LockeColeMA wrote:
Up to Jacksonville with the girlfriend tomorrow to meet a ton of relatives on her mom's side of the family. I guess it's her grandmother's birthday and she's the matriarch of the family (I don't really understand Filipino familial traditions, but the grandmother is spoken of in almost Godfather-esque tones). Should be neat, and lots of good food. I'll probably be the whitest person there!
Other than that I really want to play some videogames and rest. We'll see if that happens though :-P
Welcome to the family!
Some rules to abide by:
Do not under any circumstances, refuse any offer of food, even if it's only a bite to sample. DO NOT REFUSE. But don't eat balut if it's offered. Take a bit of sip of the fluid coming out of the shell, but that's it.
Lola is the absolute ruler of the family. Ask your GF if her family does the "mano mano" with her Lola (taking her hand raising her hand to your forehead while you bow slight to her).
Just about every older lady to you (your mom's age at least), is generally called "Auntie."
"Uncle" is any guy your dad's age and older.
Don't try to unravel any of the "cousin" links.
Don't try to remember names. Ray hasn't remembered names and we've been married 14 years. You'll just drive yourself sick doing that.
If anyone hisses at you behind your back or clucks their tongue or saying "oy!" they're trying to get your attention, not disrespect you. Just look around.
Just smile goofily if anyone speaks Tagalog Ilocono at you. Especially if everyone else starts laughing.
Call your GF "maganda" (muh-gahn-dah) in front of others. It means "beautiful."
If a little kid wants to sit on your lap, do so and just play around.
Don't wear your shoes in the house.