Let's first rewind the clock to a year ago at the start of 2010. I truly thought I had it all figured out- I had a great girlfriend and completely understood women. I knew exactly what I wanted out of life- where I wanted to live, what I wanted do for a career. Sounds almost too good to be true, huh?
Well it was, because as we return back to the present, I am standing in a very different place: single and more confused than ever about my future. I think I've learned more in this past year than ever before- about life, and most importantly myself. However, there is so much that I don't know and I can't wait to learn as much as I can. This year was extremely humbling because I realized that even when class is dismissed and the quarter ends, we are still students and we will always be students, of life. We never stop learning and we also never stop teaching our friends, family, and everyone else we interact with.
During the past 12 months, I learned how truly lucky I am- lucky to have the best friends I could ever ask for, lucky to have such a supportive family behind me, and lucky to have been given the opportunities presented to me. I started to gain a clearer picture about what I want out of life. It's still fairly hazy, but I'm okay with that- hopefully it becomes less ambiguous as time goes on.
With relationships ending, new ones beginning, and old ones becoming stronger, I couldn't be happier. I challenge 2011 to be an even better year and look forward to meeting new people and having more great conversations. Thank you everyone for a great year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
On making mistakes and forgiving ourselves
Everyone makes mistakes; that's just a fact of life. If we didn't make mistakes, we wouldn't learn as much as we do. The thing is, it's hard for people to openly admit the mistakes they make- I think it has to do with our pride and fear of failure or losing.
I have found that the only way to truly fail or lose is to quit trying. Mistakes are just part of trying and as we make them, we learn something, so hopefully we will not make the same mistake twice. Admitting mistakes is very different than admitting failure. Admitting your mistakes is simply acknowledging that you have done something that wasn't what you now consider the best thing to do.
The tricky part is that we have to realize that it's okay. Sometimes, we need to not be so harsh on ourselves, accept our mistakes, and move on. With the more egregious errors we make, it is imperative that we forgive ourselves. At some point, we have to remember that there is nothing we can do to change what happened, and do the best we can in the future. We cannot live in the past and dwell on our mistakes- we can only learn from them.
I have made many mistakes in my past, even recently. There are a lot of things that I would love to go back and change, but unfortunately that's not an option. Earlier today, a good friend told me that life is messy and we just have to accept that. I think he's right- when things go awry, we just have to dust ourselves off and keep on plugging away. I'm not saying that we should use this as an excuse for inappropriate behavior, but we need to find balance between forgiveness and striving for excellence.
I guess in the end, we just have to remember that we're human, try to do the best we can, and cut ourselves some slack.
I have found that the only way to truly fail or lose is to quit trying. Mistakes are just part of trying and as we make them, we learn something, so hopefully we will not make the same mistake twice. Admitting mistakes is very different than admitting failure. Admitting your mistakes is simply acknowledging that you have done something that wasn't what you now consider the best thing to do.
The tricky part is that we have to realize that it's okay. Sometimes, we need to not be so harsh on ourselves, accept our mistakes, and move on. With the more egregious errors we make, it is imperative that we forgive ourselves. At some point, we have to remember that there is nothing we can do to change what happened, and do the best we can in the future. We cannot live in the past and dwell on our mistakes- we can only learn from them.
I have made many mistakes in my past, even recently. There are a lot of things that I would love to go back and change, but unfortunately that's not an option. Earlier today, a good friend told me that life is messy and we just have to accept that. I think he's right- when things go awry, we just have to dust ourselves off and keep on plugging away. I'm not saying that we should use this as an excuse for inappropriate behavior, but we need to find balance between forgiveness and striving for excellence.
I guess in the end, we just have to remember that we're human, try to do the best we can, and cut ourselves some slack.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
On pessimism
When you read this post, I want you to know that I consider myself to be an optimist. I try to keep a positive outlook on life so please remember that as you hear what I have to say. This may seem like a bit of a rant, so here it goes...
If you've read some of my other posts, I've explained my feelings towards arrogance and ignorance. Something else that bothers me- I mean, really irks me is pessimism. I'm going to assume that we all know at least one person who we could describe as pessimistic. I don't get how someone could live their life that way. I don't get how other people can be around that kind of attitude. Maybe I'm taking it a little too seriously and shouldn't worry about it so much.
It's really a shame that some people are so negative; I wonder how they came to be like that. I've come across many people in my life who just have nothing nice to say about anything, and I've come to learn to just avoid them. I feel that they don't add anything of positive value to my life and I don't want to be their friend.
