The Voice

Adam Levine: First of all, Blake, you a real vocalist, a damn good vocalist.
Blake Shelton: Thank you. I love you, Adam.
Adam Levine: I love you, too...totally in a non-sexual way.
Blake Shelton: ...I can't say the same.

BigByte

So, I taught English to young learners for approximately two months. A female teacher who is my age was pregnant, and the school was desperately looking for a substitute to fill her position while she took her maternity leave. I happily stepped in. These last two months were great. I learned a lot from observing her and other teachers and how they teach kids. I had a good handle on the kids before their winter break, but never regained the same level of control. I don't know if it was because of all the school activities or that I was a bad teacher, but I had a hard time.

Like last week, for instance, I asked the students to do a simple writing exercise. But they wouldn't stop complaining, kept getting out of their seat, and disrupting class. There was a boy who explicitly said, "I don't like Teacher Grace." I didn't know if he was trying to say, "I don't like {writing}, Teacher Grace," or that he really meant his distaste for me...

Nevertheless, I miss them. I met up with the HR lady who hired me in the first place. I was under the impression that this was a sure thing -- that I would definitely have a spot for the upcoming year. But within the first ten minutes of our conversation, she said there weren't any openings at the school.

This isn't a bad thing, it gives me a chance to venture out and try other schools or other job opportunities. Also, it's given me a lot of time to think if teaching really is something that I can see myself doing. But, after the pondering comes to a short pause, all I can think about is how much I miss my friends. Yes, I have a weird dependency on them -- can't say no, people pleaser, separation anxiety, etc. But it's one of those feelings I can't let go, no matter how attractive living in Taipei is. Pros: the healthcare is amazing here, cost of living is minimal, and most importantly, my parents. The fact that I don't have friends here isn't a big deal. My dad says that my friends in the US will always be there for me. If I move back to the states, I won't have a car, a home, or a job...

a job. right. I need to find a job now. Which brings me back to my first thought. I wonder if I would make a good teacher. I'm leaning more towards no. so confused. Oh well, I'll just procrastinate some more in the meantime.

American Idol Season 11

I was never really an avid follower of American Idol. Now that it is in its 11th season, I finally have fallen prey to the Idol bug. My love for music is returning to my heart now that I'm following Heejun Han and Phillip Phillips. Being overseas, I won't be able to participate in the voting. But I'm definitely going to buy Phillips record once he wins.

Recap

Man, I just realized I've had this blog for nearly 12 years. It's crazy how old I've gotten and how the experiences of my life has been recorded in this little spec of the internet.

So I have to recap 2011 for memory's sake.

• Put the house on the market
• Kissed a stranger
• Ran a 5k
• Being a whole lot of awesome as a Maid of Honor
• Shot a semi-automatic at a shooting range
• Learned how to let go
• Sold the house
• Tigger's passing
• Moved to Taipei
• Became a teacher (whaaat?)
• Readjusting to living with parents again

It was a crazy year -- but I'm glad I went through it. Made me stronger.