happy birthday or whatever
A couple of months ago my friend, Patricia, told me about a book written by a friend called Happy Birthday or Whatever: Track Suits, Kim Chee, and Other Family Disasters. Needless to say, I purchased the book because I do whatever Patricia tells me to do . . . I just do.
After countless days (63, to be exact) of walking by the book as it sat beckoning on my ottoman I finally cracked it open today to start reading. Now, less than 10 hours later I am finished!
What a great read! The author’s name is Annie Choi and her sense of humor is right up my alley! The book offers a glimpse into Annie’s life and her very humorous relationship with her Korean family (geez, I kind of sound like a critic – why not throw in the word “whimsical” while I’m at it!). The book is hi-larious!
I think my affinity to this book is due in no small part to the fact that one of my dearest friends, Hyun, is Korean and I have had the great fortune to have spent a lot of time with her family over the years. Hyun and I have been friends since high school. She was my lunch line buddy, in fact! Me being nearly 6′4″ and her being right at 5′ tall allowed me to use her as a leaning post in line on days when my legs were achy from football or baseball practice. Interestingly enough, she still makes for a wonderful leaning post! 
I really love Hyun’s family! One quick story – Hyun’s mom is a very accomplished pianist. In fact, I believe she majored in piano at a university in Seoul. But, I digress. A few years ago I invested (heavily) in my most prized material possession . . . the one material possession that I would clutch onto with all my strength if ever I were forced to choose only one while being shipped to a deserted island . . . my Steinway Model L piano. (cue angelic voices here)
Hyun’s mom, upon finding out that I had made this purchase asked me a question – “so, you pday da idap music on your piano?” . . . . . . . I asked her to please repeat (no one does Mrs. Kim’s accent like Hyun) . . . “so, you pray di rrap music on your piano???” . . . this time, a bit more emphatically. Having years of extensive training from Hyun in picking up Mrs. Kim’s English, I quickly replied “Oh . . . do I play the rap music on my piano???“. I, of course told Mrs. Kim that I actually had a bit of knowledge about several classic composers and that a sampling of my favorites included Beethoven, Chopin, Mendelssohn, and Mozart. This impressed her, I think, and we all shared a very good laugh. Mrs. Kim is hilarious without trying to be! Quite possibly the best kind of hilarious!
Anyway, back to Annie’s book. I absolutely LOVED it! If you’re seeking a fun, light read that will lift your spirits then be sure to grab a copy of Annie’s book! (again, with the critic talk . . . )
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