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| Image by Gerald So |
I've dressed my avatar for the occasion. Note the curl, bit of cape, and eyes heating up.
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Superman Day
Posted 4:00 PM by Gerald So
For the second year in a row, DC Comics is celebrating Superman today, the anniversary of Action Comics #1 in 1938.
I've dressed my avatar for the occasion. Note the curl, bit of cape, and eyes heating up.
I've dressed my avatar for the occasion. Note the curl, bit of cape, and eyes heating up.
Thursday, January 01, 2026
Resolutions, from a Certain Point of View
Posted 3:00 AM by Gerald So
"Luke, you will find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."
I've been against new year's resolutions a long time, a long time, thinking I had to stick with a resolution the whole year or I failed. Yesterday I realized a new year's resolution can merely be one made at the start of a year, not taking a full year to do.
"Luke, you will find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."
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| Image by Gerald So |
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Here Comes Santa Pause
Posted 4:30 AM by Gerald So
Five days till Christmas and I don't know where my brother and I will spend it. The usual cousin who wrangles our schedules is just back from the Philippines. My brother cantors at several Masses between Christmas Eve and Day. That leaves us available for a short drive to another cousin's in Syosset, but he may be spending Christmas in Florida with his parents.
Anyway, the festive chaos is why I'm reposting a photo of my Christmas tree from years ago. My family may not get together, but we always are in spirit. Probably the biggest part of enjoying the holidays is letting yourself relax, put aside the outside world. If I can do that, I don't think I'll need to do it long. Just a moment to appreciate life is enough.
Anyway, the festive chaos is why I'm reposting a photo of my Christmas tree from years ago. My family may not get together, but we always are in spirit. Probably the biggest part of enjoying the holidays is letting yourself relax, put aside the outside world. If I can do that, I don't think I'll need to do it long. Just a moment to appreciate life is enough.
Friday, November 21, 2025
'Twas the week before Thanksgiving
Posted 6:00 AM by Gerald So
My extended family is abroad the next two weeks, so my brother and I are thinking of a low-key Thanksgiving possibly featuring Dave's Hot Chicken. Yesterday, though, he went to the office, where there was a spread of Thanksgiving vittles, and brought home chicken, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and a slice of apple pie, all of which would gone to waste because there would be no one in the office today.
I'm grateful for the unexpected feast, so far the highlight of this year's Thanksgiving.
My extended family is abroad the next two weeks, so my brother and I are thinking of a low-key Thanksgiving possibly featuring Dave's Hot Chicken. Yesterday, though, he went to the office, where there was a spread of Thanksgiving vittles, and brought home chicken, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and a slice of apple pie, all of which would gone to waste because there would be no one in the office today.
I'm grateful for the unexpected feast, so far the highlight of this year's Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Squeezing In
Posted 2:30 AM by Gerald So
Thirty years ago, I was a junior at Hofstra and went to a meeting about starting a student literary magazine. Six people who joined the staff with me have been my best friends since then. Four of us are still in New York.
In recent years we've managed to get together at Dinosaur BBQ in Brooklyn the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Determined to beat the holidays, I suggested we have dinner two nights ago.
Andrew suggested Luana's Tavern. He and Deshant had the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. John and I had the Tavern Burger.
Thirty years ago, I was a junior at Hofstra and went to a meeting about starting a student literary magazine. Six people who joined the staff with me have been my best friends since then. Four of us are still in New York.
In recent years we've managed to get together at Dinosaur BBQ in Brooklyn the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Determined to beat the holidays, I suggested we have dinner two nights ago.
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| L to R: Andrew Carbone, Deshant Paúl, John Ricotta, Gerald So |
Andrew suggested Luana's Tavern. He and Deshant had the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. John and I had the Tavern Burger.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Mother's Day
Posted 11:00 AM by Gerald So
This is the first Mother's Day since my mom passed. As I posted last week on the anniversary of my dad's passing, the occasion is more a happy reminder than a sad one. My father seldom praised me or told me he loved me, but I knew he did. My mother often said she loved me, calling me "beloved son," but she was also as tough as I can imagine anyone, motivating me by saying, "Do your best" and "It's up to you."
