The Crooked Timber of Humanity

Immanuel Kant once said, "From the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing ever can be made." This past week, I've discovered this to be true in a very ugly way.

The New Year will be one of new beginnings for me. Miss Bee and I are finished, due to trust issues. It's been a very difficult few days for both of us, as you can imagine. I wish her well in life, and hope she finds health and happiness in the future.

I had planned on staying a third year here, but mostly for her sake. Since my main reason for staying is now out of the picture, I will be returning to the US, probably in March or May. I'll likely fly to Hong Kong for a few days, and then to San Francisco and crash on my brother's couch for a while, and possibly teach high school there.

I'm sad to be leaving, as I love it here, but this is probably for the best. If I had gone on to marry her, I would have had to pay a large dowry, and then there would have been issues with visas and the like, as well as her adjusting to life in the US. It's a sad way to end what has been a great relationship, however, and it has left me with a big empty feeling.

So, her and I will need your prayers, as this is a difficult time for both of us. But I am feeling excited about another new beginning in only six months time.

Hail progress!

Happy Trails, Brad Radke!

One of the gutsiest baseball players in recent memory, Brad Radke, announced his retirement on Tuesday. Radke, notorious for struggling in early innings, but becoming tougher as the game went on, will be missed dearly by the Minnesota Twins and all of his fans. He was one of the few bright spots for the Twins through the lean years of the late 1990's, but I will always remember him for his true grit displayed this year. See this link for details about what this man went through for the Twins on their playoff run.

Happy Trails, #22! We already miss you.