Another Era Ending (AYSO Soccer)

Eighteen or nineteen years ago, I started my career as an AYSO coach, which lead to many memories with each of my children.  The list includes many seasons of Fall, Spring, Select, and Extra.  Most recently, these adventures include Philip as head coach and Eli as sweeper.  Seventeen seasons in all, if one counts Extra as two seasons.   The list includes:


Caleb, U10 Spring (Bullfrogs?)
Philip, U8 Fall  (Orange Crush?)
Caleb and Philip, U12 Select (DWR)
Philip, U12 Fall and Select (UTL Fire Elite)
Caleb and Philip, U14 Fall and Select
Eli, U10 Fall (Golden Strikers)
Mae, U12 Spring
Eli, U12 Fall & Select (Green Machine/ Blizzards)
Eli, U12 Fall & Select (Not Purple / Those Guys)
Eli, U13 Extra (Elite 06 Boys)
Eli, U14 Extra (Elite 06 Boys)


I don't think I could name a favorite moment.  Maybe it was winning Concord Cup in double overtime against a club team -- our first championship, coaching with Sam Brewer.  Maybe it was the championship at Carson City, coaching with Steve Hampton.   Maybe it was Those Guys -- an unbelievable season, where we placed in every tournament, Philip's Head Coach debut.

They are special memories.   But all good things must come to an end...  which may make room for different experiences, new adventures, new challenges.

Pictured above is our 2nd Place Finish at President's Cup.   I hope in what will likely be my final season, we have many more championship matches.   I also look forward to new adventures in my post AYSO coaching career.

Caleb's Graduation, Disneyland, and our first Home Exchange

Visits with friends (Narajaphon & Kip, Brian & Tiffany, Ed and Julie), four days at Disneyland, and Caleb's graduation began our summer adventures.  Now, in the aftermath, I feel the fullness of the family vacations and shared experiences.

Our Disneyland days were filled with  endless sensations--the attractions and rides, the noise and crowds, the enchanting musicals.  With endless stamina, MaeMae and Elias' excitement fueled their energy often late into water and firework shows.  While the crowds were huge and the attractions occasionally broke down, the magical kingdom did not disappoint.   The Tower of Terror, Cars, and the Aladdin musical were among my favorites, while Eli loved Goofy's Flying School.  

Caleb's graduation was impressive.  The caliber of students and optimistic spirit of the graduation speakers (particularly the engineering ceremony) left its indelible mark on soul that I wondered --What do I want to do when I grow up?"   Even at 48, or whatever my age, life is filled possibilities.  Each day we build families, relationships, careers.  Seeing Ed's success, made me question, albeit for only a fleeting moment, the trade-off's we make in life as we attempt to satisfy both our ambitions and desire for meaning.

Philip flew down and joined us in San Diego after his finals.  We stayed in our first home exchange, hosted by Lorrie and Don -- gracious and friendly people.  

Now, we prepare for the next steps... Pearl's surgery and Caleb's Internship in China.

Caleb lands an Internship in China. Tennis anyone?

As summer approaches, we enjoy an early May weekend up at the cabin.  Pearl's project has been painting the kitchen cabinets and walls.  The big news, of course, is Caleb's internship in Langfang, China.  He starts in July right after graduation.  It will be a great experience for him, as well as me, as I hope to visit him.

After a year of tennis lessons, MaeMae and Elias have become proficient.  Pearl started classes as well, which she loves, and now we often play together as a family.  We can rally 20 times across the net and it is enjoyable--not to always be fetching the balls.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS - pre cancer) and the Summer Blur

What I thought would be an abundant summer with a Louie Reunion Mexico Riviera Cruise and numerous relaxing weekends at the cabin, became instead, a life put on hold -- until today. On her birthday, Pearl had an appointment for a follow-on mammogram because of irregularities.  Next, was a world wind tour from biopsy to diagnosis (DCIS) to mastectomy. Today, September 9, 2012, what I see as first day of recovery, I feel as if my life finally starts again --but something was lost.   It was hard to see Pearl prepare for and suffer after the surgery. I stayed with her 3 days and could not imagine being anywhere else.  Cancer's indiscriminate strike offered pause to the meaning of life.  It is the relationships that we weave together.  At the center of my heart is Pearl.  While I am grateful that she doesn't require chemotherapy, I grieve the pain that life sometimes brings on the path we are destined to walk. 

June Reflections

When I was younger, I did not have a full appreciation of that sea fairing service which would shape my identity.  While not as glamorous, I've been given another opportunity with the California Senate.  With both age and experience, maybe I have learned to appreciate these moments. 

Yesterday was my first day as an official Senate employee.   While nothing really changed, I, nonetheless, appreciate this opportunity.  While evaluating my career, I realize I like to code, but I do miss interacting with people, particularly in a leadership or mentor role.

This weekend is our 23rd anniversary -- a busy time as school ends.  Pearl has been the constant throughout my life, as we parent and build a home together.

Caleb may have a job.  In some respects, I was hoping that he would be home for summer.  But, I think the job would be a good confidence boost for him.  Philip will work as an unpaid intern with me at the Senate.

