JANUARY - DECEMBER 2019

Monday, December 30, 2019

I'll save the resolutions or goals for New Year's Day entry or shortly afterwards. But for now, the final entry or blog of this decade. I don't remember when I began blogging - but this website has been on-going and has evolved throughout.

Probably the most life-changing and breakthrough moment happened this decade, when I moved out to WA from the east coast six years ago at the beginning of '13. Before then, I was rotting away in a wasteful job and was emotionally compromised or unstable. Now, I've achieved a sort of peace and self-assurance / confidence like no other. I found my identity and passion for classical piano and other interests such as hiking. Perhaps I've become more of a foodie, but have been eating healthier thanks to my spouse. Of course, I still suffer from anxiety and have episodes on occasion. And I still have some leftover baggage that has been a hindrance.

A lot of the change is because of my wife - she's made me into a better person. Unfortunately, she still has to deal with a lot of "leftover baggages" from me. Do I regret ever being married? Whenever fights or arguments happen, the individualistic or independent side of me usually might think so. But in the long-run, I definitely should see it as a blessing and should be eternally grateful.

What would I do with the Freedom Dividend? It'll certainly give me a bit more financial security or confidence (as would for others) - for instance, perhaps renting a practice room / concert room for better video recordings (as well as more up-to-date camera / equipment), perhaps a teaching endeavor (supplies expenses), or just contributing to overall expenses / living budget that seem to endlessly pile up, etc. Music never stops or quits - finding and learning new repertoire is always an on-going process because that is my passion.

More thoughts later, but certainly - looking forward to see what else is in store for the Asian-American celebrities and personalities that I've been following or supporting.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Andrew Yang action figure. Andrew Yang video game. I think I've seen it all haha. One thing is for sure - the Freedom Dividend is our Ha-DOOOUUUUU-ken! haha.

I'm all for a "ABMM" sequel - make it happen.

Recently found out about Youngheo Koo. Not exactly "Koo-Sanity", but serious talent there (and still hella young). Not that I'd be rootin' for the Falcons anytime soon (not that I watch football anyway).

Thursday, December 26, 2019

What a feast yesterday. Holidays are legitimate excuses to feast - or expand that waistline.

It's a feel-good week up to New Year's - since it's still considered a holiday week, or feels like it. For next year, "What Else Do I Want For Christmas..." - perhaps new K-Drama's on Netflix. This month, there hasn't been any new or worthwhile ones to watch. There was an influx of them two months ago - perhaps next year fo' sho'.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

"All I Want For Christmas Is.....". Not you, but a sweet-ass Xidax gaming PC. Make it happen, Ricky - please? muhaha.

The holiday spirit is the most important - as well as health and happiness. The decor, food and gifts are certainly part of the festivities / necessary - but we decided to keep it low-key this year. Or none of us really felt motivated to do the decorating. Perhaps we were out of the house for most of the time this month. Still, no excuses. I was just riddled with anxiety to do anything.

Here is a holiday throwback from Wong Fu Productions. Did you know that Santa is not a just a jolly fat dude, but actually Asian? haha.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Happy Holidays! Tis' the season for traveling headaches, but for holiday movies and the food, folks and fun. With the end of the decade and a new year approaching ("merry new year!" haha), I'm sure folks have a lot of reflecting and resolving to do. More later. "Home Alone", "Christmas Vacation",...the holiday fun. Not to mention "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" - "No Rental Agreement? Yer Fucked!" haha. Perhaps more holiday film reflecting on my Film Forum page.

I'm not usually one to watch stand-up comedies, but Ronny Chieng's Netflix special seems hilarious (the title itself - enough said haha).

To me, music is the window to one's soul.

And perhaps farting as well haha. Fuck etiquette - I'll fart or rip one as I damn please haha.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

I had a good time, and glad I went on the trip - despite anxieties. For sure, staying home all the time isn't healthy. Something to think about for next year - to go out more. It's an on-going resolution for me. Anyway, it was cool seeing everyone again and not to mention the delicious eats - that's always important haha.

The rigidity and inflexibility of certain platforms are the type of pitfalls that plague or pollute these platforms. If you are a web master, fortunately you have the creative control of what to show, how to organize, what certain layouts should look like, etc. I might have to create a new web page for the videos that I enjoy or like from my subscriptions.

The Character Media Unforgettable Gala - I'm lovin' it. Especially Dan AKA Dan's rendition of Randall Park's beat haha. For updates and social media regarding Asian-American representation, here it is:

httpss://charactermedia.com/

Thursday, December 12, 2019

I always believed that it is important to know or have a background in music theory - at least master the fundamentals. It makes it much easier - however, I don't think it is absolutely necessary to create, compose or produce music. I guess only if you are one of the rare "figure it out yourself" types. Advanced theory to me is just for knowledge-sake, and is optional but not required at all when it comes to playing, performing or composing.

Anxiety issues can be debilitating and a psychological torture whatever the case might be, whether it's public speaking or performing, traveling on public transportation, heights, etc. I always prefer to play it safe and err on the side of caution. But living like a hermit or not going out at all can also be detrimental, certainly would not help at all in overcoming these issues.

