+ * Reach for the Starz * +

Things That Could Possibly Go Wrong While Planning a Surprise Party

2012-02-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

and What You Should Do to Save It.

1. Be ready to change plans and switch days (including the prepping and shopping days) at least 24 hours in advance because the person whom you plan the surprise party for does not know that there will be a party for her. Don't forget to let all your guests know too!

2. Communication. Call your accomplices the night before to make sure they have everything you need ready because as I have learned, people often disregard and not reply to your emails even though you know that they have already read them.

3. Think on your feet if they say, "Oh... I still have not gotten x, y, z......... everything."
It's might be better to get everything on your own.

4. Figure out what to say when you are baking the cake in your house when she is not suppose to be around. And don't smile while you are at it. Cuz she can tell that you are lying, especially if she is related to you.

5. Don't leave specific ingredients (especially the ones that screams her name) laying around while you are at it. Keep them right after using it because it might catch her attention, and she just might say, "OMG, I LOVE Baileys! What is it for?!" And you simply can't say, "Oh, it's for the Guiness Chocolate Ice Cream Cake with Baileys Cream Cheese cake that I am baking for you that is not really for you, but it is for you."

6. Prep everything you need to bring in bags prior to taking the ice-cream cake out of the freezer so you don't have to rush out of the house worrying about the cake melting and forgetting all the other things you would need.

7. Don't trust yourself to plan anything unless you have full control of all circumstances. In other word, DO NOT TRUST ANYONE even if she was your sister's best friend, even more so if she has the record of tardiness. No-no.

8. Have a Plan B if the person you were suppose to meet at 12pm could not be gotten hold of until 1.30pm, especially if you have the TIME & TEMPERATURE BOMB aka. The Ice-Cream cake in your car's backseat.

9. Make sure the bags that you use to carry all your food items and bottles of wine are durable and tough because you don't want them to break in the middle of your journey, especially if your are travelling uptown, then across town, then downtown, and uptown again via public transportation and on foot (not including the cab just because you are poor).

10. Make sure you know when your Metro card expires because you don't wanna be carrying a handful of bags and getting denied at the turnstiles with 6 other people behind you. You don't wanna waddle your way through the crowd with all those bags again.

11. Prioritize what to buy first. You don't wanna look like the lady (aka me) with 6 pink and green balloons tied to her wrists shopping at a grocery store ignorant of the fact that her balloons are bumping into everyone she crosses.

12. Know where you put your personal items even if your hands are full and there are balloon strings around your neck. You don't want to lose your new MTA card that costs $104 while you are already going through such a treacherous day, and it has not even started yet!

13. Breathe.

14. Don't forget to eat while you are running errands and dreaming of pulling all the hair off your head because of frustration. Dad says, "A hungry man is an angry man."

15. Rant and maybe even cry your frustrations away prior to the party. You don't want no negative energies in a happy occasion!

16. Think, 'Everything is going to get better from here.'
The worst has already happened. Only good things from now on!!!

17. Remember that melted Ice-Cream Cake of disaster?! Think of a creative name for that.. or you can say you didn't make it. After the melted ice-cream hardened with the cake, it looked like an art piece that belonged at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Because of it's deep valleys and flat mountainous formations, I named it after glorious rift in the Colorado Plateau, The Grand Canyon.
Thank God it still tasted like how it was suppose to.

18. Maybe getting everyone to drink a little would be a better idea before serving the cake. People might not think that it looks as horrible as it does.

I had one heck of a crazy day planning for my sister's surprise birthday party yesterday. The night ended great and I am thankful for those who came and made it happen. Hopefully we'll see the pictures soon!

Have you ever planned a party that almost did not work out?
Share!

Dragon Year

2012-01-31T20:34:00.002-05:00

One of the best Chinese New Years since coming to the States. Chinese New Year is a huge event for us. In Michigan, my friends and I would drive 3 hours to Chicago just to get a decent Asian meal or we would have dinner parties at a friend's place.

This year, besides having the typical night before Chinese New Year Framily dinner, a Malaysian friend whom we got to know invited us over to his apartment to celebrate the New Year with his family. Stepping into his house brought me back to the times when we were in Malaysia. Yes, we always celebrated Chinese New Year, but it was different without family.

Day before Chinese New Year

Mum would be pestering everyone to clean the house. Last minute laundry, dusting of windows, tables, making sure everything is clean and spotless. Oooo!! And last minute Shopping! I always had brand new clothes for the first three days of Chinese New Year.
Family dinner at our Grandparent's place (mum's side). My grandmother makes the best home cooked food. Typical dishes include Sharkfins' soup, steamed chicken..... GAH!! I've not had her cooking in SO LONG!
Obviously, we get our Red Packets from that side of the family that day :)

Day of Chinese New Year

Mum makes breakfast (Which is almost rare). We would have noodles (represents longevity) in clear fragrant broth and an egg each (represents growing a year old). After that, we would serve mum and dad tea and they would give us Red Packets. We usually visit an orphanage and/or old folks home. Mum and dad made it a tradition to bless other on the auspicious day.
The rest of the day would be spent visiting family and friend's houses, collecting red packets, and of course eating a whole lot at it.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful time. To new resolutions, hopes, and dreams.
Have a wonderful, prosperous, healthy, fruitful dragon year my lovelies :)

The Flowers of War

2012-01-23T13:58:00.003-05:00

I heard about this movie from my Lynn a couple weeks ago. The only thing that I remembered her saying was that Christian Bale is in it and it's set during the Nanking Massacre. Two days ago, I was on facebook and the ad for the movie appeared on the right side of my facebook page. I clicked on it, and the next thing I knew, I had to stop myself from reading further into it because I had to see this movie without any spoilers.

One of the best movies that I have seen in a long while. I rarely go to the movie theatres because they are so expensive here in the city. But this was definitely the best $14 spent on a movie.

The movie left us feeling really sad and emotional.
Funny thing was that we saw the movie right before attending a Chinese New Year framily dinner. If you are Chinese, you would know, 'No bad thoughts during Chinese New Year', 'No wearing black!', 'No cleaning of the house because you would sweep away the good luck!'
So here we are heading towards the Malaysian Restaurant feeling all gloomy and beaten up by the ever so realistic film. Mind you, it wasn't a bad thing. It was damn darn good movie that kept us thinking. Also, the reason why we were so effected by it was because it hit close to home. Malaysia too suffered from the Japanese invasion and we've heard and read about the rape and deaths in textbooks.

I was told that my mother's grandfather was once a rich banker and one day he went out and never came back, killed by the Japanese. My grandmother on the other hand would have to disguise herself as a boy when she went out or else she would probably be caught and raped!

Yup, close to home.

About The Film

From internationally celebrated director Zhang Yimou (Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, Hero, House Of Flying Daggers) comes a story of love and war - and a band of outcasts who emerge as unlikely heroes from the shadows of a city's occupation. At once lyrical and visceral, the film enters the apocalyptic world of Nanjing in 1937 only to find a vibrant human story about the invisible people of the city and a series of unexpected relationships that lead to a resonant act of sacrifice.

It begins when the danger in the streets of Nanjing throws together a group of opposites --a flock of shell-shocked school children, a dozen seductive courtesans, and a renegade American (Academy Award winner Christian Bale, The Fighter, The Dark Knight) posing as a priest to save his own skin, or so he thinks - all seeking safety behind a walled cathedral. Trapped by marauding soldiers, over the next few days the prejudices and divides between them will fall away as they unite around a last-ditch plan to protect the children from impending catastrophe.

Shot over 5 1/2 months in the most extensive production ever undertaken in China, the film recreates the reality of Nanjing after Japanese troops invaded the Chinese city, setting off one of the most shocking episodes of civilian suffering in the modern history of war. Yet THE FLOWERS OF WAR is not so much about the deadly battles in the street as it is about all the life that continues to go on behind the closed doors of a city in hiding.

THE FLOWERS OF WAR is directed by Zhang Yimou from a screenplay by Liu Heng (The Story of Qui Ju, Ju Dou) and Yan Geling based on Geling's novel The Thirteen Flowers of War. The film is produced by Zhang Weiping (here marking his tenth collaboration with Zhang Yimou) under his New Pictures Film banner. The executive producers are David Linde, ChaoYing Deng and Bill Kong.

Joining Christian Bale and leading lady Ni Ni is a cast that also includes 13-year-old Zhang Xinyi in her film debut as the narrator Shu; newcomer Huang Tianyuan as George, the boy who takes it upon himself to protect the school girls after the death of the local priest; Tong Dawei (Apple; Red Cliff) as Major Li, a war-weary soldier determined to save the life of a wounded compatriot; Atsuro Watabe (A Quiet Life / Shizukana Seikatsu) as Colonel Hasegawa, commander of the occupying Japanese army; Shigeo Kobayashi (Todai) as Lt. Kato, his ruthless sidekick, and popular Chinese television presenter, Cao Kefan, as Mr. Meng, a Chinese civilian who will do anything to save the life of his young daughter.

It is only airing in 2 movie theaters in New York.

Landmark Sunshine Cinema at 143 East Houston Street

and

Regal E Walk Stadium 13 & RPX at 247 West 42nd Street

For other locations *click*

~adapted from www.theflowersofwarthemovie.com

Please do watch it and tell me what you think! :)

And yes,
HAPPY DRAGON CHINESE NEW YEAR everyone!!!!!!!
To Health, Prosperity, Love, and Success!!!!

2012-01-17T19:06:00.001-05:00

Feeling so sick :(

First Video of 2012

2012-01-08T22:29:00.002-05:00

Been working on this song since I heard it about 2 weeks ago. I was going to record it on last Monday when my smoke detector ran out of battery and was beeping it's head off every 3 minutes.
Well, this is the first video of the year! Hope that there is more to come :)

Please enjoy and share! :)

Love

Hope you had a wonderful countdown

2012-01-02T22:44:00.002-05:00

cuz I did with my favorite people :)

Let's rock this dragon year!!!!

Resolutions for 2012

2011-12-30T14:33:00.001-05:00

None.

Because these are the things that I should be working on long term and not just for the first few months of 2012. One thing though, I want to live like this is the last year on earth. Don't you worry, I don't believe in the 2012 end of the world craze. You gotta live life to it's fullness right?

:)

1. Keep a food log.
Just so, I can scare myself by seeing physically how much crap I put into my body.

2. Keep juicing.
I love what it is doing to my body. I rarely feel stuffed up anymore, and I love the fact that it feels me up. In a way, it's a meal replacement :)
I'll be posting on of my favorite recipes soon!

3. Keep fasting once a week.
I've done it for at least a month before Christmas and I kinda broke the Tuesday Fasting cycle. I want to get back into it. No more snacking damn it!

4. Record more covers.
I realized that I almost never do it (although my roomies are pressuring me to), because I am afraid of being judged my my super-singer friends who are subscribed to my youtube account. There's just way more pressure because I don't wanna upload anything that I don't think is close to perfect because it is what I do.
Sigh. I gotta find more ways to do it without feeling conscious.
Hmm... we'll see.

5. Get an agent.
I've been in the city for a little over a year now and I think that it is about time that I get more serious about being seen and submitted for projects. Been doing it myself, and it takes a motivated person to really get it done right. Will be scouting for agents after getting my Greencard (hopefully sooooon!!!!)

I like writing down resolutions just cuz I can see them literally and be embarrassed about not following it.
Lol. Some self motivation eh? I guess it works!

What are you doing for NYE?

Happy glitz and glam! Cheers to the New Years!

Finally!

2011-12-28T18:24:00.001-05:00

After weeks of waiting, I finally heard the good news on Dec 23rd that I will be performing in an equity theatre in Philly for the production of Miss Saigon!!! I can't express how happy I am, and even better, I had my framily to celebrate with on the same night of the Holiday Dinner Party.

I am cast as the female ensemble (gotta start somewhere eh), and I will be understudying the part of Gigi (which is awesome!!!!!!!!)

Now I really gotta tone up to fit into that teeny weeny bikini on stage.

:)

Cheers!

Walker Christmas

2011-12-27T22:35:00.002-05:00

Aside from having a marvelous dinner party in conjunction of the holidays, Sam and I headed an hour west to his family's to celebrate Christmas. Just like last year, I got to sing in the choir at the local church which I really enjoy. I cannot recall a Christmas without performing in church. I have been doing it every since I could spit words out of my mouth!! In fact, I think the first solo I had was when I was about 6 or 7 at the First Baptist Church. I was going to sing 'Silent Night' on Christmas eve and being the excited kid I was, I practiced every day until I lost my voice the day of. Boo.

Worst, the pastors daughter who was about a year or two older than I am said that I ruined the entire performance because I sounded like a frog. Hah! How mean kids can be.

Anyways, here's the super tall tree!!

Look at all the presents underneath!

I had a lot of wonderful presents myself this year :)

A traditional Walker Christmas dinner.

Really Juicy Roast Beef, Homemade Gravy, Scalloped Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Steamed Broccoli with Homemade Hollandaise Sauce, and Yorkshire Pudding.

Yorkshire Pudding

The first time I had Yorkshire Pudding was also this time last year when Sam's mum made it for Christmas.

One word, amazing. Must be all the butter. That's why you only have it once a year :)

The pretty table setting. China plates, silverware, and crystal goblets.

Dinner Guests

Look how pretty the tree is at night!

You almost don't see the old school C7 lights anymore now that LED lights took over.

The best part of Christmas away from the city.

