Aging Gracefully is Expensive

How I see things now

Oh, the fun things that happen when I turned 60. 

Overall, not much different than it has been for the past 25 years. I don't get sick much. I only have to check off at most 3 to 4 issues whenever I fill out health profiles at the dentist's or doctor's office. I did go through a bout of bronchitis in the early 2000's. Once I was prescribed an asthma inhaler in addition to my allergy pills and nasal spray, it keeps my respiratory system pretty much in check.

Health providers in the United States recommend adults begin colonoscopy screenings at 50. Not me. From 2010 to 2013, I wasn't working. But after 2015, I procrastinated big time. No excuses, I simply didn't set aside the time.

No more stalling.  I completed my first colonoscopy in July.

Next colonoscopy is due in 5 years.

Major dental work since 2014: 2 implants + 2 crowns

I currently have 3 implants + 3 crowns. The total cost of said dental work is about the same as a new Toyota Corolla.

Next venture, cataract surgery.

I began to notice last year how much harder it was to see the computer screen, street signs, bowling pins, and most importantly, driving at night. 

After an eye exam late summer 2019, the optometrist suggested I see a specialist for possible cataracts. In denial, I got my optometrist to change my contact lens prescription instead. I got toric contact lenses with a stronger prescription. As the months went on, I had to acknowledge what the eye doctor said. The stronger vision prescription would help slightly, but not fully correct my nearsightedness (which is quite bad).

In September, I asked for a referral from my primary care provider. I contacted the ophthalmologist's office the next day. I was excited to find out the ophthalmologist has an office at Stonestown, across the street from where I live. Three weeks later, I spent 2 hours with them taking a lot of tests. Walked out with 2 dates for surgery, one eye at a time. In preparation for surgery, I have to visit my primary care provider, get COVID tested and stop wearing my contacts. I've set aside 4 vacation days for the surgeries.

First surgery is scheduled on Election Day. Second surgery is a month later. Based on the options available, I'll likely choose toric monofocal lenses. Monofocal for distance, toric for the astigmatism. I'll probably need to wear glasses for reading (I'm OK with that). For me, this is LASIK and cataract surgery at the same time.

Ophthalmologist says my quality of life will improve significantly.

I have no doubt it will. Not expecting to have 20/15 vision as I did when I wore contacts at 17.  I only want to be able to see the fourth line of letters on an eye chart again.

Rampant Robocalls

Photo on this post is my phone log from yesterday. Got 7 consecutive robocalls in the last 24 hours all with the same cell phone prefix as mine. I get probably 8 to 9 times more robocalls than legitimate, non-solicitous phone calls.

I haven't answered a single call thanks to a relatively new feature on my iPhone. If you haven't done this and don't know how, go to:

Settings -> Phone -> Call Silencing and Blocked Contacts -> Silence Unknown Callers

Most that try to call will leave me a voice mail message, text or email.

Now if only the FCC and Chairman Ajit Pai can do something about these getting rid of robocalls once for all.  They've been annoying us for too long.

 

Labor Day 2020 - Sunday Hell

For the first time in 8 years, I am not in Reno bowling at the Chinese-Japanese Labor Day Invitational. It's just as well. I haven't bowled since June. Team event this year is a 5-person team bowling on a single lane. This is to maintain social distancing due to COVID-19. I don't have a lot of patience bowling on 5-person teams. 

More than anything else, I don't trust pandemic hotel cleaning protocols where their primary source of revenue is gambling.

San Francisco broke temperature records today hitting the thermometer at 100F. In my neighborhood, Lakeside, it got as high as 93F.  The neighbor's dog has been barking non-stop for the past 3 hours. 

Thankfully, it's dropped 10+ degrees as I write. My food delivery arrived early. The dog stopped barking. 

My front door and windows will stay open for most of the evening.

Labor Day's forecast is drop into the high 70's. When it's hot like this, I wouldn't complain if asked to come in to work. In an air conditioned office.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Xfinity vs. Everyone Else Digital Download Pricing

After 7 seasons, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. came to a very satisfying end.

