Sunday, June 29, 2003
HANGING WITH THE BOYS
After working yesterday, I was so excited to go hang out with the guys. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to play some basketball (shhh! Don't tell my orthopedic surgeon or my parents). It was a decent turnout and we all had a good time, despite the heat. We even had a pseudo dunk contest (Nathan Yu won).
And just when I thought things couldn't get any better, the guys all decided to go to MONTEBELLO! to eat (at Uncle Robby's, of course). So, there we were, chowing down on some good ol' Mexican food. And as I sat in the middle of the table, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.
After working yesterday, I was so excited to go hang out with the guys. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to play some basketball (shhh! Don't tell my orthopedic surgeon or my parents). It was a decent turnout and we all had a good time, despite the heat. We even had a pseudo dunk contest (Nathan Yu won).
And just when I thought things couldn't get any better, the guys all decided to go to MONTEBELLO! to eat (at Uncle Robby's, of course). So, there we were, chowing down on some good ol' Mexican food. And as I sat in the middle of the table, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.
Saturday, June 28, 2003
THE YEAR OF THE SEQUEL
When you're talking about the movies, this is truly the year of the sequel. Just think about it: The Matrix Reloaded, Charlie's Angels, Terminator 3, 2 Fast 2 Furious (which is one of the most clever titles I've ever heard), X2, etc.
Last night, Karena and I used our AMC movie tickets that were going to expire at the end of the month to see the Matrix Reloaded. I was pretty disappointed in that movie since it was so slow (although the actions scenes were good.) Plus, they should have edited it a little more to keep it from dragging so much.
Anyway, at one point during the preview for Terminator 3, Karena leaned over and said, "That's one of the few movies where the sequel was better than the original, huh?" I was quick to agree and then tried to think of some others. The Empire Strikes Back was the only other one that came to mind.
Any thoughts from you out there? Hit me back on the guestbook.
When you're talking about the movies, this is truly the year of the sequel. Just think about it: The Matrix Reloaded, Charlie's Angels, Terminator 3, 2 Fast 2 Furious (which is one of the most clever titles I've ever heard), X2, etc.
Last night, Karena and I used our AMC movie tickets that were going to expire at the end of the month to see the Matrix Reloaded. I was pretty disappointed in that movie since it was so slow (although the actions scenes were good.) Plus, they should have edited it a little more to keep it from dragging so much.
Anyway, at one point during the preview for Terminator 3, Karena leaned over and said, "That's one of the few movies where the sequel was better than the original, huh?" I was quick to agree and then tried to think of some others. The Empire Strikes Back was the only other one that came to mind.
Any thoughts from you out there? Hit me back on the guestbook.
Friday, June 27, 2003
CONFLICTED
Last night, we found a huge leak coming from out backyard. We were pretty stressed about the whole thing, but it all worked out because we were lucky enough to find the sprinkler main to shut off so we still had water in the house.
The problem is that this showed just how much I don't like being told what to do, even if it's from my parents. I think this has only gotten worse now that I'm a home-owner. Now, I'm conflicted because I'm also still very scared to take a stand or to be a leader. There's so much I don't know and yet somehow I'm having trouble being told what to do. This has left me conflicted.
Last night, we found a huge leak coming from out backyard. We were pretty stressed about the whole thing, but it all worked out because we were lucky enough to find the sprinkler main to shut off so we still had water in the house.
The problem is that this showed just how much I don't like being told what to do, even if it's from my parents. I think this has only gotten worse now that I'm a home-owner. Now, I'm conflicted because I'm also still very scared to take a stand or to be a leader. There's so much I don't know and yet somehow I'm having trouble being told what to do. This has left me conflicted.
Thursday, June 26, 2003
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Ever wonder what you would do if you got a license plate with the number 666 on it? Karena and I talked about it and we both decided that we'd change it immediately if we ever got one. And that got me thinking about my log-in number at work. It has those numbers in it, but I didn't bother changing it. Maybe it's just because I was lazy.
