Sunday, January 30, 2005
REST
I knew we must have been tired because we spent the better part of Saturday being lazy. We didn't do any housework. We DID each take an afternoon nap. We didn't go to the gym. In fact, we only spent about two and a half hours outside total.
We did watch two Netflix movies - Philadelphia (an oldie I wanted to see for the good acting) and Big Fish. I think as much as I appreciated Denzel and Tom Hanks' acting, I liked the imaginative Big Fish much better.
We also went to a memorial service for the mother of the chiropractor who teaches us once a month. It was difficult to hear at the small outdoor ceremony and I was really annoyed that the music didn't correlate with the pastor's singing, but it felt right to be there anyway to support our chiropractor friend nonetheless. Plus, I was glad to hear that she was a strong believer and wanted her kids to know Christ also.
While driving there, Jason called and I was talking to him on the phone when I pulled up to the Information booth and said, "Hey, Jas. Hold on. Excuse me, we're hear for the Yu memorial service." When I got back on the phone, Jason nervously said, "Umm ... maybe this isn't a good time to talk about the U2 concert. Umm ... I'll talk to you later?!?" But it was okay because we were more than a half hour early. In fact, we even had time to stop by and visit the graveside of Karena's grandmother. And during our time at Forest Lawn, we also saw Liberace's resting place.
But unfortunately, we were so tired afterward that we went straight home -- a definite no-no in Chinese tradition because they belive you bring home the bad spirits with you. You're usually supposed to go to a public place. But I rationalized that before we walked inside, I brought our trash cans in and Karena went to look at our fruit trees so the spirits went into them ... and not our house. Plus, we don't really believe in that stuff anyway.
And besides, it was nap time.
I knew we must have been tired because we spent the better part of Saturday being lazy. We didn't do any housework. We DID each take an afternoon nap. We didn't go to the gym. In fact, we only spent about two and a half hours outside total.
We did watch two Netflix movies - Philadelphia (an oldie I wanted to see for the good acting) and Big Fish. I think as much as I appreciated Denzel and Tom Hanks' acting, I liked the imaginative Big Fish much better.
We also went to a memorial service for the mother of the chiropractor who teaches us once a month. It was difficult to hear at the small outdoor ceremony and I was really annoyed that the music didn't correlate with the pastor's singing, but it felt right to be there anyway to support our chiropractor friend nonetheless. Plus, I was glad to hear that she was a strong believer and wanted her kids to know Christ also.
While driving there, Jason called and I was talking to him on the phone when I pulled up to the Information booth and said, "Hey, Jas. Hold on. Excuse me, we're hear for the Yu memorial service." When I got back on the phone, Jason nervously said, "Umm ... maybe this isn't a good time to talk about the U2 concert. Umm ... I'll talk to you later?!?" But it was okay because we were more than a half hour early. In fact, we even had time to stop by and visit the graveside of Karena's grandmother. And during our time at Forest Lawn, we also saw Liberace's resting place.
But unfortunately, we were so tired afterward that we went straight home -- a definite no-no in Chinese tradition because they belive you bring home the bad spirits with you. You're usually supposed to go to a public place. But I rationalized that before we walked inside, I brought our trash cans in and Karena went to look at our fruit trees so the spirits went into them ... and not our house. Plus, we don't really believe in that stuff anyway.
And besides, it was nap time.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
FRIDAYS
For us, Fridays are both the best of times and the worst of times. Obviously, we look forward to Fridays because it ushers in the weekend and is the last day of the work week (unless I have to work the weekend). But it also is a long, high stress day.
Lately, because of increased patient loads at both our workplaces, we've been highly stressed all day long, running around like a headless chicken. We wake up at 5:40 (and usually after sleeping past midnight), drive off to work and are sometimes late because of unforseen traffic, are completely stressed at work all day (Karena had a 7 minute lunch yesterday), stay late afterward to finish charting, get a quick fast-food bite to eat in the car, drive like a mad-man (aka weaving and speeding and using shortcuts) just to get to church on time (but usually late), then try to be calm and fun and encouraging while leading the Bible study and bonding with the group. By the time we finally get back home after 11pm, we're so exhausted and yet can't even fully relax because we're so high-strung.
