You can put on the red light if you want to.

So, I forgot the mention an exceptional opportunity I had in Hawaii. I was taken to the world's only natural salt water aquarium. I swam in a champagne pool filled with nearly 1000 fish and sea creatures or all sizes, meeting face to face with parrot fish, tuna, eels, and many other vibrant fish. I fed them avocados, lettuce, mangoes, and papaya. They loved it, but I think I loved it more. Such a special feeling that was! It reached parts of "wow" that I can't explain. And to be able to do that in a natural environment? Priceless.
I am comforted by the stray dogs that wander lazily about the streets, and occasionally burst into a wild barking fest.
So, I have been hanging out with another teacher who is also a sound engineer, and he has been sharing his knowledge with me. The addiction of music is a strong one. If it gets to you, you're basically done for, suckered into a life all-consuming. Every measure of a song, every sound or beat takes over you and is captured and tossed into an expensive blender of ideas and moves and other rhythms and vibes. Any life is forever tolerable from this point forward. I remember how closed and unexposed I once was to so many things. I didn't understand different lifestyles or types of music or ways of thinking and reaching conclusions. I thought I knew it all. Traveling has and forever will continuously erase these stereotypes and preconceived notions about the unknown. And I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to say that. For the freedom to not care so much that all I can do is care. Care about every single human being who's path happens to cross mine, whatever their intention or mine. Some people are concerned, and for good reason, with safety and finances. I believe these are things one should be aware of, but should not have to constantly worry and stress over them. The less one has, the less one has to worry about. I have 150 pounds of belongings with me. I'd like to at least cut it in half. It ties me down. It's extra weight that inhibits me from doing.
I've decided to let the teaching gig go and to travel to the Philippines to see my family, experience yet another country, and to give myself time to do things I want to do. Teaching hasn't given me much chance to do that. The environment is not for me. I need to be physical, outside, and not working 13 hours a day. It'll be grand.
And I love Thailand. Everywhere you go, there are sacrifices to make, and having to make those is tough but oh, so inspiring after that fact, no matter the outcome. For every red light, there's a green light. Why else would there be a red light?