Tuesday, June 28, 2011
New Blog: JCL Bites the Big Apple
Greetings, I have decided to do a blog where I will be reviewing restaurants in New York City.The blog is call JCL Bites the Big Apple. Check it out. Thanks!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Chapter 13: Distance
Hmmm... I had to pick one, the ties of a friendship or the love for the significant other? Whatever choice I make will cross the thin line between love and hate. So I picked the ties of a friendship over the love for a significant other. The moment I picked that, I knew it would have caused some problems between us. But never did I thought she would go this far...
Have any of you lost someone precious to you? Not in terms of death, but just slowly distancing themselves away from you. Little by little. Bit by bit. Doesn't that gradually eats you up? Unfortunately all these things happened to me in the start of 2011. Yay, what a great way to start a new year. It's hard to keep your composure when things/people around you are slowly fading into the shadow.
It really sucks to have a precious friend to tell you they will stop talking to you. The immediate reaction was my speechlessness. Then I just started working out until I can't move anymore... bad hobby of mine (whenever there is a stressful situation, I tend to workout to release the stress). Keeps you thinking about questions such as: when will we be back to normal again? or is this the end? or what can I do to make you come back? That last question brings me back to the freestyle I did a while back, Come Back. That was dedicated to this very precious friend wishing she could come back. Lost, confused, discombobulated were the only feelings I had at that moment. Should I move on and get over it or should I hold on to something that might have already been gone?
I am a Leo, so obviously I am a stubborn dude. So I picked holding on, not letting any chance go away. When I happened to see her again, avoidance was her first reaction. Ignoring me was the second reaction. But I continued to say "hi" regardless. In this kind of situation, I have to put my pride aside and become shameless. Oh, only if she knew how much I can do for her to save the friendship. The more I think about it, the more complicated the situation gets. There was nothing I could do anyways. I said all I could say, did what I could but nothing's changed. What I will still do is continue being me! Maybe one day... some day... we can be friends again. I am sure we will meet again in the long journey call life.
On the side note: Writing this blog entry was EXTREMELY challenging. I had to think about how to explain the situation without giving out too much details. But at the same time, give enough details so the readers can understand what is going on.
Anyways, today I bring to you an old but meaningful song by Far East Movement. Today, you might know them by their hits "Like a G6" or "Rocketeer." But to be honest, they gave into the mainstream demands like the rest of the sell-outs... no disrespect to them. I actually respect them a lot for being a successful Asian Hip-Hop group in U.S. which is RARE. Only second to Jin the MC. But their old works are far better... just saying.
Far East Movement ft. Lil Rob & Baby Bash - You've Got a Friend
Have any of you lost someone precious to you? Not in terms of death, but just slowly distancing themselves away from you. Little by little. Bit by bit. Doesn't that gradually eats you up? Unfortunately all these things happened to me in the start of 2011. Yay, what a great way to start a new year. It's hard to keep your composure when things/people around you are slowly fading into the shadow.
It really sucks to have a precious friend to tell you they will stop talking to you. The immediate reaction was my speechlessness. Then I just started working out until I can't move anymore... bad hobby of mine (whenever there is a stressful situation, I tend to workout to release the stress). Keeps you thinking about questions such as: when will we be back to normal again? or is this the end? or what can I do to make you come back? That last question brings me back to the freestyle I did a while back, Come Back. That was dedicated to this very precious friend wishing she could come back. Lost, confused, discombobulated were the only feelings I had at that moment. Should I move on and get over it or should I hold on to something that might have already been gone?
I am a Leo, so obviously I am a stubborn dude. So I picked holding on, not letting any chance go away. When I happened to see her again, avoidance was her first reaction. Ignoring me was the second reaction. But I continued to say "hi" regardless. In this kind of situation, I have to put my pride aside and become shameless. Oh, only if she knew how much I can do for her to save the friendship. The more I think about it, the more complicated the situation gets. There was nothing I could do anyways. I said all I could say, did what I could but nothing's changed. What I will still do is continue being me! Maybe one day... some day... we can be friends again. I am sure we will meet again in the long journey call life.
On the side note: Writing this blog entry was EXTREMELY challenging. I had to think about how to explain the situation without giving out too much details. But at the same time, give enough details so the readers can understand what is going on.
