A Joyous New Year to you

And where did 2009 go? Life seems to be on fast forward most of the time. And it doesn’t wait for me to gather my thoughts, savor my impressions, and/or simply catch up with myself.

Yes, it’s been a busy, eventful, fulfilling year. Yep, there are more wrinkles in my face, and yes, more smiles. I am continuously amazed at the gift of health which allows me to walk around this beautiful town, spend time with my marvelous students, and enjoy my new friendships. Most of all, it’s been a year in which every single day had something – big, little, conscious, subconscious, or even in-your-face – to remind me how very blessed I am. For that I stay in a continuous state of gratitude.

My biggest gift this year was having Matthew and Alex with me for Christmas – ten days of being together (even with some flu/colds) and just enjoying their company. What a high! The weather wasn’t cooperative but our spirits were. The Prague Zoo was the winner with us (included in Forbes best 10 in the world, someone else’s list of top 5) and we made three trips without seeing it all. The third trip was even more special, because I was with both grandsons (Dasa and Thomas are with her family for Christmas)! The boys are enjoying their cousinhood, and it was such a gift to see them together.

Here it is, ready or not – time for 2010. I’m no more ready for a new year this time than I have been in the past. Yet it always comes and brings its own special gifts.

One of the things I specially enjoy when talking with my students is comparing American and Czech sayings. There is almost always an equivalent idea, whether or not the animals used for reference or the elements being described are the same. I will close this note to you with the wish I received in a card from my boss. I don’t know an American way to express it – and I do wish it for you in 2010:

May you saddle your lions.

Expectations - - -

Yep, I still exist, and I expect to continue to do so for some undetermined time. Certainly there have been conversations which turn to endings (of many things) lately, and those conversations are with others, not just myself! A wonderful NYT column recently reminded me that it is the fact of death – this life doesn’t go on forever – which gives meaning and definition to life. And there have been several tragedies among my friends recently, in a real meaning of the word, which have given me a heightened appreciation for the gift of life and the beauty of every day as well as the sadness of the unexpected, often sudden endings.

I still enjoy starting each day, and expect to continue to do so through the end of this “new” visa at a minimum. That would be September 2011. Frankly, it is difficult to imagine that time, because each day is such a gift, and most of the time I’m living each day one at a time. Once in a while I’ll tell myself I’m just plodding or trudging, but that’s when my feet and back are really tired, not my spirits. I know I will leave at some time, but for right now I am not making those plans. And I also know that leave taking could well come without being part of my plans. For now, what a joy to wake up in my comfy flat with a whole day of possibilities just waiting to be explored.

Great expectations still surround my teaching. There have been so many changes at StJ, the biggest of which is our merger with a much larger company. The company is very well managed, and its owner, a lively Czech in his mid-60s is really delightful and – wonder of wonders – personable. (That’s quite a change!) StJ is still a separate entity, still the same offices, still the same clients (with a lot of changes, many because of the economy), and quite a stable group of teachers. Best of all, I still have the same boss (Director of Studies) and my respect for him only grows. Problem: he’s been promoted to be in charge of all the teachers in the company (that’s 60 more and at a different location!) which means we’ll have fewer interactions with him. But I’m pleased for him. He’s great! I’m also so grateful for the good friends, American and Czech, who, like me, have taken new contracts. The StJ group remains different from most language schools – many of us are at least middle age (yeah, I passed that a long time ago) and there are only a few in their late twenties. We actually have a dress code, and there’s a lot of collective experience. .No “backpackers”, which is also comfortable.

As for my students – what an incredible group of people I get to mingle with each week – there are super expectations that this will only get better. I’ve been so excited to watch them study for and then pass difficult and various Cambridge exams, and this term I have several going for the most advanced ones! One of the best things is that I learn so much on multiple and diverse topics each week. Great conversations!

Today’s a day off and I expect to enjoy every minute of it. It’s more than that, however. It’s the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. I’m sure you know my personal connection with that event and perhaps have recognized that I’ve been digging into and appreciating Czech history for a long time, with more intensity and a lot of reading in the past couple years. Did you know that in the last 400 years – just to pick a date – the “Czech lands” have had only 57 years of self-government. That’s an incredible statement. One of people I admire greatly is Tomáš Masaryk, whose intelligence, wisdom and negotiations brought about the First Republic (1918-1938). He said it would take 50 years for a country to really become “solid”, my word for the idea. To think they’ve never had that. When talking about this with students yesterday, I told them they are now living in a record! Longest period yet. So yes, I expect to enjoy being part of this freedom (with its wacky politics, but then again - - - what’s that line about glass houses?) for some time to come.

