Tradition, Superstition, or a big waste of time...?

Today was my 細舅父's memorial.  The event was intimate.  Quaint.  Special.  常言道：外甥多似舅.  Not sure if it applied in this situation.  In my entire waking life, I may have spoken no more than 50 words with him.  Usual high-bye.  New Years and holiday greetings.  Probably the most we've conversed was at Amy's wedding.  At that point... his larynx was so damaged I can barely hear him.  Regardless... he's still one of my closest relative.  In the ranking family members... 見舅如見娘.  You don't much closer than that.  And it is on this day... that I found myself in the weirdest of weirds.  Trapped in a vortex of tradition... superstition... taboo... or a downright waste of time. 

In Chinese Memorials... or any memorials... it's tradition that the family will hand out 利是 as a token of appreciation for attending or as a means of gratitude for condolences.  But... but.... BUUUUUUUT.... you must... must.... MUUUUSSSSSTTTT spend that money and not pocket the money.  Go buy some candy.  A drink.  Donate it if you have to.  Never bring it home with you.  Otherwise you'll have a streak of bad luck. You'll be cursed.  Fire and brimstone will rain down on you... without an umbrella!!

All these years... after all the funerals and memorials I've been to.... I've held a steadfast grip on that tradition.  Look... I'm a God-loving, Christ-following man.  Do I really believe in these 文間小見??  Well... let's see.  

I collected a total of $101.25 altogether.  Now I was on a mission to spend it.  Boy was I giddy!!!  I was goin to town!!!

My first stop,,. Arsicault Bakery on Arguello.  There's usually a line around the block.  First thing I ask, "Do you take cash???" Can't assume.  Not these days.  For sure I can spend a bunch of cash there.  Nope!!  I bought like 3 things... and even a fat, fat tip... I barely scratched the surface.  

So I headed back to the Speciality Coffee shop.  "Do you take cash???"  Then I ordered a jaw-dropping $7 cup of coffee and a $12 piece of cake.  Never in my right mind would I ever spend $2 for cake... let alone $12.  But here's where the problem starts.... the total came out to $21.90 and I only had $20's and a $1.  I'm out of practice.... I haven't spent cash in so long.  I could've given the cashier an extra $1, to get $0.10 back. But for whatever reason, I gave him a $20 and went into my wallet to fish out a $5.  Why??? I have no clue.  Now I got a bunch of change and didn't know what to do with it.  My mind was a mess. So I tipped the rest.  Only now... I didn't just spend the 利是錢， I'm dipping into my own money.  Ugh....

Ok... whatever.  The Lady M cake is good.  Coffee is above average.  Not worth $20.  But I still have money to spend.  So off I go to Pineapple King.  This place was a lot easier to deal with.  "Do you take cash???" After a quick exchange... I still had about $40 in my pocket. 

Next stop... was at Target.  I orignally wanted to get a grill brush, but they were out.  So I ended up getting two drinks and two containers of breathmints.  The total came out to like $13.12.  I popped the guy a $20.  He asked if I had $0.12.... he didn't want to make change.  I said I didn't.  (But I did!!! I forgot about my quarter!!!)  So he started fumbling around to make up the $0.88.  I was losing patience.  I kept thinking... "What's the quickest way to end this transaction???"  For some reason, on the cash register, I saw the number $3.72.  So I just rounded down and said, "Just gimme $3."  The cashier said, "That's it???" I said, sounding annoyed, "Yeah."  He said, "Ok."  Handed me $3... and I stormed out.  As I was walking out... I started to do mental math.  Wait a minute... I should be getting at least $6 back..... why did I round it to $3?????  But it was too embarrassing to turn back...

All in all... I had $8 left in cash.  Went to downtown Mt. View to pick NN up and I was early.  So I slipped into a boba place to get a Thai Milk Tea.  Nowadays a Thai Tea runs you $8-10.  I was pretty confident I can spend the rest of the cash and be rid of this baggage... this load.  But the cashier rung me up and said, "$5.50."  I said, "WHAT?!?! That's it?!?!?!"  She looked at me like I had two heads and 8 eyes.  I wistfully handed her $6.... got $0.50 change back.  And with along with the remaining dollar bills... it all went into her tip jar.  Like trash day... I just wanted to get rid of everything.

