December 1st

There is something special about the first day of the month.  It is a reminder and sometimes an encouragement that time keeps rolling on.  Each day and week seems to be moving inevitably onward, forward towards that next first-of-the-month.  December 1st always marks a particularly special beginning.  Besides the joy of the impending Christmas celebration, it is always a happy surprise to remember: 20 more days until my birthday!  This year I more or less forgot about that bit of the month - the combination of busy days teaching and the atmosphere and distance of Korea - but thanks to my dear family, they make that day special, no matter the time of year or the country.