Media Maid is...

...on vacation!

I will mostly be updating on my travel blog as I head east for the winter. Working on a new Media Maid site so hopefully it'll be ready and waiting for me (courtesy of my amazing friend, Mohamad) when I get back. Hope you all enjoy an amazing Christmas. Love the ones you're with! Think about how blessed and lucky you are! Think about those who are not and do something about it! See you in the new year.

JJ

Crack is Wack

As my previous roommates can attest, I am not a big baker. I was fortunate enough to live with talented ones who would churn out things like this:

this:

this:

and this:

on a weekly basis. While I snapped shots, it was Dorothy and JLo, and occasionally Kelly who would tie up the aprons and bust out the baking pans.

And I love to read cooking blogs. Smitten Kitchen, Bakerella, and of course, Dessert Obsessed are among some of my must-reads in my Google Reader.

So blame the holiday season - maybe I downed one too many eggnogs or got hit with a Christmas CD or got tangled up in Christmas lights or something- but I decided to volunteer to bake something for my church bake sale. I planned on making my safe go-to of "crack," which is normally a big hit among friends and strangers. (But if I told you the recipe, I'd have to kill you.)

I went to Costco and bought giant portions of all the ingredients, thinking I could make a lot of crack for my friends and the various gatherings I was to attend during the weekend. One late evening, I rolled up my sleeves and made like Betty Crocker. I tossed all the ingredients in, blended, baked, topped and then let the masterpiece cool for the night. I thought everything looked really fine and dandy and went to bed wondering how I was going to fight off the masses who would obviously be clamoring for my sweets.

Don't let this shot fool you, it looks better than it tastes.

Well, the next morning, I found, to my dismay, that I had not done as marvelously as I had presumed. Okay-looking was the crack but it tasted pretty wack. I must have poured too much caramel onto the crackers because in one pan, the caramel had burnt through the entire piece of crack and in another pan, the caramel had not hardened and left that batch a soggy mess. It was a nightmare. I panicked momentarily and cursed myself for volunteering to bake.

Burn victims

"What were you thinking?" I blasted out loud. Then I wondered whether Dorothy could express-ship me some peanut butter cheesecake or something. Then I wondered if I could just run out to Albertson's and purchase a cake or something. Then I wondered if I could just find a future husband who can either bake really well himself or has the means to hire me a personal baker so I will never have to touch the oven again. Then I wondered why the oven hated me so much.

As I continued scraping off the unfortunate crack, my despair spontaneously turned into inspiration.

"Wait! I shan't give up! I've always wanted to make oatmeal cookies! I'll use the rest of the ingredients and make oatmeal cookies with it!"

I then promptly proceeded to look up the yummiest oatmeal chocolate chip recipe I could find.

The next evening, I braved this new recipe timidly. I'm not going to lie, I spent roughly 3 hours making batches of this cookie (also probably because I didn't have enough baking pans) and when the first batch came out, I thought, "Oh no! It looks too dry! I'd done gone and messed up again!" But I decided to taste-test it anyway and once the cookie hit my mouth, I was surprised to find that the it actually tasted really good! The crunchy oatmeal texture mixed with the nuts and chocolate chip made it taste more like a granola bar rather than a cookie but it was totally yummy. I heaved a sigh of relief and proceeded to finish making the rest.

Hey batter, batter.

I'm so glad I wasn't stymied by the failed first attempt. I'm so glad I didn't just decide to make another batch of "crack." (One batch of crack gone wack was enough, thank you very much.) Life won't always turn out the way you plan and it's often up to you to decide how you will view the situation, how much you will let it affect your mood and what you can do to resolve it. I turned my "crack" into some crunchy oatmeal chocolate chip pecan bars. What would you do?

MOH

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY, EVELYN WANG!

Evelyn is my MOH. That is, she is My Oldest Helpmate. (Okay, Evelyn, I admit, I was trying to find a synonym for "friend" that started with "H." Isn't it funny that helpmate kept popping up?) We've been friends since third grade - "friends" if you count someone pulling my hair, ratting me out to the teachers and pushing me around a "friend." Over the years though, our relationship has grown more civilized. To the point where she is one of the first person I would call if I had some important news and I know that I can always count on her if my car broke down (well, unless if it's 9 in the morning in which case she would be asleep and then, good luck, I am on my own).

