Shas3 Pioneers

I read a title from an Indian newspaper - "It's Time for India to Brand Itself!"

Well, I think it's time for the Shas3 family to brand ourselves. My parents came to the U.S. in the mid-70's, they had two chicas in Florida, and eventually ended up in Portland where "the golden child" was born.

Why Shas3? Shastri is pronounced Shas-three. Shas-three = Shas3. Get it?

We are a family of firsts and only's. We were one of the first Indian families in the Portland community. Out of my parent's siblings, we were the first to settle in America. My siblings and I were one of the only Portland, Indian families to suffer a 'divorce'. Out of all the first cousins on my fathers side, we were the only children to attend American Universities. We are one of the only "mixed" families - considering my parents had a "love" marriage and were not arranged. We are a family of travelers, cooks, business smarts, engineers, athletes, languages, and left handed individuals (and I'm talking my immediate family - no "cousin brothers" or "cousin sisters" included) We are a family of traditions (last single digit, name-bless-and-marry-your-car, respect your elders) We are savers, scouters, semi-nesters and at this very moment West Coasters... until Mom goes to India, brother goes back to the East Coast and Shobs goes who knows where?

What can I say? Shas3 proud. Shas3 strong.