One of the things I enjoy most is learning about people, especially elders. I love listening and imagining their stories as if I was there to witness it. At the current 2012 US Nationals Table Tennis Championships, I got the chance to sit down and talk with Tybie Thall Sommer.
At the tournament, I was taking some photos and noticed Tybie sitting down. All I knew about Tybie was that she was a two time world champion and a member of the USA Table Tennis Hall Of Fame. I decided to take a seat and introduce myself and to learn more about her. I was ready for some great stories about her past experiences in table tennis, but was surprised with the life lessons she taught me through those stories.
1. Attitude
One of the first things she talked about was attitude. When it comes down to it, sometimes you can't rely on others to accomplish the task before you. This was in reference to so many kids relying on their parents in the sport. When you're out on that court, it's up to you and only you, to have the right mindset and do the best you can. She's witnessed so many kids lose because they had a poor attitude even before going into the match. You need to stay positive and go out and give it your all right from the start. This translates to everything we do in life.
2. Take it one point at a time.
Often times, we think ahead too much and make ourselves worried, anxious, or nervous. "I just need 3 more points to win this game!" We think about the final outcome, and we forget that we actually need to concentrate just on the point that we are about to play and start losing points. It's good to think about long term plans, but don't let that hinder your focus on the task that is before you.
3. Adapt
Tybie noticed that many players continue their game plan even if they are losing the match. She recited a story of when nothing was working for her and knew that the current game plan would lead to her defeat. In her mind, she was going to lose anyways, so why not take the risk to change it up and try new tactics? If anything, it helps you learn and improve new things you haven't tried. Luckily for her, the new game plan was working and her opponent didn't adapt to Tybie's new adaptation. So when things aren't working in life, learn to adapt and don't be afraid to try something new.
I only got a limited time to talk to Tybie, but the time was quite valuable. She took a photo with me and told me wear her world championship medal. It made me feel like a world champion for a brief second. I'm looking forward to learning more about her and her experiences because, as Bruce Lee once stated, "Life is a constant process of relating".
I've been trying to sell a camera on craigslist, and have been getting bombarded with emails from scammers. I decided to finally have some fun with one of them. And just to fill you in, the scam that they are trying to run can be found here. My reply, has been inspired by a website my friend Matt has introduced me to, www.dontevenreply.com. Enjoy and also beware!
Kean Oil :
is the item still available?
Me:
Yes
kean oil :
I'm interested in the immediate purchase of this item i will be paying you a sum of $1650 i will want to complete the transaction in a very timely manner and i will like you to ship out the item through via LOCAL POST MAIL if you can do this, email me with your paypal id so that i can proceed with payment right away.let me quickly say that i will be sending this unit to my son in WEST AFRICA ,he need this item urgent for his birthday gift,i will be happy if u can email me bac know..
Me:
Local post mail won't be timely. How about you pick it up from me and pay with cash and then fly over to visit your son and hand it to him? I mean, it is his birthday, so you should see him on his birthday right? I bet he would be SOOOO Happy to see his dad on his birthday!
kean oil :
Thanks for the reply, and I really know how you feel, but I am so happy for the answer, actually I live in california, and I would cometo the pick up but am not in the state right now and I want you to do me a favor by sending this item to my son in AFRICA ,so if you don'thave any account with paypal do logon to WWW.PAYPAL.COM and return to me with the email address you use so that I can proceed with payment as soon as possible. and that is why i including plus the shipping price
Me:
Wow, you're in California? Actually you know what, I think I might take a vacation to West Africa. When is his birthday? I want to make sure your son's birthday is special! I'm willing to do this since you seem like a really nice guy. I will book a flight, and rental car, and take it directly to him. Please send me his address right away.
kean oil :
Hello i think i have to explained to you that am a (Ocean-Photographer) i worked main offshore am not available to give you a call due to the nature of my job i can only give you a text message to your mobile phones, Cell phone using is restricted here so this is the reason why am not available to give you a call i also wish to call you but due to that i do not have the chance to give you aring to your mobile i can only text get back to me soon to know what we can do about that,
Thanks.
Me:
Hi Kean Oil,
That is crazy!! I am an ocean photographer too!! I'm on a job on the Atlantic ocean right now. There is a hurricane coming, so the water has been pretty rough lately. Which ocean are your taking photos of? I too, can't call you either. And I could probably text as well. But why text each other when we can email each other, just like we have been doing! It seems like you've been able to send me a lot more info via email anyways. So, please send me your son's address as soon as you can. I'm looking forward to my vacation in West Africa!
