More evidence of the work getting done

This is what we are doing these days

Building shelters and providing sanitation facilities to the displaced people in Sri Lanka.

Big Life Decisions

Something thats always on our minds is when is it time to move on from here. Our life (work and social) is never permanent, what with visa issues, job stresses and planning for a family. It was never our intention to stay here for more than a year or two. Where to from here? and how to transition out. We have gotten quite comfortable with an actual home, routine or sorts, and stability/respect at work. Only thing lacking is a social life, something other than work all the time. When not in the office, we are with people with whom we work talking about work. You can never get away.

Richard wants to move to Melbourne. I am not so sure about settling in a developed country just yet. I like the adventures we are having working in developing countries, not including recent bouts with nasty flu viruses. What about my career? And I hate being sucked into the consumerism and frivolities of modern living as I am apt to be. I am a sucker for Starbucks, "organic" wholefood shopping, fashion magazines, and such. I foresee weight gain as I once again am able to enjoy delicious conveniences and added expenses eating away our investments capital.

Habarana Forum Meeting

Guys from work.

It can be chanllenging at time working with your spouse. But so far it has worked out well (most of the time). As long as we all understand that I am the boss.

Oh Canada!

This was when we visited Richard's sister and her family in Canada in January, not far from Toronto. Did a bit of ice skating, minigolf, "enjoyed" the snow, and went up to the CN tower.

Winter Holiday

More photos of our trip home. Deb and I freezing at new years, Snow!, and we managed to meet up with Erin and JP for dinner in Bethesda at one of my favorite Restuarants, RAKU. I hadn't seen them in forever and now they are married. Sorry I missed the wedding.

To the States and Back

We spent a wonderful if busy 4 weeks in the States with family. I wish we could have only had a bit more chill time. We spent a lot of time driving unfortunately from one house to the next for meal times. We ate a lot, talked a lot, catching up on news and packing in all the goodies before we returned to the land of rice and curry.

Didn't take too many photos especially since this is a new camera bought just before New Years. We spent New Years Eve in the Hollow sans electricity, keeping warm by the bonfire. Deb came for a visit from the South, I hope I didn't freeze her that night sleeping in the camper. And we had one more day with Tanya in downtown DC. Thank so much for making the effort to meet up even though it was brief.

The cold was an unpleasant jolt back into the modern world. Putting on all those layers takes a lot more coordination in the morning. Shopping was fun, as we imagined all the things we could take back to help us unwind back in Sri Lanka. (Food, books, Wii). Though we didn't end up getting the Wii.

Counting down the days

I am so unbelievable excited about being home for Christmas this year. I only just realized that I haven't been home for Christmas in almost 4 years! Where have I been?

We are counting down the days, just 8 more days until we fly East on the biggest jet airplane in the world. I am daydreaming about all the shopping I am going to do at the new Dubai terminal 3. I will probably end up being too inundadated with consumer stimulation and holiday decorations, and people, and bustling crowds... Its another 5 days after that until Christmas day, I feel like such a big kid getting so excited about the holiday. I've been craving all the goodies that are associated with this time of year such as Gingerbread, sugar cookies, pumpkin pie... I was going to try my hand at the classic homemade decorations such as gingerbread ornaments and popcorn/cranberry garland until I decided that it would all end up a feast for the ants. I got as far as dried red and green chili garland and a pomander orange stuck with cloves which I predict will mold by tomorrow. (sigh)

My Birthday Weekend

We spent the weekend in a little boutigue hotel just south of Hikkaduwa. It was amazing, we never had to leave the room, just look at the pictures of the place. The toilet had a view of the ocean!. It was a bit dark and rainy (just how I like it). And the food was amazing served to you at any time of the day. We felt very spoiled.
We also took the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving early because I thought it was on the 20th rather than the 27th. We had lobster, no turkeys here.

They even organized a birthday commemoration with some flowers on the bed and a chocolate cake.





Just a few more days before Christmas holiday!

Asanka got married

Asanka, Our logistics Manager, got maried at the begining of October. Finally do I get the pictures off Richard's camera. We all got dressed up in Sarees for the occasion. Asanks had a traditional Kandyan do complete with the portuguese inspired costume, and the bride dressed in white, she looked beautiful. It started early at 5:30M, but we showed up around 8:30AM. Some of the ldies from the office posed in their fancy outfits. Vasanthi helped me to buy a nice Saree and Bhanu and everyone helped dress me with many many safety pins. I don't know if I will be able to do it myself. Congratulations to Asanka.