Sam's Blog

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So Modesto was really HOT. I forgot how hot it gets over there. I can’t believe I grew up in that weather. I feel like such a wimp when temperatures get over 90 degrees. I guess I am spoiled living in LA, especially near the beach. Despite the extreme 102 degree heat and sweaty-stickiness, the weekend was a great success. One of our family friend’s daughter (who is a few years older than me) threw a “I passed the BAR exam and am opening up my own law firm” party. It was nice to see old friends and a lot of family, and those who I learned to call “family” throughout the years. My dad was so happy to see everyone again. It’s been a while since he’s been back and he missed everyone. It’s just not the same now that he is living in Southern California. But we had a lot of fun and it was very tiring.

I helped out with the party all day Saturday. I was under the impression that it was going to be a small function, with just a few family and friends. But apparently, I found out that day, that it was going to be a banquet/wedding style party, with about 250 people going. Eek! It was a huge event. And no Cambodian party is complete without Hennessey. We went to Costco and spent about 1K on just Hennessey. It’s crazy. But it’s expected that it would be there at every party. (Luckily, we had some extra, so I was able to snag a bottle, though I don’t even like Cognac.) We blew up balloons and ran around like crazy. But it was fun. I was finally able to catch up with everyone while doing the balloons and it was nice to talk to Keo, Po’s brother, who I went to high school with for 2 years (he transferred to Modesto High after his sophomore year) and I got to know his wife more. Po’s family are always hospitable and loving and welcoming. They spoil us every time we visit. Many thanks to them for a great weekend. I still can’t believe time has passed so quickly. Po’s sister (who is my oldest sister’s age) now has 4 kids! I remember when the first one was born and now she is 9 years old. Crazy and exciting all at once. I really am proud of Po and am so happy that she is able to start her own law office. She is helping out so many Cambodian people in the community. It needed someone like her to help and I am sure she will be very successful in this endeavor. The fact that she is practically my age and she’s doing this is so amazing to me and I admire her willingness to put herself out there. It feels like everyone is slowly starting to grow up.

I forgot how much of a small town feeling Modesto had. Its weird seeing “hicks” around all of the time, either at gas stations or in the mall. It’s also weird that they still stare at me, as if they’ve never seen someone of my “color” before. I mean, Asians are in all parts of Modesto, but since we were visiting family that lived in Ripon (which is rumored to be one of the strongholds for the KKK) I was a bit weary about the stares. But it didn’t matter because I don’t live there anymore. I really don’t miss it, well not as much as I thought that I would. I was just there in May, but this visit was different because we were seeing family. I think that my sister and I arrived at the same conclusion: We are thankful that we grew up and were raised in this town, but we are so happy that we don’t live there currently. I don’t think that I will ever live there again.

I should’ve posted this on Friday, but better late than never: Happy Birthday Andrea!! I hope you had fun in Denver with the fine men in that town. See you very soon!! Speaking of Colorado, I got a postcard from Amy while in Telluride. I can’t believe that she is moving to New York soon.

I miss Josh. But he'll be back from Texas soon. Yeehaa!

S&TC quote of the day:
“When you're a teenager, all you want to do is buy beer. But once you hit 30 all you want to do is to get carded.” – Carrie (Season 3 – Hot Child in the City)