I'm back

So I've looked at this blog a few times last year and thought, wow that was a dark place you were, or who was that person?  Even reading the posts two years later, I feel so removed from that person and much of that pain is gone lost to the past. :) Refreshing!   I have taken a less active roll in my spiritual development last year.  I was focusing more on career and relationships.  It was not a stand still, but a slow trickle.  I can say that this year has kicked off in full force!  It has been wonderful and challenging and much needed.

Oh yeah!

smashed teeth

I had a dream the other night that my teeth were smashed, I'm not sure exactly how this happened but this man standing next to me was involved somehow. The top row of my teeth were jagged and randomly broken. One of the teeth fell out and I searched along the ground to find it and put it in my pocket. A random thought to put it in milk crosses my mind, but at this point, it's probably pointless.

No pain, just embarrassment when I want to smile or talk. People asking and wondering why someone like me has smashed up teeth. Someone gives me a referral number to a dentist that would be open at this time of night. I hope they accept my insurance (or at least give me care and I'll deal with the cost later) or can offer me some affordable help ( I hope) I make the man who had contributed in the smashing of my teeth come with me.

He is totally unaware that he had any part in this situation. When we arrive at the clinic, I hope that he'll help or stay with me but he decides he needs a teeth cleaning and makes a walk in appointment. He waits to be called back for his cleaning. The clinic is strange and it's evening and I wonder how many people just walk into a dentist with such damage at this time of day.

I speak with the secretary about when my teeth can be repaired. I smile at something the man says, but remember the horrible appearance of my teeth and I quickly muffle my smile. I can feel the glances from the others in the waiting room. I stay strong and know I can handle this, they are just teeth and can hopefully be repaired.

The secretary informs me it will take multiple visits and I nod and watch as the man stands up and walks back to get his teeth cleaned.

Michigan

First day in was good. It's great to come back to something so familiar. Got lots of hugs from my mom. Had a party at my Aunt's w/a bunch of the family. Good times!

Trying to find comfort in Buddha

Christmas weekend in Florida. Ahhh so many emotions and realizations. It's nice to feel like I'm finally learning some of those important life lessons and really coming to terms with who I am and not compromising that. I've been trying to remember the things I've read from the Buddha and the things I learned in my Vipassana course to help me through my feelings.

Honestly I was feeling pretty sad and lonely on Friday, instead of sitting in my apt, i biked over to Wekiva Springs. I was determined to make the most of my day and commune with nature. It is definitely something I need to make a regular habit. . Of course the fact that I was going alone gave me a pang but then I remembered to appreciate myself and enjoy the ride. Most people I know would love to have some alone time. The park was pretty and the weather a nice 75'. I was thinking about how I wanted him to be there and honestly seeing the couples and families everywhere was nice and I reminded myself I'll have that some day, just not right now and I need to learn to be happy with myself. Its something I've def been wrestling with lately. Those desires have been taunting me. "Desire is the root of all suffering."

I almost went swimming in the spring but I didn't have anything to wear an my underclothes were a bit see through. I'm daring,but not that much! I will def bring a change of clothes and jump in next time. The average temp of the spring is 73'. There were also some canoes to rent. I hope to take a trip and hopefully next time I can convince someone to head over there with me.

Biked home after a couple hours of trail walking and biking around the park. Stopped and got a bottle of wine, ice cream and ordered a pizza. Watched some movies on netflix and had a nice evening relaxing. Honestly the only reason I was sad is because the day was Christmas eve. In those moments I had nothing really wrong, but once again my focus on what wasn't overwhelmed me. “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

The next day after some self reflection, a friend who taught in Korea came by to pick me up. I was def reminded how traveling and making new friends is real and happens all the time. Spent the day playing scrabble which honestly I don't' think I've ever played an entire game before in my life. It was nice to be with people and enjoy the day together. Great talks and an interesting independent film about gangs in Mexico. Of course my mind started spinning and I started thinking about how people work their emotional motivations and cultural pressures. All these basic things and cycles we go through that is our reality and individual life. what is right and wrong. ahh my mind goes all over the place. what makes our lives all so different and what we deem better and worse etc. what are we all really doing anyways? and what does it matter? "A wise man, recognizing that the world is but an illusion, does not act as if it is real, so he escapes the suffereing."

Called him when I got home and had a long talk with him and of course I was sad we didn't spend any time together and why is that? Because this day has the name Christmas and there are certain ways that things are 'supposed' to be. but why is that? He's still working every day, feeling exhausted and there I am crying about how because it's Christmas weekend things are supposed to be different. He's helping his family, working a job he hates that is physically demanding and there I am desiring things which is causing me suffering. Reasons why we are still technically broken up but yet that doesn't change our feelings. Sigh, I'm not sure how to understand it all sometimes. "There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills."

