Friday, November 30, 2018
You are not some disinterested bystander. Participate. Exert yourself.
-Seneca.
I don't need to explain the title. You can figure it out.
08/21/18
Tip #27. In a battle. Research Your Enemy.
You think Bill Belichick wakes up on Sunday morning wishing he understood his opponents weakness. Hell no. He researches all week. He watches game footage. He shows his players how to exploit the defense. How to pick on the bad corners. How to rush the 3rd string guard. He doubles the team's best receiver. He makes his opponent beat him without their best weapon.
I saw many Colts games back in the late 2000s where Reggie Wayne had vanished.
If you have weaknesses, stop wishing you would beat them. Research your opponent. Come up with a game plan.
Spiritual Warfare.
I'm rereading The Screwtape letters as I find myself in a season less connected to the spirituality of life. The work is written by C.S. Lewis from the POV of a demon training another demon on how to secure a soul. The book takes a different look at the forces of good and evil. It presses you to think about spiritual warfare in a objective way. Below is a passage from Screwtape to his apprentice Wormwood
XII
"You can make him waste his time not only in conversation he enjoys with people whom he likes but also in conversations with those he cares nothing about, on subjects that bore him. You can make him do nothing at all for long periods. You can keep him up late at night, not roistering, but staring at a dead fire in a cold room. All the heathy and outgoing activities which we want him to avoid can be inhibited and nothing given in return, so that at last he may say, as one of own patients said on his arrival down here, "I now see that I spent most of my life in doing neither what I ought nor what I liked. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."
It is easy to find yourself living aimlessly. Forgetting the earlier passions of your youth and pursuing that NEXT thing. People find themselves envying more impressive life, a fatter paycheck, and more attractive mate. And if you can't get those things then try harder. Be better. Its laughable. We have no peace. We do something, then we want something more. Got a good job. Need a better job. Got a good meal. Need a better one. Your friends get new jobs, new money and you need a new job, new money.
You weren't looking for these things when you were younger but you are now. Why. Humans are prone to wander. And at some point in the distraction you forget who you wanted to be. It happens slowly.
11/30/18
Tip #28. Refocus. Look to the Zombie.
Having trouble sticking to your goals, look to the Zombie. For work, I'm reading a book about brand loyalty by Peter Shankman. The author says that if you want to increase revenue, you want to turn your guests into zombies.
What does a zombie want?
Raw flesh.
What else does a zombie want?
Nothing.
A zombie will do whatever it takes to get that one thing. It won't get distracted by other nonsense. Of course Shankman was eluding to making your customers more loyal and enthusiast about their brand. This translates to personal goal setting very well.
Throw away the distractions. Focus on the task ahead. Does netflix need to go? Hell they cancelled Daredevil anyways. What about Instagram, Hinge. etc... Or maybe its a more noble thing. You may be exercising too much.
You are going to have distractions in your life. Maybe you can't get rid of them all, but if you want to accomplish a big one you have to make time for it. You won't get rid of all your distractions overnight. But it will help to become more mindful.
Look to the Zombie.
I don't need to explain the title. You can figure it out.
08/21/18
Tip #27. In a battle. Research Your Enemy.
You think Bill Belichick wakes up on Sunday morning wishing he understood his opponents weakness. Hell no. He researches all week. He watches game footage. He shows his players how to exploit the defense. How to pick on the bad corners. How to rush the 3rd string guard. He doubles the team's best receiver. He makes his opponent beat him without their best weapon.
I saw many Colts games back in the late 2000s where Reggie Wayne had vanished.
If you have weaknesses, stop wishing you would beat them. Research your opponent. Come up with a game plan.
Spiritual Warfare.
I'm rereading The Screwtape letters as I find myself in a season less connected to the spirituality of life. The work is written by C.S. Lewis from the POV of a demon training another demon on how to secure a soul. The book takes a different look at the forces of good and evil. It presses you to think about spiritual warfare in a objective way. Below is a passage from Screwtape to his apprentice Wormwood
XII
"You can make him waste his time not only in conversation he enjoys with people whom he likes but also in conversations with those he cares nothing about, on subjects that bore him. You can make him do nothing at all for long periods. You can keep him up late at night, not roistering, but staring at a dead fire in a cold room. All the heathy and outgoing activities which we want him to avoid can be inhibited and nothing given in return, so that at last he may say, as one of own patients said on his arrival down here, "I now see that I spent most of my life in doing neither what I ought nor what I liked. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."
It is easy to find yourself living aimlessly. Forgetting the earlier passions of your youth and pursuing that NEXT thing. People find themselves envying more impressive life, a fatter paycheck, and more attractive mate. And if you can't get those things then try harder. Be better. Its laughable. We have no peace. We do something, then we want something more. Got a good job. Need a better job. Got a good meal. Need a better one. Your friends get new jobs, new money and you need a new job, new money.