Some unexpected events which are turning out just fine: my surgery this summer was totally successful and the Czech hospital experience was much better than I could have possibly expected. After getting myself all recuperated from that, however, I had a serious and unexpected fall at a tram stop (not my fault, by the way) which finally resulted in another hospital trip (outpatient). This was even better – super doctor, great English (and the American way – it’s definitely not Czech – of answering questions), and excellent help back to nearly full functioning. I could never have expected that I’d be doing all this walking, climbing (stairs and hills), hustling, and yes, plodding at this time in my life. Yep, I’ve had unexpected weight loss J and feel great.

Another expectation: I absolutely will spend more time on my Czech. I’m really ashamed that I’ve made so little progress in such a long time. But I’m pleased that I’m sticking with it. And I’m promising myself more effort outside of class. It’s embarrassing that I don’t do what I ask my students to do.

So – that’s a little of what’s been going on. My schedule this term brings longer days. I’m out of here most mornings at 7 a.m. and often do not return until at least 8 p.m. Frankly, I’m not real sure why it’s so much later this term, but at that time I have just about enough energy to close up the current day and get things together for the next one. It’s made a BIG difference in my emailing/blogging/general communication. Sorry.

My great expectation: I will continue to find all the little hidden treasures which are such a delight – a newly painted building (highlighting a date from somewhere in the 19th – or even 18th – century), the ivy covering an old, old wall turning a brilliant red in a fall which has been noticeably short of color and sunshine (I think we set a record for sunless days!), the almost painful glow of sunlight radiating from a rehabilitated, reconstructed building beginning its new life as a hotel, and best of all, the growing friendships which bring marvelous glimpses into personal histories of my students and friends. Yes, I expect it will continue and grow.

And I wish for you the joy of unexpected pleasures and treasures also. May your life be full of daily gifts.

Keepin' on keeping on

“My” church bells are ringing once again – it’s the Sunday noon call to prayer and contemplation. And I am listening and paying attention. Time has been passing so quickly, filled with so much busy-ness, that I can scarcely keep up with it and I surely cannot begin to remember all that has happened. It is definitely time to take stock, to say thank you yet again, and to share with you (very overdue, I’ll certainly admit) even a little of what has been happening.

Another term has been completed, my third full term plus a summer term at StJ. I know I’m sounding like a broken record – and yes, I’m aware we don’t have those anymore – but my gratitude for being at this school in this wonderful town at this time only grows. Our latest big news is that the school was sold in May, with the new owner taking over July 1. For us, I believe it can only be a good thing although I am sure that, as with all mergers and acquisitions (glad I’ve lived through those before!) there will be some positive changes and some that will feel not quite so positive. We were purchased by a firm which already has a translation company and also teaches English to pre-school kids and secondary school students. StJ fills a gap in its services, and they give StJ a wider client base for marketing. One plus for us is that we may work when qualified in any of the companies. There are several of my colleagues who really would like to teach the preschoolers. More power to them! And I already have one of their employees who has requested me as a teacher. So yes, that’s some nice space to spread our wings.

And this is surely a time for wing spreading! The poor economy has made itself felt over here. All schools are feeling the pinch of contracts which haven’t been renewed, and some companies which usually offer summer classes to their employees took a pass this year. I’ve been so blessed – my schedule is as full as I could possibly wish, maybe even a bit more than I’d wish. I do keep quiet, however, about being busy because so many of my colleagues are barely making it.

I continue to love reading and hearing about Czech history, the Czech viewpoint on global happenings, and students’ views of “what’s next”. I also continue to enjoy and be grateful for the superb conversations about life, literature, families, traditions, and our similarities and differences which happen nearly every day. Somtimes it is difficult to know who's the student and who's the teacher. And I do keep up with at least the main headlines of US news (sometimes with pain, sometimes with shame, always with concern for my friends and family and all those in such difficult situations).

I’ve now have experience with Czech medical care, very positive to say the least. Had surgery on my foot three weeks ago. All went very well. I was at Motol Hospital (for anyone interested in an internet search) almost always with an English speaker “assigned” to me – and that includes my orderly, entertaining me all the way to the OR :-) How do you know I wasn’t in an American hospital? I received a refund at checkout! Can you believe it! I took two weeks off from teaching and have been using taxis a bit as I returned. I am down to one “stick” instead of two, and am very eager to get on with life. I feel old and very clumsy at this point! Several of my students have been on holiday and a couple others have been coming to my flat to save me the trip. I hope to be at full tilt very soon.

