I'm Still here

Just wanted to let you know, I'm still here and a lot has transpired since my last post.  Music, jobs, family, facial hair, etc...stand bye for what is to come!

8 months ago?!?

Life is full of changes.  Since my last blog, there have been many, many changes in my life.  So 2 days after my last blog (09/07/2013) I got hired at a company that is an "Authorized AT&T Re-seller" that has over 45 stores spread across 7 states.  I work in the corporate office here in Boise.  It is very laid back, and I have enough screen space that it sometimes feels like Tank (from the MATRIX).  It is a full time gig so it's nice to have a steady income again.  I'm still licensed to sell insurance so if you need a quote, by all means, give me a call!

17 strings, lots of fun

Musically, I have actually been very, very busy.  It is true that I am no longer a part of "the ROXTAR Project", and I'm totally OK with that because I got something better and closer to 'home'.  So the worship team at my church has been going through some transitions, so being available, I have pretty much played something different from one Sunday to the next depending on what's needed.  In this I have started playing bass and realized, I like it! (Through trading and selling I managed to acquire this nice 5 String Ibanez (pictured left)
Of course as you know, I'm a drummer.  I drum.  Drumming is what I do, and it's what I still do.  So a friend of mine asked if I wanted to sit in with her to showcase her album at a small local venue.  Any chance to play, I jump at it.  We played last month, had a blast, and will be playing again this month!
The big deal is a band that I auditioned for.


So I answered a CraigsList ad for a Christian band that was looking for a drummer.  Most of the time these ads are high school kids with a great heart, but not what I'm looking for.  Anyways, I go audition, first sign is a good thing sing the vocal/guitar guy is a worship pastor at the church we practice at, and he has a beard that can go head-to-head with Duck Dynasty any day.  The second thing was the songs I auditioned with were contemporary worship songs that I played at church that morning, or hear on the radio all the time.  It is great to play with like minded Christians that still know how to rock!

I just realized I never posted this, so I'm sorry for the delay, it's only about 8 months late...more to come soon!

So who's paying attention?

If you didn't notice I'm blogging more, well I am.  I have to ask myself why?  Maybe because I have more to say?  Maybe, I'm just more vocal this time of the year?  I have no idea...but I hope those that read this find it entertaining, informational, educational, or just plain stupid.  Either way, thank you for being part of my audience.  Just between us, I have started writing several blogs over the past few weeks, but never seem to finish them, and they are all about change.  Lately I have been going through a lot of changes and haven't figured out how to express them.

So from to get this done while I still have time.  As you know I have been pursuing a career as a Farmers agent since December of last year, and some of you are my clients.  As I'm sure you can guess...it is not an easy job to be in, especially when it is %100 commissioned based.  I love Farmers and the protection they provide and service they provide.  Because of financial reasons, I will be starting a new job on Monday, but my plan is to continue as a Farmers Agent, just not full time anymore.  I will continue to service my clients and sign new policies as they come up.  If you are my client and have questions, please call me.  As far as I'm concerned, nothing is really changing and you are still my client.

Another change is that I am no longer part of The Roxtar Project...sadly that is a more in depth story than I have time for at the moment.  However music is a big part of my life so I'm already searching for a new group to be part of, and I have a "meet & greet" tomorrow to make sure we get along before we start making music.

That's all I got time for today.  I would appreciate you following my blog, or clicking on some of these ads...I need some new shoes.

So what now?

Each day we make choices.  That choice will inevitably lead to an action, or an inaction.  Those actions will lead to results, or consequences.  Unfortunately life moves to quickly for us to stop and analyze every decision we make.  Should I wear the black shoes, or the brown shoes?  Should I change lanes after this light?  What should I have for breakfast?  Did I turn the stove off?

The choices above can obviously have a wide array of results.  The choice of shoes is pretty harmless, as is your decision for breakfast.  Unless you choose between a simple English muffin or a full order of Eggs Benedict.  Aside from the calories, the flavors, textures, and overall satisfaction is in question.  Not that there is anything wrong with a simple English Muffin.  I personally prefer my Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon instead of ham, but that's just me.

