The Untold Story: About Life… so far

When it comes to people, how do you know you can trust them? Like really. I’m not trying to start anything or initiate some wrongdoing. All I’m saying is whenever you’re doing or saying something and people, whether they are your friends, family, or coworkers, they without letting you know might have more to express about you behind your back. Unfortunately, I’ve been in some similar situations. The problem is the individual or multiple people that are involved don’t say anything to you. And that’s where and when the problem begins. If you’re a very open-minded and observant person, you’ll notice some things. The truth is, all you expect in return is the truth. People to tell you when something is wrong, or when you may have something to do with the problem. Those are the people that I respect. But the issue I have is when things are unsaid. I’ve spent more than enough of my life to know that if something is wrong, I would like to know about it. That’s why anyone who tells me anything, I respect them whole heartedly. But then there’s the people who decide to keep things to themselves. Or at least with those they feel are close to them. How do you expect a relationship to be stronger if you can’t even tell the person you feel who is bothering you about a problem what’s wrong?

I’m sure a lot of this has to do with overthinking, but sometimes my overthinking personally has been right. But it’s been wrong at times… and then there’s your gut. When you have a gut feeling about something, like the old saying says… “go with your gut” or something like that. I honestly don’t know any more at this point. Everyone lives their own lives. There’s only so much we can do to change it. Pastors, Motivators, Phycologist, Teachers and whatnot. At some point in our lives, we need to be aware of what we know. And what we can change to better ourselves as human beings. Life is short. Make the most with what you have to work with. Just be sure it’s something positive and can give hope for generations to overcome adversity.

A.D.D. And Its’ Origin: The Simple Version

Whether it’s ADD or ADHD paying attention to many things can be difficult. I have a theory that how we are disciplined growing up affects our learning, not just with school, but with life as well. Let’s take schooling for example, I’m in class and the teacher is talking forever and it just seems like it’s never going to stop. The only thing that I’m waiting for next is when we get to start doing an activity. Something where I can be more hands on… but that moment never happens. At least in certain subjects of school. We go straight to paperwork, and I have almost no idea what I’m supposed to do next. This tells me one of two things, that I learn better from doing activities and possibly group projects. And then the other is communication. The style in teaching doesn’t seem to help me out a whole lot and I have to look at it from another perspective.

Blah blah blah then something about the parents or guardians (see what I did there?) of the child and how they are being raised affects their learning in school. Now, it depends on the teacher to point out which of their students are having a more difficult time learning in class. I want to assume that’s why we have Parent/Teacher Conferences. And that’s when we get to things like Extra Curricular activities. Instruments and other things of that nature that doesn’t necessarily involve words to learn opens up one’s skillset. Back in elementary school, I loved learning about pianos and keyboards. Through time, I taught myself how to play a beginner’s version of songs like the Titanic’s My Heart Will Go On, those nursery rhymes, and some of the hockey music you hear at the games. The reason why most Asians are good at math my guess is they were raised more disciplined. Words were not a strong suit of their elders. That’s why when you see in movies and TV shows, nothing the child ever does in school is enough to please their parents. I will say that is a little far-fetched. At least it wasn’t that way in my household.

Another good takeaway from this was when I was watching King of The Hill. There was an episode about how Bobby was diagnosed with ADD and it just hit me like a sack of potatoes. Bobby could not focus or pay attention in school. What he lacked was that verbal interaction and bonding time with his dad. Hank was always trying to avoid doing things with him that didn’t seem to pique his interest. So, pretty much what I’m informing is as a former child of my parents, learning was difficult for me as well. Some subjects I was great at and others, not so much. The lack of communication that I had with my family made it hard to pay attention in school. But I won’t blame them for any of that. I think I turned out alright. At least I can say that I’m well aware of it now.

But it’s not just school…

It’s one thing to speak, to say words, but it’s another to understand it. What do I mean? When I was younger, a child, and I didn’t get to have things my way, I would pout, I would cry. Sometimes I would get hit for making a scene (I was a very dramatic person without realizing it). The thing is, I never understood why I didn’t get the things that I wanted. That was my discipline. I believe that a lot of Asian cultures were like that, and still are probably. The use of words wasn’t a big thing as to parents wanting their kids to graduate from school and get a job or go on to get a degree from college and support the family. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to do what I can to support my family. It just has to be my way, doing what I love, and not having to work until I’m in my 60s at a job with no future. Another thing is we buy each other a whole bunch of scratch-off lottery tickets and hope for the best. After so many years of being disappointed from this, I know that’s not the way I feel I was meant to make a living and be successful. There’s so much out there, and I just want to capture the dream!

