ho chie's blog

2008-10-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Maybe what I need to do is find some time and revamp and simplify my website.

2008-09-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

The economy is going down the drain. I have less time on my hands. I'm spread too thin with community work. I'm getting old. I may have to start thinking about retiring this blog...

2008-09-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I've been designing T-shirts as fundraisers for the web portal site I run, TaiwaneseAmerican.org. Since the very successful "Stinky Tofu Walks Alone" design, no other has matched its popularity. Over past year, I've been thinking about various designs for a bah-tzang (the Taiwanese tamale) design... but just couldn't get it right. Or at least one that I thought would achieve all my goals. Of importance to me was that a design that conveys the uniqueness of the Taiwanese bah-tzang, even if you've never eaten one before. Also, the design had to differentiate it from the similar Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean or other Asian styles of preparing it. Most who are familiar with the Taiwanese one knows its ingredients well and also know it has more of a triangular shape compared to ones you might find in a typical Chinatown. It took about a year for me to come up with an idea which would subtlety display Taiwanese pride for this favorite food, yet still be stylish to wear. And so here it is. Finally. It's really much cooler if you look at it for awhile.

Buy one at: http://taiwaneseamerican.org/promote.html

2008-08-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Shawna's new friends.

2008-08-16T01:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Harmony!

2008-08-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

Friend: i feel like if one visits HoChie, one will enjoy a meal of some sort with HoChie, one will get a new, one of a kind piece of clothing, and some pictures with HoChie on facebook.
Friend: it's like a tourspot!
HoChie71: haha
HoChie71: it's true
HoChie71: you may even get an autograph
Friend: sweet
HoChie71: package deal.
HoChie71: some VIP visitors claim they have gotten a hug too.
Friend: with online booking???
Friend: haha
HoChie71: definitely
Friend: i'll keep all this in mind when i look into a west coast visit.

*cue music
*flash images of appetizing food, clean guest rooms, and beautiful panoramic bay view.
*fade to slogan: Hotel HoChie - the place to be.

2008-08-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

High above Chicago with Shawna.

2008-08-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Let the kids entertain themselves.

Liz and Cindy are fab!

Author and admirer.

2008-07-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

I am...

2008-07-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

2008-07-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

TAF 2008: "a profound impact..."

2008-07-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Tea break in NYC.

2008-07-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

TANG Conference near Philly, and reunion with Rolla!

2008-07-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Best of the East Bay Festival.

2008-07-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

The view from my deck still amazes me (and others) after six years.

2008-07-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Cruisin' with style in Charlie's submarine.

2008-07-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

July 4th at Eric's.

Silly girl!

2008-07-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Chillin' at Ray and Joanna's condo.

Mochi ice cream at Bubbie's!

2008-07-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Dinner with fellow Taiwanese Americans in Hawaii.

Tiki bar!

2008-06-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Tiffany lost her voice, but she can still smile!

2008-06-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Cute smiles #1.

OMG. Our kite actually flies!

Cute smiles #2.

2008-06-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's my TAYL Cranky Crew!

2008-06-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

We sneak out for a pre-camp brunch.

2008-06-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

My favorite strawberry redhead!

2008-06-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Sweets on a summer day.

2008-06-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

A beautiful secret garden hidden in the city neighborhood.

A picture perfect hostess, Ms. Jeanie.

Linda in the Zen garden with a secret admirer.

2008-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Eat me.

2008-06-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

DIY Hoodies with Shawna!

Ilha Formosa, Beautiful Island.

A proud supporter of Formosa Films!

2008-06-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

The theme of the day is squares and grids.

After lunch at Asia De Cuba with Amy.

The view from the top of the Westin Hotel.

2008-05-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

My Berkeley neighbors and TAYL crew.

2008-05-26T18:39:00.001-07:00

Back to Berkeley for brunch with the KC girls.

2008-05-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

With Doris of popular black metal band Chthonic. [Flickr photos]

And lead singer Freddy, an activist out to change the world.

2008-05-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Brunch with the birthday girl in Huntington Beach!

My buddies Alanna and Cynthia!

