Thursday, December 31, 2009

Be careful who you trust

I recently agreed to write a paper for a UC Irvine student. He promised that he would pay for the work, instead he stiffed me and made up a ton of excuses in the process. Many people will do anything to take advantage. Value your time wisely. You deserve respect for the work you do.

This student demanded what he wanted, but ignored his promise to pay. He decided after numerous messages that he wanted more work and asked for it to be on time. The work was on time, but he decided that his cousin needed work, as well. This is coming from a student that claims to have a 4.0 GPA and wants to attend law school. Interesting assessment; he couldn't write a simple 6 page essay on a case study using two different schools of jurisprudence. That is the basic standard of law itself.

Seriously, either this student is deceiving people about his GPA, or he is one of those people that talk, but can't back it up. I would have never taken on his paper if I went with my gut instinct. The only messages this student sent was about watching the Lakers game, running errands and another responded on his phone that he left his phone there. They even said that he was responsible. I highly doubt that. No person makes someone do their work and just abandons their responsibility to compensate that person for doing it.

This student also mentioned he couldn't receive long text messages. I remembered that he has an IPhone, which can receive long messages broken up into segments. People try to make up excuses, but tend to forget what they communicate at an earlier time. This student had the time to go out and do whatever he wanted, while I had no money to do nothing because he ripped me off. Moreover, he had the nerve to make demands about future projects when he hadn't taken care of what was done for him in present time.

Avoid these type of people at all costs. They will step all over you. If you are one of those people that have been taken advantage of, change your ways to save your time and to prevent you from losing money.

Another nice end to the year....but there is hope to a brighter future

I put a whopping $3.06 in my gas tank. The gas light is still on. I don't have a penny in my possession. I still feel confident that this upcoming year, which will be a new decade, holds the key to my future. I have been waiting for this moment for 16 years. It is time to roll dice and land on the lucky 7. I do not want the same problems that started a decade ago to repeat once again.

Financial distress is that issue that enters every situation. It is time to rid my life of money problems. I need to make a move into writing a book and sending out my screenplays. I have lived in Southern California for almost 5 years now. I have always wanted to live there, so I need to take advantage of the opportunities.

I have equipped myself with every skill imaginable. Now it is the time to go after that long awaited dream. I want to be a writer. It doesn't matter where I have to start my writing career. I am flexible with my goal. We all have to begin our careers somewhere. The professional career I took on in the military was more of a stepping stone. I knew what I wanted to do before I joined the military.

I don't consider stepping stones as sacrifices because we have to pay our dues to make our dreams a reality. Whoever reads this blog, know that you have the potential to accomplish whatever goals you sent your mind on. Think positive and know that you if you want success enough, you will succeed. Happy New Year 2010!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

What do you want to accomplish in 2010

The decade is almost over. What do I hope for in the next decade?

- a writing career
- success in my career
- to purchase a home
- to travel the world
- to move out of Southern California
- to write a screenplay that will be made into a film
- to write a book that will be published
- to earn a graduate degree
- to have a child in the next 3-4 years
- to make a difference in the world
- to see the Sacramento Kings win a championship


The list above are some of my goals. Make a list of goals to accomplish. You can become successful at anything you focus on. Bring in the new decade with a list of goals.

Kings Story

This past week I wanted to do something special for my father and younger brother. My father talked about how much he desired to attend the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers game on December 26, 2009. The Kings were coming off of a 35 point comeback at Chicago and an overtime loss at home versus the Clevand Cavaliers. The Kings and Lakers brought back old memories. The rivalry that once sparked later night sporting affairs was now renewed.

My father and younger brother experienced conflict on Christmas Day. It was one of those situations that couldn't be resolved, so my father decided to release his ticket. I really wanted him to go, but he wouldn't change his mind. I asked my best friend if he would like to attend the game. He told me the night before that he would possibly go to the game because the Kings regained their identity as being exciting yet again.

On the day of the game, my brother wanted to drop off the ticket. He knew that my father deserved to go and see the game. My father wouldn't change his mind about the game. He refused to communicate with my brother. There was nothing that would change his mind. My best just left the movie theater. He watched James Cameron's Avatar. With the story, sounds and intensity of the film, he turned down a chance to attend the game. It was a tough decision to make, as my brother and I would have to take a chance on selling the ticket and not losing too much in the process.

