Happy New Year!

So today is the official day of the new year for my fellow Khmer, Thai, and Laos folks. This is another one of those times when I miss being at home and being with my family. My Parents are big Temple goers and its tradition for them to attend the many New Year events and festivities that are going on around this time back in my home town. Growing up, I would have a couple back to back performances each day for a couple of weeks straight. (Cambodian Classical and Folk Dancing) I miss those good ol' days.

I dream of having a daughter so that she would take part in the Cambodian ballet like I did when I was young. The experience opened my eyes to my people and the richness of my culture. I learned to appreciate the art that my ancestors worked hard in creating and my people fought to keep alive. Yes, it took time and dedication to learn all of these dances, but it was worth every sweat and sometimes, tear. The knowledge and confidence gained is priceless.

I know that there are a lot of events going on in the Long Beach area, also known as Cambodia Town. For some reason though, it just doesn't feel the same to me, being so far away from home and my Family. I must learn to embrace and enjoy.

Happy New Years! May this year and many years to come bring you nothing less than the best in health and happiness.

Sweet Reunions

This past weekend, my friend Thuy (who I have known since 6th grade) came to visit.  My old friend Jamie (who I have known since 1st grade) recently moved down to Los Angeles... a few blocks away from a makeup showroom that I am affiliated with. We had a little reunion and it was so amazing to finally catch up on 13 years.  We would usually see each other briefly at times (once every few years), but this was the one time that we actually got to sit down and really talk.  They were sweet enough to come to my wedding, but of course, there was no way that I could have held a two minute conversation with them then. 

It was interesting to see how much we have all grown up and to see what lives we are living today.  Though its been so long since we have had a slumber party like this, it was nice to have one though it was over a decade late.  Reunions are always so sweet and this is just that... sweet.

I think that from now on, we are going to do a better job at keeping in touch and being a part of each other's lives.  Now that Jamie is a lot closer, I think that I will be seeing more of her and Thuy has two more reasons to visit often.  :)

Oh... and I HAVE to mention this.  I still bring up the story from first grade where I insisted that Jamie choose "pink" to be her favorite color (our teacher split us in groups according to our favorite colors), but instead, she chose "purple"!  I was really really upset at her for not doing what I told her to do (choose pink) and I think I said that I didn't want to be her friend anymore or something.  I don't know why this story still sticks with Jamie and I, but it does and I will always remember it.  Now that I am older and I am really thinking of it, WHY was I such a bossy brat and WHO am I to tell her what her favorite color is?  I really really hope that I am not still this bossy.  If I am, slap me! 

The Good Ol' Days...

I had a dream that I was in gymnastics again!  What surprises me is that I still remember the floor routine from elementary school.  When I woke up, I laid there trying to play the routine in my head and saw it clearly and perfectly.  Nowadays, I can barely do a forward roll let alone a round-off backhand spring.  Ahhh... I miss those days!

I am going to contact my old gymnastics instructor to see if he has any videos (on VHS, of course) of any of the old practices or meets.  I would LOVE to see them.

I had THE best childhood ever.  Sure, there was hardcore child labor in there (if you only knew), but it was what made me into the person that I am today.  That story could take forever, so I will save it for another day.  But even with the labor and the occasional abuse, I still had the best and most balanced childhood I can imagine.

Sometimes, I wish that my children could live my childhood.  I know that with the technology and difference in lifestyles now, it wouldn't be possible.  But, if only they could, I would document every little thing because it would be a great story to tell.

*sigh*

Good Ol' Days!

Yesterday, one of the old Cambodian Classical & Folk Dancers of Tacoma organizers uploaded some ooooooold pictures onto Facebook.  I was so surprised and happy to see these pictures... brings back the good ol' days!  These pictures were from when I was anywhere from 10-14 years old.  (I started dancing since I was 6 or 7)

Oh... the memories!!

With most of the group during a performance some time during New Year.

WHY was I wearing that hair pin? LOL... ready for the coconut dance!

WHY did I look so stiff? I was probably the youngest here performing the Krab dance.

A close up... sorta!

I looked so angry!  Hehe... rehearsing the wishing dance. So stiff... no likey!

Those were some good times!  She said that she will put more pictures on a CD for me the next time I am back in town.  I can't wait to get them and see them all! 

I think I still look the same... just 5 times wider.  :)