a life less complicated

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

-Elizabeth Stone

It's a quote I heard from Mass this past Sunday. With fatherhood coming any moment now, I've been in reflection mode a bit. Trying to squeeze more meaning out of everything that has lead to this anxious feeling I have in meeting "my heart" outside my body.

If there's something I've learned... it's that Love is a Decision. Not something you fall into, not something that happens by chance. But rather something that you decide every moment to live. So just like Gracee and I decided to love one another all the days of our lives, we are again deciding to live that love in having a child.

I've learned that love really is a simple thing. Just decide. Every moment.

With my baby girl on the way, it'll make my life even simpler. She'll be my beautiful reminder of my decision. Every moment.

user, abuser

Current Addictions

1. Fuzzle
2. Lucas Marley Lai
3. Gears of War 2 (especially with friends!)
4. cooking
5. Copeland - You Are My Sunshine
6. hoping for consistent intensity from The Toronto Raptors
7. Black Milk Tea with Tapoica
8. Heroes
9. HD television

Addictions Just Broken

1. Stroller Shopping
2. making the home wireless network flawless
3. cleaning up wires behind the entertainment centre
4. Assembling "Some Assembly Required" Furniture from Ikea
5. Beyonce - "Single Ladies" (don't ask)

Predicted Addictions

1. smell kissing my daughter
2. the need for sleep
3. just the three of us time
4. Blu-Ray Movies

slow ride, take it easy

I've been looking for a new set of wheels.

Just like any other major purchase, I'm doing my research, I'm checking it out in the showroom, taking it out for a test drive and asking the dealer all the right questions.

Because I know who'll be riding in it, I think I'm a lot more meticulous about these wheels as opposed to the car I drive now.

ADDENDUM: The deal is done! Found our perfect ride!

message in a baby

"Every baby born, is God's message to the world that He hasn't given up on humanity."

Welcome to the world, Lucas Marley Lai. My brand new nephew. As i write this, he's just over a week old. He's been helping me get over my aching heart of having to be apart from my fiancee. He poops, cries, sleeps and then does it all over again. But somehow, Lucas being Lucas is more than enough to put a smile on my face.

Thank You Lord, for the daily reminders that life, despite it's challenges, is full of poop hope.

P.S. Happy Birthday Ray Mina

P.P.S. Congrats to Ryan & Marianne Mina, brand new parents to Lucas Jacob Mina as of today.

P.P.P.S. I miss you Gracee.

not an island

i can't say i have it all figured out. but what i do know, is that i'm exactly where i need to be, with the right people surrounding me, and that i'm lucky enough to already know that she is crazy enough to love me beyond any measure.

with our wedding day now set, i'm realizing with much gravity, that on that day... my life will completely change (for the better). the next phase of my life is happening, and although in my head i still wonder if i'm really ready or even worthy for all of this... i'm reminded i'm in the right place at the right time. Through the encouragement of my friends. Through the support of my family. Through the unshakable peace I have when i pray. And through everything my life partner has shown me just by being her.

although my self-doubt, and worry to provide the best for another tells me, I am not ready; i know that WE are ready. thank God i'm not island.