My office is right across the Canadian Passport Office. Since Dec last year, I see people lining up every single morning to try to get their passports. I usually walked by without any sympathy, they should have known that our neighbour, the empire of the united states, wants the citizens of its unincorporated territory of Canada to use passport when entering US via air. I thought it was common knowledge.
I am planning to go to Vegas in March this year, not realizing my passport is expiring this August. Another useful info, you can't enter many countries if your passport is expiring within the next 6 months before entering... Empire of US is one of them.
So, at 4:45pm yesterday, when confirming my ticket with my special someone, I realized I have to get my passport renewed!
5:00pm went on-line Canadian Passport, found out you can actually input info online for your passport application, epass.
5:30pm asked my buddy and special someone to be my reference, completed epass, forms printed, found I need to get my pictures taken, and I also need a guarantor. Decided to take shower first.
6:25pm sitting at a photo lab, taking pictures, I looked a little tired, but it would have to do, paid $27.07.
6:50pm got 4 pictures and a CD, headed over to a political dinner.
7:10pm called my lawyer friend to ask him to be my guarantor, he asked for something valuable, I offered my leased car to him, which will cost him over $600/month and the lease is due in 3 months, he declined and decided to help me for free.
7:45pm set at dinner, starved, thinking about my special someone (MSS)
9:20pm my dentist who lives 5 min away from where I was called, and I decided to use him as my guarantor.
10:20pm got signatures on my application and pictures
2:00am went to bed thinking, "I might just be able to wake up in 3 hours"
5:48am afer struggling for 18 min, I was awake.
6:15am joined the lineup, estimated 30 ppl in front of me.
6:20am started chatting with a guy in front of me with the opening line, "it feels like boxing day all over again, doesn't it?"
6:30am realized I needed document to prove that I am actually travelling in March, woke MSS up and asked her to fax my eticket info to my office, which is right across the street.
7:05am started talking about dentistry industry with the nice guy in front of me, tried calling the office to see if anyone can bring me the fax and breakfast.
7:35am started talking about the paper mill industry, and first passport office staff started to show up. The nice guy in front of me (TNGIFOM) mentioned that he heard the passport office staff told him ppl won't be able to get in if he/she joins the line-up after 10am... 6 hour wait...
7:45am the construction site started to work, with noise of a jet and smell of a mill, I actually miss being just cold and hungry, not cold, hungry and annoyed...
8:06am Sue at my office answered my phone and delivered my fax, so relieved...
8:10am Some nice staff came out and told us that the first 52 ppl will get in the office first, he motion the cut off in front of me. I realized that the 30 ppl in front of me just became 50+ ppl.
8:45am Finally see the front door of the office... couldn't feel my feet...
8:52am Got in the office, realized that by applying online, I have joined a different que, number 7 instead of number 50!
9:08am Waved goodbye to TNGIFOM, and walked up to the counter. A cute girl helped me with the application, my pickup line was, "I am so glad to see you"
9:12am She aske me if im using my Chinese or English signature, and winked at me, or maybe she did not wink at me, it was just a sympton of hypothermia.
9:15am She told me to pick up the passport in Sinclair Centre on March 8, charged me $97, and winked at me again, or maybe I haven't recovered from hypothermia.
So, to those of you who are getting your passport, here are some tips:
1) Do on-line application
2) Expect 10 business days if you are in a hurry, or else just mail the info in to avoid line ups
3) Be there 2 hours before the office open, you will have to wait 3 hours in total, but if you go there when the office open, you will have to wait 6 hours.
4) Make sure you have everything with you, that means: old passport, driver's license, pictures with guarantor's signature, guarantor's signature on your app, and visa card. Oh, and prove that you are travelling if you are doing express. (cost $10 more)
5) Wear warm clothing
6) Bring own entertainment or else make good friend with TNGIF
Hours spent in line: 3 hours
Money spent on the project: $124.07
Realizing you actually miss work a lot: Priceless
Good Luck! It is more fun than Boxing day sale!
