For the most part, I consider myself an optimist, I really try to think that things will work out for the best. Except... when it comes to anything pertaining to medical tests, then I automatically assume the worst.

Niels & I took Big G to the vet on Saturday, she's lost 2 pounds (which for a nine pound cat is a lot) over the past few months and has been throwing up, with an increasing frequency. Our vet (who's awesome) gave her a physical, but couldn't find anything, so recommended a set of blood tests, of which the results would come in today.

Well, the vet called this morning and I could tell from her tone of voice that things weren't good. Ginger's pancreatic levels are elevated and it could mean one of two things, Big G has pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, which is treatable) or she could have a tumor. The vet recommended an ultrasound (which would have to be done at another clinic) to be sure. 

Where does my brain latch on to? Tumor. Not that Big G could be totally fine with some treatment, but that she's got cancer and is on her way out. What is wrong with me? Why do I always assume the worst? Was it the vet's tone of voice? Not sure, but either way, Niels & I are going to have to talk about our options, and take it from there.

Just got home a little while ago from the first day at the new job. It was a bit confusing due to the fact that I wasn't able to go to orientation last week, but I was paired up with a veteran teacher and she was super awesome and helpful.

Mainly this week is registration and placement testing. I didn't do any testing today, but observed a few interactions. I imagine tomorrow I'll be doing some testing. At the end of the week I'll be working the registration table.

I was blown away how many people showed up for registration today, considering it runs all week, even more so since being able to attend isn't guaranteed, but a lottery system. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but understand why it's done, the demand is so much higher than the number of students that can be served. 

One of the many things that could be improved in the American educational system is the access to education for adult learners, especially in the immigrant community. The number of people who came today for a chance to win the lottery and take ESL classes was overwhelming, and while I was excited at the turn out I was a little depressed knowing how the hopes of so many would be dashed when they learn they won't be able to take classes this semester.

Have lots to say about the awesome trip to NYC but it will be for another day because I'm distracted by the report on the News Hour.

To those random readers that find me via search engines. Medicaid and Medicare are government run programs. Don't let certain members of the GOP fool you. 

To those of you who are trying to convince people otherwise, go suck it.

When Niels and I came back from China, I went back to work at the Department. It was comforting to go back to something so familiar while transitioning back to living in the U.S. and going back to school.

Today, after almost eleven years (off and on) of employment I submitted my resignation.

It was a strange sensation, it's not the first time I've quit. But this time there was more of a finality to it that I didn't have when I left for China. There was always the chance that I could go back if I wanted.

But not this time.

I was offered, and accepted, a teaching position at a local charter school. It's fifteen hours a week for the 2009/2010 school year.

I can't express the excitement I have for this job. I got such a good vibe from the school when I went for my interview. Everyone was very warm and welcoming, and seemed to really like working there. I thought the interview went quite well, but I didn't want to get my hopes too high in case it fell through.

It's a part-time position so I'll be sharing a classroom, but I'll still be able to decorate it, post students' work on the walls, and make it a safe learning environment.

There will be different challenges to teaching stateside versus teaching in China, but I'm ready to face them head on. I look forward to beginning the newest chapter in my life.