WarmAsianDude

Today I celebrate calling this great land my country

2009-05-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

The journey was seeded by a simple intention. I was 10 years old when I thought to myself that one day I would love to be in America. I speculate that being told as a boy that America saved us (Singapore) from the Japanese occupation and the daily exposure to the glamor of Hollywood might have had something to do with the stirrings in my heart.

Sixteen years since I planted that thought, I arrived in Charlotte, NC. It was surreal to see snow for the first time; yet, it wasn’t love at first sight. Charlotte was a tad too sedated for a twenty-something eager to soak up everything the land had to offer. Feeling home sick and lonely, I was ready to head home for good when I received what seemed like an unlikely offer of job and immigration sponsorship. I knew that if I refused, I would forever wonder what if I had accepted. I didn’t think I could live with that constant wondering. Doors do open when we put out our intentions and take leaps of faith. No wonder they say be careful what you wish for. So here I am, my desires manifested. The rest, as they said, is history.

Today I celebrate calling this great land my country. There was so much beauty to behold; too many magical moments to recount and all you awesome Americans who made me feel right at home. The journey had been punctuated with painful moments, but today is no occasion to recap them. It is a time to rejoice; besides, there is no point boring everyone with details of how tough the journey had been except to proclaim with an unequivocal YES, it was all worth it.

Having lived on both ends of the globe as well as both coasts of this land give me some level-headed perspective of what citizenship means. You will not find me boasting that the USA is the greatest. Although I may become slightly protective and declare a few virtues America possesses ever so gently. Then again, does it even matter. I have experienced goodness and there is no point convincing anyone else that I like what I tasted.

Today at my oath ceremony, I gladly surrendered my green card in exchange for a Naturalization certificate that never expires. It is symbolic of letting go all the cares of the infamous immigration process. I am mindful that some among you are on your own journey to that elusive green card or citizenship. I want to encourage you to be patient and know that your time will come if you truly want it. No matter how hard it had been, there is no country as welcoming as the USA.

So for my first order of business: register to vote and speak with my new-found voice. Come celebrate with me as I take baby steps and savor every bit of this American dream that has only just begun.

God Bless America.

25 Random Things about Demin

2009-02-05T00:28:00.000-08:00

1. I love Italian, French, and most Asian cuisines. I must have at least one Asian meal each week. I can go without Mexican food and Hamburgers. I get cranky without dark chocolate. Dark chocolate with nuts is a plus. There should always be a tub of ice cream in the fridge. When I was a little kid, the only vegetables I eat are cilantro and green onion. I eat most vegetables now. Raw tomatoes in sandwich are fine. Tomatoes by itself, in salad or as a drink don’t do it for me. I am not an Asian food snob; I eat at PF Chang’s. I think Asian restaurants that promise No MSG are lying. I am allergic to shell fish but eat them anyway. I don’t cook much but my Asian-influenced raw-garlic chicken pasta is usually well received. Chewing gum is a marvelous invention and a necessity for me. Congee is my comfort food; Pho comes next.

2. I am a “progressive Christian” who does not believe in hell or that everything in the bible is God inspired. I believe salvation is for everyone and God is love and does not discriminate. I believe in Metaphysics and that the universe conspires to help fulfill our desires. I believe in the paranormal and had experienced it.

3. It is absolutely not important to me whether being gay is nature or nurture. Actually I believe that some are born gay, while others become gay. Regardless of whether it is nurture or nature, I don’t think that one chooses to be straight or gay. You are who you are.

4. I am suspicious of Republicans. You can blame Bush for that.

5. No, I do not own all of Streisand’s albums and I didn’t get all verklempt at her concert. On a typical day, I am listening to jazz vocalists crooning/belting American Standards. These days, Sondheim’s “Being Alive” has been playing incessantly in my head. Occasionally, I pretend to like rap. At the gym, I am either listening to dance mixes by my favorite DJs or This American Life. NPR is a staple when I am driving to and from work. I don’t know what to make of Diana Krall.

