Paul Park: I say....

Reality

2018-07-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

Good guys finish last
Nice person get stabbed in the back
Angels are fallen
Nail that sticks out gets hammered
Close mouth don't get fed
Snakes rise
Lions are tamed
Wolf is left alone
Birds feather plucked
Pigs getting fatter
Sharks are roaming the waters
Vultures are getting fed
Fishes are dying out
Bees are disappearing
Trees are turning brown
Water is filled with Plastic
Rich gets richer
Poor gets poor

7 to 3

2018-05-30T20:38:00.001-07:00

Before you go further into this, I want to warn you that this is true story.

I didn't know you, but I'm the one who found you. Its no disrespect to you, so I hope you do not point me out when I get to where you are. I want to share your impact in my life. I am not sure if it impact me greatly or not, but the image will never be erased.

So, the reader(that means you), you can stop here. Or you can give into your curiosity and read on.

Like I said, this is true story.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

It was either 2011 fall or 2012 spring.
I was working at a motel on HWY 99 in Lynnwood, WA. Now, if you know the area, you might think of all the junkies, hookers, and homeless, but I can say this place wasn't much like that. It wasn't a bad place to work at. Of course, you have your difficult customers but that's every business.

The day started out as usual. My shift started at 7 AM, clocking in, read e mails, keep the breakfast area flowing, get the house keepers going, and check people out as needed.

The check out time was 10 AM, pretty much expected people to leave by 10 AM. I was more flexible and let people stay until noon because I thought 10 AM was early, so even though I acted like I didn't like it, I let many people stay until 12.

It was around 10 and that's when I would ask all the house keepers which room checked out and which hasn't. If they haven't, I normally called the room for a bit of reminder. I normally tell the house keepers to give people an hour and report back at 11. Most of people normally check out by that time or relay back to ask for 1 more hour, which I allowed.

I remember that most of people checked out around 10. I asked the house keeper and they said 1 room is occupied and still sleeping. I said to let them sleep for another hour. 11, I asked to check the room again, and they said the room is empty, so I went about the business and checked people out of the system. About 20 minutes later, another house keeper tells me that the room is actually still occupied and person is still asleep. I said I'll check the room.

In those situations, I normally have to put on my manager persona and tell them to leave. So same in this situation, I walked up to the room and knocked on the door and said this is the manager and you have to leave. Normally, in this situation you hear some moving sound or someone would respond saying they need few more moment; this time, nothing. It was about 10 minutes after my house keeper told me someone was still sleeping in the room, and I thought person has already left. So I got in the room with master key. Once again, if someone was in the room, they will say something when I try to enter the room or make movement or person may have left without saying anything.

I walked in.
No movement of person, no sounding of running water for shower; I didn't think of much. I turned around to go back to the office. As I turned to walk out of room, my peripheral vision caught it. My peripheral caught her.

I turned around and saw her....
Laying at the edge of the bed, so I knew why my housekeeper thought no one was there.

Her head was facing the wall, which was opposite of the door so I didn't see her face right away. Body widespread with half of the body falling off the bed.

I walked up slowly to her saying "Ma'am? Are you ok? I'm from the front office. Ma'am?".

No response....

I turn the corner of the bed and saw the face and the eyes. The mouth slightly opened and the eyes, the soulless eyes.
The soulless eyes that is embedded in my head.

With hope, I nudged her and asked again, "ma'am?", hoping she will gasp for air and respond. But I already knew she wasn't going to.

I been to funerals before and I seen a dead body before. Not like the warmth or energy you get from alive person, when you see a dead person, you feel nothing. It's like a shell without a content. I felt the same when I saw her and that's how I knew she wasn't going to respond.

After that first nudge, I didn't touch anything else except a wallet on the bed end table, hoping it would tell me about this person. I grabbed the wallet with my shirt not wanting to leave finger print and saw she was a part of Indian tribe, famous one, Tulalip Indian Tribe. I inspected the room without touching anything else. I seen enough criminal shows to know I shouldn't tamper with crime scene. So next question is how did she die? I didn't see any blood and any struggle. She was fully clothed so possibly no sexual activities or rape. But biggest hint was the big red needle mark on her inner elbow with spider web like blood vein. This is overdose.

I walked back to the office, radio all house keepers to keep out of the room. And called 911. Report DOA due to OD and they said they are on their way. Also called my boss as well. Lot of motels or lodges makes copies of IDs of customer renting the room, we were no different. I open the file and notice her ID was not scanned in. It was two white people; one male and one female. Looked at the checked in paper, paid cash and checked in around 11 PM.

So, it means, this person came after they checked in and party with them. Probably doing heroin as heroin is only possible drug using needles. Probably gave her more than enough and OD. Panic that she died and instead of calling ambulance, decided to run. Probably had warrants, so not risking getting caught, they ran.
This is open and shut case.

A bit later, a detective and ambulance came. I opened the door for them, they asked if I touched anything which I said I did by nudging her once and checked the wallet. I then stood outside. A bit later, they took the body in the stretcher. Whitesheet over her face; meaning she has deceased. Probably would be able to tell the time of death by rigor mortis/ stiffness of the body, as I was thinking.

At 3 PM, my boss came and my shift ended.

Rest in peace.

Dear America: Racism is real

2018-05-30T13:50:00.001-07:00

Dear America
or this time
Dear White people

Maybe you fear to be minority in this nation that you "found", maybe it's fear of losing your conservatism to new ideas but you have to accept the co existence in this nation.

Being an outsider to this nation, the slogan I knew of America was "Melting Pot" which everyone worked together. In that aspect, that's what makes this nation so great.

However, with Trump being the new president, we start to see more racist fuckers coming up to the surface.
We see people who are known as ALT Right and Neo Nazis....If you ask me what is the difference, Im sorry, I do not know. One of Alt Right leaders stated that he understand the difference in race and that he is proud to be white. Minority are blaming whites and he wants to converse whiteness of this nation. What is crazy to me is how their grand parents fight the Nazis in WWII. Many soldiers didn't come back home and died for that same cause to prevent that from happening. What a shock it would be if these grandparents know that their grandkids are hanging nazi flag in their home. As an American, I am more pissed.
But then the same people who say, my family died for that flag, so how dare these people who kneel to protest the police brutality have nerve to disrespect the flag. You have no issue of people claiming neo nazis but you have problem with this???? What logic is that?

