For the past four months...

It’s been well over 4 months since my last blog entry. My apologies to those who check this regularly, which I’m assuming is probably next to nil. This lapse in updating can mainly be attributed to a couple of things, mainly my 2-month leave back to the US for the holidays and certainly laziness in terms of plopping down on the laptop to jot down my thoughts and document what’s been happening around me, which has been plenty since early November. However, I can blame most of my lack of productivity (as can 175 million others in the world) on the craze which has become Facebook, the social networking site that has become so popular lately. I’m usually on that site most of the time and update my profile quite often. Therefore if you have a profile you can add me and see more pics there. It was great to see and visit with everyone while back in town (California, Ohio, and Texas)! Thanks for spending some time with me! Enjoy the photos.


In early November I had the opportunity to attend the Ms. Earth Pageant in the Philippines. It was a great few days as we were surrounded by beautiful women from over 80 countries. We received the VIP treatment and were able to be up close to all of the contestants and had the rare opportunity to see all of the rehearsals and attend some of the dinners. See below for a brief glimpse of what we saw:










Before the show, I had the chance to blow off some steam and shoot some firearms at a local shooting range:




"Say hello to my little friend..."








It was then back to Vietnam for a few days before heading back to the US for a long needed vacation. After a brief layover in Los Angeles, I made my way to Ohio where I witnessed the great demolition that Ohio State put on Michigan.

My Brother and I on the field after the game:



Chinh, Zoltan, Me, Rob: O-H-I-O!




I spent Thanksgiving at my sister’s In-law's house:




Yes, I baked some fresh pumpkin cranberry cookies too:



And I helped my sister make eggrolls:





My Sister and my niece, Emily:




Early December I made my way out to Vancouver for a friend’s wedding. It was a great time because I was able to see a lot of old friends:






My holiday journey continued on to Houston at my Sister’s house. My mom was already there since my sister gave birth to my nephew Ryan a couple months before. Then the whole family made their way to Houston and we all spent Christmas together. It was the first time in many years that all of us were together.





Nathan and Katie - Believe it or not, they are Twins:



Picture of my nephew Ryan:



The Family at Ryan's Baptism:




My brother entertaining Emma, Emily, and Lauren -- Who needs a toy when you have Uncle Chinh to play with?





My brother-in-law and I went to the Cowboys vs. Ravens game. The last game in Texas Stadium...it didn't turn out well for the Cowboys as they lost. Plus, I had another gout attack and was on crutches that weekend. I crutched my way from the parking lot all the way to the Stadium and up all those steps - watched them lose and then crutched all the way back! Ughh! How 'Bout Them Cowboys!



At least the Cheerleaders brought their A-game...they NEVER disappoint:




My Nieces, Emma & Lauren at Chucky Cheese!






New Year's spent in Los Angeles. Armando, Jeff, and Zosimo DJ'ing at the Village Idiot -- Good Classic Old School:







My friend Joe and I drove out to Arizona and watched Ohio State and Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. This game didn't turn out well for me either as Ohio State lost in the desert. It was still a great road trip however...thanks for the tickets Joe!







After almost two months in the States, I reluctantly, but also excitedly, headed back to Vietnam. I guess I didn't have enough fun so Arman came back to Vietnam with me. He stayed about two weeks. We left our mark in both Vietnam and also in a short trip to Cambodia. Good times!

"Now when I say freeze you just freeze one time..."



Bayon Temples:



Angkor Wat Temples:



Armando and I scooted around Cambodia on bikes. First time for us to ride bikes in years. We got the hang of it pretty quickly and also got tired just as fast so we had to stop for a couple of breaks. I also had a picture of the guy adjusting Arman's seat because his feet didn't touch the ground but can't seem to locate it...Arman is that one on your camera? hahaha!




Here we are in the Mekong Delta:






My family got me 2 cakes for my Birthday!



My cousins, nieces, and nephews singing Happy Birthday to me:



The best part...obviously the food:



Vietnamese Lunar New Year at my Aunt's:






Vietnamese New Year's at my Grandmother's -- more great food:







My friend's movie premiere here in Vietnam called Passport to Love...now showing in Vietnam and coming soon to the States:








Well that's a quick Cliff Notes version of the past four months. I hope you enjoyed the pics. Thanks again to all of you that made my visit one worth remembering!

Cheers!