emai's Xanga

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:26:41 GMT

My London Super Tuesday.
I don't think anyone would be surprised when I say I voted for Hillary Clinton tonight. After all, I've waited since Al Gore's concession back in 2000 until now, over 7 years later, to be able to tick a box next to Hillary's name. I've blogged about it back in 2005, but I really spent the past year with an open mind, paying close attention to the Hillary/Barack race. In the end, to oversimplify my reasons, Hillary gets my vote by being more experienced, more ready, and commanding every debate and interview. She has been vetted and scrutinized beyond belief, and will be well prepared for the Republican attack ahead. Whatever the outcome of Super Tuesday may be, I know that Hillary has put in a good fight that has not only made me proud, but electrified my interest in US politics like never before.

I should also note that Obama is a remarkable candidate as well. His charisma can't be denied, but I don't feel like it's his time yet, especially as the US is in such a tattered and shambled state as a result of dumbass Bush. With that said however, should Obama prevail as the Democratic nominee, I would be first in line to support his win against the other side.

Anyhow, given that I've always voted via absentee ballot, and would have to spend an obscene amount of money to internationally rush deliver my ballot home to California this time, I discovered other options. Democrats Abroad, which has state-level recognition from the DNC and sends 22 delegates, held its primary tonight. I made my way to London's west side, near Notting Hill, and found myself in the center of a public frenzy. Clinton supporters chanted "ready from day one" and "yes she can" from one side, and Obama supporters countered with "yes we can" from the other. The line wrapped around the building and at one point, Democrat Abroad staff members were summoned by the London Police, threatening to derail the event as it reached full capacity. The lower halls were turned into quick voting areas, whereas the main floor was a full on town hall caucus meeting. The energy was amazing. Who would have guessed that it would take being 6000 miles and an ocean away to experience for the first time the excitement of American politics in person? Here is a shot at the entrance of the hall.

Most of you Americans are hours behind and are still in the midst of Super Tuesday. Go and vote if you haven't already. I'll try to sleep, but I know I'll probably be up late following real time results. Good luck Hillary.

PS: Just finished a wonderful holiday with one of my favourite people in the world, Mz Koo! Will try to get a worthy recap when I can, but we visited Prague (yay! another European country 'Czech'-ed off my list), as well as Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge. Thank god my next trip is already lined up, or I'd be suffering from total post-vacation blues right now...

Update 1: Huckabee wins another state?! Omg who are these crazy religious nuts?!?!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:24:10 GMT

The MOST boring Oscar season. Ever.
With the exception of Enchanted grabbing 3 out of 5 best song nominations, it's not even worth my effort of an analysis. YAWN.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:08:24 GMT

London is making me fat, broke, but happy.

Fat as in chipmunk-cheeked and beer-bellied. This is a city that boasts a pub offering a 15+ page menu of beers from around the world, encourages happy hours that last 5-12 hours, gives me the freedom to eat fried foods, yet doesn't guilt trip me even though I never have time for the gym.

Broke not as in paycheck-to-paycheck living, but considerably upping the income-spending ratio due to an astronomically increased cost of living, as well as an astronomically increased social calendar/travelling calendar.

And finally, happy. Happier perhaps than I've ever been. For my '06 year end recap, I complained about LA not feeling like home and challenged myself to find something different in '07. Well, consider it mission accomplished. London is that city bursting at its seams with energy. There's always a mindblowing array of things to do, from taking in theatre shows to exploring endless nightlife options, I haven't had one dull day since moving here. As I approach the 4 month mark of living here, I'm finding my love affair with London stronger than ever.

I get asked often by friends and acquaintances with a puzzled look on how I can love an expensive city with bad weather so much. Easily answered: dichotomy and diversity.

Dichotomy: London is at once charming yet edgy; old fashioned yet modern; quaint yet vast. There's so much history and tradition preserved yet the place has also kept up with the most modern cities of the world. This tug of war fosters a unique vibe and makes life here unremittingly fascinating. You can never tell what's one street over, or even just behind the corner. And Londoners that have spent their lives here will tell you that even for them, there are countless corners still to turn and discover.

Diversity: A dinner with friends or team meeting at work almost always brings together a group where everyone has a different accent and different cultural backgrounds. Despite the differences, there's genuine curiosity about one another and a sense that the diversity somehow fits. This is a striking contrast to America, and especially LA. In the US, you're always Chinese-American, French-American, etc, whereas if you ask someone here, they'd answer simply Singaporean, Chinese, Italian, etc.. Somehow though, we all vibe together in the London atmosphere as one. I'm sure LA is just as diverse as London, but there exists a silo, an invisible boundary between the different groups. I feel less of that here. And as Crash portrayed so accurately, there is something lacking in the people dynamics. I can go through a day and not encounter anyone by hopping in my car, going to work, and driving home. Not so here.

Perhaps it's the the existence of an actual public transportation system, the geographic size of the city, but the people I've met here seem to be willing to make genuine connections, at least more so than LA. I'm pleasantly surprised by the amount of friends I've made in 4 months here and their willingness to actually do things. Gone are the meaningless "hi, hello! we must catch up" greetings in LA that lead nowhere. People seem to actually mean it here and follow through.

