I couldn't quite figure it out at the time, but I felt a certain impact from those words.  Some recent events and comments I've experienced led me to finally understand why what she said to Dex gave me pause.

I'm afraid that the way Dex's mother saw him at that moment in time is how some people, the ones that matter the most in my life, are beginning to see me.

Lately, I haven't been feeling the best about myself as a person.  Do I still think I'm an overall decent person with good intentions?  Sure, I guess.  However, good intentions means crap if I somehow end up hurting those that care about me. 

How did this happen?  I wonder if it began taking shape back in 2007, when I started learning to be independent again after becoming and remaining single during the following years.  Moving out to a new place this past year has also made me learn to watch out for myself, focusing on my needs.  Over time, I began making more and more decisions that benefited me more than it benefited others.  That, in of itself, isn't a bad thing, but I worry it has made me care about my self-interests way too much.

I still aim to be considerate of others through my actions.  I still strive for empathy and understanding for people's wishes and concerns.  I push to be humble.  I want to be someone my peers and family look up to.

Yet, I wonder if despite all that people judge me as becoming more inconsiderate, impatient, selfish, and prideful instead?

Don't you worry, my friends and family.  I will figure this out and become better.  I want those that I've hurt or disappointed unintentionally to know that I am ashamed and truly sorry for any bad feelings I may have caused.  Hopefully, you all will see me as a decent man again through improved actions on my part. 

I can't tell you for certain when I will change your mind, but I believe in myself enough to know I will make things right eventually. 

You can count on it. 

I think it's about time I posted some more reenactments of Cyanide and Happiness comics!  The following 6 new comic strips were created with Xangans in NY, MD, and VA.  As always, it was fun making them with everyone.  Check them out below:

#1 What Do You Love? (ft. @LoveJennyy and @Roadlesstaken)

#2 Chris the Calamity (ft. @LitlKittyKat and @Cakalusa)

#3 Out of Town (ft. @Wyrdkismet and @Roadlesstaken)

 
#4 Laid Pick-Up Line (ft. @Cakalusa and @Jia_x3)

#5 Nerd Hero (ft. @Roadlesstaken and @LenaFaye)

#6 The Whistle (ft. @Timmmmmmy and @Roadlesstaken)

 

Which one you liked the best?

Links to past C&H posts:
Cyanide and Happiness: Reenacted!
Cyanide and Happiness: Reenacted! (Again!)
Cyanide and Happiness: Reenacted! (With Canadians!)

P.S. Feel free to suggest possible future comics to reenact, whether it is a C&H comic or another comic strip altogether.  Thanks in advance!

Last month, I came across this promo video for Air Swimmers (feel free to watch it first before reading on).  Cool right?  I told myself that if I ever get the chance to purchase one (it was and still is sold out online), I'm going to go for it.  Sure, I would essentially be wasting money on a remote controlled balloon that probably wouldn't last and would probably lose its appeal quickly...but dude, it's a frickin' flying fish!

It didn't take too long for me to have the opportunity to buy one as I came across it while visiting Chicago.  After 2-3 hours of frustrating assembly, I finally had my own flying shark:

You jelly?

So now that I possessed a flying shark that I could control, what did I decide to do with it?  I went with the most mature option I could think of; to annoy the hell out of my family with it!

First, I alerted my brother of my new pet:

His airzooka turned out to be a super effective defense weapon.

As was a kitchen pan.

Not the nose!  Its weakness!

Next, it was time to troll the momma.

She is not amused

I briefly surprised my dad while he was cooking...

..before moving on to my final victim:

Dun dun.  Dun dun.

Poor, unsuspecting grandma

She actually smacked my shark!  How rude!  I retaliated by blocking her precious Chinese television show.

My family learned a valuable lesson that weekend.

After a month long competition involving 36 amazing contestants completing challenges given by Team ASSCAT, the results are finally in!

First off, we want to announce the winner of the iPod Shuffle, given to the contestant who we thought completed the best individual challenge.  It was a very tough choice as there were many worthy choices (i.e. @stupid_systemus comic, @i__LIVESTRONG plank, @cucumber_melonhead epic cake) but in the end we decided to go with...

I don't think anyone would say he didn't deserve this after having the guts to videotape himself wearing a dress while lipsyncing Barbie Girl.  Kudos, my friend!

Now, it is time to announce the contestants that earned the most points after completing two rounds of challenges!

In 3rd place, the winner of 1 year Premium who amused us with her inappropriate statue pictures, her sweet piano playing skills, and hilarious Slurpee drinking video, goes to...

