Sunday, December 31, 2006
IF YOU CAN'T TELL
If you can't tell yet, I'm obsessed with my new nephew Caleb. Here are some photos from this past weekend.
I tell you, this kid is going to grow up and break some hearts.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
QUICK THOUGHTS
1. Those Iraqis sure are old school, aren't they? They decided to execute Saddam Hussein by hanging, not lethal injection. But the truth is his death means very little nowadays. If this had happened 15 years ago, it would really have been news. And props to domestic news organization for now showing his actual hanging. That's a classy move for a guy many Americans and Iraqis despise.
2. It's been weeks now, but I'm still laughing at Carmelo Anthony's cheap sucker punch where he hits the guy and backpedals all the way to the other side of the court. It was hilarious. The truth is the fight was over and he shouldn't have started it up again. He deserves his 15 game punishment.
3. James Brown was a musical legend.
4. I'm glad to see Gerald Ford is getting some credit for the many things he did for our country. I always felt like he was treated like the dumb, former college football player turned president who Nixon just used to pardon him after Watergate.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
LOOKING BACK
I've alredy begun to look back on the year gone by. And I have to admit that I've been a little disappointed in myself. This year, I was pretty undisciplined in terms of my spiritual life, my physical fitness, my eating, and my overall drive to succeed and achieve.
Right now, I feel like I haven't been anywhere near a prayer warrior or a reader of the Bible. And I can't even remember the last time I went to the gym. And this year, I ate more fast food than I probably had in all my previous years combined. And in general, I felt pretty lazy. And when I was pushed my someone to get my rear in gear, I got upset.
This must change in 2007. No, this will change.
I've alredy begun to look back on the year gone by. And I have to admit that I've been a little disappointed in myself. This year, I was pretty undisciplined in terms of my spiritual life, my physical fitness, my eating, and my overall drive to succeed and achieve.
Right now, I feel like I haven't been anywhere near a prayer warrior or a reader of the Bible. And I can't even remember the last time I went to the gym. And this year, I ate more fast food than I probably had in all my previous years combined. And in general, I felt pretty lazy. And when I was pushed my someone to get my rear in gear, I got upset.
This must change in 2007. No, this will change.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
CHRISTMAS
Looking back at Christmas this year, here are some of my favorite moments:
1. We saw a guy riding a motorcycle dressed up as Santa Claus. While stopped at a red light, all the people around him started shaking his hand as if he were the real Santa. I thought it was weird and hilarious.
2. I love the way random strangers would come up to you and say "Merry Christmas." That little bit of kindness is absent on the 364 other days of the year.
3. We drove over 1,000 miles within a four day span and were able to visit Sandra and Gabe, Raymond and Sandra, Karena's family at their aunt and uncle's place, and visit Sonoma.
4. Consider this fare warning: I got a gag gift this year and WILL be packaging it as part of my white elephant gif this year!
Looking back at Christmas this year, here are some of my favorite moments:
1. We saw a guy riding a motorcycle dressed up as Santa Claus. While stopped at a red light, all the people around him started shaking his hand as if he were the real Santa. I thought it was weird and hilarious.
2. I love the way random strangers would come up to you and say "Merry Christmas." That little bit of kindness is absent on the 364 other days of the year.
3. We drove over 1,000 miles within a four day span and were able to visit Sandra and Gabe, Raymond and Sandra, Karena's family at their aunt and uncle's place, and visit Sonoma.
4. Consider this fare warning: I got a gag gift this year and WILL be packaging it as part of my white elephant gif this year!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
NIV BIBLE EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE
First off, happy birthday to my dad today! Now for what I was going to blog about.
Whenever I go into a home that has an NIV Bible Exhaustive Concordance, I always look up where in the Bible my last name appears. I know it's either in 1 or 2 Samuel, but I can never remember.
But now that I'm at Raymond and Sandra's place and have looked it up yet again, I'm going to commit it to memory this time.
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen." -1 Samuel 7:12a
First off, happy birthday to my dad today! Now for what I was going to blog about.
Whenever I go into a home that has an NIV Bible Exhaustive Concordance, I always look up where in the Bible my last name appears. I know it's either in 1 or 2 Samuel, but I can never remember.
But now that I'm at Raymond and Sandra's place and have looked it up yet again, I'm going to commit it to memory this time.
