I have a question that I like to ask people: If there was a song that best described you as a person, what would it be???
Of course, since I'm asking the question I have to have an answer. And here it is...
If I had a $1,000,000 by Barenaked Ladies
A few things to note... Yes it's about having lots of money. No, it is not that money will bring you happiness. What I think the song is about and how it relates to me is that with all that money, the greatest happiness comes from spending on fun and silly things with your friends and loved ones. Does money buy love? No. Does it allow for you to do things to create memories that last and look back and smile on? Yes. In a nut shell, that's me and my thoughts on my song...
Also, with $1,000,000 I think I could do something pretty amazing...
Monday, June 30, 2008
A few things...
A few things that are worth the time doing the right way to bring about some good times...
1) Passing notes... Is there ever a bad time to pass a quick note to someone. It can be anything personalized to the recipient and delivered under the right conditions and tact can bring about a great smile.
2) Coupons... Okay, I'll admit this one can be a bit hit-or-miss. But a coupon for something really good is hard to come by sometimes. When you do come across said great coupon the question comes up: Do I use it now...or later???
3) Eating fortune cookies the "right way"... Apparently there's a right way AND a wrong way. I personally think that my way is correct, but am open to other suggestions. Regardless, I had chinese the other night and received a great fortune: "You make good descision. Today's are the best." Given the company, conversation, and general management of the evening I would agree...except the Mongolian Beef -- maybe not the best decision I could've made.
1) Passing notes... Is there ever a bad time to pass a quick note to someone. It can be anything personalized to the recipient and delivered under the right conditions and tact can bring about a great smile.
2) Coupons... Okay, I'll admit this one can be a bit hit-or-miss. But a coupon for something really good is hard to come by sometimes. When you do come across said great coupon the question comes up: Do I use it now...or later???
3) Eating fortune cookies the "right way"... Apparently there's a right way AND a wrong way. I personally think that my way is correct, but am open to other suggestions. Regardless, I had chinese the other night and received a great fortune: "You make good descision. Today's are the best." Given the company, conversation, and general management of the evening I would agree...except the Mongolian Beef -- maybe not the best decision I could've made.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Letter to Myself
Dear Chris,
It's me. Well, it's you, but it's me, too...only older and in the future. Don't ask me how this works, just go with it. I'm (you're) 27 at the time this letter was written. I want to take a moment to look back and dispense some advice, give you a heads up, and generally prepare you for this, that or the other.
Pay attention in high school. History and English will be fine (you have Ms. Gude and Mr. Honick to thank for that), but you need to get your head out of your butt for Science, Math, and Language. Use Mr. McGeehe, he'll help you with Biology. The languages offered at Branson are Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Japanese. I took Spanish and did ok. I think you should take Japanese...it'll make you kind of a nerd for now, but in the long run, totally pays off! If you decide to stick with Spanish, definitely do the study abroad in Oaxaca and Spain your Sophomore and Junior years. As far as high school goes, don't worry so much about people liking you; you'll be fine. Oh, don't date Lindsay*, she'll only break your heart and you'll end up doing something stupid. Oh, and don't break up with Lindsay via e-mail...that was just immature and weak. I don't care how "new' the internet was at that point. Don't do it!
College. You'll have fun. Three Important Things: 1) Major in a language (Chinese, Japanese, or Italian) 2) Dual-Major in Political Science. 3) Study abroad!!! Other than that, everything played out pretty well. Lindsay will be your best friend that you never date. The other Lindsay will be your best friend that you do date...and you'll fall head over heels for her. You'll break up, but it's okay, this one turns out really great. There's another Lindsay that is neither your best friend or worth dating, but you date her anyways and it sucks the life out of your for many years. You'll know her when you see her. Run - don't walk - away from her!
