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It takes...

three months away from California to make me fully appreciate the place I left. I was looking through Emilie's photo album when I was on a break from writing labs... I saw the open space, the street painters, the parkside fountains. I saw Emilie and her friends, bundled in boots and scarves and coats, sitting on the benches as if out they spent the day shopping, having coffee, and finally a stroll in the park. I can't find that here. It's completely different, no matter how I look at it.

It's Thanksgiving and I'm in Taiwan. It's not existent here... and I have never been so homesick. If you've never had the fortune to experience it, I can't describe it to you. It's a time of year when family and friends come over for dinners and bring food and good cheer. The streets are full of people, bundled up in earmuffs, boots, and mittens, hustling and bustling everywhere for holiday preparations. The air feels so good, and the spirit of the season permeates everything and everyone. How can you feel dismal when you're surrounded by happiness?

Some people call it stressful and somewhat corporate, and I was no exception to that. But now that I don't have any of it anymore... I miss it so much. I'm learning to appreciate what I have when I do have it, because one day, I might not anymore. This applies to so many recent events and feelings I've been experiencing.

Holiday cheer... is really the greatest blessing I've ever received.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.