Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Ready to Go!

I made my lists, checked 'em thrice, ironed all the clothes I'm taking, and got all of my packing done. I am officially ready to go to the Philippines. I leave on Saturday (only three more days!), and I can't wait. I have definitely earned my week off!

This week is off to a really pleasant start. Some kids are on vacation, so a few classes are smaller (thus, easier to control), and two classes had tests yesterday and more tests today, which makes lesson plans a snap. These were the first tests I have ever written (outside of the ones I did in my education classes in college), so I was a little nervous. I was concerned that I might have made the tests either too easy or too hard (those who know me are probably all assuming that I would err on the side of too hard). Judging by the grades, I'd say I wrote some pretty good tests - right on the mark! The kids, unfortunately, have no appreciation for my "art."

I want to thank everyone who sent kind messages regarding Mindy. It was a tough situation to go through, but I'm doing okay. I still really miss her, of course. The messages really helped - now it's just up to time to finish the healing process. In answer to a few inquiries, yes, I am planning to get another dog. It made such a difference having one around again. Living alone can get lonely (not dreadfully so), and a four-legged friend makes it so much more pleasant. I was actually eager to leave work, which hasn't often been the case here in Korea. It's not that I don't like my apartment, I just love being at work! No, I'm not sick...

Well, time to make another valiant attempt at sleeping. Sheesh, insomnia is such a drag!

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"Passage—immediate passage! the blood burns in my veins! Away, O soul! hoist instantly the anchor!
Cut the hawsers—haul out—shake out every sail!
Have we not stood here like trees in the ground long enough?
Have we not grovell’d here long enough, eating and drinking like mere brutes?
Have we not darken’d and dazed ourselves with books long enough?

Sail forth! steer for the deep waters only!
Reckless, O soul, exploring, I with thee, and thou with me;
For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared to go, And we will risk the ship, ourselves and all.

O my brave soul!
O farther, farther sail!
O daring joy, but safe! Are they not all the seas of God?
O farther, farther, farther sail!"

~Walt Whitman, "Passage to India"