Thursday, October 30, 2003
IT'S BEEN A WHILE
Due to a very busy week, I've been away from the internet completely, but I'm back ... with so many random thoughts, I'll have to go quickly:
1. We crossed the picket lines and went to Ralphs. It's weird to see empty shelves and items with a "Best Before" date so close to the current date. But I have to admit, I'm only minimally in favor of their strike. Sorry, guys.
2. We had dinner at Morton's Steakhouse in Burbank Tuesday night. And even after a $50 giftcard, it was still over $50 just for the two of us. The porterhouse was delicious and Karena's prime rib was huge and flavorful, but I don't think it was worth the price. I'd rather go to Claim Jumper or Black Angus.
3. I've been dropping food or splashing sauces onto my shirts lately. I used to be pretty good about this type of thing, but lately, it's just gotten bad (including the steak's juices all over my nice dress shirt).
4. We left the house at 6:30 am and didn't come back home until 11 at night last night. This just goes to show that we're WAY TOO busy!!!
5. Pray for rain! Southern California needs it desperately to help put out these fires.
6. Shaq and Kobe fight ... Lakers win the championship. Apparently, it's a winning formula.
Due to a very busy week, I've been away from the internet completely, but I'm back ... with so many random thoughts, I'll have to go quickly:
1. We crossed the picket lines and went to Ralphs. It's weird to see empty shelves and items with a "Best Before" date so close to the current date. But I have to admit, I'm only minimally in favor of their strike. Sorry, guys.
2. We had dinner at Morton's Steakhouse in Burbank Tuesday night. And even after a $50 giftcard, it was still over $50 just for the two of us. The porterhouse was delicious and Karena's prime rib was huge and flavorful, but I don't think it was worth the price. I'd rather go to Claim Jumper or Black Angus.
3. I've been dropping food or splashing sauces onto my shirts lately. I used to be pretty good about this type of thing, but lately, it's just gotten bad (including the steak's juices all over my nice dress shirt).
4. We left the house at 6:30 am and didn't come back home until 11 at night last night. This just goes to show that we're WAY TOO busy!!!
5. Pray for rain! Southern California needs it desperately to help put out these fires.
6. Shaq and Kobe fight ... Lakers win the championship. Apparently, it's a winning formula.
Monday, October 27, 2003
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Karena and I skipped Sunday morning service this week ... but for good reason: We had brunch with Raymond, Sandra, Jonathan, Raymond's two friends, and Raymond's girlfriend Lynn. We shared many laughs (mostly at Raymond's expense) and we couldn't get over how bad the Sunday Cafe service was (the worst I have ever seen. Don't they know you can't do some of the things they were doing?)
But it was great finally meeting Lynn (she's VERY cool) and being able to hang out with my brother and sister.
And just to show you what a great day it was, afterward, we went to church and ended up going to eat again about 15 minutes later.
What a great day!
Karena and I skipped Sunday morning service this week ... but for good reason: We had brunch with Raymond, Sandra, Jonathan, Raymond's two friends, and Raymond's girlfriend Lynn. We shared many laughs (mostly at Raymond's expense) and we couldn't get over how bad the Sunday Cafe service was (the worst I have ever seen. Don't they know you can't do some of the things they were doing?)
But it was great finally meeting Lynn (she's VERY cool) and being able to hang out with my brother and sister.
And just to show you what a great day it was, afterward, we went to church and ended up going to eat again about 15 minutes later.
What a great day!
Sunday, October 26, 2003
FIRE
As we drove from Glendale eastward for church and even further eastward to visit my grandfather at the hospital, it just got worse and worse.
It got darker, more murky.
Ash was falling all over us. It was all over my car like a guy with bad dandruff. And it was even more noticeable on the cars next to me that had been parked there a little longer.
You could smell the smoke. And all you could do was think about the 200+ families who are now homeless and the countless number of people who have been displaced as a result of the fire. And your heart goes out to these people and to the firefighters who are risking life and limb to contain these devastating fires.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
As we drove from Glendale eastward for church and even further eastward to visit my grandfather at the hospital, it just got worse and worse.
It got darker, more murky.
Ash was falling all over us. It was all over my car like a guy with bad dandruff. And it was even more noticeable on the cars next to me that had been parked there a little longer.
You could smell the smoke. And all you could do was think about the 200+ families who are now homeless and the countless number of people who have been displaced as a result of the fire. And your heart goes out to these people and to the firefighters who are risking life and limb to contain these devastating fires.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF SATURDAY
What a day this turned out to be. First, it was so nice to be able to sleep in. Even though this work weeked seemed okay for the most part, I was exhausted and couldn't wait to get to the weekend. It felt so good to sleep in.