6. I love to travel. A few random travel moments include having a feast at a beautiful winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa: I have never witnessed such sumptuous selection of food; dissolving my cares away while drifting afloat at a Turkish bath in Budapest; checking to see if my ears had fallen off on top of the alps (Jungfrau) in Switzerland in the thick of winter; fanning off a group of gypsies trying to rob me at the Spanish Steps in Rome; having my best smoke salmon risotto (ever) in Venice; being stuck in Bangkok traffic for hours and no one even horned; rows and rows of rubber trees and palm trees along the drive to Muar, Malaysia to visit relatives when I was a kid, romancing in Paris, blackout in my hotel room on the first night in Beijing, going to a Canto-pop concert in Hong Kong …

My dream destination is Tibet.

7. Many years ago, I accidentally swallowed a coin while faking a magic trick in front of the other kids. The coin is still inside me. Also many years ago, while using the chin up bar at home, the bar loosened and fell on my head; I dropped to the floor unconscious. Food smelled funny for weeks.

8. I have a huge scar on the back of my right thigh from a spider bite. I don’t like spiders too much.

9. In the past three years, I’ve yo-yoed between having a 6-pack and a gut. I am currently in between.

10. My favorite camping moment is being naked in a natural hot springs (off Buckeye Campgrounds) in the Sierras gazing at stars.

11. I forget birthdays and have a habit of not keeping in touch with good friends. I still love all of you though.

12. I was once addicted to sleeping pills and would not sleep for days without them. I had admitted myself to a sleep clinic. I consider a good sleep one of the most valuable things in life.

13. My ex once tricked me into believing that the “Blair Witch Project” was a true documentary-movie and I was scared shitless for weeks. I am usually not that gullible.

14. I don’t get why people ask me tax questions when I tell them I am a CPA. I know nothing about tax except how to use Turbo Tax to file mine. Then again, I also assume that everyone knows Excel.

15. I still don’t understand baseball. I am sure baseball will be one of the questions they will ask at my Citizenship interview. I prefer Aussie Rules to soccer.

16. In Miami, David and I adopted a deaf stray cat and named her Zoey. We soon found out that Zoey is a male cat. We started calling him Joey. He reads lips and didn’t care for it. So Zoey it is. Barney and I made the same mistake when we adopted a female cat in San Jose. She is called Calvin. No wonder the cats are as confused as I am. Zoey remained in Miami. Now I have two cats: Calvin and Teddy. Disclaimer: They are not named after two of my friends, Calvin and Teddy ☺.

17. I am a Mac convert. My MacBook has never frozen. That’s a record for any computer I had used.

18. I was in the Singapore military for two and a half years for compulsory National Service. I was depressed when they cropped off my hair. Maybe that’s why I still get upset whenever the hairdresser cut my hair too short.

19. The probability of getting a haircut I like is about 60%. I am also not very photogenic. Out of every ten pictures taken of me, I will probably only find one acceptable. I intend to improve my averages.

20. I worry all the time. It could be random things like whether it is bad luck to take home a pebble from the beach to what to wear to an underwear party.

21. My drink of choice is red wine. You can have great tasting wine from South America, Spain, Italy, South Africa and Australia for under $7. California makes good Zinfandels. I get wines at Trader Joes. I go all red (blood-shot red) when I have a few sips of alcohol. Some Asians don’t have the enzymes to break down alcohol; I happen to be one of the unlucky (or lucky) ones who have the “birth defect”. Thanks to Mark, I learned that if I take Pepcid AC acid reducer prior to alcohol consumption, the “red” effect is minimized. On weekend, I don’t leave home without it. I also learned that I should take the acid reducer discreetly at a party. People around me sometimes think that I am doing drugs.

22. These past few weeks, I have been hanging around people who talk about spaceships, achieving levels of awakenings, vortex and vibrational healing, past lives, alphabiotics, reiki, raindrop therapy, creating structures, crystals, etc. I acted nonchalantly as if I too discussed these things all the time.

