When we went out to lunch on Saturday we were shopping beforehand at Macy's for a birthday gift for Art's sister. We heard someone call our names and lo and behold, there is Art's Auntie who we haven't seen in several months. We had a nice chat before we left for the restaurant.
After lunch, we headed to the grocery store and were checking out at the self check-out when someone came by and tapped on our shoulders. It was Art's cousin and his wife. It was such a wonderful surprise!
Today, we were once again out shopping and someone called my name. It was my high school buddy/college roommate, Jo. We had a great time catching up and promising to get together with our other other high school friend, Diane (elementary school/high school/college roommate) in a few days. The funny thing is, since we've moved here, I've hardly seen them so this will be very nice, indeed.
Like my mom said, you can't be rude to anybody you meet in Hawaii because they're likely related or are friends of friends or some kind of calabash cousin. Everybody is sort of Ohana (family).
In fact, here in Hawaii, I am "Auntie" Kay to quite a few grown-up "kids." It's actually rather rude for children to call grown-ups by just their first names here. If it's a friend, you add that "Auntie" or "Uncle" before their names. I had a hard time getting used to little children on the "Mainland" calling me by my first name. It's very much an island culture. And now that I'm back here, I am loving being called "Auntie" again.
Hmmmm.... sort of drifted away from my topic, didn't I? Ah well, what do you expect from a forgetful "Auntie."
Monday, November 10, 2008
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great that you are building or renewing a network of family and friends. i like the tradition of auntie rather than using your first name for adults...
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun day, running into so many old friends! And, believe me, I can relate to a "forgetful Auntie"! Seems as though your week is off to a good start! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI love how you ran into so many different people while you were out! That is so neat! I also like the "auntie" idea. When I was a kid, you always addressed your friends parents as "Mrs." I don't particularly like to be called "Mrs.", but find it a bit unsettling to be called by my first name by grown-up "kids". Interesting thoughts here, Kay.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I remember how you had Tiff and Jon call me Auntie Dina.
ReplyDeleteNice.
So you can't walk around anonymous like in Chicago. Must be nice to have so much ohana. School friends, wow. Life on an island sounds good.
My "country" is very little, so i know all people...
ReplyDeleteNice story, your post...