Come Ye, Come Ye, 2012!!

Wow...I have really fallen off the blogosphere!

Beginning at the end of November I was hit with an extremely painful and unexpected health condition, and it affects every minute of my every day life to the greatest extent.  Hence, I never got around to "Thanksgiving Part 2" or much that came after.  So now, we are on the verge of 2012....

...and I, for one, CAN NOT WAIT.  2012 will bring some big changes to my life and I am ready to welcome them with open arms.

I don't like to set resolutions, I like to set goals.  For me, a resolution just implies something you resolve to do, but it doesn't infer anything at all about the process.  A goal is something that you need to actively work towards, and that is where the real joy comes from.  When you've worked hard at something and achieved your goal, that feeling is unbeatable.

My goals for 2012 are simple:

#1.  BE HEALTHY.  For me, right now, the first step to this is simply to recover.  In 2011 I've had two major health ailments that were both unexpected, could not have been prepared for or prevented, and they've taken a big toll on my body.  I would like to recover.  Then, I would like to maintain a measure of good health.  This means, eating the right things to keep my body happy and strong, as well as exercising regularly.  I have my eye on a program that I would like to join the second half of 2012 - it should be a fun exercise that will also hopefully become a much loved hobby for me.

#2.  BE PRODUCTIVE.  As opposed to being busy.  This is something I've always struggled with.  True, I get a lot accomplished just about every day, but my days really are mostly more busy than productive.  [Refer to the amazing linked post...]  Well, there's a lot I hope to get done in 2012, and I have all the tools needed to get me through.  [Finally converted to an iPhone due to medical purposes, and now am loving this app and this app and this app, and how they help me get through my day-to-day.]  I have three scheduled trips [NY, Maine, and China], I am finishing grad school, and I look forward to further developing my small business.  In order to have a successful year and hopefully look back at the end of 2012 and see much progress, I will need to learn to be productive, 24/7.

#3.  SIMPLIFY.  This will help in both being healthy, and being productive.  I've come to face the brutal truth that I simply have  Too.  Much.  Junk.  I hold on to things for sentimental value, and will do things like, buy another plain white t-shirt even though I already have 4 because, well, you just can't have too many white t's right?! Wrong.  Having too much stuff is a constant distraction, and it also slows you down both physically and mentally.  Besides getting rid of much of my non-essential objects, I also plan on being a much savvier shopper, streamlining my wardrobe, and creating a clean and healthy work environment - both room and studio.

Well, that's that!  I'll be away the first week of January but hope to be back with some great posts and updates.

Hope you all stay happy and healthy into the new year and that 2012 brings much positive change into your lives!

[image via sillygrrl.com, a favorite blog where I constantly find inspiration]

Defeat.

Sometimes part of being an adult is just knowing when to give up, and let go of something you want more than anything.

Happy Winter Break!

Yes, I've been sadly M.I.A.! It's 3:00am right now and I've just finished my last final paper, so it is officially WINTER BREAK - finally!! I've definitely been running out of steam...and falling behind on everything, so break couldn't have come at a better time.  On top of that, I've been battling some major health issues, so that's been slowing me down a lot lately also.  Oh yeah, and the Niners suffered a disappointing loss against the Arizona Cardinals yesterday so there was certainly no motivation to spontaneously post after that.

But...some hauls, recipes and other random junk in my world coming soon!

Thank You, Alasdair.

WOW - Three days doesn't seem like a long time, but three days without internet feels like eternity!  I JUST got everything restored and back up running, and the first thing I wanted to do was blog about the experience, and also a thank you to the kind man from halfway across the world who helped me get my life back.

To be honest, when I first discovered that my internet was gone when I woke up Thursday morning, it didn't seem like that big of a deal to me.  First of all, I wasn't sure what the problem was exactly, but I figured that a little break wouldn't be so bad - it may actually be refreshing.  I had to work that day anyway, so it wasn't like I was going to have a lot of time to worry about it during the day.

As the day went on and all my troubleshooting proved to be of naught though, I started to worry.  Papers due, bills to pay, business to take care of online...everything started to pile up in my mind and the stress began to mount.  Thankfully, spent a while on the phone with an internet service representative and was able to deduce that my modem had gone bad and needed to be replaced.  (Not surprising, since our modem was about 11 years old.  Did we even have internet 11 years ago?!)

Friday, I woke up early, went to class and rushed to Best Buy after to pick up a new modem.  Then I proceeded to spend the next 7 hours scrunched up under our desk, tangled amidst about 30 different wires, reconnecting the new modem in place of the old one, speaking with my internet service provider to reconnect our DSL line to the new modem, when I encountered another problem - our old router wasn't recognizing the new modem.