More gratitude – this time for my terrific new flatmate. Thomas left the second week of May and Mark, a colleague who had also become a friend, moved in the third week! I couldn't have dreamed a better change. Mark's a Chicago native, mid-40s author, superb photographer, and all-round great guy. I’m certain he had no idea what he signed on for! He’s been so helpful and such a great conversationalist during this period at home. Never goes out without asking if I need something, has cooked some marvelous suppers, loaned me a couple super books to read, and just generally been such a gentleman. I know he’s pleased with his part of the flat and the super location. We even have our version of an herb garden growing on our kitchen table and refrigerator. Once again it is amazing how everything fell in place for each of us at just the right time.

It will be wonderful to regain mobility. I’ve been missing excursions, “photo ops,” and new perspectives. I’m eager to begin working again on my students’ lists of recommended sites and events. Will say that our weather hasn’t been conducive to wandering around either. It’s been very cold for July, exceedingly wet for anytime. We’ve had a few hot days and frankly, I do prefer bundling up, if only I didn’t also need an umbrella. Count on it – you’ll hear about it when I’m again out and about.

My next “big” event will be visa renewal. Again, my how time flies. . . . This one can be for two years. Who would have thought all that time ago that I’d be blessed with celebrating this stage of life in this place. Once more, you’ll know when it’s completed. The upside – I won’t have to wait in the freezing cold mid-winter predawn!

Czech class continues to be a real challenge. Our teacher is great, and our small dedicated band of 7 opted to share the cost of paying her during the summer. Part of today must be given over to studying. Had no clue how much more difficult that could become with each birthday. Oh well, I can say and understand a little, and hope that before long it will be much more. Sylvie (the teacher) assures us that if we stick with it we’ll be just fine (that’s certainly not the same as fluent or even conversational!) within a year. Besides learning a little Czech I’m learning a lot of empathy for my students. And they admit to being glad they were born Czech and have to learn English.

I hope you are having challenges and rewards, new perspectives, and continued opportunities to find silver linings in this time of multiple clouds. What a grand time to be alive, each of us in our “right” space.

Running in Circles

Contrary to appearances, I have not dropped off the map! I'm still right here in this lovely, nearly magical kingdom. I am, however, recovering from such a rush of work and total blackout of my computer that this has been a very long time coming. Sorry for the silence.

First the rush of work - - - this is exam time. I don't know why I let it it take me by surprise, but I guess that is probably true to form. And of course, I've made multiple resolutions about how I will do it differently next time. (And next time, hopefully, I won't be "under the weather" for the whole period. Thank goodness I am, at very long last, feeling like myself again, just in time to launch into the new term. And there's a rumor that spring is coming. Hooray!)

Exams are an interesting phenomenon at StJ and most of the other schools around here. I certainly understand why the school promises client companies they will be kept informed regarding their employees' progress. I've had moments of almost/nearly/possibly offering to put a course together for the school to offer to various HR departments about how they could get the most for their dollars. Now, I'm not quite that foolish, but it is a bit disturbing to see little things which would be relatively easy to "fix" and which would make for a better experience for everyone (selfishly, I would add, me included). Be that as it may, the big yard- or meterstick is grades for all students in January and June. First, of course, for some of the classes it is a DIY (the "Y" being me!) project. At least this time I knew to collect material for that. Others are required by their companies to take a standardized exam written by the school. Easier at the front end, more difficult on the other. And then there is the grading, the explaining, and entering lots and lots of data into the school's database. Because it was just upgraded, we also had to enter extra reports on all students. O.K. -- lots of work, but that's just part of the job.

Sorta -- in the middle of it all the "new and improved" DB decided it didn't like my computer, and shut me down completely. It wasn't just the i'net I was missing, as has happened so often before. It was the whole thing. All I had was a screen showing that I was beginning a reply to an email -- only the reply box was black. Talk about frustrating -- or not talking about it would be better! Anyhow, thanks to the magic of technology and the wizardry of my incredible NC computer man, I am now back up and running!

It's all come together in a perfect combination -- exams and reporting completed, good health in spite of all the germs flying around the trams and metro, and a fresh start with some current students as well as a new beginning with a couple very interesting students. What a great time!

