What's been happening?

It's going to take some time to get back into the blogging. There's a lot to catch up on. I've been writing, not much in the way of academic writing, but for a column in a local newspaper along with many of my university colleagues. I might post links to some of those articles some time soon. These articles usually have a couple of layers of meaning - for the public it's based upon what's been happening in Macau with some support from academic management literature; for my university colleagues there's often some underlying commentary closer to their experience; for very close friends there's sometimes yet another layer that they will find meaningful to themselves or that explains my position on a matter. I have been finding this writing cathartic, at times, but usually it comes from anger, frustration, nervousness, a sense of lack of justice or just wanting to vent in a controlled way. Often I feel passionate about a topic at one of the above levels and that pushes me to write. I've also been surprised at people commenting to me in emails, in person, by text and during networking events on the content - the pieces seem to hit home and that's been very pleasing. Working with words in this way has broadened my life experience and wouldn't have happened without the opportunity that's been offered me :)

But for now, I'm in London, showing the kids something beyond the East. Bridget has a constant grin on her face. She lives life happily and to the full. The end of the trip will be just the two of us. I'm really looking forward to this as we share a real joy of life's experiences. We should travel well together, just mother and daughter.