Happy

Nn said she was very happy today. She was blissful it not in glee. Wonder what caused it? A resolution in friendship drama? A good grade? Or maybe her “boy friend not friend, but close friend” and her moved into the next phase? Geez…

Have a catch?

SW and I had some sorta moment today. He had some time to kill between Second harvest and meeting up with classmates for their project. I suggested getting some fielding practice in and he wasn’t against it – to my surprise. Then he said he wanted to replace his shoes… of course he does. He doesn’t wanna ruin his shoes. So I said… forget it. Deep down I wanted to play, but deeper deeper down, I didn’t want a re-do of the Onitsuka tiger incident where I pushed too hard and creased his shows. This time, they were asics. As I was turning home… he actually insisted. And said it’s ok to get dirty. I triple checked… to make sure he was ok. Perhaps… deep down in HIS core… he wanted to show me how far he’s come since two years ago with his softball / baseball skills.

 

 

510

Senior Night or the last game of the year.  I texted SW during the day and told him he was 14 assists from hitting 500 and suggested he asked the coach to let him reach that pinnacle.  

It's senior night... of course the seniors get to start.  Not only start... the coach kept them in the entire first set.  Throughout the set, I kept looking at the coaches.. the bench.. and there was no movement. We got crushed. 

Then comes set 2....  and in comes SW.  Starting with his first serve... all the way to his set winning ace.  It was beautiful and glorious.  One assist after another... one point after the next... one step at a time... climbing closer to that milestone... 498... 499... and then a middle-tempo to Rocco.  500.  The tables were turned... it was our turn to crush our opponents.  Two sets.  Two stories.  Two endings. 

At the end of the night... SW ended up with 510.  Other seniors started rotating in again... and we started to lose again.  Literally like the stock market... SW comes in, stock rises.  SW goes out, stock crashes.  During the party... one of the parents came up to us, "It's such a pleasure watching Joshua play.  It's such a notable difference when he's in there."  Another parent comes up and says, "Rumor has it, Joshua isn't coming back."

And now... the wait begins.  What sport will he play next year? Will he come back? Head over to track? The team is waiting for him to lead... but will he pick up the opportunity? 

Will you accept my rose?

Every special event... birthday, anniversary, dating anniversary, mother's day... I'll get Joyce a bouquet of roses.  It's nothing too special... but it's a gesture.  Well this year... Siu Wah makes the ultimate move by: 

a) forgetting it's mama's birthday in the morning (thereby setting himself up to...)

b) going to 7-eleven after school and picking up a small little vase with a rose

And guess which one Joyce cherishes more?!?! Hrmphh!!! 

Father Son Time in Japan

 1 of 2 posts dedicated specifically for my son after our Japan trip

Japan happened, partially, because of SW's insistence on traveling internationally.  I'm sure this was inevitable, but he was the catalyst that led to the reaction and action. 

This trip is of course, highlighted by our Bey-hunting trip which I'll try to summarize  But there's so much more to that.  SW... of the four of us... is obviously the youngest and likeliest immature.  And yet, in so many ways, is the most mature of all travelers.  He's easy going.  He knows what he likes.  He goes with the flow.  He's a fan of the "spreadsheet" and will support the person stressing.  There's still more to grow in terms of packing, unpacking, travel etiquette, common sense... but all in all... he's a great travel partner.  His friends, future SO, family... will enjoy traveling with him.  

Now onto Japan...  

Before we went, he'd already set his heart on buying a few things.  1) clothes 2) shoes 3) pokemon cards and finally... 4) Beyblades.  Not just any Beyblades... but the generation he grew up with which is about 10 years ago... old skool Beyblade Burst.

Originally, we didn't think anything of it other than we'll hit Akihabara, the "otaku" side of town with all the anime, manga, electronics, toys.  And this is home of the Beyblades... they're bound to have it.  This is the day after walking to Ueno park... walking to Tokyo Dome... followed by curry that was too spicy and finally... Akihabara.  

