Sorry for the inside joke.
Back in our college years, the person who “Mua Việc” was a foolish member of the VSA who had nothing better to do but paying money to get the opportunity to volunteer. It referred to a restless Vietnamese student who would rather volunteer tirelessly for the VSA than study in the library. I guess the phrase “Mua Viec” was coined by some brilliant member of the VSA back then (Hùng Râu?) and it stuck with most of us. Most likely people outside the VSA do not understand this jargon and we apologize for confusing you. 
Dear Moderators of this forum,
My name is Dang Minh Hai, a class of 1981.
I knew some of these people, such as:
Anh Chien Nguyen & Ms. Ngon, Thang Quan,
Bui van Phu, Hung Pham & Ms. Khanh, Vu~,
Tu`ng & Diem, Tuan ngo^’, Tay So-vo, Anh Nhan Le,
Anh Le dinh De, Anh Vu Quyen, Ngoc & Ms. Trinh,
Quang Pham, Ms. Thu’y, Ms. Hue, Ms. Huong,
Du~ng & Ms. Di-Binh, Thanh “da^’m”….
I would like to join this forum, to keep-in-touch with
my old friends…if that possible!. Also, as I understand
that we’ll have a Reunion’s party is in May 24, 08???.
If I want to attend, how should I registered?
Sincerely,
Hai Dang
Class of 1981
Hello Ban Mua Viec,
This is Hung Rau. Some confidently said “Hung Rau co Q”, others were convinced “Q Hung co rau” and some wished “rau Hung co Q”. All pointed to only one guy. I must tip my hat off to Tung Duoi Uoi for taking my only job: “Mua Viec”, a brave man. Anyway, wonderful feeling to be re-connected to the good old timers (in plain English: old farts) and young blood too. Saw the 07 reunion pictures, I thought I am the only one using Rogaine eventhough it’s too late now. Can recognize only a handful of people, still see Dieu Thuy clearly. Tung and Hung Moo, are you sure those beautiful and young people in the pictures went to Berkeley? Not in our time, I’m sure. Just kidding, all goodies in the past I would not trade them for anything, including my wife.
Thank Goodness!! I left there in July 1983 so I am still eligible for this 25 year reunion. Otherwise Tung Duoi Uoi will call me “Dirty Old Man”. Would love very much to attend this year reunion; however, my “an may” kids going in and out of college take all of my time this May. Hopefully next year, if you guys are not killing each other after 08 reunion and still have energy (I really mean ENERGY) to organize one, I’ll be there. Tung, please order mash potato or baby food, my last 2 teeth are acting up lately. Oh, and a wheel chair too, can’t stand up more than 2 minutes “long dau goi”. And somebody has a nerve to suggest dancing all night long after “van nghe bo tui”, who do you think you are?
Anyway, an open invitation to everyone, if you and other significants (yes, your male companion is invited too for those who are living in SF) have a chance to visit the capital city, please come and stay with us. Of course, there are some cautions: “Duong Columbia de di kho ve, Trai di mat vo, Gai ve co thai”. You are warned.
Bye for now.
Hung Rau
Râu ơi Râu hỡi Râu à,
25 năm Râu trốn, bên nhà vẫn mong.
Tội nghiệp Râu phải long đong,
Còn Q hay mất, vẫn trông Râu về!
Vắng Râu, thiếp buồn lê thê,
Thiếp còn trong trắng, chưa hề yêu ai.
Cho dù “mất vợ, mang thai,”
Thiếp thề chung thủy, vẫn hoài đợi Râu.
Hello anh Hung Rau and everyone,
This is Kim, Bao Kim, Ninh Kim, or, em cua Ninh Khanh. I am sitting here in Hanoi reading all this with envy; I’m sorry I will miss the grand event. How come Ban Mua Viec didn’t think of doing this when I was still living in California?!!!!
Hopefully there will be another opportunity next year for people like anh Hung Rau and me to meet up with everyone in person after all these years. Meanwhile, if any of you do pass through Hanoi, please do get in touch.
Hello Ninh NB Kim, I am delighted to hear from you!
Keep reading our e-mails and you can probably get most of the excitement and the happenings.
Until next time…
Hello Bao Kim & anh Hung Rau: if you can come back next year we will get together again just for you. Please coordinate with each other to be back on the same week, or we’ll have to have 2 reunion events
My Little Kim,
What in the heck are you doing in Hanoi? Running for the Party Boss? I think I can meet you in Cali around June next year, can you handle that? It’s so wonderful to hear from you.
Hello all,
I remember some of you since big Khanh took me on some of your camping/hiking trips.
I am “little” Kha’nh, em cua chi Ninh Ngoc Bao Khanh (AKA big Khanh in age, but not in height) and chi Ninh Ngoc Bao Kim. I also attended Berkeley for grad school in the mid-90s. I am excited to be attending this reunion. Though the event appears to be for the more “mature” alumnis, it has not deterred me from coming.
This group of “mature” alumni can be perfectly immature. No worries about that.
Ko`m.
Hello Ninh Kha’nh,
YOu would be one of the younger “gal” since we are all
very mature ! But like you said no worry, we are very nice, fun a little “vicious” sometimes. But this is a banquet, we will behave ourselves. And looking forward to see you….
Hello Khanh,
With the “mature alumni” bit, I think you’re referring to me especially me … Could you do me one small favor?
Would you mind signing a letter certifying my maturity at the reunion? I will prepare such letter, wait for you at the door, you can read and sign it as soon as you arrive.
Or better yet, I can leave such letter with the reception crew so you can sign without missing a step as you walk from the reception table to the photo area. Yes yes that would be best.
Anxiously awaiting your favorable response.
Mature Alumni