Girl power

Thanks to C for organizing a farewell coffee session at BB's Cafe this morning for A, and for buying a card and gift.

It's one of those things I cannot see myself doing (coordinating/organizing) but am always happy to support.

A and her family leave next week for California where her husband will take up a new position as kids/youth pastor at a local church. Her son J and Beth are classmates.

There were six of us mums altogether and it was easygoing initially, cos I know C, M and of course A. I even commented to C that we should do this more often i.e. get a few mums together for a coffee.

Then two other mums showed up who obviously are also good friends of Alex. Their kids are in a different class from Beth, so I haven't had the opportunity to meet them before this. And I didn't have the courage to introduce myself properly, so it got a little awkward (for me). They were very nice about it and included me in the conversations (of which as usual I was a listener rather than participant) through their body language and fantastic eye contact.

As always, I am fascinated by how Caucasians and Asians are so different in the way we express ourselves. Caucasian women seem so much more animated, articulate and confident. Sure there are the quieter ones (like L) but in general, women here aren't afraid to speak out and express their views. And the girl power factor is just awesome, the way women naturally reach out support each other with sympathetic comments when one shares about a bad day or a stubborn spouse.

For me, hanging out with individuals who are so different culturally is important because it's my barometer of what's acceptable behaviour. By watching, I learn that I have permission (for instance) to say something deprecating or funny, admit that I'm lousy at housework or can't read a map, or that my child is giving me a hard time.

Aussie women can take anything. Nothing is too shocking or rude or improper to share when it's an all-girl gathering. More power to them!