And yes, All Lives Matter movement is a protest group to fight Black Live Matter movement, who protest police brutality.
Here is an article from USATODAY of people who were shot by police.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/03/29/police-killings-black-men-us-and-what-happened-officers/469467002/

So, All Lives Matter movement, you are just as ignorant as people who lynched and hung people.
People act like the segregation happened so long ago. Oh let me rephrase, WHITE people act like segregation happened so long ago. People normally think like segregation and slavery happened during time of Moses. Last time the bathroom were segregated was in 1970's. that's not that long. Your parents or grandparents know those days. They may want to pretend it didn't happen, but oh it did.
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/eras/civil-war-reconstruction/jim-crow-laws-andracial-segregation/

But that is not all, there are systematical issues in this nation.

Have you often think why Ghettos exist? The saying "You don't belong in this town" or "What are you doing this neighborhood", well I use to think that it was just White person harassing a minority, but there is thing call Redlining.
First, Ghetto was created by Nazis to keep Jews in one location.
US adopted similar method call Redlining. After segregating, the impact still exist.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/03/28/redlining-was-banned-50-years-ago-its-still-hurting-minorities-today/?utm_term=.75637b4c7a42

There are so many issue to address but clearly, if these few things are not examples of racism. You are ignorant as a donkey who thinks Trump is a great president. EVEN REPUBLICANS DON'T THINK HE IS!!!

Dear America: Consumerism is hurting nature

2018-05-25T07:49:00.001-07:00

Dear America

We all live in this earth. We have this one planet and it's not like we can switch and move to another planet like we are moving to new neighborhood.

This is not just America, this happens everywhere on this earth that things are being manufactured and thrown away due to our high demands of things to accommodate the rising population.

People seems to be more aware now what environmental impact is consumerism is happening on the planet. Maybe certain president does not think it's real, but we can clearly see from each year being record breaking weather, BPA in the water, micro particles of plastic in our food and water, ice caps melting and O-Zone getting filled with green house gas due to factories, cars, and cattle.

Many companies are taking approach to packaging products more environmental friendly wrappings, we start to drive more hybrid cards and electric cars and recycling is being taught. We are definitely taking the steps, but over almost century of using plastic, we have damaged a lot to nature.

Our recycling is suggested but not madatory, where other first world countries have took drastic steps to make recycling a civic duty.
Below are some articles that other countries are taking action.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/12/germany-recycles-more-than-any-other-country/
South Korea: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/culture-shock-over-south-koreas-mandatory-recycling-of-food-waste
Germany: https://earth911.com/business-policy/recycling-in-germany/
Sweden: https://sweden.se/nature/the-swedish-recycling-revolution/

It seems that the simple things that a kindergartner understands in other country is something the U.S president doesn't want to support. Many supporter of current president thinks that this climate change is hoax and we are getting ripped off by other countries 😑. Luckily, other counties that understands the importance stepped up (http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42004328). If you do not see the issue, go stand in Griffith Park in L.A during sunset. There has been times, the night sky would be orange-ish grey which is really disturbing.

We already messed up this planet.

Dear America, let's take steps to fix the environmental issue before it's too late; and it's getting close.

P.S; Current head of EPA is a joke.
It's like letting Joker run Gotham. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/28/opinion/pruitt-trump-epa-fired.html

Dear America: Homeless issue shouldn't be an epidemic

2018-05-24T10:28:00.001-07:00

In Seattle, we have high rise in homelessness. News and politicians said it's due to opioid issue.
I don't really want to go into opioid issue because that is birth of pharmaceuticals and doctors over prescribing pain medicine to highest dosage, often being Oxycontin which has similar strength to opium.

But back to main issue.
What is funny to me is that we have many abandon buildings and is left out and being an eye sore but we have all these homeless people.
State should be able to put pressure onto these buildings/ potential temp lease, and provide water and power to these buildings and instant homeless shelter.

Why try to figure knew way out to fight homelessness in Seattle when most reasonable way is most cheap and effective way.
Think of creating new system with new shelter, foods, and etc. How much would that cost???
Now, think of leasing one of office buildings in each section of the city(Cap Hill, Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, International District, etc..) with fair price from the building owner with potential tax break, power and water the building, have essentials like towel, hygiene products, and blankets. Have in home security and career assistant. If some of these people are mentally ill, they should be in the hospital, not in a homeless shelter.

Now, Im not a advocate for homeless. I personally do not like homeless. Reason? I wake up early in the morning to go to work. I don't think no one in the world like to wake up early in the morning to go to work(regular job), but we do it because we have to pay bill for luxury of having roof over our head, eat tasty food, watch shows we like and buy things we want.
If homeless person does not want to put that work in, why should I care for them?
You may say I may not understand their circumstance. If the person really is shit out of luck and became homeless for bad luck, I guarantee you, that person will stand again. That person will work at McDonalds or Wal Mart if he/she has to do stand on their feet again.
You may say these people may have mental issue, well, those people should be in the hospital under surveillance of professionals. And if mental issue is severe, they are receiving government assistance. Also, there are many
For the rest, well...sorry but it's laziness. They do not want to work, they want to do whatever they want without being bothered. Not every person who is homeless went through bad luck; they made certain choices in their life, you do not have to defend everyone for every situation. Like a person with road rage getting in the car accident or spouse who cheated gets cheated on, sometime these people deserve the situation they are in because it's result of their action.

I feel homelessness should be a crime. Not right away but person who became unemployed for more than 2 years should be considered a criminal for not putting their share to the city'e economy. If they are active job seeker, that penalty should be waived but a person who does not seek employment and been homeless for more than 2 years without having any mental issues; they are not contributing to society, they are a pest. These are high alert people who commits crimes and should be under surveillance.
But that is not all on a person, it should be government assisting these people as well, to evaluate and provide opportunity to stand on their feet.

Dear America, homelessness shouldn't be an epidemic with all the power we have in this world. We have spent billions in military. We can pay less for a tank and planes to get a building funded for homeless.

Dear America: 2nd amendment is BULLS#!T

2018-05-24T08:02:00.001-07:00

2nd Amendment states:
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

America, we are so crazy about gun and it's crazy to me.
What is the reason why people need to have a gun?
Most answer I hear is to protect themselves, protect home intruders, and hunting.
PLEASE!!!!
I bet if you had pepper spray, you will use it instead of gun to protect yourself.
If you had other weapons at the house instead of the gun, shooting someone would be the only logical.
Hunting.....why do you hunt again? it's sports? BS!

