Heavy rains drench us
I feel like a duck waddling
Through a landbased lake
29 March 2010
Oh my day
Or rather, my life....
It's Spring Break in sunny Florida. Everybody from the nice people, to the snotty nouveau riche and white trash has come out of the woodwork to enjoy their vacation here.
Love my job when I can work the 'magic', shall we say. Hate it when people have to be either stupid, difficult, or just plain unpleasant to deal with.
It's like people have never known 'recession'. hahaha
But at least Ricky Martin FINALLY came out. I knew it! Go boy! Love like you should have all this time! I wish you much luck and love.
It's Spring Break in sunny Florida. Everybody from the nice people, to the snotty nouveau riche and white trash has come out of the woodwork to enjoy their vacation here.
Love my job when I can work the 'magic', shall we say. Hate it when people have to be either stupid, difficult, or just plain unpleasant to deal with.
It's like people have never known 'recession'. hahaha
But at least Ricky Martin FINALLY came out. I knew it! Go boy! Love like you should have all this time! I wish you much luck and love.
25 March 2010
Alice In Wonderland
Just saw Alice in Wonderland in 3D. I enjoyed it. Especially since it was my first 3D movie. Watching this version, made me understand the storyline much better, since I never understood the storyline when I watched the original version.
But I still have one question: Why is the Cheshire Cat considered a Disney Villain? I don't get it.
But I still have one question: Why is the Cheshire Cat considered a Disney Villain? I don't get it.
23 March 2010
Tourists go home!
I am very appreciative of the tourist industry in Florida for keeping me somewhat gainfully employed.
BUT--
I am sick and tired of ignorant and stupid people. Use your fucking brains!!! If we tell you not to smoke here, then put out your cigarette and put it in the trash. If we wear jackets because we're cold, then shut the hell up and mind your own damn business! If we try to help you, then be gracious and happy that we care about you (barely) enough, to do so, because it's our fucking jobs. Stay in control of your kids, or don't breed. And learn to speak the language, because whether you like it or not, English is the language of this country.
Usually, I am one of the most positive people my friends know, but, when you hit a nerve, I am not a happy camper.
BUT--
I am sick and tired of ignorant and stupid people. Use your fucking brains!!! If we tell you not to smoke here, then put out your cigarette and put it in the trash. If we wear jackets because we're cold, then shut the hell up and mind your own damn business! If we try to help you, then be gracious and happy that we care about you (barely) enough, to do so, because it's our fucking jobs. Stay in control of your kids, or don't breed. And learn to speak the language, because whether you like it or not, English is the language of this country.
Usually, I am one of the most positive people my friends know, but, when you hit a nerve, I am not a happy camper.
Give me face -- NOT!
The concept of giving one face is all about putting oneself in a favourable light. Which means if one has to lie, sugarcoat the truth, omit important details, being wishy-washy, backstab, pretend to know when they don't, or say anything to appease others, then that is what one does.
Other aspects include: not openly criticising or contradicting superiors or authority, making people know what your value is (how lucky you are, how successful you are, how many boys you have), knowing your place, losing your temper (a sign of poor parental guidance), admitting you have done wrong or don't know the answer.
In Hong Kong, I refuse to give people face, because, I want people to look at things for the way that they really are. I don't do bullshit. Yes, that makes me come across as pok gai -- asshole. However, I am not going to lie or deceive myself or others. I strive to be true to myself and my style.
I am not obstinate to cultural differences or anything of that sort, but I am all about interacting with each other without pretense. Giving face is a barrier to transparent -- and honest -- interaction.
No wonder why Chairman Mao tried to get rid of manners and civility. How ironic is that.
Other aspects include: not openly criticising or contradicting superiors or authority, making people know what your value is (how lucky you are, how successful you are, how many boys you have), knowing your place, losing your temper (a sign of poor parental guidance), admitting you have done wrong or don't know the answer.
