yes, but...

in the past couple of years i have experiences several reminders that life is short.  hearing about the kim family this week has once again reminded me that i need to appreciate my life and not let little things bother me.  my time in ecuador is short and will be over before i know it.  i am, therefore, making sure to see the bright side of all of those little things that originally caused me much frustration.

• yes, mail sometimes takes months to arrive and each package lands in a different post office with different rules, taxes, etc.  but, how wonderful to be receiving mail!

       

         (recent mail received from ana and gracia & louise.)

• yes, there is a gas shortage which has left us without a stove or oven for almost two weeks.  and yes, the lines for available gas go on and on for blocks.  but, we are lucky to have a water heater for our shower!  i am thankful each morning as i stand under the hot water.
• yes, there is rain here almost every day now.  the streets quickly flood causing each passing car to splash water up onto the sidewalk sometimes completely covering pedestrians with water.  but, at least we have some sun each day and i've been lucky enough to only be hit with water while walking towards my apartment.
• yes, despite my protests, the man who cuts our hair styles mine so i look like an early rod stewart. but, at least we found someone who can cut hair really well and who inspires jordan to draw funny little cartoons.

       

         (our stylist used to have funny spiky hair.)

it's nice to be able to laugh at these things in a way that they actually add to our experience here.

Comments

[shari]

love your list and your positive spin on things. we all have so much to be grateful for. xo shari ps: enjoy your weekend.

[futuregirl]

What an awesome list! You had me laughing out loud. :)

[julie]

Yes, you are so right. The story of the Kim family has moved so many people around the world!!!

Lovely stamps!!!
We also have that same problem when it rains here!!! :)
Have a great weekend Risa xxx

[lisa s]

:)

i have to fill out a form for your little envelope that will be on the way shortly and hopefully won't take a month to arrive! :)

[lis]

ha! i love that drawing! que lindo:)

[jillypickle]

i had a rod stewart haircut when i was 11! my mom loved it. needless to say, i didn't.

[risa]

shari - yes! and you always inspire me with your appreciation for the small things. i'm trying to do more of that myself.

futuregirl - i'm glad i could make you laugh.

julie - before coming here i thought getting wet like that was only something that happened in the movies.

lisa s - i can't wait to get it.

lis - it's cute, ain't it?

jill - do you have any photos? maybe we can do a funny hair photo swap. ;)

[simple me]

Yes you are so right...these are all minor things in life and the best thing is just to laugh at them.
have a great weekend.

[risa]

you too paula! (or at least your sunday!)

[Monica Andrade]

Hola Risa!
Uy! Esas lluvias quitenas en mi memoria son sinonimo de frio! Que bueno que tengas un calentador de agua en la ducha! Mas que un lujo es una necesidad.
Creo que la tragedia de los Kim a todos nos ha hecho reflexionar en lo corta que es la vida y en no olvidar de dar gracias a Dios cada dia por lo que tenemos hoy.

[ana]

:) thanks Risa. Have a wonderful xmas