show me how pretty the world is.

life rocks.

i woke up at 4:15, waiting for my alarm to go off at 4:30.  i tried to go back to sleep, quite unsuccessfully.  i got up, showered, got ready for work.  i left at 5 to 6, stopping at the 7/11 across the way to grab some cans of starbucks to keep me awake through the long day i faced.  it was long, for sure, but it ended on a really high note.  my morning classes were a bit rocky, but as the day progressed, it improved.  i showed one of my two-hour afternoon classes 'the sixth sense.'  we have been discussing mysteries and paranormal phenomena, so i thought a nice movie day would be a good change of pace.  i ran out during my lunch break to pick up snacks and coke.  as i started that class, explaining a grammar point from yesterday briefly, two students from that class rushed in with two big bags of snacks.  an older gentleman in that class gave the girls money to pick up snacks for class.  we had a lovely little party.  it made us all seem more human.  i wasn't a teacher.  they weren't students.  we were just people, enjoying a movie and lots of junk food.  it was a much needed break for everyone.

i finished my nine hours of teaching with a wonderful two hour class that is more like a scene from sex and the city.  two or three upper level students, all female and in their early 30s, come to chat with me about whatever they decide is important for that day.  we have discussed shoes, clothing, hair, politics, education systems, perceptions of foreigners, the list goes on.  i always bring discussion questions, in case the ladies feel a bit tired and uninspired.  i have yet to pull them out.  

i received two lovely packages in the mail today.  thank you, both, you know who you are.  mmmm cookies.  and lion bars!!!!

walking home from the bus stop, i realized how happy i felt.  i am over my bloody stomach illness, classes are going well, and even though it is damn chilly out, my heart feels all warm and lovely.  i stopped to say hello to ji-young and her family (she's my biggest fan) and was greeted with a smile and wave and rush to the door to give me a hug (or twenty).  she is 27 and another big sister for me.  

i love positive energy.  it is so infectious.  the world does not have enough ji-youngs in it.

"i never thought that i could be who i am

i never thought that i could see where i was

i never thought that all this was just wasn't me

i always thought all this was could never be

i never thought that i could be who i am

i never thought that i could see where i was

i never thought that all this was wasn't me, wasn't me now..."