I have to admit that as much as I hate having to drive like that, once I'm hanging out with my small group, laughing and studying the Word, I feel much better about the day and about life in general.
But still, it's a struggle sometimes. I'm just thankful God gives us the strength and the perseverence to do it each week.
Now, if only he could change our attitudes about work ...
For us, Fridays are both the best of times and the worst of times. Obviously, we look forward to Fridays because it ushers in the weekend and is the last day of the work week (unless I have to work the weekend). But it also is a long, high stress day.
Lately, because of increased patient loads at both our workplaces, we've been highly stressed all day long, running around like a headless chicken. We wake up at 5:40 (and usually after sleeping past midnight), drive off to work and are sometimes late because of unforseen traffic, are completely stressed at work all day (Karena had a 7 minute lunch yesterday), stay late afterward to finish charting, get a quick fast-food bite to eat in the car, drive like a mad-man (aka weaving and speeding and using shortcuts) just to get to church on time (but usually late), then try to be calm and fun and encouraging while leading the Bible study and bonding with the group. By the time we finally get back home after 11pm, we're so exhausted and yet can't even fully relax because we're so high-strung.
I have to admit that as much as I hate having to drive like that, once I'm hanging out with my small group, laughing and studying the Word, I feel much better about the day and about life in general.
But still, it's a struggle sometimes. I'm just thankful God gives us the strength and the perseverence to do it each week.
Now, if only he could change our attitudes about work ...
Thursday, January 27, 2005
NATIONAL EXPOSURE
It's never a good thing when the city you live in is on the national evening news, especially for something like this. And the fact that it happened just behind the Costco, Best Buy, and Mimi's Cafe that we often go to just brought it that much closer to home.
I honestly feel very badly for Juan Manuel Alvarez. He's taken a lot of heat, and I guess deservedly so. But my heart goes out to the guy. And I hurt for the families affected by this tragedy.
Truly tragic.
It's never a good thing when the city you live in is on the national evening news, especially for something like this. And the fact that it happened just behind the Costco, Best Buy, and Mimi's Cafe that we often go to just brought it that much closer to home.
I honestly feel very badly for Juan Manuel Alvarez. He's taken a lot of heat, and I guess deservedly so. But my heart goes out to the guy. And I hurt for the families affected by this tragedy.
Truly tragic.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
HAND IN THE STOMACH
When most guys hug, they usually do the handshake with the right hand and the half-hug with the left. It's smooth. It shows a certain amount of sentiment and emotion without getting too girly or too gushy. It's the perfect thing for guys to do.
But sometimes that doesn't work out, especially when one guy goes for the handshake & half hug and the other guy goes for a real hug.
That is EXACTLY what happened last week. Karena and I went out with some of my UCLA co-workers -- Mark, Gina and their newborn son Gabriel, and Chris and Gladys. I always hug Gina and Gladys because they're girls. And Mark and I have always done the full hug since I stopped working there and because we rarely see each other now. But when it came to Chris, we always did the handshake and half hug. So I went for it.
But he went for the full hug (probably since everybody else was doing it). That left my right hand jabbing into his stomach and me awkwardly trying to get my hand out and around to give him the full hug. Plus, that caused me to lose my balance and I was basically falling into him. It was pretty embarassing, but we both tried to play it off.
Sometimes, it's just easier to be a girl.
When most guys hug, they usually do the handshake with the right hand and the half-hug with the left. It's smooth. It shows a certain amount of sentiment and emotion without getting too girly or too gushy. It's the perfect thing for guys to do.
But sometimes that doesn't work out, especially when one guy goes for the handshake & half hug and the other guy goes for a real hug.
That is EXACTLY what happened last week. Karena and I went out with some of my UCLA co-workers -- Mark, Gina and their newborn son Gabriel, and Chris and Gladys. I always hug Gina and Gladys because they're girls. And Mark and I have always done the full hug since I stopped working there and because we rarely see each other now. But when it came to Chris, we always did the handshake and half hug. So I went for it.
But he went for the full hug (probably since everybody else was doing it). That left my right hand jabbing into his stomach and me awkwardly trying to get my hand out and around to give him the full hug. Plus, that caused me to lose my balance and I was basically falling into him. It was pretty embarassing, but we both tried to play it off.
