Author: Will Dao

For the most part, I’m one of those Asians that’s benefiting from extremely oily skin. Assuming my receding hairline doesn’t crawl another three inches up my scalp, I will probably look like I’m in my 20s for another 5-7 years. While oily skin is wonderful for keeping my skin so smooth and supple (isn’t supple a totally disgusting sounding word, btw?), it is also problematic because it’s bacteria heaven. I have so many clogged, enlarged pores. The only other reason why people will think I’m still a teenager is because I’m still breaking out like one.

That said, I think I’ve finally found a skincare regime that works for me. After much experimentation, I’ve discovered a few things:
– I’m probably allergic to scented products.
– Although it’s not recommended, I generally do have to wash my face at least three times a day with a mild soap.
– The more products I use, the more I break out.

So I’ve simplified. I wash my face with Cetaphil, apply Murad toner and exfoliating gel, and moisturize with Neutrogena’s Oil-free lotion. That’s it. No more prescription drugs!

Of course, bad skin is the result of many factors including too much stress and lack of sleep. I’m doing pretty well at managing both areas for the moment, but come next week when I start my long-term temp gig, we’ll see how many of my buddies will be popping out to say hello.

In other news, I’m kind of in love with my Cuisinart bread machine. I want to make all sorts of breads and carb-laden products! It is so ridonculously easy. Set it and forget it! Wait … wrong product, but same idea. The machine comes with a recipe book. So far, I’ve only made simple breads that require six or less ingredients. Today, I made a cinammon raison bread. It smells heavenly and I can’t wait to cut into it and EAT IT. I think I will bake some dinner rolls for tonight!

A few years ago, I lost my patience with capitalization, particularly in my personal correspondence. The exceptions were when I typed a person’s name or when I needed to emphasize SOMETHING. I’m not sure why I stopped. Maybe I was rebelling or maybe I was just lazy. Whatever the case, I’ve decided to exercise my pinky and start capitalizing again, just like Ms. Dietz taught me to in her 8th-grade grammar class. So – welcome back, Shift-key. My, how touching you makes things so big!

Do you guys remember that Dog Whisperer show with Caeser (SAY-tzar)? Lessons from his show will randomly pop into my memory, though mostly during interactions with humans rather than animals. Like, do you remember how he used to get dogs to shut up and behave? He used to pinch their necks and hiss. I think about that every time I’m around loud people. Is it ok to go up to them, grab their neck, and hiss?

Well ok. Maybe THAT trick doesn’t translate well to humans, especially humans who are much larger than me. But there was another episode in which this overly energetic spaz of a dog just wouldn’t shut up and would go crazy whenever someone visited the owner’s house. And this owner: poor guy. He looked so bereft of joy. He had NO idea how to deal with his dog, and GOD the clothes he wore were atrocious, too. Anyway, in comes Caesar to save the day. His advice was simple: give the dog more exercise because dogs, especially that breed, are not meant to be locked at home as much as this canine was. Sure enough, by taking the dog for a lengthier walk, it calmed down and was less aggressive. Hurray.

I realized today that I’m that dog. I have these weird panic attacks and/or moments of anxiety where I get really jittery and start annoying the people I’m around. Even though my mind is telling me, “Stay home and check Facebook,” I actually need a lot of physical activity. Whether it’s because the endorphins and hormones generated from exercising equalizes a chemical imbalance or the act of going outside refreshes my mental outlook, I need to keep moving.

I hope that’s not a sign that I’m A.D.D. though?!

honestly, i have no idea what the rapture is. sometimes i thank god that i’m buddhist because for the most part, we don’t have as many crazies followers with such passionate beliefs and interpretations about their holy book. when was the last time buddhists were in the news? jesus we’re boring.

from what i gather (thanks, wikipedia), the rapture is when believers will be “caught up in the air” while the rest are left on earth to await jesus’ second coming. so correct me if i’m wrong, but i’m picturing a scene where i’m walking outside, minding my business and dropping off my netflix, when suddenly i look around and see my neighbors randomly floating up to the sky.

actually, no. i live in the castro so most of us are probably staying, but is that kind of the idea?

well, i’ll keep you posted if the sun is blocked today by a bunch of flying san franciscans…