One reason I usually avoid posting my future plans in my blog is because they change frequently. Now, this statement is more likely to be true when I am out on the road, rather than living in a fixed place. But in this circumstance, and really in general, I could not foresee the events life was about to throw at me. I made the foolish mistake of giving you a "6-month plan" in my last blog, and, not shockingly, I am currently in the process of drastically altering these plans. Thailand has been a roller coaster, but it has also been nothing less than a wonderful experience. Many things have changed in my life and in me. I have given it my all, even when it meant lowering my standards or expectations. This is not always ... read more

Last Friday, my school had a field trip to the Phuket Zoo. It is a small, run-down place, but it was still fun because the kids were so excited. We went to the crocodile show, where two trainers took turns performing stunts, including one kissing a croc and one putting his head inside the reptile's open mouth. We saw a really impressive elephant show, where these gentle creatures have been trained to do tricks such as ribbon-twirling, basketball, soccer, dancing, playing musical instruments, painting, and walking over audience volunteers without crushing them. The kids found it thrilling! Following lunch we went to a monkey show, which was cute, but the animals were not very co-operative; maybe it was just the heat. The rest of the afternoon was spent checking out the other animals and teaching the ... read more

I am way beyond late on this blog, my apologies. Now I will fill you in on the reason(s) why: In many of my last few blogs I have updated you on details about our visas and the various obstacles we have overcome to obtain the correct one. I also told you, with excitement, that I had gotten my work permit. This was a lie. It was not an intentional lie; I was under the impression that when one pays $100 for a legal document at an establishment, the employees then make sure to hand you said document and not let you walk out the door with the incorrect paperwork in your hand. My mistake. Now, I did not come to this realization until I went to the immigration office in early January to apply for ... read more

I'm a little late with this blog, sorry. The past two weeks haven't felt that exciting to us (with the exception of the weekends), so I haven't been compelled to write. Here's what you've missed: -I volunteered at the Phuket Ironman -I got my stitches out -John got sick -I got sick -We got two days off school for His Majesty the King's 85th birthday and Constitution Day -The kittens' finally opened their eyes -I got my official work permit (HOORAY!) -We broke 50 on our couchsurfers count -We hosted a mother and her three sons: This could be a whole blog in and of itself, but my mother always told me if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.... But the really fun stuff came on the weekends. Two weekends ... read more

So here we are, a week after Thanksgiving and I've been staying on schedule. I fully intended for this blog to be about our wonderful Thai version of Thanksgiving, but that all became slightly less exciting after the events that occurred this past Tuesday night. brace yourselves, it gets ugly. I am generally a cautious, careful, calculated type person. As my friends know, I am also a very safe driver, because I have a very deep-rooted sense on how dangerous motor vehicles can be. So it may come as a shock for you all to hear that on Tuesday night I was in a motorbike accident. Tuesday was a very normal day. It had poured all night, so the gray skies made it hard to get out of bed. At school, the kids were slightly bonkers ... read more