Sometimes, it's just easier to be a girl.
Monday, January 24, 2005
RACE (PART II): DEFINITIONS
I think somebody told me about this back in college. Maybe this is unfair and slightly propaganda. Maybe it means nothing. But I still found it interesting nonetheless. Here are excerpts of Merriam-Webster's definitions for "black" and "white."
BLACK: (1) : very dark in color; (2) of or relating to the Afro-American people or their culture; (3) : dirty, soiled; (4) thoroughly sinister or evil , wicked; (5) indicative of condemnation or discredit; (6) connected with or invoking the supernatural and especially the devil; (7): very sad, gloomy, or calamitous b : marked by the occurrence of disaster; (8) : characterized by hostility or angry discontent.
WHITE: (1) of the color of new snow or milk, silvery; (2) : of, relating to, characteristic of, or consisting of white people or their culture; (3) marked by upright fairness; (4): free from spot or blemish; (5) innocent; (6) a symbol of purity; (7) favorable, fortunate, not intended to cause harm; (8) passionate
I think somebody told me about this back in college. Maybe this is unfair and slightly propaganda. Maybe it means nothing. But I still found it interesting nonetheless. Here are excerpts of Merriam-Webster's definitions for "black" and "white."
BLACK: (1) : very dark in color; (2) of or relating to the Afro-American people or their culture; (3) : dirty, soiled; (4) thoroughly sinister or evil , wicked; (5) indicative of condemnation or discredit; (6) connected with or invoking the supernatural and especially the devil; (7): very sad, gloomy, or calamitous b : marked by the occurrence of disaster; (8) : characterized by hostility or angry discontent.
WHITE: (1) of the color of new snow or milk, silvery; (2) : of, relating to, characteristic of, or consisting of white people or their culture; (3) marked by upright fairness; (4): free from spot or blemish; (5) innocent; (6) a symbol of purity; (7) favorable, fortunate, not intended to cause harm; (8) passionate
Sunday, January 23, 2005
RACE AND EQUALITY
With MLK Day this past week, I've been thinking a lot about race and equality this week. And this may cause some controversy, but my first reaction to reading a Saturday morning LA Times sports section article was disturbing.
The article, called Satisfaction Guaranteed, discussed how today's NFC championship game would pit two black quarterbacks, Philly's Donovan McNabb and Atlanta's Michael Vick, against each other for the first time in NFL history. Regardless of who wins, yet another black quarterback would lead their team to the Super Bowl for only the third time.
Now, I understand it would be a worth mentioning the first black quarterback who made it to the Super Bowl, especially in light of the struggles and persecution blacks faced during slavery and the Civil Rights movement. Who could have imagined a black quarterback leading his team to the Super Bowl back in the turbulent '60s? Obviously, I wasn't there and am not black, but I can only imagine the heartache they must have endured.
But even though racism still exists today, this is 2005. To me, this article tends to make me think the author doesn't think there should be black quarterbacks. Maybe I'm missing the point, but if we're all striving for equality, there shouldn't be articles like this anymore. Instead, it should have been about two very good teams with two exceptional good quarterbacks, who happen to both be black.
With MLK Day this past week, I've been thinking a lot about race and equality this week. And this may cause some controversy, but my first reaction to reading a Saturday morning LA Times sports section article was disturbing.
The article, called Satisfaction Guaranteed, discussed how today's NFC championship game would pit two black quarterbacks, Philly's Donovan McNabb and Atlanta's Michael Vick, against each other for the first time in NFL history. Regardless of who wins, yet another black quarterback would lead their team to the Super Bowl for only the third time.
Now, I understand it would be a worth mentioning the first black quarterback who made it to the Super Bowl, especially in light of the struggles and persecution blacks faced during slavery and the Civil Rights movement. Who could have imagined a black quarterback leading his team to the Super Bowl back in the turbulent '60s? Obviously, I wasn't there and am not black, but I can only imagine the heartache they must have endured.