23. I lost most of my growing-up pictures while moving to a new house. I would love to see some of these pictures because I remember being insecure about my looks. I used to think that my eyes were too small, my lips too thick and nose too flat. I even put on non-prescription glasses as a teenager just to shield the eyes. Wow! Was that vanity or insecurity? Ironically, today, I’d rather wear contacts than put on glasses when I am out of the house. I am either less insecure now or I have improved with age. Wait! Why do I have shades on in so many of my pictures? Hmmm…

24. I have a very bad sense of direction. I don’t think I will ever drive without GPS again.

25. The most interesting first date is when my date requested to energetically aligned me first before dinner. And that’s not even an excuse to touch me.

Happy Days are Here Again

2008-11-05T23:33:00.001-08:00

We did it! Yes all of us who prayed, donated, volunteered, talked to our friends and families, knocked on doors, blogged, youtubed, put up signs, made calls, meditated, hoped, believed, had faith, voted.....

I am so proud to be a part of this historical moment.

Even as Prop 8, the ban on gay marriage, appears likely to pass, I still believe that in time, we will defeat bigotry. Let's continue to fight for equality!

Dream Big

2008-11-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

Like many of you, I refuse to count the chicks before they are hatched. The signs are encouraging; a refreshing wave and a hunger for change is sweeping this nation. I am hopeful. A little meditation will be my contribution to Marriage for All and electing a leader who believes in world peace and has the resolve to bring this nation together and restore our standing in the world. A leader who believes that we all can play a part to change the world. A tall order but I heart it because I myself am a dreamer.

My condolences

2008-11-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

I am glad you took time to share some special moments with Toot. She didn't wait a day longer. She didn't need to. You have accomplished the improbable, however the outcome may be. And she knew it.

I love my Granny dearly. But there was a point in my life where my education, career, entertainment/fun and relationships took center stage and I didn't spend more quality time with her. Then it was too late. Granny is in a happy place and one day I hope to spend some special moments with her.

Busy week: Recruiting in LA, Energy Healing & Creating a blog

2008-11-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

Busy week!

Presenting to an auditorium full of MBA students at UCLA is not my day job so it did zap some energy from me to fly to LA this week to speak to a group of bright young students at the Anderson School of Management. My colleague David was with me and we had a good recruiting session mingling with a very enthusiastic group. It must have been five years since I last visited LA. LA is pretty much the same except the hobos are now asking for a buck instead of a quarter, a good indicator of the the state of the economy.

I spent the weekend helping Lawrence, an energy healer and my newest friend, create a blog. He gave me a healing session and yes, I felt renewed and ready for the new week ahead. Yes it is the week that will make history!

Check out the blog:

http://the-healing-touch.blogspot.com

Lawrence, if you make it big in the city, remember to tell everyone I discovered you :-)

Cheers!

Apple stands up against Discrimination

2008-10-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

A week ago, I bought a MacBook to replace my crashed PC laptop. I managed to revive my PC but decided to keep my Mac anyway. After all, this Mac is a marvel. I knew I made the right choice when Apple publicly announced a few days later that it supports NO on Prop 8, a proposition that will write discrimination into the California constitution to ban marriage for same-sex couple. Here's the statement on Apple's website:

No on Prop 8

October 24, 2008

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

Don't be complacent on Prop 8

2008-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

The polls are showing that we may lose this once in a life time chance to make gay marriage permanently legal in California. Whether you live in California or not, eliminating gay marriage will be a huge step backward for the entire country. Please join me in turning the tide and donate or volunteer to the VOTE NO Campaign. We are way behind in fund raising and our opponent's relentless assaults on the airwaves are gaining momentum. Let's make a difference while we still can. Of course, if you are an American citizen, register to vote NO on Prop 8. Let's make history and say NO to the hate campaign.

Nobody should tell anyone if they can marry. Do not allow them to write discrimination into our constitution.

Donate, Volunteer and Vote (Registered Californian)!

No On Prop 8

My New Favorite Person

2008-09-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

Rachael Maddow

Watch her on MSNBC after The Olbermann show at 9pm EDT.

