AS I have been getting fairly regular death threat emails from my mother concerning my lack of blog activity I suppose I should begin posting again, so here goes.
MY life
I am moving to Germany to be with Ayuko at the beginning of April and will be there for three months. Initially I was going to look for work there as an English teacher or whatever else offered itself, but after extensive research by both of us that seems to be a fairly dead end path. English teachers are all required to speak some German and there is very little full time work with teachers instead working several contract jobs at the same time. Coupled with this are the very high German taxes which would take away anywhere from 50-70% of the money I did make as a non EU citizen. Thus we have both decided it is not worth the trouble. So instead I will have a nice little vacation in Europe with Ayuko and enjoy my time sightseeing and traveling to other cities. I have always wanted to visit Europe and this gives me the perfect chance.
THIS may seem like a fairly poor decision at a time with such economic upheaval the world over, but that is something I have factored in as well. Recently I secured a three year work visa for Japan which means that I can easily be rehired by my company in August if I so desire. Along with this I am interviewing to teach in Taiwan and Korea as well, so I will have some choice as to where I go. Currently I am rather torn as Japan would be easy to return to and offers the best money, but I am tired of teaching in the public school system and want some sort of change. However that is a decision that I don't need to make at this exact moment, so I am just keeping as many options open as I can.
LASTLY I suppose I should mention that Ayuko and I are planning to get engaged during my time in Europe. I say this now so there are hopefully no heart attacks when the news actually breaks. We have been dating for almost two years now and have weathered more difficult situations than many couples may face in the first twenty years together. The fact that our love has remained strong throughout all of our trevails and has continued to grow daily is not something that escapes either of us. So omedeto to me I suppose. That means congratulations. Duh.
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8 comments:
Congrats about the engagement. And congrats about the blogging again. It's good to finally have you back in the blogging world...it's a lot funnier now. Dude there is so much to see in Germany that will be so cool. All of the big composers lived there and there are tons of museums and stuff there so you should check that out! Also there are a ton of awesome music stores there (according to one of my music teachers) so yeah...maybe get me a baton....or somethin ya know
Well, I'm glad that motherly guilt and threats still work - even long distance!! I have known about your engagement plans and I am so happy for you both. Ayuko seems a wonderful young woman and of course, I think she is getting a prize as well!! We will be anxious to meet her and look forward to welcoming her into our family. A vacation sounds lovely to me and my advice is to do it now while you have no commitments and have only yourself to be responsible for. I know that the Nova experience taught you much about money and jobs and the joy of having both. That said, Papa was always a great one to tell us "not to burn our bridges", as in get a new job before quitting your old one. So, while Japan may seem boring, you did indicate that your company would hire you back. Am not sure what the job situation is in Taiwan or Korea....
Mostly, Chris, I want you to be happy in your life. I am thrilled that you have found someone you want to share that life with. I am here (with guilt, threats, support and much love) for you always.
love you lots and yes, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!j
Wowza! Congrats! That's really cool that you're getting engaged! Ayuko does seem very nice but before the family meets her we'll have to have a seminar or something on how to pronounce her name :) I really am super happy for you and super jealous that you get to take a 3-month vacation in Europe! Mom is right, take advantage of being young and free! I'm sure we'll talk soon and I love you infinity times infinity!
Marybell
Hi Chris, I how you and Ayuko have been planning this for awhile and committing to that plan is the true decision. Congratulations to the two of you and we are anxious to see both of you and meet our future daughter-in-law. This is the next step for you and Ayuko as adults. I agree with you as far as seeing Europe at this time it is a unique opportunity. If you are thinking about getting a Masters in Japanese then going back to Japan to work is the best choice in my humble opinion. You have a better perspective then I do on this subject. I agree with you on becoming much much better in managing your finances. I am very proud of you and Ayuko for persevering through all of the stumbling blocks you have encountered during your short relationship. Love Dad
Yo fool. Congratulations on the engagement to Chris and to Ayuko I have to offer my condolences that you'll have to put up with Chris once he turns senile in a couple of years. Europe should be amazing to travel around and you should start looking for my Christmas present while you're there since it seems to take about nine months planning to get the gifts sent off. Anyways I'm excited to have Ayuko join the family and meet everyone so we can tell her all of the embarrassing stories about you of which there are many. It seems that we're all getting older and that is a weird thing.
Love,
Matt
well obviously i'm a bad sibling considering i'm the only one besides joey who hasn't written. nonetheless, congratulations. how very exciting that you are getting engaged! weird....but exciting. i wonder if we predicted that you would be the first one married when we were younger? i'm super jealous that you get to chill in europe for three months...i suppose you've earned it though. anyways, good work-do you have any idea what an amazing example you're setting for the rest of us?
love you lots.
Chris...you're young, in love, and the world is your oyster ! Dive in and enjoy as much as you can. I am thrilled that Ayuko will be joining the masses. (fyi...travail is a french word, meaning work,and is spelled with an "a").Love, Your french-speaking (used to be anyway) aunt.
Yay Chris! We are so excited for you... we figured it was coming! :o) Can't wait to have you back in the states eventually and of course to meet Ayuko!
Your long lost friends,
Will & Kari
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