Sigh..... done.... all the cash.... spent.  Took a lot of work and now I have a car full of pastries, pineapple buns, soda, and candy.  What a healthy way of life.  Ohhhhh... but it gets better.

After dinner.... I suddenly remembered... there was a smaller red envelope with the $0.25.  Why a quarter... I don't know.  What I know is, it's resting in my blazer pocket.  I gotta go spend it... or toss it... or do something with it.   It can't stay in the house.  As I was searching for that quarter... I asked Joyce if she spent her 利是錢.  She pitifully chuckles at me and says, "No, not yet."  And marches upstairs to get it and said, "Go.  Go to Safeway or Trader Joe's."  And that was it.

I drove to Safeway with $21.50 in my pocket.... thinking I can get some fruit, cuz we're out of oranges.  And maybe some healthy snacks.  As I'm climbing up and down the aisles... I'm calculating and counting.  Don't want to spend too little... gotta use up the funds.  But don't want to spend too much... cuz I'll be using my own money!!! Must've walked around the store 3 times... and I finally found the right combo.  I got to the cashier... got my digital coupons... punched in telelphone number... got my member rewards.... and boom... $23 and change!!! BOOM!!! I did it!!!  Haha!!! I pulled out my phone and apple paid it and was about to leave when.... "Oh no!!"  I literally said it out loud, "Oh no!!!!"  The cashier looked at me, concerned.  I closed my eyes in disappointment.  Looked to my left and saw a long line.  "Nevermind... it's ok."  All that work... of counting and calculating... of shopping for things we don't need.  And I ended up... NOT using the cash!!!!!!  That $21.50... was still sitting in my pocket!!!! That was the whole point.  Use up the cash!!!!  

So what do I do??? Return everything and buy it again with cash????  That'll look so stupid.  Ended up rolling everything to the car... loaded it into the trunk and walked back into Safeway with my tail between my legs.  What am I doing???? In this desperate attempt to keep Tradition... to ward off Superstition.... I now have to go back and buy even more junk that we don't need!!!

What a big..... waste.... of time...... 

Grand Salami

Sunday evening... the rays raining down on us.  Bases loaded.  Bottom of the 6th, 2 outs.  The count is 2-0.  This happened.

Sad thing was... I lost track of the ball and didn't even know where it went.  New Vine won our first game of the season.  My son was there to witness it.  My girl was in the stands. One of the best moments of my life.  

Orchid Festival

In the beginning of summer... I had the sudden urge to plan local floral trips with mom.  And there lied an Orchid Festival in the middle of the city.  Fast forward two months.. after the discovery of the game/toys thing... I thought it was perfect the kids got to go out ot spend time with Grandma.

But what a dud and failure it turned out to be.  I left for the city first... found mom... got to Golden Gate Park and found parking.  But Joyce and kids had to turn back, after leaving on time, and that set them back 30 minutes.  It was meant well.. but we really shouldn't have gone back.  Then when they got to the park..  we were almost done with the exhibit - which was nothing more than 5-6 tables of display and a lot of local vendors running an indoor farmer's market.  Parking, by that time was atrocius, so Joyce dropped the kids off while she looped, and the kids spent no more than 10 minutes in the Festival.  

We headed to lunch... and it was a different atmosphere.  Went to this bougie salad place ($20 salad!!!!).  But NN was on her effin phone the entire time.  Sat as far away from mom as she possibly could and didn't even say a word during lunch.  She was enthralled with her own life to even pay any attention to family.  I get it... but I don't.  Sigh...

We were running late for Odyssey, so I had Joyce take mom home while SW and I drove to downtown.  But my blood was simply boiling at that point.... thank goodness SW is the happy go lucky one and simply knew what to do or what to say to keep me calm.

After the movie, we ended up going to the Mission District to get some Farolito burritos...and it turns out there's another taqueria whose lines are thrice as long!!! And because he's big and old enough, I was able to split up so we can sample both... kinda like Geno's and Pat's in Philly.  

