Thursday, March 14, 2019

It is what it is

Since the last entry (back in 2016), I can thankfully say Taobao was not the end of me.

Don't get me wrong, TB is on my frenemy list, but my lackluster desire to accumulate crap is my ultimate savior.

Its been a month since CNY holiday and I'm still learning how to process and deal with the fact that my dear friend of 25+ years has stage 4 lung cancer.  I wasn't expecting the on and off flood of emotions -- anger, sadness, not knowing what to do or say, but mostly just anger.  I've been trying to figure out the root of the anger, but so far, I have no answers.

I've been purposely anti social and avoiding people/the topic whenever possible as it is my preferred method of coping with things. I did find some solace in talking with the circle of friends from high school and for brief moments, break free of the dark and twisty monotonous bubble I've been in.

2nd treatment is coming up along with a not so great update.  It is what it is.

Fuck cancer.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Taobao!!

Taobao will be the root of my demise.

Bought a foam roller + lacrosse ball.  Both were highly recommendation by Colin to stretch out the muscles.  Words can't describe how excited I am -- for a foam roller. 

Happy 2016!

Sunday, June 28, 2015

In Case Of An Emergency...

I have this friend, "Lulu", that I met almost 10 years ago in Taipei.  Lulu's life is anything but dull -- there are Gossip Girl components mixed with Fight Club plus a touch of Young & Dangerous (Cantonese movie) tidbits.  I'm a bystander in most of the scenarios; an avid listener, tuning in whenever something has come up/happened and always in awe of the shit that goes on and the life people create in this bubble. 




Lulu, throughout the years, has bailed me out of numerous sticky situations, without hesitation and judgement.  Every. Single. Fucking. Time.  I've come to rely on her and it feels a bit selfish on my end, but her track record of coming through is just impeccable.  She tells me not to worry, not to think too much and if I must think, to think happy thoughts.  I want to punch her in the face whenever she says it, but I know she's right. 




She is my "in case of emergency" person.  And loan shark, I owe her like a bazillion dollars.  She's also family -- which means she's one of the few that's able to tolerate my many dramatic episodes and I of hers.  So this post is dedicated to the one and only Lulu.  I am down for a lifetime of bad relationships, rescue calls, bitch slaps, duck clubs, chicken clubs, flipping houses, business ventures, meat on a stick and more.




MONGA.






Tuesday, April 07, 2015

8:30AM

In a scenic town called Yang Shuo that's around a 2 hour bus ride south of Guilin.

I like small town feels.
I like the rolling mountains as the backdrop.
I like the sound of the rain falling as I'm sitting on the roof top, drinking my 3 in 1 insta coffee.
I like that I can hear the birds chirping.
I like the ease and comfort of new friends on this trip.
I like how the insta coffee is working and I'll be making doo-doo soon.

I like..

Sunday, March 29, 2015

"Hey you guys!"

I went camping last weekend. 

The above sentence, though true to every word, failed to capture what really went down the 2.5 days out on the road, away from the city.  Nothing scandalous or dramatic happened.  On contrary, it was a weekend adventure Spielberg himself would be proud of.

Sure, the first night in a questionable motel somewhere in Hangzhou wasn't quite roughing it, but after a 3 hour bus ride and arriving past midnight on a cold, rainy Friday night/Saturday we were happy NOT to be in a tent.  Katie and I got rooms on the top floor (ballers, holler) and it was a room with a squatter toilet + 4 beds.  Anyway, it was suffice to say we passed out right away. 

8AM breakfast -- before I write about breakfast, the plaster on the ceiling fell on me in the wee hours.  Plus, we were idiots and forgot to turn on the heat.  So even though we were indoors, it felt like the great outdoors.  I noticed Katie had put on all her clothes/jackets as she emerged from her sleeping bag of a cocoon.  Back to breakfast.  The tour group said western style breakfast -- toast with PB &J does not constitute as a western breakfast, but whatever.  I 'heart' PB&J.

10:30am.  How many blondes does it take to set up a tent?  Apparently just 1 Italian guy. 

