Spring Has Sprung!

It has been over a month since I've posted here and while I put some updates on my Facebook page, I could not find the time or words to really flesh things out here. Also, I needed discretion.

I made the decision to quit my full time job and during that time it was ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT. But I had to keep quiet because my ex-boss/workplace can and sometimes did read this blog for some strange reason. I mean, considering how uninterested they were in accommodating me, I have no clue why they would spend time reading about me here when they could have, I don't know, actually accommodated me. But hey, that's all in the past.

So my last day was Feb. 26 and I took off for Japan on the 27th. I needed that time away to reset myself, as well as visit my best friend. Bonus! I came back with a few days to try to get over my jet lag and jumped right into a new work contract.

I have absolutely no regrets! It feels wonderful and right. I'm doing half my work from home and the other half in an office where they not only know my diagnosis, but actively embrace it. I am passionate about my work, knowing I am using my strengths, and I have time to be with the Little Man. I already got to go on my first school outing with him.

I thought I would have a bit more free time, but it seems I fill it all up very quickly. However, it's things that need to be done - like seeing the dentist, paperwork, phone calls, and the hustle for more contracts.

I hope to keep this and my other blog more up to date, but also launch my other side business ideas and see where things go.

So spring has sprung (even if Montreal weather doesn't reflect that!) and my life is just getting better.

Being Mixed Race in Japan

    

I take it for granted a lot of the time that my own mixed-race experience was not all that bad. It didn't cause me identity crises or confidence issues. I might have had other issues, but they were not caused by race. My father got at least this part right - he told me never to worry about what people think of my appearance. He said how a person looks doesn't matter, and I, luckily, believed that as well.

When it came to my peers, there was a mix of confusion and curiosity. I was not the only mixed person in my elementary school, so that helped. Some wanted to know exactly which race I was. Some did not want to play with me when they found out I was half black.

In high school the racism became more overt, with groups taking sides; the whites against the blacks in gym class, for example. I was once told to just stand in the middle of the field. I was also called things like, "zebra," "oreo," and "honger."

Having recently visited Japan, I can say it's a very homogenous society. They were at least outwardly polite. Despite my lack of Japanese, I found them extremely friendly, helpful and gracious. I do not believe I was treated unfairly or badly because of my race (in fact, I was not treated badly in any way at all!). But growing up there must be a different thing. I know they have very strict laws against foreigners buying property or residing too long.

I find other people's interracial experiences fascinating and I will be checking out this Japanese documentary as soon as it's available.