Rose baby,

I have read others comments and they say that you are not a spammer or scammer but that your stories all lead into asking for money. If this is true-please leave me alone as I have none to offer you.

If this isn't true-then you need to change your tune so that you are a real person worth chatting with.

So, please, don't waste my time by sobbing on my shoulder, I have way too many decisions to make in the next years-I want real live chats with real deal ppl and forgive me for insulting or offending you if I have.

Diana

Hello Katie and Steven,

I am so new to using this site that I see you've written but don't respond the same day while I get my bearings and...live my life now in my (new) town. sorry for that.

I look around this apt and wonder how I'll ever do it-leave it all and have nowhere to return to. It's not like this is the 1st time I've left anywhere (I've lived in 12 states and 3 foreign countries since I ws 27) and I never thought of having a home really, why now, does it seem so important? I have nothing that's so valuable that it can't be gotten again or even not gotten at all again. Like Steven, I've burned so many bridges that I want to jump at the call of ESL but hesitate too, I know it's calling more than staying but really, I'd have nowhere to come back to.

My course has been extended for 3 months cuz it was just too stressful to complete it during the hoildays-so now, as I teach locally (without a certificate)-to get more practice, I feel that as long as you 2 chat with me (and I do hope to answer each of you seperately I DO!) I hear from older ppl who are LIVING this-not just youngers who dream of traveling and seeing great places-we look at this as work and then pleasure. we have so much we can share-I can tell from just the fact that we are older and have had much life experience, no matter what it's been for each of us)-stories travel far and wide and we are living proof that we can dream and create anew :)

Keep chatting-you guys are a lifeline now.

Take care and have fun in China

Diana

Hi Diana

Thanks for your positive comment on my photo :) I currently have a house back in my home state which my son is living in and paying all the costs. I could not afford to be doing this if I had to cover the upkeep on my house. However I am enjoying this wonderful new life so much that I think once my son gets his own place I will sell up. There is really nothing for me to return to.....and as I said this new life is wonderful and making new friends along the way. I have 2 sons who I adore but they have their own lives to lead and a few flights can get me to see them for a visit!!!

I really have no idea how long I will stay in China but after that I've still got Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia... all countries I have frequently visited and would love the chance to live and immerse myself in their cultures. I truly love the Asian cultures and lifestyle so I'm guessing that this is my destiny.

Let me know if you want more info.....more than happy to share with you.....but don't want to bore you either!!!

Cheers, Katie.

I have a question for katieloudreaming and stevebudd (you read my post and commented). :) Do you maintain a permanent home in your native country or have you decided to be a traveler for the rest of your life, finding a new home and making new friends?

I have no home in my country and once i leave, that's it for me, no turning back, no family to return to either.

Please tell me your background so I can start to really 'feel' this.

Please keep sharing your stories. I need to know what's out there. I'm thinking of indonesia...BTW.

Diana

LOVE your pic Katie :)

Hey, I too am one of the "dinosaurs" that Steve refers to!!! I'm also teaching in China and hope to make this a whole new career. I'm 50 and finished raising my family so now its ME time and I'm using every opportunity to follow my dreams whereever they may lead me!!!

Cheers, Katie

Thanks Steve. I think that if I can get through with course (it's kicking my ***) then I'll see what opens up. keep me posted about your success. Is this your career? i teach now and it's needs based Hispanic students here in USA, no degree/certificate, just following the ESL teacher and using the FOG book. They are baffles at times and the book-I'm baffled some of the time.

Diana

I have a dream of helping teach many, kids mostly. I heard somewhere that at my age, it's difficult to obtain teaching positions abroad, and definitely NOT in China. They say you're done at 50. I really wanted to return to Indonesia as I lived there for 10 years and would love to go back and really get into the culture and learn form them as they learn from me.

This age thing doesn't kill my excitment but put a damper on the speed I used to complete the course. Now, I have to extend my time and finish.

WISH me luck!!