I am heading into my final week of the CELTA certification course this upcoming week. Last week was truly the most difficult so far. I had a really important day this past Thursday, where I implemented a Language Presentation through a Listening Text, the same method where I failed the prior week. Needless to say, I was rather nervous going into the day. I had a couple of missteps, but I passed. I felt so relieved.

Fah comes home tomorrow. It has been over a week since I last saw her. Having a girlfriend of a different nationality/background has truly had a positive impact on my personal growth. It comes as no surprise that I am an impatient individual. I have completely transitioned from one that slaved to the ideals of delayed gratification to one that has immersed himself in the pleasures of immediate satisfaction. However, in the past month, while I still have much to improve, I have been working on my patience factor, as well as sensitivity in my speech. I still have a far way to go.

Change of Pace

The ladyfriend is away this week, she is back home visiting her parents in Udon Thani. Following conferences with my tutors on Friday, I left to meet up with Fah at MK Ekamai. After a filling lunch, we came back to my place, where I dropped off my books and cleaned my studio. No, to answer all of your questions, she did not clean my studio... I cleaned my studio. She spent the afternoon reading her Powerful and Achieving Woman book. After I cleaned my studio and took a short nap, we headed out to the Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Lumpini. We shopped for a lot of small items - they've got second hand shirts (none of which fit me, of course), I bought some candles, and other various items; the ladyfriend bought a bag and other assortment of small items as well. I wanted to buy two Warhol copies, but they amounted to $80 each. Considering how long it took the lady to figure out the discount she wanted to give, on the calculator, I did not want to waste any more time in bargaining. Those copies would have fit really well in my room though - my room feels barren.

We went back to the ladyfriend's apartment, where I took a shower and passed out. I only slept for 3 hours or so, before we had to get up and head to the airport. I said my goodbyes for the week, to her and her sister, and came home to sleep some more. Unfortunately, I slept in until 11:00 or so. I decided I would take another day off, and spent the day cleaning my apartment (some more), did laundry, and ironed my clothes. The highlight of my day? I cooked 12 eggs, where I estimate that I ate approximately 8 of them, along with two bowls of instant ramen, and 2 dehydrated packaged soups. The perfect meal for a hermit. Not healthy.

This past week went by surprisingly fast. I envision the next two weeks to be the same. The time is coming around where I must test my fate, as I will need to secure a job before I can apply fo a work permit to stay in Thailand. Cross your fingers for me.

The ladyfriend and I had dinner at Beccofino the other evening. The interior decor and restaurant location are excellent. However, the ladyfriend got sick from the food. Needless to say, the restaurant does not earn a passing grade in my book.

I am superbusy this weekend - I have two assignments to complete, and I would like to plan for the remainder of the two weeks of this CELTA course. This past week passed by quickly, I wonder what the next two weeks will be like.

Hope all is well. Time to honker down.

Horrible Two Days.

I failed a homework assignment yesterday and did not teach to standard today. Needless to say, I am in the dumps a bit, professionally. I am eating at Beccofino's tonight with the ladyfriend. I'll post reviews later.

I had a fairly decent lesson today in class. I was quite pleased with my performance, although it is certain I still have much room for improvement.

After today's class, I ate at Amarin Foodhouse. This is located right next to the ChidLom stop, across the street from where I go to school. The food is below average, the interior decor is dirty and old, the bathroom has a urinal fitting for only someone that is 6'5". The only thing that was above average that I had was... the watermelon freeze shake was extremely good. But this could have been a facade, as I was super thirsty all day. Overall, this restaurant receives a D- from me.

"...to whatever degree a person commits himself or herself to the welfare of others, he or she is repaid a thousandfold by opportunities for learning and advancement. Every kind word, every smile you offer someone who might be having a bad day, comes back to you in ways you'd never expect." ~ The Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

1 Week Down

I just completed my first week of classes in the CELTA program in Bangkok. 1 week down, 3 full weeks to go. I do not foresee any problems in passing and obtaining my CELTA license. I need to manage my time accordingly, and cannot lose sight of the prize. Things have been going very well, as of late... Thank you all for the well-wishes. I appreciate it.

I would like to say that I love Siam Paragon. This past Thursday, September 11th, was the Ladyfriend's 21st birthday. We did not do much that night because we both had class on Friday. On Friday night, we went out to dinner at Nanohana Osaka in ThongLor Soi 15, where her sister, her bestfriend, LF, and I had a private room. Speaking of which, I have a goal to eat out every night and try out the best restaurants in town. I will be sure to post reviews accordingly. The service at Nanohana was amazing - they waited on us hand and feet. The food decor was original and above par. The food was not as exciting, but passing. Overall, I would give this place a B-; the location away from the main road is unfortunate.

We were tipsy, and from the facebook pictures, I had to take a timeout before we could continue. To be exact, I took 2 chunder bathroom breaks and the infamous Jeff Chen nap (at 8:30 pm), before moving on to our second destination. The second place was okay, a bit loud for my standards. I did not drink at this point, as enough was enough - ain't my birthday. On Saturday, the ladyfriend and I relaxed, she took me to this annual banquet held by the company which she purchased life/health insurance for her parents. There, we saw a former Ms. Thailand. That was pretty cool. She slept in the afternoon/early evening while I cleaned my apartment, ironed my shirts, and did my laundry. Saturday evening, we headed to Siam Paragon to watch Boys Over Flowers: Final; yes, a Japanese "Chick Flic". The movie started at 8:35, and we did not get out till a bit past 11PM (I chose the VIP couches in the back, so dozin off once or twice during the movie was not personally detrimental in any shape or fashion). The Italian restaurants downstairs were already closed, so we ventured out to the local Thai restaurants on the other side of town. "Super-PHet" is a term that one will often hear a foreigner use when consuming Thai food. It was super spicy last night.

I am having trouble focusing right now. I have a homework assignment to complete, and I have to plan for tomorrow's lesson. Ahh yes, Sundays are great for frolicking in the acidic rains of Bangkok, Thailand.

Latest View:
Boys Over Flowers: Final (2008)

Thank You, Sen

Sensen has spent close to the past two weeks with me in Thailand. He accompanied me to visit the ladyfriend's village, he has helped me moved in, and most importantly he has been there for me to listen to my thoughts while I have been happy or in emotional discomfort. I can't say 'Thank You' enough for him to take the time to be in the Land of Smiles with me. Thank You.

Things have been pretty solid. I started classes yesterday. To be a student and teach again all at the same time has been a refreshing experience. I am 4 months rusty, and yesterday's lesson was evidence of my tragic downfall. I shall work hard to improve. This will be difficult, as teaching grammar isn't a strong point for me - my grammar is suffering.

I shall post from time to time, but do not expect daily updates, gossip, or pictures.

Latest Viewings:
The Deaths of Ian Stone (2008)
Bangkok Dangerous (2008)