As many of you know, Ming had his second spinal surgery just before Christmas last year at which time he was advised by the surgeon not to resume his job as a dairy hand for our neighbours, or to do any manual job, ever. That was a hard pill to swallow but he swallowed it and, since recovering from the surgery, he has spent the last few months throwing himself into acting auditions (most of which have required him to travel the 200 kms to Perth by train or bus, and vice versa).
He scored many bit-parts: a music video, a ‘student’ in a university advertisement, a couple of paid roles; he has also created a portfolio and is now listed on a website for aspiring actors. In fact, Ming has done so much acting-related stuff in the last few months that I have had trouble keeping up. With no vehicle, and no driving licence, he learned how to use public transport, stay in youth hostels, but he also relied on friends and family for accommodation and transport. It has all been enormous fun and a huge learning curve in so many ways and Ming has become a better net-worker than I have ever been and Anthony’s gregariousness shines out of him.
None of this, however, has proved to be lucrative yet, so Ming started to apply for jobs at restaurants and yesterday he was told that the restaurant, where he has only done a few casual shifts, want him full-time now. I am so elated for him and proud! But he and I are also grateful for the fact that a relative of a friend of one of the owners of this restaurant put in a good word for him. (I haven’t included names here, in order protect the innocent, just in case Ming drops a tray or something haha!)
Today, Ming was working there, so a friend and I went for lunch and it was so weird to watch him in action. The place was very busy and apparently, once he goes full-time, he will be jack-of-all-trades. It was great to watch the way he interacted with customers – he is a natural!
Tonight, he’s gone up to Perth (for the last time for awhile, due to getting full-time work) to play the part of a character in his friend’s university film assignment. He auditioned and got the part last week and here is the irony: he was picked as the character of a son who struggles with his father’s dementia, despite nobody in the film crew knowing his background. I am still a bit gobsmacked.
Anyway, of course I am rejoicing at all of this good news for the white-haired boy (despite no longer being a natural blonde); he will no longer go slightly insane in the nursing home and resort to playing on Anthony’s walker!
So happy and proud of Ming!
jmgoyder 
Did you leave him a tip?
Well done, Ming. Strange how you folks seem like family, and we can share in your pride. xx
I am proud of Ming too–he has your sticktoitiveness and is a handsome guy to boot so he should do well both in his new career and job.
How wonderful for Ming! And I’m so glad you both have some good news š
Wonderful news, Julie.
It’s so hard for young people to get jobs these days, especially in more isolated locations.
You must be very proud of his tenacity with job hunting.
How very strange to be getting the part in the friend’s film assignment playing ‘son struggling with father’s dementia’ – he should be able to add a dimension to the part that no one else could possibly imagine!
He is doing well for himself. It is good that he has been able to turn his life around after taking the doctor’s advice š
Hooray for Ming! As a former professional waiter, it’s a profession that requires many different talents such as communication shills, organization, setting priorities, attention to detail, quick thinking, patience, charm and the gift of the gab. Ming will be running the show in no time I am sure! He looks adorable in Anthony’s walker.:D
Wish I could see Ming in one of his roles. Julie, I feel like I really know your family. xo
Congrats that boy!
I believe that every door that is closed God opens a better door and this has happened to Ming. I am happy for him. Give him a hug from me
Way to go Ming! That top photo is such a good one of him. What a handsome boy. No wonder he’s getting parts. Now watch, he’ll be discovered working in the restaurant, lol! ā¤
I feel like I am one of Ming’s “internet mothers”…LOL…watching him grow through struggles and adversity through his real mom’s eyes. He may not know it yet but that personality will open many a door for him and get him through the toughest of times. BTW, “gobsmacked” is one of my favorite words!! ā¤
Is this is the area where you live?
Or does he have to move away?
I’m so happy for Ming and you too! You know, I looked closely at his face in these pictures and since I’ve been following your blog, his face has changed from boy to man!
Diana xo
Love his work ethic! Not as common in people his age as it once was. Congrats and good luck in all he does. Happy for you too Mum š
You have every right to be proud of such a son, maybe he inherited your excellent genes.
This is great. I have a friend who has come to live in As and her son is getting into acting too.
how wonderful for you all! we always tip the charming servers more:)
yay to all of this for ming!
Good for Ming.
That’s great! I’m happy for him for the restaurant job and the acting jobs too. I bet it’s a lot of fun for him.
Congratulations Ming!!!!!!!!!!!!!! š I love that he is working so hard at what he loves, and taking another job while working on his passion. Good for him!!!
Congrats to Ming! Though I hope he continues with his acting and music when he can…
Good the hear he is getting on well. Can he carry umpteen plates at one time yet? It’s quite hard to do but practice makes perfect.
There used to be a restaurant near the university which we used to use as it was dirt cheap. When you went in you were given a menu with a variety of dishes, but when you went to order there was usually only one thing which the chef had made that day – vegetable soup, shepherds pie and apple pie and cream! As it was dirt cheap nobody complained.
Good on him, hope he does well with the job
What fun jobs for such a people person. All the best to him!