October 2013 Entry

October will mainly be about 2 things. While other things happened like a baby's birthday and a few games I played (I beat Wind Waker HD), the following 2 things were the most important.

 

- Two friends finally got married to each other on the 19th. I met them both at UH and they've been together for at least 10 years. It was great to see them finally get married. The ceremony was nice and short. There was actually a 4 hour gap in between that and the reception. So I just went home to relax.

I did go to the reception hall a couple hours early to set up video cameras. It was there that I met the bride's aunt who was coordinating the reception and established a good communication line. It didn't take that long for me to finish setting up the video cameras, but it was a good thing I was there early. The bride's aunt needed extra help outside of all the help that was already there so she asked me to assist her. I ended up being a liaison between her and the newly weds and became an usher helping another attendant showing people where they were to be seated. That was draining, but I was glad to help out and be a bigger part of this event.

Once everyone was seated and the wedding party made their entrances, I then sat with friends even though I wasn't assigned to that table. Good food, good talks, good dancing, good fun. I actually was asked to provide the speech for our table even though we voted between me and another guy at the table. But when they finally came to our table, the photographer (bride's uncle, coordinator's husband) gave me the mic while I was tying my shoe, ha. I still involved everyone else at the table anyways.

I also caught the garter...again. That makes 5. I'm going to stop catching them from now on.

As the reception was winding down, some of us made plans to continue the party. I was hesitant to go, but it was good to hang out with some new people and friends I had not seen in years. Trying to reconnect with a few of them.

I also volunteered to drive one of the groomsmen home since he lived closer to me than the best man. Unfortunately, the best man's car got towed and we had to search for it. I will say that that was the best towing line I've ever been a part of. At least 5 other people (some with friends) were there to get our cars and everyone was just complaining and then having fun making jokes and anything to just not feel horrible. It was great. We got the car back, split ways, I dropped the groomsman home, arrived home around 4AM, drank a lot of water, and went to bed around 5. I did wake up 3 hours later and was tired all day. Good thing I didn't have anything to do.

Congratulations to my friends for getting married.

- In last month's entry, I mentioned how I learned about my high school Japanese teacher, Yoshiko Brotherton, passing away last year. My emotions were all over the place ever since finding out about this and it was hard to control at times especially when I was alone. Me typing this out is for therapeutic reasons as well as to honor her.

I spent the last couple weeks of September trying to contact as many of her former students as possible. I told them about Sensei's passing and that I was going to arrange a date for us to visit her.

There was one week where I called the funeral home where she was buried at. I mainly called to figure out visiting hours, but I ended up asking other things. The woman on the other end was very consoling, which I imagine she gained lots of experience having to deal with many families over the years. I think she could tell in my voice that I was having a hard time talking at points. She enlightened me on the private ceremony that was held the year Sensei passed and even searched for her obituary for me. I had to call again the next day since I didn't receive it. The same woman answered and also answered a few more questions I had. The next day I spent emailing those I contacted with information on when and where we were going to visit Sensei as well as send them her obituary. It was a nice read and spoke very highly of her so I figured they needed to read it as well.

Throughout the month...I was just emotionally out of it. I'd go from happiest of times to depressed thoughts over and over again. As much as I could, I would just mask myself and just continue on as normal, but there were days I just couldn't. There was one day that I was crying on the way to work. There were many nights I couldn't sleep. Any time I wasn't doing anything, I almost immediately thought about Sensei.

I had to do a few things to help myself not get sad all the time and (to me) honor her in some small ways. I had to stop listening to Japanese music. I was okay for a while until I watched the latest Girls' Generation Japan tour. They sang 2 sad songs back to back and I couldn't help but cry and think of Sensei. I tried to avoid other Japanese related things if I could. I also wore black hair ties on my arms the whole time like how I've seen wrestlers wear black arm bands when a wrestler has passed. And I dedicated every 100th tweet to Sensei.

I did talk to a few friends about this just to vent and get some advice. Honestly, learning of Sensei's passing made me think a lot about my life...and how it's not what I wish would be. I pictured myself talking to Sensei and thinking of what I would be talking to her about my life. Most of it boiled down to things I've tried that didn't work out. While some have pointed out that I have done some great things, a lot have still ended in failure.

