WOW. I'm reeeal bad at this whole blog thing. Let's get caught up! In the last post I was in the final days of an English Language Program in Taiwan as part of my study to become an English as a Second/Foreign Language teacher.

The last days in Taiwan were spent adventuring about the city of Taipei. One of these adventures included me tagging along with Dan, Charlie and some of their students on a bike trip. We rented bikes for a day for less than the equivalent of $10USD. It was so fun! More importantly, thank goodness for ice cream. It was a staple of my diet while I was in Taiwan because of the heat. Also....it's delicious.

This trip was absolutely invaluable to me. It helped me to grow not only as an individual, but also as a teacher. It cemented my decision to change my major officially (even though I'll be in school for an additional year and a half)! Also, it revealed to me the gaps in my knowledge. Knowing where I need further development and more experience has helped motivate me through my classes. Even though some things may be tedious, I now have a goal that I am passionate about and invested in that I am working towards. BOOOOOOOORING. Sorry. I just had to get it out.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!!

Good News! I passed the Praxis I! If you're not familiar with it, this is the test that teachers need to pass in order to get into university education programs. In addition to that, today I received the grammar reference book that I bought online. In summation, one, no TWO STEPS closer to being a REAL teacher!

Now on to more exhilarating events. It happened. The moment I had been waiting for. I actually felt old for once.  Most of the time I feel like I'm still sixteen years old and I hate it. Now I'll most definitely regret saying this when I am older but right now, I don't. So it was in my class TED 120, Introduction to Education and Technology (or something along those lines). The teacher made a comment about September 11th and then said, "You guys were in what, 3rd grade when that happened?" Everyone in class was like, "Yea, that's right." As I mumble to myself, "I was in 5th grade." Now this made not seem like a big deal to you, but for me it was monumental, cataclysmic even. Of course, I should have expected it being in a senior in a 100 level class... Don't ask me to explain it because I don't really understand it myself.

Since Thanksgiving was last week, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with my family. (See above image for a brief summary of my holiday) I've apparently reached the point in my life when it's appropriate for people to ask if I'm currently seeing/dating someone or if I have a boyfriend. Maybe it's not appropriate but either way, people do it. A LOT. When I respond with a no or not right now. There is one of four reactions and they are as follows: 1) "Smart! Boys are trouble." 2) "Don't worry. There's someone out there for you." 3) "Good for you! Focus on school for now!" and last but definitely not least 4) "So you don't have a boyfriend? ....Do you  have a girlfriend?" Now I'm perfectly comfortable in my singleness. To quote Kelly Clarkson, "It doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone." But seriously, I'm really happy where I'm at right now. I hate that people react like it's a bad thing. In some ways, it's way better than being in a relationship! Plus I get all the love I need from my wonderful friends and family.

If you didn't notice, I learned how to insert cool things like gifs into my blog. Sorry, I'm not sorry.