While You Can

Music is a great placekeeper when it comes to memories and motivations. I have quite a few songs that I can tie to specific memories in my life. There are also a lot of songs that express feelings and thoughts that I found hard to put into words. I hope you find enjoyment from music in your life. That being said, there's a country song called, "'Til You Can't". You can play it now if you want.

Basically, you should try to do things while you can because someday you may not be able to or someday may never come. I'm going to try to be more proactive and less procrastinative (not a word). I'm passed mid-life according to the US average for men. I hope you make the most of your life and time and do things while you can, because sometimes you can't later. Mommy made us chicken. I added roasted vegetables. I wonder if the seasoning makes the broccoli unhealthy. It's pretty good though (broccoli  and your mom's chicken).

Vinh's Gift Ideas Binder

It's currently the best idea I have for how to address your newly discovered phrase "Daddy, can you buy ________ for me?" Yes, I could probably buy you anything you ask for, but that's not the point. I want to teach you important life skills like understanding patience, merit, and gratitude.

The patience to wait to receive your reward or prize. The understanding that just because you want something doesn't mean you should have it and even if you feel like you deserve it, you may not get it. Finally, the understanding that you need to be grateful for what you have and appreciate that. What we give we can take away, just like the Lord.

New Month

Same Vinh. You had a little meltdown today at My Gym. It's a little embarrassing for me, but thankfully it was just me and Noah's dad. It's nice that you went, otherwise Noah would not get to have a class. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for others. I hope you're caring and emotionally intelligent enough to notice that. Uncle Peter was very nice today to let us cut in line and save time at Dim Sum. Too bad you didn't want to try any of it, but there is a sesame ball left for you (you're really missing out on the pineapple bun).

Mommy was right that you haven't gone to church in a while. Daddy made the sacrifice to go today since mommy couldn't drive. You really should keep going to church until you're old enough to make the decision on your own. It's ironic that when I was old enough to make the decision on my own, I actually decided to go for a while longer. I hope you go long enough to set your moral compass...

Cry Baby Boba

You like to cry and fight at the same time. I'm sorry you had a rough time. I'm proud that you stuck it out. However, we really need to work on your whining. You need to be better. I wish you understood how much easier your life is than most kids including your parents...

This is mommy and daddy trying to bring you a sibling. I hope we're successful and that you appreciate it. We don't really want another child, but we believe that it may be important for you to have a sibling. I can hear you whining right now. I really don't want to smack you, but it seems like the only thing that seems to work. It worked for me too so maybe it's a timeless solution? We'll see...

TGIF

Today your Uncle Peter and I had lunch. He said he needed some fresh air. You should never turn down helping someone out if you can. And you should never turn down an opportunity to enjoy good food with good company. Life and time is short, but this is a worthwhile way to spend it.

I'm not saying that life and actions should be transactional, but you do need to be aware that life is like a bank account. Mommy and daddy have put a lot into your account, but it's not infinite. It's important that you also make deposits into your life account. If you ever run out, of course mommy and daddy will help you if we can, but hopefully it never gets to that point. You're young, but you can still make deposits by listening, being good, etc. Then you can buy all the toys and things in your binder of gifts. Which I still need to put together...

You Will Be Loved

There's a song by Maroon 5 called, "She Will Be Loved". Just like her, you will be loved. You had a rough night last night. Mommy took a later shift to take you to the doctor today. Daddy took time off work and watched you and loved you. I don't know if you're better yet, but I do know you will always be loved.

I know I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're lucky and loved. I think saying I love you has become a habit, but I do want you to know that it's not without meaning behind it. If you ever feel down, remember this and pick yourself up. Come look for your mommy and daddy. You'll be okay.

YouTube Star

Maybe that's one way we can retire early. If mommy or you become a YouTube sensation. Today we started watching videos mommy posted on YouTube teaching Vietnamese. Your Uncle Alex wanted to get in on the action too, but I'm not sure the topics are going to be of much use to him. Mommy didn't include frisbee golf in the sports...

Anyhow, today's lesson is that sometimes life is going to give you lemons. I don't know how I got all these stains or when on my jacket. Kinda embarrassing that I walked around a long time with it on. In any case, when life gives you lemons, you get to decide what you want to do. I made lemonade. I moved on. I got the jacket cleaned. Didn't let it get me down. Life is only partly about what happens to you. What you do and how you react is what really determines your life's path. Stop whining and make lemon juice.