2004 Was A Good Year

I wrote about how wisdom can change what we thing about our past in my last blog. I continue the blog topic to talk about my 2004 and the specific moment. I talk about the specific moment first.

Fanime Con 2004 Was Actually A Good Anime Convention

I have thought about Fanime Con 2004 being a bad con for me. The reasons were, um, were--I can’t think of any legitimate bad reasons. Thinking now, there were either illegitimate or stupid. The following were the good moments: There were no lines in the dealer’s room. I watched many anime in the video rooms. I caught up a friend’s brother I hadn’t seen in four years. I stayed awake for 26 hours including watching 17 episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA) during the midnight marathon. The best moment was after episode eight in FMA, I said to myself, “I’m going to cosplay (the main character) Edward Elric.”

I don’t know what I had been thinking. There were a few bad moments here and there. Those bad moments were small compared to the many good moments at Fanime Con 2004. I shouldn’t let those small moments ruin the convention. I shouldn’t make a big deal over those small moments that bothered me. Wisdom changed my thoughts on a past moment. I’m happy to change my thoughts that Fanime Con 2004 was a good convention.

2004 Was Actually A Good Year

Here are the good moments:

*Las Vegas. Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, played $4/$2 low-limit Texas Hold ‘Em at Binion’s Casino, rode a bus on Las Vegas Blvd. from Fremont St. to the strip, and won $80 playing craps and the camel races game both at Luxor.

*My website Innovate Infinitely went online on May 1.

*My first anime costume was Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist. Thank you FMA midnight marathon at Fanime Con 2004. Thank you mom for making the costume.

*As a result of wearing a costume, I didn’t quit anime. I thought about quitting after Fanime Con 2004.

*Played online poker for fun at PartyPoker.net.

*Purchased the Nintendo GameCube.

*Curses are meant to be broken. The Boston Red Sox won the World Series. The last time the team won was in 1918.

*New look. I started to buzz cut my hair.

*I marathon the anime series Rurouni Kenshin TV series a few nights in Dec. Thank you fireflywishes for lending me the DVDs.

What were the bad moments? Was it work? Kinda. Thinking back, it actually got better in the second half of 2004. I created new reports and learned Photoshop in the Graphics Department. Then what happened that was bad? It must be something small, childish, stupid, and/or being immature I can’t remember now. Wisdom changed my thoughts. I’m happy to change my thoughts that 2004 was a good year.

Side note 1: I update my Top 30 Most Memorable Moments stating Fanime Con 2004 is my number one moment on my webpage. The Top 30 consists of top moments during my first 30 years in my life.

Side note 2: Three of the top ten most memorable moments 10 years after I graduated San Jose State took place in 2004. There were Las Vegas, my webpage, and JapanTown Anime Faire. Click here to view.

Side note 3: I wrote a blog changing 2007 from a good year to a bad year. Read the blog clicking here.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Life Includes A Collection Of Wisdom

We can’t change the past good or bad. We can change our thoughts on our past. We can learn the mistakes and not repeat them. We can learn the successes and make them better in the future. My explanation on wisdom is the clearest and most precise. Life includes a collection of wisdom. The older I become, the more wisdom I experience.

I have been thinking about my past since Oct. 4, 2008, the day I realized I must grow up. I was a jerk, an ass, naive, and took life for granted before Oct 4, 2008. I was lucky life could have been worse such as no friends or fired from my jobs. I had opportunities before Oct 4, 2008 that could have changed my life for the better. I took life for granted and said to myself, “nothing bad ever happens to me.” Bad events and moments happened to me. Today, I have the wisdom to pursue future opportunities. Today, I have the wisdom to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them.

I share an important wisdom I gained in my next blog. There was a past moment I considered bad. I realized the past moment was actually positive. There were mistakes I corrected in future similar moments. The new wisdom affected the 2004 year when the moment happened.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Steve Jobs Said

When you grow up, you tend to get told that the world is the way it is and your life--and your life is just to live inside your world. Try not to bash into the walls too much, try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money. That’s a very limited life.

Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact, and that is everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you, and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Um, once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.

Steve Jobs also gave a commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005. Click here to read his speech.


The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

The Best Christmas Since 2008

Christmas 2011 is the best Christmas since 2008. 2008 was great because on October 4, 2008, I realized I must grow up. I made immediate changes in my life that took place through Christmas. I brought back the family movie tradition National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I built my gaming PC buying my hardware during the holiday sales. I attended the first Nor Cal Winter Cosplay gathering. I lost my job in Nov. 2008 that turned out to be a blessing in disguise; the timing was perfect to take a time out in my life. And the family was the happiest in a long time.

2011 was another great Christmas. The picture above is the new family Christmas tree. I can’t tell you the last time my family put up a Christmas tree. The tree had been missing. Another reason is I have optimism I find a job and move out of the house in 2012. And the gifts I received are good enough for me. They’re not too big and they’re something I can use; in other words, no junk.

This year my brother’s family and one of my uncle’s family are visiting. We have plenty of activities and lots to talk about in our lives. There is no boring moment.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

I Have No Title For This Confused Blog

The economy sucks. The economy is slow. The economy is bad. The economy is recovering slowly. The economy is still in a recession. No matter how people describe the economy, times are tough. This blog confuses me, and may confuse the reader. I do my best to write for the reader to understand.

There is no shortage of beggars on the roads, in front of retail stores, and at the exits of shopping parking lots regardless of holiday season or a typical spring day. Some of the beggars are families. Focusing on the families, my question is how did these families become beggars and panhandlers? I don’t understand. Do you think about future financial income when you prepare to start a family? It’s expensive to raise a family, especially in Northern California.

The immediate moment a child is born, the parent’s life as single people with freedom going out and having fun are over. Babies and children need consistent contact from parents. Nurture, kindness, love, human physical contact, guidance, and care are round the clock. It’s hard. I’m not a parent. I know it’s hard and requires dedication and discipline. Forget concert tickets, smart phones, sports cars, and cosmetic make-up. Babies need diapers and baby food. Children need clothes and school supplies.

