Lulu and I snagged a pity-invite to the Time 100 cocktail hour in NYC last night. I think the argument was, "they could have been eaten by jungle cats, at the very least let them party!" So there we were: two relatively unknown and decidedly non-influential kids wandering around trailblazers and innovators -- neuroscientists, chefs, revolutionaries, performing artists -- who have done more than I ever will for the world.
Not to sound jaded and blasé or anything...but HOLY SHEEPSKIN KILT IT WAS REALLY REALLY COOL!! First of all, I didn't know "the red carpet" was literally a red carpet.
I tried to give myself pep-talks beforehand. "Come on, Sophia. Celebrities are people too. The rockstars may be intimidated by the scientific geniuses. The geniuses could be nervous around the slick politicans. And the politicians are definitely terrified of the SNL comics." So my M.O. was to act cool and confident and (more importantly) refrain from tackily attacking famous people. Well...that lasted all of fifteen seconds.
"Hi, I'm Bruno." --Bruno Mars
Sophia: I KNOW [because I've actually been worshiping you and your epic fedora from 5 feet away for the last few minutes!!!]
My mom made a joke about Tiger Mom vs. The Lazy Song.
Tigermom: My girls are obssessed with you...and how old are you, 12?
Brunomars: 12?! Nah, I'm 48.
Tigermom: I'm actually 48.
Brunomars: You're 48?!! I'm 23.
Sophia (regaining control of vocal chords): Wait. You also wrote F**k You, right?!?!
Brunomars: Yes...
Sophia: AAAAAAAH BRILLIANT NICE TO MEET YOU BYE!!
I love him.
Oh hey look, it's my hero...Mark Wahlberg is such a boss. If you haven't seen The Departed, The Fighter, and The Other Guys, please do so right now. He talked to my parents about parenting. From what I heard, he sounds like a fantastic dad. He then said it looked like Lulu and I "turned out to be fine and great kids." I might have passed out, not sure.
Turning the tables: Lulu (photocreds for all shots she's not in, by the way) started snapping the paparazzi.
Notice the wrist jewelry, from right to left: bracelet, watch...HAIR TIE. Lack of attention to detail. I need to get my life together.
We spent a lot of time gawking. "OH MY GOD IT'S DR. RAMACHANDRAN!!" (He invented the mirror box to cure phantom limb pain.) "LOOK LOOK LOOK IT'S RAIN!" (I'm a huge fan of Asian pop, but that's a topic for another post). We also spotted Martha Stewart, Chris Colfer (of Glee, championing an anti-bullying platform), Blake Lively, Wael Ghonim (used Facebook to catalyze peaceful revolution in Egypt), and Cory Booker (mayor of Newark) among others. Not all the honorees were there. As a soccer girlfriend, I was really hoping to see Lionel Messi. But he needed to do work against Madrid today, so he is forgiven :)
Because we were D-list, Lulu and I had to leave before the fancy dinner. Came back to New Haven and ended Passover with matzah brei (discovery: soaking the matzah in cider is like charoset for lazy people!!) followed by LEAVENED pasta. Quality evening.
What an embarassing post. I hope I've definitively convinced you that we are mere mortals (not tigers or devils or crazy Asian invaders from outer space or whatever). Next post will probably be Q&A, and then I might start rambling about things I like. How does that sound?
you're hilarious. one of my friends is considering harvard for fall 2011 as well. maybe you two will get to meet!
ReplyDeleteWow now I'm incredibly jealous! You all looked great. I would so be framing that picture with Mark Wahlberg right now if I were you. Love him. And I'm really enjoying your blog, by the way. It's nice to know how normal you are :-)
ReplyDeleteWhoa, Sophia, this is spectacular! What a fabulous time. And you are stunning!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks for taking the rest of us with you for your night out. Most of us will never get to experience the red carpet and all the glamour that follows it. BTW, loved the dresses. You all looked fabulous!
ReplyDeletehahaha bruno mars conversation <3 love it.
