Along the shore when tide is low
run busy men both to and fro
prints left by feet each place they go.

As time goes by the men grow more
but tide creeps high and must they then
say their goodbye till next they meet.

They are no more the sea will show
so work again although they know
next tide they greet will not be low.

This is one of the first ones I wrote while in Florida. I was wandering the beach, just thinking about the fleeting things in life, and how sometimes we work so hard only to have it washed away, and no matter how many times it’s washed away, we keep on building and pushing forward. Even when we know it’s going to be destroyed eventually.

It’s looking very much like Jess and I will be overseas next year for a span of at least 2 years.  She is applying to some international schools for 2 year contracts.  The International Schools are American schools in other countries that the children of ambassadors and other diplomats attend.  They are similar to private schools.  Most of them will pay for housing and some travel, and some pay very well.  So our hopes are not only to see the world a bit, but also to bank some money so that we can afford a house when we get back.  We’ve been trying to save, and have made some good progress, but it’s definitely an uphill battle.

One nice thing is that I’ll still be able to work remotely for Mestek.  That’s great for many reasons.  1) I love the job.  2) I’ll have a job when we come back in 2 years.  3) I’ll have a job while we’re abroad, so I won’t be bored and we’ll also have that extra income.

Everyone’s been telling us “Do it!”.  Most also adding “before you have kids” or “while you’re still young”.  As much as I hate to move away again, after getting comfortable here, I think it will be an excellent experience.  Not to mention a great way to make some extra money.

Ideally, Jess would like to go to Japan, and I can’t say I’d mind going there either.  We talked to a girl who had just returned from a few years in Japan and she loved it.  So that bodes well.  I’m not big on crowds or cities, but I think I can adjust.  Alternately we’re hoping for Italy, though I heard things aren’t that great there now both politically and economically.  So I guess it won’t be much of a stretch from the states!  I also wouldn’t mind most any other country, as long as it’s safe.

Regardless, I’m simultaneously looking forward to, and dreading the change.  But  it’s an opportunity I just can’t pass up.