There is a possibility an uncontrollable and unfortunate event happened to a family that caused great financial burden that lead to begging. It is sad bad luck happened. I acknowledge nobody can predict tragedy. I believe families should prepare for it. I believe a family shouldn’t live paycheck to paycheck. I acknowledge and recognize some do because of events leading to living paycheck to paycheck. I’m confident these families never wanted to live paycheck to paycheck. Times are rough today.

Side note 1: I choose to post the blog as-is. There is no editing for grammar and content.

Side note 2: Bill Gates’ rule #1 in real life: Life is not fair - get used to it.

Side note 3: To the customer at Safeway who failed to steal a case of Diet Coke, nice try. The cashier who scanned the case from the bottom of your cart followed by you saying, “That’s not mine.” Don’t lie. You put the case at the bottom. You were prepared to say your denial if you were caught.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

I Know It Lifestyle

My parents live a usual, predictable, know what to do, and don’t deviate the routine, knowing it’s there lifestyle. It’s the same as a worker going to work. The worker wakes up, gets ready, commutes, works, goes home, relaxes and/or spends time with the kids, and sleeps. That is a routine life knowing what’s happening next step by step. My dad follows that routine Mon. to Fri. My mom is a homemaker who sleeps late and wakes up in the late mornings. 95% of the time she eats Cheerios for breakfast or lunch. Her daily activities are shopping, watching TV, or talking on the phone. I never saw her doing anything else.

I avoid living a predictable, routine lifestyle. It’s boring. Yesterday, I realized I have a better understanding how these people choose to live a predictable, routine lifestyle. These people are comfortable, happy, and enjoy life knowing their routine daily life is set. They are scared of unknowns and uncertainty. These people know the next morning they eat a bowl of Cheerios, and they don’t waste time choosing what cereal to eat the next morning.

This blog is another example everyone is different. Some people live planning ahead, some people live the same daily routine, some people live “going with the flow”, some people live finding new experiences, and some people live “on the fly.” The important attribute for all these lifestyles is living honestly.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

358 Days To Black Friday 2012

Black Friday 2011 reminded me a common saying “patience is a virtue.” I’m cheap when it comes to buying wants and desires such as DVDs, electronics, board games, snacks, and Japanese music. I’m cheaper than a person tipping a waiter less than 15%.

This year before Black Friday I purchased one CD at Border’s going out of business sale, one BD+DVD which was The Lion King, and one out of print board game. Those three recreational entertainment goods were very good considering I could have purchased more CDs, DVDs, and board games easily. I have good control when it comes to discretionary spending. The Lion King was a must purchase for any household. The board game was purchased at a great price compared to other online stores. I purchased no DVD TV box sets. That changed on Black Friday.

My Black Friday purchases were Family Guy Volume 5, Glee Season 1, and Firefly. The prices were the cheapest I ever paid for a DVD TV box set. It was worth the wait. I didn’t want to buy DVD TV box sets for at least $20. I was cheap. I was in no hurry to watch the episodes.

I’m looking forward to the 2011 holiday season looking for good deals. I continue to be cheap and I continue to be patient. I have wants that are satisfied when the price satisfies me.

If I can wait for the Black Friday and the upcoming holiday season to purchase wants, desires, and durable goods, then I wait. My best purchases were in 2008 when I built my gaming PC. I purchased almost all of my hardware on Black Friday and the holiday season at good prices. I also purchased my new mattress the day after Christmas. I was patient and I waited for the best price.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

The Human’s Most Precious Possession

What is a human being’s most important thing? My answer is memories. Who am I without my memories? I feel paralyze, helpless, and dependent on others forgetting who I am. In addition, I’m a nobody without my experiences, my adventures, my emotions, my feelings, my family, my friends, my interests, my hobbies, my knowledge, my mistakes, my lessons, my pains, my victories, my defeats . . . my life is gone for better and for worse.

It’s a nightmare if I live one day with no memory of all my people in my life, my favorite anime, my trips to Las Vegas, my webpage, recognizing police cars from which city, and where I was when the San Francisco Giants won the 2010 World Series. It’s a nightmare forgetting what I learned at San Jose State and De Anza, forgetting my jobs from Blockbuster Video to Cisco, forgetting my favorite moments, and forgetting my biggest lessons in life. These are nightmares that belong when I sleep.

Live life and make memories everyday. Make good memories. Make life changing memories. Keep your brain active absorbing life: see it, smell it, feel it, taste it, and hear it. The more active you are, the less likely you have Alzheimer’s Disease. Do something, anything new for a new memory tomorrow.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Variety Is The Spice Of Life

I felt fatigued last week. I was just tired. I was at the edge of being ill. I’m okay physically such that I went to the gym yesterday and on Mon.

I realized my fatigue was more than just being tired and needing more sleep. My life was boring and routine. The very few in the world who reads my blogs consistently know I never get bored. I always have activities every day. I needed to do something different. I needed to add variety, even if it’s temporary as if I was on vacation. Here are some of what I did differently last week:

*I slept more hours a night. I needed more sleep. I feel better today.

*I played Team Fortress 2. It was nice playing a video game once in a few months. My cousin and I played on the same team. We chatted afterwards.

*Browsed the web. Discover and learn something new. Have a little fun on the internet.

*Took a break from the gym. It’s okay to skip a workout. Just get back next week.

*Took a break from job searching. There are always job openings.

*Took a break relearning SQL and Crystal Reports. I’m relearning those skills for my next job.

* Took a break watching anime. It’s okay to skip. Just get back next week. There is no rush finishing a series.

*Edited my friends cosplay pics. It’s second priority. It’s good working with Photoshop again.

*Watched movies. I watched Serenity on DVD and Mr. Smith Goes To Washington in the movie theater.

*Painted inside a house. I hate painting; however, I admit it was something different.

I called time out last week. The timing was perfect I needed a variety in my reality. The next time I lose focus on my life, lose interest in my daily activities, and feel boring, I take a time out and find something to distract myself. There is always something to do primarily, secondary, or way back in my mind.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

I Must Declare Bankruptcy If I Was 15 Trillion Dollars In Debt

The United States of America is $15.04 trillion in debt according to multiple sources on the web. The special congressional panel supercommittee failed to reach a deal to balance the government’s budget. By law, automatic spending cuts are enabled including military, education, and health care starting in Fall 2012.