But even though racism still exists today, this is 2005. To me, this article tends to make me think the author doesn't think there should be black quarterbacks. Maybe I'm missing the point, but if we're all striving for equality, there shouldn't be articles like this anymore. Instead, it should have been about two very good teams with two exceptional good quarterbacks, who happen to both be black.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
DINNER AT HOUSTON'S
We were privileged enough to join some of my old UCLA co-workers for dinner in Century City at Houston's. We joined Mark and Gina and their newborn son Gabriel as well as Gladys and Chris. It's amazing to think that we all worked together 8 years ago as aides at UCLA and we're still such close friends.
But I have to admit that little Gabriel stole the night away. We mostly just sat there and watched him all night. He has the most beautiful blue eyes. And that made Karena wonder: If your father has blue eyes, your mother brown eyes, and blue eyes are apparently always the recessive genes, how did Gabriel end up with blue eyes? I hope some scientific people can shed some light on the subject! =)
The night was a great chance for all of us to catch up, for us to eat good food (we always order the chicken salad and the Hawaiian Rib Eye), and to see celebrities (former SNL cast member Norm MacDonald was sitting next to us).
We were privileged enough to join some of my old UCLA co-workers for dinner in Century City at Houston's. We joined Mark and Gina and their newborn son Gabriel as well as Gladys and Chris. It's amazing to think that we all worked together 8 years ago as aides at UCLA and we're still such close friends.
But I have to admit that little Gabriel stole the night away. We mostly just sat there and watched him all night. He has the most beautiful blue eyes. And that made Karena wonder: If your father has blue eyes, your mother brown eyes, and blue eyes are apparently always the recessive genes, how did Gabriel end up with blue eyes? I hope some scientific people can shed some light on the subject! =)
The night was a great chance for all of us to catch up, for us to eat good food (we always order the chicken salad and the Hawaiian Rib Eye), and to see celebrities (former SNL cast member Norm MacDonald was sitting next to us).
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
BEST MOVIES SO FAR
We've been a part of Netflix for about 3 weeks now and the best movies we've seen so far are "Elf" (Will Ferrell) and "The Terminal" (Tom Hanks). If you haven't seen them, they're definitely worth the rental.
We've been a part of Netflix for about 3 weeks now and the best movies we've seen so far are "Elf" (Will Ferrell) and "The Terminal" (Tom Hanks). If you haven't seen them, they're definitely worth the rental.
Monday, January 17, 2005
MLK DAY
I was struck by this quote by the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Let us rise up ... with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation."
These words were powerfully spoken in Memphis, Tennessee on April 3, 1968. Dr. King was assassinated the very next morning.
I was struck by this quote by the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Let us rise up ... with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation."
These words were powerfully spoken in Memphis, Tennessee on April 3, 1968. Dr. King was assassinated the very next morning.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
SUSHI
Again, we went out with my co-workers for a night of sushi. Sorry to all those who love it, but it's just too expensive of a luxury for me to enjoy. Although I had some of the best sushi I've ever had (including fatty tuna, yellowtail hand rolls, spider claws) and two glasses of sake to boot, I don't think I'll be going for a long time. Plus, it doesn't that you burp of fishy breathe for hours after you're done eating!!!
And because I over-ate, I'm still uncomfortably full and ready to go to bed now ... at 8:35pm.
Again, we went out with my co-workers for a night of sushi. Sorry to all those who love it, but it's just too expensive of a luxury for me to enjoy. Although I had some of the best sushi I've ever had (including fatty tuna, yellowtail hand rolls, spider claws) and two glasses of sake to boot, I don't think I'll be going for a long time. Plus, it doesn't that you burp of fishy breathe for hours after you're done eating!!!
And because I over-ate, I'm still uncomfortably full and ready to go to bed now ... at 8:35pm.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
QUICK THOUGHTS
1. After watching "Super Size Me," the documentary about the harmful effects of eating McDonald's for 30 days straight, I've still eaten fast food about 4 times this week.
2. People have been putting a lot of pressure on us lately to have kids. My co-workers do it on a daily basis. And after hanging out with Karena's co-worker and their one year-old, we're feeling the pressure again. And although it was really amazing playing with her and watching Karena's maternal instincts come out, we're not going to be pressured into anything, especially something as big as having a child. It'll happen when we feel we're more ready and in God's perfect timing.
3. Karena and I are trying to go through the Bible in one year. Reading four (sometimes more) chapters a night is a daunting task! At this point, I'm barely hanging on and Karena is starting to shoot for the "Going Through the Bible in TWO Years" plan.
