Anyway...

I'm sorry if I've sounded miserable over the last few weeks. I was reading over some past posts and I know it sounds like I'm absolutely hating it here half the time and absolutely loving it the other half.

That isn't really how it is. Overall, I do truly like it here. I love (most of) the kids to bits. I like my classes a lot, and while there are a few rather special individuals, most of my coworkers are also very cool. If I did decide to come home and stay there at the end of this year, I'd be unhappy for several reasons, the biggest of those being I'd miss the kids terribly and I'd be jobless and rather broke (traveling the world does come at a price...but it's so worth it!).

I guess I'm just, as I said earlier, disillusioned and frustrated with the way some things are handled. I hate being lied to, but I especially hate being told really flimsy, obvious lies. Hi, do you think I'm that stupid? Please.

I'm particularly sick of getting told, over and over again, that I'm so valued--as if that's the magic word to use so everything is all better. Screw the lip service, the word you're looking for is "expensive." Keeping me here is less expensive than moving me home and finding a replacement.

I'm starting to see why a lot of my teacher friends back home have issues with administration.

I am, however, aware that most of this is just me being tired and worn out-like I think most teachers are by this point in the school year. Most students are, too, for that matter. I'm trying to remind myself that the good things here far outweigh the bad, that my students make me so happy and that, if I'm being honest, overall I really do love my job. A lot.

I keep telling myself that I just need a good break, where I can soak up the Nebraska sun, see my friends and family and hug my dog. There will be some major changes next year, I know, and hopefully they will be for the better.

There's always good reason to hope, I've learned, so now I'm just hoping these next three weeks fly by.