昨晚好開心地以小野狂花它姊的身份, 陪二開頭的小野狂花玩耍!
任性地大喊坳到一小杯檸檬蘇打外加一小滴Spanish Bitters 狂放地討論食色性 霎那間 彷彿回到了華盛頓高地的小公寓 想起了每次辦家趴 把音樂家們灌醉 大家輪流少林功夫加唱歌跳舞
恰到好處 沒人需要被收屍 睡醒時還帶著一抹淺淺的微笑
看著房間裡散亂的行李 我真的是今天要回高雄 後天要去花蓮的人嗎?
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Unexpected Surprise - My first Gwhyneth Chen experience -
This past Tue(Nov 26) was an intense day for me. My plan started with playing some cello with a Flamenco dancer and singing some songs in a benefit performance. After that, I went to the game company I translated for to get claim the rest of my payment. I was supposed to come home after until I got an unexpected call from M saying that S has an extra ticket to Gwhyneth's recital in the National Concert Hall on that evening. I hadn't seen S for so long(because she lives in the US) that I said yes immediately.
Our seats weren't together and mine was on the third floor. I went all the way up and found that there was a gentleman sitting on my seat. At a split second, I was gonna use that famous phrase from Big Bang Theory, "This is my spot", but luckily I held it. I gestured the seat with my ticket and noticed that this gentleman didn't reply with any recognizable sounds from my Chinese database. I took a wild guess and asked him if English would be ok. He said yes, and told me that he's from Japan. I asked him if I could take a look at his program because I didn't have enough time to get one and he was very nice to share it.
The concert began. Gwhyneth walked in with elegance and confidence in this side shouldered red/orange dress which complimented her slim figure perfectly. It didn't take long for her to start once she sat down. Once the first key was touched, I immediately felt the incredible passion and energy ringing the concert hall. Gwhyneth was born to play a giant piano in a giant hall. I was so blown away by her amazing precision of her fingers and the contrasts of volume, velocity, color and voicing this body could produce.
Unfortunately there were still cellphones ringing during the concert. Seriously?
During the intermission, I tried to make some conversation with this Japanese gentleman. I found out that he's actually a music critic. He flies all over to write reviews about concerts. I asked him if cellphone ringing scene happened in Japan as well. After saying that it also happened in Japan, he decided to tell me something even more atrocious. Once he flew to China for a concert, there were not only cellphone ringing but also the part the recipient picked it up with a conversation during the performance. I introduced myself a little bit and we asked each other about the students we've had in different countries. It was so fun that the second half of the concert came in sooner than I expected.
This time, Gwhyneth walked out with a beautiful white gown with shining diamond looking jewelry pieces. I couldn't tell if the shoulders were covered by any cloth at all because I was sitting too far without my glasses. Gwhyneth seemed to be more relaxed and she took more time between pieces in this half. I thought something amazing must have happened during the intermission. The second half had a completely tone. It was warmer, vibrant, exhilarating, and carefree. Perhaps it was the change of the new gown which gave her more freedom to move? Mystery!
I've not played any piano solo pieces from memory in performances for so long. It always amazes me when someone memorizes a full concert program of solo piano works. It was even more impressive in her case because the repertoire included two whole sets of Preludes by Rachmaninoff. It was a risk any performer could face when the whole program were pieces by the same composer. It was a real challenge to keep the whole concert fluid without ever getting bored. When the last note stopped resonating, we all longed for more. The audience applauded so loudly for so long that Gwhyneth had to come back out four times.
I heard her voice, a down to earth beauty, telling us that there was no encore piece but there were a small pack of icecream and a book about her life we could pick up for free on the way out. I came home with a pleasant mood, a sweet book(icecream was given up), and a business card from a new friend I made. At that moment, life was so wonderful and so complete.
At this special moment, I would give thanks to all my friends and family. Thank you for warming me up with surprises, and wish you all a happy thanksgiving.
*If I may,
I could always hear a new thought coming in, but I couldn't tell when the release happened. For me, it felt like inhaling again and again without ever exhaling. From time to time, I felt like drowning when I was trying to sync my breath with the phrasing. I wasn't sure if it was because of the hall or because of the pedal. I'll wait for the DVD and hear if it would be different.
Our seats weren't together and mine was on the third floor. I went all the way up and found that there was a gentleman sitting on my seat. At a split second, I was gonna use that famous phrase from Big Bang Theory, "This is my spot", but luckily I held it. I gestured the seat with my ticket and noticed that this gentleman didn't reply with any recognizable sounds from my Chinese database. I took a wild guess and asked him if English would be ok. He said yes, and told me that he's from Japan. I asked him if I could take a look at his program because I didn't have enough time to get one and he was very nice to share it.
The concert began. Gwhyneth walked in with elegance and confidence in this side shouldered red/orange dress which complimented her slim figure perfectly. It didn't take long for her to start once she sat down. Once the first key was touched, I immediately felt the incredible passion and energy ringing the concert hall. Gwhyneth was born to play a giant piano in a giant hall. I was so blown away by her amazing precision of her fingers and the contrasts of volume, velocity, color and voicing this body could produce.
Unfortunately there were still cellphones ringing during the concert. Seriously?
During the intermission, I tried to make some conversation with this Japanese gentleman. I found out that he's actually a music critic. He flies all over to write reviews about concerts. I asked him if cellphone ringing scene happened in Japan as well. After saying that it also happened in Japan, he decided to tell me something even more atrocious. Once he flew to China for a concert, there were not only cellphone ringing but also the part the recipient picked it up with a conversation during the performance. I introduced myself a little bit and we asked each other about the students we've had in different countries. It was so fun that the second half of the concert came in sooner than I expected.
This time, Gwhyneth walked out with a beautiful white gown with shining diamond looking jewelry pieces. I couldn't tell if the shoulders were covered by any cloth at all because I was sitting too far without my glasses. Gwhyneth seemed to be more relaxed and she took more time between pieces in this half. I thought something amazing must have happened during the intermission. The second half had a completely tone. It was warmer, vibrant, exhilarating, and carefree. Perhaps it was the change of the new gown which gave her more freedom to move? Mystery!
I've not played any piano solo pieces from memory in performances for so long. It always amazes me when someone memorizes a full concert program of solo piano works. It was even more impressive in her case because the repertoire included two whole sets of Preludes by Rachmaninoff. It was a risk any performer could face when the whole program were pieces by the same composer. It was a real challenge to keep the whole concert fluid without ever getting bored. When the last note stopped resonating, we all longed for more. The audience applauded so loudly for so long that Gwhyneth had to come back out four times.
I heard her voice, a down to earth beauty, telling us that there was no encore piece but there were a small pack of icecream and a book about her life we could pick up for free on the way out. I came home with a pleasant mood, a sweet book(icecream was given up), and a business card from a new friend I made. At that moment, life was so wonderful and so complete.
At this special moment, I would give thanks to all my friends and family. Thank you for warming me up with surprises, and wish you all a happy thanksgiving.
*If I may,
I could always hear a new thought coming in, but I couldn't tell when the release happened. For me, it felt like inhaling again and again without ever exhaling. From time to time, I felt like drowning when I was trying to sync my breath with the phrasing. I wasn't sure if it was because of the hall or because of the pedal. I'll wait for the DVD and hear if it would be different.
Friday, August 30, 2013
感謝一直以來的室友運~2013/8/30搬家有感
從大學開始有所謂的室友 六人房中偶有換人 其中一個半有四年歷史 自畢業後一直有聯繫 到這個月還有五人寢聚 目前三位已婚 一位不久前從耶穌的懷抱中找到一位有共同興趣的伴侶 兩人也準備步入禮堂... 嘖嘖... 是的 我還在遙遙無期觀望中 但這不是本文重點...