2/19/2007
親愛的朋友們， 請在嘟一聲後留話…
有許多朋友開始向我抱怨，說我最近不知道躲到哪裡，找也不出來，講電話也是言不由衷。在此，有需要向各位說明 (不道歉)。 因為我現在B List了，是的，我在談戀愛了…
有些朋友告訴我勇敢去愛，有些朋友告訴我要保護自己，但所有的朋友都是替我開心，讓我覺得十分窩心，我想就算消失小小一陣子，他們還是會原諒我的。好的女孩不常見，讓我心動的好女孩更稀有，我會好好的珍惜…
現在，我很期待屬於兩個人的自由，很想去環遊世界…
梁靜茹 ～ 最想環遊的世界
聊天是甜蜜的習慣 把心情都交換 一天才算完
簡單是我要的浪漫 你語氣有心疼 我就更勇敢
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
我後天 大後天 也不疲倦的想念 會是你 看著我 笑的臉
真愛 像一座秘密花園 隨時有新的發現 得到新的體驗
兩個彼此挖掘 再一起比對和回味
然後瞭解越深 相愛越深 轉眼就永遠
你的背彎像片沙灘 既厚實又柔軟 能給我心安
陽光在你心裡燦爛 從指間傳遞著 總讓我溫暖
遠方像蜿蜓的海岸 從晨光到向晚 景色會變換
我們走過萬水千山 辛酸會變答案 愛是歸屬感
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
管陰天 管雨天 我的心會是晴天 照亮你 多雲的 那一面
有些朋友告訴我勇敢去愛，有些朋友告訴我要保護自己，但所有的朋友都是替我開心，讓我覺得十分窩心，我想就算消失小小一陣子，他們還是會原諒我的。好的女孩不常見，讓我心動的好女孩更稀有，我會好好的珍惜…
現在，我很期待屬於兩個人的自由，很想去環遊世界…
梁靜茹 ～ 最想環遊的世界
聊天是甜蜜的習慣 把心情都交換 一天才算完
簡單是我要的浪漫 你語氣有心疼 我就更勇敢
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
我後天 大後天 也不疲倦的想念 會是你 看著我 笑的臉
真愛 像一座秘密花園 隨時有新的發現 得到新的體驗
兩個彼此挖掘 再一起比對和回味
然後瞭解越深 相愛越深 轉眼就永遠
你的背彎像片沙灘 既厚實又柔軟 能給我心安
陽光在你心裡燦爛 從指間傳遞著 總讓我溫暖
遠方像蜿蜓的海岸 從晨光到向晚 景色會變換
我們走過萬水千山 辛酸會變答案 愛是歸屬感
我今天 我明天 最想環遊的世界 就是你 最內心 的世界
管陰天 管雨天 我的心會是晴天 照亮你 多雲的 那一面
2/14/2007
Triangular theory of LOVE
On this Singles Awareness Day, we should take a look at what love means to people.
Psychologist Robert Sternberg created a theory called "Triangular theory of LOVE". He stated that Love has three components, intimacy, passion, and commitment. A relationship based on a single element is less likely to survive than one based on two or more.
Furthermore, he categorize different types of love as follows,
Intimacy - Liking and Friendship
Passion - Infatuated love (aka "love at first sight")
Commitment - Empty love (eg, arranged marriage)
Intimacy and Passion - Romantic love
Passion and Commitment - Companionate love (eg, married couples)
Intimacy and Commitment - Fatuous love (this the one i dont quite get...)
Intimacy, Passion and Commitment - Consummate love
While the complete form of Love, Consummate love is not hard to achieve, it is the maintainence that is hard. Over time, one of the component would wear away...
Lastly, the athour stresses the importance of translating the components of love into action. "Without expression," he warns, "even the greatest of loves can die".
So for those of you who are on my B and C list, remember to express your love. (no no, im not talking about getting flowers...) For those who are on A list, remember there are different types of love, so dance away, go for your love!
Psychologist Robert Sternberg created a theory called "Triangular theory of LOVE". He stated that Love has three components, intimacy, passion, and commitment. A relationship based on a single element is less likely to survive than one based on two or more.
Furthermore, he categorize different types of love as follows,
Intimacy - Liking and Friendship
Passion - Infatuated love (aka "love at first sight")
Commitment - Empty love (eg, arranged marriage)
Intimacy and Passion - Romantic love
Passion and Commitment - Companionate love (eg, married couples)
Intimacy and Commitment - Fatuous love (this the one i dont quite get...)
Intimacy, Passion and Commitment - Consummate love
While the complete form of Love, Consummate love is not hard to achieve, it is the maintainence that is hard. Over time, one of the component would wear away...
Lastly, the athour stresses the importance of translating the components of love into action. "Without expression," he warns, "even the greatest of loves can die".
So for those of you who are on my B and C list, remember to express your love. (no no, im not talking about getting flowers...) For those who are on A list, remember there are different types of love, so dance away, go for your love!
2/13/2007
Dance like there's nobody watching...
I can't remember where I have heard this quote, and I remember this has to be how one would live,
"You've gotta' dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt.
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."
(And speak from the heart to be heard.)
-William Purkey
The world is going around us so fast and our lives are so short, there would be no time to ponder and to regret. Enjoy your time here as if you were just born yesterday, see and experience your world for the first time, every single day...
"You've gotta' dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt.
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."
(And speak from the heart to be heard.)
-William Purkey
The world is going around us so fast and our lives are so short, there would be no time to ponder and to regret. Enjoy your time here as if you were just born yesterday, see and experience your world for the first time, every single day...
2/11/2007
Farewell, my dear friends
This has been an interesting start this year. I have finally met someone special, and... some friends I have known forever are going back to Taiwan...
I have known Mike since the first year I came to Canada, while homestaying in Burnaby, he lived just half a block away. He is a natural socialite, with excpetional skills in Street Fighter. Although we lost contact somewhere between high school and university. I have met him again at SFU, in the video arcade, playing Street Fighter. Then, we have been classmates, and twice co-workers. Thanks to him, I have joined TYPEABC, with some of the best experience after SFU. And he got married, and became a man.
