Hello All,
I have neglected this blog over the past year; however, with good reason (o.k., I will be honest, I was just lazy). Here is a quick update about the past year of my life:
1. I didn't go to France...
After much pondering, debating, and inner reflection, I decided that another séjour in France was not in the cards for me. It was a difficult decision, but I truly believe that I made the best decision. As much as I love being abroad and as much as the assistantship program seemed like an incredible opportunity, I decided that I needed to stay in America and figure out my future a bit more. I needed to stay at a job for at least a year in order to improve my work history and work ethic in the eyes of my future employers. Furthermore, I wanted to work on my finances and save; thus allowing me to spend a longer time abroad in the future. Finally and most importantly, as much as Paris is beautiful, lovely and vibrant, I'm not sure if I could've stayed long term. As much as I love the city, I'm not certain it's for me in terms of staying long term and making a life there. I went through a lot during my first stay there and I guess the fight in me had died. Alas, I may make it back there one day, just not today...
2. I moved out and acquired a place all on my own...
Upon my return stateside at the end of 2010, I moved back home in order to avoid homelessness (and no, I'm not joking). It was great at first, but after several months of living with my parental unit, things became unbearable. At first there were small disagreements which slowly led to large arguments. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I'm very thankful that I was able to return home and live rent free while I searched for gainful employment and once said employment was secured, save my money for the future. But by the end of 2011, I had grown tired of living at home and I longed for a place to call my own. I searched high and low (on craiglist) and I managed to find a place that was reasonable in price, a quick commute (on foot) to work, and best of all, I would be living by myself with no roommates! I made the big move (less than 10 minutes away from home) the day after Christmas in 2011.
3. I surpassed the one year mark at the firm....
I managed to stay and work at the firm for one year. I miraculously survived not one, but two layoffs and I even gained a slight promotion. Not everyday is great and there are some days where I want to scream; but I'm thankful each day that I'm employed an I have enough money to fulfill all my needs and even a bit of travel.
4. I finally made it out west and experienced a new part of the U.S.A...
I've traveled quite extensively throughout Europe however, I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never seen a lot of my home country. One of my good friends lives in the southwest and I always told her I would visit. Unfortunately, it was never a good time (i.e.: I had no time, money, or was out of the country). Eventually, all the stars aligned this year and with me being gainfully employed and living stateside, and with her upcoming nuptials and the need to "let it all hang out"before the wedding (via a bachelorette party), I found myself in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for one full week of sun, fun, friends, drinks and even a bit of relaxation. I even had enough time for a quick day trip to the Grand Canyon ( I will post some pics in an upcoming blog post). It was one of this year's highlights and I can't wait for part two sometime in the future!
And the biggest update:
5. I'm going to China (cue record scratch)...
I'm taking a complete (and literal) 180 from the usual long term stay in Europe in exchange for Asia, specifically Shanghai, China. I'm not sure where this came from, but earlier this year, something in my gut was telling me to go to China. I decided not to ignore my gut and slowly things fell into place. Firstly, I discovered a great blog written by an African American women detailing her life in China over the past few years (www.lifebehindthewall.com) I found a low cost, non-profit Chinese school in my area that offered Mandarin classes. I weighed out my options when it came to employment (the best and obvious choice for me was being an ESL teacher), and areas where I could realistically live. Lastly, I secured employment, working for a company teaching English to adult business professionals. Now, I plan to embark on my first journey to Asia in the upcoming weeks and time is moving quickly....
Well, thanks again for tuning in and please join me on my adventures in China starting this Autumn....
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