Now it's Sunday and I'm going to have me some Sunday Funday...I think I'll venture out into the world and see where it takes me!

Oh and I'm going home on Wednesday so...I'll get lots of HUGS!!

quick update

From last post update
* break up was good it helped eliminate some of the pressure we had put ourselves to make things perfect. although we are still acting like we are together. i guess a label is just a label, but i'm happy that some things changed for the better.
*didn't cut hair, waiting for spring and then we'll see. maintaining a short blonde pixie prob wouldn't fit into my life right now.
* got some furniture from the Mustard Seed! yeah soo greatful, i would have never been able to afford anything, i'm barely maintaining my normal expenses let alone getting furniture. hopefully getting a bed and kitchen table next month!
* things at job are going better. :)
* starting team service project with cities of service next month!! yeah!

Past and Present 2 months in Florida

Okay so lets recap the past 2 months I've been here.
Drove down from Michigan to Florida- did all the driving myself.
Car got towed on Orange Avenue downtown Orlando with ticket.
Found cute one bedroom that I could afford near work.
Involved in a car collision which resulted in my car being totaled-no major injuries.
Learning the bus system, it's going okay.
Broke up with boyfriend. (it was a mutual breakup)
Got library card! enjoying the Orange County Library System and still trying to go without internet at my apt.
Creating activity plan for Quest North Works.

Future plans.
Cut and dye hair for a big change and def join a gym (start working out more) That always helps the self esteem.
Bicycle or motor scooter...prob bicycle to start out with....
get furniture for apt!! Dec 11th made apt w/local charity The Mustard Seed.
Finish schedule for December with weekly outings with area D.
Join a networking site, maybe start dating again...ugh. lol
Start rosetta stone spanish? hmmm need to figure that out.
Start tutoring?
Well these are all good thoughts, not sure what I'll actually end up doing, I guess we'll see what actually happens!

Curious about the world around me.....

These weekly leadership meetings help to re inspire me. I can get caught up in the every day things and feelings. Comparing, judging myself on silly things. It's good to get back to what's important every week to keep my focus on why I came down here and what I'm doing. It's all going to come together and every week I feel like that is reinforced and I take a deep breath and let those other things fall away and refocus.
Our presentation today just made me more determined to keep my plans alive. I also felt more passionate about seeing Public Allies go to Detroit. It would be amazing to be a part of that. I believe in Detroit, my family is there, no matter how hard I try to fight it, it's my home. Don't' get me wrong, I love traveling, I love meeting new people, but as I get older and more focused on what I want out of life, making my home in Detroit just always seems like the only answer. My boyfriend mentioned to me the other day that no matter how many people I have around me he noticed that I always still feel lonely if my family isn't there, he's right. I've spend months overseas, having amazing times and loving every minute of it, but the pang of loneliness always creeps in and I miss my family.
How amazing would it be if I could have my base there and go out take others out into the world to explore! Make a better name for Detroit, show people how amazing it is!! despite the cold weather, it just makes me more determined to create a better world through that base.

I will remain curious about the world around me and learn from it! Be deliberiate with your thoughts and those things will be attracted to you.....

Life lessons

In school you learn the lesson first, then the test. In life its the test first in hopes you learn the lesson.

This quote was posted on my cousin's FB page the other day and I've been trying to learn the lessons. I've had quite a few tests lately. I'm doing okay, the support of old friends and new helping pull me out of my dark thoughts. I'm relinquishing control and realizing that maybe that is my lesson- I can't control this situation. Although I'm still always researching and brainstorming on how to fix this.... my favorite word the past couple days is "options."


Oh! just got a call that my background check is IN! I can go to work today!

I'll explain and clarify later. Checking bus routes for my trip up to Apopka.

78 degrees and sunny

Orlando is 78 degrees and sunny, lounging around, thinking back on the past 4 days.
Left for Florida on Wednesday, the drive down was long. Rain all morning through Ohio. Stopped that evening and rested at a hotel so great to lay down and stretch. Jacci was sick and throwing up, we discovered that the antibiotic that she was given was penicillin based, which she is allergic to.
Started up the next morning and I was lucky to be able to visit my sister at her new job in Charolette. I almost started crying when I saw her, it'd been so long. She looked great. I enjoyed a yummy portobello mushroom sandwich. Poor Jacci was in the car resting and feeling sick. She's stopped taking the antibiotic, but was still feeling the effects.

Made it into Orlando late Wednesday night. It was great to settle in. Staying at an extended stay hotel. A little kitchenette and basic amenities, close to the free way. Not sure where I'll be living, still exploring the area.

Thursday had to get my finger prints done and some documents notarized. Did some grocery shopping and brought in the rest of our bags. Robert, Jacci and I hung out and had fun finding the grocery store and things that were near by. Florida drivers are crazy!


First day of training on Friday went well. A morning filled with contracts and paper work. The afternoon consisted of an impromptu tour of all the Quest Locations with the other 5 people selected to serve with Quest. I'm at Quest North in Apopka. The location is new and the area is nice. It was nice to see the other locations as well. I think of all the locations I was placed at the one that fits my skills best. The center hosts a variety of projects that the clients are able to participate in. For example sorting wash cloths and hangers from Disney, making trip ticks for AAA and putting together tutoring supplies for A+ tutoring. It is great that there is work for people with different skill levels. I'll be working on designing activities for the clients that are finished with their work, don't want to work, or are physically/ mentally unable to complete the projects available.



Along with working at Quest Monday-Thursday, Friday will be filled with learning and community service projects with the other Public Allies. The other 21 participants are placed at different nonprofits around the Orlando area. We will all be participating in training through Public Allies Mon-Sat of next week.

Saturday some adventuring and exploring the Orlando area. Learned my lesson about parking on the weekend and had to get my car out of the impound lot. Luckily a shuttle driver gave us a free ride up to the lot. Ended the night meeting some new people and getting some job leads for Jacci. Also saw the end of the Vince Neil concert---girls, girls, girls.......

I'm excited about the next 10 months. It is going to be filled with lots of learning and amazing experiences. Stay tuned for up coming adventures in Orlando.

Florida bound

I recently accepted a position in Orlando, Florida. I never thought I'd move to Florida, but I'm always up for an adventure. I applied with Public Allies at a couple different locations throughout the country. Orlando called me to set up a phone interview. Something was calling me down to Orlando. I passed the phone interview and was asked to fly down to Orlando for in person interviews with the local nonprofits that were partnering with Public Allies this year.
The interviews were a quick 15 minutes and the room was full of potential allies. After interviewing all morning and then staying after to get in a couple extra interviews in, I was exhausted. The whole process was information overload. I wasn't quite sure that I really "clicked" with any of the nonprofits. Some I knew I was suited for, but honestly unsure if I was up for the challenge. Before I left I chose my top 5 and added "open to any position" at the bottom of my list. I'm very adaptable and I hopped that the right fit would just work out.

I received a rejection email that weekend and although I was bummed I tried to just keep positive. Keep myself motivated at my current job and see what would happen. I didn't give up and applied at some more nonprofits.

After a stressful week of work, the following Friday, I received a personal call from Public Allies. One of the allies turned down a position and a nonprofit was requesting me. Quest Inc I pulled out my notes and remembered speaking with them. I had put them on my top 5 but crossed them out. I know that working with physical and mental disabilities can be difficult and from my past experience working in Special Ed, I was apprehensive, but due to that experience, my understanding of special needs must have impressed them and they felt that I would be an asset to their organization. So after a nice chat with the ladies from Quest, I accepted the position. They inflated my ego by telling me that I was their first choice and when someone declined they asked right away if I was available.

Why not? It's what I had wanted a week ago, and my current job wasn't very fulfilling. I smiled and reminded myself that I had to be patient and keep the faith.

So...here I am two weeks away from driving down to Florida with y new position as a Vocational Training Coordinator for Quest Inc..... stay posted.

Day 7 Disco.....Relax....Trip back to ROK Day 8

Disco and inflatable animals…

We walk into the Disco and it is HUGE and PACKED anyone from anywhere is dancing. There are small platforms with poles, tables, steps and the floor filled with people dancing. Like I said earlier we were dressed very cute, flower dresses, minimal makeup, and sandals…. most of the girls/guys here were in their black club clothes. We like dancing so we mosey our way to a dancing spot. We are dancing and this ‘lady boy’ gets K to get up on one of the small platforms and dance. As soon as she does she/he proceeds to flip up her dress. He tried to do the same to me but I stop him. It was funny and not at the same time. We decide to move to a different area. The steps seem safe and we can look out and observer the crowd. We are up there shimming and shaking for bit when the DJ behind us starts throwing Inflatable animals into the crowd. This causes a massive amount of Thai girls to congregate facing the stairs/dj booth. They throw Barbie’s and other toys but mostly these inflatable animals. It was interesting to say the least. By this time we’ve had enough so we venture back home through Patong back to our Hotel. Ahh sleep at last.

Relax...

The next morning is pamper day. We got Thai massages (which is a small Thai woman using her whole body to give you a massage...her elbows, lets to pull your legs, it's pretty amazing there was one point when she linked my arms and aligned my back with her body weight.) We also got super cheap manicure/pedicure. A pug dog kept trying to sit on my lap the whole time. We also just sat by the beach and watched the massive waves; it was a really windy day. Our driver wasn’t coming until around 6pm. This was very relaxing and everyone was just lounging around, taking in the breeze. Watching the ocean and the sway of the palm trees. I did try to do some shopping but most of the merchandise wasn’t as nice as Phi Phi or Krabi and they were pricing things high, so I didn’t buy anything.

