imjustdrew

It seems rivalries have been around since the beginning of time. I have written out this previously on laniera74.blogspot.com. However, beefs are different. They originated mostly in the hip hop culture but have manifested in all realms of social life. 

The latest rap beef this weekend was between Nicki Minaj, known by most and Remy Ma, not well known. The two ladies thus far have handled their differences via the mic, rather than going out and trying to physically hurt each other. 

Arguably the biggest rap beef of our time was the 2Pac/Notorious B.I.G. one. Fun fact that many know: they started out as friends. Did songs together. However, throw in a couple of misunderstanding and you have two coasts in a hip hop uncivil war. 

Unfortunately many beefs and disputes are actually between very good friends and associates. It seems one or more folks have gotten to each other too often, then they turn on one another. 

I did a Live vlog summarizing beefs and gripes. In short, it’s not always a two party, two sided dispute. Often one side is all upset, and the other side would rather make peace. This is clearly a failure to reach common ground. 

I believe you should try to work out any dispute peacefully, verbally and privately first. Should this fail, then it may be best to keep your distance. Not every disagreement needs a rap song. 

Let’s try to make more peace and less war. These beefs will have to cease before we have an awful repeat of the 90s. No one’s life, and few friendships are worth a disagreement. Again, peace not war is preferable. 
#imjustdrew 

We’re getting to the times where cuffing season ends and breakups occur romantically and socially. It can be bittersweet and melancholy. 

Moving forward can be a good thing, but even more painful if you continue to look back. 

If one lives long enough and socializes often, they will inevitably lose and gain friends of all types. Socializing definitely isn’t all peaches and cream. Friends and family become distant or non-existent, strangers become your besties.  It can be quite confusing.

Just don’t forget who you are as a person, your standards, and your future plans. We also mature and evolve. Remember everyone will not be along for the ride. 

Times changes, and people come and go. Repair and maintain the relationships you can, discard the ones that cannot be fixed and continue to live. 

#imjustdrew

Despite the decline in the quality of newer music, (or the fact that I’m outgrowing new sounds), I still enjoy music of all genres. I watch the Grammys, AMAs,  VMAs, and others yearly. It’s a part of me, it’s in me, it is me. 

Now we as humans are all different. Some of us like sports, some of us don’t. It was unusually beautiful this past weekend for the winter and some didn’t care to go outside. I know folks that won’t watch television or go out to eat. But guess what, everyone loves some sort of music. It is the universal language, the language of the people. 

Connecting with someone is much easier through music and the love of it. You may not know all the songs, words or artists. But you like the sounds, how it makes you feel now and the first time you heard it. There are songs you absolutely love and those that irritate you to hear repeatedly. It is a common thread that bonds us. 

This is indeed an important time for musicians. Our nation and world are at a crossroads. We need these artists to stay innovative, thinking, writing, singing and recording. Unity can be alive through sound. 

So continue to play your music, dance to it and sing in the shower. I can almost guarantee someone else loves it. 

#imjustdrew

I’ve been doing a lot of writing and vlogging lately, trying to keep the #imjustdrew train rolling. I had a great idea for a post as Super Sunday approaches. 

I have gotten better at keeping in touch thanks to social media. However, everyone isn’t meant to be your friend or talk to on the regular. You want to be around folks that you have a great connection with, light up when they’re in your presence, and can agree to disagree with. You simply feel you’re having a good time with them and it’s not forced. 

Some friendships are simply not meant to be. I’ve found it’s best to let things happen naturally and flow from there. That’s not saying you can’t be cool and cordial. Just invest more of your time into the folks that enjoy your company, are real, and get you. Those are the friends that usually last the longest. 

Many have honestly forget what it’s like to be a friend. Offer a helping hand to all folks, and again let things flow naturally when it comes to overall interaction. One factor is when you can have deep conversations with a person and times seems to fly. I love these types of relationships. 

Therefore be a friend, seek out those that want to be yours, and stay in touch with these. They are rare gems indeed. 