ReplyDeleteWere you able to mingle effectively despite your David Brooks-ian social ineptitude?
ReplyDeleteOkay, first of all, I cannot BELIEVE your Tiger Mother let you out in public wearing THAT DRESS. ;-D (You and your sister dazzle, my dear, and the 'rents look pretty awesome, too!) Secondly, what a FUN time! Thanks for all the pics and for sharing your evening with us.
ReplyDeleteYou're adorable! I don't care what you write about, you just make me smile with your confident and witty writing style!
ReplyDelete1) Love love LOVE the dress.
ReplyDelete2) Yeahhhhhh, I would have fangirled myself a little bit at Mark Wahlberg. I would have totally lost my mind if it was Christian Bale.
3) I almost went down the aisle, at my own wedding, with a hair tie around my wrist. It happens to the best of us. :)
Ha ha--I always have a hair tie around my wrist. They should make them with rhinestones or something so people might think it's a bracelet. You looked gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteUm, your family is beautiful and perfect. So good looking! Maybe the tiger mom thing works after all - considering you two girls are beautiful, smart, and yes- normal ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely jealous of your glamorous night, and I'm sure you'll only get to have more amazing experiences as you start university and put that tiger cub brain to good use ;)
Bruno Mars! And you all look just fabulous on the red carpet.
Love the pics! at least the hair tie wasn't orange like the one on my wrist now :)
ReplyDeletelove the photo post! i can get over how awesome you are, totally the type of person i'd want to be friends with. love your dress! you and your family look gorgeous (well...you ARE gorgeous)
ReplyDeleteand i'd want to shake the hand of whoever helped write "F--k You" as well!
"...and how old are you, 12?" - this totally rocks! :D
ReplyDeleteWow....amazing! Awesome pics :) you all look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love the pic of the paparazzi. Turning the tables. Lulu is awesome. :)
ReplyDelete0.0
ReplyDelete*dies from excitement dissipated from the article*
YAY! more Q&A!
What are your career path goals as of now? Or do plan to figure it all out during college/future?
Do you have a strange obsession (I'd particularly like to hear about your Asian pop obsession actually, although that's not strange)?
Its so cool that you are an asian jew, I am too. Except I am adopted from china not half/half, but it's still cool!
ReplyDeleteSo cool how it seems like you, Lulu, and your mom can share clothes btw :)
ReplyDeleteGreat PIX! Who are all those other people posing with the Chua-Rubenfelds? You folks are just full of surprises. Will I ever see you at The Cullman-Heyman Tennis Center again? Your family will always be on YALE'S A+ LIST (even if Harvard wins the FIRST TIGER CUB WAR)! My oldest daughter graduated from Harvard and she turned out alright.
ReplyDeletePlease tell me Mark said "Say hi to your mother for me"
ReplyDeleteThat dress could have its own blog. Gorgeous family. What crazy Chinese calendar is Mrs. C using to put her age at 48? 30, tops. Loved "The Death Instinct." Please tell me your Dad is well into his next book. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteHA! You think matzah in cider is lazy-people charoset? Try plain apricot jam!
ReplyDeleteYou guys all look great! I loved "how old are you, 12?"
I wish I could get a pity invite to something like that.
ReplyDeleteI have friends who would kill to meet Mark Wahlberg. Me, I'd prefer to meet John Krasinski. Though I'd probably collapse on the floor if I ever got the chance.
1. Your family is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete2. I really like your style of writing!
3. Thanks for the firsthand account of what must have been a wild night (Dr. Ramachandran :O So jealous)!
4. LOL at the hairtie thing :)
5. Keep the interesting blog entries coming!
i love when i get ur new posts, they're so fun to read. the pics are amazing (i am a fan of bruno mars myself) and i love ur dress. please post more! :)
ReplyDeleteSay Hello to Grandma! ;)
ReplyDeletethat dress is beautiful! where did you get it?
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! You all (Dad too) looked wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou seriously crack me up! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteYou remind me of the high school version of myself (which is only 4 years ago but somehow seems like a lifetime ago). Keep up the good work and I expect great things from you.
