"WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Press 1 for English. Press 2 to disconnect until you learn to speak English. And remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST. And the AMERICAN SOLDIER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree... copy and paste in your status"
This statement is CLEARLY flawed and just plain RIDICULOUS. The fact that I see my friends reposting this makes me shake my damn head. First off, what the hell does speaking English have to do with respecting people who have sacrificed their lives for us? Ummm, NOTHING!
It's THAT type of hyper-American attitude that makes other countries laugh at our arrogance and inflated sense of superiority. If you want to correlate those two statements, then THINK about this...How many people in the armed forces are ESL citizens? And how many of their parents live in the US, but still can't speak English? BOOM! Because they can't speak English, does that mean they're not supportive of soldiers who die for us? I DON'T agree with the statement and I won't be reposting it AT ALL...Does that make me a bad American? F@$% NO!!! I come from a military family and have the utmost respect for those who serve, sacrifice of themselves, and bravely go into battle to secure our freedom. I will not deny that; but to pair that with an IGNORANT and unnecessary point, is disgusting.
Case in point, my mom moved to the US from the Philippines when she was 13. Instead of trying to help her get acclimated to US living and culture, the kids in her school, ridiculed and teased her for being FOB...Yay Americans! People come here to make a better life for themselves; that's one view on "living the American Dream." Instead of recognizing that, we try and belittle them for their lack of English skills. FAIL!
Yes, I tease the Filipino accent and I post funny youtube.com clips that poke fun at the culture and the pronunciation. But it's all in good fun, not out of malice. The type of "attitude" that's expressed in that status post is the reason why a lot of ESL people choose not to speak English. They fear judgement and being ridiculed, so they play it safe and stick to their first language.
You can call me sensitive, and maybe I am. But when it comes to this type of shit, I get hyped up. I've lived this type of harassment first hand. A lady once asked my mom if she was Asian, then asked her to translate to a woman who was Laotian...IGNORANCE...True story; my mom had to explain that she was Filipino and that the other lady was Laotian; 2 different cultures and languages...To which the lady replied, "But you're Asian right? Can you just tell her blah, blah, blah?"
That's who/what I equate the statement with...Before you go reposting ignorant shit like that, THINK about the message it's really conveying...How many of your friends or FAMILY members are ESL, or married to someone who is ESL? Get your minds right! If you're going to repost it, edit it, like my girl Kristen did with the following:
"GOD BLESS AMERICA! Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN SOLDIER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree... copy and paste in your status"
We live in a melting pot of cultures...in AMERICA...Open your damn minds and accept that.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Where has the time gone?
When I stepped off the plane at HNL in August of 2002, I never imagined that I'd still be here over 7 years later. Truth be told, after several months in, I almost hightailed it back to the mainland because of issues with my aunt. Had it not been for the support from my Uncle Neal, Uncle Kawika, Rahula, Leslie, and Ryan, I would have been on a plane right back to po-dunk Marysville, CA.
Instead, I worked 2 jobs to save moola, so I could move out from my aunt's reign of terror. She literally scared the fecal matter out of me. It definitely helped that Ryan, Leslie, n Rara were night owls, because we spent many a night at 24 Hour Fitness, or grabbing late night eats at Sushi King, Zippy's, etc... They were my escape from the sad reality that awaited me at home. And after over seven years, we still have that bond. We don't see each other or talk that often; but when we do, we pick up right where we left off. They were my first friends in HI and continue to be some of the truest friends that I've come across here. But, I digress.
I worked my ass off and kept moving forward and upward. Three islands and over seven years later, I find myself situated, but not settled, on the Big Island of HI. In June, it'll mark 3 years that I've lived on this island. That's the longest I've lived on any of the islands, consecutively. My work contract had me obligated to stay here only two years, but I'm still growing, learning, and developing my skill sets. I'm having fun here, but it's not where I want to be in the long run. I don't hate it, but it's not my first choice, as far as the islands are concerned.
I'm itching to head back to Oahu; and more and more, I find myself traveling there at least once a month. Everytime I have consecutive days off, or a huge window of time between my day off and the next shift, I'm island hopping and gallivanting with my hanai fam and friends over there. I flew over 32 segments of flights on Hawaiian Air in 2009. Only 2 of those segements were for a California trip. Everything else was me flying back and forth to Oahu(2-3 times a month); and once to Kauai. I'm missing it more and more. Not so much for the place, because it's overcrowded and congested as hell. It's the people, my people, that I'm always wanting to see or be around.
I always feel like I'm missing out on someone's party or special event. It's not unusual for me to fly in for a quick over-nighter, so I can party it up at a special event. Only to fly out the next morning and drive straight to work for my closing shift. I see myself doing it more often in 2010, as my ties and bonds have grown stronger and more meaningful.
Take for instance the end of January. My bff and older brother (we refer to each other as siblings), Rahula, is flying in from Arizona for business. I'll be flying over on a Thursday after I cut out from work. Me, Rara, Leslie, and Ryan will hob-nob, reminisce, and probably drink a little too much. Then I'll hop on a plane on Saturday morning and come back to work for the closing shift.