After going to the Glendale Galleria, I've decided (1) Looking at jewelry doesn't interest me ... at all; (2) People are so stupid because I seem more Kobe jerseys now than ever before. They're worshipping an adulterer (at least) and maybe more. I mean, I still love the guy and cheer for him, but come on. Let's be realistic about this.
Then, we went to church to help set up for the international pot luck, except we were late and Debbie had everything set up already. Still, it is always good to see them and other good friends.
Afterward, we got word that my grandfather was going to the ER because he had probably had a stroke. We picked up my mom and sister (who is in town along with Raymond for a very brief weekend -- Ray has a wedding to go to). We sat in the ER and visited with my grandfather, and then left to have dinner and visit with my ailing grandmother, who is recovering from multiple strokes of her own. It was a somber evening. Please pray for him.
Afterward, we went to Simon's to catch the final leg of Steven Ng's birthday bash. We had a great time just hanging out and playing Texas Hold 'Em.
Life is full of ups and downs and Saturday was no exception.
What a day this turned out to be. First, it was so nice to be able to sleep in. Even though this work weeked seemed okay for the most part, I was exhausted and couldn't wait to get to the weekend. It felt so good to sleep in.
After going to the Glendale Galleria, I've decided (1) Looking at jewelry doesn't interest me ... at all; (2) People are so stupid because I seem more Kobe jerseys now than ever before. They're worshipping an adulterer (at least) and maybe more. I mean, I still love the guy and cheer for him, but come on. Let's be realistic about this.
Then, we went to church to help set up for the international pot luck, except we were late and Debbie had everything set up already. Still, it is always good to see them and other good friends.
Afterward, we got word that my grandfather was going to the ER because he had probably had a stroke. We picked up my mom and sister (who is in town along with Raymond for a very brief weekend -- Ray has a wedding to go to). We sat in the ER and visited with my grandfather, and then left to have dinner and visit with my ailing grandmother, who is recovering from multiple strokes of her own. It was a somber evening. Please pray for him.
Afterward, we went to Simon's to catch the final leg of Steven Ng's birthday bash. We had a great time just hanging out and playing Texas Hold 'Em.
Life is full of ups and downs and Saturday was no exception.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Im
Instant messaging is fun. I've had the privilege of chatting with Sandra, my cousin Allison, and Nathan so far. Chat with me.
Instant messaging is fun. I've had the privilege of chatting with Sandra, my cousin Allison, and Nathan so far. Chat with me.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
I had originally planned on writing a blog about how I seem to do things better when I'm mad. Maybe it's because I finally push aside all my self-doubt or don't focus on all the negative thoughts swirling in my head. Whatever th case may be, I 've decided that I am very similar to The Incredible Hulk. He did his best work when he was mad. Maybe I'm the same way.
But after thinking about this and deciding that this topic would be my blog entry, I had a patient come in and say she was so much worse after seeing me last time and wanted to know what other options she had. In essense, she was saying implying that I had made her worse and she didn't believe physical therapy could help her. That killed me and I was so upset at myself and disappointed. After that, the whole day changed. My outlook changed. I was edgy, nervous, upset, quiet, frustrated, and hurting.
Did Dr. Bruce Banner ever feel this way?
I had originally planned on writing a blog about how I seem to do things better when I'm mad. Maybe it's because I finally push aside all my self-doubt or don't focus on all the negative thoughts swirling in my head. Whatever th case may be, I 've decided that I am very similar to The Incredible Hulk. He did his best work when he was mad. Maybe I'm the same way.
But after thinking about this and deciding that this topic would be my blog entry, I had a patient come in and say she was so much worse after seeing me last time and wanted to know what other options she had. In essense, she was saying implying that I had made her worse and she didn't believe physical therapy could help her. That killed me and I was so upset at myself and disappointed. After that, the whole day changed. My outlook changed. I was edgy, nervous, upset, quiet, frustrated, and hurting.
Did Dr. Bruce Banner ever feel this way?
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
MORE CAR TROUBLES
After using up most of our day off to turn various errands, we were pretty beat. But we still had to make one more trip to Costco (our second of the day) so that Karena could get gas and to check out their selection of glasses.
But after filling up, we couldn't start her car. The battery had died. How could this be possible after we just went through the same thing with my car two short months ago. So, I got out and helped to push her car into a parking space and we proceeded to run our Costco errands.
Afterward, God sent us an angel in the form of the guy parked next to us with a big truck. He was kind enough to give us a jump and we able to make it to Sears to buy a new battery. (We always buy our car batteries from Sears because they sell the DieHard kind.)
