Year End Clearance pt. 4

I usually start off my last blog of the year with a reference to a movie that best describes my life so far.  Then I realized that this time around, I should stop comparing my life to a movie.  I mean, my life is authentic.  No one is living my life besides me.  I admit, starting my year end blogs is quite difficult.  I always want to start off with an inspiring first paragraph before I do the rundown of my 2011.  To get some inspiration going, I start to look through my previous end of the year blogs and noticed that ever since I came back from my "sabbatical", my life has been AWESOME.  Was my life awesome before my sabbatical?  Well, it was another life.  It was a life that I wouldn't change for anything.  If I did, then I wouldn't be here.  My life is happening as its suppose to be happening.  I am here because I am suppose to be here.  In 2010, I re-established myself within society.  The foundation of who I am was being blue printed and built and now in 2011, I have a strong solid base where I can continue to grow and house a life that I always wanted.  I've housed many experiences and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.  

And now here is the rundown of 2011...

-  As always, at the end of every year, I take a few days off from work to relax.  This whole week has been great.  I've been writing blogs for my website for the last couple of days.  I had to catch up since I've missed out on the whole month of November due to "major maintenance repairs".  Blah.  I had to write enough to end off the year with a good note.  I noticed that I wrote more this year than I did last year and you know what?  I am proud of everything single thing that I've blogged about.  The grammatical errors?  Yea, still working on that.

-  I cannot write about my rundown of the 2011 without mentioning my fiance, Tangela.  This past year, we have been steadily planning our wedding.  The long talks of minor and major details we need to follow through and numerous calculations of how much this is and how much that is for other things.  Earlier this year, we finally found a venue to hold our ceremony AND reception and didn't hesitate to search for the DJ and the photographers/videographers a few weeks later.  We actually got all major stuff done.  In June, we had our Engagement party. A month after that, we took our Engagment photos.  We took a break from the wedding planning but discussed about what we needed to do in the following months.  Saving money was of our immediate priority and we thanked the almighty baby Jesus that we had so much time to plan instead of having no time, being rushed.  At times, I remind myself that this time next year, I will be married to the one that I've been waiting for all my life.  There are no words to express of how I feel about her.  I am just blessed to be with someone who is willing to share their life with me and have a family.  

-  Oh yea, as of November, I am a proud owner of the iPhone 4s.  Yup.  I actually wasn't planning on getting one until I was told that my contract expired this past February.  My pops informed me that I could get the new iPhone 4s for very low price if I sign up for another 2 year contract with Verizon.  I debated for a few days because I really didn't have a problem with my HTC Incredible smart phone I got last year.  My brother convinced me (and a couple of people) to get the iPhone because...well.. it's so freaking cool.  Very easy to use but still getting the hang of it.  The visuals from the iPhone screen is...so...CLEAR!  The battery life is unbelievable.  I can go a day and a half without charging it.  Great phone.  I don't know why I didn't get one in the first place.  Now, I'm wondering how the iPhone 5 is going to be.

-  Boxing?  Man, this year has been filled with surprises and upsets.  First off, Manny Pacquiao.  His fight with Shane Mosely was nothing but a sparring match.  Two nice guys fighting each other.  Manny managed to knock down Mosely but later on, Manny was thrown to the floor and the ref counted that as a knock down.  Manny being pissed, finished up strong and defeated Mosely by unanimous decision.  Months later, the third and final fight between Manny Pacquiao and Manuel Juan Marquez, was very close.  Marquez countered ferociously but with less attacks while Manny also countered ferociously WITH many attacks.  Manny won but was NOT Manny's best fight.  Floyd Mayweather Jr. won against Victor Ortiz with a LEGAL cheapshot allowing Floyd to be yet again undefeated.  You can say the two best welter-weights of boxing did not have a great year, despite them winning anyway.  What really saved boxing by the end of this year was the second fight between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito.  Cotto won in the 10th round by using different strategies.  He worked hard for this fight and I commend him for his win and great effort.  

-  In October, my brother ran the New York Marathon.  I was and still am, proud of what he did to challenge himself.  Getting into the NY Marathon is difficult.  You need to do certain requirements of other marathons to even qualify to be picked to run the race.  Fortunately, my brother was picked and he ran the marathon and finished under 4 hours!!  The fam and I waited on the side lines, hoping to see my brother run in action...and we did.  He looked great and was determined to win.  He told me later on, that he was dead tired and once he saw me and the fam, he started to run faster.  Us being there, motivated him to keep on pushing.  His next goal is to run other major marathons across the US.  Why not?

