Hang Outs

Today I went to a family hang out.
First time eating BBQ chicken feet.
It was super yummy.
I love big families.
I miss seeing kids running, fighting, and crying.
I had a nice time just chatting,
being there, and learning more about each other.

When the in-laws think

When the in-laws think that you know...

Just last night my in-laws told me to go translate and help them with some of their paperworks.

I looked at my husband and gave him the puppy eyes.

Cooking

Everyday when I wake up and sometimes before
I go to bed I stress about what to cook.
Knowing that I am an indecisive person
and just the fact that I know that I don't know what I want
stresses me out even more.

The only two things I know how to cook by myself
are simple stir fry and basic grilling.

Totally regret not learning while living with my mom
but to be honest it really can't be helped with how I was raised.

I had my sister-in-laws and my older sisters.
There were food on the table when I got home from school
and on my weekend while my older sisters cooked
I helped with the small stuff like rinsing the vegetables.

I baked my first batch of cupcakes during Easter 2014,
which was the first year that I got marry.
My mom thought that baking was a waste of time and that
if I was to bake then I might as well cook a real meal for the family.

I hope one day I can become a good cook like my mom, sisters and sister-in-laws
but also know how to bake delicious sweets and desserts for my family.

Emotional

Just last night I got very emotional.

I blame pms for the most part.

Husband held me like a baby and ask me

"Why are you crying?"

"Do you miss your mom?"

"Do you miss your family?"

"Are you mad at me?"

"Did my parents yell at you?"

You name it. He asked it all.

Meeting New People

One of the most exciting thing for me

regarding being a wife/daughter-in-law

is meeting the new family members.

They make me feel very welcome with

hugs and welcoming gifts.

The introduction is always fun.

I nod my head, "yes" and "umhuh" 

but honestly I don't think I'll remember

all the names and who goes in which family.

It's going to take me a while, I know that for sure.

Back To Second Home

Going back to visit my family after three days
was nerve wrecking for both my husband and me.
We weren't sure how my family would react.
We were mostly nervous about my mom.

The first night back was quite sad for me.
My mom had went out of town and
my dad was at my older sister Kaosua's place.
My sister-in-law cooked some very yummy fry rice.
My husband and I spent the night in my twin bed.
I remember it wasn't the most comfortable night.

My mom was home the next day.
I don't know if she came home after I went to bed
or she came home early that morning.

She didn't wake me up like she would usually do.
I don't know why it surprised me then.
Obviously, she wouldn't want to knock on my door
to wake me up because it would also wake up my husband.

At the time I was sad because
I felt that her attitude had changed and
that she was treating me like an outsider.

When it was time to come back home
my mom was crying and it teared my heart apart.

She told me that the pain she have was similar to
when she lost her mother. She was alone and sad.
She felt lost and blind without me.

Being the last daughter to marry sucks.

Three days

My initial feeling was me feeling awkward or out of place.
At first I thought it was just me but looking back to this time
I know now that it was a normal feeling for me personally.

One thing that helped me through the transition was my husband.
At that time he had taken a week off work for me.
This is one thing I will always be thankful for.

The first night.

I don't remember much what happened.
After the ritual of welcoming me into the family
I remember a welcoming cake and that was pretty much it.
I don't remember the taste of the cake.
I don't remember the faces present.
I don't remember what show was on the televison.
Was the televison even on?
I think I went to bed early.

The official first day.

I cooked breakfast.
My dish was too salty which was quite embarrassing.
Later that day my father-in-law
brought home some killed chicken.
I cleaned them and accidentally cut my left thumb.
It reminded me of the story I heard that
the new daughter-in-law isn't supposed to do any house chores.

She is supposed to observed her new family.
By observing she will learn how her new family do things.
It was supposedly okay to offer to help out.

Afterward my husband took me shopping because
I didn't bring any extra clothes due to traditional/cultural purposes.
I picked out two dresses, a sweater from Forever21
and some undergarments from Victoria Secret.

The next day.

We did laundry.
My first impression of the laundromat wasn't too good
and I still don't like going there so we never really went back.
There wasn't any wifi, the dryer sucks and
the washer was quite overpriced for the quality it gave, in my opinion.

The day ended quickly.

I remember the weather was cold and gloomy
which made me felt a little depressed and sad.

The third day.

We did the hu plig/soul calling for my husband and me.
It was nice to see everyone from his side of the family.
People to comfort me, welcome me and just talk to me in general.

Planning

Fiancé and I planed to get marry after I finish my BA.

He proposed to me and we were engaged for almost two years.

After careful planning, I finished my BA in Liberal Study.

In December of 2013,

My dad had a sudden stroke and because of that

it was a tough time for my family.

The original plan was to go in the month of Jan. 2014.

It got delay just one month though.

I guess, my husband couldn't wait anymore.

Finally, we decided to continue with the plan.

I kind of hint here and there to my siblings.

The day my husband held my hand 

and brought me homewas Feb. 4th, 2014.