another thing living here has taught me: there's only so much you really need. There's a Sanskrit poem in Kate's new book that she mentioned when we were at the Louvre and gawking at the sheer enormity of the building--who could possibly use all that space for any sort of living arrangements? I think it was Louis XIV who ran the place for awhile. Anyway, the poem goes something along the lines of

You have herds and herds of animals, but only need a glass of milk;
You have barns laden to the top with wheat but only need a loaf of bread;
You have rooms upon rooms in your house but only need half a bed to sleep in;
Can you really call the rest your own?

And that rings so true...you only need so much, so why do people strive to have everything they can lay their hands on? I mean, everything I need exists in 2 rooms...we're capable of very menial existence. Not that I think you should deny yourself things that are practical to have....whatever, I'm so over disclaimers in my writing. Anyway, it's something to remember when I'm back in the states.

Alright, seriously, I need to be alseep already. Love all y'all to pieces.