We first went to this one store that ChatGPT recommended... saying it MUST be there.  We got there... and there was just one little display of old parts.  No harm, no foul.  We know this is a collectors item so it could be a miss.  Then we found another store... this time... it turned out to be pretty far.  And as we were walking the stores, Joyce and NN were simply tailgating us.  They had no aim.  No goal.  If anything... it was a little annoying.  After a while, I noticed that NN had a little limp.  So I told them... maybe they can go somewhere else.  Or better yet... they can start going back to the AirBnb.  I told them it was so NN can rest... but in actuality... they were slowing us down.  We needed to get going!!  

We separated and then we started going all over the place.  Google Maps is helpful... until it's not.  I'm not the best with using it and my phone was malfunctioning here and there.  We got to the 2nd store... only too realize it's a hole in the wall hobby store with virtually nothing of interest.  SW was so disappointed and down in the dumps.  Since it was a tiny little story... and the shop owner was maybe an early 20 year old... I busted my phone and fired up google translate to type, "Where can I find Beyblades?"  He shook his head.... almost saying, "There are none."  But he gave us a glimmer of hope. He took out his phone and typed in a store's name.  I took a picture of it and we were gone.  As we were running out, he shouted, "maybe.  i don't know!!"  

But that was all we need... a glimmer of hope.  And off we went.  But off.... I really mean off.  Cuz we were off the rails here.  Google maps was on the fritz.  We walked aruond in circles after circles.  I'll admit... i got a little cocky and thought I had a good sense of direction, but I didn't.  And there were times when I thought I can cut through the train station, but it was a dead-end.  We went round and round and round... and finally... we get to this electronics store and try to find the toys section.  Time was not on our side... since they were about to close.  I wasted no time... didn't bother walking around and looking.  Simply busted out the phone and typed in google translate, "Where can I find Beyblade."  The employee aptly pointed us.. and then walked us... to a corner of the store.  Ahhhhh.... finally.  Only... to find out they're the latest generation of Beyblade X.  Siu Wah wanted Beyblade Burst!!!  

At that moment... he felt so crushed.  "It wasn't meant to be."  And with that... we walk home with our tails between our legs.  We get some consolation and find a place for some waygu skewers.  What made it worse... was his brand new Onitsuka Tigers had creases in them.  These are walking shoes for show... not actual walking shoes.  I felt so sad.... I wanted to cry.  What a horrible way to end an otherwise beautiful day.... it was a very quiet train ride back to the Airbnb. 

The next morning... the entire family slept in and I had a chance to go get coffee by myself.  I was still feeling the disappointment from the previous night so I started searching for Beyblades in Tokyo... and I come across these youtube videos of folks from all over the world coming to Japan looking for beyblades... otherwise known as "Beyhunting."  OMG.... it's a thing!!!  I was now a Bey-hunter!!!  All of a sudden... this goes from a little boy's hobby... to a flat out adventure.

I watch videos after videos.  Taking note of where we can go.  We've been to some of these places already.  Then there were two places.  One was about an hour away.  The other... was also an hour away, but on our way to Disney.  After some planning and strategizing... Joyce and I decide to split up.

She and NN will go to Brandi Melville for some shopping.  And SW, whom I now introduced to the term Beyhunting, and I will go do exactly that.  This wasn't without adventure either.  My initial train ride and time was interrupted by the fact I closed Google Maps down to save on data and power.... only get back on Google Maps... but it gave me different directions (unbeknowngst to me).  The 45 minute tirp ended up becoming 1.5 hours.  But no matter.... I was sure we'll find it.  This was a giant toy store in the middle of nowhere.  Tokyo being a destination would have all the inventory sucked up.  Not this place!!!  We finally find it.... just as NN and Joyce sent pics of their victories.  We get into store and it's like a salvation army.  Floor after floor of manga, toys, sports equipment, electronics... everything you can think of... except Beyblade Burst.  Another failure.  Another round of disappointment.  What made it worse... was the hope I gave SW of finding it here, after he came to accept the fact this wasn't happening.  