And besides, the number doesn't mean all that much to me anyway. My friends used to make fun of me calling me devilish names since my birthday is 6/6/76. Back then, I played it off, but it really hurt me to get called that because I considered myself a Christian and didn't want to be associated with anything devilish. And maybe that's a big reason why I would go through the trouble of changing my license plate. But I guess a computer ID is not important enough for me to do that. Either that, or my love for laziness is just too strong.
Ever wonder what you would do if you got a license plate with the number 666 on it? Karena and I talked about it and we both decided that we'd change it immediately if we ever got one. And that got me thinking about my log-in number at work. It has those numbers in it, but I didn't bother changing it. Maybe it's just because I was lazy.
And besides, the number doesn't mean all that much to me anyway. My friends used to make fun of me calling me devilish names since my birthday is 6/6/76. Back then, I played it off, but it really hurt me to get called that because I considered myself a Christian and didn't want to be associated with anything devilish. And maybe that's a big reason why I would go through the trouble of changing my license plate. But I guess a computer ID is not important enough for me to do that. Either that, or my love for laziness is just too strong.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
CHARLIE'S ANGELS HYPE
So, is this just pre-movie release hype or what? First, it's front page tabloid news that Demi Moore is going out with Ashton Kutcher (who's 15 years younger than she is). And now there's rumors that Cameron Diaz is going out with Justin Timerberlake. What is going on here? We sometimes see younger women go out with older guys. But now, there's a new trend of younger guys going out with older women. Now granted, these women are not just your typical run-of-the-mill women, but still.
I've decided it's all about the pre-movie release hype and nothing else. As soon as Charlie's Angels becomes #1 at the box office for a few weeks, both these "relationships" are over. You can quote me on it.
Of course, I shared this view with a friend of mine and he said I'm just jealous.
So, is this just pre-movie release hype or what? First, it's front page tabloid news that Demi Moore is going out with Ashton Kutcher (who's 15 years younger than she is). And now there's rumors that Cameron Diaz is going out with Justin Timerberlake. What is going on here? We sometimes see younger women go out with older guys. But now, there's a new trend of younger guys going out with older women. Now granted, these women are not just your typical run-of-the-mill women, but still.
I've decided it's all about the pre-movie release hype and nothing else. As soon as Charlie's Angels becomes #1 at the box office for a few weeks, both these "relationships" are over. You can quote me on it.
Of course, I shared this view with a friend of mine and he said I'm just jealous.
ARCHIVES
Apparently, something has gone haywire with the Archives part of my blogger so you won't be able to look at old blogs from the last month. (Thanks to Sandra for alerting me to this fact). Blogger is going through some changes so hopefully they get it fixed. But I'll see what I can do too.
Apparently, something has gone haywire with the Archives part of my blogger so you won't be able to look at old blogs from the last month. (Thanks to Sandra for alerting me to this fact). Blogger is going through some changes so hopefully they get it fixed. But I'll see what I can do too.
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
PULLING WEEDS
As you may recall, Tuesdays are our days off. And how did we spend this one? Yup, we spent practically all day pulling the weeds that have been growing wild. And let me tell you, they were everywhere. And some of them have VERY deep roots where you have to pull with all you might and all your body weight just to even have a chance. At times, I felt like I was at Disneyland at the Sword and the Sorcerer thing (Do they still have that?).
Anyway, Karena's mom was very kind to come over and bring all kinds of supplies for us to use. She even helped and didn't want to stop even though we requested that we quit for the day. Both Karena and I got all sun-burned (especially our necks).
But you know the worst part about all this? I'm scheduled to work both days this weekend so I'm scheduled to work the next 6 days straight. I won't be off again until next Tuesday where I'll be ... yup, you guessed it, pulling weeds again.
Sucks to be me.
As you may recall, Tuesdays are our days off. And how did we spend this one? Yup, we spent practically all day pulling the weeds that have been growing wild. And let me tell you, they were everywhere. And some of them have VERY deep roots where you have to pull with all you might and all your body weight just to even have a chance. At times, I felt like I was at Disneyland at the Sword and the Sorcerer thing (Do they still have that?).
Anyway, Karena's mom was very kind to come over and bring all kinds of supplies for us to use. She even helped and didn't want to stop even though we requested that we quit for the day. Both Karena and I got all sun-burned (especially our necks).
