Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Beginnings in thought

12 years at the same thing. Is it possible to start something new after that long? I have much respect for the old days, when people held down a particular job for 30 years. At the same time, the progression of now is more me, more about changing interests, or just about finding the perfect gig. Is 12 years too long, too much of an investment already?

12 years can quickly turn into 30. If it's the right thing, what you always hoped for, 30 years goes by quickly. What if it's something you enjoy, but not a passion, and carries with it a lifetime of careful balances and intensity? The quote unquote "fun" jobs where artistic expression is the focus seem to bring a certain fulfillment anyone would be envious of. Beginnings there hold their own trials and tribulations, and difficulties of just getting a start. But it is done, how is it done, and is it always worth it...

12 to 30- hope by 30 it's been a life full of satisfaction, accomplishments, and pure enjoyment, for not just me, but everyone.


Here's a music video made by former UCSD students, who made videos in their spare time and decided to make it their full time thing, despite limited resources. This video is a great example of a beginning no one would question. Also for the artist, in a time when Asian singers haven't quite made it mainstream here, yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDTKAHk_T5k

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Home in thought

Where do you call home? It took me a while to feel like I wasn't just a temporary visitor out here. You know that feeling you had in college, when you lived in random apartments, where the white walls and old mismatched furniture made it difficult to feel like home - it was just where you lived.

I felt like that, that is, until I took to painting a couple walls. I finally stopped using my umich address, and started settling in. Now we talk about staying. But something's still missing. So many sentences still end with 'when we go back.' It seems we have to make the same decision so many other transplants have to make. How can you not like California? People move on all the time, but is it the right decision for us? Regardless, deep down my heart is where I spent all those years growing into who I am today.

I may live in California, but I still call Michigan my home.