On my grind

I know. I know. I stopped blogging again.

This new job has got me slaving! So I'm back on making the most out of whatever free time that I have. I also been doing a lot of planning for some things in the future, but I won't let that leak yet until everything is set.

The past week or so have been a lot of fun though.

Pre father's day BBQ.
Getting some riding in.
More riding...
Sushi! I haven't had any in a while so it tasted sooo much better.

Failed my first (and hopefully last) DUI test. Thank god the cop was super cool and had me call one of my friends to come and drive my car back home. Thanks Scotty!
Morning after breakfast after a night of partying. Partied pretty hard actually. It was a nice night to go a little crazy.
Can't beat country way.
Happy Birthday to one of my really good friends, Gary. He had a BBQ/bonfire at seascape out in Aptos. Really secluded beach. Meant we got to drink and go a little crazy.
Lots of people came out even if it was an hour and a half drive to get there. Shows how much love everyones got for that guy.
More riding...
Found money on the floor!

and that's about it. I have a couple days off coming so Ill update then! Goodnight

Day 11: Your family

Im really close to my Mom's side. To them, family really comes first. They came from a poor background in the Philippines and the only thing they had were each other. That stays true to this day.

On the other hand. My Dad's side, well we might as well be strangers. I'm not going to sugar coat things, but other than a few cousins, I could care less for any of them. I had a long rant about all the things I dislike about them and all the other things they lack but its not worth my time.

But you know that saying "blood is thicker than water"? That might be true but the people I consider family goes far beyond people that are blood related. My friends too, are family.

Days like these

Make me really happy and appreciate everything around me. So I'm taking a break from my "30 day challenge."

But I don't know if it's the summer weather we've been having or just having enough time between my life and work that I'm able to do all the things I want to do without being stressed and tired.

Today was the first real summer day we've had. High 70's with a cool breeze and everyone just seemed relax, enjoying the weather. I got to sleep in, got to be a bum for a few hours. Picked up my Uncle from the airport, got to see my Grandpa, accompanied Maia to her oral surgeon, thrift town, Area Cycles, and an amazing ride out to Berkeley.

Although it might not have been the safest route, we rode through the ghetto part of Oakland at night. I know people hear all these bad things that happen around there, shootings, murders, robberies, etc. I'm not gonna say it's not true but it's way less dangerous than what everyone else makes it seem. Maybe I'm biased since I live in Hayward but I have never had a problem in any area most people consider "ghetto."

The weather was awesome and we were just flying through there. Got to Berkeley and all of us stopped by to pick up some Top Dog. If you haven't been there, better put it on your bucket list, cause it's something you have to eat before you get too old and can only eat blended stuff.
After filling up, picked up some beers and we hung around the stairs at Sproul Plaza in UC Berkeley. Two summers ago, we would end up hanging out here at least 2-3 times a week. Definitely nice talking about old times, being with good company, and sharing laughs the whole entire time.
Ended the night with this cool old man playing us some music while we wait for out train.
Here's some more pictures from yesterday.

Rode with my little brother. He actually saw his friends riding around on our way and I told him to go ride with them but he said that he rides with them all the time and he would rather ride with me cause I'm always busy and rarely have free time to ride with him. That made me feel really good. Kid's got a lot of potential.
Later that night, had dinner with Maia and we went out for dessert. Dessert meaning beers, cookies, and ice cream. Definitely had a good night.
Pizzookie!
Goodnight.

Day 10. Put your music player on shuffle and write the first 10 songs that play

1. Morrissey - Maladjusted
2. Coconut Records - Summer Night
3. Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
4. Bloc Party - She's Hearing Voices
5. MGMT - The Handshake
6. Atmosphere - Flesh
7. Frank Ocean - American Wedding
8. Blue Sky Black Death - Once Away
9. Kid Cudi - Switchin Lanes
10. Wacka Flocka Flame - Homies

Day 9: How important I think education is

I know I didn't blog the last couple of days, but I have a totally legitimate reason. I was having too much fun away from the computer. Oh and working... -_-

But hmm... how important is education? I have a lot to say but I'm going to pass. These types of things are way more fun when you have someone to discuss them with. Here's something quick though:

I believe that having some type of education is important. Especially education that isn't limited to a classroom. Education can be attained from the streets, from life experiences, from your elders, discovery channel, etc. Being book smart doesn't mean shit if you can't use what you know/have learned out in the real world. I have met people that have gone to big name colleges and have made nothing of themselves and I have met people that dropped out of high school and are very successful. So in my opinion it all boils down to how one makes use of education.