出國念書剛開始沒把 room to share 和 room for rent 看清楚 結果跟一個韓裔美警住在同個房間裡一週 還好一週內迅速找到其它住處 於是我逃離法拉盛 跑到皇后區的森林小丘 房租不貴 但房中的另外兩個室友是舊識 於是房子要是有任何突發狀況就會找我開刀 開學後由於台灣朋友介紹 認識了伊蓮 原本雙方以為只會是客套見面 沒想到深入了解後發現相當合拍 於是第一年念完後 我與伊蓮決定一起住 一住就是兩年多 這段時間 應該是我人生中最轟轟烈烈多采多姿的時間 伊蓮到目前為止還是我自大學畢業後最長久的同居人
剛分開的時候 我很害怕之後會有嚴重的適應不良 還好新室友帕布羅也是超級良伴 於是我從本來短租 變成長租 兩年後 由於冰漢頓的合約 我依依不捨地離開紐約市 到達上城時 我發現我的房東兼室友桃蒂 是個七十五歲的高雅太太 她愛國標舞 愛看花式溜冰 偶爾又會多留些食物給我 附上自創插圖
那年 我遇到傑瑞 在劇院年約結束後 我成功地邀請自己住進他家 他差點把我凍死 也差點把我燙死過 大部分的時間都很有趣 偶爾我會爆走 然後他就會跟著我在整間房子裡面一起跑來跑去 完全無視我跟他說我想自己靜一靜的發言 他這種恆心毅力一直讓我深感敬佩 有驚無險地一年過去了 我簽證到期沒續 在申請等待綠卡的過程中回台灣
在台北找了找房子 最後決定當我妹公寓內的分母之一 看似正經的紅妹 有著跟傑瑞一樣的生日 外加超級ptt鄉民知識 一起譙時事 吃喝玩樂 啊 好時光總是過得特別快 好不容易 自我離家後 終於有時間能好好重新認識的妹妹阿綠仔 同居半年後 真的辭職 準備再赴西班牙
看到房子慢慢地變得空蕩蕩 讓我有很產生巨大的失落感 這半年來我有找到了失散多年的妹妹們的感覺 今天當我們三人都坐在客廳時 突然有種不想離開的不理性 是的 沒有比室友更好的理由讓女人家們住在一起 大概是喜愛這種感覺 我才會那麼愛看GG和HiC(也有可能是因為喜歡白蓓蒂老太太)
搬離七張 對於台北去留還不很確定 因為每個月得到新竹至少一次 之前看喜歡的房子的仲介態度並不是很好 在這個難纏地過渡期 好家在有東都巄東鏘一家 這個月會與她 她的伴 以及她的四隻貓一起分享這個空間 感謝她們能在這麼緊迫的時間點收留我~ 感動!
到處遊走 得靠很多人的幫助 能在這麼多不同國家自由自在地跑來跑去 要感謝的人還有一大串 能有這種室友運 實在是三生有幸 在這裡也要祝福之前跟我一起同居過的人們 一直都能開心過日子!
愛~
阿聿
出國念書剛開始沒把 room to share 和 room for rent 看清楚 結果跟一個韓裔美警住在同個房間裡一週 還好一週內迅速找到其它住處 於是我逃離法拉盛 跑到皇后區的森林小丘 房租不貴 但房中的另外兩個室友是舊識 於是房子要是有任何突發狀況就會找我開刀 開學後由於台灣朋友介紹 認識了伊蓮 原本雙方以為只會是客套見面 沒想到深入了解後發現相當合拍 於是第一年念完後 我與伊蓮決定一起住 一住就是兩年多 這段時間 應該是我人生中最轟轟烈烈多采多姿的時間 伊蓮到目前為止還是我自大學畢業後最長久的同居人
剛分開的時候 我很害怕之後會有嚴重的適應不良 還好新室友帕布羅也是超級良伴 於是我從本來短租 變成長租 兩年後 由於冰漢頓的合約 我依依不捨地離開紐約市 到達上城時 我發現我的房東兼室友桃蒂 是個七十五歲的高雅太太 她愛國標舞 愛看花式溜冰 偶爾又會多留些食物給我 附上自創插圖
那年 我遇到傑瑞 在劇院年約結束後 我成功地邀請自己住進他家 他差點把我凍死 也差點把我燙死過 大部分的時間都很有趣 偶爾我會爆走 然後他就會跟著我在整間房子裡面一起跑來跑去 完全無視我跟他說我想自己靜一靜的發言 他這種恆心毅力一直讓我深感敬佩 有驚無險地一年過去了 我簽證到期沒續 在申請等待綠卡的過程中回台灣
在台北找了找房子 最後決定當我妹公寓內的分母之一 看似正經的紅妹 有著跟傑瑞一樣的生日 外加超級ptt鄉民知識 一起譙時事 吃喝玩樂 啊 好時光總是過得特別快 好不容易 自我離家後 終於有時間能好好重新認識的妹妹阿綠仔 同居半年後 真的辭職 準備再赴西班牙
看到房子慢慢地變得空蕩蕩 讓我有很產生巨大的失落感 這半年來我有找到了失散多年的妹妹們的感覺 今天當我們三人都坐在客廳時 突然有種不想離開的不理性 是的 沒有比室友更好的理由讓女人家們住在一起 大概是喜愛這種感覺 我才會那麼愛看GG和HiC(也有可能是因為喜歡白蓓蒂老太太)
搬離七張 對於台北去留還不很確定 因為每個月得到新竹至少一次 之前看喜歡的房子的仲介態度並不是很好 在這個難纏地過渡期 好家在有東都巄東鏘一家 這個月會與她 她的伴 以及她的四隻貓一起分享這個空間 感謝她們能在這麼緊迫的時間點收留我~ 感動!
到處遊走 得靠很多人的幫助 能在這麼多不同國家自由自在地跑來跑去 要感謝的人還有一大串 能有這種室友運 實在是三生有幸 在這裡也要祝福之前跟我一起同居過的人們 一直都能開心過日子!
愛~
阿聿
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Emotional Attacks 1 -情緒起伏攻擊波 1-
It might have something to do with PMS or all that sort of estrogen cycle. This is the very first emotional attack I got since I came back to Taiwan. There were several big ones in the past. They were all related to relocating. The very first one was when Elaine and I moved out from the apt on W135ST, NY NY. The second time happened when I had to leave Pablo's apt for the year long contract in Binghamton. The third was when I left Apalachin and started to wonder around in Europe. And with no doubt, I'm having another one right now because it's the end of my sister's lease of this apartment. I've been part of the fraction since last Dec.
也許真與經前症候或雌激素循環相關狀況, 我現在正感受到一股自去年底回台以來最強烈的情緒攻擊波. 以前也發生過幾次, 似乎都跟遷居有關. 第一次是當我與伊蓮搬離紐約紐約135西街的公寓, 第二次發生是因為整年合約得搬去冰漢頓而搬離帕布羅的公寓, 第三次則是離開阿帕拉肯去歐洲流浪. 無庸置疑, 因為我妹的公寓租約到期, 情緒攻波又再次盤旋不去, 畢竟我也從去年十二月開始在這裡當分母好一陣子了.
It also might have something to do with post-performance depression. I usually felt relieved and relaxed after any performances, but the day after always started the emptiness. I never noticed my syndrome before I talked with a friend who'd suffered as an extreme case. Right after I performed or created anything, I had this anxiety of not being able to keep up with myself. Recognizing this makes me code better now. But still, I feel it.
