Sometimes I feel like I'm waiting for my "real life" to start. I've graduated from college. I have a good job. We live in a nice apartment.

But I'm restless. I need an adventure.

I need to make a difference in the world. I'm 23 years old. I'm not ready to settle in for the rest of my life. I'm not ready to buy a house and strive for the American dream. I like having the option of being able to decide to move to Spain next year. I love being married to someone who has the same idea.

One day my speech students will be analyzing the pros and cons of plea-bargaining as an essential element of the U.S. judicial system. The next day, I can't get them to write anything but "good", "OK", or "weak" on an evaluation of another speech. One group of Spanish students works quietly and diligently, doing anything to please me. Another group sits planning a mutiny of any kind to keep from actually having to make the least possible effort to pass the class. I'm at the, "What's the point?" period of the school year. What is this going to mean for the future of mankind?

Then, I think about what I was like as a student. There were classes in which I put forth the least possible effort. There were teachers against whom I assisted in mutinies. I was just as lazy and wrapped up in high school drama as they are. Then, I went to college. I had to figure out how to get myself up in time for class and budget my time wisely. I got to meet friends and professors who challenged me and taught me. Now, I have a good job and live in a nice apartment with someone who compliments me perfectly.

Step-by-step. Immaturity, growing up experience, stable grown up life.

So when does the adventure start?