Just the Facts #13

 "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." (Judy Garland)

 
 Hello, my lovely friends!

     This month, it's all about embracing the beautiful tapestry of my own heritage! After last week's delightful exploration of my Mexican side (we might just have to do a Part Two soon!), we're shifting gears. This week brings us into Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and guess what? My Polynesian heritage fits perfectly here. Ready to learn more?

 

1. Let's talk about the family tree on my dad's side! My grandpa, the adventurous soul, kicked off his story in the Philippines. Now, which island exactly? That's a fun little unsolved puzzle in our family lore – maybe it adds to his mystique! Anyway, in his vibrant twenties, he decided to trade island breezes for the American dream, venturing across the Pacific with one of his brothers. California was their first stop, but it turns out the big buzz (and a fantastic Pacific Island community!) was right here in Denver, which is exactly where he decided to lay down roots. And the rest, as they say, is family history.

 

2. My name's a bit of a family heirloom! My first name, Paula, is a charming tribute to my grandpa, Paul. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more familial, my middle name, Rachel, swings in as a nod to my mom's dad, Raymond. So yes, I'm pretty much named after a couple of awesome grandpas!

 

3. Growing up, the hula wasn't just a dance in our family; it was practically in our DNA! My dad's sister, the legendary Auntie Nancy, swayed with such grace she could make the very palm trees jealous. She then passed that magical hip-swiveling torch to her daughter, who now brilliantly carries on the tradition, teaching the art of the hula. Seriously, if you're a female cousin or a daughter of one, chances are you've got a lei around your neck and some serious moves. Me? I dabbled in the rhythmic swaying as a kid, but alas, my hula career was a short-lived, albeit adorable, chapter.

 

4. My grandpa wasn't just a musician; he was a one-man orchestra, a maestro of mayhem, and a firm believer that every kid should at least attempt to tame an instrument. So, when fifth grade rolled around and our elementary school offered the thrilling (and potentially ear-splitting) opportunity to join band, I knew exactly what I had to do. With the boundless logic of a ten-year-old, I chose the violin – mostly because the school was handing them out like candy.

But when word reached my grandpa that his little prodigy-in-training was tackling the strings, his eyes lit up like a concert hall. He didn't just applaud my choice; he upgraded me from school loaner to family heirloom. He gifted me one of his own violins, a beautiful old soul with stories whispered in its wood. And guess what? That very violin, passed down from a man who lived and breathed music, is still with me today, a tangible echo of his wonderfully musical spirit.

 

5. Get ready to don your leis and grass skirts, because in this family, a "big celebration" isn't just a party – it's an excuse for a full-blown, over-the-top luau! Whether it's a wedding that's tying the knot, a shower showering blessings, or another year around the sun for a birthday superstar, we pull out all the stops.

And yes, that absolutely means we're talking about the star of the show: a succulent, slow-roasted pig, plus a whole delicious island of other Polynesian delights. But the feast is just the beginning! Our entertainment is as vibrant as the aloha spirit itself, featuring dazzling hula dancers, ready to transport you straight to the shores of paradise. It's not just a party; it's an unforgettable, pig-roasting, hip-swaying, lei-wearing extravaganza!

 

6.  Get ready to dive into a linguistic lei of paradise! The Polynesian islands are practically overflowing with incredible languages – we're talking Tahitian, Tagalog, Samoan, Tongan, Māori, and Hawaiian, just to name a few of these beautiful tongues. My family, though? We tend to hang out in the Tagalog and Hawaiian corners of this language playground. Confession time: I'm still very much a beginner, just dipping my toes in, but oh, do I dream of swimming laps in these vibrant vocabularies! And speaking of Tahitian, that's the melodic language that mostly echoes through French Polynesia, which makes perfect sense since that's exactly where my awesome grandpa hailed from!

 

 A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!