I think that people in U.S is more scare to give up guns because they are scare of Martial law.
Which means, citizens are more scare of government taking over the cities and towns and gun would be the only way to over throw that regiment.

So initially, people are simply scare of their own government and they need to do anything to protect themselves. Which makes sense for U.S history because U.S did that when Great Britain was trying to take over U.S in beginning of the nation.

We are in 2018.
Gun is doing more harm then actually protects.
Too many bystanders and regular people are getting shot because people have access.

Gun companies and gun lobbyst would say;
San Bernadino shooting, Columbian, V Tech, Las Vegas shooting is due to gun being sold to people with mental issue and need to work on checking background of these people.
HOW STUPID ARE YOU THINK THAT IS A SOLUTION???!!

Chris Rock said on his famous stand up "Bigger & Blacker" that if the bullets cost $5000 a piece, there will be no bystander because people wouldn't shoot without thinking about the cost. He also followed with a joke saying "I would shoot you......if I can afford it, you better hope I can not get a bullet on a lay-away". Funny as it was, this is truth.

Gun without bullets is useless unless you pistol whip someone, but at least that wouldn't kill someone. Because we have such easy access to bullets, the cost of life is cheap as well. Because each bullet is capable of killing someone.

Gun is no good in public's hand. Gun should only be used in the war. Teach the value of life.

If you want to shoot, join the military and stay there. You can be proud veteran for rest of your life. Don't bring that shit to regular citizens.

Dear America: Health care is service, not a business

2018-05-23T15:30:00.001-07:00

Dear America

I never seen a power country that struggles to provide health coverage for their citizens.
Citizens who pays taxes and still getting by barely, these people are having issue with coverage and fear to go to doctor because the cost of visit cost arm and a leg.

Maybe because these big pharmaceuticals are contributing a lot to government that it's difficult to say no to and it's not like i do not understand, I understand that contribution in billions are not something you could walk away from, but in what cost?

People are dying in the streets due to not having insurance, people are going broke to pay for the hospital bills, people have to cut their daily budget and make sacrifices to just get their tooth fixed.
It's often spoken that it's better to catch a ride to Mexico to get teeth fixed.

Recently my mother needed teeth fixed and potentially need implants.
The implants will cost about $3000 each even with the medicare. Im sorry, but for normal people, they do not have $3000 just laying around. The dentist suggest, you could take a flight and get it done in other country.

HOW HORRIBLE IS THE SYSTEM that you have to go to other country to get treated for simple dental work?

Here is a video of PRRROUUUUDDD 'MERICANS getting their 'Merican teeth by Mexicans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K52eypqFRA

Here are some videos of Americans getting kicked out of hospital for not having coverage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVtCEvgOmws
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZRY_6ERbGk

These are just few from thousands of incidents.

These hospitals are looking at each client like a dollar sign and if the money isn't there, they are turning these people away.

Dear America, we have an issue here.

Dear America: INTRO

2018-05-23T14:26:00.001-07:00

I have recently watched the show call "Dear White People" on Netflix.
This is an awesome show. I could understand why someone would be upset about it, but then again, I would think the person who got upset is ignorant enough to not hear the true message.

Let's not speak to those bigots and focus on this.

This is similar theme, which I want to say "DEAR AMERICA"
No, it won't be about white people, but white people might be brought up due to significant amount of wrong doing that has happened from this country.

You don't want to hear these things, you can STOP READING now.

America has issues and we need to address them.

Let's Begin.

Meditate

2018-04-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have been meditating.
It's been 9 days I been meditating and really teaching me how to let things go. Knowing how hard you try, some things or certain circumstances can't be controlled.
You have to let the natural take its course, even if it means letting the person go knowing they will never be back in your life as what it use to be.

Now, I'm not some yogi, hippie, or vegan, but really, taking time to relax and breathe.

My mind has been on over drive for a long time and many emotional roller coasters as well. I worried about little tiniest things thinking I'm projecting what the next move be or try to change outcomes by force.

Being argumentative and being an asshole over all. I start to be a toxic person.

Starting at cellphone all day and answer questions and soaking in informations constantly. My mind has been restless for a long time even if I slept and slept. Now, being mentally drain is different then physically being tired, which I didn't know back then.

So, really take a little time out of your day. I been taking 3 to maximum 5 minutes to just breathe after work. Let all the things go and cleanse the feeling. Know that you can't control things and really, you shouldn't. Learn to accept.

I recommend downloading HEADSPACE. Which is a great tool to start with. I'm using it.

Cut the Cable

2017-05-24T11:02:00.002-07:00

Im sure wise people already made this choice and walked away from the cable companies and went straight to the digital streaming service and if you have not, do it, you ain't got nothing to lose.

My biggest thing from cutting cable is local news and sports. Most of the streaming site such as first row sports, shows many links and it will work......with millions of pop ups and ads that, one point, you just want to give up. You also know that the usual streaming apps or websites doesn't carry live channels but these days are over. I have been cut from cable for roughly 4 years and when I first did it, it was hard because the live sports games. Missing NBA playoffs, Super Bowl, and World Series were among the programs I missed about cable, so I would have to either go to my friends or go to bar to catch these games. But I had Netflix, Hulu, and of course, YouTube to keep me busy.
Limiting my viewing experience, I had to do something to get my life feed and got sick of telling people that I saw the highlights....a day after.

Now, rather me going on and on about what my experience has been, here are things you can do to completely cut away from cable.

First is to know what you watch and really evaluate the need of cable. If you are just in to watch movies, Netflix and Hulu should be fine, or occasionally just download or rent the movie through itune or Google Play store, or Redbox is not a bad choice either.

Now, lets say you are just like me; miss sports, live news and occasional TV shows.

Now lets say you do not have internet at home.

Get yourself a Antenna.

Antennas are great at picking air waves to get local channels from usual 3-13 experience. You will get your local news and local team games and it works great, until the weather becomes shitty. But for $15, I think it is a great buy.

Option1) Winegard HDTV Antenna

http://www.frys.com/product/8912913?source=google&gclid=CjwKEAjw3pTJBRChgZ3e7s_YhAkSJAASG9Vr4BE17feuDyqhGC3RXnJqKDia-XzLHZ-xIYAQ7QJ7RxoCH93w_wcB

Now, if you do have internet at home, you should have more choices.