I mean if education was such a sure pass to being successful in life and being accepted in society cause I guess having a piece of paper handed to you at graduation makes you a better human being. College graduates would be wiping their asses with dollar bills and we wouldn't have way less ignorant people in this world.

Day 8: What I ate today

The district nurses had their end of the year potluck brunch today. So I got to spend my morning with all of these wonderful ladies, full of wisdom, stories, and advice. They are always watching out for me and trying to teach me life lessons. When I'm at work I feel like I have 10 mothers, but that's a good thing.

Today was also extra special, I tried to take in every minute cause with my future plans, there is a very good chance I wont be seeing them next year. I am definitely going to miss each and every single one of them.
So back on topic. The food.
I had a little bit of each. I didn't know what 90% of the food was, but it sure tasted good. Also had some mimosas and fancy french champagne flowing. The weather was also perfect. I wanted to take a nap so bad after stuffing myself with all the good food.
Later in the afternoon, Jeff and I went for a ride to visit the guys at Area Cycles. Hung out for a bit. On the way back we grabbed some mexican food. I had me a super taco, horchata, and the usual condiments.
Oh and I guess Ive been biking in these shorts so much a hole developed on my shorts. haha
Good day today.

Day 7: Five Pet Peeves

1. Cutting: No not wrists. Lines. This applies especially to Chinese people on BART or at the grocery store, Indians come in a close second. So rude.

2. Acting High and Mighty: I do not care how much money you make, how nice your car is, or how big your house is. You gotta stay humble. Don't belittle people. Having all those things does not make you a better person.

3. Being Late: Especially as of late, my life has gotten really busy where I have to make every single hour in a day count. I don't want to be waiting for your lagging ass. If you know well ahead of time and we agreed when to meet, I expect you to be there.

4. Diets: Well not specifically dieting in general. More like people that make such a big deal out of it. I respect that you're trying to stay healthy, drop a few pounds, getting your summer body ready, etc. But please don't make a scene at a restaurant about how you can't eat this or eat that, how fatty or unhealthy that food is, how it can give you high blood pressure, etc. Mentioning you're on a diet is enough, after that just keep it to yourself. Go chew on a carrot or something.

Okay I hit a road block. I cant think right now so #5 is gonna have to wait.

Allright. Continued:

5. Douchey Drivers: When someone signals to try and get in your lane, let the person in. It's not that big of a deal to lose a car length. Don't tailgate me or flash your high beams, I'll just go even slower. Don't honk unless you really need to. Please go speed limit or 5-10 miles faster. Don't double park on a busy street or parked in the middle of a street and have a conversation; it's not safe, people have to get to places, and it's just common courtesy. Don't take up two parking spaces, you'll have a higher chance getting your car keyed. When filling up gas, please give enough space so you the car next to you can have room to fill up. Last but not the least, watch out of cyclists, were considered vehicles on the road too.

here's also a couple more. In no particular order.

6. Bad Directions
7. Backseat Driving.
8. Not returning texts/phone calls.
9. Lying (especially when its obvious)
10. Reckless cyclists.
11. Not paying me back.
12. Buying things for yourself when you owe someone else.
13. Attitude.
14. When appetizers or deserts come out at the same time or after the main course.
15. Go through my stuff.
16. Complaining.
17. Not being able to take a joke.
18. Followers.
19. Clicky people.
20. Rude customers. Waiters too.

Day 6: My views on mainstream music

I don't even know if I have the energy to blog right now. I ended up riding 70 miles today. That's after being off the bike for almost 3 weeks so I'm pretty spent. Also I don't really feel like its worth discussing this topic. Everyone is going to like different types of music. As long as I like how it sounds, that is all that matters to me. Too many people get too serious about what other people listen to. Its not that serious... bro.

But this song has been stuck in my head for a couple days now.

Day 5: Things I want to say to an ex

I could have so much fun with this one but I am going to decide and be a better person. One thing I do want to say to my ex's and past girls that Ive had a relationship with is...

Thank You.

Because of all the things Ive been through with all of you, all the fighting, the drama, the downfalls. I've learned so much. I can honestly say that Ive become a better person because of all of that. Now I know what I want, when to speak up, when to bite my tongue and let shit go, etc.

It's not only the bad things, the good things too. I cant deny that some of you really did make me genuinely happy and I hold onto those moments, they mean something to me. At some point in time you guys were the most important people in my life. I can never change that.

So once again. Thank You.

Day 4: Bullet your whole day

Sorry this is gonna have to be a quick one. (that's what she said haha) Its about to be 6 am, I just got home and I have work in a couple of hours. I wanna get in some sleep before then. So here you go.

• Slept in.
  
