This year started out "ON FIRE!" literally, as 100 mph winds swept through SoCal and devastated Pacific Palisades and the Alta Dena neighborhoods.
Friday, December 5, 2025
Friday, December 6, 2024
2024 Year in Review
Thanks for visiting my 2024 Year in Review. Even if no one visits this site, it's still worthwhile for me to look back at the year and give thanks and be grateful for all of our Lord's blessings. Thanksgiving with a heart of gratitude. Hey, after my 2008 accident, you can never take a single day for granted.
Here are the highlights for the year. I will fill in the rest later, but these are my bullet points and photo highlights here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lux61thnGL5UVFsZ7
Ryan turned 26 y.o. and got promoted from Front Desk at the Viceroy Hotel to Area Sales and Catering Coordinator. No more picketing and chanting "Si Se Puede!", which is "yes, we can" en espanol. Now he assists the group sales for 2 hotels, The Viceroy and Le Meridian/Delfina (now Hyatt Centric hotel.)
Family Trip to Japan. March
TTMF Trip to Taiwan: April
Motel Renovations: New roof, new decking, repair and repave the parking lot.
U2 concert at The Sphere Las Vegas.
Hollywood Bowl - Eric Clapton
Choice Hotels Annual Conventions - Sting
3 Dodgers Games including Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Night - Henry on TV!
Pepperdine Worship Summit 2024 - Chris Tomlin
Henry Officiated Yee & Maggie's wedding -
Greece Sept- 10 day trip with 5 couples from GCLA
The Eagles concert at The Sphere Las Vegas
Dodgers - World Series Champions
Ashland Kennels - Dogsitting 3 dogs!
Lego-mania coming to an end.
GT-R carsitting
All healthy this year.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
2023 Year in Review
Even if no one reads my annual Year-in-Review blogspot, I enjoy writing, and short-journaling at all the milestones events of Henry and Alice's family life. God is good.
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| Palm Springs Dec.2022 |
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| Summer 2023 - Tim & Teewa's wedding |
On January 1, 2023, GCLA moved into ACS (Arcadia Christian School) after 6 years at the old place on Broadway in Temple City. The auditorium HAS AIR CONDITIONING! PTL. First Lutheran's sanctuary got up to 104 deg during a summer heat wave. It was especially difficult the elderly and babies. It was then that we knew we had to move. But where? Then it was God's perfect timing, as the church that previously occupied ACS had to move out, and we were desparately looking for a new place. Now, it's a wonderful new home, with plenty of space, storage, and easy-going landlords. Come visit us at 11:15am on Sundays at generationschurchla.org. Pastor Mike is a gift Lead Pastor and preacher.
RYAN turned 25. It was a big milestone. Medical experts say that for males, men's brains do not fully develop till age 25. It was true of Ryan (and Henry.) We are amazed by how mature, helpful and loving Ryan has become. He and Dana celebrated their 2 year anniversary together as boyfriend/girlfriend. He feels that he still has a lot of growing up and is very career-minded at this time.
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| Ryan turned 25 in January (soon to be 26) |
SPAIN & PORTUGAL (Jan 26 to Feb 7) <== please click to see our Iberian peninsula trip pics.
RYAN at THE VICEROY SANTA MONICA
Upon returning from our tour of the Iberian peninsula (Spain/Portugal), Ryan began looking for a full-time. Within a month he landed the perfect position at the perfect hotel: The Viceroy, a 4-star hotel located on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica, less than 5 min from home. It's a great way to get his foot into the hospitality industry. Unfortunately, it was a union job with Local 11. Well, we'll just stop at this point. But I'm glad that Ryan got to experience the differences between a privately-own, non-union, franchise motel operates differently from a unionized, high-end, luxury boutique hotel. We are all proud of his work ethic, his people skills, and the humility and understanding to "work one's way up from the bottom" and get recognized by his peers and management. Social media reviews often compliment the great service and helpfulness of "the asian guy at the front desk." LOL, he's the only asian at the front desk.
VEGAS ANNIVERSARY TRIP - STING in Concert
With our friends, Steve and Marianne, the four of us celebrated our wedding anniversaries (1 day apart) by going to Vegas and seeing STING. It was fabulous! He was fabulous. Alice and I really enjoy seeing and hearing these great artists during their Vegas residencies. 
