random musings a long way from home....

Greetings. Sorry, been away a while....but doing well.

Sitting in an airport in Singapore, waiting to come home. Have been in Kuala Lumpur for the past week on business. Good trip. Very friendly people. Great food I think...but not for me....not yet. Too spicy too soon. Interesting because I recently spent time in Taipei and Singapore and had no trouble eating. This time though it was hard to find anything that wasn't at least a little spicy, and most too spicy. Counting on that simply being a case of a culture with a palate trending more to the spicy side of the menu than there being anything wrong with my recovery.

I am scheduled for another petscan this coming week. Supposed to be Monday, but I have been recovering from a cold so it may get delayed a few days. But really looking forward to this one as it should be clean this time. It better be. The alternative isn't so good, but I am not really allowing any other thoughts other than it will be just fine. Still cant seem to gain weight, in fact, still losing some. Was down to 171 recently, that's a long ways from 210. Feel good though, so maybe this is just where I should be. And once I can eat freely, I'm sure it will go back up. Not too much I hope. :)

Interesting being in Kuala Lumpur. Very friendly people. First time I have spent a lot of time in such a Muslim influenced area. Different culture, different dress, different rules for interacting with one another. But like anywhere, same desire to be happy. And although there may be different rules for behavior and language obstacles, the universal smile and nod of the head still works the same way. Its amazing how such a simple gesture can be so disarming. Young and old, works the same way.

Traveling on foot, my boss and I stumbled onto a random Catholic Church. It was a Friday afternoon, but Mass was just beginning. We didn't plan it, but found ourselves right on time to join in, so we did. Coincidence?......doubt it. Part was said in English, and part in the local language. Same mass though, so felt at home, even though we were the only two foreigners in attendance. Again, the smile and the nod was all we needed to be welcomed warmly. Plus, after all, it was church, so likely didn't even need the nod or the smile.....

Life really can be simple. Treat people with kindness, and a smile is somewhere to be found close by. Doesn't really matter what the surface differences might be, everyone, everywhere, responds to kindness. And a smile. And a nod of the head.

I enjoy getting to experience different cultures, different people around the world. Glad to be going home though. I love being an American. Proud to be one. Lucky and blessed to be one.

Ok, getting the boarding call, got to run. Have a great week. Prayers for a clean petscan would be appreciated.

Talk again soon. (said with a smile and a nod)