Sunday, December 9, 2007

The stars shine ever so brightly!!!

Its cold, wet and miserable outside. Just my kind of weather. The year is coming to and end and finals are almost over. Just one more week to suffer with, two more finals and one more paper and I can officially call myself free for one month. In so many ways, I love my school, and the four weeks I get as a break for winter helps too.

A few things to mention in my life but nothing dramatic. After finally gaining enough "balls" I mentioned to my parents about possibly doing some work with the Peace Corps after I graduate. My friend mentioned to me a long time ago that the Peace Corps would possibly be a fantastic opportunity for me. I enjoy traveling, seeing new and exotic places, and many of my friends have noticed I have a knack for learning new languages. Apparently the ease of learning a new language is a Weise family trait. One of the few to actually be proud of. Many of you know what I am talking about. Anyway, I mentioned it to my mother and father and the reactions were mixed. My mother says that I should go for it and that it would be a wonderful opportunity for me. She however also noted that I would have to raise the money on my own, and that while my intentions are good, they will the end, be meaningless in this world. I tend to disagree with her there. She came to me and said that the problem with our generation and our age group is that we all tend to be idealistic, believing that we can all change the world for better. She noted in the end, you will realize that all of it was minuscule and that there is just to much in this world to change. I disagree with her there, but then again, it could possibly be my idealistic mind set that continues to make me argue with her. My father's reaction on the other hand was not to pleasant. While he likes the idea, he is worried about safety and of what may happen to me if I were to really leave. I would like to do some work, possibly in Africa but he stated no. He mentioned Africa was a dangerous place, with war, crime, murder, and such. Africa has its problem I agree but when you really begin to look at it, its no different then Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia. The risks are equally great, but if one remains vigilant, and open minded, I believe on can be fine. I am hoping maybe for South Africa or Ghana. We'll have to see. Its still a long time away.

I had a long talk with a friend last night which was wonderful. Its been awhile since I have really sat down with some one and just talked for hours. Granted, it was on AIM but still... Kara is a lovely girl we sat talking about everything for hours. Everything from love to politics. Its fun talking to her, plus it gives me a chance to try out some of my new "Asian" jokes. I laughed with her at one point when I noted that my friends on Facebook, those from Provo/BYU now out number any of my friends from my school or any other network for that matter. Joey laughed at me at one point and noted I was so popular there now, I should just transfer over and complete my major there. Yeah right!!! Its fun to be friends with girls again. I don't know why but I just prefer the company of women. Don't get me wrong, I have lots of guy friends and a few really god friends, one's I can confide to when I need, but if I had the choice, I'd rather hang out with the girls. I feel more comfortable around them. Call it weird if you want.

I tried to send a package to that girl in Utah this week but couldn't find the heart too. Truthfully, it was the gifts and letters she sent me over the last couple of years, and the ring she gave me. I felt so angry at her but trying to close the package, I hesitated and now it just sits on my coffee table. Yes, it is basically a break up package, but I just don't have the guts too. I try to be angry at her, try to find all the words I want to say to her, all of the nasty things, but when I try, it fails miserably. I don't know if its just that I am to nice, and am unable to tell what I really feel for fear of the repercussions, or if its because of my feelings for her. Maybe its both. I am not even sure if I can even be just a friend with her right now. I want more, but when I try to tell her, again the words fail to come out and I wind up dancing around the subject making myself look and sound like a fool. Its all to complicated at the moment.

Finals are almost over and now the next debate is how to enjoy the four weeks. I am possibly planning a trip to NYC for a week but if anything, I will be heading to Utah for the MLK holiday weekend. My mother hates the idea of me always hanging out in Provo, but if the snow is good this year, how can you fight it. She fears I am going to convert. I just laugh and say "who do you think I am... anyhow?" Utah's snow compared to Mammoth is beautiful. You couldn't ask for better snow for snowboarding. Dry and powdery. Whether its 5 or 7 days I'll have to see. My worry too is bumping into that girl. In Provo, it tends to be unavoidable. Again, we'll have to see. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade right?

