Winner

Sort of. I don't want any of these things, but I think Uncle Marcus will be able to use them. Too bad we didn't win the $10,000. Anyhow, we should probably try again next year. I think we have a good record at the raffles for this church. Maybe the 3rd time will be the charm? We can finally win something that we can use and keep? At the very least, the church benefits?

Anyhow, remember that you're already a winner. You got a great family and friends. I'll do my best to make sure you have a great future, but I can only do so much. The rest is up to you. Quote of the day "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants". You are on lots of great shoulders. Sorry today will be your last day at Sunshine Swimming until they put the tent up...

YOLO…County

But yes, you only live once. I was in Yolo County (Woodland specifically) for work today. I was covering for a coworker who was “sick” (I dunno if she was…) life is gonna be filled with sucky people and situations. You can try to avoid them if possible, but when you encounter them, you get to decide how you respond.

I noticed you shut down a lot. That’s not good. That’s how you sink and get stuck. You need to remember that the can no longer choose the situation, but you can choose the solution and that’s what you need to focus on, not sulking…

Good Swimming and Song

Not great behavior with mommy today. I think you and mommy really need to work on your behavior together. You guys have an interesting relationship. It’s odd that you and I have a great relationship since I assume you and mom butt beads cause you’re alike. 

I know you can do better. It really would make everyone’s lives better, including your own, if you did. It’d be different if I didn’t think you could, but you’re totally capable. Lesson for today, don’t let life or others change who you are negatively. If you do, it’s on you, not them.

Fog Willow

"I went here when I was a baby...I mean when I was three years old." Yes you did. It was also the only other time we went to Pholicious. I'm glad they were busy when we went. I always like to see small businesses succeeding/surviving. We made it to church. We got to see Bad Minh (although mommy didn't want to stay long and didn't eat). You ate the fancy pizza place and got bonus pineapple.

Lesson for today, enjoy your life. You only get one. Make the most of it. It's not a game you can reset. Live and learn and do better. No pressure from mommy or daddy as long as you can take care of yourself and be a good person :)

Escaping Saturday

I guess the group that visited this weekend can be called the "Guatemala Group". We all spent time together building houses for those in need in Guatemala. I strongly recommend doing as much good in the world as you can and having a great time doing it. That was my experience in Guatemala with Habitat for Humanity. That's also today's lesson, be the change you want to see in the world.

Anyhow, I'm sure you and I will be part of an escape room at some point. Your mommy isn't really into it, but she can join us too. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you don't need to have a lot of friends or family. You just need to have quality ones. Bonus lesson for you there.

"RDO" Fridays

I actually worked today, but often times when the golf guys golf on Fridays, it's their Regular Day Off. Unfortunately, daddy doesn't have that schedule so it's either working or vacation day... Anyhow, some of your aunties and uncles are visiting from out of town today so I won't get to see you much. I hope you're okay with that. You'll get to meet your Uncle Peter since he's staying at your house.

I played an amazing round of golf today, but it could have been amazinger. Too bad I wasn't able to collect any money since I had to go run errands for you and mommy. That's my life. Never a quiet or dull moment unless something is wrong. Hope you're ready for a busy weekend too! Oh, I almost forgot the lesson: Alcohol can negatively impact your performance, I didn't play as well on the 2nd half today. Could have been a coincidence. Either way, consume alcohol cautiously and in moderation.

Golf Thursdays

You did okay. We need to work on your swing. I don't know how that will sync with accuracy, but you're not swinging hard enough. You can do better. That's today's lesson. Might be a repeat, sorry. You're going to make plenty of your own mistakes. I hope you don't repeat too many mistakes. The lesson is to be able to learn from other people (and their mistakes). 

Today you had lots of opportunities to watch your peers and possibly learn from them. Unfortunately, you were too busy being social with your peers. It looks like your eye is getting better. I need to remind mommy to compress you. I hope your eye gets back to normal soon. It's a hassle for you to compress, I know. Either way, you're still living your best life.

Willows Bound

I'm sorry your eye got worse or looked worse this morning. I didn't want to post a picture of that. Here's a picture of the golf course I played today. It wasn't great. I took a picture with the gift the Howards got me for my birthday. Lesson for today, be grateful and humble. Even though I may not like the gift they got or it may be useful to me, they still made and effort and I need to be grateful for that.

While I prefer results over intentions, not everyone or every situation works with my logic. In this cause the result may not be great, but the intention was. So that's what I try to focus on. I really hope that you develop EI and wisdom. Those things will take you far in life. I wonder if it's something I can help foster. Sorry I wasn't able to be with you today. I really wonder if I should have taken you with me to work in Willows. Probably not, but I did think about it. Please know, sometimes I can't be with you because of work. I will always try to, but I can't always...