I recently got Playstation vue. Now, my plan is about $40 a month, with yearly Playstation membership for $70. Now., you think that's alot and you would feel better just going with your cable company.

I don't know about you but I hate comcast. I hate comcast with passion and I do not ever want to deal with comcast as much as I can.

I can watch playstation vue on my tv, stream it online or watch it on my phone and it is a great live tv on your phone.

So people, it's time to cut your cable.

Digital Economy

2016-10-25T09:42:00.003-07:00

Welcome to 21st Century; we may not have hover cars and robots that are going to be our maids like from The Jetsons, but we are indeed living in future. And, biggest example is not with gadgets but with our currency and payment options.

In my blog "Samsung Pay" ( http://pjpark10.blogspot.com/2016/03/samsung-pay-new-mile-stone-of-mobile-pay.html ) I explained how far we have came in our payment method and where we are no longer needed of physical card or cash to make payments now because most of our shopping are done digitally either thru online or payment method where it is simply transactions of codes one one machine to another.

Let's take a look at our current situation. A normal how hold would work and receive payment thru direct deposit which means, it's not your work physically putting money in your bank account but transferring fictional money to your profile at local bank. And you would pay bill from not existing profile to spread it through other business by transferring code to them. Also, we are no longer buying actually CD's or buying VHS tapes, we are buying digital copies from Google Play store or ITunes. How about our gaming? it's the same with these new devices such as PS4 or Xbox where you no longer need physical disc to play these games but to download and play. How about our mobile gaming? Mobile gaming is one of the most dangerous way of gaming, I feel as it give you the option to peruse your goal faster by simply buying into the game. Also, our school loan, medical bill, all these information are no longer carried in a hard copy, and only hard copy we have is the bill we receive from computer generated file.

And those are examples of the economy we have; digital economy.

Yes, cash is still used and nations still dwell over who has more gold in their federal reserve and one of most strongest country really doesn't have any except digital debt they are trying to collect from their own citizens as "Banking Fee" (thanks Rothchild).

This could be good, or bad.

Good is, if we can have individuals whom are willing to take action and make this economy disappear or simply take down the economy, they could because it is all simply just codes.

Welcome to digital economy.

Cycle of Anger

2016-06-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

Imagine if you will.......

A man owns a restaurant.
Restaurant always been his passion and he worked hard to open it.
It started out as just another day at his restaurant.
He prepped and served people.
Then, a customer came in.
As of the start, you could see he was not in the best mood.
Customer sat and ordered few dishes.
Man creates and serve dishes.
Some reason, customer was not satisfied and complaints regards to the dish.
Man knows it is business and it is his establishment; man does not talk back and only apologizes.
Now, the customer is yelling at him. Calling him names and criticizing his skills as a cook, and questions man for his abilities.
Customer leaves.
Man's day has been ruined.
The man closes his restaurant for the day
carrying this anger inside of him.
Suppressing much as he can.

Man gets home.
His wife opens up the door with smile saying
"Welcome home, honey"
But man is in no mood to be jolly.
Wife has prepared the dinner, and he sat down to eat.
Notice how silent he is, wife asks what is bothering him.
Man replies saying "Nothing".
Woman knows that's not true.
Woman asks again and say she could tell something is on his mind.
Man still suppressing that anger that he carried and does not want to talk about it, as if he does, he feels as he will let it out on a wrong person, which is his wife.
So he, once again, says "NOTHING" with a bit of attitude.
Wife taken by shock and felt sad that husband did not want to share.
They sat and ate quietly and finished eating.
Now wife's day has been ruined.
Man and woman went to sleep without saying good night to each other, even tho they laid on same bad.

Early morning
Wife wakes up before husband because she, also, works.
But she is bitter and unhappy because what has happened last night.
She does not say have a good day, but instead, she leaves the house quietly without a word.
Now, wife is carry the anger and goes to work where she works as customer service rep.
Day already ruined; she does not display the top service that she is capable of.
She is having an off day.
A customer comes in and asks for service.
Wife does not put effort to help the customer and customer is not happy because customer's issue was not solved as he hoped.
Customer is upset.
Now, customer day is ruined.
Carrying that anger around, customer goes into a near by restaurant.

The restaurant owned by the man from beginning.

Anger is poison that will infect everyone that is around you if you try to spread it.
Anger can stop at you by dishing it and try to understand the other. Don't always try to satisfy your wants but try to cater to others need.

Samsung Pay: New mile stone of mobile pay

2016-03-09T11:53:00.001-08:00

As our technology grew, so did our payment system. Old days days, it was all gold coins, then cash came in as nations established their banking system, then we were introduced to credit card, and now, mobile payment. Mobile payment became some what of essential thing and many store started to adopt the trend and enhanced their credit card system to make mobile payment easy due to our daily usage of our smartphones. But not many followed suites. I would say about 75% of the bricks and stone stores haven't got to that, yet. But do not fear, Samsung Pay is here.

Few days ago, i was out of town and when I was on my way back, i accidentally left my wallet in my parents car. Luckily I had my passport, so getting through security check at the airport wasn't going to be a problem. But, i had no money; no cash, no card, no anything. But i had my phone. I had my Android pay set up on my phone, but my fear was that stores at airport wasn't equipped to accept mobile payment yet. But, luckily I set up my Samsung Pay right before I got out of the car, where I left my wallet at. Samsung Pay didn't have affiliation with Wells Fargo, which was my bank, so i couldn't set it up for longest time. But i was lucked out that day and I was able to set it up on my way to airport.

So i wanted to test it. I walked into a deli and they had the Square brand cash register. Square was first introduced for smartphone where you could connect this square device into headphone jack and it will accept credit cards. They became success and introduced a cash register with touch screen. So, i grabbed a bottle of water and told them my situation. She says "we don't accept apple pay yet". I told her, just give it a shot. So she turned her register around and told me to do it. I got my Samsung Pay open, and placed the back of my phone on to where you would normally swipe your card. Then she ahhh-ed in suprise; it went through. But i wasnt 100% confident. Square is very new device, so i wanted to try old fashion cash register. So, i went to a magazine shop. I grabbed my things and got up to the register and asked if they accepted mobile pay. An old middle eastern lady looks at me and says "sorry no". But i wanted to try. She seemed little bothered and annoyed, which i understand because she just told me they don't, but i insisted. I'm sure she wanted to try and tell me "I told you we don't", but she had to try first. First try, it didn't work and she handed my phone and said it didn't work. I insist on having her try again. Then she smiled with excitement and said "oh wow, it worked". She added "I don't know how it worked but it worked, im so suprised".