We are stuck with each other a lot. Whether it be the same class, the same drumline, the same school, the same room, the same part-time job, it seems that God likes us together. And who am I to argue with Him? I think the best part of Evelyn is how thoughtful she is. She remembers all the little jokes, and quirks and always finds the perfect opportunities to throw them back at you. My first surprise birthday party was thrown by this girl. And it was six months late. That's why this Birthday post is also late. It's payback! She also has a killer sense of humor. "Funny" is a terrible word to describe her humor. Her humor is more like, "scathing, biting, fast, snarky, en pointe."

We've both grown up so much over the past 15 years but Evelyn's transformation has been incredible and absolutely great. Evelyn, it's awesome to see you mature and evolve into this human being I can actually stand. Thanks for always supporting me, entertaining me and even reading this blog. I hope we both continue to grow in this world and in Christ. Even if you don't make my M.O.H. (which, girl, doesn't look so good. You know how Jessica is), there will always be a place for you at the VIP section of my wedding.

Presents, Presence

Ho, ho, ho, it's almost Christmas time! I'm totally going to be one of those people that blogs about my Wishlist so my friends, loyal readers and family will totally know what to get me for Christmas this year. Are you ready? Okay, you better be because I searched long and hard all over the Internet and in shopping malls for the following list!

All I want for Christmas is...

Nothing. Okay, not true. Something.

I'd be happy like this baby if you gave me an empty box for Christmas

Christmas shopping has become a foreign affair in my family over the past few years. When I was a kid, I would never understand why people would just give me money for the holidays. What happened to selecting that special gift for that special someone, a gift that they'd love, use, cherish forever?

Now, I know why. It's just plain easier.

I don't want to kill the whole holiday spirit but please believe me when I ask this of you.

Don't get me anything for Christmas. Please.

Most of you probably weren't intending to anyway but for those few, I'm asking you kindly.

I'm very strapped for cash this year and if you get me something, I will feel 100X guilty and will want to buy you something and then I will be even more strapped for cash. I know money doesn't buy happiness but I will like to keep whatever I have left in my wallet for gas, student loans, my family and the occasional $1.50 ru rou phan at JJCafe.

I really don't need anything. I'm very comfortable with all I have right now. I make ado. I'd rather you save your presents and give it to someone else who needs it a little more.

For those who do want to show me your love (not that I don't feel it radiating everyday. Seriously, thank God for your friendship and love and encouragement and patience and laughter and company), you can gift me with the following:

*My church is making shoe boxes and giving it away to the homeless on Skid Row next week so if you have any socks, water, toothbrushes, toiletries that you don't need, you can definitely bring it on over to mi casa.

*I do like handmade things (and I think I will be handmaking things for you all as well) so a thoughtful card or letter will do the trick.

*Support me in my pageant? As I had mentioned before, I'm a contestant for the 2010 Miss LA Chinatown and the pageant is quite costly. I'm currently selling tickets for the fashion show all the contestants are participating in on January 16, 2010. The information for the show below.

14th Annual Miss Los Angeles Fashion Show

Hosted by the 2009 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Court

with fashions modeled by

2010 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Contestants Saturday, January16, 2010

Los Angeles/Universal City Hilton 555 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City, CA 91608

Buffet Lunch -11:30 a.m. Fashion Show -1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

$35 per seat -- Open seating

The opportunity to catch pretty ladies- and me - vamping it down the catwalk? Priceless.

If you're interested, my actual pageant will take place February 6, 2010 at the Westin Bonaventure in LA. It will be a formal event with a nice banquet dinner. Hence the price for ticket will also reflect the fanciness.

I completely understand if you do not attend either of the events. It would be a lot more fun if you were there but quite frankly, I think I might be a little less freaked out if fewer people I knew were in attendance. And you know what is the best possible gift, support, encouragement you can give me? Just your presence in my life. :) Whether it be a phone call, Facebook message or a hug, I'll take anything. Just not an actual present.

Thanks and Happy Holidays, everyone!

I'm in a Pageant

A casual visit with some old friends yesterday culminated into a lot of embarrassing revelations on my behalf. It started with my friend bribing me to show him my old Chinese commercials (he said he would turn them into a reel).

Oh yeah, I used to do old Chinese commercials. I got recognized the other day too. Don't mess.

And that led to other topics of conversation, which eventually led me to muttering under my breathe, "oh yeah, I'm also a contestant for the 2010 Miss LA Chinatown."

My friend stares quizzically at me. "Why do you sound so embarrassed? Good for you! You should be proud of all of this. You have to embrace it," he instructs me.

I thought about it. Yeah, I should embrace it. Yeah!

