NYC 2014 Part 2

Y'all got the pictures, now time for the update...as best as I can remember lol. Supposed to be picked up at like 2 pm on Friday, didn't pick me up till like 4 and off we were on the road to NY. Made a couple stops for gas and good here and there, had burger king for dinner. The drive was supposed to be like 8-10 hours, didn't get to the hotel till 4 am...that's right, 12 hours on the road lol. I'm the only one that showered, all the boys just knocked out right away...I slept at like 6 am...we all got up at like 9 for breakfast, realized they put us in a handicap room, which is why the shower was so low and the room was catered for a handicapped person, so we switched. Good thing I showered last night cuz all the guys were showering and getting ready while I was chilling. Finally got out the door at 12, went to Times Square...got some food at a nice barbecue place. After that, walked around Times Square, went to Grand Central Station, the UN building, Rockefeller Center and a few other touristy sites, it was a full day of walking lol. Finished at around 9 and the plan was to get food, go home, get ready and go out to a club or something. We couldn't find the place where we parked our car lol...ended up asking taxi drivers, police officers, ambulances and a whole lot of other people where the hospital where our car was around. We were gonna take a taxi, ended up just talking there, drove to mcds, went home and had a guys night in cuz it was already like 2, no point going out, we all chilled till like 4 am.

Got up early the next day, had breakfast and off we went to Yankee stadium as we got tickets to the baseball game vs the Blue Jays. Combined with a super lack of sleep and baseball being pretty boring, I dozed off quite a bit during the game lol....but I caught most of the game, Jays won, which was dope as well. Got out of there at like 4, we were gonna go to the Barclay Center where the Nets play cuz they had some concert there but the game ended too late, then we debated going to the casino, ended up going to this mini mall. Went to chuck e cheese for a bit LOL...played man hunt in the parking lot for a bit, then went back to the hotel to get ready and ish to actually go out this time. Out the door by like 9 ish looking for clubs and stuff...we went to 2 different ones where they both needed reservations, found another one but by then it was already 12 and everything clsoes early on Sundays so the bouncer was like you can come in but we close in 15, so we ended up getting some Halal Guys, some bommbbbb food, going back home and calling it a night again LOL like 4 am once again.

The next day we got up super early again, went to this reeeeeally nice outlet mall, we only had an hour or so so we had to be quick, tho I wish we stayed longer cuz it was a really nice mall. Went on a ferry to Ellis Island to some museum, then went to the Statue of /Liberty, back to the car and off to the road we went back home. Lemme tell you it was a loooong drive...stopped at duty free before crossing the border but we were all poooooped. Lemme tell you the drive THERE actually was so fun, but also so tiring cuz by like 2 am it was pitch black, we were the only car on the highway so it was like something straight out of a horror movie LOOOL and we were like telling ghost stories in the car to each other lol...definitely a highlight of my summer, thank you boys, till next time!

NYC 2014

My Inspiration For This Blog

I've probably told this story countless times, but for those who don't know, here we go...it all started in high school...there was this one dude who you could say I kinda admired. We were very similar in a lot of ways...we both had a different personality, way of thinking...basketball, music...you name it. He wrote poetry and he rapped...and that's what got me started on doing that as well. Him and his friend decided to start a blog one day where they just posted cool music, pictures and things of the sort..I decided I wanted to do something similar...thus thebestyounever.blogspot.com was born...just me posting things I liked or caught my eye...music, funny videos, clips, pictures, quotes, etc. The blog has grown so much from when it first started...and the direction we were heading in is totally different now compared to what it was back then. Back then it was just like a media outlet...videos, songs and stuff like that...cool things to share with friends. Now...it's like a personal diary for me...a place to vent...it's like me talking on a stage...and whoever wants to listen can fill into the seats you know. How this post came to mind was cuz after our softball game I was in the car with this girl and she started asking me about my blog...what was my inspiration and how I started. I was like people don't understand sometimes and they always ask me why I write so much on my blog or why I'm so open/honest on my blog...people don;t understand it's like a diary...me writing in it everyday, except it's online...and out there in public you know. People are like yo do you not like to talk to people or something...LOL...no it'snot that...this is just another way to vent, to express myself...not even to dodge people either...I can fully write about someone and show it to their face and tell them it's about them...it's just a way for me to express myself smple as that. And as I said those words...the girl I was talking to...she got it, she got me, she understood...and that definitely gave me comfort cuz not many people really understand why I do what I do and why I continue to do this...so I really appreciate it, thank you.

NYC

4 other friends and I are going to NYC this weeknd...WE READY!