As a consolation prize... I figure we can get some lunch.  This really was way out in the boonies and there weren't a lot of choices.  Since we haven't had conveyor belt sushi yet, I find a place that's about a 10 minute walk from the train station.  First of all... it took us forever to even get back to the train station cuz the bus lines are so confusing.  I think we ended up walking an additional 30 minutes for no reason... other than I can't read Japanese well.  But those 30 minutes served us well.  We come across these amazing city parks full of cherry blossoms.  Unlike Ueno Park yesterday with all those thousands of people... there was literally the two of us.  And during the 30 minute walk... I got to share my experience with finding 漫畫 at 白田商場。 The initial exuberance we got when we first discovered it in 1992... and the feeling of rediscovering El Dorado the 2nd time we went in 1997.   I kept feeding him hope... when there wasn't much hope to be fed.  

In place of hope though... we had to feed our tummy and went to a local conveyor belt sushi place that was simply heavenly.  Not even the blue fin, but just the medium fatty tuna, melts in your mouth like butter.  And they have an option of regular or less rice to not fill up your belly.  But the part that really brought it home was horse sashimi.  Ewwww.... one would say.  SW was like, "Why not??" He's so adventurous.  Certainly makes for a great travel 

partner.  

After filling our bellies... we rejoin the girls at Ginza for the Uniqlo flagship store - the infamous 12 stories of shopping.   Any and all disappointment, was washed away.  SW went to town!!! Down-town!!!  He bought soooooo many clothes.  But proud of him for saying, "Yeh yeh and mah mah gave me all the 利是錢 I can finally spend it."  That... he did.  

On the side... I never gave up Beyhunting.  I found two Ginza stores that might have Beyblades.  While SW as shopping and NN was soooo done with shopping, we snuck out to look for them.  Once again... big foot eluded us.  We ended the night at the Shibuya crossing.  Oh you bet I did... while on the train ride to Shibuya... I was looking up possible places for Beyblades.  So after taking the compulsory "run to the middle and jump" photo at the Crossing...  SW and I venture off once again on our own while the girls headed home.  

It took us forever to find this one because it's not only hidden from plain sight.  The external of the building is the name of the toystore, but google map says it's on the 5th floor.  Took us forever to find the elevators... but those lead to the 8th floor movie theater.  We had 30 minutes left before the store closed and we weren't even sure if this was the place.  I busted out my handy dandy google translate app to check the directory and there it was... bright as day... the name of that hobby store.  But how to get there??? I was so desperate I was looking for stairs to run up.  Time and time again... the elevators had people pack in and pack out... but all going to the theater... and as we turned away to look for another entrance, there it was, a sandwich board that read "Take left elevator to the 5th floor for XYZ store."   We waited and waited... but nothing came!!!  And time was ticking.  So I thought about taking the elevator to the 8th floor and riding back down.  We got to the top.... got to the theater and made a U-turn to get back in.  Only to realize, it was a 1 way trip to the lobby.  There was just one elevator that stops at the 5th floor.  We got back down to the lobby and patiently waited... with like 15 minutes left... the elevator finally came.  We found it!!!  This hidden, underground, behind the wall, nobody knows, but elevator was packed hobby toy store.  They must have it!!!  Failed.  Once again.  They only had Beyblade X.  SW was finally able to let go... sorta.  Because there were two Shibuya stores and one was closed.   And then, there was that one final store on our way to Disney.  The train ride home wasn't as bad... as SW had a great day at Uniqlo.  

Next day... Joyce and I find another excuse to go back to Shibuya before heading to Disney - to find that OTHER store that was closed the night before.  Both kids wanted Omirice... and of course, I favored my searches towards that direction.  Plus it was sorta/kinda on our way to Disney.  Needless to say... the tomb was empty.  The Beyblade gods were against us.  This was not meant to be.  Let the beyhunting happen on eBay (eBey??) or some future Japan trip he takes.  Over lunch... NN laid the smackdown.  She kept saying, we'll find it.  If we prayed. Part of me thinks she was kidding... but part of me started praying silently.