#imjustdrew 

I have spoken on laniera7.blogspot.com about my brother,  Adam, and even spoke of loss on past vlogs. Last year, many people around the world experienced mass losses like none before. Heck someone was killed on the road near my home today and I received a barrage of messages from folks thinking it was me. It actually ended up being a high school classmate’s mother. 

Either way, whenever we lose someone in the physical or they leave our presence in some form of fashion, they miss them, like I miss my brother everyday. 

The best way I honor Adam’s memory is by frequently talking about him, telling others about his struggles with drug abuse, and by cherishing  him and others. I like for folks to know they are appreciated while they are here. I would hope they do the same for me. 

January 28th is and always will be a tough day. But I take solace in the fact my brother was loved and liked, and his life touched others. He also was a good friend that got along with many. I get it honest. My mother taught us to do right by people and treat them properly. 

I challenge you to do the same, and to treat the living and those you see regularly as well as you do those that have departed. 

R.I.P. Adam 1983-2006. 

#imjustdrew 

I grew up in South Carolina as many of you know. The main two sports teams were Clemson and the University of South Carolina. From childhood, you were almost forced to root for one and hate the other. Later on I went my own path and chose to root for Notre Dame but that’s another story for another day. 

Both programs have had success in their athletic programs over the years, specifically South Carolina baseball. However neither football team hasn’t been able to win the big one. Clemson came ever so close last season. 

And then finally the football gods smiled on Clemson, its fans, players and the state of South Carolina with Clemson breaking a 35 year drought and winning the national championship over previously unbeaten Alabama 35-31 in a thriller. 

Now once again, I’m not a Clemson fan but I love seeing all of the South Carolina teams do well. Our state has had lots of embarrassments with Susan Smith, the Confederate Flag, the Dylann Roof trial and so forth. It has long been a beautiful and prideful state but yeah cursed in many ways. 

Clemson’s win was one for the entire state, and one that can help bring us all together, even Gamecock fans. The celebration parade was long and crowded, 70,000 in attendance to celebrate the champs. 

Sports have that special way of breaking down social, racial and political barriers. When you’re a fan, all that matters is the team wins. And when one Carolina team wins, the entire state wins in positive media reports, more money coming to the state, and simple bragging rights. It is suddenly cool again to be from South Carolina. 

These things are great conversation pieces, as well as awesome for bonding. It’s simply a beautiful thing to share a shining moment with so many people, friends, strangers and future connections. Sports can be truly magic. Look at what the Olympics does in our country every few years. Clemson being national champs is South Carolina’s version of that. More championships from our school will help in all sorts of ways. 

Therefore,at least show respect for these local teams. They work hard and they want to win just as badly as the other big programs. They need support and love also. 

Let this love continue to flow. 

#imjustdrew 

OK we’re back in 2017 with another year of #imjustdrew postings. I’m gonna kick off this year with a subject near and dear to my heart regarding personal connections: ignoring others. 

Now here’s where the buzz for it began: on Facebook. Some folks like to intentionally ignore comments that folks post on their statuses blatantly. Personally that upsets me and I’ll state why. 

I believe since I came forward last year that this bugs me, I’ve heard phrases such as “it’s only FB” “There is more to life than if someone acknowledges your comment” ” Every comment doesn’t need a response.”. Well here’s the thing folks, it often does extend beyond the social media realm. Just think if you’re out in public, about to go shopping or to see a movie. A good friend of yours just clearly ignores you, or is nonchalant at your presence. If you two are cool, wouldn’t you feel some kind of way? I definitely think you should. If not, then what type of friendship do you have. 

You see, I have been ignored enough in my life to know when it’s intentional and simply mean. I’m 5’11,230, have a bald head and I’m very light skinned. Not exactly an easy presence to overlook. Yet some folks still do. 

So other than venting , how does one get through this. Well communicate with the parties that did this. If they feel apologetic and you know it’s out of their character, then no problem. However,  if someone acts as if it’s not wrong to ignore a person for no good reason or is a repeat offender, you may want to go to the next level. Keep your distance from them, realize they may be going through something, or that they aren’t as close as you thought. Know where you stand with someone always. Actions will always speak louder than words. 

