Transition

So I know I am back, but I wanted to write at least one post about the transition back to America and, of course, the trip over. So while I am snuggled under four blankets in this under 40 degree weather, let me do that.

The trip over was.......long and for the most part uneventful. I left Thailand at midnight, which was a surprisingly busy time at the airport. And the day I left I went to an art museum which was super fun. But back to the airport. I waited in a number of lines and it took me the longest time at customs because they didn't want to let me out. The customs man couldn't find my last visa stamp, because the last visa guy put it in the very back  and every time I tried to show him, he growled at me to get behind the desk (which I could barely see over). But finally after telling him three times that no, I'm not coming back, did he finally let me through.

On the plane to Korea someone tried to bring durian and the flight attendant was sooo not pleased and took it from her (durian smells really bad in case you didn't know.) Then I got to Korea and found myself listening to the loudest possible music on my tablet in order to stay awake for my two hour layover. I managed to stay awake but it was rough. Observing a large group of UGA students who were loudly discussing their one week trip in Korea helped. No I didn't talk to them, they just spouted their business loudly and obnoxiously.

So then I got on my 14.5 hour flight back to America. It actually was not that bad. Yeah there was a good bit of turbulence and I only slept three hours, but I watched the second Hobbit movie, Frozen and almost a whole season of Suits. The plane meals I had were really good and the passengers I were sitting beside didn't talk to me much.

When I got to America it took me an hour to walk all the way from my gate to the customs area and get through there. I know the customs lady wanted to talk to me, but I really wanted to get my bags and get out of that airport. So when she finally asked, "Wow, one year away. Did you visit America at all during that time?" I replied with, "No, which is why I want to hurry out of here." She finally let me go after that. My luggage then arrived safe and sound and I was outta there!

My first meal was Mexican, second meal was boneless wings, third was sushi and fourth was potato soup and broccoli cheese casserole. There also might have been an awesome green velvet cupcake in there in celebration of St. Patty's day. I have not been able to finish a meal yet. Like not even remotely finish because the portions are so big. And everything is so big and sooooo loud!! I nearly plugged my ears at the Mexican restaurant it was so loud. Oh and I am also readjusting to the fact that I am super short once again. *sigh*

So I have been and am continuing to visit friends and family. I get to tell stories, answer questions, disperse Thailand gifts and pretty much stay in a continual hug. Remember, hugs are not a thing in Thailand, so I have a year of them to make up for. And my unbiological sister took me shopping for my coming home gift. This included drinking chai in a bookstore, which made me a wonderful person to be around. Book smell and the most delicious drink on the planet all in one? Yes please.

I also visited my old University and met up with some of my professors. I think I have finally come up with an appropriate response to the question, "How was Thailand?" And yes, I am going to make you ask me before I answer.

I still find that my University campus is beautiful even despite the dreary weather. It was nice to visit the old buildings and I didn't feel a sense of loss, just completion. It seems so long ago, really. More like visiting an old, happy memory. And my professors gave me fantastic advice and tips. My Chemistry professors want to assist me in finding a job and my old Great Books professor and I talked for over an hour about processing Thailand and about teaching in American private schools (because he used to do that before he became a University professor).

Right now I have sent out many applications and have one interview scheduled and a number of emails requesting more information. And I still have a decent sized list of applications to complete. I have applied to some pretty amazing private schools around the country and have learned a lot already about the different types of private schools that exist. At least right now I am pretty confident about my job search, especially since I started looking for a job exactly two weeks ago. The interview I have scheduled has me pretty excited because they were interested in me a year ago and got back to me within 24 hours of when I contacted them. So here's to hoping.

I still have more family and friends to meet with and my goal for this morning is to find clothes in my old boxes. It is a tad bit chilly here and my Thailand clothes are not exactly helpful. I know I have once again written you a book, but well, at least that hasn't changed so you shouldn't be surprised. I'm not sure if I will write any more posts on this blog or not. We'll see after I've been in America more than 48 hours. Alright, bye all.