Fridays seem like good days for reflection.  They are filled with the potential of the upcoming weekend, informed by a week of learning, and harbour just the slightest innate wildness that I think make them more exciting than other days of the week.  No, Fridays are not ordinary, plain or bland…and they deserve our attention.  To honour Fridays, I would like to now begin my regular and weekly installment of gratitude…this week, things I am grateful for include:

• Well-written policy documents and reports. After slogging through too many long and tedious government reports, I have a profound and accute appreciation for clean, simple, and fresh writing.  To anyone who can infuse policy documents with such energy, I salute you!
• Mah-jong. I had no idea that this incredibly old tile game was so much fun!  I have taken to playing a digital version on my laptop when we are without power and immensely enjoy it.  Now if only I could get my hands on a real set of tiles and a group of friends to play with…
• Purna. Purna is a lovely Nepali man that we were connected with this week who is showing us around to apartments in Kathmandu.  He seems to know everyone in our neighbourhood and has just the most wonderful energy.  He stands only 5 feet tall, smokes like a chimney, and is a retired high-altitude guide.  Without him, our quest for a Kathmandu apartment would be completely lost.
• Avocado. Today I had this lovely achaar (kind of like a chutney or pickle or sauce that comes in many different flavours) that was a cilantro, onion, red chili, tomato, and avocado base.  Amazing.  Avacado, Nepali-style.  I have new appreciation for the green fruit.