So the more I think about it, the less I want to leave Thailand. I've been here nearly 10 months and it's my home now. I like my tiny, shoebox of an apartment and I'm going to miss my Mango Sticky Rice lady down the next soi. I'm going to miss my stocky Australian boss who insists on detailing his experiences in the army for hours on end and my friend Bex who has taught me all about Bob Marly. I'll even miss the gem scammers that live upstairs (they've only tried to swindle me once, bless their little hearts). And my students - especially the ones that can't pronounce worth a damn, in particular my little kid that screams "CLOCK" when he wants to know the time (can't pronounce his L's).
My little sister still hasn't forgotten me (I thought it would take 3 months tops, but she's a persistent little thing). And my mother continues to try to move me back home. The eldest wino sister seems amused by my exploits, but she's also tried to get me to return to New York for round 2 of temping. After my last gig, that stint with Coach as a designer's assistant, I think I'm all spent on grunt work. Not that I don't enjoy learning the difference between Asia Nappa leather and Retro Glovetan (yes, I can name all kids of leathers now - Soft Pebble, Buck Cowhide, Patent, etc.), but I wouldn't have lasted any longer than I did without becoming a complete paper junkie. I would've become that scary bag lady that wanders near Bryant Park with a tinfoil hat and a shopping cart. At least I got out of that hospice job. . . And the telemarketing thing. Now THAT was hell.
It looks like I'll be in India for at least a month and a half - what happens after that is still a mystery. Either I take a public school job in Taiwan and work illegally or I pray that something pulls through in Japan, but prayer has never been my strong suit. South Korea looks like a dead end which sucks cause the money looks amazing. Still looks like I'll be flying home in December, no clue how long I'll be able to stay though. Depends on the school, the place, the airfare, and such. I think by this time next year, I'll be done with Asia and ready to move on to something new. South America would be brilliant. I hear Russia has a few things opening every now and then.
I don't think I'll be coming home for keeps at all anymore. I like life away from the States far more than I'd expected, and I'm not going to give it up without crazy motivation. I've got a few friends who're talking about settling down in the city, getting a house to split between the three of us and scuba diving on the weekends.
I'll think about it later. What I really need now. . . Sticky rice.