What it means to be truly happy.

Its really late, so I'm not going to write a huge thesis on what it means to be truly happy. 

Three things that I realized over the past year.  Of course there are more, but compacting it to three bullet points makes it easier to comprehend.

1. Never seek happiness outside of yourself.  - When you lose your fancy car, lose your fancy house,  lose your fancy jewelry, lose your fancy job title, lose all of your money, and strip yourself or everything: You will just be left with yourself.  If you can't be happy with yourself first, all the things in the world will not matter.

2. We will act consistently with our view of who we truly are, whether that view is accurate or not. 

3. Appreciate what you have and have compassion for others - Ask yourself how you can help someone.  Appreciation is something not a lot of people think about.

Update

So I finailly made it to physical therapy again.  I got a new therapist, he seems to really know his trade.  After one session my legs are feeling exhausted.  Yet they feel good!  I'm going to sign up for another 6 sessions to see what other methods he knows. 

The funny thing is my legs are getting muscular, but they still suck in terms of functionality.  At least I can run, but I have my days that I don't even want to walk down stairs.

Update...

Okay it's been a while since I posted an update.  The last two weeks have been pretty hectic.  I had a crazy ass weekend with a leaky roof, bitching tenant, clogged furnace, two flat tires, and 2 exams.  This past week I had a Job interview for an internal promotion.  I'm definitely happy with my overall interview performance. If I get the position or not, I'm going to keep moving forward. 

I got through it all! 

Thankfully with not much stress.  I've been doing a lot of chanting; been practicing my buddhism on a daily basis.  It suppose to be morning and evening, but I only do the evenings.  (one step at a time.)  Its rather tough to get up in the mornings...I guess I'm going to figure it out.

Definitely noticed a change in my own life condition.  I'm generally more patient, helpful, and more of a happy guy.  With the occasion outburst. :)

Great Weekend.

Had a great weekend; on saturday I went to school and did my theatre class presentation.  I got an A grade!  :)  After the class I ended up taking train to Grand street in Chinatown, and I decided to stop into the 99cents store.  I played $10 dollars worth of quick draw and BAM! I won $110 bucks!   I've been pretty lucky lately, so I decided to purchase 10 dollars worth of Jersey 5.  (Crossing fingers)

I pretty much spent all of it that evening on dinner and Cupcakes for Ling. (My neighbor.)  Happy 29th!

On Sunday; we went to an SGI Chinese New Year show.  The lion dance was pretty cool!  I'll post a video of that when I get it. 

It was a long day on sunday.  We woke up super early to attend the meeting, then we went directly to my uncles place.  We had great food with the family.  The same things on the menu! lol.  Scallops, Mayo Shrimp, Pork chops, Roasted duck, Dim Sum, we were stuffed!

I ended up bringing over Jenga, and we played that for a little while.  Definately great time bonding with the cousins, etc.

I hope everyone is doing great!

Focusing on the GOOD

I think that people nowadays only look at the bad qualities of a person  (I'm guilty of this as well.)  If you do this your just going to end up hating everyone.  I've been trying to make a change myself.  What about you? : )  There are a lot of good people in this world!  Why can't we just stop criticizing, and just see the good qualities of a person?  We're together in this planet after all.  The more friends the merry.

Next time before assuming things about a person; ask yourself a question. 

Why would people act a certain way? 
Why is this person conceded? 
Why is this person condescending? 
Why is this person so loud? 
Why is this person always negative? 
Why is this person so shy?
Why is this person crying?
Why is this person so quiet?
Why is this person always looking mean?

Etc...Etc..

My point is to keep an open mind about people before judging them. Most people are going through their own personal struggles, with family, work, school, relationship, etc. They may act a certain way due to the facts I mentioned or because of their up bringing.  More than likely they don't even know that their acting like that.  You don't know what that other person's situation is. They could of had a rough childhood, or is currently facing a difficult time in their life.

What could be affecting their lives?.  Is there something you can do to help that person?  Maybe they just need someone to talk to.  Everyone acts a certain way due to their environment.  Lets look for the good in people, and ignore the bad as much as we can.  Life is too short to focus on all the bad things!  Maybe that will make me a better person in the end.  Maybe that will change how I react to people.

I hope this makes sense. 

G.K.

Details about my injury and rehabilitation

Good Evening!

