The Purchase
Many of your guesses as to the cause of my excitement were quite perceptive. A new camera lens, an iPad, and anything for my kitchen are all purchases that would give me delight. However, Heather hit the nail on the head in naming one thing that is far more exciting than anything on that list.
A plane ticket. And not just any old plane ticket, but a plane ticket to see people I love dearly.
This is my sixth year in China. Which means I’ve spent five Thanksgivings, Christmases, New Years, and birthdays in Asia. Single. I’ve been blessed with an amazing team to celebrate with each year. We’ve hacked turkeys to pieces so we could cook them in toaster ovens. We’ve done breakfast and present opening Christmas morning. We’ve done extravagantly themed birthday parties. I’ve made batches and batches of my Grandma’s rolls. We’ve bought little Christmas trees and hunted for the least tacky ornaments. These efforts, as well as visits from friends and family, have made the holidays quite tolerable. But…but…it’s still not the same. And the holidays are still some of the harder days in China.
Which is why I’m super stoked to be headed to the States during the holiday season this year. I won’t quite make it in time for Christmas (I have to teach until the 30th), but barring any flight delays, I should make it into the presence of family just before the clock strikes to welcome in 2011. Holiday decorations, cheer and food should still be lingering.
However, sharing in the holiday spirit is not what I’m most excited about. I am most excited to hang out with this guy…
…and to snuggle with my niece. My niece who is due to arrive the day before I’m due in Florida. I’d greatly appreciate it if she postponed her coming until after my arrival. However, I’m quite certain my sister will not be sharing this sentiment come December 30. I didn’t get to meet my nephew until he was three months old, so I’m quite ecstatic to have the opportunity to love on my niece in her first few weeks.
So excited, in fact, that I’m not even thinking about the headaches of the journey. About teaching my last class at 5 pm on the 30th, six hours later getting on an overnight train, and then heading straight to the airport for a never-ending December 31st that will take me through San Fran and Chicago before arriving in Florida. After two and a half weeks that will surely fly by, I’ll head back to Asia and begin my grad classes shortly thereafter in Thailand.
But for the boy who calls me Honey and Haffrin? And the little lady soon to make her appearance? Not to mention my sister and brother-in-law? Totally worth it.
Well, that certainly beats an ipad or kitchen appliance. I should have guessed bigger. I can’t imagine how excited your family is to spend time with you. AND I can’t wait to see pics of Thailand. Take an adventure for me!