It’s been a little while since I’ve last wrote anything. I’m honestly not really sure why that is. Life lately has been both repetitive and not simultaneously. I’m in the 5th week of working at Warner Bros, and I can honestly say that I’m learning from pretty much everything that I do there. The lessons that I do learn don’t necessarily pertain to the career field but all aspects of life. It all interconnects. The other perks are that I randomly have the opportunity to see and/or speak to people that I either never thought I would or would have to wait an extended period of time to do so. These people include JJ Abrams, McG, Todd Phillips, Paul Reiser, Lindsay Price, Dylan McDermott, and so forth. I get to travel around a studio that has so much history ingrained within every inch of those gates. Sometimes I get home completely exhausted, but I hope a few weeks from now I look back on this experience quite fondly with new friendships and future teammates.
This summer has been a big push for me in the evolution of who I am. With each day I’m changing from less and less of a young adult into an actual adult. Part of it freaks me out, but the other part is amazed. This past week for me has been one of reminiscing. I watched some old short films that I made over five years ago, pictures with old friends in middle school, and journal entries that captured a time I wish I could go revisit even if only for a day. All I can say is that, I really do wish I knew then what I know now.
Yes, it’s cliche to think that way, but it’s so true. My first blog was from June of 2005. I never would’ve thought that so much would change in a little over four years. The older you get, the more… complex life becomes. When I was younger, I (and I think everyone can relate) thought the smallest things were so complicated and looking back I realize how insignificant they really were. Friendships become more complex. Tastes in food change. The opposite sex definitely gets more confusing I must say. Although certain opinions of mine have altered since I was even younger, I found this blog from way back in July of 2005 that expresses one opinion that I still absolutely believe very strongly. That blog read (pardon my grammar):
“I’ve been sittin here, workin on some scholarship stuff, and then it totally hit me. These past few days, I’ve heard so many different things from girls bout their past luck w/ guys. Each convo was different but their main frustration was the same. The guys were idiots. It’s so sad to think that there are so many guys out there who only care bout getting some action, bein a “playa”, and etc. It’s so messed up. I’m not that kind of guy, and I’ve never been that kind of guy. I’m not sayin all girls are innocent of bein cheaters or anything like that, but there are so many amazing girls out there, that need to be treated right. They need a guy who can be a real man, treat them with the respect and dedication that they deserve. Bein in a relationship means being dedicated to that one person u’ve committed too. It doesn’t mean u can’t hav a life of ur own, but it does mean that u stick w/ that person through thick and thin, and NOT bail on them when the times get rough. So, to the guys out there, let’s stop bein idiots and makin all of us good guys look bad. Let’s jus be grown-ass men. Is that too hard to ask?”
Since the day I chased (and got chased) around the playground, I’ve been raised to be a gentleman. That’s who I was then. That’s who I am now. That’s who I will be in the future. My name is Kelly Li. I’m many things; filmmaker, son, brother, friend, but most importantly, I am a gentleman.
