Be nice to me....

I donated blood today!

If you're able-bodied, I'd encourage you to head to Stanfurd, Red Cross, or any of the other blood donation sites and make an appointment to donate. Can't synthesize blood, and your body will replenish it, so why not help some people out?

Also, if you're like me and you need some more incentive, going on Mondays to Stanfurd will net you two AMC silver ticket vouchers (can be used on any movie out for 10 days or more) and a mail-in voucher for a free Warriors ticket.

I'll admit, it was a little weird when they laid the tube across my arm and I found myself thinking, "Hm, that's nice and warm... oh wait, that's my blood - Bob juice, if you will - being collected in that rocking contraption holding my blood bag." But overall, it's a satisfying experience.

In fact, you can use it to combat today, Monday Jan 22, which is considered the most depressing day of the year. Why? After a few weeks into the new year, it's a Monday, you're tired, your resolutions are starting to fail, you're realizing that all the holiday food binging is hanging around your waist/thighs, and you receive the Christmas credit card bills in the mail.

Saturday afternoon, I went for a short run (no more than 1.5 miles). While my stamina seemed to handle it okay, I could tell that running much farther than that would put a fair amount of pain in my right knee. I'm trying to make time to do more cardio work this year, so I'll have to figure out a regular routine to get onto an exercise bike more often. Maybe I'll hit up Play It Again Sports or something to see if they have a decent one for cheap...

On Saturday night, Shally, Chris, Dr. Andy, and Esther were over to watch the new-look Warriors take on Lebron and the Cavs. We recorded the game onto DVD and simultaneously watched, so that we had the ability to pause, rewind, slow-motion, and fast-forward - mini-Tivo style. It was a lot of fun for Chris and me to explain to the other folks, who aren't really into basketball, some of the nuances of team play on both offense and defense by showing plays again in slow motion. We used our fingers as telestrators to describe the pick and roll, the timing of a pass on a fast break, back cuts, and everything else. I'm finding that I greatly enjoy explaining things I know well to people interested in knowing the subject.

In a tit-for-tat move, since Shally watched the game on Saturday, last night we watched "Pretty Woman." 'Twas actually pretty good. Saw lots of familiar faces besides the stars too, like Jason Alexander/George Constanza (Phil Stuckey), Hank Azaria/scientist guy on "Friends"/Simpsons voice (detective at the beginning), and I think the guy who played Mr. Heckles from Friends was briefly on as the landlord at the beginning.

I'm getting back into playing guitar after a long absence where I was more interested in picking up different instruments like percussion and bass. I think listening to Shane Barnard and David Crowder re-awakened an interest in learning some new songs and guitar licks, which is also re-awakening the question of whether to get a new guitar.

Thing is, I've learned one thing about myself - one of my values is simplicity, and so I dislike waste and like using things until they wear out. This has implications for the way I use money - I am very careful with almost any purchase, reading lots of reviews and sometimes agonizing over buying since I know I intend to keep it for its entire lifespan. Also, I have aversions to upgrading when the existing item still works decently well. I don't think the "buy quick, sell quick" mentality of eBay and Craigslist has seeped into me yet. So, I'm not sure whether I'll be seriously looking into a new guitar... but I guess we'll see.

Recent highlights

What's been going on the last month or so? A brief recap of some of the highlights (and one lowlight)...

- went through a very frustrating time at work with a release that just wouldn't complete (cf. my Murphy's Law theory on releases and the followup). It was scheduled to complete in mid-December well before the holidays so that we'd have some time to relax. It didn't actually go out until last Thursday, and each time we thought everything was wrapped up, I had to go and found another showstopper bug literally the night before we were going to post the software. Granted it's a far better thing to find big problems in-house before they go to customers, and now that it's out I'm no longer tense and frustrated all the time, but overall my holidays weren't super merry.

- Christmas weekend, Shally and I went to visit Bethlehem A.D., which was an exhibit put on by a local church where they transformed the whole block into a simulation of Israel at the time of Jesus' birth. There were guys in centurion outfits, togas, and even a shepherd with a real sheep. The line was too long to get in, so we ended up watching the telecast from the sanctuary, and had some of the best authentic tacos at Tacos El Grullense, a stand next to the church - might have been even better than Mi Pueblo. However, we also purchased the pictured hot chocolate, which led to some of it sloshing out and burning her while she was carrying it - and then me stumbling on some uneven pavement and turning my ankle. Grr...

- ice skating for the first time since probably college

- bro came back from law school, so we took a family trip to Reno/Tahoe for just a day on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Stuffed ourselves silly at the buffet at Harrah's... kind of amusing that on Christmas weekend, 80% of the people in Reno are Asian. Guess us Asians have no problems ditching the American family ideal of kids waking up at home under the Christmas tree... no, give us fresh powder and slot machines!

- rather than skiing for a day/afternoon, we ended up trying something new:




'Twas quite fun waiting for the rest of the line to get a ways ahead, then gunning the snowmobile and executing a jump off of a hill.

- Andy's bachelor party... were we too nice? Hm...

- New Year's - the Wii is really transforming gaming culture. Nintendo really has some kind of cultural/sociological revolution going on when the Wii is being monopolized by a bunch of previously non-video-game playing girls.

- More gaming: Gears of War shows up (courtesy of Chris... surprisingly fun, it's not really a first-person shooter, but rather a combination of Resident Evil 4, Halo, and Time Crisis. Sneaking from cover to cover, not having to worry about health packs... well-designed, fun game. Next improvement is to allow for more than 2-player co-op gaming... having an 8-man squad running through a campaign would be a blast.

Thoughts on the Warriors trade

I'm writing up a recap post on the highlights from the last few weeks, but I had to stop and chime in on some big sports-related news of the day (the non-sports folks can now go to your regularly-scheduled programming).

From the Associated Press announcement:

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers traded Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for forwards Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy as part of an eight-player deal designed to shake up two struggling teams.

The Pacers also sent guard Sarunas Jasikevicius and forward Josh Powell to the Warriors, who gave up forward Ike Diogu and guard Keith McLeod.

As a long-time (and long-suffering) Warriors fan, I'd have to say I'm quite happy with being able to package both Murphy's and Dunleavy's albatross contracts and ship them out in one fell swoop. The fact that the team was able to pick up some useful pieces in Harrington (new PF), Jackson (backup 2/3) and Sarunas (competent backup 1 for oft-injured Baron) is gravy. Plus, the incoming guys' contracts are less burdensome and long. Jackson brings a history of legal trouble, but he's not really needed, I guess... and I still remember him winning a title with/for the Spurs in 2003.

Ike has the potential to be quite good down the road, but he wasn't getting much playing time for Nellie. He has an excellent skill set and will probably do well in Indy's deliberate system. He' the one most likely to continue the legendary Warriors curse of former players becoming stars.

Murphy I loathe... he started out as a bargain of a starting-quality mid-first round PF, but earned my enmity by stat hogging rebounds, not boxing out so teammates could rebound, getting stuffed repeatedly at the rim due to a lack of athleticism, holding the ball for too long, avoiding help defense like the plague... SO glad to be rid of that guy. Not worried at all about generating regrets down the line.

Dunleavy has been an inconsistent player and a consistent disappointment. Decent skill set, decent size, but just not very much impact. He'll probably end up being a very good player, but his confidence was shot here.

New lineup:
PG Baron, SG Monta, SF Jackson, PF Harrington, C Biedrins, while waiting for Pietrus and JRich to get healthy again. Exciting times

Dreams

I flipped through the stapled stacks of papers, slowly at first, then faster and faster. A grin grew on my face as I saw numerous top-notch scores circled atop various people's exams. The final exam had been rather easy, after all. I saw my name at the top of the page, and pulled out my exam. My good mood disappeared and my face fell as I saw the large "D-" circled in red smack dab in the middle, and I felt helpless.

Have you ever had a dream like this before? I've had variations on this almost all my life... the real thing a few times, too, in a few EE classes at Cal (I wasn't cut out to handle circuits at all). I've also had recurring dreams of being chased by guys with guns, and sometimes by raptors. Check out the HowStuffWorks article on dreams for some additional info on common types of dreams and their interpretations, such as:

Being naked in public - had this
Most of us have had the dream at some point that we're at school, work or some social event, and we suddenly realize we forgot to put on clothes! Experts say this means:

o We're trying to hide something (and without clothes we have a hard time doing that).
o We're not prepared for something, like a presentation or test (and now everyone is going to know -- we're exposed!).

If we're naked but no one notices, then the interpretation is that whatever we're afraid of is unfounded. If we don't care that we're naked, the interpretation is that we're comfortable with who we are.

Falling - had this
You're falling, falling, falling... and then you wake up. This is a very common dream and is said to symbolize insecurities and anxiety. Something in your life is essentially out of control and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Another interpretation is that you have a sense of failure about something. Maybe you're not doing well in school or at work and are afraid you're going to be fired or expelled. Again, you feel that you can't control the situation.

Being chased - yup, this too
The ever-popular chase dream can be extremely frightening. What it usually symbolizes is that you're running away from your problems. What that problem is depends on who is chasing you. It may be a problem at work, or it may be something about yourself that you know is destructive. For example, you may be drinking too much, and your dream may be telling you that your drinking is becoming a real problem.

Taking an exam (or forgetting that you have one) - dreamed this one most recently
This is another very common dream. You suddenly realize you are supposed to be taking an exam at that very moment. You might be running through the hallways and can't find the classroom. This type of dream can have several variations that have similar meanings. (Maybe your pen won't write, so you can't finish writing your answers.) What experts say this may mean is that you're being scrutinized about something or feel you're being tested -- maybe you're facing a challenge you don't think you're up to. You don't feel prepared or able to hold up to the scrutiny. It may also mean there is something you've neglected that you know needs your attention.

Flying - not so much
Many flying dreams are the result of lucid dreaming. Not all flying dreams are, however. Typically, dreaming that you are flying means you are on top of things. You are in control of the things that matter to you. Or, maybe you've just gained a new perspective on things. It may also mean you are strong willed and feel like no one and nothing can defeat you. If you are having problems maintaining your flight, someone or something may be standing in the way of you having control. If you are afraid while flying, you may have challenges that you don't feel up to.

Running, but going nowhere - rarely, but sounds familiar
This theme can also be part of the chasing dream. You're trying to run, but either your legs won't move or you simply aren't going anywhere -- as if you were on a treadmill. According to some, this dream means you have too much on your plate. You're trying to do too many things at once and can't catch up or ever get ahead.

Your teeth falling out - nope, don't think I had this one
Many people have dreams that they lose all of their teeth. In this dream, they may feel something strange in their mouth and then spit teeth into their hand, eventually losing all of their teeth. According to some, our teeth are related to our sense of power and our ability to communicate. Losing our teeth not only makes us embarrassed by our appearance, which hinders our communications, but it also lessens our power because we may not speak our minds. It's also associated with feelings about our appearance.

In addition, I think I've had some "premonition dreams" where I dreamed something completely mundane, like a conversation among friends, but then at some point in the future it actually happens. Like, I'll be in a group discussion, and all of a sudden I'll get a sense of deja vu, and just know who is going to be the next person to talk and what they're gonna say. Unfortunately, it's always been about boring stuff.

I've also had my share of "hero dreams", like infiltrating the hotel in the original Die Hard movie to save hostages. Unfortunately, most of my hero dreams end with me dying... maybe I have some kind of martyr complex.

Significance

I'm not a particularly emotional person... I rarely tear up and I don't think I've full-on cried since over 5 years ago. But I think there was something about watching the end of Andre Agassi's tennis career in the following video that got to me and me choke up just a little bit (note that I still didn't cry!):



Back in high school when I was still playing tennis, Agassi was known as the "rebel punk" player, who eventually grew up into perhaps the most well-respected elder statesmen of his generation. He's won Grand Slam titles, he's dated Brooke Shields, and he's had a kid with Steffi Graf, perhaps the preeminent women's player of our time as well.