The Rachael Maddow Show

McBush without Palin

2008-09-15T10:08:00.001-07:00

Hmmm...So the McCain campaign moved a rally in Jacksonville, FL to a bigger stadium to accommodate overwhelming interest. The attendance is anything but overwhelming.

People are more interested in your #2. Get the hint, we don't want you.

Alaskan Girl says Thanks but NO THANKS

2008-09-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

Alaska Women says NO to Sarah Palin

2008-09-15T00:40:00.000-07:00

Greg: Get Well Now!

2008-09-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

To Greg who is undergoing surgery tomorrow. Keep your spirits up. I will be thinking good thoughts.

Smiling at you...

2008-08-03T00:54:00.000-07:00

From the Heart of San Francisco

Come Dream with Me

2008-07-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

My dear friends

Sometime before the end of the year, I will be submitting the application to become an American citizen. That’s paperwork. In my heart, I am already an American; after all, this is a land that rewards those who dare to dream. As a young man some ten years ago, I arrived in America with hope and aspirations. I didn’t know then that a little hope and a leap of faith would fuel a journey that was peppered with open doors, friends, loved ones and opportunities that confirmed the belief that I could be anybody I desire to be. Today I continue to dream and I hope you will join me.

I don’t usually discuss my personal life. Today however, I am hoping that those of you who care for me know that as a gay man, it is very important to me that the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage be defeated in November. There is something very wrong when society decides to legislate against love. I can’t vote yet, so I am asking those of you who can to preserve the American values and vote against bigotry and discrimination.

Vote NO on Prop 8 in the California Ballot this November

Please also join me in donating to the Equality for All campaign

https://secure.ga4.org/01/equalityforall

Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or an Independent, I think you will agree with me that this current Administration has let us down. We can’t afford to have another right wing conservative judge that rules by his or her own personal biases and beliefs. We need a judge that will uphold the constitution.

Between campaigns of fear and hope, I trust you will choose hope and support Barack Obama.

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/standard?source=mainnav

Thanks for listening to me and thanks for dreaming with me.

FoX News - the Unfair and Unbalanced Network

2008-07-25T01:50:00.000-07:00

McCain Awkward Moment

2008-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

McCain apparently needs to remember his vote to know where he stands on major issues.

My Birthday Ride

2008-04-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd treat myself to a nice ride.

A Stroll at Point Lobos

2008-04-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

Start of a Special Relationship?

2007-12-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

My Horoscope today
If you keep a hopeful attitude and stay focused on the positive side of things, you should start to sense a new beginning coming soon. This could be the start of a special relationship that takes you in new directions. If you have been looking for a new romance, this could be it. You are definitely ready for the emotional challenge of it, and right now you are in a position to be an excellent partner. Deep inside of you, exciting new ideas are finally starting to gel.

We shall see...

I hold no grudge

2007-10-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

I hold no grudge
There's no resentment und'neath
I'll extend the laurel wreath and we'll be friends
But right there is where it ends

I hold no grudge
And I'll forgive you your mistake
But forgive me if I take it all to heart
And make sure that it doesn't start again

Yes I'm the kind of people
You can step on for a little while
But when I call it quits
Baby that's it
I'm the kind of people
You can hurt once in a while
But crawling just ain't my style

I hold no grudge
Deep inside me there's no regrets

Angelo Badalamenti, John Clifford for Nina Simone

Tonight I Witnessed the Brightest Shooting Star Ever

2007-06-26T00:08:00.000-07:00

Good Omen.

My Visit to the Historic Charleston

2007-05-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Charleston Visit: Todd being goofy in front of the "Gum Tree"

2007-05-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Charleston Visit: me in the Beautiful City

2007-05-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

My Horoscope Today - Interesting...

2007-02-11T01:18:00.000-08:00

"Becoming closer to someone else is a very rewarding sensation for you right now, but it could also be negatively affecting your sense of independence. This is a natural dilemma that you should be aware of, not a problem you should run away from. You are going through a wonderful transition in your life, and today is a good day to look for balance between the life you led alone and the life you will lead in partnership with someone else."