12pm.  We rappelled 50 metres (estimate) over a cliff into a cave.  Took a good 3 hours for everyone to make a go.  2 things to highlight during rappelling.  1)  Lady in white sweat pants defied all odds and kept her fuckin white ass sweat pants dirt free.  2)  Food truck lady and her not so reliable husband.  They both went down the cliff together, she was scared shitless and her husband just scurried past her to get to the bottom.  Big time douche.

3pm.  Underground caves.  Lady in white pants managed to keep herself dry and dirt free.  She either had 3 pairs of the same pants or she's a magician.

6pm.  BBQ + lanterns + campfire.

11pm.  3 little pigs in a tent.  No ghost stories, unless you count the "I killed a man" story from Kristen, which isn't worth repeating.

7am.  Cue "Circle of Life".  Yes, that's Kristen's alarm and it was quite fitting as the sun was shining and a million fuckin birds were chirping.

10am.  After breakfast, we went to a new location to explore more underground caves.  But this time, it was straight out of Goonies.  No safety harnesses or gear, it was just a pair of revolutionary made shoes (with holes), 1 flashlight and our wits.  It took 2 hours (maybe more) to trek down and circle back, but the last leg of the excursion was the most memorable. 

Imagine yourself 50 yards below the ground, in caves that not many people have had the luxury to explore.  Makeshift ladders made of bamboo/steel and a rope to guide you further down into the cave.  Imagine a body of water, a rickety bamboo raft and a waterfall at the other end.  Yes, we had to hop onto the raft (2 at a time), pull ourselves across the body of water, hop onto the ledge and climb up the mother fuckin water fall (it was like a 30 feet vertical climb).  All this in the dark, without a safety harness or anything.  Its a testament of what we can achieve when we're put to the test.  Spielberg would be proud -- heck, I'm proud of us and thankful no one had gotten hurt. 

Lady in white sweat pants was still lady in WHITE sweat pants.

4pm.  One last hike to get to the bus.  After hiking for an hour or so, we came upon a cliff and had to walk down.  This one wasn't too bad.  Down the cliff and another hour or so hike later, we finally made it to the bus.  It was a great end to a great weekend adventure.

10pm.  Back to the city.

Saturday, March 07, 2015

Starbucks-ing

At the neighborhood Starbucks working on a very lovely business plan.  Go go Argentina wine brand!


This week back in the grind felt like a month - no joke.  It's mind bottling how quickly one can just go back into routine.  I had a pretty awesome Friday night in recent history.  Productive day in the office, followed by massages, then Korean BBQ and capped it off with an episode of Forever in bed.  If only I could live everyday like that.


A coworker messaged earlier today inviting me to hang with him and his wife later on.  I should back track to earlier in the week, he had asked me what I did for fun during the weekends.  With much hesitation (for some reason that question caught me off guard), I replied with tv and doing nothing.  Which for me, is pretty awesome.  So fast forward to today, a pleasant surprise invite to hang.  I have a feeling he felt bad for me, but I quite like my 'me' time.  Plus, I spend most weekends catching up / attempting to catch up on work. 


So as I'm wrapping my afternoon PPT session, I shall have dinner with him and his wife and finish up the PPT later tonight at home and hopesfully get a few km's around the creek.


Not too shabby for a slacker.

Sunday, March 01, 2015

Back to the grind

Jeez, its been almost a year since I've last posted.  Stupid China, blocking crucial websites...

I installed a couple of VPN software, so hopefully I can keep my mind sane and blog about my wonderful and exciting time in China!

Since the last update, BS drama from 2 people that couldn't differentiate business and personal.  Saw some bits of China and the long history.  Chinese people are still nice and polite (for the most part), its unfair to generalize the entire 1.2 billion population based on the news clips.  If this were applied to everyone, it would be end of humanity.

Started a new adventure in the wine business.  So far, its a back and forth of ass kicking and being kicked in the vagina.  Can't say I love it nor hate it.  Sometimes, I just find it annoying -- if that makes any sense. 

