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.