The Imagined Life

Even though I'm only 27, I still feel like I'm the last of an antiquated generation--those who had a free and amazing childhood that is, these days, almost the stuff of myths. My parents pushed us. They wanted us to do well, and they expected a lot of us. But, they wanted so much for us. They wanted us to be free, independent, and to have fun. They always encouraged me to push myself out of my comfort zone. They wanted me to try new things, explore opportunities, and to get the most out of my experiences! I may honestly be one of the last people around who truly had a Mayberry-like childhood. And it was heaven. I played in the park, rode bikes, made teepees and forts outside, created culinary mixtures, went to bonfires, played card games, went camping and watched the stars, and listened to the sound of the crickets at night. I spent summer evenings on a back porch, watching the fireflies gather. I went bowling, went to awesome church events, met new people, made great friend

Wow, I don't think I've ever been this busy in my life. I remember last year I had a lot of time to myself and a lot of time to just wander aimlessly around, not sure what to do with myself. Now, I wouldn't dream of going back to that, but sometimes it can get a bit much over here. We have this long work day, and so when I get home it feels like there isn't so much time left in the evening. And there are social events, exercise groups, sports practice, grading to do, online courses to complete, articles to publish famously, etc. :) So, it seems as if there is no end! The weekend can seem like our own getaway from our busy lives, but then we feel like we need to do so many things! Exercise, spend time outside, see cool things in Taiwan, etc. And the vibe of the city does not lend itself to quiet and relaxation. There are so many people, and they are always doing something! Even if you want to go on a relaxing city hike, there's like a bajillion people up on the m