Betty's bio, as written by her husband Phuong. :-)

She was born in a refugee camp and never saw Vietnam until the age 24, but Betty Chau Nguyen still possesses a wealth of knowledge about her ethnic heritage.  The eldest daughter of first-born parents, she grew up with high expectations and constant pressure to set a good example for her three siblings and multitude of cousins. She handled it by immersing herself in the many communities around her, from the choirs at Sacred Heart, St. Joseph’s and St. Matthew’s Catholic Church to the years of Vietnamese cultural performances in Vancouver to the family tree she mapped out containing the names of more than 150 relatives. But it is music that gets Betty most excited about each day. It started in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, when the Vietnamese church choir visited the house regularly during her early childhood, and continued as her father enrolled her in piano classes at the age of 5. When the family moved to Vancouver, BC, Betty was part of the Sacred Heart Catholic church choir at her mother’s behest.  Since the family lived a block away from the church, it was the perfect opportunity for her mom to integrate Vietnamese language, and religion in one, as well as bringing all four children to church would hopefully keep them out of trouble. It was soon discovered that Betty was blessed with a magnificently mellifluous alto delivery that could do justice to music in any language and dancer’s feet that made quick work of any learning curve. After teen years spent perfecting her dance skills, she moved on to singing around Vancouver.  Even after years of working at a bank, music and the arts, especially those of Vietnamese culture, are Betty’s first passion, and something she wants to pass on to the next generation. She wants them to know that it’s not necessary to choose between being Vietnamese or Canadian, but that one can be both at the same time and proud of that fact.

Phuong's bio as written by Betty ;)

Phuong Nguyen was born in Nha Trang, VN and left by boat at the ripe old age of 1. The oldest of three sons, he grew up in Monterey, a quiet town along California’s central coastline. His family thinks of Monterey as America’s version of Nha Trang. He comes from a humble background, as was the case with most Vietnamese refugees, starting a new life in America with few material possessions but plenty of hopes and dreams.

Phuong moved south to attend college at the University of California at San Diego, moved east for graduate school at New York University, and then found his way back west at the University of Southern California, where he received his Ph.D. in American Studies & Ethnicity. A field where very few Asians dare to tread; for most Asian parents would want their children to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. Going against the current, Phuong dived into what fit for him, for it provided the perfect community that fulfilled his intellectual, artistic, social, and political interests.

Going to college and university he was able to discover more about his roots and heritage and about what it means to fight for social justice. He got involved in student activism while also venturing out culturally. Trying certain foods, listening to Vietnamese music, learning to sing in Vietnamese, where he discovered he had quite a voice with the likes of Truong Vu. He took part in VSA culture nights where he was able to utilize his writing skills and stage skills during his junior and senior year at UCSD.

As a child, he had the talent for drawing, a skill he had spent many years refining well before his first art class during high school. Being multi-talented and very lucky, he managed to get through 4 years of college and 9 years of graduate school with full funding.

Phuong writes about Vietnamese American history because he wants the next generation of Vietnamese Americans to know where they came from. He enjoys teaching history in general because young people need to know that change happens not because good automatically prevails over evil, but because ordinary people, just like you and I, put their lives on the line everyday and fight to make change happen.

Now that the groom is in Vancouver...

I've seen much accomplished in less than one week's time. We found suits and dress shirts for the father-in-law and brother-in-law, we bought more wedding decorations, delegated tasks for wedding day, took the bride to her dress fitting, purchased a birdcage for holding envelopes, and the bride purchased her veil.

In addition, we have a semi-heatwave going on here (in addition to much of North America as well). Everyone on the bride's side has managed to get enough sun to register a "fairly dark" on the tan scale. It reminds me how dark I used to be when living in California and how dark I could be today if academic work didn't keep me cooped up for so many hours throughout the school year.

Today a groomsman asked me if Vancouver had a must-try food he should sample when he arrives. I drew a blank. In all my dozen or so visits to Vancouver, I've had mostly Asian food when I've eaten out. Some Greek. I did enjoy the intimate cheesecake place Betty took me to back on January 6, 2005, the day we first met. I'm too scared to try the Mexican food here and I'm not in much of a hurry to wait in long lines for the Japanese hot dog vendor (I doubt he's related to hot dog eater Kobayashi) on Burrard Street, and I've never eaten a burger in Vancouver for some reason (maybe because it aint' In-n-Out or Island's). I should've warned him not to eat at Boston Pizza (worse than frozen pizza), but why can't I think of any must-try foods? A friend in Chicago suggested beaver tails, which is essentially a Canadian version of the Mexican churro (fried dough covered in sugar), but pressed in the shape of a beaver tail; Maybe I should try it first before I recommend. But Vancouver is well known in underground circles for things I can't recommend (drinking age of 19 and marijuana). And anyone who watched the Olympics knows Vancouver has no shortage of breathless vistas and clean air. The food here is tasty and fresh, but what to eat that's out of this world and a must-try (and reasonably-priced) if one visits? Hmmm. Suggestions anyone?

