Where are you from?

This morning at the swimming pool, I was reminded once again that I have features associated with an 'outsider'.

Gloria: "Where are you from?"
Me: "Houston"
Gloria: "No, I mean where are you FROM?"
Me: "I grew up in Houston. I am from Houston. My family is originally from India. But I am from Houston." (In my head I'm thinking: she's far too senior to me to lecture. Maybe I'll just blog my lecture instead).

I hate, absolutely hate that question. It's an insult, implying that somehow, my skin color makes me less of an American. Unless someone has a distinct accent, it's never OK to ask this question. Unless you also pose it to every single person, regardless of skin tone, in the room.

The sad thing is, that never happens. And it's a constant question here in Texas. I get it all the time, and I'm on my soapbox now telling you, reader, to catch yourself before falling into this same trap. If I tell you in person, why I think it's a terrible, pigeonholing question, don't look at me all crazy and say "Well I just thought you were beautiful/exotic/different/". Because that may bring on even more trouble.

Here's my response. I was born and raised in Houston. I am from, yes really FROM, the United States, just like you. Even though my parents are naturalized citizens, and were born elsewhere, they are now from, yes really FROM, the US too, and proudly claim it as their own.

And this: you wouldn't ask me if I were white.

New Beginnings

Today marks one year from when I made another major change in my life - choosing to leave a place that had become comfortable to 'start over' - in a way...by returning to a place I had been previously, though it feels like eons ago. And amazingly, it really does feel like a brand new experience.

I hope this year brings on new changes too - it's definitely easy to comfortably float on in this place and hold back from new challenges and next steps. For once, I have no trouble living in the present, and it's nice. That part that still plans for what's next is still there. I think though, at least right now, that 'what's next' is actually defined. The pressure's off, professionally. Time to focus on what's personal, I guess.