But you know the worst part about all this? I'm scheduled to work both days this weekend so I'm scheduled to work the next 6 days straight. I won't be off again until next Tuesday where I'll be ... yup, you guessed it, pulling weeds again.
Sucks to be me.
Monday, June 23, 2003
HAVING SANDRA, GABE, AND RAYMOND
I was asked this weekend what it's like to have three siblings now and I have to say it's a pretty sweet deal. Gabe has quickly acclimated himself to the family and fits right in. In fact, we already all treat him just like we would any other member of the family, although I don't know if that's good or bad. And I have to admit that it's really fun having Raymond around at weddings. He always makes himself have a good time and isn't afraid to get down with his bad self on the dance floor. It's too bad we don't break dance the way we used to in the mid-'80s. And as for Sandra, yes, she still forgets things from time to time and I have to admit that I was worried she might trip down the aisle at Liz's wedding, but she's still my lovable sister. She is A LOT of fun to be around and tells the best stories.
Having three siblings is a blessing.
I was asked this weekend what it's like to have three siblings now and I have to say it's a pretty sweet deal. Gabe has quickly acclimated himself to the family and fits right in. In fact, we already all treat him just like we would any other member of the family, although I don't know if that's good or bad. And I have to admit that it's really fun having Raymond around at weddings. He always makes himself have a good time and isn't afraid to get down with his bad self on the dance floor. It's too bad we don't break dance the way we used to in the mid-'80s. And as for Sandra, yes, she still forgets things from time to time and I have to admit that I was worried she might trip down the aisle at Liz's wedding, but she's still my lovable sister. She is A LOT of fun to be around and tells the best stories.
Having three siblings is a blessing.
Sunday, June 22, 2003
LIZ AND STEVEN'S WEDDING
Big, huge congratulations go out to Elizabeth and Steven (The Chics!) on getting married yesterday. The ceremony was amazingly relaxed and light-hearted. They seemed to have a good time with it, cracking jokes, etc. Afterward, they had a huge feast for a reception, complete with pork ribs, fresh fruit, egg rolls, shrimp cocktail (Reuel had about 10 of them), dim sum specialities, etc. It was better than going to a buffet. And they needed all this food because over 600 guests attended.
The dinner was held at the Bonaventure. The place was beautiful, the food was so-so, and the price for the valet parking was outrageous. But the night definitely belonged to the happy couple.
Afterward getting down our bad selves (Can you believe I convinced Karena to dance?!?), we rode the elevators to get a birds-eye view of Dowtown LA. There's just something cool about riding those elevators, even thought that's something I used to do in high school. Still, it was nice to share it with my wife.
Big, huge congratulations go out to Elizabeth and Steven (The Chics!) on getting married yesterday. The ceremony was amazingly relaxed and light-hearted. They seemed to have a good time with it, cracking jokes, etc. Afterward, they had a huge feast for a reception, complete with pork ribs, fresh fruit, egg rolls, shrimp cocktail (Reuel had about 10 of them), dim sum specialities, etc. It was better than going to a buffet. And they needed all this food because over 600 guests attended.
The dinner was held at the Bonaventure. The place was beautiful, the food was so-so, and the price for the valet parking was outrageous. But the night definitely belonged to the happy couple.
Afterward getting down our bad selves (Can you believe I convinced Karena to dance?!?), we rode the elevators to get a birds-eye view of Dowtown LA. There's just something cool about riding those elevators, even thought that's something I used to do in high school. Still, it was nice to share it with my wife.
Saturday, June 21, 2003
I AM SO PROUD
Friday was definitely a day to be proud.
Was it because I was able to leave work (West LA) at 6pm and make it all the way to Hacienda Heights by 6:50? Partially, but not really.
The real reason why I was so proud was not because of me at all. Instead, I was proud of my cousin Jonathan, who became an Eagle scout.
The ceremony was last night for three new inductees. The other two guys were in high school (one was actually entering college). But the amazing thing is Jonathan had almost double the accomplishments and merit badges that they other two guys had ... and he was 4-5 years younger, he started later, and did most of it without his father. Originally, he joined the Cub Scouts so he and Uncle Hayden (his dad) could spend more quality time together. But it's true what they said in the ceremony, "He lives in you, Jonathan."
