Don't worry. The "things discovered" here in China are of the amusing variety, not like in Korea where they were of the "Oh, I guess I do't have a job anymore" variety.
It's been 10 entire days since I posted. That's super uncool. So, my goal for this week is to post everyday. The problem is that we actually don't do much. We hang out here, with Reeves, Ian researches teaching gigs in the Middle East and I research MAT programs.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but it looks like I will be returning to the states at the end of this contract. Ian, however, will not.
As you likely read, the original plan was for me to earn my MAT online while finishing this contract and going on to one more year of teaching abroad. Because of the requirements of Oregon and Washington, that won't be possible. I will likely still do my degree online, but I need to be in the states to do any of the accepted programs (student teaching is an important part of a good MAT program).
Ian will go on to teach another year, likely in the Middle East. Why? Well, two reasons. The primary reason is that it's the best financial option for us. He can make about $3000/month over there (after cost of living, taxes and perks are factored in it's the equivalent of $4-5000/month stateside). I want to complete my MAT program in 1-2 years, so I'll be a full time student. Once student teaching kicks in, I likely won't be able to bring in an income. The (FAR) second reason is that Ian is really inclined to continue living abroad. He's happy for the opportunity to continue the adventure while I push forward with my dream.
It's not ideal. We'll miss each other terribly. I'm a little bummed that I don't get to do the second year I had planned. And Ian will be on his own in a new country.
But, it's worth it because it'll be beneficial to us as a couple and as individuals. When you marry super young, sometimes you have to make hard decisions to make sure that you can both grow as people.
Like I said, nothing is final, but this is the direction we're headed at the moment. I think this gif is the best way to summarize the whole thing:
It's been 10 entire days since I posted. That's super uncool. So, my goal for this week is to post everyday. The problem is that we actually don't do much. We hang out here, with Reeves, Ian researches teaching gigs in the Middle East and I research MAT programs.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but it looks like I will be returning to the states at the end of this contract. Ian, however, will not.
As you likely read, the original plan was for me to earn my MAT online while finishing this contract and going on to one more year of teaching abroad. Because of the requirements of Oregon and Washington, that won't be possible. I will likely still do my degree online, but I need to be in the states to do any of the accepted programs (student teaching is an important part of a good MAT program).
Ian will go on to teach another year, likely in the Middle East. Why? Well, two reasons. The primary reason is that it's the best financial option for us. He can make about $3000/month over there (after cost of living, taxes and perks are factored in it's the equivalent of $4-5000/month stateside). I want to complete my MAT program in 1-2 years, so I'll be a full time student. Once student teaching kicks in, I likely won't be able to bring in an income. The (FAR) second reason is that Ian is really inclined to continue living abroad. He's happy for the opportunity to continue the adventure while I push forward with my dream.
It's not ideal. We'll miss each other terribly. I'm a little bummed that I don't get to do the second year I had planned. And Ian will be on his own in a new country.
But, it's worth it because it'll be beneficial to us as a couple and as individuals. When you marry super young, sometimes you have to make hard decisions to make sure that you can both grow as people.
Like I said, nothing is final, but this is the direction we're headed at the moment. I think this gif is the best way to summarize the whole thing:
Onward! To things amusing!
Tonight I found out that my boss is younger than I am. Billy was born in 1987. This whole nearly 30 thing is getting serious, you guys.
Here is the front cover of one of my students' notebooks:
Tonight I found out that my boss is younger than I am. Billy was born in 1987. This whole nearly 30 thing is getting serious, you guys.
Here is the front cover of one of my students' notebooks:
It's basically impossible to see, but there's a big gash in the middle of the intersection. It's unmarked, so all the moped and e-bike traffic comes to a panicky halt (or catches air) when they come across it. They chucked a bit of gravel and dirt in for good measure, which was really nice in the wind.
I'm super tired! I'll try to get a post in each day this week. Wish me luck!