Sunday, December 2, 2007

The Winter Season has arrived

Winter has finally come and I have only one thing to say with that... "Well it’s about freaking time!!!" Most people think I am for the most part, nuts due to the fact that I actually enjoy cold weather. Personally my most hated season is summer. While I do enjoy the lazy dog days of summer, barbeques, summer loves, baseball, the beach and all around relaxation, I can't stand the weather. I like it to be cold, snowy and wet. It gives me a chance to wear some of my more favorite of clothes like sweaters, coats and scarves. Summers are just uncomfortable for me. I can't stand the incessant heat, humidity, having to climb into your car just to have your hands burned by the steering wheel or seatbelt, and everyday coming back to your apartment or home sticky from sweat. Plus, this kind of weather brings out the holiday season, and makes it feel more festive, more alive. I have always loved Christmas. Ever since I was a little child, I always loved the massive hustle and bustle, the cold air, all of the Christmas lights and the giant tree lit up every December.


Ok I guess back to my life. Thanksgiving was for the most part typical. The food was delicious but the family, well that’s just another story. As usual, my family for the most part seemingly just can't stand to be around each other, and are all simply there to do there proper thing, which if course is say hello to all of the people the continually ignore for most of the year and feast. Boy can my family feast. I general though, I feel my family is more just trying to get out of there as soon as possibly. The faster, the better! My mother says I should just stop complaining and that there really is no basis for my argument, because were Chinese. Apparently that makes all of the difference. Her claim, were Chinese not American and we don't follow the "Traditional American Holidays and values." I for one tend to disagree. Simple fact is, we are American, our race or where our family originated from has nothing to do with it. Also, as life goes on, and my sister and I continue to get older, proceed through college, have loves of our own, and begin careers, the less we will have time to spend with the family. Family, no matter how dysfunctional they can be, should try to enjoy what little time they have together. One day my sister and I will probably not be able to come home for the Holidays, most likely spending it with our "Significant Other" and my mother will then realize what it really meant for us to be home, even if it was just for a weekend.


I have noticed a shift in myself again. I guess it’s not really a shift but more a revert back to my indie self. I have always enjoyed the indie culture. Everything from the clothes to the music. For awhile, more from this last spring, I pulled away for awhile from it. Now that I think back, I guess I am not sure why. I figure I was just looking for a new direction in my life, with everything including style (both life and fashion) and music. More recently I have gone back to listening to my old indie cds. I finally found my old chucks, which I had been looking for all year, and have gotten back to wear my t-shirts, jeans, and shoes. I am slowly pulling away from looking completely prep like I did last spring. I did miss listening to all of my cds of the indie bands I had listened to in the past. Phantom Planet, Band of Horses, Interpol, Modest Mouse, Eisley, The Yeah Yeah Yeah's, The New Pornographers, The New Amsterdams and etc... The List goes on and could really fill up a page. The newer one I have taken an interest into of course is Forgotten Charity. An indie band based out in Utah, they are pretty good. I have a couple of songs I continually listen to over and over again, I really shouldn't do that, and have begun to keep up with the future plans including tour dates and song releases. This would probably be a whole lot easier if I actually lived in Utah. Don't worry!!! No plans to move out there anytime soon. Anyway, they are pretty good. I do enjoy them. They can be a bit emo for my taste at times but I can easily get past that. Actually to go of even further, a few friends (two girls, a guy and I) are looking at creating a band of our own, and I would be the vocals. More will be told of these plans really do come into fruition. Right now, our debate is not so much who will be doing what but rather, what to call ourselves and how to introduce the band to general public.


Not much is happening in school. It’s the last week of shows. Truthfully, I am relieved. The fall season is winding down and after next weekend, the official strike and the done till January. My stress will continue however with finals coming up in less then 3 weeks though. Oh joy. Surprisingly my grades have held up fairly well this year, and with a little luck, my finals will continue that course. The only true class I am worried about is my biology class. It’s holding up probably at just barely a C which means I am going to have to study my ass off to pass this final. No matter what though, I am probably going to wind up completing another year anyway. As before, I need to fix some previous grades. Ones that hopefully will never see the light of day. Not much in the way of love life. I still think about the girl in Utah on occasion, and still miss her, but that’s really about it. I enjoy hanging out with the girls I know at school, but with my social life in the crapper due to the fact that theatre and classes have taken it hostage, who has time to date these days. Maybe when things cool off for the winter/semester break... Not much otherwise. Hopefully, when I get a chance tomorrow, my next blog will delve more in depth into my more personal thoughts and such. Stay warm everybody. Happy Holidays.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Peculiar Thoughts

So I seem to have several things on my mind. I'll try to be brief.

