Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Sabotage

I've been wondering this for a long time. Do I go around sabotage myself? I am not sure. Looking back at my years, I have made many mistakes. I wouldn't say that I was doing that purposely. But I second guess myself. I wonder if I actually sabotage myself because I am scared of an outcome. Maybe in the back of my mind I think I don't deserve things to be great. But things can and should be great in my life. Am I the one holding myself back from greatness?

I see that in my past romantic relationships. I was always scared to let it go to the next level. The level where I have to be vulnerable. You know like let them know who I really am. I feel like I would put up roadblocks. I see it in my career. I would get scared of responsibility and lose drive. I even see it in my relationship with God. I try to hang on and grip the things of this world like a vicegrip.

But this is a new day. A new day means that I can change. I can make sure that I will be great. I can make sure that I can be a better man. 1% better every day.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

2013 Recap

2013 was aite.
Did I learn to love God and people more? Yes. I learned different aspects of God. I learned about His character. It has lead me to share with people with more confidence. I was able to share in the Word more often. I finished the Bible. I actually am better at loving people. Better at reaching out to people. Better at reaching out to people that society doesn't love as much. I still have a long way to go, but I know I can get there.

 Did I fall in love with the woman of my dreams? Did I even identify that girl? No but thats ok. I still have determination to find that woman. I am not losing hope. I went on several dates. They were a lot more than the past year. I even tried talking to this girl for like 3 months. I tried to be more vulnerable. Its hard but I thinking Im getting there.

Am I doing what I would like to do all my life (occupation wise)? No but I had a job that I didn't like and got a better one. I get paid more and less worries about money now. I'm trying to get to the next steps and have a clearer vision, because without vision there is no light. If there is no light, you can never move forward to where you want to go.

Did I become more active? yes. I think I am in better shape. ....Maybe

Am I more rounded as a person? I think so. I learned more about culture and things. Not through books but through people and their experiences. 

Did I deal with challenging circumstances? Yes. Getting a new job, things at church, things in my personal life, things in other peoples lives. Through all these things, God was present and helped me.

Am I a better person than one year ago?

Yes I am. I can say that boldly and confidently. I can say because of that reason, I did have a good year. I grew closer to God and people. I am filled with more joy and grace than ever. Humdu Allah. Praise Jesus my redeemer and Friend.



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

12 year slave

Last Sunday, my pastor was preaching and he started to talk about the chains we use to have. By chains he meant sin. So, I was saved at 12 years old. I accepted Jesus (or He accepted me and probably he accepted me). Now you can raise a question and ask "Well Dan what kind of chains can you get at 12 years old?"

Well you can get a lot.

The biggest chain I had was probably anger. Don't get me wrong, I was always a happy kid. But I had this inner rage. A deep seeded anger. I hated people. Plotted revenge in my head. Did not like people. I thought people were against me. There was no mercy, no grace in my heart. I was just anger. Although I looked happy on the outside, I never had any joy.

Getting Jesus changed it all. The anger was gone. I still had some chains like insecurity, lust, distrust in people and etc. But God was slowly taking all of those chains off.

So on Sunday when my pastor said "remember your chains ". I looked back at my old life and it broke me down. I remembered that anger I had. and I see where I am now. The Spirit filled my heart and all I could do is praise the Lord. PRAISE GOD FOR BREAKING MY CHAINS. I pray that I will always remember those chains. I will remember that angry kid and have more grace towards people.I pray I will remember those chains and not be afraid of the ones that I am still bound too.  I pray that I will remember those chains and have hope for tomorrow. I pray I remember those chains and Praise God on a daily Basis.

God Thank you for Freedom!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Birthdays was the worst days now we.....

"Birthdays was the worst days now we sip champagne when we thirsty"- Biggie

Five years ago, I moved to Atlanta without any friends here. I went to a bar to watch the All-Star baseball game and celebrate my birthday. Earlier, I picked up a nice southern meal and my roommate asked to eat some (I said no selfishly).  I go to the bar and order some beer. The bartender asks for some ID. I had him over my PA license and he looks at me. He gives me a faint smile and says "Happy Birthday". After 2 more beers he asks "How come youre not out celebrating with your friends?"