Its a great night to blog!  Happy shoveling!  With the Blizzard of 2010 well on it's way, I finally posted an article about the entire process that has changed my life since April of 2009.  It's definately put my life into perspective.

The struggle is on going, and the pain never seems to end.  In the end I hope that you take the time to read it and forward it to friends or family that have experienced knee surgery.  (or in my case double knee surgery.)   I would love to hear feedback, just comment or shoot me a message at: gkcsales@gmail.com 

CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE


below are some pictures that I wasn't able to post on Associated content due to copyright issues. 

The Patellar Tendon is what I tore.

Patellar tendon rehab update

My legs are feeling a lot better today.  I would say about 60% to complete recovery.  I took a 2 week break from the gym.  My right knee was killing me!  Oh the pain never stops!!! I had to take some Motrin to get rid of the imflamation.

I felt a sharp tendonitis type pain behind my patellar tendon / knee cap; so I went to see the doctor two weekends in a row.  I got a lidocaine shot for my shin splint, and some accupuncture around the knees.  The doc told me the tendon was VERY tight.  It felt like someone was pushing on my knee cap all the time.  He told me it very well could be from the scar tissue putting pressure on the tendon, therefore tighting my knee cap.  The acupuncture did help relieve the tightness.

Its frustrating because this put my rehab on the back burner for 2 weeks.  I ended up doing a lot of research about the benefits of deep tissue massage, accupuncture, and ultrasound to break up scar tissue.  Its kind of how you rub a bruise till its gone (Chinese style to break up the bruise).  So for the past 3 days I've been doing a lot of unltra sound, and deep tissue massage on my knees.  I'm feeling a Hell of alot better!  I guess dr. google. helps! 

Lets see how long i can keep this up.

The Ultrasound Machine I've been using.  Cheap, but it works wonders!  Also great for muscle spasms.

Back to writing

I recently started writing for Associated content.  At one point in my life, I aspired to be a journalist.  That didn't happen, but I guess this is a start.  Associated content has an assignment desk, and I chose to write about a not so great experience I had with a weight loss program.

I've attached a link to the article below.  Thanks for reading!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2620451/30_pounds_in_30_days_iis_herbalife.html?cat=51

Side Hustle

So yesterday I decided to start a side hustle.  I guess its better than getting a part time job.  :)  Its called online poker.  Yeah yeah! A lot of people view poker as gambling!  At times it is, but if you know how to play its really all about statistics. 

I've played it a few times in the past couple of years, but that was back when I really didn't understand the game.  I had a long conversation with a good buddy of mine.  He has played for years, and he gave me a few pointers.  I definitely decided on a playing style.  (I'm not telling! lol) 

So far its been two days, and a bit of profit.  About $20.00 after 4 hours of play.  Not too good you say? but its also not bad, since I didn't lose it. I was up about $85.00 today, but started getting a bit impatient, and donked it all back.  (lesson learned!)  I don't have a whole lot of experience playing with real money, so I'm learning as I go.  Of course I will never get into the high stakes.  I'm all about grinding it out!

Can any of you poker hustlers out there give someone who's starting out a good tip?

Daddy Gee's New York Style Pizza!

I felt kind of hungry tonight, so I decided to make another one of my "Daddy Gee's Pizzas" :)

I guess I'll go ahead and share with you how I do it.  Its actually pretty simple.  I missed some photographs of the dough while I was preparing, so don't shoot me. :)

This can yeild a good 21-24 inch pie.

Ingredients:

• 
  
  2.25 cups Bread flour (I use General Mills Gold medal bread flour, or King Arthur bread flour)
  1.25 cups 105-110 degree hot water
• 
  
  1 pack yeast
• 
  
  1 teaspoon sugar
• 
  
  1 teaspoon salt
• 
  
  1 teaspoon olive oil
• 
  
  1 cup 6in1 crushed tomatoes sauce (same one pizzaria's use! http://www.escalon.com/)
• 
  
  4 oz mozzarella cheese (half a brick)
  
  

First you're gonna need a kitchenaid stand mixer with dough hook.  (Its tough to make pizza dough with your hands! Trust me! You'll never get to knead the dough long enough to generate enough gluten.)

