A Toast. . .

A Toast

To nearest
To dearest
To the Crew
To cahoots
To the ones who've been there
To the one who'll be there
To dropping everything
To saying anything
To no judgements
To no doubts
To loyalty
To trust
To favors
To lifelongs
To been to long
To nothing's changed
To having history
To having you back
To moving away
To never too far
To growing up
To settling down
To your second family
To friends

To celebrating the holidays with those who matter most.

Who would have thought that this is an advertisement for Grey Goose Vodka?

What If? / Frustration

I'm trying to remain patient but I have little patience.  Throughout Perfusion school they told me:

"Once they see the number of cases you've done, you should get an interview no problem." 
"There are tons of jobs in this area, you should have no problem landing a position"

At my last clinical rotation, they let me to believe that there was an open position there and they told me:

"If you do well, consider this your orientation."

That turned out to be false.  Then it turned to:

"It's unheard of that one of grads doesn't have a position 30 days after graduation."  

It's over 2 months since graduation and now I'm hearing:

"It'll happen" and "Don't worry, you'll get a job."

I recently talked to a colleague who graduated the same time I did.  She was in a class of 12 and only 4 of them landed a job. I should be comforted that its not just me and this is not a unique situation but it is unique to me.  I cant help but think about the "what if, would have, could have and should haves". Such as:

• What if I listened to my advisor and pursued being a Physician Assistant when she brought it up to me in my Junior year at Rowan?
• What if I went to the Post-Bach program at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine instead of going to UMDNJ?
• What if I took the MCAT one more time?
• What if I gave pursuing that MD or DO degree one more chance?
• What if I went to that perfusion conference?
• What if I made a mistake about my career path?
• What if I'm doing something wrong?

I can name all the 'what ifs' in the world and alot more should have, could have and would haves.  But I reminded myself if it should have been, it would have been because God would have made it that way.  So will be continue to be patient, live up to my potential and live the life that God has already planned out for me.

Keep on evolving.

So that's how it works

I just figured out how to blog from my phone. So expect a lot more entries coming from me. If I get the motivation to write and document my thoughts, I can do it without waiting until I get home.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

New Favorite Quote

“The separation of talent and skill is one of the greatest misunderstood concepts for people who are trying to excel, who have dreams, who want to do things. Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft.
I’ve never really viewed myself as particularly talented. Where I excel is ridiculous, sickening work ethic. You know, while the other guy’s sleeping, I’m working. While the other guys’ eating, I’m working.  While the other is making love. . well. . .I'm making love to but I'm working really hard at it." 

 - Will Smith

See You In My Knightmares

It amazing to see that what ever mood that you may be in, there is a song to match your mood.  The mood that I'm in right can best be described in Kanye West and Lil Wayne's "See You In My Knightmares".  Take a listen.  I have the lyrics below and the lyrics in bold really spoke to me.  Enjoy.

[Intro: Kanye West (Lil Wayne)]

I'm cold! (Yeah)

I'm cold! (Yeah)

I'm cold! (Yeah)

(Yeah)

[Lil Wayne]

I got the right

To put up a fight

But not quite

Cause you cut off my light

But my sight

Is better tonight

And I might see you in my nightmare

Oh how'd you'd get there

Cause we were once a fairy tale

But this is farewell

[Kanye West]

I got my life

And it's my only one

I got the night

I'm running from the sun

So good night

I made it out the door, door, door, door,door

After tonight

There will be no return

After tonight

I'm taking off on the road

I'm taking off on the road

And letting you know

LETTING YOU KNOW

[Chorus: Kanye West]

Tell everybody that you know

That I don't love you no more

And that's one thing THAT YOU KNOW

THAT YOU KNOW

[Kanye West]

Okay I'm back up on my grind

You do you and I'm just gon' do mine

You do you cause I'm just gon' be fine

Okay I got you out my mind

And the night is young

The drinks is cold

The stars is out

I'm ready to go

You always thought I was always wrong

Well now you know

[Chorus Kanye West]

Tell everybody, EVERYBODY that you know

Tell everybody that you know

That I don't love you no more

And that's one thing THAT YOU KNOW

THAT YOU KNOW

[Lil Wayne]

I got the right

To put up a fight

But not quite

Cause you cut off my light

But my sight

Is better tonight

And I might see you in my nightmare

Oh how'd you'd get there

Cause we were once a fairy tale

But this is farewell

Babygirl I'm finished

I thought we were committed

I thought we were cemented

I really thought we meant it

But now we just repent it

And now we just resent it

The clouds is in my vision

Look how high that I be getting

And it's all because of you

Girl we through

You think your shit don't stank

but you are Mrs. P-U

And I don't see you

With me no more

Now tell everybody THAT YOU KNOW

THAT YOU KNOW

[Chorus: Kanye West]

THAT YOU KNOW

Tell everybody that you know

That I don't love you no more

And that's one thing THAT YOU KNOW

THAT YOU KNOW

L-L-L-L-LETTING YOU KNOW

Tell everybody that you know

That I don't love you no more

And that's one thing THAT YOU KNOW

THAT YOU KNOW

Keep on evolving,

Mr. Robinson

Graduation Season!!