ReplyDeleteahhh congratulations! I love your blog!!
ReplyDeleteyou got to see chris colfer??? sooo lucky!! :D
I love it-- thanks for sharing! That must have been such an exciting night!
ReplyDeleteCould you maybe share with us a bit about your world travels? When I got to the paragraph in your mother's book that is a straight list of all the places you've visited I actually had to put the book down and walk away for a while, I was so jealous and blown away. I bet seeing so many places and cultures has had an interesting impact on your life.
Can't wait for the Q&A! Thanks! (and I know you don't really need one more person telling you this, but seriously-- your family has a major monopoly on attractiveness)
Hi sophia!! Do you or your sister have twitter/facebook?
ReplyDeleteI love the guy in the middle of the paparazzi that has a huge grin on his face for the camera. Most of them look bewildered that someone brought a camera to the red carpet. hehe
ReplyDeleteLOL I would do the exact same pep talk before meeting these extraordinary people! But then freak out when I actually see them. You and your family looked great! I was laughing my butt off with the Bruno Mars story. Thanks for sharing! I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteWow what a night.. Yeah Q&A sounds great, I'm dying to see what books your into!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! You all must've had a BLAST! The pictures look fantastic, and you looked gorgeous, Sophia!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I like people who update their blogs! sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteBruno Mars AND Mark Wahlberg?
ReplyDeleteI'm dead jealous. I'm in love with the latter.
OMG! You actually saw Rain???? That's who I would have been looking for!!! LOL. saw him in concert last year at the G20 concert while I was living in Korea :-) Although, i've been a huge fan since Full House. Anywho, Super excited you actually got to see him! I'm a huge asian pop/drama fan myself. Glad you had a blast!
ReplyDeleteLove your dress and your hair tie!
ReplyDeleteFor your next Q&A, could you share your opinion on private schools especially high school? My husband and I talked about paying top $$$ for a small house in the best school district in our area. But now I am thinking to save the money and to send our kids to a private school instead.
Is it funny that you will help us make a decision on real estate? LOL
Bruno Mars and Rain???? *gasp* I don't know what I would've done first?? Squealed or turned into a stalker.....hahaha
ReplyDeleteYour mother is 48??
ReplyDeleteNo way!!
So glamorous!
ReplyDeleteWell deserved kiddo...
Sophia,
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this Taiwanese video "Western mom vs Chinese mom: Who is Better?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ0Qfn689ZA
your mom may want to sue the media company that produced it.
@the person above me, "white man ass kisser" WOW. hah some people just love to describe themselves online dont they?
ReplyDeleteANYWAYS, Sophia, i just wanted to say i love your blog! haha i have a "tiger mom" as well so i can definitely relate somewhat. :) And to all the people who believe that asian kids are "oppressed" well honestly that is so not true. In all honesty the "nice" parents who allow their kids do to anything they want are really just selfish individuals who are too consumed with themselves/their own interests to even try to help their kids become the best they can be. so the asians win. again. XD haha
p.s. you've mentioned that you have a boyfriend? how did you get your mom to allow you to date? i mean my parents think dating is a huge distraction from school/piano/etc. therefore they're against dating for me >.<
For Q&A: Do your parents expect you to go to a typical asian career path, like medicine? Otherwise, do they not pressure you to be a lawyer like they are? Are you totally free to choose what you want to do for a career?
ReplyDeleteNot worth spending top dollar on best school district unless 1)you really like living there and 2)you have more than 2 kids.
ReplyDeleteI purchased a house in an area I really liked and could afford but has middling schools. The schools don't bother me because my kids will be homeschooled and then educated at a boarding school for high school. Kid can pick school that's the best fit for their interests, whether it be lacrosse, music, science, whatever). We also save money on other things, like tennis club membership, horseback riding lessons -- all available for much less than in city with best schools.
Money saved on mortgage = tuition for boarding school. Ha.
*obsessed, not obssessed...
ReplyDeleteahh so jealous!!