My Prom Night

Over a decade ago, it was my senior year and graduation was around the corner. But first, it’s time to get jiggy with it! Just days before prom (or weeks, I’m not really sure anymore at this point) I had gotten fitted for my suit. All white with pin stripes with a chain and top hat. That’s right, I went all out with the tuxedo get-up. So much so, when we went out to have dinner other customers at the restaurant thought I was getting married. The venue for our prom was pretty nice. At a location not at the high school gymnasium as movies typically show. Unless of course we were just really fortunate. And in that case, I’m really grateful for what was given to us. Nobody that I know of spiked the punch bowl, so it was a sober night for us.

For the longest time to this day, there was this girl that I had art class with whom I would share stories and feelings with. We were pretty close for the two semesters we had together. This is where the clueless person in me kicked in and if my hindsight of the situation is true, she had a thing for me. We got to know one another quite well for the short amount of time we were in class. I remember talking about another girl I had a crush on to her one too many times not thinking about how she felt. The reason for bringing this up was when I was slow dancing with another girl at prom, I noticed her just several feet away staring at me with this look. You know, the look you give someone like “this could have been us, but you effed that up.” And in return, I gave her that look of how I disappointed her and what potentially could have been. That look where “oh sh*t. I screwed this up big, didn’t I?” Of course, considering how long ago that was, we all move on. And unlike in movies and TV shows, it’s not like I would randomly bump into her down the road to explain to her the situation or express my feelings for her. I messed up. She was into me, and I missed my moment. I have to bite the bullet on this one. The show has to go on. And again, another opportunity missed.

As prom night was wrapping up, there was nothing like hitting up Denny’s to end the night with everyone we went with. Well, most everyone. For me, there was no afterparty to go to. No cottage at Stifler’s moms to get that one last chance to lose ones’ virginity. It was just a late-night meal and back home for a “I didn’t get any” wank. Overall, prom was good. Made some memories with friends but considering how long ago this was, I don’t quite remember all the details. Here’s to prom and hoping to anyone else out there to make decisions you won’t feel like you’ll regret. Salut!

School’s Out, But What About Work?

It’s summer, and if you’re a student or you just graduated or even got your degree, what’s next? Assuming you’re old enough to work, figuring out if you’re actually ready to work or not is another question. Maybe you’ve got a planned vacation and need to save up some money. Or even to do things with friends and family with all sorts of activities and events. And if you’ve been working, you already know. There’s no time off from work. Man, being responsible sucks. From keeping a roof over your head and your stomach fed, there is no summer break… and with that I say, “Welcome to Life.” Whatever choice you make with the money you work for, just remember it’s your decision on what you get to spend it on. Just be sure to balance out all your expenses and priorities first. Sure, people can put their 2 cents in and opinions on telling you what to do with your money, but it’s only 2 cents. If you ask me, I’ll give you my 10 cents in what you should do. Which is a lot more, but definitely not as much as 50 Cent. He’s a baller! Where was I going with this?

And if you need money, “call JG Wentworth! 8-7-7-CASH-NOW!” Sorry, I had to. There’s a lesson in here somewhere. I just don’t know what it is… Make money. Live your life. Make your own decisions. And you should never have to wonder what would happen if you let someone else decide for you. But if you need the help, then by all means, look at it as a guide towards a better life.

Guardian Angel

I can’t speak for everyone when it comes to the spirit and soul having a connection with a higher power. But I’ve seen my fair share of YouTube videos where people were put into a life and death situation and last second being protected from leaving this world. It’s not just life and death that these angels are here watching over us for, but with the obstacles and difficulties we find ourselves in. If life were too easy to manage, then we wouldn’t learn any real lessons. Take me for example. My life has been very difficult and a lot of situations I’ve been in were a trainwreck, in which I’ve learned a lot of lessons from. I have asked to those watching over me to take it easy a bit. As in if this life was like a video game, to turn the difficulty settings down a notch or two. I’m not ready to play on All-Madden yet or Survival mode in Fallout 4 where when you get shot, your health continues to deplete until your inevitable death. And that’s how life is here on Earth. After so many thousands of years the human race has existed on this planet, we’re all still hating on each other because of the color of our skin and living together on this beautiful planet that we’re destroying.

