My grandpa, the same man that I spoke of in my last post left us on November 2nd. I have been missing from pretty much all of my social network sites and have been taking time to recover. I have been missing for about a month, not that anyone has really realized it, but I feel that I should explain what is going on in my life so when I come back in years, I can see that I have documented it to some extent.
My grandpa's funeral was very busy, a lot of cooking and cleaning. There was a lot of people who came to show their respects and cried, many of whom I have never met before. It was so nice to see all these Hmong veterans that walked the land with my grandpa, those whom fought next to him.
They called my grandpa a captain, he received an American flag which was laid on top of his coffin. It was beautiful. They played the trumpet and saluted him. My mom saluted him as well, I felt like she was so hurt, so crushed that she wasn't there for his last breath, she blamed herself for everything. I didn't understand why, she is the only person that was there for him for everything.
I was in charge of his slideshow. It was difficult to find pictures of him. It was more of a slideshow showing his children and grandchildren, but then again it wasn't even of everyone. I was restricted, leaving out his children and grandchildren whom still live in Laos and Thailand in case of any danger. It was a beautiful slideshow, I had my grandma say some words in the beginning and at the end. I found songs and had my older sister help me seek more songs to add to the slideshow. The pictures that I found of my grandpa were of him when he was still able to walk and talk, he was so lively and when I say lively, I mean stubborn lol. It was about 23 minutes long, which wasn't long enough for my grandma.
I learned and realized so many things about my grandpa at his funeral. He was a captain, he was a prisoner for two years in which he was tortured. He was respected to not only the soldiers but to our people. He risked his life for Americans and our own people.
I wish that I saw his significance beforehand. I knew he was my grandpa, that he told great stories, that he was a soldier in the war, but I didn't know the details or his reasons. I knew a lot of his bad, but I did not know much of his good.
All the stories that he never told us will never be told because he is no more. I am so heartbroken because I didn't care enough to ask when he was able to speak. I never cared to listen when I had the chance. I kick myself as so many of my family and relatives do, but then I realize that he is in a better place because he is no longer in pain. He has suffered for so long, now he can rest.
I was there for him when he needed me, translating him, feeding him, and visiting him whether there were others or not. I did as much as I could at the time. Life is so busy.
I miss him so much.
RIP Grandpa. May God be with you!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
My Grandpa, A Vietnam Veteran
My grandpa's name is Blia. I am sitting at the hospital with him, in his bed. He's having hallucinations and seeing people whom have been dead for years. He's seeing his relatives that he misses and he's talking to them in his sleep. I want to wake him up to reality but at the same time I'm sure he's enjoying the fact that he is getting visitors.
I've been coming to the hospital this whole week after work. I pick up my grandma so she can visit him. She can take care of him so all I've been doing is translating and making sure he gets what he needs. Today she was unavailable to come because she is feeling sick herself. I'm sure laying in bed all day can get very tiring for him, so I decided to come and stay for a while.
Yesterday my grandpa asked my grandma "who brought those bananas?" and she replied saying that there are none, because there really were no fruits. He's on a strict diet, only eating things that are pureed, things that are as soft as mashed potatoes and drinking things that are thickened.
I fed him dinner, he ate everything on his plate, the only thing he didn't finish was this dairy drink which is pretty much like ice cream but thickened and in a juice-like form. If he coughs and chokes on food it can get stuck in his lungs and he can get pneumonia.
He is a very respected man, many relatives know who he is and know of his story. He visited the white house and Clinton when he was still president. He was running from the government for years in Laos and finally was able to come to the US. He earned his place here in the states, he's been living here for years, maybe 10, give or take.
I've always wanted to know his story and now I feel like I can't get the whole picture. He's been sick for years now and he at times doesn't remember who you are. I had asked him earlier if he remembered who I am because he asked me if I was staying at my moms or at a relatives and I said my moms (I live there), he did remember who I am though, which is a good sign.
He's been doing a lot better than the first couple of days, eating all his meals, and remembering things that are going on.
He is a storyteller, he used to tell us stories when we were younger. His stories were from fiction to non-fiction. They were inspirational and motivational. They consisted of his experiences and of stories that he had heard elsewhere. Most of the stories growing up that I have heard are stories that were told from generation to generation. I hope that I can remember them when I have children.
My grandpa isn't a Christian, but we pray for him a lot! I hope, like last summer, he will get better!
I've been coming to the hospital this whole week after work. I pick up my grandma so she can visit him. She can take care of him so all I've been doing is translating and making sure he gets what he needs. Today she was unavailable to come because she is feeling sick herself. I'm sure laying in bed all day can get very tiring for him, so I decided to come and stay for a while.
Yesterday my grandpa asked my grandma "who brought those bananas?" and she replied saying that there are none, because there really were no fruits. He's on a strict diet, only eating things that are pureed, things that are as soft as mashed potatoes and drinking things that are thickened.
I fed him dinner, he ate everything on his plate, the only thing he didn't finish was this dairy drink which is pretty much like ice cream but thickened and in a juice-like form. If he coughs and chokes on food it can get stuck in his lungs and he can get pneumonia.
He is a very respected man, many relatives know who he is and know of his story. He visited the white house and Clinton when he was still president. He was running from the government for years in Laos and finally was able to come to the US. He earned his place here in the states, he's been living here for years, maybe 10, give or take.
I've always wanted to know his story and now I feel like I can't get the whole picture. He's been sick for years now and he at times doesn't remember who you are. I had asked him earlier if he remembered who I am because he asked me if I was staying at my moms or at a relatives and I said my moms (I live there), he did remember who I am though, which is a good sign.
He's been doing a lot better than the first couple of days, eating all his meals, and remembering things that are going on.
He is a storyteller, he used to tell us stories when we were younger. His stories were from fiction to non-fiction. They were inspirational and motivational. They consisted of his experiences and of stories that he had heard elsewhere. Most of the stories growing up that I have heard are stories that were told from generation to generation. I hope that I can remember them when I have children.
My grandpa isn't a Christian, but we pray for him a lot! I hope, like last summer, he will get better!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
My Parents
I was reading a blog and I really liked it. There was a gentleman about the age of 49 years old. He writes well and his style of writing sounds like a story all the time. He doesn't ramble like I do or make everything sound or seem boring, his flow of words just catches a lot peoples' attention. He had several posts that made me think about my parents:
1. He likes to reflect on his life and write it on his blog to share it with the world, whether someone reads it or not. I wish my parents were able to do that, but they don't read or write in English much. Do it in Hmong you may ask? Well, not all Hmong know how to read and write in Romanized Popular Alphabet (Hmong writing). So even if my parents wanted to write a blog, they wouldn't be able to. All of their stories that no one knows about would be lost forever. All of these great stories of hardships and all of their joyous times from their first step in the US to swimming in the Mekong River. These stories will never be told and I am so sad that they can't express themselves in a way that best suits them. I sure can ask about it, but what if they don't want to tell me or what if it just takes too much time to tell me. I want them to express it in a way that they want to do it, it's willingly done, like a blog post.
