This one’s very simple. A great leader is a person the checks in their ego at the door.

They care about who they’re leading and why they are leading, not about the accolades and attention and money and other things.

A good leader leads by example and it works with their subordinates rather than just dictating instructions.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

My mission in my writing is to either emotionally touch people that read what I have to say or for them to recollect events in their own life that were similar.

Also, if I can help prevent people from repeating my mistakes, it’ll make them that much more satisfying.

As always, thank you for reading.

-aaa

A long life sounds great as long as those I care about are still around. Nothing is more depressing than outliving everybody and being left all to your own devices.

-aaa

Love is all we need. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

-aaa

I think many of us struggle with thinking about the past too much and I used to as well. I try very hard now to not dwell on things that have happened to let bygones be bygones.

Thinking about the future, can also cause you a lot of stress so these days I try to be present and in the moment.

Worrying about the past in the future led me to miss out on a lot of things. We’re right in front of me I intend to never make those mistakes ever again in my life.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

The greatest gift someone can give me is their time and genuine consideration. Both seem to be in such short supply these days…

-aaa

I received my Bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona, quite happily in 1996. I had changed major three times and was pretty burned out at the time. my degree at the time was a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis and computer information systems.  My previous majors were undeclared and electrical engineering technology. Since most of my units did not transfer in my major changes. It took me six years to complete this degree. 

24 years later I received my masters degree from GCU in English with an emphasis on Writing. Writing (in many forms) is truly my passion and what I love to do. I have worked at least part time as a writer since 2019 (since 2022 I work full-time).

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

There are several ways I play in my daily life:

1. Video Games, I can find the time I love playing video games.
2. I play heavy strategy games once a week every other week with friends, games like Terraforming Mars, Bonfire, Stone Age, and Dune Imperium.
3. I play games on my phone as well, games like Wordle, crossword puzzles, and Evony.

Having free time is necessity to having time to play, it depends as I’m blogging and working full-time. I don’t have a lot of free time.

As always, thank you for…

-aaa

There are many things that make me feel nostalgic:

1. Music, songs bring me back to people and great times.
2. TV shows, I love watching old TV show shows and realizing that all the people in my life that are gone are back again and alive and well when those TV shows were out.
3. Movies, so many memories.
4. Old photos of family and friends. Bring back great memories and great times we all had together.
5. Stories, there’s so many stories that bring back memories of times long gone.

As always thank you for reading…

-aaa

There are many relationships that have a positive impact on me including:

1. Family
2. Close friends
3. Professional Colleagues
4. Fellow bloggers/authors on WordPress.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I have become more liberal as I’ve become more educated.

This is not a knock at conservatives. We’re all different. We all have different beliefs as long as we can do that and not hate each other, then we’re not doomed as a society.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

My ideal reading/writing room would be equipped with the following:

1. A door that closes for privacy.
2. A desk and chair in the event I need to write on it.
3. Said desk equipped with laptop, keyboard, mouse, large secondary monitor, wireless printer, wire bound notebooks with pens, snd lots of post-it notes.
4. A reclining chair for comfortable reading and writing.
5. A Bluetooth speaker for playing music or white noise.
6. Windows on some of the walls for inspiration and natural light.
7. An adjustable light (color and brightness).
8. Art in the non-windowed walls that inspires me.
9. And of course me.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

My favorite automobile is a great question. It brings me back to age 18 when I graduated from High school in 1990.

My vehicle at the time was very practical but hideous and quite uncool (maroon 1982 Ford LTD station wagon, complete with burgundy pleather seats). I was essentially everyone’s ride home. Also I could stow a lot of drum equipment when needed.

So we (my parents and I) went to no less than 10 used car lots. Pushy salesmen gave the usual promises of reliability and such. We looked at small and medium coup cars from Chevrolet to Ford. There were possibilities but nothing clicked.

