Friday, December 31, 2004
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Karena's back safe and sound (although with many more bruises) from Lake Tahoe so the family is complete again. But I find myself sitting alone this early New Year's Eve morning looking back at the year gone by and looking forward to the year ahead. Some items/people that have crossed my mind this morning (in no particular order):
Tsunami and earthquake victims, Ronald Reagan, young American soldiers laying their life on the line against insurgency, President Bush, William Hung, The Passion of The Christ, gay marraiges, the passing of my grandmother, being back in Koinonia leadership ...
Here's to looking back, and looking forward.
God bless you in 2005.
Karena's back safe and sound (although with many more bruises) from Lake Tahoe so the family is complete again. But I find myself sitting alone this early New Year's Eve morning looking back at the year gone by and looking forward to the year ahead. Some items/people that have crossed my mind this morning (in no particular order):
Tsunami and earthquake victims, Ronald Reagan, young American soldiers laying their life on the line against insurgency, President Bush, William Hung, The Passion of The Christ, gay marraiges, the passing of my grandmother, being back in Koinonia leadership ...
Here's to looking back, and looking forward.
God bless you in 2005.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
CALIFORNIA LOVE
In just a matter of days, I'vew gone from Glendale to the Bay Area to West LA to Escondido to Montebello and back to Glendale again ... and all without missing a day of work.
Spending so much time driving in vairous parts of California made me think about how amazing the scenery here is: snow-capped mountains, fog along Central California's farmland, a beautiful bay requiring multiple bridges just to traverse it, etc.
While in Escondido, one of the many things that we did was have all the cousins play Texas Hold 'Em. The craze that has swept the nation has now apparently swept our home. I realized that I'm no good at bluffing, but I also do manage to have a lot of fun.
In just a matter of days, I'vew gone from Glendale to the Bay Area to West LA to Escondido to Montebello and back to Glendale again ... and all without missing a day of work.
Spending so much time driving in vairous parts of California made me think about how amazing the scenery here is: snow-capped mountains, fog along Central California's farmland, a beautiful bay requiring multiple bridges just to traverse it, etc.
While in Escondido, one of the many things that we did was have all the cousins play Texas Hold 'Em. The craze that has swept the nation has now apparently swept our home. I realized that I'm no good at bluffing, but I also do manage to have a lot of fun.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
LOOKING BACK
I was looking back at some of the last few blogs I wrote. And re-reading about the struggles and issues I was facing, they all seem completely ludicrous when put next to what's been happening in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc. I honestly can't get my head around some of the images I've seen and the numbers of dead I've heard.
I earnestly mourn with you and pray for you.
I was looking back at some of the last few blogs I wrote. And re-reading about the struggles and issues I was facing, they all seem completely ludicrous when put next to what's been happening in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc. I honestly can't get my head around some of the images I've seen and the numbers of dead I've heard.
I earnestly mourn with you and pray for you.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
IT'S GOOD TO BE HOME
After being away up in Northern California to be with Karena's extended family for Christmas, I had these thoughts:
1. There's no place like home.
2. For some reason, kids are drawn to me.
3. I'm not as good as my dad at making small talk with people I don't know very well.
4. I'm going to miss my wife this week.
5. My in-laws may do things differently for me and I just need to accept that and not let it become an issue.
6. Irony is driving by Raymond's house ... except Ray is in LA.
7. I can't say I was all that upset that the Lakers lost to the Heat, although I do wish both Kobe and Shaq would get over themselves. Neither name on the backs of their jerseys is as important as the one on the front.
8. Although having fruit trees in your backyard may be a lot of work and leave your yard looking messy at times, it's definitely a cool thing to have.
9. I used to pride myself in keeping my morning bathroom time to a minimum when many people need to use the same bathroom. But I'm finding that I'm not as good at it as I used to be.
10. I spent about an hour and a half playing with a Magna Doodle with Karena and her cousins. I drew a Japanese anime character that her cousin thought was so good, he scanned it into his computer. I thought it was terrible.
