Things That Make Me Smile

artichoke tea. the amount of time employees spend folding napkins in Vietnamese cafes. the black gel pen that has inspired me to start handwriting things more, including a rough draft of this list. swimming. travel size face wash. using MAPS. the fact that I've read 4 books so far this month. the song French Navy by Camera Obscura. the country Belarus. the days when Hannah or Calah come to the MCC office, bonus if they're both here. telling people I had a cat named Svenn. oregon blackberries. dreaming about anything from Oregon. indian food. driving a xe may down Đuong Lang. professional ukulele players. surprise skype chats with good friends. the idea of wearing scarves because it is actually weather appropriate. practicing my new signature with my new pen. baking for people. spreading exciting rumors about myself. bia hoi. when Calah is a green dot on gmail. imagining road trips to santa clara. remembering all the "stans" in Asia. air-conditioning. when security guards park your xe may for you. nights spent at Derek and Ana's house. weekend trips like the one I'm taking to Sapa tonight. new friends.