Anyway, the highlight of the evening was definitely after they had all received their Eagle scout badges and handkerchiefs and Jonathan played Special Music on the piano -- that song from Ocean's Eleven at the end when they're all watching the Bellagio water show and slowly walk away one at a time. I forget the name of it, but it was beautifully played by him with heart and emotion.
Congratulations Jonathan on your many accomplishments. You truly are the man.
Friday was definitely a day to be proud.
Was it because I was able to leave work (West LA) at 6pm and make it all the way to Hacienda Heights by 6:50? Partially, but not really.
The real reason why I was so proud was not because of me at all. Instead, I was proud of my cousin Jonathan, who became an Eagle scout.
The ceremony was last night for three new inductees. The other two guys were in high school (one was actually entering college). But the amazing thing is Jonathan had almost double the accomplishments and merit badges that they other two guys had ... and he was 4-5 years younger, he started later, and did most of it without his father. Originally, he joined the Cub Scouts so he and Uncle Hayden (his dad) could spend more quality time together. But it's true what they said in the ceremony, "He lives in you, Jonathan."
Anyway, the highlight of the evening was definitely after they had all received their Eagle scout badges and handkerchiefs and Jonathan played Special Music on the piano -- that song from Ocean's Eleven at the end when they're all watching the Bellagio water show and slowly walk away one at a time. I forget the name of it, but it was beautifully played by him with heart and emotion.
Congratulations Jonathan on your many accomplishments. You truly are the man.
Thursday, June 19, 2003
GETTING THE BOOT
Yes, it is true that Karena and I are married. And yes, it is true that we now are homeowners. But does that mean we have to get the boot from our parents?
Both our parents are bringing loads and loads of stuff over to the house each time they come to visit. Is this just them being nice or are they trying to finally kick us out of the house? I feel a little like how Heathcliff Huxtable used to talk about getting the kids out of the house in The Cosby Show.
Nah, the truth is that we are both very grateful for our parents for providing for all our needs for so long (including a roof over our heads) and now it's just time for us to go about it on our own.
I personally don't see it as "getting the boot" so much as helping to get a jump-start on my new life.
P.S. Sandra and Gabe are back from Europe and Raymond is back from his vacation in Boston. Yeah! They were able to come see the house with my parents tonight. =)
Yes, it is true that Karena and I are married. And yes, it is true that we now are homeowners. But does that mean we have to get the boot from our parents?
Both our parents are bringing loads and loads of stuff over to the house each time they come to visit. Is this just them being nice or are they trying to finally kick us out of the house? I feel a little like how Heathcliff Huxtable used to talk about getting the kids out of the house in The Cosby Show.
Nah, the truth is that we are both very grateful for our parents for providing for all our needs for so long (including a roof over our heads) and now it's just time for us to go about it on our own.
I personally don't see it as "getting the boot" so much as helping to get a jump-start on my new life.
P.S. Sandra and Gabe are back from Europe and Raymond is back from his vacation in Boston. Yeah! They were able to come see the house with my parents tonight. =)
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
SO MUCH GOING ON
Again, I feel like life is moving at 1,000 miles an hour. Here's a quick recap with my thoughts:
1. Had both families over at the house for dinner to celebrate Father's Day and my mom's birthday.
Karena and I worked really hard to get the house looking decent (aka moving boxes into the corners). Karena prepared a VERY GOOD dinner and everyone had a great time.
2. Spent our off day (Tuesday) cleaning.
We went to the apartment we were living at to give it one final good cleaning (vacuuming, dusting, cleaning toilets, etc.)
3. Had lunch with Jesse.
It's no coincidence he has the same initials as Jesus Christ (just kidding. I know Christ isn't really Jesus' last name)
4. Had to stay late at work today for some Kaiser "improving customer service" thing.'
Hey, I got paid overtime to basically just sit there. Plus, I got a free dinner. What a deal!
5. Raymond and Sandra & Gabe come home from Boston and Europe, respectively.
I'm hoping they get a chance to visit the house before they all go back up north. I figure it's good to have people over to see the place now since we have a legitimate excuse to having a messy house.
