My family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam. I had no choice in the matter. My parents sought a better life for their kids, so I said goodbye to my grandmother, aunts, and uncles.  I don't think I was aware of what was going on.  Perhaps as aware as an apple is being plucked from a tree.  There was a mad dash the final days. We had a ton of paperwork to sort out, vaccinations to undergo, and somehow even managed to take one last picture with my mother's side of the family who would stay behind. Lots of tears shed as my grandmother would kiss and hold us so tight as if it would be the last time she'd see us. 

After 10 long years separated from his family, my father would reunite with his with a wife and 5 kids in tow.  While my paternal grandparents by and large were nice, our family experienced a great deal of hardship including trying to figure a more permanent residence, assimilating to a new culture, navigating a new life etc.

Sometimes, for the sake of a more dramatic story, I claim our family made the perilous voyage by boat but alas, we came to the U.S. by plane.  This was made possible by Catholic Charities and some unsung heroes from Caritas. I was four years old then.  Many South Vietnamese refugees were not so lucky and were forced to do whatever was necessary to escape the fighting between the U.S. and the Communist North which included evacuations by boat http://nyti.ms/2vq6Qrc

My family would have been like those families making the voyage by boat if Caritas and hadn't taken us in.  Our grandparents understood that we needed help, and so they helped us.We lived with them for about 6 months, and during that time my dad worked tirelessly to ensure we would have a place of our own.
That was our story, in brief. We were in transition at the time, it forced us in a short amount of time to find our footing. 

We're not that different from the scores of Houston families now - all responding to a situation outside of their control, mothers and fathers doing their best to secure their children, and good people helping each other.

Today, I share my story in support and with deep empathy for the many homeless families due to Harvey.  It hits me personally because my family been where they are.

And to you Houston families, it is natural to think that the rain and hard times will never end. Please trust me: things will get better and there are wonderful people who care and are fighting for you everyday.

Daily Gratitude

and now, a daily gratitude.  Today Dao is grateful for his roommate, Benson, because:
- he keeps the music down
- pays his bills on time
- gives me a chance to role-play as a brother
- he is predictable
- helps with the utilities
- generously shares food

This Past Month .::December::.