That is until we went to the eleventh dealer and there she was. A jet back (acrylic paint) 1984 Pontiac Firebird. The headlights went up and down. There was a rear spoiler and even louvers on the back window. The interior was pristine. The engine, a 305 V8 with a Holly 4 barrel carburetor. Sure it got 12 miles to the gallon but gas was a lot cheaper back then,

It was so much fun to drive. The engine purred and the wheels spun a tad when the car went into second gear. This was my dream machine and though throughout the years, I had to work on it a lot, cars were easier to fix back then. Besides, without the Internet or YouTube back then, I had the full Haynes mechanic manual.

I used to wax that car so much that the sun dazzled and danced on it when I drove. in fact it was almost blinding at times. My friends nicknamed the car “KIT” as it slightly resembled Knight Rider’s car (aside from not being a TransAm).

The speedometer only went up to 85 MPH, but we know it went far faster than that. A few tickets later, I learned I didn’t need to prove it as much.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I am creative in many different ways.

I can cook and improvise meals.

I write 30-40 different poetic forms. I write short stories as well.

I do music analysis. I also write inspirational quotes and share my lessons.

I play piano by ear and do my own arrangements.

I play drums and most forms of percussion.

I sing in tune and can harmonize in thirds.

As always thank you for reading…

-aaa

I was born in the year 1972. There are some significant events that took place in the year.

1. The break in, that occurred at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters leading to the Watergate Scandal.
2. The Munich Olympics Massacre that lead to the death of 11 Israeli athletes by terrorists.
3. J. Edgar Hoover former head of the FBI, passed away.
4. Frances Ford Copolla’s first installment of The Godfather was released in theaters.
5. Two leap seconds were added making 1972 the longest year ever at the time.
6. Britain took over rule of Northern Ireland at the time.

As always thank you for reading…

-aaa

I think so I’m better in some ways and worse in others. My expectations need to be just to be happy now. I think we should all live that way and doesn’t matter if we’re better off, worse off, or the same.

-aaa

I love the Sierra Nevada mountains. I’ve been up there fishing camping and exploring on and off since I was five years old.

I would say that I’ve taken more than a dozen trips up there throughout my life.

I hope to go back again sometime soon.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

Here are five things that I am good at:

1. Writing, I write many forms of poetry, short stories, essays, music analysis, and technical writing (manuals).
2. Music, I play most percussion instruments, site ready very well, play piano by ear, and can sing in tune /harmonize.
3. Computers, I’ve been working with computers and in technology for about 28 years now.
4. Empathy, I pick up a lot on people’s feelings, emotions, etc.
5. Cooking, I’m pretty adaptive and create my own recipes.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I am definitely more a night person. I always struggle with the mornings and often require the magic of caffeine to prop me up on more difficult days.

As always thank you for reading…

-aaa

I have bad insomnia and have for the past 25 years or so. I read and I write when I cannot sleep. As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I love both and I’ll explain why. Living in Southern California most of my life, we are one of the few states where you can have mountains and the beach relatively close to one another.

I’ve enjoyed the mountains in Southern California, as well in central and northern California.

I’ve also enjoyed the beaches up and down the coastlines as well. We also have some lovely deserts out here, too and as always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I feel this has been asked before in a different form so I’m good abstain from today’s question. I apologize to all my readers and thank you for your continued reading and support…

-aaa

Being an empath or even a super empath, a lot goes to instinct. I can tell you the times that I didn’t trust my instincts or trust my gut. I regretted it big time. Those are the red flags come from with people, events, and things. 

So I always trust my instincts, in life, love and writing. and since I have, they haven’t led me wrong.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

The downtown area in the city I live in is nice. Sidewalk cafes and bistros in plentiful supply. Some small stores to sidewalk shop in are also lovely. The downtown area gets a little crowded but I enjoy the ambiance. And they do a great job decorating for all the holidays. 

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I want to come across as kind, clean, handsome. I’m no spring chicken, but I do the best I can. 😂

As always thank you for reading…

-aaa

I am currently reading The Surrender Experiment My Journey Into Life’s Perfection by Michael A. Singer.

His book The Untethered Soul changed my perceptions about a great many things. Effectively, changing my life positively.

This shares the author’s lessons he’s learned at conquering the challenges life deals us. It’s very very interesting so far.

