Dude. I like reporters, my sister is one. well she’s a REAL one. You know ESPN, Sports Illustrated, emerging hispanic journalist of the year, bachelors in journalism from NYU, that kind of stuff. Her husband is the new media editor of NESN, and is a pretty chill brother in law. They decide on headlines in their dining room and are some of the coolest people I’ve ever met.
But then there’s some obscure AOL sports blogger writer, who fancies himself a writer, and is starting to think he is way more important than he really is. The post I wrote entitled “AND!!” was mostly to my friend and teammate taraje who also blogs and likes to give me a hard time when I write about relationships and stuff. And apparently writer dude assumed I was addressing him. I’m not mad, just surprised how narcissistic people can be.
You know when I used to cry to my mom about what people might think of me she said. “It’s not ALL about you! You’re not nearly as important as you think you are. People spend their time worrying about themselves, NOT thinking about you!”
So when you’re walking past a group of people and they start to snicker, are you the type to think they’re laughing at you? Or the type to realize you’re really not that interesting and keep walking?
Another thing i think is funny is people keep telling me “Oh my God! I can’t believe you you wrote that stuff!” Why is what I write so shocking? Whatever I write about anyone I would say it to their face or in normal conversation. just like this:
Bobby, you’re cool
taraje, you’re cool
asma, you’re a douche
just kidding!
i love you asma!
but not in that way!
or is it in that way?
I dunno, according to some rio teammates it is in that way!
Kayla I’m convinced you have one of my gis!
Hannah, you’re obsession with starbucks concerns me
Chris, we’re all gunna shave your head one day! I’m not diggin the curls, that and burn your underwear!
I think what my point was is that this is just talking. Even if its on the internet, why is that so different? If I was talking about someone and didn’t want them to hear it, isn’t that called talking behind their back? And talking behind peoples backs isn’t cool!
What’s wrong with letting people know you don’t like them? Me and one of my teammates openly didn’t like each other for some time. And we actually got along pretty well because it was like “Okay I don’t like you and you don’t like me. Now that it’s out there we can coexist fine.”
Maybe everything everyone ever says should all be broadcast on the internet. That way there would no longer be fake, two-faced people.
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
Dr. Seusse was a smart guy…
20 responses so far ↓
1 Sam // Jun 30, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Narcissism is reflected often in your mom’s blogs. Narcissism is of no value/vain. Humility is a beautiful thing, and is a true mark of a professional.
2 Jared // Jun 30, 2008 at 2:26 pm
People must find you a bit interesting since you are receiving all of that publicity for your blogs. It’s not all negative though, and for that you should be thankful. Maybe you are more interesting than you think you are.
3 ronda // Jun 30, 2008 at 4:41 pm
sam, are you really insulting my mother under an anonymous name and fake email? Wow, you’re a brave one.
4 Sam // Jul 2, 2008 at 9:42 am
Other individuals derived the same conclusions about you mom’s arrogance. Someone else pointed out to me some of your mom’s comments. As far as bravery - why are you not serving in the armed forces in harms way? “Wow, you’re a brave one.” That’s a lot greater exposure to danger that what you are doing. Not disclosing an e-mail is not indicitive of one’s bravery - I have seen you make the same silly comment to someone else. In fact, many of us are working and serving in the arm forces. You haven’t procured a real job. I guess you will be thankful one day that unlike other people, you were giving the time to pursue your favorite sport. As of now, you are still acting like an over-emotional child. Good luck!
5 Jerry // Jul 2, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Sam: do the “Arm Forces” ever do battle with the “Leg Forces?” I’m pleased that you are serving (if that is true), but to insult someone for not is not in the spirit of the Armed Forces, now is it?
6 Lorey // Jul 2, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Sam, if you feel so negative towards Ronda…why do you bother reading her blogs? I would imagine you could find something better to do with your time.
7 ronda // Jul 2, 2008 at 4:25 pm
My father was in the army and I have a great deal of respect for those in the military. I would serve in the armed forces if it was a cause I believed in. WWII was a good cause, and I would have gladly served. But as I see it, the lines between 9/11 and Iraq were intentionally blurred to justify a war started only for monetary gain. If we really were trying to “save” a country like is being claimed, why aren’t we helping out in Darfur?
I strongly recommend anyone I know to watch this documentary
As for a “real job” I’m not sure what you mean, I haven’t taken a penny from my family since the day I turned 18 and am looking into buying a house at 21. I’m sorry you might have to make a living doing something you hate, but I see no reason to take shame in being able to support myself doing something I love. And yes, quite a few people have mistaken my mother’s pride in her accomplishments as arrogance. But when you have a Ph.d, world championship, and million dollar business under your belt coming from poverty like she does, then you can come talk to me about being modest.
My mother has done more than you can ever appreciate. She had to take care of a dying husband, mounds of debt from medical and funeral bills on her own for years. Then several more years working three jobs and taking care of three kids alone as a widow. And still now she volunteers countless hours trying to improve the grass roots development of judo.
What seems more arrogant is to assume that if one is not in the military, then they have nothing to contribute.
And insulting people anonymously is cowardly, I don’t care what you say. Its easy to throw insults if you can’t be held accountable. At least I take responsibility for what I say.
8 ronda // Jul 2, 2008 at 4:35 pm
and hey thanks guys for giving this dude your opinion. Its refreshing to be reminded that decent people are the majority.