What I think gets me about this video is seeing the way one man's lifelong dedication and effort in perfecting his craft was appreciated by every fan who knew that they were seeing a once-in-a-lifetime individual. He grew up on stage, with everyone watching, and received a lengthy salute as a reward.

I think there's something inside every person who desires to know that they mean something to people. Most people want to be significant. Not everyone will get a standing ovation from thousands of people... but we ought to be able to make some kind of difference.

2007 Film Journal

Updated 2008/01/05

Recent films
"Stranger Than Fiction" (2007/12/25, DVD)
"Fearless" (2007/12/24, DVD)
"Blood Diamond" (2007/12/23, DVD)
"Knocked Up" (2007/12/19, DVD)
"Amazing Grace" (2007/12/15, DVD)
"No Country For Old Men" (2007/11/29, theater)
"Ratatouille" (2007/11/17, DVD)
"Transformers" (2007/10/21, DVD)
"Evan Almighty" (2007/10/11, DVD)
"Over the Hedge" (2007/09/13, DVD)
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007/08/28, theater)
"The Simpsons Movie" (2007/08/08, theater)
"Ratatouille" (2007/07/17, theater)
"Invincible" (2007/07/11, DVD)
"Transformers" (2007/07/08, theater)
"Ocean's 13" (2007/06/23, theater)
"Dreamgirls" (2007/06/20, DVD)
"Happy Feet" (2007/05/31, DVD)
"Men in Tights" (2007/05/06, DVD)
"Spiderman 3" (2007/05/05, theater)
"Serenity" (2007/04/28, DVD)
"Napoleon Dynamite" (2007/04/21, DVD)
"Talladega Nights" (2007/04/08, DVD)
"300" (2007/03/10, theater)
"Corpse Bride" (2007/03/01, DVD)
"The Prestige" (2007/02/17, plane)
"Pretty Woman" (2007/01/21, DVD)
"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (2007/01/07, DVD)

2006 Film Journal

2007 Book Journal

Updated 2008/01/05

Recent books read
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas Kempis - suspended
The Teeth of the Tiger, Tom Clancy
Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell
Authentic Christianity, Ray Stedman
Now Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham & Donald Clifton
Leading Congregational Change, Jim Herrington
Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley
Executive Orders, Tom Clancy
Calvin and Hobbes, Bill Watterson
The Hard Way, Lee Child
The Giver, Lois Lowry
Calvin and Hobbes Lazy Sunday Book, Bill Watterson
The Persuader, Lee Child
Running Blind, Lee Child
Tripwire, Lee Child
Red Rabbit, Tom Clancy
The Trojan Odyssey, Clive Cussler
The Bear and the Dragon, Tom Clancy
Now I Can Die In Peace, Bill Simmons
The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel
Practicing God's Presence, Brother Lawrence

Recent books re-read
Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons, Bill Watterson
Debt of Honor, Tom Clancy
Scientific Progress Goes "Boink", Bill Watterson
The Cardinal of the Kremlin, Tom Clancy
Patriot Games, Tom Clancy
The Fifth Profession, David Morrell
Tales of the New Republic, various authors
Tales of the Bounty Hunters, various authors
Tales of the Empire, various authors
Tales of the Mos Eisley Cantina, various authors