After being away up in Northern California to be with Karena's extended family for Christmas, I had these thoughts:
1. There's no place like home.
2. For some reason, kids are drawn to me.
3. I'm not as good as my dad at making small talk with people I don't know very well.
4. I'm going to miss my wife this week.
5. My in-laws may do things differently for me and I just need to accept that and not let it become an issue.
6. Irony is driving by Raymond's house ... except Ray is in LA.
7. I can't say I was all that upset that the Lakers lost to the Heat, although I do wish both Kobe and Shaq would get over themselves. Neither name on the backs of their jerseys is as important as the one on the front.
8. Although having fruit trees in your backyard may be a lot of work and leave your yard looking messy at times, it's definitely a cool thing to have.
9. I used to pride myself in keeping my morning bathroom time to a minimum when many people need to use the same bathroom. But I'm finding that I'm not as good at it as I used to be.
10. I spent about an hour and a half playing with a Magna Doodle with Karena and her cousins. I drew a Japanese anime character that her cousin thought was so good, he scanned it into his computer. I thought it was terrible.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
ALTHOUGH
Although it's been said, many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you.
Although it's been said, many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
NOT FEELIN' IT
As you can tell from my last two entries, I'm really not in the Christmas spirit. In fact, I'm not feelin' it at all. But I'm still going to do what I've turned into an annual Christmas tradition for me: sing Silent Night or O Holy Night alone and really think about and the lyrics and experience God's presence and sit alone in front of the lit up Christmas tree and reflect on the blessings and struggles of the year gone by and look forward to the year ahead.
I encourage you all to do the same, especially if you've had a week similar to the one crappy one I've had.
"Fall on you knees/And hear the angels' voices/ O Night Divine!/ O night, when Christ was born!"
As you can tell from my last two entries, I'm really not in the Christmas spirit. In fact, I'm not feelin' it at all. But I'm still going to do what I've turned into an annual Christmas tradition for me: sing Silent Night or O Holy Night alone and really think about and the lyrics and experience God's presence and sit alone in front of the lit up Christmas tree and reflect on the blessings and struggles of the year gone by and look forward to the year ahead.
I encourage you all to do the same, especially if you've had a week similar to the one crappy one I've had.
"Fall on you knees/And hear the angels' voices/ O Night Divine!/ O night, when Christ was born!"
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
WORK DRAMA
There's been a lot of tension at work ever since this past Thursday. The hospital senior PT is leaving at the end of December and we are in the process of hiring my old co-worker from UCLA. And this all happened right before our work Christmas party.
But just as we were about to leave, my good friend (also a senior) became very upset at the current hospital senior because he felt she was taking advantage of us by giving us more work than she gave herself. My friend was trying to advocate on my behalf so I'm indirectly right in the middle of this whole thing. She fought back and the words became very heated. She cried, he yelled, etc. So, she decided not to go to the Christmas party.
Anyway, sincee she only has two weeks left, we figured this would all be water under the bridge. But now, she's become distant from all of us and even vindictive at times. Being the peacemaker that I always to be, I feel terrible about the whole thing and it's weighing heavy on my heart.
There's been a lot of tension at work ever since this past Thursday. The hospital senior PT is leaving at the end of December and we are in the process of hiring my old co-worker from UCLA. And this all happened right before our work Christmas party.
But just as we were about to leave, my good friend (also a senior) became very upset at the current hospital senior because he felt she was taking advantage of us by giving us more work than she gave herself. My friend was trying to advocate on my behalf so I'm indirectly right in the middle of this whole thing. She fought back and the words became very heated. She cried, he yelled, etc. So, she decided not to go to the Christmas party.
Anyway, sincee she only has two weeks left, we figured this would all be water under the bridge. But now, she's become distant from all of us and even vindictive at times. Being the peacemaker that I always to be, I feel terrible about the whole thing and it's weighing heavy on my heart.
