kuangkai's Xanga

Car Theology

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:53:51 GMT

We were driving home from swimming, when I ran a yellow light.

C: Dad! That light was yellow!

Dad: Yes, but I entered the intersection when it was yellow, not red.

C: But yellow means 'slow DOWN'.

Dad: Ah yes, I sit corrected.

C: This reminds me of how God answers prayer.

Dad: Oh yeah?

C: Yes. Green means that God means 'Yes, it's a go, go for it, yes to that prayer.' Red means that God says 'No, no way jose, not this time, buddy'. Yellow means 'wait, maybe, slow down'.

Dad: Ah, that's cool! I like it!

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I always start and end the day with kisses and hugs to my kiddoes. It's my favorite part of the day, although alot of the time, it's not theirs. I came home one day to kiss Dido (J), and he starts using the Force on me.

Dido: Force! (Holds out his hand with his palm outstretched) Choke! (Starts putting two fingers together)

Dad: Awww, Dido, just one kiss?

Dido: Nope! No!

Dad: Are you sure? Puhleeeeease!?

Dido: Ok. Fine.

Dad: YES! One slurpy cheeky kiss comin' right up!

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Dad: Hey guys, wanna come to a football game with me?

C, E, J: NO!

Dad: Awww, but they're fun! It's only 2 hours car ride there and 3 hours to watch!

C, E, J: Uhhhh...........

Dad: And plenty of cotton candy, popcorn, and goodies!

C: Good, addictive stuff! I still don't want to go.

E, J: We'll go!!!!

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(I was just reminded of another incident this morning. C is growing in wisdom by leaps and bounds...)

Dido was showing me a Thomas train catalog.

Dido: Hi Dad, I want this train and this car, and this train, and these tracks, so we can build this setup.

Dad: Uh, wow, ok.

C: (overhearing conversation) Well, Dido, you really think that is going to satisfy you? How much is enough? Look at all the toys we already have. We have more than enough, so just be satisfied.

Dido: Uh, no.

C: Trust me, Dido, we have enough.

Dad:

Latest sayings...

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:24:40 GMT

To piggyback off of allclear's entry...

(At the beach)

C: (looking around) Hmm, we are very much like a pride of lions.

Dad: Oh yeah? How's that?

C: Well, we are like lions because the men are laying around being really lazy, while the girls are doing all the work.

(At home)

C: Youtube isn't working.

Dad: Oh yeah? I know, I'm really too busy this week at work.

C: No, Youtube isn't working.

Dad: I know, you're right, I really do need to come home earlier.

C: NO, YOUTUBE isn't working!!!

Dad: Huh? I'm too busy working, yeah.

C: .....

Dad: Oh! Youtube isn't working! I thought you said you're too busy working. I must be getting hard of hearing!

C/Dad: (We had a good laugh over this...)

How do you know...

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:36:42 GMT

when God is trying to tell you something? Are we so blind and deaf that we're not able to connect with our Creator? I was praying this weekend, and the 2 words that God gave me were 'Engage' and 'Refrain'. They seem contradictory, but after thinking about it some more, it made total sense. 'Engage' because we are in a war, for hearts, minds and souls, literally. 'Refrain' because we need to learn how to listen and be relevant to a dying world. Refrain from stuffing knowledge and the good news down people's throats. Refrain from speaking as probably more than 80% of the speech that comes out of my tongue is worthless anyways. Perhaps I've heard the word 'Listen' too much, so God gave me the word 'Refrain' instead. How wise is He! He knows I am inept at listening. =)

This past week was interesting in many ways, work wise, personally, spiritually, and just plain lots of fun things going on. I took Christopher ice skating for the very first time last weekend, and that was such a treat! We fell plenty of times on the hard, cold, unforgiving ice and laughed many more times. There is something about ice skating that just brings you back to your childhood, makes you feel like you're 8 again. That we were at an 8 year old birthday party probably helped there. My hockey skates broke! I felt so helpless trying to skate on one blade. We had a fabulous fun time.