I met Karen at SFU, we were at the SFU Taiwanese Assoication. We all knew that she is a very smart girl who is very nice to all her friends. She might not have had the best luck when it comes to first job, but she did find the best man she could find, Mike. I was pretty lucky to be one of her "buddie" at her bachelorette party. And I was honoured to MC their wedding. Maybe I should have embarrassed them more then I did.
Between Mike and Karen, I have known them for 25 years. Although they have decided to move back to Taiwan for better opportunities, I know I will run into them from time to time. And just like the old times we shared at their house parties, we will laugh some more. For now, let's wish them a wonderful journey and great future in Taiwan!!
I have known Mike since the first year I came to Canada, while homestaying in Burnaby, he lived just half a block away. He is a natural socialite, with excpetional skills in Street Fighter. Although we lost contact somewhere between high school and university. I have met him again at SFU, in the video arcade, playing Street Fighter. Then, we have been classmates, and twice co-workers. Thanks to him, I have joined TYPEABC, with some of the best experience after SFU. And he got married, and became a man.
I met Karen at SFU, we were at the SFU Taiwanese Assoication. We all knew that she is a very smart girl who is very nice to all her friends. She might not have had the best luck when it comes to first job, but she did find the best man she could find, Mike. I was pretty lucky to be one of her "buddie" at her bachelorette party. And I was honoured to MC their wedding. Maybe I should have embarrassed them more then I did.
Between Mike and Karen, I have known them for 25 years. Although they have decided to move back to Taiwan for better opportunities, I know I will run into them from time to time. And just like the old times we shared at their house parties, we will laugh some more. For now, let's wish them a wonderful journey and great future in Taiwan!!
Wonderful tonight
My favourite Eric Clapton song, it sounds like a sad song, but if you listen to the lyrics closely, you would see a nice couple growing old together, holding their hands...
It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear.
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair.
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight."
We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me.
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight."
I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes.
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head,
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed.
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light,
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight.
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."
My favourite part is the second last part where he sang, "Is that you just don't realize...", with a little pause, "how much I love you..."
I think it is very sweet to see your love ones as wonderful, and actually telling them how you feel after being with them for many years... so sweet...
It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear.
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair.
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight."
We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me.
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight."
I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes.
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head,
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed.
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light,
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight.
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."
My favourite part is the second last part where he sang, "Is that you just don't realize...", with a little pause, "how much I love you..."
I think it is very sweet to see your love ones as wonderful, and actually telling them how you feel after being with them for many years... so sweet...
2/07/2007
仲症路
自從上次有中國客人問我陳菊是誰我答不出來之後，我覺得應該要多看一些台灣新聞。
我家裡沒有中文電台，所以前幾天有機會回我媽那，就是拼命的看台灣新聞。台灣新聞基本上有兩種1)白爛新聞 2)泛政治新聞。第一種的不外乎就是講一些溫泉水有毒，小明家淹水的雞毛蒜皮事。反正知道沒營養，就當是看廣告。
泛政治新聞就有點難消化了，首先是說歷史課本會移除國父一詞，我對我媽表示不滿，沒事拿這作新聞幹嘛？沒想到我媽就霹靂趴拉說一大堆，說美國也不叫華盛頓國父(難道叫砍櫻桃樹的壞小孩嗎？)，所以根本沒有國父一詞。那我就想，我們自己發明國父不行嗎？我就不相信美國有”珍珠奶茶”一詞，難道我們要把它改成”紅茶裡加上奶精和有嚼勁的澱粉球”？ (Black Tea with Milk and Chewy Tapioca balls)
