Sunday, September 30, 2007

There's No Place Like Oz

I got to do something unimaginable this morning. Although I live in Seoul, I went to a party in Prairie Village, Kansas.

There was a big engagement party for a few very close friends and with the help of another close friend, I managed to make an appearance at the fiesta via webcam. Many other close friends were in attendance and we managed to keep the whole thing a surprise until the second I appeared on their screen and a room full of many of my best friends appeared on my screen.

There was a moment when everyone appeared that bowled me over. I was sitting at my computer screen reading an article on ESPN.com drinking a cup of coffee and then right there in front of me flashed these people that I miss so much. The element of surprise and the applause that the room erupted with filled me with an indescribable happiness. I was literally speechless for a few moments (which doesn't happen to me very often.)

"I" was set in the corner of a room and somebody pulled a couple chairs up to the screen. For an hour and a half I got to share stories and laughs. Seeing familiar faces and hearing familiar voices forced my mouth into a permanent smile. TO be honest, I couldn't stop smiling after the webcam session ended.

I've been living in Asia for well over a year. Throughout the past 13 months I have had minor bouts with homesickness, but I have become so far removed, I think I forgot how nice it is to be able to talk to good friends. I had forgotten what I was missing.

The only bad thing about the party was I could never talk anybody into cyber-sex. I did flash my tits and came close to taking my pants off, but no go. I thought I heard some mentions of a 3-way, but it never materialized...

Technology has really improved my quality of life over here. I am able to stay connected to friends all over the world. I instantly know the scores to games that are happening back home. And now today, I got to travel hafway across the world and have conversations with the poeple who mean the most to me.

It was a great pleasure to see many of you this morning. I can't wait till we can do it in person.

Much love from Seoul