— 15 October 2025 — LA, CA, USA

So here I am, scribbling words to announce to the world, I am now officially a permanent resident of the great United States of America.

After almost 5 years in Thailand, I moved to the US with my bf (now husband) in April 2025. Once again, I leave everything behind: my blissful life I had in Bangkok, my dear family, my friends.

Relocating my 2 cats from Bangkok to LA

I was lucky enough to bring my two cats – Mimi and Beanie, which I have in Bangkok, with me to the States. Thanks to them, I had the whole row to myself and another one for my boyfriend on the plane. And If you happen to fly across the globe from SEA to the States, you know it’s a 20+ hour flight, and having the whole row is indeed a privilege.

Mimi and Beanie had traveled with parents all the way from Bangkok to LA, including a 6-hour transit in Seoul. They adapted incredibly well on the plane (well, except for the first flight, both of them cried quietly, though luckily, since we had the whole row, only we heard their meow). I took them to the toilet to relax every time I had a chance, and stayed there for like 20 minutes so they can be free out of the carrier. However, they didn’t really have the need to do any dump, maybe due to stress. They didn’t eat anything either throughout the flights.

And here we are, arrived at LAX.

What has happened?

So I have been living in the States for 6 months. I got married to my boyfriend; we did the registration for our marriage, filed paperwork for my status together, and came to the interview 5 days ago. Except for that, I am still unemployed, a stay-at-home mom to 3 fur babies, and a lot of plans ahead to prepare for my future here.

I don’t know what’s next. One new thing I learned from my relative living in another state is that I should set a goal and divide the timeline I set for that goal into intervals. I should also set a goal for each interval. Let’s say I need to save 100k within 2 years; each month I will need to save ~ $4200 and track whether it’s doable or if I should save more and spend less next month. Seeing a goal to achieve is a small joy.

So yeah.. that’s what I want to write in the comeback blog after 5 years. I don’t hope for anyone to read it, but to myself for a new milestone. Good luck with your new journey ahead, Phuong 🙂