4. We bought three pairs of pants from Banana Republic today and were only charged for two. After noticing, we decided not to go back. But after taking a few more steps, we both felt miserable and went back. The guy was so grateful, he gave us 10% off. And afterward, we definitely felt better. Still, I have to admit that a little part of me was VERY excited about getting away with a free pair of pants. That's pretty bad, huh?
1. After watching "Super Size Me," the documentary about the harmful effects of eating McDonald's for 30 days straight, I've still eaten fast food about 4 times this week.
2. People have been putting a lot of pressure on us lately to have kids. My co-workers do it on a daily basis. And after hanging out with Karena's co-worker and their one year-old, we're feeling the pressure again. And although it was really amazing playing with her and watching Karena's maternal instincts come out, we're not going to be pressured into anything, especially something as big as having a child. It'll happen when we feel we're more ready and in God's perfect timing.
3. Karena and I are trying to go through the Bible in one year. Reading four (sometimes more) chapters a night is a daunting task! At this point, I'm barely hanging on and Karena is starting to shoot for the "Going Through the Bible in TWO Years" plan.
4. We bought three pairs of pants from Banana Republic today and were only charged for two. After noticing, we decided not to go back. But after taking a few more steps, we both felt miserable and went back. The guy was so grateful, he gave us 10% off. And afterward, we definitely felt better. Still, I have to admit that a little part of me was VERY excited about getting away with a free pair of pants. That's pretty bad, huh?
Thursday, January 13, 2005
PLAYING TO THE HEARTS OF THE JUDGES
Some of you may recall a blog I wrote months ago about how we do some dumb "team building" activities during our staff meetings at work. In the past, we've had to make collages, discussed way to improve ourselves, and tried to build something out of random crap around the office (ie paper clips, shredded paper, pens, etc.)
But this past Wednesday, we got into three groups to come up with a story including all the names of the people in your group. We wrote some insane story about me throwing a party and the crazy times everybody has trying to get there. The other group was more creative, using the names interestingly, like Margaret instead of "marguerita" or Sherif instead of "sheriff."
But the group that won and ended up winning gift cards to Target was the group that did nothing more than use their names to say what they would do to raise money for the tsunami relief efforts.
The two judges, the assistant boss and another co-worker whose wife was going to have their first baby by C-section in a few hours, but somehow hung out with us for HOURS, decided on the tsuanami group. They chose them because that group played to their hearts. My group was pretty disapponited ... but only because we hadn't thought of it first.
Some of you may recall a blog I wrote months ago about how we do some dumb "team building" activities during our staff meetings at work. In the past, we've had to make collages, discussed way to improve ourselves, and tried to build something out of random crap around the office (ie paper clips, shredded paper, pens, etc.)
But this past Wednesday, we got into three groups to come up with a story including all the names of the people in your group. We wrote some insane story about me throwing a party and the crazy times everybody has trying to get there. The other group was more creative, using the names interestingly, like Margaret instead of "marguerita" or Sherif instead of "sheriff."
But the group that won and ended up winning gift cards to Target was the group that did nothing more than use their names to say what they would do to raise money for the tsunami relief efforts.
The two judges, the assistant boss and another co-worker whose wife was going to have their first baby by C-section in a few hours, but somehow hung out with us for HOURS, decided on the tsuanami group. They chose them because that group played to their hearts. My group was pretty disapponited ... but only because we hadn't thought of it first.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
NUMB (PART II)
Here's a classic example of how numb (or selfish) I've become.
When told that we were collecting money for the tsunami relief fund, nobody gave. Nobody. But later on in the day, when word was going around that we were all putting in $5 for the $80 million California Lotto drawing today, we had $95 in a few hours, including $5 from me.
What have we become?
Here's a classic example of how numb (or selfish) I've become.
When told that we were collecting money for the tsunami relief fund, nobody gave. Nobody. But later on in the day, when word was going around that we were all putting in $5 for the $80 million California Lotto drawing today, we had $95 in a few hours, including $5 from me.
What have we become?
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
NUMB
After watching and reading about all the damage, destruction,and devastation the tsunami has caused in Southeast Asia, I have to admit that I'm a little numb to all the problems the rain has caused locally. It just hasn't been affecting me like it would have otherwise. It's sad, but true.