2. He spoke of his feelings. Something that my parents rarely do. I may be generalizing, but a lot of Hmong don't speak of their feelings, don't show their feelings, and don't express it at all. My dad is one of them, he rarely will show is feelings. When he does, we all are very grateful. He has opened up more now than ever, but if we don't ask he will never tell. I want him to be able to express his feelings on paper, or in some kind of documentation.
3. He speaks of what he thinks about himself. A person likes to reflect on themself and I would love to read or listen to what my parents think about themself. Whether they think that they did all that they could or that they could do better. Reflection helps build a person.
4. He speaks of what he is worried about and how his day went. I would like to know, hear, read what my parents are worried about without intruding by asking questions all the time. What is my mom worried about today and what is her daily routine? I live with my parents, but we don't always talk. I get home from work and am too tired to socialize with them or to listen to them tell me what I need to do around the house. When I am at ease, I would like to read/listen to what is going on in their lives and that's about the time that they are too busy.
I really need to find a way to have my parents express themselves. I think I'm going to have them record themselves on my laptop and have them share their stories, anything they want to talk about. Have them sit in a room all by themselves so that we aren't influencing what they say or how they feel. I will start this project this week!
It should be simple enough. I will set up the laptop and tell them to speak about their lives, anything in the world they want to talk about for about half an hour. I'll leave them in the room by themselves to share. After about half an hour, I'll come back and then stop the camera, unless they're not done yet. I'll do this for about a month, put this into a video and send it to my siblings!
Thanks blog!
1. He likes to reflect on his life and write it on his blog to share it with the world, whether someone reads it or not. I wish my parents were able to do that, but they don't read or write in English much. Do it in Hmong you may ask? Well, not all Hmong know how to read and write in Romanized Popular Alphabet (Hmong writing). So even if my parents wanted to write a blog, they wouldn't be able to. All of their stories that no one knows about would be lost forever. All of these great stories of hardships and all of their joyous times from their first step in the US to swimming in the Mekong River. These stories will never be told and I am so sad that they can't express themselves in a way that best suits them. I sure can ask about it, but what if they don't want to tell me or what if it just takes too much time to tell me. I want them to express it in a way that they want to do it, it's willingly done, like a blog post.
2. He spoke of his feelings. Something that my parents rarely do. I may be generalizing, but a lot of Hmong don't speak of their feelings, don't show their feelings, and don't express it at all. My dad is one of them, he rarely will show is feelings. When he does, we all are very grateful. He has opened up more now than ever, but if we don't ask he will never tell. I want him to be able to express his feelings on paper, or in some kind of documentation.
3. He speaks of what he thinks about himself. A person likes to reflect on themself and I would love to read or listen to what my parents think about themself. Whether they think that they did all that they could or that they could do better. Reflection helps build a person.
4. He speaks of what he is worried about and how his day went. I would like to know, hear, read what my parents are worried about without intruding by asking questions all the time. What is my mom worried about today and what is her daily routine? I live with my parents, but we don't always talk. I get home from work and am too tired to socialize with them or to listen to them tell me what I need to do around the house. When I am at ease, I would like to read/listen to what is going on in their lives and that's about the time that they are too busy.
I really need to find a way to have my parents express themselves. I think I'm going to have them record themselves on my laptop and have them share their stories, anything they want to talk about. Have them sit in a room all by themselves so that we aren't influencing what they say or how they feel. I will start this project this week!
It should be simple enough. I will set up the laptop and tell them to speak about their lives, anything in the world they want to talk about for about half an hour. I'll leave them in the room by themselves to share. After about half an hour, I'll come back and then stop the camera, unless they're not done yet. I'll do this for about a month, put this into a video and send it to my siblings!
Thanks blog!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Communication Barrier
Lately it has been more difficult to understand my parents and vice versa. The world in America is much different than the one they are used to. I was born here so I can't really compare.
The opportunities here are things that my parents can't even imagine are possible, they lack knowledge of resources and the possibilities. If they aren't exposed to them, how would they know?
Living in the states for over 30 years, my parents still have a difficult time understanding English. I kick myself when I get frustrated with them. It doesn't make any sense to act that way towards them, yet I do it and am guilty every time.
Even with me knowing how to speak my native tongue, I am still unable to communicate with my parents in the level that I want. I am someone who has always expressed myself to them but it's a lack of understanding. If I had the patience it wouldn't be this way.
I blame this life style, I really do. Call it ignorance, call me ignorant.
The things I learn in school I don't take home to teach my parents, why?? It's because here in the states the parents teach you!! But my parents don't know what your parent's know. Besides that lame answer, it's because I'm not putting the effort into it. I lack patience and motivation to let my parents know and understand the possibilities in this country, unlike anything they could have imagined back in their home country.
It was a month ago that my mother learned that caterpillars turned into butterflies. I was shocked! How could this be? Everyone knew that!! NO, NOT MY MOM! And there's nothing wrong with that. She didn't go to school to learn this or see documentaries on butterflies or even see pictures and stickers of caterpillars and butterflies.
The other day I was telling her to not burn plastic because it ruins the ozone layer. She never knew that before. And there was nothing wrong with that either. I was patient enough to explain it to her and why the weather has been so strange lately. She was very interested!! She stated that she never knew that and now that she does, she won't be burning anymore plastic!!
The opportunities that I have been exposed to are endless. I want to leave and I want to travel. When I try to explain this, it's not understood. This is where my challenge comes in. I am unable to expose them of these opportunities so I am therefore prohibited to them.
How can I communicate to them in a way that won't make them upset and understand what I'm trying to do for my success?
It's easier said than done.
The opportunities here are things that my parents can't even imagine are possible, they lack knowledge of resources and the possibilities. If they aren't exposed to them, how would they know?
Living in the states for over 30 years, my parents still have a difficult time understanding English. I kick myself when I get frustrated with them. It doesn't make any sense to act that way towards them, yet I do it and am guilty every time.
Even with me knowing how to speak my native tongue, I am still unable to communicate with my parents in the level that I want. I am someone who has always expressed myself to them but it's a lack of understanding. If I had the patience it wouldn't be this way.
I blame this life style, I really do. Call it ignorance, call me ignorant.
The things I learn in school I don't take home to teach my parents, why?? It's because here in the states the parents teach you!! But my parents don't know what your parent's know. Besides that lame answer, it's because I'm not putting the effort into it. I lack patience and motivation to let my parents know and understand the possibilities in this country, unlike anything they could have imagined back in their home country.