Afterward, Karena said she knew it would work out because she prayed and had faith. Of course, I did the same thing and knew the same thing.
But next time, we probably should pray together.
After using up most of our day off to turn various errands, we were pretty beat. But we still had to make one more trip to Costco (our second of the day) so that Karena could get gas and to check out their selection of glasses.
But after filling up, we couldn't start her car. The battery had died. How could this be possible after we just went through the same thing with my car two short months ago. So, I got out and helped to push her car into a parking space and we proceeded to run our Costco errands.
Afterward, God sent us an angel in the form of the guy parked next to us with a big truck. He was kind enough to give us a jump and we able to make it to Sears to buy a new battery. (We always buy our car batteries from Sears because they sell the DieHard kind.)
Afterward, Karena said she knew it would work out because she prayed and had faith. Of course, I did the same thing and knew the same thing.
But next time, we probably should pray together.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
SUNDAY
Some day of rest this turned out to be! After going to church, we didn't stay for Sunday school so we could go work on Jason. We've been really concerned about him lately since it seems like his body is shutting down one system and one joint at a time. We were able to do some things with him that hopefully made him feel better. We will continue to pray for you, Jas!
Afterward, we drove down to Newport Beach to see one of Karena's co-workers at Hoag Hospital. She had both her knees replaced and was doing great!!! My two cents on that hospital: it is BY FAR the most beautiful hospitals I have ever been to (and I've been to a lot of hospitals). It totally fits the Newport Beach scene -- stylish, luxurious, and trendy. Typical OC. My second thought was how weird the official name of it was: Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Why can't it just be Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital? Weird.
Finally, we drove back just in time for dinner with my extended Shen side of the family. We ate Shanghainese food and everybody got to get to know Karena a little better (since that wasn't an option at the wedding). The food was good, and the company even better.
And we made it back home just in time for Alias, Karena's favorite show.
Some day of rest this turned out to be! After going to church, we didn't stay for Sunday school so we could go work on Jason. We've been really concerned about him lately since it seems like his body is shutting down one system and one joint at a time. We were able to do some things with him that hopefully made him feel better. We will continue to pray for you, Jas!
Afterward, we drove down to Newport Beach to see one of Karena's co-workers at Hoag Hospital. She had both her knees replaced and was doing great!!! My two cents on that hospital: it is BY FAR the most beautiful hospitals I have ever been to (and I've been to a lot of hospitals). It totally fits the Newport Beach scene -- stylish, luxurious, and trendy. Typical OC. My second thought was how weird the official name of it was: Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Why can't it just be Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital? Weird.
Finally, we drove back just in time for dinner with my extended Shen side of the family. We ate Shanghainese food and everybody got to get to know Karena a little better (since that wasn't an option at the wedding). The food was good, and the company even better.
And we made it back home just in time for Alias, Karena's favorite show.
Monday, October 20, 2003
CHEESE
I pretty much always have sandwiches for lunch. And they're almost always the same thing: wheat bread, romaine lettuce, a little lite mayo, and luncheon meat. Nothing fancy, just what it takes to hold me over from breakfast to dinner. But these past few weeks, I've been putting some good ol' Kraft American cheese. I'm telling you, nothing dresses up a sandwich better than cheese!
I pretty much always have sandwiches for lunch. And they're almost always the same thing: wheat bread, romaine lettuce, a little lite mayo, and luncheon meat. Nothing fancy, just what it takes to hold me over from breakfast to dinner. But these past few weeks, I've been putting some good ol' Kraft American cheese. I'm telling you, nothing dresses up a sandwich better than cheese!
Sunday, October 19, 2003
HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS
As we were driving around tonight, we couldn't help but notice that about 1 in every 4 houses we drove by had some sort of Halloween decoration up. And I'm not talking about just a jack o'lantern or something simple like that. I'm talking about full on decorations. Here's a quick list of some of the things we saw tonigth: A 6' pumpkin in someone's driveway, a "Happy Halloween" light picture projected on a garage door, a house covered in cotton cobwebs and about 20 ghosts and skeletons, orange and black lights around the house, hanging skeletons with flashing lights, a complete set of witches leaving a lawn turned cemetery complete with many tombstones.
This left both Karena and me a little bit irked. What's Halloween all about anyway? What kind of message are we sending kids when everyone gets so overly excited about decorating for Halloween and not even caring about the true meaning of Christmas and Easter or even acknowledging and remembering troops on Memorial Day or specific people like President's Day or Martin Luther King Day.
It's a sad world we live in.
