It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since we relocated from Lampang, Thailand back to Siem Reap, Cambodia. In many ways, it’s like catching up with an old friend to discover how much the both of you have changed.
The first three months were the hardest, from the startup costs, to the stress of adapting to a different environment, to the uncertainty of our what lay ahead. But after I was rehired at the same school I taught at in 2015-2018, I fell into a routine and a steady paycheck.
I’m at a point in my life where I appreciate my job. Working from home (WFH) doesn’t really work for a homebody like me. I need an excuse to get out and interact. I’m one of those strange people who enjoy my own company, but also need some social interaction. Not a lot, mind you, just enough, and teaching face to face provides that.
It also helps that my work is familiar because of my previous years there, but after having taught at three different schools since then, I have a greater perspective and appreciation for it. All of this is to say, I’m content. And for those of you who have heard me whinge about my last teaching gig, you know how significant this is.
But this time, the toxicity moved to our living situation. Our home was fine. It was our upstairs neighbor that provided the drama. I don’t really want to get into it, but it had to do with the internet. For the most part, we took advantage of this quirky space. We lived next door to our landlord and his huge extended family. Two loud dogs included! We were by the river, a bit far from town, and enjoyed the largest place we’ve ever lived in together.
But just like our Lampang experience, the landlord (and the neighbor) made a decision, so staying here became untenable. The good news is, we found a new apartment super quick and everything else has been falling into place (no pun intended) wonderfully. My husband and I try to live by the philosophy that most bad situations can be turned into positive ones if you work at it and give it a chance.
Plus, we love the idea of starting our second year here in a new neighborhood and home. I’m excited to decorate and start over! I’m also celebrating 15 years abroad. It’s hard to believe, but at the same time, so much has happened to transform my outlook and life that it feels just about right.
Hopefully, all is well and good with you, too. Happy autumn, xo
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
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