• Woke up at 1:30... PM
• Breakfast for lunch.
• Went to work.
• Worked for 4 hours.
• Drove to Berkeley.
• Drinks with one of my best friends.
• Caught up. Talked about life.
• Drove back with a buzz.
• Stopped by to see one of my favorite people.
• Didn't have to sleep alone.
• Woken up at 5 am.
• Drove home.
• Blog before sleep.
  

Day 3: A book I love

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

Why? For my cousin.

My Dad moved to the United States for work to try and give us, his family, a better life. Leaving my Mom, my younger sister, and I in the Philippines. So growing up I never really had a father around to look up to, but my cousin was there to fill the gap. He was the coolest kid around, the one everyone knew, the one everyone loved. He got all the girls and just had so much swag. Yes, I said swag.

Anyways I always looked up to him, I idolized him. He was the one I went to when I was in trouble, actually being the oldest cousin he was the one everyone went to whenever anyone got into trouble. Family was always his priority. He did anything and everything he felt like doing, dealing with consequences were an after thought. That was one of the main traits I always envied about him. On top of all of that, he was one of the nicest people I know. He will take the shirt off his back and give it to you without hesitation.

One of his friends even told me a story, that when my cousin left the Philippines to join the US Navy, he boarded the plane with just a backpack wearing a tank top, shorts, and sandals. All because he gave all of his possessions away! I cant say enough about him. I can go on forever and it wont even get close to show how great of a person he is.

Sadly, a few years ago he passed away. It broke me, I still really can't talk about it to this day. I miss him so much and if wishes did come true I would really like to see him again. Share a drink or two and talk about all the mischief we got into growing up. I know that one day that wish will come true. I also know that you never really know what life will throw at you and there is a big chance I will be losing more of the important people in my life and when they do, this book gives me hope that Ill see those people again.
"Fairness does not govern life and death. If it did, no good person would ever die young."

Day 2: Something I feel strongly about

"work hard. play harder"

I would take the time to explain more in depth but I am tired. Its a Friday and I just finished another work week. But all Im saying is that hard work pays off. Work your ass off so you have a legitimate reason to go out and party that same tired, overworked, underpaid, ass off. It'll feel a whole lot better and by just being consistent, persistent, and determined. Working hard will get you somewhere better than where you're at now.

Also while Im blogging. Here are some pictures from last weekend's super fun trip down to southern california down the 101.

Day 1: Five ways to win my heart.

Yea. The picture above would be one of them, but Im trying not to be shallow. So here you go:


1. Adventure: have a sense of this. I can get pretty spontaneous at times and tend to do things just because. This means you have to be willing to get lost with me, I promise it wont be boring, you will see things you've never seen before, and finding our way back is half the fun. But really its because I want to see and do as many things as I can before I die, I don't want to live a routine life. I want each day of my life to be an adventure.

2. Ambition: I've been told I have a lot of this. I hope you do too. Know that there is always something better, but also know when you have something good. I want someone who has goals and the determination to go after them, no matter what the cost. I mean if you never chase your dreams and ambitions, they're pretty much worthless.

3. Patience: I can get out of line sometimes, especially when I'm under the influence. Okay, sometimes I just dont give a damn and I can be the biggest asshole. I want someone by my side to keep me in check, set me straight, and maybe even slap me in the face if I cross the line. I want you to have enough patience to stay by my side no matter how big of an asshole I can be. You'll also need a lot of patience when I'm acting like half my age, which is at least 46% of the time. Just a heads up.

4. Talent: everyone has their own special set. Just have one that I wish I could do. It doesn't have to be something amazing, but I want to be able to ask you how you do it. This can be from juggling to writing amazing literature. Just remember that I am very easily amused.

5. Passion: well, if you're one of those people that think that you absolutely have no talent whatsoever, you can make up for it by having passion. I want you to be so passionate about something, anything, just be so passionate that no one can ever question why you do it and even if they do, you have your heart so deep into it that they can't help but have respect for you. I want to see that in you, cause I can only imagine when you put that same passion into... us.

Runner ups:

humor, respect; for yourself and others, better love the beatles, animals, and art. be able to appreciate good food. love sunsets. be able to get along with my family and friends. sympathy. great work ethic. take lot of pictures, i want to look back at pictures and reminisce when were old and cant remember much. good listener. good talker. appreciate all of my lame jokes.

ah okay. that should be enough. im tired. goodnight

30 day challenge

No its not lent. No it has nothing to do with food, diets, or exercising. Its just a little something for me to get this blog going again. Back then this would have been a piece of cake but the way things are going this is going to be a tough one. I mean it was difficult enough for me to update this thing once a week. So I starting tomorrow I will try my best to find some time in my day and do this: