Burmaburmaboburma....

Dearest Arianna,

I honestly can’t remember when we first met or how. I know it was STAND/Burma related, but the actual method we came to be in the same room eludes me. The thing I do remember though is meeting with you Steph and a few other people at the movie night.

I have to tell you the first time I actually spoke to you in person was an experience. You are such a freakishly warm and open individual (especially in contrast to me) it made me sweat a little. I was actually nervous, like wobbly knees, sweaty hands kind of nervous. But like another lady I know, you are wonderfully oblivious to the effect that has on stoic, huge-personal-bubble types like me and just barreled right into conversation. One of the hardest things about talking to you is you would constantly do things like touch my shoulder or arm, which would immediately erase everything in my brain, and make it tough to stay in conversation. Lucky for us both I think Steph was there, I have a feeling she shares a sliver of the kind of mid-west personal distance issues I have (or atleast can see it) so she would translate for me if I really needed to know something.

I wanted so badly for things to work out for you guys with Gi-net and getting you guys funding (or just logistics), but alas, the higher ups couldn’t be bothered, and actually that greatly shortened my stay at that org.

I don’t believe I have ever actually talked to you on FB. For some reason I still picture you wandering around the jungles of Thailand or Burma and the idea of using FB to converse with you seems obscene to me. I had thought of giving you and Steph the boot at the same time, but decided against it as it doesn’t fit the rules. That being said I chose you, Steph will get hers in due time =)

You are a lovely lovely woman, and I better get an email from you now and then updating me on how you are saving the world one shoulder at a time.

Today was a great day, but tomorrow our FBfriendship will end,

Curt