Dear Ong Ngoai,

I miss you. You are in a better place to watch over all your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren now. Please find Ba soon (if you haven't already), I'm sure she's been waiting for you. I feel so much safer in this world now knowing that I have two guardian angels to look over me. I hope you can see without your glasses in Heaven, because you didn't have them when you went. But I'm sure you'll be more than fine. :) Mom gave me the last gift you brought from Vietnam for me. The two figures are sitting on my shelf next to by my bed (I'm going to think of them as you and Ba). You and Ba were always so great with making sure your grandchildren, all 17 of them, were spoiled with gifts even on non-holidays! I'm going to miss making sure you got all your prescription refills on time. I promise to go back to Vietnam one day. I'm going to visit Nha Trang and learn of the place you loved so much. I'll go wherever you and Ba went. I want to see and learn everything. I'm still going to play piano for you, so make sure you listen in on me sometime. I always wanted both my grandparents to be there when I graduate (you both were always so good with that!) and when/if I get married. So make sure you tune in on me then too. I am so fortunate to have had grandparents like you around all this time. Thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful family. It all began with you two.

Love,

Phuong Vi

P.S. Please give Ba a hug and tell her I love her. "Thuong nhieu qua!"

sud i eyrum.

Saw Lois, the corpse flower, on Wednesday with Joe and Lance at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences. This 6-foot flower apparently smells of rotten flesh when it blooms. It costs $8 to go see it, and I won't spoil you with a picture of it. I wasn't able to smell it because it hasn't bloomed yet, which I am thankful for since I had no interest in losing my dim sum lunch. You can explore the rest of the museum for free if you come 30 minutes before 6pm when it closes. The Butterfly Exhibit, where the corpse flower is housed, stays open later.

I am on to the 3rd book of the Twilight Saga. My goal is to finish by Sunday, so I can see the movie the following week with my co-workers. EXCITEMENT!

My parents have been a good influence in my life as of late. I'm very thankful for them because they helped me put a lot of things into perspective. Don't underestimate your parents. They may be old, but they're super observant. Even though you're sulking and moping around the house, playing piano more than usual, they know what's up. Growing up, my parents were never afraid to say things that would hurt my feelings. My stepdad never censored himself and we've got in countless arguments because of it. Sometimes I am grateful for that. He mostly had harsh opinions of people, until proven otherwise, and I've always fought against him to make him see the good. But he ended up being right most of the time. Family will always know you best.

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my ba ngoai (grandma) moving onto heaven. I miss you and still think of you everyday. You have always told me to be happy and to never forget my self-worth. Thank you for listening to me and giving me so much strength these past few days.

Sigur Ros - Sud I Eyrum

hooked.

Meet my two favorite UT graduates of 2010: My BCFLs (Best Cousins For Life), Andie and Nick.







The 2.5 hour drive to Austin, TX was ridiculously peaceful, sunny, and windows-down worthy...with the exception of all the tiny bugs flying to their death against my windshield. I was alone for the first time on this road trip. I was scared at first because I'm known to have many car stories (ex: driving into a ditch during my drive to Nawlins). But no car stories/disasters this time around -- just a lot of Lily Allen, Lady Gaga, and my own thoughts to keep me entertained.

The family went to Saturday brunch at Mulberry. I was in heaven because I decided earlier this week that breakfast (or even better, brunch) is my favorite meal of the day.


Current obsession: rompers. The Austin wind would not let my ruffles/hair stay down!


Brioche French Toast, Fresh Fruit, and Cardamom Syrup


Shrimp & Polenta, Red Chili Butter Wine Sauce


Poached Eggs, Spinach, Tomato, Rustic Toast, Béchamel


Toasted Brioche, Fried Egg, Pancetta, and Gouda


Coffee should never be left out! 'Cuz it's the best part of waking up. (Thanks Folgers.)

Last but not least, Rudy's for lunch featuring the EXTRA MOIST brisket and sausage. Not pictured: the most delicious creamed corn you ever had in your life.






Artwork by Jennifer Kim, displayed at the UT Senior Design Exhibition.

LEAP is moving upward in one direction. It looks like a staircase going up, and I think this one spoke to me the most. It represents a leap for change, a leap for becoming a better you, and a leap towards a better life. This whole weekend was about LEAPS. As a whole, it was a leap for me to find my inner happiness and seek out the things in my own life that made me happy. I found things that were already there: my friends, family, and food. From comfort food to the people who comfort you when you need it most. I take things for granted or am forgetful from time to time, but I wanted to remind myself this weekend of all the good that is around me. I'd like to say I was successful in doing so. And like this art display, I will only allow myself to move in one direction: UP!