I had a really weird dream about a week ago.  I was talking to Scot and he screamed in my face to never talk to him again.  I haven't talked to him since the high school reunion.  It's just been weird, because I know him and Christine got engaged, but didn't say anything to me.  I can't figure out if it's just Christine who doesn't want me to know...or if it's my Aunt who doesn't want my dad to know. 

In someways its sad to lose that much of my best friend...considering Scot and I were so close for a decade.  I know deep down we still care for each other and if anything were to happen, I know we'll always still be there.  But there are times I miss our silly chats, fun shopping excursions, and just being best friends.

Speaking of which...Shannon is DC right now visiting Catherine.  Of course I'm super jealous that I can't be with my girl besties.  But again, I had a fabulous time at the conference and wouldn't of missed it for anything.  I got my 5 year anniversary award and bonus.  I'm using my bonus to get a new Digital DSLR.  I'm so excited to get a new camera!

Brent and I went out to eat dinner tonight and I got my favorite, Peking duck.  Brent wanted Beef Broccoli and you should of seen the look on the waitress when Brent asked for Chinese Broccoli.  I wanted to laugh so hard...I think she thought he didn't know what he was ordering.

The food was fabulous and they were so sweet to give us free dessert and a gift card for the same amount of our dinner.  It was the best Chinese food I've had since I've left Portland, lol.

On our way home and out of nowhere, Brent asked if I wanted to go to the movies.  So we went and saw Gran Torino.  Now I know some may not agree, but I thought it was a great movie.  It protrays that part of Hmong life so well.

I laughed at all the typical things that people say to me everyday!  I laughed so hard when they said Hah-mong, when it's really just Mong and the H is silent.  I thought they did a great job of explaining how Hmong people don't have their own country and that its a race and culture.

Unfortnately racism is a still a part of life and it still exists even if it is or isn't shown in movies or on TV.  The things that were said in the movie are things that are really said in real life and I didn't find it offensive enough to think it's a bad movie.  I went to a high school where we did have Hmong gangs.  They fought with the Hispanic and African American gangs all the time.  I've seen the Hmong gangs fight and shoot people at almost every Hmong New Years celebration I've been to.  I have seen many of the things from this movie happen in real life.

They casted Hmong teenagers who had never acted prior to being in this movie...so yeah, I can see why people would think the acting was more on the poor side.  But this movie wouldn't of been protrayed correctly without a Hmong cast. 

What this movie showed is what my dad has been fighting against all my life.  He came from Laos with nothing...was able to get his medical degree and provide a great life for me and my siblings.  He's always tried to show people that higher education can be achieved and have greater things in life.  If anything, I think this movie will teach people a bit more of our culture and show what one of our struggles are.