It's really been an eye-opener of what an ideal life (at least for me) should be like. Gone also are those nights at home where I felt stuck choosing between a Netflix DVD or a Weho jaunt. I gave myself a goal of visiting one country per month and actually have been able to keep up that goal thus far! Ireland and France were stamped in my passport. I have the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, and Sweden lined up for the next few months. In short, I'm glad I listened to my gut instinct that said LA wasn't right for me and that there must be something different more suited for me...

I'm not so naive to think that London is a magical place where the grass is always greener and all of my life's needs are instantly fulfilled, but for the past 4 months, being here has been nothing but wonderful, allowing me to learn more than ever about myself and the world.

It's far too early to say if this place will ever become a permanent home, but it definitely feels like a step closer in the right direction.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:31:49 GMT

My last Xanga entry before changing status to a UK resident...
Having lived 16 of my 29 years in the city of Angeles, I suppose I can claim myself as an Angelino. Yet, somehow, that never felt right. When I bought my condo here last year, I thought I was planting my roots. But deep down, I knew this city and I were never a fit. I really dislike the sprawling vastness of LA. It's one giant suburb lacking any sort of community, cohesion, and pride. I hate driving, I have bad road rage, and the traffic on the westside is beyond ridiculous. I've cursed too many slow footed drivers at green lights and swerved in front of too may 55 mph cars on the freeway to deserve a license.

Don't get me wrong, lots of people love this place and it works for them. More power to the 14 million plus that enjoy brilliant year round weather and relatively comfortable cost of living. For me though, I know there's a personal thirst and hunger that LA just can't fulfill. I want to be immersed in a city bursting at its seams with life and energy. There's so much I want to experience and learn in life, and I can't do that in a place that somehow feels like it lacks a soul.

5 years ago, when I decided to move back to LA after a 5 month stint in NYC, a former friend told me this city would suck people dry and spit them out cold. I admit, I do feel a bit drained from this place. To get beyond the casual greetings, mindless chatter, and latest gossip to achieve deeper connection in this place required extraordinary effort. It's tiring after awhile. There's too much life to enjoy, share, discuss, and live to be spent on dead ends, which there were too many here in LA.

Somehow though, especially in the last few weeks as the imminent move got closer, I was reminded that however much I felt out of place in LA, I was able to carve out a nurturing niche with some incredible people. Incredible, thoughtful friends like Jason, who is preparing a handmade cookbook for those lacking talent in the kitchen and will soon live without a microwave. Like Cheryl, who put in tireless effort in personal lifestyle consulting, up to the very last minute, offering to run errands, pack, and even clean. Like Erin, dispensing priceless tips and advice on everything and anything. Like Mel, who snuck into her office late at night to help me bind presentations and prepare for the interview that would eventually lead me to London. I am so appreciative of my good friends here and feel incredibly lucky to be in their lives.

And of course, my ever supportive mom and dad. Supporting my every decision and always watching out for my well-being. They're model parents I wish I would one day be.

It's T-minus 19 hours until take off, and I already miss my awesome friends and my amazing parents. Who knows what adventures, successes, failures, and experiences awaits me in London, but I know I'm ready to give it a try.

Don't care how much some out there might hate Jennifer Lopez's new album cover, her limited vocal range, or cheesy pop songs, I'm enjoying this album and it's syncing with my iPod now for the trip. Here's an appropriate track for one final LA send off - Brave.

Adios, LA.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:29:36 GMT

The question everyone has been asking, "when are you leaving," has 2 months later turned into "are you really leaving...?" So as of noon today, it's about 99% confirmed...

That leaves me approx 11 days left in LA. Completely and overwhelmingly elated/excited/nervous/happy/anxious/shocked/scared/thrilled. The next 11 days will be brutally and maniacally busy, with bursts of realization every so often of "omg, I am moving to a different country!"
After a quick jaunt in corporate housing, moving to a flat in the heart of Soho in November!!

Before I lose all sense of normalcy (which I haven't really had for months), here's something familiar: my way overdue 'mid-year' top 5 list. Expect big changes as another Oscar season kicks off over the next few weeks...

PS: My parents have officially become cooler than me. They're planning an Antarctica trip for this winter. Jealousy! Envy!! This was my idea!!! =P

Monday, September 10, 2007

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 01:06:42 GMT

One bittersweet development as a result of the upcoming move: awesome friends making sure they see me as much as possible before I leave. I'm feeling the priority treatment.

I should move more often.

Update: And how sweet is Luke over across the pond! He's already organizing an arrival welcoming dinner in London!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:11:20 GMT

Maddox and dad at a Yankees game. Beyond adorable!