Now, let me explain a bit. Mobile pay such as Apple pay or Android Pay uses NFC chip in your phone to make the payment and normal, old fashion credit card machine use magnetic field, which uses magnetic strip on back of your card to transfer account information. Now, Samsung Pay creates that magnetic field to send it to the credit card machine using the swipe area.

It's been 3 days without my wallet and u haven't even been to the bank, once. It's been golden. I went to Barnes and Noble in The Grove yesterday to get some coffee and magazines. While I standing in line, a lady in front of me wanted to pay with Starbucks rewards app on her phone; cashier says we don't accept mobile pay.
Now, it's my turn. I placed an order and took my phone out. I could see it in this girls's face that she wanted to tell me the same thing she wanted to tell the lady in front of me. But, it went through and her jaw dropped. She was so shocked she looked at her credit card machine thinking the store might have upgraded the machine. She asked "wait, what did you do? We don't accept mobile pay. What is that? How did you do that?". I walked away as I was smiling and i told her "its power of banana (because I told her my name was banana)".

So, all said and done Samsung Pay is amazing. I really don't need my physical credit card. Great job, Samsung.

Top 5 Favorite Rappers of PJ

2014-08-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

I listen to everything from Rap, Rock, Jazz, Classicial, Blues, Punk, Pop, R&B, Dub Step, EDM and even Folk (No country or Heavy Metal, sorry). But, at the end of the day, my favorite have to be Hip Hop/ Rap. Why? because even though, so many so called music aficionados believe rap isn't really music, rap convey message using slang and code and it really fascinate me of how much creative a person can get. But do not get me wrong; this doesn't mean I like all rappers. If anything, I am more harsh on rappers than a R&B singers. For me, rap got to me creative and unique. Rap got to convey a message that everyone goes through and let the fans relate to the lyrics. Rap shouldn't always be about Money, Cars, Blings and Hoes; I love intelligent rap that actually have a message and meaning. So here is my top 5 rappers.

1) Jay - Z: If you know me, this shouldn't come off as a shock; this guy is my idol. Yes, he does talk about money, cars, blings and hoes; but who does it like he does, really? But if you actually listens to his lyrics and break it down, it's so much more than that. If you listen to his album "Reasonable Doubt" and songs like "Can I live" or "Regrets", they man talk about real things. Or even songs like "Young Forever" or "Holy Grail", it has so much of deep meaning to them, it's not just about those things I mentioned earlier. Plus, his style is nice, son. So, Im putting my man, Jigga as Numero Uno.

2) Tupac: Rapper that came before his time, and died way too young. Tupac Amaru Shakur isn't just a rapper but an icon and almost a symbol. He is gangster, poet, actor, activist, Civil rights movement leader, artist, musician, public speaker, outlaw, and a leader all in one. He's raps are about problems in society and he is trying to show the world what kind of situation him and his peers are living in. Surely one of the greatest in hip hop history.

3) Rakim: Before Kendrick, before 2Chainz, before Nas, before Jay Z, before Tupac, before Biggie, before Snoop, before NWA; when hip hop was really shaping up, Rakim set the tone for how the really emcee should be like. Along side his DJ Eric B, Rakim drawn out the blueprints for really rappers and how they should do it. He was one of the first to rock a Gucci suit and Fendi shirts even before people knew what they were. He was the image from the movie "Paid in Full" was like. Debut his album in 1986 with his single "Eric B. is President", he created so much buzz that, Godfather of Hip Hop, Russell Simmons signed him to Island Records (which now known more as Def Jam Records) and dropped an album including hits like "Move the Crowd" and "Paid in Full". What is crazy is that, even if you hear his old records right now, it doesn't sound like old school songs. Born in 1968 and he still rocks the mic and keep it true to Hip Hop

Now..next two artist always changes for me as the time changes. I use to put DMX, Fabolous, and Cam'ron up there and I am not saying they are not hot, its just that I am feeling these two new rappers more, now days.

4) Macklemore: How can I hate on a Seattle rapper when I am from seattle? Do you know when was the last time we actually had a popular rapper out from Seattle? Do you know who he was? Sir Mix A Lot, that's right. So, when a rapper talks about where I been and seen, you develop love for that rapper like "Yo, I know what he's talking about". Many New York and Los Angeles rappers can relate to that , but it's really rare for Seattle. We were only famous for Grunge music...Nirvana is cool and Also, Jimi Hendrix. But this man talk about social issues; first rapper to really come out and supporting gay rights, writings songs about shopping at goodwill, making songs about record executives, and talk shit about biggest athletic apparel company and get endorsed by them. You might not like him for his stand, his skin color, but you gotta respect the man.

5) Kendrick Lamar: New king of hip hop is here. How busy was this guy being featured on so many people's track or having legends to work with him on his first major album G.O.O.D Kid, Mad City. He brings that G - Funk, old school west coast beat with almost bone thugs n harmony style rap. I don't want to say he got fast tongue rap, but he does go off when he have to. What I like about Kendrick is the fact that he put tunes to his rapping. He isn't just going with the beat, it's almost like he is singing into it, but he is not, if that makes sense. No doubt that many new rappers can go against him at this moment, especially if he is under Dr. Dre's wing. I mean, maybe except Macklemore on this list, it would be a pretty fair battles if they went at each other.

Lost in the Sea

2013-05-27T22:23:00.001-07:00

Feeling like I'm lost in the sea.
Loneliness hit
Just following this water that drifts
I seem like a lost man
No particular place to be
But water jet streams my life
Hold on to something
Try to stay on my feet
Bottom of rum like pirates
Seek the solution in the drink
Cause silence only seek
The reflection in me
I'm bumping left and right
Hoping that's the right way to home
But when I dock
I have amnesia
Was I here when this journey started
Home is made to be
Home is suppose to be
Sitting in the boat
Hoping someone recognizes me
Maybe miss me
Or is my life time
Just another pass by
Once up on a time story?
It was sweet to begin with
I look for lost souls
Maybe they will understand
But Poseidon doesn't have mercy
he made us colder
So only way to be truly warmer
once again
is by love ones, who would hold us
But my soul belong to the see
Mermaids are calling to come in and play
So, can never dock
I set sail, again
Hoping to find the way back home.

