So my family has been planning a trip for a while now. The list of attendees has dwindled because life and unexpected pandemics can derail plans. However, there are some that will still be getting together. I am 100% jealous of this fact. I know part of it is because I miss my family SO DARN MUCH and part of it is that they will be WARM. However, when talking to one they made an offhand comment that resonates - "It will be nice to sit with people and have a meal." It's been a casualty of the times we are living in (looking at you, 'Rona) that simply going out or even going to a friend's house for a meal has become a cost-benefit analysis exercise. Think of how much socializing revolves around food. It's the center of most social interactions and losing that social aspect is tough. As a faster, I can tell you that I've turned down plenty of opportunities to build repartee with colleagues because I was not eating that day. I've found it makes people uncomfortable when they are eating and drinking and one of the party is not. We are social beings, being deprived the ability to break bread together is agonizing. Personally I'm just looking forward to going to a pub again (looking at you, Mexi fries). It's just so much has changed that we treasure the memory of something that most of us have always taken for granted - meeting up and having a meal.
Now for an explanation of the WARM comment. Since we have been teaching online, I have been teaching in what I've fondly called my 'closet.' It's an office that is quite small, but did not have the 'echo' that I was told I had in my classroom. When it got cold, I found I can turn on the heater in my 'closet' and re-named it the 'sauna.' I am constantly cold. It's just a thing. As of Monday, I no longer could be in my 'sauna' so I'm back in my classroom. Apparently somehow the 'echo' has been sorted out. One problem, I have giant windows in my classroom and a small heater that doesn't seem to do much for me. Don't get me wrong, it's better than nothing but MAN do I miss my space heater. So I seem to be constantly cold from when I have to get out of my warm burrito of blankets until I go back into said burrito at the end of the day. I know the weather will warm up soon and I won't feel like such a weenie (a traitor to the land of the frozen tundra that I grew up in), but in the meantime I will complain because I'm always COLD. (Yes, I have another thyroid appt before I leave... no I don't think it has much to do with the medication... yes, I will ask.)
Pic of my new setup at work.
As for other things... I still feel like a bit of a jerk for not trying to get to know the new people better... however, since I have 8 weeks remaining and I'm a homesick, stressed out, shortimer's syndrome having mess at the moment, I feel like it's best for all involved if I keep my distance. They are probably still excited about being here and my cynical, burned-out ass doesn't need to be bringing anyone down. I'm enjoying watching bad movies with S and still having my weekly date nights with J. My standing calls home are helpful as well, and the one-offs as schedules work out are also nice. I have been enjoying my relaxing, zoom-free weekends, so that's also something. I know 'those next 8 weeks will go by fast' it just doesn't seem like it now. However, our immersion program was delayed until Feb, so that's going to be a busy month... perhaps those last 4 weeks will fly by. In the meantime, I'm going to see Nami Island and the Korean Folk Village if I have to boost a car and print the directions from MapQuest. LOL. Nami was pushed back to Jan 30, and I have a friend with a car who may be willing to do the Folk Village with me. Hehe.
The weather is supposed to heat up to the 40's by the end of the week, so here's hoping for some warmth! In the meantime, much love to all, I hope you are safe and warm and someday we can go for food together again. MUAH! :*
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