Saturday we went to Anza Borrego to go hiking. The day was delectable--blue skies, clean air and delightful as John and I had the 5 kids with us (C, E, J, A, and J). I was seriously humbled on this trip as we got LOST not only once but twice. I am so prideful in this area of knowing where I'm going. I am a self-professed expert in directions, maps, and on top of that, a GPS-hater. What a terrible combination of pride and ignorance. It was all good, though, because we weren't in a hurry and we had the whole day to spend. We *did* have to get back for a dinner engagement however. The moment I wanted to write about was when we were hiking back from the shady, wet oasis and back to the cars. I saw a man with a 'Berkeley' shirt on hiking towards me, and I reflexively said 'Go Bears!' He says, 'Kuangkai? What are you doing out here?'. It was my old friend from med school, AB! It was crazy meeting out there because the last time we had met was probably more than 10 years ago. We chatted it up talking about family and the weirdness of meeting out there in the middle of nowhere. Some background--2 years ago, we had an official 10 year med school reunion where noone attended. About 15 of us showed up out of a class of 120. Last year, we had all the 'unofficial' reunions, and we gathered with about 10 friends at Del Mar Powerhouse Park. The stars lined up because there was another 'unofficial' reunion on the same day at the same place about 10 yards away from our picnic at the park. Another 20 of our med school friends, including AB. My MIL overheard them talking about how they didn't want to talk to me because I always share about God --they just didn't want to hear it. The thing is, I never remembered sharing anything about God to them during med school or any other time. The strange thing was, I had the impression that God was hitting me in the face with this--I have to drive 2 hours and hike another couple hours into the desert to meet one of His beloved. How do you know? *After the hike, a park ranger said to me, 'Are you a doctor?' I was cornered, what do I do, lie? I mumble, 'Uh, yeah.' 'Are you Dr. T? It's me KH!' Small world.

After our dinner engagement with B&K, I knew I had another baby to see--I had seen 3 already before taking off to go hiking--it was our neighbor, the H's! I was so happy for them! The funny thing was, my whole family was in the car waiting, and they could've came in to greet baby N into the world with me. E was asking me if she could come see the baby too--I really should've let her. She has such a kind, compassionate heart. I learn alot from her.

Sunday was a great day of work, church, and play. I had another 3 babies to see in the morning, another friend to see in the office, and church to attend. After church, we went out to do community surveys--and I got some pretty interesting answers from the people at Mira Mesa Starbucks. A summary to my first question, 'What are the greatest needs of the community?'--1. Too lenient on criminals. 2. More jobs needed 3. Less taxes 4. Less traffic cameras. 5. More outreach activities. 6. More youth activities 7. Safer neighborhoods. 8. Better education and schools. 9. Less tagging. Went off to play ultimate frisbee for the 50th time in a year (I'm so happy), and the fields were wet! YES! I don't know why there is a fear of getting wet while playing sport--to me, it is a part of the natural terrain. The more obstacles and challenges, the better. After frisbee, we had a going away dinner for MS--he's a great guy that will be missed. We wish and bless him the best for the future.

Monday is my new day off. I should either call it Ministry Monday or Marketing Monday. The reason why I say that is because I must've seen at least about 6 patients/families just going around town running errands. I went to Walmart and I saw the Ng's (toy aisle) and Tinkess' (gardening section). After that, I went to AAA to transfer the title on our new used car, and I saw another family that we take care of. Went to gas up at Arco and saw Ephraim, our neighbor, chatted a bit with him. Dido and I went to pick up Mei mei by bike trailer, and on the way, we ran into KM and SM at North City Preschool. We had lunch at Robek's/Little Cesar's, and a hair stylist came out of Fantastic Sam's and said 'Dr. Tai! How are you?!' It was K&S's mom! I asked how S' nose was doing. At Mei mei's gym class we saw of course L&E and EC and another one of my patient's families. So out of all these places--Walmart, Smog Check, Kragen/Dixieline/Fantastic Sam's Robek's/Little Cesar's/North City Preschool/Creekside Elementary/Poway Gym, AAA, Arco Gas, we saw many families that we take care of. Ministry or marketing?

