Hello to my handful of readers. You may have noticed I haven't been blogging here for a while. Well that's because I actually have another blog. I originally started this blog because I wanted to separate my photography blogs from my personal blogs (quite frankly, I didn't think ya'll would be interested in my personal life). Also, in case my employers ever try to search me, perhaps they'll stumble upon this blog rather than my "more-honest" other blog. Heehee

Lately I've realized that my photography and personal life are just intertwined and it's too much work to maintain 2 blogs. Plus I don't get to do portrait sessions and weddings so there's really no "professional" part of my life to separate. But I still do thoroughly enjoy photography as a hobby.

So if you're still interested, I invite you to visit my other blog which I've been keeping up since Jan. 2007. The blog was originally intended for me to keep up with friends that used to attend my church, CIBC Oakland. But in addition to that, it's become a mishmash of weird thoughts and happenings which is my life with 3 kids.

http://whofongpaid.blogspot.com

I'll still be a part of Xanga, and I do enjoy reading all your blogs as well as seeing your great photos (I have all of you on my Google Reader). I love seeing the different ideas and improvements in all your work, so keep them up and I'll continue to visit.

Thanks, Stan

Father's Day is nonexistent in our household. Since both our fathers are no longer around, no one in either family celebrates it. Unlike Mother's day, there's no family gatherings, no fancy meals, no mention of it. The only call we get is the reminder to visit the grave site.

Sunday after church we went directly to the cemetery to visit my father-in-law with my inlaws Afterwards we were invited to their house to hang out, only to hear, "We ain't got no food." at 6:00. Hey, I can take a hint! So we left. On the way home we thought about stopping at a restaurant, but one kid was asleep while another was having a meltdown. We had no choice but to rush home and eat leftovers.

Hmm, so what else did I do this Father's Day weekend? Did I get to go play tennis? No. Instead I did fatherly things like move furniture, change the oil, and install a motion light. Good thing we fellowshipped with friends at church both Saturday and Sunday, or else the weekend would've been a total crapfest.

As you can tell, life as a father can be quite miserable if you selfishly focus on all the things you "should've" had but didn't get, like steak dinner, honorable children, worshipful wife, etc. But I've learned to lower my expectations and just be content with the life I'm stuck blessed with.

All kidding aside, I love my family regardless of how often I want to wring the boys' necks. These are the challenges that make my fatherhood unique. Would I rather have someone else raise my kids or raise theirs instead? Maybe. But at the end of a horrible day, when I look into Justine's eyes, or see the boys peacefully sleeping, all my troubles seem to melt away and I'm thrilled that they are all mine. Fatherhood is all about patience, understanding, and trying harder the next day. And thanks to my patience, I finally got my steak dinner tonight :) It's great being a dad!!

Last week we were invited to the Oakland Zoo for a birthday party. Some of you may remember Patrick Yim. Well he's moved back to Oakland from the south bay.

The lighting was tough with harsh light and shadows. Fortunately the weather wasn't too hot. Here are my favorites.

My nephew turned one a few weeks ago, and I've finally gotten around to post some photos. My inlaws are so funny. They make the weirdest facial expressions. Even though the house was very well lit, I still needed a flash. I think I need to get a new lens (any recommendations?). Chad is married to my wife's sister, Char – in case you're wondering how I'm related.

I wish I had as much free time as a couple of fellow Oaklanders who seem to post several times a week (you know who you are). But I do make it a point to shoot photos every weekend. And considering we have parties all lined up for the next 4 or 5 weeks, I'll be shooting a plenty.

Here are my favorites. There are more if you click into the album.

Last Sunday we had a friendly and contentious day at the park in San Ramon. We fearless parents were challenged by our snotty kids to a game of baseball. They think they're all cool and can beat anyone tripling their weight. We say, "Bring it on, suckas!!"

The moms meant business. They were unafraid to show any restraint as they powered the wiffle ball into the outfield. The dads were forced to bat left-handed, but still packed a punch as we launched ball after ball into the gap and over their heads. I remember running past one of the girls and she's yelling, "It's not fair!!" For a split second I felt her pain, but all I could say was, "Buh-bye...." as I rounded the base.

One parent was really wimpy weak a pushover kind and refused to tag any kid out. I won't mention any names but his initials are ML. Thanks to him, we spotted them 11 runs in the first inning.

Me on the other hand, showed no mercy as I tackled two boys at home plate just to keep the game close! As I hovered over my dejected son at home plate I gently asked, "Yeah, who's your daddy??" But in the end, those 11 runs were insurmountable as we lost 14-16.

Afterwards we were treated to a delicious BBQ dinner. A heartfelt thanks to the Wong family for a really wonderful gathering (and for hosting our rowdy bunch). I haven't had this much fun in a long time!