The storm came.  It wasn't any rain, it was a borderline typhooon.  So wet.  So windy.  In the midst of the storm, we were caught in the eye of the hurricane.  This last and final store was out in the middle of nowhere.  We got off the train stop and had to walk another mile in the rain,  while dragging our luggage.  (Why we didn't rent a locker, I'll never remember). When the clouds covered the sky and humanity was at the brink of extinction... we walk into the final store.  The last chance.  The end of the road.  

Pass the manga.  pass the anime.  pass the models. Then pass the girls stuff.  The dolls.  The cutsie toys.  Now it was the kids toys.  My heart sank.  There's no more.  It's all baby toys from here.  

Until... I saw some hot wheels.  Toy cars.  There might be more... maybe??  And then.... as the sun rose on the 41st day after the storm... and the rainbrow crept up over the horizon... We saw it.  4-5 glass cases of beyblades.  Not only that... little baggies of the used beyblade bursts that people trade it.  

Nivana.  This was heaven.  This was.... Sw's version of 白田。 皇天不負有心人！ 踏破鐵鞋無覓處!  Don't know how many stores... how many steps... how many disappointments... to culminate in this moment.  Perfectly captured in this one picture.  And after that I gave him a big, fat embrace!!  We did it!!

And throughout all this... Sw was always smiling.  My boy.  My son. Super Sweet Siu Wah....forever engraved in my memories of Father Son Time in Japan. 

Father Daughter Time in Japan

 1 of 2 posts dedicated specifically for my daughter after our Japan trip

In recent times… whenever we go on family vacation or tornaments, I no longer make the mistake of waking up and sit in the dark to wait for the fam. I get up… shower… and leave. Walk and go find a coffee bar to just chillax. To think. To plan. To journal. To read? There’s something magical or spiritual about that personal me time. Add on the hustle bustle of a family vacation and it’s almost a vacation on top of a vacation. The ala mode to the apple pie. The extra innings to a 1-1 tied baseball game.

But amazingly… during this trip… virtually every morning… NN would wake up early. And as she’s done with the restroom…and I go shower… she’s almost always ready to go. So every morning… for almost the entire trip.. we get to explore and walk the streets of Japan together.

The first day to Noem coffee… and it wasn’t even opened yet.

The second day to that mom and pop shop that offered a hardboiled egg and dry toast.

The third day to the Starbucks that was 20 minutes away…

Followed by the next day, Starbucks again, but Joyce wanting to join us.

Then in Tokyo… the two local pastierries….

And eventually… on the last day… to Tully’s.

We get back and the first couple of days I make coffee at home and unapologetically drank the entire French press by myself.   Then on Sunday… I went out to grab a donut for her and she texted, “hi” “wru” “Bahbee got coffee without me? 💔“

And like I told NN… one of the best moments of Japan. Getting coffee with my NNJ every morning. Exclusively just us. Those… very, very cherished moments in time.

Highest Highs to Highest-er Highs!!!

 At POLI this week… our team bonding event was attending the Angels’ AA affiliates, the Trash Panda.  And we get to have 1 member our team throw out the first pitch. 

I normally wouldn’t make a scene or rock the boat… but I quickly shot my hand up and was gonna duke it out with others.  But when I made my plea… and honestly, others didn’t care… that it was on my bucket list, every one yield.   I was voted by my peers to toss out the first pitch!!!! 

Ran back to the hotel.  Texted the fam.  Texted my buds.  This was THE MOMENT!!!  Then I started tossing the a sock in my hotel room to warm up.  Wouldn’t wanna embarrass myself and miss the plate or skip the ball.  That would be the worst!!!

I hurried to the ballpark.. .got to guest service, who told me I was 15 minutes late.  And there’s nothing they can do.  In my mind… I’m thinking… you’ve got 30 minutes.  How hard would it be to get a person to the field.  Seriously????  But they wouldn’t budge.  I played the “I’m from out of town.  And I drafted Zach Neto for my fantasy team card (It was Zach Neto jersey giveaway night).”  And by happenstance… the security guard supervisor walks by.  They explain to her what’s happening… and they take me down.  I’m on the field.  Standing with 11 other people.. LOL. 