Then a great weekend to enjoy the freedom! Yesterday morning was my Czech class. Oh, it is not easy! I never thought it would be, but it's especially difficult when I give time to exams and health instead of homework! And yes, I have enormous empathy for my students. Fortunately, I had a realistic picture of life before I started Czech lessons -- we all work and we all have other obligations. And now I not only can can understand just not being able to fit in homework but also with why some parts of our grammar are so difficult for Czechs to learn. Our teacher is SO good, and is moving to Majorca soon to be in the same country as her husband. Great idea for them, not great for us! I've learned so many things from her, not just some of the language.

Mid-afternoon was the start of another great party. My T'giving party friend hosted a "Mid-winter Blues" party. What fun, what great food in enormous quantities (yes, I did my part to cut down the amount of leftovers!), what a marvelous way to spend a Saturday.

Now it's time to play a bit of catch-up and get ready to see a movie with a Czech colleague. We're going to The Curious Story of Benjamin Button, which is, I've heard, an F. Scott Fitzgerald story. I've also heard it's VERY long. So much for the rest of this day - - -

I've made a "starter" list of places to go / things to do when the weather is a bit more hospitable. And slowly I'm gathering folks who say "I'd love to go there with you." Just little one-day leave-in-the-morning, explore the town, return-in-the-evening excursions. Of course I'll "take you along with me." Until we start that, you just know I can't keep from telling you about this marvelous town. Yes, I'm happier than ever here. Yes, it's a wonderful life! And yes, I know there'll be more to share as I move into a more normal routine. Until then, I wish you joy, wonder, and good health in all your daily travels.

The Circle I'm In

Another busy week, full of the ordinary, blessed with those shining moments of anticipation/realization which seem to give life to more moments that are equal mixtures of routine and shimmer.

The week started with a marvelous morning at the Foreign Police. And I am passing it along for two reasons: first, because it is so seldom that marvelous and Foreign Police are used in the same sentence, and second because it was such a successful encounter. It was not wonderful to answer the alarm at 3:30 a.m. and realize my US friends had not even gone to bed yet. (I'm sure that jolt was not helpful in getting re-oriented to Prague time!) I am now carrying (a copy of) my "Long Term Resident" visa around with me. And every once in a while I look at it just for the joy of knowing that is really me! I must admit the pictures are getting worse, and I hope just a little of that downhill trend is the photography, not the aging of the subject. This time the photographer would not let me smile. Oh, well. Didn't keep me from getting the visa :-) and yet again :-)

I am still struggling to make a slow return to "normal" health, which could be interpreted multiple ways at this stage of life. By the end of the week I'd shaken off almost all remainders/reminders of my post-holiday cold. I even have leftover medicaments (Czech term) from the Lekarna (trans. "Chemist" -- a pharmacy with only few other items for sale, all having to do with health and well being) just in case whatever-this-is hits again. Since it seems to be making the Prague rounds, I'm hoping the leftovers will be a voodoo spell against the bug entering the flat again! Maybe it will recognize there is no welcome here and leave me alone.

The week also contained some wonderful students "ups" and some disappointing "downs". Lately I've been enjoying the emergence of humor in a second (or third/fourth) language in several of my upper level students. It is my theory that spontaneous humor, not just a repeated joke, is yet one more sign of fluency. You have to know your way around a language and have a feel for the lovely nuances of just the right word to be able to engage in irony, puns, or simply a good turn of a phrase. This week I was gifted with three different examples. Here's one: a student began our session asking if I'd heard about the new airport in NYC. "Well, it was actually only one more runway. . . " And he knew it was acceptable to joke about the USAirways landing in the Hudson because there had been no serious injuries.

The "downs" are cancellations of classes I really enjoy. I've lost eight teaching hours in the last week or so. I anticipated I would be losing hours because of the economy, but that was not the cause of any of them (yet!). Just a "perfect storm" of unusual circumstances which is leaving me with my eyes open for new students and feeling the loss of some whose company I really enjoyed. It will be really interesting and painful to watch events transpire over the next few weeks and months.

This is an especially busy time (not good when what I really want to do is sleep!) preparing exams, writing end-of term narrative reports on each student, and doing a lot of rescheduling to keep up with frequent absences. I must admit it is much more difficult to begin and end the day in such darkness. I enjoy all the "little" things I'm learning, such as what it means to live in a "higher" latitude than any US city below Alaska. It's wonderful to know that the days are getting longer, but it is definitely not noticeable yet. Add all the cloud cover of snow, near-snow, "freezing fog" -- first time I've encountered that forecast, and it's pretty dreary much of the time. Only the weather, that is!

