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.