2006: Looking Back Moving Forward

2007-01-26T21:31:00.000-08:00

2006

It's one of those years where I was kind of on auto-pilot. I spent a lot of time working and didn't travel as much as I would have liked. Two of my very good friends left the Bay Area in search of greener pastures: Trish went to sunny San Diego and Shawn and his partner went further South to Atlanta. It just kind of happened, quite suddenly.

Trish, I still miss our daily milkshakes. I never get tired of seeing you everyday because you made me smile.

There are some significant events which I would like to remember as time goes by. And I would like to share them with you:

New Addition to the Family: Teddy

He is the most affectionate cat. He came to us a sickly kitten. Now he is such a joy, a purrfect companion for us and for Calvin, our other gentle kitty. Teddy, you are a blessing.

New Job

I left Knight Ridder in April. It ceased to exist soon after. It was sad for a great newspaper publishing company. Now I am in a high growth hi-tech company and love it. The environment is fast pace and non-routine and it is nice to be amongst so many talented and intelligent people.

Funny Girl came to Town

On November 13th, the legendary Barbra Streisand came to town. Thanks to Bob who sent me a link to the pre-public ticket sales, I wasted little time buying tickets. It was a dream come true. She was relaxed and appeared to enjoy herself. Her voice was divine. The lady who sat beside me was all verklempt and sobbed throughout the concert.

Barney

You are my rock. You took care of the yard, the roses and the plants. You cooked the most scrumptious meals for us everyday and you took care of me. Thanks for the breath-taking sights in Washington. Those migrating salmons are unreal! There are countless memories that I will cherish for a very long time. Thanks for sharing the year with me.

Victory

Extreme right wing agenda loses steam; corruption and incompetance exposed. Americans have spoken and let's hope the party of intolerance spends some time reflecting on its divisive policies that are so destructive to world peace and the environment.

2007

Now what?

We have decided to move on. I hope we can be friends forever because I care and I worry for you all the time. We still have each other.

Cheers to body, mind and spirit. And to 2007, I quote the Funny Girl:

ON A CLEAR DAY, I CAN SEE FOREVER

A Posting on MSNBC.com

2006-11-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

I think if Jesus came back and saw what Republicans do in his name, he'd kick some serious butt.

Vote!

2006-10-31T23:22:00.000-08:00

Absolute power corrupts. Time for a change.

Washington State Visit: Methow Valley

2006-09-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Bath overlooking the mountains at Sun Mountain Lodge

Washington State Visit: Diablo Lake

2006-09-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

Washington State Visit: Hiking on Slopes of Mt Baker

2006-09-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Washington State Visit: Lupine on Trail

2006-09-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Washington State Visit: Blueberries picked on trail to Mt. Baker

2006-09-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Fresh berries are delicious!

Washington State Visit: Glacier on Mt Baker

2006-09-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Washington State Visit: Seattle from Kerry Park

2006-09-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Washinton State Visit: Westin Seattle

2006-09-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

Our Backyard Series: White Echenacia

2006-07-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

The Echenacia enjoying the full sun.

Our Backyard Series: Yarrow

2006-07-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

They floated alongside the Lavender and Roses

Our Backyard Series: Blackeyed Susan

2006-07-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

Barney's labor in full bloom.

Our Backyard Series: Garlic Flower

2006-07-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

We were pleansantly surprised to discover a garlic plant in our backyard.

The next Exciting Chapter

2006-04-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

Some of you received this e-mail from me today:

My Friends

Here's what my Horoscope says today:
Maybe you have your eye on a promotion at work. Maybe your ambition is pointing you in another direction altogether. Are you considering changing workplaces entirely? Or maybe you've been nursing some sweet dreams of a career switch. Whatever your goals, today is a good day for moving forward.

On that note, I thought today is a good day to let all of you know that I have decided to make a career switch. This also gives me the opportunity to greet those of you whom I have not faithfully kept in touch.

Many of you have probably heard in the news that all of 32 Knight Ridder newspapers have been sold. Adding to the uncertainty, the new owner, McClatchy, has decided to re-sell 12 of the newspapers. San Jose Mercury News, which is where I am currently working, is one of them.