I'm usually a big braggart in every other aspect of my life. "Look at me! I did this! Look at me! I hung out with him! Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!" but one area where I'm generally a lot more guarded is the commercial and beauty pageant stuff I have done in the past. I'm not sure why. Maybe because the commercials are quite cheesy and I have bad acting galore and a fat face in most of them? And as for the pageants, maybe it's because they have a rap for being superficial and shallow and catty and old-fashioned and even though I know firsthand that THAT IS NOT TRUE, some part of me don't want to tell people because I'm afraid they'll judge me for it?

But the thing is, the reality is, they are a part of my life. I have done Chinese commercials, I have done pageants and I will probably be doing more of them in my life. I'm doing a pageant on February 6. It's the 2010 Miss LA Chinatown pageant. And I'm proud of it! Yeah!

I really am, though. This is the first pageant that I willingly signed up for, the first one where my mom didn't say, "Surprise, I signed you up for a pageant!" or dragged me through concrete and asphalt and grass and dirt to join.

We've been rehearsing almost every Saturday from 1 - 6. That chunk of time cost me many a missed dates, friends hangouts and even a holiday job but I am learning so much each week. You think pageant girls just strut around onstage and smile wide? Think again.

There's dancing: we're learning this really pretty fan-ribbon dance which is REALLY grueling and gives me cuts and bruises and injured ankles. We have to dance as though we are butterflies (yeah, you heard me, I said, "butterflies.") and because I am neither graceful nor cute nor do I flitter and flutter, this dance helps me out in that area.

There's walking: Walking is an innocuous act we often take for granted. But it is highly important to making an impression. Think back to a time where you were at a party and this lady walks into the room. More like glides. Upon closer inspection, she's no Helen of Troy nor is she sporting a dress made out of bubbles but she just has that presence that makes you take notice. There's a buzz about her. It's most likely her walk, the way she moves, the way she stands. And that presence is what we're trying to develop every Saturday.

There's talking: This is the portion I think I'm most nervous about. I'm a chatty gal but more of the bumbly, crazy hand-gesturing variety. For the question and answer portion of pageant night, we're going to try to be poised, calm, collected while answering questions like, "what do you think is the cause of the California real estate downfall?" Hope hope hope I don't pull a Miss South Carolina Teen USA.

There's more: There's etiquette, how to smile, how to get along with other people, how to dress yourself, how to muti-task, how to become a more important figure in your community, all very vital skills to becoming a better person. I'm blessed for this opportunity to practice and hone in on those skills. And it doesn't hurt that I get to wear a pretty dress and show off my pretty hair come pageant night! In fact, it doesn't get any better than that.

Writing in my blog has become hard in the past couple of days (weeks) because I've been a mess, rushing from here to there, working on this and that, plans changing by the moment. I have so many things I want to share with y'all but they're all coming at me, I can hardly prioritize, straighten, separate, sort, and fold. And then when I don't write in my blog, my feelings and thoughts get even more muddled because they don't get reflected upon and then it gets even harder to write in my blog. It's just a big ol' sad downward spiral. I will attempt to climb up it.

First off, congrats to all my friends who recently got jobs! I'm so proud of y'alls and I knew you can do it. I do feel a little left in the dust but who doesn't. I just know I have to be patient and continue working hard and hopefully, something great fantastic sublime perfect will come along. Until then, I have some projects keeping me preoccupied.

A big one is...I am in a beauty pageant.

Some friends already know about this but this is my big official announcement, I guess. I'm actually really excited about this pageant, it being the first one I actually wanted to do and wasn't entirely forced into it by my parents and all.

I'm sleepy and I have nifty plans tomorrow so SLEEP TIME. Sorry this entry lacks depth, funny anecdotes or even purpose. Just needed to update. However, in honor of my announcement, the next few posts will all be about my upcoming beauty pageant. Then, you will get to know more about what I'm up to. And don't pretend you don't. You know you do. XOXO, JJ

To My Favorite Sister

They say that the longest relationship you will have with another human being in your life is the one with your sibling. I'm so glad I get to share mine with this girl.

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY, MEI!

We are two peas in a pod, Jessica and I. We get along so well and enjoy each other's company so much some friends think we're weird.

"I can't stand my brother. You actually like love your sister? Weird."

Yea, it's weird but then again, so are we.

I adore my sister's awkward sense of humor, her flair for the dramatics (she is a theatre major, you know), her sunbeam of a smile, her tendency to make you feel guilty for anything you do, and most of all, her exceedingly large heart. She always cries when our family parts ways at the airport, she remembers little details like what kind of perfume I like, she always makes the extra effort for those she cares about and out of the two of us, she is definitely the better sister.

