Olivia's Day

You probably weren't aware why we were at another party today, but some day soon, you'll get to meet Olivia. She's your cousin from Uncle Pink and Aunty Lyly. This is your cousin from Uncle Truong and Aunty Quyen. I know you guys probably don't get along as good as you could be, but I appreciate that you try to hang out with her. It's good to hang out with all types of people so you learn to interact in different situations.

I know "she's scary", but maybe your positive attitude can rub off on her. She gave you your favorite Christmas gift. It was pretty hilarious seeing you ride that scooter from the living room to the bathroom and take a lap around the kitchen. Hopefully, you sleep okay after drinking the Thai tea (update: you didn't). Maybe this is payback for the Thai tea I gave your Uncle Adam's niece...

Fri-Yah

It never gets old. Soon enough, you'll learn how cool Fridays are. Even if you like school, work, weekday obligations, you'll probably enjoy and look forward to Fridays too. There was a book I had about making every Monday matter, but I also think it's important to make everyday matter, especially the weekends to recharge and get ready for the week.

We had a Friday picnic. It's your current thing. There's a popular saying about how we wish that we knew we were in the good times while we were in them so we can enjoy them so much more. I'm not sure if I will look back at these times as good times, but I'm gonna try and believe they are. Hope you are having good times too!

Fail

I found this in the morning before I left for work. Thankfully, it's didn't spill or have any issues. The other day, we found the light on in the front bedroom. You told me that you were scared of monsters. Where did you hear about monsters? Mommy is going to order a nice whooping stick soon.

That being said, I'm going to repeat myself again. You need to do better. We all need to do better. You're smart and getting smarter. Saying "poop" or "pee" or "don't like..." isn't acceptable. You need to listen the first time. No more whining. We need to start nipping these habits in the bud. Please don't make it hard on ourselves or you. Please.

Mommy's Advice

Well technically, mommy got it from someone else, but it's still good stuff. Life isn't always about what happens to you. More often, what matters is how you react to what happens to you. You have the power to choose how you react. Try to be positive, try to make lemons out of lemonade. Fake it until you make it.

It's easy to feel self-pity and to be negative and sometimes it's okay. What's not okay is to stay in that state and not make any effort or progress to get out of that situation. I know it may not be helpful, but remember that there's probably 80% of the world that would want your life. It's a good life, but sometimes it's a bad moment, day, etc...

Ouch

Sorry, I got distracted and I don't remember what happened. Oh yeah, you bit me. You also stubbed your toe on the table. So ouch times 2. Lesson, please don't bite or harm anyone including yourself. Only use violence to protect yourself or others. Lesson, please be careful. You were running and you stubbed your toe or something. It hurt huh?

Anyhow, not sure how much self defense training you're getting from Jiu Jitsu, but I like to think/hope that at least you're learning some discipline. And it's great because you supposedly don't even like it, but you do well. Hopefully, you'll be able to find things you like and do well at them in the future and they'll be good things. Until then, he fighting and swimming.

Uncle Vince's Birthday

We didn't wish him happy birthday together, but that's okay. Eventually, you'll need to start remember important dates and people. Until then, we'll help you. Speaking of help, I do know that I help more than I need to and most people, but I like to think that I'm not harming myself or my family in the process. That being said, relationships shouldn't be transactional, but it's definitely a benefit of helping others.

General rule of thumb, if you can help and it doesn't hurt you, you probably should. If you feel someone is taking advantage of your kindness, then you don't need to help them. But make sure you always remember  the people that helped you. Pay your debts, literal and philosophical. Life is a cookie jar, try to make sure you put more cookies in than you take out.

Last Lion Dance for Tet?

Of the season? I think there might be one more chance on Sunday. That being said, I was saddened and disappointed that I had to remove you from My Gym today. We're going to have to have some talks and communication this week so that you're prepared to apologize and participate next week at My Gym. This behavior is not acceptable and I know you're just 3 and a half, but I know you're smarter than this.

