Playing the game. You think that Chicago is such a midwestern down home city, but you cannot forget that it’s every man for himself. You cannot NOT play the game. If your employer tells you you are ‘family’ and that the work environment is a ‘family’ atmosphere, do not forget that it is not. It is a business atmosphere. “It’s not personal, it’s business” is a phrase I learned very well years ago. People, remarkably Geminis, will lie to you. People will use you. People will make you think that they love you in order to keep you in a certain place. I know some incredibly smart people that fall victim to this ploy. It’s unusually common. You HAVE to stay one step ahead, constantly. There are 2 people (outside of my blood) that I trust in this world. I am friendly, interesting, likeable, communal, and visceral to everyone I know and care about, but my trust in anyone is cautious. Oh it’s there — I absolutely trust many people — but it is not deep trust. Deep, true trust makes you incredibly vulnerable, and like most animals on this earth are aware of, you do not show your belly to anyone unless you trust them with your life. Sermon over. Our guest blogger for tonight is… HARMONY FRANCE. Tell us a little bit, Harmony:

Oh my…let’s see where to start? I am the jewel of happiness in a cesspit of despair right now. I couldn’t be more positive and constructive at this moment. HAH! Let’s just say…I admit it. I’ve been had. I knew it was coming, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I did nothing to stop it. I don’t really know what to say. I guess I feel a little differently than Eric. I don’t want to play the game. I’m sick of games. They are exhausting. Why can’t people just be upfront about things not flattering JUST upfront…blunt works…I like blunt. NOOOOOOO instead people think that they have to go out of their way to “play” you..put you where they want you and then clobber you when you aren’t looking. Whatever I’m completely over it. I will not be a scapegoat or a sacrificial lamb. I will not play anyone’s games. I’m too old for this shit. If you want to believe any kind of bullshit about me than just go ahead. Believe what you want. I don’t have the time or energy to set you straight. Just to set the record straight: I am one of the most trustworthy people you will EVER meet in your lifetime. If I am loyal to you than I will face the lions in an arena to protect you or your honor. If you doubt that then you don’t know me at all and you can simply…um…let’s see…um…what’s the right phrase…fuck off!…there we go. There it is. Eric is making me stop now because he’s tired. I could probably write for hours….

…Alright! Tell it sister! I have to say that yes, Harmony, I am sick of “playing the game” as well, but that doesn’t matter a lick. It’s the fact that you still have to play it. Doesn’t matter if you don’t want to play it or not. If you don’t want to play, then no problemo! Don’t play, but don’t get upset when you get schnookered. Life ain’t fair, work ain’t fair, and business sure as hell ain’t fair. You don’t have to play any game you don’t want to. But if that’s how you roll, then you can’t complain when you lose. Although, if you don’t play a game, can you lose at it? Hmmm… that’s today’s thought. Anyway, this isn’t directed at Harmony, it’s directed at anyone that’s been had by the game. And if anyone knows how to play the game, it’s an actor. That’s half our business. The other half is marketing, and talent is icing on the cake. Sad, but for the most part true. Except for the exceptions. But you’ll have that.

Preach your sermon,

Eric Thomas Martin