Humble Bumble

 Two months after my highest high of crushing the Pecha Kucha... I was asked to present it to the Executive Leadership Team by my VP.  He meant well... to get me out in front of senior leaders.  And he was trying to showcase some of this organization's contributions.  But as the day drew near... the number of attendees started to dwindle.  From 15-20... down to 10... down to 4... down to 2.  Really, it was 1, because my VP heard it already. 

And I so royally bombed. 

Not my fault.  

It was the worst of worse situation... to a point where the one person audience harnessed all his politeness.. listened... got up... and left.  My VP felt so bad he texted me and apologized.  

I had a feeling this was gonna happen and it really is no hair off my back.  But still... doesn't feel good to be humbled this way.  

That phone call...

Was wrapping up a meeting and HR called.  They never call... they IM you first.  Something was up.

After an afternoon of swirl with some assumptions and expectations... Got another call.  This time during dinner and on my personal cell.  This time instead of HR, was my VP.  

"I've got some bad news to deliver."  

(No.  No no no!! Don't say it.)

"XXXXX has past away."

(NO!!!! This can't be real!!!!). 

In my mind... I thought that person may have had a stroke... maybe a mild heart attack.  Something that happens when you're around your late 40's / early 50's... and it just happens.  But you get better after a health scare and things get back to normal.

I was shocked.  

Just last week.. we were in meetings together.  We broke bread.  We even went out to dinner to talk about vacation... kids... life outside of work.  Ironically... this person even mentioned that their heart rate has been going up and needed to check it out.

I was shocked.  I didn't know how to act.  Gave my family a hug.  Cherish who I have.  I knelt down... said a prayer for the family.  Who knows what they're going through.

Then I texted my colleagues and friends, telling them if they want to talk, I'm here to listen.

Then I went for a walk.  I needed to "do something."  And about 0.25 mile into my walk... I looked up at the blue sky.  And uncontrollably uttered the words, "Thanks, XXXXX."  

Will wait till more details to come while continuing to process.

Back to NOLA

 After about 3 months... I finally make it back to New Orleans.  The flight was.... odd.

Sat in front of a family with a young toddler and a newborn.  I was kinda glad that it was me.  I wouldn't have minded any noise or crying.  Let me bear that cross.

Ironically... another dad sat next to me.  I know he was a dad cuz I saw his wall paper on his phone.  As we started to roll to take off... the todder behind the middle seat started kicking the chair.  Uncontrollably.  I thought, "The parents will do something, right?" But they didn't.  Didn't hear a peep.  And the kicking continued.  Not sure what I would've done... even as patient as I am... I don't know if I can stand constant kicking of the chair.  And the dude finally said, in an annoyed yet polite way, "Can you please stop the kicking? Thank you."  

Not bad.  Forceful, but had the decency to say "please" and "thank you."  I know parents can't control everything... but that was definitely something they could've controlled.  

Then as we landed.... the lady and the toddler got up and crowded in the aisle way.  They were rarin' to get out of the plane.  Slowly... the people in front of us got up row by row... left then right.  And the mom and the toddler showed NO SIGNS of yielding.  The same dad whispered, somewhat loudly, to me, "So much for airplane etiquette."  I didn't know what to say.  Again... this was something the parents could control.  But it's a 2 year old that's been cramped up for 4.5 hours.  She wanted to stretch her legs.  I simply shrugged and said, "It's alright. Whatever."  

Then it got to the folks in front of us... the mom and toddler didn't even yield to them.  They sped and ran.  I slowly waited till they were done.  Then I wailed till the folks on the other side of the aisle got up and left.  Then I got up.... I looked at the dad who had the newborn in his hands.  His wife and daughter ditched them.  I told him, "Go ahead."  So he can catch up with this family.  And he so nobly said, "No.. it's ok.  You go."  And I replied... "No.. you go."  And he said, "Nah.. it's ok."  I didn't want to fight him and further delay our deboarding.  I guess the loud whisper worked.  But to what end????

Anyhoo... finally got to the car. Texted my colleague I won't join them for dinner and I made a stop at Pesces.  Ahhhh... home sweet home.  

Got the gumbo... which was extremely salty.  Will probably avoid it next time. 

The fried oysters and ground shrimp spicy pasta on the other hand... to die for!!!! 

And that's why I keep coming back.

Tough pill to swallow

 Day 2 of the Norcal Tournament…. And the boys were clearly hitting their stride.  They went back to their original rotation, with SW as setting and Rishab as middle.  We didn’t have any problems with the 1^st set of the 1^st match…. Playing a team that we’ve always played and never lost to.  We were up comfortably and needed one more point to win…. When SW decided to showboat (or play up) and served a topper to the top of the net.  Much to the dismay of all the parents, “Why!?!??!?!”  Luckily… that one little mishap didn’t turn into bad happenings.  We ended up beating Aspire Ninja handily… which goes to show how much the team has improved.

But in the finals of the Bronze bracket… after winning the 1^st set without breaking a set… everyone started fooling around.  The Coach played with the lineup to let other players play.  And after it went back and forth… back and forth… it started looking like this might not go our way.  One of the bystander parents even said, “Looks like this might go to 3.”  For some reason, we just couldn’t pull away.  Until… we finally did.  We were up by 3… and had all the momentum.  Then… one of the players decided to showboat, like SW did, and serve a topper.  His serve not only didn’t make it over the net… it actually hit one of our own players.  No worries.  We were still up by 2.  And then… things started unraveling.  One point after another… we kept messing up.  Simple, stupid mistakes.  The momentum… suddenly swung.  Even after a couple of couldn’t stop the avalanche.  23-25.  Lost the 2^nd set. 

