Throwback Blog: Throwback Blog: A Mixed Bag Of Everything

Blogger's Note: Throwback blogs are blogs from my past. I start posting past blogs reflecting what I wrote. It's like my "A Second Look" blogs for which I give myself feedback.

Today's throwback blog is titled Throwback Blog: A Mixed Bag Of Everything written on Jun 30, 2021. Today's throwback is the first throwback throwback, a double throwback, or "A Third Look" blog. Also, today's throwback is the first in the 2020s.

The initial throwback is true today. I continue living my life with the corrected mistakes I committed in 2006. There are two updates. The Ryu's Birthday Party Ryu disappeared in Jun 2019. He reappeared in 2023. The Still 5.25% the Federal Reserve interest rates was 5.25%. The interest rates today are 4.75%-5.00%.

I said in the first throwback, "I was mostly depressed. I was mostly unhappy. Most of the happiness was faked." is true today. There were enough good moments to declare my 2006 a good year. Any past blogs stated a good 2006 year were true. My friend Barnes is quoted, "Enjoy it or complain." The paragraph contains two reminders.

Today's throwback blog is titled A Mixed Bag Of Everything written on Aug 11, 2006. The throwback is actually a second look at Aug 2006. I learn from the mistakes I made. I remind myself lessons learned. I refresh my acquired knowledge. I rediscover wisdom. I correct errors. I write changes. I share my feelings. Pardon the bad grammar. I write what happened first. I write my second look next.

Time Just Froze
Summary: I purchased a new watch which replaced my Casio G-Shock I wore since 1996.
Feedback: I purchased another Casio watch. I realized decades later my Casio watch made me look ignorant in terms of fashion and in terms of proper appearance.

New Laptop Bag
Summary: The grip handle on my laptop bag broke. I sent the laptop bag back to the manufacturer because of their lifetime guarantee. The manufacturer sent me a new laptop bag.
Feedback: I still have the laptop bag. I carry the laptop bag using the shoulder strap like a messenger bag.

Pictures Are Memories
Summary: I took pictures from events in Jul and Aug.
Feedback: I took too many pictures. There are lines between taking enough pictures, taking too many pictures, and taking inappropriate pictures. I stop acting like a professional photographer.

Ryu's Birthday Party
Summary: There was a popular anime fan nicknamed Ryu. He hosted an open invitation birthday party. Attendance reached the thirties. Everyone was having fun.
Feedback: Fast forward to 2008. Ryu's true colors were shown in a negative way. His 2008 birthday party attendance was under ten. He came in and out from the anime community. He disappeared completely in Jun 2019.

Anime Overdose (AOD) 2006
Summary: I attended their third AOD anime convention.
Feedback: AOD changed from Anime Overdose to Animation Overdose. 2006 was the year I attended the most anime conventions at six.

Last Night's Dinner
Summary: My mom cooked leftovers last night. She cooked in a lazy way. I cooked with heart. I cooked doing my best.
Feedback: No changes. My mom continues cooking in a lazy way. I cook with heart. I cook doing my best with infinite improvements.

A Quick Filling
Summary: I got a tooth filling before work. The dentist tried to sell Invisalign. My family suspected our dentist needed money.
Feedback: I took his Invisalign hint months later getting braces on Jan 2007 from an orthodontist. The family changed dentists on Aug 2019. His prices increased. His professionalism decreased. I can't explain why we didn't change dentists earlier.

Alphabetically Ascending A-Z
Summary: I listened to 98.5 KFOX's annual tradition playing their entire classic rock library by song title from A to Z.
Feedback: I continue listening to classic rock. Thank you classic rock. Today's music is garbage.

Broken Dryer
Summary: My dad attempted to fix the dryer.
Feedback: Thank you to our former neighbors the late Shermans for giving us their old dryer.

Green Tea
Summary: I drink expensive green tea from a bag costing $17.
Feedback: I stopped drinking green tea one year later.

Work Today
Summary: Today's work day was busy. I admitted my company stinks.
Feedback: I started job searching in mid-2006. I can't explain why I stopped. I resumed job searching in Jan 2007. I found a new job in Mar 2007. I should have more strength and courage to find a job when I realized the company started going downhill earlier in 2006.

Feeling Sick
Summary: I ate a poor lunch. I was fatigued. I got a sore throat.
Feedback: I repeat the lessons I learned years later. Get enough sleep. Exercise. Minimize processed foods. Eat good meals.

Keeping It Cool
Summary: I was sick during a brief heat wave.
Feedback: I'm proactive taking care of myself and my environment on hot days.

Double Day Off
Summary: There were two people in my department. My dumbass co-worker and I. I get a day off at work when he takes a day off away from work.
Feedback: I talked to one of the veteran brokers on my last day. He disclosed my dumbass co-worker had lots of personal problems. He had a good relationship with my dumbass co-worker because they worked in the company for years.

My coworker was a dumbass. He taught me Excel the wrong way. I unlearned his lessons years later. He taught me real estate statistics incorrectly. I was warned multiple times from past managers. Unfortunately, I didn't recognize them.

A Yummy Dinner
Summary: Inflation was the business headline.
Feedback: The Federal Reserve accepts the current inflation as transitory.

Still 5.25%
Summary: The Federal Reserve kept interest rates at 5.25%.
Feedback: Today's interest rates is 0.25%.