Question:
What does 2 Lawyers, a Perfusionist, a Nurse Practitioner and a new college grad all have in common?

Answer:
They all graduated this year and we're all cousins.

I could focus on today being my graduation day from Perfusion School but this is not just my milestone, it's everyones especially my family.  2011 has been a great year for graduations in my family:

My cousin just graduated from Howard with a degree in Nursing
My other cousin will graduate with a Juris Doctorate (JD or she a lawyer now) tomorrow
My other cousin will also graduate from Law School (another JD)
My other cousin will graduate in June and she will be a Nurse Practitioner
And then there's me, I graduate today from the Cooper University Hospital School of Cardiovascular Perfusion and now pursuing a career in Perfusion.

I can't just praise myself when I have such a great family doing big things as well.  I once read in a book somewhere, perhaps you heard of it, its called the bible, and there was a passage that said:
"Teach your children to go on the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it."
All of us would not be here if it wasn't for our family and TRUE friends showing us that right path, supporting us, cheering for us, helping us, always having that never ending faith in us and seeing that untapped potential in us that at times we didn't see ourselves.  We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.

So this is our time, let us celebrate.

Keep on evolving,

Here's to you,

Mr. Robinson

Be the Light

I must give a huge shout out to all of the people close to me that are graduating from their respective programs and celebrating another milestone in their lives.  I was motivated to write this after a good friend and fraternity brother wrote a note on facebook reflecting on his journey to his Masters.  There was a paragraph in his note that seemed like it should be in a sports movie with valiant music playing in the background.  What he wrote was inspirational and motivating. . . .then I thought. . .what if it had a soundtrack to it and actually had background music.  Hmmmmm?

Let me try something.  I'm going to post a section of what my friend wrote but when you're reading it have the background music playing in the background.  Don't watch the video, just use it for the audio while reading.

(click here first)

Background music

(read this while music is playing)

"I say all of that to say this: Never let anyone tell you what you could and could not do. Your biggest enemy/obstacle is yourself. The minute you allow yourself to be defeated is when you have lost your vision in life and your future. Never let anyone tell you your dreams are not realistic. Dream are meant to become a reality no matter how big or small they are. Never settle of ordinary but always strive to be extraordinary. Don't see the light, but BE THE LIGHT! As human beings, we are capable of accomplishing many things. However, in order to accomplish them, we must have courage, dedication, passion, love, commitment, enthusiasm, and great worth ethic. Always have faith in Him because without him we are NOTHING!"

(Stop the background music)

(Click Last)

Did it make a difference, I bet it did.

Congrats to all the graduates out there.  Celebrate your hard work.

Keep on evolving,

Here's to you,

Mr. Robinson

Quick Laugh

Make Me Dance!!

If this doesn't make you smile. . . nothing will.

Passion Week and Easter

I love the Lord.  If you don't like it, I got two words for you. . . .bless you.  I wish you no ill will but I pray that you get the devil out of your soul.

I wanted to write something about how I feel about Passion week and Easter Sunday but my good friend wrote an email to our young adult fellowship ministry and I wanted to share it with everyone because it written so well and you can feel the spirit coming from it as you read it:

"This week is considered Passion Week, which is named this because of the passion with which Jesus WILLINGLY went to the cross in order to pay for the sins of His people (us). Glory to God! Let is reflect on what our Lord and Savior did for us, so we might live with Him eternally. It was at the cross that He took on ALL of our sins, before (and after) we committed them. Each nail in His hands and feet, cut, bruise, crown of thorns, broken arm, crushed ribs, unrecognizable face, etc.,was done for ALL OF US. There is NO greater love (not even your children, spouse, parents or family members) than that of the action of Jesus. Jesus WAS God manifested in flesh. We praise the Lord for getting up EARLY Sunday morning (we don't know what time), and because He got up, we too can get up!

