DEAR ALIZARIN: How do you know what time zone you are in if you are ZEN?

Muy interesante (one of my favorite Spanish words – I like how it feels I my mouth) pregunta, Alizarin.

If you are ZEN you don’t give a damn about time zones. Time zones are so non-ZEN. If it were not for being sure that I do not miss my planes, I would never change my watch when I travel. In fact, I only bought a watch for this trip because I needed an alarm clock and could not find a travel alarm clock (I did, after I bought the watch though). That is because I am ZEN. Or try. For example, I am not at all lamenting that I am no longer in Heredia, Costa Rica, enjoying the lessons of my animated Spanish teacher and the many questions and frustrations of my peers. Nor am I annoyed that the 137 pictures I took in Heredia and on the excursion to waterfall are able to be seen as being on the disk, but are unable to be viewed. Nope, not me. Total ZEN. Like this morning at 5am when my insomnia that started about a week ago kicked in again. I got up to pack for my trip to Florida tonight.

After an hour of packing and an hour nap, I got up to check if I had any email to live vicariously through those still in Costa Rica (I didn't) and then went to my long anticipated yoga class (not that I need any practice at being more ZEN). However, after a week of solo yoga practice, I was looking forward to being led by my often wise and always calming instructor and feeling the community of mediation and breathing. It was very relaxing and rejuvenating and felt great. Afterwards, I had a lovely breakfast of a muffin and coffee at my favorite breakfast spot, Vivienne’s. We will go there when you visit.

I am very excited about your visit. It means I can put off working FOREVER! We must practice Spanish when you are here, though it will not allow us to talk about people as most people here will understand us (well, maybe not given my level of Spanish). I miss it. Why do people seem nicer when you cannot understand EVERYTHING they say?

Two positive results of leaving LA for two weeks: I now drink my coffee black (partly because I did not want to bother getting milk for one day) and I have no desire to watch TV and will see how long I can go without turning it on. Though, my mom’s place will re-addict me to TV. Step one: pack the yoga mat.

Namaste,
Lychee