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!
Showing posts with label reunion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reunion. Show all posts
February 22, 2011
November 10, 2009
Family Reunion
My Family reunion this past weekend was amazing! It wasn't a very typical reunion, but it was a great one indeed. The Long side (my Dad's side... Long is my Dad's last name, so my name is supposed to be Thyda Long, but we used my Dad's first name rather than his last for our last name to hide that we are of Chinese descent during the Khmer Rouge) of the family decided that we need a family reunion. My oldest cousin is in her early 40's, and I am one of the youngest cousins... so we have a huge age gap. Even so, we were able to gather nearly the entire family together to honor our Parents for the lives that they have given us.
It was a two day ceremony that was held at the temple where our Family took a huge part in developing and expanding. My late Uncle was actually the President of the temple before he passed away in March and my late Grandmother was one of the original founders back in the 80's. My late Uncle who passed away just yesterday was one of the main leaders of the temple... he led the ceremonies and such there when he was still able to. As you can see, the Family is a big part of the temple and the temple is a big part of our Family.
I was surprised to see so much more than just our family at the ceremonies, but I guess it should have been expected. It goes to show that our family is respected by many since the event was to honor our family. It was a nice feeling.
It was us, the kids, who made the event possible. We made sure that the wonderful Parents that we were honoring did not do any work and we took care of everything. I did not realize how much it cost to hold one of these ceremonies, especially one as big as ours... but it was worth every single penny. :)
We had a gift giving ceremony for our Parents... which was very nice. We had family blessings (of course). We also shared the history/story of our family. I was surprised at how many people were attentive and cared to listen, but again, I was flattered. We honored each family and recognized each family member. We were also given opportunities to speak and express our feelings towards the family. I am glad that each Parent spoke and each speech was so heartwarming. I couldn't help but cry during the speeches and when it was my turn to speak, I couldn't do it because I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop thinking about my Uncles... one who passed away earlier in the year and one who was at the time, sick and in the hospital. I was terribly sad that they both were not able to join us during such a joyful and emotional time. I couldn't help but miss them. I now regret not speaking because I don't know when I will ever get an opportunity like that again. :( I am on the plane writing this on my blackberry and can't seem to stop crying still.
This had been a rough year for our Family. We have lost two great leaders that will always remain in our hearts, but not by our sides. I wish that they would be able to join us for just one more day... but they can't.
I am very thankful for my Family and I could never say this enough... but I have the best family in the world. After going through these rough times together, I feel that we grew a stronger bond and appreciation for one another. Family will always always be number one to me... blood runs thick.
Family, I love you all so much and there are not enough words I can blog to express how much I truly love, appreciate, and respect each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of who I am now, and forever.
It was a two day ceremony that was held at the temple where our Family took a huge part in developing and expanding. My late Uncle was actually the President of the temple before he passed away in March and my late Grandmother was one of the original founders back in the 80's. My late Uncle who passed away just yesterday was one of the main leaders of the temple... he led the ceremonies and such there when he was still able to. As you can see, the Family is a big part of the temple and the temple is a big part of our Family.
I was surprised to see so much more than just our family at the ceremonies, but I guess it should have been expected. It goes to show that our family is respected by many since the event was to honor our family. It was a nice feeling.
It was us, the kids, who made the event possible. We made sure that the wonderful Parents that we were honoring did not do any work and we took care of everything. I did not realize how much it cost to hold one of these ceremonies, especially one as big as ours... but it was worth every single penny. :)
We had a gift giving ceremony for our Parents... which was very nice. We had family blessings (of course). We also shared the history/story of our family. I was surprised at how many people were attentive and cared to listen, but again, I was flattered. We honored each family and recognized each family member. We were also given opportunities to speak and express our feelings towards the family. I am glad that each Parent spoke and each speech was so heartwarming. I couldn't help but cry during the speeches and when it was my turn to speak, I couldn't do it because I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop thinking about my Uncles... one who passed away earlier in the year and one who was at the time, sick and in the hospital. I was terribly sad that they both were not able to join us during such a joyful and emotional time. I couldn't help but miss them. I now regret not speaking because I don't know when I will ever get an opportunity like that again. :( I am on the plane writing this on my blackberry and can't seem to stop crying still.