也許跟表演後低潮有關, 表演後通常會感到放鬆, 但隔天空虛感開始繁衍. 在某位深受此擾的嚴重患者跟我分享前, 我不曉得這是病症之一. 在我剛完成表演或創作之後, 常感到焦慮, 擔心自己無法繼續保持下去. 能看出這個症狀對自我理解調適的確有幫助, 不過, 這還是無法阻擋情緒波的攻擊.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Adventure in Ruifang -Extras- 瑞芳歷險記 -補-
Forgot to mention a few more odd things I saw when I was in Ruifang. I was so distracted by the crazy guy and forgot about the pacing monk next to him. There were at least two monks walking/standing around the train station. I couldn't tell what they were trying to accomplish. They wore way to many layers of clothes on a sunny day like that. They didn't seem to have the "making friend bowls" with them, either.
突然想到其它在瑞芳時遺漏的小細節, 大概是因為碰到瘋子的經驗讓我無法好好思考, 瘋子附近來回繞圈圈走不停的和尚整個就被遺忘了. 當我在車站前, 有不少和尚走來走去, 或佇立不動. 由於看不到化緣缽, 我無法參透他們的動機. 我只覺得太陽那麼大, 他們還穿那麼多那麼厚實在是太辛苦了.
I saw this weird scene that made me want to yell at the mom. When I sat down in front of the train station, I saw two adults taking two children to my sight. One of the child, must be under 7 years old, was left alone there to guard their belongings when the two adults and the tiny child went to buy some street food across the street. Although he wasn't a very good looking child, I was still shocked by how a mom could just leave a child alone like that. About 15 min later, the three came back. And again, they left the child alone to guard what they just bought, and went to the OK mart behind me to get more stuff...
接著這件事讓我差點對某個老母破口大罵. 一樣發生在車站前, 我看到兩個媽媽帶著兩個小孩到我附近, 然後把其中一個看來不到七歲的小孩留在我面前的椅子上顧東西, 他們帶著嬰兒過街去買東西. 雖然那小鬼看來一點也不可愛, 我還是對這個媽媽的行為感到很震驚. 大約十五分鐘後, 二大一小回來. 沒想到, 他們又把這小孩留在原地, 並交給他更多剛買的東西看顧, 然後去我背後的OK便利商店買更多...
Not all the memory I had in Ruifang was bad. There was a surprising delight right before I took the train back. I saw this instrument shop right in front of the train station, and I decided to go look around before taking off. The owner of the shop was very friendly. He asked what I played, and decided to ask me what I could not play after my first response. He didn't have loads of stuff but his shop was clean and bright. I asked him about the practice rooms and he told me to get in and play any of the pianos except the very last one in the hall way because his parents were sleeping in that room! I picked one and sat down. The piano was as out of tune as he described, but I still felt really good. That was the power of music. No matter how bad the condition of the instrument is, as long as it's an instrument, it can make me happy somehow! After I got out of the room, he looked very excited and told me to come back anytime. Of course, that's how the business starts!
對於瑞芳的記憶不全是糟糕的, 回台北以前發生了出乎意料的驚喜. 火車站旁有間樂器行, 於是我決定在搭車以前上去看看. 店主人非常友善, 問我玩什麼樂器, 在簡單回答後, 他改問我不玩什麼樂器. 店裡沒有驚人的樂器數, 但光線充足, 看來簡明乾淨. 我向他請教練琴室出租的問題, 他跟我說我可以隨便看, 進去彈, 只是得避開走廊最後一間, 因為他父母在裡面睡大頭覺. 我選了間進去, 果然如他所說, 鋼琴走音得非常嚴重, 不過我還是覺得很開心. 這大概就是音樂的力量吧! 不管樂器的狀況有多差, 只要它還是樂器, 我就能從中獲得些喜悅! 當我出去時, 店主看來相當興奮, 跟我說隨時都能去那裏玩. 這是當然的, 生意就是這樣做成的吧!
突然想到其它在瑞芳時遺漏的小細節, 大概是因為碰到瘋子的經驗讓我無法好好思考, 瘋子附近來回繞圈圈走不停的和尚整個就被遺忘了. 當我在車站前, 有不少和尚走來走去, 或佇立不動. 由於看不到化緣缽, 我無法參透他們的動機. 我只覺得太陽那麼大, 他們還穿那麼多那麼厚實在是太辛苦了.
I saw this weird scene that made me want to yell at the mom. When I sat down in front of the train station, I saw two adults taking two children to my sight. One of the child, must be under 7 years old, was left alone there to guard their belongings when the two adults and the tiny child went to buy some street food across the street. Although he wasn't a very good looking child, I was still shocked by how a mom could just leave a child alone like that. About 15 min later, the three came back. And again, they left the child alone to guard what they just bought, and went to the OK mart behind me to get more stuff...
接著這件事讓我差點對某個老母破口大罵. 一樣發生在車站前, 我看到兩個媽媽帶著兩個小孩到我附近, 然後把其中一個看來不到七歲的小孩留在我面前的椅子上顧東西, 他們帶著嬰兒過街去買東西. 雖然那小鬼看來一點也不可愛, 我還是對這個媽媽的行為感到很震驚. 大約十五分鐘後, 二大一小回來. 沒想到, 他們又把這小孩留在原地, 並交給他更多剛買的東西看顧, 然後去我背後的OK便利商店買更多...
Not all the memory I had in Ruifang was bad. There was a surprising delight right before I took the train back. I saw this instrument shop right in front of the train station, and I decided to go look around before taking off. The owner of the shop was very friendly. He asked what I played, and decided to ask me what I could not play after my first response. He didn't have loads of stuff but his shop was clean and bright. I asked him about the practice rooms and he told me to get in and play any of the pianos except the very last one in the hall way because his parents were sleeping in that room! I picked one and sat down. The piano was as out of tune as he described, but I still felt really good. That was the power of music. No matter how bad the condition of the instrument is, as long as it's an instrument, it can make me happy somehow! After I got out of the room, he looked very excited and told me to come back anytime. Of course, that's how the business starts!
對於瑞芳的記憶不全是糟糕的, 回台北以前發生了出乎意料的驚喜. 火車站旁有間樂器行, 於是我決定在搭車以前上去看看. 店主人非常友善, 問我玩什麼樂器, 在簡單回答後, 他改問我不玩什麼樂器. 店裡沒有驚人的樂器數, 但光線充足, 看來簡明乾淨. 我向他請教練琴室出租的問題, 他跟我說我可以隨便看, 進去彈, 只是得避開走廊最後一間, 因為他父母在裡面睡大頭覺. 我選了間進去, 果然如他所說, 鋼琴走音得非常嚴重, 不過我還是覺得很開心. 這大概就是音樂的力量吧! 不管樂器的狀況有多差, 只要它還是樂器, 我就能從中獲得些喜悅! 當我出去時, 店主看來相當興奮, 跟我說隨時都能去那裏玩. 這是當然的, 生意就是這樣做成的吧!
Monday, August 12, 2013
My adventure in Ruifang -瑞芳歷險記-
I went to Ruifang this afternoon because I saw a spacious apartment online. I contacted the broker and she told me that I could pretty much schedule anytime I liked. She agreed to pick me up at the local train station at 2pm today. I took a train from Taipei Main Station. It only took 37 min for me to get to Ruifang Train Station. After I arrived, I saw so many tourists walking around and it was quite busy. I couldn't tell if my broker was there and I called. She answered and told me that she would be late. I told her not to worry and bought myself a soda from OK Mart.
