I woke up this morning laying in bed with my eyes closed for almost an hour. I imagined I was at my beach studio on Alki, watching the morning sun poke through the laurel bush leaves in the backyard. I remember having coffee at my kitchen table and looking out on the Sound. I laugh now thinking about things like a kitchen (stove, sink, refrigerator) or living in a space with separated rooms for a designated purpose: living room, dining room, bedroom, BATHROOM…. wow, I can’t imagine having a sink right next to a toilet, let alone inside my house – ha! For fun and laughs with other volunteers, I’ve kept three running lists: 1) things that are now over-rated -beauty products -clothing for different occasions -living in more than one room -consumerism -different shoes for designated purposes -working out/gyms -insect repellant/control -cleaning products 2) things that are almost impossible -fitting in -my plans going as expected -showering -disposing of garbage -drinks -controlled lighting -leftovers or snacking -being a germaphobic -controlled temperature -comfortable modes of transportation -public bathrooms -convenience of anything -excess of/easy access to anything -immediate gratification 3) things that are a luxury for most people in South Africa and now for me: -toilet paper/paper towels/plastics -books -chocolate/sweets -listening to music -vacationing -vegetables/fruits -speaking English -receiving a letter -a phone call -photographs -going “into town” -private modes of transport -a cold drink -full buckets of water -a warm fire -good health -access to information