The Asian parent syndrome

After taking several bites of some satisfying pesto linguini, a patron came up to me inquiring some information. I took a gander at their appearance and immedietly thought, "they're probably Chinese, I'm pretty certain at that." It was most likely a mother and her young daughter and later I found out they were. The mother's pronounciation of English triggered my noggin,which recognized the accent as Chinese-English accent. She asked if we had any Jane Eyre books. Knowing the stacks I quickly responded that Jane Eyre books (and other English literature) were located on 3C of the Norlin stacks. I began a search of Jane Eyre books on the library search engine and jotted down a call number. I then asked her, "do you know your way around the stacks?"

Her answer, " not really."

"well then, I can go up there with you, it's a headache if you don't know your way around"
then I asked, "do you just want the novel "Jane Eyre" ?"

she replied, "is there analysis, crititicals??"

"you want criticisms as well? alright let me do a search."

I realized that Jane Eyre basically has a huge section taking up several shelves. Not only did the shelves contain your many versions of the novel, but also literary analysis, criticisms and reflections by numerous English literature analysts.

As I pushed the button to signal the elevator I asked if she was looking for these books due to a dissertation or thesis she needed to write, but in actuality she was looking for literary criticisms for her daughter who was still a little girl. The emotions that exhaled from my being was both feelings of surprise and yet predictable. I know for a fact that a lot of Asian American nuclear families strive to nourish their angelic pre-teens with material that are way ahead of what they should be reading.
"for her?? What are you, 12?"
"I'm 1o" said the shy voice

"your 10???? and you want to read Jane Eyre."
the elevator ascends.
her mother speaks for her as if she is her daughter
"too much Harry Potter, it's not good, classics better."
I started getting a little snipy.
"what's wrong with Harry Potter? Harry Potter is still literature (although sorta crappy, but for the soul of the 10-14 year old age group it is still decent) and hey in 100 years it will probably be considered "classic."
"well I'd like for her to read you know Jane Eyre, the classic literature." (her English was very staccato to me, still has a huge hint of Chinese in there)
I felt sorry for the little girl. Jane Eyre is fairly steep for a 10 year old. Even though Roald Dahl showed us that a little 5 year old by the name of Mathilda could read Dickens, Kipling and C.S Lewis, it's more like pure bull shit that all young little children have the patience to read "Oliver Twist" which by the way was one of the most tedious novels I've read. I'd rather read Twilight than "Great Expecatiations." No offense my dear Dickens. I'll grow a tolerance on you later.
I then realized that her mother was basically taking over the microphone that belongs to her daughter and speaking out loud. So I diverted my attention to the girl (who I later I found out her name's Casey) and asked, "what do you like to read aside from Harry Potter...Lion, the witch...and the wardrobe..?"

"yeah Narnia? I like Narnia."
Okay so the girl is into C.S Lewis, I'm going to progress the relevance of this genre.
"hmm, then do you like Golden Compass and such?"
"yeah it's pretty good."

When the elevator arrived onto 3C I headed towards the PR call numbers where Jane Eyre and other lovely English authors can be located. As we headed into that area, I made comments politely suggesting that for a 10 year old Jane Eyre is a heavy read with a lot of themes that can be steep for the mind of a 10 year old, plus the older novels are a tedious read sometimes. I tried reading Jane Eyre around the 7th grade because I being bit of a snob and hey that failed epically. Why? Because the language was boring to me and I was 12. What more to say?

The mother commented that she's only aware of the older classic British stuff because she grew up watching these novels on the silver screen and I can relate to that story. My parents identify with those movies too because they too also grew up with "Les Miserables", "Oliver Twist", "Le Rouge et le Noir," and "the Hunchback of Notre Dame." Then she mentioned that she's closer to Chinese classics. I thought of this moment as the perfect cue to reveal that haha I'm also Chinese bitches!!!! Most of the time I get mistakened by nearly all Asians for either Japanese or Korean.

The peak of being an organized freak

It has boiled down to this single moment where I have reached 'organization overload'. The red alarms are shrieking down below and everyone is starting to panic at the momentum of the situation. Has she really gone this obsessive with organizing everything? Probably. I recently purchased a pretty looking cook book at borders. It had a shot of a lemon as the cover with transparent plastic front and back covers bounded by rings. It's organized by tabs which state various food groups; starters, meats, fish, vegetables, baked, and dessert. I thought to myself, and took another gander at the groups "baked and desserts" I would say that they are similar don't you think? Fine borders can be even OCD than me about the difference between baked and dessert dishes. I guess it's about time to scribble down the baklava recipe that I stumbled upon at allrecipes.com. I'm not plagarizing the idea of this recipe! I simply want to enjoy the rich taste of walnuts and honey on the tip of my taste buds.

