So I am going to dedicate this post to myself and what I've learned about myself in the 6 months I've been here:
1. I am obsessed with yoga, and I feel my best when practicing. If I was living at home, I don't think I would have had the time or opportunity to strengthen my inner yogi, and I do feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so in London.
2. I finally learned the reason why people have one, consistent hairdresser {surprisingly, I never had one in Chicago}. Everyone should have a Vinny, who has travelled the world, says their hair is boring but nonetheless beautiful, and whose sister is friends with celebs {I saw pics!}.
3. No matter where I am in the world, I still melt like a popsicle when it becomes remotely warm. I'm pretty sure Europeans don't sweat or get hot, as seen by their heavy clothing on the warmest days. All the while, I am glistening and sparkling like a darn pig. And it's made worse by the fact that there is no AC anywhere, so I can't even cool off. I wish I inherited the "no sweating" gene, if that is such a thing.
4. I learned to stick up for myself. I've never been one to keep my mouth shut in general when something doesn't feel right; however, I never really felt comfortable expressing my feelings. Now, there is no stopping me. I've learned to stand up when someone is treating me unfairly because there is only one person who is going to be my number one advocate: me. Ross is a very close second and then Angel ;).
5. My family and friends mean the world to me and that's why London will never be home.
6. Walking is the best mode of transportation. I love knowing that I am doing my bit {like my British lingo here?} to help the environment {and my health}.
7. I miss teaching terribly. I really feel like this is my calling in life, and I only needed to be away from it temporarily to understand my passion for the profession.
8. In saying that, I am not an corporate person. I do not understand corporate culture or office environment and norms.
9. I wish I had learned a different language. I mean I did. I learned French. But you want to know all that I remember? Bonjour! Seriously, that's it. Hearing so many languages on a daily basis makes me wish that I had only cared more about learning a different language other than English.
10. I still don't know the difference between an immigrant and an ex-pat, but I do know that people treat you differently when they hear either word. And it's not a nice feeling. Because of that, I will always go out of my way to make an immigrant and/or an ex-pat feel at home. After all, we are all human beings.