Great intentions... but after all was said and done... another epic failure. 

Poignancy hits hard

Spent the day with mom to help her post cataract surgery.  Lots of driving... lots of caretaking... more than I expected.  She was literally blind as a bat this morning when I got there up till her dressings were removed. 

I actually gave myself plenty of time and expectation to spend the day there with the goal of organizing her kitchen which never seems to not smell like TCM or mildew when I walk in.  And as I was pointing out all the plaees that were messy or disorganized... and mom parried with the reason why things are the way things are... she finally sat down on the sofa.  Defeated.  Didn't want to argue anymore.  And started reflecting on how she wants to clean.  

Including... all the games and toys she had on her shelf.  And how all these years... she's been longing and waiting for us to visit her, so the kids can have something to do.  Or she can gift them with the toys and games.  But we never visited.  Or when we did... I was busy troubleshooting while the kids were on their devices.  And now that they're high school and college age... it's past that age ready to be trashed.  

She didn't say that out of shame... but just matter of fact.  And it's the matter of fact... that hits harder than targeted shame.

World Class Epic Fail

I don't ask for much... I really don't.  I just want the family to have a good time.  Create core memories.

This Sunday... after a couple of weeks of an icy, cold war, at home, I thought about taking everyone down to San Pedro Square for a nice lunch and then over to the MLK library for a Comic Book museum.  A nice Sunday afternoon, stress free, family time. 

Only for me to realize much later... that it's the World Cup Finals!!! Against my better judgement, I decided to go anyways.... and it turns out... traffic was horrible.  I dropped the family off first... but the place was over-capacity and not letting people in.  It was hot... they were hungry... lots of walking and crowds.  I got hangry and frusturated and snapped at them.  It made it for a very quiet lunch.

Then things got better after we refueled.... we walked to the library... got to the 5th floor for the exhibit only to see that it's closed on Sundays!! OMG.... all that walking and waiting.  

So soften the overall blow... we drove to HeyTea which was BOGO if you brought any ball to order.  The line was soooo long and slow... it took us 40 minutes to order.  Then it took another 45 minutes to get our order.  

俗語有雲：頭頭碰著黑。 That's how I felt today....

And to cap it off.... went 1 for 2 with like 3 errors playing Short today.  OMG.... when does this freefall stop!!!

Wasted opportunity

Picked up SW from open gym today and for some reason... I started sharing about my recent woes and depression.  I didn't exactly phrase it that way... but summarized it to the likes of "It's been a rough couple of weeks. You try to find a song on the radio, and nothing fits.  You doom scroll, and there's nothing to watch.  You want to do stuff, but you're just not motivated."

He responded by sharing... "That's when you gotta lock in, go for a run.  Or set up a playlist.  And let the playlist carry your run."  

At that time... I didn't realize how serious he got, cuz I got quiet.  I drawed him in.  He leaned in.  And when he did, I yelled, "龜波氣功！"  It startled him and he laughed thinking how funny it was.

Later tonight... I realized... SW was actually maturing up and opening up to share in my problems.  Dad has issues too.  And he was empathetic and willing to bear my burden.  And here I ruined it with a stupid joke.  Typical me... wasted opportunity. 

For the first time

Met NN’s boyfriend’s parents, officially, for the first time. Well.. .I’ve kinda known them for years from various SJCAC capacities. But it was the first time for Joyce.

Then at dinner… NPY (aka Nippy) chose to sit next to me. That was brave of him.. but valor pays off. A great first impression. Actually.. I’ve known about the Sihoe boys for years. Not of the rest of the boys… particularly during the all church retreat, they did the ropes course with their parents. And c’mon… with names like Caleb and Gideon, how do you not know them. In terms of church boys… I think we hit the jackpot. Maybe God bless… and continue to nourish this relationship.

Depression Mounts Again

 This all too familiar feeling of suffocation.  I can’t shake it.  I can’t ignore it.  This is the third one the past month… and there’ll probably be more.  They deserve it.  I should be happy for them.  And yet.. I’m here wallowing in my own sorrows or even pity that I will never be that man.  Maybe I’m not.  Maybe I’m not all that I think I am.  I compare… and I can’t help but think, why not me?   Too familiar are these feelings.. when the kids didn’t make the sports teams’ cuts.  I know that gut punch suffocation… and there literally is nothing that can help me breathe.

