Like this:

Before we get started let me just admit my latest obsession; a new, well a month or 2 old, HBO series called Mildred Pierce. It’s only five episodes long and after downloading them yesterday, I just finished episode 4… But, to give myself a little credit, I do manage to do one or two other things while watching, so I am not neglecting my entirely too busy schedule to watch TV. I may just be staying up a little later than normal…whatever.

Now, onto the FAQS:

A few people have been asking questions about my future so I figure I’ll answer as many questions as I can think of right now.

1. What are you plans for next year?

Well, most of you know that I will not be returning toChinanext year. It was an easy decision to make, but has been hard to accept. I decided to go to graduate school and was accepted toMonmouthUniversityin NJ. I chose the school basically because it was close to home and it had the major I wanted- criminal justice.

2. Why did you choose that major? What do you plan to do with it?

Ah, two questions. Ok well, I chose that major after realizing how incredibly interested I was in that field. I majored in sociology in college and I think it goes very well with criminal justice. I actually have very serious plans for after I graduate but prefer to keep those to myself. I have set very high goals and would like to concentrate on it one step at a time. The first step is to go to grad school. I think my ultimate goal will be quite difficult to obtain but not out of the realm of possibility. I’m being vague; I know that, but well, sorry.

3. Will you miss China?

Wow, I love when people ask me this question because it seems so obvious to me- of course I will miss it. I have four weeks left and the knot in my stomach is growing larger by the day. I can’t put into words the sadness I will feel as I pack up this apartment and leave this country that has treated me so well for the past two years. I’m going to miss most of it; obviously the little annoyances will not be given a second thought. But, my students, my home, my friends, the neighbors, the food, the adventure; those things are going to be hard to let go of. I’m constantly reminded by my students that I am leaving them. I know they are being honest but sometimes it is too much to bear and I just cannot take another student saying they will miss me; it’s heartbreaking.

4. What will I miss the most?

My students. There is nothing more to say than that. They are just too special to not have a permanent place in my heart.

5. When will you get home?

I will be arriving in Newark airport, after a layover in DC, around 11:30-midnight on June 23^rd. Sorry parentals, it’s going to be a long night.

6. What are your plans for the summer?

Honestly, I’ve given it very little thought. I definitely have friends and family whom I am desperate to visit but I really have nothing ironed out. I’m trying so hard to live in the moment and thinking about the summer is only making it harder to live here. My stomach has been rejecting most of what I eat, the bugs are out, and my house just won’t stay dust free. These things are enough for me to want to get on the next plane but I obviously can’t and do not wish to. If I add dreaming about summer to that list, I’ll never survive. I want to live minute by minute and soak up everything I can.

7. Will you return to China one day?

I hope so. I really do.

Well, I hope I have given you some insight. Feel free to ask more questions and I’ll answer them as best I can.

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