When I have good news, bad news, any news, she is always the first one I try to call. I've mourned over broken hearts with her, giggled about ridiculous situations, solicited advice, and can even sit in silence just observing how utterly cool this girl is.

See, so cool, right?

We have our differences; she can't stand it when I try to introduce her to "the best book ever" or "the song that will change your life!" but she tolerates my overall dorkiness and even tries to give me advice on how to pick up boys. (Dude, girl is a pro with the men.)

That's her modeling in a magazine!

Jessica, I can't wait until you become an international superstar, dazzling the world with your charm and beauty. Then, you can play me in a movie about my extraordinary life and we will both live happily ever after...with each other. We really probably would have to because nobody else will ever get me like you do and tolerate me like you can. Love you to death, little sis. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. Remember, when you become a movie star, I get first dibs as your personal assistant!

The superlative is my best friend. Why say, "you are a good friend" when you can say, "you are the best friend EVER!" or, "I didn't like that cookie" when you can say, "that was the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted in my life EVER" or, "I love you" when you can say, "I love you to death...EVER"?

But believe when I say I am not exaggerating this next sentence.

I just came back from the worst interview of my life EVER.

She is a prominent employer for a big-time system. She is a rule-breaker, ball buster, boundary crosser. Maybe I was a little intimated today? I never really get that nervous from interviews but today I was quite jittery. Somehow, I got it into my head that I wasn't qualified enough for the position and the rest of my answers came out sounding that way. The interview started off pretty well but when I looked over at her while I was talking, each time, she would have this not amused face on. So I started to get more nervous and when I get nervous, I crack jokes to ease the tension.

That did not help.

She still looked unamused so I soldiered on, saying things that as soon as the words were out of my mouth, I wanted to snatch back.

In the end, I walked away feeling like my previous work experience made me unqualified, fluffy and too soft for the position. It would not have been the case if I had been wiser with my answers, highlighting traits that would help with the position but I felt like I just sounded like I was explaining all the reasons why I actually wouldn't be a good fit, which Job Hunting 101 (yes, I'm still taking that prereq) has taught us you never should do.

Nothing really dramatic happened at the interview, there were no tears shed, F-bombs accidentally dropped, or punches thrown. I just walked away with this uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach, thinking, "that person that was in there is not who I am, that was not the best way I can present myself."

I wanted to go home, dig a hole in my couch and crawl in there with a bowl of Helen's mac & cheese in hand but I decided life is too short to wallow. Move on. So things didn't go your way. Get over it.

Instead I did some writing, read over what I wrote, and smiled to myself, thinking,"I enjoyed that."

I believe that writing just may be the best medicine EVER.

*Edit: Never mind, I just ate a slice of peach pie. That was the best medicine EVER.

It is 8:10 AM right now and after a mere 1-2 hours of sleep thanks to SOMEONE, I am sitting in a hospital room, ready to spend the next 12 hours here.

It is not as bad as it sounds. I'm okay; no broken bones, pains, cuts, injuries, illnesses.

I am actually working! Not as a nurse, doctor, hospital security guard or janitor but as a babysitter.

The life of a FUnemployed freelancer has taken me here this Thanksgiving weekend; caring for a sick baby. Before you feel sorry for me and wish I could be at home with my family or chilling with friends, let me tell you why I am so thankful to be here.

1) I am thankful to be working and getting paid (quite a bit) at a time when I'm starting to need money. God provides.

2) I am thankful to have this quiet time (the baby sleeps a lot) to work on random things.

3) I am thankful the baby I am taking care of just happens to be one of the most adorable toddlers I have ever laid eyes on. Denim blue peepers, ruddy cheeks, soft blonde wisps of hair. He makes it easy.

4) I am thankful the baby I am taking care of also just happens to be one of the most easygoing tykes.

5) I am thankful the night babysitter barely speaks any English. She's letting me "practique mi espanol!"

6) I am thankful my parents are away this Thanksgiving break. It gives me time to miss them and them a chance to spend some time relaxing and playing in China.

7) I am thankful I am going to Hong Kong for the holidays! Time to reboot the travel blog and rejuvenate my self creativity and job searching energy.

8) I am thankful for YOU as always, for reading. This blog has been one of the best investments of my time this year. I hope I will continue to make it better, become a stronger writer, and inspire, challenge and entertain you with my words. (Technically not my words because words should belong to us all but the way I place it and the words I choose make it mine, I guess? Oh, you know what I mean)

9) I am thankful for Him. Dude, He died on the cross for our sins. That's love, that's love.

Unforgettable 2009

KoreAm Journal threw a classy shindig by the name of Unforgettable last night. It was a star-studded gala held at the historic Park Plaza Hotel in downtown LA.