Family Getaway

It’s always an adventure in it of itself… to go on a family getaway… and / or a family getaway with Grace and her kids.  To start things off… as we rolled off the driveway… I said a prayer that we don’t get into a fight.  To which NN smiles and admits… it’s usually me and her that get into a fight.  How sad.

 All summer… I’ve been apprehensive about this trip.  Going to a lake… where we’re not big into water sports… and in an Airbnb that I know absolutely nothing about.  The silver lining my friends told me… was I can get some quiet / down time to catch up on reading or to disconnect. 

 Living in an Airbnb presents its own challenges… the sharing of rooms, beds, bathrooms, kitchen space, living space, and fridge space.  I can’t say enough of how much we are different family units that can come together and share. But there are also lines that you never expect to lay that are crossed… such as bringing a pack of 24 eggs.. .and within 2 days, only 5 were left.  Or the tub of butter that was nearly gone after 3 days.  Or the 24 cans of soda and 24 cans of Chi… that was nearly completely wiped out.  Geez louise… how much do people eat? And then…there was the who mix up of making steak.  I didn’t want to make it.  Didn’t want ot bbq it… and then I was asked to do it… only to find out it wasn’t even marinated!!!  Omg…. The little things.  But those little things are quickly overshadowed by greater things… the core memories that are created.

 Dining and laughing with family is priceless.  Mah jong as a family is priceless.  SW… unexpectedly growing up to be the cool favorite cousin is unexpected.  And I’m totally utterly completely outmatched in Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros…. My two little nephews are not that little anymore.  They’re still sweet as can be… and have their moments.  Don’t know how much longer they’ll want to hang out with us.

Super Girl

Bravely ventured out to the city to check up on mom cuz of a local power outage. I take for granted how people can, or in many cases, can not communicate. But whatever… no harm no foul. Was able to make it out to the city with the entire family… found mom at the HPOE… got her what she needed, mostly, and headed to the old AMC1000. The remnants of this place and a ghost of what it use to be… long gone are those happy memories and good ol days. Here to stay… is a creepy theater where they don’t even have concierge to sell snacks… bu you havet to go back down to the 2nd floor of a 9 floor theater to pay. And then there’s the movie it self… omg… I want my 108 minutes back. What an abomination of story telling and movie making. I had such high hopes for this story after the end of Super Man. Where you don’t have to stick with the boring story of a mild-mannered reporter that’s there to defend goodness. You can spin this into a dark, self discovery, coming of age alien movie. Instead… it was a snoozer that completely wasted the set up and the actors. Even mom… with her lowered standards… gave a chronicle man sleeping or empty chair. So disappointed in this…. and all the summer movies. Worst of all… after watching so many trailers for Odyssey… I feel like skipping out on that venture and go straight towards spidey and then doomsday.

Sci-Fi just not my jam....?

Finished a book called Piranesi…. A sci-fi/fantasy book recommended by a colleague/co-worker. I powered through it and finished it… but not at any moment, would I say this is a good readable book. On reddit.. this book is one that is polarizing… either you love it or hate it. I’m in the latter camp. But this gives me hope… that if I can power through this, I can / might power through war and peace

The Bonds Treatment

In 2004... Barry Bonds drew a historic and unprecedented 120 intentional walks.  The opposing team was so afraid of his bat, they rather put him on base and let his teammates earn their pay and make them pay.  As fans... we would boo... cuz we paid to go watch Bonds hit.

Yesterday... I got my first taste of the Bonds Treatment aka Operation Cluck.  My first AB... I nearly cranked a HR to right field.  Second AB... the outfielders started stepping back... and I hit a standup triple, probably could've made it home had the 3B coach not held me up.  I come up for my third AB... and the outfielders are now so far out I can bloop a single and turn it into a triple.   That's how much fear I've struck in them.  

