Paul wrote us an email yesterday to give us the scoop from his job as a choreographer with a show that's opening in the Philippines. Here's what he said:
Hello family and friends,

I'm writing you all at once because I don't have 24hr access to a computer and time is limited. I arrived in the Philippines on Saturday after a day of flying to Tokyo and then here. There is also a 13 hour time difference. While I write this email on Monday morning, you are all enjoying your Sunday evenings. I guess Einstein was correct in saying past, present and future all exist similtainously.

Anywho, Philippines is very different than the States. It is a very poor country yet the people are exceptionally friendly and curtious. My hotel is very lush and the cast is getting on very well.

As of now, the show has met with some difficulties. We were suppose to start rehearsal today but due to the venue booking another show last minute, we have been pushed until Tuesday, possibly Wednesday to load in a tech and open on Thursday night. The number of shows has also been cut from 10 to 7. Being a creator of a show myself, I feel for the creative team as they endure problems that are beyond their control. Everyone wants to see this show have success but that will be impossible if problem keep arising. Plus, being in a foreign country, the rules and work ethics are very different. For example, it is customary for the locals to show up for work anywhere between 2 to 3 hours late, causing all kinds of stress for us silly Americans who take ourselves "too seriously".

What are ya gonna do. Yet this is a positive experience for me as I am meeting people from all walks and enjoying different conversations waxing philisophical on life and happiness. I miss you all very much and look forward to speaking to all of you one on one.

A big shout out to Mom and Natasha who I know are over-worrying about my safety. I good to be loved by such beautiful women.

Take care and know that when you read this, I will probably be sipping a glass of red kicking it pool side. Who's a rock star baby?

Love,
p

The heat has been off in our building for nearly 2 months now and my boss Rikk is about to lose his marbles. He bought everyone in the lab a space heater in December and I am still using mine daily. Outside it is about 50.... inside is another story. Oh yeah, hi everyone. We were very disappointed to miss the NYC crowd at Christmas time, but we managed to have a fantastic visit with dad and Kath, and Jim's mom(!) in Orland. And, although the weather was a baking 2 degrees most days, we didn't feel too cooped up staying indoors for 6 days. No snowmen to be had- but Finn found enough dirty city snow near the Planetarium to make a few snowballs for Jim's head.

Finnster turned 5 on Jan 17th--we had a Pirate themed party for him at a local park (15 4-5 year olds and their parents!). It was a great success, and the crowning glories were a buried treasure dig we had in the sand (I had hidden ~800 pounds of plastic jewels, necklaces, and gold coins while setting up for the party), and a pirate ship that Jim and I made out of a refrigerator box from my lab (fully equipped with mast, sails, movable steering wheel, nets, anchor, and inflatable parrot). Many of the kids spent 3/4ths of the party in it (pictures to come later- you'll have to coach me on how to upload digital images to the site). We are still trying to manuver around the piles of gifts he received from the event. At least he has agreed to getting rid of older toys to make room for the new stuff. Yahoo!

I head to Chicago next week for my granny's 90th birthday extravaganza. Looking forward to seeing cousins I barely know anymore. The price you pay when you move far from the nest. I should probably bring a coat and gloves...hmmm.

March plans include a research cruise for Jim and a meeting in southern Cal (Redlands, yuck) for me. I do not know Finn's schedule for that month yet. :) Finn starts pee-wee baseball in April and continues to take swim lessons now. He is a busy guy.

The door is always opened for a visit... come see us.

Happy Valentines Day

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