tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14951113128668016852024-03-16T00:08:47.216-07:00Becky in BurmaLife, love, and adventures living in Burma. (Or Myanmar. Whichever floats your boat.)Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-65897206357164715402014-05-13T13:32:00.000-07:002014-05-13T13:32:41.727-07:00New Services Offered: CoachingHi Everyone!<br />
<br />
So, you know that I'm not over on this blog much anymore since I now live back in the United States; however, I haven't gone away ... I have kept up a different site - <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Becky Cavender</a> - for the past year where you can find all my writing. As luck would have it, I've been fortunate enough to have publications with Huffington Post, too. So you can <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/becky-cavender/" target="_blank">check those out here</a>. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I have some great news that I'm sharing here because I feel that it may benefit some of you. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">THE ANNOUNCEMENT:</span></span></b></i></div>
<br />
I'm excited to announce a new service that I'm offering: <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/p/coaching.html" target="_blank">Relationship Coaching</a>.<br />
<br />
The
focus is working with individuals who are in transition, a state of
change, and feel a pull to realign ... to get back in touch with their
true desires. Any of you expats are not immune to what that feels like. Big moves are hard and can sometimes take its toll on your relationships - not only with others, but also with yourself. There often comes a time where you feel a bit ungrounded and wonder who you are <i><b>now</b></i>, in context to your new experiences.<br />
<br />
I believe that relationships are our most
powerful teachers. The people in our lives present an opportunity for
us to learn more about ourselves, what we want, and what we don't want.
They serve as reminders of who we <i>really</i> are at our core ... if
we just pay attention. Though it's difficult to view challenging
relationships and circumstances in this way - including moving to a new country - it's exactly these
challenges, these difficulties, that allow us to look within most deeply
and decide which path we want to take. <br />
<br />
Navigating
uncertain territory is something I'm familiar with ... all of us are.
When we travel through the rough patches, we can feel a bit lost and
off-balance. I'm grateful and humbled for the opportunity to be part of
the journey in reclaiming your sense of direction through coaching. <br />
<br />
If you're interested in coaching sessions with me, or wonder what coaching exactly is, check out my new <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/p/coaching.html" target="_blank">Coaching</a> page over on <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Becky Cavender</a>. You may also <a href="mailto:beckycoaches@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> to ask about my process, available openings, and fees.<br />
<br />
I'm very excited about the opportunity to work with any expats - either those currently living overseas or individuals who have recently repatriated. After living in five different countries on four different continents and repatriating twice (the last time as a single parent), I <i>understand</i> that sometimes this life can be a bit challenging. I'm more than happy to be there with you as you travel on your journey, advocating for you, and helping you remember who you are.<br />
<br />
If you live overseas it isn't a problem to connect. We can chat via Skype and trust me - I understand difficult internet connections - so I will be flexible. Payment is typically made via PayPal, so if you live in a country where that service is blocked, let me know, and we'll come up with a different plan. <br />
<br />
Note: Coaching is <i><b>not</b> </i>counseling or therapy. Think of a coach as your personal trainer, your advocate. I'll support you in the goals <i>you</i> set for <i>yourself</i>
and focus on forward movement to achieve those goals. Consider a
counselor/therapist more like the surgeon you'd go to when you're unwell
and need to remove acute pain. Coaching operates from the viewpoint
that you're already well - just simply want to tighten up/tone up an
area of your life. <br />
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-5464971133198258572013-09-26T10:27:00.000-07:002013-09-26T11:28:30.912-07:00Letter to the Nice Girls<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gb6sjVkg5gY/UkRty_SJxDI/AAAAAAAACBU/O7yjeAsfQDU/s1600/DSCF0046ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gb6sjVkg5gY/UkRty_SJxDI/AAAAAAAACBU/O7yjeAsfQDU/s1600/DSCF0046ed.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear Nice Girl:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know who you are. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re the one who doesn’t raise your voice in argument. You
raise your hopes that understanding will prevail. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re the one who helps the elderly couple struggling to
carry their luggage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re the one who tidies the dishes on your table at the
restaurant to make it easier for the server.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know who you are, Nice Girl. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You pick up the fallen peanut package off the airplane floor
so the other passenger – a sleeping soldier – can eat them when she wakes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re the girl who calls after a truck full of strangers,
waving them down to give them the book that flew out the back. Your boyfriend
will look at you and shake his head saying, “Nobody does that.” You, Nice Girl,
will think he’s weird because you do stuff like that all the time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Smile at the person frowning with sad eyes in
the grocery store … just to help them feel a little less lonely. </li>
<li>In fact, make yourself a bet that one day, by
the end of the year, the grumpy, foul butcher will smile back at you. You make
it your mission and smile bigger, brighter each time you see him.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Didn’t conform at school. You didn’t have one
clique. You fluttered between all groups, getting along with everyone: the cool
kids; the smart kids; the nerds; the gangsters; the jocks…everyone.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Giggle and laugh without abandon until you snort
and juice spurts out your nose after you’ve succumbed to the floor, tears
rolling down your cheeks.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Pull forward in the drive-through to put your
cash back in your wallet so the car behind you doesn’t have to wait a fraction
of a second longer. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Always check behind you and around you to see
how you can move out of another person’s way. You’d never dream of making
someone get out of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your</i> way. (Maybe
you should.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Nice Girl, you have a unique capacity for love and
compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is uncommon. See, it’s
not usual for a person to:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Consider at one point, a taxi driver and a
young, poor boy who shines shoes, your closest friends. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Feel gutfuls of sorrow watching people beg. You
will want to give everything you have to help them while finding a way that
truly helps rather than makes the situation worse. It will hurt your tender,
aching heart. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Give up (without question) your job, your home,
your possessions, and your family/friends for the man you love because you
stand, always, bravely, in love.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Keep others’ secrets. Nice Girls are
professional secret keepers. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>See the truth behind façade, see the person
behind the mistake and continue to root for them – even if you got hurt. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You attract those with war and conflict on the soles of
their feet. You recognize complex Achilles-aches and provide calm. You lay down
a peaceful salve and they’re grateful; but their feet are too tired and too wounded
to carry you. Their war too bloody.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After helping conflicted men, hurt men, men in crisis,
they’ll ask you to let them go; so, with love, you do – even with your heart
full of confusion and cracks – you bless them, holding them in your hands, and
blow them away to freedom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But … dear, kind, Nice Girl:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have to, you must, learn that not all people are nice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You must learn there are others who genuinely admire your
niceness. They may even care about you. Perhaps love you. But they also know
that because of your unique ability to forgive, to understand them, to see the
big picture, they can make choices that may bring you a level of discomfort and
pain … then not work hard to rectify that or perhaps even acknowledge it. Maybe
they’ll push the boundaries of hurt … because they can. Because they know
you’re nice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They might betray you. They may not keep their promises.
They may not show up for you. They may not be your friend, be there for you
because they’re too deep in their own hurt (all while you, Nice Girl, are
empathetic about their pain and try to help them through it … even if they were
the cause of your subsequent pain, too). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i>?
Really, you just want someone to heal your hurt, to reciprocate and show you
the same kind of love. Often … mostly … you won’t get that from romantic
relationships until you learn some lessons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you will get a thank you, though. And sometimes, the
Nice Girl will carry that gratitude around in a pearl box knowing it’s precious,
that words and thankfulness matter. That will be enough. For awhile. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your pearl box overflows with the kindness you have given
others. You put your pearl boxes in a meadow of gold filled with abundant
light. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learn, please … soon … that not everyone earns the honor of
going to your golden meadow. Don’t you know this?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a hard lesson. You think everyone should see a
beautiful meadow warm with wildflowers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But not everyone can appreciate wildflowers, gold, and
pearl. They may “Ooh” and “Ahh” over those flowers so colorful and rare. They
might pick some – possibly without asking – and make an arrangement for their
kitchen table, then forget to invite you for tea, to sit with them. You smile
despite the lack of invitation with the hope your flowers bring some beauty; but
you deserve to be invited for tea. To be asked how you are. You deserve that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See, you learn that “You’re one of the nicest people I’ve
ever known,” comes with a slap-down and “But…” You’ll disappear from their
lives. Nice can mean lurgy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look, some people click their words and snap their tongues
at Nice Ones. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You must begin to see that there are even some, who at
worst, will instantly see your gentleness and know how to turn your compassion
inside out – just to squeeze something for themselves. Why? Because they know
they won’t have to try hard to do it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They know you will graciously, openly, without pause, simply
and beautifully hand over whatever may help them. You’ll do that without
considering the possibility that it might burn you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They may even set fire to your meadow and rub ashes on you;
but you know those ashes will fertilize the soil and gold will grow again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those that prefer arson will try and burn your soul. You’ll
burn, yes; but you’ll burn brightly and the moon will smile at you from afar
and know you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> the fire. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know ashes are story kindling. Stories that will alight,
stories you will share because … you’re nice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not everyone wants a meadow, peace. They might like the steel
cut of a knife or the desert sting in the wind. They might like sparse, edgy,
storms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know how to do storms, too. Nice Girls are storm
experts. You see the front coming in and unlike most – who retreat – go
straight out. You see how far you can go and swim in the middle of it. The
waters change from warm to cold. The rains come and smooth across your sweet
face. You smile and brace for those winds and let it rip through your hair. You
want to spread your arms out and scream, “BRING IT!” It’s in those storms that
you can feel alive and feel the energy, the hot, raw, visceral energy of storms
piercing through you. They give you compassion, calm, patience, understanding,
love, gratitude. Perspective. They always brew deep in your soul – but most
people don’t know that. I do, though. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have to learn how far to go out and when to come back
in. You know – always know – the sun will break through the gray, heavy clouds.
Once again, you’ll tilt your head back and let the sun spill on your face, dry
the rain and salt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know the ache is worth it … that you’re imperfectly
lovely. The salty film can be washed, even if you are left feeling a little
scratched up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See, Nice Girl, you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i>
get scratched up. The storm has its beauty, but driftwood has left splinters
under your nails. It pokes you and reminds you that you went deep and hard.
You’re a survivor and know the splinters will come out when they’re ready. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll put them in a special box – not pearl – but with wood
from pine, eucalyptus, breadfruit, palm, evergreen, oak, and acacia trees. You
know you can grow something beautiful from driftwood splinters … and you know
you’ll get a lot of them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll build a unique, salt washed, wind-torn door. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll build that strong, glorious door in front of your
golden meadow. Only you can open it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will learn to decipher the deserving. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See, you’ve been so busy watching out for those to take care
of, you don’t know how to let others care for you. Let them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At some point, you’ll feel restless and want to yell (but
you’re too nice to yell) “I just wish people could stand in their truth and be
HONEST and communicate!” A friend will tell you most people don’t. You’ll
decide from then on only to let the minority come close enough to touch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will watch for those who seek you (not those you have to
go after). You’ll watch them climb over dunes, swim, go down a path unknown.
They’ll be the brave ones – the ones that go out into the storms. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll watch on the horizon for the storm chasers, for those
who feel alive through love. The ones that show up. The ones whose hearts are
filled and open. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They won’t have hearts with something else etched into it:
another name, a job, a dream, freedom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their hearts will be etched with only one word: Courage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nice Girl, you’ll begin to recognize the courageous heart
because it is you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look for the few who go it the way you do. The ones who will
drive hours to just have coffee and see your face. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ones who would move for you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ones who notice things: the tiny mole above the knuckle
on your index finger and the one under your toe; that you curl your toes and
move your mouth to the side when you’re nervous. They’ll love this and kiss your
crooked mouth still until they know, you know, that you are loved. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just
the way you are.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ones that not only love you, but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accept</i></b> you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll see the ones that open your door, smile, hold you,
tell you you’re beautiful, that you matter. The ones that kiss your face, your
forehead, hold your hand and walk in stride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ones who connect and recognize your heart … then stick
around and don’t get scared. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ones who know how to love in quantities the galaxies
hold – the ones who go so high, they grab handfuls of stars to put in your
golden meadow for when you have nights that go dark (because they know you get
them). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their soul clicks and their arms spark when they see you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’ll fly to you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’ll watch your children and hold your hand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They return your calls. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They tell you the truth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They know who they are. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if they hurt you, they apologize.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They always try to understand themselves, others … you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’ll show up when you’re on your knees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’ll stay. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when – if – the time comes they leave – they’ll say,
bravely: they love you; they see you; and they are better for your meadow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They won’t pick your wildflowers … and you’ll have stars. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are times you’ll want to quit the Nice Girl gig. Maybe
you’ll even try; but don’t. It’s not who you are and that kind of pain – the
type where you pretend to be something else – destroys your soul. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, be nice …
but be smart. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re a treasure, Nice Girl. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go on being her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go on keeping your palms open to the sky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Build your door. Carve beauty all over it. Place a crystal knob
with glitter there. It will let others know it’s a happy place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay in your meadow. Don’t venture out to another’s place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let them come to you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, decide, Nice Girl, if they have enough Courage for
you to open the door. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-41671204962655322292013-09-19T01:00:00.000-07:002013-09-19T01:00:09.187-07:00All the Possibilities - Blog Circle Post<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s easy to limit ourselves. We do it often, usually without
even thinking. For many, it’s our default setting. Our auto-pilot. Anytime we
think of taking a risk, of doing something that might scare us, or stretch us,
or possibly cause discomfort (and perhaps great happiness!), we balk, cower and
think, “Oh, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hell</i> no!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get it. Anti-risk is usually is my default and I have to take
moments of quiet and reflection to get past fears and push through what could
be waiting on the other side of that line – the line you cross when you open
yourself up to possibilities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing about possibilities is that they seem to come at a
risk. We could get hurt. We could find our destiny (and that might be scary).
It might mean doing something that makes us face a phobia. We might fail. We
might succeed … and why is it just as scary to succeed as it is to fail? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A year ago, I joined a group of over 600 phenomenal women
who took a creative business e-course by renowned artist, <a href="http://kellyraeroberts.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Rae Roberts</a>.
