just kinda random and mebe stoopid...

[faelaenx]

I'm currently saving up to quit my job and backpack the world for 6-12 months.  Might be a few years before I get there, but that's the plan.  (We all know how planning works out)

I plan to reduce the cost by couchsurfing, so generally accommodations will be "free".  My expenses will be food and getting around, and time, and the trip duration will be limited by funds, or if I'm done, so to speak.

I have some other short term goals, and things that I want, but really, I'm so far convinced that I want to do this, that it will really influence what I do until I get there.  

THAT sounds completely fucking awesome. i think you just inspired me. i've always wanted to travel the world =)

[faelaenx]

I am feeling a bit down though, due to all the stress of making important decisions and burning bridges behind me. I could seriously use a long vacation =)

As Drew said, mental health days. It's amazing what a day of complete selfish indulgence can do for you. It's allowed once in a while -_<

[faelaenx]

my couch is not too big but if you'd wanted to stop by i could offer it
you'd only have to fight it out with 3 cats

Heh, i wouldn't have to worry, cats absolutely adore me =)

[faelaenx]

bothering grad students in the microscopy room ... oh yeah

...still??

[faelaenx]

...courses like that Rosetta stone program.

So have you used Rosetta? Does it actually work like they advertise? i'm curious because i want to learn a few more languages. After all not all us 'mericans believe english rules the world =P

[Lexus]

I havent used (or even found) it yet, as I have been a bit busy with other things.

But from what I heard from others it really works. And judging from the way its supposed to work, I find it a rather logical way to learn a language. But yeah, everyone learns stuff in his/her own way. It might work out for you, or it might not work out at all. Guess you gotta try to know for sure.

[koggen]

So have you used Rosetta? Does it actually work like they advertise? i'm curious because i want to learn a few more languages. After all not all us 'mericans believe english rules the world =P

I'm using Rosetta to learn Russian, and I'm actually amazed at how much you pick up quickly. Sure, it's certainly a little tough in the beginning because everything is in the foreign language, and at least I had a tendency to over analyze the pictures with corresponding words that you're shown. I will definitely buy the second level when I'm finished with the first one.

[mikepowell512]

So I feel a bit tired and burned-out..I miss my friends.. :(

All the more reason to do something good for yourself today. And i hear ya regarding friends. The ones i have are my true family and without them the world makes even less sense.

..there is no more ways excepting to agree.. :) Im glad that there are people proper to be given hold by me in this forum at least.. Number of people like you is descending too fast..

May the machines.. you know what.. :)

[Drewthetexan]

I looked into Rosetta also.  I was a bit surprised at the cost at first, but once I thought about it, I'd pay 3 times as much to take it at a college or other institution - and they teach written language moreso than conversational. 

I think one's ability to learn a language is limited by time and determination.  I've had enough spanish that I should be quite good, but I don't use it, so my vocabulary sucks.  I remember most of the grammar rules, pronunciation, bad words, etc.. but then that's what was taught always (not the bad words, those just stick in your head).  There was never enough conversation.

[Leviathan]

It's a good investment.  Rosetta Stone in conjunctin with classes at American Military University taught me Arabic and is now teaching me Mandarin Chinese.  I plan on taking Farsi as well.  It works very well.  Especially if you go onto skype and make friends from those nations.  They will teach you how not to speak like a tool.

Levi

[Leviathan]

Hey Fae.  I replied to your post (to respond to other people about Rosetta Stone) without reading the first post.  I apologize for commenting on something so trivial when something like that has happened in your family.  I hope that everyone is well.  I am a very religious person, actually though I endeavor to keep it off this forum, but I trust that you will see her again. 

Kind Regards,
Levi

[Leviathan]

Hey Drew.  If you ever want to visit the CSA, particularly Georgia, I have a fully furnished spare bedroom.  Buy some beer and I will cook you Lapkas in the morning.  They are great for hangovers.

   As for my goals, I might talk about them personally with people, but not in open forum.  As some of you may know, I am majoring in Intelligence Studies (the espionage kind, not the mensa kind ;D).  So my goal is to be hired in short order by one of the major intelligence agencies in this country or INTERPOL.  Or perhaps a middle eastern nation - they pay well.  But certainly not the Saudis.  That is a paper regime and I wouldn't be surprised if I woke up tomorrow to learn that al Qaeda had overthrown it.  Their claim to the throne was a stretch so it was shaky from the start.  But I digress.  I am training to be a HUMINT specialist and that is my goal.  I worked in law enforcement, and then in nuclear security for a total of 11 years.  My last vacation was when I got out of th army and I was looking for a job.  That was about 12 years ago.  I don't care about time off.  I can rest when I am dead, and God will decide when that happens.  All I can say is when I get a job I am going to scrub my presence online entirely so when I dissappear you guys know to be happy for me.

Levi

[faelaenx]

So I feel a bit tired and burned-out..I miss my friends.. :(

All the more reason to do something good for yourself today. And i hear ya regarding friends. The ones i have are my true family and without them the world makes even less sense.

..there is no more ways excepting to agree.. :) Im glad that there are people proper to be given hold by me in this forum at least.. Number of people like you is descending too fast..

May the machines.. you know what.. :)

Thanks Mike, right back at you. =)

[faelaenx]

Hey Fae.  I replied to your post (to respond to other people about Rosetta Stone) without reading the first post.  I apologize for commenting on something so trivial when something like that has happened in your family.  I hope that everyone is well.  I am a very religious person, actually though I endeavor to keep it off this forum, but I trust that you will see her again. 

Kind Regards,
Levi

No worries Levi and thank you for the kind regards. Though i don't hold the same socio-politico-theologico-philosophical structure as you, nor any other human i've ever met, i respect it and indeed oft feel humbled by your accomplished stature. Cheers and again, thank you.

[mikepowell512]

Hey Faelaenx, you started a very nice discussion.. :)

In Slovakia isnt common CouchSurfing at all but If you would travel via northern Slovakia, I could spend a room for ya.. :P