I have been in the USA for a few years now; in the mountains. I suffered quite terribly when I first got here. The cold brutalized my body.

This year, for the first time, I feel like I am starting to get used to it. While it is true that for awhile we had unseasonably warm weather, we did have our first snow in October. After a respite of about a month, winter has returned and the snow is deep on the frozen ground -- knee deep on me.

Strangely, I like it to a degree; at least to the degree where I am able to feel the profound beauty of it all and have moments where I actually believe I see the face of God.

In the past, this was only true of Spring, a time where the miracle of life is obvious to all, especially those of us who fancy ourselves mountain people

I hope you are fine. That you feel nature everywhere you go and that it brings you happiness. A true and real happiness.

I wish the lovely people of NN Happy Valentine's Day and, since I haven't said it yet, a Happy New Year even

Your friendship and love over the years means a lot to me.

I remember and I look forward. But maybe the only thing I have any control over is this current moment, which soon passes by. There have been so many positive moments here on NN over the years for me and so many wonderful people.

Should there be anything positive in my character, part of that was shaped by you who have stood by me; started me off anew when I was low and broken and confused.

Thank you. I love you. Happy New Year.

I have finished everything for my Ph.D., including defending it. It kind of astonishes me because I still feel like a 12 old girl in the village in so many ways.

This would not have been possible without the help of my family and friends in Thailand and the USA. It would not have been possible without YOU.

I am here and fine my friends. I have a critical time at school. Hope to see you soon.

Always remember I love you.

May you have a wonderful day and may everyone's team win. If you don't like the game, have a great day doing what you love best.

Note: The previous blog was not a complaint. I was fooling around. I don't mind such prvs at all. I have even made a few friends with guys like that, by answering them in the room.

I also get prvs from some friends.

Not planning on turning off prvs anytime soon. Keep 'em coming and keep on smiling.

asl?
prv?
sup?
cam?

It seems as though summer vacation just got here and now LB is on the verge of returning to school. The older I get, the faster time goes by.

This has been my first summer here in the USA for many years, because I usually go home. It has been wonderful to do some of the traditional summer things here. Still, I missed going back to Thailand.

I have been reassured not to worry about my visa for work here in the USA since I have "special qualifications" for teaching here. I have accepted a position at a university but it probably won't start until the the beginning of the year. The date for my dissertation defense has been set and I will do that first. Meanwhile I will continue to teach as a graduate assistant.

Take care and lots of love for you.

What I don't know is this. Why does some stuff happen to me? Why am I getting bothered by numerous requests from a guy to give out my specific location? I mean it almost feels like I am being stalked. It is practically enough to make me leave NN again.

What am I doing wrong that brings on this stuff?

I have been notified that my dissertation has been approved. I will defend it when the new school year starts. This should be little more than a formality.

Meanwhile, several job opportunities have presented them self. The ones I am most interested in are here in N. California and one in Texas. I would love to accept the one in Texas, but LB really does not want to move. So I have a lot of thinking to do.

But, the good news is, my Ph.D is finished and thus one of my major life goals.