Once we experience and learn these things, we change. And people change constantly. 

There are two things about people that I've learned from the ones I love. These two things are two kinds of people: the one who listens, and the one who listens all the time.

The one who listens only listens to you when you're hurt: They'll finally attempt to listen once they've seen the world bring you down. Either they brought you down themselves or they realize that you need comfort. They see you struggle to finally acknowledge your feelings.

The one who listens to you when you're hurt, happy, sad, excited, frustrated, and when nothing makes sense: they're always there for you until the very end--at any place, any time, and any moment.

I've had my fair share of both. The first person is loving and caring, but only to an extent. They will keep the negative going through it's cycles in revolutions. They make you hate the world around you, and make you slow to growth and change. They are the type of people you need to let go. Rather, keep the second-the listener. The second is the opposite. They will encourage the positive, they will teach you to embrace and enjoy every second of every day, and they will create a nourishing environment for growth of your own persona. Of course, it is your responsibility to create your own happiness and perspective, but they will only provide support for you to achieve greater things.

The first person acknowledges your presence in critical times. The second person respects you in every way, every time.

So be wise; learn to forgive and let go, and to accept and embrace.

Happy hustlin'. -ej

A post about advice for when you get mad: stop and think.

Talk about feeling left out of place... Showing up in regular clothing is a no no in an anime expo! My Sabakon 2015 day!

Happy hustlin'. -ej

(image: The Bellagio water show)

Playing the Black Ops 3 beta this week with the A of AJAI ignited a spark that wanted me to get back on Call of Duty.

I put the controller down at Call of Duty: Black Ops (2011) and didn't fully come back. I enjoyed CoD: Ghosts, but it wasn't enough to keep me playing. I am taken by Destiny, currently.

So in November, I am so excited for the release of Black Ops 3 (BO3). First time sniping, first time really diving into the playlist Search & Destroy.

Playing this week with A has made me into a better player, with better approaches in tactics, and more confidence in an aggressive playing style. November come soon!

Happy hustlin'. -the JAI of AJAI (ej)

Gameplan:

Updates on twitter.com/TeamAJAI

Streams on twitch.tv/erikajai

"RNG" -ej

Greatness and failures are two characteristics also in the eyes of a beholder. People see other people in two ways: their greatness made through accomplishments, successes, passion, energy, and hard work, or their failures in everyday routine, distastefulness towards their character, or simple ill-willed thoughts and opinions.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A princess? A firefighter? A policeman? The president? Ask me that now and I'll answer that I want to be my own boss.

I want to work for myself. I don't want to work for someone else. To grow someone elses' company because I need a paycheck. To simply work to pay the bills. To afford a living. Work 9-5, 5 days a week. To be a slave to myself.

This is colonial thinking. Spoken from people living in the ice age.

The new age is now. It is the future. The future always surpasses the current. Whatever you do now, as long as you stay true to your goals, you will be the better version of your past.

Whatever you want to do--it doesn't necessarily mean go to school and graduate. It is simply to be smart. Use your resources. Millionaires are created from motivation and habit, not education.

Don't let the baby boomers and generation x tell you otherwise. Don't let your parents stop you from going above and beyond.

Don't let them tell you your 401k plans, you tell them your own plans.

Sorry mom and dad. I'm going to do this my own way, and it's okay if you disagree.

Be your own. Yours only.

New beginnings are always exciting. It's the feeling of a journey: starting from a place you know and ending up in a place you don't know--uncertainty.

There isn't time for that. There isn't time for worrying. Because worrying won't change anything. The action you take will. And once you've taken that action, the only thing left to do is to have patience.

Replace worrying with patience.

Haven't you heard: we become who we are meant to be.
Haven't you heard: everything happens for a reason.

So there's nothing good about worrying. Practice patience, practice patience.

Happy hustlin'. -ej

If you don't like something, don't stick around.

Waiting won't help.

Taking action will.
Close some doors; new ones open, I promise.

Rivals.
Value people who are your rivals. They make you better. But know that you can never compare yourself to someone else. Even if you've spent all your life, each day, with that someone else.
We're all different. Our stories are different. Our thoughts are different.

Family.
Family builds your core foundation. They set up the building blocks in what you value.
But it is up to you to mold the rest of your individuality.
You have the power--your own power--to change what becomes of you and everything around you.
Family isn't meant to be there forever, it is meant to put you on a path that eventually ends. When you take up your own, you'll be in the forest again until you find your own path.

Good Company.
Good company consists of different individuals. And individuals have their own personalities.
Finding those personalities within individuals are treasures. Hold onto them.
When you close doors, it won't matter who it is. Friends, rivals, and family. New ones will open.

Only.
I only want open-minded individuals.
People with dreams and visions.
Goal-oriented folks who are self-motivated.
Only the ones who've entered the doors I've opened.
Only the ones who make me grow.
Only the ones standing there and holding out their arms to me as I walk my path.
Only the ones who I've come to treasure through understanding and friendship.
Only good company.
Good company only.

Happy hustlin. -ej

When it comes down to it, I hate Friday. I dislike the weekend.

The line to get in was incredibly long, but once inside, everything was just.. there. The vendors sold at affordable prices, the area was neat and clean. Here's the map of the place down below with my badge (too epic)!

I bought too many things: fanart, bookmarks, jewelry, etc.. Dip n' Dots ice cream, too! Plus I got free shirts, bags, and even won on Instagram! They really emphasize the attendees to post on social media whether it be Twitter or Instagram, etc you know.

Many people played in videogaming tourneys, with prizes ranging between $500-$1,500 dollars. I, myself, entered in a Halo tournament but I missed it unfortunately. Oh well, there's always next time! No biggie!

The staff/volunteers/vendors were super nice, and people were recording you/attendees taking pictures with cosplayers. There was even an area for old school arcade games.

I give this expo a 9/10 for organization, friendliness, cleanliness, events, and FUN!

Happy hustlin'. -ej