My Quickie to LA

My trip to LA was action packed. 3 days in and out. I originally came just to LA just to launch Surf Mentor with Phoebe the new program manager. I ended up going to a DC Shoes/ Mike Shinoda Event. First off, there was an insane line for his autograph signing. It was also an art show. I was invited by my peeps at DC. Had some candid discussions about the next year with them and some projects they have going on. Then I went to a Squeaky Clean event at the Hollywood Car Wash that was produced by Rita - Who is about to be an event super producer. Between those two events, I met Bobby Hundreds and some potential sponsors for Stoked. Needless to say I was excited that my trip was worthwhile.

I also was working with Phoebe on a new after school program that we desperately need to create in LA to supplement and serve more kids. Then today, we started Surf Mentor. It was awesome. All the kids caught waves. End of Story. Oh, and George, our NYC mentor was there to experience our LA program.



His Shoes with DC

I kinda like this picture

Zach Stertz took this photo.

The NYC Half

One the hardest things I'm currently doing now aside from building Stoked into a great organization is running in the NYC 1/2 Marathon. Through our Team Stoked program, I decided to join and run. I wanted to get into shape, do more cardio, and challenge myself. I've completely crashed though. I'm going to continue, but I did a 10 miler the other day and boy, that killed me. Here is my schedule. I got 4 more weeks to go.

going back to cali

I thought I wouldn't have to go back to LA for a while. I have to handle some quick business. I intend to make someone a job offer and raise some money. Our LA program is quite a challenge. Especially being on 2 separate coasts and thousands of miles between us. I want the program to succeed but without the support and infrastructure that we have in NYC, it will be hard to survive. The inspiration and motivation to make the LA program work honestly, is the amount of kids that need a program like Stoked. Although our NYC youth come from challenging social environments, they have more opportunities than our LA program. Alternatively, our LA kids need more hope and inspiration. We've already touched the lives of a small amount of kids, but there are hundreds of kids in the community that need positive outlets.
LL Cool J - Going back to Cali - Classic


Biggie's Version - his flow is sick!

My life right now..

This is how my life feels right now. My goal is to be a crazy & insane as this video. right now, It's a challenge to keep the balls in the air.

Things that Changed the Game

A good friend Sam, started a cool blog Things that Changed the Game.

It's an interesting project that he and his friend are doing got me inspired to post more on this and pursue some of the things I've wanted to do this year. Some of my goals this year: start a book, learn spanish, run in a triathlon/marathon. I'm doing the marathon now. I'm running in the NYC 1/2 marathon for Stoked. I'm on week 2 of my training regimen. I've slacked off this week and only ran 2. Tomorrow I'm doing 5 miles.

Skate Mentor was good today. I totally thought it was going to rain but it didn't. There was a snafu/miscommunication with the food, but we were able to work it out. The level of the circles keep increasing with the types of conversations and responses we're getting from kids. Tory, the volunteer of the year, came out to check out the program. It's always great to have non sport volunteers there. Makes me want to do a surf day with just our volunteers and supporters.

Raking in the dough

I was a junior/senior in high school when this some came out. The beat is absolutely out of control. This song also introduced the Bogle (sp). It's the dance that everyone in the video is doing. Man, everyone I know wanted to perfect the Bogle. Enjoy this video. It is def a blast from the past. Learn how to Bogle!