CHOICE HOTELS CONVENTIONS April 2023
After the anniversary trip to Vegas, Henry had to fly back to Vegas for the annual Choice Hotels Annual Convention. As Henry's second career, he is trying to learn as much as he can.
The AMA Waterways river cruise aboard the Amabella ship was the highlight of the year for Henry & Alice. They traveled with their good friends, Steve and Marianne. Together, the celebrating their 31st and 35th anniversaries, respectively. Prague (3 night), followed by a bus ride to Regensburg, Germany where their tour group embarked on a 7-night cruise along the Danube river, through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and to finally to Budapest, Hungary. They would highly recommend this river cruise. But be careful to not book river cruises during a drought (insufficient river water levels.) Henry's coworker warned that he and all the cruise-goers on their Viking Rhein River cruise had switch ships several times and even travel by bus in long stretches because the river's water levels were too low. How horrible. I'm glad we had no issues. It was perfect.
Finally after more than 15 months, delays due to unforeseen, extended demolition, construction change orders, and City inspections, Henry's motel finally passed its final inspection. Though there cost overruns and fights the general contractor, all the subcontractors did great work and all were very happy with the end product. The motel reviews are starting to increase now that Phase 1 construction is done. Phase 2 began in November 2023: New roof, all new paint job, rain gutters, decking, and parking lot resurfacing and re-striping. Henry can finally see the light at the end of tunnel: He means retirement-tunnel, LOL. He's been trying to balance his insurance worklife at New Century Insurance Services with the motel's renovation projects. Fortunately there are many very competent New Century coworkers to share and help service his clients and steady stream of prospect referrals.
MAHJONG
Our family has been playing a lot of mahjong together - Hong Kong style. Erin, Gus, Ryan and Henry are all learning Canto, like "Fat Choy", "Dong Fong" etc. And our favorite term to call out, "TZEE-MOK!" and "WU!" Henry still can't figure out the East, West, North, South tiles. OMG.
Hollywood Bowl
Henry and Alice have run out of interest in any current and upcoming LEGO kits to build. They only want to build rare and challenging kits. Together, an 1800 piece set can be finished in a weekend. Thanks to Alice's sorting skills and Henry's strong, calloused fingers, from his years of assembling LEGO pieces together. In 2023, they added the following new favorites to their collection: The Eiffel Tower, Pacman, Nintendo SuperMario Bros, and The Grand Piano. Click on the link above to see some of the kits "in action."
Our annual tradition. Henry & Alice love to bowl in style. This year, box seats and "Tchaikovsky with Fireworks" with the LA Philharmonic.
GRANDCHILDREN. Nope, just dog-sitting Zoro (left), our Grand-pup. Moose "tolerates" Zoro and they get along well, until Zoro gets his "zoomies" after breakfast and after dinner. They are starting to really get along now. 
NAPA, GETAWAY RETREAT
In October, Henry and Alice flew to Sacramento, rented a Tesla via TURO.com, experienced "range anxiety" with the Tesla, but had a wonderful 3-night break in Napa, CA. With Henry working two full-time jobs, he felt the need to getaway and take a much needed, but short vacation. Lucky for Alice.
After the facade renovation, Henry began Phase 2: Roofing, painting, facia repair, decking, and parking lot repair. We are extremely grateful to Taylor Swift for helping the greater LA County economy. I'm a Taylor Swift fan now. We had record-breaking, figuratively-speaking, week of revenues, thanks to all the Swifties taking over Socal during the 6-concert event.
THANKSGIVING/FRIENDSGIVING
Henry and Alice deep-fried 3 turkeys this year: One for the church potluck, one for the Friendsgiving thursday dinner, and one for the "gi-normous" Liao/Yeh family thanksgiving reunion luncheon. Alice and Henry hosted over 50 family members and guests.
Monday, December 12, 2022
2022 Year in Review
WORK & WORK: Henry is still trying to balance 2 full-time jobs: His insurance practice at New Century Insurance Services and the Comfort Inn Santa Monica. In February, a small fire caused by chain-smoking guests on the 2nd floor balcony. The fire occurred just weeks before the long-planned motel façade renovation. In addition to the fire and renovation, there were major staffing changes and challenges.
