Fort Ross, Seattle, Welks Resort, Lake Tahoe

For school trips Eli's class went to Fort Ross and MaeMae's class (the year earlier) was at Angel Island. Fort Ross was nice, next to the ocean, and we acted out being part of the Russian trade post over 100 years ago. In the middle of summer, we had a good time in Seattle. On the first evening, we took the duck tour and I was amazed at how quickly I was able to leave my day to day life and suddenly be swept in the middle of a new city. The vibrant, growing city was everything I expected and more. We enjoyed the downtown, public transportation was great, and the airbnb home comfortable. On other days we went to the Boeing factory tour, then headed out to the coast around Olympus National Park. My favorite was the mountain lake, similar to Lake Tahoe but fewer people. Our other vacation was at the Welk's Resort, a gift from Aunt Amy. Then a short trip to Lake Tahoe with Ken and Jeannie at the start, then the Chings at the end of the week.

La La Land

I saw La La Land with Pearl.  In a strange way, the movie's melancholy story about a couple who falls in love only to be separated by their life's ambitions touched me.   The light-hearted music and joyful choreography routines capture the rhythm of our times -- the perfect balance to a depressing Trump Presidency.

How a simple movie makes me question the meaning of career, as I inch closer to retirement age is bewildering.

The movie's planetarium scenes nostalgically reminds me of our  night in LA a few years ago when we serendipitously visited, after a long day traveling, the museum on an open house night -- a fun filled event hosted by local astronomers.

City of Stars are you shining just for me!

Careers, Soccer, Presidents

Philip has been working for about 3 months at Pride Industries as a Software Developer.  He computes to Roseville.

We coached Eli's U12 AYSO Fall team together and now help with Select.

With my transition to boss at the Senate, my career took an unexpected turn.  The big change is managing the Legislative Data Center.  Researching the chamber projects has been a new endeavor that consumes my time, yet I surprisingly enjoy it.  It makes me ponder those big questions in life.  I never thought that at this stage of my life, my career would be the focus of so much energy.  And, the fact that I enjoy it so much, makes me question should I be enjoying it?  I always imagined that I would soon be winding down my career, work part time, and travel more.  I wait with anticipation to see how this tale unfolds.

Today was Obama's last day as President.  I recall his first day.  I was teaching at Davis High.  I recall Clinton's inauguration, because I passed through Little Rock, en route to DC, shortly after the celebration. Clinton's theme song "Don't Stop Believing" struck me as a profound change as the baton passed to the next generation.  I only faintly remember Bush's inauguration; my only recollection was that it was boring. Trump's defeat of Clinton was a huge disappointment; but in my heart I was always a Bernie fan.  I remember waiting so long (with Eli, MaeMae, Caleb, and Shirley) to hear Bernie speak in Sacramento.

Our big vacation last year was Seattle.  It was fun!  Other side trips included Tahoe, Camping at Lisa's, San Diego, and Dana Point.

I've been working with Tyler Millsap at Da Vinci Charter.  We are staring a coding class!  We presented our plan to the board yesterday and it went well.

Our Felton renters, who have been there for over a year now, are leaving.  I'm not sure if we should convert it to a vacation rental, sell it, or keep it a regular rental.

Mom has been gone for over a year now.  We closed out the jewelry last week.  It was sad.

I am almost 52 years old.  Still wondering what I want to be when I grow up.  Savor each moment!

Mom

One of the people I admire most, my mom: she will be missed -- a humble, gracious, kind, and content woman.  These pictures are like bookmarks.  From the youngest I can remember at grandma's house, to one of our last trips together in Tahoe.

Frances Toy (Sep 26, 1923 - Nov 8, 2015)

Catching Up

It has been so long since I added to this blog.  The biggest news is my Asia trip with Caleb.  We visited Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, and more.  After 18 months in China, Caleb returned and started working in Roseville.

Philip graduates soon, with two majors:  Bioinformatics and Computer Science.

MaeMae has been playing soccer.  She is in 6th grade now and bikes to school.

Elias broke his arm, but is recovering well.  He was playing tennis and soccer non stop.  I was planning to coach his U10 select team, but canceled after he broke his arm.  Suddenly, our schedule is empty.



We took a family vacation to Yosemite for Spring Break.

We also went to Sedona, Phoneix, and Grand Canyon.

A short trip to LA for Anna Lisa's wedding.  As well as couple of days in San Francisco

Among other events, there was Picnic Day, Lake Tahoe, and many trips to the Cabin.

Pearl is working full time again, after a year at part-time.


I started authoring Pluralsight courses.  It's fun and challenging.  After winning the hack-a-thon, then joining Roots, I no longer think starting a code school is realistic.  Instead, I am focused on Pluralsight which is paying well and fun.  It's different type of challenge and focuses me to continuously learn.  I am learning Python now and absolutely love it.



I am buying 4 years of military time from CalPERS.  Now that I am 50, I think of retirement often.

Uncle Ed passed away.  He will be missed.  Uncle John celebrated his 100th birthday.

Summer with Philip / San Francisco Home Exchange

Summer has come and gone.  Once again, I shared my summer with Philip as he learned MVC, jQuery, and more.

He is one of the few who I can talk about programming, whether it's python, web, abstraction.  I enjoy learning about his studies.





In the Fall, we had our second home exhange in Berkeley.  It was fun time touring SF, eat in Chinatown, ride the double decker bus, and visit museums.


I've been working on a project to incorporating computational thinking into high school math curriculum.  I entered the start up weekend davis competition and won!  Next, was Jeffrey and Linda's wedding.  It was good to see the Louie cousins again.

Elias and MaeMae ran their first 5k.  I continually overestimate my speed, or underestimate my age!  Elias beat me by 8 minutes!




My mom celebrated her 90th birthday.  We gave her a party and I'm glad that she enjoyed it.  It was fun!

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.

The Buddhist Rhythm

As a beginning practitioner, my insights into Buddhism are limited,  yet this ancient philosophy continually surprises me with its understanding of  human nature.  For me, in particular, the ego, in its desire to protect itself, is a complex entity that weaves a twisted view of reality.  Buddhist tenets, cut through this web of entanglements and offers an alternative view.  While I am no expert, and my understanding consistently changes, I offer these reflections.

The Ego:  The ego identity is the center of who we are and it shapes everything about us, yet it's existence is a canard.  The denial of the ego soul is a path to a deeper understanding.  Here the Buddhist theme is not unlike the calling of Christ to deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus.  These words are hard to understand in the 21st century, where the cross has a positive meaning in Christian circles, but at the time, Jesus is calling his followers to literally assist in their own death, by carrying their instrument of death.   Far from committing suicide, Jesus is calling us to destroy the "self"; and in this same vein, the Buddhist tenet asks us to realize the ego's hold over us and it's distorted reality.

Mindfulness:  The mind warps reality.  Instead of being caught of in the infinite complex permutations of the mind, focus instead on the experience of being, living mindfully in the moment.  The act of each breath is a worthwhile experience and not to be habitually ignored as irrelevant.   This mindfulness offers possibilities of new experiences, rather than playing out one's mind's predetermined judgement and precursory response.   This is the act of being mindful of each experience and open to responding and living rather than merely acting out the delusional ego's will.

These are the beginning steps to understanding life.  Mine are baby steps, yet I can see that this path has the potential to alter value systems and life decisions.

The Summer that Wasn't And the Future that Will Be

As I now gather my thoughts, I reflect on the great summer that wasn't.   It was the missing summer, because at the time, I was preoccupied with the shock of cancer.  But now, with a rising sense that those burdens have been lifted, I can remember the summer that wasn't.   Caleb return to the Coast Guard for his internship, while Philip excel at my office -- completing multiple web applications in only two months.  We had a wonderful family reunion cruise and many days at the cabin.  

I feel I have reached a happy balance with my career.   While it is not the most exciting or advance technology, I enjoy a small shop to lead projects, write code, and exploring computer science in a not overly pressured environment.   In cabin weekends, I feel renewed and ready for the next week.  

Most recently, I saw an MIT video of one our America's young innovators about storing green energy in compressed air batteries.  Watching the segment and following up on their website, I could not image how compressed air could store electrical potential (i.e. a Duracell Battery).  Then, Philip chimed in and clarified that the compressed air is the potential energy.  The light bulb went off in my head, as Philip explained the relationship between Pressure, Volume, and Temperature -how water is cooling the temperature and improving efficiency the thesis of the research.   While my intellectual facilities are limited, I appreciate these futuristic conversations that my sons now challenge and teach me.   