No worries… we were clearly the better team.  We just need to hunker down and play like we played in the first set.  We got this.  For the 3^rd set… set went with our “3^rd set rotation – where we go 5:1.”  And within a blink of an eye… we were down 0-8.  Horrible passes.  Miscommunication between SW and the middle.  Ill-advised plays.  Everyone was just going the wrong way.  We eventually tied it at 11-11 and thinking… our experience can take us over the hill.  Not this time.  Not with the showboating.  Not with the series of bad and missed-calls from the refs.  The deck was stacked against us… the final score was 11-15.  One of the worst losses of this team’s history.  Almost as bad as being up 10-0 against MVVC and throwing it.  This was worst.  This was against a clearly worse team.  It was painful… it sucked…. And the boys had to wear it.  May it be a lesson learned in life… foot on the neck.  Strike first.  Strike hard. No mercy. 

End of an Era

 After 3 years of teaching ESL… I wrapped up… what is seemingly the last class I will ever teach.  At least the last class I’ll teach as a full time ESL teacher at SJCAC.  The traffic gets worse and worse.  And now that the kids aren’t serving in Tutoring… it makes it hard for me to go solo.  Add on the fact that Joyce has given me an unwritten quota of what I can do with my “spare” time… the time has come to invest in New Vine and no longer SJ. 

 I’ve always felt I had a knack for teaching.  With so many examples and role models in my life… I’ve tried to take the best from all the best… and then roll it together and make it my own.  I’ve had my own struggles.  I’ve tried things that made out like a lead balloon and fallen completely flat and failed.  But for every fail… I probably had over 10-20 wins.  Like how the Tuesday attendance were noticeably hire than the Thursday class.  Or how students flat out tell me they come because of me.  Or when one of the students I demoted tried to beg to stay… because in her broken English and my broken Spanish… she knew the difference in my teaching style. There will always be a special place in my heart for helping new immigrants.  How many angels have helped my family in the past… I long to be able to pay it forward and help someone else.  And perhaps… in some weird way… they too will end up helping someone else. 

 These past three years have been humbling, challenging, and rewarding.  I was able to serve together with N and SW… for a short time.  A lot of times, those 45 minute drives ended up being naps for them.  I can’t express the joy I have when I share a different bible verse each week… and see the students’ face light up when they feel the encouragement of God’s words.  I’ve been graced by the presence and efforts of many of the pillars of SJCAC.  Seeing how many of them have served in ESL for years if not decades… and they continue to bring it, week after week, year after year.  I am saddened to see some of our students come and go… some disappear because of jobs. But more recently, they disappear for other reasons. 

 I end ESL with the same bible verse that was come as an anthem for my time in this ministry… where I set my alarm to go off at 10:02PM every day… to pray the words of Luke 10:2.  “The harvest is plenty, but workers are few.”  How I long that there’ll be a surge and abundance of young adult teachers that will give up a weeknight to be part of this ministry… to be part of God’s vision. 

Crash and Burn

 Oh geez… easily one of the worst worship experience ever.  I blame myself for not practicing on my edrums at home.  I blame myself for not knowing 6/8.  I blame myself for trying to do too much.  I blame the lack of chemistry this team has with each other.  It was so bad… I couldn’t bring myself to listen to it again.  Let’s hope this is rock bottom.

Glamping

 One of the perks of going to King’s is getting done with school earlier than most.  Last year, we went camping at Tahoe with the Tat’s and Yu’s.  I still have the bug from being outdoors, but knowing the family aren’t quite the outdoorsy type… decided to try glamping.  I typed in Grok, “Best Bay Area glamping” and was recommended to go to Wildhaven Sonoma.  A short 2 hour drive… with a fully furnished cabin with AC, heater, power, queen sized mattressed bed… community shower with hot water, propane grills, and individual camp fires.  There was also a private access to the Russian River – which we didn’t take advantage of. 

 My original plan was actually going white water rafting… but Joyce was against it… so we went kayaking down the Russian River instead.  It was a beautiful and wonderful idea.  To be in nature.  To see wild life.  To observe God’s creation.  It was wonderful…. For the first 30 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!  But the entire trek was 9 friggin miles!!!  I had no idea what 9 miles means.  Driving… it’s about 10-15 minutes.  Running… it takes about 1.5-2 hours.  But paddling… on a river… that doesn’t flow… under the hot sun.  Absolutely horrible!!! An hour into the trip… everyone was clearly tired and frustrated.  But there was no cutting the trip short.  You simply had to… finish what you’ve started.  And it being a long raft… it was hard to maneuver.  To a point where we zig zagged our way through.  When it was all said and done… we probably did collectively 13-14 miles of paddling and not 9. 

 The worst part of this trip…. I was never one to be afraid of feeding the bugs.  I know I get bitten, but my skin usually doesn’t react.  Whereas Joyce and Rachel get bumps and swells… SW and I are almost impenetrable.  So I sat outside the entire day and entire night.  I didn’t put on any bug spray.  I became… a smorgas board for the mosquitoes.  I literally could see them and feel them on my skin.  And now… I’m itching all over.  My legs.  My arm.  My face.  It’s so bad…. I get why some people don’t like the outdoors.  If this happened to me everytime I went camping… I wouldn’t want to go either.  But yet… I’m me.  Knowing what I know now… and what I can do to prevent it… I’ll only want to go back but be more prepared.  Maybe next time… we really can fulfill my dream of a whitewater rafting trip… with our without AC, power, or mosquitoes. 