A real fireplace. I love the crackling of the logs and the warmth that it brings. So good.

Truly, best Christmas in the States :)

3 days till 2012!!!!

Any resolutions?

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T23:45:00.001-05:00

Through the years, we all will be together,

if the fate allows,

hang a shining star above the highest bough.

And have yourself, a Merry little Christmas now.

Although there is no white Christmas this year, I feel that everyone had a little more holiday cheer in them.

I came home last Tuesday to my roomie feeling super excited that she even offered to give me a manicure just so I could look Christmassy!

I love the glitter on em. Aren't they pretty :)

I must say, this year's Christmas is one of the most memorable ones that I've celebrated in the United States besides the one that was celebrated with my friends in Disneyworld in 2008

I was feeling extremely Christmassy and wanted to do something to celebrate the holiday. After contemplating on what to do and where without dropping a bomb, we've decided to hold a holiday party at DMC's place. Obviously, after spending nights salivating over what I would call food porn, I was extremely excited to have the chance to make something for the hungry crowd.

Baked Brie with Sundried tomatoes and Pesto in a Puff Pastry.

Super delish. Super easy to make!!!

I think this will be my go to appetizers from now on until I find something better and easier.

Besides, who doesn't love melted cheese?

Sam described this dish as a 'really rich and yummy pizza'.

Success!

I also made Cheddar Black Sesame Breadsticks.

Ah!!! So darn good!!!

They require a teeny bit more work than the baked brie but this is worth it.

I also made Bacon wrapped Asparagus, which I don't have a picture of. It's really good and easy do make.

We had tonnes of food. After all we are Malaysian, hence we are all foodies.

DMC made a superb Shepard's pie and Artichoke dip.

Lynn made a Ham, Mac and Cheese (delish!)

Alice brought homemade salad with pineapple chunks and Italian dressing

SueLai bought Peruvian Chicken

Kevin got us Chicken Satay

Cheryl, FooJin and Tony supplied the vodka, wine, and whiskey that got us all shit-faced

We did take the dinner party seriously.

DMC probably is having em leftovers for the next few days!

We played Secret Santa and here I am jumping into the present pile!

I was so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My original gift that I picked was an awesome On-the-go-blender.

Perfect for my juicing craze. But it was stolen from me.

My second gift that I picked was a pair of headphones and 2 movie tickets!!!

Mr. Sammy and I :)

Cheryl Love and I.

Gosh, I cannot imagine this party without her.

Thank you for such a fun time hunn!!!!

My dear sister and I.

I thank God that I have you as a sister. Really, I wouldn't be where I am without you.

MUAH!

From left:

SueLai, Kevin, Lynn, FooJin, and I after dinner

Here's the clan!

It was such a wonderful time.

I can't trade the best company in the world, the best homemade meals, the alcohol (omg), everything was perfect. Thank you all for making this happen.

This was also the 2nd time in my life that I woke up with a hangover. Mind you, I almost never get drunk.

I guess we did eat, drink, and be merry :)

Happy holidays everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa!!

3 years ago

2011-12-22T17:21:00.001-05:00

I played Marcy Park.

One of the best shows I have had the most fun doing. Hopefully I will do this again one day.

Happy Thursday!

Casserole

2011-12-20T20:23:00.003-05:00

I've been feeling the need to bake and cook so much lately. Maybe because I have a lot of time on my hands now compared to a couple of months ago. Honestly, I would cook more if I had all the money in the world to buy the most random ingredients. I know that they are usually not as expensive, but imagine having to buy 12 different bottles of spices just to make one dish! Ah, so much you can do if you have money.
Unfortunately, I don't.

Anyway, I came home today feeling like I need to make something that would fit the cold season. Something easy. Something... CHEAP.

Spicy Italian Sausage, Peas and Oven Roasted Tomatoes Casserole

It doesn't look as good here because of the the color of the peas. But it is awesome alright!

Ingredients;

1 Tb spoon of Olive Oil
1 Tb spoon of Sweet Butter
1 box of pasta (I used tri-colored Fusilli)
4 Spicy Italian Sausages
1 can of Sweet Peas
4 Tomatoes
4 White Button Mushrooms
3 Dried Chillies
1 (5.3 oz) Fat Free Yogurt
1 Tb spoon Black Sesame Seeds
1 Tb spoon Flax Seeds
1 Ts spoon Salt
1 Ts Grounded Black Pepper
3 Tb spoon Parmesan Cheese
As much Shredded Mozzarella Cheese as you want ;)

*Pre heat oven at 350 degrees*
1. Dice Tomatoes, Slice Mushrooms
2. Boil Pasta
3. Heat Olive Oil
4. Remove skin from Sausage, saute in Olive Oil and add Mushrooms
5. Cut Butter into pieces and spread around Casserole Pan.
6. Mix cooked Pasta with Yogurt, Sesame and Flax Seeds, Dried Chillies, Salt, Pepper
7. Spread Tomatoes on the bottom of the pan.
8. Add Pasta on top of of Tomatoes.
9. Add Sauteed Sausage and Mushrooms on Pasta.
10. Add as much Mozzarella Cheese as you would like and top it with Parmesan Cheese.
11. Cover top with foil sheet and bake for 20 mins.
12. Remove foil sheet, and set to broil at 450 degrees for 10 minutes (or until brown).

Casserole turned out way better than I thought it would be.

This only thing I will change is... MORE MOZZARELLA CHEESE!!!!!!

Try it. Super easy.

Cheers.

You and I

2011-12-18T22:48:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone!

One week to Christmas!! Super excited! :)
I just got back from the Candle-Light Service at the Riverside Church on the Upper West Side, had dinner with the family and am feeling super duper Christmassy now. It must be the candles and the carols... and the cookies I baked yesterday!

I love this time of the year. It makes me feel like doing two completely different things:

1. Curl up in the warmest pajamas and coziest blanket with candles, cookies, hot chocolate, and someone to cuddle with.
2. Dress up in the prettiest party dress (yes,the one the hides your winter fats) for a night out with your favorite people in the world, flutes of prosecco, hor'dourves on a silver tray, chocolate, and Christmas carols.

I know, contrasting. But doesn't it sound tempting? :)

Anyways, here's a short video of a cover of Lady Gaga's YOU and I.

Enjoy!!

Feel free to share and comment!

Cheers and stay warm!

Inspiration

2011-12-12T16:14:00.002-05:00

I question myself every once in a while on why am I pursuing what I am doing right now. As much as I love being on stage performing and releasing my creative juices, I do have doubts and I crave for stability. Why can't I just have that full time corporate job like everyone else? I would have a set schedule, I would have a stable income, I would be... normal.

I see my creativity as gasoline, I fill up my tank, and I keep running till I am low on fuel, then I would have to get a refill (on inspiration and purpose), and I keep running again. I am sure it works the same for everyone else despite different career choices.

I got a call from my roomie at 11am (I had just woke up from a late night), telling me that there was going to be a premier of the long awaited movie that I have been anticipating ever since K sent me the link to the trailer. The Lady is directed my Luc Besson, starring my long time hero and idol Michelle Yeoh. I hopped off the bed, grabbed breakfast, and rushed out of the apartment. The premiere tickets have been sold out for more than a week and I was determined to get my excited-self to the waiting line, hoping that I could get no-show tickets 10 minutes before the show. I was 5th in that line. After waiting for an hour with a long train of people behind me, I managed to get in.

Award-winning director Ang Lee who directed Broke Back Mountain and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon gave the opening speech, giving us insights of working with the fabulous Michelle when they were filming C.T.H.Dragon. Apparently she filmed most of the movie with her broken knee in a brace. He also spoke about how he taught her Mandarin for the film. Clearly she was a hardworking actress. She lost a total 14 kilograms for the movie for goodness sake! That is almost 31 pounds!

The 127 minute film was heart-wrenching. There was so much that we could see through her eyes even though there were scenes where she did not say anything. I was telling myself to stop crying before my non-waterproof mascara smears all over my face. She deserves an Oscar for this film.

I loved that the movie was directed showing the more personal side of the story, the love story, rather than the political aspect of it. I felt that because the theme of the movie is Love, it has the capability of reaching out to more people because it is a feeling, or a value that everyone experiences at some point of their lives, be it the love for their country, their mother, or their child.

This movie is also extremely relevant right now because of the political changes and the need for revolution around the world right now. Think OccupyWallStreet, Malaysia's Bersih movement, the Middle East's fight for democracy, and etc.

A teeny part of the Q and A

After the Q&A session, K and I made our way through the crowd and finally had the chance to talk to her. I was shaking and star struck. I couldn't speak properly. The words that came out of my mouth was literally, "Hi, I-I am Malaysian and-and I am as-aspiring to-to be an actress........oh.. I jjjJjj-ust wwWwant to let u-u-u know that-that you are-are such an inspiration to-to me."

Gosh! I made such a fool of myself. Had I spoken any longer, I would have cried while I harassed her with my nervous words! It was funny that K was there to witness me slowly breaking down in her awesomeness. It must have been hilarious. Michelle was very kind. She told me to keep trying and work hard.

I'll definitely remember that.

K., Michelle Yeoh, and I

She is so gorgeous! I look like an ogre next to her :(

I left the night feeling super inspired. I want to do this. I want to make people feel this way. I want to be like Michelle Yeoh. It is not just the fact that she an amazing actress. You could really see her work hard for what she want and that is what I want to be.

"Please use your liberty to promote ours."

“I don't believe in people just hoping. We work for what we want. I always say that one has no right to hope without
endeavor, so we work to try and bring about the situation that is necessary for the country, and we are confident that we will get to the negotiation table at one time or another.”

“You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.”

~ Aung San Suu Kyi

Happy weekend!

2011-12-09T18:28:00.001-05:00

Auditions

2011-12-09T10:10:00.001-05:00

Hey all!

I feel like I have never actually blogged about my auditions. Weird because that is what I do.
There's a saying that an actor's job is not to act. It is to go for auditions. Acting is the playing part of the job.
So true, many times the audition process is harder than the actual gig!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had an audition this week. Well, yesterday.
It's been a while since I auditioned because things were pretty slow (audition season is usually between January-March). Last week I was browsing through playbill and auditions for Miss Saigon caught my eye. I had to catch my breath for a second just because it is not often that I see an audition for a show that is perfect for me. *I can hear it call my name!*

I quickly jotted the date down in my calendar, and planned the song that I would sing.
I told myself that I have to do this perfectly, I want it so damn bad. It is my dream show. My dream role.

Mind you, I have not been to a Miss Saigon audition in the city just because there were always so many people and I couldn't never get seen! How annoying right? I even got typed out of it once. Can you believe it?!

So I woke up at 5am in the morning yesterday (I had warned my room mates that they were gonna hear my cat wailing warm ups), went into the steaming shower, and belted my face off for 50 minutes. I know. Poor room mates. It really sucks to have paper thin walls, but I have no choice. This is my job. When I make more money, I'll get a place that is sound proof. But until then...

I hopped on a bus at 6.10am and got to the audition building at 6.30am. See, in the past, during the audition season, I would be at the door at bloody 7am and I would be number 173!!! So I made sure I left early this time. I was desperate to be seen. As I walked in the door, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist, telling me that I would not be able to enter the building until 8am. Crap. However, instead of letting me wait out in the cold, he offered to let me sit at the back of the building, right by the freight elevator. Awkward, but I had no choice, I didn't want to wait out in the cold.

Thankfully, I brought different reading materials or else I would die of boredom. I remembered waiting in full make up, heels, and no books, no internet on my phone for my first equity audition in the city. I waited for 8 whole hours, and did not get seen! Never again. So I learned through experience. This time, I rolled out of bed, got in the shower, and headed straight there with no make up, looking like a zombie.

I finally made my way into the waiting room. I was the first to arrive. Obviously, there were no other crazy psychos like me to get there at 6.30am since this was only for Miss Saigon. The competition has already been cut in half by the fact that all the female roles are Asian besides one of the lead roles.

At 9.10am, they called out the names of the equity ladies who have signed in. They got in line, and went in for their audition. I was part of the non equity call because I am only an equity membership candidate (I have not received enough points yet), I was second in line for the non equity group (because some sore loser jumped line). But as long as I know that I would be seen, I was fine. Wasn't about to ruin my mood by being calculative.

I finally went in the audition room, gave my music to the accompanist, introduced myself, and sang my 16 bar cut from a cabaret song. The casting director leaned over to the director and whispered something and and then asked me if I had another song, something beltier. Then he said, something for Kim (the lead role). I then sang her big ballad, they told me to stay to dance, I left the room feeling all my nerves in my fingers and toes.

The dance part of the audition went extremely well. I was always terrified with dance auditions because I may be a great mover but I never consider myself a dancer. I guess my 3 months of dancing 16 hours a week paid off. I felt confident in my leotard, tights, and heels as we learned a short technical combination. We were separated into groups of 4 and took turns performing the combination that we just learned.
After they released the girls, while getting back into normal clothes, the casting director called 4 girls (including me) back to the audition room to dance individually. I guess that's a great sign right?

Dance auditions look like this!

It is one of the best auditions that I've had since moving to the city. There wasn't too many people, I took my time, I wasn't sick. It just felt extremely good.

I feel that even if I don't get to work with this theatre company, I am still satisfied because I gave my all and they have seen the best I could give. No regrets.
However, cross your fingers for me. I really want this!

Fwens

2011-12-04T00:14:00.001-05:00

I love when friends are here for visits.