Right now I'm really entranced by Beyonce's latest song "Halo". I can say without a doubt that she is stunning in every possible aspect. Her voice, her attitude and that body! Dear God! That is a beautiful, and hey real women have curves. I hope my mother can appreciate that notion.

Grr I need to go swing and tango dancing soon. Why have I put it off this long? Sadly I can blame work and class. I'm going to change my schedule as July rolls around the corner. speaking of July, I'm pretty stoked to visit Idaho and see my tall ass mother fucker (aka Steve) I swear everytime I hug him I really think I'm hugging a tall lanky tree and my head is at his hip bone when in truth I'm at his chest area. I don't know why my brain is conditioning me to feel that way. Then again Steve is one of the tallest guys I know. The tallest being Mezger from high school. I think he was almost 7 foot and I would almost trip on his size 14 or something feet during AP US History class. Oy.

Random thought: I am a night owl and all my posts are typically from 11 pm to 3 or 4 am. Susan needs sleep. PFFF screw that. Sleep is for the weak.

Currently listening to: American Boy by Estelle ft. Kanye West

Iron & Wine is amazing

• Subtlely one of the most beautiful songs

  If someone asked me for the next dance I would happily oblige. If this song started to play while we dance I think that I would be quite happy. The source of this happiness is rooted in the lyrics found in this song "trapeze singer". To be in someone's arms and have them smile into my eyes would be a gift. Yet the words show profound sadness and the longing to be remembered when you are forgotten or your loved one is disconnected from your life forever.
  
  Please, remember me happily
  By the rosebush laughing
  With bruises on my chin, the time when
  We counted every black car passing
  Your house beneath the hill
  And up until someone caught us in the kitchen
  With maps, a mountain range, a piggy bank
  A vision too removed to mention
  
  But please, remember me fondly
  I heard from someone you're still pretty
  And then they went on to say
  That the pearly gates
  Had some eloquent graffiti
  Like "We'll meet again" and "Fuck the man"
  And "Tell my mother not to worry"
  And angels with their great handshakes
  Were always done in such a hurry
  
  And please, remember me that Halloween
  Making fools of all the neighbors
  Our faces painted white
  By midnight, we'd forgotten one another
  And when the morning came I was ashamed
  Only now it seems so silly
  That season left the world and then returned
  And now you're lit up by the city
  
  So please, remember me mistakenly
  In the window of the tallest tower
  Calling passers-by but much too high
  To see the empty road at happy hour
  Gleam and resonate, just like the gates
  Around the holy kingdom
  With words like "Lost and found" and "Don't look down"
  And "Someone save temptation"
  
  And please, remember me as in the dream
  We had as rug-burned babies
  Among the fallen trees and fast asleep
  Aside the lions and the ladies
  That called you what you like and even might
  Give a gift for your behavior
  A fleeting chance to see a trapeze
  Swinger high as any savior
  
  But please, remember me, my misery
  And how it lost me all I wanted
  Those dogs that love the rain and chasing trains
  The colored birds above their running
  In circles around the well and where it spells
  On the wall behind St. Peter
  So bright, on cinder gray, in spray paint
  "Who the hell can see forever?"
  
  And please, remember me seldomly
  In the car behind the carnival
  My hand between your knees, you turned from me
  And said, "The trapeze act was wonderful
  But never meant to last", the clown that passed
  Saw me just come up with anger
  When it filled with circus dogs, the parking lot
  Had an element of danger
  
  So please, remember me finally
  And all my uphill clawing
  My dear, but if I make the pearly gates
  I'll do my best to make a drawing
  Of God and Lucifer, a boy and girl
  An angel kissing on a sinner
  A monkey and a man, a marching band
  All around a frightened trapeze swinger