And with thinking about this, I chose to cut out a few things in my life. I left The Game Fanatics on the 13th. While it was great working with them, the end-game goal was no longer there (for me). I can recall previous posts this year asking for you the reader to stay tuned. I don't recall if I ever said what it was (although I've told people in person), but that's not happening anymore. Not only that, but it became increasingly stressful and I didn't feel the appreciation for all the hard work I put into it. Ever since leaving, I felt a big weight lifted off me. The door is open for me to return, but that's not in the foreseeable future at this moment.

There are other things I cut back on, but I'm in the process of trying to figure out what else I should do in terms of business and relationship. Sensei's passing has woken me up to the fact that I just change things for the better.

A few of us went to visit Sensei's grave on the 26th. She passed last year on the 23rd so this seemed like a proper time to visit her. Unfortunately a lot of her former students could not make it for multiple reasons. I have offered to go with those a separate time whenever they're able to. In the end, there were only 4 of us there. I also called one of her former students that is teaching in Korea and he gave a few kind words over the phone. Myself, I just stood there thinking. It really hit me seeing her name there. I almost broke down right there. Eventually we all started sharing stories and had a good time reminiscing over the great times we've had and the fact that we're all friends because of Sensei. And that's what I wanted to happen with more of us there. Most of us that became friends through her class are still friends today. That's over 15 years of being friends. It's amazing and it's all because of her. It was really good to visit her.

On the morning of October 29th, I had a dream where a friend (another former student of Sensei's) came to visit her. Although I ran into him at a parking garage and he was dressed oddly, not his usual style. I gave some greetings to him and was making fun of how he looked when Sensei came from a door and said hello to us. I told her why I was laughing and asked how to say "punch him" in Japanese. She and I ended up laughing and sitting on the ground. She then pulled me in for a hug and said "thank you for visiting me." I started to cry in that dream and I immediately woke up with tears streaming down my face. I took a nearby towel and cried into it for about a minute thanking Sensei for visiting me in my dreams.

I can go on and on about Sensei. I seriously could and I know I'm not saying everything here. She is without a doubt the best teacher I've ever had. I considered her another grandmother and actually planned to invite her to my wedding whenever that were to happen. She's an amazing teacher, a wonderful woman, and I'm sure a great wife and mother/grandmother. I thank her for teaching me, believing and encouraging me to do what I want to do, and for being the catalyst for some of the great friends I've ever made. Arigato, Sensei Brotherton.

- And that is it for October. One of the more emotional months I can remember having. I can say that my heart and my mind are more at rest after visiting Sensei's grave, but more so after that dream I had. While I still am in a wandering stage, I'm hoping for something to properly lead me in the direction I need to be going.

Thanks for reading. Be healthy, be safe, be thankful, and be loved.

Take care. DFTBA.

September 2013 Entry

Right off the bat, I just want to say that this September wasn't that great for many reasons. I won't divulge all the reasons why. Last year in general was a bad year, but September 2012 was better.

- Thank you to those that remembered. The number is getting smaller, but it is better than no one remembering. I did nothing to celebrate. I was asked to keep the day free, but then that person became busy...so I didn't bother doing anything. I did watch the Gyakuten Saiban live action movie though. I had been holding off on that for a good day to watch it.

- This does mark the first time in many years that I didn't film anything recreational for a month. I did film an episode of The Game Fanatics Show, but that's it. That episode had...issues, but I was able to mask the majority of it.

And while we're on the subject of The Game Fanatics, all the PAX Prime 2013 videos are up. I made 16 videos in 5 days worth of time. I haven't been told "thank you" for that. A short conversation with an older neighbor reinforced something I already knew; video is a thank-less job.

I'm attaching the playlist for all of PAX Prime 2013. Side note, the majority of the preview images for the PAX Prime videos are all with the interviewee doing some odd gesture or looking odd on purpose. But if you really want to make me feel good, then just watch the interviews with StarSlay3r (Ciji Thornton, pro gamer) and Miss Habit (Amie Lynn, cosplayer). Those were 2 interviews I set up and wrote questions for the TGF crew. Had I gone, I would have been the one asking the questions.

