Silly experts, I can’t separate the facets of my personality into different social networks no matter how hard I try.

It’s always going to be weird; with Doctor Who nerdgasms, odd music tastes, and random pictures that suddenly strike a chord. Or I’m just reblogging because it’s great stock for art practice. Or you know, my hipster side needs a little lovin’.

Sometimes there’s going to be deep philosophical stuff, and sometimes it’s just going to have very daft status updates.

But that’s how I roll.

groovyurl:

500 Miles - The Proclaimers

I can’t help it, the chorus got stuck in my head after a single playback.

And now I think the only way you will ever convince me to marry, is by singing this song at our wedding. HAH. Good luck my love.

feministbitchpurse:

I had heard via The Way Station FB, and through various Twitter sources, that there was a chance that Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue would be at the bar tonight to watch the finale of this latest series of “Doctor Who.”

There were three officially scheduled showings: 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:00 PM. But then it was suggested by the lovely folks at The Way Station that they could maybe do a 6:30 showing as well (5:00 and 6:30/6:45 are more their usual screening times). Sue Vertue then asked if there was in fact going to be a 6:30 showing. 

So I planned my day.

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T________T Knew I should have taken that New York job. Dammit.

I WILL DO ANYTHING TO SEE SUE VERTUE AND MOFFAT RIGHT NOW. Ah you guys are so lucky.

elkeschmitter:

Humphrey Bogart: Play it Sam, play as time goes by…

(Louis Armstrong - As Time Goes By, Casablanca Sountrack)

youmightfindyourself:

While resting comfortably in my air-conditioned bedroom one hot summer night, I received a phone call from my mom. She asked me softly, “Lyle, can you come down and clean up the restaurant?”

Slightly annoyed, I put on my sandals and proceeded downstairs. Mixing the hot water with cleaning detergents, I was ready to clean up the restaurant floor. Usually the process was painstakingly slow: I had to first empty a bucket full of dirty water, only to fill it up again with boiling water. But that night I made quick work and finished in five minutes. My mom, unsatisfied, snatched the mop from me and began to demonstrate the “proper way” to clean the floor. She demanded a redo. I complied, but she showed no signs of approval. As much as I wanted to erupt that night, I had good reasons to stay calm.

Growing up in rural China, my mom concerned herself not with what she would wear to school every day, but rather how she could provide for her family. While many of her classmates immediately joined the work force upon completing high school, my mom had other aspirations. She wanted to be a doctor. But when her college rejections arrived, my mother, despite being one of the strongest individuals I know, broke down. My grandparents urged her to pursue another year of education. She refused. Instead, she took up a modestly paying job as a teacher in order to lessen the financial burden on the family. Today, more than twenty years have passed, yet the walls of my parents’ bedroom still do not bear a framed college degree with the name “Tang Xiao Geng” on it.

In contrast, when I visit my friends, I see the names of elite institutions adorning the living room walls. I am conscious that these framed diplomas are testaments to the hard work and accomplishments of my friends’ parents and siblings. Nevertheless, the sight of them was an irritating reminder of the disparity between our households. I was not the upper middle class kid on Park Avenue. Truth be told, I am just some kid from Brooklyn.

Instead of diplomas and accolades, my parents’ room emits a smell from the restaurant uniforms they wear seven days a week, all year round. It’s funny how I never see my mom in makeup, expensive jeans, lavish dresses, or even just casual, everyday clothing that I often see other moms wearing. Yet, one must possess something extraordinary to be able to stand in front of a cash register for 19 years and do so with pride and determination.

On certain nights, I would come home sweaty, dressed in a gold button blazer and colored pants, unmistakable evidence of socializing. In contrast, my mom appears physically and emotionally worn-out from work. But, she still asks me about my day. Consumed by guilt, I find it hard to answer her.

Moments such as those challenge my criteria of what constitutes true success. My mother, despite never going to college, still managed to make a difference in my life. Tomorrow, she will put on her uniform with just as much dignity as a businesswoman would her power suit. What is her secret? She wholeheartedly believes that her son’s future is worth the investment. The outcome of my education will be vindication of that belief.

In hindsight, I’m astounded at the ease with which I can compose all my views of this amazing woman on a piece of paper, but lack the nerve to express my gratitude in conversations. Perhaps, actions will indeed speak louder than words. When I graduate on June 1st, I know she will buy a dress to honor the special occasion. When I toil through my college thesis, I know she will still be mopping the restaurant floor at 11:00 PM. When I finally hang up my diploma in my bedroom, I know she will be smiling.

(Mr. Li will be attending N.Y.U.) Video that goes along with the essay can be viewed here.

THIS.