"Sir" & "Ma'am"

2013-04-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Not many people say these words any more; Sir or Ma'am. I worked in customer service long enough that if became words that I use frequently. People love to here and some prefer to be just called by their name when I call them that. But these are words of manner and you can't go wrong showing some manner. But this blog isn't about manners, it's more about domino affect. Currently, I work at a convenient store and I deal with many different characters; Some rich, some poor, some young and some old. Older generation love hearing younger person call them Sir or Ma'am because it shows sign of respect. Not really in Pullman but on the Westside of Washington, lot of young people come in and greet with "What's Up, Yo, Sup", which I am not mad at but, personally, I don't really like it. It's because I am a person of class and I try to act like a gentleman much as possible. I know why they do it because I use to those kids. I use to have pants hanging under my butt, shirts 3 times bigger than my normal size, hat crooked it side ways, and walk like I just took a dump in my pants; I WAS one of those kids. Where ever I go, the greeting words were either "What's Up" or "Yo". but when I am done with something, I move on and I evolve myself to become something different then the norm. I hate to be part of the norm. Anyways, I start to realize something. I have this customers who comes in often; by look of him, you can tell he is a hip hop head(Person who follows hip hop and it's culture). When we first interacted, he acted like any other hip hop heads and said "What's up, man. Yeah, let me get those Swishers, man", and I would reply using "Sir" to everything I said. And now, he comes in and say "Good morning, Sir. How's your day going so far?". I really love seeing that because, once again, you can't go wrong with showing some manner. Yeah, acting rebellious and outta the norm is cool, but when every one does is, you become part of the norm. Try something different. I'm just happy that I showed this kid how to be proper. Much as people complain how they don't get a job and blah blah blah....listen here youngster, I been there and done that. Learn from the person who walked in the same shoes as you did. You carry yourself like a hoodlum, you will be treated as a hoodlum. You carry yourself as a gentleman, they will treat you like a gentleman. Don't sit there and say "Man, they are judging me, they don't know who I really am". Yes, they do not know who you are except what you present them. You wouldn't go to a interview with T shirt and jeans with sneakers on, would you? It might sound like it's nothing, but it could be a world of difference.

Over when you quit

2013-04-04T19:58:00.001-07:00

Life isn’t a easy ride; everyone feels things we call “emotions” from anger to happiness, sadness, frustration, depression, an etc.. people will feel these in their life time. At that moment, it feels likes the life will be over if that certain thing does not pan out the way it should when it’s only a tiny piece of your life like a pebble on the beach. But we can not let that pebble become the rock that will trip us over and fall down to lose the race, even after the fall, we should get up and at least try your best to make something out of nothing. Life in rough neighborhood is……well………..not easy, but these people been tested by life so many times that their back is always against the wall. And what do you do when you your back is against the wall; you start fighting back. Can’t give up, when you do, that is when the game is over. When Michael Jordan had the flu and couldn’t even talk; he went out on the court and Bulls won the game. Can you really say Bulls could’ve done it without Mike? He didn’t give up. People grow by the pain, and every pain is another step to success because that pain will make you stronger. I know when things are dark and there is no way out except to pull the trigger and end it all. But when I think of such act, I think about all my friends and family and what right do I have to be the reason of bad news? You just got to suck it up and move on. Trust me, I know it is harder to be done than said, but it is the only option. When things get hard, just breathe in deep and exhale and think of all the good memories you have and things that you have set out to accomplish that has not been finished yet; then you will realize that it’s not over till you quit. Breathe in that negative and exhale the positive and you will be a great person. Patience is not something you can achieve over a day, or something that is easy to do, but person who has patience even in the darkest time can see the light at the end of the tunnel and push it through. Like bravely; it is not bravely because you think you do not fear something, it’s when you see that fear and stand to fight it, that is the true meaning of bravely. So, smile and breathe and you will soon to see that it is only over when you quit.

Self Evolution

2013-03-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Something got to be different from yesterday, right? We try to achieve new goals or set goals everyday and I believe that is the reason why we wake up every morning to take on the day. But something have to be different. If you are a student, you should learn something today that you didn’t know yesterday, if you are a working person, your career should be one step closer to get a promotion, if you have debts, you should be one dollar lower on your debts; whatever you do, it should be one step closer to your main objective, it cannot be same as yesterday. It is not a physical evolution where fish first walked on land, but it’s more of mental evolution where you have gained something valuable to evolve you from yesterday you to today you. It’s only human nature that we strive to be better every day. If we stayed the way we are everyday, we would still be homo Neanderthal with no development. And, most likely, we would’ve been wiped out like dinosaurs.

Some may ask “Paul, What do you do that you consider to be self evolving?” and my answer is that I am in University. I said, University, I did not say College, Institute nor anything in that category, but in UNIVERSITY. I attended Community Colleges, I attended Institute, I did get a high school diploma, I did get an A.A and now, I am working to get my B .A in UNIVERSITY. And, NO, I did not get help from my parents to get to where I am today. Of course, I thank them for raising me and bring me to the point where I could stand on my own, but I also take credit for what I have achieved because the cards have been dealt the way it was dealt and it told me to be independent and I took that initiative and ran with it. Of course, I dealt with failures and made many mistakes but, they say mistakes is mother of success, I am only getting closer to my goals and my brighter future. I would be completely lying if I said I never felt like I won’t achieve happiness or finish my goal, because I have numerous times; but it’s darkest before the dawn, and light will show. Just got to suck it up and take that pain one day at a time to become stronger and immune to the pain and embrace the pain as your blessing to make you stronger.

Self Evolution; what are you doing to better yourself? Do you have a goal that you are looking at to achieve the greatness? Or are you in a routine to just maintain what you have? Be better than you are yesterday. Happiness is a road you can only achieve by working at it.

Gotta Try

2013-03-17T18:08:00.003-07:00

Plz don't blame me for trying. It was only right for a straight man to feel this way when he feels we have entered the new level of our relationship. I only try to move forward when I feel we have achieved something special and I was only trying to turn to next chapter and try to see what new opportunities and horizon we would've open together. But, can't blame me for how I acted. Im sure you understand why I took such action and did what I did. You understand me more than most of friends I have known longer than you have known me. And the feeling that I have is hard to shake and many many times, I have thoughts that this can be more than what it is. But now I gotta do what I do and stand by next to you in different circumstances and different positions. I gotta watch what I say, and gotta pretend everything is ok. It will be hard but I have to try. Got to try...