Anyways, today I bring to you an old but meaningful song by Far East Movement. Today, you might know them by their hits "Like a G6" or "Rocketeer." But to be honest, they gave into the mainstream demands like the rest of the sell-outs... no disrespect to them. I actually respect them a lot for being a successful Asian Hip-Hop group in U.S. which is RARE. Only second to Jin the MC. But their old works are far better... just saying.
Far East Movement ft. Lil Rob & Baby Bash - You've Got a Friend
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Chapter 12: Above and Beyond
As I left off from last time (Chapter 11: Passion for the Kitchen), I was offered many volunteering opportunities. In the past, I would just let it go by me. But not this time. My chef volunteered me to many and I volunteered myself to a few. One of the most memorable experiences was the CHIPS Soup Kitchen (it is a non-profit organization that serves limited meals daily, offers shelter, and have clothing drives). It was the day before Christmas Eve, December 23, 2010. This was the holiday of giving and celebrating, knowing that I did my part to help the less fortunate feels great! If you have a chance to help the less fortunate, please do so!
That day, I had to be up at 4 A.M. because I was told I have to be there by 5. When I reached the destination I was by myself in this freezing weather, locked outside. After I waited for about half an hour, my friend called and asked if I wanted to stay inside her building for the time being. I accepted the offer. When they were ready, we set out to the soup kitchen once again. This time there were a few more volunteers there. We got in and started working right away. Long story short, after six hours of cooking we were finally ready for service at noon. Since the space inside is limited, there was a line outside. We decided to bring everyone outside soup first to keep them warm. That was when I realized how ungrateful some people are.
Some of the people that did not receive their soups yet were screaming out profanities and calling us names, others that already got their share of the soup wanted seconds and did not hesitate to grab it from the tray. The only thing that was preventing them from bum-rushing in was the long time war veterans that were with us. Although there were a few rude people, but a lot of them were very thankful. All that hard work that we have done was well rewarded by their warm smiles. It was also a splendid experience for me to work in another kitchen besides my own or the school's and I had a chance to work with great people, my chefs and my colleagues. It was a very fun and precious moment.
So that was my little story volunteering story, why did I title this post "Above and Beyond?"
Well I realized that in order to have a clearer path for your future, you have to put yourself out there. Volunteering is one of the more stronger activities you can do to achieve so. You can't just be like 'oh I did my part' and that's that. You have to go above and beyond the current requirements to make something out of anything these days.
"Being enlightened is no longer enough, you must apply. Being willingness is no longer needed, you must do." -Royce da 5'9
This quote from Royce (from the intro of his song 'Shake This') puts it very nicely and clearly. Royce is a very talented hip hop artist. Just saying...
So might as well end this post with that said song:
Royce Da 5'9 - Shake This
That day, I had to be up at 4 A.M. because I was told I have to be there by 5. When I reached the destination I was by myself in this freezing weather, locked outside. After I waited for about half an hour, my friend called and asked if I wanted to stay inside her building for the time being. I accepted the offer. When they were ready, we set out to the soup kitchen once again. This time there were a few more volunteers there. We got in and started working right away. Long story short, after six hours of cooking we were finally ready for service at noon. Since the space inside is limited, there was a line outside. We decided to bring everyone outside soup first to keep them warm. That was when I realized how ungrateful some people are.
Some of the people that did not receive their soups yet were screaming out profanities and calling us names, others that already got their share of the soup wanted seconds and did not hesitate to grab it from the tray. The only thing that was preventing them from bum-rushing in was the long time war veterans that were with us. Although there were a few rude people, but a lot of them were very thankful. All that hard work that we have done was well rewarded by their warm smiles. It was also a splendid experience for me to work in another kitchen besides my own or the school's and I had a chance to work with great people, my chefs and my colleagues. It was a very fun and precious moment.
So that was my little story volunteering story, why did I title this post "Above and Beyond?"
Well I realized that in order to have a clearer path for your future, you have to put yourself out there. Volunteering is one of the more stronger activities you can do to achieve so. You can't just be like 'oh I did my part' and that's that. You have to go above and beyond the current requirements to make something out of anything these days.
"Being enlightened is no longer enough, you must apply. Being willingness is no longer needed, you must do." -Royce da 5'9
This quote from Royce (from the intro of his song 'Shake This') puts it very nicely and clearly. Royce is a very talented hip hop artist. Just saying...
