So... my year of hypocrisy is finally drawing to a close. The new McGlothlin folks have been chosen and my presentations are done. I have learned much...and I got to go to Finland. The overall conclusions I am coming to are kind of subtle and I will try to explain in this trip report. I was rather proud of the trip - it is usually a bit difficult to get into Helsinki schools, but with my good friend, Google Translate, I was able to track down and email many of the schools in Helsinki and play the numbers game. Many did not respond, but I think the nicest did email back - and I was able to set up an itinerary. I got to the Tri-Cities airport at 3pm on a Saturday and due to a little problem in Atlanta I got to Finland at 2am on Monday. Luckily I had already booked a hotel.... oh, wait... no I didn't. However, as luck would have it, I found the last person awake in the airport and got the name of a good cheap hotel near the main station in Helsinki. ...
Bette Davis Eyes comes on the radio as I am driving my two daughters back from picking berries. Esme has black raspberry all over her face but its just wonderful. The sun, the air, the dad time with his two daughters (the other one is backpacking with mom)... it was one of those moments where one loses oneself and becomes air and sun and music. I love those moments... I feel fully alive in those moments. Its all probably biochemical, but that's ok. Life and consciousness is overrated, I think. I know, PA....THETIC! (however, it was the grammy winning song and album of the year - 82 and ranks 15 on Billboard's top 100 - so, there) I can't help my crap taste in music and I simply claim it. I can't do much but be the person I am. Sure, its embarrassing.. but what isn't in this world? Duran Duran Hungry Like the Wolf came on after and I almost cried :) So my oldest daughter is on the trail tonight with my wife. I dropped them off at Grayson Highlands and they are w...