As we’ve mentioned, probably ad nauseum to many of you, we had a bit of a rough time adjusting after our lovely vacation stateside.  Although we’re probably past the re-adjustment phase now, the fact of the matter is that winter here is just tough.  Water issues, being cold pretty much all the time…yada yada.  I know that many of our loyal readers know this, and to be honest, I’m sick of hearing myself say it.

So when good things come around, you’ve got to appreciate them, right?  Well, I can say I’ve had a really good Georgian day.  Or, rather, a really good Georgian 24 hours.  Sean and I went to a fellow volunteer’s house last night to enjoy petting her cat, eating kiwi and planning a new project, scheduled to begin in March.  It was well-heated, pleasant and productive.  We’ve discovered the glory of a hot water bottle to help warm up the bed at night.  I finally wrapped up my co-workers’ Christmas gifts from America – yes, I’m that late – and received lots of genuine thanks, hugs, pets and cheek-kisses today (my office is super affectionate towards me, for some reason).

Considering a favorite pastime of my co-workers is browsing the Avon catalog, these tiny sprays and lotions - plus chocolate! - were a total hit.

In helping review a grant this afternoon, I was actually able to have a productive conversation with my director about writing goals, objectives and expected results, without the normal defensiveness or side-tracking.  Capacity building, just maybe!  We joked about my Georgian and her English before she told me she didn’t want me to leave in July.  We had an impromptu ladies’ supra (which, in my opinion, is the best kind) and for what must be the first time in my two years here, a male actually served the females.  (I know, I know…I was shocked too.)

I always want to describe the plates, cups, silverware, napkins, food remnants and whatever else on the table after a supra as "carnage."

I’m home now, in bed with Sean with a hot water bottle warming my feet.  A good day, and I’m super appreciative.