I have always wanted to move to a high growth hi-Tech industry and the pending sale of Knight Ridder gave me that motivation to go job hunting. Regardless of how calm I may look to many of you, interviews stressed me out. That said, I must say I am getting quite skillful at it.

I have accepted a managerial position at xxxxxx and will start my new position on April 17th. My Mercury News email account will be disabled this Friday April 7th.

Let's keep in touch.

Warmest Regards,

New Addition to the family

2005-10-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

Sweet Calvin

Camping at Buckeye Hot Springs: Barney & I

2005-09-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Aged old Pine Trees, Wide Open Meadow, Majestic Mountains, wild life, no other human in sight, quite magical.

Camping at Buckeye Hot Springs

2005-09-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hot Springs by the creek: it's simply divine! At night, a million stars watched over us. The picture just doesn't do justice to the sheer beauty. We bathed in it daily. Love it! Did I mention it's clothing optional?

Camping at Buckeye Hot Springs: Barney to Barney Lake

2005-09-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Barney en route to Barney Lake

Camping at Buckeye Hot Springs: Barney Lake

2005-09-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Me standing by Barney Lake

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

2005-09-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's an objective way of understanding what kind of person I am. According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, I am an INFP or someone who has Introverted Feeling with Extraverted Intuition. INFPs are likely to be:

Sensitive, concerned and caring
Idealistic and loyal to their ideas
Be curious and creative
Have long-range vision.

Others usually see INFPs as:

Sensitive, introspective, and complex
Original and individual
Sometimes difficult to understand

Interesting.

Maybe Tomorrow

2005-08-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

There are some days when even winning a lottery won't do much to lift my spirits. Today is one of those days. It will pass.

First Half of 2005-The Best List

2005-07-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well, the first half of 2005 has hurried by. I'll take this opportunity to reflect on good things I've experienced. Here's my list of bests :

Best Gadget: My Ipod mini-good things do come in small packages ;)
Best Camping Trip: MacKerricher State Park-it's so beautiful!
Best Wine: Migration Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley-only available at Golden Eye Winery
Best Men's Consumer Magazine: Cargo-can't wait for the next issue
Best Men's Fashion Magazine: Detail
Best Food: Empire Tap Room, Palo Alto
Best Dining Experience: Orchids at Hotel Halekulani, Oahu, Hawaii
Best Digital Photo Printing Website: Snapfish.com-inexpensive and good quality
Best Read: There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem by Wayne Dyer
Best Internet Browser: Mozilla Firefox
Best TV Show: MTV's Pimp My Ride
Best (Most Dramatic) Hike: Mission Peak (Hiking in hail storm)

Camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park

2005-06-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

Me comtemplating whether to jump in for a swim...Barney insisted the lake was boiling hot...not a good idea

Camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park

2005-06-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

At Devil's Kitchen: Be very careful, geothermal activities everywhere...

Camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park

2005-06-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

Barney enjoying the magnificent view of the Boiling Springs Lake. Yes it is Boiling Hot!

Camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park

2005-06-26T22:14:00.001-07:00

View from our tent

Camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park

2005-06-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Barney attempting to push the lone boulder into the valley

Camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park

2005-06-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

A very thick blanket of snow at Lassen. Yes it's Summer!

Camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park

2005-06-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Me tending the fire

6/7 - 6/16 Missing You

2005-06-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

You went away the stars in the sky refuse to shine...

In Remembrance: My Dear Nephew

2005-05-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

You have brought so much joy in our lives. We will miss you dearly.

Where is Zoey?

2005-05-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

David told me that Zoey went out of the house in Miami and had not returned. Zoey, we are anxiously waiting for your return. Don't be afraid, our prayers are with you...we hope you find your way back home soon...

4 More Kittens!

2005-05-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Back from our camping trip, we were looking for the kittens we rescued. They finally came out....but wait, these are 4 new kittens, 2 Siamese, 1 Black, 1 Tabby....we can't find our rescued kittens...panic! not good.....Update:Relax, we spotted the three rescued kittens 2 days later under the juniper bush right outside my door!

