by

I am…
A #2 with a large Coke at McDonald’s in the morning, and 20 nuggets with BBQ sauce in the afternoon.
A large bag of Trolli’s sour gummy worms and box of Brach’s gummy bears, devoured when I’m upset or bored.
A rice cooker filled with grainy goodness and a steam pot packed with shrimp dumplings.
Traditional Vietnamese pho bo vien with a side of spring rolls and hoison sauce.
I am…
The first folded clothe seen on top of the laundry basket every morning.
The comfy shirts, yoga pants, sanuks, and scarves.
The blue, white, gray, black, and checkered Vans thrown off next to my garage door.
Dresses and tights when I want to feel like a girl once in a while.
The panda, Batman, and camera necklace I wear every day, close to my heart; reminding me of the stages of my relationship.
I am…
New York City, Paris, Hong Kong, and Seattle, the places I aspire to go and inspire me to continue doing art.
Japan, Hawaii, Vietnam, where I’ve met new friends and saw different ways of living.
California: Huntington Beach every week, Disneyland every month, Sea World every half a year; My home that has inspired me to have big city dreams.
I am…
The brown Moleskine I carry with me; saving every sweet word he has said to me since the beginning of our relationship.
My bridesmaid’s bouquet from my sister’s wedding; sitting on my shelf in memory of the year we grew closer.
The Nintendo 64 games my brother and I used to play together when he babysat me growing up.
The white blankie (actually a towel) I used to not be able to sleep with every night.
The needles I helped my Grandma put thread in while I was growing up,
And the last hospital visitors’ band I received when I last saw and spoke to her.

I am…
The grandparents on my father’s side, whom I wish I had the chance to meet.
Emily, my dearest friend I rarely talk to today, who has listened to all of my problems, overcame bone cancer, and moved to Wisconsin.
My best friends: Eunice, Danny, Seymour, Sandy, and Sang; The ones who have grown older with me, seen the good and the bad, and manage to still love me, even when all of my flaws could have pushed them away.