We got engaged on September 11
Aaaargh, I … can’t … very well propose on September 11. That’s so inappropriate. Is … isn’t it?… Read More We got engaged on September 11
Category: Memories
Posts about my personal life
Do animals grieve?
In the weeks since Marley’s death, Biscuit has been acting differently. Before, he would spend most of the day huddled quietly somewhere, but now, he paces around the house, meowing and meowing incessantly (oddly enough, just like Marley used to do). He’s much needier now, too, and actively seeks out affection from Melissa. He even rolls over on his back and lets her scratch him. This is something he never used to do.
Biscuit’s change in behavior has made us wonder if he’s sad or freaked out about Marley. Does he know what happened to him? Is that why he was howling when Marley died? When he wanders around the house now, is he looking for his brother?… Read More Do animals grieve?
Stupid Pet Deaths
That’s the kind of cat Marley was. Crotchety, moody, fickle, grumpy, emo … I’ve got an entire thesaurus of negative terms to describe his personality. That’s why he came to be known simply as #3. No name needed. Just … #3.
And here I am, incredibly bummed out that #3 is gone.
Ironic, isn’t it?… Read More Stupid Pet Deaths
Farewell, Marley
You were one crotchety little cat. And every time you wanted attention or affection from us, it had to be on your terms. But hey, we still loved you. I wonder if Mama and Biscuit will miss you, too.… Read More Farewell, Marley
Old Friends
Kerri and I were classmates in grad school at UCSD. She was the brilliant immunologist who aced every class and earned her PhD in molecular biology in less time than it takes most people to get a bachelor’s. I was … well, let’s just say I was the exact opposite of that. (Hey, someone has to occupy the bottom end of that bell curve.)
Kerri and I became good friends, but after she graduated, she moved across the country, and we lost touch. It wasn’t until 2009 that I found out she had moved back to San Diego years before. Over the next six years, we messaged each other sporadically, and while we both talked about meeting up for a drink sometime to catch up, neither of us really made much of an effort to follow through.… Read More Old Friends
Hard at Work
Thanks for taking care of that TPS report for us, Mama….… Read More Hard at Work
The Irony of Contentment
It’s been a while since I’ve written about my dad. The truth is, there hasn’t been much to write about. Melissa and I saw him last month, when we were in Taiwan. But aside from that, there just isn’t anything to report. He’s still living in the nursing facility and confined to a wheelchair. Physically, he can… Read More The Irony of Contentment
This bar has a bottle with my name on it
I had no idea this was how bottle service was done in Taiwan, of course, which is why Dr. Lin and his girlfriend probably thought I was a raging alcoholic as I manically plowed through those seven or eight (small) glasses.… Read More This bar has a bottle with my name on it
10 Years….
Hey Jake. How’s it going? Man, I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since we lost you. By this point, I feel like most people in San Diego have forgotten about you, which is just massively depressing in every way possible. … Read More 10 Years….
Happy Birthday, Dad
Today’s my dad’s birthday. Well… no, actually. Taiwan is 16 hours ahead, so at this point, yesterday was my dad’s birthday. He’s 69 years old tod… er, yesterday.… Read More Happy Birthday, Dad
Autumn in San Diego
Just took this photo from my balcony. I think this means autumn has finally arrived….… Read More Autumn in San Diego
Homeward
January 12, 2015 I’m sitting at the airport in Taipei right now. I made the traverse up the length of the island from Tainan, and I’m finally heading back to the States. It’s been a long three weeks. Another… oh, 11 hours and 45 minutes, and it’ll be (almost) over. My dad still has a long… Read More Homeward
A Moment of Quiet
There haven’t been many over the past three weeks, and that’s why I’m particularly fond of this photo that I sneaked….
Good Deed for the Day
January 11, 2015 My morning routine these days is that I drop my mom off at the front entrance to the hospital, then go and find parking and meet her up in the room. (And yes, I’ve been driving in Tainan. I think that might be worth its own blog post….) Just now, as I’m… Read More Good Deed for the Day
Noise Complaint
January 10, 2015 Did I mention that my dad is kind of a social butterfly? I know I did, but I’ll mention it again: My dad is kind of a social butterfly. Things haven’t been too different despite him being in the hospital. Now that he’s out of the ICU and people can come visit him… Read More Noise Complaint
Convergence
January 9, 2015 We’re hanging out in my dad’s hospital room right now. The TV is on, and a familiar tune started playing. Turns out, it was a random Taiwanese commercial using the track below, which just happens to be the last thing I wrote about before my Taiwanese adventure: This track is one of my… Read More Convergence
My Life as a Gopher
January 8, 2015 Because life likes to kick us when we’re down, I’ve been fighting a nasty sinus infection for over a week now. It got so bad that my mom insisted that I go see a doctor. Well, as it just so happens, we are literally surrounded by doctors. Woo hoo for small victories, right?… Read More My Life as a Gopher
Self-Service Hospital Care
January 7, 2015 Taiwanese hospitals are kind of like hostels. Well, the crappy kind of hostels…. My dad got transferred out of intensive care and into the regular ward today. In the recovery progression, it’s a pretty big step, though he still has a long ways to go. The minimal requirement for transfer out of… Read More Self-Service Hospital Care
Why You Shouldn’t Let Superstition Guide You
January 7, 2015 Dealing with a family member in intensive care is hard enough as it is. It’s even harder when you’re absolutely unprepared for it. And the story of why we’re so unprepared is just sad…. In general, Taiwanese people are kind of superstitious. 30 years in the United States has curbed some of… Read More Why You Shouldn’t Let Superstition Guide You
Breakthrough….
January 5, 2015 My dad had a big breakthrough today. For the first time in two weeks, he’s fully conscious and cognizant of us. When we talk to him, he can nod and shake his head now, and more importantly, he does so at the right times, so we know that he can definitely understand… Read More Breakthrough….
Dennis Hong's Attic 