I'm currently thinking of how much longer I want to continue doing videos...in general.

- The only game I beat this month (09.29.13) was The Wonderful 101. I had been slacking on it and ended up devoting most of that weekend to beat it. I just wanted to have it finished before Wind Waker HD comes out. You can check out my thoughts on the game via the following link.

https://www.facebook.com/WingedVoX/posts/516275065127165

 

- Work has been okay. Although one day in particular made me want to leave. And by "leave" I mean "quit." It just involved an argument between a couple of coworkers and then zero appreciation from them when trying to solve a totally different problem they had. It was...horribly negative and reminded me of a big reason I left the first time.

- 2 separate days of the month I helped a friend move. I know I'm not the biggest or strongest, but I like doing physical activities like that. Plus considering how my health isn't that great, it felt good to be able to do this at least. It hurt afterwards, but at least I know I'm capable of doing something physical.

And I was able to find time to hang out with some friends who I had not seen in a long time. Bonding and catching up is always good.

- And in some odd set of coincidences, a lot of things involving Japan happened. Some of it was good like getting a couple items shipped from Japan arriving. People I knew and people I follow went to Japan for the Tokyo Game Show. I myself virtually walked around Japan via the Wii U street thing. My copy of the Girls' Generation Girls & Peace Japan 2nd Tour blu-ray (great concert) and Galaxy Supernova single arrived. But sadly...I found out that my Japanese language/culture teacher from high school had passed away. The last couple weeks of September was spent reaching out to former students to visit her grave in October. That...was a tough process...and that's all I will say on the matter now. I'll type up something in her honor next time. Sensei, you are missed. We will visit you soon.

- I honestly can't remember much else from September so that's all. Like I said in the beginning, this September wasn't that great. October...(as of typing this) hasn't been that great either so far...more sad than anything because of Sensei. I'll get a sense of closure when we visit her though.

Thanks for reading. Be healthy, be safe, be thankful, and be loved.

 

Take care.

August 2013 Entry

I've said it in the last couple of entries, but things have been busy. August really felt like it just went by. Trying to recall it makes it seem like a lot happened, but in some aspects not much actually happened, at least that's how I see it.

- Anime August happened. I was very good at keeping this schedule going and only slipping up a couple of times especially in the beginning. I first watched the 2011 Thundercats anime. I really enjoyed it and was disappointed that they were cancelled especially since it was left open to continue. Highly recommend it especially if you were a fan of the original series.

I also watched Ano Natsu de Matteru (Waiting In The Summer). Nothing special. A highschool love story with summer fun and an alien. I don't really recommend it either way. It's not bad, but it's not horrible.

Last series was Black Rock Shooter. Definitely an odd one, but I liked it. The colors really popped. I recommend it if you don't mind watching a strange anime every-now-and-then.

During this month I bought the High School DxD blu-ray pack. That really was the series that kind of pushed me back into wanting to watch anime more often. It's definitely one you don't take seriously, but I really enjoyed it.

- Work at the part time job has been draining. The biggest project I actually did this month involved me rearranging the supply closet. That thing was very disorganized the first time I worked there and probably before I came on. I was offered over time and a time frame of 2 weeks to complete it. I remember thinking about it for less than a minute after I was told that and told them it would be done by the end of the week.

I do have a knack for organizing things. While my original game didn't carry on as planned, it worked out better in the end. I wish I had a before picture to show. Just imagine this small space crammed with miscellaneous junk from top to bottom without the shelves.

Ever since organizing the closet, I've just been doing miscellaneous stuff that needs to be done. Other than that, I've been customizing my office more. I have screen shots from games (posted on Miiverse) all over the room.

- A friend of mine opened up a macaron shop this month. I'm not big on macarons myself (I'll eat them, but they're not my go-to pastry), but I highly urge anyone that is to go visit the store. I've gone there a few times to just see how she's doing and to make sure she's alright. So if you're in the Houston area, get your macaron fix at Bite Macaron.