Monday, December 20, 2004
IRRITABLE
People sometimes ask me whether I ever get mad. And that's funny to me because I get upset quite often ... at least as much as anyone else. But lately, it seems like I've been much more irritable lately. I think it's a combination of extreme busy-ness of the holiday season and work drama (more on that some other time).
Whatever the reason, I often think about how in "Return of the Jedi" Luke was letting his anger get the best of him and it was literally turning him into the next Darth Vader. He had to recognize the problem and turn off his light saber.
I need to do the same, before I get seduced by the dark side of the force.
People sometimes ask me whether I ever get mad. And that's funny to me because I get upset quite often ... at least as much as anyone else. But lately, it seems like I've been much more irritable lately. I think it's a combination of extreme busy-ness of the holiday season and work drama (more on that some other time).
Whatever the reason, I often think about how in "Return of the Jedi" Luke was letting his anger get the best of him and it was literally turning him into the next Darth Vader. He had to recognize the problem and turn off his light saber.
I need to do the same, before I get seduced by the dark side of the force.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
CHRISTMAS PARTY PART II
Continuing the tradition of busy-ness during the holiday season, we headed to the L.A. Athletic Club in downtown for Karena's work Christmas party. And this year, our competitive natures had us walking out of there with a lot more than what we walked in with.
Every year they play a game to kick off the night. In year's past, it was the most uncomfortable game ever -- not being able to say the word "Christmas" during your conversations. I lost every time. This year, we had to find a certain list of items (12 reindeer, Santa's hat and boots, etc.). We managed to find all but one and got rewarded with a lemon cake (one of Karena's favs). Then, because she picked which photo the company decided to use for their Christmas cards (a game they play annually), she also won a $10 Blockbuster gift card. Finally, because we did som wheeling and dealing, we ended up with two $15 Target gift cards for the gift exchange. Needless to say, this left us both very excited.
But I was even more excited because the L.A. Athletic Club is where they give out the Wooden Award to that year's best college basketball player. Past winners include Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, etc. I took more pictures of the plaque than anything else.
Continuing the tradition of busy-ness during the holiday season, we headed to the L.A. Athletic Club in downtown for Karena's work Christmas party. And this year, our competitive natures had us walking out of there with a lot more than what we walked in with.
Every year they play a game to kick off the night. In year's past, it was the most uncomfortable game ever -- not being able to say the word "Christmas" during your conversations. I lost every time. This year, we had to find a certain list of items (12 reindeer, Santa's hat and boots, etc.). We managed to find all but one and got rewarded with a lemon cake (one of Karena's favs). Then, because she picked which photo the company decided to use for their Christmas cards (a game they play annually), she also won a $10 Blockbuster gift card. Finally, because we did som wheeling and dealing, we ended up with two $15 Target gift cards for the gift exchange. Needless to say, this left us both very excited.
But I was even more excited because the L.A. Athletic Club is where they give out the Wooden Award to that year's best college basketball player. Past winners include Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, etc. I took more pictures of the plaque than anything else.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Thursday night marked my work Christmas party. Last year was a bomb because we had food catered in (it wasn't very good) and ate in our department's gym. There's nothing like sitting on a leg press machine while enjoying Christmas lunch food. And last year's gift exchange had me carrying a Home Depot gift card, a Best Buy gift card, a Barnes and Noble gift card, and others. But in the end, all I ended up with was a lousy shower radio.
This year, we managed to have it at dinnertime and went to a Caribbean food place, Bamboo Restaurant in L.A. The food was good (I had the chicken and tried some of the seafood paella). And this year's gift exchange proved to be much better ... for me anyway.
While we were picking numbers for the gift exchange, it was down to the last three numbers. Trying to be a gentleman, I picked up the last three and left the two girls next to me pick their numbers first, leaving me with the last one. They got, 15 and 18, and I got 4. Since the lower numbers usually end up with the worst gifts, I was visibly unhappy. Here I was trying to do the right thing and still, it ended up badly for me. But luckily for me, it all worked out. I ended up stealing "LOTR: Return of the King" extended version DVD and nobody else could steal it from me. I was so excited!