Kelly Rae calls herself a <a href="http://kellyraeroberts.com/about" target="_blank"><i>possibilitarian</i></a>: A person who looks for
possibilities, not limitations. This is brave; she inspires and encourages others
to be brave, too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As part of this month’s blog circle (because of moving back
to the United States and <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/04/this-too-shall-pass-on-leaving-myanmar.html" target="_blank">The Divorce</a>, I’ve slunk out of the last few months’
circles), the group decided to celebrate how we are seeing possibilities, how
we’re pushing ourselves. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since September of last year, I’ve jumped. High. Far. Long. I
have flown. I finally accepted that I’m a writer; I <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">wrote a book</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Myanmar-resources-friendly-ebook/dp/B00CBP3ZFY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365767466&sr=1-1&keywords=moving+to+myanmar" target="_blank">published it</a>; I’ve made this blog successful and turned it into a resource for people
moving to Myanmar; I’ve become a <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/p/services.html" target="_blank">professional writer</a> (earning my income
writing) – magic happens when you declare who you are; I’ve <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2012/12/inspiration-interview-poet-jim-bodeen.html" target="_blank">interviewed</a> several
inspiring, <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/01/inspiration-interview-writer-musician.html" target="_blank">incredible people</a>. I lived in a mysterious, beautiful country. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what I think I’m most proud of is being brave enough to
pack up and <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/07/culture-shock-at-home.html" target="_blank">move home</a> to the United States with my daughter after her dad said
he no longer wanted to be married. In that sorrow – and that sorrow continues –
I choose to see the possibility for good, for strength, for growth, for
renewal. I see the possibility of finding a home in my own skin that I feel
good about. I see the possibility of remaining a familial unit in a very
untraditional way: a family in the sense that my daughter has parents who love
her and who respect/care about each other, too … just not parents who are
married to eachother. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get me wrong: I get super scared sometimes and I’m still
not exactly sure how all these pieces are going to fit together. I live in my
home, I work from home, and I’m writing. My daughter has just found a new
school that I think will suit her. I’ll figure out how to fit in my community,
make my own mark. Over a year ago, I don’t think I would’ve had the faith and
the conviction that things would work out. But they do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might not know how it will turn out: Well, the truth is,
you never – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i> – know how something
will turn out. You have to see the potential for beauty, though. Even in a
failure. Even in a mistake. (Though I try not to believe in the word “mistake”
much.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Occasionally we make choices that bring us pain. What I’ve
learned, though, is that even in pain, there is possibility. There is a beautiful,
messy lesson in there that will cut through the pain and bring you to face the
sun. That makes it worth it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You learn about yourselves and others. You learn who you
really are and you begin to stand firmly on your own two feet. And when you
know you’ve got soft ground beneath you, you start to jump. Dive. Swim. Leap.
Whatever. But you move. You get out. You try. You make an effort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you believe that no matter what – no matter the success
or the flat-on-your-face smashed-up hurt – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you’ll be OK. You’ll wipe the dirt off your
knees and go for it again and again and again. Soon, you will look for
possibilities and this view of the world will become your auto-pilot. Your new
default.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worst case scenario? You’ll have lots of material for
writing good stories. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe this with my whole heart and wish for you all the
possibilities you can see. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>What are ways that you’re brave and seek out possibilities?</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, please go check-out my flying sister, Lisa Ullrich, and her
post about how <a href="http://www.heartsoulcreate.com/how-im-becoming-a-possibilitarian" target="_blank">she’s becoming a possibilitarian over here</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>P.S. If you want to know how things are shaping up over in
the Pacific Northwest (USA) for my daughter and I, check-out my professional
writing blog, <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Becky Cavender</a>.</i></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com20Washington, USA47.7510741 -120.7401386000000242.2337521 -131.06728710000002 53.2683961 -110.41299010000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-59564650408242175922013-07-26T09:05:00.000-07:002013-07-26T09:06:24.231-07:00What They Don't Tell You When You're Getting Divorced<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQJeQLfbYXs/UfIgEo8slNI/AAAAAAAACAE/9W-hDqyF_rQ/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQJeQLfbYXs/UfIgEo8slNI/AAAAAAAACAE/9W-hDqyF_rQ/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that you’ll buy crumpets at the grocery
store because they were one of your husband’s favorite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you it’s suddenly strange to have double
sinks in your en suite when you’re single. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(You know that you’ll find a way to
make use of the space with all your toiletries ... but it’s weird.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that sometimes you’ll sleep better alone.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But sometimes you won’t sleep at all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that slicing pain will beat through your
chest and you’ll doubt everything you are and everything you’ve ever done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you place your duvet in its new cover, you’ll think of
the day he taught you how to do that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that suddenly he is
there – arm deep in cotton – shaking his head at you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you he becomes part of your new duvet, so
hasn’t really left your bed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You lose all your bearings. You feel floaty, ungrounded,
spinny. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you you’ll misplace your mojo … that you
will think you’re unattractive, untalented, and not good enough. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that he is no longer your home. The thought
of that will choke you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll have to bite the inside of you cheek to stop tears
when a medical receptionist asks what your marital status is and if your former
spouse is still your emergency contact. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your spine must turn to steel when you answer “no.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you there are days you already feel OK and
happy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your friends will gather around you and hold up your heart
so you can see it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your family who will remind you of who you are and that you’re
loved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that your kid will try to be strong but
make forts to cry in, alone, because she misses her dad who is on another continent. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that your daughter will act out, be
angry, lash her tongue at you and you’ll feel like you’re the worst mother.
Ever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But your brothers will help your daughter and give her
examples of strong men who will be part of her daily life, keeping an eye on
her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your daughter will later crawl in your lap, cuddle on the
cuddle couch, and tell you – when you’re practicing daily gratitude – that you
are the thing, the person, she is most grateful for, and that she loves you “beyond
one quadzillion” and that she’d have to keep counting until she’s dead, even when
she’s dead, to find a number of how much she loves you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In those moments, you’ll feel like a hero, like superhuman,
like you can do it all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that you will be OK. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And your daughter will be OK, too … because you’ll make damn
sure of it (and so will many others, including her dad).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will see love and find it in places, with people, with
family, with friends who do love you exactly the way you are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They tell you you’re OK. Not a failure. Not a nothing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet, you’re scared to write, to create, because you’re
afraid of what will come out of you and you’re just doing the very best you can
right now to keep your head above the water with a smile on your face. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You don’t know if you’re ready for what will come out of
you. Yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you a renewed love for your community will
emerge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You notice things you didn’t before – like how the wind
comes into the valley and cools off the dry, hot summer nights. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cul-de-sac will host iconic summer nights: While the
full moon rises against the pale blue sky, you watch children – including your
beautiful daughter – lay on the cement and get sprayed with water by a
neighbor’s father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that you can be broken, or feel broken,
and feel completely whole and at home. Simultaneously. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that you are a package of
contradictions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will be moments of great strength, then moments of
great sorrow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But you get to rediscover parts of yourself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your own style can splash all over the house in beautiful
throws, pillows, colors of your choice – and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that can feel liberating. Empowering.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, alone can be empowering, too … like when you put
together the TV stand without help.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It will take you awhile to notice when another man flirts
with you – you haven’t been flirted with in years. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t tell you that you’ll feel weird – and like
there’s something deficient in you – for liking the sniff of your new freedom.
Even those flirts … sometimes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beautiful people who love you will give you guidance and
help you find your own spirit while deep in hurt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’ll gently push you back to art, to beauty, to connect
with your creative self: to be who you are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Friends and your family will bring you full circle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll bring yourself full circle … or at least to a
different circle (you don’t want to repeat it all, after all). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re not a failure or loser. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also: there’s nothing wrong with you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While you pick yourself up off the floor, you’ll see
fragments of happiness blowing towards you, around you, below you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You slowly see that joy swirls around you always. Even when
you’re sad. Even when you buy crumpets.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The home in your heart will be rebuilt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually you’ll be stronger, wiser, better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll learn you’re never alone. Ever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you’ll be sure to tell others they’re also never alone - because they don’t tell you that when you're getting a divorce. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is an exercise
based on a prompt from <a href="http://www.27powers.org/" target="_blank">Laurie Wagner’s </a>writing course, <a href="http://www.27powers.org/tellingtruestories-course/tts-home/" target="_blank">Telling True Stories</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">P.S. This is a double post - you can also see it on my professional writing page, <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-they-dont-tell-you-when-youre.html" target="_blank">Becky Cavender</a>. </i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMh_i82J9OY/UfIgMKFdK5I/AAAAAAAACAM/5RduupDf4iI/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMh_i82J9OY/UfIgMKFdK5I/AAAAAAAACAM/5RduupDf4iI/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com9Washington, USA47.7510741 -120.7401386000000242.2334901 -131.06728710000002 53.268658099999996 -110.41299010000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-12795282171708697312013-07-01T00:57:00.000-07:002013-07-01T01:06:04.953-07:00Culture Shock at Home<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5yJ_U_2zPU/UdE2L4FP1iI/AAAAAAAAB_w/Rp1SE0IdZ7U/s1296/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5yJ_U_2zPU/UdE2L4FP1iI/AAAAAAAAB_w/Rp1SE0IdZ7U/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMXzkHkOv0o/UdE1JZssNvI/AAAAAAAAB_k/4mIUoG5UUEw/s86/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMXzkHkOv0o/UdE1JZssNvI/AAAAAAAAB_k/4mIUoG5UUEw/s86/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It was surreal. I wasn't firing on all cylinders. My mind felt hazy and heavy. Maybe on sensory overload.<br />
<br />
The aisles were wider, longer, and taller than what I've been used to for the last 16 months. Though it was my local grocery store and I'd been there countless times over the years, it felt as foreign as the first time I walked into Yangon's CityMart.<br />
<br />
American grocery stores are vast and filled with many options. We're kind of spoiled, really ... but that didn't occur to me until I walked down the enormous breakfast cereal aisle last week.<br />
<br />
In Yangon, the cereal options were expanding, but you could still count on just a small 2' or 3' square space on the shelves to display availability. There were usually about four different choices or so - not much more than that. <br />
<br />
At home, I was shocked to see the entire length of the aisle (at least twice as long as City Mart's aisles) filled with cereal from top shelf to bottom shelf. I could hardly move. My jaw might've dropped open a few inches as I stared.<br />
<br />
I still can't get the image out of my head and it's been nearly a week.<br />
<br />
Do people <i>really</i> eat that much cereal? Are the flavors all <i>that</i> different? Maybe there were several different box sizes?<br />
<br />
Of course I've been down the cereal aisle in the US before, but you adapt to your surroundings: I adapted to limited options (options were treats!) in Myanmar. Often you didn't get options at all: Sometimes items were in stock and sometimes they weren't.<br />
<br />
It felt indulgent to buy hummus and my daughter's favorite brand of honey Greek yogurt; but, the ice cream aisle with all the sizes and flavors and brands was almost too much to handle, so I only focused on the section that sold the smallest pots. I grabbed the tiny salted caramel gelato in hopes it would remind me of my recent trip to Italy (even though I didn't have salted caramel gelato in Italy), then got out of that section as fast as I could. My brain was already freezing enough as it was...<br />
<br />
Reverse culture shock is as common as culture shock when you arrive to a new country. With each move back home after living overseas, I've experienced it.<br />
<br />
Living abroad changes you. Living across the country (in your own country!) changes you. You begin to see things differently. Your values can change.<br />
<br />
My idea of bad service at a restaurant is significantly different than what it was before ... so is my idea of bad traffic. At risk of sounding snobby, my tolerance for other Americans' views of bad traffic/bad driving or bad service is pretty low at the moment.<br />
<br />
It's not fair for me to get judgy, though. Experience changes perspective. I suspect that after a year, I may give in to complaining about ordinary things that really aren't that important.<br />
<br />
After all, I won't live on a road with several bamboo shacks and a garbage heap that the stray dogs eat from. I'll be free to say anything I want about politics or politicians without anyone blinking an eye (except to perhaps argue - but certainly without fear or uncertainty). My house won't have rats or toads or centipedes or scorpions. I won't have to worry about it raining inside my house every time it rains outside. My concerns will be different. Not easier. Not better. Just different.<br />
<br />
If you're repatriating here are a few articles you might want to check out:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.expatica.com/nl/essentials_moving_to/repatriation/Reverse-culture-shock-101_16451.html" target="_blank">Expatica</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/information/repatriation_the_difficulties_of_returning_home_and_reverse_culture_shock_on_re-entry_from_expatriate_life.php" target="_blank">Newcomers Network </a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.x-expats.com/interviews/109-repatriation-101-demystifying-reverse-culture-shock-.html" target="_blank">X-Expats</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><i>Have you lived overseas before then repatriated? How did you handle reverse culture shock? </i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><i>p.s. Thank you for your patience during my June holiday! And thanks for re-joining me here to hear about repatriation back in the US and my continued love for Myanmar. </i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><i>To read about my journey in the United States as a writer (a single mom writer) and divorcing, then join me over on my professional writing site, <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Becky Cavender.</a> </i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAEhXT4Kufk/UdE1DHdmFpI/AAAAAAAAB_c/brWXsoWVK4c/s134/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAEhXT4Kufk/UdE1DHdmFpI/AAAAAAAAB_c/brWXsoWVK4c/s134/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com13Yakima, WA, USA46.6020711 -120.5058986999999946.5147811 -120.66726019999999 46.689361100000006 -120.34453719999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-82797526583670733652013-05-26T08:35:00.000-07:002013-05-26T08:35:44.590-07:00How to Survive Packing (Especially When You're an Introvert)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEmg8mqZxCA/UaIoQoljSmI/AAAAAAAAB-s/SRPjwk-B9W4/s1600/942995_10151687365165229_1755897645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEmg8mqZxCA/UaIoQoljSmI/AAAAAAAAB-s/SRPjwk-B9W4/s1600/942995_10151687365165229_1755897645_n.jpg" height="475" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwndhqYloJI/UaIi4egM4XI/AAAAAAAAB-g/hcWhbWNgYLU/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwndhqYloJI/UaIi4egM4XI/AAAAAAAAB-g/hcWhbWNgYLU/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you good at labeling and organizing all of your things
when packing up? Is moving easy for you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No? Oh, good. We’re in the same boat, then. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m awful at packing … especially the organizational part of
it. It’s the little things that do my head in – like all the stuff that goes in
the junk drawer. What to do with it all? My eyes glaze over and I
enter a near-comatose state until tears threaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After moving 12 times in the last 11 years, you’d think I’d
be used to packing-up, but I’m not. The only thing I’d like to do when moving
is go in my room, lock the door, crawl in bed, and throw the covers over my
head in hopes of willing it all away … or wishing to be magically transported
to my new location with everything set-up and unpacked, ready to go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead, I often feel overwhelmed. Moving always means more
of stuff: more mess; more messy emotions; more people; more stress; more boxes;
more chaos. I prefer the simple, quiet, non-intrusive life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A move rips all of that out from your grips
and tosses it around the house, into your yard, your garage, your head … not
caring where any of it lands. There’s not much of a choice left then: You have
to deal with the mess, even when <i>you’re</i> feeling like a big, bundle of mess.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So what to do? How to cope with the chaos and more-ness of a
move? And what if you’re an introvert? Oh, and what if you’re an introvert <i>and</i>
a <a href="http://www.hsperson.com/" target="_blank">HSP (highly sensitive person</a>)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, to start, you have to hold on tight, close your
eyes, take a deep breath, and hope the whole thing will be over quickly. While
the moving stress builds, there are some things you can do that will help a
bit. Especially when packing up. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b><i>Before the move</i></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Get a moving company