- Chose to self-pitying for a few days.  Bich helped me to resurface.  Funny how intimacy can be had with an old friend.  Like the connection was never lost.
+ Played "name that tune" with Thuan.  Nice how we've always had a close connection. 
+ Set some goals, three in the morning.  That was fun.
+ Met Monica's new boyfriend.  He seems really nice.  Of course I felt a little jealousy but mostly I am happy and wish them both the best.  Relationships are challenging enough.  No need to send negative energy.
+ Made conversation with an attractive woman on the bus.  That was awkward and fun.  Next time I plan to record these cold calls.  Hilarious.
+ was thinking about my lonely days spent in Vermont, Boston, and NYC.  Interesting time in my life.
+ thought about my time working at Chili's Bar and Grill and how I used to play snowball fighting with the cooks.  I generally love the cooks.  Hard working guys/gals. 
+ had a dream about my dad but noticed that there was a lack of fear.  I stood strong, affirmed.  Not sure if that's a sign of progress but making a mental note.
+ A strange night.  Went to the jam but the location had changed so I spent the evening doing handstands and juggling, dropped off a book for Ashlyn, and then randomly met a pair of high school girls who asked me if I could spare some change.  I said no at first but thought twice to offer to buy them something to eat at Whataburger.  They turned out to be good kids.  Glad I did that.  Reminded me of the times I took homeless people out for a meal.
+ When you're in a happy state every thought is funny.  "Biked" into Shay and had a great 2 hour massage with David. 
+ Went to my first sweat lodge.  Boy it was intense.  I learned that your energy effects others and vice versa.  I make the sound "xai!" when I need inner strength and i get into beast mode.  Then I realize i can also remain in beast mode by simply taking on a clam state and breathing deeply, that I can breathe in the fire and survive it, even welcome it.  It's important to renew, to close our eyes and open our hearts.  To connect to a higher consciousness.  To take one day at a time.  To realize that someday I shall be free.  I get to choose when that day comes.  To decide to face the fire and not to turn my back to it takes courage and self belief.  I find strength in knowing that I am needed, that I can serve, that I can be of comfort.  It takes my focus away from my self pity.  The knowledge that we are all experiencing the same challenge is helpful.  That we can get through things together.  I went into the sweat with curiosity and discovered that the lesson I would learn was one of faith.  You see, I saw a bottle when the sun was still out, but when the sun set, I needed to have faith that the bottle was still there even though I could no longer "see" it.  I met some guys I felt a kinship with, Daniel and Nick, and an assortment of interesting people.  I was touched by Bright Sky's mourning and to have shared the experience with Erin.  There was a feminine energy in receiving the heat and I tried my best to remain open to it. 
+ Got to experience Erin being vulnerable in my presence.  That was a gift.
+ Had fun reconnecting with Kai.  Maybe boys and girls can be friends.  sort of.
+ Work and play.  Repeat.  Life is good.
+ I'm glad I was able to have a relationship with Monica.  I made my share of mistakes but overall it was a good experience. also to have helped save the Friday Acro Jam
+ I love Christmas music.
+ Read the Prophet.  Wisdom I really needed.  by Kilal Ghilran or something.  Lebonese poet.
+ cried today on the bus. trying my best. sometimes i feel like i'll never get there. there being self love. Can i really love and accept myself for who and where I am?  What must I believe about myself for that to be true?  That I am whole.  That I am worthy.  That I am loved despite my shortcomings.  That I have an opportunity to learn and grow.  And that the challenges I experience help me to connect with others and give me an understanding that I can share.
+ Board games are awesome.  My favorites currently are Apples to Apples, Quelf, and Dominion.
+ It's amazing how our eyes and hands can coordinate.
+ 12/2 The strangest thing happened today.  A guy who randomly saw me at the farmer's market gifted me a delicious apple.  Only in Austin.

Day Log

Had a really beautiful evening connecting with Shin, country dancing with Japanese teachers, and meeting Kody from Brady and the bus driver that looks like Nate Marquardt.  Really needed a day like this.  It's been a rough few days battling some negative self talk.  Dao, let's come from loving kindness and remember to count your blessings.  You're doing just fine :)

- today i am excited about sharing my acro knowledge through a collaborative website, starting the month of november, and creating more intimacy in my life with new and old friends.
- went on date with my self. We bike stop for doughnuts swing park grocery lots of foods shopping exploring Austin.  A pretty girl would be nice too.
- nice connect with shin.  It's nice to experience empathy.  Makes it easier to give it to others
- gratitude is the antidote to fear
- I find power in appreciating and complimenting others
- I love food carts downtown and along lamar and congress. pretty much everywhere I've visited.  I would buy meatballs from some lady with a good recipe at the park.  There's some good grub out there.  
-  met a really cute couple at east side yoga. seemed to really love one another, giving each other massages. I want that.
- go get it. go get some
- Interesting how the skies can change in ten minutes and so dramatically 
- Wonder if i can see the moon during the day more often.  Wonder how many more things I could see if I were more observant
-  Why do gray clouds usually lay under white ones  
- saw a girl walk out what i think was the men's room. I've used the women's room before out of desperation but have never seen a woman use the mens room.  Was a bit out of the ordinarily . Turns out it was an effeminate guy.
- got caught in the cold without a coat so I borrowed a jacket from the lost and found 
- don't regret the past. Don't complain the present. and don't fear the future. You never fear pains that have already happened. you just worry about future ones.
- saw an acquaintance who appeared to be living at the homeless shelter.  Makes things more personal.  Grateful to have a roof over my head.
- loving the Halloween costumes! and getting a One hour haircut.  I know.  I didn't think it was possible.
- I saw my mom's friend drive by.  I wonder if anyone's seen me on my bike.