I am an American!

“If somebody asks you, you tell ’em that you’re an American.” This is what I tell my kids from time to time. Living in America as an Asian, I well know what it means to look different in this country. I know what racism is, and I’m pretty damn sure when it hits me. My kids, unfortunately, will taste of what it is to be discriminated against at some point in their lives. Oh, I know so because racism does exist in this country.

That’s doesn’t bother me, though. We all have stereo-types. Some embrace it and turn it into humor, but some choose to hate, believing the world revolves around them. I can’t stop being awesome because some insignificant, random person decides to hate, right? No matter what they say, I am a proud American and this is my country where my kids will grow up to raise their children. My forefathers didn’t take any roles in the American Revolution. My great-great-grandfathers weren’t the original members of the militia, the 77 Minutemen who fought the first battle against the British that morning of April 19, 1775 in Lexington, Massachusetts. I wasn’t even born here, and, frankly, if it weren’t for my parents, who saw a better opportunity for their 3 children, I’d never have seen the world the way I do now.

Joshua Tree NP, February 2014

You can boast how more American you are than me to my face, but you will never take away my right to raise my children as a proud American. They will grow up to be law-abiding, tax-paying, God-fearing, contributing members of this society, and I will make sure of that until I die. It will be a few more decades until they can physically overpower me to earn their freedom, but until then, I get to kick their little bun buns, you hear!

“The American dream is not that every man must be level with every other man. The American dream is that every man must be free to become whatever God intends he should become.” – Ronald Reagan

A Fellow Californian

Last week I took my family on a 3-night camping trip in Ventura, CA. This was our first one of the summer, and I will cover our luxurious 3-night camping experience next time. Since America is about to celebrate her 238th anniversary of freedom, I thought it would be nice to show where we stopped for our first destination, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. 🙂

Amen..

This probably has shaped him of what he is today.

First time learning how the teleprompter works.

Replica of the Oval office.

The Library was only 50 minutes from the campground and only an hour and a half away from my house. Ronald Reagan always has been my favorite president, although I was too young to understand what he meant for this country. Now I’ve seen how this country progressed (or regressed in my opinion) since his era, I do appreciate greatly what he has done for this country. Recently Ronald Reagan was voted to be the best president since WWII. Although I couldn’t dedicate my time entirely, not as much as I hoped for, I’d definitely come back once my little guy grows up to understand. He kept me busy the entire time we were there. I only lost track of him for few minutes once though, not too bad. 🙂

Air Force One

“And as we lift off aboard Air Force One…the winds of freedom will be propelling my mission… As I fly westward over our majestic land, I go knowing that we´re witnessing an awakening to those self–evident truths to which our forefathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” – Ronald Reagan, April 23, 1986

Spectacular view!

The highlight of the day was arguably the Air Force One exhibit. I mean, when was last time you were inside the One, ey? 🙂 I don’t have proof that I was “inside” of it, for they don’t allow you to take pictures, but it’s just another thing that I can brag about, being a Californian. Overlooking the view outside those windows was amazing! I don’t care if you’re left or right on political view. If you plan to visit California, you ought to bring your kids here before heading to Disneyland. It’s a MUST!!!

Jelly beans were his favorite snack, and this portrait was made out of Jelly beans..

The Library has a many interactive features.

Not sure why you would pay thousands of $$$ to have a meal with Warren Buffett. One day horse ride with Ronald Reagan is what I would have paid to experience.

Berlin Wall.. Lit’s guy didn’t like the loud noise there. 🙂

In the past I’ve told my kids about my utmost respect for Ronald Reagan. They knew who he was before coming here. They knew who he was for what he meant to their daddy, a man who believed having small government is the way of giving more freedom to people. This topic has been a regular occurrence of our long Jeeping trips. Not a typical topic you’d bring up to have conversation with little ones, but you just have to teach them young!

“I hope we have once again reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There’s a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: as government expands, liberty contracts.” -Ronald Reagan

Conflict of Interest

“Dad, who do we cheer for when it’s USA verses Korea during World Cup?” SunnyD asked while watching last Tuesday soccer game against Belgium. Both teams clashed during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup in the group stage. Fortunately, it was 1-1 draw, and both made it to a second round. “Oooh, it’s going to be a tough one. We’d be rooting for a losing team I guess.” I told her, but to tell you the truth, I think my heart would be rooting for Korea although my head would be on the US side. When it comes to soccer, I’m a sucker for my countrymen. My mother’s country that is. 🙂

Bonus

I was in luck that day! The Library had the Baseball Exhibition, and my kids and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s a temporary exhibit so hurry before it ends! 🙂

had to wear my Dodger hat!

Sandy Koufax’s Jersey.