Grateful for my misery

2013-03-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and, in this life, there is no such thing as smooth sailing. Everyone goes through their own ways of pain and, even though its hurtful during the moment, it gives the best gift to us; experience. Once you go through such events that shakes your life, you would know exactly how to deal with it when it comes around. At that moment, you feel like your heart is torn to pieces, darkness bloom inside of you, sun will never shine again, and want to say ”F*#k everybody”. But, you have to keep your head up and fight through this pain because this pain will make your hearr stronger than it was before. Its kinda like getting sick; when you first get it, the new feeling will break you down and tear you apart, but once you dealt with it, you will get immune to the pain. Its harder to do than,talk,about it, but this blog is written to let you know that, don't lose hope. You have to keep going. I often think that, people who went through great amount of pain when they were kids, will have strength to become great as long as they keep going. Pain could break us or make us. Lets not forfeit from the lesson the life is trying to teach us and become a better person than you were yestetday.

2013-02-27T02:40:00.000-08:00

It hurts to see you like this..
You are the strongest person in our family and see you laying there, so weak;.....it only brought tears to my eyes.
I was hoping to see you sitting up, joking with sisters and nag me how I shaved my head and tell me I'm not focusing hard enough.
But with all these tubes in your body and cast over your neck.........I hate the whole world for doing this to you.
I thought I could handle it.
but I guess it's harder than I imagined.
Everyday goes by and my love for you is getting bigger and bigger.
And, knowing, there ain't shit I can do to make you feel better is what kills me.
I blame myself for living your side.
I feel that, this would've never happened if I was here.
Why did I go?
Why did I leave?
Seeing you laying there and trying to hold my tears to show you how strong I am, bust out crying in middle of the street as soon as I left.
Im sorry I was such a trouble maker when I was young and Im sorry I left.
I should've just been more focused and went to UW. I would been next to you I did that.
This experience is something that will help me grow.
I love you. Hope you recover soon and become healthy enough that you can nag me for days.
I just stopped by church.
Doors were locked so I couldn't get in.
I kneel infront of the door and I prayed out loud.
Told him you guys are the best parents any children could've asked for.
and I, being a pure soul; it would be unfair for him put me through this test.
I love you.
There is no way I can pay you back,
but I hope that I get a chance to make you guys happy.
That is all I ask for.

War that has no meaning

2013-01-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

Without a reason, there is no action. Without the cause, there is no plan. So, why does America doing things without a reason? I'm, of course, talking about the war in middle east. Today, USA TODAY headline reads "U.S. Military suicides surged to record 349 last year" and follows " far exceeding the 259 American combat deaths in Afghanistan in 2012". You can call me whatever you like after I write this next sentence: I was/ am against the war in Middle East. I might sound like a purest but this was not our war. If anything, we are coming off as bullies who are forcing our way of life to people whom were perfectly fine governing themselves. Lead by a stupid president we elected twice, we sent our sons, fathers, brothers, daughters, mothers to war that is meaningless. What happened to the country who only interfered when the battle was on our soil? I'm very glad that President Obama have been pulling military out of places that we weren't even suppose to be at first place. War in Middle East is a meaningless war. Meaning, if soldiers aren't even sure what they are fighting for, then, we are just scaring young kids who been scammed by great sales people known as Military Recruiters. When we fight in WWI & WWII, we had define reason why we were needed to fight. Civil war, we had define reasons why we needed to fight. But, when we do not have defined and specific reason why we need to be in the war and risk our people's life, that when these soldiers are going crazy and coming back with psychological problems.If you have grandparents who been through World War, they aren't suffering psychological problem, they new they had to do it to protect the freedom of mankind. Compare to that, when you look at Vietnam War vets and people who came back from Iraq; it seems like they little "off", don't they?. Well, I take it to be result of participating without knowing the reason to fight. These people risked their lives (Which, I salute all the soldiers) to fight for something they are not even why. That is why the psychological disorder has been growing and growing. Bring our boys back, let's cut back on our military spending. Let's be a defensive nation, not a offensive country. BRING OUR BOYS HOME.

Never Enough

2013-01-11T21:08:00.001-08:00

Greed: noun excessive or rapacious desire, especially for wealth or possessions. That's all of us. Even though we might act like we are not greedy, in some way, you are. Most of us, it is the money that we want more. Even if you are rich, you want more and more. That's human nature, things are never enough. Like love, it's never enough. You could be with the hottest girl in the world but sometimes you might want someone else. I guess it's quantity that we are most pleased with rather than quality.
We, as human beings, needs to learn how to control our urges and learn to settle sometimes. You might be able to kill two birds with one stone but you aren't able to catch both of the rabbits. You need to know your happiness limit. What amount of stuff will make you happy. Everyone could, always, have little more of something. But you will realize that you will find the peak of happiness when you learn to settle. There is no such thing is "Enough"; learn to settle and learn to cherish what you have because, trust me, someone would kill to be in your situation with whatever you got.

Traveling Tip

2013-01-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

In 2011 - 2012, I worked for a motel and I learned lot about traveling business. In last two years, airline companies have been increasing fare and added many hidden fees. This is not just applying to airlines, this includes rental car companies and lodging businesses. Rental car companies are the original professionals at adding hidden fees from GPS, child's seat, one-way cost, and etc.Lodging had been adding fees such as safe fees, room service, TV programs, and etc. In this blog, I will give you a tips to help you travel, possibly save some money, and some suggestions to maximize your fun. Here we go.

1) Book it directly: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT USE ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY SUCH AS HOTELS.COM, EXPEDIA, ORBITZ, PRICELINE, TRAVELOCITY. I say that because, even though it's easy to use and easy to bundle up your services you need for traveling, they will not help you when things go wrong. These companies are just bridges, they aren't responsible if your reservation at your hotel got screwed up, your rental car isn't what you wanted, nor care if your flight is cancelled or not, these companies are just here to book you so they can get commission off the reservation. I know this because I dealt with problems during my travels and also, I worked in travel industry. Just like I said, they don't care, so book it straight with companies you are dealing with. Such as airlines, hotels, and rental cars. I can't promise that their service is better than online travel agencies (Even though OTA services are worse than Comcast), but I can promise you that, when you call these places directly, they will guarantee their services and you can actually haggle with them about the price and MOST likely, they will bring it down a little. Because, think about it, if you book it with OTA, hotel has to pay them the commission of, roughly, 20 - 35% and if they could just book you straight and save you about 10%, they are still coming up ahead. Not sure you will be able to haggle airline prices, but hotel and rental car should be worth asking.