I realized early enough to tell them, they were the ideal parenting balance for me. My mother also said she'd keep looking out for me even after death. I take comfort in that today. You can't ask for more.
This is the first Mother's Day since my mom passed. As I posted last week on the anniversary of my dad's passing, the occasion is more a happy reminder than a sad one. My father seldom praised me or told me he loved me, but I knew he did. My mother often said she loved me, calling me "beloved son," but she was also as tough as I can imagine anyone, motivating me by saying, "Do your best" and "It's up to you."
I realized early enough to tell them, they were the ideal parenting balance for me. My mother also said she'd keep looking out for me even after death. I take comfort in that today. You can't ask for more.
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Posted 3:00 AM by Gerald So
March 31 our Internet connection went out while landscapers were felling dead trees. The cable had gone up a tree and across the street for years, since our neighborhood last repaved the street. Internet was restored that afternoon but became spotty until, two days ago, the cable was properly routed underground.
Nevertheless, THE FIVE-TWO relaunched April 7 and is open to submissions year-round.
The week before Easter is especially busy for my brother, cantor at our church, singing at Masses and services Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The timing meant we couldn't join extended family in New Jersey for Easter lunch, but we had a quiet one ourselves, a Mediterranean platter of falafel, kibbeh, and dolmas, and a carrot cake for dessert.
If you follow me on Bluesky, you've seen my developing Inkscape skills. I've made a vector avator I'm happy with:
Next I'm working on a vector of myself in a bunny costume. I have time. The Easter season is fifty days.
March 31 our Internet connection went out while landscapers were felling dead trees. The cable had gone up a tree and across the street for years, since our neighborhood last repaved the street. Internet was restored that afternoon but became spotty until, two days ago, the cable was properly routed underground.
Nevertheless, THE FIVE-TWO relaunched April 7 and is open to submissions year-round.
The week before Easter is especially busy for my brother, cantor at our church, singing at Masses and services Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The timing meant we couldn't join extended family in New Jersey for Easter lunch, but we had a quiet one ourselves, a Mediterranean platter of falafel, kibbeh, and dolmas, and a carrot cake for dessert.
If you follow me on Bluesky, you've seen my developing Inkscape skills. I've made a vector avator I'm happy with:
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| Image by Gerald So |
Next I'm working on a vector of myself in a bunny costume. I have time. The Easter season is fifty days.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Ending, Beginning, and Going On
Posted 2:00 AM by Gerald So
I've never dwelled on occasions like New Year's Eve. They're special to me mainly because they don't linger. I thought I'd mark today on the blog, though, as I've just finished the most important notifications of my mother's passing.
I always consider she could've died from pneumonia three years ago when she refused going to the hospital or two years ago when she willingly went to the hospital. We had three years extra time and we made the most of it.
I don't mention my spiritual beliefs much because I can't prove them—And who am I to say anyone should believe what I do?—but I believe my mother's spirit has passed on to something we can't see, describe, detect, or prove from here. Indeed I believe it only because I have faith. My mother had faith that she would be seen through every uncertain moment in life. Looking on, I'd say she was.
In the days since her passing, I've prayed to her and to my father. I expect I will the rest of my life, however long it is. Wrapping up this post, may we all have time ahead and make the most of it.
I've never dwelled on occasions like New Year's Eve. They're special to me mainly because they don't linger. I thought I'd mark today on the blog, though, as I've just finished the most important notifications of my mother's passing.
I always consider she could've died from pneumonia three years ago when she refused going to the hospital or two years ago when she willingly went to the hospital. We had three years extra time and we made the most of it.
I don't mention my spiritual beliefs much because I can't prove them—And who am I to say anyone should believe what I do?—but I believe my mother's spirit has passed on to something we can't see, describe, detect, or prove from here. Indeed I believe it only because I have faith. My mother had faith that she would be seen through every uncertain moment in life. Looking on, I'd say she was.
In the days since her passing, I've prayed to her and to my father. I expect I will the rest of my life, however long it is. Wrapping up this post, may we all have time ahead and make the most of it.
