Radioflyer's Landing Zone

A bad wall-hair day to end the year

2009-12-30T14:26:00.000-08:00

For those who have heard over the Internet grapevine, I simply couldn't beat my wife's quick facebook/twitter while lying on the floor trying to remember my name and to apply a tourniquet, one-handed, to my neck before the 3rd pint of the red stuff soaked the carpet permanently. Ha ha.

30 seconds earlier, I had picked up my 5 year-old girl to peer out the window for the pending rain. As I leaned forward, my knee got stuck on the new Chirstmas present, a big rubber exercise ball. The 220 lb combined body mass made the unfortunate decision to continue forward. My daddy instinct quickly concluded that there was just no pretty ending to the story. All the ingredients needed for a bad wall-hair day were present and revving for a big finale. I tucked Lolli's head as far back as I could and stiffed my neck for the impact. Crunch!

When my mind is not busy seeing stars, I think I am both proud of my big strong head and mad at the flimsy dry walls of the 60's construction boom. Seriously, no injury. No blood. Just another home improvement item to put on the list for 2010.

p.s. Photo was a reenactment, of course.

This is what I have to deal with....GLADLY!

2009-07-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

This business of taking care of kids is so fun and rewarding in these moments.

[Insert a big grin here.]

our secret pets

2009-03-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

We may not have a dog or a cat, or a fish or snail for that matter (not any more), but we have two very cool dinosaurs that we "adopted" a few weeks back. They are kept at a kennel called "Target" and we have visited them pretty much every week.

The dinos, aptly named 'Shroom and Lolli also, are currently living in the toys department. After our weekly routine at the Y not too far away, the kids love petting them going "hey there, kitty, kitty...". The kitties then quickly snap at the hands that feed them without fail.

It's amazing how well this pet ownership is working out. We'll keep visiting our dinos for as long as they are waiting for us. =)

2008 in 30 seconds

2009-01-16T21:27:00.001-08:00

Goal!

2008-10-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Got a minute to spare?

2008-10-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Or maybe 5? Try your hands at this puzzle:

Taekwondo Kid

2008-09-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Yup, the boy is working on his Taekwondo kicks and I think he is doing a darn good job at it! Next up, nailing a fly with chopsticks. =)

p.s. Practice, in fact, is hard to come by as jumping on the floor is banned for the noise and jumping in bed in outlawed for bad manners. Shhhh...

A Dance to the Untitled Hymn

2008-07-31T06:23:00.000-07:00

This simple song has made quite an impact on me in the past weeks. We were introduced to it by the kids' summer VBS program, Power Lab. It is now the top runner for songs to be played at my own funeral someday...

Here is another Youtube where Jesuslove08 puts it to a slide show with lyrics.

Teacher of the Year!!!

2008-06-18T21:33:00.001-07:00

Teacher of the Year!!!, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

This is no joke or Photoshop job!

We drove by West Torrance High School today and saw our friend's name on the big school sign over all the crazy graduation activities. Woo hoo! Drew, we are so happy and proud of you!

We went back to the school later that afternoon and snapped this on the cell phone.

Wedding Photographer

2008-05-27T22:52:00.001-07:00

What are they doing with my man?!, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Ahh, here are some pictures from Drew and Jeanie's beautiful and fun wedding in Oakland, California.

Ahh, these pix are from Drew and Jeanie's beautiful and fun wedding in Oakland, California.
I was given the license to shoot whatever I wanted. That was the fun part. At the rehearsal, my camera started to wig out and crash on the infamous "Err 99" about every 3 shots or so. Lots of shots out of focus or simply failed. That was a ton of stress. It got progressively worse and worse and the camera finally just died at the end of the ceremony (totally by the grace of God, no kidding)!!!
As it turned out, it was the 17-85mm lens that completely failed. Fortunately I had just gotten an el cheapo 50mm lens days ago. That prime (fixed focal length) lens carried me through the reception with much footwork in place of zooming.
In the end, this is what I learned:

Friends and love. Moments and laughters. These are a few of my favorite things.
I don’t like getting into people’s faces and taking pictures. (That makes me a bad photographer, doesn't it?)
There is no such a thing as too many toys, lenses, accessories, or a even a second camera.
RAW can and does save one’s neck.
White bridal gown and black tuxes, and bright stage lights and dimmed audience (you know what I mean) make for a long tough day and lots of Photoshop time.
Time to learn about HDR photography.
To avoid perpetual blood-shot eyes, always have your glasses ready for those busy times instead replying on only contact lenses.