I feel badly for all the people who have been affected, whether it be by the constant downpour we've had or from the tsunami.
I pray for you.
After watching and reading about all the damage, destruction,and devastation the tsunami has caused in Southeast Asia, I have to admit that I'm a little numb to all the problems the rain has caused locally. It just hasn't been affecting me like it would have otherwise. It's sad, but true.
I feel badly for all the people who have been affected, whether it be by the constant downpour we've had or from the tsunami.
I pray for you.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
UCLA PRIDE
We were fortunate enough to watch UCLA play Washington with Garth last night in basketball at legendary Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus. We met early beforehand to have dinner and walk around Westwood. The walking was limited by the heavy rain, but we still did manage to have dinner at BJs. Afterwards, we witnessed one of the greatest games I have ever seen. The Bruins were down big (21 in the first half) and Garth (a UW alum) was having a great time taunting my boys and me. Karena, purposefully not wanting to cheer for UCLA, wore her Cornell sweatshirt, although deep inside, I think she was hoping UCLA would win for my sake.
Anyway, after being down by that much, my heart sank. I knew they were the best time in the Pac-10 so far, so I wasn't very confident. But the Bruins of 2004-2005 definitely have heart. They played aggressively and with enough emotion to propel them back. They ended up winning by 9 points. I tried not to flaunt it too much (aside from my UCLA cap and jersey), but I was loving every minute of it! It was a great win and definitely one that was worth driving out in the pouring rain to see.
We were fortunate enough to watch UCLA play Washington with Garth last night in basketball at legendary Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus. We met early beforehand to have dinner and walk around Westwood. The walking was limited by the heavy rain, but we still did manage to have dinner at BJs. Afterwards, we witnessed one of the greatest games I have ever seen. The Bruins were down big (21 in the first half) and Garth (a UW alum) was having a great time taunting my boys and me. Karena, purposefully not wanting to cheer for UCLA, wore her Cornell sweatshirt, although deep inside, I think she was hoping UCLA would win for my sake.
Anyway, after being down by that much, my heart sank. I knew they were the best time in the Pac-10 so far, so I wasn't very confident. But the Bruins of 2004-2005 definitely have heart. They played aggressively and with enough emotion to propel them back. They ended up winning by 9 points. I tried not to flaunt it too much (aside from my UCLA cap and jersey), but I was loving every minute of it! It was a great win and definitely one that was worth driving out in the pouring rain to see.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
SELFISH AND SELFLESS
I know I'm not the most selfless guy in the world (in fact, I'm far from it), so who am I to talk or to judge, right?
But it truly irks me when I see blatant selfishness go on, especially at work. And I'm not talking about the big things either, I'm talking about things that some people might not even notice. But to me, it provided some insight into these people true selves.
I have a co-worker who never holds the door open for her patients. She simply open the extremely heavy door (they have to be really heavy to contain fires - hospital policy), walks through it and keeps going. Not once has she turned around to check if her patient got through the door okay or held the door open for them. These are people who are hurting and some can barely walk! And yet she just keep walking through. Arrrgh!
Meanwhile, Karena and I ran into an old patient of mine while at Kaiser. I couldn't remember her name so that made introductions rather embarassing, but that's another story. Anyway, my patient was holding an empty coffee cup she just finished drinking. While we were talking, Karena gladly took the cup and threw it away for her so she didn't have to get up and do it herself. Karena had never met this patient before, but she thought nothing of the kind gesture. It was a small act of selflessness that again told me a lot about the type of person I married (aka a generous, loving one). My patient was especially impressed, whispering to me afterward, "She's perfect! A real keeper!"
Amen.
I know I'm not the most selfless guy in the world (in fact, I'm far from it), so who am I to talk or to judge, right?
But it truly irks me when I see blatant selfishness go on, especially at work. And I'm not talking about the big things either, I'm talking about things that some people might not even notice. But to me, it provided some insight into these people true selves.
I have a co-worker who never holds the door open for her patients. She simply open the extremely heavy door (they have to be really heavy to contain fires - hospital policy), walks through it and keeps going. Not once has she turned around to check if her patient got through the door okay or held the door open for them. These are people who are hurting and some can barely walk! And yet she just keep walking through. Arrrgh!
