So here's the question of the day: Select a context a describe its culture - its beliefs, aesthetic standards, behavioral norms, rituals, and patterns of communication.
My family has always included my dad and mom. My little brother, my dog, my rabbit, my hermit crab, my baby chicken, and yes, my fish (how did you guess?) had become familial additions in some way or another. The two former of said family members still remain. I'm glad of this because they're pretty much my favorite anyway.
Distinguishing the culture of my family is going to be a challenge because I've been so close to the project for so long I'm used to any idiosyncrasies I might have otherwise easily picked out. However, I'll do my best in this endeavor. In fact, I'll make it easier for me to write and for you to read by breaking it down into sections. And I'll call them "fish bites." Why, you ask? No reason.
Fish Bite #1: Beliefs
We are all Christ-followers. Yes, so is my dog. Don't ask stupid questions like that.
Fish Bite #2: Aesthetic Standards
We are a pretty laid-back family. We hang around the house in our pajamas when we don't have anything going on. Well, except my dad, who is little more proper than the rest of us, but I like that about him. On the other hand, my mom insists on our wearing formal clothing whenever we go to straitlaced events (which seriously isn't at all that often). Overall, we all consider going to our church in jeans as acceptable.
Fish Bite #3: Behavioral Norms
My dad is very chill, very reserved, with a dignified composure. My mom is almost the exact opposite - enthusiastic and zestful. You can imagine how said converse is exceedingly amusing to live with. I daily enjoy myself.
My little brother is the most amazing guy I have ever known. He is considerate, encouraging, optimistic, confident, creative, fun, witty, and has a hilarious sense of humor that I can easily bounce off of. I've told him many times I want to marry someone like him. If you think that's weird, go find a little brother of your own to love and tell me how you feel.
Fish Bite #4: Rituals
Does watching the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings movies every Christmas break count as a ritual? Seriously, we're a take-things-as-they-come and make-it-up-as-we-go-along kind of family. I cannot for the life of me regard anything we do as ritualistic.
Fish Bite #5: Patterns of Communication
Oh, I could go on about this one. Generally, we all have pretty different yet compatible ways of communicating with each other. My mom, for instance, emails everything to us when she wants us to know something - from miscellaneous information she thought might interest us to comic strips to upcoming due dates for library items, and much more.
My dad is quite the opposite. He has a Facebook, but he uses so much discretion, he never posts anything. He is very sensitive with the privacy of himself and others. However, he freely expresses his thoughts and opinions when he is in the company of his own family, but only when you ask him.
My little brother's communication style is so complex I feel it would take more than a blog to explain. He is much like our dad in his reservation with people who are not immediate family, but also like our mom's personality with people he considers as family. That's as far as I can go without confusing you.
Random bonus fact: Eating food off of each other's plates is also typical behavior. Well...for me, at least.
As you can see, I could spend all day talking about my family. But I won't. This will give you the option of coming to find out more about us yourself. I look forward to your visit.
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| R.I.P. Pebbles. My love will always be with you. |
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