Tokens

So we're out in front of our house tonight. It's cool, considering it's late July in Texas. An older couple stops to talk to us and in the course of our conversation, the guy informs us, "We call you the tokens. Ha! Ha! We see you out and say "There are the tokens."

As in token white people. I find this to be pretty amusing. What else can you do?

We live on a kind-of-cul-de-sac and on nice nights there are usually more than 20 kids playing in front of our house. And the guy's right, my two little translucent monkeys are usually the only translucent monkeys, which is quite fine.

Then the wife says, "Wait, you're from Canada, right?" and I say, "No, those are the other white people," and point to my left, "They live at the other end of the street."

I'd say our neighborhood is a really nice mix of people from all over, particularly considering we're in the suburbs. In Texas. There are a lot of Malayalam families here and I know the kids and I are a source of amusement at parties. People always say, "Here, Eileen. Eat this!" and then watch me. I don't know if they're waiting for me to do something funny or what. The kids and I love Indian food and we're always happy to try all kinds of food. I do know to ask how hot the condiments are though. When my daughter was 2ish and we were at a party, she thought it was a blast to eat rice dishes with her hands just like all of the other ladies. We're lucky to live here. :-)

Oh, but this isn't the first time I'm the token. Where I volunteer, it's always kind of a joke that I'm the token straight person at any given project. So I guess I've arrived. Particularly for Texas. When do I get my t-shirt? Token Straight White Girl. Don't hold it against me. :-D