This had been a rough year for our Family. We have lost two great leaders that will always remain in our hearts, but not by our sides. I wish that they would be able to join us for just one more day... but they can't.
I am very thankful for my Family and I could never say this enough... but I have the best family in the world. After going through these rough times together, I feel that we grew a stronger bond and appreciation for one another. Family will always always be number one to me... blood runs thick.
Family, I love you all so much and there are not enough words I can blog to express how much I truly love, appreciate, and respect each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of who I am now, and forever.
November 4, 2009
So Much To Do!!!
So I'm leaving for WA tomorrow at 6am for my Family Reunion. Sam is leaving after work on Friday with my nephew, my Sister, and her boyfriend. My relatives from Ohio and Boston are already there. I'm so excited to see all of the Family again and this time, I'd have time to hang out and mingle with all of them! Yayyy! I need to start packing. Don't know what to bring, but from what I've heard, its been really cold! Yikes! Will be a pretty long stay for me (5 days), but its all good... I can't wait!
Gotta go pick up some stuff for my Mom and then pick up some freakin' Thai lakorns for my sisters. They are so obsessed, its ridiculous.
Yesterday, Sam and I attempted to go to the gym. FAIL. We also told ourselves and each other that we are not going to shop for now reason. FAIL. We will not buy useless "ka'pek ka'pok" things. FAIL. We will not waste money on eating out and will just eat and try to finish everything we have at home before we both go out of town. FAIL. We will try to eat better and healthier... ultimate FAIL! I waited all week long to watch The City and The Hills... but fell asleep right when The Hills started... so FAIL!!!!! Yesterday was just a total FAIL! FML.
From what I can remember... I've been having some weird dreams! I see a lot of old friends I have lost touch with in my dreams. Strange.
This morning, I woke up feeling gross... like I'm extra ogre status or something. I've been eating so much lately that if I didn't know any better, I would think that I'm pregnant! Yikes! I'm not ready for any babies... but Sam surely wants one. Like... he REALLY wants one. Weird guy.
Okay... lots to do and I need to get off this damn thing!
OH... and I think I'm slowly moving towards twitter over facebook. I am so tired of keeping up with all my friends' statuses that there are some that I "hid". Probably because they usually post the same things promoting their events or what not and I'm just like... I don't care. I know that sounds horrible, but I'd rather keep it more personal. Tempted to delete some "friends" who are really more of "acquaintances" than anything. We'll see.
Okey dokes... bye!
Wait, wait, wait.... looking forward to Jenn's birthday this weekend. So excited that she and Joe are coming to visit us on my birthday too. My love of my life (Jenn)... yay!! Then... some of the girls and I are going to the People's Choice 2010 Awards in LA in January... so excited! AND... looks like we're going to Six Flags Magic Mountain in a couple of weeks. Damn, I love doin' things and just getting out in general!
Okay... bye for real.
Gotta go pick up some stuff for my Mom and then pick up some freakin' Thai lakorns for my sisters. They are so obsessed, its ridiculous.
Yesterday, Sam and I attempted to go to the gym. FAIL. We also told ourselves and each other that we are not going to shop for now reason. FAIL. We will not buy useless "ka'pek ka'pok" things. FAIL. We will not waste money on eating out and will just eat and try to finish everything we have at home before we both go out of town. FAIL. We will try to eat better and healthier... ultimate FAIL! I waited all week long to watch The City and The Hills... but fell asleep right when The Hills started... so FAIL!!!!! Yesterday was just a total FAIL! FML.
From what I can remember... I've been having some weird dreams! I see a lot of old friends I have lost touch with in my dreams. Strange.
This morning, I woke up feeling gross... like I'm extra ogre status or something. I've been eating so much lately that if I didn't know any better, I would think that I'm pregnant! Yikes! I'm not ready for any babies... but Sam surely wants one. Like... he REALLY wants one. Weird guy.
Okay... lots to do and I need to get off this damn thing!