It was a good summer...

A Day with Caleb

A day with Caleb en route to Travis and Tammy's wedding.   I stayed in his apartment, met his roommates, did a Costco run, then off to the Wedding with stops at a local taco stand and glasses repair shop.  At night we watch Batman on IMAX -- a pretty good movie.   The next day was the wedding, moved in doors due to inclement weather.  Caught up with many acquaintances from Sacramento.

The final day was a tour of the new Structural Engineering building at UCSD. Then, the serendipitous, almost chance encounter, with Dan Casey -- the pilot on my return trip.  We had dinner, before I arrive home to Pearl and the kids.

  

Angora Lake

A journey on the path less traveled brought us to Angora Lake.  On the narrow, twisty road, occasionally unpaved (always wondering if we were lost) we found a sweet spot -- two pristine lakes surround by rustic cabins.  The perfect combination of off season, yet perfect weather made for an unexpected paradise.

Up at Lisa's cabin for the weekend, we also saw the Lins at the Marriott.  Busy weekends with friends, and moments of solitude make for a happy life.  Once in Tahoe, I had a glimpse of the mountain stars on the clear moonless night.  Like on the ship, the full grandeur of the universe before my eyes.  I need to remember the stars.

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. 

Amusement Park Rides

In May 1997, I wrote the following about one day at Great America with Caleb.  Now the saga continues with MaeMae and Elias' first day on the big rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Caleb and I had a special day at Great America.  We arrived early and immediately hit the attractions.   It was a hot day, so we particularly enjoyed the “Gak” attraction, which left us totally soaked.   We walked/swam through that area twice.  Caleb is quite the daredevil.  He enjoys roller coasters, bumper cars, and the log rides.  I can’t believe he is only five years old.  I remember the “Days of Thunder” ride, which is a simulated stock car race.  There I sat gripping the safety restraints.  When I looked over at Caleb, he was just sitting there, comfortably.  I was rapt in the story line—imagining my life as a Dayton 500 race car drive.   To Caleb it was nothing more than a large TV screen and a vibrating chair.
 The shows were also interesting.  The first show we saw was about a boy, who gets trapped in cyberspace.   It’s definitely an M-TV production, geared toward my age group—Generation X.  It was full of 10 second music and movie clips from the 70s-80s, a laser show, smoke, and multi-media.  I sometimes wonder what M-TV’s impact will be on the attention span of the next generation.   Another show was about creating special effects in movies.  It was entertaining and informative. I was also amazed by Caleb’s boundless stamina.   We arrived early in the morning, yet stayed until the park closed.  Other than the admission price, we didn’t spend a dime.  I’m trying to teach Caleb that so called “convenience” food and beverages are actually a choice.  By preparing snacks, food, and beverages—we can avoid the higher cost associated with convenience. Overall, I enjoyed my day with Caleb.   He is a wonderful boy!

Now, 15 years later, Elias and MaeMae gets their first adventures on the 'big' rides.  The best part for me is that my days on rides are over, that baton passed on to Caleb and Philip to chaperon the little ones.

And for me, 15 years senior (and maybe not any wiser) a change of perspective.  Less on saving for the future, while more of appreciating life's small gifts of time together.

Summer Breezes

Summer is half over and it's been a good one.  With the diversion of work and frequent short vacations, I've gained a sense of contentment in my life.  I'm not sure if it's maturity, or gratitude, or my renewed focus on living in the moment--experiencing each sensation as if it were my first.

Short trips to the cabin have been a mainstay of our new routine.  It's not as if we do much there--eat, watch TV, relax.  But the short hikes, beach excursions, and exploration of tide pools makes for rich experiences.  We've had several months to explore the area.   I am amazed at the diversity--beach, tide pools, shops, forest, creek hikes, lakes--all within 15 minutes.

This past week, Pearl and the kids were in Tahoe.  My mom and I joined them for 2 days.  It has been years since my mom traveled.  She did well and enjoyed the reprieve from Sacramento heat.

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.