This was no ordinary game. The young Kings team has showed heart, even in losses to very good teams. We knew that tonight's game would have some drama. My brother dropped by and we drove to the game. I felt bad that my father didn't go to the game. He would have enjoyed the game. The holiday traffic clogged up the road like a parking lot. We took a shortcut, deciding that we should take the back roads instead of sitting on the freeway. After carving through the road with precision, we made it past a majority of the traffic.

We had three tickets on hand, but only two of us were attending the game. After reaching Arco Arena, there were many fans hanging out; more Lakers fans than Kings fans waited in line to enter the stadium. We tried to sell my father's ticket to one guy asking to buy extras off of fans. He offered $20, but I wanted more. I paid more for the ticket, and didn't want to lose out on it. He upped his offer to $30, but that was still not good enough.

The guy said that I wanted a mortgage for a Kings ticket. He conveyed that I was acting greedy and I should have some Christmas spirit. This was no ordinary game, it was the new and improved Kings versus the NBA defending champions. Most importantly, my father's ticket had sentimental value. I wanted to receive what it was worth to me - it was his Christmas present.

We walked over to the other entrance, noticing that there was a longer line, and also others looking to purchase tickets. One guy offered $20. He offered $30. Then again, he upped his offer to $40. I mentioned that another guy on the other side offered $45. It looked as the ticket would remain with me for the entire night. We walked back to the original side, hoping to get $45 for the ticket. The original guy had left his spot. It was decided that we would let the ticket go for $40. The ticket was sold to the second guy which offered $40 for it.

With the ticket now sold, we stood in line, waiting to enter the stadium. The surrounding areas was packed to its full capacity. We entered the game, knowing that a good game was in the making. Kobe Bryant and the rookie phenom, Tyreke Evans would surely put on a show tonight.

When we reached our seats, there were many Lakers fans filing in, as if we were at Staples Center. The game soon started. Kings were out to an early lead in the 1st Quarter. The new Kings were fun to watch. This team was far better than last year's team. There is no comparison of how good they become in a matter of 6 months.

We started to feel bad because the game was so good, and my father had missed out on a rare experience. The Kings had a slim halftime lead. They managed to keep the game close; they were tied with the Lakers going into the 4th Quarter. With a few minutes to go, they held the Lakers scoreless and recovered from a 6 point deficit. My brother mentioned that with every Kings shot, it made him feel worse about my father didn't come to the game. He said that he could sat on the other side of me.

The Lakers and Kings made it in the first overtime. This was after Tyreke Evans failed to get off a shot in time before regulation ended. He took the ball with 23.9 seconds remaining, but slipped in front of Kobe, failing to attempt a game winning shot. Kings worked into the first overtime, taking a 7 point lead with 2:36 remaining. That would be the last time they would score in the first overtime. Kobe started to get hot, bringing the Lakers within 2 points.

The Kings missed their shot, which Kobe and another Lakers player also missed before Gausol tipped it in to force a second overtime. What was interesting about the entire experience was that a Lakers fan had purchased the ticket from the guy that had bought the ticket for $40. He was really cool, and even complimented how good the Kings were and how good of a game it was. He said that Evans and Thompson were up and coming players that would be the future of the NBA. The second overtime didn't go so well because Kings were attempting too many 3 pointers and they were barely missing them.

Throughout the game, I never got nervous. I figured that if the Kings could be competitive, they would learn from their losses to become a better team. This team was so awesome tonight. They have a ton of talent. It reminded of the Chris Webber era. The new Kings matched up the Lakers perfectly. After the Kings lost in the second overtime, I realized the game as being one of the best I've seen. Every seemed to be happy about the double overtime game, even if the Kings had wasted good opportunities to win in regulation and in the first overtime. My brother was nervous about the game. He wanted the Kings to win, as much I wanted them to produce a W too.

Even with a loss tonight, and my father not attending the game, we had a great time. My brother attended a game in which he didn't have an alcohol beverage. He had a coke and some popcorn. I am really proud that he sat and watched the entire game without getting up besides at halftime. It was really an awesome experienced. After the game was over, I shook the hand of the Lakers fan that purchased the ticket, and told him that it was a good win for his team. He thanked me for the ticket. The Kings and my brother made the game a memorable event.

The only thing that would have made the night perfect is if my father also attended the game. The Kings will have many more fun and exciting games this year. This team will get much better. Wait until Kevin Martin returns to the lineup. Because of Martin's broken wrist, Evans turned in a dominant player. He drove through traffic and made finger rolls and really looked good out there tonight.