另一則新聞更難消化，現在有某議員正提議要將所有中正的名字都改掉，先是中正機場要改，接下來是街名，怎麼還沒想到換鈔票？
他們算算，光是換高雄市街牌和門牌就差不多要200萬台幣…都還不算住在路上的人和公司行號需要更正地址的費用。我看了差不多要抓狂，我朋友們回台灣被超得半死，一年加年終也不過90萬…
冷靜一想，生出一計，給我五十萬，我搞定他，牌子不用換，直接把”中正路”改成”仲症路”，中加個人字，正加個蓋，絕對不會有聯想，改起來很簡單，拿白色油漆加幾筆就可，英文還不用改…
什麼？路名沒有意義，沒意義才好，沒關聯以後就不用改，除非有人提議改成”健明路” (王建明啦)
事實上這就是台灣的政治風，不知道要罵執政黨的沒在做什麼、在野黨的沒事找事做、媒體的唯恐天下不亂、還是全民甘心的隨樂而舞。看了還真失望，每個人都很狂熱，但每個都不肯聽其他意見。台灣的民主還很幼稚，還是不看新聞比較健康…
btw，喬治華盛頓是Father of the Nation，你說不翻譯成國父，要翻譯成什麼？
我家裡沒有中文電台，所以前幾天有機會回我媽那，就是拼命的看台灣新聞。台灣新聞基本上有兩種1)白爛新聞 2)泛政治新聞。第一種的不外乎就是講一些溫泉水有毒，小明家淹水的雞毛蒜皮事。反正知道沒營養，就當是看廣告。
泛政治新聞就有點難消化了，首先是說歷史課本會移除國父一詞，我對我媽表示不滿，沒事拿這作新聞幹嘛？沒想到我媽就霹靂趴拉說一大堆，說美國也不叫華盛頓國父(難道叫砍櫻桃樹的壞小孩嗎？)，所以根本沒有國父一詞。那我就想，我們自己發明國父不行嗎？我就不相信美國有”珍珠奶茶”一詞，難道我們要把它改成”紅茶裡加上奶精和有嚼勁的澱粉球”？ (Black Tea with Milk and Chewy Tapioca balls)
另一則新聞更難消化，現在有某議員正提議要將所有中正的名字都改掉，先是中正機場要改，接下來是街名，怎麼還沒想到換鈔票？
他們算算，光是換高雄市街牌和門牌就差不多要200萬台幣…都還不算住在路上的人和公司行號需要更正地址的費用。我看了差不多要抓狂，我朋友們回台灣被超得半死，一年加年終也不過90萬…
冷靜一想，生出一計，給我五十萬，我搞定他，牌子不用換，直接把”中正路”改成”仲症路”，中加個人字，正加個蓋，絕對不會有聯想，改起來很簡單，拿白色油漆加幾筆就可，英文還不用改…
什麼？路名沒有意義，沒意義才好，沒關聯以後就不用改，除非有人提議改成”健明路” (王建明啦)
事實上這就是台灣的政治風，不知道要罵執政黨的沒在做什麼、在野黨的沒事找事做、媒體的唯恐天下不亂、還是全民甘心的隨樂而舞。看了還真失望，每個人都很狂熱，但每個都不肯聽其他意見。台灣的民主還很幼稚，還是不看新聞比較健康…
btw，喬治華盛頓是Father of the Nation，你說不翻譯成國父，要翻譯成什麼？
2/06/2007
Last night with the bitch
It was a Saturday night, she had been restless. She knew her man is coming back. Tonight would be our last night together. Just me and her…
We were watching a movie, too much talking, too little action. She yawned and put her head on my shoulder. I brushed her hair with my hands. She tilted her head and let out a joyful sign. She liked it, the way I touched her.
I remember the day we met, the moment I saw her big brown eyes, I knew she was trouble…
Sure enough, we became close, and we had our moments.
She got up and looked at me, and from her eyes, I knew she wanted something. It must has been a while since the last time she had enjoyed my company. I felt ashamed, I should have spent more time with her, but I said to her, “not now honey, I am tired…”
She wouldn’t accept no as an answer. Once again, she put her head on my lap. She sniffed, as if she was trying to savor the smell of my skin. She had this unique scent on her that sometimes can be unbearable.
I knew it was wrong, she was only nine years old, I couldn’t keep her up this late…
“okay Toby, time for bed…”
The bitch stood up and slowly walked towards her room, turned her head around and looked at me with an expression on her face as if I have abandoned her.
“come on Toby, house!”
The nine year old female beagle accepted her fate, finally went into her room.
It will be fine, Toby, your dad is coming back tomorrow…
We were watching a movie, too much talking, too little action. She yawned and put her head on my shoulder. I brushed her hair with my hands. She tilted her head and let out a joyful sign. She liked it, the way I touched her.
I remember the day we met, the moment I saw her big brown eyes, I knew she was trouble…
Sure enough, we became close, and we had our moments.
She got up and looked at me, and from her eyes, I knew she wanted something. It must has been a while since the last time she had enjoyed my company. I felt ashamed, I should have spent more time with her, but I said to her, “not now honey, I am tired…”
She wouldn’t accept no as an answer. Once again, she put her head on my lap. She sniffed, as if she was trying to savor the smell of my skin. She had this unique scent on her that sometimes can be unbearable.
I knew it was wrong, she was only nine years old, I couldn’t keep her up this late…
“okay Toby, time for bed…”
The bitch stood up and slowly walked towards her room, turned her head around and looked at me with an expression on her face as if I have abandoned her.
“come on Toby, house!”
The nine year old female beagle accepted her fate, finally went into her room.
It will be fine, Toby, your dad is coming back tomorrow…
1/31/2007
Imagine
Beatles were popular before I was born, it was in an era when hippies were around promoting peace, and wars are killing people outside of North America.
To the present time, it seems like nothing has really changed through the years.
Except the hippies back then started wars which are killing people again outside of North America.
The melody and lyrics of "Imagine" by John Lennon is quite simple, yet still quite memorable. I have a strong suspision that John was on something when he wrote this song to make it so lucid...
