Let's choose Thankfulness

“To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness."
- Bertrand Russell

Ironic – but true.   Since moving here, things I completely took for granted have become ones I cherish:

• Garbage disposals
• Drinkable tap water
• Cake mix & sprinkles
• Websites with opening hours
• Fresh raspberries year round
• In general, food quality you don’t question

The list could go on….

But this is the week for Thankfulness – and there are always 2 sides to a story.   

So let’s practice the art of seeing the ‘optimist’s view’ around Kiev.  

·  FAIRY-TALE BACKDROP

      While Kiev has its share of Soviet & grey, the charm is equally plentiful

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  ABUNDANTLY FLEXIBLE PARKING: One could easily focus on the hassle of getting boxed in - a car parking you in OR one breaking down in place 

      (post accident you aren't allowed to move your car until the police arrive; the one shown above, merely had a dead battery, after the driver (outside the kids school) spent all morning on electronics plugged into the car outlet)

      The rosy view: one can find a spot anywhere

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   ADVENTURES IN GROCERIES: ‘Negative nelly’ would tell you it’s depressing when the best broccoli looks like this.  

      And exasperating when your favorite cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, hair dye color of choice you discovered & came to rely on suddenly vanishes from shelves     

      But, in the thankful spirit, one must admit its pretty fab to have farm fresh everyday

      (So the farm stands only have what’s in season – isn't that how farms work?!  On the hair front, I suppose the positive is there’s no chance to get in a rut)

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  FORCED SLOW DOWN:  OK, this one requires some major re-framing & stretch to see the positive.  Put bluntly, our internet is crazy slow during peak evening hours & our WIFI sucks.  
      
      The thankful view: 

• poor WIFI = keeps living space Facebook free (much better connections in the office)
• slow internet afternoons = a chance to see some of Kiev’s finest free WIFI cafes 

· CHEAP THRILLS ARE EVEN CHEAPER: The glass half empty view is that things are not as abundant, there is less choice in stores & its just harder to get - especially when it comes to festive, seasonal items. 

      (after driving an hour in quest of X-mas trees, we arrive to find the nursery is ONLY OPEN on Saturday & Sundays)

     
      But Santa's watching - so we must not whine.  
      The merry view: 

      When we do find what we're looking for, the thrill is high

(we bought about a million of these magnet Santas)

      
     When supplies imported via suitcase save the day, it's another happy charge
      

(yes I hear you can make a pumpkin pie from scratch - but come on, I'm American!)

   And when we can share the USA loot wealth, it's an even bigger high.  Where else can a hostess gift of chili powder elicit more joy than the wine? 

      And when we achieve success - overcoming the obstacles - we we experience a high disproportionate to the results

(this is the most loved Charlie Brown Christmas tree ever)

CONFUSION CREATES COMMUNITY: Cyrillic alphabet, impossibly confusing websites, inventory that comes & goes.   You could pull your hair out - but the serious blessing to this is how lack of clarity bands people together.  While we may have had more visitors had we moved to London or Sydney, I am not sure we would have had so many fantastic friends - at the ready to band together go hunt down ground cumin 

(our 2nd annual PTA Newcomers Market Tour - we tour shops, markets & kiosks showing those new to Kiev the nuances of where to find things)

Here's to focusing on the rays of sunshine
Happy Thanksgiving!