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen." -1 Samuel 7:12a
Sunday, December 24, 2006
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us."
--Matthew 1:22-23
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us."
--Matthew 1:22-23
Saturday, December 23, 2006
CALEB
I know I've been talking a lot about various babies recently - with Charles and Lisa, Nathan and Sinath, Danny and Patti, Pastor Rich and Connie, Ko and Charice, and my sister and Gabe all giving birth recently.
But to finally see my nephew for the first time face to face and to be able to hold him and have him look up at me was amazing. No offense to anybody who got us Christmas gifts this year, but that time shared with him was by far the best gift.
I'll have to post pictures of him later doing his Zoolander impression of "Blue Steel" and "Magnum." Haha!
I know I've been talking a lot about various babies recently - with Charles and Lisa, Nathan and Sinath, Danny and Patti, Pastor Rich and Connie, Ko and Charice, and my sister and Gabe all giving birth recently.
But to finally see my nephew for the first time face to face and to be able to hold him and have him look up at me was amazing. No offense to anybody who got us Christmas gifts this year, but that time shared with him was by far the best gift.
I'll have to post pictures of him later doing his Zoolander impression of "Blue Steel" and "Magnum." Haha!
Friday, December 22, 2006
SITTING IN FRONT OF THE TREE
One of the most meaningful things I do all year is sit alone with only the lights of the Christmas tree on and spend some time praying, thinking about the year gone by, and planning.
This year is no different, although it was harder for my mind to get settled. For some reason, I kept thinking about random things like Rocky Balboa and patients from work. But I was able to focus and have some serious prayer time.
And it was nice to think back over the year where we spent more hours in the hospital than I have in my entire life. Between Karena's dad, my grandfather, my mother, Karena's mom, etc. we were busy. But things all seemed to work out for the best, just like He promised.
I have to admit that I'm looking forward to see what challenges and triumphs lie ahead in 2007. Hopefully, I'll be able to grow and mature more.
One of the most meaningful things I do all year is sit alone with only the lights of the Christmas tree on and spend some time praying, thinking about the year gone by, and planning.
This year is no different, although it was harder for my mind to get settled. For some reason, I kept thinking about random things like Rocky Balboa and patients from work. But I was able to focus and have some serious prayer time.
And it was nice to think back over the year where we spent more hours in the hospital than I have in my entire life. Between Karena's dad, my grandfather, my mother, Karena's mom, etc. we were busy. But things all seemed to work out for the best, just like He promised.
I have to admit that I'm looking forward to see what challenges and triumphs lie ahead in 2007. Hopefully, I'll be able to grow and mature more.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
CHRISTMAS PARTY
If there's one thing my workplace is NOT known for, it's for its Christmas parties. In years past, we've had dinner at a ghetto Chinese restaurant, eaten potluck food in our own department's gym, and chipped in $5 for other depressing food in other depresisng locales.
But this year, someone made the good suggestion of going to C&O's. We loaded up on the garlic rolls (as all people should do when they go there), and had a really fun gift exchange. It didn't even bother me that I ended up sitting next to somone I wasn't too fond of.
What makes a good Christmas party? I think you have to have everybody in a good mood, willing to make fools of themselves. And you have to have good food and some time to have some good conversation. Personally, that's all I'm looking for in a good Christmas party.
Luckily for me, this year, that's what we got.
If there's one thing my workplace is NOT known for, it's for its Christmas parties. In years past, we've had dinner at a ghetto Chinese restaurant, eaten potluck food in our own department's gym, and chipped in $5 for other depressing food in other depresisng locales.
But this year, someone made the good suggestion of going to C&O's. We loaded up on the garlic rolls (as all people should do when they go there), and had a really fun gift exchange. It didn't even bother me that I ended up sitting next to somone I wasn't too fond of.
What makes a good Christmas party? I think you have to have everybody in a good mood, willing to make fools of themselves. And you have to have good food and some time to have some good conversation. Personally, that's all I'm looking for in a good Christmas party.
Luckily for me, this year, that's what we got.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER
I've learned again to never judge a book by its cover.
While out at a restaurant, I went to the bathroom to . . . you know. But when I opened the door, I saw an elderly man digging in the trash, pulling out every single used paper towel one at a time and dropping it to the floor.
I immediately thought "This guy is a freak." I quickly tried to do my business without looking or interacting with him. But as I was washing my hands, he explained himself.
"Don't think I'm crazy or anything. I was here about 20 minutes earlier and flipped my hands dry over the trash can because they were out of paper towels. Then, I just now realized I lost my wedding ring. So, I'm now going through the entire trash can looking for it.
I felt badly for him and volunteered to help, but he kindly declined. A few minutes later, I saw him emerge from the bathroom with his wedding ring back on his left ring finger. He thanked me again for my concern and told me that he again ran out of paper towels and was considering flinging his hands dry again. But he thought better of it and just left with his hands wet.
Good move on his part. Afterward, I felt horrible thinking this man was a freak. If it were me, I would have been doing the same thing.
I've learned again to never judge a book by its cover.
While out at a restaurant, I went to the bathroom to . . . you know. But when I opened the door, I saw an elderly man digging in the trash, pulling out every single used paper towel one at a time and dropping it to the floor.
I immediately thought "This guy is a freak." I quickly tried to do my business without looking or interacting with him. But as I was washing my hands, he explained himself.
"Don't think I'm crazy or anything. I was here about 20 minutes earlier and flipped my hands dry over the trash can because they were out of paper towels. Then, I just now realized I lost my wedding ring. So, I'm now going through the entire trash can looking for it.
I felt badly for him and volunteered to help, but he kindly declined. A few minutes later, I saw him emerge from the bathroom with his wedding ring back on his left ring finger. He thanked me again for my concern and told me that he again ran out of paper towels and was considering flinging his hands dry again. But he thought better of it and just left with his hands wet.
Good move on his part. Afterward, I felt horrible thinking this man was a freak. If it were me, I would have been doing the same thing.
Monday, December 18, 2006
FIRE!
One thing you never want to hear your wife say is "The fries are on fire." We had placed some of our leftover fries in our toaster over to warm them up while eating dinner. But we forgot about them and before we knew it, we were scrambling for our fire extinguisher to put out the flames inside our toaster oven.
The good news is that nobody got hurt and the fire did not spread. Plus, we now have our fire extinguishers in a better place for easier access. So, this actually turned out to be a good thing.
Still, I was sad we didn't get to eat those fries. I was looking forward to eating them.
One thing you never want to hear your wife say is "The fries are on fire." We had placed some of our leftover fries in our toaster over to warm them up while eating dinner. But we forgot about them and before we knew it, we were scrambling for our fire extinguisher to put out the flames inside our toaster oven.
The good news is that nobody got hurt and the fire did not spread. Plus, we now have our fire extinguishers in a better place for easier access. So, this actually turned out to be a good thing.
Still, I was sad we didn't get to eat those fries. I was looking forward to eating them.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
BREAKFAST
After working 10 days straight, I was really looking forward to this weekend to relax. And I managed to do just that because I got to do some of my favorite things.
On Saturday, Karena and I had dim sum with the other couples in our Young Married Couples group at Triumphal Palace (Main between Atlantic and 5th St). Although I was disappointed we didn't get to order off the carts (you have to order on paper and they bring the dim sum to you), we had a great time. Afterward, we got some free stuff (including a small football, an international phone card, a water bottle, and a Mr. Baguette sandwich) from the new cell phone store next door.
On Sunday morning, I woke up to use our griddle (which I rarely get to use) to make eggs, bacon and pancakes for breakfast. Karena and I got to sit down for breakfast together and read the Sunday paper before going to church.
It was a great feeling because we rarely get to eat like that. That, and I LOVE breakfast.
After working 10 days straight, I was really looking forward to this weekend to relax. And I managed to do just that because I got to do some of my favorite things.
On Saturday, Karena and I had dim sum with the other couples in our Young Married Couples group at Triumphal Palace (Main between Atlantic and 5th St). Although I was disappointed we didn't get to order off the carts (you have to order on paper and they bring the dim sum to you), we had a great time. Afterward, we got some free stuff (including a small football, an international phone card, a water bottle, and a Mr. Baguette sandwich) from the new cell phone store next door.
On Sunday morning, I woke up to use our griddle (which I rarely get to use) to make eggs, bacon and pancakes for breakfast. Karena and I got to sit down for breakfast together and read the Sunday paper before going to church.