Get my money's worth

We got this TV about a year before NN was born.  It was a deal… one of the last TV’s Toshiba made.  When I bought it from Best Buy… I did my research to a point where I drove up… found the sales man… and said, “I want this.”  I still remember him saying, “Wow… you know what you want, don’t ya?”  17+ years later… we finally have to bid farewell to old faithful.  It started kibutzing about 6-7 years ago.  Then about 3 years ago… it went out on us once.  We went to Costco to get a replacement… and upon coming home… plugged it in one last time to check before tossing it.  And amazingly…it came back to life.  The kids were so disappointed!!!  This time, we weren’t as lucky.  With TV’s having an estimated lifespan of 5-7 years…. Our TV lasted 3 times that.  We got our money’s worth.

 As we went to Costco… it was thrilling being able to grab, not a shopping cart, but a little flatbed.  And as we wheeled the TV through the crowds… we can sense the eyes of envy staring at us.  It was just a simple 55” OLED.  I bet some of the eyes were mocking at us… laughing for not buying a bigger TV.  It’s ok… this is a temporary TV until we move into a better home with a living room fit for a nicer TV.  Like the Toshiba… I look forward to this being another 15-17 year temporary TV. 

Under my wing

 One of my direct reports recently made manager… and he’s enrolled in a Front Line Leader course.  One of the assignment he has is to solicit comments from his team and peers.  Then process and digest the comments and create some sort of action plan.  I remember doing something like this when I first made Sr. Manager… and it was so natural for me to build a presentation that walked my boss through everything.  Was I wrong in expecting him to do the same? Not only did he not do the same… he was completely unprepared.  Was opening files left and right… pulling up empty PDF’s… moving files from one screen to another.  10 minutes into his presentation… I did what I’ve never done before.  I stopped his presentation.  I flat out told him… this is out of character.  He’s unprepared and this is not professional.  He’s wasting my time and wasting his own time.  After pulling a rug out from him.. I threw him a life jacket and said, “Run it back and we can do this again.” 

 He must’ve felt like crap the rest of the day.  That night, a Friday night mind you, he even texted me and apologized.  I decided to ignore it for one night… and let him stew on it a bit more.  The next morning, I replied, “It was a good meeting!  We shared... we talked... we learned.  I think it revealed some things in both our styles / approaches.  We'll both get better.” 

 I hate having that power trip… but with this power, also comes responsibility.  I’ve been entrusted with this young man to shape and mentor.  And that’s what I will do.

Dance Showcase - Showtime

 Annual dance showcase… and once again… NN’s class dominated.  There’s good… and there’s not so good.  And then, there’s simply great.  NN has always stood out as a dancer.  Ever since she was dancing for Arrows in the Christmas Performances, her natural abilities outshone her peers.  Throughout the years at TKA… her class would somehow end up with the best numbers.  This year was no exception.  And even in an off year… where I think the dance teacher is out of ideas or low on creative juice or distracted.   NN… ever having a chip on her shoulder for being overlooked or typecasted as the smaller, cute Asian, was given some major prominent roles this time.  NN sometimes wonders… how far she would go had we put her in formal training.  Forget regrets… or life is yours to miss. 

Talking talking talking

 Day 2 of NN’s last tournament of the season (that she can attend).  She already missed day 1 cuz of her AP exam. I hinted we can avoid the 2 hour drive… but she insisted.  I had a bunch of podcasts and songs prepared.  And then… we started talking and talking and talking some more.  She threw out memes about Trump and the Trade Wars, but everything she said lacked critical thinking of research.  I started explaining to her some of the math and data behind what was happening.  She was flabbergasted at how the world is shaped… how unfair the world is.  The talk then moved to relationships… family history… I gave her my view of recycling.  My pet peeves.  My view of church and religion.  At times, she got upset at me for making a hot take and being argumentative.  I didn’t take the bait… I simply explained how I can easily argue the other way, and probably win the argument.  But the point wasn’t to win… but to understand all sides… and make an informed decision, instead of believing what social media tells you in an IG short.  After a frustrating day on the courts… we grabbed a quick bite… picked up a Dutch Bros… and started on a 2 hour drive home.  And once again… we talked, talked, talked.  Didn’t even need to play any of the podcasts. 

 As much as I complain about these club trips… I truly, madly, deeply cherish every single one of these moments… these moments in time.

Performance Review

NN had her AP mock exam… so SW and I went over to shoot some hoops before picking up NN.  Last time… he went a little too far and trash talked a little too much.  This time, it was a lot friendlier.  We both won 1 game… could’ve played a third, rubber match.  But decided it to call it… and head over to 7-eleven to grab a slurpee.  It’s been a little rough since the mall incident and I wasn’t sure what we can talk about.  I decided to do a little “performance review” with him… asking him about his greatest strengths and biggest areas for improvement.  He must’ve been sensing the same tension because he answered without the usual sarcasm.  I was floored.  Then I went one step further… I asked him to rate me.  What are my great strengths and my areas of improvement.

Strengths: I’m well connected.  I can get things done.  I also have drive.  I will get things done. 

Areas of Improvement: be more modest.  Some times, I’m wrong… and I refuse to admit it. 

I thanked him for his honesty.  I think… as father and son… we’ve moved onto a new level of closeness.