The ballroom was exquisitely decorated under the guidance of the ultra-fab event coordinator, Joyce and guests were treated to an amazing meal provided by Lawry's. I have been having a hard time cooking for myself at home that I wolfed my entire plate of spinning salad, prime rib cut, creamed spinach, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy and yorkshire pudding. My entire table clapped for me. I felt embarrassed but proud. (Ma, if you're reading this, I'm back to eating spinach and salmon fillets!)

I was brimming with anticipation to watch the entire show, so excited because I actually wrote the script for the show (with editing help from the ever-eloquent Julie) Words that I wrote, sentences that came out of my brain, ideas that I conjured up, were going to be uttered by hotshots like Sandra Oh, Daniel Henney and Joy Osmanski.

I think they did a pretty fine job interpreting it, don't you think?

Funnygal host Amy Anderson is so grateful for Unforgettable's sponsors that she sang a song for them. Okay, so it's to the tune of Sixpence None The Richer's Kiss Me. I'm not a musician, so sue me.

For your sing-along pleasure, below are the lyrics:

Thank you, thank you Park Plaza Hotel

For this, this big and lovely room

Where we, we can eat our ribs

Given to us by Lawry’s, where’s the bib?

Oh, thank you, Willow Hotel and Tiger Asia

So do, so do you Verizon Wireless

Can you hear me now

Premier Plastic Surgery and Ocean Radiation Oncology

We thank you

Time Warner, Kamsahamnida and SeAh Steel

Also, Sans Souci, Intertrend

K-T-A-N channel, Net Kal

Can’t skip Radio Seoul and Korea Times, oh

Oh thank you, to all our sponsors tonight

We couldn’t have asked for any more.

I lied, yes we can

Ten Communications, La Premiere, and Kollaboration

We thank you

There’s one more, group that’s really special

And that’s the, alcoholic beverage group

You know you love them too

So dear Johnnie Walker, lovely Jinro and delicious Hite

We thank you

We thank you

[seems like she’s done with the song, then strums up again]

wait there’s more

[strum guitar]

like Pan Com

[strum guitar]

or TVK24

[strum guitar]

KOTRA

[strum guitar]

IW Group

[strum guitar]

Waking up Media

[PAUSE so it seems like she’s really ending the song, but strums again]

and UNI Insurance

[strum guitar]

Insurance for you and I

[strum guitar]

And Future International

Wilshire Bank

[strum guitar]

and ABC Disney

[strum guitar]

and J.P. Morgan

[strum guitar]

and Wilshire Dental

[strum guitar]

And Kanye West

[strum guitar]

should get up here

[strum guitar]

and stop me nooooooooooooow

Sandra Oh teaches Daniel Henney a thing or two about being a television doctor.

Justin Chon is "Just Like Us!"

CS Lee wants to wrestle Daniel Dae Kim.

The show also featured beautiful performances by Priscilla Ahn, Lena Park and the hottest b-boys ever, Last 4 One.

As if the evening wasn't enough of a blast, there was a pretty sweet (if cold) after-party where I got to reunite with old friends.

And make new ones.

And shamelessly ask celebs to take pictures with me.

Near the end of the night, I chatted with Sandra Oh for a little bit. After I subtly (of course) mentioned I had written the script for the show, she told me that she thought it was the best Unforgettable script she had heard in the past 6 years.

"I usually have to edit the hell out of these things but you made it work," she told me.

Sure, she may have just been polite and was trying to make me happy but dude, the words came out of her mouth! I don't care if she was drunk, lying or crazy when she said it, she said it! Sandra Oh, one of my most admired and respected acting idols, said I made it work!

And that is truly unforgettable.

*Edit: Oh yea, and I also worked as red carpet interviewer. Check out what I got the celebs to say here.
*Edit Edit: We also ran into Rex Lee from "Entourage" at Hodori after the after-party. I'm so grateful he's not freaked out of his mind by my deathgrasp.

I Made a Vlog

Watch it in all its crappy editing, cheesy sound effects, awkward facial expressions glory.

You Missed the Catch

Um, so if you had wanted to catch me on the two events I had posted a couple of days ago, I'm afraid it's a no go.

For one, the baptism is over!

I'm so stuffed with love right now that I can't move. Children would probably run away from me because the tall crazy lady with the psycho smile permanently attached to her face is probably up to no good. Boom-boxes probably want to beat me up because I'm humming their tune.

