Excuses, Time Sucks, and Sickness Oh My!

Before you say anything, of course I realize that I have yet to write about my trip to Thailand and I know I have been home for over 2 weeks now.  But I will share a little secret with you–I haven’t even looked through my pictures yet.  Not at all.  Not even when they downloaded to my computer. I am also supposed to be setting up a photo sharing space for everyone to share their photos.  Guess what?  Totally haven’t done that yet- I actually just did that.  Awesome, totally accomplished something.  Damn it–it wasn’t on my actual To Do list.

I am totally off topic here.  It’s almost like I forgot how this whole blogging thing works.  Well that happens when you don’t blog for 2 weeks. But really, it’s just like a bike.

Apparently not.  The past two weeks have been filled with jet-lag, more laundry that a family of 4 should ever have.  It’ become totally clear that I have a huge problem.  I buy my kids too many clothes and shoes.  Don’t even get me started on the shoes my kids have.  It’s ridiculous.  Seriously.  But admitting you have the problem is the first step right? I certainly hope so, because shoes are going to pay for the tuition.

Noah brought home a virus last week.  It knocked him out for 3 hours and his sister and I for 2 days.  Totally unfair.  We then gave it to Bill who is sick in bed today.  So, it’s been fun since I have been home from Thailand.

But, I am starting to find my groove where work and life-balance are concerned (if I keep saying it, it will totally come true).

Today is my kids 100th day of school.  To celebrate, Noah’s class had pajama day today.  So, of course, late yesterday afternoon Noah realized he wanted a pair of football pjs.  Not angry birds, batman, superman, ninjago.  So, in other words, none of the pjs we already have and that no one wears.  I caved and took him to target, because he’s been really good, to shop for more pjs that he will only wear one time.  An example of my previously stated problem.

As, I sit here and think of what else of note (okay that might be stretching it a bit) has happened this week, I should be finishing some other important task.  I have a lot of digging to finish doing from my 2 week absence.  But instead of a shovel, all I want is a glass of wine and some cheese.  Anyone with me?

 

My Clock Is All Screwed Up

Apparently my body still thinks I’m 13 hours ahead of where I actually am and it would like me to please fall asleep at my desk.

I have traveled more than 1/2 way around the world and it feels a bit weird to be in the office answering emails and knowing that when I want to go to the bathroom I won’t have to squat over a hole in the ground and have the promise of toilet paper.  Ah…the simple things.

I am also drinking real coffee.  Thailand is ripe with instant Nescafe, which works in a pinch but is no where near the perfection that is a real cup of fresh brewed coffee.  I was lucky to have a coffee shop (called Happy Drinks) next to our hotel on the university campus that made espresso drinks–so on days I really needed/wanted a good cup of coffee, I could pop next store and get an americano for $1.  I paid way more than that today at a local bakery for a great cup of coffee.

I am happy to be home, but having a hard time getting my brain awake enough to get some work done.  I will suffer through today so that I can get my body back on track, even though all I really want to do right now is go to sleep.

 

 

 

A World Away

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I don’t think this is the culprit–but today a monkey peed on me.

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On the same day, two groups of children make their own play dough. It was so amazing for me to see kindergartners in Thailand making their own play dough. It is an activity my own children engage in at their school.

Later that night, I was looking online at what my daughter had done at school and was a bit shocked to find out my daughters class made play dough in class as well. It just struck me how interconnected we really are and how all children are the same and enjoy the same things. I think my kids will find it fascinating that the kids in Thailand are just like them.

I am still processing so much of the trip. I’ll be writing about this for some time.

Another World

I am currently in Thailand. It is an amazing city. I’m not getting to see it the way I would if I were traveling with my husband, but I cannot complain. We have wonderful hosts. Today we went to the Grand Palace and it was really different from anything I have ever seen. We were fortunate to actually get to go INSIDE the palace and see the receiving rooms, reception rooms and throne room. To walk on the same carpets that Kings have walked on. It was a powerful moment and really neat to get to go where 99% of people don’t get to go.

The decision to get my PhD has offered me so many amazing twists and turns from my original life path. I am so thankful for these opportunities. We have 3 people in our group who have never traveled outside of the US and it is do great to get to experience their wonder and excitement.

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