I’m thinking simple. If I was in debt, say, $25,000, then I must declare bankruptcy. My life is a daily nightmare receiving calls from collectors. I can’t live in debt forever. I wonder how some people live life in debt?

In time, the US debt is going to affect the world in negative ways. The inevitable economic global disaster is coming, and the US leads the way. If a person or family loses their home because of debt, then how can the US government survive in debt indefinitely? The government can’t. There is no magic solving the debt crisis. I don’t think it’s complicated. It is common sense for a person or family to avoid bad debt: don’t spend more than earning income or avoid expenses exceeding revenues. Can the government do the same?

I hear economic headlines daily. I remember the US debt when I hear positive economic news such as unemployment going down, GDP increasing last quarter, or a blue chip company reporting profits. It’s good to hear happy economic news. My happiness turns to fear when I remember the US debt.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

SOMT: My Job Search

Blogger’s Note: SOMT stands for Sign Of My Times, an occasional blog sharing my thoughts how time changes life from when I was young to today.

I remember searching for my first job after graduating San Jose State. I searched for open job positions at job websites. Two of the websites I browsed were San Jose State’s online career center and I believe careerbuilder.com. I printed my resume and cover letter hardcopy and mail them to positions I’m interested. I wrote the addresses on the envelope by hand.

I received three interviews between Feb and June 1998. The first interview was in Foster City. I forgot the name of the company. I didn’t get the job because I was overqualified. The second interview was in San Jose near the San Jose Airport. I don’t know why I didn’t get the job because they never contacted me. The third interview was also near the San Jose Airport. I got the job working as a Research Analyst at Grubb & Ellis.

Today, after graduating with an AA degree in Accounting from De Anza College, I search online at Monster, Careerbuilder, and San Jose State’s career center. I create job profiles in big companies throughout Silicon Valley to search for their open jobs. I email my resume and cover letter or complete their online application instead of mailing my resume and cover letter.

Sometimes I receive a call for an opening and sometimes I receive an email for an opening. If a company seriously wants to interview you, they call you instead of emailing you from my experience. However, my friends say an email requesting you to reply back with your resume is considered a legitimate job opening.

Timing and luck have not changed since 1998. My jobs at Colliers and Cisco involved timing, and Cisco involved luck. My Colliers job was an example of networking. The manager who hired me at Grubb also hired me at Colliers. We kept in touch during the months we separated.

The economy remains weak. Finding jobs is the hardest for me ever. I continue to find open jobs and email my resume and cover letter for positions I’m qualified. I’m confident I find a job. I succeeded in the past and I succeed again. I need favorable timing and good luck.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Two Blogs In One

There were two events yesterday I want to share. The two blogs are short and simple. It’s nothing complicated, yet it’s important for me. Here we go.

I Just Remembered

I search for jobs daily. The job market is tough. When I’m not online finding employment, I’m reading Access SQL and Crystal Reports books to relearn and refresh.

The past two weeks I have been stressing myself to finish reading the books as soon as possible. I’m a person who likes to do it and finish it now. I was reminded yesterday to take it easy, be patient, don’t rush, take your time, and relax. Breath. Relax and learn slowly. I’m unemployed. Take advantage of the free time and enjoy life. Take life one day at a time.

Yummy Yogurt

I have been eating yogurt two or three times a week since Oct. I was reminded yesterday yogurt has health benefits including calcium, protein, pro-biotic cultures build immunity, and good bacteria.

There are many yogurt places in the San Francisco Bay Area. There should be a yogurt place in your neighborhood. I know Baskin Robbins serves yogurt. Eat a cup for dessert.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

My Best Investment For Happy Days

Every morning I feel good. I don’t need coffee to start my day on a positive note. I don’t even need coffee to wake me up. I don’t take medications for depression and to make me feel good. My attitude is life is good. Life is worth smiling. There is always optimism. Control what you can control and don’t control what you can’t control.

How do I consistently maintain a positive outlook without coffee, drugs, and even alcohol, binge eating, and smoking? My answer is a good mattress. I believe having a good night sleep is one of the best ways to have a good day. Some of us pop pills to have a good mood, drink alcohol, eat lots of food, and/or complain and whine to people making the complainer a person to avoid.

Invest in a good mattress. You feel strong, fresh, energized, in a good mood, and in a positive mood ready to handle to struggles and daily life moments. A good sleep lowers the chances of needing drugs to feel good. A good sleep saves money from drinking. A good sleep saves money from a person needing possessions to escape from daily living. Life, in my opinion, is not really bad.

Ask yourself the question, “When was the last time I purchased a new mattress?” My knowledge is if the answer is eight years or greater, then it’s time to purchase a new mattress. Shop around and do research. Buying a mattress is like buying a car. Feel free to negotiate. The mattress market is competitive. Sweet dreams.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Meet Jonathan Goldsmith

Men’s Health Blog Andrew Del-Colle Interviewed Jonathan Goldsmith who plays “The Most Interesting Man in the World” commercials for Dos Equis beer campaign. Click link below for the interview posted Fri Nov 19, 2010:

Jonathan Goldsmith | The Most Interesting Interview

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

A Childhood Lowlight

One of my parent’s failures when they raised me as a child happened during the summer. They failed to encourage me to continue learning outside school, growing, exploring, and finding new adventures. My mom believed summer vacations is the time for children to relax. That’s true to an extent. I shouldn’t relax, stay at home, and have little to do. I should be having fun . . . fun learning outside school, growing, exploring, and finding new adventures.

My mom forced my brother and I to learn swimming and playing the piano. Ironically, my brother and I hated those activities. We showed mom our anger and disapproval. My mom had the idea of doing something in the summer. She failed to be open and to help us explore other choices.

In particular, my kindergarten through eighth grade summers were watching television, playing toys, playing video games, and sitting around doing nothing. I rarely hung out with my friends. I didn’t participate in sports, clubs, camps, or even an activity or summer kids program in a community center. I didn’t read any books at home. On the other hand, I did attend summer schools; unfortunately, thinking back, most of the classes were a joke and the teachers didn’t care. I don’t remember learning anything that helped me in the upcoming school year.