You weren't looking for these things when you were younger but you are now. Why. Humans are prone to wander. And at some point in the distraction you forget who you wanted to be. It happens slowly.
11/30/18
Tip #28. Refocus. Look to the Zombie.
Having trouble sticking to your goals, look to the Zombie. For work, I'm reading a book about brand loyalty by Peter Shankman. The author says that if you want to increase revenue, you want to turn your guests into zombies.
What does a zombie want?
Raw flesh.
What else does a zombie want?
Nothing.
A zombie will do whatever it takes to get that one thing. It won't get distracted by other nonsense. Of course Shankman was eluding to making your customers more loyal and enthusiast about their brand. This translates to personal goal setting very well.
Throw away the distractions. Focus on the task ahead. Does netflix need to go? Hell they cancelled Daredevil anyways. What about Instagram, Hinge. etc... Or maybe its a more noble thing. You may be exercising too much.
You are going to have distractions in your life. Maybe you can't get rid of them all, but if you want to accomplish a big one you have to make time for it. You won't get rid of all your distractions overnight. But it will help to become more mindful.
Look to the Zombie.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Oh Hai, Mark.
Oh Hai, Everyone. It's been over three years since my last post. Why post now? Why not start a new blog? Why even have a blog?
During the last three years a lot has changed. I moved from Muncie, IN to Chicago, IL. I have worked at REI , Starbucks, Laugh Out Loud Theatre, The Hancock Building (Fired), Hashbrowns (Fired) , Elly’s Pancake House, Citadel Hedge fund Mailroom (Quit twice), Lincoln Park High School Football Coach , Fairgreen Real Estate , Yardhouse, Echo Global Logistics, and Chicago Electric Boat Company.
I have 11 different paytstubs in the last 3 years. I have gone out on lots of dates, seen a few people, and been in one committed relationship. Fitness has terrorized my life. I’ve done three Triathlons, two Marathons, and am on the verge of going to Amsterdam to run a third. I have hosted a few comedy shows. Been involved in many more. Walked away from comedy, walked back again.
3 lessons in 3 years
- Keep showing up.
In 2016, I found myself connecting with a man at Park Community Church. He had a good head on his shoulders. We bonded during a bible study and eventually he plucked me out of the mailroom for a seasonal job at Chicago Electric Boat Company. I found myself enjoying the Chicago River on a daily basis. I had to deal with some shit too. From fining a basic white girl for getting to drunk and refusing to come back to the dock to an unmanned boat roaming loose in the marina.
The job was part time, we hadn’t had enough growth to bring me on to a full time roll. Over the next couple years I had to get a full time job. I’d work 8-5 and the head to the boat shop to put in some hours. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and working with the people.
A few weeks ago the GM quit and they offered me the position. It was a tough decision. I had finally found a home with Echo. Lots of cool people and I was pretty good at slinging freight. One of the only threads I had the last few years was working in the marina. I knew I liked the job because I had been doing it for a couple years. I took the job.
Chicago Electric Boats fell out of nowhere right into my lap. My foot in the door was very small. But over the years the door opened up until I began to shove half my body into the doorway.
- You can’t pick and choose.
You need to really think about your life. Is it by design or by default. I had a rough day at work the other day. I had to fine a group 750 dollars for damaging the back deck of a boat. After work I was going to see a girl. I was hauling on my Surly. I passed another cyclist on her right side. She was riding in the center of the lane. She yelled out to me, “Pass on the left. Asshole.” As I zipped past her I yelled back, “Wear and helmet, you can’t pick and choose.”
Who is this woman to tell me the rules of the road. She is just picking and choosing the ones she likes. I inconvenienced her by passing her on the right. She isn’t even taking care of her own life. Wear a helmet. Are you kidding me?
In the coming days I thought about this line. “Wear and helmet, you can’t pick and choose.” How often in my own life am I picking and choosing. I run a marathon, but eat a bunch of junk food. I go to church on sunday, then I go makeout with a total stranger. Give someone some life advice, then go do the total opposite. In the coming weeks I will attempt to trim the fat in my life. The things that are by default and not by design. We need to each take the time and reflect on each day and think how can we improve. What bad habits did we curb?
- We don’t need self help, we need to help.
“Suffering you need, Literature is baloney.” - Tim Krabbe
The best self help is not reading a blog. What is the thing you can’t stop thinking about it. It's hard. What if I’m bad at it. What if people laugh at me. What if my family disowns me. Who cares. You have but one role in this life. To be a good person and help others be good people. If the thing you are thinking about could help another person, you know what you need to do. Quit taking it easy. What challenge can you suffer through to become a better person.