As we were driving around tonight, we couldn't help but notice that about 1 in every 4 houses we drove by had some sort of Halloween decoration up. And I'm not talking about just a jack o'lantern or something simple like that. I'm talking about full on decorations. Here's a quick list of some of the things we saw tonigth: A 6' pumpkin in someone's driveway, a "Happy Halloween" light picture projected on a garage door, a house covered in cotton cobwebs and about 20 ghosts and skeletons, orange and black lights around the house, hanging skeletons with flashing lights, a complete set of witches leaving a lawn turned cemetery complete with many tombstones.
This left both Karena and me a little bit irked. What's Halloween all about anyway? What kind of message are we sending kids when everyone gets so overly excited about decorating for Halloween and not even caring about the true meaning of Christmas and Easter or even acknowledging and remembering troops on Memorial Day or specific people like President's Day or Martin Luther King Day.
It's a sad world we live in.
Saturday, October 18, 2003
NEWLYWEDS
I'm not exactly sure how we started watching the show, but MTV's Newlyweds has quickly become one of our favorites. It stars pop musicians Nick Lachey (formerly of 98 Degrees) and Jessica Simpson. As the name of the show implies, they recently were married. And now, MTV is capitalizing on showing all the highs and lows of married life, especially for two young people trying to establish themselves professionally, personally, and as husband and wife.
Although they're situation is very different (read: they have $$$ and we don't), it's interesting to us to see what they disagree on and how they settle their differences. It's led to some healthy discussions for our own marriage. But, it's also pretty funny when Jessica Simpson says some of her notorious funny lines. Hmm ... how to do I put this nicely? She's not the sharpest tool in the shed. So, she says things like "I don't want any Buffalo wings because I don't eat buffalo." and "I'm turning 23, which is almost 25, which is almost my mid-twenties!"
I'm not exactly sure how we started watching the show, but MTV's Newlyweds has quickly become one of our favorites. It stars pop musicians Nick Lachey (formerly of 98 Degrees) and Jessica Simpson. As the name of the show implies, they recently were married. And now, MTV is capitalizing on showing all the highs and lows of married life, especially for two young people trying to establish themselves professionally, personally, and as husband and wife.
Although they're situation is very different (read: they have $$$ and we don't), it's interesting to us to see what they disagree on and how they settle their differences. It's led to some healthy discussions for our own marriage. But, it's also pretty funny when Jessica Simpson says some of her notorious funny lines. Hmm ... how to do I put this nicely? She's not the sharpest tool in the shed. So, she says things like "I don't want any Buffalo wings because I don't eat buffalo." and "I'm turning 23, which is almost 25, which is almost my mid-twenties!"
Thursday, October 16, 2003
SONIC BOONE
Apparently, the respective baseball curses of of the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs live on. One day after the Cubs got bounced from the playoffs, the Red Sox got the same treatment in the same dramatic fashion. Five outs away from their first World Series appearance in over 15 years, Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez suddenly collapsed and allowed the tying run to score. Then, in extra innings, Yankee Aaron Boone hit a shot into the New York night and before you knew it, that darn Frank Sinatra "New York, New York" is blaring through the Yankee Stadium speakers again.
The Curse of the Bambino?
The Curse of the Billy Goat (and not that poor fan)?
Now, I'm a believer.
*sigh*
Apparently, the respective baseball curses of of the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs live on. One day after the Cubs got bounced from the playoffs, the Red Sox got the same treatment in the same dramatic fashion. Five outs away from their first World Series appearance in over 15 years, Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez suddenly collapsed and allowed the tying run to score. Then, in extra innings, Yankee Aaron Boone hit a shot into the New York night and before you knew it, that darn Frank Sinatra "New York, New York" is blaring through the Yankee Stadium speakers again.
The Curse of the Bambino?
The Curse of the Billy Goat (and not that poor fan)?
Now, I'm a believer.
*sigh*
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
HAVING A BALL
Karena and I went shopping at Old Navy yesterday. Because I recently cleaned out my closet and found a lot of old clothes I now see as new, I decided not to buy anything. (As an aside, if you ever want to "buy" some new clothes. You should take a bunch of your clothes, hide it for 6 months, and then pull it out. You get the feeling of new clothes, without paying the new clothes price. Just another friendly Montebello/Chinese tip).
Anyway, I was getting bored in there while Karena was trying things on. Luckily for me, Old Navy is selling Old Navy footballs, basketballs, and volleyballs. I picked up a football and was having a blast twirling the ball up in the air, throwing it to myself, bobbing and weavinga around the clothes racks as if they were defensive lineman keeping me from scoring a touchdown. I was having a great time until Karena was done and it was time to leave.
Only then did I have these two thougths: (1) I'm still a kid at heart; (2) I must have loooked REALLY stupid doing my spin moves against the clearance rack!
