Midway

Christmas music still rings through the PA as I eat a pastrami sandwich made by a cute, corn fed, Midwestern boy at an airport diner. He smiles at me shyly when I repeat that I don't need a pickle with my sandwich.

It's amazing to me how quiet and clean it is here, and how nice the people are in general. It reminds me of what my life used to be like. Simple.  Lacking in the texture and diversity the Bay Area confronts me with on a daily basis. Here I find myself feeling comfortable and restless... I think I long for this kind of peace sometimes - but it's weird to remember what it's like to be the "only Asian".

Santacon and beyond

Noah texts me and says, "Are you joining us for Santacon?  I can buy you your Santa costume, only $5!" ...  I had to work on the student film that day, but said I would join if I could. 

Santacon is where a bunch of people dress up like Santa Claus and wander around the city getting drunk. ?  I think.  I went for a few hours, and then left for the film shoot.  I returned later to join my friends for a french exit at another friend's party, and then to hit the DNA lounge for some Santa dancing.  Oh, the holidays...

This weekend, I had 4 parties to go to. 

Noah and Joe's A Very Ukulele Christmas CD release / ugly christmas sweater party, Sarah and David's holiday happy hour, AMP's Christmas Party, and Isabel and Jimmy's holiday party. 

Lots of friends and lots of fun!  Lots of food.  :)

On set

I was cast in a student film that was shot over the last two weekends.  I played the part of a 21 year old girl in college who was accepted into med school, but gets pregnant with her 22 year old boyfriend (the star of the film).  I don't want to give too much away in case I decide to share the film, but I will tell you that it was one of the most challenging and complex parts I've ever had to play.

The 22 year old was actually played by a 22 year old, and was with whom I shared my first on screen kiss.  !!  (...it actually wasn't as scary as I thought it would be).  I also had to cry on screen for this film, and do a scene in the shower.  It was all very tastefully and respectfully done, but what an emotional, exhausting, and invigorating experience... and, it's always fascinating to me how much you grow when you really push yourself. 

Part of the film was shot at the top of Campanile (above), the clock-tower on Berkeley campus.  Beautiful... 

Love songs

This poem made me cry...

jake shimabukuro

 at the warfield...  lost in the purity, the smoke swirling in the stage lights, the immaculate sound...

Thankful

i'm thankful for: laughter that you can't stop. found love, lost love, enduring love, freak out and lose your mind love, sweet love... sad songs. creme brulee that is perfectly scorched and perfectly creamy. great memories. my amazing family and friends. platform shoes. and bossa nova that sounds like a beach dressed in beige...