Charlene Speaks Beta

When Signs Don't Make Much Sense

2007-06-28T23:15:00.000+08:00

Wedding in Singapore

2007-06-19T02:04:00.000+08:00

I made a trip to Singapore this past weekend to attend the wedding of Song, a Singaporean navy officer who lived next door to me at Hammarskjold House during my Stanford days. I had the honor to recite a bible passage chosen by the couple during the wedding ceremony but was asked not to add any creative embellishments to the passage. Later, during the precious 15-second personal interaction with the couple at the post-ceremony banquet, Grace, the bride, said a few people were asking about me (sadly, the first thought that came to my mind was that they were interested in advertising with Google). I apparently became known as the "hot scripture reader" who would help increase church attendance if I were to do it regularly.

In the restroom, I pondered about the comment as I admired myself donned in qipao and stilettos in the full-length mirror, indulged in vanity. Standing next to me were two Cantonese ladies in their sixties. In loud Cantonese, they complained and wondered why their cheeks got fleshier and droopier over the years as they reapplied their makeup in vain. I noticed one of them was wearing a pair of black, flat-heeled, grandma leather shoes.

I was reminded of a note that a schoolmate wrote me before I left for the States eleven years ago. In the note, she quoted Proverbs 31:30,

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting"

When I am 60, I will continue to wear stilettos. Perhaps not 4-inch but 1.5-inch ones.

Swing Dancing in HK

2007-05-29T17:28:00.000+08:00

More info on http://hkswings.blogspot.com/

Swing Dancing in Hong Kong

2007-05-03T23:38:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I finally got myself to go to a HKSwings event that a college friend recommended 6 months ago. About 8-10 of us were dancing to live Jazz music at the Fringe Club. And since then, I've been dancing Swing/Salsa every other night. And completely hooked.

Despite the fact I did take classes like Social Dance 1 & 2, History of Swing at Stanford, Swing somehow never really clicked with me. What changed is that over the past year or so, while doing Salsa in Beijing, I've learned that it's all about letting go of what people may think, not caring if I look really bad, and enjoying the music.

What I really like about Swing is that it allow the dancers to improvise in various styles depending on the music and one's emotional state. It can be laidback, fun, sexy, mischievous, silly, cool, cheerful, melancholic, relaxed, energetic...

Ramblings at 4:54 am

2007-04-27T03:02:00.000+08:00

It's 4:54 am, and I'm having trouble falling asleep. On my way home tonight, I suddenly thought of an idea for a potential project, and it's hard to stop thinking about it. This idea will need refining and careful execution. Perhaps it's not a great idea after all. But being enthusiastic about dreaming big dreams is a privilege for being young, even if these dreams may not be realized in the end.

During a dinner conversation with friends tonight, we were talking about what we want most. I immediately thought of a successful career. Yet, at this point, I don't have a clear picture of what it means to have a successful career. I certainly don't want to end up chasing after something and realizing afterwards that it is not what I want.

I thought of money. It's hard not to feel the pressure when it seems so many people in Hong Kong are in Finance and making millions of dollars. Yet, I know money is not what I want. Otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen to be a Psychology major. Oh boy, I think I'm going to be poor.

Then when I was brushing my teeth tonight, I thought what I want most is to see my ideas become real and successful. Yet, no matter how great an idea is, it is bound to face "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune," as Shakespeare would put it. If I have bad luck, I have to live with it. Besides, according to the idea of synthetic happiness, my "psychological immune system" will still allow me to feel real happiness, even if I don't get what I am aiming for.

While tossing and turning in bed, thinking that my potential project idea is just a fantasy, I realized that it doesn't matter. I know this sounds somewhat cliched, but what matters is I give it a try while being realistic about the challenges. What I want most is this freedom to pursue my dreams, which is what I have right now.

Friends have been asking me how "unemployment" has been treating me. It is absolutely fantastic.

(Note: I'm not implying that I didn't enjoy my previous job. And I'm not trying to make you jealous)

Paloozahead

2007-04-24T16:27:00.000+08:00

Came across this campaign that is promoting the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago through faceplanting and customizing. I gave it a try with Duffy's head (I'm not dog-crazy; I just don't want to use my own head). Click the play button to watch.

Create Your Own PaloozaHead - Visit Lollapalooza.com

Ted Talks Videos

2007-04-23T21:14:00.000+08:00

A friend introduced me to TED Talks videos a few days ago and I've been addicted to them ever since. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conferences started back in 1984 during which inspirational speakers from various backgrounds share their ideas. The organization has started posting videos of talks and performances from the conferences on this site (and they also have a YouTube channel)

Below is one of my favorites by Steven Levitt, "Why do crack dealers still live with their moms?"

"Ask a Gay Man" Fashion Videos

2007-04-23T14:44:00.000+08:00

Came across a series of hilarious, honest and creative fashion videos put together by a Gap employer, William Sledd, who's currently the fourth most subscribed director on YouTube. Reminds me a lot of the "Queer Eye" -- the videos go over fashion tips, dos and don'ts, etc. Among my favorites are: the Fashion Victim Editions, YT Video Awards Fashion Recap (see below)

The videos are getting me to think about starting a YouTube and/or TuDou project while I'm on break. Not on fashion tips since, sadly, I have to confess I still like crocs though they're hideous looking. But perhaps, for example, some content related to Psychology/lifestyle that is high-quality, positive, and interesting to people. As Seth Godin would say, build something remarkable so that people would notice it.

Goals

2007-04-18T17:13:00.000+08:00

In case you're wondering what I've been up to during my break, I've kept myself busy and have set the following personal goals:

1. Drink 8 glasses of water every day and exercise 3 times a week so that I age well.
2. Continue to learn, follow and update industry knowledge and new topics by leveraging online products, e.g. Google Alerts, Blogger platform, etc. (I've been spending hours and hours every day on the Internet reading stuff, which is totally awesome)
3. Reflect on past accomplishments and explore future opportunities.
4. Start a few side projects (media, volunteering for non-profit, websites, etc).
5. Travel to see friends.

More details and updates to come as I accomplish these goals.

Getting Things Done with Gmail

2007-04-17T12:09:00.000+08:00

A couple of months ago, I came across a Gmail Firefox Extension which has integrated David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) principles with Gmail. http://www.gtdgmail.com/. I spent the whole evening yesterday reorganizing my Gmail and turning it into a GTD system, which I had previously relied on Excel and Desktop folders.

If you are not already familiar with GTD, I highly recommend Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen. GTDGmail.com summarizes these principles for busy folks. Or check out the following sites for more resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GTD (English)
http://in.comengo.net/archives/gtd-basic-knowledge/ (Simplified Chinese)

Try it out. GTD has really helped me increased my productivity and earned me the reputation of "Charlene the Machine."

Welcome

2007-04-17T11:13:00.000+08:00

Purpose of this blog is to share with you what's going on in my life (in case you miss hearing from me). I'll also share ideas, articles, tools, books, etc. that I find useful.

Feel free to browse around, post your comments, and click on ads that interest you.

Enjoy
Charlene