throwing in the towel

There are days when you have just had it. Fortunately today wasn't one of those days. Actually today was fun. We had Sports Day off-campus. It was weird but today I thought I was back in China. The sports field kind of reminded me of the campus my school in China was on. I guess I got kind of missing Beijing, though not its gloppy air.

So much to think about. This might be my last year in Kuwait. I have been thinking of taking some time off for some time (I like the way that flowed). I don't know what exactly I am looking for in life, but I can tell you it isn't the Americajunior that Kuwait is. I guess I am looking for something a little more exotic in life. Life wasn't the best in China, but there was always an adventure. Whether it was freezing to death or watch my scrambled tv, sitting with Dave in front of the van drink iced tea to his beer, or playing non-"american" chess with Nick, those were interesting days. Now, it is just americano all the time.

So I will have to wait and see what happens next. You will know it here. I think I will be somewhere "below the clouds" though.

Crack in the earth

My friend Mike Hunton writes the following:

Hi Jeff
Are you on holiday or something? Your blog seems stuck on October.
I tried writing a week ago or so but the server went out on me as I was sending it. Lost whatever I had written. I think I was thanking your for the link to the cracked article.
I actually have some time today as I was hit my a nasty bought of diarrhea and vomitting just before dinner yesterday. I was saved to the end to get it in our little household. If there is a silver lining in this, it would be that I don't have to teach my two least favorite classes on MOnday afternoon. Why, right as I type this I would be suffering in front of 15 kids who would rather shove bamboo shoots under their fingernails. From some of their behaviour, maybe that is what they are doing. How do you go about dealing with students who are openly and intentionally disrespectful? And you can't cheat by promising to fail them or bring in the principal or vice principal because I can't do that. I found out that, yes, they do take an exam, but no, that doesn't stop them from going to the next year.
Did you hear that Hisae is pregnant with our second? She is due in early May. We still don't know if it is a boy or girl.
YOur contract is up this year isn't it? What are your plans for after this school year?
I try to check your blog ever now and then. Hope you add to it.
Take care and best wishes.
Michael

NOW BACK TO ME:
So I guess I need to update from time to time. Not much to say. School has been fun this year, but I am ready for a change. I have been thinking of giving up the comforts of the school year and trying something else. If I decide I will let everyone know.

Well have fun.

Jeff