As I snuggled down into bed for a few more minutes of warmth and rest this morning I wished, for just a moment, that it wasn’t Friday.  This particular Friday represented the end of calm and the beginning of a rather severe work storm.  For the next seven days I will be attempting to support the organization I work with in the following ways:  1) hire a senior level Program Director, 2) hire a finance and administration officer, 3) co-host a workshop with the Association of International NGOs in Nepal and the Department of Education, and 4) plan and co-facilitate a 3-day strategic planning retreat.  It all feels rather overwhelming placing me completely out of my depth.  Somehow the work of 2 months seems to have been packed into the next week.  And like anything difficult sometimes the best way is not around, but through.  So, I will keep my eye on the sunny spot in the distance when the hard work is complete and we can celebrate our achievements.  Until then, the head is down and the ploughing through has begun.

• High school friends. There was a time when I thought that  I would never lose touch with everyone I knew from high school.  And then we all lost touch.  Looking back it actually wasn’t that gradual – I escaped to my own adventures immediately following high school and was so absorbed in myself that I think I forgot my roots.   It was not an intentional happening but due in part to geographical distance and in part to the need to find out who I really was.  So, after many years, it has been so wonderful to see that some of those friends are slowly circling back, thanks in large part to facebook.  This week one such friend was in Nepal and so he and his fiancée joined us for a lovely dinner.  We had both changed but yet we were also absolutely the same.  The conversation was spectacular and the company comfortable, familiar, and inspiring.  Thanks to BK and L for a great time and for reminding me that those distant friends from high school are still friends, regardless of how far we may have drifted.  Hope to see you again soon.
• A busy week ahead. A busy week ahead means that work is happening which means that somehow our work has become important once again which means that someone cares which means that we can secure time and commitment from them which means we can achieve some of our goals which means that our donors will be happy which means that we may get more money which means that our work is slightly more sustainable which means that my work here is almost done.
• Thinking like a duck. I have found a new inspiration for a more zen-like state of mind (and I will admit that zen is not my natural state of mind, so it does take me some rather intense work to achieve anything remotely close to zen-like mind).  The inspiration is ducks, particularly duck plumage.  I need to learn to be a better duck and waterproof my “feathers”.  Let more things roll off my back without sticking.  In the end, the stressors tend to be things I cannot control anyway – so why not “duck” them!
• Goodbyes. This weekend some of our good friends and bananagrams partners, Anil and Julie, are departing Nepal and heading back to the UK.  The poignancy of goodbyes here is influenced by the fact that often these may be people that you will never see again.  But in this case, I am thrilled to say goodbye as they are returning to a wonderful life in the UK and will get to spend Christmas with their daughters and extended family.   Plus, I know we will see them again in a few short months during our trip around the world.  Safe travels friends and look forward to seeing you in May!