As a fan of the Marvel movies such as Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and The Avengers, I watched Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. from the beginning.

Admittedly, I was a fan, but not a fanatic devotee. Until this year's series finale and a character brought over from Agent Carter, a spinoff from the Captain America films. Marvel's Agent Carter aired for 2 seasons on ABC from 2015 to 2016.

His name: Agent Daniel Sousa (portrayed by actor Enver Gjokaj). A sweet and funny relationship developed between Sousa and Agent Daisy Johnson (original cast member Chloe Bennet).  Because of him, I found the series much funnier with a more playful tone than in any of the previous 6 seasons. It certainly helped that Agent Sousa was easy on the eyes, too.

Like many other fans, we definitely felt the sparks between them develop slowly. When the series came to an end, I wanted so much to see this again. But my Xfinity On Demand account would only permit me to watch from episode 9. If I wanted to watch earlier episodes, I'd have to buy it.

For Xfinity, that's $2.99. To buy the entire season, it's $26.99.

Pulled the trigger. It's only 3 bucks and I was determined to watch episode 3 again. But it didn't sit with me very well.

So I went to Google to look up prices. Almost everybody that doesn't require a subscription charges $1.99 per episode.

So I went into my Amazon Prime account to confirm. Sure enough, it is $1.99 per episode, $14.99 for the entire season. Plus a $2 credit from Amazon for opting later delivery dates on previous purchases.

My total cost for the ENTIRE season, $12.99.

That might not seem like a big difference. But it is. 

My YEARLY Amazon Prime membership is $119. 

My MONTHLY Xfinity subscription for cable and internet is $165.

Shame on you Xfinity. 

When We Use Delivery Apps

GrubHub email promotion

Make no mistake.  I love delivery apps. There are lots of days I come home from work and let my thumbs on a phone screen fetch dinner.  My primary go-to's are Grubhub and UberEats.

Easy, fast, convenient, accurate. I can order from most places at the restaurant's menu price. As an American Express Platinum cardholder, I am given a $15 monthly stipend through Uber. If I don't use the stipend for the month, I lose it. Because I'm not in frequent need of rides these days, I apply the $15 toward an UberEats order. 

What you may not know is that most restaurants that offer food on these apps have to pay 15% to 30% fees to the delivery apps. 

Many restaurants are small, owner-operator or family businesses. In order to keep menu prices down, restaurant profit margins in general are razor thin. 

I am fully aware drivers need to make money too. When I do use the delivery apps, I tip 20%. However, as a child of restaurant operators, I make a conscious effort to order from the restaurant directly (call, walk-in, or if they have one, their own website) as much as possible. 

So the next time you want take out or delivery, try ordering from the restaurant directly. And, while we're still in this pandemic purgatory (and can afford to do so), please tip them generously too. 

Cloverleaf Bowl - Closed Permanently

source: Cloverleaf Bowl

Sad news. Due to financial issues related to the pandemic, another San Francisco Bay Area bowling center is gone. Cloverleaf Bowl closed their doors permanently as of July 24.

Here's the Facebook announcement from Mike Hillman.

Longtime bowlers will miss the family friendly atmosphere and outstanding hospitality the Hillman family provided.

Pandemic Life since March 2020 - The New Normal

I completed another orbit around the sun on June 30.  

Celebrated with a Zoom call with friends and family. What was originally scheduled as a birthday and family vacation to Columbus became a "staycation".

Because of the risks of transmission with COVID-19 still a distinct possibility and non-stop flight to Columbus changed to a stop in Chicago O'Hare, I cancelled the trip. Got a voucher which is valid until 2022.  Booked another trip for August, then cancelled again 2 days ago. It is still not safe.