Wednesday June 24, 2009

.....damn it i have work in 8 minutes

Posted 6/24/2009 at 4:52 PM

Horoscope

June 15 Birthday Horoscope

If Today is Your Birthday: June 15

---

The Year Ahead Forecast for June 2009 to June 2010 When a Quarter Moon occurs in your Return chart, as it does this year, you are at some sort of a turning point in your life, in terms of personal growth. Events that occur this year act as catalysts that get you in touch with some important issues in your emotional life. Your emotions run high, and mood swings or identity crises are possible. There may be some kind of conflict in your life arising from a great urge to do something different. It promises to be a busy, dynamic, and significant period in your life. You could find that your intuition is subtly enhanced this year with the Sun trine Neptune, Jupiter, and Chiron in your Solar Return. You’re often in the right place at the right time, probably because your hunches are more likely to be correct. These aspects softens your disposition somewhat, as you tune into your imaginative and artistic side. You may often rely on your instinctual judgment. This is a good year for self-improvement programs or efforts. The need to “get away from it all” -- for some peace and quiet now and again -- will be strong. A more sensitive--even mysterious--persona is projected this year, and this can attract pleasantly unusual circumstances (and people) into your life. You will want to reserve time alone--away from the hectic pace of life--for reflection, prayer, and meditation. A higher purpose to your life is what you seek, and you rely more heavily upon your intuition in order to achieve it. Some form of recognition for your work or for past good deeds may be forthcoming this year. Fortunate circumstances arise from a positive attitude as well as sincere self-expression. You have a stronger than usual desire to improve and learn this year. This is an excellent year in which to seek advanced training or to further your education, as well as for teaching and sharing your knowledge. You are likely to enjoy good humor, optimism, and a larger perspective on matters that keeps you from getting lost in details or overly frustrated by everyday stresses and strains. Uranus continues to square your Sun this year, however, which stirs the pot quite a bit. While Chiron trine your Sun suggests humble confidence is the way to go, Uranus-Sun can bring up ego issues in a brash way. You may often be tempted to throw out practical or traditional considerations in favor of more exciting or stimulating plans. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test your patience. However, they could stimulate you to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This influence could offer you the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being. Your creativity is stimulated this year, but so is your excitability and your need for freedom. You are likely to be more outspoken than usual, perhaps even rebellious. This is a year when you may surprise everyone around you, as you are likely to be "finding yourself", regardless of your age. A strong desire to express yourself creatively or in completely different ways is likely to take hold. A new cycle of independence, progressiveness, and change begins for you. Your ego is awakened and you seek new ways to express yourself, but sometimes the method you choose to express these needs is provocative and harsh. Surprises can most certainly happen this year, as well as the urge to do something completely new. Venus is aligned with Mars in your Solar Return chart, and romantic and creative passions figure strongly this year. New beginnings on the romantic front are likely. If you are not currently in a relationship, you are more likely to make the first move and go after what or who you want. Your affections are strongly stimulated, and you are more acutely aware of your powers of attraction. Romance, love, and sexuality occupy your mind more than usual. You can enjoy an increase in personal magnetism (as well as libido!), but be wary of competitiveness or tension in existing love relationships, as this aspect ignites your passions in general, whether they‘re feelings of love or anger! Now is also a good time to engage in creative projects and to join with others in pursuing a common goal. If you are involved in competition, you could come out a winner. Mars in quintile to Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron suggests strong creative and intuitive impulses. Dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment are favored this year. Mercury trine the Moon's North Node suggests making contact through learning, communicating, and mental pursuits. It suggests an intellectually stimulating year in which the exchange of ideas with others figures prominently. A square of transiting Saturn to your Sun in your Solar Return chart occurs in September 2009. This influence suggests going through some reality checks, particularly with regard to your personal and professional goals. As you face obstacles to your goals, you begin to see the tools with which you have to overcome them. Your efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase your confidence in your ability to be responsible for yourself. You are likely to have new or increased responsibilities now, and it might take some time to get adjusted to them. The need to re-structure and re-organize your life will be apparent. Some of the reality checks are a direct result of a rather rebellious stage that you have recently gone through--a time when life seemed to speed up in order to give you more courage. Now, life slows down a little and you are more cautious. Jupiter conjunct Chiron and Neptune in your Solar Return chart suggests that idealistic and humanitarian goals or impulses have more significance in your life this year. You may experience an increased need for greater understanding, wisdom, and awareness, as well as increased interest in the healing arts and holistic health this year. It may be a time during which you reconsider or revamp your personal belief system. Everyday, ordinary life may not always satisfy, as you hunger for a more idealistic life. Neptune moving very slowly at the time of your birthday this year places emphasis on spirituality and creativity on one hand, and the possibility of confusion and illusion on the other. Romantic and creative passions are themes this year. Exploring your feelings, and a spirited approach to relating, figure strongly. Creative impulses are strong and powerful. Embracing new and unexplored avenues of self-expression is important, but instigating change just for the sake of change might get you into hot water. 2009 is a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of exploration and freedom. It's a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It's a good time to advertise and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed, or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice - explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, mingle. 2010 will be a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It is a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are able to attract others, and material things as well, this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and in the home. Advice - develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

