Birthdays

Today is the beginning of the month of my birthday. It's also the end of the month of your birthday. I don't call it a birthday month because I don't believe it's necessary to celebrate it for a month like some people. But I thought about it as I got a bunch of emails for things that I can "get" this month or on my birthday. Which makes me wonder if we should sign you up for everything. I mean you already have an email account and also a Southwest Rapid Rewards?

Anywho, we're going to celebrate Uncle Truong's birthday today. His birthday is July 30. I went rafting that day remember? Don't worry, you never have to get me anything for my birthday or anyone's birthday (except maybe your mom and your partner). What I hope you do is make it your own priority to do special things for people who are special to you. How you spend your resources (time, money, energy) is a reflection of what's important to you. Which reminds me, maybe I should make myself more important to me, cause I sure do spend a lot of time, energy and money and you and mommy (you guys are both still sleeping and you went to bed before I did...)

What A Day...

I went to the dentist and saw Aunty Thuy there. Luckily, I didn't have anything that looked bad in my teeth. Unfortunately, they don't really know, so I'll need to try this fancy mouthwash. Then I saw this crazy bill from Ong's house so I need to figure out what's wrong. I felt bad that I might have worried Ong. Then the internet was out at home. Then I got work that I couldn't work on. So I went to play MJ.

Things started to look up. I won a little. I got a remote for the garage (with the internet out I couldn't open the garage because I gave mommy our only remote). I was able to fix the garage after a lot of work. The cameras work again. I didn't win the lottery, but I figured I should try since things were looking up. You might have a sibling soon. I have the evening free so I might be able to get some work done. Things are getting better. That's how life goes sometimes. You gotta power through the bad to get to the good. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes longer than a day. Look, now I'm caught up on blogging and it's only 8:38PM. The internet is still a little glitchy. I might need a new router...

Rafting

I didn't want to die today. I can't leave you behind on your own. Surprise! I didn't die. I also didn't get any photos as I didn't want my phone to fall in the water. Look at the good times we had when you got home today. Life can be good if you don't make it difficult. Although, I keep hearing that comfort builds weak people. So I'm not exactly sure what to do...

I hope mommy and I don't have to spank or yell at you today, but I'm not naive. I think we're experiencing the terrible 3/4 since we didn't have the terrible 2s...You'll be back to So soon. Maybe that will be good? Although I think you're finally getting used to Champions. There are some nice kids there too. Sorry you'll miss Clarissa, but at least you have Jasmine ;)

Consequences

Today, we went and bought some whooping sticks for you. I think you found too much excitement and enjoyment in it. You're supposed to avoid getting spanked...

(I can spank with my golf clubs?)

We ended up getting bunch of different sticks. Today, you didn't say good bye politely to Uncle Khanh's parents. That's not good. I think I might have to use a belt instead of a stick. Trust me, I do not want to smack you, but it seems like the only thing you respond to. Along with tossing of your toys. You repeat to me the consequences, but you still commit the violations. I don't know what else to do, but we gotta do something...

TL - That's Life

Mommy said she doesn't like IYL as much, so she wants me to use TL. With very few exceptions, mommy gets what she wants. Anyhow, I was chatting with your Aunty Rain and mentioned that "where there's a will, there's a way". Unfortunately, sometimes people lack the will. I hope everyone finds the will to do what needs/wants/can be done. I am finding my will as well.

I don't cook as often as I'd like. It could be called lazy, but it's mostly because I don't want to pack the house with random ingredients that I may only use once. That being said, I have sugar free jello (hopefully the sugar substitutes don't give me dementia) and your mom's greek yogurt, and your frozen blueberries. Look what I made. I hope it's good. I'm trying to get my physical, financial, and mental health together before I turn 50. It's only 5 years away. I want to start now to give myself time, but also to build a habit so it's easier. I hope you can use this as an example that you can do it too. I know you say you can't, but I know you can. Just gotta find your will/motivation (and I don't want to always be negative punishment)...

Artificial Intelligence (Uncle Alex Intelligence)

Maybe I should introduce you to Ara (Grok's AI name on my phone). Artificial intelligence is going to be part of your future whether you want it our not. Having moral objections like your cousins isn't going to change the fact that you're not going to be able to avoid being impacted by AI. We should probably get you use to it. We can all learn together.

I know we use AI for printing images for you, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. I pray that you don't become a victim of AI, but that's probably a risk whether or not we expose you to it. AI is definitely more patient than mommy or I can be. We just need to make sure, with all things, we keep an eye on AI and your use of it. Again, forgive our efforts for raising you how we think is best for you.

Golf Win

I know this blog is for you, but I did have a great round of golf today. I guess to piggy back off yesterday, I don't expect to be great at golf, but I still try and I enjoy my time when I'm out there. I think that's how you/we need to view your activities. While you may not be good at soccer, it allows you to interact with other kids and work on new skills. Jiu Jitsu has the side effect of teaching you discipline and some defense. Swimming, teaches you to swim. My Gym is like soccer.

So even though we know you don't exactly enjoy the activities, they're good for you (even if you're not good at them). I guess in hindsight, mommy and I turned out just fine without doing any activities growing up, but that's because we didn't have the opportunity and times were different. We believe we know better now and have the means to give you things we didn't have. I hope we're doing the right thing. I hope you forgive us for trying. Wonder when mommy is going to notice my new golf head cover...