Me:
My friend Kean, I have not heard from you. Did you get the last email? Is everything ok in the ocean?
kean oil :
your PayPal id..
Me:
My dear friend Kian,
I'm glad you are ok! I was very worried that you might be swallowed up by waves. What ocean are you on? Hurricane Sandy is getting stronger. We are about to leave the Atlantic Ocean.
You know what, you are my dear friend and I don't want to give you my paypal ID until you receive the product. Why would you pay for it first if you don't receive the product? What happens if you paid me and the camera was broken or not in the condition you want? That would not be fair. Send me the address, I can surprise your son with his birthday gift, and if he feels that it is in good condition and operationally working, we can then have you pay me. I think that is the fairest way. Please send me the address asap.
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I haven't seen another response yet, but I'll keep you updated if "Kean Oil", the ocean photographer, does respond to me.
As I was coming home from a late night out in the city, I noticed the gentleman sitting across from me on the metro. He was well dressed and his facial expressions made it seem as if he had gone through a rough day. At some point, he unzipped his bag and pulled out a piece of paper. I could see through it and noticed a colorful drawing that was most likely done from a child. His sleepy eyes opened up and a big hearty smile emerged from him. That smile lasted the remainder of my time on the train. It made me smile just witnessing that. Thanks to whoever made that drawing for him. Not only did it bring a smile to his face and uplift his spirit, it did the same to me. #itsthelittlethingsthatcount
I recently came back from one of the best trips ever. And I absolutely miss it. It all started over a year ago, when my friends Christy & Mantik got engaged. They were having a wedding in the US, but also in Hong Kong since their family still lives there. The DC family (That's what we call our circe of friends here in DC) decided we wanted to attend and be there for such a special moment. We also decided to make a fun Asia trip out of it. Some decided to go to Korea or China first, but we all met up in Hong Kong and then eventually made our way to Vietnam as well.
Hong Kong
Christy & Mantik's Wedding In Hong Kong!
In Hong Kong, we were blessed to have Christy's parent take so much care of us. They are some of the nicest people I've ever met. They housed us, fed us, and we were all fat and happy. No seriously, we ate so much food while we were there! Christy & Mantik also did an amazing job being our tour guides. The things that I'll remember most about Hong Kong is the fun city life, riding the subway everywhere, seeing all the markets & shops, and of course the food! And of course, the best memories were being with friends as we were a part of a magical day for Christy & Mantik!
Vietnam
A merchant working hard and still smiling in the market
The last time I was in Vietnam was 11 years ago. It was my first time there and also the first time I got to meet my Dad's side of the family. Originally I was suppose to be there for a month, but I think I was only there for 2 weeks. My dad's side of the family lives in the country side, a couple of hours south of Saigon. No matter how much insect reppellent I put on, I absolutely got owned by mosquitos. I told my dad that if I counted 100 mosquito bites, I had to leave. And unfortunately... I counted 100. Which was interesting because no one else got bit except me. I joked that it was due to my hamburger meat. Thanks, McDonalds!
So much has changed since I've been there. But one thing that hasn't changed, is the connection I felt when I was there. Growing up, you hear stories of people being so poor, not having jobs, how hard and difficult it is to live in Vietnam. Which most of it is true. And after hearing this all the time, you get this picture in your head that everyone must be just miserable in Vietnam.
However, on my first trip to Vietnam, there was a zen moment for me. I just visited my cousins in Saigon and was with them at their box company. It's this small little thing in District 1, right by the Nha Tho Du Ba (Saigon's Notre Dame). Customers will come to them looking for boxes, and if they need a custom one, they'll make it to the customer's specifications. At the end of the work day, we all sat out on the sidewalk right in front of the store on a beautiful night in Saigon. We ate food, drank some beers, laughed, talked, and I just remember looking at all of my family members and seeing the smiles on their faces. And then it hit me.
It doesn't matter where you are, even if you are poor, don't have the best opportunities, etc, you can be happy as long as you are surrounded by wonderful people. That whole picture I had in my head growing up was completely shattered. And I felt so in touch with not just my family, but with all of humanity. No matter what background a person has, you can connect with them on a deeper, yet simple level.
At the end of the night, I crawled upstairs through a small ladder above the box company to where my family lived and slept for the night. I remember before heading to bed, I was just smiling as I fell asleep to the sounds of Saigon.
