Today, I reaffirmed something that I’ve always known and have never hidden. I am really not cut out for public life. As much as I like to go to parties and events, I also hate them with a passion that can’t quite be explained. In my comfort zone, people often beg me to stop talking…in this setting, I can’t think of word to say. I have two more of these parties coming up in the next week, but I have a secret weapon. I’m bringing my mother to both of them. She can talk for me. I can’t tell you what a comfort that is to me. (Hi Mom!)

Since, I’ve joined Families For Children – an adoption group in Michigan – I have had a doorway to wonderful local celebrations. Prior to this, I didn’t know any of this was going on. So, when I received the invitation to come to their holiday party…I sent in our RSVP right away.

This year, it took place at the Korean American Culture Center of Michigan. It started with a brunch (American and Korean food). I’m sorry to say that the only Korean food that I tried was the rice and the rice cake. Due to the fact that I long ago decided that beef and pork were not for me, I was not sure what was in some of the dishes and the rest were definitely beef. My son had fruit and rice – a very odd combination, but it made him happy.

They had Korean music, a Korean Santa Clause, Korean games and crafts. The Korean Santa Clause didn’t quite work for us. Though my son was excited all the way to the room, the minute my husband bent down to pick him and put him on Santa’s lap – he dropped to the floor and crawled out of the room yelling “no, no, no.”

What he did love was learning to play the Korean drum. He loves music and he was fascinated by the drums and then the kayagums. He was so fascinated that he quite willingly allowed some of the Korean women to lead him around the stage and show him how to hold the drums. Generally, touching is not allowed. He was particularly fascinated by one of the younger women who was showing him how to drum. He kept throwing her flirty smiles.

If you would like to comment, but not on this site, please e-mail me at adoptkoreablog@adoptionmail.com.