Maybe check it out, and is always thank you for reading…

-aaa

I would say right where I’m living right now. I live in the north Orange County part of Southern California in a nice apartment complex that pretty much has everything I could need.

I work from home. I blog from home. My parents live 10 minutes away, my sister and brother-in-law live 20 minutes away. Many of my friends live nearby as well.

Like I said, I live in the perfect place.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I have found a few cool things on my journeys.

I have found numerous bird feathers along my paths as I was walking.

Also I have found some rocks along the way that speak to me in some way.

So I have a small collection of bird feathers and rocks that are special to me. 😊

As always thank you for reading.

-aaa

I’m going to abstain from today’s daily question.

I’m sorry, but I just don’t really have anything to say about today’s question.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

Pets provide the love and loyalty that many humans unfortunately lack. They are there for you on your best and worst days, sensing and helping you where they can.

They do require your time, so don’t even consider a pet if you live a busy life. They give you a reason to take pause, slow down, and be present.

Just like young children they need your love and attention, and love to play.

As as always, thank you for reading 🐾🐾🐾

-aaa

The most expensive personal item in my possession is my limited edition Serigraph (hand reproduced) of “Sleepless Night” by John Lennon.

I acquired it at a John Lennon art show at the Queen Mary back in 1999. It was so expensive, the Laguna art gallery let my put it on “layaway” and after 6 months the work of art was mine.

It seems to have appreciated in value over the years and has rarely been far away.

In two the two cases where I lived on my own, I hung this above my piano for inspiration. Here it is today, it has survived 2 divorces and a broken up long engagement but it’s still here.

It honestly looks like he’s up can’t sleep and is writing songs. There’s a piano to his left. as well as it looks like a microphone and a tape recorder. Truly, it is something I find amazing and inspirational every time I look at it.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

Not really any right now believe it or not.

I don’t have time.

Sorry for my brief answer today, but as always, thank you for reading.

-aaa

Music of course as I played in bands, orchestras, etc, from age 8 – 24.

English/Reading, learning to read and write and find my inner voice is the greatest gift I’ve ever given in my life next to my learning music.

Choir was also a lot of fun and I enjoyed it greatly.

I also enjoyed the science classes, chemistry, physics biology, all good classes.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

This is a difficult question to answer and I’ll explain why.

I work from home as a technical writer 40 hours a week so I’m in front of the computer at least that much time.

I write and blog and read other blogs anywhere between 3 to 5 hours a day as well.

That’s 61 to 75 hours a week right there alone.

Social media and TikTok probably another hour or so a day.

For a grand total of 68 to 82 thousand a week screen time including writing.

As always thank you for reading and listening…

-aaa

Time is the most valuable asset that we all have. And it’s something that cannot be replaced when it elapses.

My answer is “yes” and lots of it, as much as I can possibly have.

I wanna do a lot in the time I have left and I don’t intend on wasting anymore of it. I think that’s all we come to find out as we get a little bit older and wiser in our lives.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I cannot really think of anything that hasn’t already been said here.

Also, I feel in the world, and North America, where I live, we have plenty of great holidays already.

As always, thank you for reading,..

-aaa

This is an intriguing question and it does smell of market research but nonetheless, I’m gonna answer it anyway. What the heck? Lol

1. Google (www.google.com) has been my premier search engine since its inception. I remember trying others but nothing for me compares.

2. Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.com) is also a favorite of mine. I know some of the content in there may not be 100% accurate but it’s an amazing way to find out more about things. You’re very interested in. For me that’s music art, and literature, of course. Movies and musicals as well.

3. YouTube (www.youtube.com) I love music and I love watching videos of yesterday and here’s a great place to find them all. As well as many unusual forms of music I never even thought I would’ve discovered.

4. Amazon (www.amazon.com) I’ve been a huge Amazon since its inception in the late 90s as a book and music house. They have the best prices on music at the time and I bought most of my CDs in the 90s on Amazon. As well as many books. I still use it to this day and love it and shop quite frequently on it and utilize all of its features.

5. WordPress (www.wordpress.com) though our relationship is somewhat tenuous (currently), I spend 4 to 6 hours a day working hard on my blog and appreciating other blogs on this site. Therefore, it should be included in my list.