FAMILY: Henry & Alice celebrated their 30th Anniversary. They spent time eating at new restaurants, enjoyed several concerts (opening night Hollywood Bowl, Ricky Martin and Chris Tomlin.) Ryan finishes strong from CSU Long Beach and ready to get a full-time job, hopefully here in Socal.
This year, Zoro, Erin & Gus' big puppy, came into our lives. At first, Moose was irritated by the rambunctious puppy, but has learned to tolerate him. Erin & Gus move to rental house in WLA, about 5-10 min from Henry & Alice. They come over all the time (often w Zoro.) No, no kids yet (don't ask.) Ryan and Dana celebrated their 1-yr anniversary as a couple. Dana comes over often too. It's great to have family over all the time. In March/April, the Schillaci''s were in town and we had a nice get-together with Gus' lovely parents and grandparents. Erin's career as an OT (occupational therapist) is steady and very flexible. Gus' started his 2nd year in PWC's special M&A division and is doing well. Erin and Gus taught Henry and Ryan how to play pickle-ball (the newest sports craze.)
TRIPS & HIGHLIGHTS: Every year, Henry & Alice try to plan a family trip together. In March, the family went to Yosemite. It was their first time in the (late) winter and it snowed! It was beautiful, yet not too cold. In May, Henry & Alice went to Las Vegas for the annual Choice Hotels convention. During the trip, they celebrated Henry's big bday with John Legend. In 2022, Alice stayed in Norcal to visit Auntie Poon. Alice is a wonderful caregiver. While she was up north, Erin & Ryan worried about Henry, but it appears that he survived those 4-7 day without Alice.
Overall, the family is healthy (no covid) and they count their blessings daily, not taking anything for granted. Praise God, Praise the Lord, for He is good.
Monday, December 20, 2021
2021 and 2020 Year in Review
I skipped my 2020 Year In Review. Here's recap of major events of 2020. Posting on this blog helps me to remember the key events of each year, and reminds me to count my blessings and be content.
In 2021 Alice and Henry continued to collect and build complex LEGO sets. It is Henry's way to unwind and relax in the evenings. Alice does all the sorting and preparation of pieces; Henry assembles. You should see the calluses on his hands now. So burly! Alice enjoys finding and sorting; Henry enjoys building. What a great team! Their favorites this year was the Liebherr 9000 excavator with 6 motors and the Star Wars AT-AT.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Phil.4:11-13
KITTY LAU went to be with the Lord. When her cancer came back in late 2019, she fought bravely and courageously. She stayed with Henry and Alice so that they can care for her, and be close to her. Then in February 2020, as a critical care nurse, she knew that she needed to be hospitalized. The day before she passed, she bravely said her goodbyes to all her fellow doctors and nurses at Providence St. John's in Santa Monica. Close church friends and family friends came by to say their farewells. She was ready to meet to Jesus, and the Lord took her quickly and painlessly. She passed from this life to the next on Valentine's Day 2020.
ERIN GRADUATED, SJSU O.T. (Masters.) In May, Erin officially graduated from the OT (occupational therapy) program with San Jose State. It was an online graduation ceremony. We are so proud of her. She passed her State Board exams and starting working. She does in-home patient visits, working with the elderly.
SANTA MONICA BLM RIOTS. During the May 31st Santa Monica riot, a looter and 2 accomplices (lookout & driver) broke into our motel's housekeeping break-room. Fortunately, there was nothing worth taking (do you want a mattress or pillows?) It was a $1,500 glass door repair bill. The amazing story is that one of our guests was a handyman who helped us board up the door. He was truly a god-send. In those troubled days, there was both the ugliness and kindness of humanity. Well, it's only a nuisance fix. At least no one was hurt nor injured.
ERIN TING MARRIES GUS SCHILLACI. Erin and Gus planned to get married in June 2020 and have a small banquet and celebration with close family and friends. But the County continued to forbid gatherings. The pandemic seemed to be here to stay for a while. . Instead, they got married at the OC Courthouse and came back to our Santa Monica house for private dinner, organized by cousin Phillip Lin. More about the banquet and food later. Let's not take away from Erin and Gus' wedding day. It was a sweet and intimate celebration with the Schillaci and Ting-Lau family, + groomsman & bridesmaid.