So I'm not sure if I have enough time to properly keep up this blog... With Labor Day just passed, we've officially transitioned from Summer to Autumn (though it hardly feels like it with this heatwave - 105°F/41°C in the valley over the weekend!), and here's a quick list of things that my faulty brain can recall since the start of summer that I've yet to properly capture here:

- the incredible Morocco/London/Brighton trip
- lots of alcohol with Martin and Scott at Long Beach Pride
- SF Pride '07 - my 10th yr of coming out, returning to the very first pride I attended a decade ago
- Top floor corner room at The Clift in SF
- Magic Mountain with the Gayhoos
- Simultaneously interviewing for 2 positions and landing both a fews days from one another
- Accepting my London job offer
- Wild shopping sprees from Barneys and Saks in Beverly Hills to the premium desert outlets with Cheryl, whom I promoted as my Global Lifestyle Consultant
- Hairspray and Sicko - my 2 favorite films of the year thus far
- lots of alcohol and Happy Birthday Jason in Weho!
- Happy Birthday Erin @ the Hollywood Forever Cemetery screening
- Lasik surgery. Hello 15/20 and 20/20!! Seeing with just my eyes again for the first time since 5th grade.
- Happy Birthday Noah out in Riverside!
- Reconnecting with freshman UCSD buddies at a straight Asian club
- lots of alcohol with Cheryl & Co. at Sunset Junction, cheering on Ben Harper even though I didn't know any of his songs
- Trip #3 to London in 9 months! meeting the new boss, team, and flat hunting =)
- Blue party in the Docklands
- Notting Hill Carnival with Luke
- First afterwork happy hour with new coworkers and friends in a pub on the Seven Dials
- 600 new mp3 tracks added to my iTunes since end of May
- Back in LA for the heatwave - Loved, loved, loved Wicked -- thanks Nettie!
- Getting completely wasted at Beyonce/Robin Thicke, remembering NOTHING and subsequently passing out on the toilet of some strange Chinese restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley

So yea... I'm not doing this blog justice. But it looks like I'm headed for a 3-4 week countdown to the official big move. Condo is now listed for rental, very close to deciding on a flat in London, and already taking on some responsibilities of my new Euro role. Time to really wrap things up in LA. Lots to do and lots of changes coming in the next few weeks, but I can't wait. You know you're making the right decision and moving to the right place when something as ordinary as walking down the street there brings a smile to your face that you can't wipe off.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 05:19:23 GMT

Happy 49th Birthday. Long live the Queen.

PS: I'm going to London next weekend to look for an apartment!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:13:00 GMT

4.84 miles. I drove 4.84 miles to have dinner with a friend tonight.

52 Minutes. Yes, it took me 52 minutes in West LA traffic to drive 4.84 miles to have dinner.

I AM SO NOT GOING TO MISS THIS "CITY."

* Just posting this for myself so that when I'm cursing the delays of the tube in London, I can always look back on the nightmare that was LA traffic and know at least that is better than being stuck behind the wheel.

Some recent mp3 recommendations that were helping to suppress the angry driver within:

M.I.A. - Jimmy (love it - happy place!)
Robyn - With Every Heartbeat
Brandy - Sweet Nothings (unreleased track)
Scott Simons - Umbrella (interesting cover)
KT Tunstall - Hold On
Lee Hom - Luo Ye Guai Gen
(Inspired by Ang Lee's upcoming Lust, Caution)
Sophie Ellis-Bextor - If You Go
Darren Hayes - On the Verge of Something Wonderful

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 06:08:06 GMT

2 days ago, my dad drove me home after my eye exam. It was the usual small talk in the car.

Me commenting how parts of the SFV really look like it has hit some hard times...
Dad commenting how Bush and the Republicans are driving down the state of this country...

Then dad commented (in Chinese) that he just watched a news report about a guy who decided to leave the country and immigrate to Canada when Bush won his second term. It took 2 years, but this guy finally made it happen this year. This guys claims that being in a foreign country has actually made him more proud than ever to be an American, but despite that love, he's found true happiness in Canada and intends to move his parents up there as well. Oh, that this guy is a homosexual and faced prejudice in the States, and wanted to move to Canada where he can get married.

Um -- hello -- rewind -- did my dad just say the word 'homosexual'?! I think that's the first time ever?! At least definitely a first in a convo with me. And whoa, my dad knows about the state of gay marriages in the US and Canada?! The coolest part, this entire story was told in a sympathetic tone with the view from my dad that among the many things Canada is doing better than the States, the right for gay people to get married is one of them.

I'm sure when I was born, my parents had no idea that they'd have to adjust and learn to accept homosexuality in the household, let alone a Chinese one. The bombshell wasn't even dropped out in the open until 3 years ago. But it's little episodes like the one in the car 2 days ago that makes me so appreciative and proud of my awesome parents, for coming a long way in a short amount of time.

On a totally unrelated and separate note, I just want to warn all that starting this fall, all through next year, it will be one giant Madonna craze from yours truly. A source close to the Queen just stated, "After the new record is released in November she is getting ready for a world tour that kicks off next June, then she is launching a 25th anniversary box set and a set of 12 children's books." Good god she is a workaholic. Let the good times begin (again)!