(I sent my father this picture and his conclusion was that it's time to switch to a mac.  AMEN.)

Now, the internet rep's suggestion to me was to simply call the customer service hotline for the router and have a rep there walk me through.  In hindsight, I SHOULD HAVE JUST LISTENED TO HIM.  Unfortunately, my parents called me first and suggested I call up a dear family friend who's sort of a computer whiz, and have him help me.  By then it had been 48 hours and I was ready to get this ball rolling again.  After two failed attempts at having our friend come over, I was frustrated and decided to call the mister.  At which point he also tried to walk me through several steps to get things fixed again, but it just wasn't working, and I felt like my blood pressure was about to shoot through the roof.

Finally frustrated and with no options left and no one left to talk to, I decided to pick up the phone and call my router customer support.

I was connected with a man named Alasdair, and he quickly (within about 45 minutes) was able to walk me through everything clearly, confidently, and step-by-step get me back in business!  Thank God for techies!  The funny thing is, during one step when I was starting up my laptop, he says to me, all professionally - "So ma'am, while we wait, would you mind telling me where you are calling from?"  And I replied, "California," not being entirely sure what he was referring to.  Then he said, "How is the weather there?"  I laughed and replied, "Sunny but a bit chilly!  Umm...where are you right now??" And he replied, "India."  So I asked, "What's the weather like there?"  And he replied, "Well...it is a bit chilly."

And I'm not sure why...but at that moment I just really wished I could reach through the phone lines and give him a hug.  I don't know if Alasdair has ever been to California, but if he hasn't, I hope he gets to one day.  I'm pretty sure California is the equivalent of paradise.  (Spoken like a true California-girl huh?)

On that note, I'd like to recommend three of my favorite movies regarding the Indian people, place, and culture.  All three are very different, but quite worth watching, for their own reasons.

THE NAMESAKE 

Touching story of a young man born and raised in the US, and his initial disconnect and disinterest with his own culture.  He fails to appreciate his parents hard work that has brought him to where he is, and doesn't appreciate what they've been through.  Will he recognize the importance of our past before its too late?  (And yes, for you Harold & Kumar fans out there, it stars Kal Penn.)

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

There are definitely scenes in this movie that are difficult to watch because it is so heart-wrenching.  Story of a brilliant young man who is determined to create his own paradise, and proof that the strength of the human spirit can triumph over all odds.  Beautiful, and touching.

THREE IDIOTS
This is perhaps one of my most favorite movies of all time, and I don't give those titles lightly.  My one piece of advice for this movie - STICK WITH IT.  Yes, it is a bollywood film, and yes, it comes with a few typical bollywood "musical" numbers that don't really do anything for the story line.  However, stick with this movie, it will surprise you and delight you like you never would have thought.  What starts out as a light-hearted and somewhat, well - idiotic - comedy...quickly probes much deeper into the human heart and before you know it, you will be laughing and crying over this movie, sleeping with it in your bed, and recommending it to complete strangers in the street.  Do yourself a favor - track it down and watch it!

An Evening with Brendel

My teacher told my recently, "do one thing a week that is amazing, out of the norm for you, and something you will think back on and remember forever."  She said, even if it was taking a hike out to watch the sunset - it didn't have to be anything expensive, or crazy, but as long as it was something inspiring - make the time and effort to do it once a week, and it will make your life better.

I can't remember time I've done anything like that, but after my recent experience I am definitely making it a goal to schedule in some awesomeness once a week!

I was recently invited to a special private event.  Renowned pianist, lecturer and author Alfred Brendel was coming to Berkeley to give a lecture to a small intimate group of 60.  There were no tickets, and it was by invitation only.

I had a hard time getting my little brother to understand the importance of this, so I explained to him (he's a huge NBA fan) by means of an illustration.  I said, say LeBron James (his favorite player - let's NOT get into that discussion please lest I kill myself.  But you can insert anyone you like:  Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, Willie Mays, Alexander McQueen, Jimi Hendrix, Steven Scorcese, whoever you want) - say that person is coming over to my house for dinner.  I can invite 10 people, they get to come over for free, you don't have to bring anything, you just come and listen to this person talk.  About their inspiration, their tips and tricks, their ideas, their experiences, etc.  And I invite YOU.  He immediately said "Ohh I see...that's pretty cool! Have fun!"

It was pretty amazing! It's inspiring just to be in such close quarters with such an amazing mind, that, at 80, still blows everyone in the room combined, out of the water.  The hall was beautiful, Brendel has a delightful sense of humour, I took some good notes, and it was definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life!

 lighting was terrible and we weren't allowed to take pictures so I had to make due with my camera phone, and with flash off.