I’m in line… and everything was sped up by 15 minutes.  None of my friends were at the ballpark yet.  No one will see it or record it!!! (Shucks).  But right when I get marched to the mound… a lady walks by and asks if I wanted her to record me, and I said, “That’ll be great!!”  I stood at the mound (not on the mound, mind you) next to the mascot… and then it was go time!!  “Our catcher isn’t wearing any gear… no heaters.”

Within seconds… “#1… XYZ from blah blah blah….”

Then “#2… Hank Leung from…….”  I got so nervous.  Didn’t know where my friends were.  Saw the catcher crouch down.  I waved.  Winded up.  Pointed.  Tossed…. And the rest is history.

I went from my highest high…. To even higher-est high!!!!!!!!!!   I friggin sailed the ball over the catcher’s head!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!  I covered my face in shame!!!! That was horrible!!!!! 

All my life I’ve been waiting for this moment… to be like George Bush post-911.  To be like that nun.  To be like Russell Wilson or Kaep.  Or like Dave (Kevin Klein).  I was robbed of that moment.  More-so… I robbed myself. 

Spent the rest of the night enduring condolensences and ribbin’ from my buds.  Rightfully deserved.

 But you know what… bucket list-  CHECK!!!!!!!!!!!!! …. At that moment in time.

Jet-laggin (still)

 It's been a full week since landing... and still jet laggin!! 

Day 1... napped upon landing and slept fairly early.  

Day 2... napped again and woke up uber early.  

Day 3.... we tried to power through with 2 shifts at Second Harvest.  Then work started and it got confusing.  Was I jet-lagging or was it normal work lethargy?

4AM, 5AM, 3AM.... those are times I'm waking up.  

Thursday night... I collapsed on the couch at 9PM and woke up at 1AM... to crawl back into bed and woke up at 6AM (with an alarm!!!).  I thought I was back!  

Then today... 4AM... BOOM!! Wide awake.  

Oh well... maybe this will keep up for my Alabama trip.

Sucks... but it is what it is...

DLC

 I have to say... one of the most stressful experience drumming today at DLC!!  I've never had so many demands and requests... haha... and leading up to it.. the songs were soooo tricky.  But in the end... it worked out.  And now... another church bucket list.  CHECKED!!!  Most importantly... all glory and honor to HIM!!!!

In transition

 Had the opportunity to serve dinner at a homeless shelter.  Originally, I thought were were setting up, scooping food, cleaning up.  Boy was I wrong... 

Turns out it was part of "Hope Week", something a local church organized.  And we actually walked over to the homeless shelter.... and little piece of land that can only be described as a "community" like a mobile home village, perhaps? And the homes are bungalows for the residents.  How they got here... how long will they be here... where they're going... everyone has a story.  

Joyce ended up serving dinner.  Both kids were in charge of the drinks station.  And I was given the task of "Connector" which is to sit down, talk, mingle, and given the opportunity... pray for our guests. 

There was a lady that was originally from Hong Kong... and we connected through language and culture. 

There was a mother with a junior higher and a high schooler who wants to major in Criminal Justice. They escaped from Ukraine a few years ago due to geopolitical issues.

There are a smathering of other stories and personalities.  

Everyone has a story.  Some are just down in the dumps.  Some are possibly one paycheck short for making ends meet.  And some needs a second chance to get them through this transitory period.

Very humbling... and we're very blessed. 

Back to DC

Had the opportunity to travel to headquarters... and took a trip down to the National Mall.  It was snowing that day.. which made the Scavenger Hunt so much more memorable.  I got into Survivor and Amazing Race mode right away by forming an alliance.  Then at every stop... I didn't hesitate to ask for help instead of falling for the trap of trusting your gut.   

In front of the National Archives

Washington Monument from a distance

Lunar Module during the Apollo Missions

The Cornerstone of Democracy - Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights