Sometimes the only way I can remember what has happened in my life is to read over past posts on this blog. Using that strategy, it would appear I entered the witness protection program in March as I have written nothing since then. In fact, I’ve just been in a funk. I don’t think I realized how much of a funk it was until now. The 2013-14 school year brought a number of changes and surprises. Nothing tragic. But stressful nonetheless. Ever transient, many international friends and colleagues moved on, leaving a void and the inevitable melancholy that comes with realizing you didn’t know how good it was till it was gone. As I awaited a change in my visa status, I was limited to domestic travel in India, and although I hadn’t planned a vacation abroad, the restriction felt like a noose around my neck. Resentment and general crankiness washed over me. Once in Michigan for our summer break, we looked forward to quickly wrapping up our lakehouse renovation. In fact, we had arranged for the painters to complete the interior, exterior and deck restoration before we even left India. Mother Nature refused to cooperate, however, dumping week after week of rain and delaying the painting (which delayed the carpeting and the furniture delivery and the decorating) until the end of June. In addition, we had to cram a year’s worth of home maintenance into two months, including plumbing repairs, installation of a new water heater, rebuilding a broken fence, troubleshooting the sprinkler system, and so on. We spent about five weeks tethered to the unfinished house, waiting to find out whether and when contractors would arrive. By the time we felt relaxed enough to sit on the deck, beer in hand, contractor-free, only two weeks remained before our return flight to Delhi. Writing this, I realize how silly it all sounds. Back when I was a journalist, I would have scoffed to hear such whining. Yet now I know. International teaching – maybe ALL teaching (you tell me, Stateside teachers) – exhausts every ounce of your mental and physical energy. By the end of the school year, you feel fulfilled – but depleted. Rather than releasing me from the school year’s stress, our summer responsibilities tightened the knots in my shoulders. I yearned to spend mindless hours biking on the woodsy trails, taking yoga classes, shopping, paddling in the lake with my nephews, hanging out with my parents, taking day trips to explore our new home state, reading in the shade of a deck umbrella, catching up with old friends, and otherwise finding my balance. Finally, our annual trip to Stratford, Ontario, approached. “We can’t go!” I moaned. “I’m too stressed out. I just want to sit and do nothing!” But we went. And weirdly, as we drove over the Port Huron Bridge, we both felt our anxiety lift. Oh Canada! Just getting away from our house for a few days helped us regain perspective. Laughing with special friends from our Shanghai days, seeing a few plays at the Shakespeare Festival, chatting with the bed and breakfast owners, and walking, walking, walking. Finally, we could breathe again. Back in Michigan, we ate dinner outside every night. I played and cuddled with my nephews as much as possible. I ate pie and homemade ice-cream and fed the ducks and entertained a few visitors. Then it was time to pack up, store the paddleboat, roll up the carpets and head to the airport. So here I am, in New Delhi, ready to face another school year with a happy heart.