Happy Diwali folks! I came across this picture that a Chinese friend of mine posted on Facebook. Diwali in Hong Kong! 

Hong Kong actually has a pretty significant Indian population, about 36,342 per the latest census.  It is amazing to see the communities within Asia come together and celebrate these joyous occasions as one. Our family doesn’t celebrate Diwali, but we have a bunch of friends and family friends that do. For us, Diwali always embodied a spirit of happiness and liveliness- the symbols of light and color in everything we ate and did.  It was nice to see Diwali being celebrated in the same fashion in our neighborhood as well- people’s houses were decorated with lights, we heard some fireworks, and there were families all dressed up in their best gear, getting together for dinner. I love where we live. The smells, the people, the stores- it is our very own melting pot in a melting pot. One of the reasons my parents decided to move to Franklin Township, NJ from Queens, NY is not only because it would give us some more space, but also because there was still a lot of diversity. I love that this factor was important for my parents. I don’t give them enough credit, but they have ultimately influenced my positive values and the life that I have created for myself. On this day of Diwali, I Thank you mom and dad, for being the shining stars in my life and guiding me to surround myself with people and things that lift me higher.  

Today my first born, Zoya, turned 4. 4!!  I love the innocence of a child. After Zoya had blown out her candles on her ice cream cake, I of course asked her what she had wished for. Do you know what she said? “Someone to love, Momma”.  UH WHAT? “But you have me and daddy, and Ya Ya (Grandma) and Nanaji (Grandpa)”, I said.  “No, momma, someone to love, like you have daddy”.  Slow your roll there kid. I mean, you JUST turned 4.  Admittedly, I did think what she said was pretty special.  I do love that she wants someone to love.  Her wish actually validated that Xin and I must at least be doing something right and providing a loving environment for her. I hope we can continue to be that symbol of harmony and love for her, that she herself would want that in her future- a yin and a yang. Or shall we say, the Shiva and Shakti? (Don’t read too much into that)

To ring in Zoya’s 4^th, we spent the day yesterday with some of her favorite people and her bff’s. Of course, as tradition would have it, we made sure the birthday girl got to eat noodles for longevity.  In Chinese culture, long noodles are a staple for birthdays and New Year’s. Eating long noodles signifies a long life for whoever is eating them. Longevity is one of the most celebrated ideals in Chinese culture, along with happiness, fortune, and prosperity. Taoism, a philosophy imbued in China’s religion and culture, says that without life, there is no meaning, and therefore having a long life means everything

We also spent the day embracing some of our good, old American traditions as well. We took the kiddos to Dylan’s Candy Bar in the city. How fun that was, seeing their wide smiles plastered on their faces while filling their bags with goblets of peach rings and chocolate covered worms. It was very reminiscent of my childhood- (well somewhat). I remember going to my local Armenian bakery in Queens and stock piling on those Jordanian Almonds almost every other day.  The mounds of the green, yellow, and white coated almonds was just pure joy in my mouth. I would savor them till the very last taste of the coating had melted.  How I wish to be a kid some days!

The day ended with us taking the kiddos to the Lego store in Flatiron- a beautiful mini replica of Lady Liberty made out of Lego blocks greeted us at the front. Zoya got a few pictures with it. I can only hope that she grows to understand and appreciate what Lady Liberty means for her – the symbol of freedom, a lit lamp that will always hold open its golden door for all those that enter……I hope……

Zoya is my mini-me.  I say that in the most proudest way possible.  Her sass, her ‘tude, the rolling of her eyes- I have to be honest, I LOVE it. Sure, she comes off as a rude B. But she walks and talks with such confidence; she EXUDES command. SHE IS BAWS, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Go get it Z. Be that boss lady, be that WOMAN that this world needs to see. You are the future, my Chindian warrior.

Today, she yelled at the frozen Netflix screen of a PJ Mask episode on the TV “Come on, this happens EVERY time”…… Since when did almost 4 year olds yell at the TV, like we would when Breaking Bad was on AMC and Walt White was about to do some crazy $hit. 

I wish for her to display that ‘tude, that sass and that coolness throughout her life. I could see her in court, the next Amal Clooney, defending the rights of Syrian refugees.  Zoya Clooney- has a really nice ring to it, doesn’t it? (They have a son now! Alexander Clooney)………

I am proud to be raising a girl. I want to make sure we teach our girls to have self-worth, dignity and self-respect. Always . We must pave the way for the future. Break those damn glass ceilings my ladies!