Anyhow, I'm sorry you didn't sleep well last night. I hope you're not sick. I'm going to let you sleep a little more tomorrow and hope it helps. I hate reminding you that you have a great life, but you do. I also hate threatening you, but I don't know what else works. Anyhow, you're up now and you just "boo-ed" me. Time to go...

Party @ Uncle Pink and Aunty Ly Ly

Thank you Aunty Janet for the cool threads. But once again you were not nice when we first got to Uncle Pink's and Aunty Ly Ly's house. You really need to get better at this. I'm not sure how long people can be patient for and I don't want this to stay a habit. I do appreciate that you shared with Sophie, but you can't take stuff out of people's hands without asking first. If they don't give it to you, then you can take it or ask an adult.

I know that sometimes Sophie doesn't want to play with you or she isn't good at sharing. That's why you need to help her learn and be a good guy like you. You also didn't always learn to share or play with others, but you were taught and you should share that knowledge to help others out. That way she will be better next time.

Tet @ Ong Ba

Look, we're like the same!!! It's too bad yours is wearing out and you probably won't fit it next year. I was thinking I should get a new one too. Maybe mommy can match us. It's unfortunate, that you didn't want to wear this to the party. Probably not as comfortable to wear though. Anyhow...

You were cranky when we got to Ong Ba's house. You really need to work on having a better attitude when we visit people. Eventually you get warmed up to them, but until then you could be not nice to people and that's not good. Maybe I need to have a better pep talk with you before we enter places...

Innocence Lost

I wonder when that occurs completely. I guess it's different for everyone. Sometimes I think your mommy maintains a lot of her innocence. Or maybe it's blissful ignorance (not necessarily a bad thing). Anyhow, I bring that up because of something very sweet that happened today. I think this is an accidental screenshot of what you watched today. I probably need to watch it to see what toys you're talking about...

Anyhow, you asked me to race you. And when we started, I took off, but you didn't move. I looked back and you smile at me. Then I walked back and asked you why you weren't racing. You told me you wanted me to win since I haven't won in a while. I try to be practical rather than emotional, but this was a moment worth remember. More important than the sweetness of it, it also let me know that you are okay not always winning. I hope you remember that.

Home

I wish you and mommy could travel with me, but it's difficult to schedule and you always want to be home. While I find traveling a chore and fun, please note that I make the best effort to have it impact you and mommy as little as possible. I also try to have it benefit you if I can. Unfortunately, tonight was fasting so mommy didn't want any fancy food.

Lent has always been a season of reflection and renewal for me. Trying to get to best version of myself as possible everyday, but Lent is a good time to try harder and remember that we're not perfect, but we should continue to strive for perfection so we can fulfill God's potential for us. I know there may be high expectations for you. I hope you see that as a healthy challenge and not a burden. We just want you to be the best you can be. 

Tet 2026

It's the year of the Fire Horse I heard. Anyhow, we've had an amazing lunar year. Lots of ups and downs, but we made it together, as a family. That being said, we still have lots of room for growth. I wish for you another amazing year. Better than the last. You got an ear infection recently. I wish for that to be your last. I wish that you learn to swim and defend yourself. I wish that you learn to be okay losing, but still strive to win. There are lessons in losses.

I wish for you to continue to grow physically. Get bigger and stronger and faster and smarter. I wish for you to continue to be happy, to laugh, and to love (in your own way). I can be with you forever, but I will try to get healthier too so that I can be there as long as I can. Everyone says you're growing too fast, but I just saw a picture of you from a year ago. You look the same LOL. Anyhow, I wish only good things for you. I pray against anything bad. Happy Year of the Horse con!

Happy Presidents' Day

Unfortunately, not everyone had it off...We had a good day today, but for some reason, you wanted to keep the light on in this room when we took a nap. I really wonder if the house is haunted or has spirits here that only you can sense. There's a lot of Jesus in the house, so hopefully it's good spirits if they're any around.