It was a great feeling because we rarely get to eat like that. That, and I LOVE breakfast.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
LINKS TO TV SHOWS
If you've ever been looking for a place to find old TV show episodes without having to pay for them, look no further. Here is a website that will link you to other sites where you can watch many of your favorite shows. Now, granted, the quality isn't the greatest and some of them have chinese subtitles, but it'll allow you to catch up with shows you missed or wanted to always start watching from the beginning.
Want to see all 5 seasons of "24"? It's all there. Missed the first few episodes of "Heroes"? That's there too. Classic "Seinfeld"? Check. Anime? It's all there.
Happy TV watching!
Friday, December 15, 2006
UCLA DATABASE HACKED!
Apparently, everybody wants to be a part of UCLA. Their database was recently hacked into and about 800,000 people's information was made available to the hackers. It's probably nothing, but just be safe, here's some info. (By the way, thanks to Jason for personally calling me to make sure I got the info already).
If you or somebody you know has been affiliated with UCLA in any way since 1990, read on:
Q: How do I know whether I am in the affected data base?
A: If you received notification from UCLA, your name is in the illegally accessed database. Those who don’t know whether they are in the compromised database should phone the Identity Alert Hotline established byUCLA, at (877) 533-8082.
Q: Does this mean I am the victim of identify theft?
A: No. The fact that someone had access to your information doesn’t mean you’re the victim of identity theft or that they intend use the information to commit fraud. The university wanted to let you know about the incident so you can take steps to protect yourself. The best way to protect yourself is to place a fraud alert on your credit files and review your credit reports.
Q: What should I do?
A: As a precaution, UCLA recommends that you contact one of the three national credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your consumer credit file and obtain a copy of your personal credit report. Once a credit bureau places a fraud alert on your credit file, the two other credit bureaus will automatically do the same. Each bureau will then send you a copy of your credit report. The fraud alert and credit reports are free. Here is the contact information for the fraud divisions of the national credit bureaus:
Equifax: (888) 766-0008 (http://www.equifax.com)
Experian: (888) 397-3742(http://www.experian.com/fraud
TransUnion: (800) 680-7289 (http://www.tuc.com)
Apparently, everybody wants to be a part of UCLA. Their database was recently hacked into and about 800,000 people's information was made available to the hackers. It's probably nothing, but just be safe, here's some info. (By the way, thanks to Jason for personally calling me to make sure I got the info already).
If you or somebody you know has been affiliated with UCLA in any way since 1990, read on:
Q: How do I know whether I am in the affected data base?
A: If you received notification from UCLA, your name is in the illegally accessed database. Those who don’t know whether they are in the compromised database should phone the Identity Alert Hotline established byUCLA, at (877) 533-8082.
Q: Does this mean I am the victim of identify theft?
A: No. The fact that someone had access to your information doesn’t mean you’re the victim of identity theft or that they intend use the information to commit fraud. The university wanted to let you know about the incident so you can take steps to protect yourself. The best way to protect yourself is to place a fraud alert on your credit files and review your credit reports.
Q: What should I do?
A: As a precaution, UCLA recommends that you contact one of the three national credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your consumer credit file and obtain a copy of your personal credit report. Once a credit bureau places a fraud alert on your credit file, the two other credit bureaus will automatically do the same. Each bureau will then send you a copy of your credit report. The fraud alert and credit reports are free. Here is the contact information for the fraud divisions of the national credit bureaus:
Equifax: (888) 766-0008 (http://www.equifax.com)
Experian: (888) 397-3742(http://www.experian.com/fraud
TransUnion: (800) 680-7289 (http://www.tuc.com)
Thursday, December 14, 2006
YOUNG HOLLYWOOD
Kids these days! What are we going to do with these young Hollywood stars like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, and Britney Spears? It seems they've made it a contest to see who could be the biggest "bad girl." I don't typically care about any of them, but after I heard Nicole Richie was driving the wrong way on the 134 freeway near my home, I got angry.
All the drugs, drinking, smoking, constant partying and promoscuity is killing me! It's horrible! Is this what fame and money do to people? If so, then I don't want it. Where are their values?
These girls need a reality check. It disgusts me just to look at the photo of these four.
