"Not All Who Wander Are Lost ..."

It's been a tough few months (but as my dear friend, Karl says, "Not as tough as you, my love!").  My plans to go to India went belly up.  For those who don't know, the investor backed out at the last minute, leaving me stranded (and devastated) in Toronto - in between point A and point B. Being an EFL instructor is like any other kind of teaching, if you don't begin a contract in September, you'll need to wait until February, which is exactly what happened to me.  I won't get into my frustration and anger at the incompetence of some people, because I must learn from it and MOVE ON.  But I WILL say this: These past few months have taught me who my true friends are, and what true friendship really means (among other things, accepting help from others when you're too proud, and admitting you're wrong when you don't really want to - because the alternative means risking something that doesn't come along every day).  I also learned to be grateful to those who have the balls to follow an idea through.  Anyone can come up with a plan; but seeing it through?? An entirely different story.

In 5 days I leave for Beijing, China. I've been hired by a new franchise of an existing school; one that's been in operation in Asia for about 40 years.  I'll be teaching toddlers for the most part, and am the first teacher hired for this new location.  My apartment is in walking distance of the school, and is in a Beijing suburb - Sujiatuo.  I'm told the air quality is much better there.  You can be sure I'll report back on that.  I can't even begin to prepare for the culture shock, so I am just going to do everything I can to stay rested and healthy, keep an open mind like I always do, and maintain my sense of humor.  It's going to be quite an adventure, but considering what I have been through these past few months, an adventure is just what I need. Stay tuned!