我為了一間網路上看到的大公寓跑去瑞芳, 事先聯絡網頁上的仲介, 她跟我說時間隨我選. 於是我們說好今天下午兩點要在瑞芳火車站前見面. 我從台北火車站搭車, 三十七分鐘後就到達瑞芳火車站. 到了之後, 發現觀光客到處都是, 車水馬龍. 由於不曉得仲介會在哪等我, 於是我打電話給她, 結果她說有事耽擱會晚到, 我很善良地跟她說不用擔心, 接著走進OK便利商店買了瓶沙士解熱.
I chose to sit right next to the bus stop because there were more people but with some shade. For some reason, there was a man who couldn't stop swearing around. He tried to get on every arriving bus but most of the bus drivers refused to take him until this Mohawk-hairdo bust driver showed up. It was so sunny which meant it was damn hot. I called my broker every half an hour. She finally showed up, a full hour after our previous scheduled time.
我選了公車站牌旁人多但有樹蔭的地方坐下. 不知道為什麼, 有位老伯不停地對大家大聲髒字不絕地嚷嚷. 他試圖搭乘每一台停在車站的公車, 幾乎所有司機都趕他下車, 直到這個龐克頭司機出現, 老伯終於得逞. 太陽高照, 我熱得半死. 每半小時打電話給仲介, 等了整個小時之後她終於出現了.
It took us about 5 min to ride the scooter to the apartment. All the buildings looked extremely old but the air was really refreshing. She told me the tenants in this neighborhood could take free buses back and forth between where they live and Ruifang Train Station. There was a 7-11 in the walking distance to the apartment. Something like that is all I need to survive.
騎摩托車五分鐘左右就到公寓了, 那社區的建築物看來都相當老舊, 不過空氣清新. 她跟我說那裡有免費的社區巴士會載居民到火車站. 在不遠處有間7-11, 其實有間便利商店對我來說就足夠了.
We went into the apartment. It was very bright. After we opened the windows, the natural breeze just made its way in so easily. The apartment has a high ceiling of 460 cm. The owner made it into a duplex. It didn't look new but unused. There are two bedrooms and two restrooms(one of them is in one bedroom and the other one is right next to the kitchen). The view was amazing but unfortunately part of the "later modification of the apartment" looked undone.
進了公寓, 裡面非常明亮. 開窗之後, 自然風舒服地吹進來. 它是挑高公寓, 總高460公分, 房東把屋子改成樓中樓. 內部看來不新, 不過看來的確像沒人用過. 公寓內有兩個臥房, 兩間浴室(其中一間在主臥室內, 另一間在廚房旁邊). 看出去的外景挺迷人的, 不過很不幸地是公寓內部分"後來改裝"看起來尚未完成.
Of course we had to talk about more details of numbers. I made almost a cut in half of the original price. She wasn't thrilled about it and raised that number a thousand NTD higher(1 USD is about 30 NTD) I explained to her that this apartment was completely unfurnished which means I'll have to purchase quite a lot of furniture later. I also told her about another location which has twice of the space, all furnished, and cheaper if I calculate the rent per square foot. I told her not to stress too much. We'll both get back home and decide later. Before she took me back to the train station, she suggested me to give her some "negotiating fee"(100USD/3000NTD) If you know me well enough, you would know that I never rush into any contract. I would never give anyone any negotiating fee when the apartment still looks undone. So, I thanked her for the offer and said bye.
接著我們當然得聊數字, 房租被我砍成原價一半, 她聽了當然不會爽, 於是提議加一千元. 我說, 這房子裡面完全沒有家具, 要是真搬來, 我得多花一筆錢. 同時我也提到另外一間兩倍空間的房子, 不但家具應有盡有, 計算過後每坪價錢比這還便宜. 於是我跟她說不要給自己太多壓力, 我們可以回家好好想想再說. 在她載我回車站前, 提議我先給她"斡旋費"來幫我向房東爭取我要的價碼. 要是你認識我, 就會知道我從不馬上簽任何一種合約, 更別說還要在房子看起來還沒有裝修完成的狀況之下給錢. 我感謝她的好意, 說無論如何我都得想想再說.
When I went to the ticket office, I picked a later train to have some extra time walking around in Ruifang. It was wonderful because I felt surrounded by fresh air and endless greens wherever I walked.
當我買車票時, 刻意選了晚點的車, 這樣還能順便在當地晃晃. 無論走到哪都有新鮮空氣, 又到處都被山環繞的感覺真的很棒.
And of course, wherever I go, there must be a McDonald's!
果然, 走到哪裡都看得到麥當勞的存在!
Something happened after I passed McDonald's. I went to the riverside walkway and a guy started to follow me behind. At some point, he asked me if he could be my friend. After I loudly said "No", he asked me if he could have my number. Later he said he didn't mean any harm and I replied "likewise". After repeating "No" loudly repeatedly, I walked in a lane which was occupied by a ton of old people. I started to feel very uncomfortable and decided to walk back to the station. When I backtracked, I saw the guy getting into his car. He asked me if he could give me a ride and of course another "No" came out of my mouth. "We can find a place to talk!" he shouted and I replied with another "No, thanks!" I made sure that I was walking on the wrong side of road that he couldn't easily run me over with his white little car.
當我經過麥當當後, 發生怪事. 我轉進河邊小徑, 結果有個傢伙跟蹤我. 不久後, 他問我要不要當他朋友, 我大聲說"不要"之後, 他向我要電話, 接著又說他沒有惡意, 我回他"我也沒有". 大聲重複"不要"許多次之後, 我決定往被老人盤踞的小巷轉進. 我開始覺得噁心發麻, 於是決定回去車站那邊. 當我踏上歸途時, 正好碰到那傢伙進入自己車內. 他很熱心想載我, 但我又大喊"不用". 他又說"我們可以找地方聊天!" 接著又是另一聲"不, 謝謝!" 我故意逆他的車向走, 免得被他撞死在路上.
Same video with titles and translation
When I walked through the bridge, he drove slowly and yelled, "are you sure you don't want to talk?" and "can't you even give me your number" I replied with "Nope" and "I don't have one". And then he asked me where I live. For some reason, "America" broke the seal of my lips and he finally got lost!
當我過橋時, 他放慢速度邊開車邊大喊 "你真的不想跟我聊聊嗎?" 以及 "你連電話號碼都不給我嗎?" 我用 "不想" 與 "我沒有電話". 然後他還不死心大喊 "你住哪?" 非常莫名其妙地, "美國" 就自然地讓我脫口而出了. 也很神奇地, 他終於消失了!
Am I gonna rent that place? I have mixed feelings...
我會租嗎? 感覺很複雜...
我為了一間網路上看到的大公寓跑去瑞芳, 事先聯絡網頁上的仲介, 她跟我說時間隨我選. 於是我們說好今天下午兩點要在瑞芳火車站前見面. 我從台北火車站搭車, 三十七分鐘後就到達瑞芳火車站. 到了之後, 發現觀光客到處都是, 車水馬龍. 由於不曉得仲介會在哪等我, 於是我打電話給她, 結果她說有事耽擱會晚到, 我很善良地跟她說不用擔心, 接著走進OK便利商店買了瓶沙士解熱.
I chose to sit right next to the bus stop because there were more people but with some shade. For some reason, there was a man who couldn't stop swearing around. He tried to get on every arriving bus but most of the bus drivers refused to take him until this Mohawk-hairdo bust driver showed up. It was so sunny which meant it was damn hot. I called my broker every half an hour. She finally showed up, a full hour after our previous scheduled time.