Mommy's Birthday

You got her a bad eye. Worst, it was yours, not hers...Bonus, you get to spend your day with daddy. Although, I feel like you'd rather be with your friends at So. I'm sorry this happened to you. I don't know what caused it, so we don't know how to prevent it aside from washing your hands and not rolling around the ground. It looks like the warm compress made it better. I'm confused because the 2nd doctor said cold. At least you don't need to take antibiotics?

It's mommy's birthday today so you need to be extra nice to her. Sometimes you're not nice to her. I think it's funny, but I don't think she always does. She really loves you, but sometimes her expression of love isn't the best. Please try to be nicer to her. I know I'm the cooler parent and that you love me more, but it's better if mommy doesn't know that :) Lesson for today, lying isn't good, but sometimes you have to lie if it helps the situation and doesn't make it worse.

Quality Time

Today's lesson - make time for things that are important to you. Make the most of the time you have as well. I don't often talk to your Aunty Anh, but I happened to catch her when I dropped off the waffle batter container (thanks Aunty Kim). I was able to hear about her family, her health, and her family. We also were able to confirm the cooking oil needed to be changed.

Life is always going to be busy unfortunately. I mean, your life is more busy than mine was at your age. I can only imagine what your life will be like as you get older. What you do with your time is really a reflection of what's important (and who is important to you). You don't always need to make plans. Sometimes the plans come to you. You do need to accept them. Bonus lesson, life isn't always what happens to you, it's how you respond :)

Bishop Pumpkin Farm

Man, Wheatland is far...But sometimes you have to go further to go better. It's much nicer than the pumpkin patch by our house. I hope you had fun. We learned a lot about it and will do a better job going next time (hopefully not this year). We still have a few more pumpkin outings before Halloween. So make sure to save that spooky energy.

You got to spend more time with your favorite cousin. She loves you so much. Your cousin Ethan loves me too. You woke up cranky from your nap today. This is why I keep telling you that you that you need to fall asleep faster so you can sleep longer and wake up on your own and not so cranky. You have all day to ask me questions and play. When you go to your room, just go to sleep...

The HAs

Not be confused with Team TAHA. We got to have dinner at their house. It's pretty fancy. I hope you had fun. A lot of Aunties and Uncles got to see you. I think you make them miss when their kids were young, but I don't think any of them are in a rush to go back to the responsibilities we have as your parents. It's a lot of work. Probably cause we know better and are trying to do better. This was my expensive lunch with your Uncle Peter.

Lesson for today is to stay away from gambling. I think I'm the only one in my family that gambles aside from lottery, but I do wonder about your uncle Marcus sometimes. My gambling has gotten a lot better (less, not winning LOL) since you've been born. I understand that there are better ways to spend my money. Unfortunately, I haven't found a satisfying way to numb trouble in my life. I don't drink alcohol or do drugs, so for now it's unhealthy food and gambling. Fortunately, life is better than it is worst so no need to numb as often. I hope you don't have a lot of trouble in your life. I know right now you're learning to deal with new feelings and so it's frustrating. I hope you learn to manage your feelings better and faster. I pray that you find a productive way to address conflict in your life. Maybe go to the gym :)

Happy Birthday Aunty Felicia

I don't think you've met her, but she knows you. Maybe someday you'll meet her in person. A lot coworkers know about you and are very nice to you. We got flu shots today. You were so "scared", but you did good. I remember when you got (5) shots in one go and didn't flinch. I guess ignorance is bliss. You're not that ignorant anymore.

I guess that's kind of a lesson. Sometimes knowing is a burden. I personally rather know that not know. I think mommy rather not know. I'm not sure where you'll end up. Pain is only a temporary sensation. Endure it now for greater pleasure later. Oooh, a bonus lesson. Delayed gratification is good. Hard work pays off...Get ready for a busy weekend!

Golf Lessons

You got (4) teachers today and you still didn't do great. I don't want to have to bribe you with dollar tree for everything or forever. I wish you really understood how much we are trying to do for you. I don't think you being able to swim or golf is for my benefit. It's so you can save yourself in the water and you can use your golf skills to get into college and make business deals...

I was hoping mommy and the instructors would be enough to get you to do well, but it seems like I'll have to make time to get involved. Mom is doing a good job with your studying. But it seems like the physical stuff will require my action. I'm soooooo tired. I need to sleep better, but you keep waking me up to pee and take too long to sleep. Anyhow, I'll figure it out because I'm so good to you. Lesson for today, be good if you can. Only be bad if you have to. Currently, there's no reason of you to be bad by the way. We might have to cut back on dollar tree if you don't do good at non dollar tree activities...

