dream out loud

Every few years, I find myself at a crossroad. It usually means that I’m ready for change – whether it is with my scenery, my job or my home. Now, it’s a combination of all of the above. Or rather, they all impact on one another. A year and a half ago, I signed a two-year contract with my school. Aside from attending various educational institutions, I’ve never committed to anything for an extended period of time as in this situation.

Personally, socially, and professionally, I am happy but also ready for some changes. I have made wonderful friends where I am now and would most definitely be sad to say goodbye to them. At work, I am quite happy this year, but have also realized that I’m at the point in my teaching and learning that I’m ready for some different and new challenges. I think it’s dangerous when you start to become too comfortable with what you do and where you teach. I’ve seen that happen to many quality teachers. As for my surroundings, I don’t live in the most ideal place for me, but I’ve finally gotten to a nice comfort level where I know where to find what I want and need. So leaving or staying would definitely would both come with a whole host of pros and cons.

When I came to Suzhou, I was a mixture of excited, nervous, and wistful. I felt a certain level of fear and insecurity about going so far away and establishing new roots, but someone (possibly smarter than me) urged me to push myself. “Pushing yourself outside of your comfort level is what makes you grow.” I am comfortable where I live and where I work now – so that either means it’s time for more growth or revel in it a bit longer. Time will tell. In the meantime, I’ll keep you posted.

Just some quiet remembrance today.

Hi friends.  This is the maiden post of the new home of my blog.  The Great Firewall of China has frustrated me enough to break up with Blogger.  I’m still testing the waters with Facebook and Flickr.  For now, we’ve agreed to remain friends.  Please stayed tuned and watch this space…

Finally, I’ve been pushed to the limits and am not going to take it any more. The level of internet censorship in China is getting a bit ridiculous. A few of us were just joking around this morning… will blocking Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogging sites really prevent an uprising or a revolution? Probably not but it makes it extremely difficult for people like us – people living far from family and friends – from keeping in touch through stories, photos and updates. It’s frustrating.

So last week, I took the plunge and registered two domain names: elvinatong.com and wanderlustful.org and bought some web space. The former name will be for some personal things, like a blog and my professional portfolio. The latter will be stories and photos from my travels.

I may regret sharing this information since there’s nothing there yet and will take me some time to get around to it. But all of it is a good motivator for me to keep in touch with home better.