OH... and I think I'm slowly moving towards twitter over facebook. I am so tired of keeping up with all my friends' statuses that there are some that I "hid". Probably because they usually post the same things promoting their events or what not and I'm just like... I don't care. I know that sounds horrible, but I'd rather keep it more personal. Tempted to delete some "friends" who are really more of "acquaintances" than anything. We'll see.
Okey dokes... bye!
Wait, wait, wait.... looking forward to Jenn's birthday this weekend. So excited that she and Joe are coming to visit us on my birthday too. My love of my life (Jenn)... yay!! Then... some of the girls and I are going to the People's Choice 2010 Awards in LA in January... so excited! AND... looks like we're going to Six Flags Magic Mountain in a couple of weeks. Damn, I love doin' things and just getting out in general!
Okay... bye for real.
May 26, 2009
My Trip... so far!!
Okay... I'm going to assume that this will be a somewhat lengthy post... or maybe I should just break them up into sections? LOL... okay... I think I shall! :D (Probably won't get to post everything now, so I'll continue throughout the day or the next few days!)
FLIGHT
My flight was supposed to depart Seattle at 10:25pm. Meaning... I left for the airport around 8pm (well, I was supposed to, but truth is... I was there around 9:15pm... LOL... and I live about 15 minutes away from the airport). My Sister dropped me off and I thought I was flying with Delta (it said so), so I went to check in and it turned out that it was being operated by Northwest (then why the heck did you bother including Delta? Did you just want to confuse me?). So... I dragged my luggage(s) to the other end of the airport terminal (UGH!) and when I finally got there, this lady found it more important to stand there and chit chat with her coworker than to check me in. I looked frustrated and grew very impatient so I started moaning and groaning because I thought I was surely gonna miss my flight. She told me she'd be right with me... but it wasn't until she finished her last giggles with her coworker at least five minues later. Grrr! So she finally started to check me in and was doing it taking her sweet little time... seeing that my plane was going to depart in less than an hour. I mean... I know I could have been there earlier, but how did she know that I wasn't caught in an unplanned bad accident traffic or something? Anyway... so she told me that my luggage was going to cost $15 to check in for the first one and $25 for the second. Okay... I fly pretty often and usually, my first luggage is free. I was like... "WHAT!?!" She explained to me like I was stupid, but I didn't really have time to deal with her, so I just paid my $15 and handed her my heavy ass luggage. Finally, I was on my way with my carry on and Sam's camera that was heavy as heck and took the place of my purse. Booo!
Thankfully, security checkpoint was a breeze and I made my flight afterall! :)
I got to Detroit at 5am (2am my time), so I didn't get any sleep, as you can imagine. (Was too excited and the babies crying on the plane just weren't helping) Anyway... I had a nearly 5 hour layover in Detroit... WTF. No way I could have fell asleep in an airport terminal. I mean... what if I snored or drooled or something? How embarrasing! Worst of all... what if I missed my flight? So I had my Starbucks fix and explored a little bit. I was pisst off that I left my book at home, but I couldn't get myself to pay for another book when I just bought two that I hadn't read yet back at home. So I sat there and played Solitaire on my phone for the entire four almost five hours. HAHA!
Finally boarded the plane and even more kids on this flight! Yikes! AND it was a small airplane and the engine was freakin' loud. I swear it basically screamed in my ear. Thank goodness for my iPod and luckily, it was a pretty short flight.
Got to Florida and Sam texted me and told me he was nervous to see me when he was waiting at baggage claim... awwww!!!