2008-05-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Christina!

2008-05-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Linda's graduation lunch!

Why does the right half of the picture look like a modeling session?

2008-05-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Indian food under the Buddha Belly with Anna!

2008-05-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

A glimpse into the SF Taiwanese American Cultural Festival:

The new Taiwanese American Experiences exhibit.

Gloria is interviewed by a reporter.

Colorful T-shirts! Anna wears an original print.

Volunteer staff Michelle and Ivy.

Diana Li has a beautiful voice!

Program MC and Author Shawna Yang Ryan.

Jenton rocks the crowd.

Young Lee's band, Broadcaster, is really cool!

So cute! "Ilha Formosa, Taiwan touches your heart!"

One of these people needs more sunshine.

Chillin' with the TAYL kids.

2008-05-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

It's always great to hang out with TAFers. Especially the visionary Program Directors who have such a strong commitment to run the summer camp smoothly each year and who want to make a difference in young people's lives. I totally respect those kinds of leaders. Many of these folks were once campers of mine, so it's just so heart warming to see them at work now. My hat goes off to them.

Hotel HoChie also serves as a conference space.

Group dinner at Cafe Tibet. Yummy!

I get to sit with the cute girls! And Howard.

In other news, I've been helping to organize the San Francisco Bay area's Taiwanese American Cultural Festival and creating a more accurate representation of our community. I'll also be hosting a large booth with museum style displays. Here's an example of one of the 10 banners that has consumed the past week and a half of my life. Thanks to the talented Anna Wu and Wenchin Lee for making them look so professional! The rest can be found at the bottom of this link: http://taiwaneseamerican.org/promote.html It was a rather large financial investment I must say. I need some donations!

The "2nd Generation in Progress" banner.

2008-05-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

My homemade "Ilha Formosa" hoodie is inspired by Jen Kuo.

2008-05-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

I swear. I'm going to develop an ulcer. Let me just say that I know life is way too busy when going to work is actually my break of the day...

I need a vacation.

2008-04-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

Spicy hot girls!

2008-04-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Karen and Joanna.

Yu-hsing.

2008-04-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Warm smiles!

2008-04-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

With Freddy of ChthoniC.

Old friends, Cindy and Joann.

Some of the NATWA II women.

2008-04-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

Bubble tees!

2008-04-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

2008-04-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Heather is in town!

2008-04-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

Taiwanese Americans support a free Tibet!

2008-04-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

I'm a speaker at the ITASA Midwest Conference at Northwestern.

The guys of Wong Fu Productions with their new shirts!

"Old" TAFers!

With organizers Kim, Megan, and Chris.

2008-04-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

Quick rendezvous with Jessica and Linda!

2008-03-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

Dim Sum with the new TAFers in town.

And Amy's mom too!

Welcome Jeff and James!

2008-03-29T13:50:00.001-07:00

Thinking back to last week while hosting and hanging out with my filmmaker friend Wendy was without a doubt one of the most meaningful weeks of my life.

There's something so fulfilling about connecting with someone immediately without needing to fill the air with conversation or feeling that every minute spent should be occupied by some purposeful activity. In fact, I really quite appreciated the many times Wendy and I had nothing planned, and she would be sitting next to me lost in contemplation, analyzing deeply some aspect of her life. And finally after an extended period of silence, she would express some random thoughts or conclusions, which I would promptly say to myself, "Hey, those are my thoughts exactly" or "Wow! I feel the same way!" And I would wonder if she was some earthly angel sitting on my shoulder and whispering into my ear.

This laid-back week made me realize that all too often, our lives are simply juxtapositions of work schedules, appointments, and events assembled together to maintain the appearance of a purposeful and efficient life. Even our times spent with friends become just a gathering over a meal or a meeting at a cafe during some mutually convenient hour. What we really all should aim for is some deeper connection with each other and just appreciating some quality time gazing in the same direction.

Is it that hard to do? I don't know. But one thing is for sure, I don't have enough of it, whatever "it" is.

