But I digress. Happy new year to my few readers out there! The holidays came and went without much fanfare. As I grow older I realize I don’t want as much “stuff” as I once did. I’ve been on a consumption diet as of late. Leo Babauta of ZenHabits wrote a post entitled, “The Case Against Buying Christmas Presents” which I am very much in agreement with his views on what Christmas has become and why I don’t view it innocently like I once did. On my time off (compliments of my new employer) I spent time to reflect on myself. What really matters to me these days. I don’t want stuff to matter. I want experiences and relationships to matter more. Therefore, I’ve told folks I would rather spend money on an experience to enrich a person’s life rather than on something that can eventually break or be forgotten. If you’re reading this and you know me personally, please do not give me any more “stuff”. I would rather you take the money and donate to a fund-raising effort. I’ll take this time to pimp those out: 1. Tour de Cure which is a ride to cure diabetes. 2. CCC ride for the Arthritis Foundation. This will be my second year. The first year was AWESOME!

I’ve also been reading another blog called The Path Less Pedaled which documents the journey of a Long Beach couple, Russ & Laura, who decided to sell all their personal belongings and go on an epic bike ride in 2009. I have been reading their past posts non-stop on my in and out of work. This was when I ride the bus this week. So far I’m at August 2009 where they made it up to Portland, OR and have been cruising around there and are at the state of Washington. Both authors can write so I enjoy reading their recollection and Russ is a photographer so his pictures are amazing! Some are taken from his iPhone and edited on the fly. As I poured through their entries, I am constantly reflecting on my own situation. I don’t think I own as much stuff as they did but it is a considerable amount. I need to start going through my crap and throwing things away. Even though I’m not going anywhere (yet), I’d like to lighten up the possessions. I guess I’m striving for a more simple life. I’ve been striving for a few years now. To try to minimize as much as I can.

Another interesting point in one of Laura’s post mentioned the critical mass of stuff that needed to make a home feel like a home. To fill it up with the right things so that it was more inviting. Since they had to go through this mass cleansing, they found themselves torn apart by their stuff and their overall goal to get out on the road. I have similar sentiments about my current home of 2 years. I’ve be reluctant to furnish the place fully. My bedroom just has a bed and a side table that was given to me by a friend. My living consist of a lounge chair given to me by a friend of my dad and a futon bed given to me by a buddy of mine. Coffee table is something my uncle gave me that was sitting in his garage collecting dust. My rug was bartered for some work I did for a carpet company. I got my tv stand as a present for the gf. I did splurge on the TV. I’m slowly regretting that purchase but can’t bring myself to admit it because everytime I turn it on to watch sports, I am reminded why I “had to have it”. I’m being owned! On the other hand, I’m feeling the pressure to “feather my nest” so that it feels more inviting. I’m so torn.

On another note, I am going to be getting a new bike! The one thing I don’t feel guilty about buying for myself is this custom built Surly Cross Check built by the Flying Pigeon LA guys.

Isn’t she beautiful? Build details will come later when I go pick it up this weekend. It’s missing some lights and a chainguard in this picture.

I feel more open on my personal blog to express and rant. Unfortunately, due to a few life changing events I am completely overwhelmed with work and have been trying to waste my time more wisely. On a rare occasion like tonight, I am feeling a bit inspired to put some words here and give my dedicated readers an update of my life even though I know you don’t care or already know what’s going on. Hell, this will be good to go back and read my postings when I’m old and gray and say, “Thank you, you! For writing this.”

So what’s been going on? The most significant accomplishment that happened late September into October was that I completed my awesome ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 8 days. Words cannot explain how awesome this trip was. Therefore I’m just going to show you my Flickr photo set instead:

250 riders raised about $1.27 million for the Arthritis Foundation. It was so good that I’m going to do it again next year. Look for my solicitation for donations and leave some money in your budget to help donate to this great cause.

The second update in my life (or really my family’s life) is that my sister is finally married! Her long-time boyfriend turned fiance is now her husband. I gained a brother-in-law who I welcome to our family with open arms. I was part of the wedding ceremony which was a very simple and progressive combination of American and Chinese culture. Much like the way I would like to do it if I was getting married. Too bad that’s not happening anytime soon.

The third and final update is that I am in the middle of changing jobs. Yup, I am moving forward from my 7 year tenure from NBC Universal. Quoting the great Lebron, “In this fall — this is very tough — in this fall I am taking my talents to Culver City and work with Sony”. Last day is November 5th. It’s going to be a sad departure. I’ve given my best with this company and they’ve allowed me to grow and groom my skills as a Project Manager.

There you go! You’re caught up with my life now. Move along. There’s nothing else to see here…

• Color is blue (Spectra Blue Mica to be exact)
• 156K miles
• Manual transmission
• A/C, Power windows, Power steering, Cruise control, Power moon roof w/tilt, air bags
• Stock radio (cassette deck does not work) / CD player
• 18″ custom alloy wheels

Transmission and clutch has been replaced February 2009
All 4 Brakes replaced October 2009
Replaced intake gasket and o2 sensor October 2009
The car has been tuned up (changed spark plugs, oil change, air filter) October 2009
Smog checked February 28, 2009

There are door dings as well as a noticeable key mark at the rear of the car and rear passenger bumper is scratched. Obviously nothing that impacts the way the car runs. The car gets about 29 – 32mpg and uses 87 unleaded fuel which makes it economical to drive. Only one owner and I have all service records since the first day I bought the car.

$4800 OBO

Edit: Car is sold on 01/20/2010.

For our second service project, the Global Debate Team will be donating
trees to schools around LA by bicycle. Beginning Friday the 4th, we will
transport some of the trees. This will promote two ways of reversing climate
change: planting CO2-converting trees, and using alternatives to
CO2-emitting cars. We hope the schools we visit with our trees will agree to
replant and take care of them. We also hope they will feature us in their
newspapers and blogs, as Venice High School has already agreed to do.

Venice High School is 14 and a half miles from Santee Education Complex.
We invite anyone who wants a little exercise to join us on the ride to the
school along Venice Blvd. on Friday, December 4th, leaving Santee at 11am.

For each mention in a news source or blog, we will get points in the Global
Debates competition. The grand prize is a trip to the UN’s Youth Leadership
Summit in the Netherlands.

If you are a blogger, school, or media outlet and wish to cover our story,
or if you want to ride with us, please call Santee Debate Coaches Amber
Young at (310) 256-6267 or Nick Richert at (310) 428-4222

Good luck!

*Update: Just got off the phone with Amber and they will have future rides in addition to December 4th.

Incredible how everyone was in sync.

I make a brief appearance at the beginning and end of the video.