Yes, I'm still alive!

Hey all! Don't ask my why I am finally writing a new post at midnight on a Saturday but I just remembered that I haven't updated in a while and figured I'd let you all know I'm still alive and well! I'll try to give the short and dirty of my life since my last post but there will be a lot missing :( Sorry!

Ok, so July 13 was my last day at SIS@SS in Saigon, Vietnam. It was bittersweet really. I was excited to move onto my next adventure but there were certainly things I would miss there. The next day my parents arrived in HCMC. I'll post a more detailed blog about our epic vacation soon. That's a whoooooole story in itself! After our vacation I went home for 3 whole days! It was actually really weird to be back in the States. I enjoyed the familiarity and ease of communicating with everyone I encountered but it also felt strange and foreign in a way that I can't even attempt to explain. Honestly, I was glad to be moving on so soon. Maybe it felt so weird because it was so short and in between very different cultural experiences. I don't know. Either way, after 3 days I departed for Guadalajara, Mexico.

It was amazing to arrive on the same day I left the States but I was still pretty jet lagged from arriving from Vietnam and spending the 3 days home unpacking, doing laundry, and repacking my life. I had to start work the next day so the next week was just a whirlwind of orientations, meetings, apartment hunting, and meeting people. After a lot of craziness and a few weeks of crashing with a co-worker I found an apartment a few blocks from the school and moved in. The next day I took home a dog I decided to adopt.

What was I thinking? I don't know....but I was sent photos of this dog chained up to a car and I just couldn't help myself. Was it smart? No. Was it too soon? Absolutely. Did I freak out after taking her home? Yep! Do I regret saving her and giving her a home? Nope! It took a few weeks of adjusting (to EVERYTHING) but I did fall in love with her and as crazy as she is I'm SO glad I have her in my life. I was told about a farm that breeds and trains dogs. You can send your dog there for 2 weeks for training and even board them there when you go out of town. After getting prices I decided to send Maya (I chose that name to keep her Mexican roots) for some basic training. The day after she left for "school" I adopted a kitten. Again, what was I thinking?!? I don't know....I saw her photo from a coworker and she was just so cute. So while Maya was away for two weeks Laci (my new kitten) and I adjusted to life together. She's the first cat I've ever owned so I've been a little clueless about it but it's been going really well and I just adore this kitty. She's SO sweet and friendly and she really has a personality all her own. She loves attention and she wakes me up in the middle of the night by laying on my chest purring and pressing her face into my face for kisses. It's so adorable. As much as I hate being woken up I can't be mad at that face! She was estimated to be about 3 months when I took her home so now she's going on 4 months old. Today I took her to be spayed and now I feel so bad! She's so groggy and looks so miserable...I feel like I did something terrible but of course I know getting her spayed is the best thing I can do for her. I just hate seeing my sweet baby in pain! Now I have some fraction of an idea how parents feel. I wish I could just take the pain for her! Last weekend Maya graduated from "school" and Maya and Laci have been getting used to each other. I was really worried about it for a few days but then on Wednesday they just kind of clicked with each other. Now I have to worry about them playing too rough. They both like to pick on each other and sometimes Maya chases Laci across the apartment. We'll see how the next few weeks go. I want to be able to leave them together when I'm at work and sleeping eventually. For now Maya stays in the spare bedroom during work and at night and Laci has free roam of the rest of the place. It works for now but I really hope we can all be together soon. Anyway, so while I was a complete idiot to take on not only one but TWO animals in my first 2 months in Mexico I'm so glad I did it. I love both of those animals with all of myself. They are my babies and I think I lucked out with the two best animals on the planet. Of course Maya still needs to learn more manners and Laci is crazy hyper a lot but I love it. I am so lucky. They are my life now :)

 I think part of the reason I felt the need to get pets so soon was that in July my parents had to put down my childhood dog because of her old age and failing health. It was indescribably difficult being on the other side of the planet when the time came. Technology is an amazing thing, though. My mom found a vet that comes to the house and does the process there. I love that because then they don't have to go through the stress of going to the vet. It's as peaceful as possible. I was able to Skype with them at the time and I watched the whole thing. It was unbelievably painful to watch but I'm so glad I was able to. It was almost like I was there with my family and it gave me a sense of closure that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. She was nearly 17 years old and was the best dog I could have asked for growing up. I guess with the loss of her I felt like there was a void I needed to fill and so I did that by adopting two animals when I got here lol. Of course they can never replace our sweet Mindy but it is nice to have my own pets to love and care for.

Other than that my school is absolutely awesome. I work for wonderful administrators, with amazing teachers, and great students. Of course nothing is perfect but I really don't have any REAL complaints here. I know I'm going to be really happy at ASFG (American School Foundation of Guadalajara). My Spanish is also coming along. I'm picking it up as I go. I took a few years back in school but my last Spanish class was over 10 years ago so it's definitely taking a while to come back to my brain haha. But I do have a much better chance of learning Spanish than I ever did of learning Vietnamese so that's exciting :) Grad school is also progressing. I'm two weeks away from being done with my second course of my program. It takes up most of my nights and weekends which kind of sucks but most of it is really applicable to my job so that's cool. And it's nice knowing that in a year and a half I can have my Masters degree. As annoying and tedious as it is I definitely think it's worth it and I'm glad I'm doing it now. If I waited too long I would probably never do it. I just need to keep my head down and get through it! "Just keep swimming."

Well, I guess that's enough for now. I'll write a final post about Vietnam at a later date, including my vacation with Mom and Dad and my departing thoughts of the country. I'll try to update more frequently now that I'm settling into my life here.

Finally, I will be home in Tampa for Christmas from December 23-January 3 so if you want to see me please let me know! I won't have a car (or be insured to drive) so you might have to pick me up but I'd love to see as many people as I can while I'm actually home for more than a few days! Ciao, everyone!

In Mazamitla, Mexico

 Maya and I at her graduation! Proud Mommy!

 horseback riding in Mazamitla

 Maya: Before and After :)

 The photo that made me fall in love with Laci

The world is still spinning....

