Jo on the Go

Another Airport Visit...

2012-01-03T10:43:00.001-05:00

Another Airport Visit..., a photo by jo.mei on Flickr.

My mom and I took my dad to the airport on the second day of 2012. He
has to go to China for a month because my grandmother, my dad's mom,
is in the hospital with pneumonia. If you come from an immigrant
family, you're always being taken or taking someone to the airport.
You're always saying goodbye, or hello, but with the knowlege that
goodbye is coming.
The last time my mother and I put my dad on a plane by himself, I was
five years old.

A New Year...

2012-01-01T14:26:00.001-05:00

A New Year..., a photo by jo.mei on Flickr.

A good beginning...
I crossed into the new year in with my parents. And the first thing I did on the first day of this year is to go for a run around the little peninsula we live on. Good job Jo (giving myself a little pat on the back)!
Somehow, Jack Gilbert has been on my mind a lot in the last 24 hours. I don't know why. I have never met the man but I did try to call his house once because his number seems to be in the phone book. I just wanted to tell him what an important artist he is, to me, and I hope he remains healthy, and I hope to meet him one day. I think he would be amused by that.
Jack Gilbert is a poet. He is an artist I admire so deeply that I am unable to explain why. Look him up. Buy a book of his. There's only three. Perhaps he'll speak to you the way he does to me.

FALLING AND FLYING
By Jack Gilbert

Everyone forgets that Icarus also flew.
It's the same when love comes to an end,
or the marriage fails and people say
they knew it was a mistake, that everybody
said it would never work. That she was
old enough to know better. But anything
worth doing is worth doing badly.
Like being there by that summer ocean
on the other side of the island while
love was fading out of her, the stars
burning so extravagantly those nights that
anyone could tell you they would never last.
Every morning she was asleep in my bed
like a visitation, the gentleness in her
like antelope standing in the dawn mist.
Each afternoon I watched her coming back
through the hot stony field after swimming,
the sea light behind her and the huge sky
on the other side of that. Listened to her
while we ate lunch. How can they say
the marriage failed? Like the people who
came back from Provence (when it was Provence)
and said it was pretty but the food was greasy.
I believe Icarus was not failing as he fell,
but just coming to the end of his triumph.

A night with Maggie and Nicky

2011-08-09T13:39:00.001-04:00

Dogsitting Overnight
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

I never had a single pet growing up.
I found a bunny once in the parking lot, but its owner came looking the next day, and there was a turtle that was crossing the road as we drove by, but somehow it died, well, I didn't know what to feed it. But no actual pets that my parents and I picked out and brought home and named. This on top of being an only child of immigrants... if you're a friend of mine, you'd agree, it explains a lot about who I am as a person.
Hence in my imagination and dreams, when I finally grow up and actually own things and take responsibility for them... one of those things is gonna be a dog. I have a few favored breeds but I wouldn't mind a little mutt. I'd let it sleep with me but I will not feed it under the table. And we'd play a lot of fetch in the park and eat outside together as often as possible.

Goh in a Saturday

2011-06-25T18:46:00.001-04:00

Goh in a Saturday
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

As the saying goes, be careful what you surround yourself with because
you will become what you surround yourself with. The great thing about
living in New York is that you can surround yourself with some of the
most talented and interesting people in the world. People who love
what they do, are good at what they do, and spreads joy with their
talent and passion.
It's 6:30pm on a Saturday. NYC. I'm listening to Goh Nakamura play a
private concert, 19 stories up in Lower Manhattan. Bliss.

A View from the Roof

2011-06-21T12:19:00.001-04:00

A View from the Roof
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Trying out my new email uploading tool and hence sharing this gorgeous
view of the train yards. Late night. Post black tie event. Post many
many cocktails. Many.

Graduated!

2011-06-21T11:56:00.001-04:00

Graduated!
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

It's now officially one month since graduation. This re-integration into real life, this enrollment into the larger campus of life... it's just as hard as everyone said it would be. And every bit as exciting.
I've suddenly had a lot of time to think. Sometimes that's helpful, sometimes it's detrimental. Either way, I am learning to take ownership of what I do with my time and energy.

Breakfast at Jennie's

2011-05-23T23:21:00.001-04:00

Breakfast at Jennie's
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

I'm very lucky to have a few very good girlfriends whom I know will be in my life till the end of it. I wish they all lived in the same city as me, but I guess you can't have everything. However, on the occasions we can be in the same room together, we celebrate with great food, and drinks, and gossip, and laughter. Lots of it.