Meanwhile, Karena and I ran into an old patient of mine while at Kaiser. I couldn't remember her name so that made introductions rather embarassing, but that's another story. Anyway, my patient was holding an empty coffee cup she just finished drinking. While we were talking, Karena gladly took the cup and threw it away for her so she didn't have to get up and do it herself. Karena had never met this patient before, but she thought nothing of the kind gesture. It was a small act of selflessness that again told me a lot about the type of person I married (aka a generous, loving one). My patient was especially impressed, whispering to me afterward, "She's perfect! A real keeper!"
Amen.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
USC
Being a UCLA guy, I obviously didn't care too much about USC winning the national championship Tuesday night by destroying Oklahoma.
But apparently some of my co-workers did. They set me up by calling my work line and when I picked it up and professionally said, "Physical Therapy. This is Victor."
All I heard was the USC fight song start playing and then they hung up.
It was the worst phone call I have ever received!
Being a UCLA guy, I obviously didn't care too much about USC winning the national championship Tuesday night by destroying Oklahoma.
But apparently some of my co-workers did. They set me up by calling my work line and when I picked it up and professionally said, "Physical Therapy. This is Victor."
All I heard was the USC fight song start playing and then they hung up.
It was the worst phone call I have ever received!
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
QUICK THOUGHTS
1. We got a new computer and it is lightning fast compared to our old one. But in the meantime, I only have WordPerfect (WordPerfect?!? I didn't even know that still existed!) and have to survive until I can get my Microsoft Office disk from home.
2. Karena and I are both trying to go through the Bible this year. So far, so good for both of us. Although, I must admit that I tend to get very sleepy while reading and tend to gloss over words, especially in Ezra.
3. I never ever thought I'd say this, but I can't stand Kobe Bryant.
4. I've gotten used to having Fridays off so this week seems super long.
5. We were generously given 3 free months of Netflix by Daryl and have just started getting our movies. We're excited, although I think the Chinese part of me is going to make myself a hermit and watch as many movies as I can in 3 months. Unfortunately for Netflix, they don't realize that they're dealing with a Chinese guy from Montebello, meaning that there's no chance I'm going to sign up for service.
1. We got a new computer and it is lightning fast compared to our old one. But in the meantime, I only have WordPerfect (WordPerfect?!? I didn't even know that still existed!) and have to survive until I can get my Microsoft Office disk from home.
2. Karena and I are both trying to go through the Bible this year. So far, so good for both of us. Although, I must admit that I tend to get very sleepy while reading and tend to gloss over words, especially in Ezra.
3. I never ever thought I'd say this, but I can't stand Kobe Bryant.
4. I've gotten used to having Fridays off so this week seems super long.
5. We were generously given 3 free months of Netflix by Daryl and have just started getting our movies. We're excited, although I think the Chinese part of me is going to make myself a hermit and watch as many movies as I can in 3 months. Unfortunately for Netflix, they don't realize that they're dealing with a Chinese guy from Montebello, meaning that there's no chance I'm going to sign up for service.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
DRAINED ... BUT FEELIN' GOOD
The holiday season has left me drained, but I feel good about it. I was glad to have some time to spend with my family and Karena's family. And I was thrilled to have the New Year's Eve party where the turnout was good and it seemed people had fun. And I was glad to celebrate Debbie's birthday, congratulate Liz on passing the bar exam, hanging out with Michael and having dinner with Bonnie. During that span, we also saw two Ben Stiller movies in two days: Dodgeball and Meet the Fockers. Now, I have to admit that even though I find him funny, I have overdosed on him and need a little break.
But getting back to what I was saying, I feel very privileged to have been able to spend so much time with so many different people. But this has definitely left me drained, as I was exhausted at work yesterday. Thank God I can try to rest and re-group today (my day off) for the rest of the week!
The holiday season has left me drained, but I feel good about it. I was glad to have some time to spend with my family and Karena's family. And I was thrilled to have the New Year's Eve party where the turnout was good and it seemed people had fun. And I was glad to celebrate Debbie's birthday, congratulate Liz on passing the bar exam, hanging out with Michael and having dinner with Bonnie. During that span, we also saw two Ben Stiller movies in two days: Dodgeball and Meet the Fockers. Now, I have to admit that even though I find him funny, I have overdosed on him and need a little break.
