25 Things About Me - (written almost 6 years ago)

25 Things About Me

February 5, 2009 at 10:29pm

PublicFriendsOnly MeCustomLevittown, New York AreaNational GridSee all lists...FamilyGo Back

1. Slow drivers on a highway's left lane frustrate me. I will tailgate and flash my lights.

2. I really like my new job as Director of Inclusion and Diversity. I am learning a very different career and enjoying a terrific mutual respect with my boss.

3. I don't eat eggs. I don't even like the smell of cooked eggs. My wife and kids love eggs .

4. My strong belief of fate was cemented when I reconnected with Catherine after being out of each other's lives for twelve years.

5. I enjoy making others laugh.

6. I want to be an elementary or middle school teacher one day.

7. There's nothing like golfing where I can feel extremely exhilarated and maddeningly frustrated all in one afternoon.

8. I love being an Uncle to eleven wonderful people. I particularly cherish the very fun times when we were all younger.

9. Despite enjoying my corporate career, I would give that up in a heartbeat to be a stay at home dad. Catherine is tired of my frequent requests to do that.

10. On the day my dad passed when I was 22, I went to work, asked for a promotion and then told my bosses why I would be out a few days.

11. I love public speaking.

12. I really dislike stupid parents. Those who do not buckle their young kids in cars. Those who make empty threats.

13. I was ecstatic that I was able to play competitive tennis with two very good (and much younger) players last summer.

14. I fractured my leg while ice skating on a second grade class trip in Central Park. I have not skated since and have no plans to ever do so.

15. I do not have the patience to read books. Although I just read a 550 page autobiography of wrestler Bret Hart - my first book in over a year!

16. I'd be just as happy with a Big Mac than a $50 steak.

17. I do not like surprises. Particularly, people sneaking up on me.

18. After being the only Asian kid in 1st and 2nd grade in Manhattan, I felt very weird being one of many in 3rd grade in Queens.

19. I wish I had time to work out and lose twenty pounds.

20. I traveled to Canada just to see my favorite Broadway show, The Who's Tommy and to see Paul Stanley of KISS play the Phantom of the Opera.

21. I rarely curse, except to myself on the tennis court or golf course.

22. I absolutely love listening to and singing my favorite music turned up high while zipping through traffic in my '99 Chevrolet Prizm.

23. My favorite movie was E.T. I cried each of the seven times I saw that in the theaters one summer.

24. Having a wonderful, loving family with Catherine, Allison and Matthew is a dream come true.

25. I miss my mom very much. I think about her constantly and know she is very proud of me. All she ever wanted was to be remembered.

What I Think About on My Birthday

As I wake up on my birthday, I find myself contemplating a few things.  First, there's a new number to my age and it is indeed quite odd.  What is 47 anyway?  Am I still in my mid-40s? Am I almost 50?  It's kind of in between, isn't it?  

When I was much younger, I could not fathom what I would be at this age.  It just seemed so distant and so old.  Perhaps, I am considered old to those who have not achieved the maturity to appreciate life.  But, age is a relative thing and certainly an inaccurate barometer for health, attitude, wisdom and happiness.  

I can look at this day as just another one in a life that goes by too fast.  Or, I can use this as a time to reflect.  

Am I better husband, father, brother, and friend?  Have I matured, learned, and grown?  Have I pursued my passions and enjoyed life?  Have I made those who I care about laugh or made their lives better in some way?  Have I given more of myself than others have given me?

I ask these particular questions of myself often and when I cannot find answers that satisfy me at the moment, I chalk it up to life's continuing challenges and press on.  

So, as I celebrate this day so my children can have a moment to treasure, I remind myself of the never ending goal of being a better person.  I think of my mom and dad who would accept no less of me.  I think about all those people in my life, young and old, near and far, personal and virtual, real and fictional (um, that's a joke), and am thankful for their friendship and support.  I think of my children and hope that I make them proud, make them laugh, and teach them enduring life lessons.

I am far from being the best person I can be and each birthday is a reminder to me to keep trying!

13

13 years ago tonight, I became a dad.  I remember clearly the hours, minutes and seconds leading up to 9:59pm on April 12, 2001 when Catherine gave birth to our daughter, Allison.  Our newborn baby cried for just a few brief moments and just stopped to observe her new world.  She took it all in before being swaddled and presented to Catherine and I.  Since then, we have had countless joys and made many memories together.  

Allison continues to make us proud with the person she is.  Her caring soul, growing maturity, creative intelligence and clear sense of self defines our daughter.  Others may see her friendly personality, beauty, musical talents, academic achievement and athletic abilities but her best qualities are those she displays at home.  Her self-determination to do well against her own expectations far outweigh any desire for public recognition.  I am humbled to be Allison's dad.