Sharaya J- Smash Up the Place

This song and video is so badass.
Haven't gotten this since early 2000's.
Good to see Missy back in the music industry!!

New project: eyebrows.
Excited to see them grow out again.
Can't wait to keep coloring them in.
Lesson learned: don't grow them out and have somebody thread them.
New lesson: shade them in before going out so people can't see the baby hair.

Haven't had a night to stay-in and play with make-up since sophomore year in college.
Just like old times.

I'm a nerd. I'm not much of a reader, but I loved reading Hunger Games and I can't wait to go home to read the rest of the trilogy.
Absolutely loved it that I cried. I don't know whether I'm in love with it more than Thor. *gasps, SHOCKER. I know.
I really think I'm only in love with Katniss because she reminds me of me in some ways. It's that stank face.
But none the less, ya'll already know how much I fathom Jennifer Lawrence's poise. She's grown up to be such a beautiful woman.

When in Thailand, I will still try to find an American feast, especially for Thanksgiving!

Best and most expensive meal I've had in Thailand. So worth it.

Before that, we enjoyed our glass of red wine and sangria at the Red Sky Bar.

Greatest gift of all: having a group of inspiring women around you.
I told my roommate that the greatest thing God gave to me were my cousins and nieces.
Without them, I don't know where I'd be. <3


Loi Krathong/lanterns in Chiang Mai. Laos. Floating market. Fireflies. Waterfalls. Elephant trekking. Malls. Studio. Food. Sky bar. Thanksgiving food.

You know what’s really, powerfully sexy? A sense of humor. A taste for adventure. A healthy glow. Hips to grab on to. Openness. Confidence. Humility. Appetite. Intuition. … Smart-ass comebacks. Presence. A quick wit. Dirty jokes told by an innocent looking lady. … A woman who realizes how beautiful she is.
Courtney E. Martin

I wanna be close.

I haven't been home for Thanksgiving for five years.
But I'm so thankful for all those who took me in, and for the experiences I've gotten.


I just can't wait to be home for good.
For everything I've missed.


And here's a throwback. An asianavenue throwback lol.
Just an Avant and Joe kinda day.

My visit to Laos, meeting my aunt for the first time.

Although we just met, I felt like I knew her my whole life.
Within two seconds, we cried and laugh together.
She is truly beautiful just like the natures of Laos.

Jet Setter.

This was my favorite study song in college.


Now I'm replaying this song, sobbing to myself because I cannot believe I've come this far.
I made it come true.
I made it all come true.
I told myself I'm going to study abroad.
I'm going to Thailand.
I'm going to get closer to my culture.
I'm going to see my parents' hometown.
I'm going to make a small difference.
I want a life-changing journey and experience.
I'm going to see the lanterns before I die.
I want to see those lanterns!!


A couple of years ago, those wants just seemed so absurd because everybody has a bucket list. Everybody wants to do and see things, but how often do we ever attempt to do them? Barely. Ever.
But I really did make them happen. After the following week, my trip is complete. I'll be satisfied.
I even believe that a part of my life will be complete. Ok, maybe I'm over-exaggerating.

I'm feeling stirred-up, and anxious. Just a couple of more hours.

What's next?
Seeing the aurora, or northern lights!
As you can see, I just love lights.

How Do You Know When You're in Love?

• —COMMON: Man, I know I’m in love when I think about her a lot and I’m finding ways to get to that person. Even though I gotta work, even though I gotta take care of other responsibilities, I’m like yo, when am I gonna fly out and see that person? I look forward to seeing them.
• —KENDRICK LAMAR: How do you know you’re in love? When your heart feels it instead of your mind and your penis don’t. You know, it’s deeper than that… That’s when you know.
• —PETE ROCK: Oh man you feel it right here, *touches heart*, right there, it’s like cupid’s shooting you in the heart, that shit’s just BOOW! Lots of people say they don’t believe in love at first sight, but I do, it’s happened to me.
• —A$AP ROCKY: You know you in love cuz you don’t want nobody else but that person. You know, that’s how you know for sure. Like you could see a million other bad bitches, but you know, but it don’t even matter, you stuck.
• —BIG BOI: Your heart flutters a little bit, you like to kiss on the mouth a lot, your neck get hot when you kiss on the mouth, that type of stuff. Stuff like that, yea.