In Hong Kong, I refuse to give people face, because, I want people to look at things for the way that they really are. I don't do bullshit. Yes, that makes me come across as pok gai -- asshole. However, I am not going to lie or deceive myself or others. I strive to be true to myself and my style.
I am not obstinate to cultural differences or anything of that sort, but I am all about interacting with each other without pretense. Giving face is a barrier to transparent -- and honest -- interaction.
No wonder why Chairman Mao tried to get rid of manners and civility. How ironic is that.
22 March 2010
Canto-Centric
Well, I think the reason why the attitude that the HK locals have about foreigners, mainly 'gweilos' (round eyes, it's like calling someone a honky, or whitey), is because they want to have the advantage over you. It seems they want to have the control, and the way that is achieved is through language. It's like their weapon.
Granted, Classical Cantonese has 9 tones, and Modern Cantonese has 5-7 tones, depending on who you talk to. What this means: a word can have up to 5-7 meanings. The language is not precise, a lot of words used are compound words, and abstract. For example: din si, is the word for TV, or 'air box'; din wah, or mobile/cell, or 'air talk'. The literal translation for the word train is 'fire wagon', because trains used to be powered by steam. So it can be daunting, and people use the excuse 'Mandarin is easier to learn'. Yes it is, but it's not the language of the people I have to deal with on a daily basis.
So, here's Parts 1 and 2:
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Granted, Classical Cantonese has 9 tones, and Modern Cantonese has 5-7 tones, depending on who you talk to. What this means: a word can have up to 5-7 meanings. The language is not precise, a lot of words used are compound words, and abstract. For example: din si, is the word for TV, or 'air box'; din wah, or mobile/cell, or 'air talk'. The literal translation for the word train is 'fire wagon', because trains used to be powered by steam. So it can be daunting, and people use the excuse 'Mandarin is easier to learn'. Yes it is, but it's not the language of the people I have to deal with on a daily basis.
So, here's Parts 1 and 2:
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19 March 2010
17 March 2010
Why I am in retirement?
As an actor, I'm in retirement. Why? I was incredibly passionate about my art.
Being in Orlando, has drained the creative spirit out of me. Between the poseurs, the people that pander to others, the users, the lack of finding people that are like-minded and supportive to help me grow and devellop my art, and the lack of available resources -- performance and rehearsal space. I am frustrated. I feel like I am constantly running up against a brick wall. If I am a 'yes man', then I am a good boy. If I assert myself and defend my decisions, and debate them, I am difficult.
My 'method' of directing and acting is through constructive criticism and feedback. I feed off of other people for direction and performance; it is a collaborative approach. However, flexibility is key. I strive to be flexible without giving up my right to question things.
Anyway, another big thing is: I haven't found works I am excited or passionate about, or people or companies I work with that I like and respect. Those are critical for my enjoyment and fulfillment in my art.
We'll see what the future holds. Though I am enjoying retirement, I long to be back on stage or in front of the camera. We'll see where my fate lies. Only time will tell.
Being in Orlando, has drained the creative spirit out of me. Between the poseurs, the people that pander to others, the users, the lack of finding people that are like-minded and supportive to help me grow and devellop my art, and the lack of available resources -- performance and rehearsal space. I am frustrated. I feel like I am constantly running up against a brick wall. If I am a 'yes man', then I am a good boy. If I assert myself and defend my decisions, and debate them, I am difficult.
My 'method' of directing and acting is through constructive criticism and feedback. I feed off of other people for direction and performance; it is a collaborative approach. However, flexibility is key. I strive to be flexible without giving up my right to question things.
Anyway, another big thing is: I haven't found works I am excited or passionate about, or people or companies I work with that I like and respect. Those are critical for my enjoyment and fulfillment in my art.
We'll see what the future holds. Though I am enjoying retirement, I long to be back on stage or in front of the camera. We'll see where my fate lies. Only time will tell.