While I don't miss the traffic and crowded stores before  the pandemic, these are the activities I miss most:

1. Bowling - Exercise with social interaction is one of my most fulfilling activities. I bowled for the first time in 3 months this past week. With a mask. I’m all for safety and fully understand but I hate it. While it doesn't hinder my mechanics, it's stifling hot. I am grateful to be back doing it. For the past 8-9 years, I bowled 3 times a week. For the past 3 months, zero. As a result, I've gained 6 pounds. Gotta cut back on the burgers and fries.
2. Watching movies in a theater - Buying assigned seat tickets online is one of the best conveniences ever. I can plan ahead to sit where and when I want and not have to leave an hour early to grab a decent seat. I enjoy watching movies at home, but a theater with a big ass screen gets my undivided attention.
3. Dining out - I miss this so much. Whether it's by myself or with friends and/or family, it's a ritual most of us take for granted. A feast for all five of our senses.

It's not likely what I did before the pandemic will return. I'm OK with that.

I'll be a lot better when it wanes and see this life changing event end.

Return of Monday Night League

Bel Mateo Bowl

After more than a 3-month absence, my Monday night league resumes tomorrow.

Excited to return, but must remind myself not to expect too much. I haven't touched a bowling ball since the pandemic.

The biggest adjustment will be wearing a mask while bowling. Here are the house guidelines:

We are adhering to state and county (California,  San Mateo County) guidelines and would like to explain what our protocols will be for re-starting your league.  

• Everyone will be screened via an infra-red thermal camera at the door before entering the building. Anyone reading over 100.4 will not be allowed into the building.  
• Hands will be sanitized. Masks must be worn at all times except when eating or drinking.  
• Plexiglass has been placed at all points of contact with the staff including the front desk, bar and bistro. Each pair of lanes have been sectioned off with plexiglass shields. 
• Social distancing should be followed throughout the building.  Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building including behind each pair of lanes.  
• When bowling, you must still wear a mask. We recommend the following placement of team members to be able to follow the social distancing guidelines.  
• While one person is on the lane, the other three team members should spread themselves out with one person on the purple seats, one person by the back of the settee area or wooden benches and one person up on the concourse. 
• The other team should do the same with two people up on the concourse. All rest rooms have an option to use a "Foot" door opener.  
• The entire bowling area will be sanitized prior to your arrival and after your departure.  

Wish me luck tomorrow. 

San Francisco Bay Bridge Traffic Jam

  

Driving into San Francisco today across the Bay Bridge was at a stand still due to Black Lives Matter protesters impeding traffic. 

If this had been me, I would have stopped the car, turned off the engine, plug my phone into my battery pack, open all my windows, listen to some music, catch up on news, snap a few photos, perhaps text a few messages, and wait.

Because this matters.  

If this makes you uncomfortable, it should. 

The only thing that's constant is change.                          

Pain in the Butt

Last weekend, over the Memorial Day Holiday, I did something to hurt my upper buttock/lower back. Probably pulled the oars on my home rowing machine a bit too hard and/or pulled something while I sat with a twisted torso to watch TV and work on my laptop at the same time.

Below is an illustration of where my pain was:

I felt some soreness on Tuesday at work. Felt a little pain whenever I got up from my desk chair. But once I walked it a bit, it wasn't so bad. 

The next morning on Wednesday, it hurt like hell. I woke up with sharp, acute, stabbing jolts of pain with every move, no matter how small it was. It was the worst kind of pain since my ACL surgery in 1991 and my neck strain after getting a free 15 minute massage at the office in the early 2000's.

After an arduously painful short trip to the bathroom to see if I could walk this off, I gave up. I texted my boss to call in sick at work. I used the rest of the day to stay as still as possible. I slept off and on most of the day.

For 2 days, this is when I hurt:

• move forward
• move backward
• sit up or down
• turn or twist objects with my hands
• push
• pull
• sneeze
• cough
• walk

Thursday: Still in pain, but gained a little more range of motion. Decided to go into work. Told myself I could leave early if it got bad again. What were once routine, normal movements at my desk were tolerated with grimaces, groans, stifled yelps and cringes. 

I made it through the day, but barely. I shuffled to the car screaming and swearing with every painful step. Once I got in the car, driving wasn't an issue, even with the stick shift. It’s times like these a driver’s seat in a BMW are worth the extra bucks. Hard but not rigid. Very supportive. 

