Relating /  by Thomas Nguyen

"Life is a constant process of relating " - Bruce Lee

Oh so true Bruce, oh so true. This  quote resonates throughout my daily life. I feel that "relating" is such an important part of our lives and should be embraced even more. Through this process, we learn how we are all so connected.  

When is the last time you felt this?  Was is it relating to hearing music and lyrics that represented how you felt at that moment? How about meeting a stranger and finding out they had something in common with you? Or maybe the feeling you felt when someone gave you a helping hand or vice versa the feeling you had when you were able to help someone? Or how about eating some ratatouille and remembering how it tasted and how you felt right at home when you ate it as a child *movie plug*.  

Life truly is a constant process of relating.  So be present in your life and live, learn, love, and relate. Happy Holidays everyone!

Thanks for helping me fall in love with the game. RIP Mike /  by Thomas Nguyen

This is an old post that I just wanted to have records of.

Me & Mike - The Human Wall - 2006.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Last night, I was back in PA just for an evening. I got a chance to visit the first table tennis club I ever started at. The club that started it all. Berks Table Tennis Club. It was the friendliest club I ever played at. They not only taught me to have fun with the game, but to genuinely show kindness and interest in every person that walked into that door. That is something I try to continue with every new person I meet still. It was great to be back and reconnect with everyone there.

Unfortunately, I found out that one of my favorite members passed away, Mike. Thanks for hitting with me when I could hardly even keep the ball on the table. Thanks for all the fun jokes you had. Thanks for your kindness. Thank you for your enthusiasm and encouragement. I'll never forget ya. May you rest in peace.

Here is an excerpt from an old post I found on my Xanga. 

Saturday, 30 December 2006
Working in Table Tennis.. and other random stuff

Me & Old Mike

I've never felt so good about working in Table Tennis until I went back home for Xmas. During one of my days off, I went to visit the old club I attended back home, the Berks Table Tennis Club. It's where I first really learned to love and appreciate the game. The majority of the club members are elders, but I really enjoy that. I love learning their history and all their stories. What amazed me was their eagerness to teach me the wonderful game to a complete newbie like me. I just remember them always having to pick up the balls i would mishit, and never complaining. They worked with me until I got better, with no regrets of their back pain haha. 

Anyways, the picture above is Mike & I. Mike is the oldest member at the club. He's 80 years old and is only running on one lung (The other collapsed when he was young, due to tuberculosis). I always refer to him as the Human Wall. I remember when I first started out, I had no clue how he could block and return every ball. Even with his age and physical limitations, he is an amazing player. When I went back to the club during Xmas Break, I was catching up with him. I told him how I was working for North American Table Tennis. After I told him, I've never seen such a proud and amazed face at the same time. He kept repeating.. "You work for.. NORTH AMERICAN TABLE TENNIS??........ I've been in this game for so long, and it's shame that this beautiful game isn't more popular. I'm so glad you are working for table tennis. We need someone like you!" I told him about all the projects we are working on, and more about the company. He just kept on smiling. Before he left that night, he kept on going to the other members... "Did you know Tom works for North American Table Tennis?" That is definitely a memory I won't forget.

Meet Stan. /  by Thomas Nguyen

Stan is one of the Russian table tennis players  at Club JOOLA.  And even though he is Russian, I swear he eats even more Vietnamese food then I do.  I always see him at Pho Hoa Binh and have even joined him (as you can see in the photo)

Stan is a very personable guy and always fun to talk to.  He's local Jazz musician and plays the saxophone.  He use to play with the Naval Academy, but now has his own group, The DC Jazz Connect.  Currently he plays on Thursday nights at the Paper Moon in Georgetown.  However starting next year, he'll also be playing at some hotels as well.  I'll keep you posted.  But in the meantime, check him out when you get the chance!

One video you should watch before the new year /  by Thomas Nguyen

As a new year approaches, it is often that time that we start to reflect upon how we can improve ourselves.  To help renew your spirits, I wanted to share one of my favorite speeches.  If there is one video that you should watch before the end of the year... this is it.