Lunch with the Sons

 After Jeff’s bday lunch… and NN’s volleyball season wrapping up… had the sudden realization it was Mark’s bday.  And maybe it’s time for a get together.  We met up at good ol St. John’s.  Short and Stubbs haven’t changed.  If anything… he lost whatever weight he gained the last time we hung out.  Mel noticeably got a bit more… tired.  Anderson is Anderson.   Long gone are repeating the same jokes… replaced with conversations centered around aging parents and growing kids.  How did 30 years pass by so fast?

Thunder-snore

 Came home in time for SW’s 14^th birthday… and longing to do anything to please the kids these days, I threw the idea of out of watching a sneak preview showing of Thunderbolts… an MCU movie that SW was supposedly interested in. The 8PM showing was already sold out… so we opted for the 9PM showing.  With a two hour run time… three days of traveling… a dark room… a full, hearty dinner… it was the perfect formula for a nice $18 nap.  $36 if you count Joyce’s nap.  The kids loved the movie though… and really… that’s all that matters. 

Happy Birthday SW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pecha Kucha

For our leadership offsite… a bunch of the L6’s had to deliver a Pecha Kucha of our campaigns… The literal translation in Japanese is “chit-chat” but in actuality, is a 6 minute 40 second presentation of 20 slides, 20 seconds each.  The point is to delivery it Ted Talk style to captivate the audience with a short attention span.  For 6 weeks… all of us struggled with it.  In reality, we procrastinated.  But as the date drew near… we started fessing up with our slides and our scripts.  Our dry runs were great.  It seemed like everyone was amped up and ready. 

Then the offsite came and it was showtime.  One at a time… the L6’s started presenting.  And one at a time.. they all fell flat.  I hate to criticize and nit-pick… but all of the Pecha Kucha’s were so boring.  All the L6’s stood behind the podium. They read from a script.  They were lecturing.  Really!??!?! This is the best we can offer?

Day 2 of the offsite rolled around and it was my turn.  In fact… the VP moved me up in the schedule cuz of a conflict.  No problem… I was the smartest person in the room..  at least for the next 6 minutes and 40 seconds on this particular topic.  And in normal me… I did a little warm up to break the ice.  Made a couple of jokes in my deadpan, semi-serious self.  Then I kicked off my speech with an opening question… the Hook.  Almost the entire room raised their hand.  I asked my first question.  Juli piped up and answered to which I said, “You’re ruining it, Juli!!”  (laughter).  And I was off.  The slides were somehow messed up.. .but I improvised.  Never did I hide behind the podium.  I started on the stage… then I walked off.  Started walking around the room to engage.  Stopping every now and then and parked.  One joke after another… it killed.  There were times I blanked… but I kept going.  No one knew.  No one was of the smarter.  Then it came to the end.  I was wrapping up… I circled the floor… got back on the stage.  That’s when I shamelessly plagiarized West Wing – the “Run into the Fire” speech. 

“We will do what is hard.  We will achieve what is great.  And we will not waste another minute looking for missing socks.” 

I didn’t even say “Thank you.”  Flashed my last slide and the room erupted into applauds – with even some folks giving me a standing ovation.  Did my team proud.  Did my boss proud. I can eat all the humble pie and modest cake… but without a doubt… in that moment in time… I was the King of the World.  

 

Of little patience

 NN had her Life Conference car wash fund raising and I dropped her in the morning… thinking I can get my car washed also.  I was the first car there… but they were still setting up on the basketball courts so I parked on the side and waited for the markers or traffic directors.  10 minutes before they opened for business…this lady drives onto the basketball court… going the opposite way I would’ve expected the car wash queue to go.  But the Youth Leaders didn’t correct her.  They started washing her car.  Pretty soon… a second car came.  And a third.  All facing… what I consider… the wrong direction.  Whatever…  they’ll regret it later.  Lemme get in line…. I was 4^th. 

 I brought my laptop with me and sat on the side to do work.  But after a long time of waiting… and seeing people who came after me already leaving… I got curious.  What was taking so long??? OMG…. What a friggin disaster.  No order.  No process.  No line.  Cars were now parked facing in two directions.  My car was not even touched.  There was one person spraying with water…. And about 10 youths who’ll jump onto soap the car.  Then those same 10 youth will walk over to dry the car.  Then they’ll vacuum the car.  So inefficient.  So impractical. 

 NN saw me… and told me that I should go to lunch and come back.  I looked at her in bewilderment.  No!! I got here 4^th… I should leave 4^th.  Her excuse was… some cars that came late have to leave.  Ok… we’re a Christian organization.  I get it that some people have a schedule to maintain… but still, how about maintain the integrity of order.  I made an audible gasp… and started talking loudly to people that were also waiting… saying how long I’ve waited.  I loudly say… “I don’t need to get it washed… I’ll just donate and leave.”  Making sure the other Youth Leaders heard me.  And making sure everyone knew I was annoyed.

 I was now standing there staring the Youth leader down.  Poor guy.  He was overwhelmed.  He was spraying cars down.  Moving cars out of the way.  Giving directions to his crew.  He bit off more than he can chew.  And with the 3^rd and 4^th car still sitting there… he walks over and starts spraying down a later coming mini-van.  The owner of the van was next to me…  and I lose it.   I call out to the other Youth Leader and say, “Can my car be next?”  Preposterous!!!

 After the wash… which I will say, was done fairly well… they still needed to vacuum.  NN said, “It’ll be another 45 minutes.” And she probably wasn’t wrong… so I told the Youth Leader… “I don’t need a vacuum.  Here’s my donation.  Thanks!!”  And I drove off and leave.  As I was leaving… I hear NN talk to that Youth leader within earshot… “My dad needs to have more patience.”   I was gonna get out of the car and make a scene…. But decided to swallow it and just let it be. 