Pour the 105-110 degree hot water into the mixing bowl.  Then pour yeast, and sugar in.  Stir and let it sit for about 8 minutes.  (This activates the Yeast, or "brings it to life.")  Make sure the water isn't too hot, or you'll kill the yeast!  You won't want to kill our little yeast friends now. :) lol

Then pour the 2.25 cups flour and 1 teaspoon of salt directly into the mixing bowl, and run on speed 2 for about 6-10 minutes.  Make sure its mixed good or the dough will not be stretchy enough. 

After that pour a bit of olive oil into a small bowl and place the dough ball in it.

Heat up a small cup of water in the microwave to boil.

As per the photo below: place both the dough ball and hot cup of water into the microwave to Proof.  (expand)  for about 12 minutes (microwave is OFF)

After 12 minutes punch the dough down with your fist!  And place back into microwave for another ten minute. 

The humidity, and approximate microwave temp generated by the hot water helps the yeast rise / fermentate.  (I hope i spelled that right! lol)

Stretch the dough out, and spread sauce evenly!  (Video to come!)

I use both a pizza screen and pizza stone to make my pizza as authentic as possible.  (time tested!)  Simply place the stone on the bottom rack.  (i prep the pizza on the screen so that i can transfer it easily to the oven without making a big mess.)

I have a handy gadget for shredding cheese!  Its about $40 bucks, but makes shredding 50lbs of cheese a breeze!  Sure as hell beats using your hand

And incase you're looking to buy one here's the link from Amazon. 

Before

After

Spread the cheese evenly on the pie, not too much now! :)

Pre-heat oven to 550 degrees. Bake for 9 minutes.

ENJOY!

Great end to an awesome weekend!

Had an awesome weekend, had a great dinner at Chris' house on Saturday.  Best Rib Eye i've ever had!

Went to the New Jersey SGI Culture Center (Buddhist practice) with my mother this morning.  Met some very nice people.  I guess after living in NJ for almost 7 years now, I finally decided pay a visit.  The meeting was very encouraging, I did morning prayer as well.  I did make a new years resolution to attend more meetings.  I think its good for my life.  Next sunday their having a "rock the era" youth division meeting at 10am.  I also heard there're having some kind of band practice.  Sound very interesting.  Maybe 2010 will bring on bigger and better things! 

Selling my Northface McMurdo parka on ebay. Lol.  Its too big, so I decided to post it to raise funds for my new Axe!  Its brand new, and so far its at $160.00.  I hope this baby brings me over 2 bills.  Hey its pretty good since I only paid $130.00 for it.

My electric guitar of choice: Epiphone Les Paul Standard.  Not sure what color, but more than likely i'll go with the black version.  Pictures are below.  If you got a suggestion for a decent practice amp let me know.  Thanks! 

Saturday Morning Howdy!

Such a beautiful Saturday morning; woke up at 8:50am. I'm at the in-laws in the lower east side. It seems like I can't sleep in nowadays. Kind of procrastinating my doctors appointment. I really need to go...been awhile since my last knee check up. 

Anyhow we went to see Stomp on Thursday night. There's not a lot of people that could fall asleep in the front row of a show called Stomp. lol :) Well I did... have been sick for the past couple of days. I'm feeling a lot better now thanks to my supply of dayquil, and nyquil.

One funny thing about Stomp...they bang all kinds of stuff on the floor. Being in the front row there's an awful lot of dust generated, and one of the brooms split in half . The guy banged it on the floor way too hard!. I was almost afraid! I thought the splint / wood stick was about to fly out into the crowd! lol.

Had Sushi again last night...man I love Sushi! 

Gonna have dinner at my best friends house today! I'm rather excited...he's a great chief! 

Back on track...

Starting School on January 30th.  I'm rather excited since the fun is in the classes you take.  This semester I'm taking Introduction to theatre arts, and Public administration.  I've always had an interest in theatre, and the arts.  I'm taking a lot of fun classes.  The classes are on Saturdays only, so I'll have more time during the week to study.  Of course I need to hit the gym about 2-3 times a week in between; to continue rehabilitating my knees.

Well whats next?
On the list of classes is guitar lessons, and get my real estate agent license.  I know i'm stretching myself real thin, but i'd prefer to be busy.  What else am I going to do? Watch TV? LoL.

Hi everyone,

I'm sick, and took the day off today. Thankfully i'm feeling a bit better.  With all these infomercials on TV; I'm making plans to take over the world!

I'm thinking of making a hamburger, but is it good to have something like that when you're sick?  If I do...pics to come.

g.k.