How do you know when God is trying to tell you something?

Flattery/Carrots

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:32:16 GMT

Flattery does not become of my kids, but somehow they have a gift for it. Stelly was trying on different shirts today in the master bedroom and Dido was there and commented,

"You're beautiful, mom"

Mom:

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Putting Mei mei to bed has been pretty fun lately. I get to catch up with her day and pray with her. She told me that I looked like 'Troy' from High School Musical.

Dad:

Mei mei told me about how her friend Leyton would call her and her friends 'Diaper head' and 'Shooty head'.

Dad: That's not very nice.

E: I know.

Dad: What did you do?

E: We told the yard duty, and she gave Leyton a 5 minute timeout.

Dad: You did the right thing! You know, mei mei, what comes out of the mouth shows what's inside the heart. Let's pray that our hearts and Leyton's heart would be changed so that better stuff would come out of our mouths.

E: Ok.

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Mom: Time to eat your carrots!

Dido: No.

Mom: They're good for you!

Dido: Carrots are for rabbits and polar bears. (We just went to the zoo and watched polar bears eat carrots.) I'm not a rabbit or a polar bear. I'm a boy. So there.

Mom:

Year in Review

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:30:22 GMT

Happy New Year! 2008 was an 'ultimate' year.

Dec/Jan-Went to Lake Arrowhead with friends, checked out the Dead Sea Scrolls on exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Started Perspectives class. It was awesome to learn about the invisible and supernatural ways that God works. And it was just a tiny glimpse!

Feb-Did the Tour of Palm Springs century ride--what a well supported, yummy ride. Great food, great company. Thanks, Thomas! Went to Big Bear with family and friends.

Mar-Lighthouse football tournament, and the start of 'ultimate' frisbee. We've been playing every week for almost a year now! It is such a great game requiring athleticism, coordination, teamwork, endurance, and patience. It's also much less injury prone than your traditional sports like football and basketball. We're planning to have an ultimate frisbee fundraiser this 3/14/09 to benefit Hope Harvest International. www.hope-harvest.org. Went skiing with Brent.

Apr-Asian American Leadership Conference. Another milestone in the spiritual journey. Went to Yosemite with family and friends. It was beautiful in the springtime! A tasty BBQ with the deer under the waterfalls. C and J made it to the top of Vernal Falls! Faith in Action Sunday, March of Dimes walk with the hospital, and Red Light Movement (slave abolition) walk.

May-Travelled to Vancouver for Alex/Betty's wedding with Mei mei. It was a growth experience for the 2 of us, and very good. Went to Cabrillo for Memorial Day services. Went camping to Cuyamaca with friends.

Jun-Met with the AAP Chapter 3 to discuss the RLM. Started men's accountability. Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society! We got the award for best decorated tent! It was a great eye-opening community experience.

Jul-Vacation Bible School. 9th anniversary! =) Vacation to Maryland. Got to go to Richmond, King's Dominion and Ocean City, the stomping grounds of childhood. The personalized U.S. Capitol tour was special--we got to sit on the floor of the House of Representatives to hear our legislators speak on skyrocketing fuel and food prices.

Aug-Special overnight bachelor's party on a fishing boat. The tuna and mahi mahi were enormous. Went to a Padres/Phillies game with Stelly. Alice/RJ's wedding.

Sep-Jie/Pete came to visit for 2 weeks with the cousins! Fun fun fun. Ron/Sakura's wedding reception. Did the Lighthouse century with Yingmeei, Mark and Cameron. YM's first century!

Oct-Gina/Steve's wedding. Michael/Amber's wedding. Steve/Alexie's wedding. Amazingly extravagant weddings. I'm so glad I got married young and poor. Stelly has a weekend off mid-Oct in San Antonio and gets to stay in the Hilton 3 weeks later.

