Another week, another nerdy post from the ultimate nerd of Bakersfield! I'm writing this on Friday because I have to get my oil change and air conditioning service done on Saturday. Lately, I've been reflecting on my childhood and how I grew up to be the man I am today. I’ve realized that everything seemed to be stacked against me. My family, especially my mother, who disliked men, often felt like they were trying to hold me back. Despite all of this, I still succeeded, and that makes me feel accomplished! I had a very successful 8-year relationship with a woman, even with my entire family against me, including my dad and brother. It saddens and angers me that none of them acknowledge this incredible accomplishment. Strangers who see me can sense that there’s something different about me—something extraordinary. It's like I’ve been through hell, yet I still carry myself like someone who hasn't faced any struggles. I often think of it as akin to a Vietnam War veteran who appears unscathed on the outside. I keep pondering how my mother constantly feels the need to compete with me, even at 80 years old. It’s baffling that a mother would want to compete with her own son, especially one who is more intellectually gifted. Then there’s my brother, who has much to be proud of yet seems to harbor jealousy toward me. He makes $90,000 a year, has plenty of friends, and multiple ex-girlfriends—but that doesn’t guarantee happiness. It’s evident to me that his success, attained perhaps through backstabbing or questionable means, fuels his resentment toward me, a man who makes minimum wage but has a clean conscience. I also have a co-worker who constantly brags about his six-figure salary and rubs it in my face. Like my brother, people who flaunt their success often gained it through unscrupulous methods. They feel insecure around someone like me, who has achieved success through hard work and honesty. I cherished my 8-year relationship with a woman, treating her with respect and spoiling her with fancy dinners and thoughtful presents—an achievement earned the right way. When people feel the need to compete or look down on someone like me, it’s often because they recognize their own shortcomings. They've climbed the ladder of success by dubious means and, when they see someone like me, who has remained honest and hardworking, it invokes their jealousy. Ultimately, I believe that you want to leave behind a good story when you pass away. Anyways… (That’s what my ex-girlfriend used to say.) Till next time! MAHALO!