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
As a Taiwanese, I get 3 wishes on my birthdays, and I have to tell people the first two. The first wish has always been "world peace". yap, like what's in the movie "Miss Congeniality". Somehow, that wish never came true...
To the present time, it seems like nothing has really changed through the years.
Except the hippies back then started wars which are killing people again outside of North America.
The melody and lyrics of "Imagine" by John Lennon is quite simple, yet still quite memorable. I have a strong suspision that John was on something when he wrote this song to make it so lucid...
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
As a Taiwanese, I get 3 wishes on my birthdays, and I have to tell people the first two. The first wish has always been "world peace". yap, like what's in the movie "Miss Congeniality". Somehow, that wish never came true...
1/26/2007
挑食...
「你是不是很容易喜歡一個人？」
昨天開車載一位朋友去拿車的時候，她突然問了一個我頭皮發麻的問題。
「不是，因為我很挑食，但我一找到我愛吃的東西，我就會一直吃一樣的東西，所以要我喜歡一個人不容易，但喜歡上就很容易了…」
正在想我邏輯有沒有問題的同時，她就自言自語的說，
「我不是很容易喜歡一個人…」
「為什麼？」
「因為要感覺對才行…」
「阿什麼是對的感覺？」
「不知道呢…反正不是外表就對了」
那不是跟我講得一樣，都是挑食，只是怪到自己的感覺而已…
有時想，我見過的許多男女，不是挑食，就是被動，但很多被動的女生都說自己是挑食，但說來說去，好像沒有一個說得定自己喜歡吃什麼。如果不知道自己喜歡吃什麼，還算挑食嗎？還算是自願式的絕食，因為沒有人給她餵。
我覺得已經二十一世紀了，女生要把握自己的幸福，有喜歡就不要ging啦，再三挑四挑，給自己一堆藉口，妳的青鳥也不會自己報到。記得，你要對自己的幸福負責任！
昨天開車載一位朋友去拿車的時候，她突然問了一個我頭皮發麻的問題。
「不是，因為我很挑食，但我一找到我愛吃的東西，我就會一直吃一樣的東西，所以要我喜歡一個人不容易，但喜歡上就很容易了…」
正在想我邏輯有沒有問題的同時，她就自言自語的說，
「我不是很容易喜歡一個人…」
「為什麼？」
「因為要感覺對才行…」
「阿什麼是對的感覺？」
「不知道呢…反正不是外表就對了」
那不是跟我講得一樣，都是挑食，只是怪到自己的感覺而已…
有時想，我見過的許多男女，不是挑食，就是被動，但很多被動的女生都說自己是挑食，但說來說去，好像沒有一個說得定自己喜歡吃什麼。如果不知道自己喜歡吃什麼，還算挑食嗎？還算是自願式的絕食，因為沒有人給她餵。
我覺得已經二十一世紀了，女生要把握自己的幸福，有喜歡就不要ging啦，再三挑四挑，給自己一堆藉口，妳的青鳥也不會自己報到。記得，你要對自己的幸福負責任！
1/23/2007
Dine out in 2007
Been to 8 dine outs this year... I think I have burnt a hole in my wallet.
Le Cracodile - second try, went for a friend's 19th bday, always like their service, couldn't remember what I had, but I was really full, which was rare for french dine out.
Nu - second try, had the lobster menu, appy was good, but the main course is on the salty side, great company though, some good mix of new friends, high school friends and college friends.
Cannery - first time there, the sexy girl I went with recommended mussels, which were great, chorizo and the sauce, so good. The dine out? It was okay at best, the main course sablefish and salmon were dry, and ling cod appy was better, actually, the dessert was probably the best out of the 3. Second thought, the company was better than the food in my opinion, had great conversation.
Provence - third time there, went there by accident with friends for brunch, always love their crepe, cheese and asparagus, good stuff!
O'doul's - my favourite restaurant in 2006, went many times for different occasions, went there for a friend's bday, great value, the tenderloin was in generous portion and the dessert was sooo good. and im usually not a dessert person. I suspect it will still be my favourite in 2007.
Lift Bar and Grill - first time, went with my banker friend, good ambience, food portions are tiny comparing to O'doul's, for the appy, we were guessing if it was sauce under the slice of duck or it was a duck soup... we drank it like soup anyways. The sea bass was good, although it wasn't as good as the bass at C a few years back, but i could be starving back at C.
Bluewater - first time, was impressed by the size of the restaurant, it also features a nice list of oysters and sushi bar... yes, a sushi bar. We ordered the dine out menu, the appy was interesting, the main course was forgettable, Char was good, but couscous was only okay, the dessert was not too exciting, lemon tart and chocolate mousse.
Aurora - first time, small place but very cozy, the martini is expensive and weird, it was a sour cloudy watery thingie, the appy is interesting, I had a plate of beets, main course was not bad, especially the veal cheek.
The best appy - mussels at Cannery, but it wasn't on Dine out, if Dine out, Salmon mousse at Bluewater.
