Multi-Cultural Musings

So I went to the Temple to do some initiatory this morning, and I noticed that all of the names they gave me were Filipino. And that got me to thinking of my awesome Filipino friends and work colleagues. Which got me to thinking of all the many wonderful people in my life that are from other cultures. I'm fortunate enough to count people from Indonesia, South Korea, India, China, Taiwan, and Japan among my friends. Also people from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, Mexico, Latin America, and Canada. I've also been fortunate enough to have good relationships with many African-Americans. And I'm not forgetting my dear Polynesian family and friends from Samoa. My life (and, not to mention my waistline) has truly been blessed by the friendship and good faithful examples of people from all over the world.

When you get right down to it, we're really not all that different from each other. We may have different beliefs and different cultures, and sometimes that can be intimidating. And who knows, if I were to meet my friends on their home turf, it might be even more so. But in most cases, I've found that what usually works is kindness and appreciation for the other person. Great things usually end up happening.

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Goals

One of my goals this year is to go on a backpacking trip. It's something I've always wanted to do, but been too intimidated to try. Well, a few weeks ago, one of the girls in the Ward invited me on a backpacking trip to the Uinta's this summer. This time I immediately said yes. All was well until a few days later when reality set in and the thought of carrying 30-35 pounds of pack on my back while hiking in rough terrain just about made me cave. I did not have all the gear I would need, nor was I in good enough shape. The gear is something easily worked out. Most of it I can either purchase myself, or borrow from highly motivated friends. The physical conditioning was another matter altogether, so I decided it was time to get in better shape. I've been pretty good at exercising regularly, and I'm in ok shape for someone approaching a milestone birthday (if I say so myself). But I knew I needed to put in some extra miles, as well as add strength to my legs ...

New 'Do

For probably the last 10 years or so, I've had pretty much the same hairstyle. For the most part, it's been long, all one length, and I would eventually put it up in a ponytail almost every day, because I couldn't stand having it in my face. It drove me crazy, but I didn't know what to do with it, and at the same time, I liked that I could basically get up and go every day without a lot of effort. For the past several months now, I've been threatening to do something different and drastic, and finally, yesterday, I did. At the recommendation of Angel, I made an appointment with her stylist. It took several weeks to get in, but finally, the day arrived. Angel went with me, for moral support, and to be the photographer. I went in with some basic ideas, but after some consultation and looking at photos with Francine, this is what I ended up with. First, the "before" shot: In process: And finally, the finished product: I can't remember the last time...

Hi, my name's Tracie and I'm a Mormon. That being said, I've provided enough context for the conversation I had with the receptionist at work today: Christy: (Showing me a photo) What picture is this movie from? Me: Mmmm, Serendipity maybe? Christy: No...you should know this. Me: I should? Christy: (Finally) It's from the movie "Charlie"! Me: How would I know that? I don't watch Mormon movies. They're dumb. Now that I've let the cat out of the bag, I guess I should also confess that I also don't listen to Mormon pop music (other than the original recording of The Forgotten Carols), or read Mormon fiction. So sue me. Let's face it, it's not like most of them are of real quality anyway. When it comes to Mormon music, I'll stick with my MoTab and the hymns of Zion.

Tracie's World

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