Feels like it's a family reunion :)

2011-11-30T22:49:00.001-05:00

I love romantic dinners. Candles. dessert. Wine. holidays.

25 days till Christmas. I am really broke. does it mean that I have to take up a bank loan to buy presents?

Tuesday

2011-11-29T16:40:00.001-05:00

omg this made my day

9gag.com

Day 2 of fasting.

So I have decided to make Tuesdays my fasting day. Classes in the morning and I'm trying to keep myself busy after that because I know that most of the time I eat/snack just because I am bored. I probably experienced hunger less than ten times in my entire life. We are such a spoiled generation. Think about back in the day when men had to hunt for food, and that was the only time they would eat. If they don't have a catch, they have nothing until the next time they hunt... or harvest.

I am planning to keep to this intermittent fasting at least till the end of this year and we'll see how it goes.

December resolutions!

3 more hours to go!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T15:58:00.001-05:00

I had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend. A super long weekend I must say. I was on vacation from Wednesday through Sunday! No doubt the best Thanksgiving I've had since I've been here.

Pretty turkey out from the oven.

Picture was taken by my dear sister who accompanied me to the Walker's residence.

This was turkey numero uno.

There was a second turkey just in case the hungry crowd of 26 didn't have enough.

A family affair.

Sam helping his parent's draining the turkey juice to make turkey gravy.

The best I've ever had!

Making really good turkey gravy is like making really good risotto.

It requires very little skill but a lot of time and patience stirring and stirring so that it doesn't stick tot he bottom of the pan. Well worth it.

H'orderves before the 4.30pm Thanksgiving dinner.

This was only half of the variety!

Hummus, babaganoush, smoked salmon, cream cheese, greek dip, white tuna salad, roasted tomatoes, crudites, fresh mushrooms... So much food!!

I had to consciously remind myself that I have to save room for the actual dinner and desserts!

Funny thing is...

We got so excited come dinner time, we forgotten to take a picture of the amount of food that was served.

LOL.

But obviously, we had the usual Thanksgiving menu.

Turkey, homemade mushroom stuffing, homemade cranberry relish, homemade turkey gravy, mash potatoes, french beans, mashed rutabagas (mmm.. soo darn good), creamed onions, and etc.

Fortunately, Lynn got to snap a picture of our dessert table :)

Heavenly ain't it.

Homemade pumpkin pie, homemade whipped cream,apple cranberry pie, apple crumble, lil 11 year old Maddie's vanilla and chocolate frosted Oreos, vanilla ice-cream, chocolate cake, an assortment of cheesecakes, coffee, and prosecco.

Seriously, how can you NOT get fat?!

Sam Pants and I during the turkey dinner

Big sis Darlynn and I at the dining room after dinner.

The night was filled with laughter, card games, music, and love. A true family occasion.

I felt loved :)

We spent the next couple of days eating glorious leftovers, bonding with the family over more card games, wine, and music. Thank goodness for the great weather, we were able to go for a pleasant walk in the woods to the river, and take fun pictures.

The lil river that we saw during our walks. So pretty and peaceful.

Lil Maddie and I stretching our limbs

Pretending to be a graceful dancer :)

Look how beautiful the weather was!

Lynn who took most of the pictures, playing with Jupi.

I wish I had more pictures. Looks like we gotta make that up the next holiday.

I am thankful of where I am right now.

I am thankful of having the chance to pursue what I love despite how difficult it is.

I am thankful that I am surrounded by the people that I love and love me.

I am thankful for the support I have from everyone.

I am thankful to be alive.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving 2011.

xoxo

Day One

2011-11-22T18:52:00.001-05:00

Okie. So I have been fasting for about 23 hours.
An hour more to go!
Best part, my dear sister is cooking dinner in front of me so I know that I have something to eat once I get to break fast! And yes, I will not over eat.

The good thing is that I don't feel hunger really. But the feeling of wanting that piece of chocolate or something small and random to snack on is definitely in my head. I also do know for a fact that I love to snack just because I am bored. no good.

I just gotta keep myself busy and hydrated with water. Flush flush flush!

I'll post day two next week. We'll see if I discover anything new :)

Eat Stop Eat

2011-11-21T17:17:00.001-05:00

Hi world,

I am still here, alive, and well.

I hope I've not been gone for too long.

What's new?

I am still doing the same old. Dance classes, trying to not eat the nonsense that I am extremely attracted to, like chocolate, being healthy, and etc. I think I am doing pretty ok with that so far.

Although, I am still indulging myself in food blogs because of my love for them. Can you imagine that I read up to at least 20 recipes a day just for fun? It's ok. It's just eye candy. That is how I spend my down time. My Sue-Yenn time.

Seriously, I think that my room mate thinks that I am weird. lol.

As most of you who know me personally, I have always been talking about my weight.

I know, I am definitely not fat in American standards. I am not thin either. However, put me anywhere in Asia, I wear and extra large and I am not kidding you.

Worst, being an actor who is trying to 'make it'. As shallow as I may sound, I understand that looks are everything for me. So, I am not fat enough to be the fat chick down the hallway, neither am I slim enough to be the lead's best friend. I need to pick a side, and I definitely want to be on the slimmer end of the spectrum just because it will open more doors for me. Owh wait, have I mentioned that you will automatically gain at least 10 pounds on camera? Yes, FML.

So, I am going to be trying a new kind of diet along side with juicing. I love juicing by the way, it feels great. I had juices for breakfast everyday when I was back in Malaysia and I felt pretty darn good. I loved the tastes, I love how I felt after that, full but not stuffed, and I know that it is all GOOD, natural, and unprocessed stuff!

After some convincing from a great pal of mine, I think I am going to fast once a week for 24 hours and survive on liquid during that time period. Sounds scary?

*I know mum, you are gonna be calling me right after eating this.

I swear, Asians show their love by making sure that the people they care eats well. Funny thing is that they are also the first to criticize their kids with no shame if they think that they are slightly overweight.

So yes, the EAT STOP EAT diet.

It is basically intermittent dieting once or twice a week. (I will start with one.)

Here is an article about it which will explain the details.

How To Lose Weight Fast With Intermittent Fasting

by JEFF on MAY 20, 2011

Remember to stay hydrated during intermittent fasting, especially if you're active.

Intermittent fasting is a great way to lose weight while maintaining/gaining muscle mass. It creates many of the same benefits as intense exercise on weight loss…more on this later.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

It is a way of fasting to lose weight that involves cycles of feeding and fasting.

1. Intermittent fasting will not slow down your metabolism, instead it will speed up your metabolism for the duration of the fast. In order for your metabolism to slow down, you will have to fast for 3 days straight (this is not recommended). To read about this study, click here.

2. Intermittent fasting will not cause muscle loss. Instead, you will have more strength during a workout when you are in a fasted state. You will also experience more muscle grains as a result if your diet is structured properly. This is very counter-intuitive.

3. When you go on an intermittent fast, workout, and then eat after, your body will integrate protein and carbs more efficiently. This allows your muscles to recover and grow faster. Check out the study here.

How Long Should You Fast For?

It depends on which method you are following. 24 hours of fasting will give you the most weight loss results. It is not recommended that you fast longer than a 24 hour period. The Eat Stop Eat method involves fasting once to twice a week for 24 hours each time.

Fasting reduces your total weekly calorie intake. This takes off the pressure of counting calories during each meal. It is a very simple method to weight loss that is easy to maintain for the long term.

You don’t have to worry about the yo-yo diet effect that most diets have. Most diets are hard to maintain, once you get off the diet, you lose the results. Intermittent fasting is also a powerful way to break through your weight loss plateau.

Intermittent Fasting Is Natural

From an evolutionary stand point, our ancestors fasted when food was scarce or if they returned from a failed hunting trip. So it’s very possible that our bodies are actually designed to fast occasionally. There are many health benefits to intermittent fasting that suggests this, such as:

Slows down aging
Reduces oxidative stress
Lowers insulin levels
Reduces the risk of various diseases such as diabetes and alzheimer’s

Cycled fasting to lose weight and to improve your health is not a new concept. There have been many human and animal studies on intermittent fasting over the last 18 years. Animal studies began as early as 1943. There was a recent article (2007) by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that explained a lot of these benefits, it was a summary review of 44 different studies.

Intermittent Fasting To Lose Weight is similar To Intense Exercise?

During intense exercise, your body goes into a state that burns fat for energy. The fat in your fat cells turn into free-fatty-acids which are then used as fuel for your body. This process depletes your fat cells and causes weight loss.

During intermittent fasting, your body goes into the same state where you body starts burning fat for energy. Doing cardio on a fast will help you lose weight even weight faster. The video below talks more about this:

Why Fast Once To Twice a Week?

Fasting to lose weight once to twice a week keeps things flexible. You can look good and still enjoy eating out with your friends.

More Benefits to Intermittent Fasting

Saves money
Burns fat easily
Increases your body’s growth hormone production (burns fat and keeps you young)
Improves skin qualities (reduce acne)
You can continue to enjoy your favorite foods
Benefit from fat burning and muscle building workouts
Lowers insulin levels and increases insulin sensitivity (makes it more difficult to gain weight)
You will have energy and continue to be productive. Fasting releases norepinephrine and epinephrine, which makes you more alert.

Lose The Fat And Keep It Off

The biggest benefit is that intermittent fasting helps you keep the weight off once you lose it. As I mentioned previously, intermittent fasting cultivates insulin sensitivity. It changes your body chemistry so that your body stores less fat. Here is how this works:

Insulin helps your body process carbs and fats, but it also stores excess calories as fat. Over time, your body develops more and more insulin resistance. When this happens, your body needs to release more insulin to process the same amount of sugars/carbs. As a result, the higher level of insulin will cause your body to store more fat.

Cultivating insulin sensitivity causes your body to release less insulin to process carbs and fats. Less insulin means that less fat will be stored. With higher insulin sensitivity, it will be more difficult for your to gain weight in the future.

Adapted from http://getthisripped.com/diet

Another source about intermittent diet is the Eat Stop Eat book which you can download from here.

*click*

Starting tomorrow.

Will keep you posted on how I will struggle/survive on water, tea, black coffee, and maybe a small juice for 24 hours.

Wish me luck.

2011-11-17T20:03:00.001-05:00

Fall. In Love.

Mom.

2011-11-13T21:08:00.001-05:00

Right before sending me off to the airport.

I missed the walks around the neighborhood after dinner.

I missed the fruit juices you blend every morning.

I missed you both.

Happy Birthday Mum.

Love you

Time Changes

2011-11-03T04:21:00.001-04:00

A little less than five years since I've embarked on my journey trying to discover who I am and what I love.

Came home realizing that it would be way easier trying to accomplish anything I want. Even if it didn't, there's always another back up plan just because it's my homeland.

But don't fret, I'm not about to give up anytime soon :)

Let's hope everything works out and pays off eh?

I'm glad that I had the chance to meet up with the people that were a huge part of my life while growing up. I wouldn't be encouraged to do what I am doing right now if it wasn't because of our silly good old days experimenting cheer and dance, developing our love of performing together.

So many things changed, and yet they still feel the same. In some ways, I feel like 'where have I been the entire time?!', and on the other hand I feel as though I have never left. We still have the same chemistry and passion doing what we enjoy and love.

I wonder where will we all be in 20 years.

Too far ahead?

xoxo

Photo of the day.

2011-10-27T02:06:00.002-04:00

Had my favorite childhood dish.

Felt like I was 5 years old again.

Home ~~sweet~~ Heat Home :)

Online Memorial

2011-10-21T06:37:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows about Steve Jobs.

I personally visited and read the post-it notes left on the the window panes of the Apple store in Chelsea. I truly agree that this guy is a mover and indeed, he made a huge impact in the technology world inspiring the impossible. This guy has no limits. A revolutionist. A grandma can pick up and iPad and figure out how it works in seconds. That's how simple the interface is, and that's what technology should be about. Simplicity.

Apple just set up an email address for anyone who is interested in leaving a comment about Steve Jobs just yesterday, and now there are over a million posts already.

Check it out. *click*

On the other hand, I wonder if I were to pass, would I make such a huge difference in the world that a mere 10% of all these billions of people recognize me?
I hope so.

Right now,

2011-10-17T18:08:00.002-04:00

I have intense craving for a sashimi meal but obviously because I have no money, I can't just walk to a Japanese restaurant to have what I want.

I am exhausted from the physically intense week + weekend.
- Completed 14 dance/ Pilates classes in 4 days!
- Walked 40 blocks downtown at 1am
- Was part of the Occupy Wall Street protest marching from downtown to Washington Square to Times Square from 11am to 8pm on Saturday.
- Helped Clairine move. She lives on the 4th floor with no elevator in the building!

I am having my lazy Monday with only one Pilates class :)

Happy lazy Monday.

2011-10-12T21:27:00.001-04:00

I must say, I make a pretty darn good Fusilli Pesto with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and a tad bit of bacon.

:)

Dance

2011-10-11T19:17:00.000-04:00

Sasha
So strong. So powerful. So animalistic yet so womanly.
To bad she didn't win.

Melanie
I had tears in my eyes when I saw this video, and it's not the first choreography I saw her and teared.
Her expression and her body language... gah!!

Together. SOO GOOODDD!!!
Goosebumps. Brrrr...

I wish I was at least 10% of what they are.

It just makes everything we worry about pathetic...

