Poems by Bax

Another Year Here

Another year here
Who said it couldn't be done?
We won. I'm doing my victory dance like Re-Run
But I've been what's happening
Sometimes I'm forgotten about
But give me a minute and I'll be back again

Haters want to attack again
Ah, home sweet home
I used to say leave me alone now I'm begging you to stay
Cause when you go away, I'm probably standing with you
And that could never be my position for more than a day

There's so much to do and our time is limited
Don't rush life, do your best to remember it

My New Year 2013

Baxter's Buzz So as I approach my 32nd birthday tomorrow, ironically,  I'm fixated on when my first child will arrive (any day now) and what is expected of me for my wife's 30th birthday. I've been telling my wife that the only gift that I need is a healthy baby. Wifey's birthday is in June and I don't expect her to feel the same way. Turning 30 is one of those "milestone" birthdays so I get it. Just not sure what she's expecting because all of our money has gone to this future sweetest baby in the world. Because my birthday is on the work calendar, people feel completely comfortable asking me how old I'll be this year. I don't mind that question at all. The only issue I have is, the people who want to know my age are women. And Lord knows you cannot ask a woman their age. A little hypocritical, don't you think? There are some women that are proud to tell you their age. Typically, it's because they believe they look young for their age, they're in good shape for their age, or they feel accomplished for their age. I suppose it's a lot easier to brag about your age when you feel like you're on path to your dreams. I believe we all take stock and assess where we are in contrast to where we'd like to be. It's only natural. January 1 brings a certain amount of reflection, but I consider April 16 my new year. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

One Year Ago

Baxter's Buzz

Last year today, a good friend of my family, and a great friend of mine passed away. Just two days prior to her birthday (which happens to be my birthday also). She would be so proud of how this past year has gone for me. She helped me develop my love of movies and taught me not to be afraid of wearing your heart on your sleeves (which I haven't followed in the slightest). She was intelligent, articulate, passionate and unable to be silenced. She loved hard and stuck to her guns when she felt strongly about something, regardless of if she believe she was right or not. I remember her being somewhat of a mother-figure for me when my mother passed away. She wasn't afraid to be herself with the understanding that everyone wouldn't accept that. That's one of the lessons I hope to pass along to my daughter.

 Last year when my Aunt was sick, I told her that she couldn't go anywhere because our birthday was coming up soon. She agreed but I later realized she had to get up to heaven in order to work on getting my first born here. So as my birth month concludes, my first daughter will be born and I know that my aunt had something to do with it. I'm sure she was polite while also being extremely articulate and persistent in making her request known. The thought of the exchange makes me smile.

Siblings Day? - Last week people were celebrating something called "Sibling Day." I can honestly say that I've never heard of this before this year. Is this real? Although my dad had several children way before I was even thought of, I grew up by myself, and therefore consider myself an only child. I did spend A LOT of time with 10 or so of my closest friends and consider them my brothers. I guess I want to wish them a happy siblings day. Oh yeah, my sisters and my blood brother too.

Welcome To The Club - With our desire as humans to have an answer for every question and complete every sentence, we need a reason for other people's success. But we need an answer that WE can accept. "The girl who lost all of that weight HAS to be starving herself."
"He's a brown-noser and that's why HE got the promotion."
"That house is TOO nice for them. They must have purchased a foreclosure."
My advice to anyone achieving some success and consequently, obtaining some haters: Focus on what made you successful and don't worry about haters. And remember that a pat on the back ain't far from a kick in the behind. Folks are very fickle and may be rooting for your success one day and your demise the next.

Silence is Golden

Baxter's Buzz I've been thinking about this next chapter that I'm entering and how I'll adjust. God gives the baby 9 months to grow inside the womb and the parents 9 months to "prepare." I don't care if the room is painted, the books are read, the birth classes are completed and the stroller has been purchased, you ain't ready. With our first child on the way, there's definitely some uncertainty. For every person that wishes you well and tells you everything will be fine, there are 8 others telling you about lack of sleep and all of their other horror stories. Do you not think we know our sleeping has to change? People saying stuff like, "Get your sleep now," like we can stock up on it. I think sometimes people don't know what to say so they all say the same thing. It's the same reason people always talk about the weather when they see someone. But I encourage everyone to appreciate a little silence and shut up sometimes.

Poems by Bax

Make A Mark

I ain't as street as the street dudes
Not as churchy as the church folks
They thought I was born to be a loser
Overlooked like Florida Gulf Coast
Now I'd like to propose a toast
To where I've been thus far
It always takes a little success
Before they act like they know who you are
And yes I'm far from a star
I'm just tryna do my part
Okay, I'm lying. I wanna make a mark!

No Fooling Around

Baxter's Buzz

As I think about my 32nd birthday approaching, I've realized a few things.

I feel great. I've been eating much better (more or less) for over a year now. I could definitely use some more exercise, but I have been in much worse shape in the past.

My eyesight is worsening. I've gone from having 20/20 vision to getting my first pair of eyeglasses a few years back. Now I'm definitely in need of another eye exam.

My mind is sharp as ever. Over the years I've learned from about 957, 699 of my mistakes (that's a lowball number). I was blessed with a good feel for things. By things I mean people around me as well as the temperature of a room. I can't always see what's going on (if I don't have my glasses), but I can always feel it.

My circle is smaller. There are people who were in my life who no longer hold a place. I realized that I'd become very selfish, holding on to people because they are a part of my past and not because they play any significant role in my life now. As we get older, memories from childhood get pushed further and further back. It's awesome to reminisce about the good ole days, but it's also awesome to create memories today that will serve as the good ole days later. I appreciate the folks in my life now and all of the people that have spent time with me in these (almost) 32 years. Most things, good and bad, eventually come to an end. Just be ready for the new endeavors that are sure to approach.

Opening Day 2013

Baxter's Buzz As baseball season starts tomorrow, I'm starting to get excited. Then I realized that I have goals to accomplish and those don't always coincide with watching TV. As a matter of fact, whenever I'm watching television, I'm typically not very productive.  Don't get me wrong. I love my Tigers, Lions and Pistons (I also watch a decent amount of the Red Wings during their playoff run). Things have to be different moving forward because I am different. More reading and writing is an absolute a goal of mine and baseball presents my most difficult challenge this year because there's a game on every single day. My Detroit Tigers will play 162 games between now and the end of September. Until I start making money like some of those athletes, I will not allow myself to spend more time watching them make THEIR money than I spend time attempting to make mine. I'll be rooting for them, as always, but not as intensively as before.