I can’t change my past. I wonder what if I had an active summer. I might be a better person today: better social skills, more knowledge of everyday life, more friends, a better career, and more childhood experiences. Moreover, I might have been a better high school and college student. I’m lucky today I have been catching up what I missed when I was young such as reading books, visiting new places, meeting new people, and trying new hobbies. Also, I’m lucky I realized I must grow up on that day I remember forever.

I encourage parents to keep their children active during the summer. Have your children do something, anything. There are more choices of summer activities and programs than when I was a child. Even reading books at home is better than watching television all day. Have them get out and do something, anything, as long as they’re keeping their brains and bodies active and growing.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Go To Sleep With A Smile

I was called for jury duty on Wed Oct 19 and Thur Oct 20. My panel was assigned a criminal case involving multiple felonies. I listened to potential jurors answering questions to determine if any were accepted to be a sworn juror. Some of the questions were personal. Some of the answers were sad and depressing. Most of the excused jurors had a traumatized past. The most common answer was they experienced or knew a close family member involving domestic violence. A few of them cried. This was the first time I realized how broad domestic violence around the county. The domestic violence stories I heard included boyfriend and girlfriend living in the same household. One juror said two of his friends filed restraining orders. I’m fortunate nobody in my family and none of my friends experienced domestic violence. I sleep tonight with a smile.

Another juror was convicted of fraud. Think about being convicted of fraud. If I was convicted of fraud, then it’s difficult for me to be trusted. Banks, insurance, and accounting companies don’t want to hire me. My ability to conduct business is very difficult because nobody trusts me with a fraud conviction. I’m fortunate I can be trusted. I sleep tonight with a smile.

The most depressing juror has a family experience of felonies. She was the victim of domestic violence. Her boyfriend attacked her. Her oldest son is incarcerated because he was convicted of grand theft auto. And her husband was murdered. The murderer was caught and is in prison. I’m fortunate I’m not a victim of felony crimes. I sleep tonight with a smile.

However, my family and I had close calls with felony crimes. My dad’s subwoofer speaker was stolen from his car during the late night hours. The speaker had a small value at the time it was stolen. My dad’s truck was vandalized, burglarized, and stolen. The vandalism damage and lost property from the theft had little value. Regarding the truck being stolen, fortunately, the truck was found one month later in good condition. All of the property was missing. I sleep tonight with a smile.

The closest call being a victim of a felony crime was an attempted burglary that took place in February 2011. If I didn’t investigate the noises downstairs and scared the two burglars, then they invaded our house and stolen portable and valuable possessions such as a laptop, jewelry, and blank checks. Police arrived minutes after I called 911. My family and I made changes to safeguard our house immediately. I sleep tonight with a smile.

The most frightening moment involved one of my cousins who lived in Los Angeles. She was walking to her car in the parking lot after work. A man attempted to kidnap her. Fortunately and with the best timing of the world, her co-workers were walking to the parking lot, saw them, and the kidnapper ran away. Everything is okay.

Some of the potential jurors I heard in the courtroom were victims of crimes that affected their lives. My life is good I can’t complain about the small little imperfections. The next time I walk in a mall, especially during the upcoming holiday season, I think for a moment all the people I pass. Some of them are victims of crimes; in particular, domestic violence. Some of them are domestic violence victims they don’t report to the police. Moreover, some of them have restraining orders against their boyfriends or girlfriends or significant other for any abuse.

I sleep tonight with a smile, and perhaps you should, too.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Read Books For Your Life

One of my childhood regrets is I didn’t read outside school. I watched too much television. I’m happy and lucky I started reading books in 2002. I started to read business and investment books. In 2008, I started to read fiction books. I currently read fiction books including classic and juvenile with an occasional business book.

Most of us are busy and have little or no time to read. I have some understanding for the busy people. I have a suggestion for those who want to get back reading books. I have a suggestion for those who have no interest reading books and have the thought in the back of their minds they should read. I have a suggestion for those who have poor reading skills. My suggestion is read juvenile books. Start easy and start simple. There is no shame for adults reading books for 5th graders. I read juvenile books. If you feel comfortable reading an adult book later on, do it. Ernest Hemingway books are an easy adult level.

Reading is one of the best ways to keep your brain active. Reading newspapers and Where’s Waldo books don’t count. Go to a library and start reading. If you have to start reading Disney books, then do it. There are online stores and many bookstore selling used books at lower prices. Pick up a book, activate your brain, and read.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Connecting My Dots Backwards

The late Steve Jobs (1955-2011), CEO of Apple Computer, spoke at the 2005 Stanford Graduation. He shared three stories of his life. One of his stories inspired me to connect my dots backwards. Let’s see how the dots connected to who I am today and where it connects me tomorrow.

I start the dot on Sat Oct 4, 2008. I realized I must grow up on that day. Don’t take life for granted, wise up, take your head out of your butt, stop acting naive, and earn it. I started making changes in my life. I knew growing up and becoming a man take time. The following events and activities impacted my changing life immediately after Sat Oct 4:

*Fiction books. I avoided reading fiction books. I thought reading business, leadership, and self-help books were the best way to be a better person. My first fiction book since The Catcher In The Rye by JD Salinger a long time ago was The Choice by Nichols Sparks. I followed that book with The Road by Cormac McCarthy and Forever by Judy Blume. I learned more about life reading a few fiction books than many non-fiction books I already read. I read 80% fiction and 20% non-fiction today.

*New clothes. I wore polo shirts and plain white t-shirts for 10 years. They’re gone. I purchased buttoned down sports shirts, new casual shoes, new pajamas, and a new jacket.

*A legitimate workout plan. Thank you punkbuster for recommending Bodybuilding.com to download gym workout plans.

*Movies. I watched The Godfather trilogy, Mad Max, The Graduate, The 40 Year Old Virgin, and The Dark Knight. Those movies calmed me down and cheered me up when I needed it. I also watched The Place Promised In Our Early Days and Voices Of A Distance Star in the anime genre.

I visited my Washington friend Thundercloud for my Washington Canada ’08 trip from Sat Nov 15 to Thur Nov 20. The timing was perfect because I was experiencing changes and struggling to find who I really am. The vacation was one of my all time best. Vacations can refresh a person, act as a time-out to daily life, and help refocus a person’s life. The vacation successfully accomplished all three. Highlights of the trip were winning $180 at craps, visiting Seattle, visiting Hurricane Ridge, climbing the REI indoor wall, walking around downtown Victoria, visiting the Rock ‘n Roll museum, and buying books.

