First Post

I'm switching from travelpod to Blogger to record my travels through Thailand and my experience as an English teacher. Here I will replicate my first post from my travelpod account originally posted September 27:

I leave the day after tomorrow for Thailand. The last month has been a rather turbulent ride. Leaving Chicago, my home for the last four years, nearly to the day, wasn't easy. There is so much there that I love. Those close to me, the architecture, the pace, the nightlife, the proximity to what feels like everything, and the FOOD. Ah, the food. Bah Le sandwiches, Tank Phu, late night tacos at El Ranchito, mussels and beers at the Hopleaf, Avec, Schwa, Alinea, ethnic cuisine to the pinnacle of fine dining.... the list could go on for quite some time.

Moving 'home' to my Dad's house has left me feeling displaced, off center. With no space that is truly mine, I have been in limbo. Alternating periods of isolation and intense contact. Unemployed but decidedly moving forward; at a pause between chapters in my life.

Reconnecting with a past that I walked away from years ago. A group of friends so caring that I was welcomed back with open arms. Laughter and tears on both sides wiped away the shame that had overshadowed any thoughts of reconciliation until now. I was also afforded the opportunity to spend time the family of one of my closest friends. Meeting her daughter and spending time within their bubble has been a joy.
The annual St. Catherine's Charity Dinner was a smashing success, with more involvement from family and friends than ever. Also, it afforded me the opportunity to work with a young student from the local culinary program. I was overwhelming pleased by the outcome of our combined efforts. And relieved to have it behind me.
Leaving someone that I have become quite attached to has also not been easy. She and I knew the certainty of the seperation, but that somehow did not spare us the malestrom of emotions. Thanks to her insistence upon communication, I leave secure in the knowledge that we lose nothing but have gained a lifelong bond.

As I pack and arrange last minute things, I feel truly prepared. Perhaps there will be things that I wish I had considered, but at my core, I feel ready to undertake this adventure. Provisions aside, I am confident in my own ability to survive and thrive. This will enrich my life and make me grow as a person. Of this I am certain.