2011-10-10T00:52:00.003-04:00

I was just being my occasional negative self yesterday because I felt like I didn't have a goal or purpose due to the fact that I couldn't work or do anything for the next couple of months because of my visa status.
After watching this video, I think I just put myself to shame.

Kudos to people who are holding on.

I am fortunate.

What's your purpose?

2011-10-08T20:35:00.003-04:00

Frust

2011-10-08T14:05:00.004-04:00

I am so frustrated with the fact that I am not allowed to work.
I wish I could get my papers soon so I can finally dive in to do whatever I am here to do, work so I can at least live a little life. And for once, go back to Malaysia for a visit since it's been three years already.

:(

Meh

Old and New

2011-10-06T23:40:00.000-04:00

Such a beautiful song.
I love Lady Gaga. I do agree that she is a little over rated, but seriously when it comes to being a performer, she is on the top of my list. No lip syncing nonsense. This videos shows her versatility, and of course you have to be weird to stand out because there's so much competition out there.

Tony Bennett on the other hand, classic. Did I mention that I worked his 85th birthday party about a month ago? Such an honor to be in the presence of such a talented and giving person :)

Happy weekend!

First Lady

2011-10-04T19:59:00.002-04:00

I have to watch this.

Food for thought

2011-10-02T02:21:00.000-04:00

1. I like the cold only when I have a scarf and a warm sweater.

2. Been feeling like I want to have a bunch of cocktails with the framily and go karaoke after.
(I know, I am 23 and have still yet to do that. #epicfail)

3. Rainy days leave me nostalgic. Wait no, I just wanna lay in bed.

4. Why do I love food? See, if I don't I would lose all that weight right?

5. I love dance. Too bad I become a live dancing hippo in ballet class.

6. When will I be able to go back to Malaysia again?

7. I have been wondering about who will attend my wedding and/or funeral if I had either one of the tomorrow. (Don't worry, I still love life.)

8. Dear life, where will I be in a year? Three years? Maybe five?

9. I have been craving a lot of ice cream.

10. Someone told me that I look like a cookie face. And then he proceeds to tell me that my eyes look like oreos.

Till next year..

2011-09-28T12:30:00.000-04:00

Time flies...

Two and a half weeks ago, Lynn and I were talking about how should we plan our busy schedule to accommodate mum's arrival to NYC. Lynn and I had recently started our semester and we were worried that we wouldn't have enough time to bring her around because it is not easy travelling around using the subways without any knowledge on the system or the iPhone to tell you where to go.

Honestly, I really enjoyed your stay here.

Besides the typical constant nagging (yeah, she saved that year long nagging since see saw us, and released it the moment she saw us), I had loads of fun just doing nothing after class, sipping on coffee, getting motherly advises about love and life.

Glad that you had fun with my friends.

So cute!

Hope to see you soon MummyDearest.

And please drag dad along with you here for next year :)

Love you.

Mum's Treat!

2011-09-25T16:52:00.001-04:00

Hey all, sorry for neglecting this blog. It's been a while. So many things happened and sometimes I just get too lazy to get into detail when it comes to blogging. I also have lost my mojo in blogging so putting whatever that's in my head to words is tougher for me. As you can see, there is no structure in my words.

Lol.

This is why I am not an English major :)

This time I decided to blog to update Daddykins that is stuck in Bangladesh because he is too busy to get off work to join our crazy mother. But's its ok, we think of you all the time Dad :)

Here's some updates.

We visited Mitsuwa at Edgewater New Jersey. It's is basically a Japanese supermarket with a food court.

It's literally 10 minutes away by car from our house, but because it is in Jersey, transportation is less convenient compared to New York. So it takes a way longer time to get there.

I met mum and Lynn after my 9am Ballet class and it was raining monkeys and donkeys.

I guess nothing can stop us when it comes to good food.

Last Thursday, we visited the High Line Park.

The High Line was originally an old subway line constructed in the 30's.

The abandoned train line is now one of New York's beautiful parks on the West Side.

It runs from along 14th street to 30th street.

There was definitely better views other than this picture. In fact this silly shot does do the High Line any justice. I was just being lazy about taking pictures because I was extremely tired from two technique classes in the morning and I was saving my energy for two more after my break time at the park.

No fret! I still got a picture of the two ladies.

The elevator on 14th street to the park.

Lynn was cooling her feet on the watered stone tile.

Yesterday despite the 100% chance of rain, Kevin invited us and a bunch of his friends to his place for a BBQ on his roof. Thank goodness he listened to his gut instinct beside me questioning him if it's really gonna happen. Not a single drop. I guess you should have faith eh?

Stupid weather dot com. You can never predict the weather.

Super oily faces from working my burger grilling skills.

Lynn, Cheryl, and I

As you can tell, Kevin is a ladies man :)

This picture was right after I walked into a bunch of Christmas lights that was hanging around while I was setting up the self-timer for the camera. I literally almost strangled myself as everyone watched me make a fool out of myself.

It does create the best picture though. Everyone's smile was organic. XD

It was so hot and humid yesterday, I couldn't resist myself with the last moments of feeling like it's summer. Of course I had to paint em nails like skittles. You can't do it in the fall anymore :(

*Smile smile smile*

And as usual, I have to show how much of a bad ass I am just for giggles.

So, I don't know if you people know about this competition that Cheryl, Lynn, and I took part in.

probably not, because I am so bad at updating my blog.

Anyway, we were part of the Spot Dessert Bar photo competition.

Basically we take a picture of ourselves with the dessert that we order from the restaurant, and we upload it on facebook. The picture with the most 'likes' wins a $50 gift card.

Guess what?

We won! A total of 90 likes!

Second place had only 40... hehehe...

So we decided to claim our $50 worth of desserts yesterday.

I love Spot dessert bar.

This is only the second time I've tried it's tapas because I've always been too poor to enjoy it.

It was amazing :)

I only have 3 good pictures out of the 5 tapas we had. But 3's better than none eh?

White Miso Semifreddo which had a hint of saltiness.

Had the most likes.

Yuzu Eskimo

My personal favorite. It was tangy and a little sour.

Lemongrass Pavlova.

Love the meringue consistency!

Cheryl said it reminded her of a macaron.

Since mum arrived, we've been having great home cooked meals too.

Lynn cooked, mum cooked, I cooked.... how often do we get all that in a week?!

I barely even eat at home last time because of work and rehearsals.

I like! :)

Picture of the day.

Mum specifically asked me to email this picture to Daddykins.

She said that you'll be happy to see the 3 women in you life together and happy :)

3 more days till MummyDearest flies off.

Boo :(

2011-09-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

sigh

Guess who's here?!

2011-09-17T12:31:00.000-04:00

Mum flew in a couple days ago for a 2 week vacation.

Love the fact that she makes dinner every night.

Hates the fact that she wakes our lazy asses up at 7.30am in the morning saying that, "It's 9 o'clock!!!!!"

(Yes, she's sneaky)

Love that she tells me how fat I am... well not really.

Hates the fact that I can't spend more time with her because of work, classes, and rehearsals.

Wish you were here too dad :)

Love.

2011-09-08T23:12:00.000-04:00

Classes have been going on for a week. My body feels broken from all the intensive classes but I feel great about myself for being productive in working towards being a better performer. I don't want this feeling to end!

Mom's visiting in a couple of days!!!!! :)

2011-09-05T23:56:00.002-04:00

I feel like I am not good enough.

Jack of all trades but master at none.

I don't even know what am I good at.

Page One

2011-09-01T23:35:00.000-04:00

This month is a crucial month for me. Well, every month is but this particular month signifies a new beginning in certain ways just because I feel like I am entering into another chapter of my life.

1. I am back to being a student.

I enrolled myself in a short six month dance course. Hopefully my techniques will improve (which I am sure of), since I will be taking freaking 11 classes a week, which rounds up to about 17 hours of physical classes per week! Oooo... I'm so excited!! :)

2. I am on the process of applying for a visa.

I just submitted my papers to the attorney yesterday. We'll see what happens. Ugh, thinking about it makes my tummy churn.

3. I am in dire need to lose weight.

Yes I know, I have gained about 20 pounds since I moved to the States. I just started a food journal, keeping track of everything that I put in my body. Also, with the 11 dance classes a week, I hope that I reach my happy medium. Honestly, I don't care about the numbers on the scale, I just want to feel good for myself. Plus, if I am fat now, imagine how much of a pig will I become in 10 years after having kids! =.=

Help!

4. I have no money. Empty!

Since I am back being a student, with such a tight school schedule, it gives me very little time to work. Well, I am not suppose to work anyway since I am technically an International Student. So as for now, I am running on extreme low savings. Not to mention that I just paid the attorney AND my tuition fees out of my precious savings from last year. I am technically broke!!

Started my spending journal too. Let's see how much I spend in the month of September!!

5. The Play

Rehearsals just started with the dance-drama production that I am involved in. The producer's reading will be at the end of the month, which will determine where will the play go in the future. If everything goes well, we'll be opening the show on Broadway in February. Hence, I gotta buck up and make my parents and myself proud. :)

*I know mom and dad, that chunk of money that you spend on my education better be worth it right?!*

Life change much? Hell yeah, and I am in and ready for the ride!

I just came to say Hello

2011-08-30T01:48:00.000-04:00

and Goodbye.

I love it when I have friends who visit. But after hanging out a lot like back-in-the-days, it's hard to say good bye. One down. Two more to go. Please come back soon for I will miss you as much as you will miss this city and the people who love you here.

Heart you guys.

Also, a BLESSED 23rd BIRTHDAY shoutout to my roomie SimpleCheryl.

Thank you dear for all the support and love you have given me.

All the best in everything ahead of your this year.

Wear em heels, and rock on the world babe.

Love you like a fat kid loves cake.

************************

~Weekend updates~

As for those who knew that the East coast got hit by Hurricane Irene, yes we all survived. The MTA (major transit system in NYC) was shut down for the first time, people were forced to load up on food, water, and flash lights, some had to evacuate due to the flooding. One of the most epic natural disasters and I am glad that it was not as bad as it was speculated to be. Although places like Virginia and South Carolina was hit bad, thank God everything was okay here in NYC. I guess, better safe than sorry.

Till then, I caught a bug. Hopefully I can sleep it off and feel no pressure in my ear and my head tomorrow. That's if I can sleep through tonight with my stuffed up nose and not snore. Meh.

Zzz...

A New England Weekend

2011-08-25T01:11:00.002-04:00

Hello!

I've been away. Didn't really have anything to blog about and I finally, finally had a summer vacation. (Saugatuck was kinda for work...)

Time flew. I finally realized that I have been missing out on salt water beaches for more than 6 years already. I have enjoyed the Midwest's Great Lakes since moving to Michigan, and at first it was an amazing feeling not having to worry about my sticky tangled hair after dipping in the water. No broken seashells to step on or mushy seaweed to avoid.

When Sam invited me over to his parent's summer home in Cape Cod, I jumped unto this opportunity without realizing that this 3 night vacation would be a breath of fresh air. Literally :)

First stop, Province Town

I loved this quaint little vacation town. It's just like Saugatuck with a New England twist.

And as usual, I always love gay towns because they always have great food and entertainment.

Apparently, they appreciate life more. And I agree to that.

Little shops with painted walls

Very New England. I like!

Quaint shops with quaint looking things. Always fun.

Look at how beautiful the sky is :)

I love the smell of the salted air.

Look at how pretty it is! I couldn't stop taking pictures.

So yes, since I was in an New England town and I've heard so much about Lobster Rolls, I went on a Lobster Roll hunt.

Here's my lunch. Basically Lobster flesh tossed with mayo, tomato slices and lettuce.

Simple like that. Fresh. And so darn good.

********************************************************

Cape Cod

I went sailing on the Nantucket Sands!!

Heading out, passing by pretty houses

Here's Eric and I at the end of the sail boat.

I had my fair share in sailing it :)

It was suppose to storm that day. Thank God it didn't because it was the perfect weather for sailing. The North wind was on our side and we had nice calm waves.

The Walkers :)

There were other sail boats out that day too. This was how ours looked like!

After sailing, while waiting for Mr & Mrs Walker to mount their sail boat named WhimSea

Lunch at Sesuit Harbor Cafe! Guess what I had?

Lobster Buoys hanging all over the outsides of the cafe.

More Lobster Rolls!!

This time it came with homemade fries and coleslaw.

Apparently, the best in the town of Cape Cod. definitely better than the one I had the day before.

Cape Cod Canal from where we were eating outdoors.

The crew

Short trip. I want more!!!!! Summer's ending soon.

I probably gained 5 pounds and 2 shades darker from this trip itself. No regrets!

Now.... stop eating.

What's cookin' lately?

2011-08-10T17:51:00.000-04:00

A lot of girl time with my favorites :)

At Emelia's place in Hoboken

At a club in Midtown

Couple more weeks till September and we'll start rollin'!!

2011-08-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

I'm broke because I just paid half of my dance tuition, which is most of my bank savings.
I'm jobless because it's summer so my catering job is slow.
I'm trying to stay home because I am poor as hell. But it's summer, so staying home doesn't make you feel better about life.

Meh.

What to do when you are a poor person living in New York?

Dr. Seuss

2011-07-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

NO!
That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape all that waiting and staying.

You'll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip-flapping, once more you'll ride high!

Ready for anything under the sky.

Really because you're that kind of guy!

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!

There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.

And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.

Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,

with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

.........

