The Complex Issue of Anti-Asian Hate

Eugene does an excellent job delving into the whole complex issue of Anti-Asian hate including past and recent histories and our current struggles. There has been some truly gross social injustice atrocities that happened throughout time (and continues to occur) and it's heartbreaking. I truly hope that everyone who wants to be part of a positive change in our society takes the time to watch this piece.  Some things are hard to accept--hard to watch--but please keep an open mind. Systemic racism exists. It needs to be talked about and heard and I hope that the conversation continues. Stop Asian hate! 

Our Taste of Universal

 

I feel like it's only fitting that our first steps for over a year inside an amusement park is for a food event. 😄 I would have never predicted that we'd feel "rushed" and "not having enough time" with just a tasting event and no rides.  But that's exactly what happened.  As usual, I had the best company with my lovely family and I feel like every experience was just super fun. There were no rides.  Just food.  But it was such a joyful and memorable experience. I YELPED about the event so feel free to check that out, if you're so inclined. 

Honestly, just feeling thankful and wishing everyone light & love! XOXO 😘

  

Embracing Everyday Simple Joys

Every morning, I have a cup of coffee with a dash of flavored creamer and a piece of bread with peanut butter spread on it that I dip in my drink. It starts off my day and gives me super cozy joy vibes.

The bantering, the teasing, the laughter within my family unit is the greatest of simple joys especially when challenges and stresses inevitably seep into life. My favorite moments, and I'm lucky enough to have many, are those gut laughing moments when I could hardly breathe from the laughter that someone in the family instigated with utter & ridiculous silliness.  Usually, the source is The Huz & I'm a thankful recipient.

My love language, other than actually saying "I love you" which I have no problem expressing with my family, is when I prepare meals.  I enjoy all that is involved in this task, including the planning ahead and even looking up recipes for meal ideas. It's fun coming up with something different and using my family as guinea pigs to see if I succeeded in creating something more than just edible. LOL! Sometimes I hit a home run and other times....well, it's the effort that counts. But also even something as effortless as making a bowl of oatmeal for someone who will enjoy it brings me a simple joy. 

I love feeling consumed by a good romance novel, that simple joy of anticipating what happens next and not wanting to put the book down and then feeling sad when it ends.  

Sitting with the family as a whole and watching a show or a movie with our common interests--dissecting the plot, loving or hating the progress of the story line, having to pause because we are talking too much--consequently dragging out the said story which can be frustrating---but ultimately enhancing the television experience....such a great simple joy--one I don't take for granted since the boys have busy schedules and we sneak in these moments when we can.

The Huz and I always carve out time in the evenings to relax and share our own television shows or movies. He massages my feet or my back. LOL! It's like a mini-date night every night and probably why we don't value commercial holidays like Valentine's Day too much, because we make those moments with each other often. Simple joy. 

I love taking walks--whether it's driving to a nice hiking location (which are plentiful where we live) or just taking walks around our neighborhood. Thankful for those simple joys.

I also find simple joys in/on Social Media. Yes, I know it can be a toxic place filled with vitriol and general unkindness, but I make an effort to sift through all that and find the inspirational, the positive, and the useful content--being drawn to the hopeful instead of the gloomy direction. I also find a simple joy in posting/sharing content that I like instead of stuff I hate. I've seen people post or make comments on others' posts trying to make themselves look intelligent by using insults, but all that does is continue to add to the toxicity of Social Media.  The negativity will always be around us. But we can also choose to not participate in it.  And with that goal in mind, I've found so many simple joys--artistic creativity, inspirational thoughts, and all around general positive vibes.

There are so many of these simple joys that happen very regularly and when you decide to open your eyes to it and feel that gratitude, these moments are amplified and feel much larger. I make a conscious effort to see and feel these joys. And I hope you do too.  Sending light & love to you as usual! XOXO

Spotlight on Larry Itliong: A Filipino American Labor Protections Rights Leader

 

This is a quick spotlight on one of the integral leaders for labor protection rights of farm workers. Larry Itliong is not necessarily a household name and may not be the first person one thinks of when thinking about this time period but he was a true trailblazer and deserves so much more recognition. There were many abuses against these labor workers that lasted for decades. It took unity among Filipinos, Mexicans and other persons of color to make lasting change--many strikes and protests organized--and not all were successful. If you're at all curious about this time period, please look it up. It's a fascinating history and a reason for Filipino Americans to hold their heads up high.  

I'm so proud of the Manongs of Delano, the Filipino American leaders who fought hard for the rights of the labor workers and are pretty much a forgotten part of history.  It's up to us to keep their legacy alive and to continue to tell their story to present and future generations. 

Please read:

We Are Not Your Model Minority or Your Punching Bag: Why Asian Americans Are Hurting and Why You Should Care

...a powerful essay touching upon the harmful model minority myth and a call to action to stop all the Asian and Pacific Islander hate that is happening.