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Christmas Pre-Game
Posted 2:00 AM by Gerald So
This Christmas three weeks after my mother's passing, you'll understand I don't exactly feel merry. I'm glad she's no longer suffering from diabetes, heart, and lung issues. I'm glad to no longer worry about when exactly she would pass.
I haven't been able to get into the Christmas spirit this year, but what I will do is attend the family gathering in Syosset, be there for everyone else, and comfort them as they comfort me.
I wish you the best for the holidays and new year.
This Christmas three weeks after my mother's passing, you'll understand I don't exactly feel merry. I'm glad she's no longer suffering from diabetes, heart, and lung issues. I'm glad to no longer worry about when exactly she would pass.
I haven't been able to get into the Christmas spirit this year, but what I will do is attend the family gathering in Syosset, be there for everyone else, and comfort them as they comfort me.
I wish you the best for the holidays and new year.
Sunday, November 24, 2024
S.O.B.
Posted 3:00 AM by Gerald So
Appropriately, the medical abbreviation for shortness of breath is the social abbreviation for son of a bitch. Almost two years after my mother, then eighty-nine, developed pneumonia with complicated pleural effusion, spending a week in the hospital and two weeks at a sloppy rehab facility, shortness of breath at a checkup Tuesday led her to a four-night hospital stay.
Her life wasn't as in danger this time, but her right lung proved to be trapped, so though a January 2023 pleural tap relieved her, the doctors advised against a second. Instead, they inserted a catheter to self-drain the fluid in smaller amounts, first once daily, then two or three times a week.
Since the pneumonia, she's acquired an oxygen concentrator, tanks, a cane, a walker, a wheelchair, and recently hired a caregiver, all of which allowed her to be discharged today to home care. The catheter is a palliative measure. Leaky valves have left her heart too weak to prevent the fluid buildup.
It was a small miracle she recovered from pneumonia two years ago during Advent. Now to have her life prolonged just before Thanksgiving, I'm surely thankful.
Appropriately, the medical abbreviation for shortness of breath is the social abbreviation for son of a bitch. Almost two years after my mother, then eighty-nine, developed pneumonia with complicated pleural effusion, spending a week in the hospital and two weeks at a sloppy rehab facility, shortness of breath at a checkup Tuesday led her to a four-night hospital stay.
Her life wasn't as in danger this time, but her right lung proved to be trapped, so though a January 2023 pleural tap relieved her, the doctors advised against a second. Instead, they inserted a catheter to self-drain the fluid in smaller amounts, first once daily, then two or three times a week.
Since the pneumonia, she's acquired an oxygen concentrator, tanks, a cane, a walker, a wheelchair, and recently hired a caregiver, all of which allowed her to be discharged today to home care. The catheter is a palliative measure. Leaky valves have left her heart too weak to prevent the fluid buildup.
It was a small miracle she recovered from pneumonia two years ago during Advent. Now to have her life prolonged just before Thanksgiving, I'm surely thankful.
Friday, November 01, 2024
Trick Nor Treat
Posted 10:30 AM by Gerald So
We don't usually get trick-or-treaters. The one year we did in the last decade, we were embarrassingly unprepared and have had something on hand since then, just in case. This year, snack packs of Pringles potato crisps with Halloween foil tops: mummy, werewolf, pirate, etc.
We don't usually get trick-or-treaters. The one year we did in the last decade, we were embarrassingly unprepared and have had something on hand since then, just in case. This year, snack packs of Pringles potato crisps with Halloween foil tops: mummy, werewolf, pirate, etc.
Saturday, November 25, 2023
I Wanna Stop and Thank You
© by Gerald So | 8:00 AM
My mother, brother, and I had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving. I air-fried turkey burgers and topped them with cranberry sauce and provolone cheese for lunch.
The next morning I caught myself seeking Black Friday deals, craving a day of rest, and took just one deal, on FRASIER: THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD set.
Thank you for another year reading my blog.
My mother, brother, and I had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving. I air-fried turkey burgers and topped them with cranberry sauce and provolone cheese for lunch.
The next morning I caught myself seeking Black Friday deals, craving a day of rest, and took just one deal, on FRASIER: THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD set.