This time around, when I finally got to visit again, I climbed up those same steps of that ladder with my buddy Dan. Reading about it, hearing about it, is no where near the experience you get when you finally reach the top and see this small little room that has a wide open window looking down on the streets of Saigon. I wanted Dan to experience it too, and I hope he did. For me, I felt that connection again, and it's something I'll always cherish.
Upstairs of the box company.
As I got to spend more time with my family and friends during that trip, that zen moment kept replaying in my mind. I hope that one day others too, will experience that same feeling.
Mood lighting, touch screen displays for entertainment and food/drink orders, power plugs, wifi... Virgin America, you're pretty amazing. Definitely not taking things for granted. Louis CK taught me that haha
It's February, how are your new years resolutions or goals coming along? Have you ran out of gas? Don't worry, with monthly checkups, you can fill up your gas tank again! Start reevaluating what has worked and what hasn't!
I have 2 goals that I have been doing very well with. One of my goals is to do more activities in DC. Another goal is to take more photos and video this year to continue my creative flow.
Luckily, these 2 goals go hand in hand! I've been very fortunate to be able to explore the city so much not only physically but also through the lenses of my camera.
Here are some of my favorite shots and events!
I got to meet up with my DC fam, Marshall, Sylvie, Ron and Stephanie for some Korean BBQ. Check out Sylvie's site for some of the coolest DC foodie news around! http://www.thriftydccook.com
My friends Mimi & Robert were fostering some local pups. They were absolutely adorable... even if one did accidently puked on me haha.
Delicious apples at Eastern Market. This is NOT why I'm known as addictedtoapple on twitter =P
Top Chef, Spike Mendelsohn at his newest restaurant, We The Pizza
This is probably my favorite photo that I've taken recently. It was a wonderful night exploring DC and we strolled right by the Swedish Embassy, The House of Sweden.
I took some photos of my good friend Joanne Kim for her website recently with her BF and my good buddy Dan. I had a great time snapping photos all around Bethesda. It was super cold that day, but good thing we stopped by so many places to get some tea or hot chocolate. Anyways, you guys definitely need to check out Joanne's music.. it's UH-Mazing. http://www.joannekimmusic.com
I snapped a photo of my good friends Becky & Wil in front of Kramer's Book Store & Afterwords Cafe in DC. I really love that place. Anybody that is new to DC, I tend to take them there for a meal. And.. it's one of the few fun 24hr places you can hang out with friends on a weekend!
I was asked to snap some photos for a wonderful event called Inspire '11 by my good friend Joe Kim. Inspire is a non profit organization that has created an outlet for Christians to express their passion and talents through music. I met some amazing people and artists that night.
This is my buddy GT, aka Gifted Thought, aka Brian from family guy =P Check out his awesome site, http://www.a-tunes.net ! It's a site where I wish I had back in the day... which showcases asian american artists that should be getting some more attention!
Pastor Del Augusta, who was inspiring and hilarious.
Jeff Yoo, a great organizer and the great MC for the night. It was great to meet someone with so much passion for everything he does.
Jason Min. A very innovative artist that had some really moving songs. Check him out at http://www.jasonminmusic.com
The three guys here make up Amp. One of the coolest hip hop groups I've heard! Their songs and performances are always so powerful. Check them out at http://www.ampmovement.com/
This is Lyricks. One of the best rappers I've heard live. I think what's cool about him is he knows how to stay true to himself and what he believes in. He doesn't live up to stereotypes. And... he just recently toured with the Wu Tang Clan! Sick! http://www.myspace.com/teamlyricks
Joanne Kim at Galaxy Hut! I had to also put up this photo due to the apple laptop in it as well :)
This was during the crazy storm down here in DC. It took some people I know 12 hours to get home.. when it usually takes them 45 minutes! The power went out of my building so I was left to some photography to keep me sane. This was taken in my parking lot.
During the power outage, I stayed over at Richard & Wendy's. And of course, I had a great time playing with Audrey and Ryan. I love these kids.
I went to snap some photos in DC on a Friday night with my buddy Dan. DC Monuments at night is definitely one of my favorite subjects to shoot. The lighting is so awesome.
These photos were from a weekend where we decided to film a quick video for Joanne's song electric kiss. We had good time brainstorming, filming, and editing all in one day. Check out the song!
Some pics from a quick business trip to Munich, Germany. I was surprised that it was warmer over there then DC!
I had the pleasure to snap some photos of Anny Pak's birthday. It was a blessing to be there as it was one of the most unique bday experiences I've been apart of. Praise, Worship, and love all around! You need to also check out Anny's photography site. The girl got skiiiiils! http://annyphotography.com/
So, that was my mega blog post. I hope that it has helped inspire you to keep your goals in check. And remember, it's not too late to get back on track either! Best of luck to you and stay positive.