16 March 2010
15 March 2010
Rap Video
China's arrogance.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100314/ap_on_re_as/climate_china
China has a lot to learn about arrogance. Just because they are the most populated country, becoming an economic power, and already an military power, does not mean they get to write the rules and dictate how the game is to be played.
Love the Chinese people. Hate the Central Government.
13 March 2010
11 March 2010
Do you really need to know???
It's my business, it's never been yours
It's my closet, I'll open the doors
If I want to run naked through Woodland Park Zoo
It's my business, besides who asked you?
--The Privacy Song, Dos Fallopia
So, if you can't deduce if I'm (fill-in-blank), by my blog posts, Facebook, and other social media AND/OR I have personally told you, it's none of your business!!! I don't readily share many things in the world we call the Internet.
I know you want to know more about me and be closer to me, but if by asking for such personal information it will improve your life by knowing, make you and I better friends, and if by knowing will make you a better person, then ask. BUT, don't be suprised if I tell you it's none of your business and why.
It's my closet, I'll open the doors
If I want to run naked through Woodland Park Zoo
It's my business, besides who asked you?
--The Privacy Song, Dos Fallopia
So, if you can't deduce if I'm (fill-in-blank), by my blog posts, Facebook, and other social media AND/OR I have personally told you, it's none of your business!!! I don't readily share many things in the world we call the Internet.
I know you want to know more about me and be closer to me, but if by asking for such personal information it will improve your life by knowing, make you and I better friends, and if by knowing will make you a better person, then ask. BUT, don't be suprised if I tell you it's none of your business and why.
Yeah, it all started with arms, legs, hands and feet in just about every haunted house in the country and HK. Now my head will be severed, bloodied, defaced, and every other unimaginable thing that one can do to a head, and sold to everyone that wants one. (evil laugh) My body parts will be all over the world!!!
09 March 2010
I saw this at the Bodies Exhibit in Seattle. Reading this, I find this very disturbing and infuriating. Out of respect for the victims and their families, BOYCOTT this exhibit in your town. Because I wouldn't be surprised if these corpses on display were actually criminals and political prisoners, being used against their will. SHAME ON YOU CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, MAY KARMA BITE YOU IN THE ASS.
08 March 2010
Later, Seattle
Had a great time meeting up with people and spending some time with them. There are people that I didn't get to because of either time or logistics. There will always be a next time.
It was great to show Alan where I came from and what my life was like in my bachelor days. Got to eat good food. See family. See some great sights.
Though it's nice to visit, it's time to go home. Back to life, back to reality. And leave the Seattle of my dreams behind.
The irony here is, I teach the history of the theme park I work at. And we say that "Hollywood is a state of mind", and "The Hollywood that never was, and always will be". That's how I feel about leaving this place. Leaving the reality behind, and when I get back home, I'll remember the things about Seattle that are a part of my memories. From Lamara, to Kau Kau, to Lake Washington High School, to the ferries, and Native American place names. And most of all my friends and family.
Later, Seattle! Will be back soon!
It was great to show Alan where I came from and what my life was like in my bachelor days. Got to eat good food. See family. See some great sights.
Though it's nice to visit, it's time to go home. Back to life, back to reality. And leave the Seattle of my dreams behind.
The irony here is, I teach the history of the theme park I work at. And we say that "Hollywood is a state of mind", and "The Hollywood that never was, and always will be". That's how I feel about leaving this place. Leaving the reality behind, and when I get back home, I'll remember the things about Seattle that are a part of my memories. From Lamara, to Kau Kau, to Lake Washington High School, to the ferries, and Native American place names. And most of all my friends and family.
Later, Seattle! Will be back soon!
07 March 2010
Seattle, Day Five
Finally got to spend time with Mike and met his partner Chris. Cute couple. Also met up with Nich and Steve. Spent the time at Starbucks, talking about our lives, and swapping stories and pictures of our feline children. I've never had a hangout where it was gay couples my age, just shooting the shit over coffee at a coffee shop.
