After arriving in America, for many years, I kept wondering if I was “getting” America. By getting I mean did I really understand the United States. Today, I am not sure if I got America but America has definitely gotten me. My ability to appreciate simple things is almost gone.  I do not notice anything unless it is loud, higly visible and in a highly concentrated form. Unabated capitalism has taken a toll on my sense and sensibility. I have been conditioned to look for the the tallest player, the most atheltic looking woman, the best sound, the best seller, the perfect environment, etc. Untamed capitalism has a unique way of making it appear that one can have anything one sees. While the number of avaliable options has consistently grown, my ability to attain and enjoy these “so called” options has diminished greatly. I would like to be able to feel the distant echo of a soft whisper. I want to see and enjoy the reflection of a butterfly flapping its wings above a lake. While I am addicted to intensity, at least I have become aware that for me the real joy will come from my deeper appreciation for and connection with the simple things in life- it will depend on my seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary . And that seems like a good start.