Global Traveler

Christmas Inspires A Search

I thought that like some other people I work with, I would go home and realize why I left in the first place. In terms of Connecticut, that is precisely what happened, but in terms of America, I was only reminded of what life is like without the extra work.

I was able to lift myself out of the digestive depression Japan has rendered upon me for the last six months and enjoy delicious meals as well as actually feel full and satisfied. This was huge.

My visit home is analagous to a long waitressing shift. The shift is Japan, long and horrible. Going home is the 5 minute break you could take to relax. If you sit down you'll never be able to get back up and finish the shift, but if you charge through, you won't know what you're missing. I don't regret the decision to go home but it does make the return to Japan that much more hideous.

Our dreams are small. We want to own furniture. We would like to not sleep on moldy mattresses on the floor. Jed would like to stand up straight and not lose chunks of his head to the short door frames. We would like to be able to read and speak. We would like to be able to eat.

I've begun the job hunt and sent my resume out to numerous places within our first 24 hours back. I've sunk into quite a slump being back but will try my hardest to make the best of it. We've decided that though we have preferences we'll take what is offered to us and work from there. If anyone knows of a company that would love to hire one of us (in the US), please tell us.

For now that is all. Happier times are on their way, in the form of Anni and Fairbanks who will spend a lovely two weeks in Japan. That will defnitely lift my spirits as will my birthday shortly after they leave. Enjoy life in the USA. Despite the crummy politics and other problems we face, it is much better than people tend to give it credit for. Especially for women.

Goodby for now. This has been an update from Miss Grumpypants.