1. Theatre

So several people have noted that I have become increasingly involved in my career/major. A friend noted that theatre has basically become my world and my only world. In many ways, I hope this is not true, but it very well might be. The simple fact is, as much as I regret it sometimes, I have become in many ways, my "father's son." Many mistakes he had set in his life I have begun, including becoming a "workaholic." I love theatre... a lot in fact." There are nights where I cannot stop thinking about it. I wonder what the next day will hold. What new creative ideas will pop in my head or other peoples heads. I guess I am one of the few people that actually looks forward to work everyday. My friend stated that I should be careful though. I am using work as away to escape personal problems. I'll bury myself in theatre to keep my mind off of the personal demons that need the most work. My father has done the same and I have seen what it brings. Depression, anxiety, failed relationships, etc... Two I have already experienced which include depression and anxiety, both of which I have been medicated for.

2. Fashion

I swear to you, I think my mother wishes I was gay. I know it sounds unbelievably weird, but seeing her this last weekend brought up some hair raising weirdness. She claims, I am to much of a prep, that I should have more "flowery shirts" and Prada sunglasses. Now as much as I would like a pair of $500 dollar sunglasses I think Prada is a little overboard. I laughed and my sister agreed. I told her that me having all of these things would make me a tool. Now while my sister says that I would not necessarily be gay, it would fit the classic L.A. stereotype. The fashionable guy with a fancy Porsche, Armani suit and yes, Prada sunglasses. Oh Brother!!!

3. Relationships

I had a long talk with my friend Leah over the weekend and The Urth Cafe, in West Hollywood on Melrose. It was very pleasant. It was nice to just sit down in front of a friend, a girl rather, and just sit and talk. Discuss life in general, choices, and relationships. She laughed at me when she asked how many relationships I have had in my lifetime as of this date. When I told all of my failed ones, she sorta of gasped then giggled. Her exact quote was "How does one guy at 21, have so many girls that are angry at him?" "Why do more than 50% of them end ugly?" I laughed and simply stated "What can I say, I am a romantic!" I guess in reality though I long for a real relationship these days. I really long for a relationship when I first met that one girl at BYU. She in many ways, opened my eyes. I have begun to realize that many girls who have really liked me, ones like "Amy" I have managed to push away. I consider myself and most friends would agree that I am pretty independent, a free spirit of some sort. I guess in reality I am also just scared to let my emotions be known. There were a few girls I had feelings for but never found the courage to say anything about it. I tried with the girl at BYU but simply found myself lost on what to say. I guess I just want something to care for in the end. I am not looking for marriage in the immediate future but it would be nice to be with girl for awhile, care for her, help her with whatever she needs, and to know that she would in fact do the same for me. I guess most of this relates to the one girl in Utah. I wish to just run up there and simply just yell at the top of my lungs how I feel about her. The one girl I wish to really be with and unfortunately can't.

4. Music

I have found myself getting more and more back into the music scene. I miss music. I decided to take a class of the winter/spring semester on Music Theory I guess mostly to just brush up on my musical capabilities and knowledge. I am going to try to see if I can get back to practicing again with either the flute or the piano. I have really gotten back into singing again, and as much as I hate to admit it, I will be trying out for the spring musical this year. I am sure after two years of not working on my voice, its not going to sound pleasant for a few weeks. Once I begin working out my vocal cords again, I am sure I'll be just fine. Hopefully one day when things settle down, I might be able to get back to learning on composition and actually try writing a song/piece.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

The American Holiday


Thanksgiving!!!


The day where one can eat like a glutton, stuff themselves till they just can't breathe anymore, and not feel guilty about it for about one week.


The real question is of course, what was the first real Thanksgiving, and was Turkey really served? Everybody recognizes the famous painting by Norman Rockwell, the family gathered around the table, everybody smiling and the head of the family - the grandmother and grandfather - setting down the "Pièce de résistance!" The massive bird which will later be savagely sliced up. To that effect, all I have to say is Norman Rockwell should have come to my family dinner, and we could have shown him the real American family sitting down for dinner. I am sure it would give him nightmares for years to come. But really now, what was the "real thanksgiving dinner?"