Changing Lanes can have a whole different set of consequences.  Especially if it involves the new BATMAN and Nick Fury.  Aside from comic book heroes, there are real consequences.  Sometimes you can get around that big slow truck and be merrily on your way.  Sometimes that truck won't see you and you can end up thinner, flatter, and in more pieces than one.  In short, you should always be aware of your surroundings when driving on the road.

Today I made a choice, which lead to an action.  I'm still not sure what the results are going to be so I am patiently waiting for some type of outcome.  I had a handful of Cheetos for breakfast, with a big glass of ice water.  I would have preferred the Eggs Benedict.  It's been several hours now and I am a little concerned.  Chester has yet to visit my home.  Guess it is time to move on to lunch.  Nothing like taking ones own life into their hands.   (No breakfast items were hurt in the writing of this blog)

Who do You Trust?

We live in a free economy, of course it doesn't always feel that way, but we do. We have the right to choose who we do business with, and where we spend out money. (Except for taxes, that is where it doesn't feel free) Everyday we make choices and those choices end in results. There are so many we may choose from on a daily basis, we don't even realize we are making them. Here are just a few to consider:

• Wake-up vs Snooze
• Oatmeal vs Cereal
• Milk vs OJ vs Coffee
• Coke vs Pepsi
• McDonald's vs Burger King
• Netflix vs Sleep

In the examples above are pretty trivial, with the exception of lack of sleep, there are no serious consequences, it is just another part of the day. When the choices get bigger, such as a new car, remodeling, financial investments, even Insurance providers, there is a bit more on the line. In these types of cases, we usually seek advise from professionals, but not just a random name from a phone book, or the first link that Google returns. It is usually from someone we trust, or a referral from someone we trust.

I have spent months building a network of people I trust. This list goes from auto/glass repair, to mortgage brokers, Real Estate Agents (residential/commercial), Hospitality, Catering, Satellite, technical support, and on and on. The reason I've done this, and will continue doing this is so when my client needs assistance, regardless of the need, I will be able to provide that support to them, or find someone who can.

My Agency goes beyond great Insurance Coverage, I want to provide COMPLETE coverage. With that, what can I do to earn your trust?

Brian Marquez
Farmers Insurance
2947 E Magic View Dr Ste 1
Meridian, ID 83642-3562
208-871-9701 (Office)
208-884-8208 (Fax)
bmarquez@farmersagent.com

and so goes the story...

Changes, they keep coming and we keep taking them...in stride.  As I write this there are several things running through my head so I'll try to keep this short.

FAMILY: My kids are in VBS at our church this week.  The material is from a band called "GoFish".  The love the music and as I write are dancing and grooving to these guys.  I love the energy but I keep waiting for them to bonk their heads on something.  That's when the fun really starts.

WORK: Hooks are in the water, getting some nibbles, but not enough bites to pay the bills...I need more hooks!  Of course I got one BIG hook right now, but no guarantees.  Talking with other reserve agents, we are all pretty much in the same boat.  We love the company, we love the job, we love working with different people....but the pay sucks.  Of course it takes a few years to get this kind of business up and running so we have no excuses...just results!  right?

WORK2: Hurray for a 2nd job to fill in the cracks!  Nuff said about that.

BAND:  I need it, and I need more of it!

CAR: Yesterday my car decided not to start, did you hear that?  Of course not, it wouldn't start.  Anyways, a big thanks to Niel for coming over this morning and helping me get it up and running again.  We were prepared to replace the starter (which is no simple task).  Turns out that it was the battery, which is much easier to replace, and we replaced it.  The HONDA lives!!!

I'd love to stay and chat, but I got rehearsal...see BAND above.

Peace Out Yo!

-brian

Traveling

I will be the first to admit that we have some beautiful country in the NorthWest, but I can only take so much at one time.  I have been staring at views like this for the past 5 hours.I am ready for a change.  While I wait for a change, anyone see the sad face in the clouds?