Goal SettingWith everyone starting off the new year with new goals and resolutions, I think it's important for people to "keep it in sight". It's easy to say to yourself, I'd this or I'd like that and not do anything about it. You'll forget everything you have ever wanted to do if it's out of sight.
If you have a goal, write it down and place it somewhere you can see everyday. After that, take some time to think about your goals and write an action plan for yourself. Within those plans, set up dates on your calendar on how you can track your progress. Give yourself some realistic deadlines of when you would like to achieve thing to see how you progress. I find that breaking down your ultimate goal into smaller baby steps is the key to staying consistent!
An example would be:
Instead of just saying, "I want to lose 15 lbs", give more details! When? How? Check up dates?
I want to lose 15 lbs in 3 months. I'll check myself at the end of every month and want to lose 5 lbs a month. I'm going to do so by packing a healthier lunch consisting of leaner protein and more veggies. I'm also going to alternate lifting weights and cardio everyday!
From there, try to mark down how you are doing on a daily or weekly basis if you can! Some fun things you can do to make sure you achieve your goals is to have a spotter. Talk to family and friends about your goals and they can help check up on you. You can even make a fun consequence to help motivate you. Maybe if you don't reach your check up goals, you'll have to donate $20 bucks to charity!
The last thing is to not lose hope! If you don't reach your goals right away, don't fret. Keep on moving forward and realize that you have been making the right steps to making your dreams happen. If might not come as fast as you want, but you just need to keep on trying and you'll get there. "A jug fills drop by drop"
Sorry folks, I know it's been a long time. I apologize. Life has been... busy. I think I always say that, but it seems as if it always is and somehow gets even busier everyday. However, I kinda like it. I've been focused on work and growing the company and learning more and more about myself. Again, I feel lucky everyday for everything that I do in life and that I'm able to follow my passions.
Work has been my passion because it's working with people I love. All I think about is how I can help grow the business and have everyone in the company being happy and loving what they do.
Tonight, I just finished a great book called "Delivering Happiness" by Tony Hsieh. It's a fun and easy read that puts onto paper many of the thoughts I've already had in my mind. And of course, I've learned so much from it too. The funny thing is that I knew nothing about this book or the author at all. The title drew me in and it was just released and at the top of the charts. So I decided to give it a try and let me tell you... it delivered.
Careers are always on everybody's mind. Is it exactly what you want to do? Are you doing it just for the money, or for the status, or just because? This book tells how he became successful, almost lost it all for the company he runs now, and could have never been happier. He found passion and purpose. He created a business, a culture, and core values that everybody in the company has grown personally and professionally.
Anybody working for a small business knows the trials and tribulations. I highly recommend this book to anyone as a great source of inspiration. Learn more at http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com/
Showing appreciation. It doesn't have to take a lot of your time, but even with the smallest comment, you'll never know how you'll just make someone's day. I got this in my inbox today.
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Contact form Westminster Crackers Website Contact Information
NameTom Nguyen
Comments:
I'm not a cracker connoisseur or anything, buy you guys have the best tasting crackers ever. I'm sitting at a Silver Diner and have had your awesome crackers so many times that it compelled me to write an email just to let you guys know.
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Dear Tom,
Thank you for your interest in Westminster Crackers, it’s always nice to hear
from one of our fans. Which Silver Diner were you served our crackers?
If you’ll forward me your street address we’ll send you a complimentary sample.
Stop by sometime, we’d love to meet you and show you around.
All my best,
Keith B. Dunn
Vice President / General Manager"
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I got this email today and it made me chuckle and smile. I sent an email to compliment... crackers... haha. But I'm sure it brought a smile to the faces of the of Westminster Crackers Factory. And maybe one day I will take a visit to their place :) Try out their crackers.. it's delicious btw.
It's the simple things in life we forget. Who can you genuinely compliment today?
In honor of the title of this post... Usher - Simple Things
Today I was reminded that sometimes, it's up to you to do the things you want in life. You can't always rely upon others. And others.. shouldn't hold you back. Get out there and do whatever you need to do!
I guess I kind of listened to my advice today =P I went out there and took some photos. It was a gorgeous night in DC especially by the Tidal Basin. It was a fun relaxing stroll and I got to take some fun photos as well. Some more photos are in the gallery.
As everyday passes, I just feel so grateful for everything that is going on in my life. The good and the bad. There is always something to be thankful for everyday. What can you be thankful for today?