Retreat 2014

So some of y'all know I went away this weekend for my church's annual retreat where we getaway for a weekend and just chill with each other, have worship and ultimately glorify God. This retreat was a bit different coming in for me...just cuz a lot of the boys werem't coming it was essentially just me and my friend...so we had to make due with that. Went in on a Friday night and had our first worship session, message and time of small group.After that a few of us went out for dinner cuz they didn't provide dinner that night. Went to mcds with some of the guys and just chilled around. After we came back, we all lounged around, played some board games and ish, most people slept pretty early, like 1-2 am cuz I guess everyone was tired. Saturday...only full day of activities, woke up to some pretty sour news that hot foods (sausages, eggs,etc) weren't included in our breakfast and we only got like bagels, cereal, muffins,toast, etc...so I was like wtf...then we found out it was and some guy from our church like argued saying it was...so we all got our hot foods :D After that we had another worship session, message and time of small group, followed by lunch. After lunch was supposed to be a group photo, but my friend and I finished lunch early with an hour to spare, so we hit the gym LOOOOL...came back in time for the group photo, then had game time in the gym...definitely really cool to see all the young kids step up this year and help plan games and be on the retreat worship team. After game time we had free time where we sat around and played board games in the halls hahaha. Then came dinner followed by another worship session. Night time, where the real fun begins...we all just sat around playing board games as usual, chilling around, but everyone was super tired and slept at like 12-1 ish...so my friend and I and like 2 other guys were like hmm...what to do now lol. So my friend and I joined the high school kids who were watching a movie...like 20 of them surrounding a 13 inch macbook pro LOOL...it was fun, we were watching 21 jump street but at the same time it felt awkward cuz i felt out of place lol...like I was chaperoning them or something...and I wanted them to just do their own thing.So my friend and I went to play pool and 2 other friends joined us...we played till like 2 am ish...2 guys went to sleep and it was just me and my boy again. We were walking around and found some high school kids and just chilled with them lol, walked around the halls and ish...some of these kids are really mature for their age and really cool and down to earth to chill with. We all stayed up till like 4:30 just hanging out. Today was checkout day...super tired, only had like 3 hours of sleep...came homeat like 1 ish...was exhausted...went to visit my friend for a bit but mostly just stayed at home. This year's retreat...was different that's for sure.Not bad....but different, def would've been so amazing with all the guys, but it was real nice to be able to bond and hang out with some of the kids cuz I don't usually get to do that. It was really nice tho to just hang out with my homie for most of the time just laughing, joking, taking pictures LOOOL...not too much else to say, you just gottadeal with the hand you're given and make the best out of it...it was def a fun weekend for sure.

Goodbye

Jokes...only going away for the weekend for my church retreat, def nice to get away for a weekend and then New York next weekend with the homies. Def gonna make the best of this weekend, catch you guys Sunday night unless I find time to write a post on my phone lol, laaaaater.

Jerreau - U Know Who U Are

God is SO Good

Honestly I could talk circles around myself about softball this year...it's been good, it's been bad, it's been up, it's been down, it's been easy, it's been hard. But I won't bore you with that lol...I asked myself a lot why God wanted me to be coach again...I at first thought it was cuz Themelios did so well as a whole last year...team chemistry, leadership, winning games, having fun, everything. Now I'm starting to think that this year...it has nothing to do with that at all. Nothing to do with the players, practices, how well we do, how many games we win, if people like me or not, if people are having fun...whatever, yeah that's important but it's looking more and more like that isn't and shouldn't be my main goal. But moreso first of all...my relationship with God...using this position, this season to grow closer to Him. And the more I think about all the way back to the beginning of the season...the more I kinda start to see God's plan in action. From leading devos before practices, to just getting to know my teammates on a more personal level. I shared with you guys a while ago 2 of my teammates sending me very encouraging messages to keep my head up as a coach:

http://thebestyouneverheard.blogspot.ca/2014/06/encouragement-from-all-directions.html http://thebestyouneverheard.blogspot.ca/2014/05/22.html

I always shared with you my favourite verses in James 1 about embracing your trials and temptations cuz they help you grow. And that's what softball has been this year...a huge lesson for me...a test...of faith, patience, trust...it hasn't been easy, but there have been moments here and there that make it oh so worth it. Yesterday another one my teammates sent me a super long text message, encouraging me to keep my head up, that I'm doing a good job whether I realize it or not and whether people show/tell me or not. And that really lifted my spirits because it was so unexpected, but it was something I definitely needed. Like God was speaking those exact words to me saying hey, I put you in this position for a reason...do you trust me? Man...it's been a loooooong summer...but I know God has been and will continue to use me on and off the softball field...and to you, truly truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for that encouraging message.