-  This past Thanksgiving, the fam and I traveled to San Francisco, Califorina to spend time with my brother and my sister in law.  It was a great break from New Jersey.  There are times that you need to get away from where you are and just enjoy other places for new experiences.  Even though I've been to San Fran many times, my brother always seem to bring me to areas where I have not been to yet.  My parents also celebrated their wedding anniversary as well in San Fran.  We all went to a great restaurant and had a great time talking.  Family has always been important to me and just being there with them, makes me feel whole.  I am who I am because of them.  They are my life and I am in debt to them always.

-  During my visit to San Francisco, I visited my friend, Jeff Chinn, and his famous "Bruce Lee" Room.  I met Jeff last year at Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday Event held by the Bruce Lee Foundation.  Jeff gave me, my brother, and my sister in law a tour of his Bruce Lee Room and might I add, every story he had about his collection were excellent and very dear to Jeff's heart.  Jeff is one of the few to have a piece of garment that Bruce Lee wore in "Enter the Dragon".  Yup.  Jeff also had Bruce Lee's wife, Linda Lee Cadwell and most of Bruce Lee's students visit the Bruce Lee Room as well.  The room's back end was covered with Bruce Lee magazines and shelves with endless Bruce Lee memorabilia.  I was just in awe of his collection.  I thanked him and his wife for inviting me, my brother, and my sister in law into their home.  We had a great experience and had fun at the same time.  Thank you, Jeff.  Definitely coming back next time!

- Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do.  Bruce Lee's Way of the Intercepting Fist has been part of my life for four years and something months now.  I cannot believe I have made it this far.  It has been a dream come true.  I am studying under the best instructor and training with the those who take the art seriously.  My training regiment has been constantly changing.  I can never stay with the same routine for long.  I feel that a change must always be a priority.  Constant changing means constant adaptability.  I train myself to be ready for anything with anyone.  People don't realize that Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do is NOT a sport.  It never was and it will NEVER will be.  JFJKD is geared toward street fighting.  There are no rules, no referee... anything goes.  THAT is always the mentality I am under whenever I train.  I always make it a point to work on being simple, direct, and non-classical when it comes down to street fighting.  Being efficient is a great factor as well.  Even if I may never use JFJKD in my life, it's better to know and not have anything happen than not knowing what to do when it does happen.  Be ready for whatever may come.  There are more things to learn.  There are things I know I need to keep working on.  Training never stops....ever.

-  Speaking of Jeet Kune Do, after Sifu Ted Wong (Bruce Lee's friend and last private student) passed away, there has been some sort of conflict among Ted Wong's students.  I am not going to get into much detail but remember this, if you want to train under an instructor that has been CERTIFIED by Ted Wong, ask to SEE credentials.  I am not kidding.  You have every right to see a certificate of some sort to prove that they are the real deal.  What's the real deal?  A certificate with Ted Wong's stamp or signature of approval.  It's that simple.  But beware...Ted Wong had two certificates, one certificate that only had a rank number (meaning they were only students NOT instructors) AND the other certificate that says "Instructor" WITH a rank number.  These are the important things you MUST look out for.  Remember, you are going to invest your time and effort to train in Jeet Kune Do, especially under an instructor certified by the late Ted Wong.  Please choose wisely.

-  In August, Sifu Richard Torres held the FIRST Annual Jeet Kune Do Summit in Poughkeepsie, New York.  Two days of training under five incredible instructors were; Sifu Richard Torres, Vince Raimondi from New Jersey, George Hajnasr from Conneticuit, Ralph Figueroa from Arizona, and Wing Chun instructor, Tony Santiago who is also from New Jersey.  Every teacher had valuable knowledge to share.  Different ways of seeing things through another, is always a great way to learn.  Even though there has been heavy conflict within the Jeet Kune Do community, all of us put the bullshit aside and just trained.  Good 'ol fashion training to wake up the spirit.  We also had fun in the process.  It was all in the spirit of Jeet Kune Do and Bruce Lee.  And since this seminar was a such a successful turn out, there will definitely be a SECOND Jeet Kune Do Summit in 2012.    

-  What was also a great blessing for my family this year was my god daughter Monica getting engaged with a great guy name Brad.  When I heard the news, I was so happy for the both of them.  I know that Brad will take good care of my god daughter.  Man, where did the time go?  Last time I checked, my god daughter was like 5 years old now she's in her 20's about to get married.  The Benitez Clan celebrated their engagement with Brad's family and had a great time.  Their wedding will be wonderful.  I am definitely looking forward to it!

