Just One of Those Days

Wednesday was a sweet, sour and delicious day for me … a confusing day.

Sweet because I wrote a song for my wife. Sour because I’m very concerned about my friend who opened up to me. Delicious because my college friends said I look like someone in the Fast and the Furious movie.

SWEET

Being human is a juggling act of emotions. I talked about this last week when I shared the movie UP. What is it with that movie? I was so inspired to put words to the theme music because it reminded me of my wife. The melody played in my head for days and one morning the first words came out in my dream. I spent a few days honing the lyrics, the melody and the harmony. It ain’t perfect but my wife loved it and that’s what’s important. The song’s kinda mushy but If my wife will allow me, I’d like to share it with you someday.

SOUR

Not to get into too much detail but my friend is going through a difficult time. I wish I had a magic wand to erase all of the pain and the anxiety. We’ve stepped into the realm of spiritual topics. We could use your prayers.

DELICIOUS

My old chums sent me a picture of an Asian actor/director from the movie Fast and the Furious (I never watched that episode). They said the guy looks like me. I laughed when I saw the picture but I had to make a double take because he really does look like me
… at least when I still had hair that wafted in the summer tropical breeze like Favio … and before my eyes puffed up like Igor in Young Frankenstein … and way before the wrinkles of my shriveled skin. This is the picture they sent me:

I was flattered because I think that guy’s pretty handsome. So if he’s handsome, can I say I am too? Shock!! Honestly, I never thought I was handsome. At one point I thought I was downright ugly when pimples covered my teenage face. I was so ashamed of my looks that I would always look down. But it was my Dad who started to build my confidence when he said not to worry about my pimples because it “made me very manly.” I never cared how I look anyway. Still don’t. It’s not important.

Imagine going through life not knowing I was actually good looking? The only person who said I was handsome was my grandma when she was combing my 5 year old hair with greasy pomade (one of my earliest memories). I never believed her because grandmas are supposed to say sweet things. Even my Mom never said I was handsome … even my wife never said so. In fact, one time I asked her if I was handsome and she said “not really but you’re charming.” Well, whaddayaknow — I’m the ugly duckling who’s been living a lie — I’ve been a swan in duck’s clothing. Very strange to find out this late in life. Send in the clowns baby! Send in the clowns!

So I don’t know what to call Wednesday. Weird day, perhaps. I have no real message today. I can only think of Forrest Gump.

As always, this is just me. Is this you too? Did we connect?
TGIF people!

“Confusion now hath made its masterpiece.” —William Shakespear

“I’m not confused. I’m just well mixed” —Robert Frost

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Jennifer of Denver, Colorado

Thanks to Magda of Boston, Massachusetts

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

Thanks to Rachel of Seattle, Washington

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

SUBSCRIBE

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The Other Ones

In a few days is Valentines day so let’s talk about relationships. Obviously, my wife is the most important person in my life. When I cook a meal, I always give her the best part. She may not even realize this and that’s not important to me. Making her happy is. If that isn’t love, what is?

But I confess I have another relationship going right now… two of them. I spend more hours with them than I do with my wife. They’re constantly with me everyday. When I close my eyes to sleep, they’re there. When I open my eyes, they’re there. My wife knows this. She doesn’t mind. She’s understanding this way. Actually, she was the one who brought them into my life. I warned her that something like this was going to happen but she insisted. Maybe she knew someone at my age needed something she could not provide. I told her the reason I didn’t want them was because I would get too attached and… well, it’s too late now.

When my wife goes to work, it’s just me… and them! Many times I’m in the middle of my work I can sense them beckoning for attention. Sometimes the temptation is so great I give in. Okay… okay… yes, I’m weak. I give in.

A simple touch, a simple massage and they are assured of my affection. Often, I tell them to let me go do my work but they want more of my touch… especially the little one.

And they’re very jealous. Whenever the phone rings, that’s when they decide to break their silence and compete with the person on the other line. “Can you please be quiet!” I shout. But they’re not that smart. They look at me quizzically wondering why I’m adding to the noise.

Life has never been the same. I’ve learned to live with the guilt of spending too much time with them. My wife knows I spend more time with them. The three cats know I spend more time with them.

But time is never enough for the two. What can you expect from Tonka and Tinker? They’re just two dogs.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Chinese New Year!

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sharing this joke.

Video: My Husband’s Guilty

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for this amusing court video.
There’s a lesson at the end for you husbands.

Video: Everyone Should Have an Elephant

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA for this cute video

Video: Extraordinary Man

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
Art is a Singaporean American who is proud of his motherland. LKY was a true leader — country first before self. We need more like him.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Ding of Vancouver, B.C.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC.

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Another one from Peter Paul

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

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