Trek back to the Republic of Korea

The trek home was long. Our flight from Bangkok-Beijing was delayed. 12-3am So when we finally got to Beijing at 7am we’d missed our connecting flight to Seoul. There were about 20 random teachers that needed to get back to Korea. Two planes departed for Seoul that day. Kaleena got on the 1:00 flight but I had to wait until 5:30. Everyone was upset and in a tizzy. I asked about the lounge and they agreed. We were escorted up to the China Air lounge/hotel. We were provided lunch and dinner in a comfortable area to rest. The couches and lounge chairs were so nice and comfortable. I was thankful we didn’t have to wait down in the cold air-conditioning on awkward metal seats. It was fun being in a room with all new people; we played some games and got to know each other a little bit. We also partook in the fridge of Chinese beer, pop, tea, and other snacks they provided.

When I arrived in Seoul it was 9:40….the last bus to Cheonan left at 9:30…I was very tired and upset at this point and I was adamant not to sleep on the bench of the airport till 6am, I had to work the next day. So after a couple failed attempts I managed to get a hold of an Air china rep and they agreed to give me a night in a hotel. They had a shuttle bus in the morning back to the airport where I could catch the bus to Cheonan. I definitely thanked my lucky stars knowing that someone or something was looking out for me. When I got to the hotel I kicked back and rested in a plush bed appreciating life and decompressing from the week in Thailand.

Caught the bus back to Cheonan the next morning and headed straight to work.
Ahh the life of a jet setter. ;)

Day 6 Phi-Phi island - Phuket

Early morning up and I walked to the view point. As i am trekking up the hill past hostels and locals working I take a few moments to take in the view. As i ascend the mountain the views become more and more beautiful. I can see both bays on either side of the island. A giant crescent cut into the island on my left and right. I notice a shop set up for the viewpoint. Along with some benches and flowers. A small boy no older than 1 year is standing at the edge of the open front shop on the side of the mountain grinning and waving at me. Soooo cute! I walk up and take a couple pictures. A young woman comes out and feeds the boy some breakfast. A couple cats curl up next to him and wait patiently for their helping. I watch them and then take a few more glances at the view before I head back down.

I am in the mood for more adventuring so I turn at the fork in the road away from the main beach area. There are more hostels and hotels that are usually filled during peak season. Birds in cages hang randomly. Boys pull carts with water and other supplies. Life seems simple and relaxed.

I go back to the room and pack up. Kaleena and I need to catch a ferry at 2pm over to Phuket. We check out and leave our bags at the front desk. The sun is shinning and I am sad to already be leaving Phi Phi island. We venture around and end up at another beach and opt to get some tropical cocktails to kill some time and get out of the heat. One Phi-Phi sunrise later we ask our waiter, Mow, the time. He informs us that it is 1:00. The island is small so we opt for another drink. I am feeling anxious and inquire the time again from a different waiter...he says 2! We should have known we had to be somewhere..we are having too much fun relaxing. Definately need to invest in a travel watch with an alarm...too bad i dont' really like wrist watches...i guess that's why I'm always running places...but it would have been very helpful on this trip.

We jump up pay our bill and RUN to our hotel....they tell us our bags are at the ferry. So we RUN to the port. I take the back way that i discovered earlier in hopes that we'll be able to run faster without all the people, shops and turns the other way. As we are running up to the ferry along the dock, the man from the hotel is waving us toward the boat saying "why?" "why?" we jump on the boat and they unlatch it from the dock. They were waiting for us....We find a spot in back and brave the journey to Phuket.

Phuket is not as relaxed as Phi-Phi and it is a bit of a shock. Similar to Bangkok. We get our room, which is the poorest of all of our rooms besides the first one in Bangkok...but we know we've been spoiled so far. Our stomachs start to grumble indicating a desperate need for food. I want to splurge on a nice seafood meal so we stop at the first place called Mr. Goods. I order a seafood basket and K got an entire fish. The food was delicious.... i felt happily guilty totally devouring everything...We also got some fun tropical in coconut drinks. This was our most expensive meal at ~$23 each

Phuket is supposed to be a good place to 'go out' so since we haven't done that since Bangkok we are determined. We set a wake up call with the front desk for 11pm and take a nap. We turn on the TV and the Wondergirls music video comes up. Ahhhh! Korean pop music is everywhere! Some other Thai and Japanese music videos play as well.