Headed straight to Target drive through to pick up my online order of Aleve. The remaining few ibuprofen pills I had along with applications of arnica gel were providing a small fraction of relief. But I was still in a great deal of pain. 

Made it home. Immediately took a hot bath, gulped down some Aleve, ate a little dinner. Then bed. 

Friday:  Sleep helped a lot. Range of motion improved even more. Walking was not so difficult, but sitting at desk was still painful. Grimaces continued. Yelps and groans, not so much.

Saturday: Woke up with little to no pain. Life is pretty much back to normal. Walk up and down stairs without pain. Turned my torso in the car to reach for something on the passenger seat. No pain. Made the bed. Did laundry. No pain.

I give a lot of credit to Aleve and Arnicare gel for helping me heal. I can see how easy it is to get addicted to pain relievers. It's no wonder why we hear so many stories of celebrities and elite athletes of their addictions to oxycodone and other prescription pain relievers.

When I tore my ACL in 1991, I was given 2 shots of morphine after surgery. I was given antibiotics and acetaminophen with codeine to take home with option to refill 2 times. After I finished the antibiotics, I threw out the acetaminophen. I did not want to become reliant on them.

I am thankful that my physical mobility has returned as quickly as it did. It's why keeping oneself active to stay mobile is extremely important. Especially as we get older.

Nine Years Ago Today

Hope you're well.

PBS - Asian Americans 2020 May 11 and 12

source: PBS

Can't wait. In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, PBS will air tomorrow night at 8 pm Pacific (check your local PBS station for air times) the first of 5 episodes, "Asian Americans".

As described on their Facebook page, "Chronicle the contributions and challenges of Asian Americans, the fastest-growing ethnic group in America,"

Here's the trailer:

The Half of It - Netflix film

source: Wikipedia/Netflix

Released May 1 on Netfilx, a new film from writer-director Alice Wu, "The Half of It".

Stealing what the late Don LaFontaine might say, "in a world of social distancing during a pandemic, comes a film about longing and love..."

Besides it being another wonderfully told story about the Asian-American experience, it is also one of the best coming-of-age films I've ever seen. Period.

Here's the trailer:

We're Number One - COVID 19 Deaths

If you're walking 'round think'n that the world owes you something 'cause you're here 
You goin' out the world backwards like you did when you first come here yeah 
Keep talkin' bout the president, won't stop air pollution 
Put your hand on your mouth when you cough, that'll help the solution 
Oh, you cuss around women and you don't even know their names, no 
Then you're dumb enough to think that'll make you a big ol' man... 

--Luther Thomas Ingram and Mack Rice,
second verse of "Respect Yourself", released in 1971, as sung by the Staple Singers.

source: Wikipedia

Statistics change rapidly, so by the time you're reading this, the numbers will have changed. I'm not a journalist, but a very concerned American.

As of this writing, the United States is number 1 with over 55,000 deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is 26.7% of ALL official deaths worldwide.

ONE IN FOUR DEATHS WORLDWIDE ARE FROM THE UNITED STATES.

I am thoroughly fed up with the bullshit from the White House. TIME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP.

To the doctors, nurses, therapists, and all essential personnel working tirelessly for what seems like an eternity, THANK YOU.

Michael Bloom and the Blues Prophecy

source: michaelbloom.com

Music lovers, take notice of this emerging blues singer-songwriter Michael Bloom.
Webpage: https://michaelbloom.com/

Me - I've been listening for the past few weeks his Tuesday and Thursday Blues Break from his Facebook page, Michael Bloom and the Blues Prophecy.

Admittedly, I didn't stumble on to Michael's music page as I have with other music I find on YouTube. Michael's wife Lisa Arthur is one of my closest friends. We've been friends for more than 40 years.

Here's a clip from Michael's last Blues Break performance. Hope you'll take a few minutes to watch and listen:

NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts - Taylor Swift

source: Variety
Taylor Swift, NPR Tiny Desk Concert
October 28, 2019

As we go into our second month of shelter-in-place, I've grown weary of what's been offered on cable TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.

I've resorted to watching YouTube music videos. A lot of them.

Repeatedly. 

