I've been reading some interesting articles lately about adoption, the perceptions of being adopted, the struggles of being adopted and how many Korean adoptees are moving back to S. Korea where they don't feel like they fit into the American culture or the Korean culture. As I've said many times before, every adoptee is different and every adoption is different. The environment is which an adoptee grows up has a lot to do with their overall perception about adoption, being adopted and how they see themselves in general...maybe more so than many people think.
I can relate and definitely understand where many of the individuals sharing their stories in these articles are coming from, but I don't really agree with many of them because my experience has been different. And that's the point...we all share a similar circumstance of being adopted, but we all have different stories...we're not all the same. And, that's the case with any and all of us...not just adoptees. It's however and whatever we're labeling ourselves as to make a point. So, in this case it's being an adoptee.
I've never felt torn between two cultures or abandoned or that I wasn't exactly where I was supposed to be...with the family that has always loved, supported and encouraged me. I know we're not all that lucky and again, that's why I said that our environment and how we grow up plays such a huge role in who we become, how we view things and what we believe in. That's true with all of us, adopted or not!
So, check out the following articles and let me know what you think. Do you agree with them? Or do you have a different perspective?
This was an interesting article and one that has sparked a lot of debate. There's too much to go into on this one, but I definitely don't agree with many of the perspectives here from adoptees.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/18/magazine/why-a-generation-of-adoptees-is-returning-to-south-korea.html?_r=0
And this one, I don't agree with...not being open and accepting the option to adopt from another country. It feels like a hint of bigotry. What do you think?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-conn/the-ethics-of-internation_b_6506198.html
I hope you have a blessed week as the end of January is upon us!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Sunday, January 25, 2015
End of January...
It's the last week of January already! Actually, per an earlier post I felt like it should have been the end of January a week or so ago because the year hadn't started off the way I would have liked...being sick and then injuring my shoulder. But, it finally is the last week of the month and it's almost February...and my birthday. It's definitely looming larger and larger day by day now, especially once the calendar flips! Eeeck!
But alas, time moves on ("all over your face" per a quote from Steel Magnolias) and it will surely move on after my birthday and all will be the same...all will be well. So, until then I feel like I have a lot of work to do...no, not necessarily what you are thinking...just the usual day-to-day 'living' stuff and then throw in a little personal self-reflection and I should be good. At least I hope I am! ;-)
One last week (of January) to get my 'stuff' together! And then start off my birthday month fresh, refreshed, prepared, excited, and hopeful for the future! So, I hope this is one productive week ahead...because I have a lot to do!!
I hope you have a blessed and productive week ahead, as well! Stay warm, safe and healthy!
But alas, time moves on ("all over your face" per a quote from Steel Magnolias) and it will surely move on after my birthday and all will be the same...all will be well. So, until then I feel like I have a lot of work to do...no, not necessarily what you are thinking...just the usual day-to-day 'living' stuff and then throw in a little personal self-reflection and I should be good. At least I hope I am! ;-)
One last week (of January) to get my 'stuff' together! And then start off my birthday month fresh, refreshed, prepared, excited, and hopeful for the future! So, I hope this is one productive week ahead...because I have a lot to do!!
I hope you have a blessed and productive week ahead, as well! Stay warm, safe and healthy!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Work Irony...Humor
The other day at work I was telling a co-worker about the status of a contractor that I and another co-worker manage. The contractor takes direction from both of us and we've been discussing whether or not we want to renew the contract for the contractor. Sadly, as in most cases it may not be our decision with looming budget cuts in 1Q. So, that may make our decision pretty simple.
However, when I was telling all of this to one of my co-workers I casually joked with her on what the contractor must think getting direction from two Asians! My other co-worker that provides direction for her is an Asian man and we just had our year-end review with the contractor who sat on one side of the table while we sat on the other side. I chuckle a little with us...two Asians...sitting there giving her feedback, direction and encouragement wondering what she's really thinking! I told my co-worker..."Hey, at least we speak English!" More so, we speak English well with no Asian accents that may be hard to pick up sometimes...at least for me! My co-worker couldn't stop laughing! Well, these are the things that run through my head sometimes. A little ironic, I know, but it's reality, too.
