My big project
I had no idea my poke bowl post would be as popular as it was! I have enjoyed the engagement on Instagram. I hope to get to Madison soon to have Pakalana’s again, but until that time comes I will be making my poke bowls at home. If you want my recipe hit me up on IG or leave a comment below and I will send it your way.
You may be wondering how I’m spending my winter in Kentucky! Aside from watching sports and eating out, I have been writing a book. It’s a project I have been wanting to do for a while and If you’re like me you feel time is slipping away with every day that passes.
Now the next thought you may have is about the topic of my book. I have been wanting to share the story of my parents fleeing Cambodia in 1981, my birth in a refugee camp in Bangkok, Thailand, and the subsequent chapters of our lives. I am constantly reminded of the profound impact these experiences have had on shaping who I am today.
The resilience, strength, and determination exhibited by my parents during those tumultuous times have instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and a drive to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. And to be honest, life was not easy growing up in Louisville’s Americana neighborhood. The stories I share may be shocking to you. It’s not my intent to shock the world but I want people to know that no matter where you come from, or the experiences you have, you can achieve your dreams.
If you know me personally, you know that I take great pride in demonstrating excellent customer service. My upbringing has played a pivotal role in shaping my approach. The empathy and compassion I gained from understanding the struggles and challenges my family faced have translated seamlessly into my interactions with others. I believe that by drawing from my own experiences of adversity and perseverance, I am better equipped to connect with customers on a deeper level, to truly understand their needs, and to provide the support and guidance they seek. In addition, I have found myself in situations, like chasing down a little boy dressed as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle who stole a package, that required a level of empathy to navigate.
While I have you I want to tell you another reason why I’m motivated more than ever to share my story. My friend and mentor R. Brayton Bowen wrote the book Engaging the Heart for People, Performance, and Profit: Seven Competencies of Compassion @ Work. His book resonated with me and I admire him for putting his message out there and sharing his professional experiences with the world.
I also had the opportunity to meet Janan Sawar, founder and publisher at Global Bookshelves International. Her story is inspiring and her encouragement to share my story helps me to feel more confident as I complete this project. Janan’s TedX talk is worth watching! It’s titled “What Your Bookshelves Reveal About You”. Janan challenges people to consider the stories behind their book choices and the narratives they project to the world. I’m excited to work with, Janan!
Tonight, my pretty lady and I are celebrating Valentine’s early and going to WWE Monday Night Raw in Lexington. Can’t wait to try this soft-serve ice cream everyone talks about!