- I played a lot of games in August. Didn't realize it until I started typing this out. Definitely have been playing more games than I used to a few years ago. I'm surprised I beat 2 RPGs in one month. Plus I've been getting more downloadable titles than ever. Some 3DS or Wii U prepaid cards would make for great presents (hint).

EarthBound (Wii U VC) - 08.10.13

I completely understand why so many people love this game and why it's a cult classic. I enjoyed it a lot.

Ducktales Remasterd (Wii U) - 08.13.13

My childhood was super happy playing this game. It was actually tougher than normal, but that's okay. I felt like I was watching/playing a lost episode of the cartoon.

Runner2 (Good Friends DLC) (Wii U) - 08.17.13

I played through the game one more time on the toughest difficulty switching between the DLC characters. My favorites to use were Spelunky Guy and Raz from Psychonauts. Invisible Commander Video was extremely tough to use and I used him throughout the whole final area.

(no picture)

Street Fighter II (Wii U VC) - 08.22.13 (Ryu)

I still remember the computer AI patterns after all these years. Classic.

Street Fighter II Turbo (Wii U VC) - 08.23.13 (M. Bison)

I actually forgot that the Capcom code removes all special moves from the main game. So I beat it with Bison without any special moves. I still haven't redownloaded it to remove the code. There's no other way to do it.

Super Street Fighter II (Wii U VC) - 08.24.13 (Cammy)

After thinking about it, I think I played Super the least of the SFII titles on the SNES. Not that it was bad. I probably just had more time to invest in the other two.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS) - 08.29.13

Charming the whole way. I will say that Dream Team is my least favorite of the Mario & Luigi series.

The Legend of Zelda (Wii U VC) - 08.31.13

Beat it in one 4 hour sitting by memory. Probably my best run I've ever done. Pretty proud of that.

- The Game Fanatics has had a steady stream of videos released in August, but the majority weren't even filmed during that month. We actually had not filmed anything for a little over a month. That was a long hiatus.

And some of the TGF crew just got back from PAX Prime. I was originally supposed to go, but couldn't in the end. Even if I did, I would have missed 2 weeks of work and spent more than what I would have earned in those 2 weeks. Why 2 weeks? Because I would have had to take a train back and forth. It takes 3 days each way. Plus I'd be stressed as hell. I really did wish I went because I set up 2 interviews with people I Follow and Like. I'm glad those interviews still happened.

Be sure to check out the videos from PAX Prime and the ones that went up all August long. Those videos take a while to make so every view makes me happier that my work is being watched. Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/TheGameFanaticsTV

One that I'm particularly proud of was our Spoilers Ahead: The Last of Us spoiler video. Other than the usual on-screen talent that did well, I collaborated with someone that is a big fan of the game for all the game clips used. She was great and was very specific about where to use what clip, which made it easier for me. Everyone needs to write helpful, detailed, and understandable emails like she did. Plus I got permission from a cosplayer I like to use her Clicker cosplay photos in the video.

- Since we didn't film much/at all for TGF in August, I had more free time. Obviously you read how many games I beat, but I still made time to catch up with friends. I think I saw someone at least every Wednesday. It was great catching up with them, some of whom I had not seen for months. I also had a few random outtings with friends, stories, and fun. One night had 4 of us realizing it had been 5 years since that combination of us 4 were together and the other ended with us guessing and reliving great 80s and 90s theme songs.

I also did help a friend at his church. He was in charge of taking care of the kids for a couple weeks so he had the idea to have them film some skits to make a "movie." So I brought a camera and filmed the kids "act," ha. Child actors, they are not, but they all had fun doing it. I ended up helping more with the kids since some other volunteers didn't show up. Some of those kids were dang adorable. I didn't see what the reaction was to the video the week after. I have to remember to ask about that.

- Happy 6th Anniversary, Girls' Generation.

- And that concludes what I can remember that happened in August. A lot of it went by in the blink of an eye. Some for the good and some for the bad. Just have to keep chugging along.