I'm really sick of saying thank you. Really. I mean, I'm still so thankful and grateful for everyone who:

*got their booty to my baptism

*brought me goodies! (WHAT THE HECK, PEOPLE, WHAT PART OF "YOUR PRESENCE, NO PRESENTS" DON'T YOU GET?! YOU BET I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK. GET YOU BACK GOOD)

*left wonderfully colorful voicemails for me

*texted me well wishes

*Facebooked me congrats

*emailed me awesome e-cards

*just even thought of me at all this day.

I didn't take pictures but I have awesome friends who did. Here are some from Helen and Mike's blogs to tie you over)

The actual baptism part was...cold. And stupid me, even though I was fully prepared and packed for the event, in my haste, I ran out to the pool forgetting my towel.

Cold notwithstanding, it was a great ceremony in a beautiful house (thanks, Alura family!) and I'm like, totally a Christian now!

For two, the Justin Chon livechat decided to go in another direction with the host.

So I'm out and Bobby Choy is in. You'll remember him from here. I can't say I'm not disappointed. If only because I had to change a lot of plans to accommodate this hosting gig. And I prepped for it. And I was excited about it. But the thing was, if I had gotten this Playstation commercial that my sister and I were auditioning for, I would have ditched the gig like that and jumped on the next plane to New York. In fact, after I got off the phone with my editor, I was musing over what I should do with my free time now and New York was the first thing that popped into my mind. I checked plane tickets but $500+ for 4 days in New York is a bit extravagant, even for me, a woman of extravagance. *haughty head tilt.

Well, these things happen. And I'm sure there'll be plenty more rejections and set-backs in the future. It only makes me stronger, right? It's kind of a good thing too because my blog was getting a bit too happy! happy! It's like, turn down the joy dial, Janice, sheesh. Go suck a lemon or something.

"When life gives you lemons, make orange juice, sit back, relax, and watch the world wonder how you did it."

Catch Me If You Can

Vanessa! I swear! It's me, Janice!

I went to LCC's fall show a couple of days ago. 'Twas nice to see familiar faces again. Many lamented, "I haven't seen you in so long!" It's true. LA is a pretty far drive and with my volatile schedule (audition today, interview tomorrow), I never know where I'm going to be. Apologies for the lack of face time but here are two places where you can catch me this coming week.

1) My Baptism!

Date:	Sunday, November 15, 2009
Time:	2:30pm - 5:30pm
Location:	1745 N Vallejo Way, Upland CA 91784

Watch me get dunked in water! I'll also be giving my testimony (eeps!) RSVP here.

2) Justin Chon KoreAm Livechat

Show Information

• Date: Tuesday, November 17th 2009
• Time: 7:00pm
• City: Justin Chon
• Venue: iamkoream.com/live

I'll be chatting with Twilight star, Justin Chon. Join me in our livechat here. It'll be a very cozy chatroom-type setting where he answers your questions, comments and concerns. Show your love!

Intel Audition

Got the call from my agent while I was still in my PJs debating whether I should go back to bed after I finish my bowl of cereal.

"Can you make an audition at 4 this afternoon? Print, for Intel, pays [pretty good amount]"

You bet I can make it. Yes, while it is true that my throat hurts from staying out 'til 4 the evening before and I can barely keep my eyes open and I have to be home by 5:30 to film another audition with my sister (where we play twins, exciting) and I really really really hate driving but I can make it. I mean, seriously, how lucky am I that I even have the opportunity to drive to LA and audition for a huge print commercial? How fortunate that someone out there thought my face could be worthy to put in ads? How blessed that I can afford to not work (for now) and have the time, the car to do this? I sucked up whatever handful amount of energy that remained in my body, downed a hot cup of green tea and prepared for my long drive to Santa Monica.

After parking, I strolled, with my headshot in one hand and paper with the address in the other, to the casting studio. My heels clacked along the sidewalk. I like the way high heels sound when I walk. They sound like grown up. Once there, I took a deep breath, opened the door and walked into the casting studio like I owned the place. The obligatory scan from other actresses in the room follows suit as I sign my name to the check in list. I sit and start prepping my headshot and resume only to have the girl next to me kindly inform me that I actually don't need them. She gestures to the sign that clearly states this, complete with a highlighted bold font. Oh. I'm kind of new to this. I guess.

The man sitting by the sign in sheet starts calling girls in. I recognize a couple of them. Hey, she was in that movie. Whoa, she did that ad campaign. One girl, Joy Osmanski, was amazingly quirky and cool and the best thing in this one movie, White on Rice and she was here! I wasn't sure if I should approach her and be all fanatical about her role when I should actually be her peer. Weird.

