New Wii with Motion Plus

If you still haven't bought a Wii, now is a good time. $199.99 delivered from Amazon. Pre-order for May 9 release.

Amazon

Wii Be Fit!

Well not really... but it was definitely fun trying!






This past weekend we finally were able to test out the Wii Fit with the family and a few unsuspecting friends. It took me a while to figure it out, mainly because I was using it BACKWARDS!! But once my idiocy was corrected, the verdict was: Fun Fun Fun!!

The games/exercises were challenging and somewhat difficult, but the whimsical graphics and animation helped soften the blow when you realize that you're an uncoordinated, unbalanced, wimpy, overweight couch potato. Even when you think you did quite well, you only get one star (out of four) and labeled an amateur. I guess this allows room for improvement. Clearly a very frustrating and humbling device, but still loads of self-deprecating fun.

I can't imagine this replacing a gym membership, but for the many of us whose only exercise is pushing a stroller, or walking from the parking lot to the BART train, or (ahem) playing golf, this is a good start.

On the technical side...
Thanks to your taxpayer dollars, we recently purchased a new 50mm lens as well as a new SB800 flash. As you can see, the flash is blasting them in the front while I'm remotely shooting off on the side. It's something new I'm trying to get greater depth and interesting shadows. I'm still learning...

Let's Paarrty!! Part Four, Saturday Dinner

After Meghan's birthday party, I took Colby home and put him to bed. I was exhausted myself so I took a nap next to him (plus I ate an incredible amount of food at the buffet). With 17 people coming for dinner, I knew I needed to rest while I can. We had a nice long nap. Having a feverish child next to you will beat out any electric blanket! It was raining and 50 degrees outside, but our bed was nice and toasty thanks to Colby!

Because of Ted's turkey and twinkies, we still had a ton of uncooked hotpot food from the night before. Stuff like beef, pork, and shrimp – things that needed to be eaten or frozen. And considering Ray only visits during the holidays, I don't think the food will last in the freezer until next Christmas. So we did what we had to do, have another hotpot party.

Left to right: Kathy, her daughter-in-law Irene, Dan, and Denise. Denise is the mom of Dustin's best friend Robert. She recently discovered my blog and is now unsure how much exposure she should allow her son to our family. I'm guessing there may not be as many playdates for them in the future.

Chrissy was still tired from hosting my family on Christmas, but she figured it would be more comfortable for her to pass out on our sofa rather than someone else's. And since Colby was sick, we would much rather have him puke at home too ...and into his favorite bucket. Poor Colby was puking so much, at the end of the night he had an indentation on his forehead from the rim of the bucket.

So with the absence of Fongpay's family, we had enough food to feed three more families! We invited the Chu's, Lau's, and the Lew's. Because of the buffet, most of us weren't real hungry, they just wanted a place to hang out. So again, we had a lot of food leftover.

The kids played Wii all night. The new hit game was Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Pretty fun game that is actually optimized for both the wiimote and nunchuk. You have to run, jump, swim and throw using various arm motions. There's even fencing, which is probably a preview of how they'll handle future Star Wars Jedi battles! Kids were bouncing all over the place. Speaking of which, Robert arrived with a bruise above his eye. Denise said his dad wacked him with the wiimote. Hey, that's a great explanation to social services if you beat your kid regularly!

Other than the Wii, the evening was pretty mellow. With all the eating and more eating, none of the adults really wanted to move. I was so tired, I can't really remember anymore about that night. All the festive memories just kinda blend together and it's all one big happy blur. It's like a mental hangover. Thanks to those of you who IM'd me this morning. I always enjoy chatting with you and am glad that you too had a nice weekend. Because of you, I was able to stay awake at work, and I was able to type this blog. Peace out, and check back tomorrow for Part Five.

Left to right: Richard (Robert's dad), Suzanne, Winford, Steve and Ray.

Free Nintendo Wii Remote Jacket

From the website:

Nintendo is now including the Wii Remote Jacket for the Wii Remotes in all new hardware being shipped. For Wii owners who purchased their systems prior to this addition, we are offering to send free Wii Remote Jackets for their existing Wii Remotes. If you would like to request a Wii Remote Jacket, please start by completing the information form below.

There'll probably be a ton of orders in the days to come, so get yours now. Be sure to order 4 even if you don't have 4 (for future purchases).

