Two weeks ago, November 15 and 17 was my debut as a small town actress. One of the most proudest nights of my life. Being able to prove something to my parents and I guess most importantly myself. And what's not more fun than starting as a bitchy, and as the reporter put it "shallow, scatterbrain" evil stepsister. For four years now, I've been trying to find an answer to the question of "Can I really be an actress? And not a stereotypical Asian scholar student?" And I guess I found the answer, but like Odysseus I can't seem to accept the great relalization. All I do know is that I felt incrediably happy that people I didn't even know came up to me and said I was really good and to continue with acting. And people recognizing me the next day and me being like whoa. they know who I am, from one night. It was amazing, if only they knew what I've struggled through.
It's like, hey, you can't put me down anymore. Now comes another test: singing, dancing, and acting into one. Can I do it? Right now I say, Maybe. we'll see.
As to my thank yous, I guess some credit goes to my family for grudingly taking me home from late practices. Most importantly to the Midnights Players for being the closest and bestest friends and for believing in me. And too my girls for sitting in the third row for supporting me and loving it and seeing me from the other side. All in all, it feels great to be the one on stage for a change.
Welcome
About Me
Taste of Bethesda
October 6, 2007
It’s a sunny day in Bethesda. The streets are crowded with people, several people carrying or leading dogs on leashes. Babies in carriages, children running around with Haagen Dazs ice cream, and people of all ages walk up and down the four blocks in search for their next meal.
Now you may be asking me why a whole bunch of restaurants selling their most popular dishes on the sidewalks of the street and somewhat making a profit has to do with culture. Well, it is this display of all the different kinds of restaurants that remind us how American is really and literally a melting pot. The Passage to India stand smells strongly of spices while the California Tortilla stand smells of the sugary sweetness of fresh churros. While walking up and down Del Ray Avenue we passed two huge pans of paella, at Divinos and simmering in the heat. They had everything from smoothies, to Haagen Dazs ice cream. Papa John’s is selling their pizza down the street from the more polished (and a ticket more expensive) Mia’s Pizza. Even one of America’s most favorite dishes can be used as a metaphor to American society; the differences in the culture of the ordinary and the higher end in wealth status. Everything from burgers to steaks to seafood to ribs to paella to pizza to salads to ice cream, all the diverse food items, much like our diverse culture, could have been seen at the Taste of Bethesda.
There were not only food stands, but car dealerships and other business and groups had booths along the sidewalk. Seeing the number of cars put on display reminds me of how much American is dependent on these machines and they are a primary symbol of a life full of technology. There was also the police department who were handing out fliers about safety and neighborhood watch programs. Several other businesses advertised by setting up displays and handing out balloons to little children. Even on a Saturday, business and work is on the mind of Americans.
Several people took this festival as an opportunity to display their opinions for the 2008 presidential elections. A group of people supporting “Hilary Clinton 2008” signs had taken over the bench area in front of the St. Elmo stage. Stickers in support for Barack
Obama litter Norfolk Street in front of the McCormick and Schmick’s stand. In a silent way, I was reminded the power of the freedom of speech and the importance of democracy to many people.
Not just radio stations blasting music up and down the streets, there were four different stages with live acts. On the Fairmont Stage there was a group who sang popular songs a capella and an act called Jambulay sang African, Caribbean, and Cuban music. At the St. Elmo stage, people enjoyed a Latin orchestra and James Brazen Big Band which played classical jazz pieces. Younger audiences rocked out at the Cordell stage where Signature Live! And GHz played remakes of popular songs of today. Among the various acts on the Norfolk Stage there were dancers from Malaysia and Southern Asia and couples demonstrating classic ballroom dances. These different acts once again show the diversity in American culture and the audiences show that Americans are pretty much open to different types of culture.
Regardless of age, ethnicity, political affiliation; people of all types came out to enjoy a wonderful diverse day at the Taste of Bethesda. Myself being one of them.