A Month of Gratitude: February 2012

Mid-day cappuccino. First Thursday night Meet-ups in Gung-dong (my favorite Daejeon neighborhood). Friday nights. Coke and Red Wine while laughing and speaking with a Redneck accent. Sacred Places. Feeling personal progress in regards to 'hatred'. Home 'theater' dates with the man (Mr. Popper's Penguins and Kung Fu Panda 2). Giggling 'with' Lady Annyeong as she discovers the joys of bed-top forts (i.e. being under the covers). Creativity and Laughter from students. Unexpected encouragement regarding married life. Teaching with Hyunhee. Earl grey tea with milk and sugar. Brown Bone China Mug. Matt and Jen's arrival, tears of joy, warm embraces and picking up where we left off. Drinking a White Russian, snacking on walnut pastries and chatting with Jen and Whitney. French Fries. Rooftop dining in Ho Chi Minh City (fried goat in coconut milk and cheese wrapped in tender beef slices atop lettuce and tomatoes, all topped with fresh cilantro). Supporting former street children and orphans by eating delicious and beautifully presented food. Being broken hearted for past crimes of war and those of this century. Shade of coconut palms on deliciously warm days floating through the Mekong Delta. Waking before the sunrise to enjoy peaceful strolls and the beginning of a new day. Carrot Smoothies. CouchSurfing Hospitality. Vietnamese coffee enjoyed ina Vietnamese Garden Cafe. Being spoiled by my man. Reading on the beach. The view from plane windows. Tender and flavorful roasted chicken wings at 4am. Returning home, to friends, new and old, good food and rolicking good times. Kiva. Being reminded that I am a valued and cherished friend. Knowing that the beauty of the friendship trumps the pain of transition and the changing scene of our imediate community.

(Typed while sipping oolong tea from Taiwan)