Don't get me wrong, I've made some meaningful friendships and I've been hanai'd into some truly amazing families while I've been here on the Big Isle. I will carry the memories with me wherever I end up. But, I know that my heart isn't in it for the Big Island. I can appreciate its beauty, the incredible contrast of the terrain and scenery, and the people. It's so calm and laid back here; and one can get used to that lifestyle. Who wouldn't with the beach only hop and a skip away? Realistically, Oahu holds my heart. Not the Waikiki of Oahu, that most know or see on tv shows and specials. But the Oahu you'll never see on tv, because it's too local or hole-in-the-wall to be truly appreciated on a national level. Pokai Bay, Yokohama's, Pray for Sex, Portlock cliff lookouts, mom n pop eateries in Waipahu, Waiola Shave Ice, Diamondhead Cove Health Bar's Mana Cove Acai Bowl, Kapolei's Hana Sushi, Side Street Inn (ok, so the last one made it on Bourdain's show)...
I'm rambling now...Y'all should know by now that my posts just segue through whatever's spilling from my mind at that point in time. It doesn't matter, I have like 4 followers/viewers so it's no big. I guess I started reminiscing and thinking about it more seriously, because Rahula and I were discussing it over the past few nights. I look forward to seeing him on this island next week...And I'm always looking forward to the day that I move back to Oahu...
Instead, I worked 2 jobs to save moola, so I could move out from my aunt's reign of terror. She literally scared the fecal matter out of me. It definitely helped that Ryan, Leslie, n Rara were night owls, because we spent many a night at 24 Hour Fitness, or grabbing late night eats at Sushi King, Zippy's, etc... They were my escape from the sad reality that awaited me at home. And after over seven years, we still have that bond. We don't see each other or talk that often; but when we do, we pick up right where we left off. They were my first friends in HI and continue to be some of the truest friends that I've come across here. But, I digress.
I worked my ass off and kept moving forward and upward. Three islands and over seven years later, I find myself situated, but not settled, on the Big Island of HI. In June, it'll mark 3 years that I've lived on this island. That's the longest I've lived on any of the islands, consecutively. My work contract had me obligated to stay here only two years, but I'm still growing, learning, and developing my skill sets. I'm having fun here, but it's not where I want to be in the long run. I don't hate it, but it's not my first choice, as far as the islands are concerned.
I'm itching to head back to Oahu; and more and more, I find myself traveling there at least once a month. Everytime I have consecutive days off, or a huge window of time between my day off and the next shift, I'm island hopping and gallivanting with my hanai fam and friends over there. I flew over 32 segments of flights on Hawaiian Air in 2009. Only 2 of those segements were for a California trip. Everything else was me flying back and forth to Oahu(2-3 times a month); and once to Kauai. I'm missing it more and more. Not so much for the place, because it's overcrowded and congested as hell. It's the people, my people, that I'm always wanting to see or be around.
I always feel like I'm missing out on someone's party or special event. It's not unusual for me to fly in for a quick over-nighter, so I can party it up at a special event. Only to fly out the next morning and drive straight to work for my closing shift. I see myself doing it more often in 2010, as my ties and bonds have grown stronger and more meaningful.
Take for instance the end of January. My bff and older brother (we refer to each other as siblings), Rahula, is flying in from Arizona for business. I'll be flying over on a Thursday after I cut out from work. Me, Rara, Leslie, and Ryan will hob-nob, reminisce, and probably drink a little too much. Then I'll hop on a plane on Saturday morning and come back to work for the closing shift.
Don't get me wrong, I've made some meaningful friendships and I've been hanai'd into some truly amazing families while I've been here on the Big Isle. I will carry the memories with me wherever I end up. But, I know that my heart isn't in it for the Big Island. I can appreciate its beauty, the incredible contrast of the terrain and scenery, and the people. It's so calm and laid back here; and one can get used to that lifestyle. Who wouldn't with the beach only hop and a skip away? Realistically, Oahu holds my heart. Not the Waikiki of Oahu, that most know or see on tv shows and specials. But the Oahu you'll never see on tv, because it's too local or hole-in-the-wall to be truly appreciated on a national level. Pokai Bay, Yokohama's, Pray for Sex, Portlock cliff lookouts, mom n pop eateries in Waipahu, Waiola Shave Ice, Diamondhead Cove Health Bar's Mana Cove Acai Bowl, Kapolei's Hana Sushi, Side Street Inn (ok, so the last one made it on Bourdain's show)...
I'm rambling now...Y'all should know by now that my posts just segue through whatever's spilling from my mind at that point in time. It doesn't matter, I have like 4 followers/viewers so it's no big. I guess I started reminiscing and thinking about it more seriously, because Rahula and I were discussing it over the past few nights. I look forward to seeing him on this island next week...And I'm always looking forward to the day that I move back to Oahu...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Oh no she zih-in't!!!