Seriously, if you spoke with me on the phone or saw my name on email you wouldn't think I was Asian. I don't really have an accent and most people think I'm from California after talking with me...go figure.
And, I must say there aren't many Asians on the floor I work on at work because it's the sales and marketing floor. Now, I'm sure there are plenty on the Accounting floor, but I think there are only 1 or 2 other Asians on our floor. So, for this contractor to have to work with two Asians is a little comical...at least to me!
I hope your work week is going well and you can find some humor in your days! Blessings to you for a productive and laugh-filled end of the week!
However, when I was telling all of this to one of my co-workers I casually joked with her on what the contractor must think getting direction from two Asians! My other co-worker that provides direction for her is an Asian man and we just had our year-end review with the contractor who sat on one side of the table while we sat on the other side. I chuckle a little with us...two Asians...sitting there giving her feedback, direction and encouragement wondering what she's really thinking! I told my co-worker..."Hey, at least we speak English!" More so, we speak English well with no Asian accents that may be hard to pick up sometimes...at least for me! My co-worker couldn't stop laughing! Well, these are the things that run through my head sometimes. A little ironic, I know, but it's reality, too.
Seriously, if you spoke with me on the phone or saw my name on email you wouldn't think I was Asian. I don't really have an accent and most people think I'm from California after talking with me...go figure.
And, I must say there aren't many Asians on the floor I work on at work because it's the sales and marketing floor. Now, I'm sure there are plenty on the Accounting floor, but I think there are only 1 or 2 other Asians on our floor. So, for this contractor to have to work with two Asians is a little comical...at least to me!
I hope your work week is going well and you can find some humor in your days! Blessings to you for a productive and laugh-filled end of the week!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Halfway Thru...
We're already halfway through January! For me it already feels like 4 weeks have passed. It's been a long month already! I guess because I was sick to start off the new year and then I injured my shoulder last Sunday working out. So, I've essentially been out of commission or less than 100% for these first two weeks of the year. So again, it feels like it should be the end of January...at least to me.
I haven't gotten my mojo for the new year yet. The excitement of a new year hasn't fully engrossed me yet. But, hopefully getting healthy and back to a regular, more familiar routine will help. Plus, I have that looming b-day date coming up fast and furious....like, it's mocking me "I'm coming for you! I'm almost here! The end is near!"
Oh my! I know it's not that bad and that all will be fine, but the neurosis in my head are on overdrive until my b-day. Oh joy! So, I need to get focused, grounded and find a new perspective on life 'after my milestone b-day.' Again, of joy! Ha!
All will be well. I just need to kick some cobwebs out of my head, be physically well again, and jump back on my positive bandwagon! How's the new year treating you? I hope well! So, as we kick-off the last 2 weeks of January may we all find our mojo...whether that's sticking with our new year's resolutions, losing weight, being more physically fit, being more financially fit, repairing relationships, or whatever your 'it' is for the new year...I wish you great blessings to stick with it, be patience, consistent, understanding, forgiving, kind (to yourself) and loving (to yourself and others). Peace be with you!
I haven't gotten my mojo for the new year yet. The excitement of a new year hasn't fully engrossed me yet. But, hopefully getting healthy and back to a regular, more familiar routine will help. Plus, I have that looming b-day date coming up fast and furious....like, it's mocking me "I'm coming for you! I'm almost here! The end is near!"
Oh my! I know it's not that bad and that all will be fine, but the neurosis in my head are on overdrive until my b-day. Oh joy! So, I need to get focused, grounded and find a new perspective on life 'after my milestone b-day.' Again, of joy! Ha!
All will be well. I just need to kick some cobwebs out of my head, be physically well again, and jump back on my positive bandwagon! How's the new year treating you? I hope well! So, as we kick-off the last 2 weeks of January may we all find our mojo...whether that's sticking with our new year's resolutions, losing weight, being more physically fit, being more financially fit, repairing relationships, or whatever your 'it' is for the new year...I wish you great blessings to stick with it, be patience, consistent, understanding, forgiving, kind (to yourself) and loving (to yourself and others). Peace be with you!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Counting Down...
Today it's 1 month before my birthday...the big one...the start of the mid-life crisis one...the one that's completely messing with my head...the one that gets me into 'old age' (and I definitely feel it)! How did I get here?!?! I can't be 'this' old...not yet!!