 

As you go through this week...don't just "go through this week". REALLY and TRULY reflect on what Jesus Christ did for US. After the Lord had spoken he went up into heaven. Sitting is a posture of rest, he had finished his work; and a posture of rule, he took possession of his kingdom. He sat at the right hand of God, which denotes his sovereign dignity and universal power. Whatever God does concerning us, gives to us, or accepts from us, it is by his Son. Now he is glorified with the glory he had before the world.

 

As Jesus willingly suffered for us, so should WE be willing to suffer for the cause of following Him and proclaiming the message of His death and resurrection. God bless you all."

 

In His Service,

SP

Happy Easter Everyone.  Don't let candy and bunnies hide the real meaning of what Easter is all about.

Keep on Evolving,

Mr. Robinson

Great Movie. . . Horrible Ending

Last week had to be one of the worst weeks I've had in my life.  Due to certain unforeseen circumstances, my focus has been thrown off.  I had a horrible feeling of hate, anger and angst in my heart that I prayed would go away.  Thankfully, with the help of an excellent support system, my bible study group and effective communication, my heart is better and my focus is coming back.

Let's see how this week goes.

MAVES Conference Reflection

So this past Saturday, I went to the Mid-Atlantic VAD and ECMO Symposium held at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD with my colleagues and 3 of my clinical instructors.  VAD stands for Ventricular Assist Device and ECMO stands for Extra Corporal Membrane Oxygenation, two valuable ways of perfusion used by Perfusionists.  It was a day conference held on Saturday and it was time well spent.

When loading up the car, my clinical instructor saw my garment bag and commented, "Is that a suit? Steve you're taking this too seriously."  I replied, "I would rather be taken to seriously than too lightly and if I am overdressed, at least I'll be sexy."  

Here's what I wore:



Some of the presentations were very interesting and had people taking notes and nodding in agreement while some of them were kinda boring and had half the room sleep.  The networking aspect of the trip is what made it all worthwhile.  I was armed with my binder with 15 copies of my resume and business cards, I was talking to whoever I could.  I met another student named Melissa who goes to perfusion school in South Carolina and will be done in May, just like me.  Just by talking to one person led to talking to someone else and contacts being made.  All and all I met a few contacts that let me know of a possible job website site that I had no idea about and hospitals that may be hiring.  It's true what they say, "it's not what you know, its who you know."

Family90X

Has anyone every heard of the DVD workout program "P90X"?  Where they say 'you can get in shape and ripped in 90 days'?  The infomercial comes on everyday late at night or in the middle of the day.  Some may be skeptical to try it but I took a leap of faith and tried it out.  I went to the gym regularly but I wasn't getting the results I wanted.  You know, the POP, BAM, SHAPOWYA! that I wanted.  I started doing P90X and I went from this:

To this:

I've been satisfied with my results and based on the comments I've been getting alot of people are impressed with them as well.  Here are all the pictures from Day 0 to Day 90

But I think I started a movement among the people close to me.  I've been asked, "Where can I get P90X?"  "Can I borrow yours?"  First off, my copy of P90X is staying in my house at all times.  I know if I loan it out I will never see it again, so I'm not going to play myself and let someone borrow it.  But to the people who actually wasn't all talk and got P90X and stuck with it, they have been making some great strides.

My sister just had a baby 4 months ago (and the young one is awesome), she's been doing P90X for a month and a half now and she is back to her pre baby weight. . .maybe even less.  Her results are going to be ridiculous because she was always fit (ran track back in the day), but when she showed her abs to me last week, you can see the outline for the 6 pack.  This is a woman who just had a baby.

I have 2 cousins who are on it and they are going IN.

2 cousins, 2 uncles and an aunt who are waiting to get on it.

My LB is going in as we speak.

My Ace Boon Coon is just Insane.  He's doing a hybrid P90X/INSANITY hybrid workout where he does P90X in the morning, goes to work, then does Insanity at night.  I'm not sure where he gets the energy I'm not surprised cause he goes HAM all the time.  He showed me his results from 1 month and it literally blew my mind.  His wife is going INSANE as well.

But the latest person to hop on the P90X train is my mom.  She's been in a kick-boxing class for years but hasn't seen much results.  She's in week 3 of P90X and she is able to fit into pants she hasn't been able to get into in 4 years.  She calls me her "trainer".  I'm proud of her and her progress.  It will take time but my goal is to have her doing regular push ups and not the girl on your knees push ups.

I'm just glad that my family and friends are taking the initiative and getting stronger and healthier.  And if I had anything to do with that, I'm happy to be the catalyst for this reaction.

So everyone, keep on evolving your body and make it better, bigger, slimmer, leaner and healthier.