WTF?!?!?!?!? What is your major malfunction kid? Wake the f@$k up and see your environment for what it really is. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and be a grown ass woman. This sh@! is getting old already. I'm not gonna chase and wait for you to come around, so we can be friends again. GROW UP, then come talk to me.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Family First
This one is just a small blurb on family and putting things into perspective when it pertains to them. I had an acquaintance tell me that his father was just diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer...and the doctors have estimated that his father has 2-3 months to live. There was nothing to say except, "I'm so sorry."
I can't empathize and I can't even imagine what it would be like to hear that I had a short stint of time left with one of my parents. It really hit home about how abrupt and short life is capable of being. It's true that the only thing constant in life is change...And we're never promised tomorrow. We really do need to live everyday to the fullest and try to have no regrets.
I thought about my connections with my family and how well, or weak, the communication lines are. As much as my mom drives me bat shit crazy sometimes, I can't imagine a day in my life, without her. Mom and my pops sacrificed so much over the years, to provide for us. They punched OT, commuted hours to work, and ingrained in us the importance of hard work. I've seen my mom offer her own body parts to save my sister's...I've seen my dad punch OT hours, so he could buy me the higher end tennis racket with matching gear. For their sacrifices, I am forever indebted. I wouldn't be where I am today, if it wasn't for the example they set for us.
It's not just my parents, but my grandparents, aunts, uncles, hanai family, etc. that has affected me in one way or another. My grandparents would pool money together to help pay for our field trips or fundraisers. speaking of grandparents, I'm still lucky enough to have my Great Grandma around and kicking...I do mean kickin'...She's spunky as hell; famous for always saying, "Tough titty said the kitty, but the milk's still good.
I guess what I'm trying to say is to just take advantage of the time you do have with your loved ones. Call them (I'm so bad about keeping in touch with my grandparents), tell them you love them. Go and see them; hug and kiss them, plenty! Squash any beef; it's not worth missing out on quality time with your loved ones. The one thing that's been a constant in my life is my family. When I was down and out, or just going through it, they were always there. Not just watching me endure the ebb and flow of life, but holding my hand through it. They've celebrated the ups with me and helped me get through the downs. Without my family having my back, it would have taken me a lot longer to get where I am today.
So, to my family, whether by blood, hanai, old school calabash-kine, or newly adopted...I appreciate that I have you in my life, and that I'm lucky enough to call you all my family. Thank you for standing by me through the ups and downs, my stubborness, my spur of the moment decisions. Knowing you and being influenced by all of you, has played an integral part in defining who I am today. Family comes first...Wow, just reread that...turned out to be a lil bit bigger than a small blurb...and it wasn't as ADD "tangented" as I thought it'd be...Anyway, Happy New Year!
***You have to click on the pic to see everyone. I tried to edit the size down, but it still cuts them off***
I can't empathize and I can't even imagine what it would be like to hear that I had a short stint of time left with one of my parents. It really hit home about how abrupt and short life is capable of being. It's true that the only thing constant in life is change...And we're never promised tomorrow. We really do need to live everyday to the fullest and try to have no regrets.
I thought about my connections with my family and how well, or weak, the communication lines are. As much as my mom drives me bat shit crazy sometimes, I can't imagine a day in my life, without her. Mom and my pops sacrificed so much over the years, to provide for us. They punched OT, commuted hours to work, and ingrained in us the importance of hard work. I've seen my mom offer her own body parts to save my sister's...I've seen my dad punch OT hours, so he could buy me the higher end tennis racket with matching gear. For their sacrifices, I am forever indebted. I wouldn't be where I am today, if it wasn't for the example they set for us.
It's not just my parents, but my grandparents, aunts, uncles, hanai family, etc. that has affected me in one way or another. My grandparents would pool money together to help pay for our field trips or fundraisers. speaking of grandparents, I'm still lucky enough to have my Great Grandma around and kicking...I do mean kickin'...She's spunky as hell; famous for always saying, "Tough titty said the kitty, but the milk's still good.
I guess what I'm trying to say is to just take advantage of the time you do have with your loved ones. Call them (I'm so bad about keeping in touch with my grandparents), tell them you love them. Go and see them; hug and kiss them, plenty! Squash any beef; it's not worth missing out on quality time with your loved ones. The one thing that's been a constant in my life is my family. When I was down and out, or just going through it, they were always there. Not just watching me endure the ebb and flow of life, but holding my hand through it. They've celebrated the ups with me and helped me get through the downs. Without my family having my back, it would have taken me a lot longer to get where I am today.
So, to my family, whether by blood, hanai, old school calabash-kine, or newly adopted...I appreciate that I have you in my life, and that I'm lucky enough to call you all my family. Thank you for standing by me through the ups and downs, my stubborness, my spur of the moment decisions. Knowing you and being influenced by all of you, has played an integral part in defining who I am today. Family comes first...Wow, just reread that...turned out to be a lil bit bigger than a small blurb...and it wasn't as ADD "tangented" as I thought it'd be...Anyway, Happy New Year!
***You have to click on the pic to see everyone. I tried to edit the size down, but it still cuts them off***
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)