KEE-LAN KAO LAU TURNS 99. I am glad that Ma was able to see her granddaughter get married. We were able to have a Zoom birthday party for her and her family from Norcal, San Diego, and Midtown Los Angeles. Caregiving for mom was not easy (this is a major understatement.) She fell several times when Alice was not around, so we decided to find another caregiver. Then we found Yulan from China, a referral from Mrs. Kong ("Kong-mama".) She was perfect for mom. Together with Marife, we were able to provide 24/7 help. They both took loving care of mom. Praise God. Due to the pandemic, Alice (85%), Henry (10%), Ryan (5%) would drive Marife to and from mom's house to Van Nuys 5 days/week, because we did not want Marife to take the public bus.
PANDEMIC HOBBIES. We purchased a badminton set, ping pong table-top topper (over dining room table) and a billiard/pool table for the covered patio/lanai. We played board games and Henry & Alice started building LEGO sets - Henry's new obsession.
SAFE DURING THE PANDEMIC. Henry has kept employees, staff and customers safe from Covid at the Comfort Inn Santa Monica, implementing the latest and most effective safety procedures and protocols. He used all available resources from his commercial insurance practice. He tries to balance both full-time jobs, taking care of his insurance clients, while working from the motel office. Yet, he loves not needing to commute to Alhambra as often anymore (2-3x per month.) This may change as the partners want employees to return to the office after the major office renovation at New Century's Alhambra office is completed.
Attending Henry's niece's wedding in Louisville, KY was a great excuse to visit Chicago, Zionsville and Carmel, IN and to meet Gus' family. Henry & Alice looked forward to all the food and attractions that the midwest had to offer. In Chicago, they ate all the "must-try" Chicago fare (hot dogs, deep dish pizza, beef sandwich) as well as amazing Italian & steak restaurants. They visited two jazz clubs, visited museums and walked the parks. In Zionsville, IN, they met their in-laws, Jim and Adelyn and saw their beautiful house and town, where Gus grew up. They met and loved Gus' grandparents, Dixe and Ken and had a great time together. After one night in Carmel, they were off to Louisville. Josephine (niece) and Adam Gilbert had a beautiful outdoor wedding and banquet. Henry got to meet his "grandnephews." Wow, Henry sounds old now. It was nice catching up with cousins Hong, his wife Helen, niece Jessica, her husband Nate and their boys. So cute.
2020
SANTA MONICA BLM RIOTS. During the May 31st Santa Monica riot, a looter and 2 accomplices (lookout & driver) broke into our motel's housekeeping break-room. Fortunately, there was nothing worth taking (do you want a mattress or pillows?) It was a $1,500 glass door repair bill. The amazing story is that one of our guests was a handyman who helped us board up the door. He was truly a god-send. In those troubled days, there was both the ugliness and kindness of humanity. Well, it's only a nuisance fix. At least no one was hurt nor injured.
WEDDING BANQUET. This section deserves its own section. Well, the bad news is that we were still in a pandemic. The good news is that my cousin Phillip was able to have chef Jonathan Kim and assistant chef, Justin Valdez prepare and cook for us a Michelin-Star worthy dinner. May I say that it was one of the best meals that I've EVER HAD (period!) Please enjoy the drool-worthy pictures of the private wedding banquet and food. Pictures of the banquet food (click here.)
RYAN ATTENDS CSULB. Ryan transferred to CalState Long Beach's hospitality program. He had to commute to some classes, as some were food prep labs that required in-person learning. He hopes to graduate in Summer/Fall 2022. During the summer and Sundays during the school year, he works the front desk of the Comfort Inn.