ReplyDeletemy friend directed me to your blog because i have a picture on my fb posing like a tiger. i also have an asian mother, jewish father, younger sister, and two samoyeds!! but you met bruno mars and mark wahlberg, so you win.
love the blog :)
Bwwwhahaha! Oh my gravy that was funny...girl you got a gift...consider a writing career will you!
ReplyDeleteany advice for studying/working hard?
ReplyDeletebtw how are you so up-to-date with so much info?! (not trying to judge)
1. any pictures of mr. boyfriend? ;)
ReplyDeleteand
2. how are you spending your time as a second semester senior?
You guys are awesome. I also saw your pix in NYT.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to agree with your dad here: This post comes across as incredibly self-indulgent and narcissistic. Come on, Sophia, you're better than this..
ReplyDeleteExcited for the Q&A posts though. :)
I love your wrist "jewelry". I sport those all the time. Maybe you will make it fashionable. Funny blot BTW.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE your blogs! They are so very interesting to read and love how you put a lot of photos up. God, how I would love to be at an event like the TIME 100.. /jealousy
ReplyDeleteahhh! you're writing is GREAT. so jealous you got to meet Bruno Mars and Mark Wahlberg!
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
1) whats the boyfriend like?!
2) what activities were you involved in during high school?
3) how's been a SSS (second semester senior)?!
favorite/recommended books?!
ReplyDeletewhat are your favorite websites?
ReplyDeleteWRITE A POST ABOUT YOUR BOYFRIEND PLEASEEEE. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, who's your favourite composer?
Hey Sophia. So I really enjoy your writing and have so much respect for you. but...
ReplyDeleteyou said in your last post that the sexy tiger outfits the Time people brought weren't "really your cup of tea" but then the last photo of this post is basically a straight shot of your ass in a really tight dress. this just hit me as sort of hypocritical. you might not have noticed it, but please watch your judgement, chica. :] you are incredibly blessed, but blessings like those you have should be coupled with the proper humility.
i know it must be tough having all these strangers watching you, but that's what blogging opens you up to, and you're a strong girl. i really do wish the best for you and your family :] keep it up, i'm sure people of all stripes (sorry, pun) can get something meaningful from what you share.
Sophia,I would not have phrased it the way the last post said about your judgment, but I kind of agree with him/her. I have nothing but good wishes for you and your family. I have great respect for your mother's strength, for you and your sister for who you are. But somehow I have this feeling that there is too much boasting in your mother's book as well as this blog, though your humor does come through much more than your mother's book. And you are right, teenagers are just teenagers so there are certain things that teenagers do that are understandable. Please just do not delete the above post and this one.
ReplyDeleteFor Q & A: There are some scenes in your mother's book that are really harsh--for example, the incident where your mother berates you for not writing a good enough eulogy for your grandmother's funeral. Do you remember this incident the same way? How did you deal with that emotionally at the time? How did it feel to read about it in the book?
ReplyDeleteLike! Go for it! :)
ReplyDelete(and btw, not embarrassing. I'm sure other normal people would have done the same thing.. actually they probably would have been worse)
Love reading your posts!
Courtney
Wow, so many people are reading and commenting on this blog. And I thought David Lat was just being weird.
ReplyDeleteso, any update on the college decision? come to cambridge!!
ReplyDeleteSophia, thank you for sharing your night out with us. I can only imagine the excitement!
ReplyDeleteIn response to what one of the anonymous posters said above: I don't see anything hypocritical about her last post and this one. Sexy tiger outfits with fishnets and leashes are a far cry from this last photo here. She's wearing a form-fitting dress, but there's nothing wrong with a young girl celebrating her figure with class in a beautiful dress. And there's nothing about the dress, or the last photo, that isn't classy. I also highly doubt she posted that photo to show off her backside.
The dress might be tighter and sexier than some of us would expect that the Tiger Mother would allow, but that's just us and our preconceptions. Let the girl be!
I hope that you keep posting without restraint, Sophia!