I don't have the attention span to binge watch "must see TV" yet I can watch David Byrne's February 29, 2020 appearance on Saturday Night Live with his American Utopia group sing "Once In A Lifetime" 6 times in a row. And watch it again a week later. The same for George Michael's "Freedom '90" MTV Unplugged performance.

But that's what music does. Especially live, in an intimate setting. Real vocals that soar with emotion.

Yesterday, I found an NPR Tiny Desk Concert from October 28, 2019 featuring megastar singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. And after seeing her performance, I have gained tremendous respect for her. I will never ever refer to her a singer without including songwriter.

It was Taylor and 2 instruments, an acoustic guitar and piano. Nothing else.
We need to see more performances like this.

For Taylor's 4 song set list on Tiny Desk:

1. The Man
2. Lover
3. Death by a Thousand Cuts
4. All Too Well

The last one, All Too Well, totally gutted me. I have since played that song 5 times in the past 48 hours. 

if you find her Grammy performance of "All Too Well", don't bother. 

It's The Tiny Desk performance that you have to see.

Rockstar Rockhoppers at the Shedd Aquarium

Wellington, a Rockhopper penguin
source: Today Show

Since the shelter-in-place for most of the country, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago was one among many places closed.

Closed, but the aquarium still has visitors. Millions of them, online. Shedd Aquarium decided to feature a few of their residents wandering in and around the aquarium and exhibits.

The most popular residents there are 3 Rockhopper penguins named Wellington, Edward and Annie. Edward is Wellington's son from one of his offspring. Annie and Edward are a mated pair.

To see videos of them at the aquarium is an adorable sight of cuteness. They've brought joy and comfort to so many of us that have been cooped us during quarantine. I follow Shedd Aquarium on Twitter and Facebook. They also can be found on Instagram as well.

Here's video of their most recent field trip (make sure you have the volume on):

Nasal spray vs Neti Pot, 2020

source: Rhinocort.com

Better late than never.

Twelve years ago (see February 16, 2008 entry), I first wrote about transitioning to a neti pot exclusively rather than using nasal spray and allergy pills.

Three days later, I failed. Unable to wean myself off either drug. (see February 21, 2008 entry). I dropped Rhinocort for Nasonex, then switched to an OTC brand called Nasocort. I switched back to Rhinocort about 3 years ago, when it became available over-the-counter.

Price point is much more reasonable now. In 2008, Rhinocort put me out $50/month. As an OTC, I can get it for about $17 to $18/month at Target and Amazon. For pills, I went to Clartin, then Zyrtec, and then to a generic version of Sudafed.

After a conference visit with a nurse practitioner 2 weeks ago, she strongly advised I go off Sudafed and go back to using Claritin or Zyrtec (both now available over-the-counter).

And to use a neti pot.

source: EarthHero

I still have the ceramic one I bought in 2008 (exactly like the one in the photo). The plastic travel version didn't work as well, mostly because the spout wasn't comfortable for my nostrils.

I have since purchased a new plastic travel sized nasal irrigation bottle. For me, it still doesn't work as well as the ceramic pot, but I'm willing to sacrifice convenience over comfort for a few days.

Over the past 2 weeks, it's been a routine of neti wash once or twice daily, then a Zyrtec pill and sprays of Rhinocort.

This past weekend, neti wash only, twice a day. Until this morning. Hard sneezes and small mountain of wadded tissues in the compost bucket forced my hand into a Zyrtec pill.

The sneezing hasn't completely stopped, but it isn't as hard or frequent. I am determined to continue the neti pot usage for the next month or two. I like the way my sinuses feel after the nasal rinse. And more importantly, I would really like to reduce my reliance on Rhinocort and Zyrtec.

In Memory of Vincent Chin: Why Calling it Chinese Virus Bothers Me

source: NBC News

I bet many of you have no idea who Vincent Chin is.

I bring this up because if we don't recognize why we're so sensitive about the term "Chinese virus", perhaps hearing about Vincent's tragic end might help you understand.