to pack your stuff up for you</b>. </span>No, this doesn’t make it stress-free. You
still have to organize all your stuff, put it in piles (air shipment, give
away, throw away, container shipment), and oversee their packing; but it will allow you to have less sore
muscles and you’ll get time for tea. (I also realize that this isn't a realistic option for many people.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fill out a
checklist/inventory of your belongings before the movers come</b>.</span> It’s boring
to fill out, but<a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2012/08/blog-post.html" target="_blank"> super important</a>. Do so with care and if the checklist provided
by the moving company isn’t adequate, just walk around the house with a notepad
+ write down what you have. Type it up. If you’re insuring your belongings, it
will be a requirement to complete the form. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">List any individual
items worth over $500 (high value items)</b>.</span> Take pics of those items on your
phone. (And don’t delete them until your belongings have safely arrived at your
new destination.) Some people get really into this part and take pictures of
everything and really write a detailed list. If you can handle that, do it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The night before packing</i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have a nice meal. </b></span>Make
it easy, simple. Go out if you want. My husband makes a mean Shepherd’s Pie and
he took the time to do that the night before the packers came. It was a very kind gesture, especially
considering <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/04/this-too-shall-pass-on-leaving-myanmar.html" target="_blank">we’re getting a divorce</a>. His response was, “I figured we could all
use a bit of comfort food tonight.” He was right. He even did all the dishes
after. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Get a good night’s
sleep</b>. </span>Take a sleeping pill if you must. (I wish I did this.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Plan a few days to
pack</b></span> things into boxes before the removal people show up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feed the movers + be
very polite to them</b>.</span> At least give them drinks and make sure they take a
lunch break. Remember: they’re handling your possessions, so don’t piss them
off. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wake up early</b>.</span>
Give yourself time to lean into the morning without too much stress or running
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a leisurely breakfast if
you can. If this doesn’t work…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;">Drink coffee or tea
(slowly)</span> </b>before the movers show up. Take care of yourself and do what you
need to mentally prepare for the chaos. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><b>If you’re a HSP and/or an introvert</b></i> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’ll want to
take extra care. It can be helpful to reduce the number of strangers in the
house and especially the number of children. My <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2012/12/whats-beautiful-in-all-of-us.html" target="_blank">extra-loving-advice for youHSP/innies</a>:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reduce the number of
people</b></span> in the house while packing/moving, or at least limit it to the best of your ability. At the same time, I strongly recommend - if you can afford it - to get packers in because though it's not an easy fix and it is still overwhelming to have to make sure strangers are packing your things correctly, it can afford you little breaks where you can get away for a few minutes.</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;">Have quiet time</span> </b>in
the morning before everything is lashed upon you. The sounds of packing, the
smells, the sight of your belongings all over, the mess, and the people will all be
enough for you to go on sensory overload. </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ask a friend/partner/family
member to help</b></span> </span>you out. They can help manage the movers and you can have
sneaky quiet time in the restroom, a bedroom, or wherever to give you those
moments of being able to regroup. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I once had a lovely experience where my friend brought over
take away from a nice Italian restaurant. She had plastic wine glasses and
after the movers left, we sat on the floor and had a picnic of yummy food and
wine. I was so grateful to her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Call friends </b></span>when the movers are packing things. It's a strange time to sit in the house as it goes echo-y. You may not want a lot of people physically around, but it can be helpful to reach out and talk to someone about how you're feeling. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>What are things that help you? I'd love to hear your tricks and tips!</b></i></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFL4No_aY7w/UaIoYZoMZYI/AAAAAAAAB-0/AwZ8HKSANzw/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFL4No_aY7w/UaIoYZoMZYI/AAAAAAAAB-0/AwZ8HKSANzw/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com11Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313841500000002 95.504552999999973 17.2861585 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-22854202872336948022013-05-08T22:31:00.002-07:002013-05-09T19:02:53.591-07:00Moving into No Man's Land<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNGj9yw6448/UYs0h-_ScMI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/BCPeU6-dgvM/s1600/Bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNGj9yw6448/UYs0h-_ScMI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/BCPeU6-dgvM/s1600/Bottle.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWCFl4Kue1g/UYsyLxun3TI/AAAAAAAAB98/nASy8Y5zN5c/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWCFl4Kue1g/UYsyLxun3TI/AAAAAAAAB98/nASy8Y5zN5c/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bookshelves are emptying. Books are piling up on the floor. Clothes are
sorted into piles: suitcase; air shipment; and container shipment. Life seems
like one big pile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Piles are evidence of no man's land. The place of in-between. The
packing-up, the knowing that you're leaving, but haven't left. You're in one
place physically, but straddling two worlds. Perhaps even a third: the unknown.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's the most difficult part of transition/moving for me. Stress builds. You
become split-up. Part of you belongs where you are. Part of you doesn't.
Navigating this is hard. Making sense of it, writing coherently about it … may
not be possible. (I did try to in my eBook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Myanmar-resources-friendly-ebook/dp/B00CBP3ZFY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank"><i>Moving to Myanmar</i></a>.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s like you aren’t anywhere. Not completely. Not wholly. Your mind
scatters across thousands of miles, oceans, and brings you straight back to
where you are standing, your feet planted in Yangon, only to swiftly lift back
up and toss you across that sea again. Fragments of thoughts, of feelings,
flutter down around you like confetti. They’re so small you can’t quite catch
them. Can’t quite hold them. Nothing feels exactly … real. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The reality is, though, there is conflict stewing and bubbling inside. I
hold conflicting emotions about leaving Myanmar. I hold conflicting feelings
about arriving home in the United States. There are things I will miss in
Yangon. There are things I will not. As the time to leave comes closer, my
feelings about both intensify. Equally, there are things I look forward to and
also worry about moving back to the United States; those feelings are becoming
more intense, too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's like intense soup over here.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it’s busy. There are checklists to tick off, schedules to make, people to
see, jobs to get done. You navigate the minefield of trying to see everyone who
matters to you while you might wish you could sometimes slip off into the
distance unnoticed. But you really don’t want that either. Still, you’re so
busy and your mind is so active, that you just … find it hard to slow down.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are moments where I feel more present and the realization of leaving
hits. The other day, we had a going away playdate for my daughter. It was her
idea and I felt proud she came up with a strategy on her own for letting go. Around
15 school friends showed up. Some parents came, too, and so did three teachers.
I was struck by how supported and how beautiful it was to have such kind people
surrounding my daughter, wishing her well. How did we become so lucky in just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one short year</i>?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday I spent time doing an interview with quite an astonishing woman.
She spoke about how relationships are central in her life. As I held onto her
words throughout the day, I felt a sense of gratitude for the relationships I’ve
made in Yangon. I was also feeling a bit down about some stuff. While walking
around an unplanned trip Marketplace, a friend from Korea unexpectedly called
out to me. She and her friend, who I didn’t know, offered me kindness, inviting
me to have tea with them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For a brief time, I could grasp at those fluttering confetti thoughts and
pull them to my heart long enough to feel like I was in one place. Not a
million places. Just one. Just there. With her and her friend. During our tea,
I explained I was moving – she didn’t know. Explanations to why the sudden move
were made. It wasn’t easy, yet I was met with such tender warmth and support
and what felt like love. She isn’t someone I know well. Despite language and
cultural barriers, we connect. I don’t know why. Strangely, we seem to run into
each other on those days when one of us is struggling. I see it in her face.
She sees it in mine. We nod knowingly and barriers come down.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many people in Yangon I have this with. I have been blessed.
Truly. It will hurt leaving the people who have touched my life here. It really
sucks. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love, love, love that I have friends from several different countries. I love
that my daughter does, too. It’s one of the most important and greatest gifts
of living overseas. You can’t put a price tag on it and you’re forever changed
as a result. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My daughter is beginning to realize the impact of leaving also. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s expressing how sad it will be to leave
her friends from school, her teachers, and other adults who have played a key
role in her life here, despite her difficulty adjusting to life in Myanmar. At
the same time we’re anxious to see our friends and family at home. To move on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recognizing the losses that are incurred by moving doesn’t take away from
the things I look forward to gaining by going home. The long, deep friendships,
the familiarity of home and family waiting for us also doesn’t take away the
hurt of what’s being left behind.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s not easy reconciling these feelings and you can’t do very much about it,
except grasp at those confetti pieces when possible. Try to be in one place for
just a moment. And breathe. I’m not very good at it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The past year hasn’t been easy. An overseas move is trying. A consequent divorce
is hard. To turn around and move again just over a year later is testing every
ounce of patience I have. Comfort has often come in the form of friendships or
warmth from near strangers. I am not sure how to write about this yet, other
than to say that without it, the struggles would’ve been much harder. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are people in Yangon who probably have no clue how one little smile or
warm touch to my arm made my day better on those rougher days. They continue
to. And that level of innate, brief support isn’t common, yet I’ve experienced it
often living here. I am better for it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When my thoughts are clear and emotions a little less tender than they are at
this moment, I will write about these relationships and the lessons I’ve
learned. What living in Myanmar has taught me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So now, I will go back to my piles of books and piles of clothes. Go back to no man's land and try to make some sense of it all. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00Mh7goHt-w/UYsySS8KGCI/AAAAAAAAB-E/9RDZ7bdJOf0/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00Mh7goHt-w/UYsySS8KGCI/AAAAAAAAB-E/9RDZ7bdJOf0/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com6Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-14224498198287407032013-05-04T07:27:00.000-07:002013-05-04T07:41:48.043-07:00Yangon Drivers Beware<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6eao-xHXaU/UYUWrKOsklI/AAAAAAAAB9c/gNQuNkCuszw/s1600/YANGON+DRIVING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6eao-xHXaU/UYUWrKOsklI/AAAAAAAAB9c/gNQuNkCuszw/s1600/YANGON+DRIVING.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNq4NDDH46I/UYUSPK_Yq7I/AAAAAAAAB9M/A-8-FeV2rZw/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNq4NDDH46I/UYUSPK_Yq7I/AAAAAAAAB9M/A-8-FeV2rZw/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love many things about living in Yangon: amazing, special
friends; lush, green foliage; gorgeous wild orchids and other flowers. There
are even smiling faces greeting you almost everywhere … except on the road when
driving. It’s as if all the calm, placid veneers brew with aggressive anger and
driving is the conduit –the release – of all pent up frustration and anger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Traffic is an increasing problem. Over a year ago,
there were few cars on the road. Though the lack of driving skill was evident, drivers
weren’t aggressive and rude. They didn’t honk their horns. All that rude and
frankly –downright selfish – driving behavior was left to the bus drivers. Now
it has infected nearly everyone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Driving here is something I don’t love. I’d wager you’d be
hard pressed to find someone who actually enjoys it. It is stressful and filled
with unexpected twists and turns. Literally. This afternoon we barely swerved
quickly enough to miss workers that were randomly on an accident-prone section
of the road without any hint or warning they were there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know: like a warning flashing light. Or a “Slow”
sign prior to the construction zone. So that the front of the car didn’t smash
up the person in front of us, a quick, hard swerve was required. We nearly hit several cars that were straddling the lanes next to us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Straddling lanes – lane ambivalence, as I like to call it –
is rampant. No one seems to drive in one lane and just stick with it. No
choosing their course and moving forward. In a straight line. Too much
commitment maybe? Instead, car after car, truck after truck drives between the
dotted lines as if they were never painted there. Swerving, tailgating, and
extremely aggressive drivers barrel down the street, laying on their horns,
barelybarelybarely avoiding a bus, a car, a truck, a pedestrian, a cyclist, a
pushcart, a rickshaw. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Shocking, yet everyday occurrences</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I watched a van driver bolt down the three lane road
narrowly avoiding other speeding vehicles, cars traveling around 20 mph, and
those making abrupt stops in the far left hand lane to do U-Turns across
oncoming traffic. The van sped past us, barging into the far right hand lane,
only to zip wildly without abandon, right back over to the far left hand lane
and … you guessed it: slam on their breaks and do a U-Turn. My under-the-breath
muttering became louder and louder. We were only half-way to our destination. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, an extremely impatient driver nearly hit the driver’s
side of our car trying to pass it. On the left. Into three lanes of oncoming
traffic. A taxi followed suit. They weren’t heading the direction of any
hospital. I wondered what the emergency could’ve been. Surely, there
really wasn’t one…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It’s not just the
drivers </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well-meaning parking attendants insist people reverse their cars into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every</i> parking
spot. <i>Every single</i> parking spot has a car backed up into it. This makes no
sense to me. There can’t be a law that says you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must</i> reverse park into spots. I refuse. Flat-out refuse. Call me a
rebel. As I refuse, I try not to run over the parking attendants who seem
determined – no matter which business you go to – to stand right in the spot
you need to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mutter-muttering grows louder. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Traffic Police. Wait.
What?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sadly, the traffic police occasionally exacerbate problems.
They’re often seen hanging out in some little police hut on the corner of the
road, sometimes even when there’s an accident.<br />
<br />
They can be seen in the middle of the road, too. Abruptly stopping traffic, causing squealing breaks and skid marks. (Yeah, the kind that could even end up in your pants from fright!) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Back in the day... </b><br />
The once slow, rambling go-cart style driving has been
replaced with an outrageous amount of absolutely rude, reckless driving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s infuriating. I’ve never been much of a
road rager, but my goodness … I turn into angry Medusa. Or at least I wish I did. Then I could turn cars into stone. Make them stop. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Aggressiveness</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not like I haven’t lived in places with aggressive,
rude drivers. Nairobi is notorious for its craziness. And the notorious rumors
are absolutely true. It’s so bad, that when we visited New York City, we
scoffed at their idea of traffic. (<i>Traffic? What traffic? People are driving in an orderly fashion. There are no baboons or matatus or craziness!</i>) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The difference between Nairobi and Yangon is
that in Nairobi, drivers actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i>
driving skills. They use those skills to take ridiculous risks … but they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> drive! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I’m sounding incredibly rude and jugdy. It's not nice to say a very large group of citizens don't have driving skills. But I'm not telling you a fib. They really, really, really, really ... <b><i>really</i></b> don't. <i>Really</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
don’t usually write ranting blog posts. I also try my utmost to be respectful
of all-things Yangon. I can’t lie about how stressful, illogical, unnecessary,
and flat-out dangerous driving is here, though. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully, I’m in good company, <a href="http://latefornowhere.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/cycling-yangons-gridlock-apocalypse/" target="_blank">as my friend writes here</a>, but from the harrowing perspective of a commuting cyclist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zen</b>?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One sweet, forgiving friend said that in Yangon, it’s like Zen
driving. Bless her. There’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i> Zen-like
about driving here. Nothing calm. Nothing peaceful. It’s raging, obnoxious,
rude, blinding, and completely without skill. It’s opposite of any Buddhist-like
stereotype you could conjure up. The exact opposite. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A year ago, you could’ve said that. Not now. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are beautiful things about this city. Many things I
will miss. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The driving? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, <i>hell</i> no. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> miss
the driving. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. Requiring driving tests prior to obtaining licenses would be a good place to start
improving things here. Just a thought. Crazy. I know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSC9Cy4017E/UYUW0RVLFcI/AAAAAAAAB9k/BeIGffHWXLM/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSC9Cy4017E/UYUW0RVLFcI/AAAAAAAAB9k/BeIGffHWXLM/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com0Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-63597336040740539942013-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:002013-05-01T09:13:32.813-07:00Expat Getting Divorced, Has Kid, Seeks Resources <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkacJUFxiFI/UYE2hGI8vdI/AAAAAAAAB84/Ofe1pGqUSLM/s1600/divorccbpzZ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkacJUFxiFI/UYE2hGI8vdI/AAAAAAAAB84/Ofe1pGqUSLM/s1600/divorccbpzZ_c.jpg" height="218" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5UABfn-ojU/UYEzzRhoc3I/AAAAAAAAB8g/F9GjOtgMJ6c/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5UABfn-ojU/UYEzzRhoc3I/AAAAAAAAB8g/F9GjOtgMJ6c/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I’m an
expat. And if you’ve <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/04/this-too-shall-pass-on-leaving-myanmar.html" target="_blank">read this post</a>, you know I’m an expat getting a divorce.