But to tell you the truth, as good as this year was, all I wanted to do was leave and get home to my wife.
Thursday night marked my work Christmas party. Last year was a bomb because we had food catered in (it wasn't very good) and ate in our department's gym. There's nothing like sitting on a leg press machine while enjoying Christmas lunch food. And last year's gift exchange had me carrying a Home Depot gift card, a Best Buy gift card, a Barnes and Noble gift card, and others. But in the end, all I ended up with was a lousy shower radio.
This year, we managed to have it at dinnertime and went to a Caribbean food place, Bamboo Restaurant in L.A. The food was good (I had the chicken and tried some of the seafood paella). And this year's gift exchange proved to be much better ... for me anyway.
While we were picking numbers for the gift exchange, it was down to the last three numbers. Trying to be a gentleman, I picked up the last three and left the two girls next to me pick their numbers first, leaving me with the last one. They got, 15 and 18, and I got 4. Since the lower numbers usually end up with the worst gifts, I was visibly unhappy. Here I was trying to do the right thing and still, it ended up badly for me. But luckily for me, it all worked out. I ended up stealing "LOTR: Return of the King" extended version DVD and nobody else could steal it from me. I was so excited!
But to tell you the truth, as good as this year was, all I wanted to do was leave and get home to my wife.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
CHINESE
How Chinese am I?
Even though I was sick, I forced myself to run my typical Tuesday errands such as grocery shopping at Ralphs and Costco. And let me tell you, there is NOTHING more tasting or soothing than two free samples of chicken noodle from Costco. That really hit the spot!
And in the evening, we had a "Buy one admission, get one free" coupon for the Body Worlds exhibit at the California Science Center. So, even though I was sick as a dog, we drove out there, fighting the traffic, and managed to view the exhibit for about 3 hours. The exhibit was awesome, but the best part was, of course, the coupon!
How Chinese am I?
Even though I was sick, I forced myself to run my typical Tuesday errands such as grocery shopping at Ralphs and Costco. And let me tell you, there is NOTHING more tasting or soothing than two free samples of chicken noodle from Costco. That really hit the spot!
And in the evening, we had a "Buy one admission, get one free" coupon for the Body Worlds exhibit at the California Science Center. So, even though I was sick as a dog, we drove out there, fighting the traffic, and managed to view the exhibit for about 3 hours. The exhibit was awesome, but the best part was, of course, the coupon!
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
SICK (PART II)
I hate being sick. What a waste of a day off!
I hate being sick. What a waste of a day off!
Monday, December 13, 2004
SICK
Karena and I are both not feeling 100% today. And after enduring a full day of work, I can honestly say that I'm sick. My throat hurts, my nose is runny, and my head and neck ache.
But this all started around the same time that I suddenly began to feel upset at the state of this world. The way of this world is completely backwards. Everybody tries to make it to the top and be number 1. And along the way, they compromise their values and beliefs and morals.
The Ukranian presidential candidate gets poisoned, leaving his face disfigured and he nearly dies. Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi state steroids to set records and win MVPs ... and nobody cares. They will still both be in the Hall of Fame. People at work are cut-throat and get upset at other co-workers often out of selfishness. I see my own pride and selfishness often getting in the way of living the life I know I should or could be living.
Yup, I'm definitely sick.
Or maybe, I'm just sick of it.
Karena and I are both not feeling 100% today. And after enduring a full day of work, I can honestly say that I'm sick. My throat hurts, my nose is runny, and my head and neck ache.
But this all started around the same time that I suddenly began to feel upset at the state of this world. The way of this world is completely backwards. Everybody tries to make it to the top and be number 1. And along the way, they compromise their values and beliefs and morals.