Dusting off the old bones

On Saturday we dug out the old volleyball net and unearthed the few remaining volleyball players still alive in our area for a nice reunion. It's been over 2 years since we last played.

Back in the Spring of 2005 we played in the Hayward league with the Cheungs, Lims, Winford, Dave and Mr. Chan. And that was our first time playing since 2001 when we were still in San Leandro. We started out the season 1-8, but finally found our groove and won the next 15 games to be 16-8. We went into the playoffs and the finals, coming out in 2nd place overall. Not bad.

But to go back EVEN FURTHER, I would like to tell you about the significance of volleyball in our lives. If you look at most of the people in the photo: Chad, Dean, Libby, Oliver and myself. We ALL met our spouses while playing volleyball. Yes, collectively we all give new meaning to the name, "Pick-up sport." Volleyball is like the bar scene for Christians. My favorite pick-up line was, "Hello, will you bump with me?"

So back to Saturday, we were able to get some doubles, 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 action with our ragtag bunch. Too bad Winford had to work (he's a paremedic). If not, he could've driven his ambulance over and then we could've invited Dave (Robo-leg) Fong too! Anywho, I think we played surprisingly well considering the time off and rusty joints. We had some really good rallies going, even up against the pros (my inlaws), as we dug, dove and crashed the net. Hmmm, we might need to play more often.

Afterwards, we all had a nice BBQ dinner (even for the non-players) and of course, Mario Party on the Wii continues to be a big hit at our house.



After we kicked the kids off, us adults had some serious tennis and bowling competitions going too. You could really tell who the avid bowlers were, as Oli and I bowled while laying on the couch. Great fun! Everyone needs to own a Wii. Although Sunday I was REALLY sore.

The Phang 5

On Sunday we celebrated July 4th early with our traditional BBQ dinner (I'm still eating leftovers as I type). Our special guests were the Phangs, along with their entourage of Chan's and Kwok's. We only get to see the entire Phang family once a year. Last year we all gathered at Jimmy's to celebrate my birthday. We always have a great time.

The 4 boys were in heaven, as they played the Wii all night! Look at the picture, they're still holding the wiimote! Too bad it was a school night and all the moms were scooting the kids to bed. Sheesh, it's only 10:30! But right now I can only think of poor Jared as he's probably going through major video game withdrawals back in Singapore. Sorry Jared, no more Mario Party for you! You'll have to play "real" games like soccer and tennis, and get all sweaty and dirty. Or even worse, play with your sisters!! Yeah I know, it sucks. Your parents should've had another boy... But look on the bright side, you get your own room, right? Cheer up buddy. We'll see you next year.

You Never Forget Riding a Bike

One of my goals during my time off was to teach Dustin how to ride a bike. I had taken him out twice prior and he was a wreck, having absolutely no clue on how to maintain balance. On his third try, there was a glimmer of hope but it quickly crashed into a chainlinked fenced, so we called it a day. On Saturday, with a pocket of bandaids and water ready, we embarked to the Val Vista Park in Pleasanton. The park offered wide open paths and no fences. He got on and just went. Isn't it just amazing how when you "get it" you just get it? I remembered how I learned, I was in Jimmy's backyard and he just pushed me (really hard) and off I went. That was a proud moment in my life, as was Saturday. My sense of childlike wonder had been restored.

Later that day, it was taco and burrito night at our house. The guest list included the usual suspects, our favorite MJ players. But we didn't play MJ at all, instead we played on the Wii. Oli brought over two more remotes and we got some multiplayer tennis and Red Steel action going. Unlike MJ where we have to shoo the kids out of the room, the Wii we can actually play with them. With it's simple controls, the Wii truly levels the playing field and bridges the age gap between players and nonplayers, and kids and adults. Truly a great game that gets everyone involved. No one feels left out.



Sunday Banquet
Sunday evening we were treated to a banquet to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Machella and Martin's parents at Peony Restaurant. We got to sit with our favorite florist, Dave Wong. If you haven't seen Dave in a while, he's lost a LOT of weight and is all muscle now. He's busy as ever, booked up yearlong (all by word of mouth), and coaching a girls volleyball team in Fremont. Unfortunately, his humor hasn't changed :) still the goofball we all enjoy and love. My boys were all over him all night (which allowed me some time to enjoy my dinner).

