The way I see it, her imagination is like the wind. But her identity is the sails on the ship that will get her to where she wants to be. To take this example further, essentially I'm the lead engineer in making sure those sails stay upright and strong.

So to my Audrey, If ever you read this, know that no matter where the wind takes you on this journey, know that I'll always be your first mate. Always.

We all have it within us to be a Drama Queen. Some more than others of course. And over the years, I've seen (a few) people change from"Best Dramatic Actor/Actress in a Leading Role" to "Best Director (of their emotions)." The one thing that helped the growth was humility, which would eventually lead to Self-Awareness.

Through my profession I've dealt with teenagers, young adults, young adults who still think they're teenagers and teenagers that think they're adults. I've realized that some people unknowingly through their actions, attitudes and choices, really put themselves in positions of victimhood. This ultimately of course leads to the drama in their life. The longer you choose to be a victim, the more you prolong the drama. It's a simple equation.

I've spent so many of my years being in the audience watching these drama-filled situations unfold. Some for the better and some for the worse. I've seen good hearted people become jaded but not wiser. I've seen insecure people compensate in the most heinous ways.

Like I mentioned earlier, the solution is simple for those wishing to end their reign as Drama Queen (in whatever area of your life.) You just need HUMILITY. When you have a large dose of this bitter pie, you begin to find out that you can't control every situation. That most sometimes you are to blame as well. That emo attitude, really doesn't do anyone good (especially yourself), and lastly and most importantly is that you need to be honest with the choices you've made. People choose drama. Be it the situations they put themselves in, the people they surround themselves with, and the attitudes/emotions/habits that they don't put in check.

So please... if you are a drama queen, we're waiting on you to Take a bow. Close the curtains. Take off the make-up and costumes and let the show be over with. Let's stop acting, and let's live life for real.

It's good to be the strong silent type every now and again.

1. Am I saying this to be vengeful and /or hurtful?
2. is this coming from a misdirected feeling of  having to be "real" and honest?
3. how is the other person in this conversation possibly feeling?
4. is this the appropriate time to say what I want to say?
5. What's the kindest way I can say this?

In the end, is your desire to "just say" going to uplift the situation? or will it lead the conversation to a place where only you feel good about yourself?

Let's all try to communicate kindly,be aware of others feelings and try to be watchful with the state of our hearts when we feel the need to be honest and straightforward.

This has been a Public Service Announcement brought to you by butcheee.com.

(Sorry to be preachy... I'm just saying...)

here's a lil something to celebrate the fact that we're 2 weeks into spring, and there's still snow in April. Cheers!

1. I won "Most Improved Player" Award in my Ice Hockey League when I was 10 years old.
2. I'm no sneakerhead, but I think the best Jordan's are the Air Jordan 11's (XI) in Concord Black and White.
3. I loathe "weak" handshakes. C'mon man... shake my hand firmly, it's not a wet napkin!
4. I believe Hip Hop has been dying a slow gruesome and painful death since the passing of The Notorious B.I.G.
5. It may be hard to believe, but I was an All-Star Volleyball Player in High School. The only Filipino one at that too.
6. I bought my first car when I was 28.
7. When I was a wee lad, I had an obsession with Birds of Prey. I would draw them, research them at the library and put pictures of them on my bedroom wall. My favourite bird is the Peregrine Falcon. Small, fast and deadly, just like I believed I am was.
8. I got made fun of when I wore Cargo Pants in High School. They asked if I was going on a Safari, or fishing. Lo and behold, guess what the in thing was in a few months later.
9. I've been using the same belt since Grade 9. It was $30 dollars (which was crazy obscene money at that time, and at that age.)
10. If I wasn't a missionary, I'd be the deadliest assassin for hire. You'd pay top dollar for my skills and expertise.
11. Growing up, everyone thought I was Chinese simply because I was the only asian kid in any of my classes.
12. I think grabs and throws in Street Fighter are cheap. Although Air Grabs/Throws deserve respect.
13. I also loathe people who spend more time complaining than doing something about the situation. I'm fine with complaining as long as it's followed swiftly by problem solving. We can only be victims for so long.
14. I've been a Pastoral Full-Time Worker (Missionary) for Couples for Christ Canada for 9 years and 10 days as I write this. This is the longest (and most awesomest) job I've ever had.
15. I've been a New Jersey Devils fan since the days of Sean Burke. He was my favourite goalkeeper when I was younger.
16. I secretly try to harmonize to almost every song I hear. I try extra hard when I'm at church. My wife and I critique each other, and see who's off-key.
17. I never said "I love you" to my parents on a regular basis until I started dating Gracee Galvan, who is now my wife (and my baby's mama).
18. On my birth certificate my last name is spelled "BARRIA." I found out recently, it was a typo my parents were too lazy to fix.
19. I think being funny and witty is a special gift. It requires impeccable timing, self-awareness, sarcasm and an imagination. I'd like to think I possess these things (in small portions).
20. I was a background dancer for a show, that featured covers of "What a Girl Wants" by Christine Aguilera and "Ray of Light" by Madonna
21. I'm totally fascinated by War and anything military. I think I'd be a soldier if I wasn't so darn afraid uhm... important. I find this pretty ironic considering I'm a "turn-the-other-cheek" kinda guy.
22. I think the coolest singing voices in music are Jon Foreman from Switchfoot, Brandon Boyd from Incubus, and Ben Harper.
23. I'm trapped in a pool of suck when it comes to any Sports video games. (Madden, NBA Live, the 2K Series)
24. I'm actually pretty good at setting up and troubleshooting your wireless network at home.
25. I think the bad guys always look a lot cooler than the good guys in anything.