It's been a little over a month since we lost you, and to tell you the truth, the world just isn't the same without you. I know you always felt like you were drifting on the outside, never the center of attention. And maybe that was true, but you sure knew how to make us all feel complete and secure. But now you're gone. Life isn't fair sometimes, I know. In my heart, you'll always be the rock-steady friend that we all looked up to.

I miss you, Pluto.

Mmmm... Ice cream cake, soda, and chips for dinner!

I must appear like the average community member. Today is the 2nd time in the past week that I've been approached by a major news network reporter seeking my opinion on a story. Both times, I declined kindly. You never know how you're going to be portrayed in the media with those brief out-of-context clips. Besides, I'd rather just save my 5 + 5 minutes of fame for a later date...

I'm pretty good at sleeping in these days. And then when I'm awake, I seem to be even better at daydreaming.

I seriously need another vacation.

At work, I seem to always have a black cloud looming over me. To the rain gods, I ask you, "Why me? You're giving me a headache!"

"Kudos to Ho Chie for a fun filled and inspiring module... Ho Chie is a natural and inspiring teacher and his words to us all about the variety of ways we can pursue lives of meaningful service resonated deeply with me and I think with all of us. -Peter"

I gave a rather informal talk the other day to some students gearing up for a medical mission trip, and suddenly I've been hearing praises from all directions... It's quite reaffirming, actually. Though I typically prefer to remain humble and anonymous, I realize that I do appreciate the recognition every once in awhile.

But now, I'm ready to go back and hide underneath my table.

Here we go, a blast to the past... twenty years to be exact.

It was a period when life seemed simpler, a time when the world was supposed to revolve around me-me-me. Big hair was "awesome," and break dancing was "totally rad!" My favorite song was "Always" by Atlantic Starr, and my friendships were "4 ever." Being "cool" was the most important thing, until discovering that first crushes were everything.

When I look back and compare my life to how it felt back then, I'm appreciative of where life has taken me, how I've grown and changed, and what I've accomplished so far. Because, now I have it straight: "4 ever" is simply a state of mind, a way to live your life. It is a commitment to something greater than yourself. It is knowing that "cool" and "awesome" is embodied in everyone. And maybe, it is a privilege to cross paths with so many wonderful people in this tiny world.

I'm glad to be where I am today. And I hope the very best for all of you.


A group of my friends in 1987.

Yes, that would be me center stage in 1988.
Today, I'd rather be backstage.

I'm a restless soul. Especially today. I need some sort of distraction.

Congratulations Eleanor & Ken!

Eleanor was one of my first friends in college.

So cute. I like cute.

Still working... at 4:45 am... I feel like I'm the only person awake in the world.

Watching Star Wars in bed... I'm spoiled.

Just another reason why it's so hard for me to get up in the morning.

smile4me90 (10:54:00 PM): you give off the impression that you truly love and understand each person you come into encounter with... i just wanna ask... how did you become that way?
smile4me90 (10:54:12 PM): because that love
smile4me90 (10:54:20 PM): i've never seen that in anyone else as passionately as i see it in you

And the answer is...

Not true, I dunno. *BLUSH* But thank you. That's the nicest thing I've heard in awhile.

Little people.

Playing at the Capitola Beach.

Engineering marvels with sand.

Visiting Stanford.

Carolyn is in town!

The view of Golden Gate from the Pier.

Paul, me, Carolyn, Brendan, James, and Tim.