In 2nd place, the winner of a $25 Amazon gift card that entertained us with her make up, her introduction, and her dresses, goes to...

And finally, the winner of the inaugural ASSCAT Challenge, who wowed everyone with his creative videos involving Inception, dating an ASSCAT member, pikaplanking, and Barbie Girl lipsyncing, is...

Congrats Whoosh!  You will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card and bragging rights for winning the 1st ASSCAT Challenge Contest!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

BUT WAIT!  THERE'S MORE!

We know how much time and energy our contestants put in, so we want to reward everyone that managed to complete the two round of challenges.  We put all the remaining contestants into a drawing for raffle prizes, and here are the results!

Winner of 1 year Premium:  @Hello_Bianca
Winner of a BFN Store Xanga Bear:  @Skylar_Rose
Winner of 1 month Premium (6 winners):  @ArmyWife4Life2007, @i__LIVESTRONG, @suefa_lee, @randaness, @Stupid_Systemus, and @wyrdkismet
Winner of 1,000 credit Minis (8 winners):  @swtaznxtc90, @thesoftlights@blackhk, @Sheegwa, @BFB1131, @cpkviperphoenix, @JustPlainMorgie, @smile4leena, and @ionekoa@revelife

We will deliver you all the prizes ASAP.

That concludes our contest!  Team ASSCAT wants to thank everyone that supported this endeavor.  We had a lot of fun running it and I hope you all had a good time participating and viewing the many submissions.  Will we host another one again?  We shall see.  If we do, we will certainly learn from this fantastic experience to make the next one even better. 

Please wish all the contestants congratulations!  They absolutely deserve it.

Until next time!

Sincerely,

Alex/Flip @FlipGuy31O
Sonlay @Sonychak
Shawn @Junbelievable08
Chris @Cakalusa
Alex @Roadlesstaken
Timmy @Timmmmmmy

Alright everyone, it is time to vote for your favorite 2nd round submissions!  This was the final round of the contest, so your votes are even more important this go around.

Every Xangan, including the contestants, can cast 2 votes in the comment section for this post.  The votes can go to the same person or you may split it.  Team ASSCAT members will have 10 votes that they may distribute in whatever way they wish.

Voting begins today, August 25, and is open until Sunday, August 28.  Voting will end promptly at midnight, eastern standard time.

1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, best individual challenge, and raffle prize winners will be announced Monday evening.  Everyone that's still in this contest has a great chance to win something!

Before you cast your votes, I hope you take the time to view as many of the contestants' submissions as possible.  There were so many thoughtful and creative entries that it would be a shame if you didn't check them out.  Below are the 19 remaining contestants and their 2nd round submissions:

1.  @Hello_Bianca (#1 #2, #3)
2.  @swtaznxtc90 (#1 #2 #3 #4)
3.  @i__LIVESTRONG (#1 #2 #3 #4)
4.  @ionekoa@revelife (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5)
5.  @ArmyWife4Life2007 (#1, #2, #3 #4, #5, #6)
6.  @BFB1131 (#1 #2 #3, #4 #5 #6)
7.  @suefa_lee (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5)
8.  @thesoftlights@blackhk (#1 #2 #3 #4)
9.  @Stupid_systemus (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
10.  @Skylar_rose (#1, #2, #3)  
11.  @smile4leena (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5)
12.  @pika_whoosh (#1 #2 #3, #4 #5)
13.  @xtineey (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
14.  @wyrdkismet (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
15.  @Sheegwa (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
16.  @lilytran@lovelyish (#1 #2 #3, #4 #5 #6)
17.  @cpkviperphoenix (#1, #2 #3, #4, #5)
18.  @randaness (#1 #2 #3)
19.  @JustPlainMorgie (#1 #2, #3)

Here's the current leaderboard, which includes the points the contestants earned from the 1st round.  This spreadsheet will be updated as new votes come in.

(Last Update August 28 11pm)

Any questions?  If not...

Are you ready for the 2nd (and last) round of the ASSCAT Challenge?!  Thank you to all the participants and voters of this fun contest.  I hope you enjoy this next round as much as you did the first one!

Before we get to the challenges, we wanted to first go over some suggestions for your submissions as well as give everyone an update on the prizes.

Pro Tips

*Be creative and unique if you want your submissions to stick out among the field.  Think outside the box!
*Try to keep your video short and sweet (no more than 3-4 minutes) to stay within most people's attention span.
*Make sure your video has good lighting and audio.  Editing your video doesn't hurt as well.
*Do as many challenges as possible!  The more you do, the higher your chance of being at the top of the leaderboard.  Remember, every challenge you do is an additional 5 points for you.
*Don't hesitate to get others to assist you on your challenges.
*Never underestimate humor to capture people's attention!
*Don't procrastinate!  It is even more important this round as you only have 1 week (instead of 2) to complete your challenges.