I don't own this. I took it from tumblr. I just fell in love with Kendrick Lamar's comment. I am so in love with him in general. I want to see him live again-- I love you, KL!!!

Please know there are much better things 

in life than being lonely or liked or bitter or 

mean or self-conscious.

We are all full of shit.

Go love someone just because, I know your 

heart may be badly bruised, or even the 

victim of numerous knifings, but it will 

always heal, even if you don’t want it to; it 

keeps going. There are the most fantastic,

beautiful things and people out there, 

I promise.

It is up to you to find them.

Chuck Palahniuk

Wine and bare backs.

Nothing like spending an evening with endless wine and hor d'oeuvres all for ten dollars.
Although the night was young, I was wined out with 10+ glasses, and had to end it by 10 PM.
I love Bangkok.
And I love people who laugh loudly with their mouths wide open.
Great drinks. Great time. Great company.

C'est la vie.

Right on the dot.
And so my life began just a couple of years ago.

C'est la vie.

Do everything in love.

When worse comes to worst

What's better than long bus rides and long weekends? A LONG MONDAY. Well, sort of. However, sacrificing sleep, being stuck in traffic with protesters, and building a headache was worth it to see all my happy faces-- and these crafts!


I've come to this point in my life where I've accepted a lot of people's concerns about my single life. People just really want to see me happy with somebody! I get it. Sometimes I feel the same way, too, but I cannot help what is meant to be. I'll be frank though, I am tremendously flattered. A girlfriend of mine insisted I talk to her best friend BEFORE I EVEN MET HER. Hilarious. Another girlfriend of mine who I just volunteered with here and there randomly tells me, "you should talk to my brother!" I normally would decline and snap, "ew, no!" Now, I just ask about their best friend, brother, cousin, homie, etc. They even sound like wonderful, smart, successful, ambitious and loving men. Hey, the brother even dresses like a GQ man *fans face.* It sounds too good to be true, almost everything I wanted in a man. (Finally, not another old bum who just needs to start dating, or even get married.)
Some used to nag to me how picky I am and how I'll be alone forever.

The thought of alone-ness seems almost scary, yet not really. If that's the way it should then so be it.
When I went to visit one of the fathers of my children today at the detention center, it made me realize: this is why. THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
The father gave me an envelop of goodies he handmade himself for his kids. If you notice, they even have his kids' names on them. Not only that, he also handed me a letter for his wife!
So, people actually still like to be simple, crafty and creative out here. And what even stole my heart even more is that people in this world still write letters to their loved ones.

I always thought that these tribal people didn't know much about love and affection. Maybe they don't know the pure essence of intimacy, but they do know that they must faithfully stick together for better or for worse, and to support each other and their kids no matter what their situation is, and no matter how long they've been separated. I've never seen anything so powerful.
And my heart goes out to them.

It makes me think to myself, when worse comes to worst, what would you do? If you had no money to take me out to fancy dinners, or buy me bougie gifts, how would you show that you still love and care for me? Would ya still fancy me? What if I ended up in the gutter, would you simply sweep me away or pick me up? When things have gotten worse for you and/or me, would you make quick moves for your own self-esteem and pride, or would you think about all of your surroundings? Oh, don't let me start singing 50 cent's "21 Questions" now!! *finds song on itunes*

I told myself time and time again: Find a man who knows how to build with their own hands, observe closely with their eyes, love with all their heart, and listen to good music for the soul.
Basically, find a man who can fish, camp, and build a bon fire. That's all the survival skills you'll eventually need! Until then, I absolutely adore (even if I'm not interested) hearing about all of my potentials and looking at their photos. I could even see myself crushing on some. That's a first step up. Ya'll should be proud! But most of all, ya'll should be proud of my dignity, self-love & self-respect to want to settle with somebody who'll love me like a fat kid love cake ( my bad).

Thanks for my current roommate playing this for me lol.
Throwback.
I feel like a sweet ol' little girl all over again!