What a whirlwind my life has been the last month. It's hard to even believe how much everything has changed. First I made the difficult decision to leave my job. That was hard enough. I was so torn and conflicted about it. Once I made the decision to leave I felt much better. At that point my plan was to go back to Florida and hopefully find a full-time teaching gig. Worst case scenario was being a substitute teacher. I was ok with that. I was happy with that. I was at peace with the whole thing. It was going to make things easier on my long distance relationship and it would be nice to be home again. Then my world crashed in around me and the long distance relationship came to an abrupt end. Once I accepted that as reality I thought about living in Florida again....and I started freaking out! What is there for me there?! I would be going back to the exact same life I had left to come here. Erik was the one difference from my previous life. With him gone there was nothing to go home to. With that, I began frantically looking for jobs anywhere. I applied to a job in China, Dubai, Colorado, Minnesota, 2 here, and one in Mexico. I didn't care where I went, as long as it wasn't Florida. Rather suddenly two jobs became known to me and before I knew it I had 2 interviews set up in one day. One was for a language school here in Saigon (2 blocks from my apartment) and one in Mexico. That morning I was offered the job at the language school and the Mexico interview went REALLY well. It lasted about an hour and a half and I got a REALLY good vibe from the principal. Two days went by and he asked if we could talk in Skype again. I assumed this was a second interview of sorts, so I was all nervous again. We got online and before I knew it he was emailing me a contract and saying "You got the job!" I couldn't believe it! The next day I told him I accepted and now my life is in upheaval again!

As far as grad school goes, I was in the process of finishing my first class when all of this drama hit the fan. That made focusing on my studies very difficult and it did suffer a bit. Now with this plan to move to Mexico I made the decision to take a break from the second summer course. It worked out well with financial aid and I was able to drop the course without losing any money. My first course finished this past weekend and now I have one less weight on my shoulders through all of this coming up. I'll start up again at the end of August.

So here is the current timeline: School finished July 13, my parents get here July 14, we have an epic Viet Nam vacation (Haoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, etc), leave Viet Nam July 26, get to Florida July 27, leave for Mexico July 31. Yea....talk about insanity! I'll be home for a whole 3 days! Just enough time to recover from the jet lag....If you want to see me during my 3 days at home keep in mind that I won't have a car and am not insured to drive in the states anymore so you might just have to come to me haha. This weekend I bought myself an iPhone (FINALLY) so when I get to the states I'll get a pre-paid SIM card which will give me unlimited talk and text for my time there. I'll post the phone number when I get it.

I still can't quite wrap my mind around everything that's happened lately. Things I was so sure of have vanished, and things I never thought would happen have. I've just been trying to roll with the punches and make the most of it all. I'm actually really looking forward to Mexico. I have a good feeling about it. I think I'm really going to find my place there and be happy. I will miss Viet Nam, though....Living here has been such an incredible learning experience and I know I will never be the same. I think everyone should live abroad for at least 6 moths. It really opens your eyes to the world and gives you a whole new appreciation for what you have. Traveling the world on vacations is great and it does change you but it is nowhere near the same as living somewhere. Going somewhere foreign and figuring out the laws, finding an apartment, finding where things are, learning how to drive in the traffic....those are the kinds of things that tourists can not learn and can not appreciate. It's just a whole new experience. Lord knows I'll never take America for granted again!

Well, I wasn't expecting to go on such a rant but I thought I'd put my thoughts down today while I'm home sick with bronchitis (ugh). I hope everyone is well! Looking forward to me brief visit home!

Tạm biệt, Vietnam....¡Hola, Mexico!

Well, none of the options mentioned in my last post have worked out. Instead I am on a completely new path in life. Last weekend I received a tip from my professor that a school in Guadalajara, Mexico was hiring a middle school/choir teacher and I should contact the principal. I sent him an email and arranged a Skype interview for Monday evening (my time). Saturday morning my realtor was showing my apartment to someone that works at POLY Language School here in town (a Korean-based school) and he told me they are hiring. I then emailed him my resume and scheduled an interview for Monday morning. Monday morning came, I went to the interview, and got offered the job. Monday night rolled around and the interview went REALLY well for Mexico. I told him I needed to hear something in a week (that's how long I had to give POLY an answer). He said that would be no problem. Long story short, I thought I had a second interview tonight....it turned out to be an offer! The money isn't quite as much as I was hoping for but it is certainly liveable (especially with the cost of living in Mexico). The school and the job itself sound perfect for me at this point. I'm really excited about this opportunity! Now the craziness ensues, though. I leave Vietnam July 26, arrive on July 27, and I'm supposed to report to the school on August 1. He said that he is willing to be flexible, due to my circumstances, but either way it is going to be a really crazy start. I guess I'm used to that, though. Coming here was just as crazy, I suppose. I didn't have much time at all to get settled before I started with students. At least I'll have a minimum of a week to work before students come. Well, it's been a loooong day and now it's time for bed. As of August I will be a gringo!

My how things change....

Well, it's been a while since my last post and things have certainly changed a bit. Not sure where exactly to start but here goes....

After a few months at my job I came to the conclusion that it is NOT the right job for me. For one thing, it made me realize that I do not have the personality to teach young children. I simply don't have the patience for it. Second, I chose a job that had no previous music program to speak of (which I knew) and no resources to use. My principal is willing to spend a decent amount of money on resources but they could take 6 months to get here. In the meantime I have been making it all up as I go. With everything, it has just been too overwhelming.

That, along with the incredible strain of a cross-world relationship, resulted in my decision to resign at the end of the school year and return to Florida. I gave my notice at the school and was at peace with the decision. I have been applying to the counties near home and I even booked my flight. The plan was to stop in NM for 2 weeks before heading home to Florida. Well, last weekend my cross-world relationship came to an end. I suppose I'm just not what he wanted. Yes, I have been heartbroken and in pain since then....but I know I will pick up and move forward, as always. Now with that factor removed I can't really stand the thought of going back to Florida. I would be going back to the EXACT same life that I came out here to get away from. What have I even accomplished since I've been here? Yes, I have been living in Vietnam for 6 months but....what else? Nothing!