我選了公車站牌旁人多但有樹蔭的地方坐下. 不知道為什麼, 有位老伯不停地對大家大聲髒字不絕地嚷嚷. 他試圖搭乘每一台停在車站的公車, 幾乎所有司機都趕他下車, 直到這個龐克頭司機出現, 老伯終於得逞. 太陽高照, 我熱得半死. 每半小時打電話給仲介, 等了整個小時之後她終於出現了.
It took us about 5 min to ride the scooter to the apartment. All the buildings looked extremely old but the air was really refreshing. She told me the tenants in this neighborhood could take free buses back and forth between where they live and Ruifang Train Station. There was a 7-11 in the walking distance to the apartment. Something like that is all I need to survive.
騎摩托車五分鐘左右就到公寓了, 那社區的建築物看來都相當老舊, 不過空氣清新. 她跟我說那裡有免費的社區巴士會載居民到火車站. 在不遠處有間7-11, 其實有間便利商店對我來說就足夠了.
We went into the apartment. It was very bright. After we opened the windows, the natural breeze just made its way in so easily. The apartment has a high ceiling of 460 cm. The owner made it into a duplex. It didn't look new but unused. There are two bedrooms and two restrooms(one of them is in one bedroom and the other one is right next to the kitchen). The view was amazing but unfortunately part of the "later modification of the apartment" looked undone.
進了公寓, 裡面非常明亮. 開窗之後, 自然風舒服地吹進來. 它是挑高公寓, 總高460公分, 房東把屋子改成樓中樓. 內部看來不新, 不過看來的確像沒人用過. 公寓內有兩個臥房, 兩間浴室(其中一間在主臥室內, 另一間在廚房旁邊). 看出去的外景挺迷人的, 不過很不幸地是公寓內部分"後來改裝"看起來尚未完成.
Of course we had to talk about more details of numbers. I made almost a cut in half of the original price. She wasn't thrilled about it and raised that number a thousand NTD higher(1 USD is about 30 NTD) I explained to her that this apartment was completely unfurnished which means I'll have to purchase quite a lot of furniture later. I also told her about another location which has twice of the space, all furnished, and cheaper if I calculate the rent per square foot. I told her not to stress too much. We'll both get back home and decide later. Before she took me back to the train station, she suggested me to give her some "negotiating fee"(100USD/3000NTD) If you know me well enough, you would know that I never rush into any contract. I would never give anyone any negotiating fee when the apartment still looks undone. So, I thanked her for the offer and said bye.
接著我們當然得聊數字, 房租被我砍成原價一半, 她聽了當然不會爽, 於是提議加一千元. 我說, 這房子裡面完全沒有家具, 要是真搬來, 我得多花一筆錢. 同時我也提到另外一間兩倍空間的房子, 不但家具應有盡有, 計算過後每坪價錢比這還便宜. 於是我跟她說不要給自己太多壓力, 我們可以回家好好想想再說. 在她載我回車站前, 提議我先給她"斡旋費"來幫我向房東爭取我要的價碼. 要是你認識我, 就會知道我從不馬上簽任何一種合約, 更別說還要在房子看起來還沒有裝修完成的狀況之下給錢. 我感謝她的好意, 說無論如何我都得想想再說.
When I went to the ticket office, I picked a later train to have some extra time walking around in Ruifang. It was wonderful because I felt surrounded by fresh air and endless greens wherever I walked.
當我買車票時, 刻意選了晚點的車, 這樣還能順便在當地晃晃. 無論走到哪都有新鮮空氣, 又到處都被山環繞的感覺真的很棒.
And of course, wherever I go, there must be a McDonald's!
果然, 走到哪裡都看得到麥當勞的存在!
Something happened after I passed McDonald's. I went to the riverside walkway and a guy started to follow me behind. At some point, he asked me if he could be my friend. After I loudly said "No", he asked me if he could have my number. Later he said he didn't mean any harm and I replied "likewise". After repeating "No" loudly repeatedly, I walked in a lane which was occupied by a ton of old people. I started to feel very uncomfortable and decided to walk back to the station. When I backtracked, I saw the guy getting into his car. He asked me if he could give me a ride and of course another "No" came out of my mouth. "We can find a place to talk!" he shouted and I replied with another "No, thanks!" I made sure that I was walking on the wrong side of road that he couldn't easily run me over with his white little car.
當我經過麥當當後, 發生怪事. 我轉進河邊小徑, 結果有個傢伙跟蹤我. 不久後, 他問我要不要當他朋友, 我大聲說"不要"之後, 他向我要電話, 接著又說他沒有惡意, 我回他"我也沒有". 大聲重複"不要"許多次之後, 我決定往被老人盤踞的小巷轉進. 我開始覺得噁心發麻, 於是決定回去車站那邊. 當我踏上歸途時, 正好碰到那傢伙進入自己車內. 他很熱心想載我, 但我又大喊"不用". 他又說"我們可以找地方聊天!" 接著又是另一聲"不, 謝謝!" 我故意逆他的車向走, 免得被他撞死在路上.
Same video with titles and translation
When I walked through the bridge, he drove slowly and yelled, "are you sure you don't want to talk?" and "can't you even give me your number" I replied with "Nope" and "I don't have one". And then he asked me where I live. For some reason, "America" broke the seal of my lips and he finally got lost!
當我過橋時, 他放慢速度邊開車邊大喊 "你真的不想跟我聊聊嗎?" 以及 "你連電話號碼都不給我嗎?" 我用 "不想" 與 "我沒有電話". 然後他還不死心大喊 "你住哪?" 非常莫名其妙地, "美國" 就自然地讓我脫口而出了. 也很神奇地, 他終於消失了!
Am I gonna rent that place? I have mixed feelings...
我會租嗎? 感覺很複雜...
Monday, July 29, 2013
不再被愚弄-Don't get fooled again-
2009年夏天，曾在美國與某一經濟公司合作（未簽約），失心瘋付了500美元拍了宣傳照，成為他們網站上的一名talent。從這合作關係中得到東尼獎的後台工作經驗，跟加國流行歌手與某位CSI邁阿密探員拍了一隻MV，又因東尼獎的同事，切進服裝走秀。好加再，我當時鬼迷心竅花的五百美元幸運回本。不過，我告訴自己，再也不當這種公司的口邊肥羊。返台後，由於經濟不景氣，許多人除了正職以外開始考慮私下接案，有不少人問我該不該付宣傳照錢給經紀公司。以下是我經過許多面試後的小小心得，主要提供給所有對演藝事業有興趣的人做參考（對一般面試整理思緒也能以此類推）。希望能幫助大家分析對方誠意或純粹詐財，讓我們跟CSI邁阿密主題曲中說的一樣-不再被愚弄-
一、面試以前準備事項
1.
我的熱情(目標)是什麼，寫下來（比如：電視、電影、平面、喜劇、舞臺...）
2.
我的強項(技能)是什麼，寫下來（比如：歌唱、體育項目、語言...）
熱情是讓我們在這番事業走得長久的關鍵，而強項能幫助我們把速度加快。列出這些點的時，能越明確越好。
3.
網路上查詢這些公司資料（了解是否合法立案與成立時間，以及相關藝人）
要是沒有合法立案，還不快逃？立案時間一年以內，或是沒有任何招牌的，大概就可以先跳過，要是它在你一交完錢不久馬上倒閉，就有人要哭哭了。若已有我們看過的名藝人背書，它存活的機會可能會高一點。
4. 把寫下來的東西整理好，變成相關的面試問題
5. 針對以上資料特製一份履歷
二、面試時該問對方的問題
1.