The place we had breakfast, Blue Star Cafe, kicked ass. It was so much fun. It is the reincarnation of Eggs Cetera on Broadway, which moved to Wallingford. It brought back old times, and one of the waitresses recognised me.
Don't know what we'll do in our final hours here. Just trying to figure out how to deal with the ladies, one of which has turned into megabitch, all of the sudden, which we're all over. I'm not going to let BS like that, or my other half's occasional crankiness, get in the way of having a good time myself.
And I got a bit of retail therapy today. Eddie Bauer! Woo hoo! Miss them, but they didn't have what I was looking for.
I also think I'm coming down with a bit of a cold. Hmmm.... Hopefully it will wait to completely hit me when I get back into Orlando.
Will I miss Seattle? Yes, I will miss it. Enough to return? Not really. Too many things have changed. It is not the place of my childhood, which is not a bad thing, but it's not a great thing either. It's great that things have progressed, but there's a part of me that wishes it could still be the same.
The point being -- I should be able to recreate the world I want for myself anywhere and everywhere I go, regardless how hard it could be. If I could do it in Hong Kong, then I should be able to do it anywhere within my own country.
The place we had breakfast, Blue Star Cafe, kicked ass. It was so much fun. It is the reincarnation of Eggs Cetera on Broadway, which moved to Wallingford. It brought back old times, and one of the waitresses recognised me.
Don't know what we'll do in our final hours here. Just trying to figure out how to deal with the ladies, one of which has turned into megabitch, all of the sudden, which we're all over. I'm not going to let BS like that, or my other half's occasional crankiness, get in the way of having a good time myself.
And I got a bit of retail therapy today. Eddie Bauer! Woo hoo! Miss them, but they didn't have what I was looking for.
I also think I'm coming down with a bit of a cold. Hmmm.... Hopefully it will wait to completely hit me when I get back into Orlando.
Will I miss Seattle? Yes, I will miss it. Enough to return? Not really. Too many things have changed. It is not the place of my childhood, which is not a bad thing, but it's not a great thing either. It's great that things have progressed, but there's a part of me that wishes it could still be the same.
The point being -- I should be able to recreate the world I want for myself anywhere and everywhere I go, regardless how hard it could be. If I could do it in Hong Kong, then I should be able to do it anywhere within my own country.
06 March 2010
Seattle, Day Four
Went to Pike Place Market with the girls. Did some major damage buying artwork. It was nice hanging out with them.
Spent time with my Auntie and Marilyn. Got caught up with them, and told me a few things that filled in the blanks about what I had missed growing up. Wow! I understand why we didn't do a lot of family functions growing up. Alan got the 'take good care of him' speech from them, which was touching to him. My Auntie's adobo recipe was better than my moms! (looks up to heaven) Sorry mom!
Did the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry run at night. It's beautiful seeing the lights of the Seattle skyline. Wish my (expletive deleted) camera cooperated. But hopefully, iPhoto will help me fix this.
Had late dinner at the Hurricane, which is quite the dive. It was scarier than Beth's Cafe, or even some of the lousy cha cha tsangs in Hong Kong. Don't do the tomato basil soup, it was gross. The Caesar salad was way too salty for some reason, but because of all the eating I had been doing, it was good to get fibre.
It was a good day. Despite all the blow ups from certain people from our party today, I am not going to let people take away the magic of being back, and going on the whirlwind tour of Seattle.
Spent time with my Auntie and Marilyn. Got caught up with them, and told me a few things that filled in the blanks about what I had missed growing up. Wow! I understand why we didn't do a lot of family functions growing up. Alan got the 'take good care of him' speech from them, which was touching to him. My Auntie's adobo recipe was better than my moms! (looks up to heaven) Sorry mom!
Did the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry run at night. It's beautiful seeing the lights of the Seattle skyline. Wish my (expletive deleted) camera cooperated. But hopefully, iPhoto will help me fix this.
