It's been nearly two years since I've written in this journal. Everyone I know that reads it I see in real life too, so it's just been unnecessary so far. However, I guess it's time for an update.

A lot of things have happened since I last posted. I graduated and went to Thailand to teach English. I liked teaching, but I would never live in Bangkok again. I've been job searching for a while but have yet to find anything. Nobody will give you a job without experience, and nobody will give you the chance for experience to get a job. It's sort of a catch 22. There are several industries I'm interested in. I've never had just one love.

I could go into the gaming industry, which would be amazing and I'd be surrounded by people I would like. Or the fashion industry. I like bridal design and I've been making costumes and gowns for years now for my own amusement. Or I'd love working with animals, although I could never be a vet. It's like being a doctor, people only come see you when they're miserable. I'd hate seeing them suffer. I could teach again, but there don't seem to be many history teacher positions open and I only have a bachelor's so I can't be a professor. If I went into business I could be a buyer so I get to deal with different people and travel all the time. I love Asian Studies, and I love all the experiences I had because of it, but it seems like my degree isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

However, the search continues and I hope to find something soon. I'd like to stay in Texas, as Chris and I both love it here. In the meantime, WEDDING! Yup, you heard me. Chris and I are finally getting married after 4 years. He's supposed to graduate the end of the summer. We're getting married at a renaissance faire and a lot of people are volunteering to dress up, which is exciting. I have been planning the whole thing alone from scratch because it's so specialized, so I have been pretty busy. Sam and Jason are getting married the weekend after ours. Depending on whether I get a job or not, and where, will dictate when Chris and I are able to go on a honeymoon. I hope he can find a teaching job like he wants wherever I end up. He's so patient.

A lot of times I find myself missing Japan. I loved living there more than anywhere I've ever been. I know Chris doesn't want to live there though, and the suicide rate would make me think twice about raising a family there. But I could probably use my Japanese in any of the industries above. I need to sign up for a tutor or some classes before I loose too much of it. There aren't many people to practice with here. I taught a little bit of it in Thailand for fun. All my brightest kids volunteered to take the class so it was pretty fun. Well, I have to get to sleep. I've got to get the animals settled down and get to bed. 'later.