Ups & Downs of Summer

Man, who'd a thunk I'd be this busy in the summer lol...let's just jump to it and lemme catch you up with what's been up lately. been busy with driving lessons starting last week since my last post...5 lessons, had my test yesterday and I PASSED!!! Finally got my full license and don't have to worry about that anymore, just renewing it every 3 years. Last weekend was a looooong weekend for sure...had a double header on Saturday, then went to see the jr team I coached last year cuz they had a game, after their game we had a really spontaneous scrimmage with them after which was super fun just to see all the young kids on their team having fun. After that we finally went to dinner which is always the best part of games...just the team chilling and laughing and spending time together. After that they wanted to go for drinks so we ending up staying out till like 12 just chilling and stuff. Sunday was a super busy day as well...Sunday worship in the morning, went to lunch with a couple of softball friends, went to the park and played some grounders haahaha....after that we headed to our game at 4. After our gamewe chilled at the park for like an hour just hanging out and stuff before going out separate ways to get food and bring it back to this guy's house. After, most of themwanted to go have batting practice at the park, me and 2 of my friends were too decided and decided to go back and chill at my friend's house where we just talked and watched a movie, definitely miss those times, they were simple...but fun. Not much happened between Monday till now...yesterday was a super long day...G test in the morning, went to the gym, drove y mom to Costco and shopped with her, had an ultimate frisbee game, then wentto my friend's house at like 9 for a haircut. Today's just a chill day, relaxing before work at 5...gotta start packing cuz I'm going away this weekend for my church retreat, then New York next weekend with my homies, super excited for both man.

Some selfies I took throughout the long day yesterday LOOOOL

Behind The Scenes Kinda Guy

This was something I wanted to share with my softball team...but I realized I wanted to do so more for myself..not for them. For myself, for them to see me in a different way from whatever way they may perhaps see me atm. And didn't feel that was right so I held back...I wanted to share what was on my heart more for me and it was def unnecessary. So I'll share it here and whoever reads it...well that's cool. I won't go into super detail cuz it'll take too long but it's similar to the previous post. About me...and just the kinda person I am. Last season when I coached for the first time...I really do consider it a cinderella story...cuz everything fell into place perfectly. Great leadership alongside me, great team chemistry both on and off the field...winning and making a deep run in the playoffs was just bonus. This year...everything is different...leadership is shaky...team chemistry is hardly visible...and me being the coach...I feel kinda alone in it sometimes. Team def doesn't think too highly of me I'm pretty sure...I'm not too vocal or loud at times...but that's me you know. I'm a behind the scenes kinda guy, I do my work quietly, if you acknowledge it you do, but I do it for myself...I don't need to be told I'm doing a good job to know I'm doing a good job. But just some feedback from some of my friends on the team and they were like man...this year hasn't been fun at all lol...they weren't talking about me, but just about the team, team dynamics and chemistry as a whole...which I definitely do agree with. This season is so different...not even a good or bad different, just different. Definitely makes me rethink whether I wanna come back to this team...or coach again in general you know. Don't even know where i'm going with this anymore...eh...season's almost over....we'll see what happens.

I Am Not A Role Model

This is the motto right now...and just a real good reminder to myself...not to care so much about what people think about me. That's not to say disregard it completely...but to not let it make or break my day you know. To not let it be why I do what I do or make me change who I am just to be liked. I am not a role model...I am who I am...if y'all don't like it, tough. I do my best to do whatever it is that's put it front of me, that's me and that's always been me. I've always been a behind the scenes kinda guy...a silent/quiet leader if I'm put in that position and just let my work do the talking. I don\t feel it necessary, but that's not putting down those who are...that's just saying it's not me and it probably never will be me...accept it...just a really good note to myself not to change myself or concern myself with what people think...that's their opinion...and they're allowed to have it. I'm just gonna do me...and continue to just do what's put in front of me...man this year is soooooo...different...than last year.

Avant - Where Did We Go

Off My Bucket List

So last Sunday...after ball at church, I was turning out and I hit the curb and got a flat tire...ending up driving to my friends house. Me and 4 of my friends sitting there trying to figure it out lol...we had the tire and all the tools, but couldn't figure it out fully...I somewhat remembered it from insurance class a bit...ending up calling another one of my friend's over and he helped us a bit, ending up changing the tire finally...went in to my friend's house and had some barbecue before finally going home. Definitely something I can check off my bucket list lol...got and changed a flat tire...def appreciate of my homies for helping me out, thanks!

