Page 3 - MidWeek - March 30, 2022

MARCH 30, 2022 MIDWEEK 3
“What’s your favorite potluck food?”
Brother Trucker
In the years of writing this column, I have sometimes mentioned my younger sister and brother. I am the oldest, and my sister and brother were born in consec- utive years after me.
My sister was born in Kearny, New Jersey. She and our mom were on the front page of their daily newspaper. My “sis” was born in the hospital lobby after having just exited the taxicab that brought them there.
TARA LUM
Project Manager, ‘Aiea
“Crab and artichoke dip with Safeway sourdough bread. It’s simple and easy to make, and so, so tasty.”
FELIX LE
Radiologic Technologist, Honolulu
“It would have to be chicken katsu. It always comes in a big foil pan, guaranteeing lunch for the next day. Fried, crispy chicken katsu with tangy sauce — winnahs.”
RYAN MAE SWEENEY
PR and Advertising Executive, Honolulu
“Crispy gau gee. They’re easy to grab and snack on, and everyone loves them.
CHRISTIAN WAMBERG
Electrician, ‘Aiea
“Zippy’s chili and chicken because you can’t go wrong with that.”
A year later, my brother was born in Manhattan, New York, something he likes to proudly flaunt. I want to say that ever since then, he has always been trying to one-up me. That’s not a bad thing as being the baby of the family, he’s always had to compete with me since we’re both boys.
We’re quite proud of him as he’s now retired from serving in the Air Force National Guard. He followed our dad by hav- ing a military career. He was a ground equipment engineer and developed a highly valued mechanical skillset.
Today, that translates to me having to ask him for help anytime a household job requires plumbing, carpentry or basic knowledge in electrical work. While I’m pretty good with my hands, I’m more of the physical labor end of this makeshift handyman team.
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MBig Boys Don’t Cry
en of all ages tell me they are expected to be strong. In our sessions, they share their anxieties, fears and even some tears. They
have no one to lean on because they are not comfort- able expressing their feelings, even to those who are closest to them. They feel the cultural pressure to “be a man,” as they were taught that emotion is a weakness, and showing feelings is “unmanly.”
It’s interesting, isn’t it? When women cry, we com- fort them. When men cry, it gets awkward. While I can’t single-handedly change this, I do want to say that all human beings need to process their emotions. Just because men don’t talk about their feelings doesn’t mean they don’t have any. I hope we can move toward being more accepting of this.
alice@yourhappinessu.com
In addition, he owns a truck. As everyone knows, if you don’t have one, you must be sure you know someone who does. This is key anytime you’re moving, have to pick up large appliances or need to take stuff to the city transfer sta- tion for disposal.
While I don’t exactly have to beg him, he knows he has one over on me if I have need for his help and use of his truck. This is when we switch roles and I suddenly become the annoying kid brother.
Recently, we replaced our washer and dryer. I needed to ask him to help me pick up the units, install them and then dispose of the old ones. In my book, this is a big ask and I know there will be a big price to pay on my behalf.
Of course, he agreed but the first thing he asked was what I was going to provide him for lunch. I was now his gofer for the day. That means I had all the dirty and labor-intensive duties of this task.
I had to shut off the main water and gas line valves. I had to clean out the lint vent and had to fetch him any tool that he needed. If I brought him the wrong tool, he would yell at me like I was some flunky apprentice.
In the end, we got everything done and, in spite of the brotherly humiliation, I was truly appreciative of his help. I had to be, as the next weekend I needed to install a new utility sink in my garage.
rnagasawa@midweek.com