At any moment

Was always taught... be ready and viligent... cuz at any moment, you'll have a chance to share God's Word.  As was today... breakfast at McDonald's.

I was sitting off to the side, minding my own business when an Asian man sat down and started blaring his mobile device while watching some program in his native language.  I gave him the stink eye and dirty look.  "Have some common courtesy, sir!! No one needs to hear what you're hearing!!"  But I kept to myself and minded my own business.  After eternity and a day... he finally got him to leave.  "Thank goodness.  Took him long enough!" But then... he decided to sit down NEXT to me.  "Good gobbily goop...what did I do to deserve this?!?!?"

Then out of the blue... he started to engage in conversation.  He first asked if I was Chinese, Filipino, Thai...? I said Chinese.  Then he asked if I speak Mandarin or Cantonese.  I said both.

Then he went off..... like a collie in an open field after a weekend of being stuck at home in the rain.

He first asked what I did for a living... Obviously I wasn't going to engage... so I simply said "supply chain."  He didn't care what I said, he just wanted to say, "Are you the boss?" I said no.... and he asked, "Do you know how to write 工?"  I gave him a weird look... "工字冇出頭." 

Chinese culture, is the best culture.  And he challenged me... asking if I knew what 五個火組成的字。  I said no... never saw it.  Is it even used commonly... he said, "有！ 寫符！"  I started noticing the tattoos swimming up and down his arms... a mixture of cultish, taoist designs.  It was time to leave... I didn't want to deal with him or collide with him.  Then I thought... I've got 30 minutes.  I can entertain myself.   So I played along and said, "中華文化博大精深!"  But you've gotta use it.. otherwise it's not practical.  五個火 - it's not used on TV.  Not in newspaper.  What's the use of it... if it's not used.   He wasn't going to win that conversation... so he changed the subject.

He started lecturing me on the different spiritual levels and how blind I am.  Ants... he said... are level 2.  They're in their own world and they're oblivious to anything else beyond them.  They don't know humans exist.  Humans... are on level 3!!!  We're also oblivious to the 4th and 5th level... we don't see demons and ghosts.  He asked if I believe in them... and in honest truth... I said yes.  Then he said I'm not powerful enough... because I can't see them.  He, on the other hand, has his eyes opened.  So he sees things all the time.  

My turn to push back... seeing, isn't believing.  You don't have to see... but it exists.  I asked him... "Have you seen love??"  "Have you seen the wind or air?"  He answered... "I can see wind..." and I said, "No you can't.  You see the air pressure carrying leaves and sand.  You see the effects of wind."  I wish I had memorized Hebrews 11:1 for this moment. 

(I'm having fun!)

He was losing that conversation... so he changed subjects on me and asked me what I did.  And talked about giving me protection.  And that's when I found my opening.... 我信耶穌 and wanted to start sharing my faith.  The bible is so true and fascinating... "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." James 2:19.  The man started to lecture ME about Christianity.  And how he's drank the blood of Jesus.  How a lot of priests and pastors have asked for his help.  I don't doubt him... I'm sure he's studied the bible.  He might even know it better than a lot of self-proclaimed Christians. 

(I was really enjoying this now)

Then he started asking... what's the value in believing in Jesus? Can He cure cancer? Can he make you rich? 

I found my other way in... I told him, "Believing in Jesus isn't a means of prosperity."  

He shot back asking, "What's the point? If you can't make money... why believe in him?"

Perfect opening.... "We're all sinners. Since the fall of man... sin has entered the world and seperated us from God and we're doomed to eternal damnation.  This is eternal, not now, not tomorrow, but forever.  If forever, you don't want to be damned... then accept the fact you've sinned... and Jesus came to die for you and me... so our sins can be forgiven.  And we can now have eternity with our loving Father." 

He asked, "Why would a person die for you and me?"

I answered, "I honestly don't know why... but He loves us.  And He chose to do it.  You don't have to fully understand why... you just have to believe."  

What happened after that....?? (To be continued) 

Dinner with Dad

NN had a sweet 16 party in the city...and I had about 5 hours to kill.  So I went to look for dad for dinner.  He said instead of going out... he'd cook.   He made his favorite 蒸魚， 苦瓜田雞， 海參， 清寶涼.  He even went out of his way to slice and dice watermelon for us and chilled it.

"好耐冇食過老逗煮嘅飯。"  And he was right... I honestly don't remember the last time he cooked for me.  It may have been during those initial post-graduation days when I'd head out to SF on Wednesday nights for dinner. 

We talked a lot... me more than him.  I had to up the gain of my voice... and he probably only caught every other word cuz of his hearing.  When he went out for a smoke... I noisied around.  Man... the man is organized.  His drawers.  His books.  His clothes.  His shelves and cabinets and pantries.  I should do this more often. 

