Thoughts so far...

So I have been home for almost a year. In all honesty the time has seemed to rush by so quickly. So much so that today I decided to sit and really think about what has been going on so far.

1. For the most part I have re-acclimated myself back to living in the USA and how things work here. It's great that I can walk into any grocery store and immediately find my favorite items. It's also wonderful that said items don't cost a bundle. I've realized how much I enjoyed living somewhere that I don't speak the language. I already have selective hearing (otherwise known as ignoring people) and it works even better when living in a country where English isn't the native language.

2. Starting school was much easier and expensive than I thought it would be. I've got roughly 6months left of actual classes before I start my student teaching in the Spring. I've got quite a few state tests to take before December and I still have to get all of my research done by August so that I can get it turned in and begin the writing process. I've learned a great deal about educational theories and pedagogy. Unfortunately I've also learned how inept a lot of institutions are at educating students academically and socially. It reaffirms my decision to move back abroad upon graduation while at the same time making me want to stay and fight for the changes that need to happen. Changes that should have happened when I was a child growing up in the same school system I now teach in. It's at times saddening to think that the same issues remain after all this time. It just shows that not everyone making decisions remember or have actually taught in a classroom to see what does and doesn't work.

3. Dating life sucks...pretty simple, lol. I don't really enjoy dating casually. I'd rather find one person that I really like and end the whole dating game. Actually, I've pretty much stopped going on dates as it is. I'm trying to stay busy working and studying and teaching myself how to cook. I've also began reading again as I feel like my brain has atrophied from the lack of use.

As quickly as the year has gone by I hope it continues to do so. I'm finding that I'm getting bored here and am itching to get travelling once more. I know once I get my certification even more doors will open for me. I'm not just trying to just drink or sex my way through a country and using teaching English as a cover up. I love teaching and I find the many theories about teaching intriguing. I'm also looking at going back to school again for a second Master's but in Global Studies, perhaps in Japan this time...