The speech is done by Benjamin Zander, a well known conductor in classical music.  His speech is about classical music and passion.  He shows great humor, inspiration and passion all in one video.  Don't be mistaken that this is some boring lecture on classical music. You'll learn how you can become a better person and help inspire others.  Please watch, and let me know if you too had shiny eyes at the end. *You'll see what I mean*

 

Meet Stas. Sylvie's Bday! /  by Thomas Nguyen

 

So here's a little update!  So the Russian gentleman I was talking about before, his name is Stas.  Here is what I found out today through our hand signal conversation haha. He is 70 years old.  He started playing since he was a young child, and played competitively for over 20 years! I just wanted to let you guys know that most likely, you would get your butt kicked by him.  Don't let the age fool you, the man has skills!  He also taught me how to say thank you today.  This has been quite the fun adventure!

Sylvie emotional about her awesome kitchen gear!

The cous and I

Tonight was my cousin Sylvie's Bday.  If you don't know Sylvie, she's also known as ThriftyDCCook!  She's always blogging about amazing food, deals, and recipes that she has tried.  Pretty much I get hungry whenever I see her blog.  I would totally recommend visiting her blog sometime. I don't get to see her as often, but it was great seeing her tonight!  Her Bday was celebrated at Masa 14 by 14th & U St.  The place looks great and the food was quite delish!  One of the chef's is from ZenGo in Chinatown.  I had the Barbeque Salmon with spinach and bacon (Of course I had to have bacon) and it was quite delish.  I definitely recommend it. 

 

 

Privet! /  by Thomas Nguyen

Tasty Russian CandyOne of our new members at our table tennis club is an elderly Russian gentleman.  Besides hello, and goodbye, he really doesn't know anything else in English.  However, even through the language barrier, we seem to communicate with each other just fine.  He's always smiling and always makes hand signals of whatever he is trying to say.  It's fun deciphering each other.  He taught me how to say hello and goodbye.  We always greet each other and he always gives me some type of Russian candy whenever I see him as I leave from work. I feel like he's my grandpa or something haha. I love talking with the elderly, even if I can't understand what they are saying, but I know what they mean :)

Pass It On /  by Thomas Nguyen

For all you local DC'ers, here are some events that I would be checking out if I could make it. Don't miss out!

Jay Sean @ Josephines
Tuesday, 12/12/09

The new hit star Jay Sean will be at Joesphines tomorrow for a meet and greet.  The tickets are $30 for a meet and greet with Jay Sean and an autographed copy of his latest album, "All or Nothing".  Also, Jay Sean's official DJ, DJ Bikram will be there.  If you don't know Bikram, he is one of the hottest DJ's in the DC area.  Every time I get to listen to one of his sets live, it's electrifying.  He always seems to mix the perfect blend of House, Hip Hop and mashups. Many of my friends who are only hip hop fans and have this anti stereotype of house music are totally blown away by a night of his mixing.  The man simply knows how to keep the crowd rockin!

Helping Hands Event @ Photoria
Saturday, 12/19/09

Photography + Music + Charitable Events = Awesomeness.  That's the simple description of this event hosted by my friend Jennie.  Join her and many others at Photoria for a photography and music showcase, where the proceeds will go towards One Day Wages.  This organization is a great movement to help end world hunger.  If you can't go, show some of your holiday love and donate to the organization!

Techniquelle @ DC9 and Solly's
Saturday, 12/13/09 and 12/14/09

Listen to this wonderful local artist, Techniquelle live at DC9 And Solly's.  I was lucky enough to catch her live at the grand opening of BBQ Chicken & Beer and have been hooked!  Definitely an artist worth checking out. I'll eventually catch another show!

Patience /  by Thomas Nguyen

Bruce Lee Statue in Hong KongI believe in everything life has to offer, the good and the bad.  I feel deep down that even through all the hardships one might face, great things await.  We just have to be patient.  And if it doesn't come directly to you, all the work you do, will cause a change of events that will help someone out there one day. And you should feel great about that.  Go out there and help others in need when you get the chance. You'll feel an instant satisfaction and connection with the human race.

"You know what I want to think of myself? As a human being. because, I mean I don't want to be like "As Confucius say," but under the sky, under the heavens there is but one family. It just so happens that people are different."- Bruce Lee