Bathroom Jabbers - Lost in the City

Bathroom Jabbers are BACK!! This time... I found myself in desperate need of taking a leak in the city of San Francisco.  My bad for downing an energy drink... without having a clear plan of an establishment in which I can relieve myself.

So I found myself in the streets of the Sunset District in San Francisco.  I parked... bought my pineapple buns... returned to the car and had a moment of decision.  Do I drive to find a public bathroom? Or do I roam the streets in hopes of finding a restaurant, Starbucks, teashop, to do my thang.  I opted for the latter.  

As I traversed the Irving Street... there was nothing available for me to drop-in.  Went about 5 blocks one way... then had to turn back.  There was a sports bar that was kinda rowdy... but didn't want to get dirty looks.  There was a restaurant that explicitly says, "No Public Restroom.  Don't Even Ask."  In finally made it back to where I started and found a chinese bakery.  The cashier was busy with a customer so I danced around the corner to where the bathroom is... only to see a sign "Out of Service."  Darn!!!  

Was out of options... I had to drive to a local church or a gas station... or maybe google "Restroom" and see what comes up.  Lo and behold... 2 blocks away was a park with a restroom.  Of course!! Public parks!!  So I ran tot he car... busted a U-wee... scadaddled through traffic.... almost ran over a little boy on his bike... and voila... here I was.  

This time... I made sure the entrance said "Men." 

This time... I made sure there were... uh... urinals.  

This time... I took my time and let it splash and flow.  Ahhhhhhhh..... relief never felt sweeter. 
 

An honest mistake

Was hurrying to a team potluck at the atrium... and really needed to go pee.  So I rushed to the bathroom on the 1st floor to relieve myself.  That bathroom has always been a bit strange.  There are two general openings with sinks on both sides of the wall when you walk into the 'outer' bathroom.  Only for you to pick two doors before going to the 'inner' bathrooms.  

I pushed through the door and was met with a bathroom... with no urinals!!  Maybe it's like those airport bathrooms where the urinals are on the other side of the wall... nope.  No worries... LM is weird like that.  I pop into the first available stall and start paying the water bills - ahhhhhh..... until all of a sudden... it occurred to me.  Wait.  Did I check the sign on the door?? 

What if..... this isn't the Men's Room!?!?!?!?

I look down at the door.... the stall doors go the bottom of the floor.  Thank gawd!!! People can't see my feet are facing the toilet.  Immediately I thought... I need to get out.  But I'm in the midst of watering the plants... I can't just stop.  Out of the corner of my ear.... I ear from the far side of the facility a light, silent tinkle. Sh*t!!! Someone is in here.  And the noise they're making is but a trickle... and here I am... pouring out from my loins.  Creating splish and splash and echoes.  I need to quiet down.

So I try to slow the flow, as they say, and I squeeze my urethra muscle... only to make things worse in forcing more out.  Now splish and splash has become a full spitter and spatter!! I normally try to aim for the "hole" and collect as much as I can in the bowl.  But the aftereffects are anything but... north, east, south, west.... the downpour is leaving a mark everywhere.  And I am the embodiment of every stereotype against men and our poor aim. 

I need to get out of here.  But need to flip to ninja mode.  No one can see me.  What if I get caught?!?!?!

• My pronouns are They/Them!!!
• Diversity and Inclusion.
• It's an honest mistake.
• the SJSU Volleyball Team that's been winning by forfeit.

A surge of thoughts rush through my mind as I think of an exit plan... to get off the stage... to dodge being labelled as a pervert.  

I'm listening... has the door opened? Has my colleague on the other side of the facility gotten out yet? Do I wait for her to leave? I hesitated... but she's not moving.  Probably on her phone or something... 

It's time to go.  Time to run.  Time to GTFO of there!!!!  I look down... and it's a mess.  Droplets everywhere.  The toilet seat is us.  This isn't new... happens all the time at home... and I aptly clean after myself.  But no time now.  I can be anywhere... BUT HERE!!!!  

I flush.  

Bust through the door.

Give a courtesy rush of water over my hands.

Grab a paper towel.

And out of the corner of my eye.... and the far end of the room 6 sinks away... I see a basket of feminine hygiene products.  Where was that a few minutes ago?!?! I didn't see it!!! Why didn't they put it by the door so folks like me won't actually be like me.

Crashed through the big wooden door... and there it was... bright as day.  A sign that says "WOMEN." 

Hey... no one saw.  Maybe someone heard and suspected.  It was nothing... but an honest mistake. 

By Any Other Name

Was soooo excited when I saw this at Target.  Immediately went onto all three library accounts to reserve the physical and digital books.  I was like... 199 out of 200 in most cases!!  Then all of a sudden... on back to back to back days... the libraries ping me saying the book is available.  Good things come to those who wait... But waiting doesn't necessarily equate to good things.  Not in the case of this installment of Picoult who apparently, has struck out again after 2022's combo piece, Mad Honey.