When I get my name called, I go into this small room where all these ladies (and one gentleman) are sitting and waiting. I'm number 354. One by one, they go up in front of the backdrop and get their pictures taken.

"Small smile. Bigger. Bigger," the photographer, a bald man, commands.

So fleeting, the actual time that you get to perform. Your work has to come out in that one flash of the camera, one click of the button. You either have what they're looking for, or you don't.

It's finally my turn and I clomp to the backdrop. The photographer stares at me. He scrutinizes my twitching lips and my antsy eyes.

"You're new, aren't you." He inquires as his camera continues clicking away.

Am I that obvious?

"Put your hair down." He orders, taking more pictures of me than he had of the other gals.

Today would have been a good day to wash my hair.

After a few more clicks, he sends me on my way.

"See you around, Janice," he winks.

Welcome to my first legit audition given to me by an agency in over two years.

I was puzzled.

Puzzled but very intrigued. This was new. In all our years of knowing each other, we had never done this before. Sitting in the dark, side by side. What would his wife think?

I had to ask.

Why?

"Because I love the king," my dad replies in a matter of fact tone.

Are we talking about Elvis? Oh, nope. We're talking about the other king. The king of pop.

"Because Michael Jackson is a legend and his music transcends time."

It sure does. It transcends time. It transcends culture. It transcends taste.

We may have the same dimples and wide derriere but Dad is all basketball and stock trading and engineering stability and soft energy and I am all about food and artsy fartsiness and doing what makes me happy and crazy laughter. When my dad proposed for us to watch Michael Jackson's This is It on a Friday evening, I got surprised. My dad actually wants to spend money on a movie he most likely will sleep through? I got suspicious. Maybe he's going to force me to find a job at the movie theatre or something. Why else would he ask me along? And finally, I got excited. Hells yes I'm going! This is a once in a lifetime event, my dad asking me to watch a movie with him!

As we drove to the theatre, just the two of us, (My mom refused to come. She said she didn't want to get nightmares staring up at Jackson's face amplified for two hours straight. Yea, she probably would have) my dad talked to me about one of the first places he took his mom, my nai nai, to when she came over from Taiwan, which was a Michael Jackson concert at the Dodger Stadium. "Excited by all the bright lights and excited fans, your grandma had a great time," my dad remembers with a smile.

As I sat in the theatre that night, watching Jackson work his magic, I can absolutely understand his universal appeal. The way the man moves just magnetizes you. The way he knows how to let each moment "simmer" and each sharp gesture hit- only a true talent can achieve that. I look over at my dad and he is mesmerized. Mesmerized, and -amazingly enough - not asleep! He never did fall asleep that night, except for one song in Jackson's set which was so boring even I dozed off.

There are several possible reasons for Jackson's universal appeal. Maybe the man looks and moves so originally, so out of the ordinary, that everyone can like him because no one is like him. Maybe he has good marketing people. Or maybe - no DEFINITELY - he is just one talented musical genius. And talent and genius is universally appreciated.

Check out Jackson's last days in theaters now. Ask you dad 'cause who knows, he just might be itching to watch it too.

Think my dad might be down for "New Moon?" No? Uh...I didn't watch to watch it either.

Asian Invasion

In a recent episode of Glee, Jane Lynch's character, Sue, the ruthless cheerleader coach who takes over the Glee club (temporarily), called out Glee members that she wanted to be on her team.

Sue: Alright, everybody! Listen up! When you hear your name called, cross over to my side of this black shiny thing.

Will (the actual Glee club coach): That's called a piano, Sue.

Sue: Wheels

Artie the handicapped boy, wheels over to Sue's side.

Sue: Gay Kid

Kurt, the homosexual boy, gives Sue a frosty glance.

Sue: Come on, move it! Asian

Tina and Mike, the Asian kids, glance at each other

Sue: Other Asian

They both head over

Uh, did she mean you or me?

When I watched that scene, I nearly toppled over with laughter. And then I pumped my fist in the air. Yes! Sue mentioned "Asian!" There are Asians on one of the hottest shows on TV! Victory! So not only is the superb Jenna Ushkowitz playing Tina Chang on the show, there's also the adorable Harry Shum Jr. as Mike Chang.

I got the pleasure of chatting with the two talented young stars for Audrey and KoreAm. Read their articles here and here.

Both characters' story lines have not been developed as much as some of the other Glee club members have but Watch With Kristin has spoiler alerted that the next episode will feature "some supercute romantic scenes betwee Artie and Tina" so I can't wait for Tina to do something other than stutter horribly.