When we were younger, I'm sure we all heard the saying "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all" These people have nothing nice to say, so why don't they just keep their mouths shut? I'm sure most of us have been in the situation where almost everyone is excited about something- it doesn't have to be a big thing, but something that makes most smile and laugh. But then that pessimist interjects and says something that expresses their disdain for the very thing, whatever it is, that excites everyone else. They speak out against it, trying to convince us to side with them. Kinda kills the mood doesn't it?
It's like these people don't enjoy life, and therefore they try to make everyone else miserable like them. It's almost an epidemic that we have to make such a big effort to avoid. There is this guy I've known for a while, and I truly cannot remember the last time he said something nice/positive or the last time he got excited about something in his life. It's pretty sad if you ask me.
Like I said earlier, I consider myself to be an optimist and I try to find as much joy as I can in the little things in life. Now there is a difference between complaining here and there, and having a consistently negative attitude. Unfortunately, I run into these people, whose outlooks and views on life clash with mine, and I really don't want to be around that.
If you've read some of my other posts, I've explained my feelings towards arrogance and ignorance. Something else that bothers me- I mean, really irks me is pessimism. I'm going to assume that we all know at least one person who we could describe as pessimistic. I don't get how someone could live their life that way. I don't get how other people can be around that kind of attitude. Maybe I'm taking it a little too seriously and shouldn't worry about it so much.
It's really a shame that some people are so negative; I wonder how they came to be like that. I've come across many people in my life who just have nothing nice to say about anything, and I've come to learn to just avoid them. I feel that they don't add anything of positive value to my life and I don't want to be their friend.
When we were younger, I'm sure we all heard the saying "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all" These people have nothing nice to say, so why don't they just keep their mouths shut? I'm sure most of us have been in the situation where almost everyone is excited about something- it doesn't have to be a big thing, but something that makes most smile and laugh. But then that pessimist interjects and says something that expresses their disdain for the very thing, whatever it is, that excites everyone else. They speak out against it, trying to convince us to side with them. Kinda kills the mood doesn't it?
It's like these people don't enjoy life, and therefore they try to make everyone else miserable like them. It's almost an epidemic that we have to make such a big effort to avoid. There is this guy I've known for a while, and I truly cannot remember the last time he said something nice/positive or the last time he got excited about something in his life. It's pretty sad if you ask me.
Like I said earlier, I consider myself to be an optimist and I try to find as much joy as I can in the little things in life. Now there is a difference between complaining here and there, and having a consistently negative attitude. Unfortunately, I run into these people, whose outlooks and views on life clash with mine, and I really don't want to be around that.
On holding grudges and letting go
Please note that the content included in this post is probably the most personal I have ever put online. I hope this provides you with some insight and helps you in your future endeavors.
It's pretty easy to hold a grudge, and it gets even easier as the number you hold increases. I have learned this over the years as I have kept many grudges, preparing to hold on to them for as long as I could. I think it's fair to assume that most people have held a grudge against another at one point in their life. Why do we do this to ourselves, to others? What purpose does it serve in our lives?
I think it starts with assigning blame. I think it takes a great deal of maturity to take the blame for something of which we are truly responsible; it's easy to blame someone else. Almost everyone gossips and when we talk about our interactions with other people, it's common to describe ourselves as the innocent victim whenever conflict, or fallout arises. I think we do this to prove to others, and to justify to ourselves, that we are not at fault. That's where a grudge starts. As years go by, sometimes we forget why we hold the grudge- we just know that we're still upset about something that was completely their fault. Kinda stupid isn't it?
I guess as we get older, some of us come to this realization and ask ourselves, "What purpose does holding this grudge serve in our lives?" Most of the time, we cannot come up with a valid answer. It seems a bit silly that we could get so worked up for such a long time about something that now seems rather insignificant. This was the case for me as I have held grudges against four people who I used to call my best friends at different times in my life.
I have just recently let go of my grudges against these people and finally stopped bearing ill feelings towards them. Even though we are no longer friends because of some type of fallout, I am grateful for the time we enjoyed together and for all they have taught me. It's diffcult to look back on relationships you had with people in the past and to see the good they have brought to your life. I am thankful for those who have helped me reach this point.
Two of these people were my best friends for about eight years. One of them was basically my brother and I must say that I take most of the responsibility for this particular fallout. However, this guy taught me to really be myself around other people and to not care what people think of me. He was the happiest guy I knew and I was jealous of that. I do regret not trying to make things right, but I guess that's life- we make decisions and have to live with the consequences of our actions. The other person was probably my first role model. She was just such a kind and wonderful friend to everyone and I wanted to be like that too. She helped me learn the difference between right and wrong and meant the world to me. I think this particular fallout was the result of foolish pride on both sides. We changed and grew apart; we were too proud to admit the mistakes we both made and barely ever spoke again.