With this new turn of events I have been re-evaluating everything I am doing. I'm back to having no ties to any location so I'm exploring all of my options. I have applied for a job in Beijing, Dubai, and Colorado. My coworker also gave me the idea to ask my principal about staying at my school and working in another capacity. I e-mailed him about it yesterday (he's in Hanoi on business) and he said he would love to keep me on board and we will talk tomorrow when he gets back about options. That might be my best option. That way I'm not breaking my contract, just changing jobs within the school, and getting experience teaching other subjects. That will make me more marketable down the road. I'm not decided that that is what I'll do because there are still other factors but it would be nice to stay here since I've settled in. I really do want to finish this experience. If I do stay I have no idea what my next step will be. I am applying to work for the Department of Defense school system for the 2013-2014 school year. That will give me the chance to work overseas on a military base. As for now, the next step is to talk to my principal tomorrow about options for staying here. I'm not ruling anything out at this point and I'm really trying to search myself for the answer. Only time will tell.....

New Leaf

after going to the pharmacy today (no make up lol)

right outside my building

the band at the bar on St. Patty's Day

ready to go out!

new skirt

Well, I've gotten my first illness. I had a bad sore throat at the end of last week. It felt a bit like strep so I took Thursday and Friday off and took some meds I brought from home. On Friday afternoon I took advantage of my day off to go to the bank (since it is only open from 8-5 Mon-Fri, which is when we have to be at work) to do some things and then it was a short walk to the Crescent Mall from there so I figured I'd do some shopping/walking around. I needed to get out of the house. I bought some workout clothes at the Nike store and I was shocked that they actually had three pairs of women's shoes in my size so I bought a pair. Since I threw out my sneakers at Tough Mudder I never got a new pair of running shoes so I was definitely due for some. Then I bought some other cute clothes (some for casual wear and some for work) before heading home. On Saturday I decided I NEEDED to join the gym here. I've only been here just under 2 months and I've put on maybe 10 pounds. I'm probably more self conscious of it than I should be but I hate it. On Saturday I got a 3 month membership. The gym is right downstairs and it's really nice. There is also a pool. On Saturday I worked out for about 2 hours: 40 mins cardio and lower body. Last night I met up with Kaye, her husband, and a bunch of their friends from New Zealand at the local bar for St. Patty's Day. It was fun. I had a few drinks and came home early since I've been sick. It was nice to get out for a bit, though. Today I woke up on 8:30 and went back to the gym: 20 mins cardio, upper body, and then swimming. I was there for over 2 hours. It felt great. Now I'm really hurting, though. I have decided that I am determined to work out a little bit every day. Mon-Fri I will either work out in the gym after work or swim laps and on Saturday and Sunday I will do both. I hope to be in excellent shape by the time I go to America to visit in July. These 10 pounds will be gone and I'll be fit and in shape. A year and a half ago I lost nearly 30 pounds by simply losing my apetite (heart break is a cruel thing). This time around I am going to lose the weight the right way and come home in the best shape of my life. Unfortunately since I went to the gym yesterday I have become extremely congested. I went to the pharmacy to get some things tonight so hopefully they work. I feel like I'm allergic to the gym. Each time I go I come back more congested than before. Regardless, I am going to go to the gym every day. Hopefully this congestion goes away in a few days. I'm not looking forward to work tomorrow, but oh well. Such is life. I suppose that's about it for this week. Take care all.

-Erica

I suppose it's about time for another post. I've been so busy I just haven't gotten a chance to update in a while. Well, I've been busy learning the music for next months concert (my school is onboard so I will be taking our choir!), completing my application to Kent State University, and the usual at work. My deputy principal was kind enough to arrange for my classes to be covered one day so that I could get some serious planning done. I was able to get a lot done that day but I still feel like I hardly made a dent. I think I am going to ask for another day this week to do the same. My principal has purchased the new Quaver's Marvelous World of Music DVD series (yay!) so I now have something to work with! Also, I think he has decided to purchase GamePlan (a comprehensive K-5 music curriculum from the US that I recommended) so eventually I will have that. The problem is is may take a few months to come....so I still have to figure something out for the meantime.

Here they celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 and I thought it was going to be like another Valentine's Day (which I hate) but it really wasn't. It was day for appreciating women and I actually enjoyed it. I felt valued and appreciated. I got a few flowers from students and the men at work arranged manis and pedis in the conference room during the day so that was really nice. I wish America celebrated Women's Day instead of Valentine's Day.

Let's see....what else? I had my apartment cleaned yesterday by a lady that works at the school and cleans several other teachers apartments. She came at 1 on Saturday (an hour earlier than I was expecting) and I had to leave. They don't like you to be home with they clean and if you come home early they'll stop right then and leave. So she said 3 hours and I went down to a shop downstairs and read. She charged me 125,000VND ($6). I was pretty thrilled. It's nice to have a clean apartment and I didn't have to do it! I'll probably have her come every other week.

I don't think there is much more to tell about this week.....I have completed my KSU application (except my Florida certification may take a while to process). Hopefully I'll be started class in May but the certification may mean I can't start until June. Either way, I can't wait to start classes!

Well, I need to get some dinner and get ready for work tomorrow (how does the weekend go by so fast?). I hope everyone is doing well! Oh, and apparently daylight savings time happened today? Well, Vietnam does not participate in daylight savings time so I am now 11 hours ahead of EST.

Erica

Ummmmmm.....wow.....

Wow. What a week. I suppose it is about time for an update. I can't even tell you everything that has happened this week but I will touch on the main points. On Monday they were filming a promotional TV documentary and I got to be the "conductor" of an imaginary "rock" band. It was chaos and we all probably look like fools but oh well! It was an interesting experience. Then I tried to meet with the choir during lunch periods. That did NOT work. The idea is that they eat for the first 15 minutes and then come to choir for the remaining 30. Most of the students didn't come to my room until about 10 minutes before lunch ended. I have since told the principal that it has to be an after school program. If he wants me to create a quality choir then it needs to be after school where I can have at least a solid 30 minutes of rehearsal. He was fine with that so hopefully that will make things easier. Also, my principal observed me this week. He observed me with Y6 and it went VERY well. The students were engaged and interested in the lesson and my principal was actually fascinated by that. He also learned something :) He will be observing me 2 or 3 more times coming up as part of my 2 month probation. Considering how the first observation went I think I'll be getting that permanent contract. It's hard to believe it's already been one whole month. I must say it has flown by.