Prizes Update

As much work as Team ASSCAT has put into hosting this contest, we can't help but notice the tremendous efforts of our contestants.  In order to reward as many people as possible, we're giving out even more prizes than we originally planned!

*1st Place:  The contestant with the most points after the 1st and 2nd round will win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
*2nd and 3rd Place (NEW!):  Now 2nd place will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and 3rd place will receive a year's worth of Xanga Premium
*Best Individual Challenge Award:  the contestant who has the best completed challenge (as voted by Team ASSCAT) will win a 1GB iPod Shuffle
*Raffle:  All contestants that complete a minimum 3 out of 6 challenges in both rounds will be entered into a raffle for 1 year Xanga Premium, Xanga Minis/1 month Xanga Premiums (courtesy of @TheXangaTeam), and BFN Store prizes (courtesy of @edlives)

2nd Round Challenges

Okay, no more waiting!  Team ASSCAT presents to you your challenges for this round:

*Alex/Flip @FlipGuy31O:  Make a lip-sync video (please click here to learn how to avoid copyright issues with making your video on YouTube)
*Sonlay @SonyChak:  Record yourself drinking a 7-11 Slurpee as fast as you can in under 60 seconds.
*Shawn @Junbelievable08:  Talk about your drunkest or your most ridiculous true story
*Chris @Cakalusa:  Demonstrate an awesome talent you have
*Alex @Roadlesstaken:  Show off your swagger/confidence/coolness
*Timmy @Timmmmmmy:  Make something that is Team ASSCAT themed (i.e. song, food, drawing, etc.)

Contestants Remaining/2nd Round Posts So Far

(Last updated August 25 6:19pm:  ionekoa@revelife, randaness, Sheegwa, BFB1131 smile4leena, xtineey, cpkviperphoenix, ArmyWife4Life2007, skylar_rose, pika_Whoosh, thesoftlights@blackhk, Stupid_Systemus, LilyTran@lovelyish, wyrdkismet)

1.  @Hello_Bianca (#1 #2, #3) COMPLETE!
2.  @swtaznxtc90 (#1 #2 #3 #4) COMPLETE!
3.  @i__LIVESTRONG (#1 #2 #3 #4) COMPLETE!
4.  @ionekoa@revelife (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5) COMPLETE!
5.  @ArmyWife4Life2007 (#1, #2, #3 #4, #5, #6) COMPLETE! *ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED*
6.  @BFB1131 (#1 #2 #3, #4 #5 #6) COMPLETE! *ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED*
7.  @jmeLove_x
8.  @jeannie_dot_com
9.  @Cucumber_Melonhead
10.  @BranmacFeabhail
11.  @bittersweetromantic
12.  @suefa_lee (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5) COMPLETE!
13.  @thesoftlights@blackhk (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5) COMPLETE!
14.  @Stupid_systemus (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6) COMPLETE! *ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED*
15.  @hollywoodfever91
16.  @Skylar_rose (#1, #2, #3) COMPLETE!
17.  @JustPlainMorgie (#1 #2, #3) COMPLETE!
18.  @smile4leena (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5) COMPLETE!
19.  @thatslifekid
20.  @x3style
21.  @RazielV
22.  @kinamorata
23.  @pika_whoosh (#1 #2 #3, #4 #5) COMPLETE!
24.  @hinase
25.  @lovesporks
26.  @xtineey (#1 #2 #3) COMPLETE!
27.  @TwinkleSprinkles
28.  @wyrdkismet (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6) COMPLETE! *ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED*
29.  @victreebel
30.  @Sheegwa (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6) COMPLETE! *ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED*
31.  @ohveryoung
32.  @lilytran@lovelyish (#1 #2 #3, #4 #5 #6) COMPLETE! *ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED*
33.  @cpkviperphoenix (#1, #2 #3, #4, #5) COMPLETE!
34.  @randaness (#1 #2 #3) COMPLETE!
35.  @coffee_kaioken
36.  @sincerely_winnie

Contestants, you have only ONE WEEK to complete at least 3 out of 6 challenges to move on.  The deadline for submissions is 7pm EST on Thursday, August 25th.  Be sure to tag me (@Roadlesstaken) when you make your posts.  I do not expect nearly as many of you to get through this round given the tougher challenges and shorter time table, but feel free to prove me wrong.  Good luck and have fun!