Shopping On eBay
Summary: I purchased a new watch and a new laptop battery on eBay.
Feedback: I believe my new watch stopped working around 2008. eBay is a legitimate ecommerce website.

Final thoughts. I ended the blog saying, "Who is to blame or to be faulted for a mixed bag of events the last two weeks? Nobody. I blame nobody for the last two weeks of completing something and more stuff comes to me. I'm going with the flow. . . . I feel mixed emotions." Going with the flow was accurate. Mixed emotions was accurate.

Honestly speaking, I was mostly depressed. I was mostly unhappy. Most of the happiness was faked. I should have been proactive to minimize chances of being depressed and to maximize chances of being happy. The writings were on the walls what I should have done and what I could have done such as find a new job, self-teach myself Excel correctly, and research gym workout plans. Better late than never. All mistakes in Aug 2006 are corrected.

I Brush My Teeth To Save Ten Thousand Dollars

My dad went to the dentist for a morning surgery. He received a tooth implant. $10,000 was the cost for the implant. The cost was higher when factoring in pain medications, antibiotics, vomit control pills, and, if he still worked, loss of worktime. The non-monetary costs included throwing up, bedridden, and temporary restricted diet.

I brush my teeth in the morning after breakfast and the evening before bedtime. I floss my teeth after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I blame poor dental advice from past dentists for my deep gum pockets. I use mouthwash after lunch. I use a Waterpik in the evening. I use a tongue scraper in the evening. I wear a retainer to maintain straight teeth and to avoid grinding my teeth when I sleep. The minutes spent day and night for clean teeth is worth the time. In addition, good oral hygiene is important for sex. Sex and $10,000+ are the best motivators to minimize the chances of major dental problems. I hope I have good dental family genes I never need dental surgery when I get old.

Throwback Blog: A Mixed Bag Of Everything

Blogger's Note: Throwback blogs are blogs from my past. I start posting past blogs reflecting what I wrote. It's like my "A Second Look" blogs for which I give myself feedback.

Today's throwback blog is titled A Mixed Bag Of Everything written on Aug 11, 2006. The throwback is actually a second look at Aug 2006. I learn from the mistakes I made. I remind myself lessons learned. I refresh my acquired knowledge. I rediscover wisdom. I correct errors. I write changes. I share my feelings. Pardon the bad grammar. I write what happened first. I write my second look next.

Time Just Froze
Summary: I purchased a new watch which replaced my Casio G-Shock I wore since 1996.
Feedback: I purchased another Casio watch. I realized decades later my Casio watch made me look ignorant in terms of fashion and in terms of proper appearance.

New Laptop Bag
Summary: The grip handle on my laptop bag broke. I sent the laptop bag back to the manufacturer because of their lifetime guarantee. The manufacturer sent me a new laptop bag.
Feedback: I still have the laptop bag. I carry the laptop bag using the shoulder strap like a messenger bag.

Pictures Are Memories
Summary: I took pictures from events in Jul and Aug.
Feedback: I took too many pictures. There are lines between taking enough pictures, taking too many pictures, and taking inappropriate pictures. I stop acting like a professional photographer.

Ryu's Birthday Party
Summary: There was a popular anime fan nicknamed Ryu. He hosted an open invitation birthday party. Attendance reached the thirties. Everyone was having fun.
Feedback: Fast forward to 2008. Ryu's true colors were shown in a negative way. His 2008 birthday party attendance was under ten. He came in and out from the anime community. He disappeared completely in Jun 2019.

Anime Overdose (AOD) 2006
Summary: I attended their third AOD anime convention.
Feedback: AOD changed from Anime Overdose to Animation Overdose. 2006 was the year I attended the most anime conventions at six.

Last Night's Dinner
Summary: My mom cooked leftovers last night. She cooked in a lazy way. I cooked with heart. I cooked doing my best.
Feedback: No changes. My mom continues cooking in a lazy way. I cook with heart. I cook doing my best with infinite improvements.

A Quick Filling
Summary: I got a tooth filling before work. The dentist tried to sell Invisalign. My family suspected our dentist needed money.
Feedback: I took his Invisalign hint months later getting braces on Jan 2007 from an orthodontist. The family changed dentists on Aug 2019. His prices increased. His professionalism decreased. I can't explain why we didn't change dentists earlier.

Alphabetically Ascending A-Z
Summary: I listened to 98.5 KFOX's annual tradition playing their entire classic rock library by song title from A to Z.
Feedback: I continue listening to classic rock. Thank you classic rock. Today's music is garbage.

Broken Dryer
Summary: My dad attempted to fix the dryer.
Feedback: Thank you to our former neighbors the late Shermans for giving us their old dryer.

Green Tea
Summary: I drink expensive green tea from a bag costing $17.
Feedback: I stopped drinking green tea one year later.

Work Today
Summary: Today's work day was busy. I admitted my company stinks.
Feedback: I started job searching in mid-2006. I can't explain why I stopped. I resumed job searching in Jan 2007. I found a new job in Mar 2007. I should have more strength and courage to find a job when I realized the company started going downhill earlier in 2006.

Feeling Sick
Summary: I ate a poor lunch. I was fatigued. I got a sore throat.
Feedback: I repeat the lessons I learned years later. Get enough sleep. Exercise. Minimize processed foods. Eat good meals.