KEE-LAN KAO LAU TURNS 99. I am glad that Ma was able to see her granddaughter get married. We were able to have a Zoom birthday party for her and her family from Norcal, San Diego, and Midtown Los Angeles. Caregiving for mom was not easy (this is a major understatement.) She fell several times when Alice was not around, so we decided to find another caregiver. Then we found Yulan from China, a referral from Mrs. Kong ("Kong-mama".) She was perfect for mom. Together with Marife, we were able to provide 24/7 help. They both took loving care of mom. Praise God. Due to the pandemic, Alice (85%), Henry (10%), Ryan (5%) would drive Marife to and from mom's house to Van Nuys 5 days/week, because we did not want Marife to take the public bus. KEE-LAN KAO LAU went to be with the Lord, October 8, 2020. At age 99, she died of natural causes. Mom was also a woman of faith: Many would hear say or hear her praying to God to "take me quickly" in English or Chinese. God was merciful and Mom went peacefully to the Lord. Alice & Henry were with her when she passed. She was finally at rest and in God's perfect peace.
THREE FUNERALS IN 13 MONTHS. It has been a difficult few years for Alice and Henry. They had to bear the loss of Henry's father, Elder Charles Ting who passed in Sept 2019, Alice's sister Kitty in Feb 2020, and then Alice's mom in Oct.2020. At first, I questioned why God would take Kitty first, and not Mom. But over time, they saw God's perfect plan. Still, it was very difficult losing Kitty. Henry & Alice prayed God could've given her more time to be with us. Yet, a few extra years, even a decade or two more, is nothing compared to goal of living in eternity in heaven with God and Christ.
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phil.1:21(NIV)
2021
CHICAGO, Zionsville, IN, Louisville, KY
5 days into their trip and they had yet see to any cicadas. Then on the last day, they saw, heard and touched cicadas; a small swarm of cicadas. Now their trip was complete. Hey, these type of cicadas, Brood X, only come out once every 17 years! It was cool. I hear there are good recipes for cicadas (haha.)
LEGO
MAUI
Like every other family, our family went to Hawaii (it seems like every one is/was flying there during the pandemic!) It's funny, one of the mayors (Maui?) asked people to stay away as they couldn't handle any more tourists. LOL. We had a great time.
MISC HIGHLIGHTS
New for 2021 includes getting to know and appreciate Ryan's girlfriend Dana, going to Dodgers games, enjoy fine tailgating wining & dining at the Hollywood Bowl, going to the bay area for Erica (Tien) & Riley's wedding, as well as Henry & Alice long awaited trip to Disneyland and riding the amazing Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. We hooked up with Marjorie who works in Frontierland! We had a quick trip down to San Diego and enjoyed the short but immersive VanGogh exhibit in Hollywood.
FORWARD TO 2022
Henry was glad that the motel façade renovation at the motel was finally approved by the City. He is currently getting bids from a very short list of general contractors. Groundbreaking should begin the end of February 2022, immediately after the Super Bowl and Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club. Henry's father, Elder Charles Ting, started the renovation design 4-5 years ago. Now Henry gets to see the project come to fruition.
Thank you to anyone who actually perused and visited my blogspot. ✋ High Five!
Monday, January 6, 2020
2019 Year in Review
I don't know how many people actually visit and read my blogspot. But for me, it's a way to reflect on this past year 2019, and remember/recall the highlights as well as monumental life moments:
CHARLES TING (June 12, 1933 to Sept 19, 2019)
Video Tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGVCX048oDE
Dad passed away in my arms as we were trying to rush him to hosptial (low oxygen levels.) His heart stopped and he went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning 9/19/2019. My father was mistreated and we begged him to move in with us, but he stayed with his wife till the end. Dealing with his wife ("she who must not be named") reared her true nature upon my father's illness. Dealing with her was worse than the actual passing of my father and mother. A real tragedy. May my father's life be an example to others to choose wisely and get to really know a person and their true motives before you get married. Yet, this chapter of my life is not over: I must pay monthly financial support to her for the rest of my life, or her life, or till she is gainfully employed or remarried (ha! how likely will that happen?) Will anyone ever read my blogspot. Message me if you do.
ERIN TING Got Engaged. Gus proposed to Erin in June. They plan to get married after Erin finishes her master study program in June 2020. She hopes to be place into a good OT (occupational therapy) program in the Los Angeles area right after their wedding. Gus and Erin plan to live in the LA area. Gus will be a CPA and currently works for PWC (Price Waterhouse Cooper), a top public accounting firm. Forewarning: The wedding venue only seats 270. The Ting and Liao family alone comprises of 105 peoples. There is no way we can accommodate all our friends, my New Century coworkers, our Generations Church LA and Westside Fellowship family, friends and coworkers, and Comfort Inn Santa Monica managers. Sorry.