Again, I feel like life is moving at 1,000 miles an hour. Here's a quick recap with my thoughts:
1. Had both families over at the house for dinner to celebrate Father's Day and my mom's birthday.
Karena and I worked really hard to get the house looking decent (aka moving boxes into the corners). Karena prepared a VERY GOOD dinner and everyone had a great time.
2. Spent our off day (Tuesday) cleaning.
We went to the apartment we were living at to give it one final good cleaning (vacuuming, dusting, cleaning toilets, etc.)
3. Had lunch with Jesse.
It's no coincidence he has the same initials as Jesus Christ (just kidding. I know Christ isn't really Jesus' last name)
4. Had to stay late at work today for some Kaiser "improving customer service" thing.'
Hey, I got paid overtime to basically just sit there. Plus, I got a free dinner. What a deal!
5. Raymond and Sandra & Gabe come home from Boston and Europe, respectively.
I'm hoping they get a chance to visit the house before they all go back up north. I figure it's good to have people over to see the place now since we have a legitimate excuse to having a messy house.
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
BEST LINE ON THE RADIO
The best line on the radio right now has to be from 50 Cent:
"I love you like the fat kid love cake."
Try using that as a pick-up line!
The best line on the radio right now has to be from 50 Cent:
"I love you like the fat kid love cake."
Try using that as a pick-up line!
Monday, June 16, 2003
A STRANGE MEMORY OF MY DAD
I don't know if it was becase of Father's Day or not, but I was talking to Karena about a strange memory of my dad. I was telling her when he was potty-training me that he would whistle to make me pee. It would be this very faint, high pitched whistle. But somehow, he got me trained like one of Pavlov's dogs to pee whenever I heard him whistle.
But I shouldn't have told Karena about this because now she's threatening to whistle at me while I sleep just to see if I'll end up peeing in my pants.
I don't know if it was becase of Father's Day or not, but I was talking to Karena about a strange memory of my dad. I was telling her when he was potty-training me that he would whistle to make me pee. It would be this very faint, high pitched whistle. But somehow, he got me trained like one of Pavlov's dogs to pee whenever I heard him whistle.
But I shouldn't have told Karena about this because now she's threatening to whistle at me while I sleep just to see if I'll end up peeing in my pants.
Sunday, June 15, 2003
A CULT PHENOMENON
In the last five days, I have gone to you four times.
I spend large amounts of money on you all the time ... and my wife encourages it!
I eat your food ... a lot.
I drink your wine.
I wear your clothes and shoes and eye glasses.
You have permeated every aspect of my life.
Like a drug dealer, sometimes you offer the first trial for free ... and I take it. All of them.
I get excited when I see you.
I don't even mind waiting in long lines just to spend a moment with you.
And this is not just true of me, but of so many people I know.
Hmm ... maybe Costco is becoming so big, it's like a cult. =)
In the last five days, I have gone to you four times.
I spend large amounts of money on you all the time ... and my wife encourages it!
I eat your food ... a lot.
I drink your wine.
I wear your clothes and shoes and eye glasses.
You have permeated every aspect of my life.
Like a drug dealer, sometimes you offer the first trial for free ... and I take it. All of them.
I get excited when I see you.
I don't even mind waiting in long lines just to spend a moment with you.
And this is not just true of me, but of so many people I know.
Hmm ... maybe Costco is becoming so big, it's like a cult. =)
Saturday, June 14, 2003
OPPORTUNITIES
I remember how freaked out I used to get in high school whenever there was a chemistry exam coming up. Why? Because I always knew that another exam would mean my grade would drop lower and lower into the depths of mediocrity (aka "C").
But one day, I decided to trust in the power of positive thinking. I tried to change my perspective on the test. I started thinking that these exams were opportunities to not bring me down, but to actually pull my grade up! What a great idea! After that, I did moderately better (C+), but I still appreciated my new outlook on tests.
And I think this is a great life lesson as well. I'm the type of guy who always cracks under pressure and is afraid of leading or taking a stand because of fear of failure. But why should events like this bring me down. Instead, they are opportunities I must seize to bring me up higher!
Ephesians 5:15-16: Be very careful, the , how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. This passage, which we read last night in Koinonia, got me thinking about how I should also live my life righteously and according to God's will.
