vanae (happier you* guide)

it’s not only because of the beautiful bouquets of flowers i received (thanks thomas and dana!), that i describe this birthday as ‘flourishing’ but the ‘growth of growth‘ that takes place.

last year, was a very fun and memorable birthday as i celebrated with junior boys (one of my favorite groups). but this year, it was even more special and meaningful. my birthday started out with a surprise.

*dana & thuy kidnapped me to capitola beach for a surprise beach picnic, where we had deep conversations about our passions and direction in life. then a lovely dinner Shadowbrook restaurant with a beautiful garden.

*my sister planned a relaxing lake tahoe trip, which included mily & byong. with snow tipped mountains and a lake view, serenity and peace was the theme of that weekend.

* italian dinner with caroline and sarah (another bday) to catch up and chat about travels and obstacles that comes in life.

* nightflife!- fantastic dinner & show at asiasf and then dancing at stiletto in our ‘movie theme’ costumes with my favorite people.
* to top it off- an aries daytime sf outting with mily & pete (april babies) at the de young musuem and great sushi.

with all these birthdays this month, i realize that i rather spend quality time for their bday to get to know the ever-growing-new-you, then to give a materialistic gift that might not even be enjoyed. creating memories that last longer than any object. i mentioned this to caroline during our dinner and she replied:

“every year, you reflect more and more, vanae. it’s a sign of growing up.”

yes. me ..flourishing ‘growth of growth’ with meaning and substance with every year, every month, every day.

(listening to ‘heroin unltd’ by spleen united)

i attended a funeral this morning. a beautiful buddhist ceremony took place.

i was attentive with my thoughts towards the monk, as he passed on the lesson from buddha.

“song mot doi co y nghia” (vietnamese) for “live a life of meaning” …

“life is short. so live a life of meaning and appreciate the time and now with those around you.”

april is std-awareness month

thanks thuy..for this great mindteaser.

0. He died because he fell from mountain? YES
1. Did he fell from cliff hanging by the straw ? NO
2. Is he suicide? NOT QUITE
3. Did he burn, dispose his clothes? NO
4. Is there any other people in mountains? IRRELEVANT
5. He is alpinist? NO
6. He was killed? NO

i get ALL types of messages, but i like to highlight the ridiculous ones on my blog.

this is the best match msg i have ever received.

the type to bring home to mom. (insert sarcasm here)