It was very late and very dark when I got home, and I was very tired, so there was no way I was going to get a good outfit post, but remember this?  I wore my GAP black skinnies out for the whole evening and I have to say - I LOVE them! Totally worth every penny.

 I wore:  

GAP Always Skinny Jeans in Black

Forever 21 Crochet Sweater (old)

Sequin Tank I picked up at Marshalls for $12 - yay budget shopping!

and my favorite Blue Suede Jessica Simpson wedges for that pop of color.

A close up of just how sparkly the tank is - I love it! And for $12?! You can't find something this amazing at that price anywhere else!  Yay for Marshalls/TJmaxx/Ross shoppers!

I knew this color wouldn't show, but I am absolutely in-love with my blue suede shoes! Not to mention, it's so incredibly comfortable. I've been on my feet walking all day in these and they don't bother me!  Don't worry, keep your eyes peeled because I'm positive they'll be back on here again soon!

Benjamin Button

Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted was to grow up?  I do.  I used to count down the time until August, which was my "half" birthday, and at that point I could officially and honestly add a "half" to my age.  5 and a half.  12 and a half. 


I couldn't wait to be 16.  Sweet 16.  I couldn't wait to be 18.  Drive.  Legal.  I couldn't wait to be 21.  Drinks.

For crying out loud, I remember when I couldn't wait to have a job.  A real job.  Haha!  I see kids around me that are like that now...and I can't help thinking, Oh, baby, don't rush it.  It'll get here soon, and before you know it you'll be all grown up. You'll have a grown up life, a grown up job, and grown up responsibilities.  You'll have grown up relationships, and grown up conversations.  Don't rush, it'll get here soon enough, enjoy your life the way it is right now.


Because when you get there, all you'll really want is to just be able to go back in time and be a kid again.

Imperfections

This morning I woke up to this amazing post by Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere.  It's a short two paragraphs where she candidly discusses one of her biggest faults, and states that "sometimes it’s good to simply be aware of your (not so admirable) habits, so that you can make a change."


Well, I certainly have many flaws as well, but I think my greatest one is high expectations.  I have The Highest expectations for myself, and therefore this trickles down into everything else around me as well: my life, my friends, my business, my clientele, my associates.  As a result, I become easily disappointed.  Often times I find myself having to temper my hurt and frustration by reminding myself that it's okay that something or someone didn't turn out/behave/react the way I had hoped, because no one and nothing is flawless - myself included.  


What areas do you feel the need to work on?

 as a musician, we practice for perfection

I Love You Tomorrow...You're Only A Day Away

Today was a rather disappointing day, on most fronts.  I don't know what it is about Wednesdays, but somehow they always seem to come and go with far more negatives than positives.  I guess we need days like this to help us appreciate the days that are better right?

One example of how today failed me is...I was hoping to have two excellent restaurant reviews by tonight! But yep you guessed it, I have zero.

For lunch, I hopped into Frjtz, just a few blocks away from school.  It sounded promising and the pictures looked good.

Well, it turns out, I walked in to put my order in and as I was just about to order my fries (I even had my dipping sauce all pre-picked out already too), I was informed that the fryer was broken and that there were no fries.  Disappointment!  When the name of your restaurant IS essentially a fancy foreign-sounding name for "fries," it's a total let down to not have it! Shouldn't that be illegal somehow?  Can you imagine walking into Popeye's and being told their fryer was down and they didn't have fried chicken that day?

Then for dinner, my friend and I hopped into Canto Do Brasil, because it is literally a 90 second walk away from school and she had even more of a time constraint than I did.   I actually like Canto Do Brasil quite a bit, it's a little less pricey if you go for lunch, and because it's so close and by far the most decent eatery in the vicinity of my school, I've been a few times.  The food is always good, and they give you this amazing spread with the complimentary bread (that is always oh-so-perfectly soft and fresh) that I always end up cleaning out anyway, far after the bread has all been consumed.  I like their calamari as well.

Today though, I ended up waiting 35 minutes for my food!  That's probably a bit on the long side at any joint, but particularly when you're pressed for time.  It was so bad that I had to ask for a to-go box before my food even arrived.  My friend had all but finished by the time my food/to-go box arrived.  The wait is usually never that long...I'm not sure what it was.  I guess they were having a case of the Wednesdays also.

So...hopefully I will be able to try both places again and have better results next time!  I am a firm believer in second chances because really...don't we all need it from time to time?

Summer-Back Weekend

Another great weekend gone by, and summer decided to come back and visit again for a few days.

My weekend was wonderful, I got to enjoy the world's best hot-pot with some of my dearest friends...

