Keeping the Tradition

I don't know what made me think of this topic, but I thought it blog worthy. One day (if Lee gets his act together) I hope to have children. Minimum 2, maximum 3. I want a girl first and after that, it doesn't matter. But regardless of what or how many I have what's important to me is to keep part of my Trinidadian culture in their lives. I had a great childhood; Lived in the bush, feared my mother's wrath, and still have the same friends. Here are some things I will keep up as tradition in my children's lives:

1. Sticking the cake. I never knew Americans did not stick birthday cakes until I met Lauryn & Leeana. It was one or the other's first birthday I had with them, and they looked at me like I had a third eye when I asked who they wanted to stick the cake with. The birthday person is to hold the knife and have a partner with a fork. After the song, they both cut the cake, feed eachother, and then kiss. Their response...IT'S NOT A WEDDING DANIELLE. After I pitied their American ways, I showed them and made a mental note to make that a part of my children's birthdays.

2. Kiddies Carnival. My kids must at least once play in the Kiddies Carnival. It happens before the actual adult carnival and it's a must for every Trinidadian child. I remember playing as a child like it was yesterday and it was the start of my carnival passion.

3. Playing in the rain. Got another third eye look from the girls on this too when I suggested it. What child has not played in the rain? Oh the memories are flooding back! Obviously it's a life threatening action in the U.S. but back home we played in the rain. Sheer joy.

4. The food. As a food lover myself, it's very important that my children love all types of Trinidadian food. From curry goat to pigtail, they must eat it all. My parents fed me everything as a child and did not tolerate pickyness. Oh, so you don't want to eat dinner? Come here for some licks, then you can go to bed hungry. That's how I grew up. By some divine intervention I have had the patience with Lee's girls. But they've come far from chicken nuggets. Now, Lauryn would eat a turd if it was curried and Leeana doesn't mind her food touching now on the same plate. Their tolerance for spicyness has developed 100 times also! Love it!

I've run out of things now, but I'm sure I'll be adding to the list in the future. Maybe I should ask Lee what kinda traditions he wants to keep but what could he say? Superbowl & Beef Jerky? Me thinks not!