Update from Mai:
Time flies. It has been a year and a half since I got back to Vietnam. I gradually got used to the life back home, the life without Chris and all the thrilling things from Mississippi, without seeing drunk, crazy people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and without all the snow that froze my butt during the Michigan winter. All that adventurous stuff seems so far away. I now live a much calmer life with my Dad and Mom in Hanoi.
I also continue my education in a school called Asia International University. I study business there. Even though we study in English, the atmosphere in class is still Vietnamese, nothing like Mrs. Dunnam's history class in Mississippi. Many times when I want to speak, my professors tell me not to interrupt them. I tell my friends about Mrs. Dunnam's class, where you can speak whatever you think even when it's not what the book says. I'm glad I went to America and was able to discover things I can't find where I'm from.
Looking back to my time in the States, I half want to go back to enjoy an adventurous life and finish my education, half want to stay home in Vietnam to live a calm, easy life. I teach English, which I love to do. And I have what people love, an American accent. However, they don't know about the southern part in my American accent.
It's summer time now, school is out. Sometimes I am just lazy getting up at 12 o'clock and watch the day pass by. I usually go swimming with my cousin in the afternoon and go out with friends at night. I try to keep my life simple but fun. But sometimes my life just can't be simple. I broke my heart once when I found out that my boyfriend is married. Since then, I have been OK.
I take life easy. I like Alanis Morrisette and sometimes I find myself in her way of seeing life. "I'm broke but I'm happy, I'm poor but I'm kind, I'm short but I'm healthy, I'm high but I'm grounded, I'm lost but I'm hopeful, baby. What it all comes down to. Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine. I've got one hand in my pocket, And the other one is giving a high five."
Update from Chris:
Well, let's just say that I'm a Queen again. I spent 8 months in pure hell trying to be the "man" my parents wanted me to be, fighting me being myself. And then I plain gave up. I was tired of living a life I didn't know anything about. The big surprise is that my parents accept me better now, even though I'm in drag again. They saw how hard I tried to live their lifestyle and how depressed I was. I hardly talked to people for 4 months. My parents finally understand, at least most of the time.
I have tried to find a doctor to get me on my hormone treatments. And in Mississippi, that's not so easy to do. I also have won a title called "Ms. Attitude." And to be honest, I deserved it!
No, but on the serious note of things, I'm going to a community college to study English. I have decided to become a writer for some reason. I hope to have a book of my life out in a year or so. Its entitled "Life in Drag in Mississippi."
I have also just recently got back from a film festival in Provincetown, MA. That was a thrill. You know, I miss having Mai here and also making the film. Mai made me feel like a star. I miss having her and Marlo around.
I am currently trying to start a new relationship, but still looking for Mr. Right. Since I went to Provincetown, it was a little tricky here at first. Friends were just a little jealous about the movie and my trip. But now everyone knows who I am, I haven't changed, and they're nice again.
I'd like to share my favorite quote which I made up myself:
"Be what you are because it's your world Minnie Pearl!"
— Christy Chaplie Nicole