It was a month ago that my mother learned that caterpillars turned into butterflies. I was shocked! How could this be? Everyone knew that!! NO, NOT MY MOM! And there's nothing wrong with that. She didn't go to school to learn this or see documentaries on butterflies or even see pictures and stickers of caterpillars and butterflies.
The other day I was telling her to not burn plastic because it ruins the ozone layer. She never knew that before. And there was nothing wrong with that either. I was patient enough to explain it to her and why the weather has been so strange lately. She was very interested!! She stated that she never knew that and now that she does, she won't be burning anymore plastic!!
The opportunities that I have been exposed to are endless. I want to leave and I want to travel. When I try to explain this, it's not understood. This is where my challenge comes in. I am unable to expose them of these opportunities so I am therefore prohibited to them.
How can I communicate to them in a way that won't make them upset and understand what I'm trying to do for my success?
It's easier said than done.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
History Repeating Itself
I was talking to my dad while cleaning vegetables in our front yard when I asked him if he missed his country. When I asked that, I realized what I asked and corrected myself, "Dad, do you miss the country you were born in?" (which happens to be Laos). He answered with a big, "yes, I do!"
I started asking him other questions about war, why our people live in the mountains, and his view on things.
He went on and spoke about the Vietnam war and how the CIA asked for help and hired Hmong to help fight in the war. I wanted to ask him if he thought that history was repeating itself. I asked him, "Dad, do you think that history is repeating itself because the President asked the people in Iraq to help fight the war and now their people are dieing and Americans are pulling out without being able to help those people that once helped them. Those people are dieing and going to be killed for a very long time just like our people." He said yes, he thinks so too.
How can we let history repeat itself? How did we not see this? Others are suffering for our selfish reasons. A whole race of humans may be destroyed and we can't do much about it. We got them into this mess, we need to get them out of it. That's how I feel about my people and about the Iraqies/Afghanistan people.
My dad was talking about how the Laotions hate us, then how the Thai hate us, and how Americans hate us. I wonder who actually loves us as a race and a people. I know the Chinese also hate us, we were kicked out of our land and homes and made into slaves by the Chinese. When will our people see the light in peace?
I started asking him other questions about war, why our people live in the mountains, and his view on things.
He went on and spoke about the Vietnam war and how the CIA asked for help and hired Hmong to help fight in the war. I wanted to ask him if he thought that history was repeating itself. I asked him, "Dad, do you think that history is repeating itself because the President asked the people in Iraq to help fight the war and now their people are dieing and Americans are pulling out without being able to help those people that once helped them. Those people are dieing and going to be killed for a very long time just like our people." He said yes, he thinks so too.
How can we let history repeat itself? How did we not see this? Others are suffering for our selfish reasons. A whole race of humans may be destroyed and we can't do much about it. We got them into this mess, we need to get them out of it. That's how I feel about my people and about the Iraqies/Afghanistan people.
My dad was talking about how the Laotions hate us, then how the Thai hate us, and how Americans hate us. I wonder who actually loves us as a race and a people. I know the Chinese also hate us, we were kicked out of our land and homes and made into slaves by the Chinese. When will our people see the light in peace?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Hmong Leaders
I have come to realize that a leader isn't someone who is rich and
famous but someone who has inspired others to do great and better
things. In your eyes I may even be a leader, but in my own eyes I am
far from it. I still have yet to accomplish a lot and to do better
things.
There are so many personal projects that I have (mingling in my head that need to be written down before I forget them) to accomplish. All of which I plan to do as soon as I graduate from college this May or shall I say August, but for sure I'll be starting as soon as summer hits!
Hmong leaders have been inspiring me to do so much more in my life, to be better, and let our Hmong people's voices be heard.
I was so inspired by Ka Vang, the poet and writer. She has so much to say, I could listen to her forever!! She said some amazing things to me that I hope I always keep in my heart!! She said something like,
Now that may not be exactly what she said, but that was the main point and I was so inspired. Did you realize that? All those people trying to kill us and we are still alive! Think about it. Another thing that another Hmong leader (Kang Vang who has directed movies such as Tou and Mai) said was that General Vang Pao wrote in a journal that when he spoke to the CIA and said yes in helping the Americans with the Vietnam War he wasn't thinking about guns and killing, he was thinking about a future for our children, he was thinking about making sure that our children have shoes on their feet. Without him taking that chance we would have never come to the states. People may hate General Vang Pao but they must realize that we would never have stepped one foot on American land if it weren't for him. With all our people dying in Laos and Thailand there are few that survived.
Being Hmong and living in American I am very grateful of all the things that I have and all the things that I have learned. I definitely owe it to my people to do something with my life. I would love to be a Hmong leader some day and inspire others to pass the message onto others to educate them about our people.
When I was in NZ I wanted to educate as many kiwis as possible, as many people that I met. I wanted everyone to know about Hmong and what struggles we have been through. One Hmong person in a country that knew nothing about Hmong people, I wanted to see how far I could get my message to. I didn't get very far at all, sadly. I cried, I wept, and I came home and told some people.
I went to a funeral this past weekend for my first cousin. There was a man who I saw talking to my mom, who was pointing at me and my sisters. Later that man came to us and asked me if I was Jenny, I said yes and he proceeded to tell my sisters and I about what my mom told him. He said that he heard I cried because I was in a world that didn't know about Hmong people, that I felt left out and alone. I said yes that was me. He proceeded to tell us about this new religion that has come up recently and that he is one of the pastors. It's a religion that is kind of difficult to explain, it's called Poj Koob Yawm Ntxwv. This religion is mainly based on beliefs and practices that state that men and women are equal. There are 16 principles to follow in order to have a successful marriage. There was a lot of things that he talked about to us, he was trying to reach out to us in hopes that we will come to learn more. I was very intrigued but I don't live in that city so I won't be able to attend.
There are Hmong leaders everywhere, my parents are Hmong leaders. They inspire me on a daily basis. I want their stories to be heard as well. That is why this summer I hope to accomplish one of my many projects in documenting what they have to say, their life story, and quoting their many wise words!
Be a Hmong leader and step up, you owe it to our people, to your people even if you're not Hmong.
There are so many personal projects that I have (mingling in my head that need to be written down before I forget them) to accomplish. All of which I plan to do as soon as I graduate from college this May or shall I say August, but for sure I'll be starting as soon as summer hits!
Hmong leaders have been inspiring me to do so much more in my life, to be better, and let our Hmong people's voices be heard.
I was so inspired by Ka Vang, the poet and writer. She has so much to say, I could listen to her forever!! She said some amazing things to me that I hope I always keep in my heart!! She said something like,
The
Hmong people are so strong, they have traveled from country to country
being warriors and fighting for our rights, they have fought in battles
that they have won and are still who they are to this day. No matter
how many people want to dispose of us we are still around, we are still
standing strong!