Rick & Morty was right. Remember that episode where the world of snakes was at war with each other over race? I know it’s just an animated television show but there’s some truth to that. It’s terrible. To this day, we’re still dealing with that. I was door dashing the other week and went to pick up a food order from this bar, and while I was waiting for the order to be ready, this older gentle… I don’t even think I can call him a gentleman considering how he wouldn’t stop staring at me (and not in a good way). Just a straight up angry b*tch face. That made me feel out of place and uncomfortable. I wasn’t harming anybody. Just doing my job and trying to make a living. Anyway, I just felt like I had to get some of these things off my chest. All I know is, I’m not giving up on this planet. There’s still so much fascinating sites and scenery to see in this world that I would love to visit… and I’m sure many of you would too!

NPC In Real Life

Do you never think to yourself about the job you have where you do the same thing every day? Like knowing when you go into work you don’t really expect anything too different to happen. It is just a job after all. You gotta do what you gotta do to put money in your bank account and bread on the table. Whether you’re making a living, or just enough to survive. There’s that same repetitive motion you do with specific responsibilities. Now, unless you don’t play video games, NPC means “Non-Playable Character”. Take Free Guy for example. If you’ve ever seen the movie, (spoiler alert) you’ll know the characters go through the same routine over and over. It’s basically going into the lives of video game characters and what they experience on a daily basis. But obviously, for the most part we don’t deal with the crazy situations they do. One of my jobs I work at I talk to customers all the time. I almost always say the same thing to each and every one of them. But I do restrain myself from asking how their day is or what they have planned if they’re not so talkative or are on the phone with someone, etc. Yesterday I actually said to a few customers the line blue shirt guy said, “Don’t have a good day. Have a great day!” At work, I’m a lively NPC character, but outside of work… I rock the sunglasses. Which makes me, a hero! (Minus the crazy action sequences) But one of my favorite quotes from the movie would have to be from what Buddy said, “Even if I’m not real. This moment is, right here right now. This moment is real…” That hit me differently. Because from what everyone may say about whether this life we’re all living is real, a simulation, or whatever Science Fiction scenario you want to come up with, we just have to live our lives to the best of our abilities… and believe that humanity will thrive, together!

I Don’t Know How To Talk To Women

Before you start wondering, let me take you on a little journey from my past and put things into perspective. Growing up I wasn’t the greatest by any means when it comes to socializing with people in general. And when it comes to girls (especially if I had a crush on them), I would only know them through school, because they were my classmates. Then as I got older and started working, same thing, the women that were my coworkers I would be introduced by someone training me or if I had any questions. If you took those out of the equation, I would most likely get my confidence talking to them from an old friend, Mr. Liquid Courage himself, alcohol. Breaking the ice was, and still is, one of my biggest weaknesses. Whether I see a beautiful, cute, and/or sexy woman (or whatever adjective you want to use), it’s like I get stage freight. Especially if I want to talk to them. Because the truth is, I want to get to know them. Know their likes, dislikes, what they’re passionate about, have arguments over things that don’t matter. Even accidentally slip out a fart every now and then (let’s hope those aren’t on days I have a protein shake).

Anyway, you get the point I’m making. But what seems to be worse than these is what has happened to me lately. Although, I may only meet some women I find myself attracted to at work, it’s as if someone somewhere out there that I would consider to be of a higher power seems to take them away from me. On two occasions both women that I like ended up moving away. And not like down the street away, but to a completely different state. This not long after having a connection with them. But only for a moment I thought I might have been the reason why. The thing is I haven’t tried to make a move, do or say anything to make them feel awkward. They’re my coworker and that would change everything the next time I see them. Or what if it’s because I didn’t make a move? I’m sure that can’t be it. But I digress. Whatever the situation, I’m still alone which can be lonely sometimes. Not to say that I don’t like being by myself but there are times when I really would like to have the comfort of a woman with me. For all I know they could bring me one step closer to achieving my goals and dreams. The motivation that I hate to admit, lack more often than I would like. The drive that gets me out of bed every morning to take on the day with high hopes! But… it looks like I’ll have to do this on my own. I just have to be patient a little longer. I’m sure soon I will be able to find myself much closer to happiness.