In short, 2 white autoworkers blamed Vincent Chin for the increased presence of Japanese auto manufacturers in the United States.*
(*taken from NBC News)

Vincent Chin was Chinese American. Not Japanese. A fight ensued. Vincent died of head injuries from the fight a few days later.

PBS's POV and NBC News have several YouTube videos on Vincent Chin, who died in June 1982. He was out with friends celebrating his upcoming wedding. Instead, his wedding became his funeral.

Here's a short NBC News clip that provides a brief, but very informative clip about Vincent Chin's story.

Gone Viral

COVID-19
source: Live Science

As the spread of COVID-19 forces us inside, normal life as we knew it is on hiatus for the time being.

Any public gathering of 50 or more has been closed or cancelled such as bars and nightclubs. Restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery only.

It's going to be a tough run for restaurants. With no dining on premises permitted, lack of business may or will force them to close or shut down completely. The small Korean owned deli in my building closed on Friday and won't open again until Tuesday due to lack of business. As a child of restaurant operators, I am showing my support by ordering takeout as often as I can.

Shopping, tourist destinations, commuter traffic is next to non-existent.

My Monday and Wednesday night bowling leagues are cancelled for the remainder of the month. Many offices have instructed staff to work from home.

The most significant changes for me since the state of emergency:
incessant hand washing, TV/OnDemand viewing and a nauseating overexposure of panicked grocery shoppers hoarding food, hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Cover your sneezes and coughs in your elbow or crook of your arm.
Stay hydrated. Go out only when you have to until the viral numbers flatten out.
And as Sgt. Phil Esterhaus of the Hill Street precinct ended with each roll call, "Let's be careful out there".

Recap February 14, 2020 to March 8, 2020

Why I was MIA for the past month:

February 14 -18: President's Day Weekend in Napa to celebrate Sherman's and Kat's 5th Wedding Anniversary.

Private tour, Inglenook, Rutherford CA

Kat's family came in Thursday afternoon before the holiday. They stayed with me for the night before we headed to Napa. 

When we got to Napa, 26 people came in from 3 states: New York, Ohio and California. The majority of the guests stayed in the former 9-bedroom private residence of the winery owner (No Airbnb here).

It was hectic and chill at the same time, if that makes any sense. Our first night at dinner kicked off with a formal family photo session, then a lovely dinner and moving speech from Sherman that brought me to tears. We had so much fun that we'll likely be there again to celebrate Sherman's 60th birthday next year.

As soon as Sherman and Kat texted me they made it back home to New York, they told me they would begin plans for my 60th birthday. We decided to celebrate in Columbus. I'll fly out to Cleveland to meet everyone and visit Mom's sisters for the day. Drive to Columbus for the rest of the trip. Activities will likely include a visit to the zoo, perhaps some bowling, a cookout at Cindy's, and the birthday dinner.

February 22 - 23: Asian American Bowling Association Chinese (Lunar) New Year Bowling Tournament at 4th Street Bowl, San Jose.

Bowled 3 squads. Last squad on Saturday, 2 squads on Sunday. Best series was my Saturday squad (see photo). Overall, I didn't do too badly. But likely not enough to cash out this year.

It was on my drive home from San Jose that my tire pressure monitor warning light came on again for the third time in two weeks, the last two in the same day.

I have at minimum, a tire leak. When I last brought my car in for service, the adviser mentioned I'd likely need new tires on my next visit. 

Realized the tires were almost 3 years old. I likely hastened their demise because I didn't rotate them regularly as the warranty requires. Time to order replacements. Ordered another set of Michelins online at Costco. Because it wasn't safe to drive with a flat tire, I decided to arrange for a rental car. Two days later, I hailed 2 Lyft rides - one to get to work, the other to pick up the rental. 

February 29 - March 1: Overtime Saturday.

In the 6 years I've been with this company, I've never worked on a Saturday. Overtime was always discouraged, even if there was a ton of work to do. When my boss gave us the option to work that Saturday, I jumped on it. Not so much because I'd have a fatter paycheck. Mostly because I'd be less buried in work on Monday.

