T minus 83 and counting

This Christmas was possibly one of the best Christmases ever. I'm not talking gifts, and I'm not really talking amazing experiences because not a whole lot happened. Part of the awesomeness may have been fueled by my homesickness and my loneliness here in Thailand. Whatever the reason, it was a fantastic Christmas spent with some of my favorite people (because I am a complete sap and also because I think y'all are the only ones who read this...), my family.

I flew 20 hours from Chiang Mai to Seoul to New York City to surprise my parents at my sister's apartment, and boy was it a surprise, despite my tired brain's efforts to give it away. I spent the week of Christmas there, and even through slight jet lag it was a relaxing and fun time with the family. It was so great to see dad, who I haven't really spoken to (since video chats aren't an option, and emails are only slightly effective). Even though Kathryn and mom and I speak every week, seeing them in person is definitely better. And Alex, who I also rarely speak to, was also a joy and a treasure as usual. We mostly wandered around the city shopping or relaxed in Kat and Alex's apartment. We went to the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. We had our traditional fondue that night. Gift giving Christmas Day was fantastic, because I could actually contribute this year! And then we watched our traditional family Buffy marathon. A great nerdy Christmas, who could ask for more?

After the arduous 20 hour flight back, just as I was getting used to the new time zone, I spent the next three days (which included New Year's) sick in bed. Lack of sleep and dry air and sinus/cold stuff apparently don't mix. I got better, though just in time to start work yesterday. Yay?

So now there are 8 weeks left of school. Half of my classes have gotten impromptu tests as review (and so I can get a jump on my end of year grades), and the other half have gotten free time today so I could enter last semester's grades. Already I am prepared for holidays in the near future. There will be no classes next Friday (the 10th) because Chakkham hosts a yearly half-marathon, that I have been encouraged to but will not be running in. There is also a New Year's party. The 16th is a school holiday (I am not yet sure of the reason), and the next day I may or may not have classes. I'm not sure if all of my students will be at some camp or if only half of them will be. So that's three days in just the next two weeks alone. Valentine's day will undoubtedly come with fewer classes, and who knows what other fun holidays or events will pop up. 

March 12 is my tentative outta-here date. Deanne is coming to see me (YAAAAAAAAY) and we'll spend the next 2 weeks or so bumming around Thailand. I may or may not be able to afford a stopover in Japan on the way home, and I estimate being back in Macon around April 10. I guess we'll see...