As always, thank you all for reading, listening, and for your support…

-aaa

What year age could I live again? How about age 12 forward. I’d like to get back to where I was in junior high school and just live forward from there.

I would have to, of course take the knowledge and hard lessons I’ve learned up to now with me or forget about it. 😂😂

If I could talk to myself at age 12, I would say, “Don’t let any ugly things people project on you become what you are”. That is the hardest lesson in the biggest setback of my life and took me till about age 50 to figure out and undo. also, “It’s OK to be weird and be different and be sensitive. Many people won’t understand it, but that’s OK. They don’t have to. You just have to.”.

If I could maybe change things around and have a longer period of grace and perspective and peace in my life, I think it would’ve been a lot more fun.

That’s not to say I’m not having a great time now, but just taking this question as a hypothetical, I would return to that time with the knowledge I have and live the greatest life I could and help the most people I could as well.

I definitely would not change many things. I’d be a musician still and I’d be a writer as well. The only difference is I’d stick with those things my whole life and keep that technical knowledge I learned from going that route, since it wouldn’t hurt.😉

I don’t want to be rich or famous. I just want to be happy and if I could’ve lived a happier life with all these realizations far earlier, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. I’m not experiencing any regret on that truthfully I’m just enjoying this fantasy presented.

As always, thank you for reading and listening. I love you all out there, and if I ever get the chance, I will officially “like” your writings and submissions again. I’ll do my best to comment where I can, but I cannot comment on every single thing unfortunately, just know I love everything you all do and have the upmost respect for you all. ❤️

-aaa

This is a great question today, my hats off to you. 😊

The biggest risks id like to take relate to my creativity. I’d like to publish many books. I’d like to publish anthologies of my best poetry, children’s books, a book of short stories and essays, and maybe a self help book on the exodus from narcissist relationships as I have considerable field experience in that area.

Also I’d love to be in a band (jazz combo or rock cover).

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

I’m proud that I’m here talking to you right now. I’m proud that I made it further than a lot of people would’ve gotten living my circumstances. I’m proud that I’m me and that I don’t worry anymore about what other people think.

I’m proud that despite a gazillion bad choices I made in my life. I can make good ones now and appreciate the wisdom I learned from my bad decisions in the past.

I’m proud that I’m able to stand on my own, not relying on anybody but me for eating and for cooking, and for money, and for meals, and for love, and for everything. It’s taken a long time to get here. It’s not that I don’t want love from others and I don’t receive it. I do but I’m just saying I also love myself.

I’m proud that I’m doing what I love to do for a living and for fun here in my blog. I’m proud that I’m not sorry for being eccentric weird oddball that I am.

I’m proud of who I am!!!!

As always, thank you for reading and your kind words, they mean the world to me❤️❤️❤️

-aaa



I have truly been working on a lot of different things in my life. I don’t know anybody who’s only working on one thing. If they truly are and it’s all they need to work on envy them. I have quite a list, including:

1) Finding ways to make peace with my past and being content in the present.

2) Not worrying about the future and just being in the now.

3) My writing, every day, I work hard harder and harder on it, trying to make it the best I can trying to write in as many different forms I can challenge myself and grow.

4) To see the best and everybody even the worst people in the world, and not get tangled up in it. In the past, I would see the best in people and get tangled up in their drama.

5) My health, I intend to get it more under control as self-care is critical for all of us and the thing we do the least well in our lives, I think.

6) Not being a doormat (as I used to be) to my friends, colleagues, and family. 

7) Most importantly, how ideal with things that confront me and happen to me. To not react immediately. To take pause create space don’t let the emotions overwhelm me, and calmly coolly proceed.

As always, thank you all for reading and for your support…

-aaa

The origins of my last name is something that most people, even friends don’t know about.

My last name is Aquino (AH-KWEENO).

It’s because I am a descendent of the philosopher Saint Thomas Aquinas who was the founder of the philosophical theory of Teleology.

To put it in the most simple of terms, “that which mankind does not understand we attribute to God”.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa