Are you surprised?

          Some may not even know that I moved from Orange County to Northern California, and some may not know I was even contemplating a move abroad. What may come as an even bigger shock is that I am attempting to blog about my adventure! But yes, it's true: I leave for Thailand out of LAX the evening of January 1, 2011. After arriving in Bangkok on January 3rd and making the 400 mile trek south, I will begin teaching English Language Arts at Nakhon International City School in the town of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is located in the southern part of the country. 

Where in the country?

Where in the world?

           My first day of teaching is January 6th, so I imagine I will have to hit the ground running. I'm not sure what exactly to expect, but here's how it happened:

            After completing UCI’s MAT/credential program in August, I was floundering a bit. It was time for my career as a teacher to begin, but that was easier said than done. I made a split decision and moved back home to GASP! live with my parents for the first time in 9 years. I moved to Novato after a month, and began subbing for various schools in Sonoma County. I also picked up a part-time version of my old, well-loved job as a nanny, all the while still searching and hoping for a teaching position.

            Around Thanksgiving, I received an excited email from my friend Meaghan, who’s been enjoying living and teaching in Thailand for the past year. A position had opened at her school, she had mentioned me to her principal who said the job was mine if I wanted it, and the rest is history. Well, almost. In addition to all the research, travel and financial planning, etc. that I had to do to prepare, I’ve already learned a few life lessons. My roommate and I have joked that when the interview question “Can you think of a time when you were faced with a challenge?” comes up, I will definitely have some things to discuss regarding this. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, to say the least. But now, with roughly 10 days left to departure, things seem to be falling into place. This adventure combines two things I absolutely love and have a passion for: traveling and teaching. 

        I'm so excited to begin this next phase, continue learning, and embark upon new experiences. And I'm hoping to share my time teaching in Thailand with you through this blog. In addition, I hope to receive feedback, thoughts, etc. to help me along the way. Phew!