If you've followed the basics of what's in my letter, post-college will be awesome. Listen to our parents. They know what's up and will help you in more ways than you can ever imagine. Dad is going to put you through this program called Eagle U. Don't fight it, just go and open your ears, mind, and heart. Through this program you'll meet some amazing people, including Lindsay. This Lindsay is pretty awesome and will give you one of the best gifts in the world -- Truth. I won't say more than that, but it's a great surprise.
Um, what else?? I think that's it for now. Oh right, one more thing. Look, Chris, I know you're a bit of a romantic and take things to heart pretty easily. Don't change that. I think it's pretty great. But just be ready for the fact that there will be people that will break your heart, and there will be those that put it back together again. Just keep in mind, for as many times your heart gets broken, you might be breaking someone else's, okay? Not that you can do anything about it, I'm just saying. Sometimes, you can get a little only-child-center-of-the-universe-type-of-thing going. That, you can do without. Don't worry though, your friend Lindsay will call you out on it more often than not.
Otherwise, have a great life! See you soon.
Love,
Chris
*Chris has never dated a Lindsay, this is a catch-all name to protect the identities of those girls he has dated whether it worked out or not.
It's me. Well, it's you, but it's me, too...only older and in the future. Don't ask me how this works, just go with it. I'm (you're) 27 at the time this letter was written. I want to take a moment to look back and dispense some advice, give you a heads up, and generally prepare you for this, that or the other.
Pay attention in high school. History and English will be fine (you have Ms. Gude and Mr. Honick to thank for that), but you need to get your head out of your butt for Science, Math, and Language. Use Mr. McGeehe, he'll help you with Biology. The languages offered at Branson are Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Japanese. I took Spanish and did ok. I think you should take Japanese...it'll make you kind of a nerd for now, but in the long run, totally pays off! If you decide to stick with Spanish, definitely do the study abroad in Oaxaca and Spain your Sophomore and Junior years. As far as high school goes, don't worry so much about people liking you; you'll be fine. Oh, don't date Lindsay*, she'll only break your heart and you'll end up doing something stupid. Oh, and don't break up with Lindsay via e-mail...that was just immature and weak. I don't care how "new' the internet was at that point. Don't do it!
College. You'll have fun. Three Important Things: 1) Major in a language (Chinese, Japanese, or Italian) 2) Dual-Major in Political Science. 3) Study abroad!!! Other than that, everything played out pretty well. Lindsay will be your best friend that you never date. The other Lindsay will be your best friend that you do date...and you'll fall head over heels for her. You'll break up, but it's okay, this one turns out really great. There's another Lindsay that is neither your best friend or worth dating, but you date her anyways and it sucks the life out of your for many years. You'll know her when you see her. Run - don't walk - away from her!
If you've followed the basics of what's in my letter, post-college will be awesome. Listen to our parents. They know what's up and will help you in more ways than you can ever imagine. Dad is going to put you through this program called Eagle U. Don't fight it, just go and open your ears, mind, and heart. Through this program you'll meet some amazing people, including Lindsay. This Lindsay is pretty awesome and will give you one of the best gifts in the world -- Truth. I won't say more than that, but it's a great surprise.
Um, what else?? I think that's it for now. Oh right, one more thing. Look, Chris, I know you're a bit of a romantic and take things to heart pretty easily. Don't change that. I think it's pretty great. But just be ready for the fact that there will be people that will break your heart, and there will be those that put it back together again. Just keep in mind, for as many times your heart gets broken, you might be breaking someone else's, okay? Not that you can do anything about it, I'm just saying. Sometimes, you can get a little only-child-center-of-the-universe-type-of-thing going. That, you can do without. Don't worry though, your friend Lindsay will call you out on it more often than not.
Otherwise, have a great life! See you soon.
Love,
Chris
*Chris has never dated a Lindsay, this is a catch-all name to protect the identities of those girls he has dated whether it worked out or not.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Blinding Whiteness and Lipstick Lesbians
It's amazing how some of the simplest things can make for a great evening. Sure, toss in dessert, good conversation, and a drive-to-a-place-where-they-won't-find-your-body all help too.