I love this pose. and don't worry i'm your mom's fan. i do believe in tiger ways and now i'm a better person than before. gogogogo sophia!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your dress! So form fitting and fluid indeed.
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
ReplyDelete1.BOYFRIEND (because we're all dying to know): what's he like? when did you guys start dating? what was/is tiger mom's take on all of it?! :p
2.PUBLICITY: You seem totally comfortable in the limelight, which is capital A Awesome.. What's it been like for the rest of your family?
3.TRAVEL: I only know two other people who are as well-traveled as you are, and one of them is 42! What has the experience been like for you? Do you feel like you've gained a 'global consciousness' of sorts?
4.POP CULTURE: What kind of books and movies are you into? Also, now that you can vote, would you reelect president Obama?
5.FASHION: Who designed that dress? It's totally gorgeous!! Are you into fashion at all? If so, any particular designers?
6.GIVING BACK: How would you like to made a difference in this world? You're well on your way to building a platform for yourself, and someday you might be in a position where you can truly impact other people's lives.. Who knows? You might end up on the Time 100 list yourself! :)
7.COLLEGE: Come to Harvard all ready! lol..
The Dress: is it Max Azria for BCBG Or Herve Leger? If that is another brand making a bandage dress PLEASE share with us because it is stunning... Dare I say you should have saved it for prom!
ReplyDeleteHey. I agree - can we learn more about this boyfriend? I know you may want to respect his privacy, and that's fair - but perhaps let us in on your mom's reaction, how much you're allowed to see him, etc?
ReplyDeleteAnd...I'm officially bored. Congratulations. In a week and a half, you have managed to prove that tiger-parenting does not produce sad, broken children. It produces typical, vain, insipid teenagers who are extremely good at the piano and math. Your mother must be so proud.
ReplyDeleteHey Sophia. I'm the same person who posted the hypocritical/judgement comment last night. I'll start out by saying that I completely love your dress, and you looked gorgeous. I'll also add that I too am an 18 year old girl, so I felt like I could be a little more blunt since I somewhat (not completely, of course) am coming from the same place you are, at least as far as teenage judgment is concerned. I'll try to articulate some of the thoughts I had while writing my last comment:
ReplyDeleteYou have gained the respect of many people over the past few months. But sometimes on this blog it feels like you're trying to prove to us that you're fun, cute, flirty, etc., instead of the boring robot we're "supposed" to have expected you to be. I know that it might partially come across that way because you actually are fun, cute, flirty, etc., and I totally get that. But I want you to know that you don't have to prove anything to us. You are most endearing when you hold your head up and totally own your views. People respect you for the maturity and thoughtfulness with which you've handled the "tiger drama", and because of that you don't need to show us that you're cool/hot/"normal teenager"-- we already know that. I hope I speak for most people when I say that your ideas and insights are more interesting and valuable than your outfits, no matter how cute they may be :]
I really do respect your family so much and wish all of you the best. Take care!
For the last time (you're running out of time)...go to Yale!
ReplyDeleteWhat were the factors that went into consideration when picking the schools you applied to? The one you chose to attend?
ReplyDeleteheyy you're so lucky you got to go! haha (:
ReplyDeletei just have a few questions...
1. So I know in the excerpt from your mom's book, she was talking about how she wouldn't let her kids be in a school play...etc. It seems like you didn't mind not being in a play, or anything like that, but if you were actually really interested in theater or somehow wanted to become an actress, would she let you? Or would she just tell you to pick a "more reasonable job"?
2. and how are you allowed to have a boyfriend ugh what.
Bruno Mars! I'm so jealous! Anyway, was wondering:
ReplyDeleteAre there any disciplinary tactics you were raised with that you plan to use/not use when you have kids of your own? I know this might be a while out, but I was kind of curious how your childhood might affect how you raise your own children.
Three words: Baby Got Back!
ReplyDelete(back that thing up!!!)
I laughed my butt off reading your post! Be confident that your readers are your fans and love your blog. Your posts are intelligent and fun to read.
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia!