9 That Guy // Jul 4, 2008 at 6:41 am
I just want to say that I’m in the military and just because you are serving doesn’t mean your actually in “harms way”. I know tons of people that will finish out 20 year careers and never have left the United States… So just because your serving in the Military that doesn’t make you brave.
Ronda keep doing what your doing… Sam doesn’t speak for all of us (actually, he doesn’t speak for any of us)
ps if you want to know who “Sam” is…
edited
From what I heard something happened and he didn’t fight.
10 ronda // Jul 5, 2008 at 1:55 pm
thanks That Guy, and no sam doesn’t change my view of military men, because any that i’ve met in person have always been extremely well mannered. And you don’t have to call him out for who he is, though I appreciate the gesture. He can do that on his own when he’s ready to receive my mother’s wrath, lol! So I hope you don’t mind me deleting the link.
11 That Guy // Jul 5, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Ms. Ronda, it’s your website… you can do whatever you want (and say).
12 Dan // Jul 8, 2008 at 5:36 am
Ronda, You don’t know me from Adam, and I’m not here to attack you, but I do have 2 cents worth I’d like to say. I have a pretty good idea what you are going through as far as your trip to the Olympics. I was bound there once myself, but I let other distractions like a family get in the way. I trained at the old NJI for a couple of years, about the same time your Mom was competing. So, I have at least an idea. And maybe it’s just that I’m an old fart now, but it’s my opinion no-one makes “THE” team without a lot of help from a lot of folks, be it physically, financially, as a mental supporter, or even logistically. (Given a place to stay while training, for example) I know you work hard, you must to make it to the elite status you’ve obtained. But you do come across as acting like someone OWES you something. That you should have your seat on the team reserved, just because you are Ronda. You’re absolutely correct, this is your site and you can say whatever you like, but a little humble pie goes a long way in making life easier. Remember, people’s perception of you is their reality, and we all need outside help from time to time. I am a big fan of Dr. De Mars’ knowledge of Judo, and I watch what she has to say about the game, she has terrific insight. But as hard as she has worked to get where she, she might have found it just a little easier from time to time taking a softer approach. Just my 2 cents. Good luck to you, no matter where you go.
13 I am not Sam // Jul 8, 2008 at 10:38 am
Sam, Make sure you pack a lunch if you want to take on AnnMarie. Way more than you can handle I promise. I recommend you take that overseas assignment you were offered that surely will extend your life expectancy rather than mess with MOM.
Better yet stay hidden under that bridge with the rest of your fellow trolls….
14 ronda // Jul 8, 2008 at 2:31 pm
well I’m sorry you got that impression dan, that was not my intention. I am extremely appreciative of those that have helped me along the road and have given many free clinics in southern california at the clubs that used to help me. Not to mention coaching in the area that helped me before I had a record.
Though I don’t feel like i’m OWED a spot on “the team,” as you put it, I definitely think I deserve it.
I used this analogy before but, if you worked 80 hours in a week, wouldn’t you expect to be paid for it? Would you feel you deserved that money? The only difference is in judo you put in the work and my not get the benefits. That’s what makes it exciting.
15 Dan // Jul 8, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hey Ronda! Let’s use your analogy and put my twist on it. You are a contractor, trying to get a big contract from a major corporation. In your case, you are trying to get a bid in with the United States. What you have done all the work on is a PROPOSAL that you can fulfill the contract better than your competitors. If the company does not agree, then you did all that work for nothing, right? It doesn’t matter if you worked harder or longer than your competitor. You don’t “deserve” that contract. But in your case, you won the bid! Congratulations! Now, all I’m asking is don’t come across to the big company that you did it all yourself. All your support team helped in the work too. Again, I am proud of the work and sacrifice you have put in. I have watched your career because I knew your Mom, though she wouldn’t remember me. You gals are tough, no doubt.
16 Chris // Jul 8, 2008 at 9:17 pm
To condense a famous quote from Teddy Roosevelt. Its easy to criticize when you haven’t accomplished anything of note. Ronda has probably done more in the last five years than many of us will get to do for the rest of our lives. She doesn’t deserve trolls posting anonymously.
Oh and Ronda on a side note. Your never shaving my head ronda, never ever ever ever ever, well unless theres a strawberry lemonade involved, than we’ll talk
17 ronda // Jul 9, 2008 at 12:29 pm
chris, i will definitely buy you a strawberry lemonade with unlimited refills if you let me shave your head - how does monday sound?
18 ronda // Jul 9, 2008 at 12:49 pm
dan, I’m sorry you’ve never seriously competed before. But its easier to relax and fight like you expect to win if you DO expect to win. if you fought expecting to lose, you’d be defensive. This mindset that you find so offensive is how I don’t play careful judo.
and I’ve mentioned several times on this blog jimmy, big jim, my mother, my teammates, paul (who does my weights and conditioning) - and the coaches when i was younger such as trace nishiyama and blinky. so yes, they help me an immeasurable amount and I’m greatful and appreciative
19 I am not Sam or Dan // Jul 9, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Seems like Sam is Dan or maybe Dan is Sam….Damn where is my troll repellant…
20 Shane from Goltz // Aug 12, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Good luck to you. We will be watching and cheering for you.Bring home the GOLD.
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