Holy Crap! It’s been 5 months since I landed on American soil!
In the first 24 hours I drove my car, got a trendy new cell phone, and ate a delicious chipotle burrito… life was GOOOOOOOOOOOD!
Seeing my family and friends back home for the first time in a year made me incredibly happy… and I put my birth family’s picture on my cell phone so I didn’t forget them and could see them everyday, too.
Now that I’m back, I am all about being Asian – which is different from before.
Before, I wouldn’t order the “Asian Oriental Salad” at the restaurant b/c I thought it was a cliché. Now, I still haven’t ordered one but he if it sounds good one day, I’ll go for it.
Before, I didn’t even open the menu at the Korean Restaurant b/c I always ordered the same thing. Now, I look at the menu and it takes me a while to try and narrow it down to one entrée to eat.
Before, I stayed away from “Asian looking dresses” b/c I didn’t want to look TOO Asian. Now, I try to seek out Asian looking patterns.
Before, I just drank my beer as soon as it arrived. Now, I am all about a group "cheers" before taking a sip.
Before, I would just say “that’s nice.” Now I say “that’s bery bery nice-ah” – I love speaking Konglish now :)
Before, you wouldn’t catch me in a Konglished shirt. Now, I wear my “The Shinin Out Like Stars” and “ABCDER” shirts with pride.
Before, I didn’t care about wrinkles. Now, I put my eye cream on every night (thanks to my friend Hyun Joo for purchasing it for me).
Before, I didn’t feel a need to associate with other Asians. Now, I want lots of Asian friends.
Before, I didn’t notice or care if I was the only Asian in the crowd. Now, I notice Asians around me and if it’s just me representing.
Before, I knew I was Asian. Now I’m proud of it.
2 comments:
So glad that Korea had such an impact on you. Never forget where you came from...and damn you and your Chipotle burritos!
Thinking of you in Hong Kong!
i miss the "cheers" with you.
and don't forget to put on eye cream every night :)
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