-  Met Run of RUN DMC in a bookstore.  'Nuff said.

-  This year, I've been socially connecting with great people via Twitter.  Yea, Twiter.  In the beginning, my @thejerseymonk Twitter account was private.  Not sure why but If I wanted to connect with people of my caliber, writers or amateur writers, then Twitter was the only the way to do it.  So I went public with my account but didn't connect with people.  So, I did what any twitter-er would do... follow EVERYBODY.  Well, only people that caught my interest.  Slowly but surely, I started to connect with artists, musical artists, photographers, martial art movie fans, martial artists, and just cool people in general.  I got a couple of famous people tweeted me back which really made me feel special.  Tee hee.  All in all, we live in an age of social networking.  We are all connected.  Twitter and other networks are great to showcase your work...and other stuff.  

-  I've become a full fledged comic book collector this past September.  Yup.  Ever since the DC Universe "rebooted", I've finally had the opportunity to finally follow my favorite comic book characters from the beginning.  All the titles of the DC Universe started back to issue 1.  You know what that means?  Get as many number 1 issues bag 'em, seal 'em and wait for the next 50 to 60 for its value to go up.  Oh yea, if I can't reap the rewards of the number 1 issues now, then my kids will.  However, I've been a comic book lover all my life.  I love the drawings AND the stories.  I'm surprised that my passion for them never faded out.  AND.. I'm also glad that I'm not the only 30 something year old STILL collecting.  Nerds over 30?  Yea, put me in that age bracket.  

-  Speaking of comic books, I finally attended my first NEW YORK COMIC CON.  It was one of the BEST experiences in my life.  Me and the wifey went on a Friday morning and you wouldn't believe how amazed and very impressed I was from all the things we've seen.  I'm so glad that I started collecting again because now I recognized comic book artists and writers (through the internet of course) without wondering who they are.  There were people who wore costumes (cosplayers) of their favorite superhero, supervillian, etc, etc and one of the best ones I've seen was this dude who dressed up as Archangel from the X-Men.  If you don't know, then look it up on google.  This dude literally hand made MECHANICAL wings that expanded with the touch of his finger tips.  INSANE.  I am definitely going to go next year and maybe wear a costume myself (yea right).  The NYCC was for four days and we only went to one.  Friday AND Saturday were the best days to go.  Saturdays is the day when you see sneak previews of superhero movies, television shows, comic books... the list goes on.  Man, I love comic books!

CONCLUSION:
At the end of every year, I hear people say "For my New Years Resolution...".  Why?  Why wait until the end of the year or a beginning of a new year to start things you want to do?  Why don't you do it now?  What's the difference if you start now or January 1st? January 1st is nothing magical.  It's just another day.  Don't put things off and wait for some fire works display to get you motivated.  Everyday you have an opportunity to change your life.  You know you can but you decide not to.  Then you know what comes after that?  Excuses.  Then by the time you know it, you just don't care anymore.  Then what happens?  "This time, I'm really really really going to make this my New Years Resolution...".  Full circle, isn't it?  All of us (yes, I am including myself because I am guilty as well) need to stop with the excuses and choose.  What happens if there is no tomorrow?  What then?  Can you honestly say that you lived a life you always wanted live?

Today is the day.  Not tomorrow, not next week, not for New Years... TODAY.  

...and Today will be the first day of your new life.

Happy New Year, Everyone
 

Ready Past Entries:

Year End Clearance pt. 3

In the movie, the Dark Knight, Batman established himself as the protector of Gotham City.  His war on crime made the criminals of the city, think twice before breaking the law.  Even though the Batman made a name in the streets, he still had to prove that he's nothing to mess around with.  Small time crooks cower whenever they hear the name BATMAN but the big time crime bosses, think he's a nut job with a mask and cape.  At this point, the Batman isn't feared by all.  However, EVERYONE knows that he's real and what's frightening to some, he watches over them.  He's here to stay...if they liked it or not.