Now that may not be exactly what she said, but that was the main point and I was so inspired. Did you realize that? All those people trying to kill us and we are still alive! Think about it. Another thing that another Hmong leader (Kang Vang who has directed movies such as Tou and Mai) said was that General Vang Pao wrote in a journal that when he spoke to the CIA and said yes in helping the Americans with the Vietnam War he wasn't thinking about guns and killing, he was thinking about a future for our children, he was thinking about making sure that our children have shoes on their feet. Without him taking that chance we would have never come to the states. People may hate General Vang Pao but they must realize that we would never have stepped one foot on American land if it weren't for him. With all our people dying in Laos and Thailand there are few that survived.
Being Hmong and living in American I am very grateful of all the things that I have and all the things that I have learned. I definitely owe it to my people to do something with my life. I would love to be a Hmong leader some day and inspire others to pass the message onto others to educate them about our people.
When I was in NZ I wanted to educate as many kiwis as possible, as many people that I met. I wanted everyone to know about Hmong and what struggles we have been through. One Hmong person in a country that knew nothing about Hmong people, I wanted to see how far I could get my message to. I didn't get very far at all, sadly. I cried, I wept, and I came home and told some people.
I went to a funeral this past weekend for my first cousin. There was a man who I saw talking to my mom, who was pointing at me and my sisters. Later that man came to us and asked me if I was Jenny, I said yes and he proceeded to tell my sisters and I about what my mom told him. He said that he heard I cried because I was in a world that didn't know about Hmong people, that I felt left out and alone. I said yes that was me. He proceeded to tell us about this new religion that has come up recently and that he is one of the pastors. It's a religion that is kind of difficult to explain, it's called Poj Koob Yawm Ntxwv. This religion is mainly based on beliefs and practices that state that men and women are equal. There are 16 principles to follow in order to have a successful marriage. There was a lot of things that he talked about to us, he was trying to reach out to us in hopes that we will come to learn more. I was very intrigued but I don't live in that city so I won't be able to attend.
There are Hmong leaders everywhere, my parents are Hmong leaders. They inspire me on a daily basis. I want their stories to be heard as well. That is why this summer I hope to accomplish one of my many projects in documenting what they have to say, their life story, and quoting their many wise words!
Be a Hmong leader and step up, you owe it to our people, to your people even if you're not Hmong.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Hmongspired
I am so inspired by all the talented Hmong people I see on YouTube!
These talents need to be seen! I'll link some awesome videos below if you haven't already seen them!
People need to be heard and seen! Life is on high right now for me!
I am Hmongspired!! :D
Take a chance and make a difference. Inspire someone! Do something for someone else! Get out there and shout in the sky! Make your voice be heard to the non-ending sky!
Some things that inspired me today to write this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmR2Thmk6LA&feature=g-hist&context=G22a6e82AHT00iDgAEAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg4c9K2vtf4&feature=g-hist&context=G2dd8403AHT00h-wADAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q782yxx4X3U&feature=g-hist&context=G258b82bAHT00iIwAIAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqgZCVXPi9A&feature=g-u-u&context=G252122eFUAAAAAAAAAA
These talents need to be seen! I'll link some awesome videos below if you haven't already seen them!
People need to be heard and seen! Life is on high right now for me!
I am Hmongspired!! :D
Take a chance and make a difference. Inspire someone! Do something for someone else! Get out there and shout in the sky! Make your voice be heard to the non-ending sky!
Some things that inspired me today to write this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmR2Thmk6LA&feature=g-hist&context=G22a6e82AHT00iDgAEAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg4c9K2vtf4&feature=g-hist&context=G2dd8403AHT00h-wADAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q782yxx4X3U&feature=g-hist&context=G258b82bAHT00iIwAIAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqgZCVXPi9A&feature=g-u-u&context=G252122eFUAAAAAAAAAA
Friday, February 17, 2012
It's so Exciting
I have come up with so many projects that I want to do. All I need is my brain, a bottle of water, and my laptop.
I'm going to write, write, drink water, and write some more.
These ideas will blow your mind!
You'll want to know what it is, you'll want to be involved, and you'll want to be my friend!
All things that are possible.
I can't tell you too much but for now I'll just say it's about being Hmong and being plus size!!!
It's good to make a change, make a difference that'll help!
I'm going to write, write, drink water, and write some more.
These ideas will blow your mind!
You'll want to know what it is, you'll want to be involved, and you'll want to be my friend!
All things that are possible.
I can't tell you too much but for now I'll just say it's about being Hmong and being plus size!!!
It's good to make a change, make a difference that'll help!
Monday, February 6, 2012
My Father
This past weekend I was at home to visit my parents. It was so great seeing them and spending time with them like the old days. It was like I was a child waiting for lunch and going shopping with my parents whom was driving, instead of me. It was nice being with them and listening to them talk while I'm in the back seat.
Now it's the other way around, it's me driving and my parents in the back being quiet or falling asleep on most days.
There was a lot said this past weekend in terms of growing up, being mature, and making something out of myself.
My parents put a lot of responsibility on me because I am in their eyes, reliable and not tied down. I feel that I am in most cases. And in this case I think they are right in keeping their hopes up in me to carry on.
I won't go into too many details but my parents were speaking to me as an adult for the first time. I mean, they have before but it wasn't anything like this. This was like I was the head of the house or like I am a very important person, they were speaking formally. They were treating me like an adult with parental discretion or something. I don't really know how to explain it, but it was definitely different than all the other times. I guess it's because of the responsibilities that I have taken and gained.
Anyway, what I wanted to mention was something my mom said about my dad that made me think and think and think. I could not believe that I did not think of this before, how stupid I was and how I still have time!
My mom said, "Why is it that your father's children do not listen to him when all of society listens to him! All of your aunts, uncles, and relatives ask for your father's advice, they seek his guidance, and his own children do not listen or seek his advice. Why is that?"
My father is someone who is really respected in our community. And I love that, but at times I feel like he does too much for them and not enough for us. That is one of the many things that Hmong people have a conflict with (but I will save that for another day). He is someone who all our relatives seek for advice, they wait for his arrival to make a decision, he is so important in their lives, and yet my siblings and I don't see that, we don't respect that.
It made me think to myself, I have time to listen, I still have time to seek his advice and his guidance. He has a lot of wisdom but no listeners. I definitely want to ask him about the Vietnam War, what he did and which areas did he fight in. I want to hear about his stories, his life changing moments, and what he thinks about life in America. I want to know so much but I feel I don't have the time.
