The Arts & Letters Club

Once upon a time, when I was in the midst of dropping out of Ryerson University. I received an invitation to attend at Philosophy event a The Arts & Letters Club. It revolved around Careers in Philosophy and had guest speakers with a background in philosophy. Ranging from principles to dancers. I wasn't so much interested in the idea of how to find a fulfilling career that enabled one to have a background in Philosophy, but I went nonetheless. I suppose I walked away with something more than I anticipated I would; partially relating to working in the real world with a philosophical outlook. What I really remember about the event was the venue itself. What a beautiful street this building was on. What a beautiful building it was. It was in the evening and the few streets along the side walks were lined with trees that had Christmas lights (it was before/after Christmas)intertwined with the branches.

Upstairs in the room where the event was being held had easels with various paintings done by unknown individuals propped up throughout the perimeter of the room. On a slanted wall next to a window, there were small branches with flower buds dangling from a knotted string held to the wall with a strip of tape (something I had not thought of to do as a way to dry flowers).

Peeking out the window was the beautiful Elm Street with the sight I described previously. It was in a location just a short distance from one of Canada's busiest intersections, but in this building, you would never guess it.

From what I recall of the interior as I headed up the stairs, it's vibe was something like guests should be wearing crested red/green velveteen blazers with a glass of Scotch in hand. The staircase was laid with velvet runner (possibly completely off), if memory serves me correctly. The floor boards were creaky wooden panels.

Everything about it was nostalgic and filled with that kind of old spirit that historic buildings left in their prime.

Hopefully I can revisit and see what the building's true purpose is.

Quick Wiki read about the building:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Arts_and_Letters_Club_of_Toronto


-Image courtesy of blogto.com

Found a blog: Toronto Star Columnist - Corey Mintz

Dericious.

http://porkosity.blogspot.ca/

History of ME!

100 years ago, my Great Great Grandfather came to Canada.
Majority of Chinese immigrants at the time were from Tai Shan

The Great Grandfather didn't bring family over.
Great Grandmother was murdered because someone was jealous because someone was sending money from overseas.
Communists went for anyone who had money, so it was during the Communist Revolution.

Passive Aggressive Mom Part I

INT. Evening - Communal dining table.


*Makes experimental Pad Thai to replicate the one from Sukhothai. Starts mowing down.*

What kind of noodle is that? (She's worked here long enough to know)
Is that Shanghai Noodle? Korean Noodles? (Since when do we run a Korean restaurant, for that to even be a possibility)
Does it taste good?

*Waving her over inviting her to taste*

No, I'm okay.

Subtext: That looks good, I don't want to outright ask if I can have some, but I want you to force feed me it.

*Pushes plate towards her.*

*Starts eating it.*

*Complains.*



The End.

ANOTHER ONE JUST LIKE ME!

You know what I love about people?
How relate-able, loveable, and amazing they(we) are.

I had a wonderful smiley sunny day today. I handed in my drop out form, and the only sad part about it really was turning over my student card!

I don't know if it's the weather or what, but customers at the restaurant today seem to be overall very pleasant! Maybe I just have a different demeanour today because I woke up on the right side of bed. Anywho, the Vitamin D is doing the people good.

An adorable customer of mine, who is a girl in Grade 12 going into Science, popped by tonight for her usual order. She dismally mentioned she just finished a course, whilst on her March Break, bummer, yes, but she then turned the tables on me, and asked how my day went. I casually told her I officially dropped out today. AND HER EYES WERE LIKE SAUCERS.

You see as second generation Canadians. We have this immense pressure from our parents to create a life that they did not have and struggled to pave for us.
(Yes, this is not the first time you are hearing it, but I'm reiterating it hokay)

She then jumps to ask me "SO THEN WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO?!"

To which I replied; "Culinary at George Brown"

Turns out she LOVES to cook and her dream would be to live in Italy for 6 months "PURELY to learn to cook"

I advised her not to run home and tell her mother "Lily at the store is dropping out to learn to cook, so I will too!"

It was adorable to see the sparkle in her eye when we talked about our goals and aspirations. She seems like a smart cookie, so I hope she follows her heart and doesn't get blinded by the riffraff on the sidelines.

Sayonara,
Lil

SWIM AGAINST THE CURRENT

Time and time again I have the same argument with my [pa]rentals(mainly my father), about the time I'm wasting with the constant change of direction in my life.

I see it as priceless experience. How can you discount the experiences you go through that teach you and nurture you into the being that you are today?

Yes, I don't take the straight and narrow path. We have our conflicting views.
But once again, I preach "Gotta stick to your guns"

It's a lonely battle, and you have to stay strong and fight for what you believe in and love.

When life gets discouraging, don't second-guess yourself, keep on truckin on, and don't give up your hopes and dreams. Those are your reasons for living, non?

I know it doesn't help having conservative Chinese parents who want you to live a struggle-free life unlike the one they have experienced, but guess what, we all have to go through some obstacles in order to learn. Just remember, there are some things they just can't prevent you from and save you from.

It all comes down to you. And you have it in you. Just keep your head up, take deep breaths, and move past it.

GREEN SPACE DOWNTOWN PLEASE

Whilst taking the street car with my dad towards Union Station, I noticed how beige-brown and ugly the view out the street car window was.
Why doesn't Toronto have a beautiful Central Park.
How amazing would it be to head into the downtown core and sit in a beautiful park.
GET ON IT URBAN LANDSCAPERS.