Mon Oncle

'Mon Uncle' is a humorous satirical French film about modernity.  The film had won an Oscar in 1958 for "Best Foreign Film".  It juxtaposes the cold sterility of modern life placed against the warmth of the rustic neighborhood showing the old way of French life.  Although the film does not exhibit a strong story line nor does it have very much dialogue - it is a series of frames showing people's lives living in a pivotal time in the 20th century where one has a choice of whether to live in the 'modern' world or embrace more rustic options.  

One can sense director Jacques Tati's (who also happens to be the main character, Monsieur Hulot ) apprehensive response to cold impractical modernity.  Tati's personal appreciation for older times is seen as he uses a welcoming accordion tune when showing life in an older part of town and the polar opposite silent soundtrack Tati uses when showing modern spaces. In a small way, this film makes to reflect upon my all to eager enthusiasm for the modern objects (i.e. furniture, architecture).  Am I just a poser like Monsieur Hulot's sister?

One thing is certain, through this film I have learned to potentially cause havoc to pedestrians through the means of innocent whistling.

Quick Reflection

Although I am not particularly thrilled about my lack of direction in career, I am happy that I am at least 10% more healthy as compared to this past May.  I am much more balanced in general.  I finally have time in the evenings to browse books, internet, watch some telly - be normal.  As an auditor, I feel like career was painstakingly 80% of my life whereas now career is like 65% of my life.  My year of 2008 has taught me that we don't need to be absolutely career defined to be satisfied. 

I think I have to go back to my former mantra of simply trying to improve myself as a person - not just financially but in other areas such as becoming better informed about the world around me, coming out of my comfortable introvert snail shell, and having better intentions towards man kind.  It's hard to measure these things...I just hope that one day - someday will say that I am absolutely a beautiful person - inside and out.

The Presentation

Fil calls this the calm before the storm. In a few short days, I will be partly responsible for the mauvelous spread that's to be presented at Fil's house for thanksgiving. While most people, including Fil, worry about getting the turkey just right.. I am thinking most about how great my sweet potato fries dipping lion-head containers are going to be during appetizer time. I think it's my destiny to serve and host. I can't even begin to express how exciting it will be when I host my first house get-together. Life's in the details – is it not?

Arms Are Underused And Surviving Friday At Home

Arms
I think arms are so very under used. Our legs transport us from our bed to the bathroom to the kitchen to the bedroom to the bathroom to the car to the work to the break room to the bar to the bed. What about the arms -they are so under utilzed. They seem to only exist for the purpose of transporting our all important hands and fingers.

I am also going to do more dancing with my arms. Watch out friends!

Friday At Home

This evening, I took a walk with Nathaniel and Snapple. I resolved to fully take advantage of the walk - for the entire 30 minutes - I did an obnoxious power walk swing with my arms. When I sensed the lights of the cars coming ahead - I quickly transformed my flailing to mild swings.

I just washed dishes while listening to Erlend Oye's album 'Unrest'. It takes the drudge away from washing dishes. Friday's at home aren't so bad - you can look beyond the fact that you aren't at a cool bar with a drink in your hand. What's next on the list of exciting possibilities this glamorous Friday? A 180 minute documentary of Andy Warhol. woo.

Welcomed Home

Had a fairly rough day today - moments of slow slow moments stuck in a small conference room. Reminded of me very much of life as an auditor - feeling the peer pressure to 'work through' lunch, feeling the peer pressure to stick around beyond 8 hours, being physically lethargic, feeling my mid-section grow as I was hunched over a laptop, feeling a sense of claustrophobia - as I'm fully surrounded by cables, wires, post-it notes, dust, pens, papers, snacks. Today truly revived some of those ill-remembered moments. Thankfully, when I arrived home - I had a couple servings of linguini and clams (courtesy of my Pops who didn't have to work today) and a small serving of his attempt at lemon tart. Who knew that simple consumption could mass even the most crappy of days...?

Claire De Lune Composed By Debussy

It truly is an autumn day.  The sun simply refuses to come out.  This weather is perfect for photography lighting for its mild true to being colors reflected outside.  I love it.  I don't even feel the need to get out of the house.  I am highly content in catching up with a little bit of reading and the soaking in the warmth of a big sweatshirt.

I love this song - though it is probably widely recognized as "that song in the Chanel commercial staring Nicole Kidman and the sexy guy 'Carl' from the movie "Love Actually".  I love it despite this association.

It makes me want to cry - there's something beautiful in how it starts out so quiet and timid. Things are quite delicate and fragile - but while it builds up to strength 1/3rd of the way of the song - it meekly trickles and then trickles.  After the trickles, it's as if the piano comes out fully strong and bold without fear - then goes back to its nature of being shy.

Sorry Bob.

I have to lay some guilt off my chest.  Back in 2006 in the quarter I was about to graduate from University, I had made an unfulfilled promise.  I was working as a student assistant at the Center for International Education Department on campus.  I had made acquaintances with Bob, one the University Courier Personnel.  Bob was a white dude in his late 40's wore sunglasses all the time, had a small frame with a mid-aged belly, wore a silver wiry ponytail consistently in his every day repertoire.  He was generally a very open person willing to chatting to any and everyone.  In our numerous sessions of small talk - Bob came to know of my post - graduating plans of taking a 2.5 month backpack trip.  One day, he handed me a $10 (or $20) and told me that I needed to promise that I would send him a postcard from every country visited.  Guess what? I promised, said goodbye - and I never once sent one postcard.  To Bob: "Sorry, Bob - I never fulfilled my end of the bargain.  The guilt will haunt me forever" 

Best Show Experience of 2008, I'm betting

As I am formulating my thoughts, I'm pretty sure Zooey Dechanel of the band 'She & Him' is performing a beautiful song such as "You Really Got A Hold On Me" as she is scheduled to perform a second night (tonight!) at the SF North Beach venue, Bimbo's 365.  I was fortunate to have sneaked a photo despite the no camera policy.  Let's just say that really cheap periwinkle sleeveless blouses come in handy in hiding bulges.

Last night marked the attendance of my 4th musical show of the year, three of which have regrettably fallen on hapless Sundays.  Despite the odds, I enjoyed the fact that 'She & Him' got on stage at 9.30ish, staying on a little past and hour.  I was able to sleep well throughout the Sunday night without suffering the normal feverish chills I have experienced from other shows (as the result of extreme temperature conditions from other shows - Cough! Cut Copy).

Things were short and sweet, at least for me.  I remember looking over at Phil - hoping to find unbridled enthusiasm.  Instead, the man had a few half smiles.  Looks like the show had a lot of boyfriends with blank stares.

I was left yearning for more.  Zooey's voice was a bold boom, low and well honey like.  M. Ward's second voice when present added a subtle beautiful melancholy sound.  BTW, I think M.Ward is something of a music god.

I really feel that my having listened and seen "She and Him" is indeed opening the door to my appreciation to many things beyond your standard 'electronic',  'sub-pop' sounds.  I beginning to enjoy the winey twang of the steel guitar accompanied by of the clanging of the piano.

I love enjoying life.