 Patience my @$$.  This was utter buffoonery. 

 

The Chasm

 That chasm between me and SW is growing wide and fast… and it’s a tsunami that I simply can’t stop nor do I wish to weather. 

 After practice… NN wanted to go shopping at Valley Fair.  So we went for lunch and immediately after lunch, she pulls Joyce to go Mommy/Daughter shopping while I was left with SW.  I immediately got worried…. And pulled Joyce aside.  “What do I do with him??” I don’t like shopping… nor do I know how to shop for a teenage boy.  She said, “You guys can go home if you want.  Come pick us up later.”  I exhaled…. and took the opportunity to bond with my son.

 I had some high hopes… went from one store to another.  Tried pointing out interesting clothes for him to try.  Tried drawing remarks from him or things to discuss to which I was volleyed sarcasm or silence.  He seemed disinterested in every thing I wanted him to try.  Either I have no sense for fashion (possibly).  Or he has zero interest in shopping (maybe).  Or he simply doesn’t know how to pick clothes or accept clothes his dad picks for him.  And doesn’t know that he can go try-them-on and check himself out in the mirror.  Ugh… after about 4-5 stores, I got sick of the routine.  So I clammed up.  I told him to lead… and I’ll follow.  It got really icy.  He knew I was happy… but he didn’t want to rock the boat any further.  So he reluctantly walked around the mall a few more times.  We didn’t talk.  We didn’t joke.  It ended with him waving the white flag…. “I’m done.”  I mirrored his surrender and decided to find a place to simply sit and wait for the ladies.  

 We found these soft cushy chairs in the middle of the mall and sat down.  Both of us busted out our devices and tried to kill time.  I texted Joyce, “911 – don’t know how to shop with him.”  She aptly replied… “Bring him to me, I can take him.”  I was so despondent.  I’m the “fun” parent.  But I couldn’t find a way to connect with my son.  There use to be an Apple store and Microsoft store that can help us kill time.  But that was when he was younger… without his personal device.  There’s a Bowlero there…but we’re sick of arcades at this point.  So we just sat.  Sat.  Sat.  Sat.  Finally enough time passed where lunch wore away… and I said, “Let’s get some pretzels.” 

 Anything to break the monotony of sitting…. We walked to map and looked for Wetzel Pretzel.  Found it.  And I told him to lead.  We walked in circles for a good 10 minutes.  After the third time around the same section… I finally piped in.  “Do you even know where we’re going?!”  And that’s when the fun began.  We found another map…. And this map… for whatever reason… showed a different location for Wetzel.  I pulled out my phone and found a third location for Wetzel.  Ok… confirmed it still exists.  But where is it???

 SW proposed he’ll race me to it… and off he dashed.  No idea where he think he was going.  But I knew exactly where I was headed…. The same ol place it’s been the past 10-15 years.  I purposely walked slowly… to give him a chance to beat me.  After taking the long, scenic route… I arrived there.  But SW was no where to be found!!  5 more minutes passed and he finally called.  Apparently… he ran around the 2^nd floor twice and still couldn’t find it.  Ok… the laughter came back. The fun was back. 

 I guess deep down… he wants exactly what I want.  To have fun again.  But he also didn’t know how.  Poor guy… full fledge teenager.  Wanting to be Fonzie cool… but deep down… he’s still Richie Cunningham… looking for a thrill on that blueberry hill.  Sigh…

Dub or El

 Went to my first Warriors game at Chase for Jeff’s bday.  I wasn’t about to spend $100 on myself… but since it was his bday…I made an exception.  He actually proposed it… with the Warriors’ resurgence and so many come from behind last minute victories.  He wanted to hop on the bandwagon. The crowd was notably a lot more upper class than say, the Niners or Giants crowd.  And this part of the city… man!!!  What has happened to the city I grew up in????  And there’s, omg… free street parking that’s within walking distance.  Lakob did well with his planning.  Baer… not so much. Ironically… our first game there wasn’t a Dub… but a Dud.  Harrison Barnes hitting a last second 3 nonetheless.  Now our road to the post season just got so much harder.  Went to two games this season… and both times we lost.  Maybe I’m the bad luck charm.

長江後浪推前浪

 Siu Wah had a wonderful spring break... he's been looking forward to this day for months if not years.

We went for a run...and he raced me in the 100m and 400m.  He smoked me in both. I thought I might have a chance to beat him in a sprint... it wasn't even close. 

We got up to Reno... and he beat me in basketball 1v1.  He then destroyed me in pickleball... I had no way of returning his serves.  

We shot a round of golf... and though the verdict is still out cuz we both did just as bad... he claims he won.  I won't say he didn't.

And lastly... we were at the arcades and there was a machine that measured the speed of your pitch.  I always thought I had a mighty arm... but in fact... I can only throw at a top speed of 62 mph.  SW peaked at 63.

I don't know what else I can beat him at anymore.  Video games.  No chance.  Sports.  Not in a million years.  

It's a little sad... but in actuality... it's very well expected.  He's a full blown teenage boy that's flourishing with his friends, at school, in sports, at church.  I'm so proud of my little Siu Wah.... 

Safe and Sound

 Got a text from NN... "Tornado and flood warnings."

Then another text... "We're stuck!"

Followed by... "We got Dutch Bros."

I sorta kinda made light of the situation.  When I caught up with the news... little did I know how dangerous the situation actually was.  Flash flooding all over southern Texas with the heart of the storm being about 40 minutes away from where they stayed.