My favorite dive

2011-05-23T22:03:00.001-04:00

My favorite dive
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

When I first moved to New York after college, the first show I got cast in was an adaptation of a famous Chinese play from the 1930 and we rehearsed in the basement of the Transfiguration Church in Chinatown. And every other night, after every other rehearsal, on my way to the subway, my cast mates and I would stop for a drink at Winnie's Bar & Lounge. The place is like a time capsule and the karaoke selection, played off an ancient TV that looks like the wardrobe that takes you to Narnia, ends in the early 90s.
I thought that was the life. Finally I was living like a real actor in New York City, all because I was in a show, I rode home on the subway, and I had my own dive bar hangout.

Late Night Dressing Room Fun

2011-04-01T02:07:00.001-04:00

Late Night Dressing Room Fun
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

The Juilliard women's dressing room has been my second home for the last four years. The amount of history and memories these rooms and each desk contain cannot be capture by a single camera or recounted by any one person... I'm just gonna make the most of my time there before eviction day.

A View From A Gym

2011-03-26T21:59:00.001-04:00

A View From A Gym
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

As graduation approaches and the realities of the real world dawn on me, I've finally started using the Juilliard gym. It's not the best equipped gym in the world, but at 22 stories up, it does have a spectacular view of midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River.

Art Deco Lobby

2011-03-19T11:20:00.001-04:00

Art Deco Lobby
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

It's good to have friends, especially friends with normal office jobs. For example, my dear friend Cheryl works in the historic RCA Building aka, the General Electric Building, and whenever I have time to kill during the week I like going to her office for a free cup of coffee, a nap on the couch, or, on this occasion, partake in the girl scout cookies one of her colleagues left in the break room.

Walking

2011-03-14T00:54:00.001-04:00

Walking
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

We "lost" an hour today due to the springing forward of daylight savings. Maybe that's why lower Manhattan seemed particularly quiet this morning. The perfect day for a long meandering stroll through the city. You turn and I'll follow... quite perfect...

Wintery beach

2011-03-08T21:09:00.001-05:00

Wintery beach
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

The New England beach in winter is no joke. The wind is bitter and unforgiving, even as the sun blinds you from the sky and surf. Despite all this, I can't resist a brisk walk close to the water... something about the millions of broken seashells and the carpet of seaweed at low tide and the flocks of seagulls... make me feel at peace with my minute existence.

#1 Something

2011-03-07T21:08:00.001-05:00

IMG_0463
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

My parents, at some point recently, acquired this pair of mugs, which have since become their preferred mugs around the house. Now, as their only child, their only still single and far from having marriage prospects daughter, I can't help but take these mugs a little personally. My mother may tell me they were on sale at TJ Maxx and are the perfect size for their hot beverages, but still... these mugs are sending me a message I do not appreciate.

Night out in RI

2011-03-06T23:01:00.001-05:00

Night out in RI
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Sunday night, Town Pizza Family Restaurant near my parents' house. I was picking over the remnants of my Seafood Platter when this couple settled into the booth next to ours.
She got tea, he got a beer, then they're gonna share a pizza...

"Digital Antiquities" set photo

2010-12-21T18:41:00.001-05:00

Taking a break

2010-11-25T18:47:00.001-05:00

Taking a break
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Halfway through my headshot session with Rich Wong. We both agreed shooting/posing for video in motion seems much easier than still photography.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #3

2009-07-24T11:29:00.001-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #3
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #3

2009-07-24T11:28:00.005-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #3
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - prep for cut #3

2009-07-24T11:28:00.003-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - prep for cut #3
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #2+bleach

2009-07-24T11:28:00.001-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #2+bleach
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #2+bleach

2009-07-24T11:27:00.003-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #2+bleach
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - bleaching

2009-07-24T11:27:00.001-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - bleaching
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #2+bleach

2009-07-24T11:26:00.001-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #2+bleach
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #1

2009-07-24T11:25:00.001-04:00

Adventures in Hair Modeling - cut #1
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Mom & Dad waiting for NYPhil

2009-07-21T20:14:00.001-04:00

Mom & Dad
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Met Opera in the Park

2009-07-21T20:13:00.005-04:00

Met Opera in the Park
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Time Square family outing

2009-07-21T20:13:00.003-04:00

Time Square family outing
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Ma & Pa in the Big Apple

2009-07-21T20:13:00.001-04:00

Ma & Pa in the Big Apple
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Dad & Marla

2009-07-21T20:11:00.001-04:00

Dad & Marla
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Part of my parents' fun summer visit

Roadtrip

2009-07-05T22:50:00.001-04:00

Roadtrip
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

The road is wide open at 2am

Come feel the water

2009-06-08T22:39:00.001-04:00

Mom & Dad
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

When Obbi the masked pooch came to visit the office

2009-05-30T08:47:00.001-04:00

Me & Obbi
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

A Good Old Fashioned Dive

2009-05-29T23:10:00.001-04:00

A Good Old Fashioned Dive
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Gone fishin'

2009-05-21T00:42:00.001-04:00

Gone fishin'
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Roadside foliage along my path

2008-12-30T15:47:00.001-05:00

Roadside foliage
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Along the route home

2008-12-30T15:46:00.001-05:00

Along the route
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

On my walk home from the library

2008-12-30T15:44:00.001-05:00

On my walk home
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

My final visit to Izumi Salon... poohoohoo...