In 2009, I returned from exile.  I reconnected with old friends, blah blah blah... you heard this story already.  In 2010, I re-established myself back into society.  What does that mean?  It means that it was time to re-build, settle in, and most importantly, live my NEW life.  This past year, I've done a lot of things.  I've come to the realization that I would never again leave EVERYTHING or ANYONE behind.  It's just being selfish.  I already made the first mistake of just disappearing and it was one of the worst mistake I've ever made.  But I've returned.  You already know that.  Now, I'm living among you.  I'm a different person now.  I've got new goals and a new persona.  I'm here to stay, my people.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to make a name for myself.  I'm here to live out the rest of my life.  Sound pretty direct, wouldn't you say?  I'm staying whether they like it or not.  (Interesting, same ending as the first paragraph.. haha) 

And now, the rundown of 2010:

- For almost a week and few days, I've been off from work.  A much needed break.  This year, my job has its moments.  The changing of managers, changing of work load, and changing of departments.  I didn't want to start off my rundown with work but I would rather get this out of the way.  Before, I had issues with many things in the office but, now, everything is fine.  Let's hope that the new year will be better than "fine".

- Early March, my brother and his friends invited me to watch Manny Pacquiao fight Joshua Clottey in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.  The stadium was gigantic.  Their NEW LCD screen, INCREDIBLE.  The fight...not so great.  In short, it seemed that Clottey wanted to get paid.  Even though Pacquiao won by default and received a huge amounts of money, Clottey received a cool 1.5 Million.  If you didn't know, Clottey was living in a small ass apartment in the Bronx.  This fight was not a great highlight for either fighters that night.  However, the small rumble in the stadium lobby was pretty interesting.  You had to be there to see it.  I know because I was.

- Speaking about boxing, the last few months has been great.  Manny Pacquiao fought again and this time he fought Antonio Margarito.  Margarito was twice Pacquiao's size but that didn't stop the Pride of the Philippines.  Manny won every round, leaving Margarito brusied and beaten... literally.  The second fight of Sergio Martiez vs. Paul Williams was probably the best fight I've seen after Manny's.  Even though both were southpaws, I favored Martinez.  He's quick, he can punch, and at times, he showboats like Roy Jones Jr.  Martinez knocked out Williams in Round 2.  Knock out of the year.  

- Before the summer began, I traveled to Wildwood, New Jersey.  I haven't been there in YEARS.  I would say 10 years to be exact.  The last time I was there, I was actually with my fiance, her family, and at the time, her boyfriend and his friends.  I was actually invited by her brother, one of my best friends.  Strange how things fall into place.  Spent the whole weekend just relaxing and walking the Boardwalk.  Went to the beach, dived into the freezing ass water, did a couple of flying side kics....  Great times.   

- In the late summer, I traveled outside of the US.  I finally went to Europe.  Portugal, Spain, and France.  It was an interesting trip.  I just didn't like the buses, trains, and cabs to get to where we wanted to go.  But it was all worth it.  It was great being in all these places.  When we got to Paris, France, I finally went to the Louvre Museum.  Seeing the Mona Lisa was one of my best moments of my life.  Never did I ever imagine coming to the Louvre Museum let alone coming to Paris.  And you can't mention Paris without mentioning the Effiel Tower.  As much as I wanted to go inside the Tower, I stayed outside of it, marveling at it's beauty.  

- This year, I turned 30.  Yikes.  'Nuff said.

- On October 10, 2010 (10/10/10), I proposed to my darling, Tangela.  I never blogged about it.  I didn't think there was much to say when I only posted the picture of the ring.  Pictures are worth a thousand words.  I am a very lucky man to have someone like Tangela in my life.  Not only does she make world brighter, she doesn't mind me talk about Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do 24/7.  I mean, you would have to be insane to sit through my ramblings.  Haha.  I love you, babe.  You are the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time.  Can't wait to get married.

- I've been training in Jeet Kune Do for 3 years, going onto 4.  It has been a great journey.  This year, I changed my training drills at home.  Don't worry, it's a good thing.  Change is always important.  No matter the costs.  We can't stay in the same routine forever.  I can actually say that I worked even harder this year than I did last year.  I mentioned six months ago that a few of my friends reached Instructor level.  Last week, another friend of mine also reached Instructor level.  Congrats to Jesse Ohliger.  He has been training since he was in his early teens.  He's 28 now.  He deserves it.  

- The Jeet Kune Do Martial Arts Community lost two of its great practitioner this year.  One was, William Holland, a Sifu in Jeet Kune Do.  News came that he died of health problems.  I have never met him physically but we conversed back and forth through a forum I no longer go to.  He was nice enough to allow me to link his website on my Way of Intercepting page.  He was truly a nice guy.  On the forum, he never ranted off like a maniac.  He was calm and cool but also got his point across...in a nice way.  Rest in peace, William Holland.