We have a child. My husband will be parenting our daughter long-distance. My daughter and I will repatriate. He will stay abroad.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You’d
think there would be resources out there to help expats getting a divorce … especially
if you’re an expat getting a divorce, with a kid, where one parent will live
several thousand miles away on a completely different continent. Surely there
are resources to help better parent that child and support them through yet <i>another</i> huge move and adjustment in
their little life.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There aren’t. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">No. I’m
not kidding. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">No, <i>really</i>. Seriously. I’m <b><i>not</i></b>
kidding. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">OK. That’s
a little bit of a lie. You can find <i>loads</i>
of divorce attorneys representing international family firms. Some of those
sites provide financial advice and tell you not to flee the country with your
children. (Duh.) Most of those sites are aimed at British expats. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">That’s not
the kind of support I’m talking about. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Lack of Stats and Resources </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I have not
found a single academic or organizational statistic or resource aimed
specifically at current expats getting a divorce with children … let alone
expats getting divorced. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There
appears to be no children’s books for third culture kids suffering through
their parents’ divorce. There seems a complete lack of how-to books for parents
on <a href="http://fatherandchild.org.nz/magazine/issue-6/long-distance-parenting/">long-distance
parenting</a> targeting <i>expats</i> and
their special circumstances. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Surely, I
am not the only expat out in the world getting divorced. Our family won't be the only one that makes a go of long-distance parenting. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I know we’re
not alone. A 2012 article from <i>The Telegraph</i> says the <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/9240607/Expat-divorce-in-Dubai-on-the-rise.html">divorce
rate amongst expats in Dubai is on the rise</a>. (Source: Dubai Statistics
Center.) Perhaps Dubai’s the only city gathering divorce stats on expats?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Silence</b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There’s a
lot of speculation about how common expat divorce is; <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120291413496265417.html">this article</a>
from the Wall Street Journal states organizations and companies either don’t
share or don’t collect data on this because it may cause couples to re-think
their overseas post. It’d be kind of like <span style="color: #76a5af;"><i><b>“Hey! Come Work Abroad … And Ruin
Your Marriage!”</b></i></span> Yeah … might not go down well. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I’ve
recently emailed a global relocation company to ask if they have statistics or
provide resources to couples and families … especially kids. When I hear back,
I’ll let you know. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Expats
seem silent about it, too. I’ve tried searching for expat bloggers talking
about their divorce. Nada. There are a few expat divorced bloggers out there,
but they’re writing about it as though they became expats after divorce. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Expat Stigma? </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Divorce,
despite being sadly common, still has stigma around it. Many people are ashamed
when their marriages don’t work out. In the expat community, it can be hard to
talk to others about real issues going on because it’s such a small, strange world
… especially if you work in development or teaching. I <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2012/10/expat-life-isolation.html" target="_blank">posted here</a> that being
an expat can be isolating. It can be hard to talk about the tough stuff for
many reasons. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Do expats feel an additional sense of shame and stigma attached to divorce? </b>There’s
a plethora of stats out there about how well-educated, well-paid, and privileged
expats are. Smart people don’t get divorced, right? Well-paid people don’t get
divorced. <i>Living the dream</i> overseas …
what would<i> ever </i>make you get divorced? Right? Wrong.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The truth
is being an expat isn’t always rosy. When you’re far from usual support
networks, it can be difficult to process things. Life overseas often takes a
toll on couples and families. Many people work through it, but it isn’t pots of gold
and rainbows all the time.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Resources</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are
resources – minimal ones – out there on long-distance parenting, but typically
targeted to the US population and not always divorced families; many families
separated for work in the bad economic times and there are military families
who struggle with this issue, too. There are wonderful children’s books like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Miss-You-Feel-Books/dp/0807589039" target="_blank"><i>When I Miss You</i></a> to address the feelings
kids get when they’re … well … missing someone. Zilch about missing your parent
who lives 8,000 miles away and how to deal with <i>that</i>. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Fantastic divorce books exist for parents and children. At some point I’ll post a tab on
the blog listing them. Many of those messages are transferable … until
you get to the part where the kid is packing-up to spend the weekend at dad’s
house. My daughter will be lucky to see her dad four times a year. She may or may
not go to his house. Or if she does, it might only be once a year. Where’s the
book about <i>that</i>?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What about
books for young kids repatriating? It’s not an easy ride <a href="http://iwasanexpatwife.com/2012/02/06/repatriated-tcks-not-all-sunshine-and-lollipops/">as
this post shows</a>. I worry about my daughter fitting in a small,
conservative town with little ethnic diversity where the school will be bigger, and the teacher-to-student ratio <i>completely</i> different. To make her stick out a
bit more, she's lived in a different country and her dad will still
live overseas. Her parents will be going through a divorce. Oh, and she’s
bi-cultural. And, she has traveled a lot and has a passport … unlike most
Americans, let alone American children. Where the hell is <i>that</i> f’ing book?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Friends?</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I'll only mention this briefly today, but - uh - what if you want to continue a friendly relationship with your ex-spouse? Can I just tell you how nearly impossible it is to find articles or books about <i>that</i>? Like the idea itself is impossible to fathom? I've found <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2004/may/23/features.review7" target="_blank">this article</a> and <a href="http://gulfnews.com/life-style/relationships/hot-debate-is-it-wise-to-stay-friends-with-your-ex-1.1110690" target="_blank">this one</a>. Most sources say you can't be friends - if it's even possible - for at least a few years. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Really? I say bullshit. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are lots of books about positive co-parenting. When I found the book <i>Taking the High Road,</i> I thought it would discuss how to go through a divorce positively ...not just how to parent positively during a divorce. Turns out, the person who wrote the book hated her husband throughout their divorce (like lots of people, I guess) and gives advice on how to find out if you're being cheated on. This includes where to buy mini voice recorders and where to strategically hide them to 'catch' personal phone calls. <i><b>That's</b></i> the high road?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Problem</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We're expats, with a kid. We're getting divorced. One parent and one kid is going home. Long-distance parenting is involved. And we're going <i>through</i> the divorce - RIGHT NOW - amicably (though incredibly painfully). And there is NOTHING out there that talks about this! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If I’m
wrong, I hope some of you will guide me to the light and show me the error of
my ways. Share the resources with me. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If I’m
right – I’m frightened I am – something needs to be done. Expats need to speak
out. Organizations need to say something. Data needs to be shared. Resources
need to be created. It’s completely wrong <i>not</i>
to talk about this. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Even if it makes people uncomfortable, I'm going to talk about this. Someone has to. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Are you an
expat? Have you been impacted by divorce? Do you know someone that has? Let’s
talk.</span></b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42NrdTeMD0o/UYEz6BADbGI/AAAAAAAAB8o/eniN5PImlgo/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42NrdTeMD0o/UYEz6BADbGI/AAAAAAAAB8o/eniN5PImlgo/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com24Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-88295635279818857162013-04-26T03:13:00.002-07:002013-04-26T03:13:37.416-07:00This Too, Shall Pass - On Leaving Myanmar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIy_X5Rrp5k/UXpTGG69j9I/AAAAAAAAB70/wCa7tJyJ16o/s1600/photo(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIy_X5Rrp5k/UXpTGG69j9I/AAAAAAAAB70/wCa7tJyJ16o/s1600/photo(10).jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><span id="goog_919889259"></span><span id="goog_919889260"></span><span id="goog_1636505464"></span><span id="goog_1636505465"></span><span id="goog_2130582182"></span><span id="goog_2130582183"></span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLre5Wr94cI/UXkFndPG_DI/AAAAAAAAB7A/tszAbBi7ixc/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLre5Wr94cI/UXkFndPG_DI/AAAAAAAAB7A/tszAbBi7ixc/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes we make plans and hang our hopes on an unforeseen future - one
we're committed to. One we're sure will, well ... go to plan.<br />
<br />
Life doesn't usually dole out the expected, though. Or maybe it does, but not
when we expect it to or in the exact way we thought it would. Plans that were
written down get scratched out, revised, or completely torn-up.
Destroyed.<br />
<br />
You start again.<br />
<br />
We have choices to make when we get a life-sized side swipe. Choices about how
we're going to handle and respond to our dreams not quite unraveling the way we
wanted them to. We can choose to stand in the middle of what's been lost and
shrink down or stand-up. Neither is easy and I actually think there's a time
for both.<br />
<br />
There have been significant unexpected changes in my family. The changes
mean that my daughter and I will no longer live in Myanmar after May when her
school finishes. She and I will move back to the United States without
her dad.<br />
<br />
Family will get defined in a new way. There will be new labels: single mom;
single; divorced/separated. Old labels will dwindle slowly and with difficulty:
wife; family; expat. Plans of staying in Myanmar for at least a few more years:
scratched out. New plans have to be made. It sometimes feels scary. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, the moving company showed up to give a quote on how much it would
cost to ship belongings back home. When the moving guy hands you a
packet of information about their company and tells you they're free
to put your things in boxes next week, it starts to get real. And it
became clear that it's time to get real with you, too, and tell you
what's happening. <br />
<br />
There is a grieving that floods you when a hope, a plan, a dream is
interrupted. Those feelings are real and they're OK. <br />
<br />
Sometimes we edge our way to the side, find a little bit of raised ground -
hope - to stand on, giving us the protection of a wider view, showing us what's
going on.<br />
<br />
If we can find that raised ground - perhaps even a fence - and look on both
sides, we're able to straddle the realities of what is before us and what is to
come. We can lovingly, gently, hold our grief in one hand while in the other,
bless the future: the gifts of lessons learned, of growth, of moving forward.
In silence, in solitude, we can listen to our hearts and hear the message it's
trying to tell us:<br />
<br />
It's going to be OK.<br />
It's going to be OK.<br />
It's going to be OK. <br />
<br />
Because it <i>will</i> be OK. Maybe not in ten minutes. Maybe not tomorrow.
Maybe it will take longer than thought. It doesn't matter. There's no time
limit, no scale to measure loss of any kind. It's a personal journey. We'll
have moments of shrinking, then standing up.<br />
<br />
I find the safest place on that raised bit of ground where I can look at
both sides, with honesty. There's a reverence that can be offered to what is
being grieved. You say thank you (even if it hurts). You see all of it, clearly
(as clear as you can now), and bless it. You bless - equally - the hurts and
the beauty of your memories ... and what you had hoped would become memories.
That's where I find strength. <br />
<br />
It's a time for letting go.<br />
<br />
So, what about Becky in Burma? What about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Myanmar-resources-friendly-ebook/dp/B00CBP3ZFY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365767466&sr=1-1&keywords=moving+to+myanmar" target="_blank"><u>the eBook</u></a>? Becky in Burma will still be here, even though <i>I</i> won't be. The eBook will carry on and hopefully serve as a useful resource for many of you moving here. I'll continue to offer support and try to help people as much as possible, too. <br />
<br />
I will probably spend quite a bit of time talking about this middle-space of transition I'm currently in. Many of you are in similar situations - either also leaving Myanmar or about to move here. For those of us transitioning, we're in a bit of a no-man's land. We're not settled. Our feet are one place and our heads are often in another (just like I talked about in the first chapter of the eBook. Ironic, isn't it?).<br />
<br />
Transitions are hard. I'll write honestly about my experiences with it: I'm sure a lot of us will relate to one another. <br />
<br />
Transitions are messy and it's hard to keep things clear. When I'm experiencing or thinking about my future and the transition back to Washington State, I'll share that on my professional writing page, <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Becky Cavender</u></a>. When I write about things specific to leaving Myanmar, I will write them here. This will help me try to find some clarity and sort through that ... mess. I'll give links in posts to other posts (if that makes sense). <br />
<br />
This new journey will lead my daughter and I back to home, to family, to
friends. There's joy in that. Equally, there's joy in the beautiful friendships
we've made in Yangon. Lots of to be grateful for. Sadness, too. I will write more about that in the coming weeks, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.