2008-12-30T15:41:00.001-05:00

Last Cut with Izumi
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Photo sesson with Lloyd #1

2008-09-05T12:02:00.001-04:00

Photo sesson with Lloyd #1
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Photo sesson with Lloyd #2

2008-09-05T12:01:00.003-04:00

Photo sesson with Lloyd #2
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Photo session with Lloyd #3

2008-09-05T12:01:00.001-04:00

Photo session with Lloyd #3
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

AEON JO

2008-08-13T23:20:00.001-04:00

AEON JO
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

What happens when I do my own stunts and the "brilliant" director calls for yet another take.

Rainbow over Brooklyn

2008-08-04T00:15:00.001-04:00

Rainbow over Brooklyn
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Guapple's Birthday

2008-07-29T00:03:00.001-04:00

Guapple's Birthday
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

note: this moment was captured on JP's iPhone (hopefully, my soon-to-be iPhone).

Attack of the Jo #1

2008-07-27T23:32:00.001-04:00

Attack of the Jo #1
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Getting ready for reshoot #2 of IDSID. I have a new tagline for us "the never ending 10 min film."

Biker Chicks

2008-07-26T02:38:00.001-04:00

Biker Chicks
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

guapple, jojo do their best Bitchin' Biker Babes look.

SMILE!

2008-07-25T18:24:00.001-04:00

SMILE!
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

I hate the way the light hits my face and makes me look like a pan-fried seed-face, but my dad is actually smiling for the camera... very rare occurrence.

Fireworks on the beach

2008-07-25T18:23:00.001-04:00

Fireworks on the beach
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Only legal in little Rhodey.

Where's the train...

2008-01-21T22:43:00.001-05:00

Waiting for the train
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

A funny thing called Photo Booth... and me

2008-01-08T18:21:00.001-05:00

Me again
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

So yes, there's this affliction called Vanity: it's a sin, sure, but we all suffer from it. We try to fight it. Well, I do, can't speak for the rest of you.
But reflective surfaces are all around us, they're sneaky, they catch the corner of our eyes and make us stop and turn and look, and look some more and sometimes, even lead us to play with our clothes and hair or worse, make sexy faces for no reason.
As if all that wasn't bad enough, somebody had to go and create this Photo Booth application on all Macs.
How does anyone get anything done with this thing on?!
If you don't know what I'm ranting about... count yourself lucky.

Parental units

2008-01-05T23:31:00.001-05:00

Dad & Mom
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

A rare moment for them to be in the kitchen together. An even rarer moment for my dad to be at the stove.

PURPLE

2008-01-05T11:58:00.001-05:00

half eaten yam
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

vivid. sweet. natural.

Saint John's Cathedral, NYC

2008-01-05T11:55:00.001-05:00

Saint John's Cathedral, NYC
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

My first visit here. The inside is hidden for construction, but the surrounding grounds are quite lovely.

Me as Georgina-circa-late 1940s, from the neck up

2007-12-02T02:04:00.001-05:00

El Lockerado
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

A rare moment to relax on my own

2007-10-29T22:16:00.001-04:00

First year locker room
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Group 40 (dunno where Mark is)

2007-10-13T12:13:00.001-04:00

17 out of 18
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Orientation Picnic

2007-10-13T12:12:00.001-04:00

Lincoln Center Plaza
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

The cart... 53rd & 6... yum yum yum...

2007-08-16T22:26:00.001-04:00

Food from "The Cart"
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Who needs the circus when you've got the New York subway?

2007-08-16T22:25:00.001-04:00

Subway bubble
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Drinks with the girls

2007-06-28T22:45:00.001-04:00

Somewhere on Rivington
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

I don't know what the apartment is like, but i wanna live there

2007-06-26T22:45:00.001-04:00

Rooftop haven, Midtown, Manhattan
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Chandelier in a bar... now that's high class

2007-06-24T02:48:00.001-04:00

Antique Garage, Mercer St.
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Between Brooklyn and Manhattan

2007-06-22T23:17:00.001-04:00

Manhattan Bridge
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Sam French Adventure

2007-06-16T10:32:00.001-04:00

Outside the Chernuchin Theater
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Your quintessential (and rather spacious) off-off Broadway dressing room

2007-06-13T14:36:00.001-04:00

The Metropolitan Playhouse, NYC
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

CC's Middle School Commencement

2007-06-12T08:22:00.001-04:00

Calvary Baptist Church, NYC
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Introducing: Jo #1

2007-06-09T13:47:00.001-04:00

Wigged out in Brooklyn
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Location Scout #2 w/ DP #1

2007-05-26T01:48:00.001-04:00

River Road, SI, NY
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

One of the best things about visiting my parents in RI

2007-05-26T01:45:00.001-04:00

Spike's Junkyard Dog, Cranston, RI
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

"No food? No love..."

