Happy Thanksgiving!

For the past few years I have made it a tradition to go through the past year, month by month, and list the things I am thankful for.  I always find it refreshing to look back through the pages of my journal to see where I was a year ago or even a few months ago.  Sometimes its the things that hurt or I hated the most are the things I am most thankful for today. The past few months are great examples of short lists that make this months list more extensive. Simple things like air conditioning, having a refrigerator, knowing who my boss is, and being able to communicate with both coworkers and my students are luxuries I was used to not having, but am very thankful to welcome back into my life. I am thankful for the past few months in Bangkok, for they are making the present seem like a vacation.

On a weather note, it's finally getting a tad cooler in Bangkok- meaning its usually around 80 by noon. Nevertheless there are sweaters and beanies for sale, just in case the temperature decides to drop below 70. I can't wait to see people wearing earmuffs in the tropics, and I thought texans overreacted to cool weather. At least it freezes there and occasionally snows. Speaking of garments- pink polos are taking over! The king wore a pink jacket on his way home from the hospital, which translates into an entire nation crazy about the color. Supposedly pink helps cure yellow people (those born on Monday- i.e. the king). So next year, instead of wearing yellow polos every Monday (or any day), pink might take its place. They are already being sold everywhere, I was in a department store and the whole mens section had manikins in pink. I'm sure my dad is glad he came for the yellow year. Oh what a place.