Back and ready to attack!

I never realized that last year I disliked everything about this place just as much before Christmas break as I did this year. I went to Germany, had a good time, and came back not really caring so much. The same has happened this year. I went home, had a good time, and came back not really giving a shit what happens.

I can honestly admit that the little things still bother me, but not quite as much as they used to. Now I just let them go easier. I don't know why taking a vacation makes you let stuff go easier, but I should take them frequently.

My kids were excited to get back to school, and at the same time overwhelmed by the massive testing regiment they are being subjected to. Two weeks of a barrage of tests that do nothing more than reassure the government office that this is really a school (kind of), and we are not teaching them to think (kind of). God bless the Ministry of Education. Is it me or is that name somewhat Orwellian. I should watch out, the Ministry of Love might be reading this!

So Syria is still Syria. I went to the dentist yesterday to fix my broken tooth that became more broken. I felt like I had a Swiss alp in my mouth. Apparently my dentist attended Tufts University in Massachusets, and is board certified for dentistry, surgury, and implants. So now I have a board certified (American) Optometrist and Dentist. My Doctor is board certified in England as a Cardiologist. I guess I can settle for a brit. Their slow health care system can't be any better than our financially corrupt one.

I have been reading every day and am going to hit the gym starting tomorrow. I really miss being able to go out. There is truly nothing here to do other than focus on my health and self education. I should be strong and well read by the end of the year. Just like Papa Hemingway. My beard needs to get more grey though!