What Would Surprise Me?

 

Kristin, over at Going Country, posted this question to her readers.

She asked, “What about your current life would be the most surprising to a younger you?” What a perfect question. It made me think. I love questions that make me think.

As a young girl, I did not dream of becoming an American. I did think of visiting it someday. After all, in my native language it is commonly called 美国 (meiguo) or “The Beautiful Country.” Who would not wish to visit a country so named? Since I immigrated and became a citizen I am called 美国人 (měiguó rén). It was not something planned or dreamed of. It simply occurred.

I am a Doctor of Computer Science. That of itself is not so surprising. Since I was raised with an emphasis on education, it is reasonable to expect that I pursued it. Early, I had a knack for all things computer so of course, that was the direction of my education. Since I was learning my occupation, I wanted to know all I could learn of it.

I dreamed of being a mother. That dream has been fulfilled. I have three children. That is not surprising but it did lead to teaching. That would surprise a younger me. I would not have thought of how satisfying it would be for me. I was introduced during my doctoral studies. Medical doctors do residency, Computer doctors teach so I became staff at Tokyo University. As my children began attending school, I found my schedule to be conflicting with raising my children so I acquired my credentials and began teaching in the high school on base. I loved it. So much so that I believe my younger self would be far beyond surprised at how much I love it.

I think another surprise would be how much I have traveled. Young me thought of traveling little. I did go to Vietnam and Hong Kong so it is not that I had not traveled some. Now my travels include Japan, South Korea, Spain, France, and Italy. Later this summer I plan to add England and Germany to the list. I never dreamed of traveling so much.

The biggest surprise for a younger me is that I am a naval officer's wife. This is a big thing. It is common to marry a common soldier. It is prestigious to marry an officer. It is more prestigious to be married to a ship's captain. I am the latter. I do find a small bit of evil joy reminding my brother's wife of this when I visit Mother and Father since she is so pretentious and it humbles her just a bit.

There are many small surprises but the question was what would most surprise. The biggest surprise of all is the very blessed life I have lived so far. It has not been perfect, but the hilltops have been much higher than the valleys have been deep.

Boring Free Time?

 

Deployments are predictable. As far as anything is predictable in the Navy anyway. I must seek out ways to use my time to prevent me from being too bored.

I am thankful that there is Su that is with me all day, but her naps leave alone time that needs to be occupied with something. Chao lei and Jun are in school all day.

I have a dance class on Thursdays. I enjoy it very much. It certainly uses up any extra energy I may have pent up. Chinese dances are active but Spanish dance is so energetic. I believe I can consider one lesson equal to time at a gym.

I often see what others post as their latest reading and find the titles and summaries interesting but a career in computer science does not allow one to rest. Computer science changes often; usually before the newest literature is printed. My latest read is, “A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms.” I have tried to do more recreational reading. Really. I have. Occupational reading is a demanding little witch that is unafraid to claw back any time spent on other reading.

As I am attempting to establish myself as a cyber security consultant, my next book will be, “Hacking: The Art of Exploitation.” Understanding hacking is required to protect a system from it. I have the fundamentals but staying current is a necessity.

As you can see, my book titles are not nearly as attractive as most others. I am sure you are not about to rush right out and buy your copies but my reading must focus on what keeps my credentials current. My “light” reading has usually been student papers.

I believe I use my free time well. Boredom is not a problem, though I do experience it now and then.

A Fun Week So Far

 

I have finished a week of substituting at the high school. I have missed teaching.

Much to the surprise of the students, I knew the subject matter (calculus) and was able to conduct a legitimate class. The students had hoped for a clueless fill-in that would allow them a week of no studies. Since I know their teacher, I knew what she was teaching and where she was leading them. They were sorely disappointed.

Despite the surprise of real class work, the students were wonderful to be in class with. The usual characters were present of course; the jokester, the prankster, the “Sheldon” (you know, the one that knows he is smarter than everyone else). I believe I would have enjoyed full-time teaching here very much. I will be sure to apply at our next posting as soon as we discover where it is.

In my dance class I was informed I met a dancing milestone. I broke a heel on my shoe during a paso doble. It is a VERY active dance. I was informed you may not call yourself a dancer until you have broken a heel doing a paso doble. Yay me! Perhaps I should pay the $150.00 for the recommended shoes. The fall was very entertaining for Chao lei it seems, based on his loud laugh. Jun thought it was just another part of the dance.

So, I worked, played, and looked foolish for my children. It was a great week! I should do it again.