So might as well end this post with that said song:
Royce Da 5'9 - Shake This
Saturday, June 18, 2011
FS#6: Holding On
Ever had times when luck was never by your side?
At times you feel like you needed to cry?
Well I have and that feels like shit
I tried so hard to recollect myself but it's harder then it is
Why will you not re-evaluate me for a brand new start?
How can you just erase me completely from your heart?
You can, But I can't and I won't
Even if I have to do this all alone
I will remain on my ground and never think otherwise
You can change all you want but it's still the same on the other side
You can have your time and space but nothings really changed
Especially not me cause I will remain the same
I will be waiting for the day that you realize
That I am a friend that you can trust, just look me in the eyes
I will be there for you, till the end
All you have to do is call me a friend...
"Real Talk, True Story"
-JCL
At times you feel like you needed to cry?
Well I have and that feels like shit
I tried so hard to recollect myself but it's harder then it is
Why will you not re-evaluate me for a brand new start?
How can you just erase me completely from your heart?
You can, But I can't and I won't
Even if I have to do this all alone
I will remain on my ground and never think otherwise
You can change all you want but it's still the same on the other side
You can have your time and space but nothings really changed
Especially not me cause I will remain the same
I will be waiting for the day that you realize
That I am a friend that you can trust, just look me in the eyes
I will be there for you, till the end
All you have to do is call me a friend...
"Real Talk, True Story"
-JCL
Friday, June 17, 2011
FS#5: Life Goes On
Pick up where you left off, get up where you fall
No matter the circumstance, even when your back is against the wall
When push comes to shove, just stand tall
Take it for what it is, life is just like a ball
Goes round and round, what goes up must come down
That was cliche, but so is life
You made your mistakes, then wish you can make it right
Too late for regrets, but never forget
When you reach a dead end, you gotta turn
Life is a lesson, you gotta learn
Nothing is free dude, you gotta earn
Can you believe from concrete a flower grew
Nothing is impossible thats a life long rule
Look up in the skys stare right at the stars
Your life experience makes exactly who you are
There are too many wrongs for you to be caught up
Life goes on no matter how much you been fed up
Thick to thin, life is how you make it up
"Real Talk, True Story."
-JCL
No matter the circumstance, even when your back is against the wall
When push comes to shove, just stand tall
Take it for what it is, life is just like a ball
Goes round and round, what goes up must come down
That was cliche, but so is life
You made your mistakes, then wish you can make it right
Too late for regrets, but never forget
When you reach a dead end, you gotta turn
Life is a lesson, you gotta learn
Nothing is free dude, you gotta earn
Can you believe from concrete a flower grew
Nothing is impossible thats a life long rule
Look up in the skys stare right at the stars
Your life experience makes exactly who you are
There are too many wrongs for you to be caught up
Life goes on no matter how much you been fed up
Thick to thin, life is how you make it up
"Real Talk, True Story."
-JCL
Thursday, June 2, 2011
FS#4: Words I Never Said
Once upon a time I was living in regrets
Tearing over the words that I never said
Wounded by the courage that I never had
Every time I look you in the eyes I cant help but think
What if I done this or said that would we have changed
The pursuit of happiness is what everyone deserves
I had the nerves to take what you tried to preserve
I m sorry for all the harms I have done you
I m sorry for all the pain I have caused you
But fear no more now that I m out of your life
You can finally be set free and live right
I feel happy but yet I feel sad
It pains me too much to just forget
But it pains me more to see you hurt
Better leave it alone then let it get worse
Maybe it is better to have the words kept
Deep in my heart, where it can never be said...
"Real Talk, True Story"
-JCL
Tearing over the words that I never said
Wounded by the courage that I never had
Every time I look you in the eyes I cant help but think
What if I done this or said that would we have changed
The pursuit of happiness is what everyone deserves
I had the nerves to take what you tried to preserve
I m sorry for all the harms I have done you
I m sorry for all the pain I have caused you
But fear no more now that I m out of your life
You can finally be set free and live right
I feel happy but yet I feel sad
It pains me too much to just forget
But it pains me more to see you hurt
Better leave it alone then let it get worse
Maybe it is better to have the words kept
Deep in my heart, where it can never be said...
"Real Talk, True Story"
-JCL
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