The Ukranian presidential candidate gets poisoned, leaving his face disfigured and he nearly dies. Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi state steroids to set records and win MVPs ... and nobody cares. They will still both be in the Hall of Fame. People at work are cut-throat and get upset at other co-workers often out of selfishness. I see my own pride and selfishness often getting in the way of living the life I know I should or could be living.
Yup, I'm definitely sick.
Or maybe, I'm just sick of it.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
KIDS, MOVIES, AND PARTIES
We had a great time hanging out at Gary and Regina's place. Even though the drive was treacherous, it was good to carpool with Luong and get to talk for a while. The semi-pot-luck set-up led to an over-abundance of food, but I think that's a good thing. We ate like pigs, but I also felt like one afterwards too.
One of the funniest moments was when Gary's friend Matt was playing with his 3 year-old son. His son was jumping all over so Gary said, "Wow, you jump really high!" And I said, "That's because he has his dad's hops (Matt played basketball in high school). And without any hesitation, his son said, "I DO have my dad's hops." I don't think he had any idea what that meant, but it was hilarious. I was banned from talking to him the rest of the night for fear I might teach him more slang (aka Montebello-nese).
Afterwards, I realized that more and more of our parties are featuring kids who need their diapers changed, kids who beg to be played with or carried, or who want to watch Power Rangers, etc. That is the way of the world and that's where we are in life. It's only a matter of time. It's both scary yet soothing.
And after having brunch with my co-workers, their spouses, and their kids, I've had kids on the mind a lot lately (No -- again this is not a sign of things to come). I've decided that I'm fine with letting their watch TV and I'm comfortable with letting the TV act as a temporary distraction or babysitter for a while. But I only want to show them classic movies like "The Wizard of Oz" and "E.T." I watched both movies this past weekend and am amazed at the humor, emotion, and heart they convey. I know this is a sure sign that I'm getting older, but I'm going to say it anyway: they sure don't make 'em like they used to.
We had a great time hanging out at Gary and Regina's place. Even though the drive was treacherous, it was good to carpool with Luong and get to talk for a while. The semi-pot-luck set-up led to an over-abundance of food, but I think that's a good thing. We ate like pigs, but I also felt like one afterwards too.
One of the funniest moments was when Gary's friend Matt was playing with his 3 year-old son. His son was jumping all over so Gary said, "Wow, you jump really high!" And I said, "That's because he has his dad's hops (Matt played basketball in high school). And without any hesitation, his son said, "I DO have my dad's hops." I don't think he had any idea what that meant, but it was hilarious. I was banned from talking to him the rest of the night for fear I might teach him more slang (aka Montebello-nese).
Afterwards, I realized that more and more of our parties are featuring kids who need their diapers changed, kids who beg to be played with or carried, or who want to watch Power Rangers, etc. That is the way of the world and that's where we are in life. It's only a matter of time. It's both scary yet soothing.
And after having brunch with my co-workers, their spouses, and their kids, I've had kids on the mind a lot lately (No -- again this is not a sign of things to come). I've decided that I'm fine with letting their watch TV and I'm comfortable with letting the TV act as a temporary distraction or babysitter for a while. But I only want to show them classic movies like "The Wizard of Oz" and "E.T." I watched both movies this past weekend and am amazed at the humor, emotion, and heart they convey. I know this is a sure sign that I'm getting older, but I'm going to say it anyway: they sure don't make 'em like they used to.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Karena and I were thumbing through some of the toy ads recently in search of Christmas gifts for her cousins when wenoticed something bizarre. These were some of the items featured:
Care Bears, Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Star Wars action figures, My Little Pony.
Are you kidding me? What year are we in -- 2004 or 1984? I can't wait until they see He-Man and Voltron again! =)
Karena and I were thumbing through some of the toy ads recently in search of Christmas gifts for her cousins when wenoticed something bizarre. These were some of the items featured:
Care Bears, Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Star Wars action figures, My Little Pony.
