Holiday gifts: Jason Vengersammy
On Jason's list: Bow ties and sleep.
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we're again asking people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present, charities -- and wishes for the next year.
First up: Jason Vengersammy.
Jason was born and raised in New York City, but he's called Albany his home for the past decade. He's a loan officer for a local credit union and also works as a local wedding MC, DJ, and officiant. He's into fashion -- and egg rolls.
What gifts would you like to get this year?
More sleep would be nice. It sounds funny but the truth is, I like staying busy and I get stir crazy if I don't have something to do on a regular basis. Whether it's at work, at events, extracurricular activities, or even just a social life, I prefer to have something going on constantly than nothing at all.
Unfortunately, that comes at a price and that price is sleep. I'm typically up at 5 every morning and don't get to bed until well after midnight. Sigh, it's the life as a rockstar I guess... just kidding. But yeah, more sleep would be nice.
Oh, and I find bowties pretty neat, too. Yeah, this Christmas, I want more sleep and more bowties.
What gifts would you like to give this year?
I would like to give my parents a real vacation. Next year they will be celebrating their 30-year anniversary and after all these years, between children, work, and running a small business together, they've never had the opportunity to just get away -- not since their honeymoon anyway.
They've done so much for me and my siblings, always putting our needs ahead of theirs. Yes, "that's what parents do," but do we ever take the time to really think about it and to show our appreciation? Not nearly enough. So, whether it's this year or next, this is something I really want to do to tell them, "thank you."
What charity would you like to support?
I've always been blown away by the work done by the American Red Cross. The sacrifices that their volunteers make regularly are true examples of human kindness at its finest. No matter the scale, be it local, national, or worldwide, the Red Cross is always there helping when help is needed the most. For that, I will continue to support what they do. In a world where it is so easy to dwell on all the negativity, I choose to focus on such positives.
What is your most memorable gift?
Easy. The cross that I wear every day that was given to me by my grandmother. It is my most cherished possession.
When I was young, she would drag me to Sunday school with the hopes of instilling values early on in me. Growing up there wasn't a person who believed in me and what I can accomplish more than her. I miss her a ton, especially this time of year. She's where I get all my Christmas spirit from!
What is your wish for the New Year?
To have the courage to make better choices than the years before.
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?