2006 Book Journal

2007 Music Journal

Updated 2008/01/05

Recent albums
"Facing Future", Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (2007/12/26)
"Colorblind", Robert Randolph (2007/12/07)
"Real", Jake Smith (2007/11/29)
"Better Questions", Todd Agnew (2007/11/21)
"Love and Thunder", Andrew Peterson (2007/11/16)
"Take 6", Take 6 (2007/11/12)
"Divine Discontent", Sixpence None The Richer (2007/11/08)
"The Eleventh Hour", Jars of Clay (2007/11/04)
"A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band", Rich Mullins (2007/10/30)
"Why Should The Fire Die", Nickel Creek (2007/10/25)
"Rodrigo y Gabriela", Rodrigo y Gabriela (2007/10/18)
"Divine Invitation", Something Like Silas (2007/10/12)
"The Evolution of HipRockSoul", 4th Avenue Jones (2007/10/08)
"Nothing Is Sound", Switchfoot (2007/10/04)
"All Right Here", Sara Groves (2007/10/01)
"Lay It Down", Jennifer Knapp (2007/09/27)
"Songs 2", RIch Mullins (2007/09/20)
"Long Line of Leavers", Caedmon's Call (2007/09/13)
"Cities", Anberlin (2007/09/07)
"Oh! Gravity", Switchfoot (2007/08/27)
"Recollection", Nichole Nordeman (2007/08/14)
"Glo", Delirious (2007/08/02)
"Mute Math", Mute Math (2007/07/29)
"Room Noises", Eisley (2007/07/25)
"The Everglow", Mae (2007/07/19)
"40 Acres", Caedmon's Call (2007/07/17)
"Who We Are Instead", Jars of Clay (2007/07/01)
"Achtung Baby", U2 (2007/06/24)
"Beautiful Lumps of Coal", Plumb (2007/06/22)
"Divine Discontent", Sixpence None The Richer (2007/06/20)
"The Beautiful Letdown", Switchfoot (2007/06/18)
"Hymned", Bart Millard (2007/06/13)
"Caedmon's Call", Caedmon's Call (2007/06/06)
"Illuminate", David Crowder Band (2007/06/03)
"Good Monsters", Jars of Clay (2007/05/26)
"Accelerate", Testimony (2007/05/21)
"Lights of Madrid", Phil Keaggy (2007/05/17)
"Turn Around", Jonny Lang (2007/05/09)
"All Right Here", Sara Groves (2007/05/02)
"Wide-Eyed and Mystified", Downhere (2007/04/26)
"The Jesus Record", Rich Mullins (2007/04/18)
"Sixpence None the Richer", Sixpence None the Richer (2007/04/09)
"Come Now is the Time to Worship Disc 1", Various Artists (2007/04/06)
"I Could Sing of Your Love Forever Disc 2", Various Artists (2007/03/30)
"Abel Bedoya", Abel Bedoya (2007/03/22)
"Qosqomanta", Qosqomanta (2007/03/18)
"The Legend of Chin", Switchfoot (2007/03/15)
"Conspiracy No. 5", Third Day (2007/03/11)
"Unplugged", The Kry (2007/03/09)
"Upstairs", Shane and Shane (2007/03/03)
"The Best of U2: 1980-1990", U2 (2007/03/01)
"Jars of Clay", Jars of Clay (2007/02/27)
"This Side", Nickel Creek (2007/02/24)
"In Between Dreams", Jack Johnson (2007/02/21)
"The House Show", Derek Webb (2007/02/08)
"The Chess Hotel", The Elms (2007/02/05)
"Accelerate", Testimony A Capella (2007/01/28)
"Nothing Left To Lose", Mat Kearney (2007/01/25)
"Illuminate", David Crowder Band (2007/01/18)
"Psalms", Shane and Shane (2007/01/07)
"Divine Invitation", Something Like Silas (2007/01/01)

2006 Music Journal

Pardon the mess...

With the new year, I made the update to blogger beta (now blogger standard!) and now I'm playing around with widgets. I miss some of the customizability of the old layout templates, but some of the new stuff works pretty well too. If I find that I don't like the new layouts much, I'll end up reverting back to the old one.

That's one way to kick off the new year

One of the first things I hear in 2007:

"Oh, that means you're 39 years old?"

Looks like I've still got it.

Happy New Year to all. Whoever and wherever you are, I pray blessings for you this year, and most of all, the ultimate and all-transcending blessing of knowing God through Jesus Christ more fully, whether you now know him or not.