Most recent developments

[aadler]

Let’s see. My son Kevin just started a new job in China, higher position with more pay. I also have a new job, and I’m beginning to get genuinely interested. I have to drive farther to get to it, but it pays more than where I was before (25% more while I’m training, nearly 55% more once the training is finished), so that’s worth the shift all on its own. The opportunities seem to be more substantial, though, and more importantly they’re opportunities that actually appeal to me.

My granddaughter started a new preschool last week. She’s only just now three years old, but my son tells me that, yes, the kids will start learning English. Works for me. (And, now that I’m earning more, I’ll be able to save more, potentiating the likelihood of Susan and me being able to go visit them during this coming Chinese New Year, since we had to give up on the last one.)

Susan is now in her final year in California. Sometimes she doesn’t know if she can stand hanging in for another twelve months; less often (but it has happened), she considers whether staying a fourth year would allow her to continue doing the work she’s doing now, with the same or at least comparable pay, but from here instead of there. Probably won’t happen, but it’s a possibility that wasn’t there before.

Less than a month before summer ends, but temperatures here are already trending noticeably milder. I welcome that. Then, of course, after a surprisingly brief time, I’ll need to start getting ready for colder weather. Funny how that keeps happening.

This isn’t the best it’s ever been for me. It’s not bad, though. Not bad at all.

Comments

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

It sounds as if things are much better than the last time I remember reading something from you. Family still across the world isn't great, but a wonderful experience for them and a good excuse for you to travel again. Hope all continues to improve.

[aadler]

Things have never been bad, just some times better than others. And travel does require money, which I’ve most recently had to allocate to car repairs (and then replacement). Good news was, I had the money; bad news, using it for emergencies meant it wasn’t available for luxuries like visiting our kids.

If you’re going to have problems (and everyone does), these are some fairly minor ones to have.

[snogged.livejournal.com]

I hope things go well with the new job.

[aadler]

Looking good so far.