- The second Jeet Kune Do practitioner and teacher we lost this year was Sifu Ted Wong, the last private student and close friend to Bruce Lee.  When I received the news about his death, my heart dropped.  A sudden sadness took over body.  For almost three weeks, I couldn't shake off the fact that Sifu Ted Wong was gone.  He was another nice guy that I met through the JKD Community.  I was honored to attend his seminar in 2008 where my teacher, Sifu Richard Torres (student to Sifu Ted Wong), hosted for two days.  I had an opportunity to converse with him.  Never did I once talk about JKD or even Bruce Lee.  We talked about life.  It was another great moment in time for me.  He will be missed.  You can't forget nice guys like him.  Rest in peace, Sifu Ted Wong.   

- I am now a proud godfather to my best friend's daughter, Jolie.  I love that little girl.  I have two other goddaughters that I'm very proud of as well.  I can honestly say, that I am the first one to buy her Jordans.  Yea, I could have bought her a dress but who else is going to buy her Jordans?

- My pops battled two surgeries by the end of this year.  He is one tough dude.  He never gave up the will to live and I am very proud to be his son.  His recovery time has been excellent.  As of now, he sometimes complains about the food he eats, the medicine he takes, and sleeping too much during the day.  No matter how much he complains, I'm just glad he's still alive.  He is relatively still young.  So basically, he has more years to live.  Since he's going to be out of commission for a few more months, I've been taking on some of his responsibilities.  No biggie.  He's a fighter and to me, he's my hero. 

- November 27, 2010 was Bruce Lee's 70th birthday.  I traveled to San Francisco with my teacher and my friends to celebrate his life with the Bruce Lee Foundation.  We had an opportunity to go to the hospital where Bruce was born in and other places where he stood.  The celebration of the 70 years of the Dragon was held in the Empress of China Restaurant in Chinatown.  Friends of Jun Fan like Alan Joe and George Lee attended the event.  Jeet Kune Do elites like Tommy Carruthers, Yori Nakamura, Greg Smith, Tommy Gong also graced us with their presence.  I finally met Bruce's childhood friend, Grandmaster William Cheung.  William Cheung was one of Bruce's instructors in the martial art of Wing Chun.  It was a great night for everyone.

- I finally met one of Jeet Kune Do's elite, Lamar Davis II of Hardcore Jeet Kune Do.  I attended one day of his 3 day seminar this past August.  His knowledge of Chi Sao is incredible.  A great JKD practitioner and Wing Chun expert at best.  When I started researching JKD, I purchased all his instructional dvds.  This man knows what he's doing.  There are a few that knows the ins and outs of Jeet Kune Do and Lamar Davis II is one of them.  He works hard and trains hard to promote Bruce Lee's martial arts.  Very funny guy as well.  I'm glad that I have met him.  

- This was the year that I truly followed through with my new year's resolution.  I wrote more blogs.  It's pretty difficult to write about things with no motivation but I somehow found a way.  I looked through what I've written in 2010 and I must say, I'm pretty proud of what I've accomplished.  I used to be the type of person to write in epic proportions but now, I just write to get to the point.  Meaning?  I've learned to live with writing a few paragraphs.  Can't force to write a needed Nobel Piece Prize Literature in moments, you know? Look out for more blogs in 2011.

Conclusion:
We come a long way haven't we?  Another year finished and what we've done has already been done.  We've lost a few people along the way but that's life.  Even though life can be harsh, it can also be fantastic.  One of my friends just had a baby boy.  Congrats to her and her husband.  Life isn't all that bad.  What is bad that WE don't live life as much as we should be.  We are living for a reason.  We are here not to just let time slip away, but to use the time to do what is necessary.  This year, was my time to live.  I traveled and I experienced.  I spent time with friends, family, and my Tangela.  I trained with the best teacher and will continue to train.  I lived my days doing what I wanted to do with no regrets.  Sure, I had a list of new year resolutions for 2010 and you know what?  I accomplished at least 70 percent of it.  I'm proud of that.  Now, I can add the rest I didn't accomplished to my new list for 2011.  

While writing this yearly blog, the scene from the "the 13th Warrior" came into my head.  I felt that this clip was appropriate to end 2010.  We say we have so much time on our hands, we tend to forget that time cannot be grasped.  It slips away.  Use the time to do what you've always wanted to do.  NO matter what it is, just do it.  Don't give yourself an excuse. 