Thanks for reading. Be healthy, be safe, be thankful, and be loved.

Take care.

July 2013 Entry

Very much busy, but I'm finding some time to do non-work and non-TGF things. Working at Digital again has been fine. Not much to say about it, but it is the reason I've been busy and I have a back log of things to catch up on.

- Went to a friend's apartment who threw a get together for July 4th. The majority of the people attending I met for the first time that day and they were fun. Started off with a coming-of-age-gay German movie, Creationary, Game & Wario, Mahjong, Indian Poker, and fireworks. Hours and hours of fun.

- Went fishing on 07.06.13. 3 of us went out early in the morning (2:30AM I think) and were out there till 9-10AM. The water was high and rough so it was almost impossible to do any crabbing. And we (excluding me) managed to catch 4 fish towards the end of the trip. I was super tired since I stayed up the whole night. I fell asleep on the rocks in the sun and fell asleep on the ride back. We have a strategy for next time.

- I won tickets to a premiere screening of Pacific Rim...or at least I thought I did. What I won was the opportunity to attend the screening and so did tons of others making it overbooked, which apparently happens all the time. My friend and I arrived late and were given vouchers to the screening of The Conjuring, which I gave to 2 other friends who were also late for the screening, but they didn't even get vouchers. So we met at D&B and eventually split. Went around and played some games to kill time. I enjoyed playing the 4D shooter and playing against 2 other guys that challenged us to Daytona USA. I also won another animal from the crane game. I felt I was going to get one and I did. Lee Soon-Quack now resides in my office at work.

I eventually saw Pacific Rim for a friend's birthday after eating sushi on the 15th. Sushi was good, service was bad. Pacific Rim was great. Worth the wait to see it. I highly recommend it.

- The last video for the last series of WingedVoX Adventures has rolled out and that will be the last WingedVoX video for a long time. I have one left, but that will be posted later this year. After that...who knows. Been too busy to do any extra videos lately so this will either move to one-offs or just no more videos. We'll see.

http://www.youtube.com/user/WingedVoX

- Lots of stuff for The Game Fanatics were filmed this month. 2 episodes of the TGFShow, a new batch of Fanatical Fives, building the Fanatical Rig, a Fanatical Tech segment, and our first spoiler episode (has yet to be edited). Many hours filming and tons of hours editing. If you haven't subscribed to us yet, please do. You'll know I edited the video if you see my Mii at the bottom right of the screen.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheGameFanaticsTV

- Gamewise, I've only been playing 2 games in July. EarthBound came out as a surprise on the Wii U VC. Unfortunately I haven't put much time into it since I was trying to beat Project X Zone. I finally did on 07.30.13. So much time was invested in that game, but I really enjoyed it. 4 out of 5.

 

Now that Project X Zone is over, I will concentrate on EarthBound and hopefully beat it before the 11th of August when the new Mario & Luigi comes out. Even that will get put on hold when Ducktales Remastered comes out 2 days later. Ducktales can be beaten quickly so I'll take care of that first.

I also downloaded the 4 new Mii Plaza games for the 3DS. I do like them as they extend the life of Mii Plaza beyond the original 2 games, but it does take  up more time to check now. But that's just casual play.

- Finally saw Wicked with friends on 07.21.13. Amazing musical. The singers and actors were all wonderful and the story was not what I expected. Fans of musicals and The Wizard of Oz should definitely watch this if they haven't yet.

- July 19th...I think it was good I forgot this date. But it's hard to believe it has been 2 years now.

http://forevergracefulimpact.blogspot.com/2011_08_01_archive.html

- I did however remember this date, July 28th. It's actually the anniversary of 2 things. One was the last time I attended (not taught) a dance class. And the other I wrote a post on titled "One Year of Not Drinking."

http://forevergracefulimpact.blogspot.com/2013/07/one-year-of-not-drinking.html

- On the anniversary of me not drinking for one year, my friends got married.

I filmed the wedding for them. Nothing fancy, but afterwards I wish I did more. The ceremony was short and sweet and reception was tons of fun. I was actually nominated to be our table's representative and give a speech when the bride and groom came by. I was nervous, but came up with something nice.