The best main - tenderloin at O'doul, great sauce, great meat... hm...
The best dessert - sorbet at Cannery, nice portion, great flavours
Best 2007 dine out - O'doul's
Most dissapointed 2007 dine out - Cannery, just because I was so looking forward to it.
Total friends included in the dine out - 38
I was suppose to go to Cadero and West, but I want to prevent myself from a heart attack when I open my credit card statment next week.
Le Cracodile - second try, went for a friend's 19th bday, always like their service, couldn't remember what I had, but I was really full, which was rare for french dine out.
Nu - second try, had the lobster menu, appy was good, but the main course is on the salty side, great company though, some good mix of new friends, high school friends and college friends.
Cannery - first time there, the sexy girl I went with recommended mussels, which were great, chorizo and the sauce, so good. The dine out? It was okay at best, the main course sablefish and salmon were dry, and ling cod appy was better, actually, the dessert was probably the best out of the 3. Second thought, the company was better than the food in my opinion, had great conversation.
Provence - third time there, went there by accident with friends for brunch, always love their crepe, cheese and asparagus, good stuff!
O'doul's - my favourite restaurant in 2006, went many times for different occasions, went there for a friend's bday, great value, the tenderloin was in generous portion and the dessert was sooo good. and im usually not a dessert person. I suspect it will still be my favourite in 2007.
Lift Bar and Grill - first time, went with my banker friend, good ambience, food portions are tiny comparing to O'doul's, for the appy, we were guessing if it was sauce under the slice of duck or it was a duck soup... we drank it like soup anyways. The sea bass was good, although it wasn't as good as the bass at C a few years back, but i could be starving back at C.
Bluewater - first time, was impressed by the size of the restaurant, it also features a nice list of oysters and sushi bar... yes, a sushi bar. We ordered the dine out menu, the appy was interesting, the main course was forgettable, Char was good, but couscous was only okay, the dessert was not too exciting, lemon tart and chocolate mousse.
Aurora - first time, small place but very cozy, the martini is expensive and weird, it was a sour cloudy watery thingie, the appy is interesting, I had a plate of beets, main course was not bad, especially the veal cheek.
The best appy - mussels at Cannery, but it wasn't on Dine out, if Dine out, Salmon mousse at Bluewater.
The best main - tenderloin at O'doul, great sauce, great meat... hm...
The best dessert - sorbet at Cannery, nice portion, great flavours
Best 2007 dine out - O'doul's
Most dissapointed 2007 dine out - Cannery, just because I was so looking forward to it.
Total friends included in the dine out - 38
I was suppose to go to Cadero and West, but I want to prevent myself from a heart attack when I open my credit card statment next week.
1/22/2007
Top posts in 2006
For those who are relatively new to my blog, welcome!
These are my favourite posts in 2006,
12/01/05
失戀是什麼感覺...
12/04/05
一個有關快樂的故事...
02/25/06
討厭連續劇
03/05/06
她在那裡...
03/19/06
人在衰的時候...
05/20/06
要賺很多很多的錢...
05/22/06
給自己一個機會去愛...
05/30/06
As matter of Exs...
05/31/06
觸摸一下回憶…
06/07/06
一年換十年的愛情…
06/24/06
SFO a few months later...
06/27/06
Be married, be merry…
07/03/06
稻香
08/14/06
玻璃鞋
08/25/06
Summer of 2006
09/06/06
破鏡…
10/20/06
They are young, successful, and married...
10/24/06
Why go and why stay?
11/15/06
給還是男孩的男人...
11/18/06
給想不開的女人...
12/11/06
溫哥華的雪
1/17/06
Morally confused...
1/18/06
My name is Sammy – a tragic truth story
and of course, my first attempt in a chinese short story,
http://girlseyes.blogspot.com/
These are my favourite posts in 2006,
12/01/05
失戀是什麼感覺...
12/04/05
一個有關快樂的故事...
02/25/06
討厭連續劇
03/05/06
她在那裡...
03/19/06
人在衰的時候...
05/20/06
要賺很多很多的錢...
05/22/06
給自己一個機會去愛...
05/30/06
As matter of Exs...
05/31/06
觸摸一下回憶…
06/07/06
一年換十年的愛情…
06/24/06
SFO a few months later...
06/27/06
Be married, be merry…
07/03/06
稻香
08/14/06
玻璃鞋
08/25/06
Summer of 2006
09/06/06
破鏡…
10/20/06
They are young, successful, and married...
10/24/06
Why go and why stay?
11/15/06
給還是男孩的男人...
11/18/06
給想不開的女人...
12/11/06
溫哥華的雪
1/17/06
Morally confused...
