Ringing in 2011...

...with a blog post! Which is good, because how can I keep praising the art of journaling to my students if I myself can't walk the walk.

Whew! Christmas and New Year's in Washington State have both come and gone and here I am back in St. Louis. Even though I was only home for a little over a week, the difference between my life here and my life back home is glaringly different. My reminder came when I found myself, the only white person, standing in 27 degree weather waiting for the appallingly behind-schedule bus. After I gave up on public transit and dragged myself and my luggage to my house by foot, I again was reminded that I was not in Kansas anymore by the chilly house and the two-week-old leftover veggie lasagna for dinner. Instead of being greeted by a soft, fluffy towel when I stepped out of the shower, I was confronted by a mean centipede. The outlets in my room don't work, so I plug my phone into Gabby's room's outlet, reminding both of us that simple living is about sharing space.

Today, I finish up my lesson plans for tomorrow (first day of my third quarter!), brew myself some tea, pick out my teacheriest outfit for tomorrow morning and reflect on my time at home. Being chauffeured back and forth between Spokane and Seattle by my devoted boyfriend, I was able to spend good time with friends from high school, church, college, and my family too! I got to see all of my little brothers' new video games and lego sets and was there to witness my 16 year old brother, Paul, pass his driver's test. My mom, my sister Julia, and I watched White Christmas together while sipping warm drinks (a long standing tradition). I shared a room with my 3 year old princess sister, Mary, and we bonded every morning at 8am when I helped her climb out of her crib to come cuddle with me on my futon. We talked about all manner of girl things, like princess movies, dresses and shoes, and tea parties.

After various lovely dates with friends and extended family, I ended my trip in Seattle where I was blessed enough to party from 2010 to 2011 with good friends and friends who are really pretty much family.

I remember in August when Michael dropped me off at security at Seatac for my redeye flight to the unknown midwest. I definitely cried for most of the flight and almost all of my layover. I was leaving my home and the people I loved and heading into who-knew-what. I was miserably trying to think positively, but I was so nervous and lonely in that airport.

Yesterday, I was still sad as Michael said goodbye, but this time I had a family that I was coming home to. I don't know how we did it, but our JVC St. Louis community is just like a family. I simply can't wait till Gabby, Dayna, Ryan, Chino, and Ari all get home so I can see them again and hear all about their trips home! I am also excited for tomorrow, to be with my Vincent Gray family again.

I want to take this blog post to thank all of my different families for always being there to encourage me in this endeavor. Sometimes I get so nervous and worn out that I am unsure that I have what is takes to live my dream, but you all are right there to push me back in with some gatorade and a towel. I love you all and I can't wait to share more of my JVC experiences with you all! Happy New Year!