Officially Thanksgiving was recognized as a Federal Holiday in 1789. The United States of America was born, and George Washington was officially elected and in sworn in as the first President of these United States. Washington as President, designated Thanksgiving as a Holiday so that every American could "thank God for affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness and for having been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed... " Since that executive proclamation, a tradition was born and now every president has offered thanks to whatever he "or she - yes I said she" might be thankful for to a hungry nation.


The first real Thanksgiving however occurred in 1619 on the Berkeley Plantation on what was then known the "Virgina Colony" when a group of 38 English settlers landed at Berkeley Hundred on December 4th, 1619. This would officially be the first permanent settlement in the Virginia Colony. The town charter stipulated that the day of arrival (December 4th) be designated as a day of "Thanksgiving to God" The official quote from the charter states "Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God."


The traditional thanksgiving story that of course, everybody knows occurred on the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. The winters in New England were particularly brutal and many of the first settlers died from hypothermia, disease, and starvation. A grateful group of settlers in 1621 thanked the natives (The famous Squanto) for helping them survive, through learning to fish, hunt, and farm. Without the natives assistance, most likely the settlers would have never survived and the settlement would have been abandoned. After 1621, the Plymouth Colony officially designated a Holiday immediately after the autumn harvest as a day of celebration, feasting and praising god. The Governor of Plymouth invited Grand Sachem Massasoit and the Wampanoag people to join them in the feast. As a way of saying thanks, the natives went into the forest and brought back 5 deer as a gift for the governor. As much as people think that Turkey is the officially meal of Thanksgiving, the first real thanksgiving dinner actually included eel, various fish including cod, native berries around the area, deer and ale (beer). Sorry guys... there is just no turkey on the New England menu.


Now we have an idea of where Thanksgiving comes from. The American tradition lives on even to this day but now rather thanking "god" for just surviving in a settlement, we have so much more to be thankful for, whether it be family, friends, school, relationships, and/or all around life in general. So feast away everybody. Enjoy the turkey with all of the trimmings. Stuff yourself silly till you can't even stand up, enjoy your time with your family if you are home for the holiday, stay warm, and know, despite whatever problems maybe occurring in your own life at the moment, there is something that everyone is and/or should be thankful for.


Monday, November 19, 2007

Back into the heart of LA

Well I am back from my little vacation to Provo. It was an interesting experience this time. A full ride of emotions, much like the best and worst roller coaster one can ride.

Little Women was a delight. I am generally not a fan of musicals but this one was enjoyable. The acting was well done, and the singing and choreography were amazing. For a little theatre at the HFAC at BYU, it was extremely well done. Watching this show just put more amazement for me into the world of theatre. I watch shows like these, and I realize how happy I am to be working and learning in this very industry. It amazing to see, how a small group of people with the right skill, can tell the most incredible story, even with the smallest of sets or props. The hustle, the triumphs, the loss, the heartache, the struggles, the late hours, the shear massive amount of different personalities, all coming to together to tell a story in the most fascinating of art forms, makes me feel, well... just happy. Never in an area of education or work, have I met more fascinating people. Some of my closest friends are all from this very thing.

It probably would have been more enjoyable, but two things simply got in the way. Jessica, who still looked beautiful, was very sick. Sadly enough this is all to common. I see many of my friends, stressed from the daily lives stemming from the art form, and suddenly becoming ill, simply because of stress. A lack of eating and sleeping generally ensues. I felt horrible as if I was dragging her to this event, but she enjoyed it none the less. She has been dying to see this show for awhile now. The second reason was simply the girl I had mentioned in the earlier blog.

She was stage managing the show this year. After Jessica had left for home, I stopped by to congratulate her and send her a birthday card. I have held the card for awhile and only finally gave it as Jessica told me, it was simply, the decent thing to do. She is in fact turning 20 this week. I had asked her if I could talk to her for 2 minutes, but she declined, stating she had to head back to her roommates to finish up somethings. Consciously I accepted hugged her and said goodnight, but in my mind all I could feel was shear rage, anger and pain. I held back my tongue but in so many ways I just wanted to yell out every curse word I could imagine and tell her exactly how I still feel about her, and how much, in many ways, she hurt me. I wanted her to feel the pain she gave me but at the same time wanted her to want me back. Is it wrong? Is it wrong to feel this? Do I just continue to smile, and hold my tongue, or do I just find day to met her face to face, and just let it all out? I keeping asking myself this and yet seem to never find an answer. I am lost with her. I move on and date other women, have crushes on other girls, like Jessica, but still find myself lost with her. I miss her, adore her, and hate her all at the same time.