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

I stumbled upon a gift from a friend that is close to my heart. He gave me this children's book when I moved to New York almost exactly a year ago, told me not to open it until I was all by myself. Haha. Funny that I thought he did that because he wanted to keep my anticipation level at it's peak so it would be a really good gift. Well, I was glad that he did that because I wouldn't read the book, instead I would probably just glance at it, thank him with a hug, put it away, and never see it again. I mean, why would you give me a children's book anyway? Lol.

This book is powerful. I remember my eyes watering up after reading it because it was such inspiration. A simple poetic story about life's ups and downs that is absolutely true. Although it is a children's book, it wasn't all happy sunshine and rainbows, the book speaks about loneliness and failures as much as encouragement and success.

If you need inspiration, go get the book. It's called Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Mine was the party edition which I love because of it's beautiful bright pictures and colors.

Thank you K for the inspiration :)

Oh, and also ignore my sweaty-after-workout face and standing baby hairs. Hehe.

Till then loves. Keep dreaming. Make it happen!

Here's whats new...

2011-07-25T00:22:00.000-04:00

I might be on Broadway this coming January.

That's if everything goes smoothly.

*Cross fingers*

And, i had the most amazing weekend with the fRamily.

Roomie Cheryl baked me an eFFin' awesome multicolored vanilla cake for a belated surprise for my birthday.

I wish I could put it in a glass box and keep it in my room cuz it was so pretty.

I love you both so MUCH :)

Tequilla baby.

I feel blessed.

A new chapter

2011-07-22T00:16:00.000-04:00

Here I am.
Back in New York.
A start of a new phase, a whole new chapter.

The fruitful seven week vacation in Michigan has definitely served me well. I feel more centered and focused with my goals and now, I am back in the grind. With seven weeks of errands on hold (because I physically couldn't do anything away from home), I am now running around like a headless chicken, picking up the pieces, fitting in as much as I can in the shortest amount of time. Let's see how much I can do with no income now eh? Boo.
Birthdays, gatherings, doctor appointments, bills, and etc. Meh. The humidity and heat ain't helping either.

Thank you for being there. It's good to be home.

Cheers.

Dominatrix

2011-07-17T10:10:00.002-04:00

I performed in a cabaret recently after one of our Chicago performances to raise money for Mason Street Warehouse. Since it was my third season here, I was extremely comfortable with performing on the stage. However, a few minutes before going on stage, I started to get nervous and my throat decided to close up (I don't even know if that makes sense, but it felt that way). I was a little disappointed with the fact that I could have sung it better, but no use crying over spilled milk right? This is the only recording I have of this song anyways.

I think the last time I got nervous was when I was also performing a cabaret for the first time in New York about 10 months ago.

I was having a conversation with one of the veterans of the show. She has been an actress for the longest time. Been on Broadway, starred in a couple of well known roles and won a few awards. She plays Mama Morton in our production of Chicago.

MR: "This is my first time performing in a cabaret. I usually avoid these things because I get so nervous!"

Yenn: "But you've been performing for so long!"

MR: "Yeah, but a cabaret is different. Whenever you perform in a play or a musical, you are always playing someone else. On the other hand, you are playing yourself when you sing in events like this. I feel so exposed. So naked."

So darn true.

I do get nervous when I do cabarets because usually when I do it, it would be my first time performing on that particular stage and probably the second time running music with the accompanist. Where else, you do it over and over again for a show during the rehearsal process. We are used to singing the songs and are confident with where the vocal placement, hands, and feet should be!

Anyways, here's my nervous version of Cindy, written by Andrew Lippa.

Hope you enjoyed it! Leave me some feedback! :)

3 more shows to go!

2011-07-15T13:19:00.000-04:00

I love this production and I would very much do anything to being this back to NYC to live my life as I continue to perform in one of my favorite musicals. 3 more shoes to go and although this production has been a little inconsistent musically (yes, the band has tempo issues), I must say that I am very sad to leave.

I'll be making the best out of it!

Billy Flynn played by Christopher Carl and the girls.

I'll be getting more pictures and I will shore them with you soon!!!!!!

On the other hand, I am going to miss Michigan so much!!! After being in the concrete jungle for a year, nature is a breath of fresh air and I'll be sad to leave the beautiful clear blue skies, the green pastures, and the cow dung and skunk smells.

I climbed Mount Baldhead and here's the view over looking one of Michigan's most beautiful views, Oval Beach!

I also must say that, I look really happy over there after climbing up at least 400 very steep staircases. I remember encouraging myself by saying, "Okay, you have not been to the gym today. This will be your workout."

Yup, my butt and hamstrings were sore as hell the next day :)

This is the view after a 20 minute trail in the woods to the beach.

View of Saugatuck from the top of Mt Baldhead's steep staircases.

More stairs at Laketown Township Park!

Of course, I had to be the stereotypical Asian.

"Please..... I want a picture with me in it!"

My travel buddy, Sammy :)

I'll update more I promise!

Hugs & Kisses

2011-07-07T16:36:00.001-04:00

Summer feels like a dream.
It feels like everything is temporary and come Fall, I would thrown back into reality along with all the shit that I have to worry about when I get back to the city.

I am afraid.

I was just consoling a friend that is literally going through the same financial speed bumps and I told him,
"We as humans adapt. We're often afraid, but when we are put in the situation, we will overcome."

I guess I need to listen to my own words and be positive.
But it still doesn't change the fact that summer feels like a dream.
Maybe also because I am always away from home.

2011-07-03T02:24:00.001-04:00

I have just updated my website at www.Sue-Yenn.com
Please check it out and tell me what you think about it!!!

:)

On the other hand, I am having a blast in Saugatuck/Holland and I will be back in Kalamazoo for another visit tomorrow.

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

I love Summer!!!!

Summer days...

2011-06-29T23:54:00.000-04:00

Since the show opened, I have been a little lazy about being productive because of the long 12 hour rehearsal periods right before the show. After opening night, I felt like I needed to give my body some 'chill time', although that was not an excuse to skip gym days.

However, we got back to the routine today. And miraculously, it was extremely productive!!!!

After a great workout at the gym this morning, a couple friends and I decided to check out the Tunnel Beach at Holland which was recommended by a friend of mine when I visited Kalamazoo a two days ago. Although we had to pay $4 for the parking permit, it was well worth it because we were dying for the beach. I mean, how can one not when we have been here for a month now and we still have to visited the beaches yet!

We were greeted by a mini dune that we chose to climb instead of taking the staircase.

Don't be fooled by it, dunes are NOT easy to climb. It would be easier if I was barefoot and had no bag to carry, but the sand was so hot that I had to keep my flipflops on.

My sweet room mate Maddy and I after climbing up the dune.

Tunnel Park beach right behind us.

I was surprised that the beach was a little crowded on a week day.

Then again, it's summer :)

How can one not resist to take silly pictures by the beach?!

Although this has nothing to do with today, I just had to post this picture up because I got so excited when I found that my bill was only $13.10 for a delicious signature salad and two super yummy martinis!!!

You can never find this price in NYC.

I love Old Burdick's on half off Sundays!!!!!!!

Oh, I also had to post this picture up.

I spent the weekend over in Kalamazoo with the great hospitality of IzzahOng who literally gave me her entire studio apartment during the stay. I arrived really late, got the keys from her, and found this letter on the bed.

So adorable. Muah!!

I love summer in Michigan!!!!!

OPENING THIS FRIDAY!!

2011-06-23T02:34:00.000-04:00

I am so blessed to be able to work with this cast for this Chicago production. Unlike last year, there was no drama involved. Everyone was amazing. The ensemble who were living together got along really well. Everyone worked really hard, the leads are freaking damn amazing. Our Roxie Hart was in the Broadway production for a few months, our Billy Flynn was Phantom in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway for a few years, and I simply cannot continue to stress how much talent we have here.

I just can't wait to open and kick ass!

At the same time, I miss my dear sister and my roomie Cheryl back in New York.

Wish you'd both be here :(

CHICAGO

2011-06-16T23:02:00.000-04:00

One more week till opening!!! :)

A lil trip

2011-06-15T22:27:00.000-04:00

to Kalamazoo on my day off!!

This trip was spontaneous. I was lucky enough to hitch a ride from one of my room mates who was returning to Kalamazoo to see some friends. Although it was a very short meet up (literally only one and a half hours), I am happy that I actually made it :)
Can wait to see you guys again!!!

Meanwhile, rehearsals have been gong on well. We finally finished all of our dance numbers for the show. I love that I am so physically active compared to being in New York. Then again, I can't complain. I would be busy making money in the city, where else I am just focusing on my art here. Dancing and working out everyday makes me sore to the bone but hell yeah it feels great!

Photo shoot tomorrow! I need my beauty sleep!

Love.

It's a good kinda pain

2011-06-08T22:38:00.000-04:00

The last time I danced was when I booked a one day gig performing with Ne-Yo and Lady Sovereign at Times Square in September. It feels good to be part of a production again.

But after working out and 7 hours of dancing, boy I am sore. I can't feel my butt nor my legs.

Heck, it's one hell of a good kinda pain :)

I am blogging because...

2011-06-07T21:56:00.000-04:00

I have the time to :)

I don't remember when was the last time I had nothing to do. Back in New York, I would always be either working, auditioning, going to work, going to an audition, meeting up with friends (because I hardly see them), or trying to do something. Now that I am in Saugatuck, I only have one thing to focus on. Rehearsal. Well, besides the fact that I wake up in the morning at 7am to go to the gym at 7.30, really there isn't much to do besides, hang out. Then again, it's been only day one for rehearsals and we only worked on music so far (which is the easiest part), I have a feeling that we would be dancing till we can't walk by the end of this week!

Since I have been trying to save on money, I spent 120 bucks just on groceries yesterday. I know, 120 bucks! My sis was asking me if I bought myself a plane ticket with that money. Well, I bought essentials like olive oil, bread, peanut butter, and other healthy stuff. Really, its not easy trying to eat healthy :(
On the other hand, not eating out at all for the next week sounds pretty nice to me. Also, easy for me to stick on a less fattening diet comparing to a hamburger and fries.

However, the fact that I have so much time on my hands and that I am packing lunch and eating in for dinner, I just wanna cook! Unfortunately, cooking for myself would be expensive. Maybe the next grocery shopping? Then I'll get to buy chicken and real food!!!

Okay, random. I know. Just wanted to say hey :)

Welcome to...

2011-06-06T02:29:00.000-04:00

West Michigan.

After a tiring four hour long journey, I smiled to myself as I dragged my 50 pound check-in luggage and a carry-on roller bag (that Cheryl lend to me) to the waiting area ready to be picked up by a familiar face whom I have worked with for the past two summers at the theatre. I know that it is all in my head, but then the air smelt crisp, fresher than the polluted city's.
As we drove from Grand Rapids to Holland (where I am housing at), something else familiar greeted me. A whiff of stink. The smell of skunk! Haha! You may hold your nose when you walk past dog poop in the city but never the smell of skunk.

Double confirmation, I am back Michigan!

I am the first to arrive among the 12 people who are staying at this duplex. 6 Girls and 6 guys. Woohoo... Let's hope this does not turn into a drama filled house. I am always skeptical of living with too many people. The more people, the more drama.

I am here now. Too lazy to pack. Rolled around in bed for more than an hour and I still can't sleep. Ugh.

Also, I just realized that I forgot my face wash. Meh.

But... I am looking forward to this summer adventure!

Ok... need to sleep. Bye.

On days like these...

2011-06-05T03:02:00.000-04:00

I guess you never really appreciate until you are forced to a point where you just do nothing but to sit and ponder.

I am grateful for the amazing friends that I have.

My last day in the city was probably the best I've had for the past few months.

You guys are amazing and I don't know what would I do without you all.

Thank your for making it so memorable.

I had a great time.

Leaving for Michigan tomorrow.

Time to soar.

Poor Struggling Artist

2011-06-01T23:27:00.002-04:00

I was reading my daily reads today when I stumbled upon something that really caught my attention.

A poem fromPuan Chong's blog

I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
but left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er a word said she;
But, oh ! The things I learned from her,
when sorrows walked with me.

*Robert Browning Hamilton

Reading this poem is like hearing my parents talk to me. Mom always said,"Work hard while you are young. It's ok to fall and break some bones, you are still young."

Well mom, I feel like I am 25 years older than I am right now just because of how hard I've worked.

These past few months have been extremely rough. I felt like I have lost my sense of direction. I am sure that if you are a follower of this blog you might have noticed that I have been a little more down than my usual self. Someone close to me told me that I have changed since we both met (that was a month after moving to the city). He told me that I was extremely motivated and driven to pursue my dreams. I held the world in the palm of my hand and that was what made me attractive. 10 months later, probably a couple pounds heavier, I am this exhausted individual. Tired from grinding the streets and working so hard to survive but not for my art.

He said,"Yes you need to work hard. But you are not working hard on the right things. You should be working on your music, dance, and acting. Not weighing tables."

"But I have no money! I have to be practical"

"Yeah, but you have to know your purpose and reason of being here in the first place."

He does have a point.

He continued, "You also have this attitude of having to pay for your dues before achieving success. You are so afraid of taking advantage of what you have. Stop living as if you need to suffer before you succeed."

"That was how I grew up! That was drilled into my head since I was a kid. And you do have to work hard to succeed! Everyone pays their dues!"

"Yes, but you need to work smart. Don't just work hard."

