Thien and I got to hang out just before I had to model at SCSU's figure drawing class on the 23rd, and from then on much fun ensued for several days.  Here are some highlights.  These aren't exact quotes, but it should give you the gist.

Picking her up from SCSU

Having lunch at Asia House

Later that day...
I meet with Maria and Naomi after drawing class, and we meet at the mall.  I go window shopping with them, completely unable to join them for dinner because I am far too stuffed.  In between finding them in the labyrinthine mall and dinner, I am sucking on one of the chile-covered mango lollipops.  I am not sure if I love it or I hate it.  My tastebuds are totally confused.  I hand a lolly to Naomi.  She vows to hide it somewhere, so she can forget about it, find it with no preconceived notions many months later, and react to it as she deems appropriate.  Maria flatly refuses.  I lick the lolly for a total of 20 minutes when I scream, "I don't know what the hell this is, I cannot make sense of it," throw it in the garbage and and shake in confusion.  [Note: I really love chile spiced dried mangoes, but those lollies were a total mental mindfuck!]

The next day...
I eat another chile-covered mango lollipop, and still know not what to make of it.  I hide the last one so I can forget about it, find it with no preconceived notions many months later, and react to it as I deem appropriate.

Leftovers
I had enough leftovers of pho and curried chicken to feed me until today.  The servings weren't just intimidating, they actually meant it!

Vietnamese Culture Night
Loki and I went, and had a great time.  We really were impressed with the work that the VSA and the volunteers put in, and I even got to say hello to the incredibly busy Thien and her boyfriend.  I couldn't stop giggling when one of the announcers mentioned that one of the hallmarks of Vietnamese culture is that they are very generous people when it came to feeding guests, and that no one in the audience would leave the event hungry.  Truer words were never spoken!

I would visit my brother in Utah and meet my nephew in person.  I would bring my mom with me.  She needs to meet her grandson as well.  :)