Out of touch.

Oh my, my apologies for not writing in such a while. The end of last semester was hectic, lots of teachers passing off grading to the fellows, lots of substitute teaching, and even more preoccupation with my trip home. 

Home! It was unspeakably wonderful. That place where your shoulders drop and your lungs expand and even if you've been gone for a long time, the first time you wake up you know just where you are. And that you belong there. Let alone the food -- the food! Greece, for all its many charms, is as homogenous a country as I've ever been to and this sadly encompasses the culinary options as well. No Japanese, no Thai, too expensive Chinese, no Indian. No good. But I worked my way through all of these in the two weeks I was at home and in Brooklyn. Any huddled masses that come with their own cuisine are fine by me. My apologies on behalf of the Gaelic countries for our merely starchy contribution to the potluck. 

Christmas, as usual, was delightful. Strange how after many years of being on the "production end" (Katherine's phrase, not mine) of Christmas, you stop minding and start appreciating everything that goes into it a bit more. With young cousins who are Santa-believers, things like hiding the presents and making sure the cookies are gone in the morning become as fun as they were when you were a believer.

My few days in Brooklyn were lovely, if frigid. Went to Coney Island, imagined Alvy Singer's childhood home beneath the Cyclone. Took the free ferry (minus the cost of the necessary 3 dollar pint of beer) to Staten Island and wondered what went on there. Discussed the virtue of a hideous painting hung over a certain fireplace. Walked through Central Park as all feeling left my toes. Everything you'd want from a trip to New York. 

Now, being back I'm still getting into the swing of things. Rescheduling classes for the up-coming semester, starting a new position in the library one day a week, continuing to tutor my girl for the national Forensics tournament later this spring. I have to admit that I was less eager to return here than I was to come initially. The job can be lack luster, and with only six months left, I fear the language is beyond my grasp, but I'm trying to make the most of it. Travel will be the main compensation, and I've already begun planning a miraculously inexpensive trip for the two weeks the school closes in April. Can't wait!

Alright, this is enough for now. I will try to be more diligent with posting. 

Happy New Year!