I'm in the United States right now. It seemed so far away before I left. Now Korea seems far away.
The last time I was in America--to live--was about ten years ago (although I took a trip to the States in 2008 for about four weeks). People talk about reverse culture shock--but through Stoicism I realized I could decide not to have it, if I chose. Still, there have been a few things I didn't know how to do here that were unexpected. I had to somewhat sheepishly explain that I hadn't been here and didn't know how it was done.
If I can find a job here, I will stay. If not, I will have to move on.
I was feeling kind of negative today, so here's a list of the best things that happened in the week since I've been back.
1. I got the opportunity to see an old friend, whom I hadn't met in person since 2003, and have a long, soul-warming, therapeutic conversation with her.
2. I got the opportunity to give an outstanding review on Trip Advisor of the place I stayed at for the first two days.
3. I got the opportunity to buy cookies for the people I'm currently staying with.
4. I got the opportunity to meet a really friendly, chatty taxi driver.
5. The city I'm currently in has an enormous mountain near it. Until today, it was shrouded in cloud, but this morning the weather broke fresh, clear, and breezy. You could see the summit really well. For a mountain-lover, what a treat!
6. I got the opportunity sincerely to compliment the cashier tonight at the drug store on his speediness.
My goal here is to make people smile. Not so I can feel proud of myself. But because the world needs that. Can I do it? Wish me luck!