If I really want to know all of these things, I will have to make it happen! I will be graduating soon, so I will definitely make time!
Now it's the other way around, it's me driving and my parents in the back being quiet or falling asleep on most days.
There was a lot said this past weekend in terms of growing up, being mature, and making something out of myself.
My parents put a lot of responsibility on me because I am in their eyes, reliable and not tied down. I feel that I am in most cases. And in this case I think they are right in keeping their hopes up in me to carry on.
I won't go into too many details but my parents were speaking to me as an adult for the first time. I mean, they have before but it wasn't anything like this. This was like I was the head of the house or like I am a very important person, they were speaking formally. They were treating me like an adult with parental discretion or something. I don't really know how to explain it, but it was definitely different than all the other times. I guess it's because of the responsibilities that I have taken and gained.
Anyway, what I wanted to mention was something my mom said about my dad that made me think and think and think. I could not believe that I did not think of this before, how stupid I was and how I still have time!
My mom said, "Why is it that your father's children do not listen to him when all of society listens to him! All of your aunts, uncles, and relatives ask for your father's advice, they seek his guidance, and his own children do not listen or seek his advice. Why is that?"
My father is someone who is really respected in our community. And I love that, but at times I feel like he does too much for them and not enough for us. That is one of the many things that Hmong people have a conflict with (but I will save that for another day). He is someone who all our relatives seek for advice, they wait for his arrival to make a decision, he is so important in their lives, and yet my siblings and I don't see that, we don't respect that.
It made me think to myself, I have time to listen, I still have time to seek his advice and his guidance. He has a lot of wisdom but no listeners. I definitely want to ask him about the Vietnam War, what he did and which areas did he fight in. I want to hear about his stories, his life changing moments, and what he thinks about life in America. I want to know so much but I feel I don't have the time.
If I really want to know all of these things, I will have to make it happen! I will be graduating soon, so I will definitely make time!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Plus Size Hmong Girls
One thing that I have noticed is plus size Hmong girls. The thing about plus size Hmong girls is you see them, but not a lot of them engage themselves in being a confident or beautiful plus size. I'm not saying all Hmong plus size women aren't happy for who they are but there is lacking something there. No matter where I go online or in real life I find that I can't find many plus size Hmong girls whom are proud of themselves.
I wish there were a community for us to help one another, I could use some support!! :D
I was thinking, maybe because it's the beginning for plus size in general and they're out there, I just haven't seen them yet. Or because they are shy of stating that they are plus size, like I was at first. Or maybe they do like themselves and flaunt their beauty but elsewhere, not like me who does it on youtube and blogger.
I would love to see more Asians in general being models for plus sizes, all I see are white and blacks which is totally fine but I think it's also nice to see Asians in there, make it a mixture of colors that way it can relate to other gals. Setting a common ground for your viewers always helps you pull them in. Once you get their attention it's easy because you have what it takes already.
I really just wish I could find more Hmong girls who are plus size that love themselves for what they are and who they are! I would like to meet you if you are one, weather it's in real life, youtube, blogging, anywhere!
Calling out to plus size women and Hmong plus size women, come say hello!!!!
I wish there were a community for us to help one another, I could use some support!! :D
I was thinking, maybe because it's the beginning for plus size in general and they're out there, I just haven't seen them yet. Or because they are shy of stating that they are plus size, like I was at first. Or maybe they do like themselves and flaunt their beauty but elsewhere, not like me who does it on youtube and blogger.
I would love to see more Asians in general being models for plus sizes, all I see are white and blacks which is totally fine but I think it's also nice to see Asians in there, make it a mixture of colors that way it can relate to other gals. Setting a common ground for your viewers always helps you pull them in. Once you get their attention it's easy because you have what it takes already.
I really just wish I could find more Hmong girls who are plus size that love themselves for what they are and who they are! I would like to meet you if you are one, weather it's in real life, youtube, blogging, anywhere!
Calling out to plus size women and Hmong plus size women, come say hello!!!!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Speaking for a Multiculturalism Class
I had the honors of speaking to a class today about my experience in NZ and being Hmong. I was delighted! There were a lot of things that could have been said and discussed but there just wasn't enough time.
There was a guy who had to present on an article he read about Hmong's and our history as well as Hmong Americans. He was so nervous because I was sitting there listening to things that were being said. He stuttered so badly and kept looking at me for some kind of nod of approval or something and the rest of his classmates were looking at me for some kind of message.
After the presentation a girl asked me why I smirked at certain things that were said and I said because it's funny and because it's true to a certain extent.
At times I feel like I don't want to be the one representing our whole race but I definitely want to inform others of our race, I just want others to know that this is not the input of everyone, it's just my input and the experiences that I have been in.
It was nice to reflect on growing up and going to school and seeing how teachers treated us or included us in the curriculum. This class was teaching going-to-be teachers about multiculturalism and how they can add it to their curriculum. It was really interesting to see their kind of ideas on how to implement such things. It's harder than it sounds.
How can someone accommodate a person who has left everything that they know of and cared for? How can you help them to adapt, to learn, to fit the social norms?
I really do wish that when I was in grade school something like that was implemented.
I would get yelled at for speaking Hmong at school, I so hated that. I felt like they were disrespecting us, but for some dumb reason the teachers felt like we were disrespecting them. It had nothing to do with them. It was because that is our language, we know that best, we were only learning English at the time.
What would you do? How would you try to implement multiculturalism in a classroom?
There was a guy who had to present on an article he read about Hmong's and our history as well as Hmong Americans. He was so nervous because I was sitting there listening to things that were being said. He stuttered so badly and kept looking at me for some kind of nod of approval or something and the rest of his classmates were looking at me for some kind of message.
After the presentation a girl asked me why I smirked at certain things that were said and I said because it's funny and because it's true to a certain extent.
At times I feel like I don't want to be the one representing our whole race but I definitely want to inform others of our race, I just want others to know that this is not the input of everyone, it's just my input and the experiences that I have been in.
It was nice to reflect on growing up and going to school and seeing how teachers treated us or included us in the curriculum. This class was teaching going-to-be teachers about multiculturalism and how they can add it to their curriculum. It was really interesting to see their kind of ideas on how to implement such things. It's harder than it sounds.
How can someone accommodate a person who has left everything that they know of and cared for? How can you help them to adapt, to learn, to fit the social norms?
I really do wish that when I was in grade school something like that was implemented.
I would get yelled at for speaking Hmong at school, I so hated that. I felt like they were disrespecting us, but for some dumb reason the teachers felt like we were disrespecting them. It had nothing to do with them. It was because that is our language, we know that best, we were only learning English at the time.
What would you do? How would you try to implement multiculturalism in a classroom?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
How Can You Understand?