Keeping It Cool
Summary: I was sick during a brief heat wave.
Feedback: I'm proactive taking care of myself and my environment on hot days.

Double Day Off
Summary: There were two people in my department. My dumbass co-worker and I. I get a day off at work when he takes a day off away from work.
Feedback: I talked to one of the veteran brokers on my last day. He disclosed my dumbass co-worker had lots of personal problems. He had a good relationship with my dumbass co-worker because they worked in the company for years.

My coworker was a dumbass. He taught me Excel the wrong way. I unlearned his lessons years later. He taught me real estate statistics incorrectly. I was warned multiple times from past managers. Unfortunately, I didn't recognize them.

A Yummy Dinner
Summary: Inflation was the business headline.
Feedback: The Federal Reserve accepts the current inflation as transitory.

Still 5.25%
Summary: The Federal Reserve kept interest rates at 5.25%.
Feedback: Today's interest rates is 0.25%.

Shopping On eBay
Summary: I purchased a new watch and a new laptop battery on eBay.
Feedback: I believe my new watch stopped working around 2008. eBay is a legitimate ecommerce website.

Final thoughts. I ended the blog saying, "Who is to blame or to be faulted for a mixed bag of events the last two weeks? Nobody. I blame nobody for the last two weeks of completing something and more stuff comes to me. I'm going with the flow. . . . I feel mixed emotions." Going with the flow was accurate. Mixed emotions was accurate.

Honestly speaking, I was mostly depressed. I was mostly unhappy. Most of the happiness was faked. I should have been proactive to minimize chances of being depressed and to maximize chances of being happy. The writings were on the walls what I should have done and what I could have done such as find a new job, self-teach myself Excel correctly, and research gym workout plans. Better late than never. All mistakes in Aug 2006 are corrected.

Man, lots happened since my late Grandmother's funeral service July 29 weekend. It's all a mixed bag with mixed results, mixed emotions, mixed outcomes, and, just about mixed everything. *Hee, hee* I'm going to share the latest happenings all mixed or in no particular order. Here is everything #__# Mood: Relaxed and Optimistic.

Note: I didn't proofread the Blog entry carefully. To use my friend Barnes' to the point one-liners: Enjoy it or complain.

Time Just Froze

My Casio G-Shock watch went haywire and froze during Pictionary with my cousins, brother, and sister the weekend of my Grandmother's service. The watch still has power. It's just frozen such that everything is being displayed; in other words, the time is 88:88:88. I going to purchase a new watch on eBay because the mall was selling my watches overpriced. I wore the watch since 1996 when I purchased at Big 5 on sale. Mood: Angry and Sad.

New Laptop Bag

On Wednesday August 9, I got my new laptop bag. The handle broke at Anime Expo 2006. I sent the laptop bag to Targus after receiving a confirmation number from email. Targus responded by sending me a brand new laptop bag. Wow! I thought Targus replaced the handle only. I'm going to try to carry necessary items. I remember purchasing the laptop bag on March 4, 2005 at Fry's Electronics, the day before Anime Overdose 2005 XD Mood: Happy and Shocked.

Pictures Are Memories

Earlier today, I finished the 2006 Mar Reunion pictures when all of family visited for my late Grandmother's service. I called in work saying there was a family emergency for which I spent the day with the family. I took at least 100 pictures and I uploaded 66 pics. Uh, oh! I hope 66 is not really 666 0:-) I need to tell my brother and Dad to pass the link to all of the family members. Mood: Success!

On the other hand, I have pics from Anime Expo 2006, Anime Overdose 2006, Kima's Reunion, and Ryu's birthday party. *Sigh* The correct choice is Ryu's birthday party because the party was fun, fun, fun, and turnout was great for the next round of pics to be uploaded. Everyone, don't feel bad about me. It's all timing and events out of control for which I have so much to do. I find time for everything. Mood: Confused and Razzed.

Ryu's Birthday Party

What a birthday party. I attended late because I attended Anime Overdose 2006. Looking at the pictures others took during the afternoon, everyone was having fun. I'm happy. When I arrived, the joy was all around the house. People were talking and people were smiling and people were hanging out. We also went to the park and played lots of kiddie games such as Freeze Tag and Hide and Seek. Everyone was being a kid *hee, hee* Thank you Ryu for inviting me. Mood: Happy and Joyful.

Anime Overdose (AOD) 2006

I attended AOD. O.K., it's really Animation Overdose. I'm going to called it Anime Overdose to the point when I feel like saying Animation Overdose. For the time being, I'm going to call it AOD to get away with saying Animation Overdose. LOL! AOD was a good convention. I purchased a stuffed Tea Club Mr. Bear, two Tsubasa Chronicles mystery figures usually sold in supermarkets where people buy the box and there is a random character figure and a candy treat, and a Rozen Maiden pencil board for Ryu's birthday gift.

I cosplayed as Syaoran from Tsubasa Chronicle (hey, the ending theme to Tsubasa Chronicle is playing on my laptop as I'm listening to random music *__*). I met Hohenheim, EvaX, Richie, Craig, Jeff, H-Chan, Alan, and a few others I forgot ^^ Sorry. I also took cosplay pics and listened to Ramen and Rice play for at least 45 minutes. Alan and I left around 5:00 P.M. where we went to Japantown San Francisco and then Ryu's birthday party. Mood: Upbeat and Friendly.

