Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies...

I've been really, really missing Bangladesh (especially after reading my friend Tanya's top 12 list of things she'll miss about "Amar Sonar Bangla"), so I decided to write my own list of things that I really appreciate about America, land that I love. I'm feelin' better already!

10. Supermarkets - where all kinds of vegetables are available all the time, whether they are in season or not.

9. Hazard-free roads. I no longer need to brace myself and shout "Oh my God" when I'm in traffic.

8. Breathable air. My lungs are in heaven.

7. Law and order. I never thought I'd say it, but thanks to the women and men in blue who keep our streets safe and our pockets un-picked.

6. Underground sewer systems. Need I say more?

5. Cockroach-free living quarters.

4. McDonald's French Fries...there is no substitute.

3. Privacy

2. Beer (It was available to me in Bangladesh, but social taboos in my in-law's house made it "neeshedh" - forbidden.)

1. Not being a single parent anymore. I knew I missed Masud, but I am just now realizing how much I missed Isaac's father.

I'm still trying to adjust to life here...taking it slowly...one friend at a time...but it's still overwhelming.

I'm headed to D.C. this weekend for the Fulbright Pre-Departure Orientation for next year's class. I was invited to speak on a panel called "What it means to be a Fulbrighter". Once I get my speech written up, I'll try to post it to share with all of my blog readers. I suppose I should think about what I'm going to say, eh?