Six Month Mark

I left America over six months ago. Weird. And I have now been in the Philippines for over seven weeks, and have spent six weeks in Baler. I realized that this is the longest time in six months that I have been in one place– I just haven't stayed put. In Vietnam I was always on the go, even though I spent a total of probably two months in Saigon it was never for more than three weeks at a time. Surprisingly, I am not bored in Baler, I am not sick of this town. In fact, everyday I find myself starting to love it instead of just like it. I like my routine, I like my work, I like my friends, I like my adopted cats and dog– a few days ago I got Mabel to eat out of my hand, that was a big step for her. I like that I have started been able to act independently– I can confidently go to the market by myself and buy food with vendors recognizing me and greeting me warmly. I am also loving surfing. I am at the point where I can stand up basically all the time and fully ride the waves in. A few days ago for the first time they had me do everything on my own, so paddle into the wave and try to catch it all by myself. That was a big fail. My arms were so tired. And I ate it so many times. I know this is the last step I need to learn before I can surf on my own without having an instructor with me, so if I ever find myself living nearby good waves again I can just do it all on my own. I am determine to get this down. I am so close! And I have come so far! After my last lesson I was exhausted. Literally when I was waiting for the waves my instructor kept telling me to sit up and chill/relax on the surfboard but I told him I just wanted to lay down and let my arms dangle in the water. I think at that point it was hopeless. I'll go again in a few days.

Lets see,  random comment: I had my first piece of candy in six months. Thank you Jess for sending me my most favorite candy in the world. Fact: No matter how smushed or deformed Reeses

smushed Reeses. nom nom nom

may be from a trip over the big puddle, they still taste just as delicious. Maybe even better. On a related note, thank you everyone for all the mail you have been sending me. Whenever I get a text from the post office telling me I have mail I am reminded that I truly do have the most amazing friends :) And even if some packages/envelopes have gotten lost on the way... it's the thought that counts (and obviously it is the post office's fault... I mean really how many Emma James are there in the Philippines???)

One last comment: my "Central Market Post" was premature... this weekend I went to market early Saturday morning when literally everyone does their shopping. I saw not only a cows head, but a pigs head too. And I had my camera.

He's smiling!

And there was an octopus.