Then came the treatment.  Low.  Low.  Didn't even make the plate.  Outside corner - my only pitch to hit. Way outside.  The pitcher didn't even give me a chance.  Wave those rubber chicken folks!!!! 

Behind the Wheel Training

A couple days ago... NN had her first behind the wheel training.  The first 2 of her minimum 6 hours before she can take the road test.  She came back all smiles and self-deprecating, which is fine and expected.  

Then today... when going to pick up SW from practice... I let her drive while riding on the driver side.  Gave her a few tips on braking, accelerating through turns, drifting... but goodness gracious... it was scary as heck!!!

I tried to act calm... knowing if I get frustrated or mad... she'll start getting frustrated and mad.  She's flustered.  She's not fully listening and comprehending.  I have to limit my words...cuz it'll overwhelm her.  She actually doesn't know all the driving laws and right of ways.  She definitely doesn't know etiquette or the unwritten rules.  In the end... she crashed out.  We all survived... on our very first trip around the block!!!

Woohoo!!! 

"Awwww...."

Bottom half of the 7th and we were down and likely to lose. Ppl started to leave and go home - some of the kids had school the next day.  

Pitch tosses a slider... going away from the batter with a spin. I squeeze by butt cheeks, tighten my lats, charge and SWING like the world depended on it, only to foul tip that sucker.  And I hear a collective "Awwwww....." 

I look over at the stands and dugout and see that NO ONE has left.  The entire crowd was still there standing by the fence.  I couldn't help but laugh... like I disappointed my fans!!  

It was now 0-2.... one more strike or foul and I'm out.  Next pitch was another sweeping slider... and I crushed a single with a defensive swing.  Got on base... nothing major.  Kept the inning going.  As the Nike commercial goes... Folks dig the long ball!  But not today... 

Freshman of the Year

Like Wardell Stephen Curry and his MVP award... SW was voted Freshman of the Year unanimously by all the coaches.  That's like Rookie of the Year honors. And truth be told... I would think he'd make 1st or 2nd team regardless of grade... based on statistics alone.  But there's gotta be a little sharing of the pie going on... you can't have one kid win it all. 

SW's climbed so high and gone so far.... he's pushing bounds he didn't even he know was capable of pushing.  How much prouder can a father be???

女大女世界

 During lunch... after a few days of dropping hints... NN finally came out and said she has a boyfriend now.  She's been teasing and teasing and now it's official.  And y'know... I'm actually ok with it. Did it fit all my criteria and qualifications...? Does it fit hers? Does it matter? 

Happy

Nn said she was very happy today. She was blissful if 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? 

When the world stopped and watched...

Signed up for church rec-softball again after a two year hiatus.  We had our first intersquad practice today with another team.  I did my typical fielding at Short and 3rd.  Had some good plays and power throws.  Then it was time to step in the batter's box.

I've been experimenting with a new batting stance after talking to a dad who's son is really into baseball and he said all the kids are hitting the Japanese style - ala Ichiro, Shohei, etc... 

So I step up to the plate... and blast one.  Then another one.  I then blasted a line drive... so hard... the short stop tried to catch it and it popped loose.  He ended up having to walk off the field cuz his glove hand was in so much pain.  It got to a point where everyone, on and off the field, stopped to watch me hit.  After about a dozen balls... including ones where I purposely hit so the infielders can get some practice in... I hunkered down and said, "Last one... and I'm done."  

The pitcher lofts me an underhand spin.  It stays in the air longer than normal and floats near my shoulder... and I crushed one so far into dead center over everyone's head. The audience couldn't help but let out a collective "Whooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa."  

Then I nonchalantly walk off.  Just another day in the office for me.  HA!! 

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

 

Another proud parent moment

 Huda thunk... that one of the proudest moment for SW... will be for athletics and not academic.  HA!! 

I am blessed

Last night... I got [another] text from a church family complimenting our kids and how well a job we did raising them.  I don't think we did anything special... just reaping the benefits of being blessed.

Then I visited mom last night... and she said the after care that went to her house were surprised how independent and healthy she is.  She walks.  Bathes.  Cooks.  Unlike many of their clients around the same age. Same with dad.  The way they've both taken care of themselves.... makes it so easy for us.  Again... reaping the benefits of being blessed.