(with lamb, tempura, lots of tofu, lots of veggies, beef balls, fish balls, mushrooms, yam...yummmmm)

And on Sunday, while enjoying my Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup...

(In my chicken soup I usually put onions - white and green - tomatoes, half a lemon, garlic, napa cabbage, and today I ran out of cilantro so it's less pretty.)

...I got to watch these guys...

...do a lot of this...

 ...this...

...and this!

...culminating in an amazing, 48-3 win over the Tampa Bay Bucs.  Really? Let's say that again shall we?  Yes, you read correctly.  Fourty-eight over three.  Needless to say I was seeing stars for the rest of the day.  And the best part of about it was, it was a clean, solid game for San Francisco - the Niners played exceptionally today, they were every where and every thing they needed to be.  And it shows.  48-3.

In some other news on this beautiful football Sunday that was surprising to me, the Seahawks beat the Giants in New York (Seahawks?! Really?! Who saw that one coming?); reigning champs Green Bay Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers, rallied back towards the end of their game to beat the Falcons and keep their (what is it now-11 games? if you carry over from last season) winning streak alive; and the Raiders beat Houston 25-20, making it all in all, a very good day for my beloved bay.  Al Davis would have been proud.  

Hope all of you out there are doing well and staying alive in your leagues, and enjoying the month of October in your own special ways!

I'm movie-behind!!

How did I get THIS behind on movies this summer?! Here's a list of titles I need to see, ASAP! (in order of release date)

--Midnight in Paris               06.10.11

--Captain America                07.22.11

--Cowboys vs. Aliens          07.29.11

--Crazy, Stupid, Love          07.29.11

--Rise of Planet of Apes       08.05.11

--The Change-up                  08.05.11

--30 Minutes or Less            08.12.11

--Conan the Barbarian         08.19.11

Yikes, between my movie list and school (two equally important endeavors, mind you) I've got my hands full!!

And, I'm in eager anticipation of:

--The Immortals                 11.11.11

Better get to it!

Worth its weight in gold

I got this in an email from a long-time student's mom today:

"I always remind J that he is so lucky to have such a good teacher! You not only teach him piano, but also teach him about life."

In a week that has come with more crazies than the law allows for, this was like an arm around my shoulder, a pat on the back, a warm hug, a genuine smile.

This-this reminds me of why it is that I do what I do.  Amidst all the madness that comes with teaching, to know that at some point, I've been able to affect just ONE person in a great and positive way, makes ALL the crazy worthwhile.

Having this kind of feedback and affirmation is more valuable to me than any paycheck, and makes me feel I've truly reached a new level of personal accomplishment.

Home Again!

Wow! It's been a month exactly since I last updated.  Might have seemed like I died, but I was actually on vacation.  This summer has been a good one, and I am winding down from all the excitement; tomorrow marks my first week of back-to-work, back-to-regular-practice, and back-to-school as well. Going to be one more little get together next weekend which should be fun, before everything completely gets back into grind mode.  For the rest of the year, the only trips I have planned are one short one to LA to visit my family, and possibly one to NYC at the end of the year.

This summer has been great.  I've had the joys of going to not one...not two...but THREE conventions!  That's definitely the most I've been to any year, but it was truly, truly amazing and I am grateful for all the experiences and memories that came along with it.

I was glad to have been able to make some amazing new friends...and of course, also spend time with the special ones that have been in my life for much longer :)

My adventures allowed me to spend some amazing time with my family in Shanghai, eating my favorite foods...

and doing all things Asian, such as...going to get groceries and carrying them home in my tote, and forgetting to put real shoes on when I left the house...

I'm also so happy that thanks to dad's great sleuthing, I was able to practice piano in his adorable little studio I took the subway to, nearly every day.  I had the best intentions of taking pictures to make memories of the cute location, but unfortunately quickly became too ill to return, and then we left, so the pictures never got taken :( Next time!

Then the family got to go to Hong Kong together for our second time...

and I was thrilled to be able to have another visit with this beautiful and friendly city! 

Well that's about it folks! I missed California SO much and was having some serious withdrawals, and actually felt tears well up in my eyes when the plane descended into my beautiful, perpetually-foggy, city by the bay.  I realized that though this is my 4th home, and in the past 5 years I've been to China 8 times, I've never once lived permanently anywhere outside of the Golden State.  And never will I want to, so long as I can help it! California girl for life :)

Brothers and Sisters

Today a younger brother/older sister family came for piano lessons.  The brother went first, and then the sister.  When she was done with her lessons she walked back over to get her things and exclaimed, "Why are you playing with my iPod?!?!" To which her brother replied with a huge grin, "I figured out your password!!"

Haha! Their mom and I burst into laughter.  The joys of having siblings that I never got to enjoy growing up ;)