"I don't have any friends here"

I then tell him that I just moved and I hate my roommates etc etc. At that point, I was missing home. At least at home my mom would have bought me a cake or something, instead of my dumbass roommate trying to borrow money so he can buy himself a honey bun (story for another time). Then some girls next to me overheard our conversation and hung out with me a little. Bought me drinks and so on which concludes my worst birthday.

This year I went to a bar to watch the Allstar game and to celebrate my birthday. But I was surrounded with people I love. Sometimes on Birthdays I look back into my life and have a sense of failure. I see all of the things that I have not done with my life, all of the opportunities I lost, time I wasted and etc. But at that moment of watching baseball, I realized all the things I have gained in the last five years. I gained friendships, life experience, more knowledge of myself and more intimacy with God. I had a good day on my birthday, I have also had a good five years.



Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Thoughts for the week of 7/2

Sorry I havent updated for a while, but I havent been busy at all. I just didn't feel like writing anything. Has a lot changed in my life? Probably not. Am I in a good space and place? yes I am.

I'm doing paleo. Its a diet for all who don't know. Go look it up. Its restrictive. Its hard. I only did the first day. It kind of kicked my ass, but hopefully it will lead me to more discipline in other aspects of my life. Another thing that I am excited about is that I will hit the gym again. I injured my shoulder almost two months ago and I did not go at all. I miss the pump.

Our society is too much of a microwave society. People just want things to develop quickly, but sometimes the slow cooking option is the best. The new saying is "I aint got time for that". Its funny, but maybe you should make time. Its probably not the worst thing in the world to show some patience. We're the generation with no time for things that matter , but a shit load of time for stupid frivolous things ie dumbass things on the internet, youtube videos, TV.

July is the Saturday of Summer

Frances Ha was a really good movie.

I am a closet hipster

Superman's chest hairs......

Does the Rock look more asian now than he did when he was younger?

Hung out with some middle Easterners and they have great coffee and food.

God has been bringing great joy in my heart. Its amazing that He is gifting me everyday. praise the Lord.

I hate these high waisted cutoff jeans some girls are wearing. Girl your but looks flatter. Do you really want Pancake butt????

I guess men also do wear old man shorts.

Sixers made a great trade. In the NBA, you have to suck to get better.

Philly pretzel aint nothing wrong with that

I went on Google+ the other day and its pretty nice.

The housing market is so nuts right now. Its frustrating.

I like the YEezus album. The guy feels so conflicted. He knows he is an asshole and hates himself for it. Its amazing music. J Cole album is good, I love the Grouplove album.

Summer Songs that i like: Get Lucky-Daft Punk (obviously the best record of the Summer), Cocoa Cutter Kisses- Chance the Rapper, Bubble Butt- Major LAzer, Diane Young- Vampire Weekend, White Noise- Disclosure, Somebody Else- Mario, Blurred Lines- Robin Thicke, We Can't Stop- Miley Cyrus ( I know I know), Can't Hold us- Macklemore, Blood on the Leaves- Kanye, SDS-0 Mac Miller, Bitch dont kill my vibe- Kendrick Lamar

Hung out with some girls who were 21 in Philly. I realized that I cant do it. They are too young. But I also have to ask myself, If they were cuter would have been more interesting and engaging?

Married guys are hilarious.

Some people are sensitive.... Takes jokes better people. Stop crying.




Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Post Week 4/1

So three months have passed and the quarter is over. As I reflect upon the quarter, I realize that it has been filled with mostly bad news. So this year has gotten off to a bad start. Work is not going so well. Fires are coming up that I cannot put out. I have been really busy and I am not sure if its taking a toll on me mentally. Things in my life feel like they are not moving too much financially, career, future, love life, etc. I wonder what I have to do to make it move.

The thing is though, I am happy. Hum du Allah (which means praise God). Sometimes I wonder if I'm happy because I'm a total idiot. It happens when your stupid. You are just happy for no reason like an animal. But I have been seeing a lot of good things in my life. People love me and I love them. Goals I have set in the beginning of the year are being or have been achieved:
Love people more
Spend more time with God
Be more intentional with people
Be more intimate with God
Know God more
Know myself more
Get in better shape
Read More
Get smarter
Finish class
Be there for people when they need it
Learn to be more selfless (I'm a selfish mother f*cker)

Goals remaining or things I have to work harder at doing:
Lose weight
Better organized
Clean my room more. Its pretty embarrassing.
Travel more
Make more money
Do something with my career. Know which direction to go when it come to that.
Be a better leader
Serve more effectively
Have more courage and not be afraid to tell it like it is
Buy a tuxedo
Skydive
Keep my promises

Thoughts about this past week:

Never mess with a guy with tattoos on his head

This guy loves the Phillies more than I do. He has a son dressed the same as he is too. They have their faces painted as well. We high fived a couple of times.