Nevada City

That's where I went today after I dropped you off at So. And a few hours later, I came back to get you and take you swimming, dollar tree and Sam's Club (sorry they didn't have your special milk, but they had rambutan for you). I think I mentioned before that I ever since you came into my life, I try not to travel if I don't have to. I wish your mom and you could travel with me, since most of the costs would be paid for by my work, but unfortunately, mommy has limited time off and wants to save it for vacations.

My printer has been so slow for your photos. Just finished printing the stuffy stag beetle. You did good at swimming today except for taking too long and talking too much. I think it's because your favorite teacher subbed today. Now I'm waiting for your picture of a monster ambulance and our family to print. Thanks Gemini AI.

Ong Ngoai Birthday

And free bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes and payday and waiting in line at Duc Huong and meeting mommy for lunch and going to Ong Ba house and dollar tree and work and possibly playing board games later and laundry.

I think we should talk more, except when you’re supposed to be sleeping. Stop trying to delay sleep. It’s a lesson I stated before, make time and effort for things that are important to you. When I have to travel for work, it’s not because work is more important than you, it’s because I have to work to make money to take care of you. I try not to be away if I don’t have to.

Finally...

Your mom got Hui Lau Shan and I think we may be recovered from our travels to Portugal. I still have a little cough, but it's not as bad as before. The weather is much cooler now. We have a full week of work this week. Maybe mom's schedule at work will be figured out. It's nice to get back into routine. You seemed to be adjusting well, which is great. 

I'm hoping to change this picture with one from your piano or swim class, but we'll see. You're lucky they had leftover chips today at my work place. Just one bag for you. I'm so good to you :) Anyhow, I was chatting with your Uncle Vince today. I hope you find something you enjoy and hopefully you're good at it too. It's important to have something to do outside the home. I'm honored that our home is so welcoming to you that you always want to be home, but you need to be exposed to the outside as well. Lesson for today: keep trying.

Zootopia Sunday

Hooray! They are extending the dinosaurs until January. Sorry that mommy might take EZ without you, but I'm sure we'll go back again before the dinosaurs are gone. You didn't do great in church with just me today, but good enough. Hopefully some of our raffles will pay dividends. If we win the cash prize, we can share with God and Team Boba...

I can't remember the last time I went to My Gym, but it seems like the parents are all on their phones. Don't worry, I watched you. Too bad you're not close with anyone at My Gym. It's important that we find other relationships for you. While it's good to be independent, it's also good to work and play well with others (today's lesson). Update: you peed 3 times before 2AM tonight, but at least I was able to sleep from 2AM until 630A...

Happy Birthday Ethan!

And "Hellllllooooo Rosauros". It looks like you had a good time. Even though you didn't get into the pool. You got to spend time with your favorite cousin, Emma. She loves you so much. It's too bad you only let her piggy back you once. Mommy went on a retreat today. Pray, it brought her closer to godliness. It looks like it might just be me and you tomorrow at church...

I think you might get to see Emma again in a week, but I'm not sure. I'll be golfing and I'm not sure what time the event is at and if the Rosauros can stay. Anyhow, enjoy the time while you can. It's nicer weather now. A well deserved break from the heat. Lesson for today, spread and share your happiness with others, happiness is a virtuous cycle. It'll come back you multiplied :)

Never Forget

Birthdays, today is Dani's and Aunty Avocado's. You weren't around yet when 9/11 happened. I remember what I was doing. I was getting up getting ready for classes at UC Berkeley. It's the only UC that was in session when it happened. I had economics and history classes that day. I didn't have a picture of Aunty Avocado, but here's a picture of you when you met her...

Daddy is so good to you. You asked me why I'm so good to you. You may not remember or understand, but I'm good to you because it's my responsibility. I'm your father and you didn't ask to be here. It's my responsibility to do my best to give you a good life. It's your responsibility to be a good person and take care of yourself. Lesson for today. Make sure to take care of your responsibilities. If something doesn't get done, it's rarely because you can't. It's usually because you don't want to enough...

The Beginning

Or your journey to the PGA Tour? I did think about that briefly as I was watching you. You told me you loved golf as we were walking. Before you even tried it. Unfortunately, after you got home you didn't like it anymore. I wonder if it's because you dropped your popsicle. One of the coaches is nice, the other one is stern, but not mean. I really hope you take on golfing. It will be something we can enjoy together.

You don't have to though. Like I've always said, I just want you to be independent, happy, and a good person. That doesn't need to involve golf. Although, they say golf is a useful skill and can teach you a lot of good life skills too. I know you "try". Thank you. I appreciate that. Lesson for today. Don't knock things before you've given them a few tries. Except eating poop. You don't need to try that...

Swim Time

Audible (football started today). Instead of a pool pic, you asked for this picture. I'm going to try to stay away from gambling. It's part of my 5 year plan. That's my lesson for you today. Don't gamble. Have fun and save your money. Then you can print out as many stuff as you want. Even in 3D. I wonder what happened to those 3D pens I bought.

