Morning Conversations

Disclaimer: There is some profane language in this blog. It is used in a more definitional manner. Also, this was not written to make fun of my mom. As a matter of fact, I love having conversations with my mom... especially while we're on the road.

~The Scene~
As my mom and I were driving to work this morning, she noticed this coffee shop named "BADASS." I suppose she noticed it for the first time, so as she saw the sign, she gasped, "Annette, the word ass... isn't that a bad word? What does it mean that they put B - A - D - A - S - S? (Please do imagine an asian woman who speaks English pretty well with some fob when she gets riled up). Why would they name a place that curses?"

Me: (Chuckle to self) I try to find a way to explain to my mom the meaning. I then proceed with, "Well, yes.... When someone points at you and says you are such an A, they mean it in a bad way."

Mom interrupts: "Please just say the word. I know you don't want to, but it will help me better understand, especially if someone says that outloud. I will know what they are talking about."

Me: Again, I smile and continue, "However, if someone should point at you and say you are such a badass... that generally means that you are really awesome."

Mom: Oh, I see. That's so weird. So I guess this coffee shop is for people who like to play (Note: By play, she really means that the coffee shop is trying to target a "younger" generation... the cooler ones).

Me: Sure. Do you understand Mom?

Mom: Yes.

Me: Let me try explaining with another curse word. Mom, you know the "F" word?

Mom: Yes.

Me: Well if someone says, "F you," that's cursing at you. It's not meant to be a compliment.

Mom: I know you don't want to say the word, but I cannot pronounce it. Can you say it, so I can hear what it sounds like?

Me: (Feeling very uncomfortable). Sure Mom. (Note: I will continue to say the "F word" because I still don't feel comfortable typing it out). So I repeat the phrase and then explain that if someone says, "Wow you're F'ing awesome" that can be a compliment.

Mom: Oh. Okay, thanks. Do you know how to curse in Vietnamese?

Me: No mom, I don't think I'd really recognize it if I heard it.

Mom: (As she tends to change the subject on a whim) Why do you have black bags under your eyes?

Me: I don't know. I get 8 hours of sleep a night... but it would be great if I could wake up at 8am instead of 6am.

*We spend the rest of the time having other morning conversations or she sleeps while I sing before we get to work. Did I mention that I LOVE how my mom and I have conversation? I love how she tries to understand the American culture and the world around her. She's a very wise woman, and I hope to be just a fraction of her very badass-ness when I am a mother... pardon me.*