A Week In
Just eight short days ago my flight from Taiwan landed painlessly in Seattle, WA. The customs process was a breeze - no searches, no complications with baggage, nothing. Aside from forgetting a few directional details related to my pickup (I waited outside, Kari Ann waited inside) everything went as smoothly as could be hoped for.
Already things have moved much more quickly than expected. While I had allowed for time to acclimate to the temperature of spring, the rising of the sun, the pace of traffic, and the peculiar penchant for most Americans to place their trash in the proper receptacle, little thought was given to the situations in which I now find myself. Thankfully enough, none of these situations are unexpected in a negative way. That I may already have a full-time job, money in the bank, and a beautiful place in which to live and work are on the contrary, positively exciting - unexpected things, whether good or bad, both require a bit of getting used to. Rather than dealing immediately with all the crap I had expected, I'm enjoying the newness and possibility of life near loved ones, with activities to edify both mind and body. In many ways I am able to count myself among the lucky.
My mind has continually turned towards the Philippines in this last week. It is difficult to wake from sleep in a soft bed or eat food easily procured without remembering those who lack such comforts. I do not believe that it is my duty to give such things to those who have not, but rather it is to not forget that these conveniences and comforts are privileges, that they are exceptions, and should not be taken for granted. Remembering alone is not enough, but it is a beginning down the path of appropriate action. What appropriate action may be, time and concerted thought will dictate.
As part of my active remembering, I've added a new component to this page. Under the links section, click on Personal Photos to view pictures from the Philippines in general, and at this point, ovens in particular.
So long, and thanks for all the fishes.
Already things have moved much more quickly than expected. While I had allowed for time to acclimate to the temperature of spring, the rising of the sun, the pace of traffic, and the peculiar penchant for most Americans to place their trash in the proper receptacle, little thought was given to the situations in which I now find myself. Thankfully enough, none of these situations are unexpected in a negative way. That I may already have a full-time job, money in the bank, and a beautiful place in which to live and work are on the contrary, positively exciting - unexpected things, whether good or bad, both require a bit of getting used to. Rather than dealing immediately with all the crap I had expected, I'm enjoying the newness and possibility of life near loved ones, with activities to edify both mind and body. In many ways I am able to count myself among the lucky.
My mind has continually turned towards the Philippines in this last week. It is difficult to wake from sleep in a soft bed or eat food easily procured without remembering those who lack such comforts. I do not believe that it is my duty to give such things to those who have not, but rather it is to not forget that these conveniences and comforts are privileges, that they are exceptions, and should not be taken for granted. Remembering alone is not enough, but it is a beginning down the path of appropriate action. What appropriate action may be, time and concerted thought will dictate.
As part of my active remembering, I've added a new component to this page. Under the links section, click on Personal Photos to view pictures from the Philippines in general, and at this point, ovens in particular.
So long, and thanks for all the fishes.
posted by peter at 09:17
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