The author shares the emotional turmoil of leaving Hong Kong after unexpectedly losing their teaching job. Despite initial challenges and rejections, they secured a teaching position in Guatemala. The new role comes with unique challenges, including teaching fifth grade without a partner and adapting to a different lifestyle. However, they express excitement about the opportunity, reconnecting with Spanish, and fulfilling a long-held desire to live in Guatemala.
north stars There’s a long list of things that can be painful or annoying about being single; getting a zipper up on the back of your dress, applying sunscreen in the right spots, opening a stubborn jar of pickles, a... Continue Reading →
The author leaves Hong Kong after making a bucket list and decides to visit Singapore. Despite initial flight and accommodation challenges, she explores the city under intense heat, enjoys the sights, food, and cultural mix, but finds the humidity overwhelming. The trip prompts reflection on leaving Hong Kong and the mixed emotions of departure.
I recently posted my 4ty-5 by 45 challenge list, with the next set of goals I’d like to accomplish by the next big birthday. Although, to be fair, every birthday should be celebrated as a big birthday. It’s a privilege... Continue Reading →
me, very cool, through almost all of my birthday, crying at anything nice said to me. (literally 90% of the pictures are a version of this.) The soundtrack for this blog can be found here. And I recommend the heck... Continue Reading →
A few years ago I started marking each actual year of my life, answering these same set of questions each birthday to help me measure moments. Here are the last 365.25 days: new hair for a new decade! first time... Continue Reading →
a moment from last year's birthday! It is birthday week! Around lunchtime, seven days from now, I will officially have been out of the womb and in the world for 40 years. That's 14,610 days. What the heck does that... Continue Reading →
hassan II mosque. gorgeous. I’m lucky that my schedule as an international teacher allows me to travel a lot, and my income teaching in Hong Kong supplements this desire, and my sometimes dangerously (I like to think comically) low levels... Continue Reading →
Every once in a while as a teacher you experience a true “a-ha” moment, watching a lightbulb go on and experience the joy of truly teaching someone something. For me this happened this week when I taught my students the... Continue Reading →
rachel, christmas 1985 the philosopher ferris bueller once said - life moves pretty fast. i can/can't believe i'm sitting here at my parents house, puppies warming my feet, rain on the tin roof, a drink poured but no makeup and... Continue Reading →
There are a few days that really make me miss home, and Thanksgiving is one of them. I don’t have any American friends here and the way I feel about the day doesn’t translate cross-culture. I’m coping well - bought... Continue Reading →
Hey, you. That time of year again, huh? Where you’re a few weeks into the new school year and questioning all your life choices? Wondering why this is the career you picked? Well, hold on. Hold on, now. Let’s have... Continue Reading →
Sunglasses Always Fit 