Aromatic Coffee

 Got some King Cake PB from New Orleans... something I missed out on last year cuz it was sold out.  And it's definitely something I will never try again.  Aroma infused coffee.... no thanks.  Ruins the coffee experience.  

Slipping Through My Fingers

Had a wonderful dream last night... we were in some home and Joyce tells me there's a spider in the bedroom.  I grab a slipper about to fulfill my husband and fatherly duty... when a 4 year old NN comes out and a 2 year old SW comes out and gives me a hug.  NN then repeats Momma and calls me 老公。 Then SW mimics NN and says the same thing... then gives off his signature SW chuckle.  I give the two of them a giant hug.   One of the best dreams I've had... in recent memory.

[Chorus]

Slipping through my fingers all the time

I try to capture every minute

The feeling in it

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Do I really see what's in her mind?

Each time I think I'm close to knowing

She keeps on growing

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Raising your kids right

There are moments when you know you've raised your kids right...

• like the time some random strangers came up to applaud us over the kids' dinner table manners and how well they eat.
• or the time NN went on her service trip and spelling out her Bon Jovi knowledge.
• today... she kept up with all the boys and was able to sing Linken Park on karaoke.  

"And in the end... it doesn't really matter....."

Counting coins

Was at a El Pollo Loco last night.  They have three touch screen machines for ordering and there where two Latino families that were struggling with them.  A young man that worked there was helping them out.  Meanwhile, I'll say, us locals, were ordering on the third machine pretty quickly.  

Then as I was ordering... I saw the family next to me... counting pennies on the counter.  And with the few leftover coins, they stashed it back into a paper envelope.  Not a coin purse.  Not a wallet.  In that envelope... there were maybe a couple of bills.

Kinda makes you think... how long have they been here.  Was that their wages for that day? Were there kids at home... waiting for mom and dad to bring dinner home?

Land of opportunities... roll up your sleeves... work hard... and start climbing.  For a better tomorrow... 

Open Gym

 Went to my first volleyball open gym since... i dunno.. high school??!?

It was actually a means to get SW a chance to touch the ball a bit before tryouts.  Got there and I immediately start making small talk... with old and young.  I guess people generally like friendly people... not necessarily talkative people.  And got SW signed up with a team that had 5.... which I guess was a bad move... as I find out later on.  He wanted to find his own team... a team of peers and maybe folks that weren't as good.  

As for me... I start roaming around and find a father son team.  We had a threesome.  And slowly.. we figured out the house rules of 2 and out.  We slowly formed a team of 6 and we waited to get on. I wasn't nervous but I knew within a few serves, I was not in volleyball shape.

I couldn't get down to pass.  My timing was so bad with my hits.  The "kids", or the 30 year olds, were out-jousting and over-dinking me.  The only thing I can do... oddly enough... was set!! Got so many compliments on my soft, impeccable hand and bump sets.  I was actually amazed how perfect they were.  Haha...

At the end of the night... I didn't even get one clean hit.  And now... I'm paying for it.  Sore in my neck, arms, thighs, calves.  Ohhhhhh.... pain never felt so good.  

Accredidation

 On this day... I officially left SJCAC and have become a charter member of New Vine.  I asked a dear sister... who also made the transition from SJ to NV. 有沒有心酸? 有沒有感觸?

She said. Not really.  Maybe she didn't understand my question.  Or maybe... she did... and she felt exactly like us.  Not really.  Not so much.  

To new beginnings..!! CHEERS!! 

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting

After a weeklong holiday full of tension and angst... we've decided to come together to pray and fast during our 40 Day Prayer Journey. 

Day 3... and we've settled to praying together after dinner at the dinner table. The kids don't resist... it's almost like those days when we prayed as a family during advent.

As for fasting...  SW is fasting Crash Royale.  NN is fasting Tik Tok, Youtube, IG, and her favorite game Rock Blast.  Joyce is fasting Royal Crush... a mobile game she's been playing for over 2 years.  And me....I'm fasting speeding.

