:Title:    Family
:Author:   Linda Nowakowski
:Date:     Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:46:44 PDT
:URL:      http://www.ned.com/user/u523412994/news/25/

With me on this side of the world and my family all 12 time zones away, keeping in touch is difficult.  

I am the oldest of 5 children. I have 2 younger brothers and two younger sisters. I also have one son. Of all of those, I really only maintain one-on-one contact with my youngest brother and my son. They are the only ones who have come to visit me here and are likely the only ones who ever will. I don't think it is because the others wouldn't like to come but health and family situations being what they are....

**My Brother** in Mae Hong Song learning how to play a traditional Karen instrument that he had just bought.  He and his wife were here for Christmas and he is talking about coming back sometime soon to have some dental work done.  Figure this - He is self-employed and under a limited health care plan that he can afford.  It is cheaper for him to fly to Thailand (2 times) and have the work done here than to go to the local dentist that he can walk to. The wonders of the US economy!  None the less, it will mean I get to see him more often!

.. image :: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/137539237_89c3bd8595_o.jpg

**My Son** with a Buddhist monk at a temple in Chiang Mai. I haven't seen him in almost 2 years.  I miss him terribly!  He is planning a trip here in October that I am really looking forward to.  I think we will make a trip to Ankor Wat in Cambodia and spend some time on one of the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand - two things I have yet to do here!

.. image :: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/137503884_3b0d392efe_o.jpg

My brother often forwards me things that are sent to him that are either funny or impress him in some way.  He recently sent me a powerpoint presentation that struck home in a very important way. I would like to share that with you all but really don't know how to do that easily without spamming. So.... I have posted a web page here_. That will show you the content.  It will not share with you the power of this presentation.  The presentation is timed to give you information in a way that has great impact and it also has inspiring background music it is timed to.  If you would like to see the full presentation please email me at lindern at gmail.com and I will send you the ppt file.

.. _here : http://yssl.com/happiness.htm