So many opportunities to seize, so little time.
I remember how freaked out I used to get in high school whenever there was a chemistry exam coming up. Why? Because I always knew that another exam would mean my grade would drop lower and lower into the depths of mediocrity (aka "C").
But one day, I decided to trust in the power of positive thinking. I tried to change my perspective on the test. I started thinking that these exams were opportunities to not bring me down, but to actually pull my grade up! What a great idea! After that, I did moderately better (C+), but I still appreciated my new outlook on tests.
And I think this is a great life lesson as well. I'm the type of guy who always cracks under pressure and is afraid of leading or taking a stand because of fear of failure. But why should events like this bring me down. Instead, they are opportunities I must seize to bring me up higher!
Ephesians 5:15-16: Be very careful, the , how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. This passage, which we read last night in Koinonia, got me thinking about how I should also live my life righteously and according to God's will.
So many opportunities to seize, so little time.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
FANTASY ISLAND
On Tuesday, Karena and I finally moved into our house in Glendale. It was an exciting day, but one that was very busy ... not to mention a back-breaker. We did hire movers, but in order to save money, we decided to help them to speed up the job. That meant moving some pretty heavy stuff. Now, my back is all achy and I am once again bad advertising for my profession.
But the house looks good, except for all the boxes and things. The worst part is that we're both so busy that we dont' have any time to unpack things. And we had to pack in such a hurry that we now have no clue where anything is. The ongoing question around here is, "Honey, do you know where that is?" And the answer is always, "I have no clu." In fact, I just spent the last 20 minutes looking for a power strip so I could hook my computer up to it, except that I never found it. So, I have a make-shift station with extension cords coming from everywhere set up right now just so I could write this blog.
Anyway, you must be wondering about the title of this blog "Fantasy Island." Well, that is the nickname I gave our house because the house is literally the center of a circular street. You have to drive around our house as if it were an island surrounded by water. That fact, plus my love for Ricardo Montalban, made "Fantasy Island" the perfect nickname.
(In Ricardo Montalban's famous accent) Welcome to Fantasy Island!
On Tuesday, Karena and I finally moved into our house in Glendale. It was an exciting day, but one that was very busy ... not to mention a back-breaker. We did hire movers, but in order to save money, we decided to help them to speed up the job. That meant moving some pretty heavy stuff. Now, my back is all achy and I am once again bad advertising for my profession.
But the house looks good, except for all the boxes and things. The worst part is that we're both so busy that we dont' have any time to unpack things. And we had to pack in such a hurry that we now have no clue where anything is. The ongoing question around here is, "Honey, do you know where that is?" And the answer is always, "I have no clu." In fact, I just spent the last 20 minutes looking for a power strip so I could hook my computer up to it, except that I never found it. So, I have a make-shift station with extension cords coming from everywhere set up right now just so I could write this blog.
Anyway, you must be wondering about the title of this blog "Fantasy Island." Well, that is the nickname I gave our house because the house is literally the center of a circular street. You have to drive around our house as if it were an island surrounded by water. That fact, plus my love for Ricardo Montalban, made "Fantasy Island" the perfect nickname.
(In Ricardo Montalban's famous accent) Welcome to Fantasy Island!
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
VEGAS VACATION
I had the privilege of spending this past weekend in Las Vegas with some good friends. They said it was to celebrate my birthday, but I honestly didn't believe them at first. But after seeing how well they treated me, I had to believe them.
In 48 short hours, I was treated to a Marie Callender's Strawberry pie (on sale, but still very good!), 2 DVDs as gifts (The Transporter, Love and Basketball), a nice money clip (I left Vegas with it completely empty), two brunch buffets, one super expensive dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (I had a $32 steak that was the best I had ever tasted), and few travel and lodging. It was so great. Thanks guys for a great trip and a good chance to catch up with people. I left feeling tired, but I had a blast.
The weird part was that Karena didn't go because of her father's hospitalization. (He's now home and recoving, but still needs prayer!). So, it was sort of like a vacation from being married or a second bachelor party, minus all the wildness that could potentially come with it. Actually, the truth is that I spent the entire weekend missing my wife.