There is "time off for good behavior" this weekend! A French colleague is hosting a "French Toasts" get together at his home. I'm curious how his French toast differs from mine. I know that the first difference is a chestnut spread, brought from home when he visited at the holidays. And the second is that he's sharing his mother's homemade jams, also the accepted topping, with all of us. Add in the international flavors with pot lucking, the accents, and the enjoyment of each other's company, and it will be a great afternoon. Wish you were here to share it with me.

It will soon be my first anniversary! What a wonderful year. It seems silly and redundant to say yet again how happy I am to be here. Life always has its routines; it always takes work to make things happen; there are smiles and new friends and hundreds of stories everywhere. How blessed and contented I am that this is the place where I can do that continuous learning. My wish for you -- that you are having the same "new" year where you are.

The "circle of days" is such an apt expression for my life right now. None of them goes far off course on its own new trajectory -- maybe there will be a little of that when spring arrives. And each of them brings its own particular joy, something to treasure and protect as the circle continues, along with all the ordinary daily tasks which carry them forward. It is -- really -- a wonderful life!

Ordinary Isn't Boring

"X" marks the spot. We are "here" -- the end of the first full week of the New Year. It's been a refreshing return to at least some sense of normalcy. January means winter to me, and winter is exactly what we have!

It would be nice if it were even a couple degrees warmer! We haven't reached 0 (Celsius) -- and I'm talking about moving "up to"! -- yet this week, and I believe it isn't forecast for next week. Sunday/Monday brought snow. Monday was beautiful. It snowed the whole day -- sometimes enormous lazy flakes, sometimes furious little ones, but generally slow and steady. No whiteouts! By mid-day Tuesday, there was a lot of brown slippery stuff around. Because we are well below freezing, it isn't even slushy. Some (only a few) of the walks are cleared very well, but in most cases it's a sometimes thing. So in addition to bundling up, I'm walking very, very carefully and a bit more slowly than usual. It's been mentioned many times that this is more like a Prague winter -- last year was too warm. One of the nice things about "having a history" is that I can remember last Spring. And I know it will come again. I'm already compiling my new list of things I'll do when it is not quite so cold and not quite so difficult to get from here to there!

Teaching for StJ just keeps getting better. Nearly a year later, and it is still the right place for me. How blessed I was in all the events leading to this placement. And it is so nice to be told how much my work is appreciated by both my boss and my students. Sure, now and again I have a class I'd rather give to someone else. It is wonderful, however, to be in a situation where it was so nice to move past the holiday break and be able to see people I really enjoy.

Speaking of "nearly a year," Monday is my next trip to the Foreign Police. Last week was the time for all the appointments required to get it in order -- insurance papers, landlord papers, stamps from the Post Office (have no idea what that's for), photographs (and I do look a lot older than last year :-(, on and on. Of course, I am obsessing about having all my papers in order and knowing which tram/bus connection to make. It has not been many months since my last trip. Getting the visa is necessary for anything beyond the 90-day visitors' stay. From now on the visa extension will be an annual thing. It is supposed to be easier getting the extension. The hard part is decision making: Q: How early must I get there to be able to get a number for the line (think "deli") then be called and finish in one day? A: 5 a.m., and the doors don't open until 7:30. Q: Must I take an interpreter (Czech is the only language spoken at the FP)? A: No. Katerina, our wonderful office manager, will come to help me if there is any problem. That lengthens the FP visit, but whatever . . . . anything to get done. Q: Since I will be alone this year (I went with a colleague who arrived when I did last year) what do I take to "do" while waiting? A: Hmmm. A book to read, some Czech vocabulary to learn, and maybe even some knitting, I guess. A good friend spent 12 hours on her recent trip. I know myself, however, and since the big room is really chaotic, I know I won't get "real" work done -- too many interruptions, too much moving from one place to another, etc. Then of course there is the fact that I usually teach eight hours on Monday. Arrangements have already been made for the morning classes; I know I won't make them. Then yet another terrific StJ person, Jaromir, will stay in contact with me -- Czech Republic, the land of cell phones and (free) text messaging! -- and cancel afternoon classes if and when necessary. What a production. Fortunately it is only once a year!