Steven

Vector Prodigy - an electric violin

2008-05-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

I came across this clip from "How It's Made" on electric violin. This one happens to be the same electric violin I have! The owner/maker, Nick Tipney of Nova Scotia, is a great guy and makes beautiful instruments both in sounds and aesthetics. If you like warm sounds closer to that of a classical violin, Vector is better than the famed Zeta in my opinion. Plugged into a guitar effects box, this thing can truly make magic!

POTD: homecoming

2008-04-25T22:26:00.001-07:00

homecoming, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Traveling to Boston

2008-04-21T12:46:00.001-07:00

we are tired..., originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

This week I am travelling on business to Boston. With me are two special guests from the kids. See our adventures here.

Home Alone

2008-04-09T23:55:00.001-07:00

A short commute..., originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Yup, wife and kids are away vacationing with the visiting grandparents. That leaves me home alone this week. Someone has to bring home the bacon -- or in my case, make bacon at home?

The house sure is quiet.

I find myself blasting kids' favorite Little Einsteins theme song to fill the silence and spending mucho quality bonding time with TurboTax. The annual ritual this year features a same-employer but multi-state return. Not for the faint hearted.

Outgrowing

2008-04-03T14:14:00.001-07:00

Outgrowing, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

I guess kids are constantly outgrowing their clothes and themselves. This is a mosaic made of Lolli's clothes retired as recently as... only last week. My wife took these pictures to eBay them off as a good size lot. As I browsed through these pictures, they brought back so many memories and a big smile on my face.

Here is one attempt to document and savor these memories.

Pre-season

2008-04-03T09:31:00.001-07:00

Pre-season Exhibition, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

This was the last 2008 Dodgers pre-season exhibition game. This one, they happened to be hosting the Boston Red Sox who, might I add, are THE 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONS!!! This was also the day before the Dodgers season opener, in a year that's their 50th anniversary in Southern California. It was a blue sea of Dodgers fans and high spirits.

For me, it was a great male bonding time with friends and not so much a good game for the Sox. Personally, I was just dying for some Red Sox back in my blood in this lonely and far corner of the Red Sox Nation... It was hard to contain the excitement as I passed the many Red Sox fans in the parking lot and in the stadium. I literally wanted to go up to each of them and give them a big bear hug, or perhaps more appropriately just a high-five. Or maybe just a knowing smile. Or maybe just nothing so I didn't look like a crazy fanatical fan. But is there anything wrong with a "fanatical fan?" That's where the word "fan" comes from afterall (maybe?). And I am certainly not that fanatical by any means.

I miss the comradery of the Boston fandom.

I miss my friends in Boston.

A youngster's thought on God

2008-03-17T07:04:00.001-07:00

Day 7 - we are almost there!, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

"Do you think God has boogies in his nose sometimes?"

Perplexed at Lolli's question, I looked in the rear view mirror and found her digging deep herself in her car seat.

-- recently rediscovered in my "Notes to Self" from January, 2008

a gesture of sacrifice

2008-03-11T14:10:00.001-07:00

a gesture of sacrifice, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

[Mosaic]

On this Sunday, Pastor Erwin challenged us to a life of giving and service to others. As a gesture, many responded to the calling by giving the shoes on their feet to a local homeless shelter program. On the stage, as you may be able to see, were everything from flip flops to fancy schpanzy boots Italiano. The sight of people filing out of the service barefoot and onto their day was quite powerful.

Picture taken on cell phone after the service.

Captain’s log, Stardate 20080126

2008-01-27T01:07:00.001-08:00

Weekend with Daddy, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Mommy is away for a weekend getaway in the sunshine state of Florida with a good friend. I am home with the kids. It was time to prove that Daddy was just as capable of caring for the youngsters. The plan was to do everything there was in our own sunny Southern California and tire the kids out.

