Looking back on the past year it strikes me just how much my life has changed.  So much happened!  The anniversary of our elopment is this weekend on April 12th. Rex decided to pull a surprise and book a wonderful 4-day weekend in Pokhara…he spilled the beans this morning when he mistakenly mentioned that “while we are in Pokhara…”.  Also, many thanks to VSO for moving our marriage decision forward in a big way…got married so we could volunteer in Ethiopia and here we are in Nepal…whoops…well good thing that if we ever need to volunteer in Ethiopia we will be ready : )

This weekend will provide some time to reflect on the past year and dream about adventures in the year ahead.  Next week is also Nepali New Year – a timely moment to be celebrating our anniversary and thinking about the beginning of another year together.  This post is all my gratitude towards that handsome man in the photo over there…

• The way you make me tea in the morning. Mornings begin early here.  And while this doesn’t mean we actually get out of bed before 6am, this does mean that the sounds of our neighbourhood waking up start around 4.30am.  So, there are many mornings when waking up is hard…regardless of how early you get to bed the night before, 4:30 is still an early time to begin the slow process of waking.  But the best, best, best part about every morning is knowning that you will sneak out of bed, walk down to the little shop on the corner and buy milk so we can have tea in the morning.  A small action but I know there is lots of love in that dudh chiyaa.
• The way people just like you. I take some time to warm up to new people.  I am friendly enough but know that new friends will be kept at an arm’s length until I have made up my mind.  You, however, are just how I wish I could be – open, warm, genuine, and immediately likeable.  How many times have we met a new group of people and they have remarked to me, in confidence later, just how much they truly enjoy you.  You are everyone’s favourite warm-hearted soul and I am proud to snuggle my soul next to your kind soul.
• Your passion…for libraries, for small towns, for rural life, for gardens, for technical gadgets, for peggle, for www.thegreenpages.ca, for blogging, for the West Coast, for my cooking, for the internet, for friends, for taking a nice walk, for enjoy what is, for adventure, for trying anything once, for taking care of people, for helping, for family, for goodness, for peace, for all that is right in the world.  It is contagious and inspiring to watch you dream and imagine what is possible.  I am a greater believer in the unreal and impossible because I see you make it real and possible every day.
• Your hugs. Nothing is more comforting or more reassuring than coming home from a crazy day and walking into a warm hug from you.  That will always be the most satisfying and rejuvenating way to end any day.  May your hugs be ever more plentiful as we grow old together and may I always be there to hug you right back.