A Rainy Day

Yesterday was cold and rainy. It is unusual for rain this time of year. I was unprepared. My raincoats and umbrella were back at my apartment and I was soaked by the end of the day.

I found a great restaurant on the way to the Tewa bus, which I take to work everyday, called Mike’s breakfast. It has great coffee, which is the number one priority in the mornings. I typically have Nescafé instant coffee. I now know that I can leave 30 minutes early and have a nice breakfast before going to work. Lunches consist of rice and Dal so I am very hungry by dinnertime. I really need to get more protein in my system.

I did get some things accomplished at work today. I updated the marketing plan and have a draft of the brochure and letter to volunteers and donors. I hope to get them completed by the end of the week.

The office of Tewa is very cold so I wore three layers, but I was still cold. I was able to leave a few minutes early by catching a ride from Sadhana to meet Leslie and Dilli (a travel guide) for drinks.

Leslie and I were wandering around Patan looking for a Buddha statue and Kurti. Dilli helped to negotiate the statue. He was so kind. It was still very expensive but worth it.

By the time we got to the restaurant, we were totally soaked and enjoyed a few glasses of wine. I really do not get alcohol often, so it was a real treat.

Exercise is non-existent other than walking to the bus, so I am feeling very fat… so much for loosing weight in Nepal. The boot camp team would not be happy with me. I brought the bands to use for exercise but only used them once. I am not good at working out on my own.

I am working out of my apartment today; hopefully I can stay warm. I am going to try meditation this afternoon. All my efforts at Kopan Monastery and I have not practiced the whole week.

Well, I have one hour before I go to the main house for chanting… I am so excited. There is a group that comes to Tara’s home on Wednesday for chanting. I don’t understand the words, but love the peace it generates within me. I always am searching for calmness.

Namaste, Paula