Finally, there he was... my BABYYYYYY!! :)
FLIGHT
My flight was supposed to depart Seattle at 10:25pm. Meaning... I left for the airport around 8pm (well, I was supposed to, but truth is... I was there around 9:15pm... LOL... and I live about 15 minutes away from the airport). My Sister dropped me off and I thought I was flying with Delta (it said so), so I went to check in and it turned out that it was being operated by Northwest (then why the heck did you bother including Delta? Did you just want to confuse me?). So... I dragged my luggage(s) to the other end of the airport terminal (UGH!) and when I finally got there, this lady found it more important to stand there and chit chat with her coworker than to check me in. I looked frustrated and grew very impatient so I started moaning and groaning because I thought I was surely gonna miss my flight. She told me she'd be right with me... but it wasn't until she finished her last giggles with her coworker at least five minues later. Grrr! So she finally started to check me in and was doing it taking her sweet little time... seeing that my plane was going to depart in less than an hour. I mean... I know I could have been there earlier, but how did she know that I wasn't caught in an unplanned bad accident traffic or something? Anyway... so she told me that my luggage was going to cost $15 to check in for the first one and $25 for the second. Okay... I fly pretty often and usually, my first luggage is free. I was like... "WHAT!?!" She explained to me like I was stupid, but I didn't really have time to deal with her, so I just paid my $15 and handed her my heavy ass luggage. Finally, I was on my way with my carry on and Sam's camera that was heavy as heck and took the place of my purse. Booo!
Thankfully, security checkpoint was a breeze and I made my flight afterall! :)
I got to Detroit at 5am (2am my time), so I didn't get any sleep, as you can imagine. (Was too excited and the babies crying on the plane just weren't helping) Anyway... I had a nearly 5 hour layover in Detroit... WTF. No way I could have fell asleep in an airport terminal. I mean... what if I snored or drooled or something? How embarrasing! Worst of all... what if I missed my flight? So I had my Starbucks fix and explored a little bit. I was pisst off that I left my book at home, but I couldn't get myself to pay for another book when I just bought two that I hadn't read yet back at home. So I sat there and played Solitaire on my phone for the entire four almost five hours. HAHA!
Finally boarded the plane and even more kids on this flight! Yikes! AND it was a small airplane and the engine was freakin' loud. I swear it basically screamed in my ear. Thank goodness for my iPod and luckily, it was a pretty short flight.
Got to Florida and Sam texted me and told me he was nervous to see me when he was waiting at baggage claim... awwww!!!
Finally, there he was... my BABYYYYYY!! :)
April 19, 2009
Good Times (as usual)
So yesterday, I was supposed to go to the temple with my Parents. That didn't happen because they got a bit busy and I wasn't trying to go to the temple all by myself (loner status). Anyway... we (parents, sisters, nephews, and I) ended up meeting with the rest of the FAM at my Aunt and Uncle's house. My cousins (my Dad's older sister's sons) were throwing another New Years party at Jumbo. I wanted to go check it out, but when I called my other younger cousins, they were like, "DUDE... we went last weekend and called you, but you didn't answer". Oops... that was when Sovina was in town and I went out with the girls instead... haha. Anyway... none of them were going to go again... they were all Khmer partied out from the weekend before. My Sisters didn't want to go (not their thing... boo!) and my Brother wanted to go, but he had kids and a b*tchy wife to look after. BLAH. I text a few friends (the ones that go to Khmer parties anyway) and most were busy and others had already gone the week before. FACK!! SO... I wasn't planning on going at all.
Finally around 7:30pm, my old good friend from high school, Nary, text me and told me that she was calling into work and she'll see me at Jumbo! OH MY! I didn't even drive myself to my Aunt and Uncle's house so I couldn't leave Tacoma to go back home to meet up with her. She was such a doll and came to pick me up right away... brought me to my house to grab my things... then headed to her place to get ready. It was a lot of driving, but she didn't even complain one bit... she's still the same sweetheart I used to hang out with all the time back in high school. It was so nice to finally catch up with her. She still cracks me up and we spent a good amount of time reminiscing about the good ol' days. :D
So we finally got to the party (extra late). We managed to take a shot together and for some reason, we were pretty much DONE for the night. HAHA! There, I saw lots and lots of familiar faces which reminded me of why I love going to Khmer social gatherings such as these. I was followed by a guy with a Barney doll (kind of cute), but Nary was at my rescue the entire night!