Are you kidding me? What year are we in -- 2004 or 1984? I can't wait until they see He-Man and Voltron again! =)
Friday, December 10, 2004
DECEMBER 7
My patient had this funny story to share regarding Pearl Harbor Day:
I knew Americans were bad at geography, but I didn't know we were also so bad at history.
Sad.
My patient had this funny story to share regarding Pearl Harbor Day:
"On December 7th, I asked everybody in my office if they knew what day December 7th commemorated. The scary part was that nobody knew. But the best partwas that one guy even said, 'Hey, don't ask me anything about history,especially American history. I'm from Hawaii!'"
I knew Americans were bad at geography, but I didn't know we were also so bad at history.
Sad.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
GETTIN' PAID
At this point in our lives, most of us are making money doing our jobs or starting out our careers. Whatever the case may be, we are getting paid to do work.
Recently, somebody mentioned that our generation has the incorrect mentality of viewing our salary as "a la carte."
What that means is that we will only do a certain amount of work if we know we will be paid more for it. For example, if you take on leadership responsibilities at work, you should get paid more. If you do less work, you should get paid less.
I found this somewhat offensive toward us Gen-Xers since it made us appear money-hungry and driven only be the mighty dollar, not loyalty to our company or boss or even a desire to do good work. I believe we are better than that.
Fact or Fiction? Any thoughts?
At this point in our lives, most of us are making money doing our jobs or starting out our careers. Whatever the case may be, we are getting paid to do work.
Recently, somebody mentioned that our generation has the incorrect mentality of viewing our salary as "a la carte."
What that means is that we will only do a certain amount of work if we know we will be paid more for it. For example, if you take on leadership responsibilities at work, you should get paid more. If you do less work, you should get paid less.
I found this somewhat offensive toward us Gen-Xers since it made us appear money-hungry and driven only be the mighty dollar, not loyalty to our company or boss or even a desire to do good work. I believe we are better than that.
Fact or Fiction? Any thoughts?
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
Karena has really been on top of things this year. She is nearly finished writing all her Christmas cards. We purchased our tree last week from Home Depot (7 ft. Noble fir) and it was fully decorated by Saturday.
Yesterday, I spent all afternoon hanging out outdoor Christmas lights. Even though things did not go as smoothly as I would have liked, when it was all said and done, I just stood back and looked. Walking around the house with all the lights on just made me suddenly stop to appreciate the season.
Too often, I find myself just trying to make it through the day so I can wake up and do it all over again. But at that moment, I stopped and celebrated the season ... and my life.
Karena has really been on top of things this year. She is nearly finished writing all her Christmas cards. We purchased our tree last week from Home Depot (7 ft. Noble fir) and it was fully decorated by Saturday.
Yesterday, I spent all afternoon hanging out outdoor Christmas lights. Even though things did not go as smoothly as I would have liked, when it was all said and done, I just stood back and looked. Walking around the house with all the lights on just made me suddenly stop to appreciate the season.
Too often, I find myself just trying to make it through the day so I can wake up and do it all over again. But at that moment, I stopped and celebrated the season ... and my life.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
CAL GETS ROBBED
I'm obviously a UCLA fan and have no real loyalties to Cal, except that my sister, brother-in-law, and a handful of friends went there. But they got robbed by the BCS, which dropped them from #4 to #5 and effectively out of the Rose Bowl, even though Cal won their final game. How do you win a game and lose ground in the rankings? It just goes to show that computers know nothing.
I wish the BCS had a marching band and they were on the field as some Cal players were scrambling to score a touchdown. I would give anything to see a Cal player knock the living daylights out of one of the BCS's trombone players.
I'm obviously a UCLA fan and have no real loyalties to Cal, except that my sister, brother-in-law, and a handful of friends went there. But they got robbed by the BCS, which dropped them from #4 to #5 and effectively out of the Rose Bowl, even though Cal won their final game. How do you win a game and lose ground in the rankings? It just goes to show that computers know nothing.