It's the holiday season... which is aptly timed because "By Any Other Name" is like Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol... a time period piece traversing the multi-verses of modern day Melina (Mel) and the Shakespearean Era of Emilia.  The two are linked by genealogical lineage - the great, great, great grand parent of the other... and the latter is also the creative byproduct of the former, where modern day Melina, who hides her identity behind a non-binary name, recollects the triumphs and gut-wrenching/all-too-real defeats of the muse that helped shape modern day high school English classes. Though there is a contrast of the gender and class struggles from the gaps in centuries, Picoult deep dives into the raw and genuine discrimination that blindly exists or is aptly accepted today with the voice of the minority being crushed by the stalwarths of society established not by their own faults... but traces back to Eve giving the apple to Adam, or Adam accepting the apple from Eve.   

Poetry is my not cup of tea... nor is the ideaology that Shakespeare or Victorian? English will cause one to float on a cloud.  What floated... were the turning pages skipping the irrelevant only to find nothing was missed with every passing cloud.  Picoult did light a fire under me with her all too graphic and vivid description of domestic violence and the recovery of it.  Having been in two delivery rooms.. I was standing right there in the delivery room next to a 17th century midwife, no epidural, and miracle of life.  I'd be remiss if I did not mention the eroticism in the love-making scenes juxtaposed with the act of pro-creation or carnal satisfaction. 

As was the theme throughout the book... this compare and contrast left me doing the same with her previous works.  Still vital... is Picoult's amazing use of metaphors. Character buildup... disdain or empathy alike.  Long gone is that final twist that's as staple as Columbo's "one more thing."  As the reader turns the pages... or in some cases, fast-forwards the pages... one can't hope and wish that this book was not actually written by Jodi... but by Mel or Emila... or by any other name... 

Climbing to the top... only to be at the bottom

Annual Jr. High basketball tryouts... SW hasn't done diddly squat all summer.  He went out to "play" with me twice during the fall.  And I guess he has PE and his elective.  I will say... his handles has improved and he's much stronger and quicker than last year.  So his skills are head and shoulders above his 7th grade self.

Results came out today... and SW bashfully says, he's the 12th best player on A-team!! SW made A-team!!!  But oh... he knows full well... he's going to be riding bench the entire time.  

Rewind a year ago... and two years ago... when he didn't make the top teams of his grade... and how disappointed he was.  In 6th grade... he ended up being MVP.  In 7th grade... he ended up being starting point guard and MVP, again.  This year.... he admits... maybe he should be downgraded, just so he can get play time.  

It's that whole concept of big fish, little pond.  Or climbing the mountain, only to be at the bottom of the apex.  When does it end for my little David who's battling his life full of Goliaths? 

CONGRATS to SW.  So proud of his achievements!! 

Denver Offsite

 Had a leadership offsite in Denver this past week... here are some random thoughts and nuggets.

• First night arrival had dinner with my immediate team... we are not cohesive.  Too many awkward silences and forced-small-talk.  Dunno what to do
• Forced my team to have seafood with me the first night... I think that was a mistake.  Or was it?
• I've been through the mechanical manufacturing at least 3 times... this time, things finally made sense.  
• Going through SEC... I also know so much more than I did the first 3-5x I went through the shop.
• Sunnyvale is no where near Denver in terms of volume, action, opportunity.
• Watching the Denver L4's and L5's give a tour... I don't think my 4's and 5's stand a lick
• I should've moved to Denver 10+ years ago.  I might be Director or VP by now.
• Shared a car with Tony...and he was the driver.  Dunno how I like having my legs cut off from underneath me.  I couldn't go anywhere.
• I hate flying.
• I won my turf war....for now.  Maybe it was a turf battle.  I was so happy when I celebrated.
• I am blessed. 

Like an elephant

Met up with dad for coffee today... and the first thing he told me right after he sat down was, "I'm going deaf.  Because I can't hear, I assume others can't ear so I speak very loud."

A little over a month ago... I went to brunch with him and towards the end of brunch, he got louder and louder to a point where I had to dial him down.  I can't believe he remembers... and I bet it's been gnawing at him for the past month.  He can finally get it off his chest. The things I say...  

The other 9

Volleyball tournament today and I signed up to order and pick up lunch for the team.  It's not hard... but it still takes time to coordinate, order, pickup, etc... etc.... As I was distributing lunch... all but one girl looked me in the eyes, smiled, and said, "Thanks for coordinating all this."

As a great rabbi once asked, "Where are the other 9?"

死有餘辜

 今日案法現場發現條屍。 不是普通的屍， 是一條罪有應得，死有餘辜的屍！ 偷食我D杯麵！？

You don't know what you have... until you lose it....

Years and years... we've complained about the sound system at SJ.  Then after moving to NV... we began to experience what true grassroots worship sounds like.  Tonight, we went back to SJ for Missions Conference and OMG..... the sound was heavenly.  8 years of establishment vs a 50 year monument.  You can really hear (and feel) the difference.