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Starting in middle school, my dad used to always say to me "Don't get too excited." He would say it when I did something noteworthy, or achieved something. Basically, the nice way of say "What's the big deal? So what?". With his limited english vocab and lack of colloquial knowledge, this is how he communicated that. I guess it's normal for parents to push you when you're younger, and expect a lot out of you, so my father would definitely always keep me grounded by saying "Don't get too excited", like...don't be so proud of this one thing, there's more you need to do.
I'd like to think that the other meaning was also a way to calm me down. Often times, when there's a lot going on in your life, or it seems like something is super urgent and "omgtheworldisgonnaendif..." we tend not to think straight and act irrationally. "Don't get too excited" = don't psyche yourself out, chill.
With that long backstory said...it is the end of another year. Technically, the second full calendar year that I've been out of school and here in LA working on Wong Fu Productions. Nowadays, the most pressure does not come from my parents, but from myself, and I'm constantly contemplating...am I doing enough? I look back on the last 12 months and, only if I look closely, do I realize that yeah...a lot happened. Two nationwide tours, throwing a 1200 audience concert, relaunching our apparel brand, going to France to partake in the Cannes filmfest, going to Taiwan and HK, creating 13 new short films/mvs, and..other stuff- but- then I stop, and I remember what my dad said, "Don't get too excited."
sigh... And I know he's right. There's still so much to do, such a long and difficult road ahead and we just stepped on. So while I hope I didn't sound arrogant with that list, yes, a lot has been accomplished... but there is more.
Was it enough? I hope so. I don't think I could've physically done anymore. Am I done? Of course not.
The other side could ask, "Was it too much?" That can be argued. I don't want my life to be all about work, I don't want to miss out on certain things or people...but I think this year I did fail in a sense that maybe I could've spent more time in other areas, and for some other people. Technically this could be a round of "I'm sorry's" rather than "thanks. With 2009 starting tomorrow (a projected very very busy year), I'm torn between the part of me that says "more more more" and the part that says "slow down". I guess we'll see what happens, and if at the end of 2009, I can be satisfied with what I did and didn't do.
And while I've been trying to figure out that balance, I am remind of the wonderful people who have been by my side this year. The people who have helped keep me sane, keep me motivated, inspired, and focused. To these special ones, like '05, '06, and '07, here's '08's round of earnest 'thank yous'.
First, thank you to all the fans and supporters of Wong Fu Productions around the world. We wouldn't be anywhere without you. Thank you Jessica for helping to bring life to our "office". Thank you Gracie for sharing your exuberance with us. Thank you Janet for your funny faces. Thank you Eric for introducing us to a different world that we will someday be a part of; thank you for believing in us and doing all that you could. Thank you Susan for listening to me even when I got loud. I'm so glad we've gotten closer this year. Thank you Carmen slugging it out in this industry with us. Thank you Mimi for your talent and your travels; hopefully we can join you someday. Thank you Brian for also pursuing your passion; makes us feel a little less foolish. Thank you Tom for grinding with us and hooking it up whenever and wherever. Thank you FM and Linda for having confidence in us. Thank you Nita for keeping me close when I gave you no reason to. Thank you Fiona for going to Chiles w/ me, always. Thank you Allen for the dolly; it was so much more than just a dolly. Thank you Tim and Henry for helping me look forward to the upper 20s. Thank you Jesse for making all these tweaks that Wes and I can't even hear. Thank you Mel for making me feel like no time has passed at all and it's still 2003; and for always chatting at work. Thank you Jeh for saving lives, literally. Thank you Wes and Ted for another year of hardwork, hardly playing, and "har har" laughs. I really believe we can do great things and though we don't say it often, I'm glad to be here w/ you both and I'm proud of us.
ya kno, I often sarcastically whine that I'm all alone here...but the reality is I'm really blessed to have you all, either physically close, or in spirit. Thank you.
I don't make new year's resolutions- I make end of the year conclusions. And that's that for 2008.
2009 is for you...and you, and you, and you...
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| | Posted 12/31/2008 7:01 PM - 1016 Views - 72 eProps - 36 comments
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