The third person and I became friends very quickly. We just had so much in common and we clicked extremely well. Unfortunately, this person hurt me pretty badly and I dealt with the issue the only way I knew how. I confronted her and things were never the same. It took me about four years to truly forgive her. She taught me the importance of laughter and enthusiasm in life and for that, I feel so lucky to have had her as a friend for as long as I did.
This last person was probably the second best friend I have ever had. She taught me so incredibly much about so many things. Because of her, I became more independent and truly learned the meaning of actions speaking louder than words. Even though this fallout was no one's fault, it was definitely the most devastating. But at the same time, I don't regret anything that happened between us and feel that she was an integral part of helping me become who I am today.
These grudges that I held for so long added no value to my life. I think it was just a way for me to protect myself from things that went wrong in the past. Let me tell you, it's pretty liberating to let these things go because I can't change what happened; I can only move forward. It's important to remember the past and appreciate all the good times you've had. But it's also good to enjoy the present and look onward to the future and all the good times to come.
It's pretty easy to hold a grudge, and it gets even easier as the number you hold increases. I have learned this over the years as I have kept many grudges, preparing to hold on to them for as long as I could. I think it's fair to assume that most people have held a grudge against another at one point in their life. Why do we do this to ourselves, to others? What purpose does it serve in our lives?
I think it starts with assigning blame. I think it takes a great deal of maturity to take the blame for something of which we are truly responsible; it's easy to blame someone else. Almost everyone gossips and when we talk about our interactions with other people, it's common to describe ourselves as the innocent victim whenever conflict, or fallout arises. I think we do this to prove to others, and to justify to ourselves, that we are not at fault. That's where a grudge starts. As years go by, sometimes we forget why we hold the grudge- we just know that we're still upset about something that was completely their fault. Kinda stupid isn't it?
I guess as we get older, some of us come to this realization and ask ourselves, "What purpose does holding this grudge serve in our lives?" Most of the time, we cannot come up with a valid answer. It seems a bit silly that we could get so worked up for such a long time about something that now seems rather insignificant. This was the case for me as I have held grudges against four people who I used to call my best friends at different times in my life.
I have just recently let go of my grudges against these people and finally stopped bearing ill feelings towards them. Even though we are no longer friends because of some type of fallout, I am grateful for the time we enjoyed together and for all they have taught me. It's diffcult to look back on relationships you had with people in the past and to see the good they have brought to your life. I am thankful for those who have helped me reach this point.
Two of these people were my best friends for about eight years. One of them was basically my brother and I must say that I take most of the responsibility for this particular fallout. However, this guy taught me to really be myself around other people and to not care what people think of me. He was the happiest guy I knew and I was jealous of that. I do regret not trying to make things right, but I guess that's life- we make decisions and have to live with the consequences of our actions. The other person was probably my first role model. She was just such a kind and wonderful friend to everyone and I wanted to be like that too. She helped me learn the difference between right and wrong and meant the world to me. I think this particular fallout was the result of foolish pride on both sides. We changed and grew apart; we were too proud to admit the mistakes we both made and barely ever spoke again.
The third person and I became friends very quickly. We just had so much in common and we clicked extremely well. Unfortunately, this person hurt me pretty badly and I dealt with the issue the only way I knew how. I confronted her and things were never the same. It took me about four years to truly forgive her. She taught me the importance of laughter and enthusiasm in life and for that, I feel so lucky to have had her as a friend for as long as I did.
This last person was probably the second best friend I have ever had. She taught me so incredibly much about so many things. Because of her, I became more independent and truly learned the meaning of actions speaking louder than words. Even though this fallout was no one's fault, it was definitely the most devastating. But at the same time, I don't regret anything that happened between us and feel that she was an integral part of helping me become who I am today.
These grudges that I held for so long added no value to my life. I think it was just a way for me to protect myself from things that went wrong in the past. Let me tell you, it's pretty liberating to let these things go because I can't change what happened; I can only move forward. It's important to remember the past and appreciate all the good times you've had. But it's also good to enjoy the present and look onward to the future and all the good times to come.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
On common courtesy
I don't know if it's just me, but I feel that for the most part, common courtesy is lost among people these days. The way people (usually strangers) act around each other is appalling; it's like manners are reserved for only those we know and like. What happened to being polite to one another like were were taught when we were kids? I know this may sound insignificant, but little things can affect people in a much larger way- a "please", "thank you", or a smile can brighten someone's day, and yet the wrong tone or a mean look can do just the opposite.