I agree that I have been a little distracted from my goal just because alongside that, I have to work to save money so that I can pay for my tuition fees for dance school and my visa that I am about to apply for. I do sometimes fantasize that I am born into a wealthy family, one that I don't have to ever worry about money for. I also wished that the government would not be so strict about immigration rules just so that I can stay here and pursue my dream without paying so darn freaking much and sacrificing my freedom. It saddens me to know that all my savings would be gone to paying for school and the immigration office. It hurts me to know that I will not be able to work as much because of my student visa status, and I would have to live like a beggar for awhile.

Very often I would compare myself to the people who had it going easy, and I would hear daddy's voice saying,"If you ever want to compare, compare with people who are not as fortunate as you."
Yes, dad. I know. I just like to fantasize.

*This picture was taken the first week after moving to the States. The feeling of having the world on the palm of my hand. The dream that I know that I will achieve. I need to find that again.*

Like I've said before. I am a poor struggling artist.

Count down

2011-06-01T01:31:00.000-04:00

4 more days to Saugatuck, Michigan.
When it comes to needing a sort of getaway, emotional and mental therapy, performing would be the go-to for me. I've been looking forward to not working hard for something that is not involved with my career (like waitressing, and butlering), the sun, and actually doing what I went to school for.

Can't wait. I need to find my purpose again.

Dear New York, I love you but you do wear me down.

Inspired

2011-05-27T11:38:00.000-04:00

After a long few weeks of feeling like a low down clown (due to over working myself and other personal stress factors), I finally feel like I can breathe again. I felt inspired from not doing anything but watching great youtube performances, and even at work.

I was at my job the other day at the Natural History Museum working as a butler for an Arts Connection event. As usual, we would be setting up the event, working the reception, bringing out plated dinners and wines while we watch the event unfold itself amongst the elegantly dressed, beautifully decorated room and bright candles. Besides the fact that we are paid good money to be someone else's bitch, we get to attend important events, see celebrities, sometimes try great food.... well while being a butler of course. But anyway, during the event while they were giving out awards, my attention was caught by the last name of the recipient. She bore the same last name as I do (NG), and how often do you get to see/hear someones last name with only two letters and no vowels?

As they introduced her, I quickly found out that she was Malaysian. My ears pricked up as I listened to her speech of how she grew up in Klang and her journey of getting this far in her career. I was determined to talk to her (speaking to important people at parties are against the company rule by the way). But how often do I get to meet a Malaysian in the States, let alone a dancer too?!

After the event was over (while I was passing out fortune cookies), I walked up to her and told her that I am a Malaysian and I am a poor struggling artist. She too was surprised to see me (like I said, how often do you see a Malaysian in this field?) She told me, "Keep trying. anything is possible in New York. Keep trying, it will happen soon."

Wow. I felt so inspired. I hope it does happen soon.

I am

2011-05-22T22:55:00.000-04:00

Thankful for my friends and family who are supportive of me.
Thank you for being there when I am a mess.

I feel better now.

:)

2011-05-20T14:01:00.000-04:00

I don't quite remember when was the last time I felt so stressed.
It feels like I have a permanent headache.
I have changed.
My friends and family would always say that I have a happy, positive, and bubbly personality.

Not anymore, I look at myself and I have changed.
I don't remember crying at least once a week.
I don't remember having a major breakdown every fortnight.
I am so sick and tired.
I don't know who I am anymore.
I am on the verge...

Uncertainties

2011-05-16T13:39:00.000-04:00

I always ask people around me, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

A career, a house, a family, and etc.

A couple of years ago, I would easily put the dreams in my head to words. But now, life's uncertainties has forced me to think practically on where would I really be in 5 years? I was just talking to mom over the phone the other day. And she said, "Well, you are 24 years old in the Chinese calendar so you are not that young anymore."

*Chinese believe that you are a year old the day you were born.*

Dang. It's true, before I know it, I would need to stop living for myself and actually think of what I would need to really do in 5 years.

As for now, I just hope that I get to stay in the country and pursue my dreams.

Is that too much to ask for?

Where do YOU see yourself in 5 years?

Look What My Dad Sent Me.

2011-05-15T22:51:00.000-04:00

And that's why I love his sense of humor :)

Miss you daddy!! :)

Relax.

2011-05-11T18:40:00.000-04:00

I had an extremely productive day yesterday.

No, I did not go to any auditions, the audition season is slowing down.

But, I went to work. Then to the gym, which I had an excellent workout.

Came home and made Mango Guacamole, which is a great success!! I need to make more of them now. If only avocados were cheaper :(

And I went on a date!

A day with work, physical health, fun at night. I like!

And a day off today!!! :)
I've been living two blocks away from the river for the past 10 months and for the first time I had the time to explore it on a great day like this.

Back to work tomorrow.

VocalMotion

2011-05-09T11:02:00.000-04:00

The SING OFF Season 3 auditions were this past weekend.
After meeting up only 4 times, our month old acappella group went in to S.I.R studios to audition for the NBC's reality TV show. I must say that we did pretty well in it.

Saturday was a long day. we met up at 9.30am so we could run through our two songs that we prepared for our audition appointment at noon. After a long waiting process, we finally got seen at 3pm. The casting group loved us and told us to come back with a Broadway song because they wanted to market us as the 'New York musical theatre group'. Lol. What's new. That was what we are anyway.
After being seen by the casting team, we were brought outside for pictures, and a bunch of interviews with different people. We had the camera crew following us and recording every little conversation that we have. I must say, it did make me feel like a celebrity. But on the other hand, we are in New York after all. Everyone is some sort of celebrity.

I went to work after that. Came home at 3am in the morning after 9 and a half hour shift.

3 and a half hours later, I woke up, got ready, and left to meet with the group for a rehearsal of the new musical theatre song that they requested for.

We met up in front of the Penn Station and since we didn't have any rehearsal space, we started singing by where we met (literally, by some random steps). We started getting a lot of attention. Two bus loads of tourists drove by and requested that we would sing more, a homeless lady tried getting people to pay us for singing, a guy actually did and gave her 2 dollars which she kept. We than decided to move to another location just in case we would get in trouble because what we were doing was indeed illegal.

To cut the long story short. We had an amazing fruitful audition weekend although I felt like nothing but to just crash on my couch the moment I set foot in my apartment. It was a LONG weekend.

Anyway, I am sure you would like to see what we've accomplished so here are some footages of the audition process!

While rehearsing on the streets.........

And yes, we got kicked out of a bank while singing...... Yes, I know. Who sings at a bank?
Well, someone once saw a guy serenading the bank tellers with his guitar and song and figured that we could do the same. We tried!

Seasons of Love was the song that we came for during the callbacks. Learned it in less than an hour because I was stuck at work the night before.

Teenage Dream was one of the first few songs we learned since VocalMotion formed.

We have a couple more songs which we didn't manage to have footage for. Hopefully soon!

Now, all we can do is wait. Pray for us and hope for the best that you'll see us on NBC!

That's all for this week! Stay tuned!
xoxo

Mummy Day

2011-05-08T21:57:00.000-04:00

A short dedication to all the moms in the world and especially to our mom's whom we've not celebrated mother's day with for the past 4 years.

Thank you for being so supportive mom.
I love you.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Stressed

2011-05-03T23:51:00.000-04:00

Do you ever wonder why do you do what you do?

I feel tired. I am just wondering when will I crash and burn.

Rehearsal

2011-05-02T10:34:00.000-04:00

One of our first few takes of Teenage Dream after working through the music without our beat boxer, one of our tenors, and our bass. Not the best sounding run, but that's what rehearsals are for right? ;)

SING OFF AUDITIONS THIS SATURDAY!

What's new?

2011-04-29T12:06:00.000-04:00

Nothing. Lol.

I am being pushed by SimpleCheryl and DarLynn to post a cover of a song on youtube.
OKAY. Working on it.

I need time.

I wish that there were 36 hours in a day. Of which, I would like to spend 10 of it in bed in dream land.

Busy Bee

2011-04-27T10:10:00.000-04:00

I am currently searching for balance in life.
Besides the usually work, and auditions. I am trying to incorporate working out and friends into it.
It is difficult. Most of the time, I wished that I had either 8 days a week or 30 hours a day. Impossible.
The fact that I work such odd times compared to my peers with normal time schedules does nothing but leaves me feeling left out because I am rarely at their fun weekend activities. I either am working then, or I would be recovering from a 9 hour shift til 3am that morning. Meh.

Sometimes I wondered how would it be if I'd just go home and get someone to recommend me, get my foot in the door for a nice job for Astro, or an ad agency, or something. After all, I graduated with honors in my BFA and it is all about connections anyways. Would I be happy?

Anyway, Spring is officially here. I see the trees flowering, April showers, and the heat and humidity in NYC! Gosh, I missed the beautiful dry heat in Michigan. Boy, I am glad that I will be escaping to Saugatuck for 6 weeks!

xoxo

What is your identity?

2011-04-19T21:57:00.000-04:00

Whenever people ask me what ethnicity am I, I would automatically say Malaysian without a doubt. Funny thing is that when people get into detail of what and where Malaysia is, I would go the whole nine yards and explain to them that we are a multicultural country, and to be specific, I am ethnically Chinese born in Malaysia. Some people might understand and some might not until I compare myself with African Americans and Asian born Americans. they all call themselves Americans!

The chefs at the restaurant that I work at are Chinese. When I talk to them, they will always call me 'Malai Mei', which meant Malay girl. I would often correct them by saying that I am not a Malay girl, I am Chinese. But they would always go back to the idea that I am a Malaysian.

I was just having a conversation with my sister about this the other day and she said something that struck me. "What a pity for us, we are neither here nor there. What are we?"
Back home the Other ethnic groups and ourselves would always consider us Chinese, overseas, we would say that we are Malaysians, and when you speak to a Chinese from China, he would consider you otherwise.

Why are things always categorized so specifically? Can't I just be Malaysian born Chinese and stay as simple as that?

What are you?

Sore

2011-04-19T14:43:00.002-04:00

Off to the gym. Burn babeh burn!

Work Out

2011-04-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

Started my 2 month gym membership last week.
Hoping that I would get in shape in time for CHICAGO at Saugatuck.
I feel awesome. Less snacking. More fruits.

6 years ago at a cheer camp. Look how tan and scrawny I looked!

Let's see how it will be in a month.

Toodles.

Oxygen Press Event

2011-04-18T01:08:00.000-04:00

Yay for time at home to blog about the big event that I did 2 weeks ago! I probably won't be typing as much, I'll just let the pictures do the talking :)

I was at M & I Recording Studio with the rest of the cast to do a prerecording for the show.

I was with the alto group of girls. Carlita and Kelsey, both extremely talented in different ways.

Getting directions from our music director who is also the music director for Broadway's Mamma Mia.

Headphones!

VLOG!

The cast and Wendy (Music Director), gorgeous lady with the red hair :)

The day of. Arrived in the morning for light and sound check. The event was held at Gotham Hall in midtown.

Beautiful gothic inspired chandeliers which reminded me of Phantom of the Opera.

Majestic columns. I loved the architecture of the building.

A tag to show that we are important! :)

TALENT-ed. Can I have more please?

Paris Hilton before the event, rehearsing her walk and script upstage.

Wendy, so talented. I wish to work with her again someday in some big Broadway show :)

Muscle men who carried Paris Hilton into the room.

Their arms are bigger than my face!!!!!

The cast, Denis (choreographer), and Kim (pretty blonde with the pixie haircut on the left- Assistant choreographer) doing the 'ticks'.

Amber (cast), Robert and Alan (who made this happen by casting us!)

Thank you for this experience!!!!!

Denis Jones and I, original choreographer for Legally Blonde the musical.

Out of my ug-lay cotume. I look horrible in my 'Tina from Glee' inspired goth punk look.

Creighton, Richie, Kelsey, Zoey, and I

Mama Hilton who was an awesome sport that night.

Darren Criss. So talented that I can drool over him.

He looks way better with a little scruff on his face compared to the clean cut Blaine on GLEE.

*hearts*

Teenage Dream.

Animal.

Darren Criss and Kathy Hilton partying with us. Once in a lifetime's opportunity I would say.

Here's the full dress rehearsal video again. I didn't have the chance to record the real thing because of copyright reasons. We prerecorded the the background to back ourselves up during the performance just to give ourselves more omph. Don't get me wrong, we were not lip-syncing.

We just wanted it it sound like there were more people singing the 'da-da-das' ;)

Just a city boy,

Born and raised in south Detroit.

He took a midnight train going anywhere.

I always had a sweet spot for this song because I studied in Michigan so it was kinda like an anthem for the locals. Also, I love the lyrics. As cheesy as it may sound.

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to that feelin'

We do need a reminder to be inspired sometimes.

And this is one of em :)

End of my Oxygen Journey.

I spy with my little eye......

2011-04-13T11:12:00.000-04:00

I was at work on Sunday when I was given a task by my manager to spy on the gay bar opposite us because we were incredibly slow. Our boss wanted to know if they were as slow as us. Since it was Sunday, there was only one bartender, a sushi chef, a bar back and I.

The bartender was a flamboyant talkative guy so he was scratched off that mission as he could have been suspected with what he was doing the minute he opened his mouth. The sushi chef was an awkward Chinese guy who doesn't speak English at all. Bar back, worked there for years. Everyone in the neighborhood knew that he worked with us. Then it came down to me.

"I want you to spy on ABC, to see how they are doing. DO NOT talk to ANYONE."

"Oh crap. Must I really do this? Can't I just stay here and work?"

