"Happy Merry Christmas"

[The title refers to a sign we saw in Cambodia, and the picture is of my friend Mitch at a restaurant on New Years Eve]

My mom and Alice were here for Christmas, making it a perfect holiday season. It definitely felt strange celebrating it with sunshine outside; I think I am on permanent summer mode. On Christmas eve, both of my roommates were gone, so we cooked a delicious dinner, ate, talked, and watched a great movie. It was an incredibly nice evening, and much needed for me. On Christmas morning we opened presents over breakfast, and then went to my co-worker/friend's house on the mainland for lunch. She has a huge family and it felt so good to be in someone's house, with a Christmas tree, and tons of people who are all close and love each other. It was so comfortable too, and very relaxing and natural. We had some delicious home-cooked Indian food (they are Indian, Christian), and sang Christmas carols. Then, in the evening, we met up with Kit and went on a firefly tour where you sit in a boat and go down the river in the dark. There are certain trees that fireflies gather on, and there were so many of them. The trees were brightly lit and it looked like there were strands of tiny lights through them - perfect for Christmas!

Mom and Alice went back on the 27th, leaving me more homesick than I ever was before. But it meant so much to have them here and be able to share this experience with them (no words or pictures come close to being an adequate explanation of my experience here). Since then, I have gotten into my routine and am back to my normal level of missing home and loving life.

My New Years was great! I went out to a nice dinner with a small group of friends. Then we went to this area by the water and sat on a log on the beach, drank, played in the sand, told stories, and had silly string fights. We were there for the countdown, and then went dancing after. Beach, wine, interesting conversation, people you love - what more do you need? New Year's Eve is my favorite, it's always nice to reflect on the year, both good and bad things, and enjoy a fresh start.

Second semester has been great so far. I am teaching five classes, four different topics - general English, business English, technical and engineering English, and Scientific and Medical English. Right up my alley, huh? But I do feel like I know what I am doing more now and still LOVE my job. I have a few of the same students I did last semester, so it makes things easier. Classes end at the end of March and time is flying...