- - - 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.
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