Karena and I went shopping at Old Navy yesterday. Because I recently cleaned out my closet and found a lot of old clothes I now see as new, I decided not to buy anything. (As an aside, if you ever want to "buy" some new clothes. You should take a bunch of your clothes, hide it for 6 months, and then pull it out. You get the feeling of new clothes, without paying the new clothes price. Just another friendly Montebello/Chinese tip).
Anyway, I was getting bored in there while Karena was trying things on. Luckily for me, Old Navy is selling Old Navy footballs, basketballs, and volleyballs. I picked up a football and was having a blast twirling the ball up in the air, throwing it to myself, bobbing and weavinga around the clothes racks as if they were defensive lineman keeping me from scoring a touchdown. I was having a great time until Karena was done and it was time to leave.
Only then did I have these two thougths: (1) I'm still a kid at heart; (2) I must have loooked REALLY stupid doing my spin moves against the clearance rack!
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
ON STRIKE
I already thought it was bad enough that we aren't supposed to go shopping at our local supermarkets because they are on strike, but now I hear that the bus drivers, rail operators, and mechanics are on strike too. All this talk about strikes has left me with mixed feelings.
Karena and I were wondering, "Who says we can't go into our local Ralphs and buy some food?" I guess because PTs don't have unions, we are slightly less sympathetic to their cause. We don't mean any disrespect by it though! All we want to do is buy some food for dinner. People have told us we should go to Trader Joe's or Costco so we don't cross the picket lines. But hey, I understand their situation and feel badly for the grocery store workers, but I work long hours and the last thing I want to deal with after being at work for 12-13 hours is I can't go in to buy myself some chicken for dinner.
And the bus and rail strike is already causing even more havoc on LA's busy freeways. Plus, many of my patients will not be able to get in for their physical therapy appointments as a result.
Am I being selfish about this whole thing? Absolutely. I know that I am and should probably be more understanding to these people's plight. But I just am very conflicted about this whole thing. Please share your thoughts -- whether in agreement or disagreement.
P.S. Karena and I usually go to Ralph's on Tuesdays to do our grocery shopping. We didn't go today.
I already thought it was bad enough that we aren't supposed to go shopping at our local supermarkets because they are on strike, but now I hear that the bus drivers, rail operators, and mechanics are on strike too. All this talk about strikes has left me with mixed feelings.
Karena and I were wondering, "Who says we can't go into our local Ralphs and buy some food?" I guess because PTs don't have unions, we are slightly less sympathetic to their cause. We don't mean any disrespect by it though! All we want to do is buy some food for dinner. People have told us we should go to Trader Joe's or Costco so we don't cross the picket lines. But hey, I understand their situation and feel badly for the grocery store workers, but I work long hours and the last thing I want to deal with after being at work for 12-13 hours is I can't go in to buy myself some chicken for dinner.
And the bus and rail strike is already causing even more havoc on LA's busy freeways. Plus, many of my patients will not be able to get in for their physical therapy appointments as a result.
Am I being selfish about this whole thing? Absolutely. I know that I am and should probably be more understanding to these people's plight. But I just am very conflicted about this whole thing. Please share your thoughts -- whether in agreement or disagreement.
P.S. Karena and I usually go to Ralph's on Tuesdays to do our grocery shopping. We didn't go today.
Monday, October 13, 2003
THE UPS AND DOWNS
When I'm at work, I'm in a consant struggle between feeling up and down. When I can make a patient feel better, I leave the treatment session feeling great, even if I'm exhausted afterward. It's such a good feeling knowing that you were directly able to affect a patient's pain for the better. But when they don't get better after multiple treatments (or they get worse), I leave feeling so disappointed and hurt. It's such a painful experience for me because I feel like I let them down and disappointed them. But PT can't save everybody and I definitely can't help everybody.
I guess the old sports cliche applies: You should never reach your highest high when things or up or reach your lowest low when things are down.
When I'm at work, I'm in a consant struggle between feeling up and down. When I can make a patient feel better, I leave the treatment session feeling great, even if I'm exhausted afterward. It's such a good feeling knowing that you were directly able to affect a patient's pain for the better. But when they don't get better after multiple treatments (or they get worse), I leave feeling so disappointed and hurt. It's such a painful experience for me because I feel like I let them down and disappointed them. But PT can't save everybody and I definitely can't help everybody.
I guess the old sports cliche applies: You should never reach your highest high when things or up or reach your lowest low when things are down.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
AIM
I'm not sure why, but for some reason, I felt like signing onto AIM when I woke up this morning. Maybe I was feeling lonely. Maybe I just missed talking to you. Whatever the case may be, I'm on and have NOBODY on my buddy list. So, if you want to talk to me and don't want to pick up the phone, find me on AIM!