All dressed up we head out and walk down the street. We both feel a little too cute looking but we venture on. I see a side street and we go down it. I think it is called Patong..... It is completely lined with bars after bar after bar, there are bars inside of bars. Everything is dark and dirty. Thai girls dance on poles and taxi driver try and get us to go to a ping pong show. A man shoves a picture in my face after asking me if i want to go to the show I don't' look down but I'm pretty sure a cigarette was being smoked....you fill in the rest. Western guys walk down with a Thai girl on one arm and another Thai girl or Lady boy on the other. We spot a bar with a balcony view and head up there to observe.

After the crowd clears a bit down below we walk back down. We meet these random blokes from somewhere and then other woman tells us about a disco. We love dancing so when we find out where it is we head over there.

Disco....

Day 5 Phi Phi Island, snorkeling, kayaking, sunset

Day 5

I wake up early and head down to breakfast. I try to see how K is feeling but she is not well. I go down and have breakfast and float in the pool. After a while I go and see what K is doing. She is trying to pull it together. I really want to go snorkeling and there is an afternoon/sunset tour. We head over to the pharmacy to get her some proper meds. When in Thailand we must go snorkeling at least once!!!

We meet up with the group and head out. It is beautiful! We cruse a bit and pass this cave nestling on the edge of this island.There are all these bamboo poles holding up the structure and a couple people sitting on the platforms. I guess no one lives on this island but a few people live in these caves collecting a specific bird nest. It is exported to China and they cook it in a soup. VERY EXPENSIVE……. China still has a lot of old superstitious and ancient practices to improve health and lengthen life.

The boat stops at our snorkeling/kayaking location. It is an inlet on another island. We snorkel first. I dive right in. I love it! The fish and reef all around. So beautiful! I dive down and wave my hands at the sea life as it retracts back. I chase after a rainbow colored fish, I spot Nemo, and dive down to get a better look at a sea urchin. Kaleena is behind me observing as well. She takes some pictures of me as I dive down. This is a small slice of heaven for me...being in the ocean so weightless surrounded by hundreds of colors.

When we've had our fill of snorkeling, we hop on a kayak and paddle further into the cove and discover some small inlets. We are enjoying ourselves and relaxing until we realize the main boat is waiting for us to leave and go to the next point. We manage to sync our paddling and make it back to the boat.

All of the participants on this boat get together and walk though a cave and a path to Mayabebay (sp?). It is one of the beaches that the movie "The Beach" was filmed on. The pristine white sand and aqua blue water is breathtaking. This is the second beach I've been to where the movie was filmed (the other in Australia) but I've still never seen the actual movie. We take some pics and bask in the water.

Our ride back to Phi Phi island is calm and they give us some mixed rice for dinner. I put some spicy sauce on mine and try it, i put some more on and after I'm eating it i realize that it is FIRE in my mouth and i quickly pick the red peppers out and put it to the side. I get more rice in hopes of squelching the fire in my mouth. I drink a beer and the fire in my mouth slowly dies a little. Beware of lingering spice!

We trolled back into the harbor of Phi Phi island and watched the sun set behind the clouds. Once again breathtakingly beautiful.

Our evening is chill and we rest from our long beautiful day!

Day 4 Krabi-Phi, Phi

Day 4

I woke up early and walked down to sit by the beach for a bit. I sat there a while and just watched the ocean out from our hotel down from the main beach in Krabi, not sure of the name. There is always something so soothing and renewing about the ocean. One of the things I find most beautiful in this world, of all the places I’ve been…I love the ocean. Took a few pictures in a small hope to capture this feeling forever but knowing only experiencing it in real life is ever as fulfilling.

Went back to see if Kaleena was up and pack to check out and head over to Phi Phi Island. Kaleena is starting to experience some traveler’s sickness. I tell her I have some anti-diarrhea pills and that I’ll give them to her. As we are packing she thanks me for the pills…. that I didn’t set out. When she shows me the empty packet, it is some decongestants that must have fallen out of my bag. Needless to say she was VERY groggy and it didn’t help with her other sickness…. We waited for our driver to the ferry as she went in and out of crazy dreams.

The ferry ride over to the island was rocky, and the boat was small. Lots of locals were transporting things to the island, bikes, clothes, and other effects. We exit the ferry and find our escort to our hotel. There are no motorized vehicles on this island so he has a cart that we put our ruk sacs in. …. Okay backpacks, but I just like the sound of ruk sac…and takes us through the pathways of restaurants and shops. It really feels like a tourist beach town. The cabanas are all booked but the plus is that we get an upgrade to a bigger room. The room is comfortable and clean, a perfect place to rest.

We unpack and head down to check out the beach. Kaleena is starting to feel worse and worse, so we lay low and relax. She takes a nap and I wander around for a bit. It is beautiful. I go and drag her out of bed and make her go down to the beach. It is an inland cove. We lie there and look out at the water, boats, and local boys and traveling guys playing soccer on the newly available beach. The tide is going out and the boats sit on the sand with their anchors linked. They look lost without the water hugging their sides. Some clubs start to set up for the ‘fire shows’ I am tired from getting up so early and K is not well…so after falling asleep on the beach we go back to our room and call it a night. It’s best anyways so save us from being hung over the next day.