Nov-Men's/Women's Mission Bowl. Medical/dental trip to Hinche, Haiti with Allen, Breck and Ervin. It was a blessed time filled with joy and the love of Christ.

Dec-Recertifying Pediatric Boards. Has it been 7 years already? My oh my. Legacy Bake sale to benefit World Vision. Shad/Cathy come to visit. I play more golf in 2 weeks than I have in the last 10 years. I had my share of amazing shots--I believe I'll be back onto the golf course in no time

Throughout the year, we made Panera deliveries, visited the Karen families, Uncle Jack who came down with meningitis/spinal and muscle abscesses in Dec '07. The Lord healed him and he was released in August! We also had intercessory prayer throughout the year at Johan's which was a total blessing. Legacy met throughout the year. We celebrated C's 7th, E's 5th, and J's 3rd birthdays. We are filled with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Play date/Hand

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:13:28 GMT

E had a play date today with Skylar. Skylar imitated a kitten.

Skylar: Rowr!

Dido: Get away!

Skylar pounces on Dido, Dido pulls Skylar's hair. Skylar says, 'He pulled my hair!'

Mom: What's going on here?

Skylar: 'I was a kitten, and J pulled my hair!'

J: Kittens are not supposed to attack, they're supposed to MEOW.

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I was wrestling with C tonight. I think he might've pulled the hand that I injured at ultimate 3 weeks ago.

Dad: Ouch.

C: What happened?

Dad: Uh, I think I might've reinjured my hand. I was thinking about getting it xrayed 3 weeks ago when I injured it playing ultimate.

C: Hmmm.

Dad: You think I should get it xrayed?

C: Well, if it's been 3 weeks, that's almost a month, and if it still hurts, you probably should get it xrayed. Hopefully, it's not broken or anything.

Dad: Hmm, ok. Sounds good.

Is that it?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:02:58 GMT

One of C's favorite subjects at school is math. I've been trying to teach him some lately, but he's been picking up alot of it on his own. He does need to check his pride, though.

C: I know what division is now, Ma! 14 divided by 2 is 7, 20 divided by 4 is 5. Hmmm...

Mom: Wow, that's great! Good job!

C: So, is that it, Mom? Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division? I'm done with math, now, right?

Mom: Uhhh.....
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It's time for Dido's physical at the office, however, he knows exactly what that entails.

Dad: Time for your 3 year old checkup, Dido!

Dido: Nooooo! Stop it, dad! Stop it!

Colossians 3:21 says 'Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.'

Bedtime prayer

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:47:04 GMT

Dad: Let's pray. The Lord pour out His blessing, love and joy on you. May the Lord prepare a Godly husband for mei mei and a Godly wife for ge ge. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace, a good night's sleep and sweet dreams. Amen.

C & E: What did you say?

Dad: I prayed, 'May the Lord pour out His love and peace on you.

E: No, what about the other part?

Dad: You mean about preparing a Godly husband for mei mei?

E: Ewww...

Political divide

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:46:15 GMT

C: Who are you going to vote for, dad?

Dad: , uh, I don't know. Probably John McCain.

C: I learned about John McCain and Barack Obama. I think I will vote for Barack Obama.

Dad: Oh yeah? Why is that?

C: I like Obama because he started out poor. Also, his dad was black and his mom was not black. But mostly, it's because he used to be poor, and now he's better because of the country and he has worked hard.

Dad: I like that answer. Too bad you're not 18, then you could really vote!

C:

Boring

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:24:00 GMT

Mei mei: Our house is boring.

Mom: Oh yeah? Why do you think that?

Mei mei: It's just the same old thing every day.

Mom: Well, when you're older, you can buy your own home.

Mei mei: How about right now?

Mom: You need alot of money to do that.

Mei mei: I have enough. Here's my piggybank.

Mom: