Former Expat Teacher Acclimating to the American Way!

You need it with all things. Especially here. You start to live like you wouldnt at home (or maybe you do,idk) and pretty soon you wonder what in the world you were thinking.You have nothing to show for your time here.Sure, some memories but little to no money. Maybe even a deficit. Its imperative to have a healthy balance. This means you will be saying no. A lot. Either they will stop asking or you will get tired of saying it but stick to your guns. Its a necessary evil. And I would dare to say that it doesnt matter if you have massive debt or no debt it is still wise to save and invest for the future. It makes life later that much easier. Thats not to say it is easy to do so. So many people have Fannie and Freddie and Sallie and only God knows who else with their hands out. PAY THEM. And maybe there will be less hands when you reach good ol' American soil again,lol. But I digress. The point of this entry was to say that my healthy balance is to have one trip per year. Yep....

I wonder how many teachers love their students. I mean, genuinely love them. Well, as much as a teacher can love a student. Percentage-wise I guess. I also wonder if the percentages vary drastically depending on what grade or subject he/she teaches. #justwondering

I thought about writing about spring break but I didnt do much worth mentioning so I wont bother. In just a couple months, school will be out and it will be time to pack my bags for an adventurous trip to   regions unknown to me. Last year, I imagined traipsing from city to city but thats not going to happen as Im balancing responsibility with leisure. I do believe I am doing a very good job at it too! Add to that, I don't think I like to travel as much as I like the thought of traveling. Go figure! I have the itch, though. I want to volunteer. Id love nothing more than to go to Ghana and do that but Id rather us go together.Maybe next year. As far as this year is concerned, Im searching for someplace not too remote, for something that involves children, and something that isn't too far from my primary summer location.I have time so I hope I find someplace. Giving is living!

this is where Im going tomorrow for two days with two lovely ladies.Hope to relax and have fun times :-)

Lately Ive been reading about other countries and looking at schools to get an idea of where I may want to go next. Options, right? I came to the conclusion that one must know what tier they are in before considering a place to live.Ill explain... Tier one Its not too different from your place of origin. You can read everything, you see things you recognize from home, you have western amenities at your fingertips and there are quite a few western places to eat.You can usually find clothes that fit your body even if you are not the same size as the people who call the country home.Its not difficult for you to stay in contact with people from home. Accommodations are quite comfortable and may even better than what you were living in back home. Healthcare may be very good or you may have to speak to other expats but you will find a doctor who can help you in most instances.You (usually) dont have to fear losing a limb over a minor incident.Transportation is not a major issue. You c...

After subbing in a class for the English teacher who was absent, I packed up, said goodbye and walked down the hallway to my class to complete the remainder of my day. Im halfway down the hall when I hear, "teeeeaaaaacheeeeeeerrrrrrr!!!" I turn around to see the smallest boy in the class running full speed down the hallway, arms stretched wide open for a hug. I immediately start smiling and was so ready for my hug,lol. I bent down and he wrapped his arms around my neck. I picked him up, returned his hug, and sent him back to class. I looooove hugs! (from little people who really mean it,lol)

i dont know if I was on the radio today but... I WON SOMETHING! Ive never won anything from the radio so I was excited! Its to a bar/restaurant in Dubai with food and drinks so it should be fun! I cant wait!!!! Now I just have to find something to wear,lol.