I'm not sure why, but for some reason, I felt like signing onto AIM when I woke up this morning. Maybe I was feeling lonely. Maybe I just missed talking to you. Whatever the case may be, I'm on and have NOBODY on my buddy list. So, if you want to talk to me and don't want to pick up the phone, find me on AIM!
Saturday, October 11, 2003
HERE'S WHAT I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT LATELY
Every once in a while, some random thoughts pop into my head and I mull them over and over. Here are the two most recent ones:
1. This world values potential. So much so, that sometimes it's valued more than talent. For example, you don't have to be into basketball to know who LeBron James is. At 18, he is already the biggest NBA attraction without even playing one official game yet. Plus, he's already signed a $90 million dollar deal with Nike. Why? Pure potential. What if he turns out to be a total bust or just a "pretty good" player. That's very possible. And yet he's more valued for his potential than some of the NBA's current superstars. Young stars get all the attention. Kids love to play with new toys. People mourn harder and deeper over the loss of a young child. I think to a certain extent, potential is behind all of those.
2. Why do you work? Is it strictly for the paycheck or do you find satisfaction in your work? I hope none of my bosses or co-workers are reading this, but I have to admit that I work for the paycheck. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do and I really enjoy the personal aspect of my job. But at the end of the week when my paycheck comes, I immediately think about how this money will go directly towards our mortgage, bills, and personal expenses. That's probably why I'm only moderately interested in going for more certifications that would put more letters after my name. I'd like to get them, but I'm not kicking myself because I don't have them. As long as I can get my patients better, I don't care if I have DPT, OCS, CSCS, etc after my name or not.
Every once in a while, some random thoughts pop into my head and I mull them over and over. Here are the two most recent ones:
1. This world values potential. So much so, that sometimes it's valued more than talent. For example, you don't have to be into basketball to know who LeBron James is. At 18, he is already the biggest NBA attraction without even playing one official game yet. Plus, he's already signed a $90 million dollar deal with Nike. Why? Pure potential. What if he turns out to be a total bust or just a "pretty good" player. That's very possible. And yet he's more valued for his potential than some of the NBA's current superstars. Young stars get all the attention. Kids love to play with new toys. People mourn harder and deeper over the loss of a young child. I think to a certain extent, potential is behind all of those.
2. Why do you work? Is it strictly for the paycheck or do you find satisfaction in your work? I hope none of my bosses or co-workers are reading this, but I have to admit that I work for the paycheck. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do and I really enjoy the personal aspect of my job. But at the end of the week when my paycheck comes, I immediately think about how this money will go directly towards our mortgage, bills, and personal expenses. That's probably why I'm only moderately interested in going for more certifications that would put more letters after my name. I'd like to get them, but I'm not kicking myself because I don't have them. As long as I can get my patients better, I don't care if I have DPT, OCS, CSCS, etc after my name or not.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
FACT OR FICTION?
1. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger wins a historic recall election that ousts Gray Davis, a man who has served in public office for nearly 30 years.
2. Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is accused of grabbing a 19 year-old and raping her (I'll purposely leave out the ghorey details that were released from today's court appearance). He'll soon be on trial and if convicted, will face 4 years to LIFE in prison.
3. Shaquille O'Neal, who is guaranteed about $80 million over the next 3 years, complains about not getting a contract extension of roughly $100 million over the following 3 years.
4. There is potential for a Cubs vs. Red Sox World Series.
5. Vin Diesel snubs XXX2 because now he's a $20 million per picture superstar.
6. Siegfried and Roy show over after one of their signature white tigers takes a bite out of Roy.
7. Asthon and Demi? Justin and Cameron?
What's going on here? Are we living in a dream world? Lately, it's been hard to separate fact from fiction.
1. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger wins a historic recall election that ousts Gray Davis, a man who has served in public office for nearly 30 years.
2. Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is accused of grabbing a 19 year-old and raping her (I'll purposely leave out the ghorey details that were released from today's court appearance). He'll soon be on trial and if convicted, will face 4 years to LIFE in prison.
3. Shaquille O'Neal, who is guaranteed about $80 million over the next 3 years, complains about not getting a contract extension of roughly $100 million over the following 3 years.
