Catching up on everything

Brief update on life and a few little things.

The ladies are back in school today, leaving me to myself and after almost 2 weeks with them, it is a bit unusual having the quiet and no Kiddo energy in the house.  It is odd, however, not having them around after the break.  On the flip side of that, it’s nice having quiet in the house.

The quiet was broken when maintenance showed up to clean and refresh the AC units in the condo.  That’s part of why I’m blogging this morning.  It is always easier to clear out when maintenance and engineering come and do work.  They are loud and usually moving about to clean this, check that, rinse and dry things, blah blah blah.  Three guys, two ladders, a shop vac, and a small (yet professional) air compressor.  They also had two canisters that were in Thai, but from the looks, I’d assume it’s freon or some type of coolant for the AC system.  So, yeah… I bailed.  Leave them to doing what they do.  After that, the cleaning staff will come in and do the weekly clean.  

Moving to sports, I was not thrilled when Milwaukee lost to the D-Backs in the playoffs.  The potential of Houston v Philly was not a top choice for me and the deeper the playoffs went, the better the odds for that outcome.  Thankfully, the Texas Rangers got hot and knocked off Houston.  All AZ needs to do tomorrow is win and TX v AZ as a World Series is the best I could hope for.  No love for either AZ or TX, but more than Philly or Houston.  Here’s hoping that one day Kiddo and I can sit and watch a Brewers World Series game.

Staying on sports, I’m going back to basketball.  Nothing hardcore, not even pick up games.  After my knee the last time and being told I need a rather expensive brace to play, that’s just not in the cards for me.  I like hoops, but it’s never been a passion.  I’m going for the social aspect, but also, I can shoot around and play HORSE and the like.  It’s just a different type of movement and activity as well.

I’ve gotten some messages about where we are applying and thoughts on it all and do I have a favorite or a hope.  The answer is everywhere and nope.  It’s not that easy.  J got invited to apply for a great school in China and even interviewed, but she withdrew her application because the school would not be a good fit for Kiddo.  It’s an English Immersion School, so 65-70% of the lessons and language in Mandarin.  For J, that’s no problem, she would teach English only, but Kiddo would need to keep up in Mandarin, in a new city and country, with new peers.  Not a good fit.

Where have we applied though?  Everywhere.  If it’s in the Pacific and Asian region, we applied or looked at it, if not applied.  Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, etc etc etc.  As I said, everywhere.  Why not give it a look and see what the offer is.  At worst, it’s interview practice and brush up.  As for where, yes, the major cities, but in places like Japan, Korea, or China, it’s not just the major cities, but some of the smaller ones.  Also, some of the schools (much like BASIS BKK) are in the major city, but on the outskirts of that.  Our situation would be the same.  We’d be in a city, but still an hour from the city center.  It’s not like we’re getting a job in downtown Tokyo, a five minute walk from everything.  So, where do I want?  Wherever J finds a good fit for her and we see it as a good fit for Kiddo.  We could end up MORE Equatorial than we are now, or we could have snow next winter.  I’m just waiting for the cards to settle and then we can see.

Before closing today, it is with a heavy heart that I write about constant reader Doc J and the passing of her mother.  Our thoughts and hearts go out to Doc J.  Loss is never easy, especially loss like that, so words are just that, words.  However, it’s also words that help and heal.  The remembering of a loved one.  Smiling at the memories and times together.  Laughing at the little remembered quirks and inside jokes.  Crying at those same memories.  We send hugs and our very best to Doc J at this time and we will keep our hearts and minds open to her, in friendship and companionship and offer an ear to hear the words and help her carry the memory and spirit of her mom.  And, since she is a constant reader, yes…. That we also includes Poley.  :)  Trust me, Doc J, when I give you one of the valuable lessons Poley taught me; Yell a big ol’ BUTTHEAD into the ether.  It does help.  Otherwise, hugs and our deepest sympathies.

Let’s go, Kiddo… It’s busy right now and before you know it, we’re going to be packing and moving, but it’s not a goodbye, it’s on to the next adventure.