How nice is too nice?

...when you're out of Minnesota.

I always struggle with this one here. And everywhere. Nice-ness is bred into me. If you pass people on the street, you smile. If you get into an elevator with someone, you say 'Hello' or 'Good Morning', if someone talks to you you talk back.

This kind of behavior can get me in trouble if I'm out of my element.
But if I don't do it, I feel like a complete jerk. Like really mean, snobby, I-think-I'm-too-good-for-you kind of jerk. And then that makes me sad. Like I'm not ME anymore. Because I'm Holly, I'm nice to people. And I LIKE being nice.

So where do you draw the line?
Where does your culture meet with others and maintain that happy medium?
Is there always a happy medium?
Is there EVER a happy medium?

breaking news

My next big, exciting adventure is likely going to be... Ethiopia!
Yeah!

My company has a foundation through which a few employees run programs. One program is with an orphanage in Addis Ababa, so I volunteered to help. I will be working with another guy in the organization on the specific project of getting a playground built there for the kids!

I'm super pumped!

So I don't know when or how often I will be going there. But the guy who started the program wants everyone who is working on it to visit it first, just to make sure they don't have any fundamental issues with orphanages or whatever and that they have a passion for the project. I don't think there is any danger of me having issues- but go visit and play with kids for the weekend- sure! Count me in!

Anyway- no more details as of yet, but I'll be sure to let you know.

Yay for 2007!
Well, its a good thing I am not superstitious, becuase my 2007 kick-off wasn't the most spectacular ever. But that doesn't mean I am any less pumped for a stellar year.
My trip home was fantastic, albiet extremely short.
I was afraid that I had started to idealize Minnesota, just because I missed it so much. And I had. But it still is a wonderful place. Perfect? Definitely not. But wonderful all the same.
Upon arrival, Shady and I met Kaitlin at the MOA and proceeded to Hooters for lunch. Of course- first hour back home, where else would you go?
I had to do a double take when the server asked me if I wanted more pop.
Little things that you never thought you would sound foreign to you. But I was back in the swing quickly enough. Caught myself saying pop by the end of the visit.

I'll admit I was less than excited about returning to Dubai by the end of my visit. But I've decided that 2007 will be a year of positivity. Making the most out of every situation. And not letting stupid crap get me down.

I also plan to blog more than once/month. We'll see how that goes.
But perhaps this place will be a little more interesting soon- because I now have a camera again!
I'll be sure to share soon!