2012 reflections.

{Koh Lanta September 2012}

I have just returned from the most wonderful trip with my greatest big brother and sister in law. I can't wait to blog about our travels through northern Thailand. They really couldn't have come at a better time-- just when I was really feeling the homesickness settle in. And travelling through Thailand and having first experiences with them, definitely helped my love for this country grow. I just wish they could have stayed longer. Anyways, I wanted to post about what an exciting year I have had!2012 has been the craziest, most exciting, and adventurous year yet. We took a 14+ hour train ride from Bangkok to northern Thailand with Eric and Bria and I had a lot of alone time in my tiny sleeper pod to think and reflect on 2012 and everything that I have done and accomplished this year and I must say I am so  happy with my year. There are times that I question being in Thailand, especially the town I live in, but truth be told, I have learned more about myself and my life living in this itty bitty Thai town. I do miss home so so much though. This is the longest I have ever gone without seeing my family. Not a day goes by that I don't think about them. I just wish I could put all my loved ones in my pockets and have them close to me everywhere I go. But I am happy for a new year and I am so excited to see where 2013 will bring me and what I will learn along the way. I wanted to share some of highlights and accomplishments of 2012...

+200 hours of TEFL certification--it was a long, but enjoyable process. I sat in coffee shop after coffee shop (now addicted to coffee woops! but we don't need to reflect on that part)day dreaming of teaching abroad and wondering exactly where I would be and what it would be like.

+Quitting my job, getting a new job in Thailand, getting a work visa and moving to Thailand in less than a month.+Travelling to four new countries in Asia--Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. 

+Learning and experiencing the extremes of Thai culture.

+Being a vegetarian for the entire year, and I plan on continuing this lifestyle! Although it is so hard to do with a serious language barrier here in Thailand. 

+Completing Insanity (the workout)--I had to find something to do without a gym and running is a bit scary with rabid dogs and scary traffic wanting to chase you.

+Exercising 6 days a week regularly (except when travelling, then maybe 4 days a week). After insanity, I have been exercising in my little nook of a room everyday. Even exercising in confined spaces has helped keep me sane and energetic in this little town. 

+Having a somewhat "real" job where I am at work 40 hours a week.

+Getting over my fear of standing and talking in front of people. I had to get over this fast on my first day of teaching! 

+Growing and strengthening my relationship with Stephan. I am so glad that he is here in Thailand. He has made the entire teaching abroad thing so much better in so many ways. <3