Her description, upon returning, was much more doom and gloom than, "We got Dutch Bros."  which at the time... made us think everything was fine and dandy.  Fish-tailing. Hydro-planing. Going 10 mph.  Sheet of white on the windshield. Seeking cover at a Canes. Finally.. taking sanctuary at a Costco. 

When you send your kids out to the real world... let alone the Mission field... you gotta be prepared be for anything and trust in the Lord for everything. 

God bless our brothers and sisters that were at Mynamar this past week. 

"Why not?"

Teenagers are hard to talk to.  You try to engage in decent conversation by not asking Yes / No questions.  And even if you try and ask questions like “How was school?” It’ll be quick answers like, “Good.” Or “Fine.” Or “It was Ok.”

Then you get into the Why? And there comes the all powerful, “Why not?” 

It’s a seemingly simple answer that pretends to be engaging.  But in fact… it’s a rude, slap in the face remark where all it does is throw the question back at the initiator with zero response other than a tsunami of, let’s change the subject. It’s a sure sign of shutting off any desire to continue a conversation.  A proverbial slamming of the door.  And taken the wrong way… but really the only way… stop bothering me.

 

向世界出發

 Two years later... it's SW's turn.  See you in 10 days!!  East Coast Trip 2025.

Day of Reckoning

It's finally come to pass - my day of reckoning, day of awakening, day of.... fill in the blank. 

Topsey Turvey

 Last week was a topsey turvey week... what do I mean by that??

On Monday... I had a presentation to the VP and his direct reports.  I crushed it.  To the point where the VP said, "that's the best XYZ presentation I've ever heard."  And multiple Directors complimenting me on a job well done.  I just did my job.

Then on Thursday... things got heated in a meeting where I slammed the table with a Director. "WTF are you talking about?!?!?"  I laid it all on the table.  The entire mood in the meeting was shook. That became the most lively and most participated meeting in my 3 years in this job.  The Director pseudo apologized afterwards and I was like... "the heck with you!!!"  Everyone was clamoring to talk to me aftewards to which I said... "I've got your back, through thick and thin."

From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows... I have to realize... I am a steward of my Lord.  I represent my faith.  And I may be... the only bible that anyone reads.  God bless me. 

重出江湖

 After a 10 month hiatus… I’m back drumming on a worship team. But to make it so much more special… serving alongside me as a vocalist is my Nui Nui Ju.

There were some kinks… NGL… we had 40 minutes of practice and I was so raw… especially the third 6/8 song where during practice, I was completely lost. But thankfully… it all came together in time for a wonderful, spiritful worship session. 

Thank you Jesus!!!

瀟瀟灑灑的·給我瀟灑的上機

Took mom to the airport today.  It had never occurred to me that I can go through security with her and walk with her to the actual boarding gate with an airport pass.  It makes things so much easier... for her... for TSA... and frankly for me too.  I mean... SFO is an international airport and they deal with non-English speakers as much as natives.  But it's always helpful to have someone translate. 

We got to the gate... had some time to kill so we ate an expensive Filipino meal there... which, I have to say, wasn't that bad.  Other than the price.

Then it came time for boarding.  Mom's boarding pass had her at Group F.... but the friend that bought the ticket for her signed her up for pre-boarding.  It wasn't explicit on the pass... so it was good that I went up to ask.  It was a full flight... so she may not have had room for her carry on and that woulda been a debaucle if they forced her to check it in last minute.  OMG..... 

Then it was time to board.  She grabbed her luggage... scanned her pass... and disappeared.  Without even a wave or a goodbye.  She was gone.

And I.... was genuinely emotional.  She's back in 6 days... but still... Don't know what it is about airports... separation... departures.  For a brief moment in time... I started to well up.  I'll be darned.... 

The Year of the Rat...!?! Part Quince

We'd set this appointment long before we finally caught Mickey.  And they contractors finally showed up.  The came one time to scope the scene of the crime and give a quote.  Then they came back performed major containment.  Stuffing and blocking pipes, crevices.  Created fencing for the little gaps under the garage door, even going into the crawl space to block off any possible entrance or exits to the outside world.  They went far and deep.  

In the crawl space... they said there was rat droppings everywhere.  Who knows how long Mickey has been living down there.  We had food.  And they found a leaky pipe.  So he had water.  Let's hope this is the last time I post about this topic.

Bar Experience - Part 3

I'm a big boy now. I went to the infamous Emeri's restaurant in the heart of New Orleans and sat the bar. A gentleman ended up sitting next to me.... and we both had our time to ease in... order food, play with our phones. Then I started with the same opening line the older gentleman said to me the other night, "You from outta town?" And we hit it off from there.... had a wonderful evening of sharing, eating, breaking bread... literally. I gave him a piece of my Fried Oyster Bao Bun!! Heh... bar hopping, eh??

Gumbo at Emeri's - 3 star - maybe?? 

Shrimp and Lobster dumpling with Chili Oil

Fried Oyster Bao Bun

A "Walk Home Drink" for me to sober up

Bar Experience - Part 2

 Went to eat at the bar again at another local cafe.  This time... no one spoke to me.  The guy to my left was rude and loud to the bartender/waitress.  The guy to my right ordered a plate of shrimp and bowl of gumbo and tended to himself.  I actually felt kinda sad.

Phil's Marina Cafe - Crab Cake

Softshell Crab and Gouda Grits

Bar Experience

When I'm traveling for work... I often eat at the bar.  I'll get a menu, maybe order a drink, watch some TV if there's a game on.  Get in.  Get out.

