Reflecting By the Pool

Today is my last day in socal.  I'm at my dad's new house in Torrance soaking up as much sun as I can.  Apparently it's snowing in Seattle. Hopefully that means happy fun snow times and not dysfunctional airport. 

Most of my time here I hung out with the family.  I missed out on all the holiday gatherings so it was nice to see everyone again. Dad and Auntie Linda too Angela and I out for sushi and a movie.  In an even more epic gathering, the Pineda nuclear family sat down together for dinner for the first in 12 years.  No one had to call the cops.  We even ran into my old swim coach/science teacher at the restaurant.  

Richard flew out from Hawaii for Lauren's wedding so we got to hang out too.  That included all sorts of shopping, swamp people, and eating.  He's all mushy for some awesome lady pilot which was pretty cute to see.

Lauren's wedding was really beautiful and it went smoothly.  She had it at the Richard Nixon Library.  It was a mini reunion so I got to see high school buddies and some of their parents.  Everyone is so grown!  I felt a little odd being single, queer, and not-a-doctor, but I dressed up fancy and had fun. 

My flight is tonight at 7 which means I'll head to the airport at about 4:30.  It's been lovely, but I'm looking forward to Seattle and continuing my odd little life.

OMG!! So nervousexcited!

Dear JP,

I am pleased to be sending you a letter of invitation from Craig Mitchell, our academic dean.  The interview will be on March 3rd at 10:30 am.  

The interview will be held in our library in suite 101, which is the door to the right of the elevator on the 1st floor.  Please know that since this is a shared building, we do not have signage outside.  There is a sign for "444 Ravenna Office Building" over the ramp to the visitor parking area.  Here is a link to a map:http://g.co/maps/xxgyc

Please let me know if you have any questions.  We looking forward to seeing you.

Best regards,

Thuy--Van Vu

Application submitted

I finally submitted my application for SIOM yesterday.  I'm so nervous!  They better let me in.

Maxxwell's Platinum Birthday

Last Friday night was my roommate Maxx's birthday.  The theme was platinum.  We spent 4 hours at the mall before the party.  I died a little inside, but it was worth it because we all got awesome outfits (I finished my shopping within the first 15 minutes).  He rented out the top floor of Waid's for his party.  Despite the fact that the party happened to be in the middle of techno night, it was awesome.  Stiff drinks, rad friends, and gay fashion.

At one point during the night someone got shot outside the club (no one from our party was involved).  Fortunately, it was not fatal.  We didn't even hear it happen because the techno was blasting so loud.  It was pretty scary when I learned about it.  There have been a lot of violent crimes in Seattle lately that have come pretty close.  It was strange to have that violence juxtaposed with Maxx's celebration which continued until closing.

Maxx had A LOT of fun.  I carried him back to the car and helped him barf when we got home.   The next morning we went out for hot pot at Seven Stars Pepper.  Lunar New Year celebrations were happening in the plaza at the same time so there were lots of firecrackers and dragon dances happening.