It is a beautiful day in South Holland. The sun shining, the sky 'Carolina Blue' (you can never get the Tarheel out of this girl), the birds chirping and the Dutch people are happier!! I never understood my perceived grumpiness of the Northern European people until living here. The sun doesn't shine so much here and you have more pessimism that persists and breeds here than you even care to think about. To be optimistic here is to stand out amongst the crowd indeed. But what is really wrong with that? Weren't we meant to stand out and be individuals within our groups? If everyone was the same well that would be really boring. I now live in a culture and get to experience most everyone being taught that they need to be the 'same' relative to the other. 'Don't stand out above the rest too much'... this is an interesting opportunity to grow and stand out within a community that is not so open to 'different'. I so appreciate this opportunity. I find enjoyment in giving people in this small community an opportunity to break out of their shells and expand themselves. Oh the fun I am having over here.. :)

Ok back to work now.

In love and gratitude,

Asha