atmospheric gas and unspoken expectations...

This morning I am sitting on a train to Taipei without a cup in hand but please dont think the inspiration hasn't already brewed and spil over! 

For Christmas I was given some popcorn seeds by an alie to protecting the popcorn consumption.  While it may seem like a random gift it was much appreciated as it was a connecting point- much like Star Wars fans congregate or when you see another foreigner whilst overseas.   Its a point of reference, a shared passion and where friendship begins. 

Yesterday after a cycle and a big lunch I was imagining myself drowning in a combination of duvet, pillow and popcorn as my dinner in front of my TV.  So I switched on my gas stove (First time having gas in the house) and eagerly anticipated the popcorn popping.  My lips were licked and mouth started getting excited.  However, with the extractor fan on it was difficult to hear how much popping was happening .   'Wow, this gas stove really involves a lot of smoke while cooking', I thought.  I peeped into the pot by adjusting the lid slightly and well it turns out it looked like the black hole or Big Bang- if there ever was one.  Mission not accomplished and well the popcorn was more like coal. 

Regardless, I got a interesting blogpost out of it and drew some parallels to expectations in life- that are a bit more important than burnt popcorn .  While not all are popcorn fans and we may not connect over a love for mouth watering popcorn you and I both have expectations.   These expectations could encourage us to be goal centered, hinder us and deter us from pressing in or could leave us very disappointed if not met.  As I am embarking on a new adventure I didn't come with many expectations.  I didn't think Id make good friends, I didnt think there'd be good coffee,  I didn't think I would find so much peace and I certainly didn't think that the people here would be so sensitive to my foreign celebation -Christmas!  The decorations and festive cheer is heart warming.

On the other hand I imagined living with a colleague.  I imagined that the fruit at the fruit markets here would be super cheap,  I imagined I'd be living on fish daily!  While these are unmet expectations I'm making the most of living alone and managing the rest to match my expectations.  

Managing unmet expectations is no small feat for a dreamer like me.  You may also find it the same. However I've found it much better knowing my expectations than have them hang over me like a cloud of atmospheric gas.  While we may always be thinking we may not always be aware of our thoughts. 

So in concluding, may all your needs and desires be met and in the meanwhile may you manage unmet expectations well along the way! 

fondest care, 

Phoenix & Sarah.

These were socks that I eyed out at a 'supposed to be super cheap market' but I decided not to buy them and I got them in a Christmas parcel.