America/New Zealand

Thanksgiving Thoughts

November 23, 2018

The holidays are here ......  It’s what should be Thanksgiving day, but we are in New Zealand, and they don’t “do” Thanksgiving here.


I know, I know, it's been like two years since I've last written a blog post and I should really address that ... but I don't feel like it right now and if I don't keep writing, this post will never happen either. Sorry!

 Back to Thanksgiving. When I first moved here, I was the token American in my husband’s family (who were familiar with the holiday having lived in the US for several years), so hosting Thanksgiving fell to me. I made valiant attempts in the beginning, but after a few years the enthusiasm waned. Thanksgiving day always sneaked up on me, causing a panic of last minute effort. After all, it’s not like the whole country reminds me all month long, everywhere I go, like it does in America. 

 I would go back and forth in my head whether it was worth the stress or not ... and would anyone even be able to make it? Being a Thursday, Thanksgiving is always a work day here, so most expats will hold it on the weekend, if the calendar is free. If it isn’t free, it’s likely not going to happen. Put it off another week, and you may as well turn it into a Christmas party!

Which brings us to Christmas. In summer. It’s weird. I've talked about it already in my last post (yes, two years ago ... I said I was sorry!). I’m feeling a little down about it right now. I almost feel robbed of my American holiday traditions. I feel homesick for the comfort of the holidays … but, I suppose in a way it is a good nudge for me to remember the true meaning of the holidays. 


Yes, it’s nice to have traditions - the sights, the sounds, the smells that remind you of special times. But without those triggers, you have to make a little extra effort to think about what it is that makes the holidays “holy days". What more is there to Thanksgiving besides an excuse to gorge on food?


What is “thankfulness" anyway, and why is it important? I have felt it’s absence in my own life during certain years in the past. There have been Thanksgivings where I was not very thankful at all. It is an ugly place to be. A selfish place. It is thinking that I am not getting what I want. I am not getting enough. I am not being treated how I want to be treated. I, I, I … that’s what it’s about. 

 Maybe this is one of those years. Hopefully not as bad as that … but thinking about it now gives me to opportunity to reexamine my attitude; to give up whining about being “deprived” of the familiar comforts of the holidays; to meditate on what is truly important in my life, and what I truly appreciate. 
…
So, today, I am thankful for so much, but right now especially, I am thankful for the ever-present protection and guidance of the lord in my heart: Paramatma, or the Holy Spirit as some are known to call it. When I look back, every event in my life - the good, the bad, the difficult ... even the unthankful Thanksgivings - all of it contains lessons that I have needed to learn. All of it holds lesson that have brought me to a greater understanding of the truth, of my identity, of my purpose, of my function. 

 Some of the lessons have yet to sink in. Maybe I need to go through them still. Maybe the meaning will dawn upon me tomorrow. But, all of them have been guided by the gentle hands of the Lord, who knows exactly what it is that I need to learn, and when, and who knows what will bring me peace, happiness, love …. in short, Him. 


  That is what I am thankful for today. What are you thankful for?



America/New Zealand

A New Zealandy Christ mas

December 25, 2016


Christmas takes on a different flavor on this side of the world. 

It's a little hard to reconcile the deeply ingrained traditions that I have grown accustomed to with the upside down seasons here in New Zealand. We have a winter here - a cold, dreary, grey winter. There isn't any snow in Auckland, but there's plenty of wet, cold rain to make up for it. After winter, there is a beautiful, bloom-filled spring, and finally, the glorious, bone-warming, blues-chasing sun arrives and all you want to do is race to the beach, picnic in the sand, play ball until the sun goes down (which isn't till like 9:00 or something), and revel in all things summery. 

It's also Christmastime. The kiwis have come up with traditions of their own. They have a Christmas barbecue and airy desserts topped with fresh, luscious berries. They blend the familiar red and white colors of Christmas into fresh, beachy, summery stripes, and they put the holiday greetings on t-shirts and singlets (tank tops) instead of sweaters. But, the old traditions are still there as well (many of their grandparents were from England or Europe after all). 

The shopping malls are decked out with pine boughs and Christmas trees. There are penguins and reindeer, snow-topped pine trees, gingerbread men, hot cocoa, warming spices, snowflakes, and snowmen. And of course, the holiday songs are all about the snow and cold weather, and a snowy white Christmas. None of this has anything to do with the real meaning of Christmas, but it's all so familiar and so cozy ... and so weirdly out of place when it's summer outside!

It takes some getting used to, but at the same time it is a very nice way to remember that Christmas isn't about the season, it isn't about the trappings, it isn't about presents or the tinsel. Christmas is a celebration of the birth, the life, and the teachings of a very special person. Lord Jesus Christ. 

When thinking of the teachings of Jesus, I like to meditate on most essential of his teachings. When asked what his greatest commandment was, Jesus said 

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

I may not call myself a Christian, but it doesn't matter what label I attach to myself. Labels can change. what's important is that I try to love God, just as Jesus taught, and just as my spiritual master, Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda teaches. The essence of the teachings of Jesus, and the essence of Bhakti Yoga are one and the same. 

There is a saying 

Buddha was not a Buddhist, Jesus was not a Christian, Muhammad wasn't a Muslim. 
They were teachers who taught LOVE. Love was their religion.

So, this Christmas season I try to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ, pray for his blessings and guidance, and try to sing the names of God from my heart. And you know, all of these things can be done rain or shine, winter or summer, on the beach, or in the snow ... so these are the traditions that I will be holding fast to.