March 7 - 8: Tire installation day. 9 am appointment with a 12 pm deadline to return the rental. I was the first customer taken with an appointment. Saw the car put into the bay at 9:18 am. Got some shopping in. Car was finished by 10:45 am. Drove home. Jumped immediately in the rental to return it. Made it by 11:15. Hailed an Uber ride (use my $15 monthly AmEx credit). Got home shortly after 12 pm.

Big sigh of relief. I sat in the recliner aimlessly surfing on this laptop for 2.5 hours. Then spent the rest of the day doing laundry, stuffing my face and watching TV.

After a call this afternoon from my boss, I am instructed to work from home tomorrow. I get a little extra sleep to catch up from the daylight savings time change, but I'll be somewhat limited in what I can do. 

Master Bedroom by Lani

I returned to living solo in May 2019 (see December 30, 2019 entry).

Start: November 2019

My former roommate occupied the master bedroom. It remained empty for 6 months. I began furnishing the room shortly after Thanksgiving. By President's Day Weekend in 2 weeks, it should be finished.

Ghostbed Luxe
queen mattress

I'd spend hours on end obsessing with intricate, meticulous details on what I wanted for the room.

• Curtains (shower and windows) must have grommet tops. I hate curtain rings. Window curtains have to be blackout style. I want the option to sleep in weekends without sun in my face.
• NO innerspring mattress or mattress that requires a foundation frame.
• Bedding that is gender neutral with warm, subtle, muted colors that won't clash with the curtains already in the room. NO bed skirt, no more than two pillow shams. NO floral, paisley, plaid or checkered patterns.
• Light blocking shade for the skylight in the vanity between the bathroom and bedroom. This, by far, took the longest to find the right size. 

Here's the end result:

Finish: February 2020

Once I installed the shade for the skylight, I spent this past weekend sleeping in the room. It feels tranquil, spacious yet cozy.

Family will stay in the room at the start of the President's Day weekend.

There's still a few final furnishings I'd like to put in. I really like how it's all turned out. So much so that I'll eventually move into the room full time.

Lunar New Year 2020 - Year of the Rat

source: Vectorstock
Year of the Rat

Happy Lunar New Year 2020.

I was born in the Year of the Rat. The Year of the Rat comes every 12 years.

Let's just say I'll have passed my zodiac animal more than 4 times.

Or you can hear The Daily Show's
Ronny Chieng explain hilariously the true meaning of Chinese New Year to Chinese people from his Netflix special, "Asian Comedian Destroys America"

Enjoy.

Tommy Jones's Perfect Day - 2020 PBA Hall of Fame Classic

Tommy Jones, Kimberly Pressler

What a way to kick off the new PBA season.

It started off with a live broadcast of the PBA Hall of Fame Classic. San Francisco native Darren Tang came into the stepladder as the number 1 seed.

One of the newest inductees into the PBA Hall of Fame was the number 2 seed, Tommy Jones. He defeated Chris Barnes in an ugly game, 190-169 to advance to the final match.

And what a final.

Like mom Oksana Kovalova's first TV match to watch daughter Dasha bowl a 300 last August, Tommy's mom Linda's first TV match was to see her son bowl a perfect game.

The 300 game comes in TJ's 20th professional season, his 20th PBA title in the year 2020.

Way to go, TJ.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice Documentary

source: imdb.com

At dinner last night, my friend Gwyn recommended I watch CNN's documentary "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice."

If you're under the age of 40 and don't know who she is, watch this documentary. You'll see how many music legends admired her work and why.

Eagles founders Glenn Frey and Don Henley got their start as musicians for Ms. Ronstadt.

Her career covered vast and varied genres: pop, rock, country, Latin and light opera.

And then you'll realize how strong and beautiful her voice was. Due to a degenerative brain condition, Linda retired from singing in 2011.

Ms. Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Here's a video clip of my all-time favorite Linda Ronstadt song, "You're No Good."



At her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a medley of her songs were sung by the biggest legends in contemporary American music: Glenn Frey, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks and Carrie Underwood. With longtime guitarist Waddy Wachtel. The last song from the women was also featured in the documentary.