Had late dinner at the Hurricane, which is quite the dive. It was scarier than Beth's Cafe, or even some of the lousy cha cha tsangs in Hong Kong. Don't do the tomato basil soup, it was gross. The Caesar salad was way too salty for some reason, but because of all the eating I had been doing, it was good to get fibre.
It was a good day. Despite all the blow ups from certain people from our party today, I am not going to let people take away the magic of being back, and going on the whirlwind tour of Seattle.
Seattle, Day Three
Spent time with my best man David and his new boyfriend Jeffery at Julia's, eatery by day, drag cabaret by night. Then picked up Mouse at SeaTac. I was expecting a 45-60 minute drive, but got there in 25 minutes or so. Wow! Picking her up was also as fast. It just seemed traffic moved faster than what I remembered.
Things have changed a lot since I was last here. It's so weird, remembering things that used to be, like what Broadway Market was, and where the Taco Bell and Bartell's was, the place I got my nipple piercings from, my first and fifth tattoos, or even, the places I would go take my dates to make out, are no more. I'm nostalgic for the old days.
Speaking of which, Kristen, Mouse, Alan and myself ate at Kau Kau, which has the best siu yok -- roast pork -- in Seattle. I remember having a full meal there years ago, but wasn't too impressed. However, the food was better than what I remember it, and we all had a good time. Can't wait to show the photos! hahaha
It was also nice to introduce Alan to some of my friends and show him what I remember of my Seattle. It's important for him to see some of the things and meet some of the people that were important to my life. Especially when I have lost 30 years of photos, and can't demonstrate to him my frame of reference. It's important to me that I show him where I come from, and that he understands why I'm such a neurotic mess.
At Kau Kau, we had chow mein that reminded me of my mom's recipe for Pancit. I miss that smell.
Speaking of which, I did pay my respects, and all is good. I just prayed for guidance for my life, since I have no idea which direction my life is heading in right now.
There is a part of me that is still lost in the fog, trying to find a definite direction to go in. Revisiting some of the places and people that meant something to me, is helping me remind me where I've been, and how far I've gone since.
Things have changed a lot since I was last here. It's so weird, remembering things that used to be, like what Broadway Market was, and where the Taco Bell and Bartell's was, the place I got my nipple piercings from, my first and fifth tattoos, or even, the places I would go take my dates to make out, are no more. I'm nostalgic for the old days.
Speaking of which, Kristen, Mouse, Alan and myself ate at Kau Kau, which has the best siu yok -- roast pork -- in Seattle. I remember having a full meal there years ago, but wasn't too impressed. However, the food was better than what I remember it, and we all had a good time. Can't wait to show the photos! hahaha
It was also nice to introduce Alan to some of my friends and show him what I remember of my Seattle. It's important for him to see some of the things and meet some of the people that were important to my life. Especially when I have lost 30 years of photos, and can't demonstrate to him my frame of reference. It's important to me that I show him where I come from, and that he understands why I'm such a neurotic mess.
At Kau Kau, we had chow mein that reminded me of my mom's recipe for Pancit. I miss that smell.
Speaking of which, I did pay my respects, and all is good. I just prayed for guidance for my life, since I have no idea which direction my life is heading in right now.
There is a part of me that is still lost in the fog, trying to find a definite direction to go in. Revisiting some of the places and people that meant something to me, is helping me remind me where I've been, and how far I've gone since.
05 March 2010
Good Day
Spent time with my Auntie, which went well. Then spent the evening with one of my best buds Troy and his partner. Now Kristen is hanging out with us in our room.
Tomorrow, the cemetary to pay my respects, then to have lunch with my friend David, and pick up our friend Mouse at SeaTac.
It's been fun so far. Now if I can only stop eating. hahaha
Tomorrow, the cemetary to pay my respects, then to have lunch with my friend David, and pick up our friend Mouse at SeaTac.
It's been fun so far. Now if I can only stop eating. hahaha
04 March 2010
Seattle, Day One
It's nice to come home, even if for it's a visit.
