what separates the indigenous from the wanna-be

My friend Phim and I have had an ongoing conversation in recent months about the things that separate the indigenous from the wanna-be.  In this discussion, I am the wanna-be and Phim was born and raised on a rice farm in Laos.

Today, she is more fond of air conditioning, soft beds, hot showers and ice than I. While I learned to live without all of these things and could do it again, there is a line I cannot cross.

This discussion started one day at the check-out line of Global Foods. A woman in front of me had placed Salmon on the check-out conveyor belt. Now, like me, you may think that purchasing Salmon at the grocery store means purchasing a filet of fish. Perhaps, if you are adventurous you would purchase the whole fish to cook, but intend to eat the filet. A salmon purchase at Global Foods is different. There is no filet. Instead there is a tail, some scales or fatty stuff and the package always includes the salmon head with it's beady eyes looking right at you.

This is what separates the indigenous from the wanna-be. I don't have a clue what to do with that package of items that in any other circumstance I would discard. Phim can tell you a list of dishes to make with those pieces...her favorite being a soup concoction.

We continue to have this conversation as circumstances or food items present themselves. One thing that separates the indigenous from the wanna-be is Balut. What is Balut? It is a fertilized egg. Again, any red blooded American would consider this inedible and throw it out - but in many parts of the world (Europe and Asia) it is a food item.

At work we have been participating in site visits for the last few weeks. This means we go from organization to organization and do tours and ask questions.  At one of the site visits the tour led us outside. The leader of the tour is in management at the organization, Phim and I follow, then another agency manager is bringing up the rear of the tour. The person in front sees a bird nest and the little chicks have gone SPLAT on the cement. She says, "Awww, watch out for the little birds."

Phim, who is following immediately behind, says, "Awww."

I come up to the death scene behind Phim and say, "What do you mean 'awww'? You eat this."

She smacks me HARD. The guy behind me hears what I said, sees the death scene and asks the obvious question, "WHAT?!" 

Phim and I then explain about the delicacy known as Balut. He nearly looses his lunch because he is laughing so hard. We all got a good laugh. In fact, just retelling the story can send Phim and I in to fits of laughter.

When it comes to Balut, I am a total wanna-be.

just Sheri, accepting my boundaries

a place to call "home"

I have been told a few times, "Sheri, I am surprised you bought a home."

Or, I have been asked, "why?"

There are financial considerations - low interest rates, rock bottom prices, a tax-deduction and what I call "rent control" (meaning no annual increase on rent pricing).

There are space considerations - I was limited on how many guests I could have at our apartment and we really had no space for overnight guests.

But, mostly it was emotional considerations. Kenyon prefers a place to call home and I needed to end the "transitional" feeling.  It was NOT good for my psyche to live in an apartment where I felt like I could pick up and leave at any time...mostly because I really wanted to pick up and leave. Mentally, I needed to feel like I was staying in a place.

I recently shared this with my Uncle who then shared a scripture with me.  This was originally given to the Jews, but as their decedent I am claiming it too.

2 Samuel 7:9, 10
I [God] have been with you wherever you have gone...And I will provide a place for my people and will plant them so they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed...


That is my prayer for our home. That it will be established by God, for a purpose. That it will be a peaceful place, a place of rest - where we, as well as others, can come and no longer be disturbed. There are plenty of disturbing things in this world, peaceful places are too few and far between.

just Sheri, praying God will establish our home

culture shock: I am watching my show

The other day my brother called. I was having a lazy day and catching up on a favorite TV series online. He asked if this was a bad time since I was watching my show. I laughed, mostly because the thought of such a thing was absurd to me. TV more important than people? Especially when I can pause it or watch it later online.

Do people really do that? Apparently. My brother said he doesn't take it personally.

In a week, will I even remember what the show, that was so important, was about? Probably not. In a month, will it even matter? Likely no, as the world moved on to more current events. Will the time missed with loved ones due to prioritizing television matter a week, month, or year from now? Absolutely. Relationships are built (or lost) on interpersonal connection.

One of the things that has me shaking my head in wonderment is the way American lives revolve around television. Television is the hearth of the home. Television is the primary source of entertainment. It is as if American's live through watching other people's lives (fiction or near-fiction often called "reality"). When did it become acceptable to disregard real people for those we are likely never to know?

I am sure this view is considered "old-fashioned" by some. Once again I am feeling like the woman that time forgot, as I am often displaced in my culture.

just Sheri, choosing real people over fiction

catching up: winter activities

As faithful readers have noticed...and commented - I don't post as often as I once did. I do, however, still carry my camera with me everywhere I go and take lots of pictures.  The winter months were filled with lots of time with girlfriends.

For New Year's Eve, my friend Lily and I had a night on the town. We had a nice dinner at a Thai restaurant, then headed to a late night improv comedy show. Along the way Lily found a guy who sold blinking 2012 eyeglasses and negotiated for a couple. Hands down the glasses were the hit of the night. We got LOTS of attention walking down the street with these on - people would stop and talk with us, or yell out car windows, etc. I have learned the secret to making friends with strangers on New Year's Eve - blinky glasses...who knew?

The next day we walked the town and happened upon an Occupier's camp. We talked with a few different people; none seemed to have the same story of why they were there. I assume the lack of a clear objective is problematic for a movement that wants to bring about change, but decided it unnecessary to point that out during our visit. A nice group of ladies came with lunch for the campers, that is when we made our exit.

There were also a couple of ice skating adventures. This one was outdoors and included s'mores over an open flame. The other was indoor and amounted to chaos. I hope to repeat the outdoor adventure next year.

There was also the welcoming of new life - Naomi and her beautiful mother Joyce. I enjoy hangin' with these two as often as possible.

Spring season and spring activities have arrived. I thought you might still like to see some of the photos from winter events and the people who make life a joyful journey.

just Sheri, blessed with great friendships

Aloe Vera - edible?

I learned something positively fascinating last week. My friend Vy came over with food one night. She cooked a fabulous dinner like she owned the place (at least the kitchen) and I got to be treated like a spoiled guest. Yeah, she's wonderful.

So, she had a drink I had never heard of...an Aloe drink. Made from the plant Aloe Vera. Imagine my surprise. I only thought aloe was something you rubbed on sunburned skin. Boy was I wrong!

Vy told me the drink is good for the skin. Apparently there are some Asian dishes where they also cook with it.  I must admit I NEVER considered eating Aloe Vera. Aren't there little spiky things on the leaves? Who wants to put that in their mouth?

When I posted this discovery on Facebook, I also learned it is good for upset stomachs too. Really? I thought the remedy for that was Sprite.

Anyway, I learn something new from Vy all the time. Thanks, girl, for expanding my horizons and teaching me things I wouldn't know without our friendship.

just Sheri, a life-long learner