Wednesday, February 9, 2011

No Good, Rotten, Very Bad Week

Ryan and I have been thinking for the last few months that we want to move back to the U.S. We miss our families, our culture, and the opportunity to feel like we're a part of the community. I kept thinking as I learned German that once I was fluent, I would finally know what everyone was talking about. But I've come to the conclusion that while I know things about German culture, I will never understand it as an insider.

So we've been looking into options for moving back. Specifically I've been looking into Masters of Education programs at various universities. I have a handful of friends who have gotten an M.Ed. after studying another subject, and are now teaching in American public schools. After much hemming and hawing, Ryan thinks it would be easiest for him to transfer to Vancouver, Canada. So I've been chasing down email addresses and making contact at various universities. Finally this week I've gotten some answers, and they are of the French variety: "Non! Impossible!" Apparently because I don't have an undergrad in teaching, there is no possibility for me to get a masters. One school does have a one year teacher certification program, but not in the subjects I was hoping to teach. Also I might not qualify because I haven't taken any courses on Canadian history. I should have known that Canada would try to sabotage me. We've always been enemies.

On top of all that, I've been studying my @*$ off for the GREs, which I'm taking on the 18th. Monday I took a practice test: I scored 700 on my verbal section, but my math score was actually lower than the first diagnostic test I took. My score was so bad, I can't even bring myself to say it; but let's just say I think I now qualify for the "special" math class.

When I first moved to England with Ryan I had no idea what I would do for a job. At the time I narrowed it down to bar wench, historical reenactor, and American-to-English translator. Perhaps I should revive these options? I could now add to the list desperate housewife, real housewife of Vancouver, and aspiring novelist. (I think the latter just means sitting in Starbucks with a laptop and using an inflated vocabulary- right?)

So let's take a vote, what should I do with my life?