I also find it funny I escape to Taipei every chance I get.  2nd trip in 4 months and I'm already planning my 3rd trip in May.  Whatever it takes to survive and to keep a peace of mind, yah?

I keep telling people my future plans, not to brag, but to act as a constant reminder and to keep my sights on the targeted goals for 2016 and 2017/18.  Maybe that's why it's wearing me down, thus mini breakdown of 2015.  Fun stuff.

Itty bitty bits of wisdom that has floated in my mind the past couple of years:

1.  when needed, ask for help -- sometimes easier said than done
2.  no one really cares/remembers when you make an ass of yourself -- unless it was epic and filmed
3.  giving others a break also means giving yourself a break
4.  taking the time to stop and pet the neighborhood dog is an awesome feeling
5.  saying 'ok, I'll handle it' only leaves the door open for more crap.  choose wisely when uttering these deadly words.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Talking Dog

How does a Taiwanese dog adjust to life in America?  I don't really know, but it looks like Monga is managing..


Conversations between her and my parents:


Convo 1:


Dad:  are you a good dog, monga?  yes, you are.  you are a good dog..


Me: -__-




Convo 2:


Mom: monga, do you like America more or Taiwan?


Me:  -__-




Convo 3: 


Dad:  you wanna go to casino?  to outlet?


Me:  -__-

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Nancy Says Relax

Been feeling like a zombie the past 2 days -- more like emotionally drained.   People have gotts to be more optimistic around here. 


So here's what I gotta say:


Folks:  we all hate some aspect of our job,
shit happens, even to the mob,
no one's perfect, bob,
there's always gonna be that douchebag, so don't sob,
and finally, for the love of god, move, the fuck, on...


*drops mic, struts away*

Monday, March 31, 2014

All's Well that Ends Well

I talked to an old ad friend today and was quite surprised to hear him warn me of some folks I'm currently working with..

I don't know what to make of it.  Maybe he's changed or the people he mentioned have changed.  Or maybe we've all changed.

I'm looking around and I can see it happening.  You lose yourself in the environment, the office culture and politics and it is ugly.

I hope some of the younger folks keep their integrity -- cuz not all places, clients, bosses are like the one's here.

2 fingas like a playa~

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Incorrigible

You know the stereotypical cliques we had in high school that kinda disappeared for a bit in college cuz everyone was equally awkward in their own right...and you get into the work place and its high school all over again?

Agency = high school and its the breakfast club all over again. 

I never liked the office games -- I just want to do great work.  And in the midst of this BS, a small gesture restored my faith in this crazy industry and I salute you for it.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

*Grunt Grunt*

To the lady in the next bathroom stall:

The stalls aren't sound proof (notice the gap on top/bottom of the door?)..

Please leave the grunting at home.

thank you~

Monday, March 10, 2014

Everything is awesome~

Its been over a month since the Seahawks won the Superbowl.. why am I blogging about it now?  Delayed reaction, most likely.  But reflecting last year/season, watching the games every Mondays/Tuesdays/Fridays reignited the love for the game.  Whether it was watching Brady making unbelievable plays in the 4th or the KC Chiefs cinderella story or even being sympathetic to the other Manning brother (or both), it was a great season of football -- especially for the Seahawks. 

Sherman may have gotten mixed reviews for his supposedly poor sportsmanship (caught on tape) at the end of the SF game, but his article to the press put to rest what the public deemed 'the stereotypical jock'.  Another player, I so pleasantly read about on the commute to work today, Rashard Mendenhall of the Cardinals.  In the article, he defended his reason for retiring during his prime (26yo) to do the things he wanted to do -- to write, travel and live life!  Both players showcasing, so eloquently, their reasoning's without biased to the organization/team/players.  I'm glad the younger fans have these type of players to look up and follow in the footsteps of.

But back to ME.  As WTF as this sounds, football kinda saved me -- yes, I'm realizing the magnitude of the WTF as I'm typing this.  During that time, I was in between jobs and apts, football was a hot topic between friends back home and also to a few fanatics here, which made the transition less lonely -- if that even makes sense. 

