The Retirement That Never Was

Ah, those were the days—full of optimism, grand plans, and a solid belief that by 40, I’d be sipping cocktails on some beach, retired, while my best-selling book hit the shelves. Fast forward, and here I am, still working and with more drafts than published pages. Turns out, life has a sense of humor. Retirement? Sure, I might get there—eventually. And that book? Well, there’s still time, right? The real plot twist is how time just kept going, and so did I.

Spring Broke

Wife and I took a week off this week. It's spring break in Canada, so it means day off for her... and I try to do the same so we could go some where together. This is the first coordinated holiday we had this year.

Our default vacation getaway is Seattle, unless otherwise stated. Seattle is only 2.5 hours drive away, but the moment we got our cars on the road, it's vacation time. Though we've been there quite often these days, there's always some new things to do there. This time our favorite Biu Mui took us to Ivars for clam chowders, Pike's market, 1st Starbucks, Supermall, and The Cheese Cake Factory.

It was always good to see Aunt, Uncle, and young J. I can tell young J was excited to see us too. He laughed so much this time too. Somehow MJ and Seattle cannot be separated. A game or two are unavoidable, well I like it... but I lost big this time.

At last, I cooked the first time in Seattle. It's one of my favorites--ginger and green onion crab. It wasn't easy to cook for others for the first time, and I think it went ok - not my best for sure, perhaps my worst. Anyway, it was acceptable, and it looked pretty good on camera.

But I must say BM's Souffle was the best I've ever tasted--this was my second. I'm not exaggerating. Thanks BM.

For some reason, there's always good bargains in the States. Shoes and shirts are the usually items in my shopping bags. Gotta do a better job in my budget this year... can't afford to be broke for life.

Lost & Found

I've been sick for a week, perhaps longer
I didn't know for I was lost
Emptiness, pain, and loneliness
Sarcasm, what good does it bring?

Stephen, Brad, and Mark
Once lost, now found and stronger
If there are 3 keys to success
Decision, discipline, and determination

Weird Dreams Are Made Of These

Had a weird dream this morning after I went to bed again at 930am...

I was in a team competition...in a catholic church... the father is a police officer... He's our coach.

We were practicing at the church.. it's pretty rundown and looked more like a dungeon. It's got a very high basketball net.

I was riding a roller coaster that was built on top of HSBC building in HK, it was scary... people were screaming.

A sky soccer game was played above Victoria Harbor.... players were hanged by wires and they swing or fly in the sky to catch the soccer ball...

A mega slide was built on top of Hutchison building. We glide down with wake board from the top of the slide. The slide extended to the harbor. Players continue to compete as they ski on water...

I forgot why, but I killed a lot of people using a chef's knife.. I kept the knife in my suitcase. I turned myself in as I don't want my coach to get into trouble.

Let It Snow, Let It Glow, Let It Show...

Wife and I arrived at Seattle on Dec 23rd to spend quality family time with Aunt G, Uncle F, and family. Our schedule is as packed as Jeffrey's - all holidays for the rest of 2008.

Many's wishes came true as the white powder started to fall on Christmas's Eve and covered everything below the sky, created a picture-perfect snowy forest scene of willows by Jenn and Steve's living room windows. Highways were cleared of snow, yet side streets were as white as marshmallows. It's like a boat ride as we rowed the car around the unplowed neighborhood roads. Snow continued to fall on Christmas day and kept us in the Emerald City for days to follow. Let it snow.

Whether it is the bluffing miss little blind going All-in with 2 chips and expecting others to fold, or getting an extra 50% (left boot) when you buy both the right- and the left-foot boot, or eating a 3-fan hand when the minimum winning fan is four, or throwing a kill-all 4-4-4 dice combo, or humming the tune of Papa Don't Preach 5 times and still nobody seemed to know, or watching free on-demand Christmas movie show, or opening presents the Christmas tree below, or dreaming on the soft feather pillow - let laughter and smile glow.

1 bottle of Merlot, 2 steamed fish, 3 shots Grande Americano in a tall cup, 4 pieces of ham, 5 pieces of prime ribs, 6 broccoli, 7 meat balls, 8 spring rolls, 9 french toasts, 10 sweet dumplings, 11 turkey burgers, 12 baskets of dim sums. Let the bloating stomach show.

Turtle doves, broken gloves,
Mistletoe, stories told,
Biu Jei Fu, memory full,
Futureshop, server stopped,
Tablet PC, Jenn's courtesy,
Portico Spa, Hyatt aha,
Black, White, Pink, and Purple,
Blue, Red, Navy, and Yellow,
Party like no tomorrow.

HOliday HOliday HOliday...

Yesterday was the first day of my 2-week holidays. It feels great when you don't have to worry about work and just enjoy the seasonal atmosphere in the air and around you.

Shopping for Christmas gifts was really fun and enjoyable. It takes a bit of effort to buy a gift that others will like - you've got to pretty much rely on your instinct to determine what their preference is. My theory is that if it is something that I like to receive, it won't be that bad. Having that thinking in mind, I am imagining buying those for myself - so giving does bring a lot of joy to me.

Last minute shopping has caused major traffic jam in No. 3 Road and the shopping mall parkades. Spending an hour in traffic when you could have spent 10 mins on a good day does eat away a bit of the fun. I couldn't help dozing off and almost hit the car in front while getting stuck on the road.

'Tis the season for Parties. My first party was yesterday at Andy's. It was great and fun, good food, good people. It's entertaining to chit chat, drink a little, eat a lot, and play with dog. Zoe was cute and we played hide-n-seek together... counting to 115 she said, right!

Thanks A&A for a great night of fun and great food. Snow started to fall again couple hours before we left past midnight. Blessed by the snow, the night was as festive as one could possible ask for.

My own party is now postponed to Saturday due to the snow fall today. Will have DMM coming over for MJ and Hotpot tonight instead... can't wait to smoothe my itchy hands and cold stomach. Snow will definitely continue to pile up today, if Mikayla has the mood, I'll try to get her build a snowman with me...

A New Leaf

With a flip of a button, my role changes again. The decision was made swiftly, but not without pain.

Four months was short, yet it appears long. I am emotionally attached to the team although this change has its opportunities and challenges that I longed for. As some says this is my baby and I should get back to it, I do want to make it happen or I should say I don't want others to spoil it.

Leaving the team was difficult, but may be it's a good thing for them. If the change is good for me, so it could be for the team too. Let my destiny take its course and it will take care of everybody else. Sometimes it is better to let go what you have so something better will come.

I'll cherish this opportunity. And I believe there'll be a lot of good from the change, despite its highly political nature. Fingers crossed.