Here's to you,

Mr. Robinson

Chick-Fil-A Banana Pudding Milkshake. . .I love you

This blog is respectfully dedicated to my good friend KJ

I have to give a huge shout out to a woman who I consider one of my best female friends.  I've known this woman since high school and we've been cool ever since.  She recently has done something for me that I will forever be grateful for. . . .she introduced me to the Banana Pudding Milkshake from Chick-Fil-A and oh my God!!!  Its hard to describe just how absolutely frickin delicious it is.  When you take that first sip and the banana flavor saturates your tastebuds and the bits of vanilla wafer cookie adds texture, its adds a pleasant surprise to the overall presentation.  No, I can't describe it. . .but i will try to do it justice with this blog post. . .

Warning: There will be a few pause and no homo moments in the following paragraph.

When someone tastes something very tasty, they may say "It feels like there's a party in my mouth and everyone is invited."  When you taste this Banana Pudding Milkshake, there is a party in your mouth . . .but everyone isn't invited.  The only people invited are sexy, beautiful people.  And all of the sexy and beautiful people have rhythm and can dance their ass off.  The women come in all shades and all different styles and all of them are highly educated and is not only a lady but a straight up nasty freak too.  The men are tall, handsome, educated, can hold down a conversation, have six pack abs like they did 4 rounds of P90X and has more charm than the Old Spice Guy.  There is an open bar that only serves top shelf liquor and the DJ has some of the best sets you've ever heard.  The DJ starts out playing a Reggae set and all of the beautiful people start dutty winin' while drinking rum and redbulls, the club set comes on and everyone starts to do the Wu-Tang, Rowan dancing while pointing to the left and riding that wave . . .wave. . .wave. . .wave. . .wave. . . wave. . .Then the DJ put on the Micheal Jackson set and all of the beautiful people break out in perfect unison the choreography to "Beat It".  When the old school set comes on, your mouth is filled with Electric slidin', cha cha slidin' cabbage patchin', kid n play'n, two steppin', you got served style dance battlin' beautiful people.  And then the slow jam set come on and the ratio is perfect.  Every beautiful woman is paired up with a handsome dude and this isn't an ordinary slow jam set. . .this is a DJ Royal T slow jam set filled with Maxwell, Janet Jackson, Barry White, Ginuwine, R. Kelly, Jodeci, Dru Hill, Shai, Trey Songz and Teddy Pendergrass.  And then an orgy breaks out.

This is what is going on in your mouth with you have the Banana Pudding Milkshake from Chick-Fil-A.  It's there for a limited time so get it have a party in your mouth.

Keep on evolving.

Here's to you,

Mr. Robinson

Things Are Looking Up

There is something about the rain that gives me an overwhelming calm.

Before I start my day I just wanted to write a quick note.  I have class at 11am and an interview at 4:30pm and would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.  I also got a phone call from a hospital in NY about a possible interview on a later date.  It is a good feeling to have that things are finally working for me.  Despite the 2 years of hard work, long nights, early mornings, sacrifice, compromise, stress, failed relationship and madness. . . .things are looking up.  But I'm not there yet, I have my foot in the door. . .now I have to use my other foot to kick the door down. . . then use both feet to walk over to the the kitchen in this house of opportunity and make me a sandwich.. . . then walk over to the couch in this house of opportunity and kick both feet up and reap the benefits of my hard work.

I may not be the biggest, or the smartest or the fastest, but if I see an opportunity I will pounce on it like a tiger on a wounded gazelle.

I'll end this a poem I learned and internalized in Fall 2003 while I was working my way into Alpha Land

The Man Who Thinks He Can

If you think you're beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost;

For out in the world we find

Success being with a fellow's will;

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are;

You've got to think high to rise.

You've got to be sure of yourself

Before you can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man;

But soon or late, the one who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.

Keep on evolving everyone.

Here's to you,

Mr. Robinson

Evolution not Resolution

Hello and Good morning everyone.  I hope this message is greeting you with a sound mind and a healthy heart.  I'm not sure what made me want to start a blog but I woke up with morning and figured, why not?  I saw a friend of mines blog this morning and thought, this is interesting. . .I could do this.  And boom, here I am.

So why "Evolution not Resolution" for the name of your blog?  Recently I've stopped being a fan of resolution namely because it implies an end point.  For example, when people make New Years Resolutions, it is usually a list of things that want to get done for themselves that year.  Of course, many people fail.  But I see a resolution as an end point.  Once you reach it, then what?

But Evolution is constantly going on.  There is no end point and it never stops.  It's an ongoing betterment of yourself.  So I implore you to continue evolving to bigger and better things.