I had the privilege of spending this past weekend in Las Vegas with some good friends. They said it was to celebrate my birthday, but I honestly didn't believe them at first. But after seeing how well they treated me, I had to believe them.
In 48 short hours, I was treated to a Marie Callender's Strawberry pie (on sale, but still very good!), 2 DVDs as gifts (The Transporter, Love and Basketball), a nice money clip (I left Vegas with it completely empty), two brunch buffets, one super expensive dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (I had a $32 steak that was the best I had ever tasted), and few travel and lodging. It was so great. Thanks guys for a great trip and a good chance to catch up with people. I left feeling tired, but I had a blast.
The weird part was that Karena didn't go because of her father's hospitalization. (He's now home and recoving, but still needs prayer!). So, it was sort of like a vacation from being married or a second bachelor party, minus all the wildness that could potentially come with it. Actually, the truth is that I spent the entire weekend missing my wife.
Sunday, June 08, 2003
BATHROOM READING
When we moved into the Glendale apartment, I decided that it would be a good thing to give our guests some bathroom reading ... you know just in case they need to spend a little time in there. But what should I leave in there? Magazines, newspapers, medical journals? After contemplating the decision, I decided on some good reading: the special sports sections from our local championship teams.
In the last few years, the Lakers, the Angels, the Sparks, the Galaxy, the Xtreme (no longer in existence) have all won championships and I have kept a few of the LA Times special sections they have published to honor these teams.
So that's one of the big reasons why I want the Mighty Ducks to win the Stanely Cup so badly. That would be yet another sport in which we have won a championship. And one more new thing for our guests to read at the house.
When we moved into the Glendale apartment, I decided that it would be a good thing to give our guests some bathroom reading ... you know just in case they need to spend a little time in there. But what should I leave in there? Magazines, newspapers, medical journals? After contemplating the decision, I decided on some good reading: the special sports sections from our local championship teams.
In the last few years, the Lakers, the Angels, the Sparks, the Galaxy, the Xtreme (no longer in existence) have all won championships and I have kept a few of the LA Times special sections they have published to honor these teams.
So that's one of the big reasons why I want the Mighty Ducks to win the Stanely Cup so badly. That would be yet another sport in which we have won a championship. And one more new thing for our guests to read at the house.
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
FAST WORK
I may complain a lot about how much work is involved at Kaiser, but the truth is that it makes the day go by really quickly. Michael and I had repeated conversation about being the middle child and having super-smart, over-achieving older brothers. They were always the types to put in the extra effort, staying up late to review notes or do extra homework, and later staying late at work (even if they were off the clock!). But Michael and I were never that type. And we never thought we would be.
But lately, Mike has been staying late and that left me feeling guilty whenever I left early from UCLA (which was often). But now that I'm at Kaiser, I'm staying about 30 minutes late everday. And the crazy part is that the 10 hour days go by so quickly because I'm just rushing from patient to patient.
But what I'm really scared of is that I'm not able to work out after work so I'm afraid I'm to gain back all the weight I lost before the wedding.
I may complain a lot about how much work is involved at Kaiser, but the truth is that it makes the day go by really quickly. Michael and I had repeated conversation about being the middle child and having super-smart, over-achieving older brothers. They were always the types to put in the extra effort, staying up late to review notes or do extra homework, and later staying late at work (even if they were off the clock!). But Michael and I were never that type. And we never thought we would be.
But lately, Mike has been staying late and that left me feeling guilty whenever I left early from UCLA (which was often). But now that I'm at Kaiser, I'm staying about 30 minutes late everday. And the crazy part is that the 10 hour days go by so quickly because I'm just rushing from patient to patient.
But what I'm really scared of is that I'm not able to work out after work so I'm afraid I'm to gain back all the weight I lost before the wedding.
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
OLD PICTURES AND HOME
Having Tuesdays off has been great for Karena and me. Today, we spent the time running some errands for the house and had lunch with Ko and Charice at Mimi's Cafe. While we were there eating away at meatloaf (I always get the meatloaf), we showed them our wedding photos. And that got me thinking.