RYAN TING worked at the Comfort Inn Santa Monica during the past two summers and has chosen to pursue a degree in Hospitality. He is applying to various colleges and universities that offer a degree in hospitality management, with emphasis on the hotel/motel management. He is growing in maturity and compassion and has been very helpful and supportive of Alice as she cares for her mother and sister. He has no girlfriend yet. He says that he is picky and is waiting to get his life together before he gets serious with anyone. Wise decision.
ALICE TING, Caregiver & Wifee.
Alice is the primary caregiver to both her 98 y.o. mother and Kitty, her older sister. Mrs Kee Lan Lau will turn 99 this year. Amazing. However, Kitty has stage 4 cancer and has stopped all chemotherapy (not working.) She is now living in our home and undergoing experimental immunotherapy treatment. We pray that God will give her more years of quality life with us. Whereas our prayer for Alice's mom is that God take her quickly, painlessly and merciful when God calls her to return home. We are always worried about her falling and hurting herself, but she refuses to accept any outside help, and will definitely NOT GO to an assisted care facility or nursing home (that'll never happen!) 2019 was a tough year. 2020 could be even tougher.
Family Vacation Trip to Vancouver B.C. (our only trip) in October 2019. After the passing of my father, we just had to getaway and take a family vacation together. Erin flew up from San Jose and Ryan from San Diego for the weekend. Alice and I flew in and flew out a few extra days earlier and later. It was a great trip. I'm thankful that Erin and Ryan still enjoy traveling and vacationing with us. Next year, it'll be family trips with Mr. Gus Schillaci and Mrs. Erin Ting Schillaci.
HENRY TING MULTI-TASKING
As if Henry wasn't busy enough already, now he took on new responsibilities to watch over the family business. He has several ongoing responsibilities:
Something's gotta give. I guess this blogspot helps me to vent; to re-think; and express and address my worries and life challenges.
Above all, I am still grateful to God for keeping me alive (from 9/30/2008 accident) and financial blessings above and beyond my earnings at New Century Insurance Services. I am grateful to Alice for being so supportive during my father's illness and death, and especially in dealing with my father's ex-wife/widow. Maybe I need real therapy to overcome the mental/emotional trauma that she inflicted on me, and I upon her (the truth.)
Thanks for reading my blogspot. Now back to work... Happy new year/Happy new decade everyone.
CHARLES TING (June 12, 1933 to Sept 19, 2019)
Video Tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGVCX048oDE
Dad passed away in my arms as we were trying to rush him to hosptial (low oxygen levels.) His heart stopped and he went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning 9/19/2019. My father was mistreated and we begged him to move in with us, but he stayed with his wife till the end. Dealing with his wife ("she who must not be named") reared her true nature upon my father's illness. Dealing with her was worse than the actual passing of my father and mother. A real tragedy. May my father's life be an example to others to choose wisely and get to really know a person and their true motives before you get married. Yet, this chapter of my life is not over: I must pay monthly financial support to her for the rest of my life, or her life, or till she is gainfully employed or remarried (ha! how likely will that happen?) Will anyone ever read my blogspot. Message me if you do.
ERIN TING Got Engaged. Gus proposed to Erin in June. They plan to get married after Erin finishes her master study program in June 2020. She hopes to be place into a good OT (occupational therapy) program in the Los Angeles area right after their wedding. Gus and Erin plan to live in the LA area. Gus will be a CPA and currently works for PWC (Price Waterhouse Cooper), a top public accounting firm. Forewarning: The wedding venue only seats 270. The Ting and Liao family alone comprises of 105 peoples. There is no way we can accommodate all our friends, my New Century coworkers, our Generations Church LA and Westside Fellowship family, friends and coworkers, and Comfort Inn Santa Monica managers. Sorry.
RYAN TING worked at the Comfort Inn Santa Monica during the past two summers and has chosen to pursue a degree in Hospitality. He is applying to various colleges and universities that offer a degree in hospitality management, with emphasis on the hotel/motel management. He is growing in maturity and compassion and has been very helpful and supportive of Alice as she cares for her mother and sister. He has no girlfriend yet. He says that he is picky and is waiting to get his life together before he gets serious with anyone. Wise decision.