In the last year, I have immersed myself in Albert Camus, Immanuel Kant, Plato,, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, CS Lewis, Soren Kierkegaard, and many others. A lot of these fellas are very intelligent. I had found myself reading one and then another and then another. I think it's more important to find these guys interesting then it is to actually read them. What I learned was how important it is to reflect. A lot of us know what we need to do. We find ourselves falling into rabbit holes while we look for alternatives or distraction. If you want to read a novel read a novel. If you want to read a self help book read a self help book. But don’t forget these are distractions. You have a life to live. You don’t want to be the goon at the end of your life who only consumed. Nobody finished their life and wishes they consumed more. They kick themselves for the things they didn’t do. Go do those things. Follow the fear.
This blog is for me. It is not meant to be enjoyed or read. I have made these reminders for myself.
I've attached this introspective piece of work from Demetri Martin. It is one fo the most underrated specials of all time. Demetri is know for his jokes, but he bears his soul during this piece. Worth a watch for sure.
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| Bookend Callback |
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Lyndi Anna Jones : Episode 104 Fired
So I have been off the grid for the most part for the last two months. Since my last post, I have been working three jobs, writing a book, and editing a film. The good news is the book is being edited as you read this. And hopefully you will have a copy in your hands within three weeks!
I am very sorry that there has been a short delay to all of our kickstarter supporters. The extra time that Matt, Emily, and I have put into the book will be worth it! Your patience is commendable.
In the meantime please check out this podcast with my new friend Lyndi! She is really cool and she just got fired!
I am very sorry that there has been a short delay to all of our kickstarter supporters. The extra time that Matt, Emily, and I have put into the book will be worth it! Your patience is commendable.
In the meantime please check out this podcast with my new friend Lyndi! She is really cool and she just got fired!
Lyndi Anna Jones : Episode 104 Fired by Jason Martin on Mixcloud
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The moment you all have been waiting for
Lindsay Flanagan (Olympic Hopeful) Cuts to the chase in this week's episode of Stop Looking at Me Swan
If you don't care about listening to me babble about life cut to around 20 minutes!
Friday, January 30, 2015
Future 2016 Olympics Marathon Runner Winner for Tuesday's Podcast
Lindsay Flanagan will be on the show this Tuesday. She recently had a qualifying time for olympic qualifier. That race will be in February and if all goes well she will be off to Rio in the summer of 2016! Then we will bring her back on the podcast so she can tell you how my podcast helped win her the olympics.
You can find Lindsay's stats here.
Her twitter handel is @liflana
You all are gonna learn a thing or two about learning a thing or two this Tuesday! Contrary to what you would think, she says she takes a hell of a lot of naps. Work Hard. Nap Harder.
You can find Lindsay's stats here.
Her twitter handel is @liflana
You all are gonna learn a thing or two about learning a thing or two this Tuesday! Contrary to what you would think, she says she takes a hell of a lot of naps. Work Hard. Nap Harder.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Stop Looking At Me Swan Episode 1
Stop Looking at Me Swan is a weekly podcast. Tune in for jokes, rants about random events, comedy, life, and interviews with people while I stare directly into their souls, at them. Thats right. Directly into their souls, at themMusic from http://www.bensound.com
Stop Looking at Me Swan: Septentrional
Episode 101
Who I am, Comedy, Fear, Thoughts
January 20, 2015
Stop Looking At Me Swan : Pilot (Septentrional) by Jason Martin on Mixcloud
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Special Thanks to our Kickstarter Supporters! Post Trip Book and Movie.
Throwback to when Matt and I hated each other Day 9 of the trip.
Matt and I have been hard at word the past few weeks writing and coming up with lots of ideas.
You will be excited to hear that we have brought Emily Downing on board to edit!
Matt and I have been hard at word the past few weeks writing and coming up with lots of ideas.
You will be excited to hear that we have brought Emily Downing on board to edit!
Editor in Chief: Emily Downing
And thus the dream team was born.
The rough cut of the book should be finished the first week of February. And then we will get the book out to our blurb writers a little bit early! Unfortunately our movie is running a little bit behind , but is due for a May release.
For our IMDB users check it out.
(it costs $35 for a post on the page. Send it to my paypal Thepaperbagg@yahoo.com and I'll put it up in your honor)
We may be unavailing a podcast really soon too. Still working on some ideas regarding what it will be about. If you have any thoughts lets us know!
Thanks again Emily. Matt and I are both really thankful for her help.
Friday, November 21, 2014
It feels like just yesterday I cycled from Chicago to New York.
We have been done for several months now. Matt Bennett has gone on to be a big bad nurse and I well... am trying to get my feet dirty in the world of comedy.
Currently, I am in Improv 101 at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, CA.
It is a great comedy school which was founded by Amy Poehler and some of her friends back in the early 2000s. If you want you can check out Amy Poehler's Yes, Please.
It is rising up on the New York City Times Best Sellers.
Anyways I will be performing with my class on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 2:30 PM. It is going to be a lot of fun!