Not even 6 hours into day one... NN started to regret overfasting.  And now on Day 3... they've re-neg'ed.  SW is now fasting social media but he can play Crash Royale.  NN still fasts Rock Blast... but she's changed her fasting to doom scrolling.  She can still watch long videos.  

Heh... let's see how long this lasts.  

My little girl is growing up...

 After a bout of senseless, meaningless, valueless infighting... NN and I sat down and discussed our differences.  She was quite mature... to a point where she asked for some time and space, wrote out her thoughts and read it to me in a calm manner.  At the end... I told her my thoughts and in summary... I see so much of me in her.  To a point, I don't want her to turn into me.  I don't want her to win every argument but lose the fight.  I don't want her to always be right.  I don't want her to ostracize those around her, even if it's by the rules.  My biggest fear for my little girl.... is she'll become like me. 

My boy is growing up...

 In one of the most heartbreaking yet much needed revelatory talk I had with my son... he announced to me that one of the biggest regrets of his life, was when neither momma or Bah B was present when he received his NJSF certificate.  Joyce and I, together, can count, on one hand, how many of his performances or events.  And yet... the one event... the one seemingly insignificant to us, event, turned out to have left the biggest void in his life.  He values, above all, his own academic achievements.  And we... as parents, both failed to acknowledge that.  

He was bursting in tears.  And it took all my 40+ year's strength... to hold back my own.  My boy... all grown up. 

Looking back at 2025

Let the haters hate.... and let the nay sayers say... but I'm going to claim we've hit the quarter century mark. Still remember quarter century ago... we were soooo scared of Y2K.  Then when 2000 rolled over... we were scared of 2001.  (Make up your mind, humanity...). I've always liked the word "Quarter."  Football and Basketball games are divided into Quarters... unlike Halves and Periods.  The dollar is most easily made up of Quarters.  Quarters were used for pay phone, laundry, meters, vending machines, newspaper stands.  It was easily the most powerful and versatile of the US currency, forever embellized by (arguably) the greatest president in US history. The clock is divided into quarters.  Arguably... modern maps and globes are divided into quarters... following wind a game of mah jong being split up similarly.  The word itself... stands alone and stands on top. Beginning with the rare "Qu-".  At the end of typing all this... I peek over at my 建東銀行 calendar and realize it's 2026.  It's a quarter + 1.  Dang it!!  And with that... here we go.... my annual top 10 when looking back at 2025... our quarter +1 century mark. 

