Hmong – we are an asian ethnic group.  Our ancestors originated from China and today, we live all over the world.  Read about us here at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hmong

I am a hmong american woman.  I was born in a Thailand.  I came to the United States with my family when I was two years old.  My grandfather sponsored us with the help of some christian families in Pella, Iowa.  I spent the most of my young adult life in Iowa, Wisconsin, and California.  Now I currently reside in Madison, Wisconsin.

What was it like growing up in America?
Overall, it’s been a blessing.  My parents used to remind me everyday how fortunate we were to be in the United States with access to clean water, food, shelter, education, and freedom.  I don’t remember Thailand at all, not even a glimpse or memory.  Growing up in America, I felt love from my family but I struggled frequently with racial discrimination.  I learned at a young age that I had to work twice as hard as everyone else.  I had to be the champion of my own destiny.

Who were my heroes growing up?

• Mom and dad. They always believed in me every step of the way.
• Teachers. They taught me how to be creative and think outside of the box.

Best thing about being Hmong?
Everything about our culture evolves around love and brotherhood.  Our families are most important and we love to celebrate together.

Most challenging thing about being Hmong?
Being a hmong woman tied to the cultural roles and expectations of the “old” ways.  Breaking away from the customs that don’t work or benefit humankind.

Hmong Pride?
Ah, yes of course.  It’s part of being alive ;p

Favorite Hmong food?
Hmong eggrolls, yum!

Favorite Hmong drink/beverage?
Does Nab Vam count? haha, it’s a sweetened tapioca dessert.

Favorite Hmong Events?

• Soccer Tournament – held annually during July 4rth weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota at Como Park.  I’ve been going to this since I was young.  I’m hmong, it’s just a family expectation to never miss it!  There are others during every major US Holiday season, but July 4rth is the grand event.
• New Year Celebrations – held annually in highly populated Hmong metro cities such as St. Paul or Fresno

Hmong Taboos

• People of the same last name cannot marry each other.
• Divorce – in the old days you could never get divorced, but this has evolved over the past 20 years.

What is a “Npe Laus” (english translation: elder name)?
It’s a name that is given to a husband from his father-in-law (or in-laws) in which to be used as a replacement of his birth given name. In most cases, it’s an addition of a new name to the current name.  For example, “Npis” can become “No Npis” or “Nyiab Npis” or “Vam Npis”.

Why do you get a “Npe Laus”?
It’s a right of passage into fatherhood and recognition of your roles and responsibilities as a father and hmong man.  This is only done when a husband is ready and is committed to live by those standards.  It’s also a time of blessing, celebration, and gratitude.

When do you get a “Npe Laus”?
The husband gets a Npe Laus usually after a first born child or having children.

How do you get a “Npe Laus”?
The husband has to request it from his father in law (or in-laws) and throw a party celebration.  Depending on his religion, the rituals may vary.  The name is announced at the party celebration.

Who gives the “Npe Laus”?
The husband’s father in law gets to choose and give the new name.  If the father in law is deceased, another relative can select one.

Can you get more than one “Npe Laus”?
Normally, this name is meant to stay with a man “forever.”  However, in some unfortunate circumstances that if a man should get a divorce and remarry a new wife, some people get a new name.  It’s not recommended, but it happens.

Who sends the invitations?
If inviting by phone, it is customary that the husband directly calls all his guests.  If inviting by email or paper invitation, it can be done by the husband or wife.

Are “Npe Laus” parties fun?
Sure! Only if you make it fun haha.  It’s supposed to be a joyous celebration and announcement.  Many in-laws are flattered that they get a party hosted in their honor!

What types of food do you eat at a “Npe Laus” party?
Pretty much anything you want to cook or make.  There’s no set rule.  Think of it like a big party!  I have tons of recipes which I’ll share later on hmong cuisine.  I guess you can think of it like a little mini-wedding or graduation party.

What is a typical “Npe Laus” party agenda?
I’m christian, so I can only write about christian way.  I’ll have to gather more data and post back about the “shaman” way.  Here’s a sample agenda.

• Intro by a church elder
• Pastor introduces family members
• Father in law announces new name
• Speech by family members
• Gift exchange (if applicable)
• Songs of praise
• Prayer
• Eat!

This is just a quick introduction about Npe Laus Celebrations.  If there are inaccuracies and if you have any information to contribute, please comment or contact me.  I’d love to hear from you!

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a free online tool that you can use to broadcast short messages about anything.  Messages are limited to 140 characters, also being referred to as “micro-blogging.” When you post a message, it’s called a “tweet.”

You can choose to follow or “friend” other Twitter users.  Your updates show up on their twitter feeds (your Twitter home page) and their updates show up on yours.  Simple as that.

Why you should join Twitter:

1. It’s fun!
2. You can connect with other people.
3. You can ask a question, chances are … someone’s listening and can help.
4. You can stay connected on topics that interest you.
5. Believe it or not, you can even find a job.  Twitter is becoming a fast growing place for job seekers and job posters.
6. If you’re a business, you better be on Twitter because your customers are already there and you better be prepared to listen and act upon it.  If you don’t, your competition will.
7. You can vent or exercise your right to announce anything to the world.
8. You can search tweets real time, unlike search engines which wait for data to be crawled and indexed.
9. You can integrate your Twitter posts into Facebook (installing Twitter App in Facebook) and also get it on your iPhone, Blackberry, or any phone that can receive text messages.
10. You can learn alot about yourself and appreciate the value of being able to create content and contribute to the growing power of social media on the internet.

Feel like joining Twitter?  Sign up today!  If you want a friend, add me.  My user name is annievang.

Today I attended the UWEBC session about Social Media.  Guest speakers included:

Dan Neely, founder of Networked Insights.

Matthias Kosloske, Internet Marketing Specialist at Briggs & Stratton.

Troy Janisch, Digital Marketing Manager at American Family Insurance.

It was one of the best sessions I’ve attended so far from the UWEBC.  Social Media is you and me.  We, the consumers are the WEB.  We empower others.  United, we stand tall and our voices will be heard.

It’s an exciting time because we know that the wave of the web has been shifting paradigms throughout the years.   The web is expanding due to users like us, those who create content and distribute among our social networks.  We are growing at an enormous speed, consuming information far faster than we ever dreamed of in the past.  With the advances of technology and mobile devices, information is at our fingertips.

Let’s admit, social networks are addicting.  Facebook allows us to connect with family and friends.  LinkedIn allows us to connect to our professional connections.  We break from the anonymity of being just a screen name in an online social network, we are an authentic person.  That makes a tremendous difference in our social behaviors because now we have validity and we are accountable for our actions.

I love Twitter and Facebook   My two favorite social networks at the moment.

Most of all, I love my iPhone