Today I was sent an email by a contact of Dr. Robinson's. She asked if I would like to sing two solos and two duets in a concert next month. I will be accompanied by an orchestra and this will be broadcast on TV throughout Vietnam. WHAT?!?! I graciously accepted and I now have four songs to learn by April 20th and 21st. Wow! I am just flabbergasted! They have also invited my choir to participate. I will have to talk to my principal about this but I doubt he will refuse. It would be a great opportunity for the students to see a real concert and actually participate in the rehearsals and performance. I am still in shock about this offer. I never thought I would be a singer (more than in choirs) but this will be my big debut! It's a shame I'm so far and none of my friends and family can be there. I am hoping I can find somewhere to watch online, so hopefully you can see it (though if it is LIVE then you may have to get up really early in the morning hehe). I'm meeting with her tomorrow to talk about it further.

Another development: I have decided to begin working on my Masters degree. I am going to take advantage of my free nights and weekends and do something productive with my loneliness. I have decided on Kent State University's online Master of Music in Music Education program. It will take 20 months to complete. I begin classes in May and will graduate December 2013. I'm pretty excited about it, actually. I thought I wanted a long break from school but I'm already bored and I feel like I wasted a bunch of years on my undergrad and I want to make up for it. It will also keep me busy and make the time go by faster. I'm trying to make the most of this experience and I think earning an advanced degree would be a great accomplishment to come out of this with (aside from building up a program and choir and singing semi-professionally).

Ok, that's enough ramblings :) Night, all!

~Erica

*palm to forehead*

It just hit me that I AM a teacher. All these years I've been training to be a teacher and now I can finally, officially say that I AM a teacher. I am a music teacher and starting next week I will be an English teacher (just for funsies). It's a bit surreal. I am now a professional. I have a career, not a job. Students look up to me and follow my lead. I am their guide (musically, at least). I feel like a bit of a rockstar at school. Since I see everyone from K-9 (roughly 400 students) all I hear in the halls is "Hi, Ms. Erica!" "Good morning, Ms. Erica!" "LOOK AT ME, MS. ERICA!!" It's crazy....I can't even eat my lunch without kids hanging on me. I just wish I knew them a little better. It's hard with so many....I miss those personal connections. It is especially difficult with such different names. They are nearly impossible to learn and remember. Anyways......it just hit me that I can now say that I AM a teacher...I'm not going to be a teacher, I'm not training to be a teacher, I'm not dreaming of being a teacher. I AM a teacher. Crazy.....

Here are some pictures of my musical duck, duck, goose game. These are Year 1 students....they loved it! They will probably ask me next week if they can play it again :) Also attached are my Y1 students dancing to a goofy piece of music from the form lesson (hopefully the video works....sorry if it doesn't). They loved this. Hilarious.

*disclaimer* I'm sorry for deleting pictures and video but I found out we're not supposed to post pictures or videos of students in uniform on personal social networking sites. Oh, well! I'll try to get some things posted on the schools YouTube account so you can see them there.

Jumping in with both feet....

Well, yesterday at about 3:30pm we got an email about a workshop taking place this morning up near the airport and they would provide coverage for anyone that wanted to attend. I took a look at the title and it was "The Marriage of True Minds - Poetry, Music and Language Learning." I thought it sounded like something I could benefit from so I said I wanted to go. Turns out I was the only one interested (and now I have to tell everyone what I learned at a PD meeting) so I had to write up some sub plans for this morning and venture out across the city by myself. So this morning I woke up to a lovely thunderstorm outside. I wanted nothing more than to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head.....but I got up and got ready for this workshop. What I did not know is that taxis are extremely hard to find when it is raining. I walked around for 15 minutes trying to get a taxi. I finally got one and showed him the address of the hotel I had to go to. It is near the airport, which is on the complete opposite side of the city. I underestimated how long it would take to get there....it took nearly an hour. Luckily the workshop hadn't started yet so I didn't miss anything. The workshop itself was actually really good. It was all about how poetry is a tremendous learning tool for English and you can easily bring music into the mix as well. It was a great day. I love workshops and conferences.....does that make me a super nerd? I guess so....so be it ;) On the way home from the workshop I took some pictures of the sights. I came back to my apartment to get some things and grab lunch before heading to school for the afternoon. I felt like being adventurous and taking a motorbike taxi. It's the first time I've done it and it really wasn't bad. It was much cheaper than a cab and I didn't die....but I'm still splitting a cab each day with my friend and that's about the same price so for now I'll keep using a regular taxi. When I got to school I found out that the memo didn't quite get around that I was at professional development so HR took one of my leave days since I wasn't clocked in in the morning. I got that fixed, so I will still get paid for today. I also got reimbursed for the taxi this morning so I didn't have to pay for anything :) Then in the hall this teacher asks me "Hey Erica, have you ever taught English?" I was like "uhhhh.....nope!" The school is offering English lessons to the Vietnamese staff and they have two classes a week. One of the teachers is just too busy and has to quit doing it so they are looking for a replacement. I think I am going to do it! It will be a great experience for me, I might learn a little Vietnamese from them, I can get to know some of the staff a little better, and I'm sure administration will love to see me getting involved in everything. I hope I am not biting off more than I can chew. I am currently building the music program from virtually nothing so I do have my work cut out for me. I just want to take in any experiences I can. Having the experience of teaching English to adult beginners will look great on any resume.

I went to a kickboxing class today after school at a gym down the street from school. It was great! She totally kicked our butts! I haven't sweated that much since Tough Mudder! It felt good to be active and physical. I can tell that I'm going to gain weight quickly here (I'm already putting on some pounds) so this will be good if I can keep up with it. I'm definitely going to hurt tomorrow.....My arms cramped up really bad at the end from all the punching lol.

Well, I suppose that's the majority of what has been going on this week. Attached are some pictures. Yesterday I taught the kids the "Shake Your Sillies Out" song by Rafi during their weekly K-Y3 assembly and attached are some pictures from that as well.

Oh, I'm also learning that I really need to be stricter. I was too nice last week and now I'm paying for it. I had to get really tough with Y2 today....I made them line up outside and walk back in my room properly about 4 times, until they did it right. I need to tighten the reigns and be the "mean teacher" for a while and then relax. It's just hard because that isn't me. I'm not tough and strict. I like to be laid back and have fun and make music class fun....but I guess I need to be the mean one for now and then become more myself later. Gotta learn somehow, I guess! I'll get there....eventually. It's a learning experience!

Ok, I need to pass out now.....two more days until the weekend (thank God...this week has been rough).

Week 2

Hey, all! Well, I have survived Week 2. Not a whole lot to report on this week. My principal is very supportive of resources that I am asking for and I am to create a wish list of instruments for him to purchase. Once I have these resources and instruments it will make my job MUCH easier. My deputy principal came in this week for two unannounced observations (talk about losing your train of thought when they just come in like that haha). The first class she observed was Prep Integrated (ugh.....that was rough), then she came in during my Year 8 class at 3:30 on Friday afternoon. I was showing them Quaver's Marvelous World of Music (I have a sneak peek of one episode from their new program) and my deputy principal LOVED it. I think she is going to push my principal to purchase it for me. He already said no because it's a bit expensive but she saw it in action. The students loved it and she even said it was the first music class she's ever been to that she enjoyed (WHAT?!?). So yea....I think I'll be keeping my job after the 2 month probation period and I may even be getting this awesome DVD series for my program :) So that was a good ending to my Friday! I'm trying to organize/decorate my room a little bit (it's so bare....no posters or anything) so I made a little sign with my name and "Music" on it...and yes, it is orange and blue :) It's one small step towards making it MY music room. The students really seem to like me and now I know my deputy principal likes me so I can start getting comfortable here. I was so nervous about that 2-month probation period (I'm always waiting for the axe to fall) but I think I can relax now. I am still getting used to how they address me here, though. Here I am Ms. Erica, not Ms. Michels. I got so used to Ms. Michels during my student teaching and now I'm Ms. Erica. It will be weird when I go back to America lol. Also, when I say "good morning, class" they all say, in unison, "Good Morning, Ms. Erica." It's cute lol.

I have been trying to figure out my vacations for the year and I'm pretty excited about it. I am given 30 days annual leave for my first 12 months. What's different here, is that even during school breaks you are expected to be at work from 8-5 unless you take your annual leave. So here is my plan: work through term break in April, take 1 1/2 weeks with my parents in July to hang out here and travel to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay (yay, I won't have to go alone!), spend about 2 1/2 weeks in New Mexico with Erik (that will be about my entire summer), and then 2 weeks in December in Hawaii with Erik and his family. I'm pretty stoked about it all. It's nice to know I will get to see him a few times during this experience. I wasn't planning to go to the states (except for Hawaii) but I could use some comforts of America and I really need to see him lol. A whole year is just too long to go without seeing someone you love so much.

Well, I suppose that's about all I have to report on today. I have been laying low nights and weekends and not exploring too much. I haven't left my neighborhood. It's hard to be adventurous in a foreign country by yourself. All my friends here are married and some have kids so they're all busy outside of school. It's also lonely sitting in a restaurant by yourself, so I usually get food for take-out and take it home. I am glad I took this opportunity for this experience but it is definitely challenging me as a person. I never knew how strong I was until now. I have been challenged so much in the last two years and how I've come out of it all on top, I don't know. I never want to hear another person say I am weak, spoiled, naive, or not good enough again. Take that, all you nay-sayers! Look at me now!

Ok, I'm done lol......time to go to the supermarket and get some dinner. Take care, all.

-Erica

Graduation: From Surviving to Smiling :)

Well, I had a good weekend.....it was spent sleeping and planning for this week. It was nice to just take things easy. Today was actually a good day!! In the morning I taught K1/K2 and Prep International classes....they went very well! I actually didn't want to pull my hair out. I also taught Y7 and that went really well! I used my sneak peek of "Quaver's Marvelous World of Music" to teach Y7 about form....they LOVED it. After lunch I met with the K-Y3 Head of Studies and talked about resources I would like to purchase for the music program. I told her about Quaver's DVD series and she was entirely supportive of it! I put together a proposal email, sent it to her, she sent it to the principal......and he APPROVED IT!!! He's purchasing the series (which also includes countless resources online) this week! I'm SOOO excited!! I'm also waiting to hear back from the company about a K-5 music curriculum. They are debating between GamePlan (from the US) and another similar curriculum from Australia. It will be used in all of the KinderWorld schools. So hopefully in the next few months I will have one of those curriculums, Quaver's Marvelous World of Music, AND a few other resources that the principal approved today. I am SO lucky to have such a supportive administration! Now, I don't really have any instruments to work with so that's a bummer but with these resources I can at least develop a useful, effective, and valuable program here. I feel my anxiety melting away. I will have much more restful nights ahead (yay!)

I was rather unpleasantly surprised this afternoon, though. While teaching the Prep Integrated class (one that makes me want to jump out my classroom window from the 3rd floor) the deputy principal chose this time to come in my class unannounced and observe me....EEEK!! I was not happy about it! I taught 4 other successful classes today and she chose to come into the ONE difficult class I had all day. She didn't stay after to talk to me about it but she sent me an email mentioning how I have my hands full with that class haha. I think she understands the difficulties with that class and I know that I did the best I could. I have been observed teaching enough that the fact she was in the room didn't make me nervous at all. It was the fact that I just feel like I have no control over that one class.

Well, it's already 11pm (how does the night go by so fast?) and I need to get some sleep. Oh, I got a manicure tonight.....AMAZING! They did an entire arm massage and everything! It took nearly 2 hours! I got some hearts on my thumbs in honor of V-day tomorrow and they gave me a discount.....it cost me the equivalent of $5. This place is also right next to my building so I will be going there fairly frequently. I am going to get spoiled here!