Last Night's Dinner

My Mom cooked leftovers last night. No problem. I prepared the vegetables which was easy. Unfortunately, when the meal was fixed, my Mom didn't finish cooking. She cooked the food in a quick and lazy way. *Sniff, sniff* I'm one who likes to cook with heart and the best I can do. I admit I'm not a chef. I'm eager to learn better ways to cook. Having a half-ass dinner ruins an evening . . . at least to me. In defense, my Mom admits she's tired of cooking. I hope I never get tired of cooking. Mood: Depressed.

A Quick Filling

Monday August 7 I went to the dentist to get a filling at 9:30 A.M. The filling was quick. The dentist was trying to sell me InvisAlign, a product to help strengthen my teeth. I think my dentist revenues are low and he is selling products. The dentist tried to sell products to Mom which she really didn't need. I admit my teeth needs to be strengthen and if my insurance covers my ortho, I strongly consider using InvisAlign. Mood: Half Awake and Half Tired.

Alphabetically Ascending A-Z

Next week, 98.5 KUFX or KFOX is going to play their entire Classic Rock library from A to Z. I'm going to listen at work next week. Mood: Happy.

Broken Dryer

The family dryer is broken. My Dad is trying to replace the motor. So far, it looks like my Dad needs to hire a repair man. If I was half as good as a handyman as my Dad, I could make a second income as a handyman after work $-) In the meantime, my Dad and Mom go to my late Grandmother's house and use her dryer. My late Grandmother lives in walking distance from my house. Mood: Frustrated.

Green Tea

After at least a month without drinking green tea, I'm drinking green tea. I drink green tea after dinner. It's refreshing. I buy the lose leaves at a tea shop in Japantown San Francisco. One bag is $17.00, and it's their cheapest. The $4.00 green tea in the supermarkets is terrible. Mood: Relaxed.

Work Today

Today's work was all bad timing. I had to rush inputting a bunch of closed deals because a broker needed a report with the closed deals for a breakfast the next day. In the afternoon, a bunch of requests came in all at once which I hate. I managed to finish the requests and I was really tired. I really didn't eat lunch because last night's dinner was terrible and I hate to eat bad food for lunch because it ruins the work day. Then again, how worse can my workday be because my company stinks. Mood: Depressed and Feeling Despair.

Feeling Sick

I ate three pieces of bread and a candy bar for lunch. Bad choice. I feel sick and tired. I now have a sore throat and I hope I recover quickly. I canceled my gym schedule today and tomorrow. I haven't been to the gym in two weeks. In middle July, I went to the gym which was only a light workout. I feel out of shape. I hope timing goes in my favor soon because skipping gym is like skipping drinking water. Mood: Disappointed.

Keeping It Cool

Yesterday, temperatures reached the middle 90s. I hate hot weather. Fortunately, yesterday was the only day of the week temperatures are over 90s according to weather forecasters. Thank goodness. Being sick and 90 degrees weather are a bad combination. Mood: Concerned.

Double Day Off

For the few of you (thank you for visiting my Blog often) who knows my co-worker is a dumb-ass, I'm confessing I can't handle him. I thought I can handle him with his bad tobacco smell and his smoke breaks every 15 to 30 minutes. The guy is a pure idiot and jerk. Fortunately, when he takes a day off, I get a day off. Although, I have to take the day off at work and I get extra workload which I don't mind going to work and I can handle the extra workload because when it takes my co-worker an hour to complete an assignment, I can complete it in 15 minutes and complete much better. Mood: Cheerful.

A Yummy Dinner

Today after work I went to Safeway supermarket and purchase chicken and steak for tonight's dinner and tomorrow's dinner. I created action for redemption for a better and delicious dinner. I can't believe I paid $15.00. I know it's cheaper and healthier compared to eating out. With $15.00, I can purchase 5 times more chicken or 2 times more steak at Costco. Moreover, the cost of living in my area is really going up. Is it inflation? You bet, man. Mood: Scared.

Still 5.25%

The Federal Reserve kept Federal Fund Interest Rate at 5.25%. I think the Federal Reserve failed to keep Inflation in check. And I think the Federal Reserve put little effort to keep the economy from Inflation. Inflation is coming and then a recession. Be prepared. It's the time to wait and then make the move. It's the situation where good things come to those who wait. Mood: Opportunistic.

Shopping on eBay

Finally, after the Blog, I'm going to purchase a new watch and another battery for my laptop. Mood: Practical and Happy.

Who is to blame or to be faulted for a mixed bag of events the last two weeks? Nobody. I blame nobody for the last two weeks of completing something and more stuff comes to me. I'm going with the flow. Everything that has happened I feel happy, sad, joyful, depressed, despair, confused, cheerful, friendly, lost, hopeful, disappointed, and innovative. I feel mixed emotions. It's like I'm being thrown curve balls; unfortunately, I'm in a slump hitting them for base hits and home runs.

Life is a mixed bag of good and bad. The successful people are the ones who endures the mixed bag with strength, integrity, knowledge, and innovating. Currently, I'm practicing and practicing to be one of those successful people. Mood: Focused and Lost and Innovating.