Too bad Glee won't be back until November 11. Until then, I will only have Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother, catch up episodes of Mad Men, and Grey's Anatomy (I heard it was good again?) to keep me company. Oh - that and the Glee soundtrack on repeat in my car. I think I'll survive.

Sharing Is Caring

Good things should be shared. Bad things like the swine flu or dirty underwear or those millions of pictures that you took of yourself, each one looking exactly the same, except maybe with a different head cock or head twist, should not. (You know what I'm talking about, don't act like you don't have a folder of those stored somewhere in your computer) But good things should.

I really really dig This American Life with Ira Glass. Whenever I can, I bring it up in conversations. Don't even tell me if you don't know what it is because after I pick up my heart that has shattered into a million pieces, I will then proceed to go into this long, somewhat confuddling explanation of the show. Basically, it's a radio show which tells stories, interviews, songs, poems, etc. etc. based on a theme they choose each week. Doesn't sound too exciting, huh? Even the This American Life website noted this problem. Really, the only way that I will get you to realize the awesomeness of the show is if you listen to it. Try with these stories first.

This American Life has infiltrated my own life in America in so many ways. It's helped me understand a lot of complex issues like the U.S. health care problems or the cause for the financial crisis, it's kept me entertained for hours of otherwise mundane car rides, and most importantly, it's shown me the power of a good story and the impact it can have on its audience. That fact alone has kept me motivated in my own endeavors as a storyteller.

It's also motivated me to know that I can share the gospel with people.

In case you didn't know, I've recently become a Christian and, yes, it most definitely has been life-changing and is really quite all that jazz. I can see what the fuss is about and if I had known the happiness and peace of mind I'd feel, I'd have hopped on the bandwagon earlier! I will officially be getting baptized November 15 (come! come!).

Though I can't be happier about my faith and "seeing the light," honestly, I'm still a little hesitant about the whole thing. It still makes me a tad uncomfortable when I listen to sermons while driving with my windows down and I still stutter and mumble when describing just how I got "saved." (See, I'm still uncomfortable with using these religious words that I have to put quotes around them.) I might have to give my testimonial come Nov. 15 and I'm scared of not knowing really what to say.

And don't even get me started on spreading the gospel to other people. Sometimes I wonder, what right does it give me to tell other people about Him when I still have some doubts and questions myself? When I still can't fully believe everything the Bible says even though I fully believe in Him? And religion is complicated! And takes a long time to explain! And it's controversial!

But This American Life has made me realize that when you love something so much and understand and appreciate how good it is to you and for you, you want to share it with the world, no matter how complicated it is to explain. Pastor Ed once asked, "what good is it when you have all this food and can only eat it by yourself? Of course you'd want to call everyone over to enjoy the meal with you." I don't want to just go to Heaven by myself. I'd want all my loved ones and then some to join me. The more the merrier. There should be room up there. Extra pillows and everything.

Case in point: a year ago, I bought my cousin Cissy How I Met Your Mother boxsets. Cissy lives in Hong Kong and had no clue what the show was. Cissy is also a die-hard Friends fan, having watched every single episode at least ten times. The entire time I was in Hong Kong, the Mother DVDs just sat in their DVD collection, collecting dust. Every time I'd try to bust it out, they would make some excuses not to watch. I wasn't frustrated. I was confident that all in due time...

Now, a year later, Cissy's sister, Wrini, tells me that Cissy loves the show! She says it might even be funnier than Friends!

So after reading my post, maybe you'll head on over to the This American Life website. Maybe you'll click on one of the shows. Maybe you'll get into it, maybe you won't. Maybe some other day, you'll hear someone else talk about it and you'll give it another try. Maybe then you'll get hooked. Maybe you won't.

Maybe you'll go check out a church with a friend this coming Sunday. Maybe the sermon will speak to you. Maybe it won't. Maybe the people at the church will be so bright and full of this innate...happiness and good cheer that you'll wonder where it comes from and where you can get in on the action as well. Maybe they'll share with you the gospel which is basically this: 1) God created this Universe to enjoy it and man in his likeness to glorify Him. 2) Man became a sinner (Adam, Eve, apples) and is banished away from His kingdom. 3) Jesus Christ came along and saved us by dying on the cross for our sins. He was then reborn in 3 days. 4) If we have faith in all this and seek His grace and redemption, we will be saved.

Maybe you'll hear this and something will come over you. Maybe you'll still be hesitant and will want to know more. Or maybe you won't and that's that. I hope you do, though. As you know, when I have something good on my hands, I like to share it. And nothing is better to share than the Good News.