1. I grew up listening to mostly reggae music, with no knowledge that some of the songs were remakes so when I’d hear the American version and knew all the words people would question how I know the song. I use to say that I knew the “original” reggae version and I got laughed at. When I first met my husband he would always laugh at me for thinking that and would jokingly say… “Jamaicans have no respect for copyright, you all remake everything!” Lol!
2. My Mother-In-Law taught me how to cook American Southern Cuisine for my husband. I grew up learning how to make Caribbean and Asian dishes so anything outside of that, spaghetti or any basic Italian dish I didn’t know how to cook. She taught me to fry chicken, make baked macaroni & cheese, sweet potato pie, leg of lamb, Roast a Turkey, Roman Holiday, Smoke Kielbasa, Collard Greens, homemade gravy and Jambalaya just to name a few things. My husband will eat Jamaican food in a minute but, I wanted to be able to continue to feed him like what he was use to! Side Note: I’ve known my husband for twenty years, I was a teenager (sixteen) when she taught me these things. She just knew I was going to marry her son!
3. I’ve always been a social butterfly. My mom said ever since I was able to talk I use to always go up to strangers and start conversations and invite them home. She would always get scared because she didn’t know who I was starting conversations with much less inviting to our home. I’m pretty much the same person today but, I use my judgement and don’t invite everyone I meet home. Lol!
4. I use to curse at the dinner table in family conversation without acknowledging that I had said anything wrong! Ha! I still have a potty mouth but, I know there is a time and place for everything so I have a grasp on my when my obscene language slips out and… I NEVER offer to carpool because I am sure to curse up a storm while operating behind the wheel of an automobile. I’m just saying!
5. I love a good Caribbean gathering! Growing up I use to attend different events with my parents and was introduced to the Caribbean lifestyle in terms of cookouts (Caribbean Food), domino games, reggae parties and carnivals! I’ve been to Carnival in St. Thomas, VI, Caribana in Toronto, Ontario, Caribbean Day Parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY! I’d love to get to Carnival in Brazil, Jamaica & Trinidad and Tobago. Nothing like dancing in the street to music behind a parade float reppin’ your Caribbean heritage!
6. Growing up I listened to some Caribbean Folklore and heard about Anancy stories, duppies, and obeahman, among other tales. I also grew up on some funny jokes… who started all the Little Johnny jokes anyway?!?! Lol!
7. I love reggae music and a good live concert! I’ve seen Berres Hammond, Sanchez, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Wayne Wonder, Capleton, Tanto Metro and Devonte live in concert so far (that I can remember). I go to a lot of concerts!
8. Two of my favorite Caribbean dishes are stew chicken, plantains, festival, with rice and peas AND… Pelau! I LOVE Rum Cake a.k.a Black Cake especially iced with the traditional white icing. YUMMY!
9. I love that Jamaica is diverse and it’s such a melting pot for different races, there are white, black, asian and Indian Jamaicans living among each other daily. While I’m sure there are some racial issues, it’s not as bad as the separation of the classes. Jamaica is a classist society. Side Note: My favorite line in Madagascar Escape 2 Africa from King Julian is… “What ever happened to the separation of the classes?” I crack up every time I hear it.
10. Jamaican Motto – Out of many one people is a tribute to the unity of the different cultural minorities inhabiting the nation. I shared a little about Where I’m From in a previous post, check it out! It’s interesting… My genealogy is diverse: Chinese, German & Maroon!
What are some fun facts about you?