(Click here for the original contest post)

(Click here to check out last round's submissions and current points standing)

(Click here to learn more about Team ASSCAT)

It has been a pleasure checking out all the contestants' 1st round submissions!  There were so many memorable responses to the first ever ASSCAT Challenge Contest already.  People were doing crazy things like planking on a tank/clones of themselves/a moving car, molesting poor statues, singing a Bruno Mars parody, being manhandled by a stop motion Pikachu, creating bacon cake, going on a faux date with an ASSCAT, showing some skin, and getting a YouTube celebrity to help them out.  Simply amazing!

In the end, 36 contestants managed to do the minimum 3 out of 6 challenges needed to move on to the 2nd round.  We didn't think so many people would follow through, so good job for exceeding our expectations!

Team ASSCAT ( @FlipGuy31O, @Sonychak, @Junbelievable08, @Cakalusa, @Roadlesstaken, @Timmmmmmy ) also wants to make a special shout out to the 14 contestants that went above and beyond by completing all 6 1st round challenges:  @Hello_Bianca, @i__LIVESTRONG, @ArmyWife4Life2007, @thesoftlights@blackhk, @JustPlainMorgie, @pika_whoosh, @smile4leena, @TwinkleSprinkles, @lilytran@lovelyish, @ohveryoung, @Stupid_systemus, @xtineey, @wyrdkismet, and @Sheegwa.  By doing so, they unlocked this achievement as well as earned the maximum amount of points they can receive from doing challenges alone.  I hope you all keep it up in the next round!

Voting is now open CLOSED.  Please comment below with your vote (2 vote per Xangan) for the contestant you believe completed their 1st round challenges the best.  Contestants may vote for themselves or for someone else.  Votes from suspicious accounts (i.e. ones that were just created) may or may not be accepted.  You may base your vote on specific challenges that stood out to you or a contestant's overall performance.  ASSCAT members will be distributing their votes (10 votes per ASSCAT) to the contestants we believe were the most creative and gave the best effort in their submissions, so we recommend you all do the same.

Before you vote, please take the time to view as many of the contestants' submissions as possible so you can make the most well-informed decision.  Here are all the submissions, for your convenience (contestants: let me know if I accidentally left anything out):

1.  @Hello_Bianca (#1, #2, #3 #4, #5, #6)
2.  @swtaznxtc90 (#1 #2 #3)
3.  @i__LIVESTRONG (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
4.  @ionekoa@revelife (#1 #2 #3)
5.  @ArmyWife4Life2007 (#1, #2 #3 #4, #5, #6)
6.  @BFB1131 (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5)
7.  @jmeLove_x (#1, #2, #3)
8.  @jeannie_dot_com (#1 #2 #3 #4)
9.  @Cucumber_Melonhead (#1, #2, #3)
10.  @BranmacFeabhail (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5)
11.  @bittersweetromantic (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5)
12.  @suefa_lee (#1, #2 #3 #4 #5)
13.  @thesoftlights@blackhk (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
14.  @Stupid_systemus (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
15.  @hollywoodfever91 (#1 #2 #3)
16.  @Skylar_rose (#1, #2, #3)
17.  @JustPlainMorgie (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
18.  @smile4leena (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
19.  @thatslifekid (#1, #2 #3)
20.  @x3style (#1 #2 #3 #4)
21.  @RazielV (#1 #2 #3)
22.  @kinamorata (#1 #2 #3 #4)
23.  @pika_whoosh (#1 #2, #3, #4, #5 #6)
24.  @hinase (#1, #2, #3)
25.  @lovesporks (#1, #2, #3)
26.  @xtineey (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
27.  @TwinkleSprinkles (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6)
28.  @wyrdkismet (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
29.  @victreebel (#1 #2 #3)
30.  @Sheegwa (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
31.  @ohveryoung (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
32.  @lilytran@lovelyish (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6)
33.  @cpkviperphoenix (#1 #2 #3 #4 #5)
34.  @randaness (#1 #2 #3)
35.  @coffee_kaioken (#1 #2 #3)
36.  @sincerely_winnie (#1 #2 #3)

Below is the current leaderboard.  This spreadsheet will be updated as public and ASSCAT votes come in.

(Last updated 8/17 11pm)

Alright, back to the matter at hand.  Voting is open from August 15th until 11:59am EST on Wednesday, August 17.  All the contestants will benefit from any votes they receive in the 1st round, especially since points carry over to the 2nd round, so don't forget to support your favorites!  The 2nd round will begin on the evening of August 18th, so watch out for that post. 