"Merciful Father, I have squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. But at this moment, I beg only to live the next few minutes well. For all we ought to have thought, and have not thought; all we ought to have said, and have not said; all we ought to have done, and have not done; I pray thee God for forgiveness." 

see you next year, my peoples

Read Past Entries:

Year End Clearance pt.2:

In the movie, “Superman Returns”, scientist believed to have found a new planet “Krypton” (Superman’s home planet) in the far reaches of the galaxy.  Even though the planet Krypton Superman knew was destroyed, Superman still had to investigate.  So in a blink of an eye, Superman left the world he knew and the world went on without him.  Five years later, Superman returned.  Upon his arrival, he realized the world he knew ultimately changed.

I started 2009 fresh.  When I mean fresh, I mean FRESH.  December of 2008 marked my return of a six year absence I took away from the world that I used to know.  I entered the new year finding friends that I used to hang out with through the social network called FACEBOOK.  Corny as it may sound, I reconnected with almost all of them.  I even reconnect with some of my grade school and high school friends.  My plan was to re-establish myself into society, sketch out plans and new goals to reach during the year.  I have to say, that 2009 was one of THE best year that I’ve ever lived through.  Along the way, I met new people, explored new places, and started to live my life where I left off.  Everyday was a blessing and thanked the man upstairs for the experience.  At first, it was awkward reaching out to people I haven’t seen in years but to my surprise, they welcome me back into their lives with open arms.  It’s like I never left.  Again, corny as it may sound, thank you FACEBOOK.

Rundown of 2009 (no particular order):

-  Met the love of my life.  I’ve known her for ten years, going on eleven.  Funny how things work out, right?  “We were never meant to be, Baby, we just happened”.  Indeed.  I love you, babe. 

-  Reconnected with old friends.  Even though I was away, we managed to talk it out and continued on with the friendships.  Thank you for forgiving me, everyone.  Let’s all move on together, shall we?

-  Connected with new friends.  All I have to say is that after we’ve met, it’s been loads of fun.  I am grateful for meeting you and most definitely more loads of fun into the new year.  GYEA!!

-  My brother got married in September of 2009.  I am very proud of him and his new wife for taking the biggest step of their new lives together.  My new sister-in-law has always been family and was always accepted into the Benitez Clan.  Her family plus our family equals a big family.  Our big family will continue to grow, supporting my brother and my sister-in-law everyday with love.  Cheers to you two.  I love you both, the Materum Family and Benitez Family as well. 

-  the Vegas Wolfpack.  ‘Nuff said..except Beyonce at the Wynn and WHADDELSE??!!

-  Memorial Day weekend in Delaware.  I always remember the part of “Wayne’s World” where Wayne did a blue screen skit where he said “Hi…I’m in….Delaware” always cracks me up.  However, I had the best time.  Kiyaking was a great experience, the Water Wars I will never forget, and the boat ride was pretty awesome.  Oh yea, the four level house…crazy.  Especially the kids running around like no tomorrow.

-  All my trips to Atlantic City.  I haven’t been to AC in years but this year was frequent.  Borgata and Tropicana, the best two places to be at.  Noodles of the World and Melting Pot is my new two new restaurants to eat at and yes, I’m a Red Label Member in Borgata.  Don’t judge me please.  LOL.

-  Speaking of Borgata, The Celebration of My girlfriend’s birthday weekend in Atlantic City.  My family, her family and her friends all came for five incredible days of fun.  She was smiling for that five days and I was glad to be a part of it.  Except the end...no more glasses, babe. 

-  The continuation of my jeet kune do schooling.  Counting this month, it has been already two years and four months and I still can’t get enough of it.  I would like to thank Sifu Richard Torres for pointing me in the direction of what I have to do and for guiding me of what I must do to improve my training.  The students of his school will always be my inspiration to become and effective fighter.  WALK ON!!

-  The “Art of Action” jeet kune do seminar in Los Angeles, California.  The Bruce Lee Foundation gave a great three day seminar for jeet kune do students like myself and Bruce Lee enthusiast all over the world.  It was very successful.  Me and those who attended, learned a lot in those three days.  The JKD Summit was an eye opener and was my first time speaking about the issues and concerns of The Bruce Lee Foundation in front of Shannon Lee and Linda Lee Cadwell.  I trained with many great people and learned from the best instructors that jeet kune do had to offer.  I had fun outside the seminar with my teacher and my new friends from Holland and Germany.  AGRESSION!!

-  My girlfriend and her brother buying their first house.  Congrats to both of them.  Very honored to be a part of helping you guys move in and making it a home that the whole family can be proud of.  There’s never NOTHING going on in that house.  Shout out to Gen also for keeping the house in order while taking care of Tyler.  Supermom.

-  ALL the weddings I went to.  Congrats to everyone that tied the knot. 