My last day at Cisco was on Sat Nov 22. My contracted was terminated. Cisco was cutting expenses throughout the company. I remembered the one-on-one meeting when my manager told me I was being laid off. I remembered my last day I was escorted by an administrative assistant in another department for security reasons. My job was too easy, unchallenging, and I had lots of free time I chatted online. All departments were fighting for funding from the executives. There were lots of politics which was not a surprise.

Christmas 2008 was the best Christmas my family celebrated in years. I couldn’t explain why. Everyone was happy. Maybe my happiness and my smile spread to everyone else. I brought back the traditional family movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We didn’t watch the movie for the last 3-4 years. And one of my uncle’s family from SoCal visited my family and we took a day trip to Stanford and U.C. Berkeley.

The last week of 2008 my dad and I built my new Gaming PC. The hardware was purchased in Nov and Dec. I want to thank my dad, Appu, and gmontem for their assistance. My Gaming PC made life easier for myself.

I started taking classes at De Anza for Spring ‘09 quarter. I took Strength Development which is a weight lifting class, Social Dancing which is ballroom dancing, and Beginning Japanese. I dropped Beginning Japanese on the third week because the instructor was terrible. I consulted the guys who took Japanese classes; in particular, Chun and Dev. Most of them recommended I drop. Dropping Japanese was the best decision I made in 2009. I found free time to help my mom make a new costume for Fanime ’09 and continue improving my gym workouts. Fanime ’09 took place on Memorial Day weekend and it was the best anime convention I attended.

I choose to take an accounting class for Fall ’09. If I liked the class, I earn an AA degree in Accounting. I liked it and I continued taking accounting classes. I was lucky most of my accounting classes were taught by good instructors. If I had terrible instructors, especially for my fundamental accounting classes, I might have switched majors or dropped out.

Fast forward to the end of Fall ’10, I was one class away from earning an AA degree. The class was offered in Winter ’11. During Fall ’10, I rented one movie a week in the library. Most of the movies I rented were from the American Film Institute Top 100 1997 version. I met the most new people out of all the quarters. And I started dating alien_cat.

On March 25, 2011, I earned my AA degree in Accounting. Today, I’m finding a job and living life one day at a time.

The following are a selected events, moments, and activities that influenced and impacted me from 2008 to today:

*Classic jazz. I developed an interest in classic jazz on Oct 2008. I have about 12 classic jazz CDs.

*Ballroom dancing. I want to thank my sister for starting me to learn ballroom dancing on Jan 2009. Alien_cat and I met at a ballroom dance class in De Anza.

*Accutane. I started the treatment to stop acne on Feb 2009. I completed my treatment on April 2010.

*Hiking. An easy hobby everyone should do. There are many easy hiking trails including urban hikes. I started hiking on March 2009.

*Social Networking. I can be found on my blogs, Yelp, Facebook, and Twitter. I created my Yelp on Feb 2009, Facebook on March 2009, and Twitter on Nov 2009.

*Mahjong. I tried and quit playing Mahjong in 2007. mDuo13 challenged Spiritsnare and I to learn Mahjong in 10 days on Oct 6, 2009. I’m happy I accepted the challenge. Mahjong is a great game. I read Mahjong is good for old people because it helps keep the mind thinking.

*Paul McCartney concert. I watched a Beatles legend in concert on July 10, 2010.

*The 2010 San Francisco Giants. World Series champions. I remember where I was when Brian Wilson struck out Nelson Cruz.

*Visiting new places and seeking new adventures. I visited the Golden Gate Bridge, rode the San Francisco Cable Car, hiked new trails, visited Pinnacles National Park, and more.

What Is The Connection?

I believe the connection is my second chance. I was given a second chance to go back to college as a student and live life as a student—live life what I should have done when I was a student at San Jose State. Being laid off at Cisco was a blessing in disguise. I took accounting classes with the goal of earning an AA degree. I met new people and made new friends on campus and off campus. I found new hobbies, visited new places, and experienced new experiences. I made mistakes just like a young student must to learn life. I continue to improve expressing myself and let it all out. I have done everything with a mature attitude throughout my second chance.

What Is The Next Dot?

Steve Jobs said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward . . . trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” I don’t know what kind job I work for and where I work for. I may find an interest in another subject and go back to school for more education. The future is unknown. I know I continue to grow up, learn something new, and find new adventures.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Here Are Some More Pictures

I finish the year 2010 picture blogs. I comment on my daily life. The pics are taken from my old cell phone. Enjoy!





















The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

A Consistent Reminder My Daily Life Rules

I want to remind myself my daily life rules. I follow these rules daily to be a good person. We’re human and we can forget. It’s time to review. Here we go:

1. Don't criticize, condemn, and complain, and don't compare with others.
2. Don't act like a jerk or bitch.
3. Always speak calmly and be calm.
4. Don't daydream when driving.
5. Keep your head up high . . . look at the cute face when talking.
6. Breath with your nose and stand up straight.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Me Versus My Sinus Infection II

I was sick for the third time this year. The first two times were in March and the Fourth Of July weekend. I suspect I got sick with RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus again. Fortunately, this sickness lasted one week. The key factors were I remained calm, I was focused, I learned my mistakes in March, and I let my body recovered my sickness without medications. I didn’t take vitamin C and drank green tea. Here’s the timeline:

Mon Sep 19. I woke up in the early morning with a sore throat. I took a sore throat lozenge and went back to sleep.

Tue Sep 20. I still had a sore throat. I felt fatigued. The night time was colder than I thought—unseasonably cold that surprised me. The days were hot and the nights were cold that continued throughout the week.

I failed to realize the colder nights. I believed if I kept warm at night, my sickness could have been a sore throat. I actually had a sore throat only sickness two weeks ago that lasted two days.

I drank Coke for lunch and dinner all this week.

Wed Sep 21. Runny nose. I went to sleep needing two pillows to raise my head. I wore a long sleeve and pants pajamas instead of a t-shirt and shorts.

