Left my place before dawn I’m freezing rain to observe a wonderful multicultural graduate class, no heat. The afternoon was filled with presenting at the Fulbright Commission. Ended the day with a walk through the cold mud and rain in Thamel. I’m freezing! No leaving my room tonight, peanut butter and crackers with hot tea for dinner! Staying snuggled up!
Author Archives: Patrice
Book Proposal
I just hit the send button on this book proposal! If approved, there will be a frenzy of additional work to submit a manuscript so that the processes for printing in English and translation for a Nepali version can begin. Fingers crossed! More info to come later. ..
Government Closure
I started getting messages yesterday regarding the impact of the US government shut down and the impact here in Nepal. It’s a very odd feeling to be in a developing country and realize your embassy is not functioning at full capacity. Americans at home and all over the world are feeling the immediate impact. 
Nepali Puppies!
Pure cuteness distracted me from work today
Groceries Mem?
So one of my first rides in the taxi with Ram I asked him to stop at a grocery called Bhat Batini to let me pick up a few items. On my way out I got 2 small ice cream cones. One for me and one to share with Ram. He was delighted. So today, about a week later, we are riding down the same road and as we near Bhat Batini, Ram looks in the rear view mirror with huge brown eyes and a huge kid-like smile to match and very sheepishly asks ,”groceries Mem?”
I grinned back and replied, “ice cream Ram?”
“YES Mem!”
CBT workshop speaker
I was asked to be the guest speaker at the closing session of the cognitive behavior therapy workshop sponsored by The Relief Trust. 
Prep for Presentation
I’m cross eyed from working at my computer today. After teaching my first class I got started on the first 5 of 15 presentations that are scheduled for me! 
Classic Conversation
I try to find a cab driver I like in the area and use him for rides as often as possible… familiar face, build relationship, try to help out, etc. my current favorite driver is a precious young man, married for a year to an absolutely beautiful young woman that works at the college. I had asked him to pick me up in front of where I live at 8:00 a.m. the conversation began with a phone call from him at 7:55. (Note: he barely speaks English and I speak even less Nepali)
Ram: mem road trouble
Me: ok Ram where are you?
Ram: home.
Me: ?????
Ram: mem are you there?
Me: yes Ram, when will you be here?
Ram: 20 minutes mem at Thamel front corner ( note this could mean numerous corners)
Me: 20 minutes at corner Fire & Ice ( extremely popular restaurant)?
Ram: yes mem
Me: you know Fire and Ice?
Ram: no
Me: ????
Ram: are you there mem?
Me: garden of dreams… do you know garden of dreams?
Ram: yes mem, I’ll be there 20 minutes (he hangs up. I grab my stuff and walk the blocks with all my supplies to stand on the sidewalk and wait 30 minutes in the cold. I call:
Me: Ram, where are you?
Ram: I’m at your house Mem…..you coming?
EVERY DAY!!!!! Gotta love it!
Outside My Door
…literally. Life is so hard for so many. Please do something kind today…
Day at the Office
Working with the faculty to plan a three day mental health practitioner conference sponsored by ICMS & NSU. It was colder inside than out so I chased the spots of sunshine around as I designed a brochure to reflect our plans. The collaboration and excitement is contagious! I contacted the ambassador and she agreed to be our keynote speaker! 
Moulton Family Famalia La Famiglia Famille Ohana Pariwar 