4. There is potential for a Cubs vs. Red Sox World Series.
5. Vin Diesel snubs XXX2 because now he's a $20 million per picture superstar.
6. Siegfried and Roy show over after one of their signature white tigers takes a bite out of Roy.
7. Asthon and Demi? Justin and Cameron?
What's going on here? Are we living in a dream world? Lately, it's been hard to separate fact from fiction.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
THE GOVERNOR'S MOVIES
Here is a list of some of the movies I've seen just in the last 2 months starting California's new governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Pumping Iron
Total Recall
Batman and Robin
True Lies
Eraser
The Terminator
Twins
Collateral Damage
The Last Action Hero
Junior
Kindergarten Cop
The moral of this story? They show too many movies on cable!
Here is a list of some of the movies I've seen just in the last 2 months starting California's new governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Pumping Iron
Total Recall
Batman and Robin
True Lies
Eraser
The Terminator
Twins
Collateral Damage
The Last Action Hero
Junior
Kindergarten Cop
The moral of this story? They show too many movies on cable!
REVERSE THE CURSE
I'm so excited that Boston has stolen Game 1 from the evil Yankees 5-2!!! All I have to say about the so-called "Curse of the Bambino" is:
Reverse the curse!!!
ONIBMAB
I'm so excited that Boston has stolen Game 1 from the evil Yankees 5-2!!! All I have to say about the so-called "Curse of the Bambino" is:
Reverse the curse!!!
ONIBMAB
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
BASEBALL FEVER
Have you caught it? This year's baseball playoffs have proven to be one of the most exciting I've ever seen. Many of the games have been extremely close nail-biters that have left me feeling exhausted afterwards.
But I am SO HAPPY that my beloved Boston Red Sox came back from an 0-2 series deficit to win in five games. (For those of you who don't know, I've been a huge Red Sox fan since I first got into baseball 15 years ago). I'm really hoping for a Cubs/Red Sox World Series. (Too bad the Cubbies lost tonight).
For those of you out there who are NOT into baseball, I encourage you to watch some of these games. You too with catch the fever!
Have you caught it? This year's baseball playoffs have proven to be one of the most exciting I've ever seen. Many of the games have been extremely close nail-biters that have left me feeling exhausted afterwards.
But I am SO HAPPY that my beloved Boston Red Sox came back from an 0-2 series deficit to win in five games. (For those of you who don't know, I've been a huge Red Sox fan since I first got into baseball 15 years ago). I'm really hoping for a Cubs/Red Sox World Series. (Too bad the Cubbies lost tonight).
For those of you out there who are NOT into baseball, I encourage you to watch some of these games. You too with catch the fever!
Monday, October 06, 2003
NAMES
I just met somebody recently who was named Chaka Khan, after the legendary R&B singer. She said her mother loved Chaka Khan's music and named her daughter after her as a tribute.
That got me thinking.
Bono Shen.
Hmmm....
I just met somebody recently who was named Chaka Khan, after the legendary R&B singer. She said her mother loved Chaka Khan's music and named her daughter after her as a tribute.
That got me thinking.
Bono Shen.
Hmmm....
Sunday, October 05, 2003
WARMING UP THE HOUSE
Last night, Karena and I had some of our friends from church over for a housewarming party. I have to admit that we worked pretty hard Friday night and Saturday morning to clean up the place, organize our things, and put some extra touches in time for people to see. After putting in all this work, I sat down completely exhausted before anybody had even showed up yet and before we had even started BBQing and began to question whether this whole thing was going to be worth it.
But as usual, my friends delivered ... and then some. We had SUCH A GREAT TIME having our dearest friends to warm up the place, give us some pretty great housewarming gifts (Betta fish, air purifier, the boardgame Clue, sauce plates, plants, and a personalized photo frame complete with Bible verses). Some of thing had went dunking on our lowered basketball hoop, some watched TV, some played cards, but we all enjoyed each other's company. It was TOTALLY worth it.
The highlight of the evening was all of us sitting around the TV watching the A's-Red Sox game, where Boston prevailed in the 11th inning, thanks to a walk-off home run by Trot Nixon.
Afterwards, as Karena and I were cleaning up, I paused to look around the house. It was home. And thanks to our friends, it felt warm inside.
Last night, Karena and I had some of our friends from church over for a housewarming party. I have to admit that we worked pretty hard Friday night and Saturday morning to clean up the place, organize our things, and put some extra touches in time for people to see. After putting in all this work, I sat down completely exhausted before anybody had even showed up yet and before we had even started BBQing and began to question whether this whole thing was going to be worth it.
But as usual, my friends delivered ... and then some. We had SUCH A GREAT TIME having our dearest friends to warm up the place, give us some pretty great housewarming gifts (Betta fish, air purifier, the boardgame Clue, sauce plates, plants, and a personalized photo frame complete with Bible verses). Some of thing had went dunking on our lowered basketball hoop, some watched TV, some played cards, but we all enjoyed each other's company. It was TOTALLY worth it.