Went to opening game for baseball yesterday. I just love baseball. I love the roar of the crowd. Drunk people yelling. Booing me. Good stuff.

Never buy a florescent orange T Shirt with a kool-aid man on it. LOL


Although I have a big head. Their are still hats that look good on me.

Got my first Easter Basket ever. I know so white.

Ate Easter dinner for the first time.

Having a road trip with five guys creates terrible scents and great times.

DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!!

Fast and Furious has the best quotables ever.  

Thinking about girls fighting is funny and attractive to me. I love putting match ups in my mind. Some girls look like they can just mess people up.

WU-TANG!!! What again? Yeah AGAIN AND AGAIN????

There arent too many funny people in the world. Its like the number of good looking people.

I think people like talking to me. This stranger just started talking to me and it went on for like 20 mins.

Songs of the Week: Pour it up - Rihanna, Bugatti- Ace Hood, Nails in your Hands- Hillsong, Daylight -Matt and Kim

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

thoughts for Week 3/25

Last week was rough. Car broke down, lost my check card and tons of bad things happened. But in that I found grace from God. You know what it was sooo good. I have to admit that even though I am suffering I am learning more about myself. Maybe thats how God is challenging me. Stretching me. Causing me to grow. I had a moment of anger when the old me would have cursed this person out and threw something at her, but I held it in. Thought about Christ. It was tough and hard not to just do what your instincts tell you, but I guess thats how we get to be more human and less of an animal. We aren't just slaves to our instincts anymore. We are more than that. I guess Jesus is trying to tell us these things.

A person last week said that I have changed for the good. Its a blessing to know that you are not the same old person that you use to be. They said that they heard from someone else that I was a certain type of person. I'm glad that I'm not like that. I hope God can shine in those moments. Those moments are definitely glory to God moments. You have to worship God that you are not the same. You are moving towards perfection. People think that in life you can only get to a certain level and plateau. I disagree. Life is about contiguously getting better.

Had a moment of grace yesterday. I have been addicted to this song.
So Im singing this song in my car. The day was gloomy and no sunshine at all during the day. But out of the clouds a beam of sunlight hits my car. I am overwhelmed with Joy and Grace. Smiles and Tears are on my face. Glory to God. 

Saw a guy blowing drying between his butt cheeks in the gym. It was so weird. I never seen anyone do that in my life. I should have taken a picture.

I'm helping a friend by being a resource parent. Basically she wants to adopt kids and she needs two resources. The resources can provide babysitting and such. So I have to take 20 hours of classes. I'm in this room mostly with couples who want to adopt. They have so much love in their hearts. Most of them are there because they can't have kids on their own. Some of these people want to adopt a sibling group of 3. They don't care about race, how tall they are and etc. They want these kids to have a home and they want to be parents for them.

One of the guys, Big guy and doesn't look too happy, is so in love with his wife. Its really sweet and makes you believe in love. He says as long as I have this woman here I can do anything and will do everything.

CGI has come a long way, but it can still really suck.


Not sure what to think about the gay marriage vote.

If you pay 7 bucks for a pie, it better be delicious.

You can make money when you find something you love and your niche.

Had a huge steak. A flinstone type. Food fixes things.



March Madness is great. It cannot be replicated by anything. Upsets. Cinderella stories. Teams who are suppose to win, just pulling out nail biters.


Its good to make your lunch for the week. Healthy and good.



lots of good things about being single. I can do whatever the hell I want when I want. Its awesome.

 Trying to build a relationship with my dad again its weird.

Opened wine with a shoe and a pen.

FGC might be my favorite team of all time.