We need to freeze their bank accounts and make them get real jobs. Or better yet, just don't pay any attention to them. If nobody cares what they do and there's no news coverage of them, they'll stop.
Man, I'm so angry, I can't even think straight.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
HUG OR A HANDSHAKE?
I'm sure most of you guys out there can sympathize with me on this one. The other day I saw an old PT school classmate of mine that I basically haven't seen in about 6 years. I greeted her warmly . . . but then suddenly got very nervous. Should I give her a hug or just a handshake? I couldn't decide.
Since we were only minimally close during school and haven't seen each other in a while, I figured a handshake was more appropriate for her. But, she was a girl, and most girls end up hugging. I couldn't figure it out and there wasn't much time to think it over so I just went with the handshake.
I chose wrong.
I stuck my hand out and she leaned in for a hug. What ended up happening was the most awkward hug/handshake ever.
I was mortified and am still thinking about how badly I had played the situation days later. The moral of this story, I think it's always better to go in for the hug, especially when seeing an old friend whose is a girl. Even if you're wrong, it still ends up looking better than what I did.
I'm sure most of you guys out there can sympathize with me on this one. The other day I saw an old PT school classmate of mine that I basically haven't seen in about 6 years. I greeted her warmly . . . but then suddenly got very nervous. Should I give her a hug or just a handshake? I couldn't decide.
Since we were only minimally close during school and haven't seen each other in a while, I figured a handshake was more appropriate for her. But, she was a girl, and most girls end up hugging. I couldn't figure it out and there wasn't much time to think it over so I just went with the handshake.
I chose wrong.
I stuck my hand out and she leaned in for a hug. What ended up happening was the most awkward hug/handshake ever.
I was mortified and am still thinking about how badly I had played the situation days later. The moral of this story, I think it's always better to go in for the hug, especially when seeing an old friend whose is a girl. Even if you're wrong, it still ends up looking better than what I did.
Monday, December 11, 2006
GOODBYE BEVERLY HILLS
Karena is done working in Beverly Hills. Her last day was last Friday.
Karena is done working in Beverly Hills. Her last day was last Friday.
So, that means I won't have to wait for her after work. That means that when I clock out of work, I can actually leave. The truth is that it never bothered me to wait for her. The traffic was better and I enjoyed carpooling together.
As for Beverly Hills itself, I'll definitely miss a few things: I'll miss the crazy Baccarat chandeliers they put up above Rodeo Dr. every Christmas, the bad driving seen everywhere since everybody is looking for parking and not paying attention, running into celebrities, seeing famous places I've only previously seen on TV or in the movies (including the Beverly Hills Hotel and the building that Dr. 90210 works out of), driving in my car or the Lexus and feeling like I belonged for change instead of the old days when I wouild drive there in my Saturn and feel out of place, being able to walk to Crustacean to eat, and of course, getting courtside Lakers tickets.
As for Beverly Hills itself, I'll definitely miss a few things: I'll miss the crazy Baccarat chandeliers they put up above Rodeo Dr. every Christmas, the bad driving seen everywhere since everybody is looking for parking and not paying attention, running into celebrities, seeing famous places I've only previously seen on TV or in the movies (including the Beverly Hills Hotel and the building that Dr. 90210 works out of), driving in my car or the Lexus and feeling like I belonged for change instead of the old days when I wouild drive there in my Saturn and feel out of place, being able to walk to Crustacean to eat, and of course, getting courtside Lakers tickets.
But most of all, I'll miss being able to pray together with my wife and listen to music in the morning and to talk about our days on the way home. I'll always cherish those times we got to carpool together.
Goodbye, Beverly Hills. Now, you'll go back to being just a show I loved growing up.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
BALD IS BEAUTIFUL
Karena mentioned to me the other day that bald may be beautiful after all.
Karena mentioned to me the other day that bald may be beautiful after all.
She has always been fascinated with Shemar Moore, the former soap star turned "Soul Train" host and who now stars on CBS's "Criminal Minds" (a very boring show with horrible acting, by the way). But she's always looked at him and said, "He's a good looking man!"
And for the last two years, she's also had her eyes glued to Fox's "Prison Break" partly because of the action and suspense, but mostly because of its star, Wentworth Miller.