Are people arrogant or just plain ignorant? Maybe people are simply unaware of the way they treat everyone else. Should someone point it out to them? If so, who should be responsible for saying something? Is it even our problem?
If it's arrogance, I don't see where people get the right to be like that- to stick their noses up in the air as if they are better than everyone else. I really don't understand where they got that from. Their parents? Now although I definitely don't agree with it, I get that people think they are above others. However, if this is the case, they should never act like they think they're better. Just keep it to yourselves.
Common courtesy is really not that difficult- it's showing people the respect they deserve, the same respect you would want in return. If someone walks by and asks you the time, don't just turn your head away as if you didn't hear them- help them and give them the time. Same with people asking for directions- really, how much effort does it take to help out someone who's lost if you know you can help. When you're eating at a restaurant be nice to the people who serve you- they're people too, working hard to get that paycheck just like you. You are not better than them (also, if you are truly that rude, they may do something to your food- have you seen the movie Waiting?). If they're trying to merge, let them go in front of you. If you stop in a hallway or aisle, stand to the side- don't just stop in the middle and be in everyone's way. If you're going to be late, call and let the person know to show you care. If you're always late, leave earlier! It's not that difficult to be courteous- it doesn't take that much effort and can go a long way.
Now I'm not saying that I've mastered the art of common courtesy. Far from it. I've been guilty of the above before. All I'm saying is that we can all do a little bit better.
On The Best Thing I Ever Ate in the Bay Area
This post is dedicated to Ellie :)
These are some of the best things I have ever eaten around the Bay Area and I suggest you try them.
The Single Best Thing I Ever Ate
Lamb and Beef Gyro
SIMPLY GREEK
4060 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611
(Other location in Pleasanton)
This gyro tastes like a little bit of heaven- extremely well seasoned beef and lamb that melts in your mouth wrapped up in a wonderful gyro/pita bread that can only be described as perfect. Comes with fresh tomato, onion, and an awesome tzatziki (yogurt) sauce. If you are in the area, you have to stop by and try this- you'll thank me later. Note that you might want another one after you finish your first. It's only $6.25!!!
The Best Gourmet Sandwich I Ever Ate
The Wrangler
BONNE SANTE
1184 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010
This sandwich takes burgers to a whole new level- juicy, flavorful beef paired with smoked bacon and onion rings. It also has Bonne Sante's amazing sun dried tomato spread and is served on dutch crunch. If you're looking to keep your hands clean, man up and use a napkin because this sandwich is more than worth it. The sandwich is quite large and can easily feed two. It costs around $8.
Also, try the Rattler (smoked turkey, gouda, caramalized onions, bbq sauce) or the Hottie (buffalo chicken)- add a side of fries for only a dollar.
The Best Deli Sandwich I Ever Ate
Lucca's Ultimate Club
LITTLE LUCCA SPECIALTY SANDWICH SHOP
1809 El Camino Real
Burlingame, CA 94010
This is the perfect deli sandwich- turkey, ham, bacon and cheese (I prefer provolone) served with mayo, mustard, pickles, red onion, tomato, lettuce, hot pepper sauce, and the original garlic sauce (this is a must) on dutch crunch. This $7.25 sandwich is the best deli sandwich I've ever had and is very reasonably priced- easily feeds two.
Also, try the BHS Panther
MR. PICKLES SANDWICH SHOP
405 Broadway
Millbrae, CA 94030
Wonderful sandwich with shredded chicken breast, bacon, avocado, and jack cheese on a sourdough roll for $7.99.
The Best Breakfast I Ever Ate
New Orleans Benediction
CREPEVINE
1310 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
(Other locations include Berkeley, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Santa Rosa- it's a chain, I know, but still amazing)
There isn't anything I would rather eat in the morning than this perfectly balanced plate comprised of two perfectly poached eggs covered in a flavorful hollandaise, sitting on tasty crabcakes over a toasted english muffin- served with well seasoned homefries. I couldn't imagine a better meal to start my day. It'll cost you $9.50, but this quality food is worth every cent.
