A colleague and I were having lunch yesterday and we were sharing funny work stories. She wished that over the years she had written down all the funny things that come out of our students' mouth's. I have two from recent tests that I'd like to share.

Q: How did the Pioneers see at night?
A: With their eyes.

Q: Who are carpenters?
A: They help us with our carpets.

Cute, no?

Alas! An end of an era has happened, and I was half-way around the globe when it occurred. My other half, my best mate, my baby boy, Farley, is no longer with us. It was quite shocking news, as he'd always been so healthy and full of life and great mischief. He had cancer in his hip bone. It was first thought he was suffering from old age and arthritis. Upon closer look, he was in dire need of being put down. The vet wanted to put him down straight away, but mom took him home for the evening and sent me a strange email. I called immediately and heard the news. I'd like to thank everyone who has sent me this great outpouring of care and concern. It means so much to me! I can say I'm grateful it was quick and he did not suffer much. My Mother was there and she said it was extremely quick. She is saving his ashes for me. My student's are very aware of how much I loved him, and while I was explaining to them about what cremation was, we got onto the topic of people having their remains shot out into space and soon onto the fact you can purchase a star and name it. They instantly came up with the idea that I buy a star and name it after Farles. Isn't that sweet? They were even offering to pay!

Things have been changing in the classroom. Doogie decided she was exhausted, and had returned to work too quickly after her daughter was born. I now have Ganaa with me, and things are going alright. I'm glad to say she's a quick learner and takes the idea of education seriously. This is good. She gets the students to pay attention, and reminds me of such things like lunch money.

It's been two weeks since I've returned to work after my vacation. Vietnam was good, and I'm glad to be able to say I've been there, but I was ready to get back home! I found the amount of travel taxing and not really restful. I was constantly catching planes, trains and automobiles for tours, transfers and the like. If it's possible to suffer from a vacation hangover, I had one! Plus, I only got to go swimming 3 times! Not nearly enough! Despite it being their winter, the water is usually the same temperature year round, and definitely swimmable. Yet, I only managed to wear my bathing suit once (yes, I went swimming in my clothes the other two times). I did get to go para sailing though, and that was incredible. I think the two neatest things I saw were the underground caves in Ha Long Bay (nominated for new wonders of the world) and the Cu Chi Tunnels occupied by the Vietcong during the war. I met some truly interesting and fun people too, which is always a plus. I found it a bit annoying that to some people it was unfathomable anyone should travel alone. They always felt the need to join me and invite me places with them. Not that that's a bad thing! Just, I travel alone for a reason. I simply don't want to have to talk anymore! I talk so much, all day long, a respite is nice and much needed sometimes. Yes, it's selfish, but also self-preserving! I was not anti-social, not by a long shot. Just, occasionally, I did not feel like it. And yet, I am already planning my April break trip!

The weather here has been cold. I take the temperature every morning and afternoon at school. It is usually hovering around the -25 degree mark. During December we hit -50. Now that's cold!

A friend of mine introduced me to a vegetarian restaurant. Nothing on the menu contains meat! Plus, you can purchase things like real veggie meats and sausages and such. I had breakfast for dinner simply for the fact I had some veggie sausages. I still see a niche for a good veggie burger! I have nary encountered a one yet here. It's nice to see some places taking such chances with this vegetarian stuff, as most restaurants only offer dishes like fried cauliflower or fried cheese. I once ordered cream of mushroom soup and it was hot milk with pieces of canned mushroom floating around in it. Not very appetizing. There are some great places to eat, don't get me wrong. It just seems when you find something you like on the menu, it's the one thing they're out of. There is a great Indian restaurant, many Korean, Italian and the like. I have discovered a sushi place, seriously! I have eaten there several times and never had an issue. Mmmmm, wasabi!

There has been the issue here of smokey skies lately. My eyes are very sore. On Wednesday I was just sitting in my apartment, minding my own business without the window open, and suddenly my eyes were on fire! I wound up just going to bed. That rarely happens, and usually my eye drops are effective enough. It's the worst though when you wake up in the morning and your eyes are all crusty.

I'd also like to say a hearty Congratulations to my brother, who passed his French exam! It was a hard road, but I'm sure well worth the travel. Best of luck.