<br />
Thanks for being part of this<i> hello/good-bye</i> with me. <br />
<br />
P.S. I have posted a similar version of this <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/2013/04/this-too-shall-pass-on-move.html" target="_blank"><u>over here on Becky Cavender</u></a>
because I think that while Becky in Burma offers a good-bye/letting-go, <a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Becky Cavender</u></a> will be about starting over/new beginnings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55PNkyJn8YI/UXkFurR0LoI/AAAAAAAAB7I/dRKh1-0szfg/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55PNkyJn8YI/UXkFurR0LoI/AAAAAAAAB7I/dRKh1-0szfg/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com20Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-13875864595535462762013-04-24T07:20:00.000-07:002013-04-24T07:51:44.256-07:00Body Image: Big Girl in Teensy-Girl Land<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYEvIXK3vq8/UXflpmMKqhI/AAAAAAAAB6k/achTfWtPUyw/s1600/529464_10151074139795229_1906404278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYEvIXK3vq8/UXflpmMKqhI/AAAAAAAAB6k/achTfWtPUyw/s1600/529464_10151074139795229_1906404278_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My daughter + I. Thailand. <span style="font-size: x-small;">2012.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1vA63MdSqc/UXfl3tkXC_I/AAAAAAAAB6s/UbHOD1XBlTs/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1vA63MdSqc/UXfl3tkXC_I/AAAAAAAAB6s/UbHOD1XBlTs/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm writing about body image today. This is new for me. It's also a deeply sensitive and personal subject: one I have struggled with since I was a child. This post? It's me being brave. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Many women are not taught how to have a positive body image. There's a lot of body-hating language that goes on. Harmful, self-loathing language often passed down from mother-daughter as though it's some sort of tradition that all girls should pick apart their bodies in nasty, disrespectful ways. Girlfriends perpetuate this self-hate language. It's so common that it's part of our background noise: we just accept it. The media doesn't often help.<br />
<br />
I'm not immune to this language, especially since I'm no skinnie-minnie. Far from it.<br />
<br />
You may remember <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-words-of-year.html" target="_blank"><u>this post</u></a> about my words of the year: ignite and glow. My goal is to ignite a sense of deep self-love, self-care, and body acceptance. Living in a region of the world where most people are described as very thin (in comparison to Europeans/Americans/Pacific peoples), big girl body-hating syndrome can rear its head on a regular basis if you're not careful. <br />
<br />
In Myanmar, you'll stand out a bit if you don't look SE Asian and anything else that makes you different will certainly compound that; for example, if you're big, have light skin, have dark skin, are tall, etc. you'll generate more than the average amount of attention. Tourism is growing and many expats are moving here, but it's not so diverse that you can be anonymous and blend in. <br />
<br />
Many Westerners are large compared to people from this region of the world. We're usually taller, wider, thicker, and bigger breasted (if you happen to have breasts). One of my very petite friends told me after a trip to Japan, "I felt like a giant there!" I'm still frightened to go to Japan as a result!<br />
<br />
It's not uncommon to hear "thin" Western women say it's a challenge to buy clothes off the rack in many stores here. Clothes are simply tailored for smaller frames and in the rare case you can buy plus-sized clothes, you're actually looking at <i>average</i> US/UK/AUS sizes: Basically, if you're larger than a size 6 or 8, you're considered plus-sized.<br />
<br />
So, what's it like if you're a <i>real</i> plus-sized person living in this region? What if you're one of the millions who has struggled with negative body image?<br />
<br />
When your body has bulges and sticky-out bits like mine, you <i>will</i> get noticed more than the Average Jane. It's part of traveling or living in SE Asia. That more-than-average noticing can feel tricky if you're not completely loving your full-sized self. If you're an introvert, it just gets trickier.<br />
<br />
Being a big/large/fat girl was a concern of mine when moving to Myanmar. I was worried about being made fun of, stared at, pointed at, laughed at, sneered at ... you name it. I even lost 80lbs before moving here (for a variety of different reasons and I still have a lot more to lose).<br />
<br />
See, when I lived in Ethiopia those experiences happened. Construction workers near my house sent out cat calls: but not the good kinds. On a daily basis, men yelled after me, laughing, calling me fat in Amharic. It was hurtful, embarrassing, and took quite a toll on me at the time. Knowing the Amharic word for fat wasn't helpful.<br />
<br />
It was tough experiencing the teasing. Though I was heavier then than I am now, I hadn't ever been teased (to my face) when I lived in the USA or UK. I've never been thin, but I seemed to miraculously avoid the taunts that many obese people experience. Learning how to handle the stares, mocks, and teases was hard and negatively impacted my already negative body image.<br />
<br />
I didn't want a rematch in Myanmar.<br />
<br />
One of my strategies being a big girl moving to Yangon included not <i>ever </i>learning the word for fat in Myanmar language. There have been times I've been quite sure teasing has taken place, but by not knowing the word for fat, I've been able to pretend I can't hear or understand the universal sing-songy tones of voices people use when mocking others. <br />
<br />
I've seemed to avoid self-esteem body-shaming moments here for the most part. There have been times I've been pleasantly surprised, actually. If you're big, you learn to be sensitive towards certain types of smiles on people's faces that may indicate forthcoming judgment or teasing. Occasionally, I've been sure a cashier or hair dresser was about to make fun of me following a wry smile, but instead, have been told, "You're very beautiful." These incidents have shocked me, made me straighten up my back a bit, and feel slightly ashamed I assumed they were judging me. <br />
<br />
Still, there have been some unpleasant incidents in Yangon; recently, I shared a taxi with a friend and when we got in, the driver's immediate response was (after negotiating the cost) "WOW! You are REALLY fat!" I felt humiliated. It took every ounce of energy for me to not get out of the taxi simply based on principle. And maybe I should've.<br />
<br />
Being called fat in SE Asia isn't <i>necessarily</i> a negative thing. It's quite acceptable here to talk about people's size. Commonly, locals will greet each other and make comments on the other person's weight. Many average-sized expats get regular feedback about their size from locals like, "Your face is looking fat."<br />
<br />
In some countries, being told you're big can be a compliment. I sense it's not necessarily a compliment here, but rather an observation (perhaps without much judgment). I've been <i>trying</i> to learn, with great trepidation, to accept this cultural aspect of living here. It's not been easy though; my ever-too-common I-don't-like-my-body self-speak blurts out. <br />
<br />
Westerners - for the most part - know that in our cultures, just <i>bringing up</i> the weight/size of another person is considered offensive and rude. So, when you're told - as if you didn't know it - that you're fat ... to your face ... by a stranger: it's weird. Disarming. Frustrating.<br />
<br />
Yet, there has been a surprising - not fully negative - element to being called out on the fat carpet living here. It's oddly helping me stand in my skin with my head held a bit higher. <br />
<br />
Confused? Well, first of all: I <i>am</i> fat. So, it's not like anyone's<i> lying</i> when they tell me I am. And as I focus on growing self-love, I'm realizing acknowledging your body for what it is <i>right now </i>is an important step towards acceptance.<br />
<br />
I'm not talking about the kind of acceptance where you accept all the negative, warped messages wrapped around words like fat. I mean: acceptance for who you are. Acceptance and gratitude for your body and what it gives to you. Even if it isn't your ideal body.<br />
<br />
This is the thing: We might not look like other people's ideal. Hell, we might not even come close to our <i>own</i> ideal. Regardless, we must be kind to ourselves, tell our bodies we're grateful for it, despite our lumps, bumps, and sticky-out bits. If we can't feel a sense of gratitude for our bodies exactly the way they are and for how amazing they truly are (even if they don't bend or function perfectly), we're not sending positive messages to ourselves. We're not recognizing that we're special and precious: imperfect bodies and all. <br />
<br />
Strangely, living in Myanmar is helping me learn to respect my body regardless of how I look because I'm more aware of my size, even when that feels uncomfortable; but it's that very awareness which is allowing me to be honest with myself and instead of bashing up my body verbally with negative self-talk, I'm learning to appreciate it.<br />
<br />
Our bodies get us from point A to point B. They carry us. Allow us to breathe. Walk. I can wrap my arms around my kid and give her a hug. Our bodies have this amazing thing - nerves - which enable us to feel and experience touch. So why should I - or you - get all mean on ourselves?<br />
<br />
When you think about it, we're pretty amazing.<br />
<br />
Go love your bumps and have a beautiful day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MumHziF7zk0/UXfkAl-7g5I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/nZHvQ5zfetQ/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MumHziF7zk0/UXfkAl-7g5I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/nZHvQ5zfetQ/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com44Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-64025721543139610672013-04-22T11:38:00.000-07:002013-04-22T11:38:44.899-07:00Updates + News<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0b5_B9MVA8/UXWDAujgJNI/AAAAAAAAB54/lalZtrpil6Q/s1600/kl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0b5_B9MVA8/UXWDAujgJNI/AAAAAAAAB54/lalZtrpil6Q/s1600/kl.jpg" height="400" width="299" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kuala Lumpur Park</span></span></span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC-QfJp-1mA/UXV8t8z7YTI/AAAAAAAAB5o/pxBSxUJyYoA/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC-QfJp-1mA/UXV8t8z7YTI/AAAAAAAAB5o/pxBSxUJyYoA/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope all of you are doing great. Lots of changes are happening over here; so though I've been a bit quieter on the posting front, busy-ness has been in full force - just in the background.<br />
<br />
A few quick updates...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thingyan </span></span></b></span><br />
Myanmar - and several other SE Asian countries - just celebrated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thingyan" target="_blank"><u><i>Thingyan</i></u></a> - or Buddhist New Year. Last year, we celebrated it in Thailand where it's called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_New_Year" target="_blank"><u><i>Songkran</i></u></a>. You can read some posts about that <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2012/10/thailand-calling-chiang-daos-nest.html" target="_blank"><u>over here</u></a>. <br />
<br />
This year, we went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We spent about six days there and had a wonderful time. I will write more about KL later ... but I do have to tell you that it's probably now my favorite city that I've visited in SE Asia. We just got back.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Moving to Myanmar eBook</span></span></b></span><br />
As you know, I've just published <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Myanmar-resources-friendly-ebook/dp/B00CBP3ZFY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank"><u><i>Moving to Myanmar</i></u></a> and you can find it over on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Myanmar-resources-friendly-ebook/dp/B00CBP3ZFY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>. I hope you find some interesting information in there and if you do, please consider leaving a review!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>New Blog/Website Launched</b></span></span></span><br />
Today, I've launched a new professional blog/website, <i><b><a href="http://beckycavender.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Becky Cavender</u></a></b></i>. Becky in Burma will not go away; it is time, however, to have a place to focus on my writing career. I'd love it if you could go take a look and follow my new page. I also have a new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeckyCavenderWriter" target="_blank"><u>Facebook page for Becky Cavender</u></a>. Come on over, say hello, and like the page. I'm loving the look of the two and I hope you do also!<br />
<br />
Thanks for all your support as I continue on my journey - which is filled with lots of changes. Big ones, too. I'll spill all the beans soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-5tQg95WlU/UXWCi_Lb5ZI/AAAAAAAAB5w/oNClE-fypz0/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-5tQg95WlU/UXWCi_Lb5ZI/AAAAAAAAB5w/oNClE-fypz0/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com0Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-62043872186364667772013-04-16T01:51:00.000-07:002013-04-16T01:51:04.046-07:00What American Idol Teaches Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQb_YjnDPL4/UW0PzAKI3FI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/l-pOKR5LPeM/s1600/americanidol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQb_YjnDPL4/UW0PzAKI3FI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/l-pOKR5LPeM/s320/americanidol.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk2TBmAmFhA/UW0NnT4gTzI/AAAAAAAAB4E/GGlftBMnJ3k/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk2TBmAmFhA/UW0NnT4gTzI/AAAAAAAAB4E/GGlftBMnJ3k/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't have cable or satellite TV in Yangon; it's available, but we don't use it. So when I travel and stay in hotels, it's a bit of a treat to check-out cable.<br />
<br />
Imagine my surprise when I was clicking through channels and found American Idol in Kuala Lumpur! And it was even season 12! I wasn't sure if it was a couple weeks behind or not, but it didn't matter. I was excited to plunge into the show since I missed last season. <br />
<br />
It's not to say that I've been a die-hard American Idol fan. I haven't - and actually preferred The Voice last years to AI. Yet, being across the globe, watching American Idol provides a funny little connection to home. On Facebook, sometimes my friends talk about AI and mention who their favorite singer is. Now I can put a voice to the name.<br />
<br />
While watching American Idol, I was reminded of the lessons that we can all learn from the contestants:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Smile and stand proud when hearing critiques. </li>
<li>Be humble through criticisms and take what you can from the advice being given.</li>
<li>Own your accomplishments. Soak them up, be part of them. Acknowledge when magical moments happen. (I was touched by the woman who got a standing ovation when singing The Cure's song. She stood in front of everyone, let her tears run. She was present.)</li>
<li>Try your best. Put your best out there. </li>
<li>Be yourself at all times. Share who you are and hope you make a connection with others. (I really loved the country singer, Cree, and her different renditions of songs that sounded relevant and unique to her style.)</li>
<li>Know who you are.</li>
</ul>
I think that all of the artists will be successful because even when they receive critiques that aren't entirely positive, they carry on. They continue to sing. They continue to try ... and they do so with a smile on their face.<br />
<br />