Also, try the Italian Omelet
NINI'S COFFEE SHOP
1000 N Idaho St
San Mateo, CA 94401
The Best Sushi Buffet I Ever Ate
KOME SUSHI BUFFET
1901 Junipero Serra Blvd Ste A
Daly City, CA 94014
Generous portions of various raw fish, handrolls made to order, and almost every roll you could ever imagine all for $11.95. Did I mention that they also have hot food? Fried foods- tempura (shrimp and vegetables), chicken wings, calamari, and shrimp. They also have teriyaki chicken, roasted duck, potstickers, and soups. They serve some dim sum and various desserts including ice cream. Can't beat it- also, there is a free parking structure right next door.
Also, try the Lunch Sushi Buffet ($12.95)
MASU
79 East 3rd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
The Best Happy Hour I Ever Ate (& Drank)
ELEPHANT BAR
1600 Old Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA 94010
(Other locations include Fremont, Cupertino, and Daly City, as well as SoCal and other states- again a chain, but it's so worth it)
Beers and Cocktails range between $2-5 and food ranges between $3-6. Food includes sweet potato fries, lettuce wraps with chicken and shrimp, burgers, artichoke dip, quesadillas, and bruschetta. High quality food at low prices. Everything I've ordered has been great- you can't go wrong. It's a steal.
The Best Burrito I Ever Ate
Super Burrito with Grilled Chicken
CHARLIE'S TAQUERIA
725 South B Street
San Mateo, CA 94401
There is something special about this burrito that I just can't put my finger on- all of its components (rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, hot sauce) merry so well with the perfectly grilled chicken. It's amazing. Self-serve chips and salsa bar (try the pico de gallo). If you eat at the restaurant, try the burrito wet- they pour this nice tomato based sauce on it and gives it a lot of flavor. It's only $5.75 and it's huge.
Also, try the Super Burrito with Carnitas or Carne Asada.
The Best Ice Cream Sundae I Ever Ate
Create Your Own
FENTONS CREAMERY
4226 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611
This sundae is best shared because it's a lot of ice cream, but it's up to you. I prefer the flavors Swiss Milk Chocolate (this is almost a must because it's so incredible), Pistachio, and Heath Bar Crunch. Top it with caramel sauce, hot fudge, almonds, whipped cream, and a cherry. This will absolutely be the best sundae you will ever eat.
The Best Bento Boxes I Ever Ate
Bento Box
NI-MO
73 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
Great, quality food for $13.95. Includes: California Roll (3), Kappa Maki (3), Tekka Maki (3), Tempura Roll (3), Chicken Teriyaki or Mixed Tempura, white rice, and small salad.
Combination Dinner with Tempura & Chicken Teriyaki
HOTARU
33 E. 3rd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
Served with Miso soup, white rice, and small salad.
The Best (Americanized) Chinese Food I Ever Ate
HOT WOK BISTRO
1012A Howard Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
Lunch Specials served with Hot and Sour Soup and either White or Fried Rice ($7-9):
Mongolian Beef
Orange Sesame Chicken
Dry Braised Beef
Honey Walnut Shrimp
The Best Chinese Food I Ever Ate
CHINA FIRST
336 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Everything here is authentic and well priced. I strongly recommend eating at this restaurant.
The Best Pad Thai I Ever Ate
Legendary Pad Thai
COCONUT BAY
1300 Howard Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
Chicken, beef, pork or prawns stir-fried with a thin rice noodle and bean curd served with a ground peanut and bean sprouts ($6.95- add $1 for prawns)
The Best Thai Curry I Ever Ate
Rice with Yellow Curry Lunch Special
COCONUT BAY
1300 Howard Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
Choice of chicken, beef, pork or vegetable in mild curry with coconut milk, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Served with soup, vegetable egg rolls, salad, and white rice ($7.95)
These are some of the best things I have ever eaten around the Bay Area and I suggest you try them.
The Single Best Thing I Ever Ate
Lamb and Beef Gyro
SIMPLY GREEK
4060 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611
(Other location in Pleasanton)
This gyro tastes like a little bit of heaven- extremely well seasoned beef and lamb that melts in your mouth wrapped up in a wonderful gyro/pita bread that can only be described as perfect. Comes with fresh tomato, onion, and an awesome tzatziki (yogurt) sauce. If you are in the area, you have to stop by and try this- you'll thank me later. Note that you might want another one after you finish your first. It's only $6.25!!!
The Best Gourmet Sandwich I Ever Ate
The Wrangler
BONNE SANTE
1184 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010
This sandwich takes burgers to a whole new level- juicy, flavorful beef paired with smoked bacon and onion rings. It also has Bonne Sante's amazing sun dried tomato spread and is served on dutch crunch. If you're looking to keep your hands clean, man up and use a napkin because this sandwich is more than worth it. The sandwich is quite large and can easily feed two. It costs around $8.
