Wheaton

Well, I'm back to being a student. An easier role than being teacher, but one that makes it possible to tune out for longer periods of time. Classes are interesting so far, but today we were in class from 8-5. It was a long time. We did have 4th of July off, though, and that was cool. The night before I went with a group of people down to Chicago to see fireworks. There were large crowds of people kind of like in China, but unlike China, there were breaks in the crowds and nobody elbowed each other. In fact, in an American crowd, you aren't even allowed to touch other people. Everyone tries to keep their personal space barrier, which is kind of funny. So we watched fireworks and ate at an outdoor restaurant. There were lots of drunk people and lots of security guards. Walking back to the train station, there were about 6 cops on every corner - just hanging out talking to each other because nothing was going on. And on the train, there were lots of security guards. They were big and intimidating and kept walking through the cars keeping everyone calm, if not quiet.
And then Tuesday morning I saw part of the Wheaton parade. Wheaton is a small town, and it was a small town parade. Lots of families dressed in red, white, and blue waving flags. It was cute. There were bands, old cars, politicians, tractors, and two bagpipe bands. Who knew there were so many bagpipers in Wheaton?
Now I am sitting at a little coffee shop that has free wireless. I have a big mug of coffee and a soft red couch. I have my homework sitting out next to me, but clearly I'm not doing it. I've noticed that being a teacher doesn't so much make me a better student. More sympathetic maybe, but not better.
Just wanted to let you know I'm still alive. And I will be for the next three weeks, even if you don't hear from me. Happy July.