Top Ten Moments Wearing My Braces

I wore my braces from Jan 24, 2007 to Aug 17, 2009, a total of 936 days. I experienced new experiences, tried new activities, seek new adventures, growing up, made new friends, and seeing what my world really is. I continue to experience new experiences, try anything new, search for new adventures, grow up, meet new people, and finding what the world is to me and my surroundings. Life changes daily. I never stop changing because I always improve and innovate my life. I want to be great person. My last top ten list was the top ten moments since I graduated San Jose State University (SJSU). View the list here. The dates were Dec 1997 to Dec 2007. My lists are getting better, stronger, and more influential affecting my life in a shorter time range. The top ten SJSU was 10 years. The top ten braces is 2.6 years. In other words, I have more choices to make the top ten braces within less time compared to SJSU. I must be doing something correct. Here are the top ten moments when I wore my braces: 10. Working at Cisco (Mar 19, 2007). The timing was perfect I found a job in a tech company. Nothing beats Cisco. Free bottle water, free soda, flexible hours, Cisco networks, choice to work at home, and more. I waited nine years to work in a tech company. Colliers International continued to go downhill and the last months were hell! I learned a lot in the 18 months as a contractor. I learned about politics, departments fighting for funds from the executives, teamwork, networking, keeping secrets, fidgeting the numbers, PowerPoint, keeping an eye on yourself while portraying yourself a dependable person, and much more. Nobody is 100% honest. Nobody. Hard work alone only goes so far. I've seen workers doing half-ass jobs still having a job. Do I want to go back to Cisco? Absolutely! My second tour at Cisco I'm grown up, more knowledgeable, and more experienced. Side note: I saw CEO John Chambers twice and SVP Rob Lowe. I worked at their building for three months before my contract was terminated. 9. Facebook (Mar 23, 2009). Facebook is my first social networking site. I never created a LiveJournal and MySpace. Social networking is a good way to keep in touch with family and friends. Everyone uses Facebook for different reasons. I use Facebook to keep my family and friends informed the latest and greatest in my life. I ignore the all quizzes, all games, and most applications. 8. The New Me On The Outside (Oct 4, 2008-Aug 17, 2009). From the top of my head wearing a new hat to the bottom of my feet wearing new shoes, it's time for a new me on the outside. Before Oct 2008, I had been wearing the same clothes for a long, long time. I wore some of those clothes for 10 years. Retarded! I continue to buy new clothes and accessories. Out with the old and in with the new and upgrade my lifestyle. 7. Accutane (Feb 5, 2009). I applied two topical creams to control my acne since 2005. The topical creams were expensive. Time's up! I requested my dermatologist to take Accutane. He approved. Accutane is a powerful drug to treat acne. The drug removed the warts. My common side effects are dry skin, dermatitis, and eczema. The dry summer days make my eczema worse. I continue the treatment to achieve zero acne on my face. It's time to be handsome! 6. Back To School (Apr 6, 2009). The economy continues in a recession. I have extra time. A friend of mine suggested I take Japanese. Great idea! I signed up for Beginning Japanese, Strength Development, and Social Dance for Spring Quarter '09. Strength Development was a good class. I used the class to learn a new workout plan. The last day of class my maximum bench press is 200lbs. Not too shabby for a geek. And Social Dance was a good class, too. My favorite dance was the Waltz. My sister who dances competitively said I learned intermediate Waltz. It seems my favorite dances are the Smooth dances. I explain Beginning Japanese soon. Going back to school opens another option while being unemployed that is earning a second degree. I'm taking Social Dance and Financial Accounting I for Fall Quarter '09. 5. My First Car (May 12, 2007). My neighbor and his wife moved to Virginia to be close with their family. They sold me their second car, a 2005 Toyota Camry V6. Great car! I drove two road trips that were Anime Expo'07 in Long Beach and Anime Expo'09 in Los Angeles. I visited new places including places to hike, Charles M. Schulz museum, and new places in Santa Cruz. I'm looking forward to future adventure and to visit new sites. Life is a highway! 4. Add The Little Things And I Have Something Big (Dates Vary). Eating a Cinnabon for the first time, hiking, dancing, Finding Raymond Mar blog, shaving with a razor, listening to classic jazz, bodybuilding.com, family's new PC, Yelp, Team Fortress 2, sleeping on a new mattress, reading fiction books, texting, AIM, new laptop, and reorganizing my room. Add those little things and many more and I have something big, something amazingly huge! 3. Washington Canada '08 Trip (Nov 15-20, 2008). The timing was perfect to visit my friend in Washington. My contract at Cisco was terminated and I was lost, my life was lost. I didn't know what I was doing. The trip was relaxing and lots of fun! We visited Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Hurricane Ridge; Rock 'n Roll museum; casino, Downtown Seattle, and book stores. We watched movies and played board games. Great times! 2. Dropping Japanese (Apr 23, 2009). I mentioned in moment number 6 I went back to school. One class was Beginning Japanese I. I dropped the class on the third week because the sensei went too fast. She required all the students to learn Hiragana and Katakana in three weeks. Too fast! I told my friends who took Japanese and all agreed I made the correct decision to drop. If I didn't drop Japanese, there was so much I couldn't do; for example, my Haku cosplay, Anime Expo'09, and hiking. I'm no psychologist. I read about an area in the brain responsible for critical decision making. Maybe my critical decision making remained underdeveloped. I believed if my critical decision remained underdeveloped, then I made a serious mistake continuing Japanese and struggling. Side note: I never dropped a class while I was at San Jose State University. 1. It's Time To Grow Up (Oct 4, 2008). None of the moments above and none of the moments in past top lists comes close to match this number one moment as of today. None! Nada! Zip! My number one moment is the day I realized I must grow up. I was in Los Altos, CA. A friend and I played board games at a board games event in the Los Altos Library. We played in the morning because he had an afternoon appointment. I saw an arts and crafts festival across the street. I walked around the festival, listened to live music, and ate lunch. Throughout my walk, I paid attention to the families especially young families with their grade school aged kids. I realized I must grow up when I walked back to my car. Notes *Six of the ten moments took place Oct 4, 2008 and later. These six moments demonstrate I'm growing up and I'm catching up what I missed earlier in my life. *There is one moment that took place between May 13, 2007 and Oct 3, 2008, a span of 509 days or 1.39 years. That moment was number 4 "Add The Little Things . . . ." Examples included playing Team Fortress 2, my first game I played online; my second laptop, an HP; and cosplaying on Halloween. *My Top 30 Most Memorable Moments was created when I turned 30 years old in Aug 2004. View the list here. I didn't have a number 1 moment. My Top 40 Most Memorable Moments is going to have two number 1 moments; in other words, Top 40 plus 1. The growing up moment has high potential to be one of the two number 1 moments. Obviously between now and when I turn 40 anything can happen to top the growing up moment. As of today, I doubt it because if it wasn't for me growing up, I'm not who I am today, the relaxed and mature Raymond Mar. Damn, I must continue to watch my tone because sometimes I talk too loud `__^ I'm growing up Finding Raymond Mar

Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwich Time

One of the new stuff I did in 2007 is trying new foods. My braces forced me to try foods I used to hate. I have eaten yogurt, kiwi, peanut butter, yams, and oatmeal. I love those foods. Mangos and peaches are on the list. I must try mangos because, well, Seinfeld fans should know why, LOL. And I thought about trying sushi. :-)

One breakfast morning, I ate a peanut butter and (strawberry) jelly sandwich for the first time in my life. I was afraid to eat it. I liked jelly and I started to eat peanut butter. Why must I worry? I ate the PB&J and the jelly made the peanut butter taste sweet; unfortunately, my continued fear prevents me from making more PB&J sandwiches. The PB&J sandwich was too good, too sweet, and too frightening. Yeah, I’m speaking nonsense. I’m confident I need to eat more PB&J to acquire the unique taste *()*

The blog entry is neither an Innovate Common Knowledge blog nor a recent sad and depressing. I want to tell everyone I’m O.K. with my braces. There is little discomfort and minimal problems. Unfortunately, people tell me when the orthodontist tightens the braces and changes the wire, the fun and pain begins *__*

Finally, find a reason to try new foods and/or drinks. For me, it was braces. For others, it can be meeting new people, working at a new job, going out on a date, moving to a new city, trying a new hobby, or whatever. Bon appetite :-O

A Bag Of Little Things

(Author's Note: The Blog below is unedited. Lots to do for the weekend. Pardon the grammar mistakes.) Here we go ^__^ . . .

1. Video Editing For VBlogs

I received tips on video editing software for my VBlogs. The first is VirtualDub and the website is www.virtualdub.org. The second is Blazemp and the website is www.blazemp.com. I try both software. When I'm comfortable with video editing, I upload VBlogs. Thank you for waiting ^__^

2. A High School And College Friend Visiting

One of my friends from high school and college is visiting San Jose for two weeks on a business trip. Hoa found a new job in September after working four years as a director in his last job. Congrats! We went out for dinner on Thursday talking about our latest lives and just hanging out.

3. Another Friend Visiting

Another friend is visiting the Bay Area on vacation. We hang out for a couple of hours on Tuesday and went out for dinner on Friday. Arashii lives in Southern California and is an anime fan like me.

4. Crystal Reports XI

Earlier today, I went to Borders to purchase a Crystal Reports XI reference book to help me learn more about Crystal Reports XI. I reread and redid the exercises from my Crystal Reports class in April 2006. I like to learn more about Crystal because, so far, Crystal has benefited me at work doing some of my responsibilities faster and better.

5. House Plant, Candy, And Yogurt

After Borders, I went to Safeway to buy a house plant for my room, candy, and yogurt. I was sick during Christmas 2006, one Christmas I'm going to forget. During my sickness, I thought about getting a house plant for my room. I heard a house plant helps keep the air on the fresh side since house plants breathe carbon dioxide.

And Safeway had 3 for $.99 candy. I purchased Hershey's milk chocolate and Kit Kat candy bars. Chocolate has anti-oxidants. Hey, one good reason to buy candy. *Hee, hee*

And I also purchased yogurt because I'm getting braces on January 24 and I need to eat soft food during the first few days of my braces. Also, on Wednesday January 10, I'm getting four teeth pulled and I'm going on a soft diet for a few days as well. When I was a child, I hated yogurt. Today, I purchased a strawberry yogurt and a lemon yogurt. I ate the strawberry when I got home and I loved it. Yogurt is really good. What did I miss when I was a kid =P

6. RSV

Yesterday, I read an article in the Mercury News discussing Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV. The article says there has been an increase in people getting RSV. I'm 99% positive I got the virus since Christmas. Going to the doctor is a waste of time because antibiotics are useless against virus. I'm keeping myself warm, drinking warm fluids, eating Garlic pills, taking Vitamin C, and drinking green tea, and eating candy, LOL!