The highlight of the evening was all of us sitting around the TV watching the A's-Red Sox game, where Boston prevailed in the 11th inning, thanks to a walk-off home run by Trot Nixon.
Afterwards, as Karena and I were cleaning up, I paused to look around the house. It was home. And thanks to our friends, it felt warm inside.
LATE (PART II)
A few days after our infamous late wake-up (followed by us both showing up to work an hour late and having to have other PTs work our patients into their schedules), Karena was eating a fortune cookie and got this fortune:
Tomorrow will be a productive day. Don't oversleep!
True. True.
A few days after our infamous late wake-up (followed by us both showing up to work an hour late and having to have other PTs work our patients into their schedules), Karena was eating a fortune cookie and got this fortune:
Tomorrow will be a productive day. Don't oversleep!
True. True.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
RESTAURANT TALK
For some reason, I've had some real craving for Subway. Maybe it's because I always associate their sandwiches with good times. While on a family vacation, we had the best conversation while sitting around a table eating Subway. On the way to Las Vegas with Karena and Ko and Charice, we stopped at a Subway in Barstow. The women nibbled and chatted while Koa nd I didn't say a word, as we inhaled our sandwiches and chips. And finally, Michael and Jason came over to visit me at UCLA and bought all kinds of sandwich stuff, luncheon meat, and good bread. It wasn't Subway ... it was better! Plus, we got to talk and watch the 1988 World Series game where the Dodgers' Kirk Gibson hit a game-winning home run off Dennis Eckersley on ESPN Classic.
But back to what I was saying, I've had Subway twice this week and am still hungry for more.
On a semi-related note, Karena and I were walking into Subway when we smelled some good food coming from a nearby Chinese restaurant. We thought we might like to try it out sometime, but hesitated because the place was actually called, "Chinese Restaurant."
Would you trust a place called "Chinese Restaurant?"
We wouldn't either.
For some reason, I've had some real craving for Subway. Maybe it's because I always associate their sandwiches with good times. While on a family vacation, we had the best conversation while sitting around a table eating Subway. On the way to Las Vegas with Karena and Ko and Charice, we stopped at a Subway in Barstow. The women nibbled and chatted while Koa nd I didn't say a word, as we inhaled our sandwiches and chips. And finally, Michael and Jason came over to visit me at UCLA and bought all kinds of sandwich stuff, luncheon meat, and good bread. It wasn't Subway ... it was better! Plus, we got to talk and watch the 1988 World Series game where the Dodgers' Kirk Gibson hit a game-winning home run off Dennis Eckersley on ESPN Classic.
But back to what I was saying, I've had Subway twice this week and am still hungry for more.
On a semi-related note, Karena and I were walking into Subway when we smelled some good food coming from a nearby Chinese restaurant. We thought we might like to try it out sometime, but hesitated because the place was actually called, "Chinese Restaurant."
Would you trust a place called "Chinese Restaurant?"
We wouldn't either.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
LATE
This morning was awful. I neglected to check our alarm clock last night and forgot that we had set an alarm for a different time. As a result, Karena and I both were sleeping like babies until I somehow awoke at 7:17. So, Karena was already 17 minutes late to work when we woke up!!! I don't know why this is, but there is no worse feeling than waking up like that and having repeated heart attacks as you jump out of bed and try to get dressed as quickly as possible.
And it was definitely a lot tougher dealing with it this time because now I'm married and have to make sure two people are ready. While I was frantically running around the house, Karena was taking what seemed to me to be a rather long shower under the circumstances. that frustrated me a little bit but amazingly, she still got ready at the same time I did.
It just goes to show you that you can't do anything about the situation so you should calm down and make the best of it. Tortoise beats the hare again.
(P.S. We both got to work an hour late)
This morning was awful. I neglected to check our alarm clock last night and forgot that we had set an alarm for a different time. As a result, Karena and I both were sleeping like babies until I somehow awoke at 7:17. So, Karena was already 17 minutes late to work when we woke up!!! I don't know why this is, but there is no worse feeling than waking up like that and having repeated heart attacks as you jump out of bed and try to get dressed as quickly as possible.
And it was definitely a lot tougher dealing with it this time because now I'm married and have to make sure two people are ready. While I was frantically running around the house, Karena was taking what seemed to me to be a rather long shower under the circumstances. that frustrated me a little bit but amazingly, she still got ready at the same time I did.
It just goes to show you that you can't do anything about the situation so you should calm down and make the best of it. Tortoise beats the hare again.
(P.S. We both got to work an hour late)
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