As a reminder, the contestant with the most points altogether from 1st and 2nd round will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card (2nd and 3rd place will get prizes too, TBA).  The contestant with the best individual challenge receives an iPod Shuffle.  Finally, we will do a raffle to give out 1 year premiums and BFN store prizes for contestants that are able to complete both rounds.  Aren't we generous?

If there are no questions, go ahead and proceed...

Team ASSCAT would like to thank everyone that have declared they are competing in the inaugural 2011 ASSCAT Challenge!  We've already seen so many amazing submissions and we can't wait to see what everyone else has in store for us. 

We just wanted to let everyone know that entries for the 1st round are due in a week, no later than 11:59pm this Sunday, August 14th.  The voting post will go up shortly after the deadline has passed.

As of right now, 31 contestants have completed the minimum 3 out of 6 challenges to move on to the second round.  Let's increase those numbers over this week, shall we?  Start steppin' yo game up everyone!  Remember, each challenge completed is worth 5 points, so the more you complete the higher your chances of winning the $100 grand prize.  Also, remember that just by participating you will be entered into a raffle for Xanga premium.

You're welcomed to start scoping the competition checking out your peers' posts, BTW.

If you're not on this list but are interested in participating, it is not too late to join in!  Please let me know if you are interested by commenting on the original contest post located here:  http://roadlesstaken.xanga.com/753662522/the-2011-asscat-challenge/.

Good luck everyone!  Keep up the fantastic work.

-Team ASSCAT / @FlipGuy31O, @Sonychak, @Junbelievable08, @Cakalusa, @Roadlesstaken, @Timmmmmmy

To learn more about what the contest entails, the prizes, and the challenges, please view the lovely video below:

In case you didn't watch the video (which you totally should, we spent good time and effort making it!), here's more detailed information on the contest:

Contest Rules

*Contestants will take on challenges given by each member of Team ASSCAT
*Contestants will leave a comment on this post expressing their interest in participating
*Contestants will go through two rounds of 6 challenges
*1st round will last for 2 weeks, follow by 3 days of voting
*2nd round will last for 1 week, follow by 3 days of voting
*In both rounds, contestants must complete a minimum of 3 out of the 6 challenges to stay in the running
*Team ASSCAT reserve the right to declare a submission invalid if we feel it does not meet the requirements of the challenge
*Contestants are encouraged to do more challenges than the minimum to increase their chances of winning (see Points/Voting)
*Contestants must post their challenges on their page and usertag @Roadlesstaken.  Completed challenges posts will be later linked to a voting post on this site for the public to vote on (see Points/Voting).  To make things easier, contestants are encouraged to put all completed challenges in one post.

Points/Voting

*Contestants can accumulate points by completing challenges, receiving public votes, and receiving Team ASSCAT votes
*Each challenged completed is worth 5 points, so the more challenges completed the better!
*Each public vote for a contestant is worth 1 point.  Public votes are limited to 1 per Xangan per round.  Voters should give their vote to whoever they believe completed their set of challenges the best.  Team ASSCAT reserve the right to not count votes if they look like they are from a suspicious account
*ASSCAT members have 5 points each that they can distribute to contestants in any way
*Points will carry over the course of two rounds

Prizes

 

*The contestant with the most points after two rounds will be crowned the winner and receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card (2nd and 3rd place will receive prizes too, TBA)
*The contestant with the best completed challenge (as voted by Team ASSCAT) will receive a 2nd Generation 1GB iPod Shuffle (a $98 value)
*All contestants participating will be entered into a raffle for One Year Premium (a $25 value) as well as other prizes (TBA)

Timeline

*1st Round:  2 weeks, August 1-14
*1st Round Voting:  3 days, August 15-18
*2nd Round:  1 week, August 18-25
*2nd Round Voting:  3 days, August 25-28
*Final Results:  Monday, August 29

1st Round Challenges

*Alex/Flip @FlipGuy31O:  Take inappropriate pictures/videos with statues, monuments, or any other form of public property
*Sonlay @SonyChak:  Vlog about anything interesting (i.e. your car, house, closest, purse)
*Shawn @Junbelievable08:  Take a picture/video of yourself eating something epic
*Chris @Cakalusa:  Take a picture of yourself planking
*Alex @Roadlesstaken:  Using words, pictures, and/or video, convince Alex why he should visit your area and you
*Timmy @Timmmmmmy:  Introduce yourself (preferably via video) to Timmy in an interesting way

2nd Round Challenges

*To be announced after the completion and voting of the 1st round

Let me know in the comment section below if you're planning on participating!  You can join in anytime before the end of the 1st round (August 14th).  I want to see all of you like this:

P.S. I give everyone permission to use this picture in their post