ReplyDeleteI read a bunch of excerpts from your mom's book and saw a few of her interviews as well - I am a huge fan. I also saw the article you wrote about your mom and as an Asian teen with two tiger parents, I can completely agree with you! People who are not in our position may never understand how loving and silly our parents may be.
Extend a thanks to your mom (and pat yourself on the back too!) because after hearing what both of you had to say, it really motivated me to work harder. It's nice to be reminded that there are others just like you being raised in a very similar parenting style. Hearing your mom's voice helped me connect to my own mother's opinions and realise that all the things my parents do is truly out of love.
A few questions, if you wouldn't mind?
- WOAH. Your mom let you have a boyfriend? How did that come to be?
- Kyahhh. I can relate - Korean music is a current trend in my life. :P
- Okay. I'm really feeling the claws of the tigers right now. What to you do on those unbearable days when it's super hard to cope with things? I want to tell my parents that this level of demanding gets to be too much at times, but I don't know how to say this. I need advice from a more experienced cub!
Thank you so much!
Please continue writing on this blog. I will look forward to it.
Did your dad go too? Did your mom make you practice 10 hours on how to walk on the red carpet? lol
ReplyDeletenice!
ReplyDeletewaiting for your next post! :)
Question(:!!
ReplyDeleteWhat can you do to make yourself stand out in high school besides grades and things to get into Harvard and Yale?
please help ^_^
P.S. You are amazing! And love your mom's book lol
P.S.S
Harvard&Yale=My Dream
what books do you like?
ReplyDeleteHmmm... according to wikipedia Bruno is 25, not 23
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Mars
this post is hilarious! love it. maybe this blog will become famous and you'll make the 100 list yourself :)
ReplyDeleteLOLed at the blog
ReplyDeleteThis made my day. ='D
LOL omg this was the funniest thing i've read all day long. keep it up, sophia.
ReplyDeleteso cool! props to lulu for snapping a pic of the paparazzi. i've always wondered what sort of crowd they were like..!
ReplyDeleteOmg you're hilarious. I hope you don't burn out like most bloggers. Blogging is actually hard work. Dedication blah. I'm rambling randomly but... I WANT TO HAVE A PICTURE WITH BRUNO MARS TOO.
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia,
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, what a awesome experience for you. Your mother really deserves being in the TIME 100. I was one of the early few who loved her excerpt in the WSJ (and also, her entire book) -- I didn't think that she sounded cruel or ruthless or whatever naysayers said; instead, her writing was full of humor and intensity and self-doubt. She sounded human.
Side note: Back in January I was inspired to write a parody of the WSJ piece, called "Why Chinese Girlfriends Are Superior" (based on certain things I have seen in Shanghai). Link: http://shanghaishiok.com/2011/01/14/why-chinese-girlfriends-are-superior/ I hope you're not ever like this with your boyfriend!
Best of luck!
C
You've got a fantastic body, keep up the good work. /Semi-creepy sexist comment ends here.
ReplyDeleteOOO RAINNN
ReplyDeleteyes
I am impressed.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe you mother let you wear that dress. My mom would have beat me back into the house and made me wear a burlap sack cloth. Somebody's slippin'....
ReplyDeleteYou looked lovely my dear :D
btw 비 is 귀엽다!!!
Really enjoy reading your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I had DR. RAMACHANDRAN as my professor last year :)
He's never punctual! haha but he's intesting and loves coffee....
Omg, RAIN. <33333
ReplyDeleteSophia, I love you and this blog! I hope to see a post about your love for Asian pop, haha. Since that's a major interest of mine as well. ^_^ You're so lucky you got to go to this! Famous people!!!
sophia, i love your blog and your witty sense of humor!
ReplyDeletei'm so jealous you got to meet marky mark! i saw him at the limelight in nyc years ago and freaked out.
the three of you look gorgeous on the red carpet!
if u know rain and messi, u turned out just fine~
ReplyDeleteBruno Mars = Losing Drug War through consumption of cocaine.
ReplyDeleteAny opinions?