Thur Sep 22. Congestion and plugged up nose. I lost my voice. I had trouble sleeping last night I woke up at 1pm. Sore throat completely gone. I drank a cup of Trader Joe’s Hot Cocoa before bed tonight.

Fri Sep 23. Morning coughing. I felt cold in the morning. Today was the last day temperatures remained hot. The house was too warm even at night time because the air condition was off the entire day and the house wasn’t getting enough nighttime cold air; moreover, the daytime temperatures remained in the high 80s for a long time. I got a bloody nose when I went to sleep.

I had trouble sleeping as the night continued. Post nasal dripping caused me to cough; fortunately the coughing was minimal. I feared the coughing intensified in the days ahead. I browsed the web on my smartphone Googling RSV. One website suggested I use a humidifier. I went to the bathroom and turned on the humidifier. I immediately fell asleep in minutes.

Sat Sep 24. Best sleep ever the night before. Felt much better. Temperatures were the coolest of the week. Congestion and stuffy nose improved. I felt more energized.

Currently. Stopped drinking coke. I still have mucus dripping down my throat and I still need to blow my stuffy nose. Recovery continues at a faster pace compared to past sicknesses.

A Body Weakness

One of my body weaknesses is a large difference in daily temperature range. My body responds poorly to a temperature range, say, between 60 and 90 degrees. A temperature range between 50 and 70 degrees is good.

A Preventable RSV

My latest RSV sickness was preventable. I thought about the moments and circumstances I could have done to lower my chances of getting RSP. Here we go:

Expired cranberry juice. I believe food and drinks must be consumed before the due date. The cranberry juice I drank Fri Sep 16-Sun Sep 18 expired two weeks ago. Probability I got sick from this is 1%.

What the hell is this hot weather?!? I went to Gilroy on Sat Sep 17. The weather was hotter than we expected, and it was dry and muggy. The sun was burning my skin I needed sunscreen on my arms immediately. Probability is 20%.

I was hungry about 15 minutes in Gilroy. I didn’t eat a candy bar in the cooler inside the trunk. Probability is 5%.

Always say yes to a drink with my meal. I ate a quick lunch and didn’t drink water while eating before leaving to Gilroy. I drank water afterwards. I should have drank something with my quick lunch. Probability is 5%.

I repeat. Always say yes to a drink with my meal. I ate a sandwich at Erik’s Deli Cafe without ordering a drink in Gilroy. I drank alien cat’s ice tea that was over-steeped. Probability is 5%.

Moreover, I should have ordered a meal deal, a full lunch. I should not have cheap out.

Too little, too late? There was an extended time period we didn’t drink water; although we were indoors most of the time shopping. We finally got bottle water at a Starbucks. Probability is 5%.

The draft inside the stores. I remember studying at Clark Library at SJSU at the third floor under a draft in Fall Semester 1994. I got sick the next day I had to skip classes.

I was under a draft inside a store. I might have caught a virus or something airborne. Probability is 25%.

For the third time, a drink with your meal. I always drink soda when I eat pizza because I got sick eating a pizza without soda in February 1998. We ate at Fresh Choice for dinner. I didn’t order a soda. I ate four pieces of pizza. Probability is 10%.

I could have purchased a can of soda in a gas station leaving Gilroy.

It’s simply in the air. I read a few friends on their Facebook updates they were sick. Probability is 15%.

Bacterial. I could have gotten a bacterial infection somewhere and somehow. Probability is 20%.

I hate Montreal Steak seasoning. Questionable seasonings my mom used to cook steaks on Sun Sep 18. Probability is 1%.

Cookies. I purchased Japanese cookies that were individually wrapped. Probability is 5%.

Going Forward

Avoid sitting under drafts, eat and drink when I’m hungry, and don’t cheap out my meals.

Side note: I was in Los Angeles when I got sick during Fourth Of July weekend. On the night before we went home, we ate dinner at a Korean BBQ. We ate yogurt afterwards. On the day we drove home, I felt much better. Was it the yogurt that helped me feel better? I was told yogurt after a big meal helps digestion. Maybe the yogurt helped me more than digestion. On the other hand, in the hotel room, I slept on a bed, I adjusted the vents blowing air away from everyone, and there were less people in the room. In the end, I really don’t know the answer.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

The Unemployed Like Me Has Expenses

Adults have expenses whether employed or unemployed. It’s very difficult to live without expenses. Take me for example. I live at home with my parents. There is nothing to be ashamed. I do my share around the house. I cook, clean, do laundry, wash dishes, and take care of myself to minimize my parents dependency. I have some money from my past jobs to spend for my family including buying groceries and paying for an occasional going out to eat at a restaurant.

I also have some money to spend for myself. I pay for my bare necessities, cell phone, gas, and entertainment. I do a good job controlling my spending. I’m very selective when it comes to spending for fun activities. I shop around for the best deals and cheapest prices.

The unemployed people living in today’s tough economy still has to live life: eat, wear clothing, drive to places, stay clean, staying in touch with people via cell phone and/or internet, mail letters, and more. The expenses are higher for those with children. Some money is spent when being with friends such as going out to a restaurant. An unemployed person can’t avoid friends just because money is tight. Friends are important during tough times.

The unemployed most likely has more time than money. Use the extra time wisely to prepare for your next job and be a better person. Try something new. Visit a new place. Continue searching for a job. A job doesn’t come to you on a silver platter. Spend your savings wisely. Good luck and continue living.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

My 9/11 Day

Today is the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I share my 9/11.

I woke up late because my alarm clock broke. I jumped up from bed immediately and called my coworker telling him I arrive late and I’m not sick. Here was the phone conversation:

Me: Hey, Larry. I’m sorry I’m going to be late to work. My alarm clock broke.
Larry: Did you hear what happened?
Me: Ummm, the CEO resigned?
(My company experienced internal executive problems.)
Larry: The Twin Towers exploded.
Me: Uh, okay. I’m leaving now.

Honestly, it took me time to digest what happened. I went to the family room and turned on the TV. Holy shit! I saw smoke coming out of the Twin Towers. Each television station broadcasted the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. I was in denial. I said to myself, “No way terrorists on USA soil.” Terrorists were on USA soil, and they carried out their attacks.

