June 22, 2016

Shut Eye

Today marked the end of my 16th year of teaching. 2 years in Mozambique. 2 years in The Bronx. 3 years in Kuala Lumpur. 3 years in Doha. 2 years in Jakarta and now 4 years in Singapore. It felt good and comfortable and easy, but I was also kind of numb all day. I was excited to be done but sad to see friends go. I felt tired when I needed to pack my room, but overall I didn’t feel much of anything.


Had a few drinks after school. Tried to stay out of Mairin’s way while she packed. I asked how I could help, but really I ended up taking a pretty long nap. Then we had a few friends over for some wine and the final unwind before we all get on airplanes and head to our summer homes. Most of us will be back next year, but we are saying goodbye to Mike and Rose. Which is weird because they have become like family to us. After nine years and three countries, it feels weird that they are moving so far away.


Sure Facebook and social media make distances feel smaller, and I am sure we will cross paths again in the not too distant feature, at least I am hopeful that we will- but it feels strange to watch them leave our place knowing we will not see then again in August.


We are packed and ready to go. Next stop San Rafael. Home. California. I am looking forward to getting my hands on a burrito first thing, seeing old friends, my moms both biological and Karen Doherty. We will drive and hike and swim and rest and eat and drink and play.


Not sure where I will be in 24 hours, so I hope to write my daily post somewhere in transit. Next time I touch base in this space we will be stateside.


Have a wonderful holiday to all my teacher friends near and far. While my emotions are a bit tepid at the moment, I am looking forward to a more robust sharing of joy in the coming days.


Time for some shut eye. Early flight tomorrow.

1 comment:

  1. Have a great journey back to the United Mess of America. I really think you should take your kids to see the Grand Canyon and other assorted unique places in Arizona ;-) Just kidding, the return to the physical Where You Once Were is an amazing journey on its own. I like being an armchair follower through your words.

    Still, there is no Grand Canyon in California OR Singapore OR Mozambique OR ... ;-)

    ReplyDelete