Photographing the event was none other than XCI Scott Lim. I haven't seen Scott in 19 years, since his days at Fusion Electronics (1988). The stereo he sold me and the speakers he built are still doing their jobs in my living room. Unlike Dave, Scott put on a few pounds (which is good because back then he said he was 108!). He looks healthy, happy and still has a great head of thick black hair. For those of you wanting to learn about photography and Photoshop, Scott is a big time award-winning, photo guru and seminar speaker. You can check out his website. Maybe if you tell him I sent you, he'll cut you a deal. Um, no he won't.

Scott's assistant was Mike Muramoto, another guy I haven't seen in ages. Back during my single days, a group of us single guys all used to go wannabe-extreme mountain biking up in the Oakland hills. The group included Dave, Jimmy, Wingate, Edmond, Mike and a few others. We all had Bridgestone bikes except Dave with that sissy Bontragger :o After a tough ride, we would reward ourselves at Top Dog with our favorite Bratwurst. Come to think of it, I don't think any one of us were dating... strange, considering the stud-muffins we all used to be. Go figure. Anyway, last night, we were still talking about the Cinderella Trail at Roberts Park, the most treacherous single-track rock hill that's claimed a few knees, elbows, and faces. I think I finally "graduated" that trail on the fourth trip. Oh man, those were great times! Don't know about Mike, but I'm nowhere as nimble as I was in 1992. I'm tempted to revisit Cinderella again, but for certain if I fall, I won't heal nearly as fast. But no worries. As a government worker, I have great health insurance! Like Scott, Mike's work is posted at his website.

A nice weekend to reflect on indeed. No wonder I haven't gotten any work done today.

Mother's Day Wiikend

Ever since Thanksgiving I've been trying to get my hands on a Nintendo Wii. I still regret not lining up with Chrissy's cousins the night before Black Friday in 30-degree weather at the mall. And I'm still upset that those cousins have not once invited us over to play! It's been 6 months now and the stores still can't get them stocked (because greedy people like Patty bought like 4 of them). So I've been combing Craigslist trying to find a good price on a used bundle. Note: Wii System is $250. Extra remote and nunchuk (required for multiplayer games) is $60. Total with tax is $335. So $300 seems like a realistic price target for something everyone wants.

Last week I finally found one in Livermore. The Wii with extra remote & nunchuk, 2 additional Wii games (with steering wheel), 7 additional Gamecube games, 2 Gamecube controllers, a memory card, and a cool Nintendo travel bag. $300. Some spoiled 13 year-old was secretly using his mom's email to post the ad and his dad's cell phone to sell it. I hooked up with his dad to make the deal. His dad was not happy at all considering he spent over $500 on it just 5 months ago. But by the looks of their toy collection, they seemed very wealthy so no bad feelings here. He honored the deal and I was thrilled.

So I'm coming home and wondering how Chrissy might react to me spending this much money on a toy. For the record, Chrissy has NEVER questioned, nagged, or frowned upon any of my purchases, great or small. She knows I'm not an impulsive shopper but instead, a shameless, low-balling bargain hunter. A true Craigslist predator. But $300 is still a lot of money. And some guilt started to creep in. But no way I was going to give this up. I've waited 6 months for this! So what was I going to do??

My solution was perfect. I decided to give the Wii to Chrissy for Mother's Day!

Before you roll your eyes (or bust up laughing), let me explain how perfect this is. First of all, Chrissy never plays video games with the boys (the quick thinking button action only frustrates her). So this will help her to be more willing to play with them and the boys will think she's cool--she already enjoys the bowling game quite a bit. Secondly, she's been saying (not me) that she needs more exercise. What better way to burn calories than to virtually punch out your sassy son? It's a great stress reliever too! And thirdly, because it's a gift, she not allowed to find out how much I spent! I tell you, I amaze myself sometimes!

On Saturday we hosted lunch for her side of the family and on Sunday we celebrated with my side. The Wii was hit on both days. Most people played it for the very first time. Regular video games can be so intimidating with all the buttons and sequences. But with the Wii, you just need to do what comes natural, like punching, swinging, driving, etc. Real easy stuff, great exercise and a real crowd pleaser. Below is a video of Dustin duking it out with his Uncle Ricky.



Mother's Day at CIBC
On Sunday's Mother's Day morning service, we were treated to a couple of performances by the children's Sunday School classes. Both Colby and Dustin participated and Colby's still singing that butterfly song to this day. If you can't see Colby, he's the one that's blocked by Pastor Jason's head. Thanks to Wayland for videotaping it for me (because I totally forgot).