1. Year of the Rat - It started in 2025 and carried into 2026.  Ratatoullie.  Mickey and Minnie. Pinky and the Brain? Omg.... that first night hearing rustling under the bed.  That one night when I felt something licking or chewing my foot.  That first day of grabbing a cup of noodle in the garage and seeing it all chewed into.  That morning bout of fighting and chasing it in the kitchen only to see it run up the fireplace.  It all culminated with the war that ended all wars,.. inside NN's room. Even now, I have PTSD when I walk down the stairs every morning... expecting to see a gray blur scurrying in and out of the kitchen cupboards and counters.  It's almost been a year... and I still have my mouse traps lying around... just in case. 
2. Birth of SBAM - Towards the end of last year... I was asked to take over our Stennis and Michoud sites.  With a new leader rising on the horizon... and a seasoned leader sunsetting... in the midst of uncertainties and operational issues... I started making that familiar trip to Louis Armstrong.  My goal was once every two months... if not more.  My photo albums started to fill up with gumbos and jamalayas and rice and beans.  While my United mileage started to creep up to the [mini] Apex of Silver Status.  
3. Pecha Kucha - I never doubted I was going to deliver... but to deliver to a room of 150-200 leaders, culminating in a standing ovation was unexpected. I didn't think I was going to top that... only to find myself 2 months later... giving an About Me presentation now to almost a 1000 employees... and getting the customary accolades followed by random strangers sending me IM's like, "Thank you. I felt heard."  Feel sorry for the people that had to follow me... *snicker
4. Return to Worship Team including Missions Conference - 3 summers ago... I went to take a drumming class just to have some fun.  Huda thunk I would eventually make it back on stage as part of the worship team.  And on the first day of returning I teamed with NN.  Followed by checking yet another item off my church-bucket-list of being on the worship team at Mission Conference!!!  Let's see if I'll be around for Deeper Life.... and if that works out... then the last thing, I think, on the church bucket list would be to translate for Deeper Life!!! Will it happen.....???  Doubtful... but ask me 4 years ago and I didn't think I was gonna be drumming either.
5. Glamping / Disney - So many things to write about... so many things that happened.  Just gotta give thanks for family trips that I need to cherish as we slowly run low on time with us as a family unit of 4 where we go on trips together.  Next time... it could be 3.  Or it could be 5.  Who knows?!?
6. Juli (RIP) - that last thought was actually planted by a friend, colleague, co-worker, boss.  She just came back from a trip to Italy with her family of four.. saying those exact words about this being a family trip for four.  I didn't realize how big an impact this would have on me.  Occasionally... I'll see actresses like Kristen Wiig that give off Juli vibes.  Or we'll be talking... and inevitably... someone will accidentally call Andrea, Juli.  Or even that moment... when I had to formally and finally remove her from my TEAMS Chat List.  I find solace... that I was able to travel with her one final time, broke bread, shared lives, and created so many fond memories.  Her legacy will live on forever. 
7. East Coast Trip - I tell everyone, including my kids, I love them equally.  There is no bias or favortism.  And yet... I like them differently.  Not one more than the other... they're just different.  And this year... NN did not make the list in spite of everything we've gone, and continue to go through.  Having led with that.... I spoke to SW on the phone on Tuesday or Wednesday of the ECT and asked if he was partnering with anyone to the boat dance.  He aptly said yes... and as a father would... my fatherly advice was, "Treat her with respect."  Friday night.... pictures start leaking online.... and one by one... you see his friends pop up.  And then his friend group is there but he's not with them!! Where is he?!?!?  Then finally... one of the moms popped a picture of a table with both guys and girls.  Initially... I thought it was the girl sitting NEXT to him.  Come to realize... that was her "wing-woman."  SW's partner was the girl across from him.... and as the days turn into weeks... into months....turns out they're in a steady relationship! (Very cute, wholesome, and innocent).  To a point... where SW met the girl's mom at graduation!!!  And then... come one long summer... they ended up separating due to long distance... and then... they're back together?!?!?!?!?  What's going on????? All my preaching about no dating until college... out the door when the rubber meets the road.... 
8. Colonsocopy - sometime, in 2023-24 (I forget), I got fat.  Really fat.  My stomach stuck out so far it was embarrassing. One time...mom saw me and acted "surprised."  She held her comments back but I knew.  I knew!!  Then this year... I finally signed up for my delayed colonoscopy, which preceded with fasting.  I parlayed on the 2 days of not eating with another 3 days of complete fast followed by a month long period of no carb diet.... doubled down with running and high intensity interval training.  I've since boomeranged back to a normal human being (heh), and eliminated by bouts of chips and soda binging. Now 15 lbs lighter... the kids say, "you're so skinny now, Bah B." 
9. 8 Mile - How often are resolutions kept??? Heh... still remember in the beginning of 2025... when SW burned me in both long and short distance running that I committed to run a 10 minute mile.  Only for him to challenge me to run it in 9.  Only for me to push it to the brink to run an 8 minute mile.  Fast forward into 2026... SW joins the cross country team... making huge strides that I may have achieved at my best and healthiest days as a teen... and he is my pacer.  He tells me he'll pace me for a 8:30... since I just hit my 9 minute mark... and during those 4 laps... I can tell he stretched me and pushed me.  7:56.... on the 4th lane.  It was faster than that!! All I needed... was a little push...  
10. Day of Reckoning - and with a little push... it came down to needing that little push that shoved me to my day of reckoning.  3/19th... and everything goes down (or up?) from there.  Only time will tell.  

2025 went by fast.  As did the first quarter of the century.  Will this blog even be around to catch the next 25....?? Let's not get ahead of ourselves... let's take this one step at a time... one moment at a time...