目前貴公司最多的案件類型為何？
如果答案是什麼都有，無明確答案，表示面試你的人或該公司根本就不知道自己在做什麼。或是他們的案件離你的目標很遠，就沒有投資價值。
2. 你們覺得我的發展可能是什麼？
如果你得自費拍宣傳照，當然有權力知道對方怎麼看待你。若他們什麼也說不出來，就表示他們對你荷包以外之才毫無冀望。
3. 我能夠怎麼使用我的強項更快達到我的目標？
若對方對經營你的強項沒有經驗，只是一味想說服你從付費照相開始，東西收好，趕快離開。
4. 我能用自己的 宣傳照／攝影師 嗎？
就算你已經有職業宣傳照，他們一定都會堅持要你重照．目前碰到的都會說只照一次就好，但是問問不犯法，誰知道會不會碰到有良心的人，同意使用你原本就美美的宣傳照。
三、面試中碰到以下情形，建議馬上離開，因為你不會錯過任何機會
1.
公司的人們跟你說「我們不用你的履歷（或已有的宣傳照）」
表示他們對於你的才能完全不感興趣，只是想把你當笨蛋叫你乖乖付錢．聽到這句話，請不要懷疑，馬上往出口移動。
2.
「恭喜你進入第X輪甄選，你只有一次機會，要是你現在不做決定，就再也沒有機會跟我們合作（或是：你之後要是反悔就得重頭再來過）」
沒有人該被逼著馬上做決定，講得出這種話的公司，表示他們相當短視，我會馬上逃之夭夭。
3.
「要是你不同意付錢照宣傳照，我就不能跟你解釋接下來的發展如何」
付錢的人就是投資者，投資者投資時當然有權力知道集資者打算怎麼，處理公司財務。聽到這句話，怎麼還能坐著？
4.
「XX公司哪裡哪裡不好」
不停道人是非者，人恆惡之。我喜歡與正面思考的人們合作，只能以數落他人來推銷，沒有自我求進步的能力，因此完全不用考慮。
我現在三十歲，一直以來沒有與任何經濟公司簽約，純以網路與人脈找工作，到目前為止演出超過三十部歌劇，受過電視專訪兩次，跨歐亞美版圖參與過各種形式演出上千場，音樂作品被樂團與競選團隊雇用，也曾在美國大學內當講師...等。自回國後，受許多學校之邀提供音樂與表演藝術講座。由於長年來受到歌劇業界語言洗禮，自2012年開始從事口譯與翻譯工作，專走影片、電玩、與科技產業等方向。這條多元化職業路與父母原先的期望完全不同，但似乎還讓我在苟延殘喘之虞能孝敬他們一下。現在台灣就業市場的22K加上二代健保，逼得許多小老百姓都得重新思考工作與上班的定義。政令讓我們賺得錢越來越少，想做副業時又有豺狼虎視眈眈，等著削這些善良小綿羊一筆。以此文勉勵所有對演藝事業有興趣的同好在網路上多做功課（若有能力配合其它外國資料更好），讓我們能真正有效運用有限金錢投資自己，Don’t get fooled again!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Don't get fooled again
2009, I paid 500$ for my new pictures on my comp card through an agency and got so disappointed by the result. That company had an office around 34th St. As much as I remembered, that agency changed its name to something I could no longer remember. Through that same agency, I got the chance to work in XXmy award, and got a gig playing cello in Melanie Fiona's music video, "it kills me". Because of the backstage work at XXmy's, I made a few friends who got me more gigs modeling and so on. I could safely say that I got my 500$ back but I told myself never again.
For all these years I've occasionally wondered around in Taiwan. There are quite a few aggressive ones trying to cash-cow people. I can't tell you which one I think is(n't) a fraud, but I can tell you how to tell whether the agency only looks at you as a sugar mom/dad. First, you have to be honest to yourself and brave to others. Here below are some stages/situations I've been through. I hope they can be somewhat helpful, or at least sadly amusing.
What you should think about as specific as you possibly can before you meet with any agencies.
1. What's my real passion in this field
Nothing is more important than your passion. Be really specific! For instance, comedy, drama, movies, TV, modeling, and etc. Write them down.
2. What's my strength
Your passion will lead you a long way, and your strength will speed it up. Also write them down.
3. Google the agency you are going to meet with and find out for how long it has existed.
If you can't find any legit info online, don't even go! If the company has just started, you can skip it for now.
4. Google the agency and see if any celebrities you know coming from it.
5. Generate questions from what you just wrote down as in the next paragraph.
6. Prepare a specific resume for this talent agency
Questions you should ask during the interview/audition
1. What's the main direction of this agency
Every agency has its strength. if the people there can't tell you the specifics, it's clear that they don't know what they are doing.
2. What do you see in me
If any agency wants you to pay anything, of course you have the right to ask them what they see in you. If they can't tell you anything immediately, it means that they see nothing else but the money in your pocket.
3. How will I get closer to my passion by using my strength
If they can't work with your strength, why bother?
If they can't work with your strength, why bother?
4. Can I provide my own pictures for my comp card?
Trust me, every agency will tell you to get a set of new photos for your comp card no matter whom you've worked with before. They will tell you that your comp card may not suit their needs. But no matter what, show them your pictures(if you've got some professionally done already). If they don't even look at what you've got, there is no point continuing at all.
If you don't get any satisfying answers, you know this agency probably lives in days.
You don't lose anything walking right out if you face any of the situations as below,
1. "We don't need your resume" or "We don't need your photos"
This means that they have no interest in you. Go as quickly as you can!
2. "Congratulations for getting into this round, but this is a one-shot opportunity. If you walk out right now, you will lose the chance forever(or you will have to reapply and start from the first round again)"
Don't be scared! Don't be bullied! It's so telling you, "just walk out, please", and do it!
3. "If you don't agree to pay for the new photo shoot(for the comp card or any other fee they make up) fee, I can't tell you anything further."
No one can invest money without knowing how they will be benefited. People who come up with this phrase clearly have no interest other than in your money.
It's a jungle out there! Taiwanese government has minimized all the newbies' income to 22K limitation with the 2nd generation of health insurance. Without signing with any agent, I've performed in over 30 opera productions, been interviewed by TV stations, walked a few modeling gigs, got a few scoring gigs, and more if you are really that interested. Stop paying every agency for useless one time only comp cards. Be smart! Don't get fooled again!
Be sure to tell me your stories!
Be sure to tell me your stories!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
roguegov.com.tw
One of the recent news was about some buildings of 4 families in ML county. The county government said that the existence of those buildings could endanger the intersection of traffic, especially when there are trucks trying to make a turn. Those families didn't come to any agreement with the government. They didn't move and the government gave them the ultimatum. When the time comes, the county peops will take down the buildings at all costs. The time came this morning when lots of them gathered a protest in front of the office of the president in Taipei. The county government grouped an army of policemen in front of their unattended houses, and took down their years of lives. Many of them didn't even have any chance to see their houses one last time.
Other than the sneaky move, the county government spent millions of New Taiwan Dollars posting half a page advertisement in order to "educate" people that they are doing the right thing. The righteousness claimed that the existence of the house may become the blind spot for cars and huge trucks while making turns. Before pointing fingers to anyone, my questions are, "did the families settle there first", "how long have them being there", "what happened to the previous county government if these houses really endanger the traffic"?