Bravo to them. It's something we can all learn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfGnmFuNeaU/UW0Ni5xbxYI/AAAAAAAAB38/A_f4_KJgh7s/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfGnmFuNeaU/UW0Ni5xbxYI/AAAAAAAAB38/A_f4_KJgh7s/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com1Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia3.139003 101.686854999999922.885326 101.36413149999993 3.3926800000000004 102.00957849999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-83162935556494122752013-04-12T05:48:00.000-07:002013-04-12T05:48:00.332-07:00MOVING TO MYANMAR on AMAZON!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrsJmflbEaI/UWgACyB2whI/AAAAAAAAB3k/3QsXN1-0Rlo/s1600/COVERART.FINAL.SMALL.EMAILS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrsJmflbEaI/UWgACyB2whI/AAAAAAAAB3k/3QsXN1-0Rlo/s1600/COVERART.FINAL.SMALL.EMAILS.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">You can now find my new eBook, <i>Moving to Myanmar</i>, in the Amazon Kindle Store! YES!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Myanmar-resources-friendly-ebook/dp/B00CBP3ZFY/ref=la_B00CBURS48_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365769943&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Go here</span></span></span></b> </u></a>to find it. You can also check out my author page on Amazon <span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becky-Cavender/e/B00CBURS48/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1365770408&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a></b></span></span></span>. <br />
<br />
A huge, huge thanks go out to all of the contributors of the book, and especially to <a href="http://latefornowhere.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><u>Douglas Long</u></a>, editor extraordinaire and to <a href="http://kristalnorton.com/" target="_blank"><u>Kristal Norton</u></a> who formatted the book for Amazon.<br />
<br />
Thank you!<br />
<br />
Go have fun downloading and let me know what you think of the book. Better yet, leave a review on Amazon. The more reviews, the better.<br />
<br />
Huge thanks to all of you readers, too, who are always a source of encouragement and inspiration to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-TgQScuu-o/UWgBVnKN6aI/AAAAAAAAB3s/lGrK7oKIX1E/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-TgQScuu-o/UWgBVnKN6aI/AAAAAAAAB3s/lGrK7oKIX1E/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com3Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-87499043248294197412013-04-10T10:34:00.000-07:002013-04-10T10:34:55.112-07:00The eBook is Nearly Ready!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFSPT09bqiE/UWVdyX4nK3I/AAAAAAAAB2U/xf0dYJubSVU/s1600/COVERART.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFSPT09bqiE/UWVdyX4nK3I/AAAAAAAAB2U/xf0dYJubSVU/s1600/COVERART.2.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello everyone!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't you just love that illustration above? The talented ECHOPHYU, a local Myanmar artist, designed it. It's the cover of the new eBook!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm super excited to tell you that within days, the eBook "Moving to Myanmar" will be launched and available for purchase on Amazon. It's been an amazing ride and I'm ever so grateful for all of the people who have helped make the book come to fruition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fabulous <a href="http://kristalnorton.com/" target="_blank"><u>Kristal Norton</u></a> has been working steadily on formatting it. And believe me, she had her work cut out for her. I gave her a complete formatting mess to wrestle. Not only did she wrestle with it, she pinned it down and conquered. She's amazing. </span><br />
<br />
I'll keep you posted - but expect a message from me any day now!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
BeckyBecky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-19193323241147786682013-04-04T23:47:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:47:32.393-07:00Working from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjH2mUO9Es8/UV5ybA3E_XI/AAAAAAAAB18/otJmNEL-Q2c/s1600/writer+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjH2mUO9Es8/UV5ybA3E_XI/AAAAAAAAB18/otJmNEL-Q2c/s640/writer+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMUHaMKhe5I/UV2cqMILiJI/AAAAAAAAB1s/4S_FMB3Gfco/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMUHaMKhe5I/UV2cqMILiJI/AAAAAAAAB1s/4S_FMB3Gfco/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">More and more people are working from home. For some, it increases productivity. It also allows for a flexible schedule and it never hurts that you only have to walk down the hall to enter the office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I work from home, enjoy it and am pretty sure that I am productive (well, usually). Scheduling my time helps. After my daughter goes to school (by 7:30am), I plop down at the computer and finish around 2pm so I can pick her up. Between 4-5, I generally check a few emails. Once she has gone to bed, I put in a few more hours. OK, it looks like I'm on Facebook, but I have to <i>work</i> on Facebook, too. There are two different Facebook pages that I manage online. (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The challenging thing for me about working from home is that sometimes people might not <i>really</i> understand that you are, in fact, working. I think it's easy for them to assume you're not working too much (<i>especially</i> if your work is creative). Because I'm a freelancer, it might be unclear to others that I work-full time, even though I don't drive to an office or have a "main" job. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the fall, I took an ecourse by<a href="http://kellyraeroberts.com/" target="_blank"><u> Kelly Rae Roberts</u></a>. I remember she mentioned that when it's her studio time, she turns off her phone and makes it clear to others that she's unavailable. It seems like that's a smart way to explain to friends and family that just because you don't sit in a building filled with lots of other people doesn't mean you work any less than those folks. My theory is that most people probably don't call their teacher friends or lawyer friends or secretary friends up too much during the day. They're at the office! Maybe a quick text here and there, but I think it's pretty safe to say that they'll understand if they don't get a text back right away.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When doing creative work, it seems that sometimes it's can be difficult for others to legitimatize the work, separate it from a hobby. Even if you're not getting paid a regular salary from the creative work you're doing, if you're working your bum off for it, it's work! You paint every day but maybe you're not selling your work regularly? It doesn't matter. <i>You're a painter</i>. You write everyday, even though you don't have a regular gig? It doesn't matter. <i>You're a writer</i>. It's taken me awhile to wrap my head around that. To own up to me being a "real" writer. <i>I am</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps because it's taken me awhile to accept that I <i>am</i> a writer, I've somehow (inadvertently) devalued my own work and time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think, too, there is this traditional view of what constitutes work. My daughter remembers when I went to an office. She remembers hanging out in my very own office within the office. Now, my "office" is a puny desk in the living room near the television. If she's home and I'm writing, it doesn't register that I'm working. She thinks I'm just hanging out on the computer. One day, I'll have a door I can shut. Maybe even a sign that says "In" or "Out." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On that note, if you're working from home, too, I found <a href="http://www.braidcreative.com/blog/2012/08/working-home-creatives" target="_blank"><u>this great little article</u></a> providing tips for making it work. They're fun and I hope they're useful to you, too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Do you wok from home? How do you manage others' expectations? What tips can you share?</b></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOfpd15oO3M/UV5y776zLcI/AAAAAAAAB2E/1xOKA4yHnvQ/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOfpd15oO3M/UV5y776zLcI/AAAAAAAAB2E/1xOKA4yHnvQ/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com5Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-55325047495098161002013-03-29T16:16:00.002-07:002013-03-29T16:16:36.484-07:00What I've Been Up To<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q--HKOzSC7I/UVYfoe4RjCI/AAAAAAAABzU/9gtJMGaaGR4/s1600/lighttealcircle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q--HKOzSC7I/UVYfoe4RjCI/AAAAAAAABzU/9gtJMGaaGR4/s1600/lighttealcircle.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhxAfq9XqAQ/UVYaZvS-fRI/AAAAAAAABzE/DElraLTbuWk/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhxAfq9XqAQ/UVYaZvS-fRI/AAAAAAAABzE/DElraLTbuWk/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you follow me over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BeckyInBurma" target="_blank"><u>Facebook</u></a> you know that I have exciting news about the forthcoming eBook, "Moving to Myanmar."<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The cover art is done and was completed by the lovely and talented ECHOPHYU, a local Myanmar artist. I'd love to show it to you, but I think that will have to wait just a wee bit longer!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>My editor completed his work (I'm sure I kept him busy) and got the manuscript back to me, all nicely polished. Thank you, <a href="http://latefornowhere.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><u>Douglas</u></a>. You're <i>super</i> awesome. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> The book has now gone into the capable hands of <a href="http://kristalnorton.com/" target="_blank"><u>Kristal Norton</u></a>, artist mama and eBook formatter extraordinaire. She's having to deal with some of my own formatting inconsistencies and thankfully, she's been patient with me. </li>
</ul>
<br />
We're on schedule for the April 2013 launch of "Moving to Myanmar."<br />
<br />
It's my sincerest hope that it will help make the move to Yangon a bit easier for some of you out there.<br />
<br />
If you haven't had a chance yet, you can check-out my eBook <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><u>special tab</u></a> and if you want to be part of the mailing list for insider info about the eBook, <a href="http://blogspot.us5.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=7eb7317342&id=02c6eea1c5" target="_blank"><u>sign-up here</u></a>.<br />
<br />
Aside from the eBook work, I've sent a few pieces for submission to an anthology of writing from expat women living in East Asia. Fingers crossed, the pieces will be accepted.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to starting up my Inspiration Interview series again. I have some amazing people lined up. <br />
<br />
Thanks for all of your support, especially as I've been less visible online and in real life, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlOPjQJAuwA/UVYbmiaH39I/AAAAAAAABzM/cT_1-et425Y/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlOPjQJAuwA/UVYbmiaH39I/AAAAAAAABzM/cT_1-et425Y/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-83246223222259612642013-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:002013-03-22T10:20:18.709-07:00How To Get Through Super Stress: Blog Circle<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5momE9zLdes/UUqv_vxJDSI/AAAAAAAAByw/bfZWCY7Uq8g/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5momE9zLdes/UUqv_vxJDSI/AAAAAAAAByw/bfZWCY7Uq8g/s1600/girls.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDg6M55E9es/UUqtdyw7b2I/AAAAAAAAByk/xMl99eWhhIc/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDg6M55E9es/UUqtdyw7b2I/AAAAAAAAByk/xMl99eWhhIc/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We all have times we experience super-stress. Not just regular
stress, but super-strength-super-stress that flies into our lives, its brilliant
cape trailing behind, wrapping us up into a whirlwind of chaos. I know, it
sounds dramatic; but it happens. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How do we get through that superhero-level stress? I think
it’s different for everyone and I’m not necessarily an expert on how to get through
it in a healthy way; yet, I’ve had my fair share of this nasty kryptonite
kind of pressure. I’ve managed to muddle through. And I think I’m half-way
normal. (OK, maybe not half-way…)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is what has worked for me:</span></i></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Reach out</b>. Talk to someone you trust. Someone who will
listen to you have a good ‘ol rant and rave, if that’s what you need. Someone
who will let you cry. Whatever it is you need, find
someone who can offer that to you. Just be sure it’s an appropriate person for
the situation and someone you truly trust. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Reach out again.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>This
time, after you get all the surface level, first-response icky-yucky emotions
off your chest, reach out to someone who will listen, but also help anchor you
in perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we do need people who will
listen to us rant and rave and be fiercely loyal to us, we also need those calm
individuals who love us and know us, those who can ground us after all those
intense emotions fly around. It’s the deep-breath time. The re-focus time. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Come up with a mantra</b> to get you through the rough patch. I
just recently watched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cITNveY-kig&feature=player_embedded#!" target="_blank"><u>this video by Danielle LaPorte</u></a> and it resonated
with me. She said our mantra should be, “I’ll figure it out” <i>not</i> “I don’t know
what I’m going to do!” In step one, we can cry and wail and say
life isn’t fair (it’s often not). During that time, it’s OK to worry about
what we’re going to do, how we’re going to get through. It’s normal
to be overwhelmed and scared. At some point, though, we have to grip <i>our own</i>
shoulders, look our frightened selves in the eyes, grit our teeth, and say, “I
WILL FIGURE THIS OUT.” Why? Because you will. You <b><i>will</i></b> figure it out. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Next step?</b> Start figuring it out. Take some time to be
quiet. Ask yourself what you really, really want and how you can get
it. Maybe you don’t have the answer, but most likely you know someone who does.
If you do, reach out to that person. If you don’t think you know someone who has
an answer, you certainly know someone who knows someone who does have an
answer. I promise. So reach out to someone you think might know someone who
knows. Ha! Are you still with me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the time to get strategic. I like to think of it as getting creative. You start to decide and create what you want things to
look like in the future. I also have come to believe that not only is it vital to do this step, but it's also vital to actually allow yourself to feel it's a bit fun. Even in the depths of despair, there is light. You can find something to look forward to that would bring you joy in the future. It's not macabre or insensitive to do this. It will help you through the process. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the depths of super-stress, things aren't the way you want them to be; but
how things are right this very moment will not stay the same. It will be different in a few hours or a few days. <b><i>Nothing
stays the same.</i></b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Knowing that frees you to let go (a little bit) of the need to
hold on to current pain or disappointment caused by that super-sleuthy stress. In knowing that the immense
challenge you’re currently experiencing will not last forever, you can let
yourself feel it, accept it’s part of the experience, and trust it will not
stay this intense always and forever. You will survive it in your own way. You <i><b>will</b></i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often
times, our super-stress events can be wake-up calls. We might need to do
something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make a change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you actually really know that
somewhere in your heart. Be honest with yourself - and others, if necessary - about it: even if it’s scary. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be open to possible opportunities, even if they seem out-of-the-box or nontraditional. Sometimes, a
bit of creative thinking/problem solving makes it all possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But you often have to talk to people to help you even see those possibilities.