Thank you for another year reading my blog.
Sunday, January 01, 2023
What's New?
© by Gerald So | 3:00 AM
Because I don't party on New Year's Eve, I can spend the wee hours of New Year's Day soberly reflecting on what new means. This year starts during an old week. As much as I may want to be physically fresher, I'm not. As corny as it sounds, making the most of a new year is about keeping an open mind, able to approach familiar obstacles in new ways, or at least to continue an approach that makes progress in the long run.
Because I don't party on New Year's Eve, I can spend the wee hours of New Year's Day soberly reflecting on what new means. This year starts during an old week. As much as I may want to be physically fresher, I'm not. As corny as it sounds, making the most of a new year is about keeping an open mind, able to approach familiar obstacles in new ways, or at least to continue an approach that makes progress in the long run.
Sunday, December 04, 2022
All I Want for Christmas
© by Gerald So | 4:00 AM
About this time last week, my 89-year-old mother, a retired pediatric surgeon, developed shortness of breath, much like she had nine months ago. Unlike then, as the week progressed, she grew more certain she should see a pulmonologist. One she had seen in 1997 was booked through February 2023, so on Thursday she decided to go to the emergency room at St. Francis Hospital, Roslyn. I checked her in and stayed as tests confirmed she had bilateral pneumonia with complicated pleural effusion. She was put on two IV antibiotics and a BPAP machine to help her breathe.
Visiting yesterday, I saw she was off the BPAP. Her ER nurse said she was doing well without it. A cardiologist and pulmonologist had seen her two hours before my visit, saying no surgery was necessary; her heart was good—jibing with her October 26 checkup—and the antibiotics would be sufficient to clear her lungs. She nentioned a nephrologist wanted to discuss an issue and she had given him my older brother's mobile number, but as of last night he hadn't called.
When my brother and I visited last night, she had been moved to a regular room, eaten lunch and dinner, and was relieved to know the root of her ailments.
I'm just glad her instinct was right this time. Relatives from New Jersey will visit her today. Here's hoping she continues to recover and is home for Christmas.
About this time last week, my 89-year-old mother, a retired pediatric surgeon, developed shortness of breath, much like she had nine months ago. Unlike then, as the week progressed, she grew more certain she should see a pulmonologist. One she had seen in 1997 was booked through February 2023, so on Thursday she decided to go to the emergency room at St. Francis Hospital, Roslyn. I checked her in and stayed as tests confirmed she had bilateral pneumonia with complicated pleural effusion. She was put on two IV antibiotics and a BPAP machine to help her breathe.
Visiting yesterday, I saw she was off the BPAP. Her ER nurse said she was doing well without it. A cardiologist and pulmonologist had seen her two hours before my visit, saying no surgery was necessary; her heart was good—jibing with her October 26 checkup—and the antibiotics would be sufficient to clear her lungs. She nentioned a nephrologist wanted to discuss an issue and she had given him my older brother's mobile number, but as of last night he hadn't called.
When my brother and I visited last night, she had been moved to a regular room, eaten lunch and dinner, and was relieved to know the root of her ailments.
I'm just glad her instinct was right this time. Relatives from New Jersey will visit her today. Here's hoping she continues to recover and is home for Christmas.
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Easter Nor'easter
© by Gerald So | 5:00 AM
I dislike wind, but I'm thankful we're not getting rain along with wind on Long Island today. After fearing for my mother's health during Lent, I'm thankful she's still with us. Despite her improvement, I'm aware she could pass anytime, just as she could've succumbed to any number of past ailments. No one can say precisely how long life will last. That nakes me all the more thankful for it.
I dislike wind, but I'm thankful we're not getting rain along with wind on Long Island today. After fearing for my mother's health during Lent, I'm thankful she's still with us. Despite her improvement, I'm aware she could pass anytime, just as she could've succumbed to any number of past ailments. No one can say precisely how long life will last. That nakes me all the more thankful for it.
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Omi-Christmas
© by Gerald So | 4:00 AM
The Omicron COVID surge last-minute canceled plans for our usual big family Christmas party. On the bright side, my brother was able to make a Costco run last week, and we will have pecan pie and cinnamon rolls for our small celebration. All the best to you for the holidays and new year.