Day 3 jungle trekking

According to our itinerary we are to be picked up at our hotel at 7 am for elephant trekking and kayaking. We are up and ready to go get some breakfast and we sit and wait...and wait...and wait...finally we are told they'll be coming at 8:30. So a bit of exploring is in order. We walk around the hotel and discover the other hotel, that is next to us. There is this gorgeous pool that has parts that go directly up to the rooms, of course I love this because I know we aren't supposed to be there but no one is around not a single person and it's completely quite with the sun shinning and the water perfectly still...so it makes it more fun. We wade through the water and take some pics.

Our driver shows up and directs us to his car. He starts our journey. He informs us that the other two people have cancelled so this will be a private day. It will take about 2 hours to get out to the elephant camp and kayaking area. He puts on some Thai love music and we settle in, happy to be in a car relaxing to music not in a huge group of people. The scenery is amazing high cliffs and luscious green trees creating a canopy down the edges of the limestone. The small houses and people driving were quant and simple adding to the uncomplicated nature of the environment.

About an hour and a half into the drive we slow down. Our driver tells us that if the police ask us if we're his friends to say yes. It is a police stop. When it is our turn to go through the line the police officer asks him a lot of questions. Then he asks Kaleena(who is in the front seat) if he is her friend. She replies yes. I figured it had something to do with us being in an unmarked car but I wasn't sure. He ended up explaining that the police try to get extra fee's from people in unmarked cars taking tourists out. I'm not really sure about the legalities of this situation but hey we were friends for the day.

We arrive at the first stop where we will take a kayak. It was an inflatable kayak and a guide paddled down stream. We were traveling with the current so it was a leisurely ride. We saw a big frog, a boa constrictor, a big lizard(not sure of the name) along with birds and plants and such. It was so relaxing. The mountains and cliffs when straight up covered in green. In one view of the mountain there were about 100 different shades of green. I wish I could stare at it forever, took a pic so we'll see if it represents it the same. I love looking at trees.

After about an hour we got out and they took us back to where we started. A HUGE meal was waiting for us. A pineapple coated fish, chicken and pineapple salad, some wonderful soup. I wish I'd actually paddled a bit to work up more of a hunger but after getting up so early I was definitely hungry. We ended the meal with some mangosteens (a thai fruit, it was really good).

It was time for our elephant trekking. We pull up to the elephant camp. There is an area with picnic tables and we walk down a way to a structure that is elevated so it is above the elephant camp on the edge of the hill. There are a few elephants tied up with saddles on waiting for tourists. Our elephant is waiting for us. We step off the platform and get on. The elephants name was Tu Tu. I really didn't know what to expect but off we went. The first part was pretty mild just walking along...next thing I know we are going into the jungle UP a stream. Kaleena reminds me that we signed up for elephant trekking not strolling. It was fun and a little strange at the same time. I felt a bit weird having the elephant take me up this stream...but hey it was pretty cool. When we got up to the top we walked into the jungle a bit while Tu Tu got a cool down bath and drank some water.

Going down was a lil less scary than going up but equally adventurous feeling. After we made it back we purchased some bananas for Tu Tu and fed them to him. His trunk was rough and he readily gobbled the entire banana.

Our day of jungle adventuring was over and now for our two hour drive into town. We sat back and relaxed as our driver took us back to our hotel the Thai love music lulling us to sleep. No police stop on the way back.

After a good rest in the car we went out to get some dinner downtown. Kaleena did a little souvenir shopping. We ate at a little food stall and I had some great red curry. Got some beer from the 7-11 and headed down to the beach. We talked, sang some songs, looked at the stars and waded in the water. After a while we walked back to our hotel.

When we arrived at the entrance to our hotel two other guests were coming in. Their room was connected to the pool so we went down and swam for a bit. Kaleena participated in some lap races and won! We hung out for a while in the pool. I floated on my back, looking up at the stars. It was our last night in Karabi...off to bed for our next adventure to Phi Phi Island.

Day 2 Bangkok-Krabi

After staying up all night because our room was crap in Bangkok and fear of oversleeping because no alarm, we make it to the airport after Kaleena scares the living day out of our taxi driver. It was funny. She was serious about getting to the airport by 6...he drove SOOOO fast we got there at 5:30...lol . The slap happy delirium started to set in and we were a sight for sore eyes laughing eating a burger from Burger King and donuts in the airport cafe...after not sleeping it sounded like a good idea. My feet felt like they were balloons. Everything was so funny. I fell asleep on the plane and didn't wake up until an hour 1/2 later when we exited.

