8.31.2004

So, Carol's mom read an article in Taiwan's Liberty Times about TAF, and apparently it talks about my role with this summer camp. Coincidentally, my mom also just showed me another article in a Taiwan Heritage magazine where again I am mentioned by name in the context of TAF. I have no idea why I'm receiving so much attention this year. In fact, I don't even remember anyone ever interviewing me recently...

I may be exaggerating, but according to Carol, it seems her mom is now impressed with me and my involvement with TAF. Before long, I will become popular legend amongst the rest of the Taiwanese parents... Mom will be proud.

I'm highly amused at the moment as I walk the fine line between myth and reality...

Don't pop my ballooning ego just yet, please.

So, that's how my name is written in Mandarin...

I'm still awake post-call, though I volunteered to work double duty last night because it was so busy in the ER. The best part of the job is getting out early in the morning and enjoying the rest of the day. So, after having some bubble tea with Young and Linda, my day is now complete. The rest is just a bonus.

8.30.2004

I thought my "summer break" was sadly coming to an end, but it's official... I'm making it last another month or so. Well, I'm still working, of course, but the visitors, parties, and trips will continue on.

A preview:
1. Loan, Kasumi, Lan, and the rest of my college "gang" will be around for wedding festivities.
2. TAF Reunion BBQ has been planned since Andy is working in town for an extended period.
3. Sherry visits for a long weekend.
4. Vivian (last seen about 15 years ago) is visiting Oakland from Japan/Taiwan.
5. Harmony moves into town to get ready for school.
6. I'm visiting Michigan for the TAF Juniors reunion and to hang out with the "TAF Brats."

I keep getting asked how I can do all these fun things and still work my overnight shifts in the hospital every 4th night.

Well, that's what my stunt double is for.

8.29.2004

Paul Lin Sighting #37: "I thought he was in Taipei"


TAF Reunion in Westwood: Cindy, Chris, Paul, Alanna, and me.

8.28.2004

It feels good to be here, far from my Berkeley home, and away from my day to day work "routine." Touching base with dear friends reminds me that distance and time will never break the bonds of true friendship. Some things are just meant to last even with little maintenance. Even so, I've been lucky. My summer has been filled with the people I care about most in the world, with people I haven't seen for years. For that, I am certainly grateful.

I don't want to go home. I want to sit here on the beach forever. I want to talk to old friends who all can say, "yeah, remember when..." And then just giggle and laugh just as we did in years past. Some things will never change.

A visit to Armen's home. Lunch with Connie!

Connie again. Me and Cindy!

TAF reunion in Little Saigon: Celia, Ho Chie, Cindy, & Rick.

Watching surfers at night.

8.27.2004

I just need to run away from it all. Free my mind. Say what I want to say. Or just escape my thoughts altogether. Time to disappear...

8.26.2004

Taiwan Olympic gold medals. Times 2.

8.25.2004


Wilting. I'm sad.

So, I decided to change it up a bit, and instead of going for bubble tea after work, I headed over to Cafe Milano for a mocha and some working space to pay some bills, etc. Who do I see as I walk in? Alice and Yena! And for the next hour or so, we had a nice time sitting, talking and planning future dinner plans... Can't ever get enough of Alice...

8.24.2004

Seeing Alice tonight was so good. I feel like I haven't hung out with her in so long. Her down-to-earth personality always makes me smile. Our dinner and bubble tea plans grew to include Yena, Young, Linda, Charlie, and a few more of Alice's friends. Good time, chillin' and chattin'.

With Yena and Alice, who will cook for me soon... Now, that's cool.

8.23.2004

I'm watching the "Tiffany and Carol Slideshow" and just remembering how fun the past week was. I miss them sooo much!

Linda is now a Berkeleyite! Yay for Linda! The TAF family continues to grow...

8.22.2004

*Sniffle*

8.21.2004

My wonderful sweeties surprised me with some beautiful gifts this morning... flowers, dark chocolates (mmmm!), ceramic ware, framed pictures... Awwww. I love Tiffany and Carol! *hugs* Can I keep these two forever??



The TAYL Reunion was today. As always, it was great seeing all the kids (how can you not feel loved when they greet you with such big smiles on their faces and cups of cold water, ready to splash you for fun?). And of course, hanging out with the T-crew during and after the reunion always feels like a warm family gathering. I'm glad Tiff and Carol were there to share it all.

Kathy, Cin-yee, Steve. Ho Chie & Erika!

Connie! and Lauren!

With "the gang," Bethia, Ivy, & Connie.

T-crew table #1.

T-crew table #2 at dinner.

8.20.2004

Too tired to post anything... My summer fun has finally caught up with me. I. Have. No. Energy. Must. Sleep.

8.19.2004


Love you Tiffany! Don't hurt me for this one... (It's because you're beautiful!)

stephencsu: John wants to know if Carol and Tiffany are going to SF for lunch today
stephencsu: He's free...
HoChie71: yea, i'm their personal assistant and they're actually booked for today. tiffany is at the spa, and carol has alternate plans.
stephencsu: Yeah?
HoChie71: but when they're free, we'll have our people call his.

8.18.2004


Lunch at Pier 39.

The "Full House" house.

In Japantown.

Late night PJ party and Olympics gold celebration!

8.17.2004

A beautifully goofy and memorable day along the Santa Cruz & Capitola coasts...

Lunch at Zelda's on the Capitola Beach.

The Capitola wharf.

Cute colorful villas. Overlooking Monterey Bay.

Simply Tiffany.

Help other surfers... Rules to live by.

"Oh my gaawd! Stop! Let's take a picture!"

The Boardwalk.


8.16.2004


Taiwan Point for authentic Taiwanese street foods! Mmmm...

Quickly! To the beach! OK. Picture break.

"It's like we're in Baywatch!"

"Free to be me!" Together, we are "A"

Pretty smiles.

Ocean Beach at sunset.

8.15.2004

Wow. It is so cool to see Tiffany after six years. And I can't believe it has been that long since I last made it to TAC/EC. It is going to be incredibly fun hanging out with her and Carol this week. Thanks for digging up the old pics and bringing back the fond memories, Tiff... omg. haha!

Tiffany, Vanessa, Ho Chie, Dave, Carol. Yeah, 1998. Shiny braces.

Esther, Megan, Tiffany, Jenny, me, Ivy, & Carol. What a summer...


Carol, Ho Chie, & Tiffany at the Golden Gate Park.

Tiffany liked the tree. She has hippie tendencies.

The gate to the Arboretum.

"I'm Tiffy the fro-happy hippie!" Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon waterfall?

In the Taipei Pagoda. Magical transformation.

The view from Twin Peaks.

Bubble Tea with my TAC cutie pies!