And both of them are technically bald since they shave their heads so closely.
So, you heard it here first, Karena can see baldness as a thing of beauty.
Thank God! There's hope for me yet!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
SCHURR HIGH SCHOOL
I've been talking a lot about our high school this week. First off, I brought my yearbook in to show off how Oscar DeLaHoya looked back in 1990 (he went there for 1 year before transferring to Garfield High). And I also showed off how Dub magazine co-founder Myles Kovacs (seen here with Jesse James) looked. It just goes to show that the class clown sometimes becomes the one with the most money.
Also, congrats to Schurr for winning Power 106's contest to have hip hop artist/actor Bow Wow be guest celebrity principal and perform at the school this week.
Who says good things don't happen in Montebello?
I've been talking a lot about our high school this week. First off, I brought my yearbook in to show off how Oscar DeLaHoya looked back in 1990 (he went there for 1 year before transferring to Garfield High). And I also showed off how Dub magazine co-founder Myles Kovacs (seen here with Jesse James) looked. It just goes to show that the class clown sometimes becomes the one with the most money.
Also, congrats to Schurr for winning Power 106's contest to have hip hop artist/actor Bow Wow be guest celebrity principal and perform at the school this week.
Who says good things don't happen in Montebello?
Friday, December 08, 2006
QUICK THOUGHTS
1. It's been a while since I've updated because life has been very busy. I'm in the midst of working 10 consecutive days and the thought of that is constantly hanging over my head. And the worst part is that today is only day 3 out of 10. I can't wait until next Friday.
2. Yesterday marked the 65th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. And most people didn't even notice. It was their generation's 9/11. I spent some time thinking back to World War II and what that meant for our nation. Many men sent packing to war, including many of our athletes. Many women and children helping out by conserving/rationing daily used items or collecting things like aluminum foil. We've been fortunate not to have to do any of that stuff for the wars we've been in recently.
3. I hate to admit it, but I AM a pushover. It's way too easy for me to say "yes" when I really mean "no." I hate that about myself. But somehow, I have a terrible time changing that.
1. It's been a while since I've updated because life has been very busy. I'm in the midst of working 10 consecutive days and the thought of that is constantly hanging over my head. And the worst part is that today is only day 3 out of 10. I can't wait until next Friday.
2. Yesterday marked the 65th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. And most people didn't even notice. It was their generation's 9/11. I spent some time thinking back to World War II and what that meant for our nation. Many men sent packing to war, including many of our athletes. Many women and children helping out by conserving/rationing daily used items or collecting things like aluminum foil. We've been fortunate not to have to do any of that stuff for the wars we've been in recently.
3. I hate to admit it, but I AM a pushover. It's way too easy for me to say "yes" when I really mean "no." I hate that about myself. But somehow, I have a terrible time changing that.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
HOLDING BABIES
I don't think there's anything more scary in all the world than holding some else's newborn baby. To my recollection, I think I've only held two babies in my entire life -- Mark and Gina's newborn son of 4 days named Gabriel a few years ago and last night when I held one of Ko and Charice's kids Maxwell. (For the record, I may have carried Jonathan and/or Kimmy back when they were born, but I was still too young to be freaked out about it like I am now.)
Holding someobody else's baby is so scary to me because I'm so afraid of dropping them or not supporting their head enough. I once was helping in the toddler's Sunday school at church and had a kid sitting in my lap. Suddenly, my legs got tired and the kid slid through my legs and landed on the floor. I was devasted, he couldn't stop crying, and I soon felt like crying too. Was he going to be dumb the rest of his life because of me?
These are some of the crazy thoughts that go through my head. But Ko and Charice had enough faith in me to let me hold one of their twins (Karena did a much better job holding Madeline, by the way). Slowly, my shoulders began to lower as I relaxed more and more. And before you knew it, it was a beautiful thing.
I can't wait to hold my new nephew Caleb in the same way in a few weeks.
I don't think there's anything more scary in all the world than holding some else's newborn baby. To my recollection, I think I've only held two babies in my entire life -- Mark and Gina's newborn son of 4 days named Gabriel a few years ago and last night when I held one of Ko and Charice's kids Maxwell. (For the record, I may have carried Jonathan and/or Kimmy back when they were born, but I was still too young to be freaked out about it like I am now.)