The previously advertised rain storm seemed to be holding off for the morning. So after a late yet satisfying IHOP breakfast, we took a nice walk at our very own Redondo Beach. Yes, the actual beach. In January! There was nothing but blue sky above and colorful sailboats on the horizon. Only in California.

Back home, strangely enough, surfing the Internet for hours did not quite keep the kids occupied as I had hoped. But the ‘Shroom and Lolli did get a kick out of singing along with the little mice of “An American Tail” -- thank goodness for Youtube and all the illegally posted movie clips. Technology rocks!

. . . . . . . . Click here for some snapshots of the day . . . . . . . .

The day was still beautiful out. We had to go out for a picnic lunch at the park. ‘Shroom goofed around expending his endless boy energy while Lolli and I ran a mean game of football – well, until I lost her to the yellow dandelion flowers in the field... Girls will be girls. She’ll always put a smile on my face. We winded down the day reading at a local Barnes & Noble. I decided to reward Lolli with a Disney princess and horse book – both her favorites. Everybody wins.

In order to rekindle my masterful culinary skills, I put the kids in front of Dora the Explorer. (Note to self: We really need a Chinese Dora pushing Mandarin as a second language -- My two Asian American kids fluent in “hola” and “rapido!” just don’t quite make the FOB Daddy look good. But I digressed.) My Macaroni and Cheese had a wonderful fusion flare of frozen peas for fibers and chicken nuggets for proteins – making even the pickiest kiddy eater happy and the toughest Grandma proud. Watch out, Ming Tsai, here I come!

After baths and reading of the new princess-and-horse book, I was ready put the day behind me. "I love you, Daddy,” said 'Shroom before the light went out in their room. “I miss Mommy. I'll be thinking about her. And I'll be thinking about Snow White and Cinderella, too." With a warm smile, this Daddy closed the door too beat to even veg in front of the TV for the night.

My new plan: Upon Mommy’s return, beg like a baby for her to never leave town again -- No, no, avoid admitting at all cost how inadequate and limited I felt at times today… Grrgh, I can’t decide. Must go to bed now.

I, too, miss Mommy.

Air Boss. Over and out.

In Memory of Grizzley

2008-01-25T15:42:00.001-08:00

In Memory of Grizzley, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

On this day, January 25, 2008, we grieve with our friends Peter and Cassie and mourn the loss of Grizzley, a sweet and gentle friend to us all.

Photo taken on June 26, 2004 in New Hampshire as 'Shroom looked on at almost two years old.

New Year's Crash

2008-01-04T10:48:00.001-08:00

New Year's Crash, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

To start off the new year, Lolli and 'Shroom were monkeying around on a shopping cart at a local market, bringing it crashing down on themselves...

We are super thankful that her right eye dodged a near miss and an ER doctor friend was able to repair the laceration with superglue. =)

POTD: 'Tis the Season!

2008-01-01T21:30:00.001-08:00

'Tis the Season!, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Name that tune: "all the leaves are brown..."

2007-08-09T07:59:00.001-07:00

"all the leaves are brown...", originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

POTD: new home on the West Coast

2007-07-24T15:03:00.001-07:00

there it is!, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Here is a East vs. West kinda observation:

On the East Coast, no one goes to see the sun rise on the beach. Well, probably because it's too early and too told too often. On the West Coast, it's a fun thing to go to the beach and watch the sunset. It makes sense and is even romantic!

POTD: a birthday kiss

2007-07-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

a birthday kiss, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Westward Bound

2007-07-12T07:01:00.001-07:00

Westward Bound, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

This week we are on a cross-country road trip moving from Boston, MA to Redondo Beach, CA.

You can follow along with my pictures and Dee's blog.
Best,
Steven

Good bye, Green House

2007-06-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

good bye, Green House, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

We've finally moved out of our beloved Green House.

With still a long cross-country road trip ahead of us, I am sure we are going to feel the emotional impact more later on...

