Back from Malaysia

I'm back from a five week family trip to Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Now that I've unpacked, done three loads of laundry, recycled my junk mail, etc., I can think about my experiences. I had many great adventures in Hindu temples, Mosques, outdoor markets, and the rain forest.

More important to me, though...I spent many hours hanging out with really cool people (my family), met other people from all walks of life, and was given the chance to reflect on my life from afar. In that way traveling is not unlike writing. When I write I get to hang out with really cool people (even if they are imaginary), explore places I've never been (a miniature golf course, say), and walk in someone else's shoes for awhile.

The word I'm looking for is...

perspective

well, perspective about all the little things that get to me, and gratitude for all the big things I can take for granted.

Malaysia Ho!

We fly out to the tropics tomorrow, me, my husband, and the kids--the whole family minus the cats. (I couldn't find any swim fins small enough for them.) We'll be gone for five weeks to Singapore, Malaysia, and Bali. Good-bye long, snowy winter and cold, windy spring, hello sarong and snorkel!

I don't want the new blog to go dark, so I wrote a few posts in advance, and with any luck can access blogger from jungle and beach front internet cafes en route.

My lovely editor will finish my letter today, and is sending it half across the world to meet me in Singapore! This is a good thing, because my mind always searches for something to chew on, even when I'm relaxing. And five weeks is a long time to be away from writing, which tends to make me cranky.

I won't be having any fun, so no need to feel jealous.