I wish the BCS had a marching band and they were on the field as some Cal players were scrambling to score a touchdown. I would give anything to see a Cal player knock the living daylights out of one of the BCS's trombone players.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
TALK TOO MUCH
Yesterday, we had a great time celelbrating Jacob's birthday at Wild Thyme's. As per our usual, we ended up in that side room so we could all talk and be as loud as we want. (Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever sat anywhere else except in that room. Hmm...) Anyway, the minute I walked in there, I did what I usually do: start talking loudly to a lot of people. I noticed that I naturally and without thinking try and work the room and say hello to everybody, say something funny, and shake some hands. Some days are better than others.
Helena Yee once said, "You and Raymond do exactly the same thing when entering a room. You come in and start dominating conversation and before long, everybody is listening to you tell some funny story." And she meant that as a compliment ... or at least I took it that way. =)
Anyway, so that's what I tried to do yesterday. And today while at church, I was saying a lot of comments and remarking about different funny things during the announcement portion of service. Afterward, Karena told me that i talk too much and I need to control myself so that other people can listen or at least share something too.
The sad part is that I think she may be right.
*And a completely different note, I am pleased to say that my mom and grandfather went with my aunt to church today.
Yesterday, we had a great time celelbrating Jacob's birthday at Wild Thyme's. As per our usual, we ended up in that side room so we could all talk and be as loud as we want. (Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever sat anywhere else except in that room. Hmm...) Anyway, the minute I walked in there, I did what I usually do: start talking loudly to a lot of people. I noticed that I naturally and without thinking try and work the room and say hello to everybody, say something funny, and shake some hands. Some days are better than others.
Helena Yee once said, "You and Raymond do exactly the same thing when entering a room. You come in and start dominating conversation and before long, everybody is listening to you tell some funny story." And she meant that as a compliment ... or at least I took it that way. =)
Anyway, so that's what I tried to do yesterday. And today while at church, I was saying a lot of comments and remarking about different funny things during the announcement portion of service. Afterward, Karena told me that i talk too much and I need to control myself so that other people can listen or at least share something too.
The sad part is that I think she may be right.
*And a completely different note, I am pleased to say that my mom and grandfather went with my aunt to church today.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
LOTS OF THOUGHTS, SO LITTLE TIME
1. I'm not one to ever hold grudges, but for some reason, after somebody unintentionally hurt me once, I realized recently that I still have some unresolved issues. It's the strangest thing because I'm not angry, not even in the least. But somehow, I've just lost respect for this person. Lord, change my heart.
2. I'm definitely my father's son. Even though it's been freezing lately both outside and inside our house, I hate turning on the heater, just like my dad hated it. But I'm starting to come around on this one. Karena always grew up with the heater on so it's been on lately. Needless to say, our gas bill is up, but hey, can you put a price on comfort?
3. The Beverly Hills NikeTown had an invite-only sale with food last night. I was there, but there was absolutely nothing to buy, even with a $5 off gift card. And last year, they had really good burritos, but this year only vegetables and cookies.
4. God never ceases to amaze me by helping turn a horrible Bible Study into at least a half-way decent one.
5. I took video for Gary's bachelor party that took place almost a year ago, but never put it on tape for him. So, I did that last night and ended up watching the whole thing. That is some funny stuff! Not because of the misery we put him through, but he's just a hilarious guy and what I noticed most was the camaraderie between the guys. That feeling of a close bond between brothers is something I value most in life.
6. Go Bruins!
1. I'm not one to ever hold grudges, but for some reason, after somebody unintentionally hurt me once, I realized recently that I still have some unresolved issues. It's the strangest thing because I'm not angry, not even in the least. But somehow, I've just lost respect for this person. Lord, change my heart.
2. I'm definitely my father's son. Even though it's been freezing lately both outside and inside our house, I hate turning on the heater, just like my dad hated it. But I'm starting to come around on this one. Karena always grew up with the heater on so it's been on lately. Needless to say, our gas bill is up, but hey, can you put a price on comfort?