These people must have bought their houses which were approved by the county government years or decades ago. Later, their county government also approved many other buildings to construct your current traffic lines. After the later ones were built, this county government came back to you and said that your building now is a threat to the current traffic flow. Something must have gone extremely wrong somewhere. Perhaps the local development plan came a lot later than the time these families purchased/built their buildings. If so, what stopped the government taking care of these 4 families as well? Or perhaps these buildings had been illegal all along(or, never in the development plan), and the filthy middle connections had been taking money from the residents to smooth the county government for all these years. I don't know the answers but I find this really scary. Trust is the base of any relationship. What happens when we can't trust our government?
This is the time we live in. Our government would rather waste millions(NTD) of tax payers' money to post half a page of advertisement through several medias just to tell that they were not wrong, instead of giving their millions to these families for their new settlement or for just simply some compensation. You can purchase the government approved construction now, but if you are so lucky that one day you may find your legal home endangering the later development. Our government set a minimum college graduate monthly wage at 700 USD(more or less). This makes corporate's heaven. They used to pay over 1000 USD for a college graduate, and now, nobody is paying that anymore. Until now, we still don't get any higher.
Many of the Taiwanese politicians have the options of immigrating to other countries. When the end of someone's 2nd presidency comes, we see the ugliest and the least responsible acts throughout. It looks like people just stop working hard when they know that there is no further goal. If these previous presidents, or soon to be previous presidents decide to own a different citizenship, can we stop their retirement paychecks?
Other than the sneaky move, the county government spent millions of New Taiwan Dollars posting half a page advertisement in order to "educate" people that they are doing the right thing. The righteousness claimed that the existence of the house may become the blind spot for cars and huge trucks while making turns. Before pointing fingers to anyone, my questions are, "did the families settle there first", "how long have them being there", "what happened to the previous county government if these houses really endanger the traffic"?
These people must have bought their houses which were approved by the county government years or decades ago. Later, their county government also approved many other buildings to construct your current traffic lines. After the later ones were built, this county government came back to you and said that your building now is a threat to the current traffic flow. Something must have gone extremely wrong somewhere. Perhaps the local development plan came a lot later than the time these families purchased/built their buildings. If so, what stopped the government taking care of these 4 families as well? Or perhaps these buildings had been illegal all along(or, never in the development plan), and the filthy middle connections had been taking money from the residents to smooth the county government for all these years. I don't know the answers but I find this really scary. Trust is the base of any relationship. What happens when we can't trust our government?
This is the time we live in. Our government would rather waste millions(NTD) of tax payers' money to post half a page of advertisement through several medias just to tell that they were not wrong, instead of giving their millions to these families for their new settlement or for just simply some compensation. You can purchase the government approved construction now, but if you are so lucky that one day you may find your legal home endangering the later development. Our government set a minimum college graduate monthly wage at 700 USD(more or less). This makes corporate's heaven. They used to pay over 1000 USD for a college graduate, and now, nobody is paying that anymore. Until now, we still don't get any higher.
Many of the Taiwanese politicians have the options of immigrating to other countries. When the end of someone's 2nd presidency comes, we see the ugliest and the least responsible acts throughout. It looks like people just stop working hard when they know that there is no further goal. If these previous presidents, or soon to be previous presidents decide to own a different citizenship, can we stop their retirement paychecks?
Monday, July 15, 2013
What are you? I'm Ü
I remembered our graduation party thrown by the youngsters. Everyone got a special prize with a special title. The name of my prize was called, "Just being Ü". I've been confused all my life telling people who I am and what I do exactly. To find a specific title is for people who have very limited imagination. I happen to be capable of a few different things, and I so happen to meet many people who trust and hire me for these employments. Who am I, or what am I? If anyone is looking for an answer, I think I finally figure it out. It's as simple as the title my college friends came up with, Just Ü. Right! I am Ü, and I do whatever whoever pays me for.
It's really annoying when I hear the sentence, "Don't you feel bad that you've spent so much time on xxx?"
"Never"
This is how look at things. My value is only valid for "now". A value of an item, an event, or a choice could change at different periods of time just like how stock price varies. The only time I can really tell whether it is a good investment or not is the moment right before I exhale my last breath. For that, it is absolutely pointless to define a success or a failure at this moment. We can all make choices. Some of us choose to differ as little as possible, and some of us choose the other way around.
Before I came back to Taiwan last year, I could never imagine having a job interview as a GM. (Although most likely, the reason they were interested in me was because they wished to pay less for lots of localization work.) I even skipped the first interview and went directly to meet with the boss. He even told me to name my price. However, with the suspicion of extra localization work, I gave him the number over twice of the minimum wage.(Trust me, it's still not high. Thanks to the thoughtful Taiwanese government, especially thoughtful for the co-ops!) According to my contact in the firm, the boss didn't think that we could negotiate at all. After I heard the phrase, I told my contact that I was the person who wouldn't have wasted my time interviewing with him if he had told me that he was only looking for a cheaper translator.
No matter what, the fact is I've got 10 grand out of this company this month and according to the first update, it is still growing. I've signed the contract to protect my continual right to localize this game if there are further updates. I surely hope that this game goes as long as possible!
So, how did this come to the stage? It all started when I came back to Taiwan and had a cup of coffee with a friend I went to MSM, NTNU, and KSHS with. She introduced me to a TV/Film translation company and I began to freelance in localization. After that, I applied an account on a job search engine. I paid 30 or 50 USD to read 25 full ad-posts since Nov 2012. I still have more then 10 reads left. So far, the game comp was the only success from that site. It was indeed, "三年不開張, 開張吃三年"(You have no business for 3 years, but once you have one business, you can survive for three years.)
If I weren't a music major student going through the schooling system, I wouldn't have met this friend who lighted up the path for me today. If I weren't a voice major student, I wouldn't have felt the need to get acquainted with foreign languages. If I had got married, I wouldn't have come back to Taiwan. Let me not forget about the games I've played. They became my conversation topic to impress the interviewer, and how much I've learned from my previous roommate E about dressing like a classy professional. Oh, and thanks to my parents for doubting me every time I wanted to do something else. Because of their questioning, I felt more determined to follow through. Don't get me wrong. They only provide reasonable doubts but never stop me from doing anything.
Why would anyone bother to ask me whether I am a D soprano or a M soprano? From my tax report, I am so not a musician this year. And at the end, do the titles matter at all? The question should be, "can you really do it or not?" Why do I have to draw the boarder when I can have the whole universe?
I'm here sending my deepest appreciation to all the people who have accompanied me until now. If I am ever defined in any form of success, you've all been parts of it.
It's really annoying when I hear the sentence, "Don't you feel bad that you've spent so much time on xxx?"
"Never"
This is how look at things. My value is only valid for "now". A value of an item, an event, or a choice could change at different periods of time just like how stock price varies. The only time I can really tell whether it is a good investment or not is the moment right before I exhale my last breath. For that, it is absolutely pointless to define a success or a failure at this moment. We can all make choices. Some of us choose to differ as little as possible, and some of us choose the other way around.
Before I came back to Taiwan last year, I could never imagine having a job interview as a GM. (Although most likely, the reason they were interested in me was because they wished to pay less for lots of localization work.) I even skipped the first interview and went directly to meet with the boss. He even told me to name my price. However, with the suspicion of extra localization work, I gave him the number over twice of the minimum wage.(Trust me, it's still not high. Thanks to the thoughtful Taiwanese government, especially thoughtful for the co-ops!) According to my contact in the firm, the boss didn't think that we could negotiate at all. After I heard the phrase, I told my contact that I was the person who wouldn't have wasted my time interviewing with him if he had told me that he was only looking for a cheaper translator.
No matter what, the fact is I've got 10 grand out of this company this month and according to the first update, it is still growing. I've signed the contract to protect my continual right to localize this game if there are further updates. I surely hope that this game goes as long as possible!
