a malaysian abroad

It’s World Blog Surf Day!

Writing about living as a Malaysian in the USA is tougher than one might think.  After all, I am not a typical Malaysian.  On paper I am officially Malay, in reality I am a Malaysian/Swiss mutt who never did truly belong.  I always stood out and drew attention to myself just by being me.  In Malaysia, because I looked white.  In Switzerland because I looked brown.  It was only while studying in the US that I actually felt I belonged somewhere.

Some amusing guesses as to my ethnicity while here:  Eskimo, Native American, Hispanic.

image source

My life journey brought me back to these shores at the end of 2004, first as a tourist visa holder staying for 6 months at a time, then entering on a fiancée visa, and now holding a green card.  The change of status from visitor to immigrant in 2006 certainly helped with the official sense of belonging, but like I said, the heart-belonging was already there from a decade prior.

Because I don’t work (yet…?), I probably have less experience to draw upon about “living” here in the USA than others in the workforce.  However, I have had a lot of pleasant interactions with people of all ages, from all walks of life, thanks to my taking classes in Writing, Pottery, French, Spanish, and of course, the meditative yoga sessions.

I love all these adult education / continuing education classes available for one and all.
I love that I could make my way to all of these using the public transportation system.

I love that I can be my own person, if only I knew who that really was …
I love that I have the freedom to explore this question!

A huge issue I have with the American people, in general?  “Just because people are free to do whatever they please, doesn’t mean they should.”  I feel too many people here abuse their freedom, perhaps because they don’t appreciate it.  Perhaps if they grew up elsewhere, in a more restricted environment, where even independent thinking is frowned upon, perhaps then they might see their country with better eyes.

That said, I do feel that despite the economic buffeting and political stupidity going on right now, this country still has so much going for it.  I am happy to be here, and look forward to experiencing more of “the American Way of Life” which has hope to evolve beyond super-sizing meals, maxing out credit cards and watching too much television :D  I can’t see myself anywhere else!

Your next step in World Blog Surf Day brings you to Journeys and Adventures, where you will hear from an American (currently) living in Germany.  Please continue your journey around the world, one blog at a time.  Happy travels!

On December 5th, 2008, a malaysian abroad was born.

Here’s what I wrote in my “application” to be part of the today.com team:

As a Malaysian with Swiss blood currently living in the USA, I have the opportunity to observe, compare and ultimately celebrate the differences and similarities that exist within these three countries.

For example, Black Friday doesn’t exist in Malaysia; instead the entire country goes “on sale” three times a year in a bid to draw tourists and encourage spending: I can explore the pros and cons of both.  Another example would be to discuss the different political systems of the countries - all three are perceived to be democratic, but one is actually a federal constitutional republic, another is a parliamentary democracy, and the third is a direct democracy.  Then there are the different holidays (and “holy-days”) celebrated - I can explore their significance, and therefore provide insight into the history or religious make up of the particular country.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless!

While I already have a blog, I feel its “mixed bag” content would not do this “similarity and difference” topic any justice.  When I heard about today.com, I saw my opportunity!  I would like to blog about this at today.com because I think you will benefit from my unique voice and perspective.

Frankly, another reason is the money.  I don’t expect to make a fortune or anything, but I look forward to receiving a little bit of “fun money” while doing real blogging, without sacrificing my integrity doing those paid-for-posts I’ve seen too many of on too many blogs.

I hope the above serves both as a writing sample and as a sufficient justification for me and my blog proposal to be accepted by today.com.

Let’s see how many of my initial ideas were translated into posts:

• Black Friday & sales: not really; I mention this in passing when talking about Christmas…
• different political systems: only alluded to, indirectly here and there, and will continue using this strategy; if you want the entire mind-numbing details, wikipedia is the place for ya!
• holi- and holy- days: most definitely! Not only have I given an overview of the three countries’ holidays, I (will) have an overview of upcoming significant events of the month on the 1st of each month.

Since then, I have also branched out to cover, among other things,

• a saying in three ways
• what’s in a name?
• getting to know a country via her National Symbols

Here’s a question for you, dear reader: While I have a bunch of half-formed ideas swimming around in my head, it would be nice to know what my audience would like to read… so… do you have any topics you’d like me to cover? Please feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, k?

So, like the title of this post says, a malaysian abroad is about 50 days old today. And I have two items to boast about!

1. a malaysian abroad was today’s Featured Blog!

2. a malaysian abroad is at the top of the Expat category in Entrecard right now!

Wooohoooo!!! My thanks to everyone who has helped make this possible.

Here’s another question for you, dear readers: Back when I submitted the application for this blog, there wasn’t (and still isn’t) an “Expat” category to fit this blog into, so I chose Living>>My Life, figuring the today.com powers that be would determine if that was the most appropriate category. Later, I saw that I’d been moved to Living>>Journals & Diaries. Hmmm, I’m not sure if that’s any improvement. I don’t consider this worthy of a Travel category, but I do wonder what other possible category out there adequately captures the spirit of this blog. Any ideas?

And finally, a shout out to Jade, laneerg and hospitalera: I will be working on the interview meme questions later today & tomorrow, and you should be receiving them via email (the one you commented with) by Friday.  Anyone else who wants in, please drop your comment here : the interview offer is open until this Friday!