What to do? What to do?

Okay, so here's the dilemma.

I was sitting out front reading this afternoon, and I saw this little hand reach through my gate, unlock it and then the young boy attached to the hand walked into the yard. He did not speak English. My Bahasa is not good. I could tell him I didn't understand what he was saying but he kept chattering away. Then he gestured towards his mouth, like he was hungry, and then held out his hand and said money. My heart went out to him. We have stickers on the outside posts that surround our houses, indicating which organization we work for, so I imagined him seeing those signs and thinking that he was in trouble and could seek refuge here.

I listened for awhile but then sent him on his way without anything. My concern was that if I helped him, gave him food or money, that word would spread, and the next thing I would know, I would have kids at my front door every day. But in the meantime, I didn't help this little fella. He had the biggest, softest brown eyes. He didn't look like he was starving. He had clean clothes on. His hair was washed. But I feel bad for doing nothing. At the same time, I can't open me or my organization up to beggers on the street. I feel like it was one of those moments when I had a chance to step up, to take a stance, and I failed.

Got through the Holidays

Well I got through the holidays pretty well. Emotions were all over the place on Christmas Day. I woke up fine, but then it turned into a day like any other. I went to the gym. All the stores were open (although in honour of them being closed at home, I refused to go into them--I can go at least one day without stepping foot inside a store). But then a new friend called in the afternoon and we chatted for a long time and that cheered me up. Got me laughing a lot! Then dinner with a few of us expats still kicking around and that was absolutely amazing! Renee and Dallas went to so much effort for us! We decorated a palm tree, and had Christmas carols going. Did a little gift exchange, although I don't think my gift of nature went over very well. Oh well. Got home late, then chatted on the phone til all hours of the morning. Then at 4 a.m. got up (actually I was still up) and called home. My family had just finished Christmas dinner and opening presents. It was great to see them all and chat with all of them. It made my Christmas complete!
It makes me realize just how important some people are to me, and that I should do better to not take them for granted.
Now back from Thailand where I spent New Years and had an absolute blast. Bangkok was crazy with all of its hustle and bustle. I did enjoy having McD's for the first time in months!
Back at work, where I don't think there will be much sleeping over the next six weeks!
Busy, busy, busy. Maybe it'll keep me out of trouble. Maybe it won't. We'll see!

My First Christmas without my Family

Well, I've been doing okay with the homesickness thing, up until, oh, a couple of hours ago. I'm still doing my best to keep it at bay, but I can feel it creeping in, likely because Christmas is just around the corner.
At home on Christmas Eve, we're all usually at my mom's for a traditional Lithuanian Kucios. This Christmas Eve, well, I'll be at my home away from home, in Banda Aceh Indonesia, probably not doing much of anything.
But I still have oodles to be thankful for. On Boxing Day, I will get up early at 4 am and call home, where my family will be gathered for Christmas Day dinner. Then I will head out to one of the mass graves here to witness a mass prayer for victims of the 2004 tsunami. That alone kind of puts my grumbling into perspective. Then, later that day I will head out to Thailand for a week.
So, all in all, things are good. I am feeling great about life and the new people I am meeting are wonderful and friendly, and some are on the sexy side. Yep, time to stop my whimpering until I really have something to whimper about!

It's Raining Cats and Dogs

We have definitely hit the rainy season here in Banda Aceh Indonesia. It has rained every single day for at least the past week, a lot of that downpours that go on for hours and hours and hours and hours. I'm starting to feel pruny!

Hey everybody, I'm back! Finally, I've remembered how to long on to this site! Will write something soon, from Indonesia. That's where I've been living the past 6 weeks.

Bye-Bye A-Channel

Well, it's public! It's official! I am leaving the A-Channel! After almost 13 years, it was a difficult decision, but I think the right one. I will very shortly be leaving to work for the Canadian Red Cross in Indonesia, until next summer. Still keeping my house though. London is my home.

There's a big going away party being planned for any who can make it. At Joe Kool's Friday August 29th from 8 pm til 2 am! Hope to see you all there!

Kathy

GOSSIP MONGERS

I can't be too pious about this, because I too fall victim to it, although I don't generally gossip about my friends. It disappoints me to hear that people I thought were my friends are talking behind my back, questioning coworkers about things they see, instead of approaching me. I guess it's just being human, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. :(