-  ALL the babies that were born this year.  Congrats to the mothers that gave birth and the fathers that woke up after they fainted seeing the baby being born.  Just kidding, guys. 

-  Met Taimak from “the Last Dragon” in the Big Apple Comic Con in New York City.  I took a picture with him and he signed an autograph picture with the words “WHO IS THE MASTER??”. 

- Last but not least, the last highlight of this year was when I bought my first car.  YUP!  My first car that I ever bought with my own money.  I OWN that car.  Meaning, it’s all under my name.  For the last few weeks, I’ve been very grateful but also reminded that a car is a big responsibility.  Next year will be the beginning of car payments and insurance payments (which is also under my name).  I’ve donned my car the name “Southpaw” but others call it “Blue Steel”.  Very funny, guys.

Like every year, we move on.  Experiences will come and go, forming memories we can always look back to.  I’ve learned a lot this year like letting things go.  Keeping grudges will occupy your time and distract you to what you need to do or could have done.  I’ve learned that it’s not what happens to me, it’s how I react to it (thank you, Sifu).  Jumping the gun sometimes will shoot you down in embarrassment and regrets.  I’ve learned that simplicity is always the key to life’s difficulties.  You got to sometimes look at things in a different angle.  It can’t always be ONE way.  I’ve learned to be adaptable to what life throws at me.  Life, as always, is unpredictable.  Ready or not, I have to adapt to where it’s going to lead me.  With that being said and done, it’s time to look forward and embrace the past for its goodbye.  New memories are waiting to be remembered and new experiences are waiting to be lived.  No matter what happens, its all up to you of how you want to live your life.  You can either let life pass you by or you can go out and live it.  Come on, what else are you doing? 

See you next year, everyone.

Read Past Entries:

Year End Clearance

I’ve been sitting here for a few moments trying to figure out what I should write before the new year.  I wanted to write something motivating but then my thoughts shifted into something else more on the side of contemplation on life.  I guess neither of that will be reached today.  So I decided to just write what comes to mind.  Randomness is what one will call it.  I guess pressuring myself to write some unbelievable content has led me to blank out so I guess randomness will be great right about now.  Hmm, as I reread the last sentence, it looks like I’m just rambling on..LOL.  Hopefully, within this random state, there will be something inspiring to write about.

Here goes:

- This morning I woke up to a little chill.  I looked out the window and I saw snow.  It’s snowing here on the east coast.  I love snow.  What a way to end off the year. 

- For the last few days, I’ve been getting a lot of sleep.  I mean a lot of it.   I’ve been on a mini vacation so I deserve to get a lot of sleep.  Last week, I was the only one in the office managing work without my employees before and after Christmas.  Yea, I deserve this mini vacation. 

- Speaking of work, it is time for me to get a whole new job.  I ‘ve bee saying that for the last SIX years.  However, I did try this year.  I went on a couple of interviews, things didn’t work out right and so the struggle continues.  Hopefully, in the new year, I will be somewhere else working in a place where I don’t throw a rampage and don't have thoughts of throwing my computer out the window.  Many people have gotten fired for that….hmmmm.

- I started up a Facebook.  After months of my friend Peer and my brother Mark pushing me to get one, I got one.  I’m a Myspace guy though.  Not saying I don’t like Facebook it’s just that I have to get used to it.  Although, after being on Facebook, I kind of reconnected with friends I haven’t seen in ages.  I guess this Facebook has a purpose after all. 

- For Christmas, my cousin Jessica got me “The Office” Season One on DVD.  The show is freakin’ HILARIOUS!  (yea, I’m a late bloomer with everything so bare with me).  After watching season one, I went out and bought season two and three.  You can say I’m hooked.  “Yea, that’s what she said..”  LOL.

- Speaking of getting hooked, I’ve also been watching “Family Guy”.  I guess inappropriate humor captures my interest.  I never really did get into “Family Guy” until earlier this year.  (As you can see, I don’t watch too much tv). 

- The reason why I don’t watch that much TV is because of my Jeet Kune Do training.  I’ve been studying and training in JKD for a year and something months.  For those who don’t know, Jeet Kune Do (the way of the intercepting fist) is martial art that was developed by the man himself, Bruce Lee.  I started sparring in class this past May and I have to tell you, the people I spar with are no joke.  Hard hitters, fast on their feet…my goal is to be on that level.  It’s going to take a long ass time to get there but that is my goal.  It’s all a matter of time.  I have a great teacher and have great classmates to help me on my way for that.