When I was a kid, I used to see all these wedding photos that "adults" had. They were classic and old looking -- one of those things that should be looked at but never touched. But as we sat there looking at the pictures, it just hit me that I finally AM that guy with those classic, old looking pictures. I'm just glad our photographers (Wah Chan, Julie, and Charles) were good enough to add a bunch of fun shots into the mix. Plus, now for the rest of our lives, we will have close friends we can later tell our kids, "This guy was one of my groomsmen" or "She was your mom's matron of honor!"
Plus, today was the first time while walking around the house, I actually felt like it was ours. We've only brought a few boxes over and don't plan on moving the majority of our stuff until next week, but the place is become ours more and more. Hopefully, as we put more and more of our stuff there, it'll feel more like home. Right now, a part of me still considers my Montebello house home, but I think that'll all change very soon. Maybe it'll help me consider this Glendale house home if I carry Karena over the threshhold.
Having Tuesdays off has been great for Karena and me. Today, we spent the time running some errands for the house and had lunch with Ko and Charice at Mimi's Cafe. While we were there eating away at meatloaf (I always get the meatloaf), we showed them our wedding photos. And that got me thinking.
When I was a kid, I used to see all these wedding photos that "adults" had. They were classic and old looking -- one of those things that should be looked at but never touched. But as we sat there looking at the pictures, it just hit me that I finally AM that guy with those classic, old looking pictures. I'm just glad our photographers (Wah Chan, Julie, and Charles) were good enough to add a bunch of fun shots into the mix. Plus, now for the rest of our lives, we will have close friends we can later tell our kids, "This guy was one of my groomsmen" or "She was your mom's matron of honor!"
Plus, today was the first time while walking around the house, I actually felt like it was ours. We've only brought a few boxes over and don't plan on moving the majority of our stuff until next week, but the place is become ours more and more. Hopefully, as we put more and more of our stuff there, it'll feel more like home. Right now, a part of me still considers my Montebello house home, but I think that'll all change very soon. Maybe it'll help me consider this Glendale house home if I carry Karena over the threshhold.
Sunday, June 01, 2003
RANDOM THOUGHTS OF THE DAY
1. I was driving and I heard that song by Nas (a rap artist) that encourage kids: "I know I can/Be what I wanna be/If I work hard at it/I'll be where I wanna be." Don't get me wrong, I'm happy a rapper can turn sympathetic and have compassion on the youth of today. But what kind of world do we live in where we have to turn to rappers to get encouragement like that? Where are the parents of today's youth?
2. I spent Sunday morning at CEFC and I have to admit that the most moving part of the whole service was the communion time. What a great opportunity and privilege for us to come before the Lord's table to eat and drink in remembrance of him. Besides, I have to admit that I was totally distracted during the sermon and my thoughts were with Koinonia as they went to "Black Church" today as part of Day 3 of the Koinonia retreat.
3. I think it's okay to say on this site now: My father-in-law is in the hospital with a heart condition. Please continue to pray for him. If you want more info, please speak to one of us directly.
4. We plan on packing up our stuff over the next week and hopefully plan to move into the house by the end of next week (if everything goes smoothly). I'm excited and nervous about being "the man of the house."
5. I need a nap.
1. I was driving and I heard that song by Nas (a rap artist) that encourage kids: "I know I can/Be what I wanna be/If I work hard at it/I'll be where I wanna be." Don't get me wrong, I'm happy a rapper can turn sympathetic and have compassion on the youth of today. But what kind of world do we live in where we have to turn to rappers to get encouragement like that? Where are the parents of today's youth?
2. I spent Sunday morning at CEFC and I have to admit that the most moving part of the whole service was the communion time. What a great opportunity and privilege for us to come before the Lord's table to eat and drink in remembrance of him. Besides, I have to admit that I was totally distracted during the sermon and my thoughts were with Koinonia as they went to "Black Church" today as part of Day 3 of the Koinonia retreat.
3. I think it's okay to say on this site now: My father-in-law is in the hospital with a heart condition. Please continue to pray for him. If you want more info, please speak to one of us directly.
4. We plan on packing up our stuff over the next week and hopefully plan to move into the house by the end of next week (if everything goes smoothly). I'm excited and nervous about being "the man of the house."
5. I need a nap.
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