I am behind on posts again but I blame this delay on genes. Normally Asian genes hold an extreme understanding of mathematics and sciences. I do not. I am taking a class that involves both math and science, which also involves my face contorting into different poses - opening up the possibilities of wrinkles.

Last weekend, I ventured home to upstate New York. I had a lovely visit with family and friends but an eventful one. I now realize why I am the way I am. After being called "gook" a couple of times, getting stuck in a ditch and suffering frostbite (all within 24 hours) why wouldn't I be the blunt, judgmental, quick to be angered woman that I am today?

Gook? You may ask... People even use that word in real life?

Yes. They do. They have as long as I have existed in my small town, in college and even out in Los Angeles. Well, Hermosa Beach...

For a long time, especially in my teens, I would be with my friends at a mall and we'd pass a mirror and I would be shocked. Who is that Asian in the window?! The one with the slanty eyes and stick straight hair? I still get shocked sometimes. My personality and my upbringing would surely fit a thin, tall waspy girl with mousey brown hair and glasses. But as time goes by, I get a bit more comfortable with being Korean. I love Korean food.

It is a work in progress...

Moral of the story - Do not call me Gook because I do not want to go to jail.