Holding someobody else's baby is so scary to me because I'm so afraid of dropping them or not supporting their head enough. I once was helping in the toddler's Sunday school at church and had a kid sitting in my lap. Suddenly, my legs got tired and the kid slid through my legs and landed on the floor. I was devasted, he couldn't stop crying, and I soon felt like crying too. Was he going to be dumb the rest of his life because of me?
These are some of the crazy thoughts that go through my head. But Ko and Charice had enough faith in me to let me hold one of their twins (Karena did a much better job holding Madeline, by the way). Slowly, my shoulders began to lower as I relaxed more and more. And before you knew it, it was a beautiful thing.
I can't wait to hold my new nephew Caleb in the same way in a few weeks.
Monday, December 04, 2006
KARENA'S WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY
Can you say awkward? Karena has been working at her current job since she graduated from PT school almost 7 years ago. But this week will be her last week working there. So, with only three more work days left for her, I felt a little of place attending her work Christmas party yesterday.
We drove to Corona Del Mar to have a prime rib brunch at Five Crowns, a restaurant affiliated with Lawry's. We found the prime rib to be very tender, but the flavor still not as good as we get at the Redwood Bar and Grill in Las Vegas (Karena's favorite place to eat in the whole world).
Anyway, getting back to feeling awkward, I felt out of place since Karena was leaving and I'm sure the boss wasn't happy about it. In fact, the boss and his wife seemed a little distant toward us, even though they've always given me a hardy hug and handshake in the past.
But I got over the awkard feeling and we managed to have a great time anyway chatting with her co-workers and sipping on mimosas. We even ended up with a Target gift card, a Trader Joe's gift card, and a Starbucks gift card from the gift exchange.
I hope that, in some small way, those gifts helped Karena feel appreciated for her nearly 7 years of dedicated service to them.
Can you say awkward? Karena has been working at her current job since she graduated from PT school almost 7 years ago. But this week will be her last week working there. So, with only three more work days left for her, I felt a little of place attending her work Christmas party yesterday.
We drove to Corona Del Mar to have a prime rib brunch at Five Crowns, a restaurant affiliated with Lawry's. We found the prime rib to be very tender, but the flavor still not as good as we get at the Redwood Bar and Grill in Las Vegas (Karena's favorite place to eat in the whole world).
Anyway, getting back to feeling awkward, I felt out of place since Karena was leaving and I'm sure the boss wasn't happy about it. In fact, the boss and his wife seemed a little distant toward us, even though they've always given me a hardy hug and handshake in the past.
But I got over the awkard feeling and we managed to have a great time anyway chatting with her co-workers and sipping on mimosas. We even ended up with a Target gift card, a Trader Joe's gift card, and a Starbucks gift card from the gift exchange.
I hope that, in some small way, those gifts helped Karena feel appreciated for her nearly 7 years of dedicated service to them.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
UCLA WINS!
It was a good day at the Rose Bowl and for all the UCLA faithful when the Bruins stunned the No.2 Trojans., 13-9.
All week long, I felt really good about the game. Too bad I didn't feel strongly enough to go out and purchase $2000 of what was to become free furniture from H.D. Buttercup!
Still, it was fun to have people over to watch the game and to celebrate a Bruin victory.
Some people said they'd be cheering for USC because it's good for a local team to make the championship game, but I didn't subscribe to this theory.
And I will have to admit that many of my Trojan friends have been very classy, even in defeat. So, props to you guys for that.
And a big congratulations go out to Karl Dorrell, defensive coordinator Wayne Walker and all the Bruin fans out there! This was a big win for all of us!
Friday, December 01, 2006
CONGRATS TO KO AND CHARICE
Congratulations to Ko and Charice, who are now the proud parents of two healthy twins, born this morning at UCLA. Max and Madeline and mom are all doing well!
We were lucky to visit with her Wednesday night and hopefully we'll get to see her in the hospital tonight (if she's up to it and if we can get around those pesky visiting hours).
Congratulations to Ko and Charice, who are now the proud parents of two healthy twins, born this morning at UCLA. Max and Madeline and mom are all doing well!
We were lucky to visit with her Wednesday night and hopefully we'll get to see her in the hospital tonight (if she's up to it and if we can get around those pesky visiting hours).
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