2007-05-03T00:02:00.001-04:00

Oonagh
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

She's the boss

2007-05-02T23:47:00.001-04:00

Oonagh
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Remembering my grandparents

2007-04-02T23:08:00.001-04:00

Ghost money by moonlight
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

A view from up high.

2007-03-26T23:31:00.001-04:00

Newsweek Building, W. 57th
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Taken exactly an hour and thirty minute before I heard from Juilliard.

While consuming highly over priced beverages

2007-03-26T23:18:00.001-04:00

The Met, NYC
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

My very first flower delivery... late, but free

2007-02-19T23:59:00.000-05:00

V-day + 5
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Marg's last day...

2007-02-06T23:59:00.000-05:00

Guest photographer: guapple
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

... and our last free meal for a while. poohoo.

Mutant car

2007-02-04T23:59:00.000-05:00

Williamsburg, NY
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Sunday in the park with...

2007-01-22T19:57:00.000-05:00

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Atlantic Station

2007-01-15T00:54:00.000-05:00

Rodent Rider
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

This guy was standing a bit close to the edge, but I didn't think it was my place to tell him (or her) to step behind the yellow line. The last time I took a picture of this platform, a pigeon was patrolling this same spot.

Entering the lobby from 57th

2007-01-13T23:59:00.000-05:00

Parker Meridian
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

This was my first time in the Parker Meridian. Don't know what the rooms are like but the lobby is pretty cool... especially if you like mirrors. Aside from the narcissist friendly walkway, the hotel is also home to The Burger Joint, which is probably the most carefully dressed hole-in-the-wall joint I've been to. It's truely the definition of ghetto-chic.

That's no Marla... it's not exactly a Lucy either

2007-01-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

The He Bat-Cat called Lucy
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

I'm on TV!... 2 channels!

2007-01-06T10:52:00.000-05:00

Being watched
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Sitting around

2007-01-04T17:27:00.000-05:00

Behind Lincoln Center
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Pre-Writing drink

2006-11-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

Wine & me
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Strange elevator? Look up.

2006-11-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

A trip to the eye doctor's
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

I love weddings...

2006-11-18T00:10:00.000-05:00

The Bride and the Gals
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

... i really do. Maybe it's because I haven't been invited to that many, hence they are still quite a novelty to me. But Jenny's wedding was just full of happiness, love, laughter, great food, friends.. all the the good stuff in life. I'm glad I went and I'm glad I was included in Jenny's special day. I came away with a jar of Austrian honey and a lot of joy that will stay with me for a long long time.

First Dance

2006-11-15T20:46:00.000-05:00

First Dance
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

On the streets of Oak-town

2006-11-15T00:07:00.000-05:00

Girls in a ball, on a tree
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

My First Russian Jewish Wedding

2006-11-14T03:26:00.000-05:00

After Midnight
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Actors in Character

2006-11-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Performing Arts Library
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

The Performing Arts Library is one of my favorite places to go in Manhattan. It houses a wealth of information that's valuable to all visitors, whether you're involved in the performing arts or not. The space is comfortable, open, full of sunlight and has many reading tables overlooking the Lincoln Center pool. Right now, there's a photo exhibit called "Actors in Character" adorning the library's walls. It features the faces and expressions of almost everybody who is anybody in the New York acting world. Go! Check it out!

MacTV time

2006-11-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

jojo, marla, guapple
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Sad but true to life... this really is how we spent Wednesday night. TV on, logged onto AIM, cat purring...

Service Information? Don't look at me.

2006-10-30T21:43:00.000-05:00

The Wrong Station, B, Q line
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

I've lived in Brooklyn for over a year now, but I still manage to get lost. After an 11-hour day on the set of "The Tourist," I somehow squeeze in a detour on the B, Q line.

Same but different...

2006-10-26T23:07:00.000-04:00

Grandpa"s
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

One of many good meals

2006-10-26T23:06:00.000-04:00

Noodles, Xian Style
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Dinner theatre Uighur style

2006-10-26T23:04:00.000-04:00

Xinjiang food & dance
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Visiting Grandpa Mei

2006-10-26T23:01:00.000-04:00

Ba Bao Shan, Beijing
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Visiting Grandma Yan

2006-10-26T23:00:00.000-04:00

Ba Bao Shan, Beijing
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

An unusually clear day... very unusual

2006-10-26T22:59:00.000-04:00

Southwest District, Beijing
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.

Leaving

2006-10-26T22:58:00.000-04:00

Yan siblings
Originally uploaded by jo.mei.