These past few months have flown by, bringing with them so many new experiences and taking with them so much unease.
Teaching was rough at the beginning; stressful, time consuming, and heart-hardening. I've settled into a comfortable routine with my classes now. My co-workers are just awesome, and these kids make me laugh so hard. I have finally broken them into seeing Spanish as an academic, valuable subject. And, WOW, are they moving foward! One second grader, waiting in the parking lot at the end of the day, called me over to show me a giant cookie that he won. We had been working on making short sentences, and, as he called me over, he shouted, "Hey, Senorita Baker! Es grande!". BOO YA, mad teaching skillz! Haha.
Outside of work, my life is brimming with activity; In place of living in various exotic locations, I have settled for a fantastique and full life here. I am so happy right now! I've made some wonderful friends, and almost always have something fun to do. I am enjoying every moment of it; pub trivia, concerts, double dates, musicals, "Clay and Cocktails" at art museums, movies at Navy Pier, and dancing until the sun comes up... and then dancing some more.
My apartment finally feels like a home. I have settled nicely into this little space I have made. The boxes are gone, everything has a place here, the curtains are hung, my spice cabinet is filling up, and I have nailed numerous photos from the past couple years on the walls. The decor hints of asia, and the vibe is saturated coziness. My very own first place is lovely.
Truthfully, I never thought about this time in my life. I was always so focused on travel that I took for granted the awesomeness of just being. Not having to put time limits on my life is so liberating. I can concentrate on becoming a part of the community, pursue different hobbies, and spread out at home - an amazing feeling after living out of a suitcase for 2 plus years. Though I do miss the constant adventure of travelling, I'd settle for this anyday.