After thought: The aforementioned body was found in the aforementioned place and still very much a live...I think we're okay! ;)
After thought: The aforementioned body was found in the aforementioned place and still very much a live...I think we're okay! ;)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Another Summer Concert
I'm not gonna lie, up until the last couple years my concert-going experiences have been few. Not that I don't like going to concerts, I had just never really been in the loop as to who was playing where and when. But that's a-changing, my friends! Last Friday I found myself sitting "on the green" at Shoreline Ampitheater enjoying yet another concert headlined by one of Country Music's greats...
The show kicked off with Julliane Hough. She's a cute new-comer with a great voice and good presence. It's hard being the opener. People are rolling in, getting food, buying the shirt of the guy they're going to see later, what have you...not much attention to be had. Still, I can see she's got potential to go someplace.
Following her was a surprise hit for me, Chuck Wicks. Just on looks alone, the girls loved him. I'll concur in a heterosexual way. He's good looking. Even better, he's got some great songs. I
don't know if he'll blow up, but he'll definitely sell CDs.
Chuck Wicks definitely started to amp up the energy...only to be sucked out by the vacuum that is Jewel. I love Jewel. I know the words to her songs. I'll sing them in the car if no one's around. One thing Jewel is not, is a country singer. She's folk. She's jazzy with a touch of blues. Jewel is a great musician, but grossly inappropriate for this concert.
Then the real
show. Brad Paisley. How can you not like the guy? He's not bad looking. Great musician. Hilarious, deep, insightful, meaningful, romantic lyrics...sometimes all at once, usually on a per song basis. And you have to respect the custom guitars with the paisley printing. Fun fact: He's married to the daughter from the movie Father of the Bride.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Worst Possible Thing...EVER
I was paid a compliment tonight. No, that's not the worst thing...though, it's directly tied to it. The compliment was that I have a nice voice. Ironic to me since I feel that my voice is just so-so. But I think everyone thinks that about their own voice, so be that as it may...
Anyways, the compliment continued along. I have a really nice voice...apparently it sounds like John Tesh's voice. What's funny about this is that I was thinking in my head at the moment, "Please don't be John Tesh's voice. Please don't be John Tesh's voice." For you readers that don't know. Here's how I feel about John Tesh's voice.
I really am very happy and grateful to receive such a great compliment. Thank you "complimentor".
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Missing it...
So, I have a friend that just left for a short vacation in China with her mom. I find myself being rather jealous. When I told her of my jealousy, she pointedly commented, "Please, you just came back from Taiwan!"
True. And now I realize how much I miss it. I don't necessarily miss the work, but the atmosphere, the people, the speaking of the Chinese. I love being home; don't get me wrong. I guess I wish I had the opportunity to dip into the Asian-culture that I experienced there, here more frequently. I hope that made sense.
Also, I can't get my Jay Chou fix as readily in the States as I can in Taiwan. I need my Jay Chou fix!
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Best Concert Ever....EVER!
Yesterday my cousin and I went made our way to AT&T Park in San Francisco to c
atch Kenny Chesney's Poets & Pirates Concert. It was, in a word, "amazing!" The show started at 4 pm and we didn't leave until 11:30 pm...That's not a concert, that's a flippin' Extravaganza of Country Greatness, right there!What made it so great, you ask? Why was it an extravaganza?? Here's why...
The show opened with Gary Allen. He's a great mix of gravely rock vocal and country lyrics.
After an hour-long set, the new love of my life came out...Leann Rimes! She's just so cute and sweet.
It's okay, she's married and I understand and am totally cool with that. I guess we'll just have to be friends.Her set was a bit longer and then they rolled out Brooks & Dunn. If people weren't standing already, they were by the end of their set. Awesome.
