Chuck Lin

Life in a fish bowl

It’s not easy being green

Genny and I were chatting online. We worked together at MOLI.com in Florida and I haven’t seen Genny in a while. Her dad was in the hospital and in bad shape. She’s trying to keep it together but it has been difficult. Our common bond is having to take care of our fathers. As bad as I feel about my own situation, she is 10 years younger than me and life must seem even more unfair.

She shared with me a memory of her father entertaining her when she was a child. He would hide behind the foot of the bed with Kermit the Frog puppet in hand, and sing “It’s Not Easy Being Green” for her lullaby.

My father was not that type. Parenting was a woman’s job. But I think in his way, he loved his children. He just didn’t know how to show it.

Genny, I hope your dad gets better soon. I know this is a poor substitute, and I only had a couple of hours to prepare, but this one is for you.

Today I thank: Genny, Joyce, Anthony, Simcha, Jack

The original version

A really nice day

Yesterday Tuesday May 3 was a really nice day. I’m still beaming. Thank You. It’s been a long time since I had that nice of a day. I feel selfish but in the best way.

I learned a song a long time ago and it has always stood by me:

Side by Side

by Harry Woods

We ain’t got a barrel of money,

maybe we’re ragged and funny,

but we’ll travel along,

singing a song,

side by side.

I don’t know what’s coming tomorrow,

maybe its trouble and sorrow,

but we’ll travel the road,

sharing our load,

side by side.

Through all kinds of weather,

what if they sky should fall?

As long as we’re together,

It doesn’t really matter at all.

When they’ve all had their quarrels and parted,

we’ll be the same as we started,

just traveling along,

singing a song,

side by side.

PS. Anthony, if by some chance you are reading this. Don’t worry about the guitar. Trust me, in the grand scheme of things, I’d rather lose 1000 guitars than lose your friendship. It’s just a thang, so ain’t no thang. Somewhere out there some kid is playing it and dreaming of becoming a real guitar hero. Maybe this would be the last thing he stole and the world would be better.

Today I thank:

Wonderwoman,

Anthony,

Joyce,

Momo,

Reefkey

It’s a lovely day

Do yourself a favor and watch the video to the end. He starts with a tiny sleight of hand, and at the end of the video performs the greatest magic trick ever.

And today I thank

LB – Thanks for getting me to pick up the old guitar

Margaux -Thanks for cooking dinner

Jason Mraz – Great voice, great playing

Momo – I look forward to our sunday night conversations

Randy Pausch – Reading the Last Lecture for the 3rd time