Arrived in Karabi and our driver was waiting for us to take us to our hotel. We pull up to this extravagant building that looks like a tourist site. Our hotel was on the side, but it was still very nice. We walk into the room and are very excited, in comparison to our last room we are in a bit of shock. White netting over the beds and a balcony. Everything is clean with beautiful tile and wood working. I thought the woman had left and I started doing jumping jacks, she walked in and laughed at my excitement.

After unpacking our things we headed downtown in a tuk tuk for some food and relaxing. The beach was to our right and soo beautiful!! Kaleena got green curry and I made the mistake of getting jungle curry...it was SOOOO spicy with weird jungle plants in it. After dinner we walked around and went down and sat by the beach. The stars were amazing. I hadn't seen that many stars in such a long time. The moon shimmered off the ocean. It was picture perfect. We sat a while and a Thai man came up and sat with us. At first I was a little apprehensive, but he just wanted to talk. He told us about his brothers, one of which was caught in the tsunami and the other who lost a leg. It was interesting listening to him but we had end the conversation after a while. We had an early morning going out to the jungle for kayaking and elephant trekking....our first night sleeping in our comfortable quite room in our clean wonderful beds.....

Thailand in 7 Days....Day 1 Bangkok

Day one of our adventure started with us lolly gagging around as we took a taxi to the bus terminal in Cheonan. We saunter up to the counter and ask for a ticket to the airport. The lady replies that there is only ONE seat left. Mind you that we are already cutting it close, the next bus would make it so that we miss our flight. After some cries of desperation and declarations or urgency with suggestions of sitting on the floor, they sold us two tickets. Luckily for some reason there was an open seat....so as my nerves settled a little bit, i sat and knew there wasn't anything i could do for two hours as the bus took us to the airport.

At the airport it felt like EVERYTHING was taking too long. Check in (no bags), security (no metal or flammable and liquids properly stored) the escalator (which I don't like) we RAN to the gate just in case and all passengers were lined up. Whew a sigh of relief as we bored the plane on our way to Beijing. Everything went fine. Drank some beer and had a snack at the airport waiting for our connecting flight to Bangkok.

We arrive in Bangkok at 1am ish. Per my usual traveling style we don't have anything planned. We pick a random hotel in the lonely planet and have our taxi driver take us to Ko San Road...which from what I've been told is the place to go. He lets us off in a dark alley along the busy street. It is about 2am at this point. We head up to the counter to get a room...she wants to charge us for two night but i am in travel mode and i am not having it, i try to get a deal and she says if we come back at 5 she'll give it to us till the next morning. So we venture off on Ko San Rd.

We are fish out of water. There are foreigners everywhere wasted. I am happy again that i am only traveling with small backpack. We walk around and get some water from the 7-11. Food carts are lined up, people are staggering around, a tuk tuk speeds down the road kicking up some glass. All in all a bunch of drunk foreigners who could care less if we were there, and the thai vendors trying to sell their food to all the drunk people. We meet up with a random guy who has his backpack and has also just arrived. Go up to an open bar and order a beer...i guess when in Rome..or however the saying goes. People watching is just amazing at this time....they try to point out all the lady boys but i am oblivious.

When the clock strikes 5 we head over to the guest house. We opt for a room with a private bath.....the total price 300 bht...which is roughly 9 dollars for the both of us. We walk into the room and....I am glad i brought a sheet to sleep on. Lets just say it wasn't much to look at, but served its purpose. There are no windows to the outside but there is a fan and a window to the hallway. We lay down for some much needed shut eye.

Noon we get some pad tai from the restaurant downstairs. it is delish! Meet up with that guy we met the night before. He wants to do some shopping so we hire a tuk tuk to take us there and to some local sights. The sights were low key and the shrines in Thailand are beautiful, the gold Buddhas and arched roofs. We end up at a tourist travel agent to see about plane tickets down to Krabi. She whips up a whole itinerary for us. I hesitate at accepting the offer b/c i usually like to just go with the flow, but considering our time and I'm not traveling alone, I agree. We take the schedule for the next days... flight to Krabi 2nights, Phi Phi island 2 nights, Phuket 1 night, flight. total$500. She upgrades our hotel because the rain has inhibited us from getting a free Thai massage. A little pricier than i expected but a grownup organized vacation could be nice. :)

We finish out the day some more sights and dinner. Our flight leaves the next morning at 7 am. We stay up all night and get a taxi to the airport at 5am. Off to Krabi for Day 2

Days drift together....

I can feel age setting in where days drift from one to the next without much variation. I wonder if i should be happy that things are so calm or restless. I've been practicing yoga for the past month. It is tough, I'll be honest. Frustrating when I can't bend my body into a pretzel, but I am determined to embrace the poses I can do and keep trying. It have done so much work on my mind that I think it's time to try and have more of a relationship with my body. I've always tried to stay in shape but also in my older years this has become more difficult. I guess with another birthday quickly approaching....time and the realization that dedication and routine are becoming more and more important in my life. I am setting a goal for myself to make yoga a regular part of my life and hopefully I'll get back into meditating again.....