Also, try the Rattler (smoked turkey, gouda, caramalized onions, bbq sauce) or the Hottie (buffalo chicken)- add a side of fries for only a dollar.
The Best Deli Sandwich I Ever Ate
Lucca's Ultimate Club
LITTLE LUCCA SPECIALTY SANDWICH SHOP
1809 El Camino Real
Burlingame, CA 94010
This is the perfect deli sandwich- turkey, ham, bacon and cheese (I prefer provolone) served with mayo, mustard, pickles, red onion, tomato, lettuce, hot pepper sauce, and the original garlic sauce (this is a must) on dutch crunch. This $7.25 sandwich is the best deli sandwich I've ever had and is very reasonably priced- easily feeds two.
Also, try the BHS Panther
MR. PICKLES SANDWICH SHOP
405 Broadway
Millbrae, CA 94030
Wonderful sandwich with shredded chicken breast, bacon, avocado, and jack cheese on a sourdough roll for $7.99.
The Best Breakfast I Ever Ate
New Orleans Benediction
CREPEVINE
1310 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
(Other locations include Berkeley, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Santa Rosa- it's a chain, I know, but still amazing)
There isn't anything I would rather eat in the morning than this perfectly balanced plate comprised of two perfectly poached eggs covered in a flavorful hollandaise, sitting on tasty crabcakes over a toasted english muffin- served with well seasoned homefries. I couldn't imagine a better meal to start my day. It'll cost you $9.50, but this quality food is worth every cent.
Also, try the Italian Omelet
NINI'S COFFEE SHOP
1000 N Idaho St
San Mateo, CA 94401
The Best Sushi Buffet I Ever Ate
KOME SUSHI BUFFET
1901 Junipero Serra Blvd Ste A
Daly City, CA 94014
Generous portions of various raw fish, handrolls made to order, and almost every roll you could ever imagine all for $11.95. Did I mention that they also have hot food? Fried foods- tempura (shrimp and vegetables), chicken wings, calamari, and shrimp. They also have teriyaki chicken, roasted duck, potstickers, and soups. They serve some dim sum and various desserts including ice cream. Can't beat it- also, there is a free parking structure right next door.
Also, try the Lunch Sushi Buffet ($12.95)
MASU
79 East 3rd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
The Best Happy Hour I Ever Ate (& Drank)
ELEPHANT BAR
1600 Old Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA 94010
(Other locations include Fremont, Cupertino, and Daly City, as well as SoCal and other states- again a chain, but it's so worth it)
Beers and Cocktails range between $2-5 and food ranges between $3-6. Food includes sweet potato fries, lettuce wraps with chicken and shrimp, burgers, artichoke dip, quesadillas, and bruschetta. High quality food at low prices. Everything I've ordered has been great- you can't go wrong. It's a steal.
The Best Burrito I Ever Ate
Super Burrito with Grilled Chicken
CHARLIE'S TAQUERIA
725 South B Street
San Mateo, CA 94401
There is something special about this burrito that I just can't put my finger on- all of its components (rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, hot sauce) merry so well with the perfectly grilled chicken. It's amazing. Self-serve chips and salsa bar (try the pico de gallo). If you eat at the restaurant, try the burrito wet- they pour this nice tomato based sauce on it and gives it a lot of flavor. It's only $5.75 and it's huge.
Also, try the Super Burrito with Carnitas or Carne Asada.
The Best Ice Cream Sundae I Ever Ate
Create Your Own
FENTONS CREAMERY
4226 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611
This sundae is best shared because it's a lot of ice cream, but it's up to you. I prefer the flavors Swiss Milk Chocolate (this is almost a must because it's so incredible), Pistachio, and Heath Bar Crunch. Top it with caramel sauce, hot fudge, almonds, whipped cream, and a cherry. This will absolutely be the best sundae you will ever eat.
The Best Bento Boxes I Ever Ate
Bento Box
NI-MO
73 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
Great, quality food for $13.95. Includes: California Roll (3), Kappa Maki (3), Tekka Maki (3), Tempura Roll (3), Chicken Teriyaki or Mixed Tempura, white rice, and small salad.
Combination Dinner with Tempura & Chicken Teriyaki
HOTARU
33 E. 3rd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
Served with Miso soup, white rice, and small salad.