But getting back to what I was saying, I feel very privileged to have been able to spend so much time with so many different people. But this has definitely left me drained, as I was exhausted at work yesterday. Thank God I can try to rest and re-group today (my day off) for the rest of the week!
Monday, January 03, 2005
DATE
I told myself that I wouldn't screw up at all today while writing the date. But, you know what happens when you do that. So, on the very first chart, I wrote: 12/3/2004.
It's official, I'm dumb.
I told myself that I wouldn't screw up at all today while writing the date. But, you know what happens when you do that. So, on the very first chart, I wrote: 12/3/2004.
It's official, I'm dumb.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
IMPRESSED
I woke up at 7am to take Gabe and Sandra to the airport and couldn't believe what a beautiful day it was on New Year's Day morning, especially after all the rain we've been having. I wasn't bitter or mad about being up at that hour. There was no traffic, and I just sat back and watched the sun peak out from beyond some white clouds against a beautiful blue and gold backdrop.
And on loosely related topic, I am so impressed that it never rains on the Rose Parade. I'm not such a fan of it (except in 1992 when I marched in it as part of Schurr's band), but I do think it's pretty amazing to not have a single drop of rain has fallen on the parade since 1955.
Karen firmly believes that the reason why it hasn't rained ont he parade in 50 years is because God wouldn't allow it to happen. She believes that because people all over the world watch, it would be bad if it was rained out. So, God simply doesn't let it happen. I don't fully agree with her though. But either way, I'm still impressed wtih the parade's track record.
I woke up at 7am to take Gabe and Sandra to the airport and couldn't believe what a beautiful day it was on New Year's Day morning, especially after all the rain we've been having. I wasn't bitter or mad about being up at that hour. There was no traffic, and I just sat back and watched the sun peak out from beyond some white clouds against a beautiful blue and gold backdrop.
And on loosely related topic, I am so impressed that it never rains on the Rose Parade. I'm not such a fan of it (except in 1992 when I marched in it as part of Schurr's band), but I do think it's pretty amazing to not have a single drop of rain has fallen on the parade since 1955.
Karen firmly believes that the reason why it hasn't rained ont he parade in 50 years is because God wouldn't allow it to happen. She believes that because people all over the world watch, it would be bad if it was rained out. So, God simply doesn't let it happen. I don't fully agree with her though. But either way, I'm still impressed wtih the parade's track record.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
NEW YEAR'S EVE TO NEW YEAR'S DAY
What a great New Year's Eve I had! After waking up with my wife by my side again, we headed off to celebrate Debbie's birthday. I've decided that their bathroom is my favorite bathroom to use other than my own.
Then, later in the evening, we congregated to shoot hoops, play an '80s and '90s trivia game, and had the infamous White Elephant gift exchange. I was really nervous the game would be a disaster, but it seemed to be a hit. The White Elephant gifts this year proved that "one man's trash is another man's TRASH!" They were much junkier than in previous years, but still very funny. But what was even funnier was the way certain people who shall remain nameless (read: the Wais) purposefully and not so conspicuously left all their gifts behind curtains and even in our microwave! It was the heartiest laugh I've ever had at 2:00 am while cleaning up after a party.
Thanks to everyone who was able to usher in 2005 with us. I truly appreciate and value your friendship.
What a great New Year's Eve I had! After waking up with my wife by my side again, we headed off to celebrate Debbie's birthday. I've decided that their bathroom is my favorite bathroom to use other than my own.
Then, later in the evening, we congregated to shoot hoops, play an '80s and '90s trivia game, and had the infamous White Elephant gift exchange. I was really nervous the game would be a disaster, but it seemed to be a hit. The White Elephant gifts this year proved that "one man's trash is another man's TRASH!" They were much junkier than in previous years, but still very funny. But what was even funnier was the way certain people who shall remain nameless (read: the Wais) purposefully and not so conspicuously left all their gifts behind curtains and even in our microwave! It was the heartiest laugh I've ever had at 2:00 am while cleaning up after a party.
Thanks to everyone who was able to usher in 2005 with us. I truly appreciate and value your friendship.
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