Disappearing In Blue Smoke

So today was a little tough...my little buddy of 16 years was put to sleep. His name was Big Boy. Finding him and his siblings on our boat was the best and he was the last one to survive. He was never a lap cat, hated being picked up...cuddles? No way. Would he beg for chicken? No. Fish? Sorta. He was definitely a weird one. He liked being slapped on the back with a thin bamboo stick...and he hated being inside. With all that said, I love this guy. He was my little buddy. I’ll probably get another cat eventually, but I’ll never be able to replace this one. I just wish I had a chance to see him one more time. I hadn’t seen him in over a year. I hope he didn’t wonder where I was this whole time. I’m thankful that my parents took such good care of him. I hope we did right by him...for the 16 years he got to live and run around the yard and for ending his pain. We gave him his forever home. I’ll never forget you, little buddy. Rest now. There’s no more pain for you. Rest In Peace, Big Boy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNjes4bF8qV/?igshid=9itvmbllt8zh

Many of you have forgotten. I never have. I remember that day vividly. If some of you could take a step back and look at every situation objectively, you’d realize how wrong you are. Explore and view with logic instead of emotion. https://www.instagram.com/p/CFBqE8OFZbF/?igshid=mw48n9rejno0

Well, this is my 1500th post! And what better way then to show off the project I’ve spent this much time on! It’s a replica of a flintlock Kentucky Longrifle. This was the type of rifle used by the Colonials during the Revolutionary War. It’s a fully functional .50 caliber black powder flintlock muzzleloader. #gun #guns #blackpowder #muzzleloader #kentucky #rifle #longrifle #kentuckylongrifle #traditions #traditionsfirearms #traditionsfirearms_50cal #traditionsfirearmskit #flintlock https://www.instagram.com/p/CB1_vXnlYyL/?igshid=la7xa3dscspl

This was my grand-uncle Paul, meaning my grandmother’s brother. He tested positive for Covid-19 last week and was intubated. Earlier this week, the ventilator was removed. This morning, I received a text that he had passed away. To be honest, he and I never spoke much since I didn’t speak enough Chinese to communicate but I could understand what he said. I can’t say I’m okay but I’m not stricken by grief because of the distance and the generational gap. Needless to say, I’m empathetic to my immediate and extended family who knew him better. However, my own mental and emotional state has now been challenged. It’s entered my own back yard. Hearing about people dying is one thing, but to have it happen in my own family is another beast. I hope you all stay safe, stay healthy, stay positive, and, above all, check in on loved ones. Everyone is experiencing something different right now and reaching out to loved ones is the best way to show you love them. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_tUmxKFhx6/?igshid=18gkrz1jyxvxb

Pork and Five Spice Tofu https://www.instagram.com/p/B-DyEPMlh-B/?igshid=wh45vgc13kfd

Ramen for a rainy night with miso broth instead of pork https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vazqslOhs/?igshid=tkomn5z1yvy8

Had sea scallops instead of salmon https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vaptFl1_P/?igshid=tdr9ic6oh8wv

Started with fried calamari https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vaji7FpJ4/?igshid=1hzxzzlhbyqub

Umm...yeah...pastrami chili cheese fries for lunch... https://www.instagram.com/p/B9r-Iaqlkyq/?igshid=mu3ha5aoo7c7

These are cuter than Cuties! And sweeter! Holy hell theyre good! https://www.instagram.com/p/B9SSxKOF32z/?igshid=11fsryp2b0c2x

Last minute call to work. It’s all good! https://www.instagram.com/p/B9PgsDmlgTN/?igshid=1jyc3351bj2cx

Free egg McMuffin...and they had Pick 2 for $4...so I got three total.... https://www.instagram.com/p/B9PcQo5FNnN/?igshid=1ol8esckhv0l

Seen this kind of jump once. Tom Meentz did it one year at the World Finals. When it happens, you hear absolutely nothing but the crowd cheering and it’s so loud that your hearing gets muffled almost instantly... https://www.instagram.com/p/B8H8BZHFVdW/?igshid=18m8zwkz1rvfc

Breakfast of champions https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_uD0LFjNg/?igshid=2h1w0xextykx

Eclair at Olsen’s https://www.instagram.com/p/B74g1s3lr1I/?igshid=1q8vf8b466ngs

This is not the kind of story I wanted to hear today. We’ve lost of the greatest. I was in high school and really following basketball and the Lakers when they got the 3-peat. The Lakers were a forced to be reckoned with and I got to witness that. Love and prayers to the family and the millions of fans who lost our star. RIP Kobe Bryant. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zGgdclKfT/?igshid=1pmk1bb92ygua