My manager told me to put on my coat and waved me goodbye.

I was pretty annoyed that night. First of all, it was slow all night, I didn't make any money at all. Then, I had to do this stupid spying job, which is definitely not included in my work. Some people might be happy with the offer of being able to drink on a shift. Yes, I would but since it was slow all freaking day, now you are asking me to buy myself a drink with my own money too?
Seriously? Really?

I had no say. After all, I am working.

I can't explain how awkward it felt for be to be sitting at a bar by myself at a gay bar. I tried being engrossed in my phone as I texted my sister and room mate about what was going on just to look like I am busy waiting for someone. See, if I were in a straight bar, I would have felt more normal because I would stick out like a sore thumb in a room full of meaty gay boys.

The last thing before I left the restaurant, my manager warned me not to talk to anybody. The first person at the bar who greeted me apparently was my college senior all the way from Michigan! How small can the world be?! He asked what was I doing there and if I lived around the area (he clearly knew I was straight), I just told him that I wanted a drink. The sweetheart bought me my first drink.
I thought to myself, "Crap, now I have to buy another from him because he bought my first." And I was not planning to get beyond tipsy! What should I do?!

I can't afford to buy another drink, I was lucky enough that I had a free one already.
I tipped him $5 for giving me a free drink, told him that I will be back (I lied), and left. I felt like a douche.

And then, I continued working for 2 hours at a slow restaurant. How exciting huh.

Living in New York. Ugh. So glamorous. I will be working for 18 hours for 2 different jobs tomorrow.
I am scared.

Performance Videos!

2011-04-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

Hey all!!!

I've been extremely busy with work and I don't even have the time to blog!
Here's a video of the performance that I was involved with on Monday. Do enjoy and comment if you like!

I'll post more pictures and get into more details some time next week ;)

Off to rehearsal!
xoxo

For once in my life...

2011-04-05T07:14:00.000-04:00

I feel like someone special.

Not that I am ungrateful for what I am already blessed with. But since I moved here, yes I have attended events with celebrities, I've seen a famous person walking by me, but never in my life I was acknowledged my famous people.

Now that the event is over, I can finally talk about what I have been involved in for the past week. Due to the fact that this even was a highly confidential thing for the press, after signing the contract, I was not allowed to talk about it and was only allowed to share it with my close friends and family whom I am so happy to have because I would not have any outlet without them. The uprising cable network aka. Oxygen Network hired us a performers representing the new TV series 'The Glee Project', basically an American Idol version for the 'Search of the Next Glee Star' type thing.

Lol, don't get too excited. No, I am not in that show, I didn't audition for it. Anyway, this event is basically for the press and advertisers to buy TV time from the network. It was such an exciting time working with all the people involved. I managed to work with well known directors, managers, network people, and most importantly, meet celebrities and have them say, 'great job, you were amazing!'

The best feeling about performing is always the adrenaline rush during the performance and the satisfaction that comes after it. This was probably the biggest thing that I have gotten myself in. While typing this, I am still stoked and am in wonderland dreaming if this is real.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a video of the actual performance because of copyright reasons and there was no one there to record for me. Boo. However, I have a recording of our dress rehearsal that I will upload soon :)

Darren Criss and I(^.^)

He has such amazing talent! A multi instrumentalist Filipino mixed Irish with an amazing voice. Not only he was humble, he was extremely funny and charming. I felt like such a dork when I kept asking if I could take a picture with him. Gosh, how embarrassing.
Honestly speaking, I have always watched GLEE and never in my life thought that he was attractive. Yeah, he was talented. But he was just okay.
Well, I guess I changed my mind.
I told him that I went to the bastard child version of University Michigan. Lol.
He was like, "Well, it's cool. I am from California."
*faints*
Darren Criss, you are so amazing and I am blown away.

Here's Paris Hilton. She said she loved my Gleeked out hair :)

I obviously was star struck and told her she was gorgeous.

Gosh, 30 year old and she was prettier than ever in real life.

Obviously as you can see, I am twice her size and a head shorter than her without heels.

Fail.

More to come!!!
Stay tuned.
xoxo

I love...

2011-04-01T01:16:00.000-04:00

rehearsals.

It's just been a while.

And it feels good.

Will be off...

2011-03-30T08:41:00.000-04:00

to rehearsal in a few minutes!

As I was saying in the post before this, I am currently involved in a live network press event. Basically, Oxygen Network. Unfortunately, the production will not be aired on TV because it was mainly for the press. However, I am extremely excited to be in the same room with celebrities and very important people, for once not as a server in an catering event. But as a performer :)

It's funny because of the fact that I am in New York and I work with a catering company, I see celebs all the time! Instead of acting all excited (although I usually would be), I would have to keep my cool and blend in to the rest of the servers wearing our 'communist looking uniforms'. "No taking pictures with the celebs!", our captains would say. Our job is to serve them and then be invisible until they need us.

But yes, I have a bunch of details that I am not quite sure if I am allowed to put out on the internet for now. But please stay tuned as the event will be next Tuesday and I will be carrying my camera with me! :) :) :)

2011-03-21T22:02:00.000-04:00

Monday ~~Blues~~... News.

I received three calls from different casting directors that I have auditioned for two weeks ago.

Numero Uno.

I booked a gig as a singer in a known TV Network!

So exciting! I don't want to release the details until I get more information about it.

Well nothing huge really. I don't wanna think that it's a huge gig with my face featured on screen for 10 straight minutes. I'd rather be surprised with the end product myself ;)

I am just EXTREMELY excited that I will be working with known people in the field and the fact that I am getting paid for my talent! Yay!

Numero Dos.

I want to, need to, have to learn have a FOB *fresh-off-the-boat* accent!

I did an audition for a short film and have finally heard back from the casting director.

Here goes....

Sue-Yenn,

I wanted to thank you so much for coming to our callbacks for XYZ. Casting decided to go with another actress. Your acting and chemistry was great with the other actors, and your dancing was by far the most beautiful and touching we had seen throughout the entire 2 week audition process. The casting crew and director decided to go with an actress that had a thick Chinese accent, because ABC is supposed to be new to America. I will definitely keep you in mind for future projects I am working on once XYZ wraps.

ATM

Don't get me wrong. I had a lot of fun at the audition but I knew straight off the bat that I would not be cast because I spoke to the other Asian girl aka. my competitor and she really spoke with an FOB accent! Her script was scribbled with Chinese characters representing acting directions! Can't compete with her.

Like all the other auditions that I have been to, this is another audition practice. A chance to be seen and remembered. Who know's I might be able to do ATM's next short film?

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts.

Numero Tres.

I will be going back to Saugatuck this summer for a theatre gig!

Not the highest paying job, but I get to earn more equity points and I am cast as one of the Cell Block Tango Girls in CHICAGO the Musical! Good old Chicago, I'll never get bored of the show.

I am also looking forward to going back to Michigan to visit old friends and enjoy nature after staying in the city for so long.

Auditions... auditions... auditions...

Let's see if I get seen for the audition tomorrow *cross fingers*

Heart Wrenching

2011-03-19T11:44:00.000-04:00

Tragedy.

So many misfortunes and disasters happened and it is only three months into 2011.
Egypt's protests against the government, Japan's heart breaking tsunami, earthquakes and radiation effects, Libya's internal affairs. All these things, and it seems like it is only the beginning.

I received a call this morning from someone close to my heart. Turns out that there has been death in his family, and it is someone that I just got to know personally. I am still digesting this.
My condolences to everyone around the world and close to home who are suffering and most of all, the ones left behind.

Life and death.

At one hand, we celebrate human's success in medical breakthrough and inventions; on the other, we experience mother nature's swift blows that reminds us of how small we really are.

Sometimes, it really does feel like the world is coming to an end.

Typo

2011-03-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

Hello Monday afternoon,

I am sitting here in a quaint little bakery On the upper east side with tempting French and Japanese Fusion pastries, typing on Sam's iPad while I wait for time to pass before making my 45 minute trip back to midtown to the studio for my callback that I auditioned for this morning. I love days like this. Instead of having to wake up at 4am in the morning to warm up for the audition that I anticipated for a week in advance, I had the luxury of rolling off my bed at 7.30am for a nice warm shower along with my silly annoying crying cat warm ups in the steam and breakfast before heading out with Lynn to the city for an audition.

I got to the audition studio and voila! 8 people. Yay. Today is a good day. No long waits. I guessed right. Like I said in my previous posts. Auditions are a hit or miss in so many ways, some day you may think no one would be in a particular audition, and when you turn up at 9am for the 10am call, the place would packed and you would not even have one percent chance of being seen. Other days like today would be nice, chill, no stress and quick. Even better when you get a call back ;)

Anyway, the reason why I am writing this post is because of the conversation that my sister and I had last night about my blog posts.

"You have so many spelling errors and grammatical mistakes that it makes me squirm in my seat whenever I read something wrong. And it's every sentence! You should read through before you post something."

"I hope people don't read your blog and think that every theatre person writes like you."

Lol. Don't worry, I was not offended. Only family would not hide the truth, what more and Asian big sister who is not afraid to tell you that you are wrong? We're both use to being straight forward to each other.

But yes, it is true. Most of the time I have been blogging through Sam's iPad and mostly in time constrained situations (like now, I have to leave for my callback in 5 minutes!), and because I am usually in such a rush, I don't have time to prove read and correct the words that the iPad think I wanted to write. I might think of a word and my fingers would type something else because it wouldn't be fast enough to keep up with my brain, especially on a touch screen device. Blah blah blah. Excuses. Yes, I know.

I should just get into a habit of prove reading before I post something and not embarrass myself. I may not be a great writer (because if I was, it would be my profession anyways), but I certainly don't doubt my English. I shouldn't make small silly mistakes that make people squirm in their seats while reading.

Lol. Gotta go. Call back time. Wish me luck.

Xoxo

The Wonder of Auditions

2011-03-12T11:10:00.002-05:00

Auditions really are a hit or miss. Some people may beg to decline that fact, but to me it really is.

Some days I would walk in to an audition feeling really crappy and congested, and I would surprise myself by singing beautifully accompanied by the harmonious acoustics of the small tiny studio room. On the other hand, some days I would be perfectly warmed up ready to go, and yet start croaking like and old toad. Even worse, I would be singing the easiest song to play, and the accompanist would just not get the melody and screw up the whole thing for me.

Obviously, it should never ever be the accompanists fault. They are always there to help us and should never ever be taken granted of. I'm just saying because it happens and if they screw you up, they screw you up.

Some days I would be in 3 different auditions packed with people (like my one time being number 153 at 6.30am), and yet I would be seen for all three auditions BEFORE lunch time, which leaves me time to go home and have the rest of the day to myself after literally planning to camp the entire day there.

Yesterday, I got typed out. Meaning, they took in our resume, looked at our headshots and then determined if I should fit the show before hearing me sing. Sometimes, I'd rather have them do that just because I wouldn't have to waste my time waiting all day to the fact that they don't even have their eye on me. Anyways, I got typed out. And honestly if it were any show, I'd be fine because I am so use to rejection.

Yesterday, I got typed out of Miss effing Saigon. Like seriously, ftw?!
I understand that sometimes most roles would have be pre-cast before auditions, but I just felt like I got shot in the face, right in the bridge between my eyes. If I get typed out from Miss Saigon, what the hell would I been typed in for? I feel like I've been rejected by my own kind. After all Miss Saigon is only one of the very few Asian Musicals that exist!

I am still stunned by the fact that I got typed out. Can't believe it at all.
Sigh. I keep telling myself to stay strong and keep on grinding. But what can you do when you hit a wall like this?

Big audition week next week. Please let it be the opposite :(

Fingers Crossed

2011-03-07T16:29:00.000-05:00

Hello world.

This past week has been great for me. Worked a bunch, and also had a few really great auditions. In fact I just came back from a call back today that seemed pretty promising! I thought I did really well and it all depends on if they want my type or not. I don't want to talk about it until I hear from them, in fear that I would jinx it.

Cross your fingers and hope for the best for me!

Meanwhile, I decided to challenge lazy self to workout buy purchasing a workout bootcamp program that was originally worth $300 bucks. I just paid $20 for 20 classes! I figured since I have already paid for it, no excuse for me to procrastinate and just complain that I have put on weight and not do anything about it.

Till then, stay warm. The weather is poopy :(

One year ago...

2011-02-28T15:49:00.001-05:00

I was walking along the streets of New York in my sparkly blue and black showcase top and studded leggings waiting to perform at the biggest showcase of my life. Western Michigan University Music Theatre Seniors always had the opportunity to be exposed to the competitive casting world in New York through our Senior Showcase. Very lucky of us. Some people don't even have the chance to have this tryout before moving here, and then they just get dropped like a bomb. Then again, it's not that different. It's just another showcase, another opportunity, another singalong.

I remembered clearly, a year ago it was gloomy and raining just like this. Not too heavy of a down pour, just wet and humid, a lil trickle here and there. My heart was thumping not because I was nervous. I have performed this number a zillion times and I knew I rocked the hell out of it with a little rapping and attitude. My heart was thumping hard because I have completely lost my voice. I felt sick. For the first time since I moved to the States, I could not sing a note at all. Still I had to perform. I had to sing. I ended up speaking through my entire song.

I remembered seeing my sister in the audience as I was bitterly trying to work through my song. The sadness in her face, the dissapointment not because I sucked by talent, because I sucked by fate. It was the biggest turnout in WMU showcase history. Important casting directors, managers and agents were all there to scout for new talent and I deliberately embarrassed myself, performing for the first time in New York City.

