Month 1 - Take stock

That was fast. I can't believe it is already the end of the first month of the new year. That was seriously a blink of an eye. When time moves that fast, it's usually because you're too busy to notice, so I should take some joy in knowing that I've been busy, and hopefully - Productive.

I could say that I have been on most fronts.

Work - Helped to bash out a monster-thick book with a great team of colleagues. That was painful, but fun.

New Year resolutions - I reckon I'm still on track (this blog entry is part of that) The other resolutions are still in motion, so that's good. Motion, that is critical Brian. Keep that in mind you lazy bugger. Keep the gears churning.

Filming - Me oh my, this is what I definitely want to note down. After 2 and a half months of high tempo filming, I am stretched and tired. It's been a great experience thus far, stretching in terms of juggling work, rest, activities in church and a social life, but it's been priceless. Really really glad to finally have a chance to chill some on location with some of the guys on the show. Guys are usually the competitive type, but I love how the fellas on this show really aren't catty and backstabbing just to nose ahead. It looks like everyone is pretty grounded and mature in that we're all just doing our best, for ourselves, just to see what we are capable of. It's gloriously colorful to see how we excel in our strengths and really hit our faces to the floor laughing when we hit our snags. As long as we keep the laughs going, it's going to be a good show. I am seriously dreading the impending elimination round. Not the thought of not making the cut, but of the reality that some of our journeys on the show are about to end.

Had a great conversation with one of the guys on the way home after the shoot. He shared how his previous relationship ended because his ex couldn't take him being involved in things like pageants, tv ads, programmes, etc. All this "glamour"and such caused a lot of friction between them to the point where it just wasn't working. Hearing that reminded me that I think a lot of people out there have a seriously exaggerated view of what the 'limelight' really entails. Not that I'm in it or experiencing it, but I've obviously been watching the lives of the A-list artists that are on the show. It's really tough work. Just because people get dolled up with the hair and wardrobe and look dang good on screen, doesn't mean it's glamourous or easy at all. A lot of work and sacrifice goes into looking good in the clothes you're dictated to wear. A lot of work goes into remembering lines and keeping your energy levels high enough for entertainment value. I'm more than convinced that the artists I've been exposed to really work for their keep, just like anyone else that is NOT in the limelight. If anything, the exposure puts greater pressure on those in the limelight than those that can wear slippers in the office, slogging over night, not worrying if their gut is bulging or their nose hairs are trimmed.

Juggling both, a day job in the office and an evening/weekend affair of intensive filming, I'd say that filming is a whole lot more strenuous. So my hats off to the amazing hosts, producers and crew of this show who really don't have it cushy at all. I'm amazed that you put in the hours and still have the energy to take time to laugh and take care of silly contestants like me and the guys. We're slogging it out with you, but we're also grateful. I know I definitely am. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to see the grunt and sweat behind the glitz and glam on the tv screens. Even more grateful to have the continual opportunity to be part of the process as well.

I have to go for my day job once again, so I better knock out. So at the end of Jan 2010, I take stock that my colleagues are still amazing. I'm still on track with my resolutions and I am stretched but grateful for the new bonds of friendship, experience and opportunity on the beloved set of "U're the Man".

Month 2 - I have arrived.

Debut Blog of 2010

Wow.I guess this is it. My first post and the start of me nailing all these resolutions.

Resolutions for 2010:

1. Start a blog (and blog at least once a month)
2. Drastically improve my mandarin
3. Read 1 new book a quarter (More than 50 pages)
4. Hang out more with the coolest colleagues in the world
5. ....Other resolutions are just boring or too private ah tee hee hee...

So why is starting a blog and pushing myself to keep blogging on a relatively consistent basis even a resolution?

First off, looks like it's going to be a pretty interesting year. In 5 days time...the first episode of a spanking new chinese reality show U're The Man 花样型男 will be airing. Of all things and of all people, I managed to wind up being one of the10 contestants. YES! Brian is on a chinese programme. What the? What the? ....WHAT THE?!

Typing it out and reading that line still tickles me. "Brian is on a chinese programme". My high school chinese teacher (who is a british white guy by the way) would be laughing and exclaiming his disbelief in Queens english.

Time for a shameless plug - So catch the show on Channel U, 8pm every tuesday.

Plug over -

O wait...for the highly curious (or bored), Channel U has set up a facebook fan page for the show where you can check out seriously unflattering photos of me and the other 9 stand-up guys that I'm on the show with:

http://www.facebook.com/brianzhliu?ref=profile#/pages/Ure-The-Man-hua-yang-xing-nan/238096456428?ref=mf

Go become a fan. Of the show! Or me? :)

So yes, where was I? Ah yes, why the conviction to blog as a new year resolution.

I'm so ridiculously busy with my day job from mon-fri. And now I have filming throughout the weekends. This leaves me with a 7 day work week and a sliver of time for a social life. So I must blog so that people know I'm still alive and have not become the depressed recluse that I have such strong inclinations towards. I'm not ignoring YOU. It's not always about you. I'm just swamped. My blog is my proof of life - for the worriers and friends that are sweet enough to miss me :) Don't worry - I'm a big boy now. Kinda.

Lastly, blogging is good for me. It keeps me reflective. It keeps me thinking through my thoughts, feelings and experiences - which ultimately keeps me grateful for the opportunities and life that I am privileged to lead.

O yeh! A real practical benefit of blogging. Since it's public writing, I'm forced to grow up and develop this thing within me called tact. I guess I still stubbornly hold onto the ideal of straight talking, unprentious living. Getting out what's on my mind, many a times rashly disregarding the consequences of such actions. People use blogs to rant and vent. Knowing me, I'll likely be doing the same on many occasions, but through blogging, I hope to do it with more of this strange thing you call "tact" and diplomacy. Here's to the hopes of a more eloquent, articulate and politically correct me in 2010 and beyond.

"Mood swings and radiance" - The title of my blog. Pretty much sums me up, as much as I know me. Lots of cynical, melancholic stretches, but peppered through these times are flashes of joy, self-discovery, connection and pure exhilaration. - Epiphanies that can only be described as pure radiance.

2010 - I'm onto you.... you will not slip me by, you raging bull you.

So here's to a disciplined and better me in 2010. If no blogs from me in 30 days. Call my cellphone, scream at me, so I can blog about that phone call.