Wonderlust

Not all who wonder are lost.

  • Leaving Too Early, Staying Too Long

    Leaving Too Early, Staying Too Long

    Today, my student and I barely studied English. I had already prepared lesson materials before class, so when she told me she wasn’t in the mood for a proper lesson, I panicked a little. I spent hours meticulously preparing the lesson for today and didn’t anticipate this sudden change. Personally, I hate wasted preparation. So…

  • The Math Doesn’t Lie: Transitioning Careers While Working Full Time

    The Math Doesn’t Lie: Transitioning Careers While Working Full Time

    There’s a version of this plan where everything works. I teach more. I open up my schedule. I take on more students. I build something steady enough to support myself. But that version requires time. And time is the one thing I don’t have. Right now, the job that pays me the most is also…

  • When One Thing Takes Over

    When One Thing Takes Over

    You get diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction once, and in a millisecond, that’s all you become. Not John, the retired engineer.Not Molly, the retired second-grade teacher. A small bowel obstruction. Because now, at 70, that’s your life. Gastroenterologist visits every few weeks.Nephrologist once a month because your ankles are swollen.Primary care every six months…

  • What My Days Look Like Right Now

    What My Days Look Like Right Now

    I haven’t written in a while, and I think it’s because my life right now is just work, teaching, and trying to feel human in between. I work night shifts, so my days don’t really feel like days. I work hybrid– in-office/hospital half the time, and at home some days. I save up on gas,…

  • The Rialto Chapter

    The Rialto Chapter

    On Being Chosen Instead of Assigned It started with an awakening. Not the dramatic kind. More like a quiet pause. A slow realization that I had become stagnant — not out of failure, but out of routine. I knew how to be a nurse. I had studied for it, trained for it, survived it. But…

  • Chronicles of (Mis)adventures in Ecuador: When Plans Detour and Clarity Finds You

    Chronicles of (Mis)adventures in Ecuador: When Plans Detour and Clarity Finds You

    I knew I was really in Ecuador the moment I landed — not because of the scenery, but because of the people. As far as solo travel in Ecuador goes, it started gently. It was late. The streets were dark. I was tired in that specific, slightly disoriented way that comes from long flights and…

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