The Best (Americanized) Chinese Food I Ever Ate
HOT WOK BISTRO
1012A Howard Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
Lunch Specials served with Hot and Sour Soup and either White or Fried Rice ($7-9):
Mongolian Beef
Orange Sesame Chicken
Dry Braised Beef
Honey Walnut Shrimp
The Best Chinese Food I Ever Ate
CHINA FIRST
336 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Everything here is authentic and well priced. I strongly recommend eating at this restaurant.
The Best Pad Thai I Ever Ate
Legendary Pad Thai
COCONUT BAY
1300 Howard Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
Chicken, beef, pork or prawns stir-fried with a thin rice noodle and bean curd served with a ground peanut and bean sprouts ($6.95- add $1 for prawns)
The Best Thai Curry I Ever Ate
Rice with Yellow Curry Lunch Special
COCONUT BAY
1300 Howard Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
Choice of chicken, beef, pork or vegetable in mild curry with coconut milk, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Served with soup, vegetable egg rolls, salad, and white rice ($7.95)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
On women and relationships
As a disclaimer for this post, please understand that I may have no idea what I am talking about and you may very easily disagree with everything I say here haha. I've had numerous discussions about all of this with many people and here is what I've taken away from those conversations.
But seriously, being a guy in this situation is difficult. Now I'm not complaining about being a guy and I'm not saying that girls have it easy. I love being a guy and think it's so much easier in general, but that's besides the point. It's just that most of the time, we don't know what we're doing. This may be out of fear (of rejection or the unknown) or ignorance. I try to be as attentive as I can to what a girl might want, but it's still confusing lol. Do we ask for your number or is that creepy? Should we text you right back after you text us? Is it inappropriate for a guy to make it known that he likes a girl? Things like this can drive a guy crazy.
I'd first like to talk about the friend zone. I honestly think it's a sorry excuse for why someone doesn't "like" someone else. Now this can apply to both guys and girls, but since I'm a guy, I'm going to talk about this from a guy's point of view. If a girl puts you in the friend zone, she's saying that she wants you in her life, but ONLY as a friend. Ouch, right? As much as a guy likes having friends that are girls (which we do), if we have feelings for someone and they tell us we are just a friend, it's pretty rough.
An old teacher once told me that we shouldn't have to defend liking something/someone, but there should be a reason if we don't. I don't ever think that the real reason is that a girl sees a guy just as a friend. If she doesn't want to change of the nature of their relationship in fear of ruining the friendship, that's a whole different story because that can imply that she could possibly have feelings for him. All I'm trying to say is that there must be a reason, whether she wants to share it or not.
Can guys get out of the friend zone? I think if a girl answers "No" or "Never" to this question, I think it is incredibly immature. Here's the reason: single guys, think about all of the girls you know in your life (other than family members because gross haha). Is there anyone you say with 100% certainty that you would NEVER consider being with? I can't. And I would be very surprised if anyone answered yes to this question and would want to know why.
Something else that bothers me involves creeps, jerks, and douchebags (pardon my language if this is offensive). There is a large pool of guys- many in high school and even more in college that do not respect or care about women and are only after one thing... Now you might be thinking, don't worry about those guys because they don't affect you. Well, sadly they do. They affect everyone.
We really only have the experiences in our lives for us to refer to. So when a girl comes across a guy like this and he screws her over in some way or another, she can become skeptical and/or cynical about love/relationships/guys. The thing is when she meets a genuinely nice guy, he doesn't stand a very good chance because her guard is up. He sees this and then he becomes more insecure than he probably already is. Well that's not fair. I guess what I'm getting at is: Guys, don't be mean to girls and Girls, just know that there are good guys out there.
The last issue that I want to talk about is when to act. It's pretty embarrassing for a guy to make some kind of move when the girl doesn't feel the same way, and get shot down. On the other hand, wouldn't it be a shame if she did like him and he never did anything about it, even if he wanted to? A lot of the time, guys and girls play games like playing hard to get- being conveniently busy to see how far the other person will go in order to spend time with them. What's up with that? It shouldn't be this complicated- if you want to hang out with someone, do it. If you want to text someone, do it. If two people want to be together, do it.
Chemistry between two people is important. Obviously a physical attraction is a must, but also that intangible. I have numerous friends in relationships that may not necessarily be good together on paper, but just click so well that it works.
Don't be afraid of the future. If you are looking for a reason not to be in a relationship, it won't be hard to find one. But what are you afraid of? If you want to be with someone and they reciprocate the feeling, pursue the relationship and be together. It's important to look ahead and think about the future, but don't let fear of the unknown stop you from being happy now. You never know what the future holds for you. Just relax and enjoy being with that other person.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift...that's why they call it the present.