POTD: basement on the sidewalk

2007-06-13T06:33:00.001-07:00

basement on the sidewalk, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

T Minus 6 Days to moving, 11:45PM -- after a long day of cleaning out the basement *and* a steady stream of random stangers rummaging through our trash all afternoon and evening...

POTD: Timeout, everyone!

2007-04-30T19:56:00.001-07:00

timeout, everyone!, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

On this day, the kids gave all the toys a timeout along the wall for having bad attitudes -- cars, excavator, planes, dinosaurs, everyone!

POTD: Puzzled

2007-04-13T11:10:00.001-07:00

puzzled, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Travis on display

2007-03-26T07:29:00.001-07:00

Travis on display, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

... at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

NOT!!!

Created with dumpr.net - fun with your photos

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

2007-03-17T08:11:00.001-07:00

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad"

-- My Favorite Things, Sound of Music

POTD: March Madness

2007-03-16T20:41:00.001-07:00

backdrop, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Don't let her smile fool you.

Just when we thought we were all done with snow, the New England snow storms makes a marked comeback in mid March... Shoveling is fun only for the first 10 minutes...

POTD: Moody

2007-03-15T18:54:00.001-07:00

moody, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

POTD: My Yard, My Turf

2007-02-27T08:12:00.001-08:00

my yard, my turf, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Our Condo for Sale

2007-02-21T17:18:00.001-08:00

Our Condo for Sale, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

[Sniff], [sniff].. We are putting our condo up for sale. Anyone interested?

For more information, see
http://768belmontstreet.info

"Do you have enough money?"

2007-02-18T12:06:00.001-08:00

"Do you have enough money?", originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

I kid you not. After receiving her first red envelope and her very own money, Nicole said me "Do you have enough money? I'll share with you!"

Her generous and loving spirit at merely two years of age just melted my heart...

POTD: "Eat your food RIGHT NOW!"

2007-02-08T12:16:00.001-08:00

"Eat your food RIGHT NOW!", originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

More than happy to take on the responsibility of feeding our betta fish, Travis and Nicole ordered Omigee to comply now or get "a BAD consequence!"

Mosaic 2006

2007-01-17T19:24:00.001-08:00

Mosaic 2006, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

This is our family portrait with all the moments captured on Flickr this year. You'll need the L A R G E V E R S I O N to see the individual pictures.

Can you find this picture itself in the mosaic tiles?

Created by a tool called AndreaMosaic.

CSI has been called...

2007-01-09T13:08:00.001-08:00

bloody duckling, originally uploaded by radioflyer007.
Click on the picture to see another picture of the bloody duckling...

Sick and coughing for days, my poor little girl woke up in the middle of the night with a major bloody nose. Her best friend is seen here awaiting for CSI Mommy to finish up with the crime scene.

Photo taken at 4;20 AM... Yawn~~

By the way, have I said HAPPY NEW YEAR yet?

Journey This Far, 2006

2006-12-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo! My blog has now officially moved into the video-on-demand era!!!

These are pictures from 2006 all the way until just before Christmas, set to the music of "If I Stand" by Jars of Clay.

Happy Holidays!

2006-11-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

at the Garden
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Can't believe Thanksgiving is now behind us. I was not even ready for it! Time to get that Christmas tree...

Happy holidays from our family to yours!
Steven, Dee, Travis, and Nicole

POTD: My Childhood

2006-10-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

my childhood
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

"Sitting on the 'rock' of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
I'm just sitting on the 'rock' of of the bay
Wasting time..."

POTD: the Star-Spangled Banner

2006-09-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

the Star-Spangled Banner
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

On this Labor Day before the fan was put away for the year, Travis was happy waving his "FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!" (yes, shouting intended.)

POTD: Mommy and me

2006-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mommy and me, III
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

My two beautiful girls...

POTD: Stomp on the flowers!

2006-06-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

POTD: Stomp on the flowers!
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

POTD: into the sunset

2006-06-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

into the sunset
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

It's all about the motivation!

2006-05-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

A motivational poster of the regular cheese flavor...