- Since I’ve started JKD, I’ve been active within its community.  I attended the Bruce Lee Foundation 35^th Anniversary in Seattle, Washington, I visited the birthplace of Jeet Kune Do in Oakland, California, I’ve been meeting great JKD practitioners in forums such as the JKD Brotherhood (headed by Paul J. Bax) and the JKD Talk (headed by Tim Tackett and the Wednesday Night Group), I attended my first Ted Wong seminar in Fishkill, New York (Ted Wong is the last private student of Bruce Lee), and during all that activity, my mind has expanded and enlightened on scientific streetfighting thanks to my teacher Sifu Richard Torres.

- Onto other randomness inquiries, the other day my pair of Onitsuka sneakers came in.  Black with grey stripes.  I know what you’re thinking, what the “eff” is Onituska?  Well, it’s a sneaker that Bruce Lee used to wear back when he was alive.  I know, I know, Bruce Lee this and that, but if you saw the sneaker, you would say it’s a work of art.  It’s like how everyone else who collects Nikes.  It’s the same thing, my friend.  I FINALLY found and purchased the GAME OF DEATH Onitsuka sneakers (yellow with black stripes).  I’ve been waiting to get these babies for almost two years and I finally found a place that had it in my size.  This coming new year, it will be on my doorstep.  Woohoo!

- My brother got me a G-shock watch for Christmas.  I normally do not wear watches but this watch reminds me of Marty McFly’s watch in “Back to the Future” but this watch is up to date.   Thanks, brother!!

- The movie that I really got into was “Forgetting Sarah Marshal”.  It’s about a musician that was dumped by his superstar actress girlfriend.  He travels to Hawaii (I love that place) to forget about her but also finds his now “ex” girlfriend there, as well.  The movie is all about moving on.  Even though on the outside, things were good but on the inside, there were problems.  As all comedy movies, there was a happy ending were the musician finally finished his “vampire rock opera” and ends up with a new girl he met in Hawaii.  Great movie.

- I just realize that in 2009, I will be 29 years old.  Crap.

- I just realize that in 2010, I will be 30 years old…double Crap.

- “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was a great movie.  Although it was NOT explained how things are with him, they should have called it “The Life of Benjamin Button”.  Wait, yea, that doesn’t sound appealing to watch.  Anyways, it was a great movie.  I would sit for another THREE hours to watch it again. 

- Last night, I went over Asa’s house with my brother and played Streetfighter.  I sucked.  The last time I played Streetfighter in all seriousness is when Super Nintendo was out.  I’m not playing.

- Thanks to the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshal”, I’ve been playing this song “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinede O’Connor.  I happened to stumble onto a youtube clip of a cover band (Northen Kings) that plays this song.  They did a great job.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO2h8w5lwls

Speaking of youtube, there is this clip from Traphik aka Timothy DeLaGhetto where he sums up his year in 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbixY9cxqbk

Quote of the year: “It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react to it” – Bruce Lee

***Goals for 2009:
.Learn my heritage language; Tagalog (Yea, I say that every year)
.Go out more (I’ve been a hermit crab for far too long)
.Run a marathon (half a mararthon, first)
.Reconnect with old friends (PPK for life!!)
.Meet with new people (can’t leave them out)
.Get a new jizzob (“job” for those who don’t speak slang)
.Do volunteer work (why not?)
.Make sure my brother has a great time at his bachelor’s party (‘nuff said)
.Get season four of “The Office” (I’m telling you I’m hooked)
.Get a chest guard & groin cup for sparring (I’ve been using the schools…not good)
.Try to find out where in the world is Carmen Sandiago.
.See if I can go somewhere new to travel (can’t keep going to the same place)

Until this point, there hasn’t been anything inspirational to write about.

Oh wait, here is one:

The New Year is all about moving on.  Not matter how things are now, your life will always move forward.  It’s hard to leave things behind, especially when they have been a big part of your life.  Holding on to the things you cherish the most is one thing but suffocating it is different.  This New Year will be another time to learn how to breathe from the past.  As of now, we have to learn how to live within the moments because it will all be gone tomorrow or in a few seconds.  Things change, I’ve realized that.  Don’t’ fight it, go with it.  “Running water never goes stale, so keep on flowing, man” – Bruce Lee.  As I look back on 2008, I realized that it’s been a productive year.  Hopefully, next year will be AS productive.  I’ll just have to wait and see.  No matter what happens, I’m going to embrace this year with open arms.  Say goodbye to the old and say hello to the new.  I’ll see you next year, everyone.  

Sincerely,

See Next Year's Entry