Oh... and then Samphy remembered that last new years when I first met him, I practically told the entire club that it was his birthday and these random girls kept dancing with him and giving him lap dances. So... it was pay back time! He went up to my cousins who were throwing the party and told them that it was my birthday. Clearly, they don't know my birthday because they made a freakin' announcement and the crowd sang the birthday song and I stood there like a dumbass in the middle of the dance floor while people sang to me. I felt sort of special, but had to giggle to myself because my friends and I all knew damn well it wasn't my birthday. So then... all the older cousins came up to me and were like, "you didn't tell us its your birthday!" I'm like... "Bong... its not. HAHA!" They laughed and said its cool... at least everyone had a good time. You wouldn't believe how many random strangers came up to me to wish me a happy birthday. I didn't feel like explaining the truth to any of them, so I smiled charmingly and thanked them like I was 16 again! HAHA!
Overall, what a great night! I can't wait to bring Nary out with the rest of us girls during our future outtings. I am really really craving a reunion like it was a dulce de leche cheesecake! Ahhhhh! Ranns and I are going to work something out. :D
Myself and Nga... she's so grown up now!!
(and perfect day to get a pimple below your nose, Thyda! WTF)
Nary, Pov, Nga... and ME tryin' to jump in the picture! LOL
Samphy and I... and that one guy put his Barney doll in our picture! LOL
Let me explain: Gio NEVER dances and the other girls tried to get him to go dance ALL night.
They failed, but I got him up there with only the sweat I already had before I tried. LOL... love Gio!
Pimpin' out the boys... Gio and Samphy.
Damn... we look SO thuggish, ruggish, BONE!
Damn... they're hott, huh? Hubba hubba!
Finally around 7:30pm, my old good friend from high school, Nary, text me and told me that she was calling into work and she'll see me at Jumbo! OH MY! I didn't even drive myself to my Aunt and Uncle's house so I couldn't leave Tacoma to go back home to meet up with her. She was such a doll and came to pick me up right away... brought me to my house to grab my things... then headed to her place to get ready. It was a lot of driving, but she didn't even complain one bit... she's still the same sweetheart I used to hang out with all the time back in high school. It was so nice to finally catch up with her. She still cracks me up and we spent a good amount of time reminiscing about the good ol' days. :D
So we finally got to the party (extra late). We managed to take a shot together and for some reason, we were pretty much DONE for the night. HAHA! There, I saw lots and lots of familiar faces which reminded me of why I love going to Khmer social gatherings such as these. I was followed by a guy with a Barney doll (kind of cute), but Nary was at my rescue the entire night!
Oh... and then Samphy remembered that last new years when I first met him, I practically told the entire club that it was his birthday and these random girls kept dancing with him and giving him lap dances. So... it was pay back time! He went up to my cousins who were throwing the party and told them that it was my birthday. Clearly, they don't know my birthday because they made a freakin' announcement and the crowd sang the birthday song and I stood there like a dumbass in the middle of the dance floor while people sang to me. I felt sort of special, but had to giggle to myself because my friends and I all knew damn well it wasn't my birthday. So then... all the older cousins came up to me and were like, "you didn't tell us its your birthday!" I'm like... "Bong... its not. HAHA!" They laughed and said its cool... at least everyone had a good time. You wouldn't believe how many random strangers came up to me to wish me a happy birthday. I didn't feel like explaining the truth to any of them, so I smiled charmingly and thanked them like I was 16 again! HAHA!
Overall, what a great night! I can't wait to bring Nary out with the rest of us girls during our future outtings. I am really really craving a reunion like it was a dulce de leche cheesecake! Ahhhhh! Ranns and I are going to work something out. :D
Myself and Nga... she's so grown up now!!
(and perfect day to get a pimple below your nose, Thyda! WTF)
Nary, Pov, Nga... and ME tryin' to jump in the picture! LOL
Samphy and I... and that one guy put his Barney doll in our picture! LOL
Let me explain: Gio NEVER dances and the other girls tried to get him to go dance ALL night.
They failed, but I got him up there with only the sweat I already had before I tried. LOL... love Gio!
Pimpin' out the boys... Gio and Samphy.
Damn... we look SO thuggish, ruggish, BONE!
Damn... they're hott, huh? Hubba hubba!
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