Just this night I had a dinner with Ian and his friends from the 57th ward. Wards are designated by the church as groups I guess. Instead of the entire school have one giant session, they split them all up based on where the live and have individual sessions. I am generally not a church, fan, find the whole organized religion thing a bit weird for me, but yet found this Sunday's to be quite enjoyable. The dinner was amazing, and I have made so many for friends. I enjoy the company in Provo. People there seem more genuinely honest, caring, and feel to be more all around good friends. I feel closer to my friends in Utah then I do anywhere else. Not even at school. I don't know why really. It just seems that when things are low, the people I can come to, confide in, and both receive and give out advice just comes so naturally out there. So now I simply just went onto facebook and selected everybody I met or might have met tonight. Who knows... maybe they'll all accept. I am hoping during winter break I might be able to come back. See my friends again and maybe hit the slopes.

My flight back to LA was less then event full. An hour and a half flight and another hour stuck on the tarmac waiting for a gate. Oh how I loathe LAX. I can't complain about being back home. Its warmer her, I am back with family, sort of, and do enjoy the LA life style. Thanksgiving is upon us. Just four more days till I can stuff myself full, and not regret it till after Christmas. Ok that just sounded so much like a woman. Ti's the Holiday season, a time for love, family and asking the very question of "Do I really belong in the same gene pool as the rest of my family?"

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Love and Life: How one becomes lost.

Well, I guess this is my first real blog. What to say...

I am in Provo right now. I decided to take a break from it all, even if it was just for a weekend. Most people think I am crazy but in a way, I like Provo. Its simpler here. Life here moves at a much slower pace and people here seem more genuinely honest. The isn't a bunch of political b.s. that you find in LA. Traffic is easy and the weather here actually consists of seasons. I have several really great friends here so any chance I can get to see them I take.

The trip has been odd a best so far. Fun but odd. My flight arriving into Salt Lake was an hour late and at the time I had no way of contacting my ride. She was ok and we made it back to campus with plenty of time to spare. I just felt bad that she had to sit there for that long. My ride (Kasaundra) and I decided to get some lunch and hang out for a while until my friend who I am crashing with (Ian) came back home. It was nice. Its been awhile since I have had a real genuine conversation with somebody. I was pretty exhausted and so was she so our conversations near the end started to get a little off. Opps.

I later walked over to the HFAC (BYU's theatre department) to see if could see a few more friends. I saw Joey which was wonderful. He is currently working in the ticketing office so I joked around in my usual lame self and asked for a hamburger and fries.

I saw an old friend a few minutes later. Well really, a girl. I have actually known her since high school but only really got to know her during freshman year. I was hesitant to say hello earlier and to be honest I am not sure what changed my mind. It was nice to see her again but it was awkward at best. We haven't spoken to each other in some time and when I saw her, I lost the words with what I wanted to say and the conversation for both of us went into odd directions. Its hard in many ways. She was one of the first girls I really liked. I loved her in many ways and have missed her horribly, but after April, it all just fell apart. I have slowly moved on but when I saw her in person, a lot of emotions began to bubble up again. I guess some things never truly heal.

I am seeing BYU's production of Little Women tonight with the lovely Jessica Montgomery. I have never been a big fan of musical honestly, but this one I am rather looking forward too. Will have to see what happens later tonight and through the weekend.

I brought my suit I am not sure why. I guess I figured some one will make me come with them to church so I guess its better to be safe then sorry. Its chilly here in Provo. The day time temps are in the 50's but the night time temps are quite chilly. Generally in the low 30's. I like this kind of weather. I wish LA weather had an actually winter. I love coats, scarfs, gloves and the biting cold. Call me odd. I guess that's why I am in theatre.

There is not much more to say at the moment. I'll try to write some more tomorrow after church - its just sounds so weird to say or write that.