Though, there was times in which the Kings had isolated him from running the offense. This new Kings team has a ton of potential to make a run in the near future. The starting lineup is young and athletic. We are one great player away from contending for a NBA title. After the veteran teams start to flounder, the Kings will emerge as the favorite. The next time, I will take my father to the game. I will try to purchase front row seats so he doesn't have to climb a large flight of stairs. His foot has been giving him problems. It will be my goal to find a future game to attend.

The Kings did not disappoint tonight. They were one bad decision away from winning the game. They have played two overtime games against two competitive teams in the last few days - Cavaliers and Lakers. We have hope that the Kings will continue to grow, learning from their missed opportunities to close out games. They have to show more patience, and avoid relying too much on 3 pointers.

The Kings and Lakers game is one to remember as being priceless. The only that would have made it perfect and was missing at the game was my father. The Kings game on December 26, 2009 is the best I have watched in recent time. Everything will be better the next time around. That is when my father will attend a Kings game and one in which they will win the game.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Setting New Years Resolutions

The new year is quickly approaching. It is time to set some new goals for the upcoming year. We are heading into another decade full of hope and opportunities. I sense that this upcoming year is going to be productive for me.

These last 10 years have been a major struggle - one obstacle after another. In assessing the positive aspects of the past decade, I have prepared to become successful in the near future. We have to realize our goals through visualizing them.

Make it a point to resolve conflict, improve skills and go after goals. You will never realize success if you continue to wait for it. Take the initiative to become successful. Good luck!

Monday, December 21, 2009

The best time is to write....

People should write when they are angry. Most clever ideas surface during moments of despair. Every piece of writing involves some sort of conflict. Instead of breaking things when you are angry, sit down and write an essay, a poem, a screenplay or even a book. Write a story; share the pain you feel inside.

More than likely, your stories will resonate with energy, a realness that inspires others to notice that anger only last momentarily. However, conflict has the ability to spice up stories. No life if perfect. People will hide their pain. If people want to inspire people, it is suggested that writing is best done during moments of anger.

Another disastrous holiday season......

Withering away from a thing called "Hope"

What else is new? Another holiday season filled with problems again. Seems like a recurring trend, year-in and year-out. It gets to the point where it is ridiculous. I have a great deal of respect for homeless people. It is harder to hang on than to let go. Letting go is the smartest thing to do in life. Many religious people communicate that when the times are tough, just let God take over to do his work.

I have done that a few times. I can assure you it hasn't turned out good. When the times get tough, you have to find the will to move on. It becomes a challenge to accomplish goals because all you do is help others to advance in life, while you are stuck in the same morbid situation. You're left in a life that is worse, one that continues to eat away at your hope. Why have any faith?

I have helped so many people make their dreams possible, but I continue to feel uncontrollable stress, an intense pain that is crushing me like a trash compactor. It is unfortunate that life operates in such a way, as it influences the lives of those that care most about others. I face major challenges in a life that is one big obstacle. Nothing can be done right because it always seems to be wrong.

I have the pressure of a thousand bricks resting on my chest. With each passing second, the rocks are becoming harder to hold onto, almost too slippery to handle because the stress causes your palms to sweat. You don't want to let go, but you can't stop thinking about the pressure that comes along with struggling in life. Life is a struggle that lasts without an end in sight.

What is one to do when everything seems to be going against them? Life is a test that consumes the hopes of those that care most. You have to move on, knowing that one second can change a lifetime of misery.

RIP Brittany Murphy

Gone at such a young age. Many beloved stars have left early. May they continue to shine down on the people that respected and enjoyed their work. RIP Brittany Murphy. Your fans will miss your graceful presence.

If you want to succeed in life....

Have you ever wondered why you continue to go after goals without having any success? The best way to accomplish a goal is to surround yourself with people that have access to the career you desire most. Whenever you have any obstacles in the areas involving your goals, these people can help you out. People that don't advance seem to communicate with others that don't understand their desire to accomplish goals.

Sometimes they may even be the ones that are holding a person back from advancing. Choosing friends and acquaintances are done in such a way as one does in finding an intimate relationship.

If you are one of those driven people that can't seem to make an impact in accomplishing a goal, it may in fact be the people you surround yourself; it will keep you from succeeding. Writers communicate with other writers. Athletes compete against other athletes. Politicians know others that are in public policy. Surround yourself with others that can give you access to the resources you need to be successful.