And speaking of "schools" and "classes," I have now joined another school part time. Alka Language Specialists has been in business nearly 20 years. Congratulations to them! They're smaller than StJ and do exactly the same kind of business -- work with companies/institutions/organizations on a contract basis, sending teachers to the site for classes. Neither school offers "public" classes. I have three classes with them already -- great students in each class and at a super location for me -- and they are asking for more of my time. One of the difficult things about this kind of work is that most companies want their English classes either first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon. It's called "peak time." I've been SO fortunate that StJ has filled most of my daytime hours as well. Yes, I get tired; and yes, I have to prepare and do other class work at night. But it means I get more opportunities to do what I love doing. Now with the two schools it will begin to be a bit of a rub. Of course StJ has precedence -- I "owe" them my peak time, but it is difficult to sit back quietly (that's always been hard for me, as you know) when things are in such a state of change and wait for #1 to make up its mind before accepting something from #2. Oh well - - this will sort out, and very quickly, I think. I'm just so pleased to be working with the people I've met there already.

It was interesting that the assigned material for one of my classes on the first day after the New Year was about wishes and life changes. Of course we also talked about resolutions (usually kept from 3-10 days). So certainly it is in my mind as well as on the lesson plan. One of the differences between the two, we noted, is that we have no control over wishes. So yes, I have a wish, and yes, I know I don't control the outcome. I wish I could continue doing this for many years. I'm aware of all the things which could change the outcome -- health, accidents, things in the States that I would want to be available for, many other things I can't or won't imagine now. How happy and how fortunate I am to be in this spot at this time, especially since technology means I am not cut off from family and friends as I would have been even a few years ago. And I feel as though I'm just now really settling down into the routine, becoming able to do things more efficiently and effectively, and certainly to enjoy each moment more than ever before.

And yes, I have a couple resolutions that I realize are dependent on me and my efforts. The first is to get serious about learning Czech! My teacher's great; the change from one four-hour class a month to two two-hour classes is really helpful; and I'm enjoying a small bit of reward for my small bit of effort. I must raise the bar on it, however. Demand more from myself and expect better results -- no more of these "my brain is tired and old" thoughts! I hate feeling stupid, and I do feel really stupid when I have no clue what a notice about tram service means or when someone is asking a question or being especially friendly and I have to reply, "Anglicky" along with some other word which means "I don't understand" or "I'm sorry." What is so terribly daunting is that it will take forever to be "good", but that doesn't mean I can't get a bit better. And I do resolve to make more regular efforts to reach that. (And it is so much more difficult than it used to be.)

Another resolution is to be even more organized about my "To Do in Prague" list. There are advertisements for concerts I'd like to attend or places with regular performances I would enjoy. As I continue reading Czech history (and I resolve to continue that -- it's really fascinating as well as difficult to retain, since I'm so unfamiliar with so many Central European rulers, wannabes, and political intrigue) I continue to learn about more places I want to visit. And Prague is full of lovely green places, marvelous parks with their own fountains and sculpture, delicious little cafes with lots of history floating about. My resolve: write these things down and start ticking them off the list!

My most important resolution: never lose sight of how blessed I am and have been -- my health-- keeping this schedule at this time of my life; my family; my friends -- those with whom I've shared years and many experiences, those who are part of this amazing new place, and those I have yet to meet; the places I've been; all the memories I have collected and cherish. Yes, sometimes I despair over the situation in the States, the malevolence and violence toward individuals and countries around the world, the rigid focus on that which divides rather than finding and placing value on that which unites. And I am always reminded that my attitude can be contagious, I can help bring about even a small change in someone else's world. Yes, I'd wish for peace, for respect for the dignity of human life, for intelligence, wisdom, and a lessening of pandering to vested interests. But those are wishes. I can resolve to be responsible for my thoughts and actions. And I do.

šťastný nový rok -- Happy New year to you.

I'm Back - -

- - - and it's time for the "new" of the New Year.

As I looked out into my dearly familiar courtyard (definitely not on the list of "places to visit" but equally definitely mine) while waiting for my electric kettle to boil, "I Love Paris" popped into my head. Prague fits into the rhythm only by making two syllables out of the "a", but certainly the sentiment works for me. We're in the "winter" phrase big time right now! Cold Cold Cold and windy, and I'm told it gets colder! We've also had a bit of snow each of the past few days, enough to bring out the boots and watch out for slick spots, but not enough to rearrange activities.