I also had a some fun with the garter retrieval. They blindfolded the groom and sat the bride down. However, I took the bride's spot and hilarity ensued, ha. Funny enough, I ended up catching the garter. I didn't even try that hard. Literally just held my hand out and grabbed it. That makes 4 total I've caught.

My wonderful ex-girlfriend was my date for the evening. She came all the way from Austin/Kileen. I didn't tell the groom she was coming. When I introduced her, he literally did a double take. A priceless reaction. He was very much surprised to see her after so many years.

After the wedding, she and I met up with other friends and had drinks at Ra. We kept saying it throughout the night that the night felt very reminiscent of when we were dating. Great memories.

- The next day we hung out all day (took the day off). It was fun. And I saw her mom after so many years and it was great to see her. She took us to her work place where she just happened to be the student of one of my coworker's wife. Small world. It was funny seeing her mom introduce everyone to her daughter as they all said the same things; "she's so pretty" or "she's so tall." She then treated us to lunch at a Colombian restaurant. We went back to her mom's to pick up her dog that she brought with her, Nib-nib.

I met Nib-nib when I initially met up with my ex before doing stuff with her mom. Oh...my...gosh. It didn't take long for this puppy to win me over. She is very affectionate and very smart for being 6 months old. If you follow me on Twitter, I tweeted out multiple pictures of her.

We took Nib-nib to my house where she took a long nap while I caught up on stuff like exporting the wedding videos while taking care of Nib-nib. I took Nib-nib outside and just ran around with her in the backyard for a few minutes, so fun. I also found out my mom has a phobia of dogs. I thought she just didn't like any animals (which she doesn't), but she really can't stand being around dogs. Nib-nib is tiny and my mom got scared, ha.

Afterwards, we met back up with my ex's mom. They started Facebook video calls with family in Colombia that I had met 7-8 years ago. They all remember me and remembered them. That was a fun experience. I also met her older brother. I met her younger brother in Colombia, but her older brother was now living here in town with her mom. Cool guy.

I took her and her mom to Korean Noodle House for dinner. Dropped her mom off and we ended up hanging out with a friend at her apartment. Before I left, we bought some drinks from 101 and then split for the night.

The next day at work, I spoke to my coworker whose wife I saw the previous day. Apparently they had been hanging out with my ex's mom a few times and I had been mentioned, but not by name. He figured out everything after his wife mentioned meeting us so it made sense to him.

After work, I had a couple hours to relax before meeting my ex at her mom's again. We hung out for a bit and I got to play with Nib-nib a little more. And after that, she and Nib-nib went back home. Thus ends my July with great fun and more memories.

- I've been enjoying f(x)'s new album lately. It has a good variety of styles and the girls are more seasoned as singers and performers.

- That does it for this month. August will be busy also. Throw in more games and Anime August, I hope I can find more free time. Anime August starts with season 1 of the 2011 Thundercats anime. I saw some of it when it first aired, but not all of it. Very excited to watch it again.

Thanks for reading. Be healthy, be safe, be thankful, and be loved.

Take care.

One Year of Not Drinking

One year ago today was the last time I drank alcohol. While it was a fun night, I wasn't keeping track of how much I was drinking and the night didn't end well for me. I've been drunk before, but this was the worst. I am very thankful to those that did help me that night. I haven't forgotten that. Although I felt bad to those that I might have left a bad impression on and for my parents who had to see me like that.

That night I vowed to not drink alcohol for at least a full year. I wasn't by any means an alcoholic, but I was drinking a lot more in 2012 as it was a very stressful year. And I know I'm not divulging a lot of details, but I felt so bad that I wanted to stop drinking altogether. I found it shocking that some people I knew said I shouldn't stop drinking after telling them why I was doing it.  Regardless, I turned down plenty of drinks offered to me and made it through one year without drinking.

I am very proud to have done this. While I could continue doing this, I'm open to occasionally drink socially. I am planning to have my first drink in celebration of 2 dear friends getting married. I'm glad that these 2 things coincidentally are happening at the same time.

Thank you for reading.