Tim Chen Allen
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timchenallen.bsky.social
Tim Chen Allen
@timchenallen.bsky.social
AI Engineer/Data Scientist. I love Ypsilanti. Father of sighthounds. Former parkour athlete. Current Tolkien lover. Sober since 1995.
Thanks all for the birthday wishes! My amazing wife, @ulabeast.bsky.social, and I spent it dancing like maniacs here in Port Townsend, Washington, with our wonderful friends Heather and Jeffrey. We’re on our way to Vancouver for a few days.
July 1, 2025 at 11:49 PM
I received the 2024 FEMA Administrator’s Award for Innovation… three months after I left the Agency… awarded by Cam Hamilton, who is also no longer with FEMA. Still, grateful for the recognition.
May 21, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The Michigan Ave @ypsilibrary.org opened yesterday! I’m so happy. I checked out my first book from there yesterday!
April 15, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Another great day volunteering at the Detroit Institute of Arts! I love working with visitors here.
March 22, 2025 at 3:23 PM
HAIR WARS! My volunteer shift at the Detroit Institute of the Arts coincided with Detroit’s historic Hair Wars beauty battle. The gentleman seated here, surrounded by women wearing his elegant creations, is Wishbone, the self-proclaimed “Michael Jackson of Hair”. It was a privilege to be present.
February 24, 2025 at 12:16 PM
This immediately made me think of this:
February 22, 2025 at 1:50 PM
At Kelsey Museum of Archeology at U of Michigan. So many artifacts of powerful men seeking immortality through the work of their subjects. Almost all had a placard next to them marked “unknown ruler“. “My name is #Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
February 18, 2025 at 7:15 PM
I’m officially retired from #FEMA now. 27 years of federal service, 17 at FEMA. I’m excited to continue working nearer to home in #Ypsilanti, and grateful to have served the survivor w so many amazing people. Gratitude for my wife, @ulabeast.bsky.social, for supporting this transition.
February 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM
After 27 years of Federal Government service, 17 at FEMA, I’m retiring next Friday. I’m taking these #FEMA polos to HQ to give to the next generation of Emergency Managers. On people’s worst days they are the helpers.
February 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
I’m now addicted to Cardio Quest, a phone game that lets you fight monsters and bosses using your heart rate as fuel. If you liked Zombies Run! you’ll probably like this (www.mycardioquest.com) #CardioQuest #ZombiesRun #ZRX #Gamification
February 8, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Went with @ulabeast.bsky.social and our friend Dean to the Detroit Masonic Temple to see the Candlelight Concert: Rings and Dragons, with music from LOTR and Game of Thrones. A beautiful and unique experience! Lots of folks dressed as elves! @candlelightconcert.bsky.social
January 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I finally finished The Silmarillion and I’m heading right back into The Lord of the Rings! #tolkien #ringsofpower
January 23, 2025 at 11:19 PM
@ulabeast.bsky.social and I are still on our honeymoon in Belize! I’ll do a photo dump when we get home. We were at the Mayan city of Xunantunich a couple days ago here
January 18, 2025 at 1:04 PM
30 years sober today. We can do together what I could never do alone. Thank you all.
January 15, 2025 at 11:05 PM
@ulabeast.bsky.social and I are in our honeymoon in Belize!
January 13, 2025 at 1:28 PM
My second shift as a Gallery Services Volunteer at the Detroit Institute of the Arts this past Sunday. I’m headed back tomorrow for another shift! #dia #detroit
January 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
High Scope Mansion tonight. This is 150’ from our house #Ypsilanti is an incredible place.
January 7, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Our back gate’s hinge broke. Hardware store didn’t have a replacement. Yep: I use a hose clamp. My dad will never truly be gone as long as jury-rigs like this exist
January 2, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I just finished my first shift at the Detroit Institute of the Arts as a Gallery Services Volunteer. What an amazing museum. Eager for my next shift. #HiMom
December 28, 2024 at 2:01 AM
I’ve always wondered: is this story from page 80 of the Big Book the origin of Mr. Potter in “It’s a Wonderful Life”? The BB is from 1934 and the short story the movie is based on is from 1943. Anyway, I always joke that Mr. Potter must have been one of us! #sobersky #recoveryposse
December 27, 2024 at 8:43 PM
#Ypsilanti snowfall this morning with our #sighthounds Zeno and Zoom
December 20, 2024 at 4:45 PM
Dungeons & Dragons 101 at Wyrd Byrd in #Ypsilanti tonight was amazing. Our party survived a savage giant mouse attack! The owner/DM, Shawn, hopes to run a monthly game right here in the heart of Ypsi! #dnd
December 19, 2024 at 4:11 AM
My brother Pete and I play Dungeons & Dragons on Zoom most weeks. We’re 1,000 miles apart, but when we’re playing it’s like we’re kids again. We love doing the voices and everything. I’m grateful we have this to keep us close. #dnd
December 18, 2024 at 10:48 PM
Our Greyhound Zoom managing to be an even bigger good with a tongue boop. #greyhound
December 15, 2024 at 9:26 PM
I’m from rural Texas (Lumberton!) and I’m bad at being cold. #Ypsilanti is 14F today. Having a furry hat like this makes life slightly more bearable.
December 14, 2024 at 1:13 AM