And another one of the sour grape flavor...

demotivational
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Another fun project, courtesey of
http://www.flagrantdisregard.com/flickr/motivator.php

Mural, mural, on the wall

2006-05-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

home mural
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

This is a belated Mother's Day gift to my wife. The mural is 32 sheets of 8.5x11 printed on regular printer using a fun online tool called the Rasterbator. http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/

You can also see my mural posted on the rasterbator site:

http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/gallery.gas?8516

Original Flickr image here, "My Two Favorite Girls"

Our new family ride?!

2006-05-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

how is this for our family ride?
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Only in my dreams...

This was at a recent helicopter fly-in at Beverly Airport (BVY) in Mass. 11 helicopters showed up and we had a load of fun drooling...

For my entire photoset on this event, check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/radioflyer007/sets/72057594121959476/

POTD: Above

2006-03-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

Above
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

This is one of the many tulip pictures my lovely wife took the other day. =)

POTD: shepherd in the field

2005-12-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

sheperd in the field
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:13-14

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-23T06:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2005, Take Two
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

Our past year was perhaps best summarized in these memorable quotes:

Travis >> comforting Nicole: “It’s okay, Sweetie, it’s okay.” (all the while gently stroking her hair) >> as Dee leans on the horn at a rude Boston driver, "Mommy! A train is coming!"

Nicole >> paper shopping bag and two purses on her shoulders: “Busy, shopping!” >> pausing mid-tantrum with tears midstream: “Mama wipe! Runny nose!”

Dee >> “Nicole, you do not wear underwear on top of your clothes. Give back Mommy’s underwear right now!” >> “Everybody pick a book for story time. Mommy picks Crate & Barrel.”

Steven >> trying to drill the idea into the children’s heads 10 times a night: “Who is Daddy’s favorite boy/girl!?” >> “Woo hoo! 6543 clicks on my top Flickr picture!”

Here is wishing you peace and love this Christmas.

Steven

POTD: votive

2005-11-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

votive
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

My wife loves candles and had this one burning in the kitchen the other night...

POTD: calmness

2005-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

calmness
Originally uploaded by radioflyer007.

"Love that dirty water!"

POTD: mosaic of life

2005-09-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

mosaic of life
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

Just a fun experiment. Click on the picture to see a larger version.

POTD: one small step for man...

2005-09-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

one small step for man...
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

One small step for man, but one giant step for me!

Jeanie off to California

2005-09-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

After eight short years in Boston, our dear friend Jeanie is moving back to Southern California. A bunch of friends gathered on this day to send her off. It's evident that Jeanie has touched many lives during her time in Boston. Bon voyage, Jeanie!

Click on the picture above to see a much bigger version of the panoramic tribute to Jeanie! This was stitched together from 8 separate pictures.

POTD: Geometry II

2005-09-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

Geometry II
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

POTD: High-End Appliance Series

2005-09-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

High-End Appliance Series
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

POTD: Collapsing building

2005-09-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Collapsing building
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

I captured this photo before the wall of this building collapsed like melting jello...

To helicopter crews of Katrina...

2005-09-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

Dashing into Boston Class B Airspace
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

In these past days, the world has seen the power of mother nature and the devastation it sometimes can bring. Every other TV footage and media image inevitably has helicopters plucking people out of the water, away from their rooftops, or dropping the most critical supplies to the desparately needed. My hat off to the crews in this profession.

I got a helicopter license a year ago with a secret (and lofty?) dream of being able to help people in times like this. Of course, it's a long long way going from a weekend pilot to a professional with tens of thousands of hours on multi-million-dollar aircrafts. It won't be my turn anytime soon. =( These men and women are doing what the world needs them to do desparately. I respect them. And I envy them.

Little Bird overhead!

2005-09-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Little Bird overhead!
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

Over the Labor Day weekend, I made my Little Bird hover in the kids' play room. Even with all the other helicopters at home, Travis is totally psyched and wants it to land so that he can play with it. Nicole would not give the pilot Elmo back, so Mickey is standing in right now. Clearly, Mickey's hotdogging is not to be condoned...

Click on the picture to get to a couple of more pics of it on my Flickr.