The commute to Downtown San Jose was the fastest ever. The traffic was as light as Super Bowl Sunday. It took me ten minutes to arrive at work. The office was dead silent. There were no more than ten brokers out of 50+ in the office. Most of the staff were at the workstations. I completed little work in the database.

The managing partner emailed the entire office to inform everyone the office closes early. All the staff were released at 3pm. The commute home was the fastest ever, too. 10 minutes to arrive home. I remembered the afternoon DJ for 106.5 FM said “God Bless America” and played Pink Houses by John Cougar Mellencamp.

The rest of the day I watched television and worked on my next update for my webpage. The update was a page devoted to September 11, 2001.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Much More Pictures

My break writing blogs continues by posting more picture blogs. I comment on my daily life. Enjoy!




















The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

More Picture Time

Here are more pictures from my old cell phone. I continue to take a break writing blogs by posting picture blogs. Enjoy!






















The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Picture Time

I forgot the last time I posted a picture blog. I have many pictures I took with my old cell phone. Posting pictures on my blog has been on the back of my mind. I take a break writing blogs by posting picture blogs. Enjoy!












The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

SOMT: From Land Lines Phones To Smart Phones

Blogger’s Note: SOMT stands for Sign Of My Times, an occasional blog sharing my thoughts how time changes life from when I was young to today. It’s been a long time I wrote a SOMT.

I remember July 1, 1998, the day I got my first cell phone. I just started my first job after graduating college. My first big purchase was a Nokia cell phone in Pacific Bell store. The black cell phone was almost the size of a brick. The weight was as heavy as a paperweight. The screen was about 40% of the phone size.

I had a smaller Nokia in 2001 and two LG cell phones from 2006-2011 thereafter. My last LG phone I texted, took pictures, listened to music, and wrote notes on my notepad. My older cell phones were ordinary phones that included call waiting and voice mail. On July 6, 2011, I purchased my first smart phone on the last day Verizon offered unlimited data. I found out days before Verizon announced an end to their unlimited data plan. I quickly researched and choose the Droid X2. I wanted to purchase a solid, reasonably priced smart phone to lock in the unlimited data plan for future contracts.

I remember students in my high school had pagers. In college, some students had pagers and a few students had cell phones. I remember one student’s phone rang three times in a Calculus II class in 1993. Many students either couldn’t afford a cell phone or believed cell phones were a bothersome when somebody calls.

Times have changed. Cell phones are affordable and a necessity. The reason I purchased a cell phone was for convenience: communicate with my family and friends and for emergencies. I have a smart phone today. Smart phones, used properly, make life easier. I find nearby restaurants, use maps for directions, take better pictures, and connect to the internet to find information. And I keep in touch with family and friends more effectively because my smart phone has Facebook and Twitter apps.

I believe everyone should have a cell phone or smart phones for at least communicating and for emergencies. Twenty years ago, almost everyone was on a land line talking on the phone. A person must find a phone when there is an emergency. Today, almost everyone is talking on a cell phone indoors and outdoors, in a restaurant or at the park, and in a car or bus. Most people can call on their cell phones for emergencies. Smart phones provide additional convenience including paying bills, watching videos, writing notes, listening to music, and doing something to occupy time a person is waiting.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

I Live To Reach The 90 Club

The San Jose Mercury News Wednesday July 20, 2011 edition reported a study on Alzheimer’s disease. The San Francisco VA Medical Center released a study stating lifestyle changes can reduce the chances a person is infected with Alzheimer’s. Physical activity, staying optimistic, non-smoker, and not diabetic are some of the factors lowering the chances.

My grandfather on my dad’s side had Alzheimer’s. The disease slowly killed his brain cells to the point where he forgot how to tie his shoe laces. Very sad. He spent his final days in a convalescent home. On the other hand, my grandmother on my dad’s side didn’t have Alzheimer’s. She experienced typical dementia; however, she communicated well and her brain remembered names, birthdays, and her limited English. She past away at 90 years old.

My lifestyle is summarized as lowering my chances of getting Alzheimer’s. I have been consistent sharing my daily lifestyle in my blog. I write the importance of exercise for physical activity, cooking (healthy) to live healthier, reading to keep your mind focus, visiting new places to satisfy adventures, listening to music to relieve stress, and more. I also write the importance of meeting new people and making new friends. Family and friends are important for a happy, active, and exciting life. And I write the importance of doing better, changing to improve, and never stop innovating life.

Knowing I want to do something, anything reminds me to get my head out of my ass and keep my eyes open, ears listening, mouth talking, nose smelling, and hands feeling. I don’t want to live life inactive. I don’t want a routine life. I want to live life to my best I can, and do better continuously.

Finally, I want to remind myself my six rules for daily living. Here they are,

1. Don't criticize, condemn, and complain, and don't compare with others.
2. Don't act like a jerk or bitch.
3. Always speak calmly and be calm.
4. Don't daydream when driving.
5. Keep your head up high . . . look at the cute face when talking.
6. Breath with your nose and stand up straight.

Writer note: I like this blog I’m going to double post in Finding Raymond Mar as a Q&A soon.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

It Took Place On Summer 2011

I want to encourage everyone to make summer 2011 memorable. I want everyone to take at least 14 summer days to create memories. Seek new adventures, experience new experiences, meet new people and make new friends, try something new, have courage to get out and do something, anything. If the 14 days were accomplished, then do another 14 days.

The reason I encourage 2011 and not 2012 and beyond is because I feel 2011 is the last good year to make something happen. Summer 2011 so far is stable for the most part in terms of world events, political events, the economy, and peace of mind. My gut feeling says 2012 is less stable. Go with the flow.

Some of my Summer 2011 highlights include graduating college, attending Anime Expo for my vacation, purchasing a new smart phone, and watching a classic movie at the Stanford Theater. I hope to find a job soon.

Make Summer 2011 a time to remember. There is half of July and August remaining. Good luck!

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Get Back

“Get back to where you once belonged.” --Get Back, The Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney

On Saturday October 4, 2008, I realized I must grow up. My life needed changes. I was lost, I took life for granted, and I either took life not seriously or took life too seriously. I initiated changes to begin growing up weeks after October 4. One way I made changes was similar to The Beatles’ song “Get Back.”

