I second guessed myself after uploading the massive picture of me to this website. But, then, after further thought, I came to the conclusion anyone looking at this probably wants to see my big smiling face in as many places as possible. Next step is a background-collage of yours truly.
Yes, so. One year later. Hard to believe as any other year, in some ways; easier in others. I have learned a lot, in any case. That is good, I think. It is evidence that I am still alive, for one thing. Here is a short list.
1. People are actually not very good drivers in Taiwan.
2. Taiwan is not the same place as Seattle, Wash.
Really, I had to work hard to shorten that list up.
Unintentionally, I have also learned a lot about children. I will leave my school, for the most part, at the end of this month. That will be a bit bittersweet: recently the kids have all been saying "Teacher Jonathan!" as I walk in the door every day. Just like them, the little devils.
I want to apply to schools. This process is impeded by a number of things, however: GRE; professors not responding to e-mail requests for excellent letters of recommendation. In the mean time I am just working on making my Chinese as sharp as possible. I remind myself that is why I am here, from time to time.
And, in keeping with tradition the last five years, I will be making my annual move. I will be forced to say goodbye to the living room and kitchen I enjoy now, but I will be happy to have a tub-less shower again. Something more authentic about them. I will also be across the street from my favorite restaurants. Furthermore, I will have a small balcony on which I am fantasizing growing plants and suntanning. The latter is in hopes of obscuring the currently too obvious farmer tan.
And you know, that is really about it. This is the fringe of my life. The core is teaching and learning. I will have more time in the near future and less money. One might hope I could muster some more insightful comments after this year, but I think it all seems pretty normal now. Ask me about it when I get back, and have something to compare it to.
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3 comments:
Hi Jonathan. One year is a long time. Much longer than the 3.5 months I spent abroad this year, of which I am somewhat proud. Reaching the point when you feel at home in your new life is important, also an excellent time to come back and visit old friends. We all miss you back here, a very familiar feeling. Hope to see you soon.
jonathan, you're right, i do want to see your big smiling face in as many places as possible. preferably in a tangible, real life setting where we're both in the same physical space, but that might not happen any time soon (?). so, for now, keep working on that background collage. i'll take what i can get.
i like your photograph.
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