Hi readers! Well, parting is such sweet sorrow, as we quoted for the kids on our last day teaching forever (at least, we hope so!) We made them find at least three literary techniques in the quote and, of course, they did!
We're madly packing, sorting and tossing as we've done for many weeks, but the shipping day is upon us. Tomorrow morning the packers will be here bright and early and don't plan to leave till late afternoon. We've packed our bags and now are forlornly marking time to discover what detritus is left, whereupon we'll undertake further trips to the garbage or the recycling. The scooter can pretty much make it there blind-folded now!
Jim, the landlord's son-in-law, now owns "Blackie" and he'll take full ownership upon our departure. Mr. Lee will come up and sort out our utility bills and I'll make a trip to the phone company to pay my final dues on Wednesday night. The bank accounts and credit cards are all shut down and we're working with cash. Daniel is booked for our final trip to the airport at 5 a.m. on Thursday morning and China Airlines even tentatively re-confirmed our flight this morning: fingers crossed it actually takes to the skies!
We've sustained a tumultuous storm of emotions in the past weeks, none more so than the last few days of school. Colleagues spoke warmly of their dealings with us and gave us a generous farewell gift and that was lovely. It's the kids who have just about wrecked us, however. In our final throes as teachers, every class has showered us with cards, personal messages, gifts and speeches lauding our efforts and wishing us well. Cass had returnees from the high school especially seek her out. If we ever needed reminding this is a teachers' utopia, it hasn't been in this past few days. We've both had "moments" this week where it's been almost too much to bear.
I've written this blog each week for about 18 years. It's often been a little burdensome, but I've taken solace in knowing that you, the select readership, have taken some pleasure in reading it. I'm going to take my customary two month break over the Australian winter, but I might even start up anew with "Newcastle Life" in early August....watch this space. Thanks for reading, it's been an amazing ride!
Oh, if you're wondering, the techniques are metaphor, alliteration and oxymoron!