At the end of two showcase performances, our head of department sat us down and gave us the list of agents and managers who were interested in us. We were supposed to call them and set up appointments and maybe work with them in the future. While everyone in the class got at least 6 people interested in them, I had none. Could you imagine the devastation? At that time, this showcase was the world to us. 4 years of college training, working hard and picking the right choices of songs just for this 5 minutes of moments to shine. All of it went down the drain just because I was sick and couldn't pipe a tune. I felt like I embarrassed myself, my family, my class, and the entire program. All the WMU alumnus were there watching me struggle as I tried to pretend nothing was wrong.

I cried like a baby after the showcase.

I spend the rest of the entire week walking along the streets of New York with my sunglasses on just because it would hide my swollen red eyes from the world. I was depressed. Like I said, at that time, the showcase meant to world to me. It was what I left Malaysia to the States for and I busted my one time opportunity.

A year later, it is my junior's turn to shine. They are rocking their first show as I am typing this and I am so darn proud that have made it this far. I wish they knew that the Senior Showcase isn't as big as a deal as it really is. It's great exposure, that's what it really is. One year later, I am still here trying and grinding in the city like everyone else. You may get an agent out of it and who cares if you didn't? Truthfully speaking, non of us seniors from last year got any agents out of it so... I guess life goes on? Just get yourselves out there, break all limbs and have all the fun in your few moments to shine.

Break legs guys, like what Julia Murney said, "Choose enjoyment."

See y'all there at the 6pm performance!
You guys are awesome as hell anyways :)

Sweet Saturday

2011-02-26T16:56:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a crazy day for me. It was a huge audition day and because of that, I had left work early to make sure that I am well rested for the big day. Unfortunately, while my bodied rested itself for 6 hours but my brain was wide awake about 90 percent of the time because I was so anxious that I would not be able to wake up to my 5am alarm. I could hear the sound of the heavy pattering raindrops and loud garbage trucks outside in my sleep. Not the most pleasant thing. But I still managed.

The adrenaline kept me up and awake after I hopped in the shower, lugged on my uber humongous duffle bag filled with audition essentials like my song folder, dance shoes, make up, water, 2 different audition outfits for the different roles that I will be auditioning for, grabbed a banana and umbrella and made my way to the bus-stop.

I got to the first audition location. It was 6.20am then. I thought to myself,

"Meh, I'll be so early for this, I might even have to start an unofficial sign up list."

BUT I WAS WRONG.

I pulled unto the heavy glass door and came face to face with an extremely long line of other actors signing up for the same audition season. I joined the line and when I finally had the chance to look at the list, I was number 153 at 6.20am for an audition that doesn't begin until 10am.

Wow. I left the building laughing at myself for doing what I am doing. But I wasn't the only one. I was laughing at all of us doing this. Did I mention that it was pouring cats and dogs too?

Seriously, only actors are willing to go this far when it comes to a job. Only actors are willing to devote overtime hours and work for free. Only actors are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for things like headshots, comp cards, websites, and etc. even before being hired. Really, besides people involved in the arts, I don't think anyone else would be willing to give so much before even receiving anything in return.

I wasn't done. After signing up for audition 1, I left, braved the heavy rain and strong winds, hoping my umbrella wouldn't break and made my way to audition number 2.

This time, I was the second girl who had arrived. The building wasn't even open yet. After waiting for a while, a bunch of girls and I just sat on the floor next to the elevator and rested. Before we knew it, one of the girls got a call from her friend who was at audition 1, she said that if we don't get back to audition location 1, the monitors are going to start scratching names off the unofficial list, and all of our efforts of being early would go down the drain.

Back to audition location UNO.

To cut the LOONNNGGG story short, I literally went from one place to the other at least three times each. This excludes the audition 3 that I was also involved in.

Insane. But I was glad that I got seen for all three of them before lunch time and I had the opportunity to actually head home for an hour nap before going to work at 5pm.

**********************************************

Today was stay home day. And although I live with my sister, I hardly see her because of our opposite busy schedules. So I decided to bake cupcakes for a treat! Yum!

After reading several different recipes online, I decided to create my own version of a Double Choco-Chip Cupcake with Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Frosting.

After slapping on the frosting.

It wasn't as pretty as I envisioned it to be because the texture of the frosting wasn't stiff enough. The only way to make it harden was to add more sugar into it and I didn't want to do it.

No extra calories!

It was nevertheless delish though.

We'll see if the next attempt will look this poopy again. I am tempted to bake another round just so I can get it to look perfect. But I have to tell myself to hold back or else I would blow up like a balloon!

My dear sister who couldn't resist but to bug me saying,

"omg! So cute! Can I try it now?"

"No."

"So cute! I wanna try it."

"No, wait till I'm done."

"But. it's so cute"

=.="

Okay, now keep them away from me. I don't wanna get fat!

Oh god, two cupcakes and I am having a sugar rush.

I think I fell in love...

2011-02-23T18:10:00.000-05:00

with cooking.

Making Garlic Primavera Risotto today for a few favorite people :)
So excited!

Karaoke

2011-02-21T18:45:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

It's been awhile since I have updated my blog. I've been busy working last week. In fact I am so tired right now from a 12 hour job shift yesterday. I didn't get home till 3am in the morning! It kinda sucks because I am a morning person and I love my days. But what can I do, I need to make sure that I have money to pay the bills and audition at the same time.

I like this job of mine because I get to network with many other people who are kinda doing what I am doing. It pays more than my old job but on the other hand, I really hope that I start getting use to the fact that I am using a lot of my voice unnecessarily. My voice is so tired now that I can't even hit any notes. It sucks. And it's the audition season right now.

Anyway, I was dragged by my dear sister to karaoke a couple of weeks ago. I was running on 4 hours of sleep and I promised that I would go because it was our sister date plan for her birthday.

Me singing I Know The Truth from AIDA.

One of my favorite musical soundtracks. I would love to see the show one day.

Here's dear Lynn singing Carrie Underwood's Don't Forget To Remember Me.

xoxo

More karaoke sessions soon?

Right now, I just need to get my voice back. meh...

Waiter woes

2011-02-14T15:13:00.001-05:00

Sigh. I don't even know how to start.

Yesterday was just an exhausting day for me. Both physically and emotionally.
I woke up at 6.40am for a catering gig at the science center and worked from 8.30am till 2.30am. The gig was pretty easy and all but the fact that I had to rush to my other job in Manhattan that starts at 4pm leaves me no time to grab a bite or to even go home.

I arrived my other job at 3.30am. Half an hour early. Since I had nothing else to do, I started work early. Thankfully the place was busy as time would pass faster for me. I had a consistent amount of table to serve and all. Everything was going on smoothly until...

1. Couple number one.
Tipped me 4 dollars out of a 66 dollar bill.
Cheap skate. I was extremely shocked to how civilized a person can be. I spoke to a coworker and he told me to confront them. How?
"sir, why are you so cheap? Please give me more money?"

I don't think I have the balls to do it. My coworker who have worked for a long time then preceded to their table with the receipt and told them that he was my trainer and that it was actually my 2nd day of work here.
"the poor girl has to pay taxes with the very little amount of tip that you gave her. Did she do anything wrong?"

Obviously they felt bad, and then gave him a 10 dollar bill to pass to me. I was glad of course. I went to their table, thanked them. Problem solved.

2. Butt head.
On busy nights like this, table services are only allowed for dining. If you are just there to grab a drink, please help yourself at the bar.

My section was pretty busy and all, after the couple left, the butt head sneakily creeped into
my section and made himself very comfortable for me to serve him. I knew that he wasn't seated by the hostess so for a while, I ignored him. Finally, I said,

"Good evening sir, are you waiting for anyone?
Nods
"Are you ordering food?"
"Yes"

Oops, I felt bad. Maybe it was my mistake.
I then cleaned up his table, gave him a drink menu, food menu and made sure he was taken care of. Giving him extra attention to replace my silliness before. An hour went by, still no one. He was sitting there with his beer by himself. He then called for the bill.

That butt head effing lied! If I wasn't busy, fine sit all you want but there were people waiting for tables and all at my section. And you just wasted an hour of my time serving nothing but a tab of 6 dollars for a beer?
Fine. I told myself to suck it up and just smile?

Guess how much tip he left me?

0

Freaking nothing okay? You bloody cheap ass butt face. Really? Even if you have a drink from the bar you would have to tip your bartender right? I hope you sleep well tonight.
It's only 6 bucks anyways.

I should have ust my instincts.

Wait. There's more.

3. Stupid Ignorant Kids.

Wait a sec, you are in your mid twenties. YOU ARE NOT KIDS NO MORE!
Let me recategorize these group of people. Scrooges.
Came in, ate and drank up to a bill of 130 bucks. Paid, and walked out with no tip.
Wow. 3rd customer in a row to hit me in the face with crap like that.
My patience was already pushed to the limit my the other previous 2.

But wait......

4. Middle aged couple.
I hate to stereotype, but usually when someone walks into a restaurant, you kinda guess in your mind, what kinda of customers would they be. Rude? Demanding? Uber friendly? An awesome tipper? (How can you not think of that when that's your source of income? It makes you work for it.)
I never suspected anything of them because they were polite and all. We had great conversions throughout the dinner and they loved the sake and sushi rolls that I recommended them.
Their bill came up to 150 dollars.

Take a guess how much they tipped me? :)

ZE EFFING RO
Nothing! NOTHING!!

How could you be so cold hearted? You are a bloody middle aged couple making decent money and you bloody well know that waiters DON'T F**KING MAKE ANYTHING!

I was so mad because of the long day I had before working at another job and then coming to this shit show. Working 13 hours in a day really doesn't put you in your best mood at all. By the end of the day, I was just exhausted and filled with mixed feeling. I was upset, tired, hurt, thinking of what I did wrong...

It's just so unfair.

I never really doubted my customer service ecause I grew up in a family that's involved in businesses. Customers are always right and yada yada. I am not saying that I am perfect or anything. Every once in a while I get thrown off by something, but never was I the server who was ultimately rude, forgotten to smile, or spat in any food.

Breathe in. breathe out.

Welcome to the restaurant industry Sue-Yenn.

On the bright side, at least they didn't walk off without paying. Doesn't mean that I am still not bitter about the fact that I could have made at least 30bucks more that night.

I'm only human.

Picture Updates!

2011-02-09T21:48:00.002-05:00

Hi world!

I just thought that I should update you all more using pictures (like how I use to back then when I had more time to actually use my camera). Enjoy!

I've been skyping and it's freaking awesome to still be in touch with people who are FAR FAR away.

I fell in love with make up all over again after watching a bunch of youtube make up star Michelle Phan's videos because I was bored and lonely at home during one of my 'nothing-to-do' days.

The color combination was inspired by my black dress with red and orange flowers.

New Year's Eve getting ready to go out with my rabbit ear muffs!

The weather has been nothing but brutally cold.

First winter in New York and it has welcomed me with nothing but horrid sharp winds, gross slush and ice.

I have been complaining so much about how wet feet is a huge pet peeve of mine.

I finally got myself a pair of rainboots! No more worries!

I love stepping in puddles now, just because I could do so :)

I celebrated Chinese New Year with new Malaysian friends and even brought Sammy with me!

Pearly: Everybody has to wear red!

Red for Prosperity, Good Luck and Happiness!

I could use a lot of that right now.

I had REAL YEE SANG for the first time in FOUR freaking years!

In my previous post, I wrote that we had homemade yee sang, and now I finally got to share the real thing with new friends!

I had it every single Chinese New Year since I could eat solid food, never really appreciated it until now.

YEE SANG!

Chinese New Year is really like Christmas. It has the same value of "Giving is better than receiving".

On the other hand, Chinese can get pretty selfish too because the only reasons they give is because they hope that the more they give, the more they will get in return!

Lol. Just kidding... but this is really what some people think!

Either or, I was extremely happy when ex-room mate Pearly brought out a huge bag of Chinese candy and distributed it to everyone on the dinner table. Thank you Pearly Wurly! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I realized, every time I meet someone new I would indulge in a different specific type of cuisine.

Over the past years, I have had a lot of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Malaysian (Just because I am Malaysian myself), Filipino, Greek...

Now I am stuck in a French and Italian phase.

I made my first risotto with zucchini, bacon and chicken.

I must say, it was pretty damn good :)

Of course, in conjunction of the SUPERBOWL, I had to make Nachos!

Freaking delish!!!

Now I feel like a hypocrite.

Here I am blogging about losing weight in my previous post, and now I am making all these fatty foods.

Seriously?

We celebrated my dear sister's birthday last weekend.

It took us one whole month to plan it!

I had so many ideas in mind. From cocktails on rooftop bars to a surprise at a fancy restaurant, we finally decided to have a warm and homey surprise party at a friend's place.

The best Chocolate Praline cake for the Best Sister in the world!

Lynn's surprise video (I didn't get to record the beginning of the surprise because the lights were all off and it was too dark. You could see nothing in the video!)

I hope you had a wonderful birthday love.

May you be blessed for this tough year ahead of us. I know you are capable of reaching your highest goal.

I love you. Muah!

xoxo.

More birthday pictures to come!

I took this picture today at work.

I was at the Hearst Tower overlooking the city of New Jersey.

It looked way better in real life. The picture shows nothing but the concrete jungle.

That's all for now peeps!

Stay tuned for more!