One More Time

I write, the bearer of good or bad news depending on what you demand from your friends. Earlier this week, I re-signed at Swaton. I was provoked by a raise, a 3 week vacation, a gym membership and the desire to see how these children can improve in 2 years. I looked for a better opportunity; a school with more vacation time. Nothing out-weighted Swaton and my now comfortable life. At least they don't have a show called, "Dancing with the Stars," here in Korea. The most difficult part of the negotiations was getting suitable time off to return home. It took a year, but the longings for home have got me feeling overly nostalgic. I am now one of those people who talk about themselves too much, finding a way to piece past into seemingly irrelevant conversations. When I'm stuck thinking about the things I want to do in America, I'm usually brought back to the present by my students, my children. I've shared one of their most formidable years. 12 months ago, I taught them how to sit up straight and hold a pencil and now I'm busy preparing them for a play where they will discuss, in a second language, what to do with ailments like a stomach ache, an itch and dizziness. Plus, I know how quickly this year went by and how soon it will be summer and I'll be coming home to remember why I miss a place that has a TV program called, "Skating with the Stars." America, are you serious?