So, how did this come to the stage? It all started when I came back to Taiwan and had a cup of coffee with a friend I went to MSM, NTNU, and KSHS with. She introduced me to a TV/Film translation company and I began to freelance in localization. After that, I applied an account on a job search engine. I paid 30 or 50 USD to read 25 full ad-posts since Nov 2012. I still have more then 10 reads left. So far, the game comp was the only success from that site. It was indeed, "三年不開張, 開張吃三年"(You have no business for 3 years, but once you have one business, you can survive for three years.)
If I weren't a music major student going through the schooling system, I wouldn't have met this friend who lighted up the path for me today. If I weren't a voice major student, I wouldn't have felt the need to get acquainted with foreign languages. If I had got married, I wouldn't have come back to Taiwan. Let me not forget about the games I've played. They became my conversation topic to impress the interviewer, and how much I've learned from my previous roommate E about dressing like a classy professional. Oh, and thanks to my parents for doubting me every time I wanted to do something else. Because of their questioning, I felt more determined to follow through. Don't get me wrong. They only provide reasonable doubts but never stop me from doing anything.
Why would anyone bother to ask me whether I am a D soprano or a M soprano? From my tax report, I am so not a musician this year. And at the end, do the titles matter at all? The question should be, "can you really do it or not?" Why do I have to draw the boarder when I can have the whole universe?
I'm here sending my deepest appreciation to all the people who have accompanied me until now. If I am ever defined in any form of success, you've all been parts of it.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
interests= unexpected jobs
I just got a contract to translate for an online video game company. We started communication 4 weeks ago. I got an instant reply right after my first email, but the next email came two weeks later with some material as a test. After reading my trial translation, they were very pleased and they invited me to their company for more detail. I got outrageously excited and ran all the possible scenarios beforehand.
It's a must to describe my look for the interview. I was working on my professional impression. My decision was to wear my Betsey Johnson V neck black dress with black stocking in a pair of classic high heels by Bershka. I dyed my hair bright red a night ago. In the morning, I woke up early to straighten my hair, and put darker, perhaps even a hint of Goth eye make-up on. The look translated well. They said, "you look very professional" many times during the meeting!
In short, I charmed them and settled a 10000+ USD(current+updates in the future) contract(for about 30-45 days of work). They were especially impressed when I told them that I played Left4Dead, Civ 5, Terraria, and of course, Diablo 3, with the information of my 4 paragon 10+ characters from 5 level 60 characters. The lead told me that he had never met any translator who's as serious as a gamer.
It didn't take them much time to think after interviewing me. They first told me that I would hear from them in about a week. But the morning after, they called me and told me that they were writing out the detail of the contract for me. I was so afraid to jinx it and I couldn't tell my mom before mother's day. After the confirmation call, I finally called her and told her about this surreal deal. She was very happy that I could get a paycheck even from one of my silly interests.
What can I say? Don't ever be shy in the geek world! Stick with your interests! Do what you love, something else may come with it. If nothing comes, you've got a great time already!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
OCD, DD, and BP
Things got to me too easily. I didn't know why but I started to understand my behavior and the whole process of how I thought to feel. Most of them are extreme insecurity.
A few years back, I had a thought that when there was something good happened, something bad would come right after very shortly. It was not so. It is just that my mood swings between the peaks too often and too extreme. I only made the connection of me being bi-polar during the past summer after chatting with one who is dealing with it as well. When I started to take it as a mental cold, I stopped blaming myself, others, fate, nor the wacky spirits. After reading more about it, knowing that many people have suffered from the same disorder, it was silly, but I did feel less stress.
The depressive disorder is just another thing which is part of my BP. After sharing with my bff in Taiwan, she defined my depression of "over-self-centered-stupidity". The world will not end even if I don't try to do anything. To carry and worry about useless burden is absolutely meaningless. Stop thinking about what and how others will react if you do anything or not. Even if you try to do so, it's only you who thinks people care. The fact is that most of things don't matter, especially, a musician.
She told me that what I should focus on is just myself, and I should start small. When the goals are small, they are easier to achieve, and I will feel satisfied more often. So, baby step for me from now on. I had been too extreme. When something didn't go as I wish, the only way I had was to quit, because if I quit, I didn't need to worry about it anymore. The attitude never solved any problems. It only made me switch into more different paths and stopped again when I met unsolvable issues. I am learning how to leave it and to live with it. Once I take myself as just an ordinary person, I stop pressuring myself to look at the obstacles as the end of the world, and the weight on my shoulder got much lighter all of a sudden.
That's it for now. TBC
A few years back, I had a thought that when there was something good happened, something bad would come right after very shortly. It was not so. It is just that my mood swings between the peaks too often and too extreme. I only made the connection of me being bi-polar during the past summer after chatting with one who is dealing with it as well. When I started to take it as a mental cold, I stopped blaming myself, others, fate, nor the wacky spirits. After reading more about it, knowing that many people have suffered from the same disorder, it was silly, but I did feel less stress.
The depressive disorder is just another thing which is part of my BP. After sharing with my bff in Taiwan, she defined my depression of "over-self-centered-stupidity". The world will not end even if I don't try to do anything. To carry and worry about useless burden is absolutely meaningless. Stop thinking about what and how others will react if you do anything or not. Even if you try to do so, it's only you who thinks people care. The fact is that most of things don't matter, especially, a musician.
She told me that what I should focus on is just myself, and I should start small. When the goals are small, they are easier to achieve, and I will feel satisfied more often. So, baby step for me from now on. I had been too extreme. When something didn't go as I wish, the only way I had was to quit, because if I quit, I didn't need to worry about it anymore. The attitude never solved any problems. It only made me switch into more different paths and stopped again when I met unsolvable issues. I am learning how to leave it and to live with it. Once I take myself as just an ordinary person, I stop pressuring myself to look at the obstacles as the end of the world, and the weight on my shoulder got much lighter all of a sudden.
That's it for now. TBC
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year 2013
Happy New Year, 2013!
It is a very different New Year for me compared to the past 8 years. First, I was home in Kaohsiung with my parents and Tako. Second, I planned a New Year celebration for my family. We watched Shrek one, two with bad titles. We had some sweet rice balls. After finishing the movies, mom and dad went to bed first. I had the chance to call J up to do my final countdown. Jan 1, 2013, mom and dad had the first taste of Dance Central. I was, of course, the best one in the gaming business, but my parents had so much laughter while playing and watching the games.
2012 was very special. It was my hard to believe second year of a relationship(still going). I finally started working in a university with gifted faculties and masters students. I had my debut in Siena, and finally toured around in Europe after 28 years of thinking about it. It was the first time I flew back to Taiwan without knowing what exactly I was gonna do to make a living. I finally learned how to drive, and according to someone, that was a very important issue not to marry me.(He probably didn't mean it, but since he said it, I typed it.) I picked up and seriously raised a kitten in my parents' house. After all these years bad mouthing cats, they finally changed their mind because Tako is awfully cute!
Almost forgot, I saw quite a few performances of my sister's, and I'm so proud of her and her group! There are still things I haven't done. For instance, the long awaited recording with my previous band mates is still in the air. I still have never lived alone being responsible for my own apartment. Oh well, I'll get to that. At least, I started looking around.
A few more things on the list: an opera group, a recording, a few performances, and a bier braeur! Hmm... so!? I don't know. Taiwan is a pretty good place if I can stand some ignorance here. Or, may I help educate the ones with no clue? Yup, I think big, just like I wish world peace as always.
Alrighty, Jan 1 is gone, and I am going to sleep in order to fight my student tomorrow!!! Rrrrrah!
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