I am having such a hard time right now. I just want to throw things and yell and scream, but what will that do? It's not going to make me feel better nor will it help the situation that I'm stuck in. It'll only make me have to clean up and look like a crazy mad woman, which I already am so there's really no point in not doing what I want to do (yell, scream, kick someone's ass).
Now realizing how stupid I was for not hurrying and getting my internship done, I am stressing like no other. I am planning on graduating in May 2012 but have yet to do my internship. I can't do it in the summers and have been postponing it because I help my mom EVERY summer at the garden and selling veggies.
Ever since I have had plans in the summer I ALWAYS came home to help her, no matter where I left I always was there for her to rely on, even when I went to Upward Bound in another city 1 1/2 to 2 hours away, I managed to work on Saturdays for 5 hours and help her on Friday to rinse veggies, and sell early morning at the market and then head back to Upward Bound on Sunday, I did that for like 2-3 summers. Now I'm at University half an hour away and I can come back every summer to help her. I went to NZ and came back in time to help her, why can't anyone stay and help her when I need to be gone?
How come no one understands that? They only praise me for it but they aren't willing to do it themselves. They say they can't, or they don't have experience working so they have to work and not help her, WHAT? I did it all, I learned to manage it all. I'm not praising myself, I'm just saying why can't YOU DO IT TOO????????????
Being Hmong and being a Hmong girl, you have responsibilities. You learn that you have to be there in order to help your parents: cook, clean, feed the family, and be there to rely on. The Hmong men don't understand that, why? Because they have freedom, they can go and do whatever and not have to worry about their parents because they have their sisters to worry about their parents. Because they don't have the responsibility like we do, the heart to care and be considerate of others.
I am sitting here crying because you couldn't give me some encouragement on how I can do this, I can get an internship and help my mom. I can do it all like I have been my WHOLE LIFE.
Why is it that no one understands me? Just because I have been acting like I'm independent doesn't mean I don't need help or that I wouldn't like help.
Out of all my siblings I have been the one that has always been there for my parents and just about everyone, who's there for me?
Why is it that I feel so stressed when I leave my parents? I feel like no one is reliable?
Now I'm stressing on who's going to help my mom this summer, when I'm going to do my internship, and when I'm going to be able to graduate in order to help my mom pay for the bills.
Are there any words of encouragement out there for me? Who can I rely on?
God, if I can rely on you like I did the last time, I would be so happy and thankful! I feel like I have wronged you in so many ways and just keep on asking for more help, but I have no one to turn to, no one to help me cope with this insanity. My only excuse is stupidity and being human, one makes mistakes. Please help me overcome this huge obstacle course that is ahead of me. When this is all over, if ever, I will later look back and realize that you were holding my hand the whole time, then will I fully be able and accept and follow you full-heartedly! I know this sounds like a bargain, but I don't want to disappoint you.
Now realizing how stupid I was for not hurrying and getting my internship done, I am stressing like no other. I am planning on graduating in May 2012 but have yet to do my internship. I can't do it in the summers and have been postponing it because I help my mom EVERY summer at the garden and selling veggies.
Ever since I have had plans in the summer I ALWAYS came home to help her, no matter where I left I always was there for her to rely on, even when I went to Upward Bound in another city 1 1/2 to 2 hours away, I managed to work on Saturdays for 5 hours and help her on Friday to rinse veggies, and sell early morning at the market and then head back to Upward Bound on Sunday, I did that for like 2-3 summers. Now I'm at University half an hour away and I can come back every summer to help her. I went to NZ and came back in time to help her, why can't anyone stay and help her when I need to be gone?
How come no one understands that? They only praise me for it but they aren't willing to do it themselves. They say they can't, or they don't have experience working so they have to work and not help her, WHAT? I did it all, I learned to manage it all. I'm not praising myself, I'm just saying why can't YOU DO IT TOO????????????
Being Hmong and being a Hmong girl, you have responsibilities. You learn that you have to be there in order to help your parents: cook, clean, feed the family, and be there to rely on. The Hmong men don't understand that, why? Because they have freedom, they can go and do whatever and not have to worry about their parents because they have their sisters to worry about their parents. Because they don't have the responsibility like we do, the heart to care and be considerate of others.
I am sitting here crying because you couldn't give me some encouragement on how I can do this, I can get an internship and help my mom. I can do it all like I have been my WHOLE LIFE.
Why is it that no one understands me? Just because I have been acting like I'm independent doesn't mean I don't need help or that I wouldn't like help.
Out of all my siblings I have been the one that has always been there for my parents and just about everyone, who's there for me?
Why is it that I feel so stressed when I leave my parents? I feel like no one is reliable?
Now I'm stressing on who's going to help my mom this summer, when I'm going to do my internship, and when I'm going to be able to graduate in order to help my mom pay for the bills.
Are there any words of encouragement out there for me? Who can I rely on?
God, if I can rely on you like I did the last time, I would be so happy and thankful! I feel like I have wronged you in so many ways and just keep on asking for more help, but I have no one to turn to, no one to help me cope with this insanity. My only excuse is stupidity and being human, one makes mistakes. Please help me overcome this huge obstacle course that is ahead of me. When this is all over, if ever, I will later look back and realize that you were holding my hand the whole time, then will I fully be able and accept and follow you full-heartedly! I know this sounds like a bargain, but I don't want to disappoint you.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Hmong Should Love Other Hmongs
I was on youtube and found this video! It is so inspiring and if you haven't seen it yet, watch it, favorite it, like it, and share it!!! It's amazing!! It has inspired me to do something big, not sure what, but something to do with Hmong and all!! It's just so touching!!! :D Makes me so happy to be Hmong! The lyrics are just soo touching and strong. See for yourself!!!
Hmoob Yuavtsum Hlub Hmoob - Hmong Artist Collaboration (Official Music Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RrFDKOgKFg&feature=player_embedded
Hmoob Yuavtsum Hlub Hmoob - Hmong Artist Collaboration (Official Music Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RrFDKOgKFg&feature=player_embedded
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Patriarchy
The Hmong community, believe it or not, is a patriarchal society. Meaning, men dominate the women. Look at it how you want, but it's the truth.
I don't like patriarchy, in fact, I hate it.
I hate that men think that they have power over women, I hate that they think they have the right to disrespect us because we are different, or don't have balls.
Why? Didn't God make us equal?
But then again, even some Christians will say that men are more worthy than women.
I hate that some Hmong men still think it's ok to treat women with disrespect, treat her lower than dirt, and judge us like we don't belong or are unequal to them. Not all Hmong men are like this, but for those who are, I hope they learn that their way of thinking is wrong.
It is hard to switch someone's way of thinking, if it's something they have been taught ever since the day they were born, from the colors of clothing they wear, to the chores they do in the house.