You didn't do great today at your new swimming class, but you did okay. It's a new teacher and classmates. I hope you make some new progress. It seemed like you were doing the same things today, but one girl in your class was doing a lot. That gives me hope. I know you don't like it, so I appreciate you going and trying. Even though I hate bribing you. $1.75 is worth it each time.

 

Movie Night featuring Mommy

Mommy really wanted to go, so we had to let her go. Unfortunately, she slept in the front seat most of the time. It was just Team Boba Milk Tea. I hope you enjoyed your time tonight. I will not give away your popcorn. Now we know that we should expect to be home after 1030P when going to the drive in. Glad it wasn't too busy. Wasn't it nice to have your toilet next to your seat? LOL.

We're always trying to find new things and ways to spend time together. I hope you appreciate it. They say that I'll only have 19 years with you. The first 18 in a row. The last year will be spread out throughout the rest of your life. I was sooooo tired today, but I made it through. Today's lesson, if something is important enough, you can make it happen. If not, it wasn't important enough. #noexcuses

Home Cooking

We made it home. Mommy is sleeping, but Team Boba Milk Tea is in action. You got up early today. Sorry. It must be the jet lag. Maybe it's real. Thanks for eating well recently. It'll help you grow big and strong. Also sorry we overslept and didn't get to see the movie or Tao today. It's going to be hot tomorrow, but we'll try to go.

I hope you adjust well back to So tomorrow. It's been a while since we've had a long time away from So. You still talk about Champions. 

Funny story. I said something about Team Boba and Daddy and you said what about mommy. You told me that you told me in Portugal that mommy is on our team too. That's really sweet of you. I am optimistic about your emotional intelligence.

Home Bound

Sorry you couldn't spend more time with your cousins in Long Beach. Unlike your cousins from Buffalo, you actually get along well with these ones. Ziggy is really your brother. Dynamic Duo. Smash Bros. I hope you develop a good relationship with him and take care of each other. 

At least you got a lot of sleep. It was interrupted, but it was a lot. You had a lot of energy. It really is tough for mommy and daddy, but I hope you keep that energy your whole life. Don't let life get you down. Get up and go. That's my lesson for today. It's not how many times you get knocked, it's how many times you get up. Jab, cross!

Last Night In Portugal

Sorry that it's going to your last beach for a while. I don't think we currently have any future beach plans. Also sorry that you're gonna have rough sleep for the next day or so (and possibly more). I hope you enjoyed your time here. I tried my best to make it fun for you. That's today's lesson. Just because you're not having a good time, doesn't mean you need to ruin others' time. I always make sure the people at work think I like them and think everything is okay. 

You did good overall. I saved you from busting your head like Viet Nam by the gelato fountain. Which reminds me that I need better slippers (non slip) and better sunglasses (not see through). Anyhow, I'm sure you're happy to be home. We'll be home soon. Lucas and Finley won't be able to make fun of you anymore. However, it's important that you learn to ignore people too...

Your First Hike

Mommy always wanted to get you hiking. Who would have thought your first hike was not in the US. Anyhow, you did pretty good. Much better than your cousins. I really need to get better shoes. Thanks for not falling off the cliff or getting hurt. See, you can do a lot. You just need to want to do a lot.

Today's lesson, I actually can't think of one. Here's an oldie from 1990s. Ever tried, ever failed, try again, fail again, fail better. You always tell me you'll try. Thank you.

Bolognese

Somebody ate a lot today. Somebody went golfing today. Good job. Maybe we should learn to make you bolognese. That's what Uncle Nick said he was going to do. But your tastes are fickle. Thanks for eating a lot today. It makes up for when you don't eat a lot. 

I didn't golf great, but it was nice to be golfing. I blame not having enough clubs. I need to relearn to hit my irons. See, there's always room for improving. When you stop improving, you stop growing, so you're basically dead. Keep growing Boba Chop. That's the lesson for today :)

Beach Part Deux or Tre?

Some one asked if they can get in the water today. That’s some progress. You seemed to enjoy running around the shore. We need to get you to get into the water, but a beach is probably a little dangerous since your parents can’t save you.

We’ll have to rely on your uncles in the event of a catastrophe. 🙏 Anyhow, it looks like there will a lot more beach days this week. Hopefully, you’ll be all beached out for a while. 

Lesson: be good even when others (your cousins) are bad…

Another Boat Tour

Too bad we don’t know how to swim, but I heard the water was too cold anyways. We’re hanging at the beach now. Great time to be ahead today. You ate a good lunch today. The food was surprisingly good on the boat and the bathroom too.

The dinner was not good. Sorry someone picked the wrong restaurant. Thanks for eating what we got you. Sorry there’s so much yelling and arguing. At least it’s not mommy and daddy right? Keep flexing your EI son.