Happy Valentine's Day, people (even though I despise the holiday) and most importantly HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!!! I love you so much and wish I could be there to celebrate this big one with you! I can't wait to see you here in Vietnam in a few months! <3<3<3

-Erica

Week 1: Survived....barely

Wow.....what a week! I will say this: if you ever move to Vietnam and need an apartment you better bring several thousand dollars in US cash. I did NOT do this so I have had an extremely difficult time getting my apartment! I could only withdraw VND (Vietnamese cash) from the ATM and you can only withdraw so much cash per day....so it took me nearly all week to pay my deposit and first months rent. Luckily my realtor and landlord were understanding about the situation so they accepted it. Once I get a bank account here and get paid I can withdraw US cash from my bank to pay my rent but I couldn't get it out of my US bank account. Talk about stressful.....Then I made the mistake of telling the HR department that I found an apartment and would be checking out of the hotel either the next day or the day after (they had to arrange to come pay for my room) but then the money situation kept me from being able to buy bedding (they take cash only too) so I had nowhere to sleep in my apartment. I emailed HR back to say I needed the hotel room for a few more days. The next day (Tuesday) I went to work and saw an email saying the hotel had already booked my room and my things had to be out by 1pm that afternoon....so I had to leave school during my lunch break, pack up my things, leave it behind the desk and go back to work. I hardly ate anything in 3 days and only had a few hours of sleep each night. That night I was able to buy my bedding and get into my apartment. So, long story short: I made it into my apartment....

Work has been absolutely insane. I teach Kindergarten (which is like our preschool) through Year 9......that's 11 different age levels. We were just kind of thrown to the wolves and had to learn things the hard way. I don't feel like going into too much detail but the good news is I've survived the first week. Last night I was FINALLY able to catch up on some sleep....I slept for 10 hours straight. I woke up and felt like I could keep sleeping but I knew I should get up lol. I have a lot of work to do this weekend (joy) so between sleeping and working I'm pretty busy. Last night I went to a co-worker's birthday dinner at a restaurant near the school. It was pretty fun and I tried fried squid and wild boar. They were both quite rubbery and the texture of the squid just freaked me out. I could feel all of the tentacles in my mouth.....eww! Not sure if I'll have it again but I said I would try almost anything so I had to. IT was good to socialize with some of the other teachers. They think I'm crazy for taking my first teaching job overseas by myself lol. One girl said I was extremely brave.....I said I was just naive haha. She said that's probably for the better....if I had known what I was getting into I probably wouldn't have done it. I just keep telling myself that if I can make it through this experience I will be able to get through ANYTHING. I have said many times this week that I should just pack up and go home with my tail between my legs but I just can't do that. I could never forgive myself for giving up. I will get through this and be a better, stronger person for it.

Tonight I went to the Lotte Mart to try and find an HDMI cable and it is one of the biggest department stores I've ever seen. You can get almost anything there. Attached are some pictures from the seafood section.....eek!

That's about all I have the energy to write about tonight...btw, my phone is hooked up in my apartment so you can call 727-644-3852 and reach me! Please just keep the time difference in mind and don't call me in the middle of the night lol. Night all!

ADDRESS!

Well, it's 10:30pm and I pretty much just got back to my hotel from the day....I will have quite the post this weekend but for now I will leave you with my mailing address:

7D3-10 Sky Garden 3, Phu My Hung, W. Tran Phong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam (VN)

I think that will get mail to me....I would try sending a letter before a package just to see if it actually gets to me. Also (in case for whatever reason you need it) my cell phone number in Vietnam is +84 09 3513 4050 (the country code is 84). Again, I'm not entirely sure how the phone numbers work...some have a different number of digits. I'm sure none of you will need to call/text me there but it's there just in case you need to for whatever reason.

That's all for tonight.....Like I said I'll post a big post this weekend when I actually have some time/sanity.

P.S. Everyone says it's so brave that I'm doing this (especially by myself) but now I realize it was just stupidity.....All the other new teachers are here with spouses. I wish I had someone here to work through all of this with. Ok, good night for real now...

I have a home!

Well, I wish I could tell you all of the horror stories from the day but the truth is I'm completely wiped and I need to shower, write lesson plans, sleep, and survive my first day of school tomorrow. So long story really short: I have an apartment, I moved most of my stuff in but I can't get bedding until tomorrow so I'm in the hotel tonight, and I'll be sleeping in my place tomorrow. Attached are pictures. Bad news: I won't have internet for a few days but I'll take my comp down to a shop and try to update periodically throughout the week. I should have it by the weekend (I hope). Good news: my bed seems to be a bit more comfortable than most of the beds here in Vietnam. They are like sleeping on a board (yes, even in the hotel...my back is killing me by now). So while it is not nearly as soft as the beds back home it is MUCH softer than this bed and most of the others I have seen. I can't wait to sleep in it tomorrow.....

Night all!

Well....today was a big day! First of all, I got the apartment! I sign the contract tomorrow and will HOPEFULLY be able to move in tomorrow evening! I will post pictures when I get there :) I found a nice little Italian restaurant near the apt and while walking home (and by home I mean the hotel lol) I stumbled upon some fun festivities! Apparently it was the "grand opening" of this Korean restaurant (tho I swear I saw it open all week) and there was quite the spectacle taking place in the street. First there were people with big dragon masks. Then they pulled out some drums and did some really cool drumming. I took some videos but I'm not sure if I can upload them to this. I will try, though. After the drumming the got this dragon with sticks attached and about 7 or 8 guys controlled the sticks and did quite a display with it. It was really cool! After returning to my hotel I got a call from my New Zealand coworker, inviting me out to District 1 with her husband and a few other people. How could I turn her down? We went to this restaurant in the middle of nowhere (how anyone finds it, I have no clue) and the food was amazing! Unfortunately I had already eaten so I just tried a little bit of everything at the table. It was a really cool little joint with great Vietnamese food! I will definitely be taking any visitors there (yes, that's you, Mom and Dad!). Also, when you go out to the bathroom you go through a door into a room with a pond...with fish in it...and a tree in the middle...and you have to walk on a narrow bridge.....all in the building lol it was so cool and unique!

Todays post is a little short just because I'm exhausted but here is a fun observation I've made: honking horns here does NOT mean the same as it does in America. In America you honk your horn at someone because you're mad at them. Here you honk your horn just to let someone know you're there. So if a motorbike is wandering into your lane you honk the horn. If you're approaching an intersection you honk your horn. You hear hundreds of horns honking all the time but there is NO road rage (which just amazes me). Anyway, that's nothing vitally important but it is just a fun observation and cultural difference. Also, there is a lot of texting/talking on cell phones while driving motorbikes. Yea, and you thought it was bad in America?