Tonight... down in NOLA... I went into a little local cafe I guess.  I've been here before so I wasn't completely a stranger.  Like last time, I was on the only Asian and at the bar, strangely enough... were all old men well into retirement age.  Did I just walk into some sorta "special" bar I wasn't aware of? Were they having a monthly gathering or meeting of the local chapter?

I was famished and just wanted to eat.  But amazingly... one of the older gentleman started striking up a conversation and he was just the friendliest guy you can encounter.  He was obviously a local... flirting with the bartender... making wise cracks with his buds.  Then another guy comes in... and he introduces me to his friend. 

It felt uncomfortable... but after awhile... I started to like it.  They weren't too intruding... giving me time to eat.  And before you knew it... he paid and left.  

A fun bar experience.  Is that what going to a bar is suppose to be like?

Fried Seafood Platter (oyster, shrimp, fish)

loaded potatoes

Chicken and sausage gumbo - 5 Star quality

When reality becomes a dream

夢境成真 is a coming term we throw around all the time.  But last night... it was the opposite.

In my dream... SW's bed was emitting a clicking sound.  So Joyce and I spent a lot of time investigating under and around his bed but couldn't find it.  Then I woke up... and realized the bathroom exhaust fan has been clicking the entire night.  That same clicking sound.  

Quick trip to Zona

NN's team has a tournament in Arizona... our first out of state tournament.  It's not like we needed to travel... it's expensive... it's a hassel... we could've done what we did locally.  And it was a shortened trip because unlike most schools, we don't have a ski week to land on.  So the kids had to hurry there and hurry back. 

Best part of the trip... other than an afternoon in Mesa with some nice local food was SW getting to visit his childhood best friend.  They first met each other in kindergarten... SW not knowing any English whatsoever.  He was the biggest kid in class... SW was the smallest.  And like Simon and Garfunkel... Pinky and the Brain.  But someway... somehow... they managed to stay close.

When COVID and they were stranded... the two of the discovered a whole new way of bonding through devices and minecraft.  Sadly.. this family had to move away after 4th grade which was a bummer.  And yet... they somehow managed to stay close.  Closer than any friend he has locally.  And from the sounds of things... his buddy never found another friend like SW.

Whenever they come out... which isn't often... the mom would make sure to give us a heads up to hang out.  And this time... when we told them we'll be in town... they changed their long weekend itinerary to accommodate our schedule.

Cheers to friendship!!! 

年廿九

One of the most annoying parts of CNY... is the annual stuffing of the 利是。 All this work.  I get it... it's a symbolism of a blessing.  But seriously... move on with modern age.  We've got Zelle and Venmo. 

I complain a lot... in reality... I love handing them out, especially to my American co-workers.  They love receiving these and they're always curious as what's inside.  It's the whole stuffing part that annoys the heck out of me. 

The Year of... the Rat!?!? Part Quatre

 It was bound to happen.... the house is too small for the two of us.  It's you or me!!  

At around 6:30 this morning... I was heading to work when... as I started down the stairs, I noticed a shadow by NN's room.  I took a step back... doublechecked my vision... then I turned on the hall way light and there it was.  Staring straight at me. (cue "Good, Bad, and Ugly western music).

You!!! You who have plagued my house for months.  You who dug into my Merci chocolate under my bed.  You who chewed a hole in NN's backpack.  You who ate into my pasta and cornbread.  You... who probably though unconfirmed... scratched and gnawed on my foot that one fateful night when I thought it was a nightmare.  

I ran downstairs to grab a broom.  In my mind... I was going to sweep it to the left or right... and knock it unconscious.  But woe is me... NN just happened to have left the door to her room open. And without fail... Mickey slipped his way in.  I had a moment of consideration.  Do I go in and startle NN...?? Or is this it??? 

My adrenaline was on full blast.  I started sweating. It was time. This is it.  Final Boss.  I go into NN's room... wake her up... and kick her out.  I had Mickey trapped.  

NN got up... startled and scared as heck, as if something bad has happened.  I calmed her down saying... "Everything's ok.  I'm gonna catch the rat." 

Inside NN's room... was a mess.  And Mickey could've been hiding anywhere.  One by one... I threw NN's stuffed animals onto her bed.  Nothing.

Then I went into her closet. Methodically... I removed one thing at a time.  Each time... prepping my broom to thrust or swing.  Before I knew it, her closet was empty.  Mickey wasn't there.  I shut her closet door as tight as possible so it can't hide in there.  

Her bookshelf is next.  Again... slowly and silently... I started removing things.  Books.  Stuffed animals. Cups.  (Gwarsh... my daughter is messy).  Then... when I was about to give up... I see a ball with a string.  Could that be it.  Could Mickey be hiding in the corner????

Aptly... I pushed one corner of the bookshelf smack into the wall to limit its escape route.  One shelf at a time... I continued emptying the contents... until.... I touched a stuffed gnome and "tak-tak-tak-tak-tak!!!"  Mickey got startled and started scurrying away.  He ran to the other side of the bookshelf... but it was blocked.  Trapped!!! He had no where to go!!!  The trick worked.

It tried to hide by not moving.  Some animals believe that predators hunt with motion.  And if it stayed motionless... I won't see it.  Ohhhhh Mickey.... I'm not your typical predator.  I see you.  I see your body breathing.  I see your whiskers whiskering.  I see your heart beating... just as fast as mine.

This entire time... I was holding my broom like a spear.  Ready to launch. Ready to jab.  Ready to put Mickey out of his (and my) misery. 

