Air Jordan XI Retro "Concord"

We are now six days into the year 2012, and that means 349 days until the world ends, right? Eh, don’t worry about it. We are at the forefront of a new year and resolutions are in full attack mode… for most people. If you ever get the time to just sit down or stand still and think about last year and all of the things that may have happened, whether good or bad, happy or sad,  I really suggest doing so. It feels refreshing knowing that we can recall the good times and set aside the bad. Just going over the past year, my son Lincoln Jon was born Friday, the 13th of May, my other son, Kingston David turned 1, Darcy and I bought our first house, celebrated our 2 year anniversary (while in sunny San Diego, California), we spent a lot of time with family, and growing as our own family.  It’s amazing watching my sons grow up. Kingston is literally grabbing everything he can and trying to find some use of it. He knows how to talk on a phone, he knows where everything goes and how to get into it. He is obsessed with hats and shoes… like me.

My pair Air Jordan Retro III "Stealth" next to Kingston's

Lincoln has the best laugh, I don’t know to describe it other than an old man’s chuckle with a big smile. He laugh’s at some of the most random things and he’s always staring. He’s keen about the environment he’s in. He’s always looking around, solemnly staring at people, things or the ceiling.  It’s simply amazing watching them grow up!

Now back to my title Life’s Like a Box of New Shoes. Every year, things may not start out fresh because things do carry over. But for your sake, let’s treat the new year like a new pair of shoes. When you walk into the store (walk into the new year), you have an idea of what you want, but you search out for something you really want; anything that’s eye-catching which fits your style or something that “just works.” This is a good way to look at your resolution. Don’t just settle for something that can be easily attained or nothing at all, something that “just works.” Work on something that can help improve yourself or others around you. Once you have selected the pair you want, purchase it and be on your way. From here on, it’s your responsibility to take care of those kicks. With all of my shoes, I keep them in their boxes, except the older pairs I have. I take care of them, and I switch them up often, which helps keep the life of the shoe long.  So with your resolution, your dream, take care of it. Check in on it, see how close you are to completing your goal(s). Don’t just say you have a goal and forget about it. Be vocal about your goals. The more you have the idea burned into your mind, the more you set yourself up for success.

Notice the photo at the beginning of the post, it is a pair of the Air Jordan Retro XI “Concord.” These shoes were released through various Air Jordan retailers on Friday, December 23rd and at midnight the night before online through Nikestore.com and other online retailers like Champs, Foot Locker, Eastbay and Finish Line.  To be honest, I camped online for them and camped out at the mall with my buddy Gabe to snag a pair, but to much disappointment couldn’t cop them. These shoes caused an uproar. Someone was shot in Oakland and someone was stabbed elsewhere. Doors were busted down and people were trampled and smashed. Not good. Though these shoes do carry a lot of history and aesthetic appeal with it’s black patent leather and icy blue outsoles, riots were not necessary at all. While using the analogy of a new pair of shoes as your dream and relating them to the release of these limited Jordan’s, you can connect the dots. You have to fight for your goals, they won’t just show up and happen. But please, don’t stab anyone or shoot anyone over your dreams. Attain them the safe and legal way. Por Favor.

My collection of kicks

There are more to this collection. This is an older photo.

My personal goals for this year are to grow to become a better husband, and that goes for each and every year. I want to be a great father and teacher for my boys. I want to grow daily in my relationship with Christ. I also want to become a better musician, designer, artist and businessman. I want to grow in my skill sets, so that I can improve my company Rebel Streetwear and make it flourish. My bro Steven got me this awesome book for Christmas that I truly needed, it’s called Thread’s Not Dead: The Designer’s Guide to the Apparel Industry by Jeff Finley at Go Media. Just have to say, that I needed this book. Perfect. This book will definitely assist in the growth of Rebel as a brand and culture!

These are just some of the goals I have set for myself. What about you? Do you have any goals you want to see rear their head from the dark abyss of self-improvement? Haha, share your ideas in the comment section.

If you have any questions, leave a comment or Tweet me @Roots1904

Blessings Family.

Another cool thing that happened as of late, which actually happened this morning. I got the hook up on some Air Jordan III Retro’s in the “Stealth” colorway. I think they are dope, they dropped on Nike’s website last night at midnight, but I got a sneakerhead buddy who has the hook ups. I got em for free. Good deal. This isn’t my picture, because in Iowa, we don’t have palm trees, haha.

Air Jordan III Retro "Stealth"

Take it easy fam, just lettin’ you in on what’s happenin’

This year in 2011, Darcy and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary, and when I started this blog, we were only hitting 6 months. These have been the best 2 years of my life. I love Darcy to death and she literally is the best thing to happen to me. 2 years and counting!

Towards the latter half of 2010, I slowly began to develop my own clothing brand, Rebel Streetwear. Just follow the link and hit the site up (and don’t forget to buy something!).  The whole concept behind Rebel is to be able to express feeling and culture. I want to not only express myself through art, but through the clothing I wear. I wanted to be able to help others where what they felt.

With all that said… it feels good to be back. Keep an eye out. I’ll be posting about everything. Whether it be about music, movies, big announcements with Rebel Streetwear or even cool shoes that will be released, I’ll post it. Again, it may be awhile between posts, because I have a very busy life, so don’t fret, just stay tuned and I’ll keep you up to date as much as possible!

Peace & One Love,

Roots