One year almost done...

I can't believe I have almost lived here for a whole year. Well... 10 months but as we have just a week left of school... it feels like an end - only to start all over again 6 weeks later. Doesn't look like Canada is in the cards for the summer... but c'est la vie. ( I should learn how to say that in Thai)

I had a wonderful trip to the North of Thailand a few weeks ago. Went bamboo rafting...sat in some hot springs took a foot reflexology course, and a thai cooking course. All so much fun and all things I have been wanting to do since coming to Thailand. Well, the bamboo rafting wasn't exactly something I had been dying to do... but when opportunity comes your way... why not take it. And well, in 35 degree heat, who really wants to sit in a hot spring. But I did... it was hot. Not what one would call refreshing. Before anybody gets too excited... no that is not a tattoo on my arm... just the remnants of a night out at the Ting Tong bar. And I included the second picture because I thought everyone should take notice at how beautiful my carrots are.

So... a week left of school including a production tomorrow night. Stress Stress Stress... but that will soon be over. I haven't made any plans for the summer, but I am considering taking some diving lessons. Could be a lot of fun.

Anyway... that is life on this side of the globe. I will try to post more frequently, and with the exception of bragging about how cute the kids are going to be in their production... my next few posts will have nothing to do with school/teaching/children as I plan to think nothing of it for 6 weeks.

This is my life

Twinkle twinkle traffic light
On the corner shining bright.
Red means stop.
Grean means go
Amber means go very slow
Twinkle twinkle traffic light
On the corner shining bright.

Decisions, decision...

There is nothing like having to walk by the head teacher of your school several times in one day, whilst trying to avert her gaze in order to avoid making a decision. That was me until last week. The decision... to stay or not to stay? Pros, cons... lists were made. Many lists were made. I thought about every possible scenario. But how does one really make a decision to stay in a foreign land for a full year? Then again, I did it once, why not do it again. It's not so bad.
So... with much trepidation, fear and anxiety, I approached my head teacher and announced that, yes... I would stay on teaching for another year. It felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off of my shoulders. So... I made a decision and although I haven't signed my name to any piece of paper yet, it looks like I will be here for another year. Sure, I miss home. Who wouldn't? But, there is something about this place that has been good for me. I know that home is only a plane ride away. Not a big deal. Life in Thailand will be good. I will be teaching, brace yourselves now, Year 4, (grade 3) EAL, (what I am currently teaching) and music. Sounds like a lot, I know; but I made sure it wouldn't be too much. I will do what it takes. I hope to finally start a choir in the school. Something I had hoped to do this year, but it didn't seem to work out. Things are moving along. I am learning a lot. I work with a great staff who will all help me in this crazy year ahead.

I hope to be home in the summer. By home I could mean several things. I would like to go to Terrace, Vancouver, Toronto, maybe even Montreal. Toronto and Montreal may be difficult, but we shall see.

So that's the scoop from my part of the world. I am heading on vacation tonight to the north of Thailand. Then there are about 4 weeks left of school... and then 6 weeks of summer. Counting down the days.