ALICE TING, Caregiver & Wifee.
Alice is the primary caregiver to both her 98 y.o. mother and Kitty, her older sister. Mrs Kee Lan Lau will turn 99 this year. Amazing. However, Kitty has stage 4 cancer and has stopped all chemotherapy (not working.) She is now living in our home and undergoing experimental immunotherapy treatment. We pray that God will give her more years of quality life with us. Whereas our prayer for Alice's mom is that God take her quickly, painlessly and merciful when God calls her to return home. We are always worried about her falling and hurting herself, but she refuses to accept any outside help, and will definitely NOT GO to an assisted care facility or nursing home (that'll never happen!) 2019 was a tough year. 2020 could be even tougher.
Family Vacation Trip to Vancouver B.C. (our only trip) in October 2019. After the passing of my father, we just had to getaway and take a family vacation together. Erin flew up from San Jose and Ryan from San Diego for the weekend. Alice and I flew in and flew out a few extra days earlier and later. It was a great trip. I'm thankful that Erin and Ryan still enjoy traveling and vacationing with us. Next year, it'll be family trips with Mr. Gus Schillaci and Mrs. Erin Ting Schillaci.
HENRY TING MULTI-TASKING
As if Henry wasn't busy enough already, now he took on new responsibilities to watch over the family business. He has several ongoing responsibilities:
- VP of New Century Insurance Services
- Managing General Partner of the Comfort Inn Santa Monica
- Chairperson of Generations Church LA without a Lead Pastor (Pastoral Search Committee member)
- Trustee and Director of Ting Taiwan Missions Foundation
Something's gotta give. I guess this blogspot helps me to vent; to re-think; and express and address my worries and life challenges.
Above all, I am still grateful to God for keeping me alive (from 9/30/2008 accident) and financial blessings above and beyond my earnings at New Century Insurance Services. I am grateful to Alice for being so supportive during my father's illness and death, and especially in dealing with my father's ex-wife/widow. Maybe I need real therapy to overcome the mental/emotional trauma that she inflicted on me, and I upon her (the truth.)
Thanks for reading my blogspot. Now back to work... Happy new year/Happy new decade everyone.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
2018 Year in Review
2018 Year in Review
Thanks to iPhotos and Google Photos, it's easy to look back at the year through pictures and quickly point out some highlights and milestones:
Henry & Alice
Erin
Ryan
Thanks to iPhotos and Google Photos, it's easy to look back at the year through pictures and quickly point out some highlights and milestones:
Henry & Alice
- Washington DC Trip (during March for Our Lives Rally)
- David Crowder concert
- Generations Church's 2nd Anniversary & fully independent (financially) w/Council
- Lake Crescent Lodge, Washington
- Hollywood Bowl
- San Jose, San Francisco, Carmel By The Sea road trip with Erin & Ryan
- Dear Evan Hansen broadway musical @Ahmanson in DTLA.
- Empty nesters, late August
- Kee-Lan Lau turned 97 y.o.
- Best recipes of 2018
- Grand Marnier souffle'
- Spicy Honey Garlic chicken
- Oxtail using Instant Pot
- Baked Cauliflower w/cheese
- Rack of lamb
- Broccolini w/ roasted garlic
- New Century 30th Anniversary
- Dad's cancer
- Exercise & Dieting (riding & golf)
- 22 Innings World Series Dodgers vs Red Sox game
- Chairperson of Generations Church LA
- Henry's fishing trip incl pod of killer whales! Spicy tuna hand rolls.
- Motorsports: Buttonwillow racetrack and BMW M-Track Days
Erin
- Iceland Trip
- Hosted friends from Sweden & New Zealand
- Internship, volunteering, shadowing & senior care caregiver
- OT School: USC vs SJSU. Erin chose San Jose State Univ.
- Erin & Gus celebrated 4yr anniversary (since Shanghai)
Ryan
- New Honda Civic
- Moved out of campus apartments to a shared 3 bedroom house with 4 other housemates
- Worked at the Comfort Inn Santa Monica during winter and summer 2018. Unknown major.
- Hard Summer Concert
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