I know it's just a number and I've been wishing all my friends on Facebook a very Happy Birthday as they celebrate reaching the milestone over the past year. But, it was more like 'Happy Birthday to YOU...not me because I'm not there yet! I have a long way yet until I get there. It's NOT ME yet!' That kind of good wishes. But now my day is ticking closer and it seems like the end all. Again, I know it's not but for some reason this was the age growing up that seemed to be that critical milestone, the one that reflected the peak of your successes and where you were in life and where you were headed. I'm sure we can say that about any age, but this was the one for me. Eeek!
I'm actually OK with the numbers 50, 60, even 70 because by then I know I won't really care how old I am...just that I'm still kicking! So, as the next month goes by I'm desperately searching for my youth and all that it entailed, but also wondering what the next year, the next decade will bring in my life. As the end of the year approached, I did a lot of reflecting as I always do, but this year it was inflated with my impending milestone birthday. It's been making me reflect more on what I've done, what I've accomplished and what I haven't more so than any other year. Again, how did I get here?!
I know as we all hit these milestones there is some amount of reflection going on and on the flip side there are several people and many friends that didn't get the opportunity to even make it to this milestone. So, I am grateful to still be alive, be healthy and blessed with all the things in my life. So, as the day approaches hopefully I'll have been able to put it all into perspective for myself and feel proud and hopeful for the future. And hopefully, I won't freak out, be too dramatic or feel like it's downhill from here.
If you've got any tips for reaching a birthday milestone, please share!
I wish you many blessings this week and hope you've had a healthy reflection of your 2014.
I know it's just a number and I've been wishing all my friends on Facebook a very Happy Birthday as they celebrate reaching the milestone over the past year. But, it was more like 'Happy Birthday to YOU...not me because I'm not there yet! I have a long way yet until I get there. It's NOT ME yet!' That kind of good wishes. But now my day is ticking closer and it seems like the end all. Again, I know it's not but for some reason this was the age growing up that seemed to be that critical milestone, the one that reflected the peak of your successes and where you were in life and where you were headed. I'm sure we can say that about any age, but this was the one for me. Eeek!
I'm actually OK with the numbers 50, 60, even 70 because by then I know I won't really care how old I am...just that I'm still kicking! So, as the next month goes by I'm desperately searching for my youth and all that it entailed, but also wondering what the next year, the next decade will bring in my life. As the end of the year approached, I did a lot of reflecting as I always do, but this year it was inflated with my impending milestone birthday. It's been making me reflect more on what I've done, what I've accomplished and what I haven't more so than any other year. Again, how did I get here?!
I know as we all hit these milestones there is some amount of reflection going on and on the flip side there are several people and many friends that didn't get the opportunity to even make it to this milestone. So, I am grateful to still be alive, be healthy and blessed with all the things in my life. So, as the day approaches hopefully I'll have been able to put it all into perspective for myself and feel proud and hopeful for the future. And hopefully, I won't freak out, be too dramatic or feel like it's downhill from here.
If you've got any tips for reaching a birthday milestone, please share!
I wish you many blessings this week and hope you've had a healthy reflection of your 2014.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
The Agony of Defeat...
It's been an unexpectedly great season for the Dallas Cowboys this year, but it sadly ended today after their loss to the Green Bay Packers. At the beginning of the year no one gave them a chance to win more than 6 or 7 games and they exceeded that, made the playoffs and broke some individual team player records along the way! Great job!
But, the last two weeks have been nail-biters so the agony of watching another week of the Boys is over. Plus a couple weeks of controversial calls, the Boys always seem to be caught up in something that spawns nationwide fodder for sports talk radio and beyond. The agony of defeat...it hurts, but it's not the end of the world.
So, until next year Cowboy fans....enjoy the goodness of this year, the one that none of us really expected. It was a fun ride and now we can just sit back and not care about the next couple weeks of playoff football.
For all you die-hard sports fans out there, it's always the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. But, to all of you...have a very blessed week ahead!
But, the last two weeks have been nail-biters so the agony of watching another week of the Boys is over. Plus a couple weeks of controversial calls, the Boys always seem to be caught up in something that spawns nationwide fodder for sports talk radio and beyond. The agony of defeat...it hurts, but it's not the end of the world.
