If a dream is a wish your heart makes...

...then my heart hates me! 

So, a few weeks ago I went to Macau to visit a good friend and take some time off. While we were together we discussed language learning and how it was going for the both of us. He told me that he recently had been having dreams in the language he's learning. I assured him that I would NEVER be at the point that I could actually dream in another language.

Well, looks like I often use the word "never" in place of "really soon." Yesterday, as I was taking a nap I found myself in a dream completely in my 2nd language. There was a conversation going on and then just lists and lists of vocabulary everywhere. I tried and tried to wake up for the longest time. It was like the dream where you are drowning, but you just can't seem to get back to the top!! 

Some have said this is a good sign, that I'm making progress. I tend to think that once again my heart has chosen to betray me... (see Dr. Pepper posts)

Dr. Pepper: A Continuing Saga of that Texan Jewel

Dec. 8th, 2008... I awoke at 4:00AM to watch Alabama get slaughtered by the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship. Although I love Alabama football more than I love some of my friends, I still needed a little boost to wake me up and keep me alert. I sauntered into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and took out the last Dr. Pepper. Within 20 minutes I had downed every drop, not yet realizing that Dr. Pepper would vacate my life for 4 months. 

April 6, 2009... At 7:18AM I walked into Macau. Just days earlier, my good friend vowed we would find Dr. Pepper. Over the past 4 months I had dreamed of that canned liquid love. There were days when I imagined that glorious unmatched taste pour into my mouth and slide down the back of my throat, reviving my un-energized body into a frenzy of joy. 

On the afternoon of the 6th day of April, we walked into the store. There was ONE Dr. Pepper left. I grabbed it up like it was the holy grail. I carried it like a newborn baby, fresh in the world. We walked to a park, sat down on a bench, and I thanked the good Lord above for the sweet can of manna in my hands. I grabbed the pop top to open it...and it BROKE. Satan and his band of idiots had snatched away my happiness. My good friend, who now deserves a million dollars, pounded on the can until it opened. I smiled, and began to slowly immerse myself back into the wonderful world of Dr. Pepper. 

Within minutes my body began to shake. I could have run all the way to Birmingham and back. It was a glorious feeling! To be honest though, it was a little much. I began to question the foundations of the earth. Had my body betrayed my heart's desire to drink in one of life's great blessings? I left Macau without another sip of Dr. Pepper, with that question lingering in my head.

April 13, 2009... At 5:05PM I walked into a western grocery store here in the city. They had just received a new shipment of products. I scanned the new selections and saw a shelf full of V8. Upon closer glance, there in the front row, tucked between two horrific cans of liquified tomatoes stood a Diet Dr. Pepper can. Before I knew it, it was in my hands. Was my body betraying the true crimson can for the less true white can? 

I walked home, put the can in the refrigerator, and left it for another day. For days I pondered what my body would think of this DIET drink. Was it worthy? Could the commercials be true? Does it taste like the real thing?

April 15, 2009... This day marked 6 months in the country. A place that, in case you haven't been reading, does not have an abundance of Dr. Pepper. I thought to myself, how should I celebrate? I walked to the refrigerator and reached for the Diet Dr. Pepper can. I sat down, opened the can, and took a sip. I took another sip. It was just how I remembered Dr. Pepper back home.

It's true ladies and gentlemen. After just 6 months in a country that does not like sugar, my body has betrayed my heart and longs for Diet Dr. Pepper!! 

P.S. I have tried Diet Coke and Coke Zero. These are still NASTY diet drinks in my book!