You know you've lived outside America when...

It's amazing what attempting to fit all needed (but mostly wanted) into 3 suitcases to teach and live for 5 months in a foreign country will do to one's psyche. I don't like packing; I enjoy unpacking. It's almost like Christmas presents. I seem to forget what I brought with me. Each item goes from "why did I want this" to "I remembered this. How marvelous". Treasures range from good clothes to prizes for good behavior to bacon and cheese to chicken and granola bars. Interesting still to me how such simple things can bring such joy and pleasure.