Mama Diaries

Monday, February 8, 2016

Life Expectancy for the Mama

Last night, I watched the Superbowl with my kids. At the end, my kids commented on how big the Superbowl rings for the winners were. I told them it was probably because it was the 50th Superbowl. My son wondered what they'd look like for the 100th Superbowl. I told him I didn't know, but that he'd probably be around to see it.

"What about you? He asked. You'll be around, too."

"I don't know," I said. "I'd be almost a hundred years old."
...
"You'll be around," he said. "You look Asian. And Asian people live a long time."

"Asian?" I asked. "I hardly think I look Asian."

"Yeah. You're thin and you have dark hair."

Then my daughter commented. "And you're smart and musical. Just like Asians. So you're definitely Asian."

Okay. So I guess I'll be around for Superbowl 100. I hope Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem for it, because she did great

41 comments:

  1. I don't think you look Asian...
    Not a fan of Gaga, but she did do a good job.

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    1. I think she has a really good voice. I'm not usually a fan of her style of music, though.

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  2. Apparently they haven't seen many Asians. Because from your pictures, you don't look Asian at all. But I do hope you'll still be around for Super Bowl 100.

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  3. Hi, Sherry!

    Are you old enough to remember the 1980 hit record "Turning Japanese" by the British band The Vapors? :) I don't think you look Asian, but you do look very youthful and that, says Shady, foretells longevity. I predict you will live to see Super Bowl 200!!!

    Have a great week, dear friend Sherry!

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    1. I was around, but I don't remember that record. I'll have to look it up. If I make it to Super Bowl 200, it will be an amazing feat!

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  4. You do not look Asian, no matter what your many talents. I have spent my entire life fending off comments about how I look Chinese or Japanese. The worst was in elementary school when some kids said they hated me because I was one of the people we were fighting in Vietnam. My daughter says that because I'm mostly Norwegian, I probably have some Sami blood (the indigenous people of Norway). Although I adore you and your children, this time is one that I must offer some guidance: Avoid stereotyping. It can be painful.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. I am very sorry if my post upset you. It is not pleasant to be stereo-typed. I think my children were not trying to be offensive, just funny. I will certainly talk to them about avoiding stereotyping, as you suggest.

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    2. I'm not upset in the least. I wanted to share with you mom to mom. Comments about a person's appearance can be devastating. My ex-husband always told me I looked "exotic." I wished he would say I was pretty or beautiful, but no, it was always exotic. I read an article last year that said not to tell people they look exotic because it makes their appearance about their ethnicity. I agree. I'm not exotic. I'm a Norwegian with a German last name. Perhaps I'll get a DNA test one of these days to confirm the Sami theory.

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  5. I can't imagine living till 100! My mom is now 87 & she's still very active. I guess as long as we're healthy, that's most important...... xoxo

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  6. Age I suppose is just a number, but it all depends whether one is in good health or no.
    I am at an age when I don't like birthdays but feel young at heart still.My dad passed away suddenly at 42 years old so to be honest I don't really think age has anything to do with life expectancy,
    Good post Sherry.
    Yvonne.

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    1. You don't know how long you have to live. I just lost two friends in a car accident. They were way too young to die!

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  7. Twould be fun seeing Gaga still singing at the age of 70 or more :)

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  8. Yes, they are right. You look Asian :)
    As you know children are experts in noting human features.
    Musical :) and Asian, good, I like that too ! You are a musician and some posts about it too would be welcome.
    You will be around then too because you look like a person who is health conscious.
    Your blog posts always make me feel good. Your style of writing, pictures and the layout are excellent, a very positive and lighthearted experience.
    Good post :)

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    1. Thank you, Rajiv. I try to take care of myself. Of course, that is no guarantee for how long I will live.

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  9. haha well you never know, Asian or not you may be around

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  10. It'd be ironic if you did live long enough to turn 100, but the Superbowl somehow didn't. LOL.

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  11. LOL! Love their logic!
    I guess I'll have to google Gaga's performance because so many people have commented on it. (I don't do sports.)

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    1. I've watched it twice and cried both times. It was the most powerful and heartfelt rendering of our national anthem that I've heard.

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  12. Now you can start making plans for the big day!

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    1. Yes. It will take me fifty years to plan that party! ;-)

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  13. Lady Gaga was brilliant.

    Haha And you had no idea you were Asian. Thank goodness your kids cleared that up. ;)

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    1. I had no idea I was Asian. ;-)

      Lady Gaga was terrific.

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  14. Your children sound socially aware!. You look young.. maybe YOU can play at the Super bowl someday...with Gaga!

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    1. Great idea! I'll play my viola right alongside of her. ;-)

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  15. You can't get better compliments than that:)
    And Lady Gaga was awesome!

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  16. Asian or not, here's to you being around for Super Bowl 100 and playing for Lady Gaga to sing. :-)

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  17. I don't think you look Asian, but you do look young enough to still be around in 50 years. So here's to that!

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  18. May you live to see the 100th Super Bowl. I just love how Bubba thinks. :-)

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  19. Your children are funny... I love their reasoning... I won't be around for that one, however; I don't look Asian ;-) ♡

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  20. Your children are so funny, Sherry. Do Asians live longer? So far I hear it's only the Japanese lol.

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    1. I really haven't researched the facts. It would be interesting to see if Asians really do live longer.

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