Maybe I am idealizing this meaningful time spent with Wendy. Maybe I just needed a break from my own hectic life and packed schedule. But what I do know is this: I will fondly remember our week together chatting during our daily drives to and from the SF International Asian American Film Festival, discussing projects, people, and ideas over fine brunches or quickie dinners, and talking about life and old age while kicking back in my living room or on the patio at 2 AM in the morning.

Perhaps this is a glimpse into what a quality friendship should be. Or what life in general should feel like.

Thanks Wendy for unconsciously making me realize this. Miss you!

2008-03-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Silhouettes at my "Chocolate Bar" Party.

2008-03-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Wendy!

May your hopes and dreams come true!

2008-03-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Life Contemplation Series.

Taking in the view after a short hike.

Wendy at the lone gate.

Two cuties think about life in this world.

Hmmm...

2008-03-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

I woke up way too early to go to Charlene's birthday brunch...

2008-03-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

Cheers!

2008-03-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

I had a semi-celebrity encounter at work, apparently for at least the second time with this mom of a patient. I only discovered this when one of my office staff members told me who it was after they had left. I need to read more. Or watch more Oprah.

2008-03-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

What a nice evening of reunions! Lester was back from Philly visiting for the weekend, so we managed to fit a dinner into my busy schedule. Plus, old college roomie Del was in town, so we met up with Judy just before. Kelvin, who's in town filming a Gus Van Sant movie with Sean Penn, was able to join us as well! Apparently, he invited some of the other actors to the restaurant, and they were sitting just around the corner from us. Star-struck! It's exciting to see him working on such a major project which seems to be the buzz around SF these days!
Old school TAF friends! Average age too old to mention!

With Kelvin, Judy, and Del.

2008-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

With old buddies Judy and Del.

2008-03-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

Pomegrenate Champagne, Mediterranean flavors.

A visit from Nancy, the world traveller.

2008-03-02T18:13:00.001-08:00

Feeling blah blah blah!

2008-03-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that TaiwaneseAmerican.org is taking an active role in promoting the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival this year! How much do I love this festival? I schedule off 10 days and spend my time watching films daily! You never know which exciting new directors, actors, and celebrities you might meet!

Click the above image to see the poster in more detail!
TaiwaneseAmerican.org and Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP-SF) are proud to be co-presenters at the nation's premiere Asian American film festival at various locations around the SF Bay area! This is a first time for us, and we encourage you to come out to support the largest film festival of its kind in the world!

We are happy to promote the special film series "A Tribute to Edward Yang" featuring three of this late director's finest works exemplifying his contributions to Taiwanese New Wave Cinema.

The films are:
March 14, 9PM - The Terrorizer
March 19, 7PM - A Brighter Summer Day
March 20, 7PM - YiYi: A One and a Two

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE FILMS AND PURCHASE TICKETS!

Then, CLICK HERE TO RSVP on our Evite so that we can keep track of who may be attending. We may organize casual meet-ups before or after the events, depending on response.

Taiwanese American filmmaker, Edward Yang, passed away in July of 2007 due to complications from a seven year battle with colon cancer. Mr. Yang was best known for his critically acclaimed film, Yi Yi, about a Taiwanese family coping with the serious illness of their elderly mother.

Yang's first major success "Taipei Story," gained world-wide attention in 1985. He followed that success with several other award winning films. Known for focusing on modern Taiwanese life and realistic problems, Yang's films have won numerous awards and are said to have a distinctive visual and narrative style. Critics praise Yang's films for their subtlety and minimal, yet powerful, dialogue.

In honor of Edward Yang and his wonderful work, please take the time to come view some of his most famous films with supporters of TaiwaneseAmerican.org and Taiwanese American Professionals SF Chapter.

2008-02-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

This is what breakfast at HoChie's is usually like, minus the cute girls.

2008-02-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

If you eat tasty frozen yogurt...

You will become a rockstar!

Guitar hero-style!

Rock on dudes!

2008-02-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

Tiffany is visiting!

Lunch with Tim.

Dinner with Charlene.

2008-02-23T00:48:00.000-08:00

Designed with photoshop:

2008-02-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Reunion with old roommates and Illinois friends.

