I had a very good Christmas this year. I was home in the States for about one month. I made some progress on my PhD, went to a conference at Harvard (not presenting) where I met many young scholars as well as my first political philosophy professor Patrick Riley, and researched in Madison.
The real event though was having Ahreum home for Christmas. We had a brilliant time together, and finally got to see Chicago on the 29th along with Mom and Dad.
We had a big Christmas meal on the 24th, a low key Christmas day, and another family event on the 29th. I was very happy that in our family Christmas was really much less commercialized than it might be. It was better just to spend plenty of time with my relatives and let Ahreum get to know some of them better.
Saying goodbye to both Ahreum and my parents at O'Hare airport was pretty hard. I've gotten used to saying goodbye, but there is a lot of loneliness served up in one dose on a day like that. I feel so fortunate to have them all in my life, grateful for the time together, but still a little home sick (where home is located for me is another question).
At the moment I'm writing from Heathrow Airport. I shouldn't have, but I finally bought a day pass for WiFi Internet access. It certainly makes waiting for the coach to Exeter a good deal more entertaining. One can only play solitaire and pinball so long, after all.
I can't conclude without wishing a Happy New Year to all my readers, family, and friends!
Once more into the breach,
Ben