So, until next year Cowboy fans....enjoy the goodness of this year, the one that none of us really expected. It was a fun ride and now we can just sit back and not care about the next couple weeks of playoff football.
For all you die-hard sports fans out there, it's always the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. But, to all of you...have a very blessed week ahead!
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Top Ten List!
I made the Top Ten List...well, a story about my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side did!! Very cool! I made Holt International's Top Ten Magazine Stories of 2014 at #7!! I was a little surprised by it, but am SO very excited about it! I truly just want to share my story with as many people as possible and this shows that my story has resonated with people! Woo hoo!
That's my success story for the week! I very pleasant surprise and blessing!
Check out the story....http://holtinternational.org/blog/2014/12/top-ten-holt-magazine-stories-of-2014/
And, many blessings to you for the rest of this first full week of the new year!!
That's my success story for the week! I very pleasant surprise and blessing!
Check out the story....http://holtinternational.org/blog/2014/12/top-ten-holt-magazine-stories-of-2014/
And, many blessings to you for the rest of this first full week of the new year!!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Happy 2015!!!
We're a few days into the new year and tomorrow is the start back to work and school for many of us. Boo. I know. But, back to reality as the holidays have come and gone for another year. So, Happy New Year!!
Are you over it already?! You may be by the end of this week. Or you may be charging ahead with all your new year's resolutions determined to stick with them this year! Either way it's a new year with new possibilities and new memories to be made. I'm definitely ready for the new year and all the wonder and delight that awaits! However, I'm not looking forward to turning another year older this year. It's one of those milestone birthday's that has me a little freaked out...doom and gloom, the end is coming! Not really, but in my head it is (at least to some small extent). I'll delve more into that as my birthday nears. Another 'boo'!
So, the new year hasn't started off the way I planned or hoped as I've been sick since late afternoon last Tuesday. Just your typical cold, but with a little more kick to it. A lot of sickness has been going around lately, especially the flu so I'm glad it wasn't that. But, it was enough to keep me down and out for the past several days instead of getting done all the things on my to-do list to accomplish over the holiday break. Exhausted, sneezing like crazy, runny nose...you know, all the good stuff. Today is the first day I've actually felt back to normal and now it's back to work tomorrow. Boo. And, so it goes into the new year.
But, like I said...I'm excited for the new year...a clean slate...a new canvas to paint! 2015 here we GO!! I'm wishing you and your families great joy, love and laughter in the new year and good health to enjoy each day! Many blessings to you and yours in 2015!!
As a side note, GO COWBOYS!! They just won their first playoff game in 5 years and it was a nail-biter 'til the end! Plus, my main TV in the living room went out at halftime...grrrr!! Like I said, Happy New Year! :-)
Are you over it already?! You may be by the end of this week. Or you may be charging ahead with all your new year's resolutions determined to stick with them this year! Either way it's a new year with new possibilities and new memories to be made. I'm definitely ready for the new year and all the wonder and delight that awaits! However, I'm not looking forward to turning another year older this year. It's one of those milestone birthday's that has me a little freaked out...doom and gloom, the end is coming! Not really, but in my head it is (at least to some small extent). I'll delve more into that as my birthday nears. Another 'boo'!
So, the new year hasn't started off the way I planned or hoped as I've been sick since late afternoon last Tuesday. Just your typical cold, but with a little more kick to it. A lot of sickness has been going around lately, especially the flu so I'm glad it wasn't that. But, it was enough to keep me down and out for the past several days instead of getting done all the things on my to-do list to accomplish over the holiday break. Exhausted, sneezing like crazy, runny nose...you know, all the good stuff. Today is the first day I've actually felt back to normal and now it's back to work tomorrow. Boo. And, so it goes into the new year.
But, like I said...I'm excited for the new year...a clean slate...a new canvas to paint! 2015 here we GO!! I'm wishing you and your families great joy, love and laughter in the new year and good health to enjoy each day! Many blessings to you and yours in 2015!!
As a side note, GO COWBOYS!! They just won their first playoff game in 5 years and it was a nail-biter 'til the end! Plus, my main TV in the living room went out at halftime...grrrr!! Like I said, Happy New Year! :-)
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