The first change was my clothes. I wore polo shirts, plain white-t shirts, dress shirts, and slacks outside work. I went back to when I was in high school, and I now wear buttoned sports shirts without tucking in and blue jeans. I wore hiking shoes and SWAT police boots inside and outside work. I went back to when I was in high school, and I now wear casual dress shoes outside work. If I wear shorts, I wear casual sneakers. I wear hiking shoes when I hike or when I’m outdoors requiring long distance walking such as spending a day in San Francisco or Santa Cruz.

Another change was old school sit-ups. I did new school sit-ups since I started going to the local gym regularly in 2000. I went back to when I graduated college, and I now do old school sit-ups. My gym workouts include 100 old school sit-ups.

And another change was reading fiction books. I read nonfiction books such as business, leadership, investment, and self improvement books after college. I went back to fiction books when I attended college. My first fiction books after Oct 4, 2008 were “The Choice” by Nicholas Sparks and “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy.

I have a better understanding why some successful people who experience a slump or setback revisit their roots. The roots, the core values, the early successes are what made successful people the best they are. It can be people forgot something and they needed to go back and remember the past.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Accutane Day 883

Who you see is who I am. I forgot the last time I applied Atralin on my nose and cheeks and Topicort to treat eczema. It seemed I apply Atralin resulting in eczema most of the time especially under low humid conditions, and I apply Topicort to treat eczema. In other words, one cream almost guaranteed I needed the second cream. That made no sense.

There has been neither no improvement nor worsening on my face. I had maybe one or two. Accutane worked to stop acne outbreaks. I apply Vanicream when my face is dry. I pop blackheads on my nose once a month. I may apply Atralin again on my nose only in the future.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Board Games Bring People Together

One of my all time favorite hobbies is playing board games. I mean board games in a very general sense including gambling games such as poker and craps and card games such as old maid and gin rummy. I don’t have a personal definition of board games in general. Here is Wikipedia’s definition.

Being with people is the number one reason I like board games. I spend time with my friends and I have opportunities to meet new people. Having fun and winning are not as important as being with family, friends, and acquaintances. Board games bring people together. We play, talk, laugh, and keep up with each other. Food and drinks are a must. Players concentrate better and there are more laughs. If someone brings food and drink another person never ate and drank before, then it’s an opportunity to try something new.

I don’t have a particular board game genre. My collection consists of child games such as Candy Land; party games such as Apples to Apples; trivia; casino; Eurogames such as The Settlers of Catan and Pandemic; mainstream such as Monopoly; card games such as Fluxx; non mainstream or gamer enthusiasms games such as Betrayal House On The Hill and Family Business; classic games such as chess; family games such as Sorry and Life; strategy games such as Axis & Allies; and foreign games such as Mah Jong (Riichi). My wish list is Ticket To Ride, Dixit, and cribbage. I play any board game especially new games I play for the first time.

Be social and play board games. I rarely win board games. That’s okay because the more I play, the more I learn. And I’m spending time with people.

Side note: I recommend Board Game Geek as the number one source for game board enthusiasts.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

Mixed Foods

I want to share my favorite mixed foods. I’m confident these mixed foods are rare and very few people eat together in contrast to the common peanut butter & jelly and BLT sandwiches. We should experiment and mix foods together once in a while. They may bring a unique taste for your personal enjoyment. Some of the mixed foods were discovered unconsciously. I never thought saying beforehand, “Let’s try eating these two foods together.” Here are my favorites:

Orange juice or the orange fruit and bread. I eat for breakfast sometimes or an afternoon snack. The orange adds sweetness to the bread.

Cashews and white rice. I remembered eating plain and no taste chicken. I wanted to add something for flavor. I looked in the kitchen and thought of the Chinese dish cashew chicken. I intended to eat the chicken and cashews together. I ate cashews and rice together accidentally. Good combination.

Vanilla ice cream and Cheerios. I was a kid who ate lots of ice cream. I saw commercials kids adding decorations. I wanted to add something. There was a box of Cheerios. Vanilla ice cream plus Cheerios equals a bowl of Cheerios with ice cream instead of milk.

Vanilla ice cream and 7-Up. I disliked root beer when I was a kid. I wanted ice cream and soda. I looked around for another soda. I saw 7-Up. Lemon, lime, and vanilla combined tastes awesome.

Grapes and saltine crackers or Ritz. I forgot how I discovered intentionally or by accident.

Hot dogs and white sandwich bread. A good substitute to eat hot dogs with a slice of bread.

Bonus: Make helicopters with Cheerios. I did lots of that when I was a child because I loved helicopters.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar

De Anza Week June 20, 2011

Mon June 20

More changes and announcements regarding the final. The professor had emergency surgery to remove his cyst last Thursday after his routine checkup last Wednesday. However, the substitute instructor proctors the final. The professor’s second daughter has a routine checkup and he’s driving her to the doctor. The professor uploads the essay questions tonight. I study the essay questions tomorrow.

The professor told the class his cyst has been giving him pain for the last five weeks. He took Tylenol to combat the pain. He was prescribed Vicodin which he never took. The pain from the cyst might explain why his lectures have been boring and significantly off the mark after Memorial Day weekend. I blogged his lectures were the worse ever, and I factored his Intermediate Accounting classes.

I’m looking forward to studying the essay questions because essay questions are easier to earn high scores. I believe essay questions a student is rewarded with points for what they know. The professor grades essays for what a student knows. On the other hand, multiple choice exams are graded on what the student missed and don’t know.

Final is on Thursday. Lots of luck.

Thur June 23

The final was easier than the mid-term. There were less theoretical questions and there were two essay questions. The professor must have changed the final from three essay questions to two. I completed the essay portion first because if I ran out of time, I read and answer unanswered multiple choice questions quickly. I finished the final with 30 minutes remaining. My brain was fatigued and I lost my train of thought. I submitted my final without double checking my answers.

That’s it. I’m done with De Anza. I wait for my diploma with an AA degree in Accounting.

I choose to use my end of quarter review I have been doing in past quarters to review my entire experiences at De Anza. The all De Anza review blog is coming soon. In the meantime, I write blogs about other topics. I want to take a break writing De Anza blogs.

The Personal Side Of Me Finding Raymond Mar