Queenkv’s Brainpickings

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She wrote a letter to President Kennedy and asked for help with her student visa. In his own way, he answered back. I love how Lourdes Markley stayed persistent in her quest for an American education. And my heart trembled as she recalled one time when a professor at Seattle University told her she wouldn’t make it as a teacher. I know what it’s like to have people say you won’t make it…that you can’t follow your dreams because they say you don’t have what it takes. I admire people like Lourdes who continue to work on goals, like carving out career path — all in spite of those low expectations. And screw the people who try to bring you down with such negative vibes. I’m glad Lourdes proved that professor wrong…and I’m happy to follow in the footsteps of all immigrants who’ve had to prove they’re capable of being whatever they want to be.

I suspect immigrants like Lourdes and members of my family have faced low expectations in the job market because of the sound of their voices and cultural backgrounds. But once they had an opportunity…they worked hard to make it count.

Folks, I’m trying to stay positive while living and working inside the Bible Belt. Stories like this help.

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On Father’s Day weekend, I gave Mark and his dad, Mike, a tour of the station. Mark has a unique perspective on this studio - he’s seen it before the transformation…the fancy set, pretty background and other broadcast goodies.

We also introduced Mike to our PS2 and our current obsession - We “Heart” Katamari. I was quite happy we could head out to Lawrence and buy video games together…Mark has already “cleared” the game…what a geek. But it’s damn cool to watch him roll up crazy stuff - from cakes, to sumo wrestlers, royal cousins, to solar systems. My thumbs start to hurt after playing Katamari. Mark’s on his lunch break right now. Guess what he’s doing.

Here’s some mural art from Lawrence - colorful and whimsical. I really like the Inca-looking parrot with the video camera…I wonder if that’s a nod to 6 News in Lawrence….or KU’s student TV station.

Last weekend, we ate at the Indian Palace in Lawrence before a concert at the Gaslight Tavern. I thought this was the best tasting Indian meal we’ve had in Kansas, so far. The curries taste complex in a good way. The chicken tikki masala had some nice cinnamon, along with the hearty tomato/cheese flavors I’ve come to depend on for this dish. And the mango lassi was a nice way to cool down on a hot evening: sweet, fruity and chilly.

June went by fast…We did a lot of stuff…I had a lot of stuff at work…and now I’m tired. Hopefully I won’t feel so burnt out for our trip to the bay area next week.

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For some reason, folks seem to enjoy talking ominously about how hot summer gets in this part of the Bible Belt. I simply roll my eyes and hold my tounge. Hot weather is not a bid deal for me - Vegas, Chicago, Mexico, the Philippines and other places outside of the Sunflower State. It get’s old trying to explain to people what I can handle. Besides, I suspect they enjoy repeating themselves and trying to sound more “in-the-know” than the little Asian gal from the West Coast.

So be it.

We caught a show in Lawrence last night. I’m working on another review for lawrence.com. Basically I’m researching the bands and listening to their music over and over again. It was a fun night - out on the bar’s patio. I should get back to work.

I’m also heading back to the station tonight. I’m covering for the weekend producer so she could enjoy her birthday weekend. In return, she’s covering one of my Friday shifts so I could take another trip back to the Bay Area.

I’m tired and I don’t think I have enough sleep…but I think it’s worth it. It’s worth putting my worn-out self through a sixth day of work when it means I can go home next month.

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