Busy

Sares Head Viewpoint

I haven't blogged lately due to lack of free time. Last Monday, June 23, was the start of Summer quarter. I was called that day by the Academic ESL department at the college to see if I could pick up a class last minute--as in start teaching the next day. Though I was looking forward to having time this summer to get more of my homework done before heading to my super intensive classes in Michigan in a couple of weeks, this teaching request is a good opportunity professionally as well as financially. It will make finding a job in Seattle a little easier the wider the kinds of ESL experience that I've had.

So now I am still teaching adult ESL two classes a week, and I am also teaching Academic ESL (mostly Asian international students trying to get their English ready for regular college classes) 4 days a week. If you don't teach at the college level, it may not sound like a lot. But, I am close to teaching what's considered full-time as there is a lot of out of class preparation also.

So far, I'm enjoying the class and students, but I feel very stressed also. I am not getting much homework done and don't have much time for other things like exercise or going for long hikes. I am in the process of getting ready for guests, which I'm looking forward to very much. That also means trying to find subs and doing extra planning and coordinating with that sub. There are more details of how this job is taking more time, but I'll spare you that part.

This past weekend, we did get out for a little while to watch my brother Tommy in the Lake Padden Triatholon. On Friday afternoon, we took a short hike at Sares Head off Rosario Rd. in/near Anacortes.

We were surprised to see Rainier from there (barely seen in the right picture)! It was such a clear day. For those from out of state, Mt. Rainier is the highest mountain in WA. It doesn't look very big from this picture, but it's massive when you drive the 3 and 1/2 hours from here to get to it!

Here is a 200 degree (or more...I'm just guessing!) view from Sares Head.

After our hike, we went to Snowgoose produce for their massive and well-priced ice-cream cones. Tommy met us there as he was out bike-riding. I had to carry him across the gravel since he only had his cycling shoes with him and I guess you don't want to walk on those-especially on gravel--or they'll get messed up.

This is the view of Mt. Baker that we had from our table while we had our ice creams.