In it for reals, yo.

I just finished writing this epic entry that was worthy of the Bloggers Choice Award.  Then, sadly, I did SOMETHING, and now it's.....no more.  So it goes.

Okay, well, it's Friday.  And that can't be erased unless I heedlessly pollute myself with a case of Chang.  Satisfactorily, I've made that previously unspeakable switch to Leo.  Sipping one right now in fact.  Not the memory erasing affect that Changs potential tends to be, and the flavor seems to grow on you.  I never thought I'd be admitting it but there.  So that's that.

I'm putting into motion a little Bangkok get-a-way for the weekend.  Haven't been there this trip and I'm actually looking forward to it.  Not BKK necessarily but getting away; a change of scene.  This is the end of the fourth full week and you know what, I'm a little tired.  I mean, yeah, I'm teaching in Thailand - how hard can that really be?  Reality check - if you're at all serious about what you do, teaching is teaching and it ain't easy.  Love the kids, all 980 of them, but damn, a week of it and I'm feeling the affects.  So there's that.

the morning flag raising ceremony

just a few cool students

All in all, there's nothing to complain about, the trick is finding your groove.  I'm not saying I've found it, but I am feeling my way into it.  Learning the system of what works and what doesn't for which classes and how to handle the varying students.  How to go about making a good lesson plan, worksheets and delivering it effectively.  It's trial by fire, but luckily the wounds heal fast around here.  My habitat at school is coming together and so is the one at home.  I've acquired necessary furnishings to begin painting (perhaps once I'm done tickling the keys and kill this lion), made a connection to motivate me for some new art and arranged my furniture so the weather can't slow my practice down.

my Ayuttaya art lesson

songtow - converted pick-up/open aired public transport

Funny.  I've been here for almost three months now.  I'm comfortable hanging on the back of a songtow for a 30 minute commute;  keeping a smile while bartering at the market; counting to 999 in Thai; and making elevator small talk (limited to the following topics: the weather & lunch), but for the life of me, I can't seem to ever order what I want and get it.  Example.  Just the other night I ordered some soup and I asked for a side of rice.  What I get, my soup - the broth in one bowl and the girth of it in the another.  I try again, this time I get a whole other plate with rice and a healthy portion of sliced pork and veggies on top.  Mmmm...unnecessarily dee-lish.

Cucumber, Ajarn Helen, Sweetpea, Ajarn Tao, Ajarn Mike and me.. Ayottaya Floating Market

Again, nothing to complain about, just...well, I love Thailand. It's remind me of home. The more I stay, the less I understand ;)

Alright folks.  Hope all are well back in the States and elsewhere.  Stay tuned for some video footage of what life is like around here....

Peace.

keep your eyes open

fresh art