Monday, March 18, 2013

Thoughts for week of 3/17

It was a very interesting week. God taught me a lot not only about myself and what I have to work on, but also about His character. I realize that God really knows me . He knows how to get to me. Then I realize that all the things that happen in my life is because he knows how to deal with me. Sometimes we just need to submit and obey. Its a very very very hard thing, but in the end it is worth it. Less trouble and your heart is more at ease also.

The whole Football Free agency was just great. So much fun. Eagles totally revamped their defense.

GSP is a great fighter, but not exciting enough. He doesnt have that killer instinct to finish people.

Spent a day by myself and it was really interesting.:
Saw the Life of Pi. I thought it was really good, but I don't like this new age pluralism. It also felt like the movie was saying that we make up God.
Went to the gym.
Went to a bar. So I go there by myself and people start talking to me. Maybe I have this approachable face. I start playing poker and these people are good people, but I realize that I would never want to become like this people. They seem empty and lonely. Lots of the guys trying to get away from the banality of home. Some guy is there every week and getting drunk. Girls? not too many and mostly they were unattractive. It felt like a sad place.

Only went to the gym 4 times this week. My goal for five didnt work. The bad thing about going to the gym a lot is I feel like I can eat more bad things like a true fat ass.

Little things I like about life: Non verbal cues. When you meet eyes with someone and you have the same thoughts as them and give them a look. They respond to that look.


People blame things on other people to much.

Smoked wings are soooooo good. Fall off the bone.

Old-school is better sometimes

Old-school is not always better sometimes.

Its fun getting to know people.

People love hitting big guys. Some girl just rammed into me the other day. I don't really mind though.

I really like hitting small people. Knee to the face!!!!

Women should use sex as a weapon. If its in your arsenal, you can use it once in a while.

I hate it when people ask if you know that asian person. Just because Im asian I know every one. Its more embarassing when you actually do know them.

Respect is very important. But I really don't care if its coming from a person I don't respect.

Not always good to sugarcoat things. Honest feedback is needed.

Saw an Asian girl that sounded just like a black girl. I haven't heard that since Philly.

I made dinner the other day. My skills are improving.


High maintenance people are tough to deal with. I'm a very low maintenance person, so I have to make myself more accommodating to those people.

Halal meat is good stuff.

Hum Du Allah- means "praise to God". I really like it.

People have been coming to me with their romance problems or excitement. I say stuff , but I really don't know what I'm talking about. I think I'm just faking the funk. I words have no weight.

Sometimes we think too highly of ourselves.

Talking to someone can get you out of your slump.

Kevin Durant has a huge hand and small head.


White People are so corny sometimes, especially when black music comes on and they are all like WOOOOOO!!!!


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

thoughts for the week 3/11

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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Week 3/3

This week I felt lazy. Fell behind in somethings. Looking to catch up, but its always a challenge to catch.

Thoughts for the week:

Change is a necessary thing. If you don't think you need to change, then you are an arrogant dumbass who will learn that it is necessary to change.

Matters of the heart are always tough to handle.

Lots of times you just got to shoot people straight.

Bearskin rugs are nice.

18 & over for women at a club is not a club I want to be at too often. I felt old. A decade older than a girl is too much.

My hand is kind of big. Its fat too. Adds to the hugeness of it. I had my arm around some girl and my hand was bigger than her face.

I can still make a good looking female bartender laugh.

Ask more from God.

Talk often to God

Kate Upton thought: Russian mail order bride looks like her. It looks like I know where my Christmas money is going.

David Crowder puts on a good show. Always blessed by his music.

Some Italian guy told me to check some pizza places out in the city. Im looking forward to it.

I've been singing praise music more. I usually sing r and b and hip hop, but lately its been more praise music.

Broke my phone. Its nice not having it for a while. The apps I need are probably Kakaotalk (EmoJis), twitter, and google maps.

I like bothering people way too much. Someone tells me not to do it, but I have too. Then I get in trouble.

Got some good stuff at the church bazaar.

People are weirder than me . Makes me feel good about myself.

I think I look too interested in peoples boring conversations sometimes. This guy and some girl just kept going on and on about somethings. Finally I did the walk away. I think about the time I wasted and what stupid things I could have thought about.

I hate cock blocking.

Lyric of the week: "With wisdom which means wise words be spokin" Rakim

Tracks of the Week- The naked and famous- Young Blood,