The Time I Became A Stripper

In this phase in my life, I had a difficult time keeping my clothes on. It was just about 10 years ago, right around the time one of my buddies, Jerry, my neighbor who I grew up with for some time had gotten married, Magic Mike had recently been released. Since I didn’t really know his wife too well at the time, I decided to do something special. (oh boy, I’m really about to write this) The reception for Jerry and Janie was on a yacht that we took out in the lake somewhere just off of Detroit. Which by the way was incredible. I had made a request to the DJ to play Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 because you know, Magic Mike. It was at that time I proceeded to taketh off my top, dance and sing for Jerry. It definitely brought in quite the crowd. Not that this mattered or anything but it was open bar and I was not sober. But that doesn’t mean I was completely hammered either. Just making memories and having ourselves a wonderful time.

The rest of the summer consisted of house parties my roommates would have with one of our very own, Mario (an old roommate and friend), who was a DJ himself (DJ Fingerblast I believed), just having the time of our lives. More of my clothes would come off at these parties and I just did what I did best. Being half naked. This eventually led to me dancing in front of a crowd of people at an actual strip club towards the end of the summer. How this happened was the job I was working at, there was a guy there that did that on the weekends for a living who went by the name Phoenix. He showed me the ropes a little. My first night there I was only meant to spectate. With the lack of dancers we had, I was asked to perform. I agreed but was really nervous, and unintentionally got hammered and did my thing for 3 songs. This skinny but ripped little Asian guy shaking it for dollar dollar bills y’all for about 10 minutes making $11 in the process. Which by the way, not a bad turnover rate. I later knew I was in no condition to drive so without realizing it, I slept in my car until I had sobered up a bit.

My stripper name… Viper. I had asked some friends to help me with that. They knew I was a fan of Randy Orton and that’s how that came to be. Instead of RKOing people out of nowhere, I was taking my shirt off in front of people out of nowhere… just kidding. But not really. Overall, it was a memorable summer and there wasn’t a whole lot I would change about it. Just another story to tell. The story of how I became a stripper for just one night.

Xanga 2.0?

Is it just me or is blogging pretty much Xanga? Think about it for a moment. You have the ability to create or choose your template to your liking. Changing font and styles, it’s quite interesting. And just like how it was when I had Xanga back in high school, my following… very minimal. But that’s okay! It doesn’t bother me (yet) too much for I’m just happy to write about… almost anything. In this situation, it’s my life experience and what imagination that was created in my mind to bring out the entertainment for anyone to see or read. Which leads me to the Disney Pixar’s Inside Out movie. Such an interesting take in the mind of your emotions. Although the movie did get a little dark, I really enjoyed watching it. I still find myself rewatching this movie from time to time again.

… And wasn’t Geocities the same way?!

Laos New Year | One Year Later

After about a year since my very first blog post, I thought I would share some things about my personal life. Just this past weekend I got to spend some time with my family, eat a little bit, and had a nice talk with one of my nephews. We even watched some of our own YouTube videos with a channel that I know I’m struggling on, mostly because I don’t post enough. There was so much we just talked about, like his schooling, love interest, and I offered him one of my bowling balls considering now that I’m retired from leagues. I figured I did all I needed to do with bowling, almost nothing more I could do. Other than bowl an 800 series.

This year is quite different in comparison to last year. My brother-in-law wasn’t feeling too well after spending some time in the hospital. We just did what we had to in hopes he’ll get better in time. Our annual golf tournament has already been canceled this year. With no winner, it didn’t feel right continuing this tournament without him. Will be rooting for a speedy recovery for him though. Considering Laos New Year is right around the same time as the anniversary of the sinking of Titanic, I went and revisited the movie. Still a classic. Sometime after dropping my mom off, I took home some leftovers. Got a little Papa John’s which was really nice. There’s just something about that garlic sauce that hits differently. That’s how I’m able to smash the crusts as well.

Goal For The Year

It’s simple. I just need to stop being lazy. Once I figure that out then with time dreams will start to come true. For any of you who are still with me, thank you for sticking around while I get my sh*t together. Let’s see if I can bring back some older topics back into play this Pi Mai.