2) Learn the area: It's good to know about the place you are traveling to; especially if it's out of country(Europe, Asia, Africa, Mid East). Learning few polite words are must; learn Thank you, Please, Excuse me, and other words to be polite. Learn the local culture, it's heritage, and their modern day issues and stands. Also, learn where NOT to go. Every place has bad neighborhoods, so learn those.

3) Travel light: Do you really need 5 pairs of pants and 10 different shirts if you are going away for 2 or 3 days? Less is better when you are traveling. If you are going away from less than a week, one bagful should be enough, just think one bag per week and Im not talking about big traveling bags, something like army bags to a big bag pack should be good. Times when Im gone for 2- 3 days, I wear the clothes Im going be in most of time, bring a dressy set of clothes, and maybe one more pants and shirt. I put my belt already in the back pack with my wallet, phone, and everyday stuff in one pocket jacket and take off the jacket and shoes when I go through the security check points. Less is better.

4) Pack things that your ONLY need: Before we travel, the hardest part would be packing because....well...you are leaving your home where everything is. So you tent to think that you need everything but, just like I said in tip #3, travel light. Take exactly what you need.
Here is the list:

Clothes
Underwear/ Socks
One main entertainment source (Tablet or Laptop)
Phone
Chargers
Headphones
Wallet: ID, Credit Cards, Cash
Keys
Flight tickets
Travel size: Shampoo
Body Wash
Toothpaste
Floss
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Optional: Book
Passport(if you are going out of country)
Traveler's check

That should be enough to get you through. When you stay a night a place, DO NOT FORGET to take your charger with you. Charger is the item that people leave most of times. It's because people plug it in some odd place and in a morning rush, they take the phone but leave the charger. It might be a habit, so I suggest putting it in your bag as soon as you take your phone off charger.

5) Walk around the neighborhood: It's nothing sadder than waiting in the line to see one attraction when you could've been somewhere else doing much more fun things. Everytime I go on vacation, first thing I do is walk around the neighborhood. I do carry a weapon when I do, for safety reasons, but you can really enjoy the area when you walk around rather than standing around to see one thing. This will help you understand the area better, demographic of people, and learn the places. I did that when I went to LA and NY. I walked around. I ended up being the only guy in Harlem, but at least I can say I been to Harlem without a tourist.

6) Screw the attractions, find local jewels: I don't like to go to attractions when I go on vacations. I been to LA many times, and I been to NY twice but I only been to major attraction, maybe once or so. Just like my tip #5, when you walk around, you are able to choose where ever you want to go. If you see a restaurant/ bar that looks interesting, just go in. Asked the locals for any good spots to eat, see, and these people will tell you things that zagat guide doesn't know about.

7) Know your spending: It's 21st century and most of us has smartphone with your bank's app which tracks and shows your spending. Keep an eye on that. Most of times, we spend more than we expected during our vacation because, like me, you are probably drunk most of time. So, know your spending, if you want to get back home.

8) Take lots of photo: Unless it's a place you often visit for business/ family purpose, you should take lot of pictures. Pictures are visible memories that you can hold on to forever. Looking at those pictures can make you feel like you are at that place again, so take lot of pictures.

9) Look into local transportation rather than renting a car: Some areas, such as NYC or Chicago, subway is well laid out that you can use it, easily. Save your money and use the local transportation. If they ride horses, shit, ride horses. You don't need a car everywhere you go. You might borrow a car if you have a plan to visit specific places (Like, going to the shore in California) but other than that, you should ride buses, subway, and etc.. you might think it's scary to, but lot of people ride these transportation daily and if locals are doing, you should also.

10) Do not leave your car at airport: When I went to LA, last September, I left my car in airport for 3 days or so. It costs me $140 when I was exiting the airport. Good idea is to park it at a motel around the airport and shuttle to airport. Or just take taxi. Trust me, even though it might be a bitch to take taxi and what not, it will benefit in long run.

So these are my tips to travel. Thank you for reading.

P.S traveling on train is something that is coming back because the ridiculous prices. Even though, it's not really cheaper than airlines, if you have a time, it will be a good chance to relax and enjoy the great view through out the nation.

Act your age

2012-12-29T19:51:00.002-08:00

I remember a story my father told me once. It was about Abraham Lincoln; he had to choose a congress man/ or senator and he rejected one of the candidate because he didn't look his age. His assistant asked him "Are you really not going to pick him because he doesn't look his age?" and Abe Lincoln said "Person should look his age because the look defines the persons' experience". Older I get, I seem to be agreeing more with my parents and realize how foolish I have been. Of course, I would not change everything that happened to me, if anything, I'm glad all these events happened to me because it made me the man that I am today. But older you get, you need to really find yourself and who you are. I remember I use to wear size 40 pants, xxl tall tee, and hats almost fits 2 of my heads in it. Yes, I look at my old photos and laugh at it too. But, no regrets. It was ok for me to do that because I was young. My mother always said, "Do everything when you are young, so you know better when you are old". and I do think I dealt with enough stuff now that I can slowly settle in to my comfortable self. No gangster shit, no hoodlum shit, no jackass-ery ; more being a gentleman wise man, good friend and mainly, being a good son to my parents. I can not act like I was in Jr. or High School. I am trying to prove my spot in this society as another up-coming person with a future. I gotta watch what I say, who I hang out with, who I associate with, what kind of work I do, because in this world, you have to prove them that you are someone.

However, when you are young, you should live your life like there is no tomorrow. Just go with the flow. Don't go over board enough to get arrested and marks you for life. If you do believe you are doing something illegal, just control your usage and be careful not to get caught. But, do live your life. I often say I date women whom are older than 22 because I believe women mature lot faster than men do, and they experience more because.....well......they have more opportunities than men. I say that in a sense of getting "Lucky". After the teenager phase, you have 21 years old and, this is what I tell my friends whom has girlfriends under 21, let them live and enjoy. 21 one is big deal for most of us and when 21 comes, it's open market and open door for many. Enjoy that. Soon enough, that life style of partying, clubbing, drinking, goes down on your priority level and you start to focus on your life, passion, goals, legacy, and family. When you get older, you will start to slow down and start to listen to elders more to gain wisdom.

Live your life and act your age. Don't do things that will mark you for life but do go 100% so you do not have regrets.