25 Random Things…

First of all, Happy New Year, everybody!

(Click on the picture for a larger version in a new window).

Since it is New Year, I thought to start it with something really different. Those who have known me for a *long* time, know there are a couple of things I dislike about the Internet. Instant Messaging, chain emails, memes, etc. etc. etc. So, why the hell I am doing this? I guess it is part of the “discovery” process. Other than fellow bloggers whom I have met in different gatherings, most readers of this blog (whom I really appreciate you drop by!) have no idea about me. So, just for fun, I thought I should do this, i.e., drop tidbits about the person behind this blog by listing 25 random things. And, oh, no, I won’t post a picture of myself…

1. Despite I lived in Panama for 20+ years, I did not acquire Panamanian citizenship. Technically, I could have but I prefer to be Canadian! On that note, since China, my birthplace, does not recognize dual citizenship…
2. I am mostly a right sided person, i.e., I write with my right, kick with my right, throw with my right and so on. I can do things with my left hand/leg provided I have support from my right hand/leg.
3. I am old-school in a lot of things. This is mainly because I prefer tried-and-true way to do things over bleeding cutting edge of things (like technology). No, that does not mean I will not use cutting edge technology; I will do if necessary. My preference not to use it is mainly due to the fact I have been “burned” too many times.
4. I am a touch typist and can type over 65 wpm. Related to #3, if I had to type for a long period of time, my weapon of choice would be a Model M keyboard over most modern Logitech/Microsoft, including those weird shaped ones. If you are a touch typist, once you have used it, you can’t go back!
5. I have a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. This has not much to do with me being Asian, as it was in the early 90′s; instead, it might be because I did not want to take the other stereotypical subject: Accounting. And, oh, as an example of how old school I can be (#3 above), I have worked (and sometimes still do) with mainframes.
6. I can’t balance myself too well. As a result, I can’t do most activities where I might not end up standing on my own two feet, like roller blading, skating, biking, et al. Not sure if there is a correlation with #2, hehehehehe. And, yes, I have been doing things to try to improve my core strength but I still have long ways to go.
7. I can’t swim either due to fear of deep water.
8. I am afraid of heights, though I have been trying to get over. How? Every time I am in a tall building, I look outside and try to keep myself calm. However, my instincts might kick back in, if somebody “surprises” me on that situation.
9. I don’t wear glasses or contacts nor have had eye surgery.
10. My ultimate comfort dish is Chinese steamed eggs with minced meat.
11. When I was ~14, I was at my uncle’s home and snuck a glass of wine. I drank barely a quarter of that glass and ended up totally knocked out. The following day, I had *that* terrible headache and had to stay on bed. Because of that incident, I chose not to drink at all, until two years ago when my friend PR introduce me to alcohol again. The wine I snuck a glass out? A fruity Riunite.
12. Before I started food blogging, it could be said I was a loner/had a lone-wolf personality. While that kicks back a lot of times, it is also safe to say I have changed a lot in the last year or so! Yes, I am an introvert!
13. For the most part, I fall between a Lawful Neutral/Neutral Good and True Neutral (more details about this here). Did I say old-school? No WoW for me!
14. My favourite computer game has to be Hero’s Quest 1: So You Want To Be A Hero? (relabelled afterwards as Quest for Glory 1: So You Want To Be A Hero?). It has a really interesting combination of adventure, RPG and humour. Although it has limited replayability, it is still a fun game. If you are really interested in getting this game, I will highly suggest you get the extremely old-school parser EGA (!!!) version rather than the re-released point and click VGA version.
15. I used to work in a hardware store. As a result, I know some plumbing, electricity, et al. Yes, I can be quite handy!
16. I am currently working on my CIA… No, not that CIA or that certain other CIA but this CIA.
17. For the most part, I am not nozy or curious (unless there is a requirement for me to do so, as my line of work, see above). However, if you bring out a topic, I feel you have just opened the gates and given me permission to start asking questions. Now, it does not necessarily mean I will start asking you a lot of questions; if I do, it means I care. Unfortunately, this has struck a lot of people the wrong way: They feel as if I do not care or I am being too nozy.
18. This is one of the cultural issues that irked me when I was in Panama: Even the smallest gossip spreads like wildfire and, chances are the whole country will know about it by the end of the day. As a result, I tend not to provide much information about myself; unless, that is, I have known you for a while. If you notice I start to answer questions without holding much back, it means I trust you. Now, if I have that odd feeling answering x or y might end up in a barrage of endless questions “just for fun” or in hopes of trying poke fun of me, I will hold back on purpose. This is to you, Ellena, Kelvin, Blanca, Jeff and Emi!
19. I don’t like to celebrate my birthday. I have no issue with my age; rather, I feel it is just another day. I have a hunch of why this is the case (won’t put it down here, but you can try #18 above!). However, I will celebrate other people’s birthday!
20. I seldom listen to music. Similar to switching on the TV for some “background” noise, I do that with radio but I do not necessarily listen to it. Oddly, if I tune sounds “good”, I might get the track despite I have no idea of the lyrics. Come to think about it, I do not want to know how I will sound if I were in a Karaoke booth…
21. I have one sibling – Julia. Our age difference is seven years (I am the eldest) and we do not get along at all.
22. I prefer comedy over action over drama over thriller over… C’mon, life is too serious already!
23. I am borderline hoarder. There are things that I will throw away without any problem; I just need somebody or something to notice/tell me that and I will get rid of most things in no time. In fact, the days before I wrote this, I realized I had one too many recyclables and took them to the recycle centre. Actually, I have some old computer cases I have to recycle…. ^_^;;;
24. I am mostly a practical person, though one of my favourite phrases is “In theory, everything works”.
25. One of my side hobbies is playing a card game called Magic: The Gathering. I am not a “spike” (competitive player), instead, I tend to be that one who look for somewhat “interesting” interaction of the cards. Also, I am level 1 judge.

Hopefully this provide some other facets about myself, rather than what is shown in my posts. But, wait, there is one more, a “bonus” random entry…

Actually, this is pretty obvious to people who have already met me in person and something some people have already “guessed”. However, certain people, especially the PR people from some restaurants/chain restaurants in Vancouver doesn’t seem to have realized yet. What is that? Well, they have sent me a couple of times emails inviting me to “bring my stilettos” to an opening/open house/party at your restaurant? (Yes, that has happened, I BCCed my response to some of my fellow food bloggers so they know this is true!). Aside from the fact I do not attend to any of these, I do not have any stilettos or heels. OK, let me put it this way: I am a guy!

Tagged under: Random