Well, that’s the case for me, anyway. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Take time for yourself.</b> Let go of any responsibilities or
obligations that aren’t absolutely necessary. Sleep-in if you have to. Do
something nice for yourself. Every day. And try your best not to feel guilty
about it. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Laugh.</b> Pinterest is great and so are Youtube videos. I know it sounds cheesy, but when I feel shitty, watching a funny video can really lift me out of a rut. At least for five minutes. Want to know what I think is funny? You can look at <a href="http://pinterest.com/becavou/laugh/" target="_blank"><u>my pinterest board</u></a>. When you laugh, you reconnect to that part of you who believes you're strong enough and believes you can get through. Believes <i><b>you will figure it out</b></i>. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The point here is to think of the little things that bring happiness to you - even if for a fleeting moment. Looking at anything you find inspirational will help, too. Sometimes people read a particular book they find uplifting. I find myself going to others and going to poetry. I write myself out of my hole and process it that way. We all have our own ways. Whatever it is for you, do it.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Devise a plan</b>. Work on it. And as you work on your plan,
when things feel shitty again, because sometimes they will, then know that’s
OK. Let yourself feel that sadness, especially if there’s a loss of some sort
involved. When we lose something (a job, a loved one, an opportunity, or we move),
it’s normal to feel some grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often we
grieve the what-could’ve-been, the possibilities. It’s OK. Do that. And then
tell yourself after you have a good cry, “I’ll figure it out.” </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ll figure it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really will. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>How do you deal with the super-stress superpowers? </b></i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Please join in with our blog circle and travel over to the amazing New York-based photographer, <a href="http://hailefinephotography.com/2013/03/slowing-down/" target="_blank"><u>Gail Haile </u></a>to read her "HOW TO" post. I invite you to get a nice cup of tea or coffee, sit down, and read through the other beautiful blog posts about "how to..." </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Other blog circle participants this month:</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> <b> </b></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://karrlinbain.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u>Karrlin</u> </span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><a href="http://vickiemartin.net/how-to-explore/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Vickie</span></span></u></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://onajourneybacktoherwings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Amy </span></span></u></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><a href="http://www.michellehilldesigns.com/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Michelle </span></span></u></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><a href="http://www.lalyblue.com/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Laly </span></span></u></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><a href="http://jeanfwagner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jean </span></span></u></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><a href="http://www.agentlerebellion.com/" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Naz </span></span></u></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://rainbowlightangel.com/2013/03/blossoming/" target="_blank"><u>Nancy </u></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;"></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K73gAeuVeZY/UUqtQiS-_JI/AAAAAAAAByc/bErZCAPX3XM/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K73gAeuVeZY/UUqtQiS-_JI/AAAAAAAAByc/bErZCAPX3XM/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-28863095734876440972013-03-18T02:57:00.000-07:002013-03-18T06:32:20.922-07:00Hello/Good-bye: The Transcience of Expat Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4sMHN9Doc/UUbj9HMae4I/AAAAAAAABx8/nUFkIRekk60/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4sMHN9Doc/UUbj9HMae4I/AAAAAAAABx8/nUFkIRekk60/s1600/index.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlv1SL2N6kM/UUbkNlnoTcI/AAAAAAAAByE/Gs6Zc7KPsjE/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlv1SL2N6kM/UUbkNlnoTcI/AAAAAAAAByE/Gs6Zc7KPsjE/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Saying good-bye is something you have to at least try getting used to as an expat. When you live life overseas, especially if you're committed to that lifestyle, then you will always be arriving and leaving. Others in your life, in your expat circle, will always be arriving and leaving, too.<br />
<br />
The benefits of transience is exposure to other cultures and being well traveled. Children who are third culture kids usually start traveling early in their lives and become comfortable with it. Some have even said they feel most at home in airports.They're usually adaptable, self-sufficient, and have a great understanding and empathy towards global issues.<br />
<br />
Most likely this is because of the connection(s) they've built in different countries and because of the connections they've made with people who have then moved to other countries (that they then feel some connectedness to); for example, I watched a movie - I'm so sorry I can't recall the name - about third culture kids. One of the kids said that when the tsunami hit Thailand, they felt a deep sense of grief. They had recently been to Thailand or had friends that had lived there or perhaps they used to live there themselves. That connectedness breeds empathy for the greater good. This is a gift.<br />
<br />
The cons, though, are that some third culture kids don't know where they belong or where they come from. Some adults aren't sure, either. The transience, the coming and going, the attaching and detaching, can make certain children and adults find it difficult to create deep relationships with others. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Third-Culture-Kids-Experience-Growing/dp/1857885252" target="_blank"><u>Research</u></a> has shown that expats are generally more adept at maintaining a level of detachment (especially from relationships).<br />
<br />
Third culture kids are always losing friends to moves. They're also always gaining new ones. So are the grown-ups.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, there's<a href="http://www.urbanministry.org/wiki/lifestyles-third-culture-kids" target="_blank"><u> a lot of stress</u></a> in expat families. The family usually values hard work and academics which can provide a lot of benefits to children; but it also means - usually - that at least one of the parents works extremely hard and may travel a lot.<br />
<br />
When stress accumulates in an expat family, it's difficult to resolve issues when you don't have a strong support network that you can lean on. As I discussed<u> <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2012/10/expat-life-isolation.html" target="_blank">here</a></u>, sometimes it can feel a bit isolating being an expat. Sometimes it's hard to find people you can really share what's going on with. The expat world is usually a pretty small one.<br />
<br />
This goes for adults and for kids.<br />
<br />
Transience is on my mind because some friends will be moving away when school gets out this year. Another friend who moved away in the fall is moving back this week. It's an influx of constant change. I find that when I live overseas, I get a bit more guarded. When I arrive, I try not to get to close to people who are nearing the end of their contracts. It always feels safer to invest time and energy in relationships with people who haven't been in the country very long; but even then, you never know when an unexpected change might bop you over your head and then: boom! Your new close friend is gone.<br />
<br />
Some people seem to be naturally wired for a transient lifestyle. They may even crave it, need it, in order to function at their best. They may be comfortable with the level of detachment that comes from that; and for whatever reason, perhaps that best suits their personalities. These individuals - whether children or adults - will probably thrive as expats. <br />
<br />
Others won't. Some people - adults and children - are hard wired to have roots and a home. A physical place, not just the planet, to call their own. A place to have an attachment to, and place they know they belong, surrounded by family and friends that have known them for many years.<br />
<br />
It's been said that the longer you live life abroad, the harder it is to re-adjust and repatriate (or settle down...<i>somewhere</i>). I'm not sure if there's a point-of-no-return, or some kind of tipping-point, but it does seem like there is. I don't have research to back that up, just my observation. <br />
<br />
So, I think it's important that as we journey down this road, we're mindful of who we really are and what our needs are. We communicate with our children. You figure out what kind of expat you want to be. Temporary. Permanent. Long-term, but eventually repatriate. Lots of options.<br />
<br />
Be clear from the outset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg6hUh4Xar0/UUbkTlJClRI/AAAAAAAAByM/XciA8ujbwk0/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg6hUh4Xar0/UUbkTlJClRI/AAAAAAAAByM/XciA8ujbwk0/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com4Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-24023810361760233212013-03-13T09:04:00.000-07:002013-03-13T09:04:20.512-07:00Celebrating One Year with a Newsletter and eBook Info!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:6.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDnkKYFb7KM/UUCilPucu9I/AAAAAAAABxs/3ro4mDMv6cQ/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDnkKYFb7KM/UUCilPucu9I/AAAAAAAABxs/3ro4mDMv6cQ/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUCK5lcmEu0/UUCAf9Ihn7I/AAAAAAAABxY/FA30tSc0Yuc/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUCK5lcmEu0/UUCAf9Ihn7I/AAAAAAAABxY/FA30tSc0Yuc/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days ago marked the one year anniversary that our
family had moved from the United States. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a kind of crazy to think about all of the things that have happened in just one year. I never thought I'd write an eBook during this time. I didn't even think about writing a blog. Yet, here we are. And I'm grateful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the blog has grown, it seemed that creating a newsletter to keep you informed of things going on would be a good idea. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Newsletter </i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and Expat Manifestos</span></i></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm happy to announce that the newsletter has now launched and you can sign-up either by clicking the tab on the right sidebar, or - to make it easy - <a href="http://eepurl.com/wC_TT" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>you can click right here</i></b></span></u></a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you sign-up, you get some cool goodies from me: beautiful <a href="http://eepurl.com/wC_TT" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Expat Manifestos</span></u></span></a>! A huge thanks goes out to the talented graphic designer, Jane Bell Lassiter who created the manifestos with me and lots of expats. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The coolest thing about the Expat Manifestos besides them probably being the only ones that exist? Oh, and besides them being gorgeous and free and printable? There are <a href="http://eepurl.com/wC_TT" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Expat Manifestos FOR KIDS. </span></span></u></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://eepurl.com/wC_TT" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Kids' Expat Manifestos</span></u></span></a> were written by expat kids all over the world, including ones living right here in Myanmar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love them! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">eBook News</span></i></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh! And if you want to keep up-to-date on all the happenings with the eBook, <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Moving to Myanmar," </span>then <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/wHO8f" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><u>you can sign-up here.</u></b></i></span></span></a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also check-out my <span style="color: #76a5af;"><a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">brand spankin' new tab</span></u></a></span> on the blog dedicated to the book. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for all of your help and support. :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W52MEkBDi7o/UUCB965DY5I/AAAAAAAABxg/k9kzISMjdH8/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W52MEkBDi7o/UUCB965DY5I/AAAAAAAABxg/k9kzISMjdH8/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-91403059908628143952013-03-09T00:16:00.000-08:002013-03-09T00:54:33.006-08:00When Stereotypes Get Blown Out of the Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKxfeM7VYCU/UTriTfGyfVI/AAAAAAAABvs/BFWw7BZYT0M/s1600/Solomon2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKxfeM7VYCU/UTriTfGyfVI/AAAAAAAABvs/BFWw7BZYT0M/s1600/Solomon2.png" height="640" title="beckyinburma.blogspot.com-solomontaxi" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Solomon was our regular taxi driver (for a year) in Ethiopia. He became my good friend. My first friend in Ethiopia, actually. </span></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">He gave me a sense of being OK and normal at a time when nothing felt normal to me. By the end of the year, we could spend an hour chatting, flipping between Amharic + English. He educated me on a country, on language, on culture. </span></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"></span><br /></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zKDRw1-cZM/UTri06vbJ6I/AAAAAAAABv0/HUQtobw5EpM/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zKDRw1-cZM/UTri06vbJ6I/AAAAAAAABv0/HUQtobw5EpM/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When you're an expat living in a developing country, it's normal to have <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2012/08/introductions.html" target="_blank"><u>household help</u></a>. Well, not only is it normal for expats to have help around the house, it's normal for many locals to hire staff, too.<br />
<br />
As I was finishing up a chapter in the eBook I'm writing called <a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/02/big-announcements.html" target="_blank"><u>"Moving to Myanmar</u></a>," my friend, L, pointed out that expats shouldn't make assumptions that the staff they hire are uneducated. He mentioned that their driver has a degree in geology. L's story reminded me of a Yangon taxi driver I met a few months ago who had his degree in physics.<br />
<br />
In fact, if you take a taxi in any big city within the US - and probably many other countries - it's likely your driver will be an immigrant. And it's not too uncommon to find out the taxi drivers were professors or police chiefs or teachers back home. Learning this information has sometimes left me thinking, <span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Well, there went your dreams of moving to America and thriving!"</i></span></span> But maybe that isn't an accurate judgment...<br />
<br />
My friend, KP, who is Myanmar, wishes expats/foreigners didn't think that locals were uneducated. And he's right. <a href="http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/myanmar_statistics.html" target="_blank"><u>According to UNICEF</u></a>, the literacy rate in Myanmar is 92%. (According to <a href="http://www.livescience.com/3211-14-percent-adults-read.html" target="_blank"><u>this article</u></a>, 14% of US adults are illiterate.) Our housekeeper has lived abroad and studied nursing. She also speaks two languages fluently and can communicate easily in another two or three. I know of a nanny in town who used to hold down a corporate job, but she wanted more flexible hours and realized she preferred working with children. She figured out she could actually earn more money as a nanny for an expat than in her corporate job. <br />
<br />
In Myanmar, it seems that even if you have a professional degree, it can be difficult making the kind of income that people holding the same degree in the west would make. I have a lovely friend here who's an architect/engineer, but certainly doesn't make the sort of money she could in North America/Europe/Australia. I recently mentioned that to her. Her reply was that she couldn't dream of leaving Myanmar because of her husband. (And why should she?)<br />
<br />
This week, the husband's company driver assigned to us told me he has a law degree. I was shocked. Firstly, I thought he was about 20, not 27. Secondly, he wears skinny jeans and has funky side-over colored punky-like hair (not exactly the normal lawyer attire). Lastly, it was hard for me to fathom why he'd drive a car for an NGO instead of practice law. He explained that his father died recently and he's the oldest son. He needs to take care of his family and makes more money driving than he would as a lawyer (or perhaps a young lawyer starting out). He also shared he happened to enjoy driving, that he finds it calming and relaxing (miraculous in the Yangon traffic!).<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been humbled by these conversations and reminders this week. Probably like lots of people, I hold assumptions (incorrect assumptions), that if you have a certain type of job, it may be because of lack of opportunity to access a certain level of education. How snobby of me. (And I don't think of myself as a snob.) Not only is it snobby, really, but also unfair. Because, though sometimes that judgment may be correct, it also can be completely wrong.<br />
<br />
The fact is, there are glaring inequities in our world. How fair is it that a highly educated professor from - oh, say Pakistan - cannot obtain a professorship in the UK. How fair is it that a physicist in Yangon can't get his foot in the door in any national companies, let alone international companies operating in Myanmar. And how fair is it that a young lawyer earns more money driving around a little expat family in Yangon than practicing law. <br />
<br />
<br />
And...who's to say there's anything <span style="color: #76a5af;"><i><b>less</b></i></span> important about being a driver than a professor. Or a lawyer. Or a physicist. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ2Q32RGXqw/UTrns3OPFlI/AAAAAAAABwE/iLZC0fZID58/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ2Q32RGXqw/UTrns3OPFlI/AAAAAAAABwE/iLZC0fZID58/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com7Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-18192615568267458892013-03-03T22:13:00.000-08:002013-03-04T03:30:35.853-08:00When Your Kid Gets Love Bombed<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JYWyJ0id-A/UTQ6SO6nNfI/AAAAAAAABvM/3cYLWhNuLJo/s1600/539852_10151074243665229_847943091_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JYWyJ0id-A/UTQ6SO6nNfI/AAAAAAAABvM/3cYLWhNuLJo/s1600/539852_10151074243665229_847943091_n.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">copyright: Becky in Burma. Daughter at Shwedagon</span></span>, <span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2012</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rAh0D2veAA/UTQ6bCORJgI/AAAAAAAABvU/m4YxHR-sj0w/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rAh0D2veAA/UTQ6bCORJgI/AAAAAAAABvU/m4YxHR-sj0w/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
As I'm finishing writing my forthcoming<a href="http://beckyinburma.blogspot.com/2013/02/big-announcements.html" target="_blank"> eBook</a> about moving to Myanmar, expat parenting has been on
my mind a lot. Specifically expat parenting in Myanmar.<br />
<br />
One of the things that has come up for us is the amount of attention our six
year old gets while living here. I'm biased, but I think she's pretty darn cute.
She has dark blonde hair, fair skin, steely blue eyes, and a cute little button
nose holding 25 freckles. (I count them.)<br />
<br />
It seems a lot of people in Thailand and Myanmar think she's pretty cute,
too, because it's not uncommon for her to receive quite a bit of affection and
attention from strangers. Well meaning, friendly, smiling men and women
approach her earnestly, greeting her, asking her name and how she is. Commonly, someone will reach out and pinch her cheeks, rub her arm, or sneak a kiss on her cheek.<br />
<br />
The first time we went to Thailand about a year ago, she received this
attention often. I noticed it especially happened when she carried her <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/index.php" target="_blank">American Girl Doll</a>. (American Girl Dolls are very realistic looking.) Smiling brightly, random
people quickly snapped photographs of her. My daughter didn't smile though.
She'd hide behind me and scowl.<br />
<br />
On our visit to the beautiful <a href="http://www.shwedagonpagoda.com/" target="_blank">Shwedagon Pagoda</a>, F was inundated with
attention. We noticed that if we stopped at all while making our circular
rounds, within moments, crowds of people would gather around. Though people showed us their lovely smiles, it was incredibly uncomfortable and strange to
have complete strangers – despite how friendly there were – crowd around. I
didn't know what to do or how to respond; so I'd gently smile and move on, but
it felt odd and a bit unnerving.<br />
<br />
I happen to hate having attention drawn to me and I tried with all my
might to act like having 20 people surrounding us, staring, was completely
normal. (It felt kind of paparazzi-ish and I suddenly had a great deal of sympathy for celebrities.) I didn't want F to pick-up on my vibes and get perhaps more affected by
the situation as a result, so I tried staying calm.<br />
<br />
Later, I realized I had accidentally pressed
"record" on my iPod while we were walking around the pagoda. The
recording captured a conversation my daughter and I had at the Shwedagon; she
asked me <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>why</i></span> people kept touching her and following us everywhere we went. My
voice was pitched a bit higher than usual as I tried to explain, "Oooh!
