Quoteable Quotes: believing the impossible

The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible. ~Arthur C. Clarke

definitions of "rude" - a cultural construct

It has been a few short months since we boarded a plane in Africa bound for the USA. I still miss the overseas life. I certainly miss the palm trees and sunshine of Mozambique...and the people I met along the way are still very dear to my heart and I wish they weren't so far away.

I am committed to cultural diversity and am grateful for those who helped me transition in new lands and showed me hospitality when I was far from home. In order to pass it on I have started volunteering with a local organization that helps refugee families in their transition.

One of the things I was asked to do was attend a dinner group with Americans who are volunteering with the newcomer families. In these discussions, I am reminded of how many of our ideas are cultural constructs and how often we assign value judgments to them.

I do it this way and that is the right way. Others do it that way and that is the wrong way.

Really? What if it is just different? Can we get past the difference?

Is being late rude? Perhaps. However, the definition of late varies greatly across cultures. In some places showing up 2 hours after the scheduled time is still an acceptable window. Yes, 2 hours. The definition of "late" is a cultural construct and the value assigned is ultimately an arbitrary one.

Is it rude to disregard cordial greetings in order to accomplish a task? Perhaps. Again, this is defined by culture. In many parts of the world EVERY interaction is cordial. Conversation, business meetings and even email begin with - How are you? How is your family? How was that important event?...These cannot be ignored as they matter greatly to relationship - even professional ones. The task at hand isn't as important as the people involved - or is it the other way around?

just Sheri, keenly aware of the differences

Marriage 301: relationship advice from Griff

Griff is the home health care nurse that visits us weekly. He is originally from the Pacific Islands, but that was decades ago. He has made America his home and even served in our military. We look forward to his visits and usually have a lively discussion. The topic for last week - marriage.

Griff says: (not to me directly) "My dear, when you marry a man you are marrying a child. If you are not willing to raise that man, then you should not get married."

When I was in college a friend of mine was getting married and her mom said, "In marriage, the wife gives and gives and gives...and when the husband reaches about the age of 55 that investment pays off."

The two seem to have a common thread. Do you think it is accurate?

just Sheri, curious

Hip-hip-hooray!

They are coming! They are coming! Our boxes are coming from Africa. They should be here in a few short days.

I (almost)cannot believe my good fortune.

Just Sheri, experiencing Christmas in February

(finally) some encouraging news

Maybe things are turning a corner for us...maybe?

I got an email from our shipping company that (after nearly three months) they may have found an airline carrier to ship our stuff for the same price that was originally quoted. I hope, I hope, I hope.

I was invited for a second interview for a job I would really like to have. Even if it doesn't turn in to reality (as the competition is pretty stiff), it is encouraging to get the invite.

just Sheri, hopeful