1/18/06
My name is Sammy – a tragic truth story
and of course, my first attempt in a chinese short story,
http://girlseyes.blogspot.com/
1/21/2007
自大的人
之前提過交朋友的時候，很怕遇到無趣的人。還有另一種人我也是很怕遇到的，就是自大的人。
剛見到自大的人，不見得給人的感覺是他很有自信，反而是一有點高傲，和他講話必須要戰戰兢兢的，如果說了什麼不重聽的話，他可能兩眼一翻，你今天別想再和他講到話，要不，他就和妳辯到底。辯論議題是沒什麼問題，但如果講兩句，你就覺得他好像把你當小孩在講話，或把你當白痴。恭喜你，你可能遇上了自大的人。
自大的人通常很自滿，對自己某些一技之長很有信心，(有些可能連一技之長都沒有)，說起話來長輩十足，你應該極惶恐的態度去接受他可以給你的珍貴知識，(雖然你知道是錯的)。這種自滿不見得來自於完全的自信，相反的，很多時候他們是很沒有自信，很多都是自我催眠和自我膨脹的結果。此乃”過度的自卑造成過度的自信”。
另一種自大的人是天生的，嚴格說，應該是家庭背景的關係。通常，他們家裡都有些銀子，在成長的過程中，沒見過什麼風雨，(和其他中學生械鬥、撞爛名車不算)，見慣了旁人對他的奉承，就算出了社會，那公子味、格格味去不了，倒是一種家庭背景所建立的自信還在。不過，他們的樓上，兩個耳朵中間的，通常沒裝太多時用的東西。
我因為工作和社團的關係，有機會見過很多成功的前輩，他們大部分都是很誠懇、很虛心的人。令人啼笑皆非的是，我開始越來越常見到一些年輕的朋友們，(或很多不大年輕的朋友)對自己現在的情況過於滿足，對自己的能力過度信心，不削他人的意見。我看了真的不明白，他們的自大到底哪裡來?他們沒見過比他們更成功、更努力的人嗎?
我和自大的人對話，是很累的事情，不但一面要對他一戳及破的自信有所保留，把自己尖酸刻薄的那面藏好，另一面還要忍受他接近幼稚的自滿。好加在，我不大有機會和他們一對一。另外，我也需要提醒自己，不要讓自己也成了他人眼中自大的人。
剛見到自大的人，不見得給人的感覺是他很有自信，反而是一有點高傲，和他講話必須要戰戰兢兢的，如果說了什麼不重聽的話，他可能兩眼一翻，你今天別想再和他講到話，要不，他就和妳辯到底。辯論議題是沒什麼問題，但如果講兩句，你就覺得他好像把你當小孩在講話，或把你當白痴。恭喜你，你可能遇上了自大的人。
自大的人通常很自滿，對自己某些一技之長很有信心，(有些可能連一技之長都沒有)，說起話來長輩十足，你應該極惶恐的態度去接受他可以給你的珍貴知識，(雖然你知道是錯的)。這種自滿不見得來自於完全的自信，相反的，很多時候他們是很沒有自信，很多都是自我催眠和自我膨脹的結果。此乃”過度的自卑造成過度的自信”。
另一種自大的人是天生的，嚴格說，應該是家庭背景的關係。通常，他們家裡都有些銀子，在成長的過程中，沒見過什麼風雨，(和其他中學生械鬥、撞爛名車不算)，見慣了旁人對他的奉承，就算出了社會，那公子味、格格味去不了，倒是一種家庭背景所建立的自信還在。不過，他們的樓上，兩個耳朵中間的，通常沒裝太多時用的東西。
我因為工作和社團的關係，有機會見過很多成功的前輩，他們大部分都是很誠懇、很虛心的人。令人啼笑皆非的是，我開始越來越常見到一些年輕的朋友們，(或很多不大年輕的朋友)對自己現在的情況過於滿足，對自己的能力過度信心，不削他人的意見。我看了真的不明白，他們的自大到底哪裡來?他們沒見過比他們更成功、更努力的人嗎?
我和自大的人對話，是很累的事情，不但一面要對他一戳及破的自信有所保留，把自己尖酸刻薄的那面藏好，另一面還要忍受他接近幼稚的自滿。好加在，我不大有機會和他們一對一。另外，我也需要提醒自己，不要讓自己也成了他人眼中自大的人。
1/18/2007
My name is Sammy – a tragic truth story
When I came to Canada last century, I was given a new life, I was given a second chance, so I picked the most manly name I could imagine, James, after the famous MI6 agent of UK.
For those of you who knows my Chinese name, you know that it is gender-confused, one of the most traumatizing event happened when I was little and was taken to one of the biggest hospital in the city. There I was in the waiting area with my mom, some nurse announced, “楊永欣小妹妹,請到三號病房”. I thought, maybe, my name was just a little girly.
Fast forward a few years, when I was in one of those English tutoring centre in Taipei. The first class, the instructor asked us if we had English names, of course, being 10 and in Taiwan, I didn’t have an English name. The instructor then picked our names from the back of her English-Chinese Dictionary. My brother became John… and I became Sammy. I didn’t know that a few years later, there was a famous HK pop singer named Sammie… I never had a chance…
When I came to Canada, I became James, I didn’t know Justin, Jalen, Jamal… but I knew everyone knew that James is a guy.