People are just being <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>friendly</i></span>! They think you're cute! I know you're not
used to it...but it's OK."<br />
<br />
Thing is: it wasn't OK. It wasn't OK with <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>her</i></span>. And it has continued to NOT
be OK with her. At all. <br />
<br />
I’ll admit: I've struggled knowing how to handle the attention. It has been a year since
we left the United States, and my six year old is still struggling with handling it, too. I think we're getting much better at it now, but it’s been a steeeep - and slow - learning curve. <br />
<br />
When we'd go to <a href="http://www.thecoffeecircles.com/" target="_blank">Coffee Circles</a> and she'd immediately hide under the tables
because staff wanted to love bomb her (all the touching/smiles/affection), I
knew there was a problem. It would take a long time to coax her out from under
the table where she’d scrunch her face up at the staff who just laughed
nervously at her. I’d laugh nervously, too. I also wished she’d just get up off
the floor and smile back at the kind staff. It wasn't gonna happen. <br />
<br />
It got to the point where my daughter flat-out refused to go to Coffee Circles
and would throw massive tantrums if I said we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> going. I also noticed she started wearing not-so-cute clothes. I'd
ask her to wear different clothes and she’d refuse. Finally, she explained, "I don't <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>want </i></span>to look cute! People will touch me!" <br />
<br />
F also began ignoring people when they warmly greeted her. She’d sulk and
scowl, lower her head, then hide. Each time, expected she'd start hissing at people. (Thankfully, that didn't happen.) Recently, she told me she was sure if she said
hello back, strangers would try to touch her.<br />
<br />
I knew I had to step-up and protect her need for personal space. After all, she's my kid. It's my job. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>And
</i></span>I could completely relate. I need my personal space, too. It wasn’t my best parenting moment when I realized I needed
to grow a backbone and help my kid out a bit! I felt guilty I hadn’t
already been doing that enough; I was too worried about offending people and being polite and adapting to a new culture.<br />
<br />
My daughter certainly isn’t special in the attention she receives. It’s
normal for foreign children get love bombed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many ways, it’s lovely. I’m
sure there are some kids that don’t mind, and probably quite like it. My kid
just happens <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>not</i></span> to be one of them. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>So, here are a few things that we’re now doing that seems to be working. Perhaps
this will help some of you, too, if your kid(s) are getting love bombed: </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>F is expected to acknowledge the person greeting her. If she
feels she cannot speak and say hello, that's OK; but she must at least smile and wave. She can’t just
ignore them. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>When someone approaches her, like they’re going to touch her, I
say nicely, “Please don’t touch my daughter. She doesn’t like strangers
touching her.” This seems to work just fine. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>If F is worried someone will pinch her cheeks or touch her, even if they
haven’t made a move yet, she shows me a hand signal; the hand signal is my cue to intervene and tell that person my
daughter doesn’t like strangers touching her. (Sometimes she feels too uncomfortable to say "no" to another person and I think she might feel embarrassed to say aloud how she's feeling. That's why we came up with the hand signal; she still gets some control, but she doesn't have to speak.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> This is working for us, too. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>When a stranger asks if they can take her picture, we tell them to ask F.
She always says no. The response is usually laughter. Sometimes I say, “Sorry!
She said no.” But, my daughter has – rightly – asked me why I say “sorry.” I
shouldn’t apologize that she doesn’t want her picture taken by a complete
stranger, nor should I apologize when she doesn’t want a complete stranger her
pinch her cheeks. </li>
</ul>
I have to say it’s rare that someone asks if they can take her picture.
Usually the camera comes out and like a flash, BOOM: the lens is out. This
happened in Bangkok the other week. Our friends happened to be nearby and the
man trying to take F’s photo wasn’t taking no for an answer. My sweet friend
ended up waving his long arms at the person exclaiming, <b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>“No!”</i></span></span></b> The person then
raised his camera to my friend…<br />
<br />
By the same token, foreigners should ask locals if they want their pictures
taken, too. It’s just the respectful thing to do. It goes both ways.<br />
<br />
Just to be clear, our family is completely aware that people are being friendly and the love bombs are just that: friendly love and curiosity. No harm is meant at all. That doesn’t
change the fact that it makes my kid uncomfortable, though.<br />
<br />
As her parent, it’s my job to
make sure I help her feel some control over her personal space. And I think that <i>especially </i>since she's a girl, it's vitally important she (and those around her) respect her boundaries about touch so that as she grows older and finds herself in other situations that are not-so-innocent, she will have instilled within her a strong sense of self and an ability to stand-up for herself and say NO. It all starts this early on in her life.<br />
<br />
If you live here, <span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">what have your experiences with the love bombs been? How do you handle them?</span></span></i></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZFS6N_JM7E/UTQ6hlDqAWI/AAAAAAAABvc/l4YsWz4dl5g/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZFS6N_JM7E/UTQ6hlDqAWI/AAAAAAAABvc/l4YsWz4dl5g/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com17Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-45232827299640083602013-02-26T08:58:00.000-08:002013-02-26T08:58:22.051-08:00Third Culture Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Otcz6KXwF_g/USzm1yFLyoI/AAAAAAAABuY/VT5Bt6b6CjY/s1600/576790_10150812292210229_1682819077_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Otcz6KXwF_g/USzm1yFLyoI/AAAAAAAABuY/VT5Bt6b6CjY/s640/576790_10150812292210229_1682819077_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">She knows how to travel...</span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu-wJaITPAg/USzgzaBFqzI/AAAAAAAABsw/-kf_TSyVD9Y/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu-wJaITPAg/USzgzaBFqzI/AAAAAAAABsw/-kf_TSyVD9Y/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
While I've been busy working on the e-book, Moving to Myanmar, that will be available in April, I came across this great new video about <a href="http://www.tckworld.com/" target="_blank"><u>Third Culture Kids</u></a>.<br />
<br />
It's called <a href="http://vimeo.com/41264088" target="_blank"><u>"So Where's Home? A Film About Third Culture Kid Identity"</u></a> by Adrian Bautista. It's only about nine minutes long, so I hope you get the chance to watch it. If you're in Yangon, I know it might be hard to find a good enough internet connection to watch it.<br />
<br />
There's a part where one of the third culture kids says she thinks it's "ridiculous" how at home she feels in an airport and that probably many tck (third culture kids) feel similarly. I've realized that F, even only at age six, is quite competent getting around in the airport and doesn't seem stressed about it.<br />
<br />
The first time she flew on a plane, she was only a few months old. In under a year, she's been on at least <i><b>16 </b></i>flights. By the time August rolls around, she'll add at minimum six more flights to that list. No wonder she was appalled by <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/junie-b-first-grader-barbara-park/1100292057" target="_blank">Junie B's behavior</a> on her first flight.(Junie B. is a fictional character in a chapter book series.) <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What did you think of the video? </span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn-2oGdn7to/USzja-JASsI/AAAAAAAABs8/BdhdebyH54Y/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn-2oGdn7to/USzja-JASsI/AAAAAAAABs8/BdhdebyH54Y/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com8Yangon, Burma16.8 96.14999999999997716.3138375 95.504552999999973 17.2861625 96.795446999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-27114827215989319762013-02-21T01:30:00.000-08:002013-02-21T01:30:04.563-08:00Love - Blog Circle Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62p_S7SdZpw/USXdJQy2XKI/AAAAAAAABr0/zpnh6gJg2sw/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62p_S7SdZpw/USXdJQy2XKI/AAAAAAAABr0/zpnh6gJg2sw/s1600/love.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV09Ooea-1Y/USXdWGu6T1I/AAAAAAAABr8/cOa0fTyYbgQ/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV09Ooea-1Y/USXdWGu6T1I/AAAAAAAABr8/cOa0fTyYbgQ/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This month, the blog circle group of amazing global, creative women, decided to write about<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><i> love</i></b></span>.<br />
<br />
Love is all-encompassing. Where to start? I wondered which part of the word should I tackle. What type of love? Romantic? Familial? Platonic? The passionate love of your creative process? Not easy, really. I settled on sharing with you some of my favorite quotes and poems about love.<br />
<br />
See, I love poetry. I adore it. Pablo Neruda is one of my <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">ultimate</span></span> favorites; I could read the following poem daily (Poem 14 from <i>20 Love Poems and a Song of Despair)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
Every day you play with the light of the universe.<br />
Subtle visitor, you arrive in the flower and the water.<br />
You are more than this white head that I hold tightly<br />
as a cluster of fruit, every day, between my hands.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
You are like nobody since I love you.<br />
Let me spread you out among yellow garlands.<br />
Who writes your name in letters of smoke among the stars of the south?<br />
Oh let me remember you as you were before you existed.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Suddenly the wind howls and bangs at my shut window.<br />
The sky is a net crammed with shadowy fish.<br />
Here all the winds let go sooner or later, all of them.<br />
The rain takes off her clothes.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The birds go by, fleeing.<br />
The wind. The wind.<br />
I can contend only against the power of men.<br />
The storm whirls dark leaves<br />
and turns loose all the boats that were moored last night to the sky.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
You are here. Oh, you do not run away.<br />
You will answer me to the last cry.<br />
Cling to me as though you were frightened.<br />
Even so, at one time a strange shadow ran through your eyes.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Now, now too, little one, you bring me honeysuckle,<br />
and even your breasts smell of it.<br />
While the sad wind goes slaughtering butterflies<br />
I love you, and my happiness bites the plum of your mouth.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
How you must have suffered getting accustomed to me,<br />
my savage, solitary soul, my name that sends them all running.<br />
So many times we have seen the morning star burn, kissing our eyes,<br />
and over our heads the gray light unwind in turning fans.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
My words rained over you, stroking you.<br />
A long time I have loved the sunned mother-of-pearl of your body.<br />
I go so far as to think that you own the universe.<br />
I will bring you happy flowers from the mountains, bluebells,<br />
dark hazels, and rustic baskets of kisses.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
I want<br />
to do with you what spring does with the cherry trees.</blockquote>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Translated by W. S. Merwin</span></i></span><br />
<br />
My favorite lines? <span style="color: #e06666;">"I want to do with you what spring does with the cherry trees."</span> And <span style="color: #e06666;">"I go so far as to think that you own the universe. I will bring you happy flowers from the mountains, bluebells, dark hazels, and rustic baskets of kisses." </span>And <span style="color: #e06666;">"I love you, and my happiness bites the plum of your mouth." </span>And <span style="color: #e06666;">"Everyday you play with the light of the universe." </span>(Gasp. Actually. I can't gasp. I'm too busy holding my breath.) And <span style="color: #e06666;">"Who writes your name in letters of smoke among the stars of the south? Oh let me remember you as you were before you existed." </span><br />
<br />
Seriously? Swoon doesn't even come <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>close</b></span> to covering it. I want to jump into the words and lay there. Imagine someone feeling that way about you... <br />
<br />
"Love is my religion." - Ziggy Marley<br />
<br />
"...every single free choice you ever undertake arises out of one of the
only two possible thought there are: A THOUGHT OF LOVE OR A THOUGHT OF
FEAR." - Neale Donald Walsch<br />
<br />
"In your light, I learn how to love.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance
inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that
sight becomes this art.” - Rumi</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">R<span style="font-size: small;">um<span style="font-size: small;">i knew it<span style="font-size: small;">: love is art.<span style="font-size: small;"> Art<span style="font-size: small;">, poetry, w<span style="font-size: small;">ords, beaut<span style="font-size: small;">y<span style="font-size: small;"> are all <span style="font-size: small;">expressions of love. Whether you're sharing your love with another or your expressing your love of<span style="font-size: small;"> the words<span style="font-size: small;">/beauty/images within you<span style="font-size: small;">...<span style="font-size: small;">expressing love to su<span style="font-size: small;">ch a degree that others respond to it, feel it. React. That's art. That's love.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>What are some of your favorite quotes about love? </i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Please join in with our blog circle and travel over to <a href="http://onajourneybacktoherwings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Amy Riddle's beautiful, inspiring blog</u></a>. I invite you to get a nice cup of tea or coffee, sit down, and read through the other beautiful blog posts about love. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://onajourneybacktoherwings.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://onajourneybacktoherwings.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.karrlinbain.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.Karrlinbain.blogspot.com</a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.angentlerebellion.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.angentlerebellion.com</a>
<br />
<a href="http://dbminter.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://dbminter.blogspot.com/</a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com</a>
<br />
<a href="http://rainbowlightangel.com/2013/02/lovingourselves/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://rainbowlightangel.com/2013/02/lovingourselves/</a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.lalyblue.com/2013/02/blog-circle-10-things-i-love.html?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.lalyblue.com/2013/02/blog-circle-10-things-i-love.html?lang=en</a>
<br />
<a href="http://lavenderchalet.com/2013/02/love-loverly-lovliest/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://lavenderchalet.com/2013/02/love-loverly-lovliest/</a>
<br />
<a href="http://hailefinephotography.com/2013/02/good-overwhelms/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://hailefinephotography.com/2013/02/good-overwhelms/</a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.jeanfwagner.blogspot.com/">http://www.jeanfwagner.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeanfwagner.blogspot.com&h=6AQEd2njp&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7jiiIRWpVo/USSuApxqHmI/AAAAAAAABrA/F0Bz82cRwtw/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7jiiIRWpVo/USSuApxqHmI/AAAAAAAABrA/F0Bz82cRwtw/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1495111312866801685.post-55353468987902475622013-02-19T04:57:00.000-08:002013-02-19T04:57:54.487-08:00Big Announcements!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A1R0kJrZcY/USMPqVUolKI/AAAAAAAABok/yu8DxLIgt9s/s1600/GGMOVINGTOMYANMARADVERT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A1R0kJrZcY/USMPqVUolKI/AAAAAAAABok/yu8DxLIgt9s/s1600/GGMOVINGTOMYANMARADVERT.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiRIQ8FztXI/USNzUOB2EuI/AAAAAAAABpY/alLBw22wzNY/s1600/hellostar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiRIQ8FztXI/USNzUOB2EuI/AAAAAAAABpY/alLBw22wzNY/s1600/hellostar.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big announcement time! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">First: arriving in April, I will launch a new e-book called "Moving to Myanmar." </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Its purpose is to serve as a stepping-stone for the information-deprived expat about to move to Myanmar. The book is jammed packed with resources about what to expect
when moving here, including top-tips from current Myanmar expats and local Myanmar people.<span> </span>As we know, it’s
still difficult for prospective residents to get information about Yangon.
There’s relatively little available online. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The book will not replace any of the fabulous guide books
already out there on Myanmar, nor will it replace the go-to guide for the already arrived expat, The Golden Guide. It’s a simple book to help
people know <i>where</i> they can access all the information they need while I walk
them through the “mentally preparing to move” stage, continuing on to the first six-12
months of living here. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the end of each chapter, there are self-helpy type
exercises to help expats process their present experience: the aim is
to create strategies for dealing with all that is involved when moving abroad. <span>But really, the book is all about letting people know they are not alone.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I'm excited about the launch of the book and am grateful for the many individuals who have already participated to help make it possible. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br />My second announcement is that I will soon offer a newsletter that you can sign-up for. When you sign-up there will be some fun little goodies for you...and if you're super nice, maybe even some excerpts from the forthcoming e-book. The goodies are especially for expats and I cannot express how excited I am for you to see them. They are lovely and beautiful. I have the talented Jane Bell Lassiter from Virgina, USA to thank for her gorgeous design. That's all I'm saying for now!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Thank for all of your support. :-)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vo_4Fe7qI6k/USN1gke4SlI/AAAAAAAABpk/gWWX6zGE-0M/s1600/blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vo_4Fe7qI6k/USN1gke4SlI/AAAAAAAABpk/gWWX6zGE-0M/s1600/blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></span>Becky Cavenderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15151009371729606281noreply@blogger.com7Yangon, Myanmar16.8 96.14999999999997716.313846 95.504552999999973 17.286154 96.795446999999982