Ashleyhughes’s Weblog

Oh so much to write and so little time!!  I’m working like crazy lately, just raking in the dough, but somehow poor right now because of my recent move.  I had a frightening experience with my scooter last night and went over a bridge that scotters are not supposed to go over, so everyone was honking and yelling at me.  Of course it had to be the longest bridge EVER!  I was also lost, but ended up finding my way back on my own, right in time for work.  I was so tense and sitting there riding my scooter in a panic.  haha!  Just the visual is making me laugh.  I’d have to say that is the first time I have sworn so much, and prayed in the same sentence!  The reason I was so nervous is because I do not want to have an encounter with the cops, as most foreigners know we are always driving without a license.  On top of that, my school still hasn’t gotten my arc, and my visa expired a week ago!!  But they say that I am ok because all of my info is in the computer.

But I did finally move into a bigger apartment and am getting furniture little by little. It is a very nice 2 bedroom with a big bathroom, kitchen and living room. I’ve found 2 sofas, a fridge and a coffee table so far for very cheap. I’m only buying used stuff because there is no reason to buy anything new if I’m not staying here. I could sure use mom’s decorating help too…I’m trying to think of what to do! I have so many pics to upload but everytime I try I keep having problems. Eventually they will be up here though…lots of slidshows! I have so much that I want to write about, but in order to tell it all I would have to update this site everday,which I definitely don’t have time for! I’m trying to write more in my actual journal too. I need to start developing some sort of routine now that I’m getting the hang of things. Like the gym…went there the other night because I’m turning into a CHUBSTER! I can’t have that happen! So, now that I have a kitchen and freezer it really helps me eat better. Oh, and I am taking my pain meds again because my back is starting to hurt again. The good thing about that is they take away my appettite! )

Hmmm…

Guess I’ll write more later!

So I’m feeling a bit more optimistic since my last blog.  I was just thinking last night that even though things are frustrating sometimes…I will no doubt look back on this experience and smile.  The good times that I have had here have far outweighed the bad times.  In reality, any time that has been bad turned out helping me in the end. 

About work: I’m starting to get the hang of it, but new challenges present themselves everyday.  For example, because of the lack of organization here, yesterday, I went into one of my classes and began to teach a lesson that I was prepared for…then the co-teacher said, “Oh, it is supposed to be this page.”  So, I had to think FAST!  That is just one of many times that has happened to me…but one thing is for sure…it has definitely taught me how to think quickly on my feet under pressure.  At the rate I’m going, by the time I get home and have a job interview….there is no question that would stump me.  I truly feel like after this year of teaching, I will be able to deal with any situation at any job.  Just making order out of chaos…

I just got done teaching 3 kindy classes in a row…the last one was the class that I compained about in a previous blog….they are more bareable now, but they were so hyper today!  I just took their energy and threw it into games and songs…I figured since they were so wild, they have to get it out of their system…they don’t just sit and listen to me read!!! 

I was talking to my friend from home last night and he said that my voice sounds different.  That could have something to do with yelling and speaking loudly everyday.  I’ve tried not doing that…well it never works…I just hope that it won’t damage my voice permenantly.  I’ve tried singing, and I can still sing but I can’t hit anymore high notes! 

As for life…the best part of my life here are the friends I have made.  I will post a slideshow soon with some pictures, but mainly I hang out with my friend Colleen.  I have never had so much fun with one person before in my life.  She is such a blast to hang out with and she always makes me laugh so hard that my stomach hurts!  It never fails…whenever we go out she does something that sets me off laughing hysterically.  She is the kind of friend that I always dreamed of having, but just never found.  Yes, I have really great friends back home (just a handful that I consider life-long) but she feels like a sister to me!  Anyway, besides her I have met more friends who are amazing as well.  I think I will make more loyal friends here in one year than what I could make back home in 10!  The attitude is so different in America…full of egos and selfishness, and people who are afraid of working for a solid friendship that will never come easy.  Here, we are all in it together, teaching, living in a foreign land with a language barrier, so we definitely have more  solid friendships than I could ever have in America.  It is a nice thing to have and helps me feel less lonely because I’m not with my family.

The dough-I picked up a second job, which I won’t say much about since it is one of those “technically illegal things” but every foreigner does it.  But anyway, I’m picking up a lot of extra cash, and working on moving into a bigger place.  I will not ever have to worry about money over here, and should be able to save a lot by the time I get back home.  I would like to use that money to travel around the world on my way home. 

Well, I’m going to try and post some pics a little later today so check back soon!