Well, it's bed time! Hopefully this is my last night in the hotel! I WANT MY PLACE!!!! :)

Ben Thanh Market!!

This morning started out with seeing more apartments with a new realtor. She seems to be more in tune with what I want and like. She also just seems really on top of her game. She arranged for me to see about 6 apartments this morning alone and I think she could have kept going....but I found the one I want :D It is 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood floors, modern furniture, some dishes included, a full-length electric piano, great bathroom with storage, and a lovely window seat in the living room. Also, it has wallpaper...not necessarily my style but it definitely beats the white walls I've encountered so far. I felt extremely comfortable and at home in this apartment. I walked in and said "this is the one." I am waiting to hear back from her if the owner agrees or not. She is going to try to negotiate the price down a bit but I will take it for the asking price if he won't go down. It is more than I hoped to pay but it is worth it for all that I get with it. I should hear in the morning if it's mine and hopefully I'll be signing the contract tomorrow morning/afternoon and moving in this weekend! I will attach pictures as soon as I know :)

Another new teacher and her family are staying in the same hotel as me and they called me this afternoon to have some drinks and chat. They then invited me to come with them to Ben Thanh Market in District 1 tonight. I said "absolutely!" It is great to have someone to go there with. Going alone would be REALLY intimidating! This place is INSANE. The entire market is in one huge building. The main aisles criss-crossing the market are fairly wide....but all the other aisles are barely the width of your body. As you walk through them people grab you and try to put things in your hand. I definitely need to learn how to haggle because that's what you do here. First I need to go to more stores to find out what things SHOULD cost. I really have no idea what prices I should be haggling to so I'm not very good....but I fear that I'm going to get so used to haggling that by the time I go back to the states I'll refuse to pay full price for anything. I'll be trying to haggle at Wal-Mart haha. Well, the market closes around 6 and then that's when the fun really starts. The street next to the market is closed and all the tents roll out. The market comes outside. They also roll out restaurants! It's incredible! We ate there on the street and ordered calamari, fish, spring rolls, fried rice, 4 beers, and 2 bottles of water....what did it cost? About $15. Yea, be jealous! It really was an amazing experience. I will be taking anyone that comes to visit to Ben Thanh Market...if you come to Saigon you have to witness it....especially at night!

Also, in the next few weeks I will be learning how to drive a motorbike and then I will rent one of my own. Yep, I'm going to drive a motorbike in Saigon! I really hope this isn't a mistake....haha. I fear that I'll come back to America and forget how to follow the laws.....so it would probably be safe to say don't let me drive for a few days/weeks when I get back.

Umm....I can't think of anything else to post tonight but it's late and I'm exhausted so I've probably forgotten something. I'll let you know if I have an apartment tomorrow!

O.M.G. FOOD!

Ok, so I'm sitting in my hotel room after shopping at the supermarket down the street, trying to decide what I want to do for dinner when my hotel phone rings. Confused, I answer it. It's one of the other new teachers (from New Zealand). She found her way to my hotel and invited me out to dinner with her husband and a few people he works with. They just got here a week ago. Her husband is an engineer and is working at a plant here in Saigon. He just started work this week. So I go downstairs and we walk to her hotel where we meet up with a few other people. *side note....some hotels will not allow anyone that is not staying at the hotel to go to a room. I wasn't allowed to go upstairs to their room because I'm not staying there. Makes you feel better, knowing they don't allow....sketchy late-night guests around.* After hanging out there for a few mins we go down the street to this amazing restaurant. Dinner, which started out as a few people, turned into 22. My co-worker and her husband are from New Zealand and the other people were from Australia and Germany mainly. It was fascinating eating this huge meal with people from all corners of the globe. I spent a lot of time talking to this Australian guy who was relatively close to my age. He's been here for a month. Most of this group is leaving HCMC this weekend so it kinda stinks that I almost found a cool group of friends but they are only here for a few more days. Anyways, we talked a lot about Vietnam and a lot of the misconceptions that Americans and Australians have about it. We talked politics and government (how much America's system just doesn't make sense) and how communist governments aren't as bad as they're cracked up to be. It was fun talking to these people and seeing how similar we all really are. It was hard not to start talking with an Australian accent, though haha. But his advice was this: grab a cab, go to District 1 this weekend, walk around the markets and streets, and just soak up the people and culture. Oh, so the restaurant we went to was absolutely insane. They stick these huge rods racked with meat on your plate and scrape off a helping for you. The first time I saw it was when he put it on my plate. I was like, "HUH?" So he scrapes off a helping and goes to the next person. They just kept bringing out more meats and more spears full. Attached is a picture. It as incredible! I ate SO much food! I also had some delicious Bailey's and creams for $2.85. The best part? I didn't have to pay for any of it! Three of the guys treated everyone. It was so great to interact with all these different people and really connect. My co-worker seems really awesome and I'm glad we're bonding. Tomorrow she and I are going back to the school to spend some time in our classrooms getting acquainted with them and the school. It will be good. Well, it's time for bed! Night, all!

Wait, I actually have to WORK over here??

Well, this afternoon I got to go to the school and meet the principal! He's really nice and seems like a very supportive principal. I was very impressed with the campus (very clean and well kept). I am one of 5 teachers starting this term so luckily I'm not completely alone. I am alone in the fact that even though it is a K-12 school and I am teaching K-9 music I am the ONLY music teacher. The senior high levels do not have electives or specials, so I am the one and only music teacher at this school. I thought maybe there would be an upper level teacher but nope! I'm it! My classroom is extremely bare and has NO music posters, notes, ANYTHING on the walls. I am hoping that maybe I can purchase some soon. I think my classroom is also used as a dance studio because it has hardwood floors and a wall of mirrors with a bar on it.....haha. I do think that I am set up for success, though....anything I do with this program will be successful. I don't think administration will be breathing down my neck or anything so it gives me some room to make mistakes and find my groove/style. I am worried about names....Vietnamese names are nearly impossible for me to pronounce (the principal even said he still can't pronounce much and he has been here for 4 years) and since I see every student K-9 I don't think I'll be able to learn their names. I hate that. I like to at least have a handle on most names but I just don't think I'll be able to here. But on the plus, the principal said this is an exceptional school. The students are extremely respectful and ready and willing to learn. I think I am going to be spoiled rotten here...what will I do when I return to American students?? Eeek..... :-/ I am looking forward to Monday to just get started and start finding my groove. I have a rough idea of the schedule and it looks like I have a fair amount of breaks each day so that will be nice. It isn't just go-go-go all day every day. I'll have some breathing room. Overall I have very positive thoughts on the school after spending a few hours there! I think it's going to be a great place to work!