On controlling fate
I have found that you can learn so much just by observing other people. One of the things that I see the most, that affects me the most, is laziness and complacency. I can't tell you how many people I know that just sit back and let things happen to them. The way I learn from this, is to act, to do, to take as much control as I can to achieve/accomplish/attain whatever it is I want.
Now this is detrimental because I have come to learn that there have been many instances in which I have forced things to happen- things that should just be left alone. I would convince myself that I had control over certain situations (which I didn't) and then create these expectations, which later proved to be unrealistic. I would then become disappointed and let down and this would happen over and over.
Finding the balance between these two things (what we have control over and what we should leave to chance) is a very difficult thing to do. I think we can all agree that we want some control of our lives, but at the same time we want to have faith and believe in fate or destiny. A few people have told me (and this may seem obvious to many) that we may not always have control over what happens to us, but we always have control over how we react to it. I believe this wholeheartedly and think there is something to be said about this.
I am still learning not to worry about things that are out of my hands- and rationally, I know what I can and can't control. I try to let things happen the way they were meant to and go with the flow. Forcing things never works out, but I can tell you more about that later.
On listening
I don't want to sound cocky, but for as long as I can remember, people have been coming to me for advice- about love, relationships, etc. I didn't really understand why- I thought it was because I'm an open person, or maybe because I'm easy to talk to. I love talking- one of the things I enjoy most in life is good conversation, especially deep conversation.
However, I feel that over the past few years, I've learned how to give even better advice: Listening.
I can't tell you how many times I've interrupted people over the years- way, way too many. I think it's a combination of selfishness and ignorance- trying to get your two cents in before the other person can finish their sentence. But what happened was I would spend so much time figuring out what I wanted to say so I could solve someone's problem, I wouldn't stop and listen to what was really on their mind. Stupid, huh? Well, yea, but you can't blame someone for getting caught up trying to help a friend.
I truly love talking with people about almost anything and when someone ever wants my help with something, I jump at the chance to possibly be part of the solution to their problem. The thing is, sometimes people just want someone to listen, and that's it. I want all of you to know that if there is anything you ever want to talk about, I'm willing to hear it.
On college and the future
I'd first like to say that I've never written in a blog before so I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing so please bear with me. I think I'm just going to start with some of my opinions on issues that are important and relevant to me. I apologize it my writing is a bit scattered lol.
I'm graduating in March 2011 and it is currently scaring the hell out of me. I remember being a freshman like it was yesterday, having my four years in front of me. I was in a wonderful relationship with an awesome girl, a member of the UCLA Marching Band, and truly thought that I had it all figured it out. Fast forward a few years and I am currently in a very different position. Now, I don't want to come off as pessimistic, spoiled, or ungrateful because I realize how fortunate I am right now. It's just that for the first time in my life, I've lost the sense of stability that I have grown accustomed to, that I had completely taken for granted.
When I talk to people about being scared of graduating, most don't carry any sympathy for me. Now don't get me wrong; I'm not asking for any, but I can understand how it's hard to feel bad for a guy who's graduating early and has a job waiting for him at home.
I guess I misspoke when I said I was scared of graduating because I don't think "scared of graduating" is the correct phrase. To be more accurate, I would say that I am "anxious and excited for what the future holds, yet I am going to miss UCLA and everything associated with it so incredibly much."
People say that college is supposed to be the best years of my life. I hope that isn't true because then it doesn't leave me much to look forward to after graduation. However, I must say that so far, college has been the best time of my life and definitely the craziest- those who have spent time with me this past fall quarter can attest to that haha. I feel so fortunate to have had all of the experiences college has presented me and I wouldn't change a single thing. I have made some of the best friends I could ever ask for and learned more about myself than I could ever imagine. Thank you to all of you who have made this experience what is has been for me.
I try to create as many opportunities as I can for myself. I think that so far, I've done a pretty good job and I hope I continue to do so. I know that the real world, the working/corporate world, is tougher than college, but I feel that I'm ready for it. Even though I know what I'm going to be doing for the next couple/few years, I don't know what lies ahead. Even though this scares me, I'm so excited. For the longest time, I didn't like change- I liked things to stay exactly the way they were. Then things in my life started changing at a pace that I wasn't ready for and it forced me to grow up. There was a time where I was just plain miserable, but I learned to deal and think I'm better for it.
Three years later, single, and with one more quarter of college in Los Angeles to go (which you bet your ass I will take full advantage of), I wouldn't have it any other way.
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