Camping at Grover Hot Springs

2005-05-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Barney and I went camping at Grover Hot Springs. Mountains, snow, waterfall, alpine country...beauty is everywhere...Here are a few pictures to share with all of you.

Camping at Grover Hot Springs: Wild Flowers

2005-05-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

Any idea what's the name of this beautiful flower we chance upon during one of our hikes

Camping at Grover Hot Springs: Barney & I

2005-05-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Enjoying fresh air after dipping in the hot springs

Camping at Grover Hot Springs: Lake Tahoe

2005-05-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the scenery while we stocked up more grocery and firewood

Camping at Grover Hot Springs: Mono Lake

2005-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Driving to Mono Lake

Camping at Grover Hot Springs: Mono Lake

2005-05-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Remnants of underwater springs (Tufas) that were exposed when the lake level dropped

Camping at Grover Hot Springs: Monitor Pass

2005-05-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Barney taking a breather among blanket of snow

Portola Redwoods: Wild Flowers

2005-05-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Iris

Portola Redwoods: Giant Banana Slug

2005-05-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

Watch your steps! They are everywhere in the park!

Rescued Kittens: Barney Nursing

2005-04-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, I unknowingly trapped three newborn kittens in my crawlspace. Three days later, my neighbor came to inform me that they were under me. Barney and I began the rescue effort...

Rescued Kittens: Barney saying Hi

2005-04-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Barney getting aquainted with one of the kittens

Rescued Kittens: All is well

2005-04-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the afternoon sun

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes

2005-04-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Barney and I taking a breather after our arduous hike up the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes.

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes: Barney

2005-04-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Determined to reach the peak

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes: Me

2005-04-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Meditative walk towards the ocean

Hiking at Big Basin Redwood State Park

2005-04-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Barney posing by the Giants

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Here're some pictures of our camping trip at MacKerricher State Park. The views were breathtaking. I am glad I had this time to renew my spirit.

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

Our sole tent in the forest.

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

Daily hike to the ocean..

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

Barney taking in the beauty..

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

The wind blew my cares away..

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

The seals sunning themselves in one of the most beautiful spots on earth

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

Barney having a quiet moment

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

At low tide, Barney was out there examining the flora of the rugged coast

Camping at MacKerricher State Park: Apr 9-11

2005-04-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Saying good-byes to the seals before heading back to South Bay

Golden Eye Winery at Anderson Valley

2005-04-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

Barney sampling the Pinot Noir

Pigeon Point: Some day I will live in a house by the ocean

2005-04-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

One of the stops on our coastal drive

Scotts Beach: Barney

2005-04-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

Weight training on the beach

Happy Easter

2005-03-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

Easter Barney delivers a beautiful pot of goodies to me this morning, complete with a nest of Easter Eggs.

Point Reyes: Barney

2005-03-26T22:16:00.000-08:00

Ocean, Mountain, Barney and the Lighthouse

Point Reyes: Wild Flower

2005-03-26T22:13:00.000-08:00

Beauty of Springtime

Point Reyes: Me

2005-03-26T12:18:00.000-08:00

Look at me...hard to hide my love for the nature.

Miami March 19-24

2005-03-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

In Miami for a Leadership Program. Good to see David again.

Russian Ridge: Wild Flower

2005-03-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Effortless spurt of beauty

Yosemite Feb 26-27

2005-02-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

Purple Mountain Majesty...

Mission Peak: Barney all Drenched

2005-02-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

Barney and I went hiking again. This time we braved the rain to scale up Mission Peak. The views are worth it.

Mission Peak: Beholding the Beauty

2005-02-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

A quiet moment.

Mission Peak: Barney

2005-02-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

Barney looking smart on the way to the peak. He would be soaked shortly after this picture was taken

Mission Peak: My new hair

2005-02-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

Refreshed after a brief downfall. Little did I know that it would start hailing. Nasty but fun!