Be open about it, look at it from a women's perspective, and I'm more than sure that we (women) look at it from the men's perspective too.
The bf always tries to make things equal, he never wants me to think that I am less than a guy or him. When I'm cooking, he cooks with me, when I'm washing the dishes, he's on the other side helping me. We do laundry together, just about everything together. He treats me with equality.
I don't know where he gets it from, his way of thinking that is, but I like it. I like that he can tell from right and wrong, how to treat a woman, and how to respect us even though we are different.
All men should be like that!
I hope that the Hmong men that are being born will not turn out to be brainwashed into the patriarchal society that we have, (not only Hmong society, American society, pretty much every society).
Let's try to stop that from happening, by educating them!
I don't like patriarchy, in fact, I hate it.
I hate that men think that they have power over women, I hate that they think they have the right to disrespect us because we are different, or don't have balls.
Why? Didn't God make us equal?
But then again, even some Christians will say that men are more worthy than women.
I hate that some Hmong men still think it's ok to treat women with disrespect, treat her lower than dirt, and judge us like we don't belong or are unequal to them. Not all Hmong men are like this, but for those who are, I hope they learn that their way of thinking is wrong.
It is hard to switch someone's way of thinking, if it's something they have been taught ever since the day they were born, from the colors of clothing they wear, to the chores they do in the house.
Be open about it, look at it from a women's perspective, and I'm more than sure that we (women) look at it from the men's perspective too.
The bf always tries to make things equal, he never wants me to think that I am less than a guy or him. When I'm cooking, he cooks with me, when I'm washing the dishes, he's on the other side helping me. We do laundry together, just about everything together. He treats me with equality.
I don't know where he gets it from, his way of thinking that is, but I like it. I like that he can tell from right and wrong, how to treat a woman, and how to respect us even though we are different.
All men should be like that!
I hope that the Hmong men that are being born will not turn out to be brainwashed into the patriarchal society that we have, (not only Hmong society, American society, pretty much every society).
Let's try to stop that from happening, by educating them!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Burden
I feel like being a woman in the Hmong society is more difficult than being a man.
You get less opportunities and more responsibilities.
I am so stressed, the men in my family are being so immature. Not stepping up and being what they are supposed to, or being there when my parents need them most.
I am so sad that I am so far away, I have to try to work things out even though I'm millions of miles away. I can't wait to go home and fix things and make it all better, so my parents will appreciate the girls more and stop expecting from those who can't attend to their needs.
I'm tired of being treated like a kid, I am a grown up now and just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't do things that the Hmong society expects me to. I am so much better than those men, I can prove myself and have gone so much further than they have.
Don't worry niam tias txiv, I am here to help you!
You get less opportunities and more responsibilities.
I am so stressed, the men in my family are being so immature. Not stepping up and being what they are supposed to, or being there when my parents need them most.
I am so sad that I am so far away, I have to try to work things out even though I'm millions of miles away. I can't wait to go home and fix things and make it all better, so my parents will appreciate the girls more and stop expecting from those who can't attend to their needs.
I'm tired of being treated like a kid, I am a grown up now and just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't do things that the Hmong society expects me to. I am so much better than those men, I can prove myself and have gone so much further than they have.
Don't worry niam tias txiv, I am here to help you!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I Love Being Hmong
Being Hmong has given me a huge outlook on life, or just a different look at life and the world.
I listen to our language and it's really different from any other language out there, someone asked me, what is Hmong language like, and I had no answer to it. We are just that unique and different.
I am so proud to be Hmong, the struggles that we have gone through, and the accomplishments we have come to are great.
I love the Hmong songs that we have, some are so inspiring and touching that I am so thankful to be who I am and thankful that I can understand what these songs are saying because they have so much meaning to them. The way it's being sung, the way it's being said, and the words itself has so much meaning. Take the song by Bao Her called Tus Kuv Hlub Tshaj! That song is so great, I love it. I love the original more than any other version.
Hmong!!!!
Thank you God for making me who I am, and thankful for my family and friends. I can not thank you enough for everything in my life! I am so proud to be who I am and have accomplished what I have. Thank You!
I listen to our language and it's really different from any other language out there, someone asked me, what is Hmong language like, and I had no answer to it. We are just that unique and different.
I am so proud to be Hmong, the struggles that we have gone through, and the accomplishments we have come to are great.
I love the Hmong songs that we have, some are so inspiring and touching that I am so thankful to be who I am and thankful that I can understand what these songs are saying because they have so much meaning to them. The way it's being sung, the way it's being said, and the words itself has so much meaning. Take the song by Bao Her called Tus Kuv Hlub Tshaj! That song is so great, I love it. I love the original more than any other version.
Hmong!!!!
Thank you God for making me who I am, and thankful for my family and friends. I can not thank you enough for everything in my life! I am so proud to be who I am and have accomplished what I have. Thank You!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Our History
Being here not a lot of people know about my race. So of course I have to explain.
Explaining who we are and where we are from is so difficult because the story is so complex, you would never be able to tell it all in one sitting.
But even with that being said, those wonderful people are interested and want to know, they want to learn and know about who I am and my people's history.
I love that about some people, when they want to know you and understand you. When they are open to things that have happened and to how you are.
While telling stories of my parent's and grandparent's, I have realized that I need to do more research or ask my parents more about this. I want to know more than I do now, I know the main points, but I want to know all the details.
I want to know OUR history.
It's different from learning in class when the teacher just says, "there were Hmong people in the Vietnam war, they helped the Americans fight the Vietnamese." When my parents tell me stories, they are so intense and so heartbreaking, it's a whole story by itself. Each time they reached a certain point is a story to tell. I just wished I had time to write it all down for a real book to be published.
That will be one of my life goals to accomplish.
Explaining who we are and where we are from is so difficult because the story is so complex, you would never be able to tell it all in one sitting.
But even with that being said, those wonderful people are interested and want to know, they want to learn and know about who I am and my people's history.
I love that about some people, when they want to know you and understand you. When they are open to things that have happened and to how you are.
While telling stories of my parent's and grandparent's, I have realized that I need to do more research or ask my parents more about this. I want to know more than I do now, I know the main points, but I want to know all the details.
I want to know OUR history.
It's different from learning in class when the teacher just says, "there were Hmong people in the Vietnam war, they helped the Americans fight the Vietnamese." When my parents tell me stories, they are so intense and so heartbreaking, it's a whole story by itself. Each time they reached a certain point is a story to tell. I just wished I had time to write it all down for a real book to be published.