The Omicron COVID surge last-minute canceled plans for our usual big family Christmas party. On the bright side, my brother was able to make a Costco run last week, and we will have pecan pie and cinnamon rolls for our small celebration. All the best to you for the holidays and new year.
Sunday, December 05, 2021
Thanksgiving
© by Gerald So | 7:30 AM
No big family gathering this year, but we did have two smaller ones, the first Thursday, the second Saturday, food provided by Boston Market. I hope yours was a good one. Thanks as always for popping by the blog.
No big family gathering this year, but we did have two smaller ones, the first Thursday, the second Saturday, food provided by Boston Market. I hope yours was a good one. Thanks as always for popping by the blog.
Friday, October 29, 2021
Happy Halloween
© by Gerald So | 4:00 AM
I'm not much for Halloween. I'd rather be myself than play anyone else. My favorite Halloween tradition? Changing the name of my blog.
I'm not much for Halloween. I'd rather be myself than play anyone else. My favorite Halloween tradition? Changing the name of my blog.
Sunday, April 04, 2021
Tomorrow
© by Gerald So | 10:00 AM
I know. Easter is today, but tomorrow is my appointment for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The forty days of Lent recall Christ's suffering, but the year of loss the world has suffered is fresh in my mind, and the vaccines are the key to ending that suffering, an Easter analogy I'll remember for life.
I know. Easter is today, but tomorrow is my appointment for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The forty days of Lent recall Christ's suffering, but the year of loss the world has suffered is fresh in my mind, and the vaccines are the key to ending that suffering, an Easter analogy I'll remember for life.
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Kettlebells
© by Gerald So | 4:00 AM
Intrigued by kettlebells for years, I bought my first one three weeks ago, a used, leather-covered, sand-filled, fifteen-pound Bionic Body. Complementing my nine months resistance band work, it has really improved my balance, strength, and endurance. During last week's snowstorm, I was able to do four rounds of shoveling, each followed by recovery exercise, and had minimal spasms the next day, none yesterday.
Part of my shoveling motivation was my second kettlebell, thirty-five pounds, the starting weight recommended to average men, was out for delivery from Rogue Fitness. Though I like the Bionic Body's soft properties, its heaviest model is forty pounds. Steel competition models meanwhile range higher in weight and maintain a standard shape and handle dimensions but cost about $25 more than cast iron traditional bells. I also considered a RitFit (Chinese) neoprene-covered bell, but for slightly less money, I was able to get the non-rubberized Rogue bell, part of a new Michigan-made line that goes up to 88 pounds, enough to match my progress for life. UPS delivered it by my garage, and I farmer's-walked it to my room.
On Christmas Eve, a 4-square foot, 3/8-inch thick recycled rubber mat is due to arrive to protect my workout space. I'm glad to have studied and met my fitness goals with the right kind and amount of equipment.
Intrigued by kettlebells for years, I bought my first one three weeks ago, a used, leather-covered, sand-filled, fifteen-pound Bionic Body. Complementing my nine months resistance band work, it has really improved my balance, strength, and endurance. During last week's snowstorm, I was able to do four rounds of shoveling, each followed by recovery exercise, and had minimal spasms the next day, none yesterday.
Part of my shoveling motivation was my second kettlebell, thirty-five pounds, the starting weight recommended to average men, was out for delivery from Rogue Fitness. Though I like the Bionic Body's soft properties, its heaviest model is forty pounds. Steel competition models meanwhile range higher in weight and maintain a standard shape and handle dimensions but cost about $25 more than cast iron traditional bells. I also considered a RitFit (Chinese) neoprene-covered bell, but for slightly less money, I was able to get the non-rubberized Rogue bell, part of a new Michigan-made line that goes up to 88 pounds, enough to match my progress for life. UPS delivered it by my garage, and I farmer's-walked it to my room.
On Christmas Eve, a 4-square foot, 3/8-inch thick recycled rubber mat is due to arrive to protect my workout space. I'm glad to have studied and met my fitness goals with the right kind and amount of equipment.
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