2008-02-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

From Bay to Berkeley.

San Francisco skyline.

2008-02-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

Jon and Joy are in town this weekend.

Everyone is working hard. Except me.

Young, Kev, Ming, and Jon.

2008-02-10T22:46:00.000-08:00

Hot Pot Dinner!

TAYL Berkeley peeps.

TAF alumni.

2008-02-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

Obama in '08. Because we need to be able to hope and dream a little more.

2008-02-03T02:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I'm not sure I can handle the stories of tragedy and sadness that my patients and their families experience. For a brief moment, I know I can lose my composure and break down. But, it sure does make my own worries pale in comparison.

2008-02-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

With Wiggin, my inspiring little piano prodigy!

2008-01-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

A New Generation of Taiwanese American Women:
Advancing the Community Voice

Julia, consultant. Shawna, author.
Stephanie, filmmaker. Joanna, union organizer.

Inspiring the 2G community.

2008-01-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

I'm tired and I want some rice krispie treats.

2008-01-18T22:13:00.000-08:00

Dining about town with Nancy.

2008-01-13T13:26:00.000-08:00

Brunch at Nancy's

The chefs!

Relaxing on a lazy Sunday.

Cute smile!

2008-01-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

Once again, I'm hosting this Lunar New Year Celebration Event for the 2nd generation Taiwanese American community here in the Bay area on Saturday, January 26th. So, if you have friends who live around here, please let them know about the program! I'm hoping for a large audience!

Program details: http://taiwaneseamerican.org/event.html

2008-01-06T18:06:00.001-08:00

Lychee Blossom Tea with Diana and Julia.

2007-12-31T22:58:00.000-08:00

Holiday cheers!

2007-12-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

Ryan says "roar!"

At Carol and Eric's new home!

2007-12-29T22:50:00.000-08:00

TAF New Years Ice Skating Party in Chicago.

A sea of Leadership shirts.

So red!

"Older" folks.

April hugs!

2007-12-23T19:39:00.001-08:00

There are too many holiday snacks and goodies surrounding me... I can't resist eating everything in sight.

2007-12-21T23:06:00.001-08:00

Dinner at Dragonfly.

Crepes at Genki!

2007-12-20T16:04:00.001-08:00

I need my friends to call me so that I can more easily enter phone numbers into my new phone. You know who you are. Even if you haven't called me in awhile...

2007-12-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

Ugly Sweater Party at Tim's.

But Tim is the only one...

2007-12-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

This is a test post... using my new iPhone! Woohoo!

2007-12-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

At Shawna Yang Ryan's book talk.

2007-12-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

Some exciting changes to my pet project, TaiwaneseAmerican.org, may be coming in the next couple of months... It makes me a little bit nervous.

2007-12-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

Lots on my mind. Lost in my mind.

2007-11-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

Last minute escape to LA for the Clippers vs. Rockets game.

Chillin' in a luxurious VIP suite with TAP people.

Wonderful friends and great view to enjoy!

Yao! You don't look so big from here!

Catherine!

I love the lights!

2007-11-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

A TAYL "Retrofit" Party!

Looking totally awesome in home-made iron-on retro 1983 camp tees!

One of a kind grey retro shirt.

Dudettes. Atari. Pop rocks. So rad.

2007-11-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

The holidays are around the corner. Folks are starting to take their vacations. But for me, it just means the start of a busy string of shifts. The goal is to make it through the next 9 days unscathed...

2007-11-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

John and Anny. Shirley and Doreen.

2007-11-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Bubble tea break.

Coffee and dessert break.

2007-11-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

Dave's set.

2007-11-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the TAYL camp counselors during 25th year anniversary.

My hot "I AM Taiwanese American" T-shirt models!

2007-10-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

Reunion during the National American Academy of Pediatrics Conference.

Class of 2005.

Seble and Cherie!

Tammy, Reshma, and Kathy!

My seniors when I was an intern.

2007-10-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Feasting at the House of Prime Rib... Midwest style.

Yaacov, Carolyn, me, Nancy, and a chef.

Kev, Brendan, Young, Ted and his friend Chris.