The Baks

We finally indulged on a glass tea pot with strainer. I don’t think we will ever be able to drink tea from a tea bag again. What more can I ask for with a steaming cup of jasmine tea and some fresh tulips on our dining table.

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On 12th January Haiti was struck with a destructive earthquake the majority of city’s population under rubble and a possible 100,00 casualties. I feel so helpless as to how I can be the most help to the people of Haiti. So many of the charities have large administrative expenses and a huge chunk of each dollar doesnt reach the people who need it. However through the help of www.charitynavigator.org I was able to make an educated decision on how best to send our donation.

What is happiness? This question has often jumped out of unknown places without cause or warning. Why is it that I am never quite satisfied. I just came back from a wonderful vacation and all I can think of is my next vacation. I am enjoying a restful weekend and my thoughts drift off to my next weekend. The people of Haiti don’t have basic human needs (food, water, first aid) some are still trapped under rubble, family members lost…and I… how much do I have?

This morning I wake to a warm comfortable bed with my best friend by my side and the thoughts of meeting good friends for an early lunch. I have fresh running water, a working heater, fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies in my cookie jar, and a fridge full of food. I am truly blessed, why am I  always looking for happiness, how can I possibly ask for more, when happiness has been sitting right next to me the whole time….

Have you been searching too?

This year so far as been filled with many surprises, disappointments, and achievements. Neel and I sold everything we owned (furniture, most books, clothes, etc) and brought only our most important possessions to this foreign land.

In less than a year we have made amazing friends and find that with the way the work culture is, our friends have time to hang out on a regular basis! We are able to travel to other countries in a blink of eye. We have spent weekends in Brugge Belgium, Paris, Stockholm, Antwerp, and Brussels. We have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and from all sorts situations.

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