MYFAMILYREVISITED I am who I am because of them. And for that, I love them unconditionally. This blog entry is for them.
After coming home from study abroad in Vietnam for half a year this past Fall, I began to uncover old
family photos stored in a shoe box deep in my attic. The following
collection are a few photos that I found and was able to recover.
My father during the same age I am now. After the Fall of Saigon and without a penny, he made a life for himself in France where he would remain for the next 17 years...that is, until he met my mother.
My father trying to act cool in his teenage years (keyword: "trying").
Hoang-Anh Nguyen (middle), age 9 The only existing photo of my mother's childhood.
My mother and auntie Ha just days before marrying my father.
Little Andre, Age 3 Andre + Camera... some things are just meant to be.
My 27 year old adopted brother whom is now a part time cook and
full-time monk. Although he came from an unloving abusive family, he is
by far one of the most kind-hearted and genuine individuals I know.
My father and I. Hospitalized and bedridden, we have become
closer and have shared more stories about ourselves than ever before. I
only regret is not forgiving him sooner.
My mother on Mother's Day.
Working three jobs, a part-time
student, and a full-time single parent to four boys...she is simply my
inspiration. While others dined with their mothers' on Mother's Day, I
helped clean dishes with mine at a local restaurant in San Jose.
He's by far one of the most talented and unique street artist I've seen in awhile. Thought ya'll might enjoy it. More of his stuff and behind the scene shots can be found on his YouTube page >> here <<
THE BANKER & THE FISHERMAN A short and insightful story. Definitely worth reading! To all my semester folks, GOOD LUCK ON FINALS!
**My cousin Tri messaged me this story just few days ago. And on the eve of my graduation, a time of transition when school hits the real world and money matters, the story couldn't have came at a better time. Hope you all enjoy it.
The American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.
Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna.
The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."
The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer
and catch more fish?"
The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs."
The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The
Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my
children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each
evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full
and busy life."
The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You
should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger
boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several
boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of
selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor;
eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product,
processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal
fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and
eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"
To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years."
"But what then?" asked the Mexican.
The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is
right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the
public and become very rich, you would make millions."
"Millions?...Then what?"
The
American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing
village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids,
take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where
you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
Mar 28 - Circle K 2007 DCON Mar 20 - Obama // APASL // HIN Mar 10 - 30 Days Immigration Mar 08 - Quote Mar 05 - Mineta Tribute // APASD Mar 03 - Quote Feb 28 - TET FEDs // PFight // AAA Feb 16 - Cotillion // Clubs // TET Feb 15 - SF Massive Pillow Fight Feb 08 - Parties // Battlefest 360 Feb 05 - Quote Feb 02 - APAC Summit Retreat Feb 01 - The Rebel Trailer Jan 22 - War Photographer Jan 20 - Magnetic North Photoshoot Jan 18 - APASL So Cal // APALI Jan 13 - Homie Discount on Items Jan 07 - My First Wedding Shoot Jan 04 - Quote Jan 03 - Family // APALI // Clubs New Years Eve // Tin Mai Hair Jan 02 - Quote
2006
Dec 29 - SF Snowboard // Clubs APASL Family // VSA & Christy