RSV is a mild sickness for which one usually doesn't require bed rest; however, RSV is a lingering virus lasting weeks. RSV infects the lungs and respiratory tract with a runny nose, cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, and mild headaches.

7. Stretches In The Meantime

I'm continuing to recovery from RSV. I'm taking it really easy on the exercises by doing simple stretches and sit-ups. I'm eager to go back to the gym to do at least the stationary bike and the treadmill. I assure everyone I take it really easy if I choose to go back to the gym. The earliest I can go is the week of January 15 because on January 10 I'm getting four teeth removed :-[=] with a break on the week of January 22 because on January 24 I get my braces :-{} I then can resume my gym schedule in February.

8. Recapping On My Braces

Wednesday January 10: Four teeth removed.
Wednesday January 17: Measurements for my braces.
Wednesday January 24: Braces installed. Expect to wear them between 1.5 to 2 years.

9. Back Ups, Laundry, And Football

I came home after Safeway, ate lunch and watch some football, and I back up some of my photos on my laptop. I'm now checking email and writing the Blog. Later tonight, I wash my clothes, stretch out, and keep warm. If I'm awake, I watch an episode of The Shield at midnight.

10. And Finally, New About Me

I updated my About Me section. The new About Me is more positive, talks more about me, and is friendlier to new people visiting my Blog. The new people get to know me better reading the About Me and I hope they get a positive impression on who I am.

A Mixed Bag Of Everything

Man, lots happened since my late Grandmother's funeral service July 29 weekend. It's all a mixed bag with mixed results, mixed emotions, mixed outcomes, and, just about mixed everything. *Hee, hee* I'm going to share the latest happenings all mixed or in no particular order. Here is everything #__# Mood: Relaxed and Optimistic.

Note: I didn't proofread the Blog entry carefully. To use my friend Barnes' to the point one-liners: Enjoy it or complain.

Time Just Froze

My Casio G-Shock watch went haywire and froze during Pictionary with my cousins, brother, and sister the weekend of my Grandmother's service. The watch still has power. It's just frozen such that everything is being displayed; in other words, the time is 88:88:88. I going to purchase a new watch on eBay because the mall was selling my watches overpriced. I wore the watch since 1996 when I purchased at Big 5 on sale. Mood: Angry and Sad.

New Laptop Bag

On Wednesday August 9, I got my new laptop bag. The handle broke at Anime Expo 2006. I sent the laptop bag to Targus after receiving a confirmation number from email. Targus responded by sending me a brand new laptop bag. Wow! I thought Targus replaced the handle only. I'm going to try to carry necessary items. I remember purchasing the laptop bag on March 4, 2005 at Fry's Electronics, the day before Anime Overdose 2005 XD Mood: Happy and Shocked.

Pictures Are Memories

Earlier today, I finished the 2006 Mar Reunion pictures when all of family visited for my late Grandmother's service. I called in work saying there was a family emergency for which I spent the day with the family. I took at least 100 pictures and I uploaded 66 pics. Uh, oh! I hope 66 is not really 666 0:-) I need to tell my brother and Dad to pass the link to all of the family members. Mood: Success!

On the other hand, I have pics from Anime Expo 2006, Anime Overdose 2006, Kima's Reunion, and Ryu's birthday party. *Sigh* The correct choice is Ryu's birthday party because the party was fun, fun, fun, and turnout was great for the next round of pics to be uploaded. Everyone, don't feel bad about me. It's all timing and events out of control for which I have so much to do. I find time for everything. Mood: Confused and Razzed.

Ryu's Birthday Party

What a birthday party. I attended late because I attended Anime Overdose 2006. Looking at the pictures others took during the afternoon, everyone was having fun. I'm happy. When I arrived, the joy was all around the house. People were talking and people were smiling and people were hanging out. We also went to the park and played lots of kiddie games such as Freeze Tag and Hide and Seek. Everyone was being a kid *hee, hee* Thank you Ryu for inviting me. Mood: Happy and Joyful.

Anime Overdose (AOD) 2006

I attended AOD. O.K., it's really Animation Overdose. I'm going to called it Anime Overdose to the point when I feel like saying Animation Overdose. For the time being, I'm going to call it AOD to get away with saying Animation Overdose. LOL! AOD was a good convention. I purchased a stuffed Tea Club Mr. Bear, two Tsubasa Chronicles mystery figures usually sold in supermarkets where people buy the box and there is a random character figure and a candy treat, and a Rozen Maiden pencil board for Ryu's birthday gift.

I cosplayed as Syaoran from Tsubasa Chronicle (hey, the ending theme to Tsubasa Chronicle is playing on my laptop as I'm listening to random music *__*). I met Hohenheim, EvaX, Richie, Craig, Jeff, H-Chan, Alan, and a few others I forgot ^^ Sorry. I also took cosplay pics and listened to Ramen and Rice play for at least 45 minutes. Alan and I left around 5:00 P.M. where we went to Japantown San Francisco and then Ryu's birthday party. Mood: Upbeat and Friendly.