Relaxation...Sorta

Alright, let's catch y'all back up...got a new phone finally on Tuesday...iPhone 5S, deffff very happy about it. It was Canada Day, so after that I went to see fireworks with the OG movie crew, then went to watch Transformers, never seen any of them, but it was pretty nice. After that, got mcds, sat in the parking lot for a good hour and just had nice conversations and ish. Wednesday,went to Frankie Tomatto\s with the fam for lunch as an early bday thing for my dad. Had an ultimate game that day, we lost...one thing I def realized about ultimate is that it's def more fun with friends...sigh. Thursday, went to lunch with my dad and just chilled around till softball practice. Friday was a very eventful day...went to the gym...went shopping at No Frills with the homies cuz we had a BBQ at fellowship. Prepped at my house till like 4-5. BBQ at fellowship was bombbb....left at like  9 to go to my softball team BBQ and that was dope...didn't eat cuz I was full...but got to just chill with the team, play frisbee and videogames...def good bonding time. Yesterday, was a loaft day at home...sometimes you just need days like that. Today was cburch...had to ump a softball game, then came back for basketball...man I'm tired. Been a loaft week in terms of work...only worked one day haha. Can you believe it's already July...high school\s done...only 2 months of summer left...then school...dang...time's gonna fly...gotta get my G license before August 5...hopefully going to NY with the homies end of July...church retreat in like 2 weeks...OVO fest in August ish....mad excited

Rookie Blues

So in grade 9, I remember 2 other friends and I wanted to try out for the ultimate team. I remember going to try outs early morning and we were all tossing together. The basketball coach comes in cuz they were both on the ball tea and he goes HEY, you guys aren't allowed to try out for another team while basketball season is on lol. So he took them out of the gym and here I am by myself, I end up tossing with a stranger and being super scared cuz I was literally the only grade 9 lol. I remember going to the first tournament and the coach was so worried for me cuz it was the entire day and he's like yooo you okay, want me to call your parents and ish, want me to drive you home LOOOL. I remember meeting this one girl...who was in grade 12...she was soooooooo cute and she was sooooo nice to me cuz I was in grade 9 lol. I had the biggest crush on her hahahaha,I have her on facebook and I def still think she's super cute LOL. But yeah...first year was definitely a great learning experience to be around older guys and girls to help teach me and ish.

That Overwhelming Feeling

Before you read this post, read this post...
http://thebestyouneverheard.blogspot.ca/2014/04/you-snooze-you-lose.html

It'll make more sense lol...so yeah I told y'all I'm not that type of fellow to be going around and asking for girls numbers and trying to chop them. But any ways...with the girl in my class...it was literally an overwhelming feeling that just came over me, and I toldmyself and I told her that it's not something that I'd usually find myself doing you know. Anyways, so like a week or two ago...I went downtown with my friends and we went to this store called Boathouse. There was this super cute and friendly white girl working...we were all looking around for stuff, trying things on...but I kept looking at this girl...I found her so cute for some reason. After not finding anything, I was waiting for my friends who were still looking and trying things on and I see her again...and I can't stop staring...and there it went again...that overwhelming feeling...something inside of me kept saying go talk to her dude. I kept walking to the areas where she was around...at the same time looking to see if my friends were done to see if I had time. I decided I was gonna go talk to her...but my friends were like yo let's dip. We walk back to the Eaton center and I tell them about the cute girl and how I wanted to talk to her and they didn't believe me so they're like okay let's go backand do it. So we literally go back...they're chilling otusideand Igo inside and I see her, I go to her and I'm just like hey I know this is really random, but I just thought you were really cute and I just had to come back and tell you that. She's like aw that's so sweet and not weird, etc. I asked for her number, and she's like I have a boyfriend...but she's like we can be friends, so we kept talking and ish, getting to know one another and she gave me her facebook and added me then and there lol. I def don't count this as a loss..but a win...considering the fact that that I totally failed in class with the other girl, tho I did end up talking to her later on...but yeah...the fact that my friends forced me to go back and I actually mustered up the courage to talk to her, I see that as an accomplishment and I'm definitely feeling good about myself...we're still cool and talking to this day...so yep :)

Midnight Rant

I'm super pissed off right now...like I wanna punch my brother in the face right now. Pretty much I got a flat tire yesterday and I scratched the car a bit hitting the curb. I replaced it using the spare yesterday and today we went to Toyota and they fixed it said it was around $130. Just now he comes home after chilling and tells me about the scratch which I told him about which isn't even that big. He starts going off about how he doesn't trust me with the car, how if I want a ride I need to ask him and to give him back the car keys. Yeah I got a flat...but I changed him...even offered to pay for it...the scratch...well that stuff could happen to anyone which I said I'm sorry...like Iw anna freaking punch him in the face right now...keep in mind while he's goingoff about  this bullshit...he TOTALLED the car a while back...which is now why we have a black one...like frick, I'm so freaking pissed...like he doesn't even fully pay for the car...my rents pay for half...shouldn't have gave him the keys, should've asked him to take it from me...like grow up...