Anyhow, the busyness continues. Tomorrow is Tet and Wednesday is Ash. You did good at swim today for being your first time. It might have helped that it was a small group. Luke wasn't as good as you. You're definitely the winner today. Daddy is going to swim tonight too. Please be good to mommy. I'll see you when you wake up on Tet!!!

Happy Birthday

Ayla and Ally. Sorry it's not your birthday. Uncle Art's birthday is Tuesday (Tet). Anyhow, you did okay today. You are getting better. Still have some minor setbacks, but you're getting better at being comfortable when you're uncomfortable. That's good. Don't let life get under your skin.

Sorry about the bloody nose. More sorry that we don't know how it happened. But after some investigation, it might have been a scratch or fall (although we didn't hear anything and sadly the camera didn't capture anything). Tomorrow is daddy daycare and swim lessons. Hope you do well. Update: the blood stains came out, but Uncle Art said we should have kept it on there to scare people...

Happy Birthday Cousin Xavier

WWW. He's getting married. Not sure what will happen to his birthday now since it's also Valentine's Day...Thanks for making a card for mommy. I know you can do more though. Anyhow, I'm sure mommy will still appreciate it. We're going to have a long day today. I know that's not your favorite, but that's the cost of maintaining relationships and personal development.

You're supposed to get a new stripe today at Jiu Jitsu. You've also got treats for them and My Gym (but I think you're trying to skip My Gym). We also have a birthday party for Ong Ban. He always gives you money and his kids are so nice to you. I keep telling you to be nice. Some day being cute and Daddy's kid will not be enough...

Happy Birthday Uncle Han

Also, Friday the 13th....woooo (scary)... You know what's not scary? Feeding yourself. We always know you can do a lot on your own, but unfortunately, you tell yourself and us that you can't do a lot...Oh, this is kinda a random connection to yesterday's blog. Totally unintentional. Anyhow, we really need you to do more for yourself. You're a big boy now. You need to be more independent. 

Mommy and daddy can do what we can, but we want you to be better on your own. It's better for the long run. I can't wait for you to be able to wipe your own booty, but I hear that is going to be a long time from now. Anyhow, thanks for feeding yourself today. 

What You Can

Wisdom is really the best thing you can ask God for. Having resources and opportunities is nothing with the wisdom to know what to do with it. Unfortunately, it's something you have to develop for yourself :(

I don't think it's reasonable to expect anyone to sacrifice themselves or their families and friends for the greater good. To those people, good job.

After our trip to Viet Nam, I realized (along with your Uncle Mario) how truly unfair the world is. I was reminded how truly lucky we are. But I understand, that I am not one of those people who can sacrifice you, mommy, or people I love for the greater good. But I can still do what I can, which is always generally better than doing nothing. It's not much, but I was able to give something to our family in Viet Nam. It's more than just the money though, it's also the gesture. I hope you become super successful in life. I hope you make lots of money. I hope you're able to help lots of people. Do more than I could.

Health

Stay healthy. I remember when I was young, I was always told and felt that I was too skinny. Right now, we worry that you're too skinny. What I didn't know is that my weight doesn't necessarily reflect my health. Your Aunty Rain is much bigger than me, but I can promise you, she's healthier than me. 

If you stay healthy when you're young, it'll make it easier to stay healthy when you're older. I can assure you, that your metabolism will slow down a little (or a lot) when you're older and it won't be as easy to stay healthy. I feel bad we let you eat treats, but hopefully our moderation will prevent you from going overboard. Just like with money, if you do the work early, there's less work to do when you're older.

Uncle Eric

Is one of many people in your life that cares about you. I had lunch with him today. We drove around and chatted for a few hours. I think it's good for you to have friends and family like that. People you can chat with and hang out with. It's nice to talk through your problems with others to see if there are ways to solve them. Life is going to be stressful. Find solutions or find ways to let things go.