Thursday, December 05, 2019

Whatever happened to the Video Game Pianist - appears he's on hiatus from live streaming. Most likely that he's just very busy with performing, teaching, etc.

Cobra Kai S3 is going to actually be filming in Okinawa! That's probably the coolest thing to hear - I'm certainly glad to hear that they're going for authenticity. And perhaps more drama and nostalgia. Some more cool thoughts or ideas - I wouldn't mind seeing a Kyler vs. Miguel at the next tournament haha. Just don't make him into a pussy however. But it is strange that he was not mentioned at all in S2. How is that going to work, or is everything still just fluff or rumors at this point.

Sunday, December 01, 2019

December already - another year gone. Although Christmas is around the corner, the post-Thanskgiving depression can set it in. When the feast is over and the food is gone (wait - we finished all the leftovers already? haha), and family / friends leave or return home. What better way than to immerse yourself in a GeniusBrain podcast every Sunday. I'll usually re-watch a full episode if at all.

If someone makes a big deal out of a toilet seat, wouldn't that be a sane enough reason to dump their broken, bitchy-ass? haha. But to be fair, we all usually have our own peeves and things that irritate the hell out of us. Some of us just blurt or let it out. Personally, I wouldn't be able to deal with that shit. But kudos for anyone who can. I have my own baggage and neurotic / paranoid personality sometimes, a lot of it has to do with my anxieties and distrust in others / things. I can only surmise that these things might be tolerable if you are treated well in return. But who knows if the bitch yer with might have hidden agendas? Fortunately for me, I have no worries at all - the problem is actually with me however.

Being sensitive can be a good thing - in terms of being cautious and trusting your instincts (sometimes you can just tell who not to trust), recognizing or being able to interpret additional layers in terms of beauty or nuances in music or art, etc. But it can bring out the worst in you as well - talking back when it might be unnecessary, being overly defensive, blurting out things you might regret later on, etc.

Everyone in the classical music world might have been influenced by one Maestro to another. I am not familiar with a lot of them (albeit never knowing who they even are), but I would believe they have been positive influencers.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

As expected, I completely stuffed myself during our Thanskgiving feast - including the dessert round that followed of course haha. It's all about food, folks and fun - something I'm always grateful for. Other than my immediate reactions - "Damn - you gained a lot of weight!" haha.

"Justice For Jimmy" indeed haha. His most infamous line in 2 Fast 2 Furious - "I Gotchu". The "Justice For" hashtags are piling up for a lot of Asian-American / Asian characters. And you can take that fuckin' fact to the bank.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Happy Turkey Day - bust them waistlines, and recede them hairlines as a bonus haha. All we gonna do is eat today.

I just heard about Godfrey Gao, but never really knew who he was until recently - he appears to be well-known. The circumstances I hear was tragic - I'm not sure if he pushed himself too hard, or whether the show pushed him too hard. It has to change - safety and health should always be priority (which seems to be sacrificed for greedy profits and / or ratings) - no wonder my anxiety can be extreme, and the utter distrust of things outside of my control.

I hope we get a teaser as a Christmas gift for "Cobra Kai" S3, but they hinted probably in January.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Ever heard of the question, "What would you do for a Klondike bar?". But nowadays, the question to ask is; "What would you do for a Popeye's Chicken Sandwich?" haha. I still can't fathom the craze.

As comforting as eating delicious food is, it can be a detriment if your mood is dependent on it. Our relationship has been on the rocks quite a few times because I just let it out - facial expressions that express disgust or distaste, or just blurting it out heh. I'm the type that'll just tell it like it is. It's certainly a symptom of food dependency for comfort. On the flipside, I rely on music as comfort and therapy as well - but that has positive effects as it lifts my spirit and is an internal energy source for me. But too much of anything is never a good thing. Speaking of which, I might not get to a new recording until next year.

How to overcome anxiety and fears - that's been something I haven't been able to yet. It sure has been hella difficult to live a more enriching life (other than staying home or driving locally / going on short trips) since I don't like to travel. We all have to think on the side of caution and safety, and I'd prefer to err on that side rather than taking risks or being too complacent about things.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

I'm glad to hear that Dustin Nguyen is doing well and thriving - whom I just recently noticed when he reappeared on the new Cinemax series (with a new season in production). I've been curious on what he's been up to:

httpss://www.mochimag.com/mochi-magazine/dustin-nguyen-a-man-ahead-of-his-time

Don't get David So on a dive coaster haha. His reaction was priceless - rivals that with the Try Guy's reaction on that coaster in Knot's Berry farm haha. I have anxiety, and it can get extreme - I guess you can call it a phobia: an irrational fear of something or anything (for me, in particular for things not in my control - such as public transportation - but I don't necessarily panic all the time if at all). I hate heights as well, so it makes for a not a very pleasant experience. Safety should always be priority over comfort, that's my credo. Of course, comfort is just a bonus or a plus. If fat floats, then fat also flies or glides I guess haha.