Serenity Now

China here I come. It is hard to believe that the day of this trip has finally arrived. I look at this as the first of many benchmarks of my one year rotation here in Korea. I have been here two months and some days it seems a lot longer. On some of these longer days, I cannot help but yell serenity now.

This morning I once again yelled "Serenity now" but did it without saying a word. Four to five days a week my unit conducts physical training (yes the Army pays me to exercise). This usually consists of running and lots of it. This morning, like the other four, was a running day. However, instead of focusing on the many reasons why humans should not be running like they do, I decided to "let it go." As I did this, I scanned 360 degrees with my eyes. I was amazed at how spectacular the scenery is here. Usually most mornings here are very foggy. Today was different. It was clear and stars scattered the sky. The Big Dipper was tipped upside down against an ever brightening sea of blue. For once the biting cold,that usually stings my face, did not phase me. The low lying hills and mountains that surround the valley where my post sits, was sillouted against the brightening sky. As we made our way down the winding road to the turn around spot, the sky got ever brighter and the mountains were magnified even more against the blue backdrop. At that point I stopped worrying about Juicy girls, the shady Korean Adashi, work and life's other little annoyances and soaked it all in.

If this morning's run is any indication of what the next four days in China will bring, I am all set. I wish everyone a safe and happy President's Day weekend. I promise to take lots of pictures.