Caleb's Job, Philip's Birthday, and Mt Hermon

If a parent relives his life through the eyes of his children, then it only seems fitting that Caleb's first job would be with the Coast Guard.

Caleb works for the Civil Engineering unit in Oakland. It was a frantic weekend looking at room rentals in the bay area. We finally found one on Alameda.

After Caleb was settled, I bounced back and forth between Mt Hermon, Alameda, and Davis. Mt Hermon was fun with the Lins and Chings. On Tuesday night, I drove home for Philip's birthday and driver's test. Lucnh with Philip and Raider, then that rite of passage. Philip passed.... Then on Wednesday evening, in Alameda, I had dinner and watched a movie with Caleb. Alameda has a large and quaint historical downtown. I enjoyed hearing tales of Caleb's first full-time work experience as an Engineering Tech. Then, back to Mt Hermon with Pearl, MaeMae, and Elias.

At Mt Hermon, I enjoyed the mountain bike ride and hikes. We saw a few homes and are considering a UCSC rental / vacation home.

Caleb moves to San Diego

Pearl and I "launched" Caleb on his college career. I have been home but an hour and his absence is already felt.

It was a strange weekend, knowing that we would be returning without Caleb. I sensed that Caleb was apprehensive, but also excited: a healthy response to the stress of so many changes. During our orientations, our paths occasionally crossed and I wasn't sure if Pearl and I should approach him or let him be with his new peers. It was a balancing act--how much to let go, how fast. It always is. I was pleased to see Caleb grow, seek his own path, and take the initiative in meeting his new classmates.

As for me, the emotions run deep. It is a mixed feeling. I recall my own "launch" a flight across the country, a taxi ride across Groton bridge, arriving at Chase Hall near midnight. While I miss him, I sense that Caleb is ready, so I am excited for him. Letting go is a process. I felt the weekend helped me sort through my own feelings as well. I sensed that Caleb was ready and that feeling was the source of my strength. The parent orientation hosted a panel and numerous books on "letting go" insisting that parents can't expect their students to call everyday. It helped me to see Caleb excited about the future. I am proud of him and look forward to forging a new relationship with him.

Raider game with Caleb

Last night, Caleb and I went to the Raiders' game at the coliseum for monday night football. It was the first time for either of us to attend an NFL game, something for us to do before Caleb is off to college. The game was exciting, the crowd wildly enthusiastic, and the memories lasting.

We left around 3:30pm to the Richmond BART station. We shared a simple meal at Taco Bell, next to the BART station. I gave Caleb a letter from Pearl and I, basically sharing how proud we are of him, growing up from a baby to a responsible adult--that he had our blessings. Then, we took BART to the coliseum. The game went down to the wire. The Raiders took the lead with just over 2 minutes to go. San Diego would need a touchdown. Unfortunately, they marched down the field and scored with only a few seconds left. Getting out of the stadium took forever. We were slowly walking for close to an hour before we got to the BART station.

The fans were on their feet practically the whole time, that our legs got tired. Despite the ruckus atmosphere and Raider reputation, everyone was polite as I knew they would be. The ethnic diversity was evident.

During the national anthem, two jets flew overhead timed exactly to the sing. Their engines roared and I thought for a moment the terror they would invoke if they were enemy jets--with US air supremacy.

It was a great night that I will never forgot. I recall the day that Caleb, our first child, was born and I held him in my arms--my son. Now, he is moving away to college.

First Day of School

MaeMae starts kindergarten, Elias a new preschool, Caleb registers for his classes at UCSD.

It's been an eventful summer, now the school year begins. MaeMae has adjusted well. A few months ago, I would not have imagined such as easy first day of school...no anxiety, no nerviness, just the excitement of learning. Fairfield has an intimate rural country-like setting a few mile out of town.

Elias starts Applegate with Christian and Timmy. He has never had a problem adjusting to new situations, so I don't anticipate any problems.

For the next month, on the days that Pearl works, Caleb will be driving his young siblings to and from school. I sometimes wonder if these responsibilities will convince him not to have kids :-)

He signed up for classes on-line today. Overall, he got most of his classes with the exception of SE-1 (wait list). The only downside is he has classes from 5-7pm every MWF.

Pearl started her classes as well...a new grade (1st).

Bikers and Drivers

Caleb (hopefully) gets his driver's license tomorrow. MaeMae learns to ride a bicycle. Two milestones I vividly remember in my own life, I re-live again through the eyes of my children--at two vastly different stages in their lives.

Maelin's face lit with exuberance and pride. She immediately wanted mommy to see her, repeatedly saying "I can't believe I can ride a two wheel bike." I see her confidence growing in so many ways: riding a bike, swimming, learning her letters, easily moving into new settings.

Neither of us, Caleb and I, are shoppers, yet yesterday, we bought dorm stuff for the future: comforter, desk lamp, fan, some clothes, electronic charging station. We also set up some financial accounts: an ATM/credit card, online banking, so I can transfer money to Caleb as needed. After Mt Herman, I thought to myself how relaxing it is to be with a responsible college student as compared to two lovely (but needy) little kids.