Thursday, September 27, 2007

Spoiled

I am spoiled by Wegmans. Every time I go grocery shopping I reminisce about the mega store in Pittsford. I just noticed how cheerful the atmosphere is in that store with all the lively cooking stations, bakery, salad bars, meticulously arranged seafood counters and even mellow classical music over the speakers. I used to go there at 3am just to wonder up and down the isles by myself. I am spoiled by the Little Theater and its $35 annual student membership. There are no places to watch independent films here. I am spoiled by Eastman and the fact that I can walk into Kilbourn Hall at any moment and catch a world-class concert. I’m spoiled by the greenery, the canal, cute restaurants and cafes and even the ever changing weather in Rochester. Damn, I miss that place.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

I Love Donkeys

One of the best afternoons ever was a short drive out to Blue Diamond to bring carrots for wild donkeys. They are the friendliest creatures. I can’t wait to see them again. Definitely my best day in Vegas thanks to Robert.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Content

I can’t believe how fast time has gone by. I’ve been here for almost a week and I’ve never been so content to stay inside, after all, it’s a desert out there, I don’t feel much needs to explore other than looking for desert donkeys. I’m perfectly happy to stay in with the humidifier set to 45% and practice my guitar. Nathan, one of my colleagues from the much beloved Eastman, moved here from Rochester to take over the guitar department at UNLV has been a good influence on getting me back to practicing. There’s a chance that I might apply for the master program here for guitar next fall, but for now I’m happy to be playing again. I hope to be back to speed to take few lessons from Ricardo Cobo, who almost single-handily inspired my obsession for the classical guitar after seeing him in concert back in 1999. I stopped by work last night, which turned out to be extremely slow, but it was nice that people remembered me from the last trip.

Monday, September 17, 2007

On the road again.

After 36 hours of driving, once again I’m in the desert. The trip went by quickly. Robert and I left Rochester around noon on Saturday, drove across ten states and just before mid night on Sunday we were guided into the city by the bright beam of light that can be seen from outer space. I’m so excited, can’t you tell.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Indulge

They forecasted rain today but as I drove into the perfect sunrise the only thing wet were my cheeks. I decided to stop by Java’s for a shot in the dark and for the first time in ten years I had it “for here”. As I sat out on Gibb St. looking towards Eastman I saw few familiar faces: Michael, the owner who’s always friendly, Dr. Harris, the cello professor who have greeted me since I started coming to Java’s 7 years ago and Jason, the violinist turn viola player who’s preparing for the comp, the exam of all exams. I breathed deeply as if I could inhale the place and store it in my body. The pure passion of the place and people is infectious. I called an old friend. We spoke for a while. I cried over the phone. I will miss him.

I cry because I can. I cry because I let myself indulge in my emotions. I’m not sad; I just have a bad case of sentimentality. I can’t quite explain how I feel. Is this a closing of a chapter of my life? I will miss the place, the people and all the things that happened here. This is home. I feel safe here not only because everything I know here but also the people who know me. As human beings, we want to be understood. As long as people know me, I mean really understand me, I will never be lost. I suppose those people will always be a part of my life no matter where I go. After all, life is about experiences. Whether it’s emotional or physical, nothing good or bad can be experienced after we kick the bucket. So today I let myself indulge in my own mush mash of emotions.

If Rochester were a man I would marry him. If Eastman were a man I would marry him too. Lucky for me, they will both be here when I decide to come back some day and there are no other lovers with such welcome arms.

How’s smart am I to leave packing to the last day when I’m having an emotional breakdown.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

What is good for you?

Apparently, nothing. Not dish detergent, not the microwave, not hair dye or nail polis, not high carbs or fatty meats, TV or computer and definitely not a nagging mother. My aunt once told me if I hold my laptop on me for too long I might not to be able to have babies. Well, I guess I’m killing my chances right this second. Why would it matter, everything is killing me anyways. It is too hard to live that way. People need to relax. Microwave is bad only if you stick your head in it. People who think like that need to move to a hinterland without modern conveniences. What’s the point of eating if it’s not tasty? Life is too short to make sure that you are at least 10 feet away everytime you run the microwave. Forget about what is good for you, have what is good. That is the point of life, to maximize pleasure, call me a hedonist.

Friday, September 7, 2007

It’s that time of the year again

It’s officially the 8th, but since China is 12 hours ahead the grandparents are celebrating already. Although there are no fancy cakes or expensive purses their warm wishes came through clearly over the telephone and brought tears to my eyes. It’s nice to know for certain that no matter what happens these are the people who will always love me unconditionally and in this world that is a rare thing. It’s not even my birthday yet, things are already incomparably better than that lonely one I had last year. I guess it was a good decision to dodge this birthday here in Indiana with my folks.

As a prelude to the most exciting day ever we went to see the Nanny Diaries, inspired by the book by a fellow Rochesterian. What’s next, the Striper Diaries?

Oh yeah, did I mention the Colts kicked ass last night?

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Monday, September 3, 2007

Quiet Labor Day Weekend

It’s nice to be spending some quiet time with my parents here in Indianapolis. I haven’t seen them since last Thanksgiving while they were in DC. Although there’s not much for me to do here, time went by quickly and I’ve been here for a week already. Stepfather is having a bad case of allergy again because of the fall grass seeds. We spent much of the weekend walking around downtown Indianapolis, going to the State Museum and driving to the outlet mall just south of the city. This trip has proven to be a terrible thing for my wallet.

Mother is preparing for her trip to China, worrying about what she should bring for my cousins and other relatives. It’s difficult to pick out presents since everything here is made in China already. She will be leaving on Sept. 20th, soon after I go back to Rochester. My stepfather is planning to meet up with her there for Christmas and New Year. Winter is rough in Hunan even though it’s rarely cold enough for snow. I was sick for most of the time while I was there this past January because the lack of central heat system in the homes and the heavily polluted air. Almost everyone gets sick when they go to China, especially for those of us who have been living in the States for a long time.

Since this trip has been more than tolerable, I feel the need to make better effort to see my parents more often next year. It’s a great way for me to adjust to a regular sleeping schedule and a healthy diet.