Posted 6/19/2009 at 12:31 AM

Sunday June 14, 2009

It's been a month since I moved out of my apartment. I realize that within a month that I have had appeased many of the list of things that I wanted to experience this summer. I kicked off my summer with an "utterly" wonderful concert at the Ogden theatre on May 13th. Keane put on a show that dazzled the sights and sounds of a packed (and sold-out concert I think?) theatre. I was so amazed by the theatricality of the entire show. Tory pointed out that she has never seen a guy rock so hard playing the keyboard. Props to you Tim Rice-Oxley.The set list that they bestowed onto their audience was "utterly amazing" (as Tom Chaplin continued to repeat because he was stunned and overjoyed by the audience's fever for Keane.


Luckily I managed to find the set list online


The Lovers Are Losing

Bend and Break

A Bad Dream

Again And Again

This Is the Last Time

Spiralling

Your Eyes Open(Acoustic)

Try Again

We Might as Well Be Strangers

You Haven't Told Me Anything

Leaving So Soon?

You Don't See Me

Perfect Symmetry

Somewhere Only We Know

Crystal Ball

The following Saturday Flight of the Conchords rolled into Red Rocks amphitheatre with Iron & Wine headlining the show. Hopefully I'll get the photos from Tim sooner or later. The journey to get to Red Rocks was a bit rough due to the fact that I'm hopeless with google directions. Why didn't we take US-93 and instead took Interstate-70? Ask google, don't blame me. At least Jenny didn't ride on my ass the entire night about it. But for the other two in the car, Tim and Meghan just enjoyed poking fun at my inability to get fantastic directions. I guess it tickles them for some sick twisted reason. oy. Though we finally managed to navigate around the tiny speck of Morrison and meet Jenny Strovnik and Lauren Rhoades for dinner (30 minutes late.....yeah fantastic)

I will never forget how FOTC appeared on the stage. Darkness and then the lights shine onto the stage. Two people appear on stage in strange costumes and cry out "too many dicks on the dance floor"

Posted 6/14/2009 at 3:16 PM

As I was waiting for the ENGINEERING library to transfer a call to the Norlin branch I checked my e-mail. I was quite anxious the whole day because I found out that the Gilman scholarship would notify people on June 5th 2009. So I was a day shy. "Crap, now I have to wait another day" I thought to myself and that made me feel vexed and slightly stressed out. Then finally around 4 or so possibily even 5 o'clock I checked my e-mail while I was on the phone with a customer. The webmail page began to load when I discover my inbox stamped with the bold "(1)". Hmm new e-mail woah it's from Gilman. "GILMAN AWARD NOTIFICATION" I nervously clicked on the e-mail. My hands started to quiver a bit and I read the e-mail slowly and discovered that the GIlman scholarship was to award $5000 for my study abroad trip. I whooped and yelled in the library while on the phone. I didn't realize that the patron was put through and he heard the ordeal.
"Sounds like your having a lot of fun at work."
"OH MY G-hello!"
" you having fun? "
"yes sir.....*inhales what can I do FOR you?!"

*after the phone call, Susan frolics around the back room of the circulation area. She frolics into Scott's office feeling very excited and in a state of pandemonium.

*Susan gets off work around 6:00 pm, she first made a phone call to Tim Tam, then called her Aunt where she spilled the great news as she talked with a giant grin on her face.
later that evening she heads to Tim Tam's house where she blurts out the news. This is because her Aunt and Tim were one of the first people she really wanted to tell. Plus were close by. Tim was a bit jealous but very proud and told me that I really deserved it. We watched a bit of tv while Tim was on the phone with his bank and then I wanted to look up if 'Ichiban" was open (Cathy Koo's restuaruant) and I sorta wanted to go there (hint hint) and found the # on google maps. I called and they were open.
"ICHIBAN!!? Let's go there, come on let's celebrate"

Posted 6/5/2009 at 1:7 AM