I am finishing up school this semester. I plan on trying to start and improv or sketch group in the Chicago. Shoot me an email or a text if you are looking to be involved.
Here is an awesome article that dear friend Katharyn Schrader wrote about Matt and I's trip.
The book and movie are still going to be released on time. We should have a trailer in January.
Check Matt and I out on Kathy Lee and Hoda
Friday, July 11, 2014
33 Days and 2 pairs of broken headphones later, We Make it to NYC today!
We just want to thank everyone for their support over the last month! We will leave Princeton, NJ this morning and should make it to the big apple tonight! Just 58 miles. Matt and I have had a lot of fun and we are not dead yet!
You all deserve this! Enjoy!
We camped behind Hooters and Outback last night. #Makingmoves
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
USA, USA, USA!
Dupont Circle's viewing party has been cancelled, no one has forked over the 30 grand that it costs to have a public viewing party. Freedom Plaza is going to be off the chains. Mayer Vincent Gray has the city putting up funds to host the once in a lifetime event.
Come on out to Freedom Plaza and watch the game with us in complete pandemonium!
Its going to be a good day.
Come on out to Freedom Plaza and watch the game with us in complete pandemonium!
Live from Freedom Plaza TODAY: USA vs. Belgium on the Big Screen http://t.co/UQFOnvWiIl pic.twitter.com/OwSPoEe1qg
— Cultural Tourism DC (@DCculture) July 1, 2014
Huge crowds gather to watch sports in Freedom Plaza...in 1912. http://t.co/tynchmdnBq pic.twitter.com/243SDqfusl
— Topher Mathews (@GeorgetownMet) July 1, 2014
You can watch today's game at Freedom Plaza in DC. GET ON OUR LEVEL
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) July 1, 2014
And then watch John Oliver Break down the FIFA World CupIts going to be a good day.
Columbus. Check. Pittsburgh. Check. DC. Here We Come
This is Jason writing to you!
For those who are wondering, I have not posted all of the sets on YouTube. Some of the sets will only be available in the film when released.
Scarlet and Grey
Surly Girl Saloon
The Pleasure Bar
Blue Dust
The Beerhive
For those who are wondering, I have not posted all of the sets on YouTube. Some of the sets will only be available in the film when released.
Columbus
The Shrunken HeadScarlet and Grey
Surly Girl Saloon
Pittsburgh
The Pleasure BarBlue Dust
The Beerhive
Washington DC
BloombarsTuesday July 1st I am booked!
I will be performing at Solly's tonight!
It looks like it will be a pretty good show! If you are in DC come out!
Monday, June 16, 2014
The Time Has Come
Very first show of the tour tonight! Jaybo Martin is stepping up to the plate at The Shrunken Head in Columbus Ohio! Get ready for some brand new material to be posted shortly. Cheers!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Shows Announced!
Shows
The Real Jaybo aka Jason Martin and Staff Nurse Matt Bennett are getting after it in Columbus, Ohio this week!Bernie's on Monday Night
Stage Left on Tuesday night
Surly Girl Saloon on Wednesday!
We finna go hard in the paint for you guys this week.
These are all open mics, so we will get there early and should get on the list. Of course, it could crash and burn at any time. Pray that things work out!
Bernie's could be really fun as I think it might be a singing open mic.
Update
Chain up your dogs Ohio!
Also we have been in a hotel lobby for 5 hours now with our bags on a rack. They just offered us the TV remote.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Final Day to Back Project!
Final Day
You have all been unbelievable so far! Especially those of you who are apart of the Special Thanks and above tiers!
Jason has posted part of his set from Schubas in Chicago last night to the Youtube! Feel free to check it out. It is just a taste of what is to come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5oZeASTpug
Lets cross the $2000 mark today!
Thank you for believing in the inspiration of this project. We hope that our risks will inspire you to do what you fear most.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Update Number 2!
Goal Achieved! Let's keep the ride going!
We have met our goal in an amazing way. Thank you all so much for your support.
Jason has been slaving away writing jokes and remembering stories so that we can have the best possible performance. The trip will be happening.
Matt has been researching camp sites and connecting with other touring cyclists by means of a website called warmshowers.com . We already have a place to stay in Indiana!
It is about 50 miles away.
Continue to tell your friends and family to pledge. The money will be spent on food and better camera equipment. We are investing in memory cards, tripods, gopro mounts, etc.
If you think we should add any more or different rewards let us know. We would love to cater to your needs!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Through the first week of kickstarter!
We're off to a fast start! Because of the enormous amount of support we have had to this point, we are now only $345 from meeting our goal...but we don't want to stop there! Keep supporting us and spreading the word! It would be awesome to go above and beyond our goal! Everything is starting to fall into place and the tour is becoming a reality as we're getting super close to the start date.
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