3. The Beverly Hills NikeTown had an invite-only sale with food last night. I was there, but there was absolutely nothing to buy, even with a $5 off gift card. And last year, they had really good burritos, but this year only vegetables and cookies.
4. God never ceases to amaze me by helping turn a horrible Bible Study into at least a half-way decent one.
5. I took video for Gary's bachelor party that took place almost a year ago, but never put it on tape for him. So, I did that last night and ended up watching the whole thing. That is some funny stuff! Not because of the misery we put him through, but he's just a hilarious guy and what I noticed most was the camaraderie between the guys. That feeling of a close bond between brothers is something I value most in life.
6. Go Bruins!
Thursday, December 02, 2004
END OF AN ERA
The Ken Jennings era on Jeopardy! is over. After winning over $2 million, he's done. But the funny part is that the woman who beat him only lasted one day. She was booted the following night. Good one. I'm sure Ken Jennings is kicking himself now.
Another era that has come to an end is the Tom Brokaw one on the NBC Nightly News. I will forever remember wondering why my dad always watched this guy deliver the news. But I came to realize that he did it with such grace and feeling, without compromising the story. Plus, it was kind of funny to try and immitate his distinct voice and heavy accent. But I have to admit that I will continue to be an NBC Nightly News watcher (when I watch the Nightly News, that is) because I love Brian Williams. For some reason, I've always thought he did a good job and was no nonsense, but still approachable.
And finally, the first pebble of what's going to be a crashing wall came loose today when Yankees slugger Jason Giambi reportedly admitted to using steroids in 2003. Although this news was no surprise, it still was shocking to hear a current major leaguer admit it. Barry Bonds is going down next. But this is actually a good thing for the health and safety of Major League Baseball players everywhere. Plus, it's another reason to hate the Yankees.
The Ken Jennings era on Jeopardy! is over. After winning over $2 million, he's done. But the funny part is that the woman who beat him only lasted one day. She was booted the following night. Good one. I'm sure Ken Jennings is kicking himself now.
Another era that has come to an end is the Tom Brokaw one on the NBC Nightly News. I will forever remember wondering why my dad always watched this guy deliver the news. But I came to realize that he did it with such grace and feeling, without compromising the story. Plus, it was kind of funny to try and immitate his distinct voice and heavy accent. But I have to admit that I will continue to be an NBC Nightly News watcher (when I watch the Nightly News, that is) because I love Brian Williams. For some reason, I've always thought he did a good job and was no nonsense, but still approachable.
And finally, the first pebble of what's going to be a crashing wall came loose today when Yankees slugger Jason Giambi reportedly admitted to using steroids in 2003. Although this news was no surprise, it still was shocking to hear a current major leaguer admit it. Barry Bonds is going down next. But this is actually a good thing for the health and safety of Major League Baseball players everywhere. Plus, it's another reason to hate the Yankees.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
GOLDEN GIRLS
My 30-something non-gay co-worker was all excited when we got to talking about what we did over the long Thanksgiving weekend. Why was he so excited?
He bought Season One of "The Golden Girls" on DVD. He claims that he always found that show to be really funny. We all thought it was because he thought Bea Arthur and Betty White were hot! We made fun of him the whole day. The highlight was when we said, "There's some widowed 90 year old single females upstairs in the hospital. You want me to get their phone numbers for you!"
I know it was mean. I know it was cruel. But it was so funny that some of my co-workers were practically crying.
My 30-something non-gay co-worker was all excited when we got to talking about what we did over the long Thanksgiving weekend. Why was he so excited?
He bought Season One of "The Golden Girls" on DVD. He claims that he always found that show to be really funny. We all thought it was because he thought Bea Arthur and Betty White were hot! We made fun of him the whole day. The highlight was when we said, "There's some widowed 90 year old single females upstairs in the hospital. You want me to get their phone numbers for you!"
I know it was mean. I know it was cruel. But it was so funny that some of my co-workers were practically crying.
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