Last Night's Dinner

My Mom cooked leftovers last night. No problem. I prepared the vegetables which was easy. Unfortunately, when the meal was fixed, my Mom didn't finish cooking. She cooked the food in a quick and lazy way. *Sniff, sniff* I'm one who likes to cook with heart and the best I can do. I admit I'm not a chef. I'm eager to learn better ways to cook. Having a half-ass dinner ruins an evening . . . at least to me. In defense, my Mom admits she's tired of cooking. I hope I never get tired of cooking. Mood: Depressed.

A Quick Filling

Monday August 7 I went to the dentist to get a filling at 9:30 A.M. The filling was quick. The dentist was trying to sell me InvisAlign, a product to help strengthen my teeth. I think my dentist revenues are low and he is selling products. The dentist tried to sell products to Mom which she really didn't need. I admit my teeth needs to be strengthen and if my insurance covers my ortho, I strongly consider using InvisAlign. Mood: Half Awake and Half Tired.

Alphabetically Ascending A-Z

Next week, 98.5 KUFX or KFOX is going to play their entire Classic Rock library from A to Z. I'm going to listen at work next week. Mood: Happy.

Broken Dryer

The family dryer is broken. My Dad is trying to replace the motor. So far, it looks like my Dad needs to hire a repair man. If I was half as good as a handyman as my Dad, I could make a second income as a handyman after work $-) In the meantime, my Dad and Mom go to my late Grandmother's house and use her dryer. My late Grandmother lives in walking distance from my house. Mood: Frustrated.

Green Tea

After at least a month without drinking green tea, I'm drinking green tea. I drink green tea after dinner. It's refreshing. I buy the lose leaves at a tea shop in Japantown San Francisco. One bag is $17.00, and it's their cheapest. The $4.00 green tea in the supermarkets is terrible. Mood: Relaxed.

Work Today

Today's work was all bad timing. I had to rush inputting a bunch of closed deals because a broker needed a report with the closed deals for a breakfast the next day. In the afternoon, a bunch of requests came in all at once which I hate. I managed to finish the requests and I was really tired. I really didn't eat lunch because last night's dinner was terrible and I hate to eat bad food for lunch because it ruins the work day. Then again, how worse can my workday be because my company stinks. Mood: Depressed and Feeling Despair.

Feeling Sick

I ate three pieces of bread and a candy bar for lunch. Bad choice. I feel sick and tired. I now have a sore throat and I hope I recover quickly. I canceled my gym schedule today and tomorrow. I haven't been to the gym in two weeks. In middle July, I went to the gym which was only a light workout. I feel out of shape. I hope timing goes in my favor soon because skipping gym is like skipping drinking water. Mood: Disappointed.

Keeping It Cool

Yesterday, temperatures reached the middle 90s. I hate hot weather. Fortunately, yesterday was the only day of the week temperatures are over 90s according to weather forecasters. Thank goodness. Being sick and 90 degrees weather are a bad combination. Mood: Concerned.

Double Day Off

For the few of you (thank you for visiting my Blog often) who knows my co-worker is a dumb-ass, I'm confessing I can't handle him. I thought I can handle him with his bad tobacco smell and his smoke breaks every 15 to 30 minutes. The guy is a pure idiot and jerk. Fortunately, when he takes a day off, I get a day off. Although, I have to take the day off at work and I get extra workload which I don't mind going to work and I can handle the extra workload because when it takes my co-worker an hour to complete an assignment, I can complete it in 15 minutes and complete much better. Mood: Cheerful.

A Yummy Dinner

Today after work I went to Safeway supermarket and purchase chicken and steak for tonight's dinner and tomorrow's dinner. I created action for redemption for a better and delicious dinner. I can't believe I paid $15.00. I know it's cheaper and healthier compared to eating out. With $15.00, I can purchase 5 times more chicken or 2 times more steak at Costco. Moreover, the cost of living in my area is really going up. Is it inflation? You bet, man. Mood: Scared.

Still 5.25%

The Federal Reserve kept Federal Fund Interest Rate at 5.25%. I think the Federal Reserve failed to keep Inflation in check. And I think the Federal Reserve put little effort to keep the economy from Inflation. Inflation is coming and then a recession. Be prepared. It's the time to wait and then make the move. It's the situation where good things come to those who wait. Mood: Opportunistic.

Shopping on eBay

Finally, after the Blog, I'm going to purchase a new watch and another battery for my laptop. Mood: Practical and Happy.

Who is to blame or to be faulted for a mixed bag of events the last two weeks? Nobody. I blame nobody for the last two weeks of completing something and more stuff comes to me. I'm going with the flow. Everything that has happened I feel happy, sad, joyful, depressed, despair, confused, cheerful, friendly, lost, hopeful, disappointed, and innovative. I feel mixed emotions. It's like I'm being thrown curve balls; unfortunately, I'm in a slump hitting them for base hits and home runs.

Life is a mixed bag of good and bad. The successful people are the ones who endures the mixed bag with strength, integrity, knowledge, and innovating. Currently, I'm practicing and practicing to be one of those successful people. Mood: Focused and Lost and Innovating.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resume? I don't need a resume. Here is my resume: Innovator. I'm available to innovate for hire.