Vintage

Phuong and I have a liking for vintage things. Phuong came across a beautiful clock in Chicago, similar to the nautical desk clocks circa 1920's. Eerily a coincidence, I recently got a 1920's style phone. I only discovered this coincidence now. What are the odds of that happening? 

As of recent, I've been fascinated with typewriters. I did my research, and learned about several brands.
Underwood, remington, royal, corona to name a few. I discovered I liked the royal models of the 1930's the best for its granite finish look. I also learned that it was favored by Hemingway.

I absolutely love it! I hear some screen writers still use typewriters these days. But can you imagine how many love letters, great stories, screen plays, movie scripts that were written on these things? I'm thinking more specifically about letters. I'm sure it would take weeks, if not months for the other person to receive it. Its nice to imagine how it was like back then, how patient one was with most things that were done manually - that takes a lot of patience. Perhaps it ties into the fact that Phuong and I are long distance... interesting parallel....

Considering this day and age, with a touch of an 'enter' button, an email is sent in quick cyber speed. Sometimes I feel like I'm a reincarnated old soul of the early 1900's :p

Now that Phuong and I will be in the midwest, I hear that there are vintage shops aplenty that sell items at decent prices, as apposed to here in the west - where one would have to spend a pretty penny for such things.

Although I"m still terrified of the thought of leaving my childhood town Vancouver, family and friends; I'm trying to focus on the positive outlook for the future. It will be fun decorating our place. A nice eclectic mix of vintage, asian, and modernism :)

That's what friends are for

I know that my friends have regular monthly gigs, usually at the end of the month. Silly me, I should have known to book them at least 6 months to a year in advance, as they pre-book their shows way in advance. I emailed my friends with an informal invite, cordially inviting them to attend, and saying how it would mean a lot to me if they did a diddy or two since we all have been singing together for over 10 years.

I didn't get a response from them, so I figured they were busy. So, I called about 2 weeks later, and discovered they had a show on the same day as the wedding! I was so sad, but I understood at the same time - I have to pre-book them way - way - way -  way in advance. The band leader said he'll see what he could do and call me back.

I got a phone call today from the ever gorgeous, sultry voice singer, chi K.O, saying that they rescheduled their concert date, and all of them would be able to make it - - - - - - - - - - - I was almost in tears. It means so much to me that they are able to make it for Phuong and I's special day.

Betty Chau va Phuong rat chan thanh cam on cac anh chi em nghe si, da doi lai chuong trinh hang thang. Doi voi Betty Chau va Phuong, mot hy sinh lon lao... Hai em rat vui va mong duoc gap cac ban trong ngay vui cua  hai em. Mong duoc nghe giong hat cua cac anh chi, nhe ? ;)

Moving that image

It's a good thing Betty has a friend like Ran. Part musician, part videographer, part piano teacher, part sound technician, who also happens to run a music store in Burnaby, BC. Ran will be playing an important role in making our wedding reception as entertaining as can be. He's a Canadian of Chinese descent who can't resist singing his Chinese tunes but can't get enough of Vietnamese food with his fellow band members. He helped my sweetheart record some demo tapes and happily performed on keyboards when she sang at gigs all over Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. This is what happens when you know people for ten years, which applies to how long Betty and Ran have been friends. It's also another way of saying that Ran is super-talented. We tried inviting Ran to our wedding as a guest to sit down and enjoy the festivities, but Ran is too much of a collaborator and contributor, a person who feels out of place not working at weddings, concerts, and festivals. So it is only appropriate that his wedding gift to us will involve his many talents, with us as his supporting cast. What he will do remains a surprise (partly because we haven't finalized it ourselves... :-P ), but it will provide the perfect kickoff to a joyous occasion. If you're reading, Ran, don't feel embarrassed or under pressure. We already know you expect the best from yourself already. Thanks for your help with our wedding.

Here's a photo of my beautiful bride-to-be at a concert a while back. From left to right: Anh Co, Betty, Ran.

Count down - 1 month 2 days

Working on the last minute items, jeez there are a lot of little things!
-Car decorations and home decorations!  We need help!  10 pairs of hands better than a couple.
-Ruoc dau...those who will be carrying the stuff!  Groom side/bride side

-Church, readers: I'm thinking it would be nice for Phuong and I to do the readings, but would also be nice to have a close aunt/uncle or friend do the readings too.
-Program and Script for MC's

-Have  entertainment organized and time slotted

-Song list for the DJ

-Finalizing on accessory decorations
-Assistance for the florals, gift graciously given by Aunt Jenny - thank you so much!
-My dear MOH is helping me with the pastries - thanks babe!

-A floor map of tables at reception hall.
-A list of ladies that will be at reception table
-A list of male ushers to assist guests to tables. 


We'll be giving the ushers the alphabetized guest list, as well as the table number guest list so they can familiarize with the setting of the tables. So happy I have a large family, and great friends supporting and assisting with all these things to do. I almost feel like its one of those productions I used to put together with my friends in our teenage, young adult times. 

Let's get the show on the road!!