When I reflect on the events of this past year, I can't help but feel sad. It's not that my life is bad in any way, but on a global scale, there has been too much tragedy and turmoil. From unnecessary wars and military occupation without end in sight to growing anti-American sentiment all over the world, from age-old conflicts based on religion and territory to political maneuvering among world powers and littler powers, from natural disasters with unimaginable loss of life to economic repercussions and disasters yet to be seen, I can only hope that the future is brighter for all of us. Cherish what you have. Appreciate the good things that have happened to you in this past year. But remember there are so many people out there who need the support and understanding of a global community. Humanity can do better.

I spent the afternoon and evening with Crystal and Jazzi's family, and now I want to just adopt them as my own. I don't think I've met another family that is more welcoming and loving. Predestiny was one of the topics of discussion tonight, which made me think that perhaps, through various course of events, I was predestined to share such a wonderful time with them.

Dinner with the Junge's.

New Year reflections with dessert.

Everyday yummies as art.

Somehow, post-holiday clearance candies seem to taste twice as yummy. I've stocked up on lots of sweets and saved enough money to pay for future dental visits.

Aiyo! Thank goodness for Chinese take-out. Whoever invented these little boxes was genius. Whoever improved them by making them stay together without staples was a bit smarter. So, now I can microwave them and eat out of the box - no dishes to wash!

When a movie audience applauds at the end, and every other person is shedding tears... it is more than just a film. *Insert Profanity Here*, that performance was unbelievable and deserves an Oscar.

I've been working the overnight ER shifts. Plus, my dad is in town. Work at night, entertain during the day. What this all sums up to is a great deal of sleep deprivation. I'm pooped.

With my dad and cousins - seafood lunch by the bay.

Kelly graces us with a visit while on her 16 hour whirlwind trip through Berkeley. I love her laugh. It's a bit contagious.

Kelly, Ho Chie, & Brendan. And the obligatory bubble tea pic.

Kelly's nightmare - the creepy looking trees on the Berkeley campus...

I had lunch with one of my med school roommates, Brenton. It's good seeing a familiar face from Chicago.

I'm working double back to back shifts tonight. It's gonna hurt.

Alice and I met up for dinner tonight. I sure admire her passion for working with kids and her concern about underserved Asian American communities. The world needs more people like her around.

Alex, a college roommate, and Jessy just moved back into town.

Breakfast and coffee (and a shiny pot) in Menlo Park.

Eleanor, Linda, me, Jessy, and Alex.

I ate a popsicle, and now I've got the chills. And that made me think... what ever happened to the good ol' days of the fuzzy-full-body-and-padded-feet pajamas? How come they don't make them for adults? I've got the chills, darnit!

Ahh... I'm so proud of myself... I dropped my car off to get serviced, and then I took the bus back home for the first time. It was much more gratifying than walking uphill for 2 hours like I did the last time. Yea, silly, I know.

My car is falling apart. And that just sucks.

A co-worker and I were discussing some of the things we missed about living in Chicago. And then I realized that I could, at that very moment, vividly picture walking around some of my favorite places in the city: Borders bookstore on Michigan Ave, the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building, the lakeside walk between the Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium, and the shoreline of Oak Street Beach next to the grandest buildings in the nation. Yes, I miss it very much.

I've come to the conclusion that I need a life.

My sleep schedule is officially messed up for the next month because of work. Worse yet, I don't know when I should be eating what meal. I suppose Cheetos and juice was not an ideal meal last night, or anytime, for that matter.

Currently studying with Linda at a local cafe. She's looking pretty cute with her new dreads by the way.

You know what a real friend is? One who would give you more than a few thousand dollars, no questions asked.

I was chatting online with my friend Shirley who I've known since college and graduate school while living in the same apartment complex. It must've been something I suggested (perhaps all my bitching about future job hunting), which gave her the impression that I was struggling financially (I'm a physician for goodness' sake! But cost-of-living is high here!). Then I mentioned how nice it would be if I had enough money saved up (I suck at saving.) so I could just travel for a few months to recover from all the stresses of residency training (Yeah, it sucks working for The Man, plus I'm lazy!). So, Shirley somehow approximated that my expenses would be in the range of $4K if I were to actually do this (Oh, I still want to, believe me!). And then she offered it to me. Yes. Thousands of dollars. Her reason? Because I had been there all those years for her during college and graduate school (What did I do? Except suffer alongside with her?).

Of course I turned down the offer. (Little devil on shoulder says: Should've taken it, dude! Angel on other shoulder says: Hush, little man!)

But I tell you... That's when you realize who your true friends really are. The ones who believe your well-being is worth more than the value of money. Wow, Shirley, how incredibly generous of you! You brought a smile to my face when I needed it most.

I still don't want your money. I'll keep that friendship, though... *hugs*

I started updating my CV because I need a real job soon.

Simply gorgeous.

I sure do miss the days of "tag, you're it!" and thus absolving all responsibility and expectations placed upon an individual. And, at what age did it become not OK to call "do-overs?" I'm in the mood to just yell "freeze! do-over!" If only we had the power to turn back time to better days or just tweak history a little bit...

Life transitions. Changes. Uncertainty. Longing for a time that seemed much more content and fulfilling. The fact of the matter is that we all go through these stages again and again. And, even I have to remind myself that in the end, I'll be OK too...

Fate. Destiny. The idea of soul mates. The belief that everything happens for a reason... I enjoy these themes in the movies.

I need to find some motivation to tackle life plans soon. Anyone know where I can find some on sale?

I toured around my manager's apartment in the front of the complex, and my jaw dropped. The place is gorgeous and grand with an amazing Bay view from the 40 foot long panoramic living room window. It makes my place feel like the ghetto.

I was recently mistaken for a college student again... by another college student. I guess I shouldn't be surprised since it happens to me at least once a week. I must have nice skin or something.

I can see the confusion in people's faces when I explain that I finished college over a decade ago, completed graduate school, worked for some time, went to medical school, and now am finishing residency. They scratch their heads, apologize profusely, and probably think to themselves that I'm lying. "But you look so young!" I'm always amused.

Flashback. I'm reminded of the time I was almost denied entry to a PG-13 movie, when I was really in college at the time.

That doesn't happen anymore, so I guess I should be happy that I've at least aged over the years.

Time for cookies and milk.