Then, I went to high school, of course, back then, everyone writes his/her own note as follows:
To whom it may concern,
Please excuse James Yang for being absent on January 18, 2007, he had to see his family doctor.
Sincerely,
Thinking that the ESL teacher would never understand my Chinese handwriting, I signed with my own Chinese name. My classmate from HK saw the note and asked “who is that, your sister?” I told him it was my Chinese name, he burst into laughter, because in Cantonese, 欣is used in a female name, never in a guy’s name. Then I made the mistake of telling him that my original English name was actually Sammy, he laughed so hard, there was tears in his eyes.
So, I have lived a double life, I was Sammy, but now I am James. Please just call me James.
Btw, if you want to know, my Chinese name 永欣 means “forever blossoming”, poor bastard, I never had a chance…
For those of you who knows my Chinese name, you know that it is gender-confused, one of the most traumatizing event happened when I was little and was taken to one of the biggest hospital in the city. There I was in the waiting area with my mom, some nurse announced, “楊永欣小妹妹,請到三號病房”. I thought, maybe, my name was just a little girly.
Fast forward a few years, when I was in one of those English tutoring centre in Taipei. The first class, the instructor asked us if we had English names, of course, being 10 and in Taiwan, I didn’t have an English name. The instructor then picked our names from the back of her English-Chinese Dictionary. My brother became John… and I became Sammy. I didn’t know that a few years later, there was a famous HK pop singer named Sammie… I never had a chance…
When I came to Canada, I became James, I didn’t know Justin, Jalen, Jamal… but I knew everyone knew that James is a guy.
Then, I went to high school, of course, back then, everyone writes his/her own note as follows:
To whom it may concern,
Please excuse James Yang for being absent on January 18, 2007, he had to see his family doctor.
Sincerely,
Thinking that the ESL teacher would never understand my Chinese handwriting, I signed with my own Chinese name. My classmate from HK saw the note and asked “who is that, your sister?” I told him it was my Chinese name, he burst into laughter, because in Cantonese, 欣is used in a female name, never in a guy’s name. Then I made the mistake of telling him that my original English name was actually Sammy, he laughed so hard, there was tears in his eyes.
So, I have lived a double life, I was Sammy, but now I am James. Please just call me James.
Btw, if you want to know, my Chinese name 永欣 means “forever blossoming”, poor bastard, I never had a chance…
1/17/2007
Morally confused...
A recent conversation with my friend, she told me a tale of betrayal, not once but twice. Usually, when this type of thing happened, telling her to leave the man is my suggestion, because we are dealing with a habitual action instead of "accidents".
However, she told me, maybe, maybe it was her fault to ignore him, maybe it was her fault that the man cheated on her, again...
It is strange to see that a few months back, same woman was angry and sad about his first betrayal. Now, she is just sad and accepting the man. The advice she had received from her family? "you have to trust the man, because he is a man"
Honestly, I don't understand what her family meant by "because he is a man", since when it is okay for a man to cheat, but not okay for a woman to cheat? Perhaps, it is one of the thing that society generally accept as a regular male behaviour, or worse, taboo for females.
Another conversation with another friend, she was commenting on how both men and women will have the same view on certain behaviour. For example, a flirtatious woman is a "slut", but a flirtatious man is "horny" at the worst. Also, how society would scrutinize a female "homewrecker" more than a male "homewrecker"...
When we were brought up, we were been taught what actions are "moral", and what actions are "immoral". But as we age, black and white start to blend, more things are becoming grey, or somewhat acceptable.
When a close friend describe what working environment is like in Taipei, he said, "if you were to work over here, there will be girls lining up for you, without any consequences, without and burdens, because girls are okay with casual sexual encounters here"
I guess we are back to the 70s again...
However, she told me, maybe, maybe it was her fault to ignore him, maybe it was her fault that the man cheated on her, again...
It is strange to see that a few months back, same woman was angry and sad about his first betrayal. Now, she is just sad and accepting the man. The advice she had received from her family? "you have to trust the man, because he is a man"
Honestly, I don't understand what her family meant by "because he is a man", since when it is okay for a man to cheat, but not okay for a woman to cheat? Perhaps, it is one of the thing that society generally accept as a regular male behaviour, or worse, taboo for females.
Another conversation with another friend, she was commenting on how both men and women will have the same view on certain behaviour. For example, a flirtatious woman is a "slut", but a flirtatious man is "horny" at the worst. Also, how society would scrutinize a female "homewrecker" more than a male "homewrecker"...
When we were brought up, we were been taught what actions are "moral", and what actions are "immoral". But as we age, black and white start to blend, more things are becoming grey, or somewhat acceptable.
When a close friend describe what working environment is like in Taipei, he said, "if you were to work over here, there will be girls lining up for you, without any consequences, without and burdens, because girls are okay with casual sexual encounters here"
I guess we are back to the 70s again...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)