thankful.

At this point, it feels fairly futile to explain away blogging absence since it has been SO long, but needless to say...China internet problems. As always, my apologies.

Other than the sporadic availability of internet connections, life has been good since my last foray into the blog-o-sphere in October. Day to day life still looks the same: class in the morning, study in the afternoon, followed by a wonderful milieu of social activities. Initially, this new life pattern felt fabulous; a break from the hum-drum of the working world, a slower pace to enjoy and soak up life and evaluate new directions. However, after about four months of living the slow life, I'm gearing up for another change. Suggestions, anyone? Ideas on the table: Grad School, full-time China job, or move back to the beautiful US of A.

It truly has been a blessing to have this time, to step away from a life pattern that didn't necessarily feel like the most authentic fit, to move into a new environment and place that allows me to creatively envision a new way of being. Ahhhh. Also, as you can most likely tell, the new-ness of living abroad has worn off, and I'm moving into "evaluate life's deep meaning" mode.

In other news, I celebrated my second Thanksgiving abroad by actually participating in food making! A good friend was hosting Thanksgiving, and asked all participants to bring a dish. Considering how comfortable I feel in the kitchen, I hesitantly offered to bring mashed potatoes (how hard can THAT be?). However, after hearing the final anticipated head count (40), I began to fret. I can't even make food for ONE, let alone 40. Despite my discouragement, I persevered. I went to the grocery store and bought 20 potatoes to mash. You may think peeling twenty potatoes may seem like a fun way to spend your afternoon...but by potato 15, you're ready to do anything else. Anyway, after sloppily trying to cook and mash 20 potatoes, the final product was ready to bring to the Big Night (they didn't really taste all that awesome, but they got the job done).

Anyway, Thanksgiving was WONDERFUL...and I have to say that the meal was better than almost all the Thanksgivings I can remember at home (sorry Holle clan!). Everyone brought a dish to share, and despite our seeming inability to access ingredients, I was thoroughly amazed at how good everyone's food was! We had around 60 people in Mike's three-bedroom China apartment, and it truly was a beautiful time of sharing a meal with friends.

Although short, I unfortunately need to sign off.

Just a reminder to all my beloved---I'll be home from around December 20th-January 17th. Can I please see you? Save me a spot in your busy calendar!

Much love,

k