Enhancements coming up: navigation and search lights, working tail rotor, engine sound effect.

1985 According to Engadget

2005-08-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE ENGADGET BBS
August 22, 1985 12:35
Callers to date . . . . . . . . . . 2924
Callers today . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Callers yesterday . . . . . . . . . 49
Uptime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 days, 20:05
The SYSOP is. . . . . . . . . . . . IN!
[A] Articles [C] Chat [I] Mail [M] Message boards [N] News

For those who remember the 80's and the explosion of technologies, this one will sure bring you tears -- laughing or crying. It's an ingenious and hilarious take of the BBS days with today's eyes. ASCII arts, DOS batch commands, Windows 1.0, Tandy computers, brick phones, or how about "tapecasts?!" Need I say more?! Kudos to these guys at Engadget!

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000430055334

Pic of the Day: Time-Stopping Superpower!

2005-08-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

Superpower!
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

Picture of the Day: Yummy!

2005-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Swans & Shrimp
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

"Excavator!!!"

2005-08-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

Excavator!!!
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

Our landscaper neighbor came home with an excavator yesterday. As you can imagine, it was an instant hit with the neighborhood kids.

It sure is nice to have a toy like this to do your chore with. I think this winter I'm gonna ask Santa for a Bobcat for my snow duties.

What is this penguin avatar?

2005-08-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

My current penguin avatar
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

Click on the picture to find out!

Softball in the Common

2005-07-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

P200507232701
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

Ahh, playing softball in the Boston Common! What can be more fun on a summer day against the backdrop of beautiful Boston?!

On this day, our church softball team had a guest appearance by Tom Magliozzi (back row, second from left) of Car Talk. Tom seems like a fun guy in person, too, making funny faces as he pitched the entire game, and swtich-hit on every other pitch.

Summer Breeze at the PawSox

2005-07-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

In honor of Felix's birthday, the boys went down to a PawSox game on a beautiful summer night. It's a friendly and relaxing setting, great for laid-back almost-fans like us. We were "almost-fans" because besides the three prospects the RedSox were currently considering, we had no idea who was who. These pitchers were certainly throwing as hard as they could (97 mph!) with few sinkers and other more technical pitches.

The best thing about this place, in my opinion, is that instead of the unruly major league-style cursing, you hear all around you fathers explaining baseball to their wide-eyed children waiting to catch a fly ball in their little mittens. Life is great at the minor-league game.

Ball game parking, free.
A seat behind the first base line, $9.
A ball park hotdog, $2.50.
A great minor-league baseball outing with guys, priceless.

Top 10 Ways to Embarrass Yourself At Blue Ginger

2005-07-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, Dee and I had the fortunate to dine at Blue Ginger. The executive chef there, Ming Tsai, has a PBS cooking show "Simply Ming" and a reality show "Cooking Under Fire." Ming was also voted People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People some years ago. Regardless, we had such exquisit and delicious food and a fun time that Dee decided to publish "Top 10 Ways to Embarrass Yourself At Blue Ginger." (Ming, if you are reading this, we really love you!)

TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBARRASS YOURSELF AT BLUE GINGER
10. Show up sporting the same T-shirt and shorts you wore all day while working around the house (and doing light carpentry work in 90 degree weather).
9. While waiting to be seated, order a Bud Light as your aperitif.
8. Upon being seated among all the other finely dressed patrons, loudly ask the Maitre 'D where the "potty room" is because you have to "tinkle" to make room for dinner.
7. Open up your menu and promptly ask your waiter, "How do you pronounce this? What's that? What's that? Is foie gras really grass?"
6. Ask if your meal comes with fries or if you have to pay extra for them.
5. Grab Ming Tsai's white chef coat as he walks by and gush your praises for him "You are the greatest! And your show "Yan Can Cook" is my favorite show of all!"
4. As you get served your meal, don't hide your disappointment in the quantity and be sure to ask "Is this all I get?"
3. When your waiter asks if everything is alright, tell him everything is just perfect . . . but don't be shy to ask for a bottle of ketchup to "add a little zing" to your meal.
2. Halfway through your duck entree, you realize that the "super tender and oh-so-tasty" meat is really beef--and it took you half your meal to realize this.