Things are a little different. Driving through downtown Kirkland is weird. The things that I used to see in my version of Kirkland are now torn down and new stuff is built. Like the Kirkland Hospital, Bank of Kirkland, the Safeway, the Coast to Coast hardware store are gone. I'm not looking forward to seeing the where the house used to stand. I know it's there, just not ready to deal with it.
Heading to my auntie's house shortly. This should be interesting. Talked to her this morning, and after the usual niceties, the first thing she asked was why I did my parent's gravemarkers. Long story.
More later. Time to get ready to deal with family.
Things are a little different. Driving through downtown Kirkland is weird. The things that I used to see in my version of Kirkland are now torn down and new stuff is built. Like the Kirkland Hospital, Bank of Kirkland, the Safeway, the Coast to Coast hardware store are gone. I'm not looking forward to seeing the where the house used to stand. I know it's there, just not ready to deal with it.
Heading to my auntie's house shortly. This should be interesting. Talked to her this morning, and after the usual niceties, the first thing she asked was why I did my parent's gravemarkers. Long story.
More later. Time to get ready to deal with family.
02 March 2010
Here we go....
Still haven't concluded whether or not I will call relatives yet. I guess I'll make the decision tomorrow when I get there. Hmmm....
But on the other hand, I got a good tax refund. That will hold me for at least 6 weeks, until the next training hell comes by.
But, on the other hand, I am not looking forward to pre-pro for the Hong Kong gig. This time, heart is totally not into it, especially when I have to deal with certain personalities, whom I want out. I'll deal with that when I get to it.
All I have to do is pack and vacuum the house, and I'm done. I'm exhausted. A 7 hour plane trip to Seattle.
But on the other hand, I got a good tax refund. That will hold me for at least 6 weeks, until the next training hell comes by.
But, on the other hand, I am not looking forward to pre-pro for the Hong Kong gig. This time, heart is totally not into it, especially when I have to deal with certain personalities, whom I want out. I'll deal with that when I get to it.
All I have to do is pack and vacuum the house, and I'm done. I'm exhausted. A 7 hour plane trip to Seattle.
01 March 2010
The Heritage Tour
Going back to Seattle in a couple of days. Not quite sure how I feel about it.
The last time I visited in 2007, was I was sicker than a dog, and spent most of my time in bed at my friend Jerry's.
This time, it will be with Alan, and our friends Kristen and Mouse are joining us.
Trying to play tour guide, as well as seeing old friends and showing Alan my world will be interesting. The most important thing is having Alan understand how I became the person I am now.
I'm debating whether or not I should tell my aunt and her family, my mom's third cousin, I believe. Her family is the closest relatives I have any desire to deal with. Then there's my mom's niece, also three times removed, who totally rocks! I should say something, and try to work them in.
The angst comes from my feelings about Seattle. It represents all that is fucked up in my life: my failures, my family, relationships, several careers went down the drain. I don't look forward to facing my ghosts, as it is in my past.
My friend Troy told me once, "Keep Seattle in Seattle." And for the most part, I did. In 2001, I walked away, and never looked back.
The last time I visited in 2007, was I was sicker than a dog, and spent most of my time in bed at my friend Jerry's.
This time, it will be with Alan, and our friends Kristen and Mouse are joining us.
Trying to play tour guide, as well as seeing old friends and showing Alan my world will be interesting. The most important thing is having Alan understand how I became the person I am now.
I'm debating whether or not I should tell my aunt and her family, my mom's third cousin, I believe. Her family is the closest relatives I have any desire to deal with. Then there's my mom's niece, also three times removed, who totally rocks! I should say something, and try to work them in.
The angst comes from my feelings about Seattle. It represents all that is fucked up in my life: my failures, my family, relationships, several careers went down the drain. I don't look forward to facing my ghosts, as it is in my past.
My friend Troy told me once, "Keep Seattle in Seattle." And for the most part, I did. In 2001, I walked away, and never looked back.
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