I hope that whatever part of the world you are in, you also take some time to remember the real meaning of Christmas and fill your hearts with love. :)

Merry Christmas!




America/New Zealand

Thoughts on the election ... from abroad

November 12, 2016



There was a momentous shift in America on the 8th of November (9th here). I was at home all day, glued to YouTube live news videos. Things looked good for Trump from the very beginning, but there was nothing that was completely unexpected until the very end when it became clear that he was the winner. "Winner" as in for better or for worse, DONALD TRUMP IS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!! 

Yes, I am one of those Facebook friends who share political posts constantly during election years (sorry, I'm not sorry). When it comes to blogging though, I wanted to keep politics out of it; but since this is huge and will make such tremendous ripples throughout the entire world, I can't not comment on what is happening!!

It has been a couple of days now and to say that half of America is worried sick about a Trump presidency is proving to be the understatement of the year, but anyhow, this was my facebook-posted reaction to the election results.

Wooooooooooooowwwwwww .......... ðŸ˜± I know some of you are sickly worried about the future of America and the world, but I have faith that the story isn't over and that it will all lead to something much, much better that has yet to come. I am also choosing to look at the positives. We have the potential to halt progress down the failed path that the establishment politicians have set us on these past several decades. We also will have an improved relationship with Russia, and less chance of a nuclear Third World War. Americans have spoken loudly and clearly that we want change. Whether it was to be Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, Ron Paul, or a third party, we are not going to continue to accept more of the same. For that, I am proud of America! .... I am pretty worried about Republicans having the power in all the Senate, House, and Presidency though.  

I'll be watching the political scene and my thoughts may change, but for now this is how I feel. I've been a little terrified by some the reactions to the election that I have seen. Racists and bigots of all kinds seem to be crawling out the woodworks and having their moment under the sun, but I'm hopeful still that Trump will be able to pull himself together and act presidential, stop spouting divisive rhetoric that he may or may not mean to be taken literally, and if not turn the nation in the right direction, at least stop America from continuing to go in the wrong direction. That is my one expectation from him: change the way things are going without fucking things up too badly. From there, we can start anew! :) peace. 

P.S.
I'm an Independent who voted third party.




America/New Zealand

How to have tea with an American/Kiwi (a Cross-Cultural Reference Guide)

August 12, 2016

Americans aren’t known for drinking tea. We’re more known for chucking that stuff in the harbor and then going to Starbucks, but on occasion we do enjoy a good cup of (usually herbal) tea, or a cuppa as it is known in New Zealand.

New Zealand on the other hand, as part of the British commonwealth, are big “tea” fans. The word tea is in quotation marks because in New Zealand it has come to mean so much more than just a cup of leaf-stained water. “Tea” in New Zealand is both a drink, a meal, and a tradition.

To help guide you through the differences between American and New Zealand tea drinking customs, I have put together this handy two-part guide. The first part is intended for my New Zealand readers and will help them to understand how to have tea with their American friends. The second part is intended for my American readers, which will help them to navigate the tea customs of their Kiwi friends. 

Just a disclaimer first though ... I am by no means a tea or cultural expert, these opinions are simply based on my observations from having lived in both countries. 

So without further ado, here they are!




Part 1: How to Have Tea With an American 

A Guide for the Kiwi Reader


Step 1. Ask your American friend what type of tea they would like and if they would like it sweetened (they probably will). Honey is the usual sweetener of choice, but they may like a bit of stevia if you have it and certainly are not above putting sugar in their tea if nothing else is available … especially if it is a nice coconut sugar or turbinado. What, no it’s just white sugar? …. Yes, of course I still want it sweetened!

Step 2.  Let the tea steep in the kitchen for the amount of time indicated on the box.

Step 3. Leave the tea bag in the cup (it continues to add flavor while you drink).

Step 4.  Serve the tea to your American friend making sure to warn them that the tea is still hot.

Step 5: Provide a coaster for the coffee table if needed and hunker down on the sofa with your American friend. Blankets or snuggies are a good optional addition here depending on how close your relationship is – aquantances: no blanket, good friends: individual blankets, roommates/spouses: snuggies.

Step 6. Catch up on the latest gossip with your American friend or watch a good movie together.



Part 2: How to Have Tea with a Kiwi 

A Guide for the American Reader


Step 1. Ask your Kiwi friend over for Afternoon Tea (sometime between lunch and dinner/supper).

Step 2. Make sure that you have a variety of delectables on hand. Packaged cookies, crackers, spreads, cheese, fruit, slice, or cake are all acceptable options.

Step 3. Lay out your spread on your tea table (it’s like a breakfast table but it may not necessarily be in the kitchen).

Step 4. Ask your Kiwi friend how they take their tea.  If they do not specify, leave the tea unsweetened.

Step 5.  After allowing the tea to steep for a minimal amount of time, remove the tea bag as it is now considered rubbish and your Kiwi friend would be politely aghast if you were to serve them tea with rubbish in it! 

Step 6. Sit down at your tea table and enjoy a catch up with your Kiwi friend while you gingerly pretend to eat the food in front of you. Don’t actually eat though or you’ll spoil your supper, which is only about an hour away.

Step 7. Now that the tea is cool enough to drink, say goodbye to your Kiwi friend as they now need to rush off to the shops before they close for the day.

Step 8. Tip their untouched tea down the kitchen sink.