Just like Ba, Uncle Eric and Aunty Tham always ask if I want any snacks for you. This is what I got you today. It's baked so hopefully it's a little healthier. Anyhow, find good people to surround yourself and family with. They will help make your life a lot fuller and easier.

Behind

I need to really check to see if I can blog from my phone a lot. I don't use the Mac Mini very often... It's another Monday. I had a book once called, Mondays Matter, where you write or do something each Monday. I think we can do better. I think we can do something everyday. I hope you do that. There will always be setbacks, but if you keep moving forward, you'll keep growing and getting ahead.

The enemy of this progress is "Great" and stagnation. Don't let the fact that something is not great from you trying to make something better. Enjoy life, but don't get too comfortable before you become stagnant. My hopes for you a pretty mixed. Simple, in that I want you to be happy and independent. But part of me hopes that you'll do great things because you had more resources and opportunities than we do. Sorry Uncle Peter and Mommy don't recycle enough. Hopefully the environment is still okay for your future...

 

"I like to win a lot" - Vinh (as mommy beat you up the stairs to your nap today)

It’s okay to want to win a lot. However, you need to learn sooner than later that you can’t win them all. There’s more important things than winning. It’s okay to lose. Lose with grace and learn from it. As long as you learn and grow from your losses (and mistakes), you turn the into wins and successes.

I don’t know if the Seahawks are gonna win today, but their quarterback is a story about growing from your mistakes, staying humble and moving forward. Sam Darnold. He’s a good example. If your losses are going to define you, make the definition that you’re a Phoenix. 🐦‍🔥 Rising from the ashes.

Golf Saturdays

It used to be a regular thing for your uncles and I. Especially, your Uncle Tao. Even if you don't decide to take up golf like I do, I hope you find something to that brings you the same benefits that golf has brought me. I also hope that we still get to golf together now and then. Not sure how my golf game will hold up, but this photo is kind of nostalgic.

If you had to ask me when I felt my golf game had peaked, I would probably trace back to around this spot (actually little closer to the tree on the right past the cart path. I was walking with your Uncle Tao and play Callaway XF irons and the game felt so easy (well the irons did at least). On this day, I don't really hit irons anymore, but I still enjoy golf. Unfortunately, Uncle Tao doesn't play these days, but I hanging out with Uncle Peter this morning. Times change, but hopefully the good things stay the same (or get better).

Mental Health

The current generation seems to really value mental health. I do believe that there is important to having a healthy mental state. I also feel like it can be taken to an extreme as an excuse or crutch on why someone is failing in life. That being said, I want you to make sure you find a healthy mental state and develop methods for dealing with difficulty in life.

For me, golf and good food are two things I enjoy. While they can be enjoyed alone, they are much better enjoyed with good friends and family. Today, I took a day off work to play golf with lots of people. I also had some good food and conversation along the way. Here's a picture of a rooster that was saying "hi" while we were hanging out. What you can't see are all the mosquitoes that ate me up...

For Love

I'm not as selfless as I'd like to be. That being said, it's also okay to be selfish sometimes. Like with all things, balance and moderation are the key. Today, I went and got mommy sushi for dinner. I got you fancy milk and some cake from Aunty Rain. Although, it's kinda bitter so you may not like it. Sorry she's out of chocolate...

I pray that you'll develop the wisdom to find the right balance of doing for yourself and doing for others. Please be a good and independent person okay? Thanks you!

Hump Day

And we put a hump on the wall of mommy's office. Does it look even? I hope it doesn't fall down. I wonder if the stud finder is accurate. Anyhow, at this point in my life, I'm not sure how well or how much I can learn to do. Please be patient with me. I will try to learn and teach you how to do things yourself so you can be self-sufficient. However, like me and your Uncle Peter, sometimes it's your time that's valuable and it's okay to outsource the work if you can afford it.

You do have some handy uncles so I guess I can outsource teaching you to them as well, LOL. Mommy and I realized we never set-up a wall to measure your growth. It's not too late...

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...