I'm not a very good long term planner but I think that now that time and choices aren't as daunting, I find myself making plans and being okay with them more and more. Realizing that most things really don't matter and all you have it today and enjoy it....it's hard some days..

In an attempt to make life less drifting together.....Thailand in 3 days!! We leave Saturday afternoon and get into Bangkok around midnight. 7 days of adventure. I am sooo excited. This is the first NEW country I've been to in almost 2 years... It is definitely renewing and I am very excited. I find traveling helps me appreciate life more. The exploring, learning, the unknown....love it.

Life is good. The routine, the new hobbies, the ability to create adventure when I can. It is good to remind myself about all the wonderful things that life has to offer. It is a task to live in the now and observe what is happening while actively participating. Still searching for the balance.

Home sweet home....

My first  day home has been filled with realizing change and finding comfort in those things that haven't.  I was greeted at the airport by my dad, Cara, and baby Luke.  It's been 8 months since I've seen him so needless to say he's grown.  :) so cute and lively.  Dinner with them which included rent/property, reminders to do this, brief catch up talk, while Luke playfully threw things on the ground when he wasn't interested in eating them anymore. I'm still adjusting to this dynamic and accepting my place.  They dropped me off at my grandparents/mom's house.

I walk in the door with no knock as usual (they were expecting me, i didn't want to shock them)  grandpa sitting in his chair looked up at me with the usual 'hey! there she is!'  He looked good yet thin while sporting a sophisticated white beard and alpaca sweater.  Second looking over at my aunt jenny who is visiting sitting in the other chair. A comforting sigh that some things really don't change.   Went down to say 'hi' to my mom and she also was sitting in her usual spot but just like i was visiting for the weekend got up and hugged me, of course a longer hug than normal but after a few reassuring moments she let go happy I was really home.  Grams walked in the door finished with her volunteer shift at the hospital, so typical she never stops, gives me a hug and kiss and then has to change out of her uniform. :)  

We sat around and watched the Red wings game on TV (they lost).   They razzed me a bit about my 'future' plans asked me about North Korea, the typical questions.  Grams went to bed early, Aunt Jenny got out some Calder's ice cream, spoiling us already.  I sat there on the same couch I've sat on a million times, looked at the same wall paper and felt comforted.  

Picked up Christi late that night from the airport, the gang together again.  Grandpa mixed us up in the morning b/c he wasn't up when she got in last night. 

Smiling to myself every time I hear grandma and grandpa arguing about silly things, embracing all the moments.  Giving grandpa as many hugs and kisses as I can, watching bits of war movies, and the telethon featuring moody blues, falling asleep on the couch with the TV on, knowing that he's sitting right over there in his arm chair.  

 Although I always talk about how good change it, I am definitely comforted by all the things that are the same at 369.  

1st birthday in Korea

I attended a 1st birthday party in Korea this past weekend.  It was much different from the cake smeared present opening birthday parties I'm used to attending.  The party was held in fancy hall with a picture display of baby Sol and gifts for the guests.  When i walked in i was give a ticket number.  I was asked to choose which item I predicted she'd choose for her future. In Korea they place items in front of the baby and which ever she chooses represents her path in life.  The six items at this party were a computer mouse (for technology), string (a long life), stethoscope (medical), pencil (scholar), rice(plenty and riches),and money( wealth).   I placed my ticket number in rice b/c i figured food was essential for life.  

   

The guests walked around and ate from a lavish buffet spread.  Baby Sol was wearing a very cute white dress with a head band similar to a communion dress.  Her initial reaction to all this attention wasn't glee but frustration.  I think having all everyone stare at poke wasn't really that pleasant.  Jon and his wife wore traditional hanboks.  Later they changed baby Sol into a matching hanbok.  They stood up at the front of their friend and family and had a mini dedication for baby Sol.  This area was adorned with fruits and other decorations similar to a shrine.  Some of the family members spoke and said happy wishes for the baby's future.  

Then they put a tray with all of the items mentioned in front of her.  She chose a pencil.  The crowd clapped.  They chose a number from the people to predicted she'd choose a pencil and gave that person a gift.  The baby was given gifts but there was no opening of them and they weren't toys.  I'm not sure everything she received but i was told it is traditional practice to give the baby a gold ring (that is what my coworkers and I bought for her)

Over all a nice time, but quite extravagant for what I'm used to and not as messy or laughing.  According to the results of baby Sol's choice she will have a life of study and knowledge becoming a scholar.

Happy 1st Birthday Sol!