And the headliner for the evening...Kenny Chesney. Say what you will about the guy, "he's short." "looks funny without a hat on." "was married to Rene Zellwiger for 10
minutes." Whatever you want...that guy knows how to put on a show! He even brought out some special guests: Steve Miller and Sammy Hagar!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
The two sides...
It came back. I thought I had it under control. I thought that I had done everything right...or as right as I could manage. Sadly, no. With great fury, I had a migraine last night (Friday night). I almost can't remember when the last time was that I had one. For those of you that get them, you can understand and relate to the experience. For those that are blessed to not receive migraines here's a quick cap on what happens (to me):
-Slowly, yet steadily, pressure and pain of a piercing nature starts to build just above my left eye.
-The pain increases steadily for about an hour.
-As it climaxes it turns to a more stabbing sensation, yet the pain does not abate.
-I liken the feeling to a 6 inch nail being hammered into my head.
-At some point the pain becomes so excruciating that I expel whatever contents may be in my stomach out my mouth. If there are no contents in said stomach, then violent retching occurs.
-Happily, this exhausts my body to the point that I am able to pass out for a solid three hours.
-When I awake, pain is gone as if it never was and I'm made new again!
I shall try harder to control that grotesque and torturous beast that sleeps (for now) inside my head (just above my left eye...)
-Slowly, yet steadily, pressure and pain of a piercing nature starts to build just above my left eye.
-The pain increases steadily for about an hour.
-As it climaxes it turns to a more stabbing sensation, yet the pain does not abate.
-I liken the feeling to a 6 inch nail being hammered into my head.
-At some point the pain becomes so excruciating that I expel whatever contents may be in my stomach out my mouth. If there are no contents in said stomach, then violent retching occurs.
-Happily, this exhausts my body to the point that I am able to pass out for a solid three hours.
-When I awake, pain is gone as if it never was and I'm made new again!
I shall try harder to control that grotesque and torturous beast that sleeps (for now) inside my head (just above my left eye...)
Weekends should be...
This Saturday was what weekends should be like. A group of friends went to the tide pools in Pacifica. Then we went horseback riding. Then we had a great lunch. Then we drove home and talked about everything and nothing for a couple of hours.
It wasn't so much the specific things we did, but that throughout it all was good times, good food, and good people. That's a great weekend...and it's not over yet! So great!
And here's me riding my horse...
It wasn't so much the specific things we did, but that throughout it all was good times, good food, and good people. That's a great weekend...and it's not over yet! So great!
And here's me riding my horse...
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Ever just wanna be....?
Go ahead, fill in the blank. Ever just wanna be _____ ? For awhile now, I've just wanted to be angry. Not like 'upset angry'. No something more. Not really 'frustrated angry'. I'm talking more 'Hulk angry'. Like if someone got in my way, I'd put them through a wall. I guess there's a certain amount of rage that comes with this type of angry. Happily (and for the people next to walls, gratefully), I haven't been that angry.
I came back from Taiwan and there was that initial re-adjustment transition phase. I felt adrift, not able to get my feet under me and assess where I was or what was going on. It was hard to look forward and plan for anything. I could only look backward at the life I just left in Taiwan. Looking forward I didn't see anything! That was scary and rather depressing, I'm not going to lie.
But with some time spent with some great friends, some good talks, and patience my feet have touched the ground. I'm now in step walking along this path of Life again; and the Hulk inside has been abated...for now. ;)
"You won't like me when I get upset."
I came back from Taiwan and there was that initial re-adjustment transition phase. I felt adrift, not able to get my feet under me and assess where I was or what was going on. It was hard to look forward and plan for anything. I could only look backward at the life I just left in Taiwan. Looking forward I didn't see anything! That was scary and rather depressing, I'm not going to lie.
But with some time spent with some great friends, some good talks, and patience my feet have touched the ground. I'm now in step walking along this path of Life again; and the Hulk inside has been abated...for now. ;)
"You won't like me when I get upset."
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