That will be one of my life goals to accomplish.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Being In a Whole New World Alone (WARNING: this is a rant so don't read if you're gonna think I'm being immature, because I am)
Being in a whole new world alone sucks, or sucks in general! Straight out going to say that it sucks! I'll give you a list! Not that it's not a good experience and that I haven't made good life-long friends or that this will be one of the greatest experiences. I know now what they mean when you come back you are a whole new person, a better and wiser person, you appreciate everything and everyone you have! When you leave you leave everything you know and are used to. You leave your life and try to start somewhere where you don't know anything and you are the dumb and ignorant person.
why being in another country alone sucks
1. no family or friends
2. can't go shopping enjoyably
3. can't stay up late with someone to just hang out
4. have someone to talk to
5. share your wonderful day with
6. brag about all the neat things you saw or bought to someone
7. have someone to cry to
8. you can't go out to eat with someone other than yourself
9. there's no one to take your picture
10. no one understands you
11. no one relates to your norms
12. don't have enough people you know of to hang out with a different person each day of the week
13. you don't have someone to watch scary movies with
14. no one to eat with
15. no one to cook with
16. no one to do laundry with
17. no one to sing with
18. no one that knows you
19. no one that cares as much as your friends and family
20. people are for themselves
21. if you don't know something you are straight up DUMB
22. you want to go somewhere but you can't get there
23. have someone to be your puppet and put makeup on them
24. vocabulary is different
25. you have to find shops that carry things you like and can afford
26. people judge you based on your country
27. you miss everything and everyone back at home
28. you can't speak Hmong to anyone because no one understands
29. what you wear is not normal
30. what you crave is really difficult to find/make because of the differences
AND the list goes on.......
My point is, don't go alone if you can't handle it (like me)! When I get back home, I am so going to hang out with everyone on my friend list!!! SERIOUSLY!!!! and I'm going to appreciate everything so much more!!! I miss my home so much!
why being in another country alone sucks
1. no family or friends
2. can't go shopping enjoyably
3. can't stay up late with someone to just hang out
4. have someone to talk to
5. share your wonderful day with
6. brag about all the neat things you saw or bought to someone
7. have someone to cry to
8. you can't go out to eat with someone other than yourself
9. there's no one to take your picture
10. no one understands you
11. no one relates to your norms
12. don't have enough people you know of to hang out with a different person each day of the week
13. you don't have someone to watch scary movies with
14. no one to eat with
15. no one to cook with
16. no one to do laundry with
17. no one to sing with
18. no one that knows you
19. no one that cares as much as your friends and family
20. people are for themselves
21. if you don't know something you are straight up DUMB
22. you want to go somewhere but you can't get there
23. have someone to be your puppet and put makeup on them
24. vocabulary is different
25. you have to find shops that carry things you like and can afford
26. people judge you based on your country
27. you miss everything and everyone back at home
28. you can't speak Hmong to anyone because no one understands
29. what you wear is not normal
30. what you crave is really difficult to find/make because of the differences
AND the list goes on.......
My point is, don't go alone if you can't handle it (like me)! When I get back home, I am so going to hang out with everyone on my friend list!!! SERIOUSLY!!!! and I'm going to appreciate everything so much more!!! I miss my home so much!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Making Spring Rolls In NZ
Yesterday I made spring rolls and they were delicious, not as good as the ones I make at home but still good! The reason being for that is because at home I know what is good and what's not and where I can get everything I need, where as here I have to find everything that is somewhat similar and work with it.
In my usual recipe for a spring roll I add ham and here I couldn't find any chunks of ham so I just used chicken that I cooked with some oyster sauce, still good! And then I totally forgot to make some eggs and put it in there, but like I said, still good! lol
I'll post some pictures. Some of them turned out really good and then others I had a little trouble with because the wraps that I bought, if you soak them too long they rip like crazy, which I find is unusual because the ones I usually buy at home are not like that. All my flat mates were wondering what I was making and I wanted to share, but then I was thinking that it is expensive and so I decided not to.
I don't like not sharing, I feel so weird, but then they don't share so I don't either because I feel like, if I share then they might always want me to share or take advantage of it. They are really nice women, so I shouldn't even think that.
Anyways, I had made some peanut butter pepper sauce and it is so spicy and good!! OMG, the bf wished he was here to eat it with me, lol. He told me he was eating rice and noodles... The peanut sauce is his favorite, so he wished I had made it for him instead, lol and so did I!
All the ingredients
The chicken with oyster sauce and a little salt
The rice paper soaking in water
The peanut butter pepper sauce
The final outcome after the spring rolls have been rolled
In my usual recipe for a spring roll I add ham and here I couldn't find any chunks of ham so I just used chicken that I cooked with some oyster sauce, still good! And then I totally forgot to make some eggs and put it in there, but like I said, still good! lol
I'll post some pictures. Some of them turned out really good and then others I had a little trouble with because the wraps that I bought, if you soak them too long they rip like crazy, which I find is unusual because the ones I usually buy at home are not like that. All my flat mates were wondering what I was making and I wanted to share, but then I was thinking that it is expensive and so I decided not to.
I don't like not sharing, I feel so weird, but then they don't share so I don't either because I feel like, if I share then they might always want me to share or take advantage of it. They are really nice women, so I shouldn't even think that.
Anyways, I had made some peanut butter pepper sauce and it is so spicy and good!! OMG, the bf wished he was here to eat it with me, lol. He told me he was eating rice and noodles... The peanut sauce is his favorite, so he wished I had made it for him instead, lol and so did I!
All the ingredients
The chicken with oyster sauce and a little salt
The rice paper soaking in water
The peanut butter pepper sauce
The final outcome after the spring rolls have been rolled
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
KDWB Radio Station
Ok, so recently there was a song on KDWB about Hmong people and making fun of them. I mean come on, are you seriously going to put that on a radio station and make fun of a specific type of people? NO WAY! Did you not hear about the girl at UCLA?
I don't know what people are thinking when they talk unnecessary stuff and mean stuff about other races. What is wrong with you? Is your brain on?
So, this guy is singing this song making fun of Hmong people and his co-workers are laughing in the background, are you serious? I don't know about you, but I would be super scared to walk out of that building you're in after work......
I hope nothing happens, like Hmong people threatening them or anything like that, because it'll just give them a bigger excuse to make fun of us. I just hope the radio station fires him!
If you all are interested, you can just look it up on youtube, and you'll be able to find his stupid obnoxious song.
I don't know what people are thinking when they talk unnecessary stuff and mean stuff about other races. What is wrong with you? Is your brain on?
So, this guy is singing this song making fun of Hmong people and his co-workers are laughing in the background, are you serious? I don't know about you, but I would be super scared to walk out of that building you're in after work......
I hope nothing happens, like Hmong people threatening them or anything like that, because it'll just give them a bigger excuse to make fun of us. I just hope the radio station fires him!
If you all are interested, you can just look it up on youtube, and you'll be able to find his stupid obnoxious song.
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