AND THE #1 WAY TO EMBARRASS YOURSELF
1. Just as you inform your waiter that he has made a mistake in your order (and you're two bites from finishing it), you realize that what you're eating REALLY IS duck!

Black Hawk Up (a blog I came across)

2005-07-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

I came across this blog entry today. It's a fun read especially after having re-watched Black Hawk Down this past week... I also poked around Google and found this nice picture.

Defense Tech: Black Hawk Up

Photo courtesy of army.mil

Four Cousins - 33 years later

2005-07-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

In the year of 1972, four sisters gave births to four girls (from left to right): Gina, Eileen, Jamie, and Joyce. Thirty three years later in a rare opportunity, here is the re-enactment. Place the mouse over the picture to see.

Blogging? Why?

2005-07-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Can a guy get some privacy, please?
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

I was just surfing, killing time, by hitting the "Next Blog" button on this page. Wow, lots of people have something to say. Or at least want to have something to say. But like me, there is nothing that interesting most of the time. So why blog? Beats me. When you do have something you want people to hear, you want an audience. But if you don't maintain an audience, you won't have one. So it comes down to an art of just saying something. Just like talk show hosts, politicians, and pastors even at times. Does this, in any way, reflect some sort of social/psychological condition of the heart? Okay now, I'd better stop before I make my head dizzy talking like that...

Not that I am sheesh'ing you away, but why are you reading my post?! Post a comment and help enlighten me here...

A Wedding & Family Reunion

2005-07-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hee, hee, hee, am I ever ready for this... =)
Originally uploaded by radioflyer7.

Just got back from LA for my dear sister Eileen's wedding. As many aunts and uncles are retired now and looking for an excuse to travel, this wedding also turned out to be a major family reunion.

The last time we had a family reunion of this magnitude was 7 years ago. We talked of organizing such events more frequently but always ended up getting too busy and distracted by our regular life. Perhaps we'll do better with the next reunion?

Eileen's and Pierson's wedding was a beautiful one. Too bad I was busy doing stuff at the wedding or taking care of my two cute little children, I didn't get to take as many pictures as I would have hoped (imagine that!).

Speaking of pictures, at a family gathering, everyone went a bit berzerk making circles on the floor. Pierson, welcome to the family. Hopefully in time you'll find that we are really not that crazy. [LOL]

A Legend in Aviation

2005-06-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to listen to Scott Crossfield speak last night at an event at Hanscom Airfield. His name is well known in the aviation history book along with Chuck Yeager and Neal Armstrong. He was the first man to go Mach 2 and then Mach 3 successfully (there was another man who had reached Mach 3 earlier but didn't make it back...). Now in his 80's, Scott is still humorous and quite inspiring to listen to.

The event itself was a promotional for fractional ownership for Cirrus SR22's. It's a beautiful ship, no doubt. I practically had to wipe off my drool in the all-glass cockpit...

A blend of architectural beauty

2005-05-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

Inspired by all the pictures on www.flickr.com, I decided to try my hand at better composition. I took some pictures this weekend at our new church, Cambridge Vineyard, mostly in the sanctuary.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/radioflyer007/sets/342282/

As I mentioned in the photo set, I don't really dig the buildings from the outside. The sanctuary, however, I would almost liken to the Luvre with it's traditional and contemporay elements. For a Vineyard church that is typically known for meeting in warehouses, this is really cool!

Another year later...

2005-05-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Right. So here I am, another year later, having made very little, if any, progress on both the blog and on my own website. If I get more free time, I'll make a point to integrate and migrate over to this blog, God willing.

Of course, the philosophical question is, who is my audience? Who would read what I have to say? And what *do* I have to say? Beats me. We'll see.

welcome to blogging

2004-05-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, years after I started maintaining a simple website that's grown out of control, I am evaluating porting over to a blog. As I do that in the next period of time, you can still come to http://www.geocities.com/radioflyer007/homepage.html for my existing pages. Over and out.

Steven