Therefore, be easy. Remember your core circle, those that are truly cool with you. When people start to act out of pocket, it may have nothing to do with you. Either way, just keep it moving and don’t feel obligated to maintain a close friendship with them. They are simply associates as at best. 

Let’s keep things going smoothly in 2017. It’s OK to get a little upset. But when someone displays the same or similar behavioral patterns, simply leave it alone. Trust me, there are f0lks that care and wouldn’t do you this way. Focus your attention towards them. 

#imjustdrew

2016 wasn’t a great year for many. There were lots of deaths, local and celebrity, the Tarheels losing on that buzzer beater in the championship to Villanova, more police brutality, media bias, etc, etc. However, I want to focus on some of the great things that happened to me and mine in 2016.

One of the greatest things was launching my #imjustdrew brand, expanding my writing into blogs and later on public speaking venues and eventually the book I had planned for this year.

I also continued running, doing three half marathons and my first full marathon at the Kings Mountain National Military Park. It was a fun and active running season and I have several races already lined up for 2017, as I train for an ultramarathon in early 2018.

2016 saw me achieve some good things at my job at Amazon Fulfillment Center. I was chosen as Associate of the Month for February, had several months of perfect attendance and am in the midst of completing a second Peak season.

I made several old and new connections in the social and fitness realm. This allowed me to be invited to several events and social outings throughout the year, culminating with the December holidays.

I also take pride in the success of my friends and family. I went to two weddings, saw a few of my friends and family become first time parents, and other friends and family got hitched as well. My lifelong best friend, Bill, completed his full scale band room that he built himself with the help of others for his band, Whiskey Train.

My mother had her struggles this year, but has a good sense of her is really in her corner and will carry that into 2017. She is still an awesome mom whether or not she knows it.

My sporting fans got to see the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Cubs win championships and break age old droughts. It was also good to see my Blacksburg Wildcats football team have an historic revival of a season and win the conference and host two playoff games.

Additionally, I had my 20th high school reunion this year, which was a success. I had a car accident earlier this month. Thank God I’m fine but the silver lining is my car was totalled and I will have another vehicle for 2017 which I sorely needed.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year to my #imjustdrew family! Thanks for all of your support throughout 2016 and expect more big things in 2017.

#imjustdrew

Some of us need encouragement and a boost after some of the negativity happening in our world. Well now it’s a good time to be around the people that mean the most to you. 

The feeling of seeing folks that you don’t see often or look forward to seeing is indescribable. You’re like a child on Christmas Day, you cast all worries to the side temporarily. And mix in food and beverage , then you have a slamming time. Of course with Thanksgiving coming up, you have plenty of that on the horizon. Another reason for one to love Fall. 

Now on another note, life will not be perfect. You have some ups and downs and such. However , keep in touch with your support circle that will power you through all of this. Be that person also that is the energy , the life of the party. I know I can go overboard at times. But hey when you’re around awesome people that you connect with it, it’s a great feeling. You never know when someone takes their last breath so allow these folks to be great and uplifting right now. 

#imjustdrew 

Yes I write a lot about both of these topics, as they are huge driving forces in my overall #imjustdrew movement. I feel they very much go hand in hand. 

Running is a great way to bond with others, and form new connections. I find the more races I run, the more of the same folks/running clubs are present. Certain races are almost like reunions and homecomings. 

Also, being in a running group has been awesome. You’re never without someone to run with, and someone is usually training for a race or running the same race you’re preparing for. 

This past month has amped up the fall running season for myself and my “ROCKstars”  from Run The Rock. As a group, they have ran the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon, the Great Pumpkin 5K and the Rock and Roll Savannah Half (I plan on doing the full next year). It’s also a fun and nostalgic time for many of them as they make a ritual of running one or all of these races, and planning vacations around them. 

I honestly can’t speak for every running group , but mine definitely has a bond that extends beyond the pavement and medals. We eat, hang out together, take lots of pictures, and make positive memories. We are overall awesome together as a group and I feel blessed to have this network of dedicated runners in my life. I can also say the same for other runners I have encountered! They are truly gems. 

#bestruncrewever #imjustdrew