Last winter I kept hearing ". . . but this is unusual" when folks were discussing the weather. It was strangely reminiscent of my first few years in NC. Weather was always a safe topic of conversation on the BlueCross shuttle bus, and I learned after only a few trips that whatever was happening at the moment was not the "usual." My expectation, based on early Prague conversations, is that it will get colder and there will be more snow. So we're missing the Parisian "drizzle", thankfully, but getting the Prague drifts.

Google/gmail has added "themes" to users options. Though I'm not usually curious about "new and improved" changes to things which are working fine just as they are now, thank you very much, I did check this out. And I now have my local "weather situation" on my gmail page. Yep, it is snowing across the top of my page with drifts piling up on their logo and my inbox heading. Very entertaining. And it is also snowing outside my window. The red roofs -- and I do love the red roofs of Prague -- are becoming pink and flat surfaces of the buildings are becoming slightly rounded. A great day to be inside!

And even as I anticipate a return to my students and the familiar rhythms of travel/teach/travel/prepare, I'm also wondering what weather the next three months will bring. No problem driving! I do believe, however, I need to look for another pair of boots before the stores are displaying only swimsuits. I'm a little curious just how many steps would get me through three months. I know they'll need to be warm and dry.

And without rushing things, I'm really looking forward to watching Spring arrive. I do "love Pra-ague in the springtime." I now have favorite spots to anticipate and enjoy even as I discover new parks, new benches, and new breathtaking views. Gotta love a city with so many hills! Even the ordinary becomes extraordinary when it's a surprise. The gifts are endless. For many years I've realized I would have difficulty living in an area without four seasons. And yes, I may fuss but I'll look forward to the "summer, when it sizzles" (and the tourists -- I'm so glad I'm not living with that limited time) as well. It's a great rhythm, and I'm grateful to be repeating it.

My desk is orderly and clean. That was a lengthy two-step process! So many little pieces of paper which meant something important at one time or another and which have no apparent connection to anything in the near future; so many new "to do" lists to create; so many inconsequential decisions; and, of course, so many mental time-outs as I rearrange pictures of Alexander and Thomas. Then step two -- serious cleaning of every inch before bringing a new order out of the chaos. And it is complete.

Then there are the usual weekend activities such as food shopping and the trip to the laundromat. As you know, that weekly trip to the washers/dryers which work so well has been an important constant in my life. I've grown to know and enjoy the bilingual, helpful folks who work the front desk and, after some time, nodded to and then began to greet the lovely professional Czech woman who is the owner. I'm sure you've heard that coffee/tea and computer time are free for customers. (Yes, some folks do come in only to use the computers.) On my tray yesterday (coffee is always served on a tray in a "real" cup with its own cream/sugar) was a lovely crystal goblet with a smooth, delicious sherry/chocolate drink. New Year's thanks to a "special customer." And I felt very special indeed.

Tomorrow begins a busy month. I'm actually looking forward to a slight break from the usual teaching routine as we prepare for end-of-term exams. Today will be filled with changing out teaching materials. I've also joined another school as a part timer. Alka Language Specialists has been in business for 19 years -- I'm impressed -- is smaller than St. James and also specializes in in-company courses. I have three classes a week for/with them. They very thoughtfully gave me classes in an area and at a time I'm already working! Contracts with companies/organizations are changing, as I'm sure you'd guess, and this seemed like a good opportunity to branch out, add some new adventures. This week I'll have 32 teaching hours -- that doesn't include travel or preparation, so I do have to be supremely organized, not an easy task for me! As several of my classes at StJ come to an end (tho' I know others will be added later) and the new classes integrate more smoothly into the routine, life will settle down a bit for February (or at least that is the plan).

It is both interesting and demanding to read about the issues and challenges facing the States, Obama, and the American people. I am particularly grateful to be slightly removed from the egocentric views of much of the media and to have access both to columnists I admire (who always make me stretch and think) and to the press from other countries. My students surely keep me reading and thinking (and introspective) with their opinions and questions. And my mind is often traveling down yet another rabbit trail of interconnections, possible cause/effect relationships, and uncertainty and dread about the world Alexander and Thomas are being handed. I do think of you with concern and with a wish for a sense of balance and internal tranquility in spite of the external chaos and confusion.

So I'm definitely back in the groove of things. It's time for a new visa -- I can hardly believe it! And it's yet another new beginning with all the hopes, expectations, and promises of new adventures which go along with that. I hope your new year is joyous and hopeful also.