The bookshelf... as much as I tried... still had a bunch of crap.  Mickey found himself "hiding" behind a bunch of binders.  Perfect.  The binders are sharp and hard.  This is it buddy.  You're done!!  Using my broom... I started shoving the binders hard hoping to crush that beast.  SHOVE!! SHOVE!! SHOVE!!!

Silence.  Was that it....? Did that do the job.  I stepped back... waiting to reap the rewards of my hunting expedition.  And then... Mickey popped his face out staring at me.  Laughing at me.  MOCKING me!!  "Ha!! You idiot!! You're pathetic!!!"

By now... I was dripping in sweat.  It's been almost an hour since our first encounter.  And the standstill was never more still.  I kept my eye on my prey... while building a wall behind me.  The last thing I needed was for Mickey to scurry away behind my back into another part of the room. 

This standoff continued.  I was helpless.  I tried getting a garbage can and some empty boxes to trap it.  But there was no way I can reach Mickey behind the shelf.  There was simply no room.  I then did what any husband would do in a moment of helplessness... I called in reinforcements.  I called for my wife. 

There was no way I can capture Mickey on my own.  I asked Joyce to bring me my traps.  I know I know. Inhumane. Unethical.  But desperate times... calls for desperate measures. Mickey was now bouncing back and forth from shelf to shelf.  Dishing and dashing. Thinking it stood a chance of survival.  Any other day buddy... any other day.

I laid the trap in its escape routes.  The trap had bait... good ol' Honey Nut Cheerios.  If you run... you're gonna get stuck.  If you snack, you're doomed.  This is it.  Final chapter. Armageddon. And within minutes... Mickey got hungry.  Ahhhhh... but you're just a beast afterall with a pea sized brain. Mickey fell for the trap.  He moved and started nibbling on the Cheerios... on the glue sticky pad!! HAHAHAHHAHA.... you're done for!!!! Say goodbye... you're mine now!!!!

And then... as fast as it got on the trap.  It jumped right off.  WTH!!??!?? The glue doesn't work!!! It hasn't worked.  The top layer must've oxidized.  Not only do I not have my prize... it's now a re-energized prize... with more the reason for Bugs to laugh at Elmer Fudd.  Further reinforcements were needed.  I screamed for Joyce to bring me my snap traps.... and also my work phone.  I started cancelling all my morning meetings.  This has gone on for 90 minutes... who knows how much longer it'll last.  

Mickey was now surrounded... it was against a corner.  No where to go.  No where to hide.  I had traps laid out at every exit point.  And all this... cuz I wanna sweep it into a box and dump it outside.  With my full court press.... Mickey Maholmes still managed to bounce away!! Skipping.  Scurrying.  Bouncing.  This time... past my cover 2 defense onto the other side of the room behind the safe confides of our router!!!  The warm router that gave off a white noise buzz became it's latest santcuary.  And as luck would have it... NN's desk legs was every bit of a protection.  Making it impossible for me to approach.  There was no direct, simple route to tackle Mickey. 

Nearly two hours into this death match... I felt like I just started over.  I had Mickey trapped.  There was no escape route.  I had traps laid out in all escape routes.  It was a matter of time... and I had all morning.  But now... everything restarted.  Except... Mickey was rejuvenated.  Out it the open.  Sure... I had it cornered... but with his speed... he can run amuck... and there's no guarantee I can keep up.  

Once again... I started building a wall.  A wall to encase it as much as possible.  Like a mime in a conventional street performance... the walls got smaller and smaller.  The tight space got tighter and tighter.  If not caught by my broom... Mickey will be suffocating from claustrophobia.  

I brought the traps from one corner of the room to another.  The entire time... holding my broom like Thor held Mjlonier.  You move. I move.  You jump. I stab.  Traps were laid.  It didn't move.  I didn't move.  A million thoughts crossed my head including my hunter instincts (forgive me), the thought of getting a knife... taping it to the handle of the broom and stabbing Mickey.  

Then... as if everything was pre-orchestrated... as the final seconds started to tick away between Gokul and Freeza... between Ani and Obi Wan... between Megatron and Optimus.... "One shall stand.  And one shall fall."  Mickey decidedly tried to leap to freedom.... only... his leap was straight onto the peanut butter/marshmellow bait.  Faster than a mouse can scurryinng away (heh)... with all the energy built-up from the spring mechanism... Rocky's metallic arm delivered the coup de grace onto Ivan Drago.  "SNAP!!!"

Mickey fell.  Mickey collapsed. Mickey rested.  Ironically... Mickey's final resting spot... was the very glue trap that did anything but trap.  The body shook.  It tried to get up - fruitless.  Strength was draining away.  His belly's breathing rhythm started to slow down.  I couldn't bear to watch anymore.  Mickey wasn't getting out of the trap... I couldn't bear to watch anymore.  I grabbed a little bin... and covered up the aftermath of the battle.  I couldn't bear to watch anymore. 

2+ hours has passed since our initial encounter.  But realistically...our initial encounter was more like 4 months ago when I first found my cup of noodles being violated.  When I found droppings all over the garage... the dining room... the kitchen.  Our initial encounter... was now the final chapter of Mickey's book.  Tom caught Jerry.  Sylvester caught Tweety. Wyle E. Coyote caught the Roadrunner. 

I didn't want it to end this way.  No Mickey.  I didn't.  How I wish you could've quietly been swept into a box.  How I wish I could've set you free to be with your family and friends.  How I wish.... and now... my wish is simply to move on.