Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Something New, Something Old

So I met someone recently who caught my eye almost instantly.  Only the more I get to know him, the more I realize he resembles someone from my past that I had an enormous crush on and still makes me melt when I think of him then.  And just like back then, I seem to be the only person at the moment who appreciates his looks and talent.  I suppose you can gather he is more or less my "type" of guy.

What's my type you ask?  Well, there was a period when I really liked brooding, independent, slightly narcissistic, slightly eccentric musicians.  I guess, a part of me still does, which is fine.  There is nothing wrong with keeping your childhood fantasies and interests.  This new guy even looks like another one of my past crushes.  Tall and lanky with longish hair.  He has a bit of a rocker vibe, not too punk, kinda preppy, kinda pretty.  He's very anal and knows he is popular but at the same time is a little insecure as well.  Oh yeah, and he cooks, which is different.  And I don't mean he knows how to make noodles and fried rice, but he actually holds a knife well.

And then my sister goes and bursts my bubble insisting his choice of outfits indicate he is probably gay.  Regardless, I think he is divine.  It's nice to have someone in my life again, even if at the moment he does not know I exist.  Sigh. School girl crushes, I guess you're never too old for them.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

When the flames refuse to die

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

夜裡有風 風裡有我 我擁有什麼
雲跟風說 風跟我說 我能向誰說

As one of the supporting members in my circles of friends, I am privy to many inside stories and information.  Friends, new and old, tend to confide in me their struggles and anxieties and I try my best to lend an hear or hand.  Sometimes, all they need is someone to share a piece of their mind.  Other times, I offer a word or 2 of advice or often, even a nod of acknowledgement is enough.  But the stories generally do end with me.

I was raised to be honest and trained to be just.  Any secret or sensitive information imparted to me can usually be assured to rest with me.  Occasionally, it can be overwhelming, but I have learned to deal with the pent up pressure, having solace in the thought that others will similarly hold my private conversations with specially regards.

不想從前 不談未來 我為誰等待
不要你懂 不怕人說 讓愛隨風沈默


Even when I do divulge tidbits of information, it is just that, minute and generic.  The only juicy gossip I openly share are the stories that are retold by the individual(s) themselves.  Take P & A for instance.  They have been harboring an ongoing feud for the last few months.  Neither side will step back or try to understand the other's point of view.  Both, of course expect an apology from the other.  At this point, all of our friends are aware of their conflict and trade stories and ideas to help them find a remedy.  Alas, it has been to no avail.

你是我胸口永遠的痛 
南方天空飄著北方的雪
熱情凍結在 冷冷風中

And then there's S and her dilemma.  She only shares with those who ask and it has become more and more apparent that she has not been dealing with her break-up as well as we had thought she did.  It's a little harder to piece together her story as we are not sure who know what and how much.  However, a few of us did notice that she sometimes still does pine for her old flame.  He paid her a visit recently and even though she was very brave to refuse his gestures to become reacquainted again, we can see the tears well up in her eyes as she forced the no out.

你是我胸口永遠的痛 永遠的痛    
昨夜的夢 留給明天 明天

I guess she really does love him and it is such a pity he cannot comprehend it.  I doubt he realizes it or he would not, no should not, let her go on so heart-broken.  All the rest of us can do is lend an ear or give a hug.  Unfortunately, we can't fill that void he left.  I can't understand completely, only lyrically.  I suppose it is akin to a lingering pain, like a wound that refuses to close.  So I keep my flame burning, ready to help her seal the wound when the time is right.  In this case, I hope the end is near.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

2013

Another new year, another new me.

2010 was adventurous.  Many friends and outings
2011 was exciting.  Lots of new experiences.
2012 was tumultuous.  Lots of changes.
2013 is a mixed bag.  Some good, some bad.

But it's still very early and there may be many positive things around the bend.  I have met quite a few new faces since New Year's Eve, though not all have stuck around or worth getting to know further.  The old faces have been coming around again which is a pleasure.  There are also some new activities in the works and statuses to share as well.

Last quarter, S and her friends started a weekly Walking Club at one of the local parks.  I attended a couple and so far it has been fun and nice to exercise again, even when the nights are cold.  There are plenty of other people who convene at the park to walk, jog, or run, so it doesn't feel deserted, although it wouldn't hurt for the city to turn on all the lights either.

S and I were also talking about starting up the old Supper Club again.  Probably once a quarter like the college days.  We already began collecting and testing out some interesting recipes.  S takes the cake on this aspect as I am merely a sous chef at most.  Between the handful of us, we have a number of cook books to flip through and be inspired.  We also pooled our resources together and will likely take turns hosting events.

As far as the good news goes, C and her beau are getting hitched soon.  They already have the outfits picked out and are finalizing the venue.  I hope they choose a classy place with a decent size dance floor.  It is very exciting to be included in parts of the planning and celebration.

I am definitely looking forward to see what the Water Snake brings.  Hope it will take us for a joyous ride from under the grips of the Dragon to an exotic island full of pleasant surprises.  Will check back next year.

Happy New Year!

新年快樂!