Theresa in Thailand!

I had soooo much fun with Theresa. The week went by waaay too fast but we did a lot in a very short amount of time. We jam packed as much as we could in...not only did we sight see in Bangkok but we went to Chiang Mai, Ko Samet, and Ayutthaya. It was absolutely amazing to have her here...it was great traveling with someone who was seeing Thailand for the first time...it was cool to see things again in this perspective.
After I picked her up at the airport at midnight we headed to the bar...yes we may have had a few drinks and woooohoooo we played Euchre with Clare and Russell! YES! The next day we went to Chatachuk market (the world's largest outdoor market) and after went to Khao San Road. Very early the next morning we flew to Chiang Mai (northern Thailand). We did the usual touristy stuff...temples, massages, ate Kao Soy, night bazar, trekking, elephant riding, and white water rafting...On Wednesday, back in Bangkok, we went to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), and went to the Liverpool vs Thailand Football game! Once again, very early the next morning we jumped in a van to Ko Samet Island for two days. Lots of food, fire dancers, coin flipping, and fun was had. And Saturday we took a train and went to Ayutthaya for a morning of visiting the ancient capital which now is in ruins. When we came back we headed to Lumpini for last minute shopping. Lastly, I told Theresa she was not allowed to leave this country until she had a Thai massage...and so whats better than an hour massage??? A two hour Thai Massage!!!

Smiling

Today I was on my way to work and noticed that I was smiling....smiling yet again. I had no reason for this smile planted on my face, it was just there. And I believe that when you are a happy teacher your students are happy...and that is just what happened. I had an amazing class. I played a really fun game with them. Now yes it may have been a drinking game but shhhhh I neglected to tell them that. Now instead of drinking when they messed up I had them tell a story. After explaining the directions only a few times they got the hang of it. And we had an entire hour full of laughter. After the game, I was wishing them all good luck on their midterms and that I will see them in two weeks. And almost in unison the class waiied me. Remember that waiing is a sign of respect. It was a very touching moment for me. And I still have this smile on my face!

It's official!!

I am staying in Thailand longer. I have extended my contract and staying until March 2010. I just signed my new contract! I am so excited, relieved, and happy! Best of all...I get to miss another Chicago winter!

So this gives you more time to save your pennies and get your butt over here! Come visit me! Southeast Asia awaits you!

If you can't make it over here that's okay...I will venture home in October for a week or two. So make sure you play hookie one day and spend a day with me. Scheduling will begin soon. HAHA.


My roomie and I at the FREE wine night atop the Millennium Hilton- the views were spectacular...too bad my camera sucks.

Burger and beers!

Fourth of July in Bangkok?!? Hey its just another day here...that was until I walked into the American School of Bangkok...and Wooosh, yup, I feel like I am back home! WOW. I have not seen so many farang (Thai for "foreigners") since I left the USA. And hello red white and blue! I tagged along with the Loyola Marymount teachers/students as I was the only Depaul teacher who went to the picnic. So I bought my coupon book of food/beer tickets and immediately headed for the beer stand...American beer please...hello MGD oooh how I have missed thee...I'll take 3. hahaha. I ordered a burger and sat down with my all American meal...beer and Burger for the fourth of July...can it get any better than this? Now only if there were fireworks I would have been happier than a pig in mud!!!

And the kick ass band that played lots of oldies but goodies!! Including one of my all time favs...Mustang Sally! Where are my maracas????

A good place...

I am in a good place in my life. Thailand has been good to me. I enjoy the fact that I walk down the street and see something so simple and insignificant and it makes me smile. This makes me so happy.

However, I do have my homesick days. For instance, the other day I was having a serious missing home day! All I really wanted was time with my nieces....I wanted to make silly faces with Mary Clare, I wanted little miss Nora to tackle me like Urlacher, and as for Emerson all I wanted was to pinch her little chubby cheeks. And well once I started thinking of the munchkins and home... I started thinking about how much I really really wanted a turkey sandwich...a beer at a Cubs game...a Euchre night...a night dancing with my girls...a Carols adventure...a homemade dinner cooked by ME...a walk with my dog...and the 4th of July fireworks (MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY).

Last year I remember biking it to the Lakefront along with the million of other fools just to watch the fireworks...I swear I act my shoe size when fireworks are going off. I am going to miss that this year. At any rate, HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! Be safe and enjoy the holiday!