"You're so Special."

In Taiwan, when someone tells you your so special it means you're strange, stupid, or something else perhaps less than flattering.

I hope I'm special enough to get hired in a week or so. I have an interview early next week to teach Special Ed. I really like the thought of this. I hate the thought of having to stay here and teach English to high school kids. Reading is terrific, but grammar rules and their employ are just about the most torturously boring things in the world to try to get teens to pay attention to. No fun for anyone.

I feel like I'd have much more to offer to Special Ed kids. I've worked for the government and know of resources that many times parents don't know about. I've worked with handicapped kids and grown ups and found it very rewarding. The less like everyone else you are, the more acceptable it becomes to be an individual and to celebrate your uniqueness and your accomplishments, large and small. It's different scales, I guess; ones that value life over fashion and coolness, or whatever.

I loved the time I spent in the Special Ed classroom as a sub. I was planning to try to teach ESL, but seriously began to consider the Special Ed option when I started subbing in the self-contained classroom. I loved it. But I finished my degree as I ran out of funds and can't study any further without finding sponsorship.

The district, if I'm hired, should be willing to pay for the classes--good thing, too because I need about 30 more hours for this specialization! But working in this field means that I'm likely to get most of my loans paid off, so there's that.

If you're reading, wish me luck!

Dandy

Today is July 4, my fav holiday. I always feel homesick on this day if I'm away. This year is gonna be kinda lame, I think, but at least I'm here. I've got to jump in the tub and then get to my friend's place for grillin' n grinning. Afterword, we're supposed to go see the fireworks over the dam.

Why is this my fav holiday? You don't have to have family to participate, there's very little consumerism, a steak is great, but a hot dog is fine, and you get to see fireworks--which means you get to be outside at night under the stars until they get blown out of the heavens (or at least obscured by the smoke after the fire works). And my favorite Chinese expression is "fire flowers" which is what they call fireworks in the sky--different than before they're lit. I love the distinction and the lovely, accurate phraseology.

Maybe if I hurry up, I can get my friend to watch my son while I drive 20 miles out of town and buy myself a girl beer. Nah. I'm dreaming. Wouldn't a margarita machine be cool at a cookout, though? She won't go for that either. God Bless America--especially the dry counties!!

Made in Indonesia kiss

I'm thinking of you tonight and your kiss. It's been almost 15 years and I still remember. I'll never forget. And I guess I'll never stop missing you. If you happen to find this, I'm sorry.