group, a church or a religious faction. It does not have a written set of bylaws, nor does it affiliate itself with a color. We just like black!!!! :)<br /><br />If you are straightedge and are reading this, I have this to say to you. I have scars on my body that I have acquired in the name of straightedge. They are from sticking up for myself. I am in spite of the "scene". I don't need anyone else who is straightedge to support my choice. It is a personal choice that is MY OWN. <span style="font-weight: bold;">As soon as you look to others to validate your existence, you cease to be an individual. </span><br /><br />You are not part of a "scene". You don't get points, or become revered by "belonging". You get all that by being who you are in a hostile environment. Hanging out with like minded individuals will just cause your view to become narrower. And your mind will become smaller.<br /><br />You are part of a community. You are part of something bigger than you. It will go on without you or with you.<br /><br />Straightedge needs people willing to be a voice of change. Not a force of change. We need people willing to become educated and become mouthpieces for the label.<br /><br />People in general need to look past what the Reno Police Department (LOL) have deemed as a "gang-like group". You could deem any group like that. A football team that fights another team is not labeled a gang; they are labeled a TEAM!!!!<br /><br />Tradition shapes a lot of peoples ideals and I am no different. I yearn for the days where we hung out, BBQ'ed and acted like kids. But sober. We did no harm to anyone that did not do harm to us first.<br /><br />Nowdays, the internet glorifies and sensationalizes Straightedge, just as it does everything. I absolutely believe that not searching for the truth will lead you to lies.<br /><br />The media does what it does, selling space, papers or air-time. And it didn't do it by reporting good news. Think about it.Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-90557273138724708732008-03-05T19:14:00.001-08:002008-03-05T19:16:21.000-08:00Amazing....<a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=28663144">This story is nuts.</a>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-670891133147036862008-01-30T16:42:00.000-08:002008-03-05T16:35:19.246-08:00My endorsement goes to.......<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.zod2008.com">General Zod!!!</a>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19441331.post-56577887742184643162007-12-08T18:07:00.000-08:002007-12-08T18:08:20.373-08:00Kata Shotokan Style<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mU2hqaaK8AA&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mU2hqaaK8AA&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Clifton Kumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791341527926365386noreply@blogger.com0