Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged, but I have a valid reason for that. Well, perhaps not so much a reason as an excuse. Okay, there are no reasons other than the fact that I’ve been moping. I lost my camera after a trip to Koh Chang, and I’ve been too sad to update without pictures. The reason for the loss is sadly due to my own stupidity. It had rained during our trip (a downside of traveling during monsoon season), and I was trying to let my camera air out a bit. Unfortunately, I forgot to grab the camera upon exiting the bus. We called the bus and the travel company but it was gone. On the plus side, some family probably ate well for a few nights. On the downside, I’m a frickin’ moron.
Moving on…
Teaching my second graders continues to be wonderful. I love seeing them grow and learn new things. I started after school tutoring on the beginning of August, and in addition to providing supplemental income, it has allowed me to get to know some of my students on a one to one basis. I still can’t believe I’m getting paid to hang out and teach these cool little kids. I swear, I truly have the best class in the school.
For example, this week I was sick with a flu bug and missed two days of school. When I came back on Wednesday, one of my boys, Ice, came up to me and said, “Miss Julie, I missed you.” I told him that I had missed him too and that I was happy to be back. Then, at the end of the day, I was saying goodbye to my kids, and he said again that he had missed me. I again told him that I had missed him as well, and that I would see him tomorrow. He thought about it for awhile, and then came back after everyone had said goodbye, and asked me if I promised I’d be back in the morning. I told him that I’d try my very best to be there. I think my heart is still melted from that little guy.
Other new developments in my life include my now being a member of a local gym. My roommate and I joined together, and have been going there very frequently. In Cali, I never felt like a gym was really necessary. Nice, but not necessary, seeing as how I could simply step outside and go for a walk, and I wouldn’t have to pay anything in addition. Here, however, it’s a whole other ball of wax. There are people who go for walks or jogs here, but it is far from a soothing ritual where the stress of the day fades with each step. Instead, you are on uneven pavement littered with dog feces and dodging traffic and other people while you vainly attempt some semblance of a rhythm. No thank you. I joined a gym and got on that treadmill. Currently, my two favorite gym activities are jogging on the treadmill and using the rowing machine. I dream of one day having nicely toned arms that don’t jiggle when I wave.
The gym itself is very nice. It is located within one of the malls nearby and has 3 floors of equipment. On the first floor, there is a mixture of cardio and weight training equipment, but most of the floor space is designated to a lounge and a boxing ring. I had a personal trainer who taught me a few things about boxing. She kicked my butt, and I loved it! I just wish it wasn’t so expensive, otherwise I’d totally sign up for a few sessions.
Anyway, the second floor has treadmills and ellipticals. It also has stationary bikes as well as a whole cycling class area. There are machines for arms, abs, hips, thighs, etc. This is the floor where I spend most of my time. There are also 2 rooms for exercise classes, but I have yet to attempt any classes so far. I like being in charge of my own workout routine at the moment.
On the third floor, they have the women’s locker room, stretching machines, and free weights. This is also where my beloved rowing machine is. Ah, how I adore its simplicity, effectiveness, and the fact that it’s hidden by a huge mirrored pillar.
An interesting thing to note is that there are escalators to the different levels inside the gym. Hmm. Also, the women who work there tend to wear heels, unless they are a personal trainer. It is interesting to see sporty attire paired with black spike heels. If there is one thing that I have learned so far about Thailand, it is that appearances definitely matter. After taking a shower, it would be frowned upon to leave with wet hair. Seriously. Leaving the gym, women are still expected to look well put-together.
Eunice and I were able to introduce our newest roommate, Sarah, to the wonder that is a Thai gym. We were able to get her a 2 week trial pass so she can check it out for awhile. It was a lot of fun, and the first time I was able to return after being down with the flu. I probably (definitely) pushed myself a bit hard, but I don’t regret it. I blame my new workout playlist. Some of those songs made it simply impossible to only walk. I had to run, there was really no choice in the matter.
Anyway, after working out, we got in a taxi to go home. I sat up front this time, as Eunice doesn’t like the front seat and Sarah doesn’t know how to get home yet. I talked to the driver a bit, and he seemed pretty friendly. Then, when we were getting out, he suddenly leaned over and said “I like you. What’s your number?” I didn’t really know what to say, so I just mumbled “Khab khon kaa” (thank you) and shut the door. Of course the girls gave me grief about it, and it was only made worse by the fact that he loitered for a bit before leaving. I was really embarrassed. I have had taxi drivers check me out, but this was just so blatant. In fact, Eunice and I began a game where whenever one of us gets checked out by a driver, she owes the other one 1 bhat. Yes, I paid her.
As you can see, a lot of love is going on over here in Thailand. Some are just more welcome than others.
Until next time!
