So today, after a quite vehement argument with one of the other teachers on the causes of 9/11 (don’t ask), some calming yoga, and a large glass of wine, I have come to a realization. Even though I am loving living over on the other side of the world, and am eager to travel everywhere I can, I want to spend the majority of my life in the good ‘ol US of A. I’d always thought about the possibility of roaming the world as a nomad, moving from country to country, staying no more than a couple years in each place (and then maybe coming back to Florida in my old age). I’ve realized now, though, that while I do want to travel as many places as possible, rather than visiting for years I want to do it for days or weeks or (maybe) months. I want to live and work in the US for the majority of my life. This new perception of my plans came through the awareness of how much my country, as well as my state, city, and school, means to me. There are wonderful things all around this world, including a good many in America. I began to get a real appreciation for this when my friend Megan and I went on our road trip across country. In just one week, I saw so many different cultures and beautiful things in my own home country. I want to be able to say I spent my life taking pleasure in all this world has to offer. I also want to have lived the most enjoyable and gratifying life I could. Looking back all the amazing times I have had this far in my life, I see that it is not only the place that makes your life thus, but also the people you surround yourself with. I have been blessed with the most loving and supporting family and friends anyone could ever have. For me to have the best life I can, I want them always to be in my life (and not just through the internet!). So, while for a couple years I might travel and teach around the world, within a few years, I will be back in Florida.

So what am I going to do after this year in China? No idea. But rest assured, my readers, I will come back to you one day soon.