The other big thing is apartment hunting. My realtor is picking me up again tonight and taking me to see another 1/1 apt and to see the 1/1 again that I liked yesterday. I am leaning towards that one so I wanted to see it again before I make a decision. Unless the other 1/1 just blows me away I think I'm going to take the 1/1 in Sky Garden 3. The plus of that one is it is ready to move in immediately. Some of the other apts I've seen aren't available until the middle of February. I would love to be able to move in this week and start getting settled before work Monday.

Well, I guess those are my only updates so far today. I may know which apartment I'm taking by tonight so I will update you when I know. I will also post my address as soon as I know it. Several people have been asking for it. I'm sorry for so many posts....I realize I am posting a lot this week but I don't have much else to do in the afternoons/evenings lol. I hope everyone is well back home! It gets a little lonely out here by yourself....

Final thoughts from Day 1

Well, I sucked it up it ventured out on my own this afternoon! It wasn't as scary as I expected. I just walked a few blocks and took a look at some restaurants and shops. There are definitely some nice places around here! I also found my way to the apartment complex I liked today so that was nice to start figuring out this neighborhood. I found a cute little cafe around the corner from my hotel where I ended up having lunch. While sitting there (outside) I saw a cool lizard, a gekko, and then (to my horror) and HUGE rat! Then, as I was seeing a few more apartments tonight I saw another huge rat. I guess I will have to get used to seeing them around here. They are almost the size of my dog back home lol (well, maybe not quite that big but pretty darn close!). I saw 2 more apartments tonight. I really liked a 2 bed/2 bath I saw tonight. It was even cheaper than the 1/1 I saw this morning. But I think I still prefer the 1/1. I really don't need 2 bedrooms and the 1/1 was a little nicer. It is a little more than I was hoping to pay but it is within my budget so unless I see something better tomorrow I think I will go with it. The location is just fantastic and the furniture is really nice. Well, I suppose I'm done rambling for the day.....Attached are a few pictures from my afternoon exploration. Enjoy.

-Erica

New Eyes

Hello all! Well, last night I managed to stay awake until about 6:30pm....and then I slept until 7am this morning. It was absolutely glorious! I did not even leave my hotel after I got here. 1) I was afraid to venture out alone. 2) I was just so freakin tired I wasn't in the mood for more adventures. There are American TV channels here (thank God!) but this TV has Vietnamese subtitles that I can't get rid of....so that's kind of annoying lol. This morning I was picked up at 10am to look at apartments. We only saw 3 this morning and I really only liked one of them. It costs a little more than I was hoping for but it's REALLY nice and in a great location. After driving around this neighborhood this morning I feel much better about being here. It isn't nearly as crowded as the other side of town and there a LOT of shops and restaurants really close by. The apartment that I loved was right next to a supermarket and a ton of shops. It also has a gym and pool (but you have to pay extra to use them). My realtor is picking me up around 5 to see some more apartments tonight. I'm looking forward to finding a place and getting settled in. I'll feel better once I have a place to call my own and escape to. I am relaxing at the hotel for a little longer before I venture into the street to find lunch/explore. It's scary to explore on your own in SUCH a foreign place. I don't want to get too far from the hotel so I can find my way back. Attached are a few pics from today. I didn't take any of the inside of the apartments but a bit outside. I'm sure I'll have some more by tonight. Tomorrow I am going to the school to meet with the principal so that will be exciting. I can't wait to see where I'm actually going to be working.

So, the good news is I AM seeing the city with different eyes today and I'm liking what I'm seeing. Yesterday I wasn't so sure about this adventure but now I'm feeling MUCH better. I think I'll be able to make this place home....at least for a year and a half ;) Now I just want visitors to come so I can show it all off! So use your passports, people! Come to Nam!

-Erica

I have arrived.....

The weary world traveler has arrived safely in Saigon. Wow. It's definitely different here. And hot. Very, very hot. It feels like Florida's summer. That will definitely take getting used to but it's nothing I wasn't expecting. Luckily the few buildings I've been inside so far are air conditioned well so it's not too bad. I tried to take as many pictures as possible but I'm so tired it was hard to concentrate on much more than staying awake in the car. The traffic here is as horrendous as I thought. I was terrified just being the passenger in a van. I can't imagine being on a motorbike. After picking me up from the airport we went to KinderWorld's corporate office where I met the HR manager and took care of paperwork and things. She told me that renting a motorbike is my best option and that she will teach me how, so I guess that will be happening soon..... :-/ The good news is I live/work in the quieter part of town where traffic won't be quite as bad. I'll be good if I can at least ride a bike to and from work. I'll take a taxi anywhere else.

I know I asked for adventure but right now I'm wishing I had been careful about what I wished for...but I think the fear/overwhelming is coming partially from my sheer exhaustion. I am now at the hotel and they are picking me up at 10am tomorrow to take me to look at apartments. It is nearly 4pm and I think I'm just going to take a nap and possibly just sleep until the morning. I am beyond tired at this point and I've had more than enough adventure for one day so venturing out on my own does NOT sound fun. The good news is there are a few American channels on the tv lol. It's the small things.....it's nice to have a few comforts.

I feel like this post is a bit jumbled and I have left out many small details but I simply can't think straight anymore so this is going to have to do for today. Attached are some random pics from today. Enjoy! Feel free to comment. My access to facebook may be a bit spotty due to the ban by the government (hello communist country) but I seem to have found a way to get on ;) Well, I hope things are good back home....I miss it already (mostly because I know it's going to be a loooong time before I get to see it again).

-Erica

P.S. They really do where those rice patty hats.......lol