Football is awesome. The Seahawks are awesome.  Life is awesome.

Monday, September 02, 2013

Homey's Taipei

At one of my favorite hang out spots in the city.  Homey's, not to be confused with 'homies' -- ah, early 90's slang never gets old (sike).

I have my stern face on, not b/c I'm deep in thought as I'm typing away, but b/c I have a piece of bacon stuck in my teeth and my tongue is working overtime to wiggle it free.  Yes, the bathroom is over yonder, but I feel not compelled to move.

Its a Monday afternoon and I'm surprised to see the number of patrons in the shop -- does no one work anymore?  To each their own.

In continuance with 90's nostalgia, good ol Norah Jones is once again my companion as I research articles on packaging and how it affects consumer purchase intention.  Fun stuff~

Come on Norah, work your magic.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Floris Apple

I don't know what it is about fruity beers, but me likey!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Can't Sleep, Clown'll Eat Me ... (again)

I don't know why I never learn my lesson.  NEVER EVER drink coffee past 8pm.  Ugh~

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Sign here, here, here....

Took a leap of faith yesterday.  Can't believe this is actually happening.  But sometimes, you just gotta do it.  We'll see what happens in September.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

2013.5.19

Holy crap, last post was dated September 18, 2012!

Having a bit of fun listening to oldies as I'm blogging. I just want to jump on the counter tops and start doing the mash potato or the twist. People next to me must be annoyed cuz I'm typing pretty loud and to the beat.

Nothing out of the norm happened in the last 7 months.  I moved out of "Jersey" and back in the city.

Spent new years in Boracay -- the supposed 2 hours of fireworks were totally overrated.  Sadly, the awesomest beach in SE Asia has been bombarded with Taiwanese, Chinese and Korean tourists.  What was once a chill stretch of beach has become a mecca of umbrella toting, high heel wearing, tourists. 

I still had fun.  One thing to note:  on the bus ride to the hotel, our nice tour guide subtly mentioned there was a murder on the loose and told us not to worry, but nevertheless, warned us about stranger danger.  Sure, sure~



Up next:  moving into the new place, trip to Alishan (?), trip to HK (?) trip back home in July/Aug.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Stupid is as stupid does..

4 weeks ago, I briefed our ad agency that our pantry wall needed another wave of iD visuals (using posterboards or whatever). The brief was to use images from our launch activations instead of a key visual to keep the launch momemtum up. Its not a huge wall. Took our agency 7 days to provide 3 layouts. My boss then replied with 'can we use a tv or ... to loop the images/videos instead of printing a handful of images?' Took our agency almost 2 weeks to provide 2 layouts that was pretty much the previous layout with a tv. The GROUP ACCOUNT DIRECTOR came in yesterday morning to talk about the wall with her team. The GAD mentioned multiple useless things (amongst them a truss?!) and the Account Manager called their production department for execution advice and replied with 'since this will affect the wall, we suggest contacting the interior design company and have them take a look..' PEOPLE, its a SIMPLE project of utilizing our wall to display what we've done thus far!!!! The account manager later called me and suggested we use Jo-Jing, this event house that we've been working with lately. I happily agreed. Jo-Jing came in this morning, I re-briefed them, they got it on the spot and told me I'll be receiving 5-6 different layouts by Friday (4 days!). I really want to tell EURO to suck it.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Hump Day

Blogging on a Wednesday morning! This can only mean things at work has slowed down considerably -- woot! Flying home next weekend and pretty happy/anxious about the trip. Will make a stop in Santa Cruz for Danny's wedding, SF/Oakland to meet up with Marlow and Amanda, possibly LA/NY to meet up with Jeff and the amigos, Erica, Heather and the big H. Lots of flying over the course of 2 1/2 weeks. Bring.it.on! For some reason, I'm on an aredenaline kick. I have my eyes set on kite surfing in Boracay, come new years -- but I'm also thinking about snowboarding in South Korea over xmas! I'll have around 5 vacation days left after the Seattle trip -- hmm..