Phase Three

I’m an introvert- that’s not debatable. When it comes down to it, I need a lot of alone time and plenty of space to think. So, for those of you who know this about me, here’s a head trip: Jon and I are moving in together. Alison is going back to the states in March, so Jon and I are starting to look for a house. He thinks I’m OCD and I think he smokes too much; he hates my pickle addiction and I wish he would stop sweating through the sheets, but I’m more than sure about doing this.
Going with the theme of change, the school year is almost over and I’ve decided to take a full-time job at the magazine, meaning I will not only be a writer, but an editor as well. Working for a travel magazine is always something I kind of fantasized about, but never thought to actually try, so I’m pretty stoked about the chance to do it- at least at this stage in my life. I’m going to miss my students like hell, but with the year ending, I feel this is a good time to try something new.
With all the changes, I’ve also decided to finally start volunteering for the Soi Dog Foundation, which takes care of the stray dogs all around Phuket. Finally, a legitimate means to feed and smother the dogs around here. Kait, Lex, you know how I am, forcing the poor dogs to spoon me while I creepily declare my love for each and every one of them. And then, of course, demanding that they love me back... 'love me, love me!'
I'm sorry I didn't post in so long, but Mom, it doesn't mean I'm dead if I don't update my blog frequently. I'm fine- happy and (somewhat) healthy- so no need to worry.
p.s. Trainie. (ahem) You.... you light up my life....you light up my days...and fill my nights with song...(No one says it how it is like that Debbie Boone).
And Little Lise, keep on trucking and come back to Phuket!

Komodo Dragon

Wandering around the island 

The Racha

 

Snakes and Dragons and Five Star Resorts

What did I do this weekend...
Jon and I had an assignment reviewing a five-star resort, The Racha. I really have no idea how we got this job, but it kicks ass nonetheless. The resort is on an island about 30 minutes from Phuket (which involves a turbulent boat ride I care not to remember) and is situated in a solitary cove. I should emphasize that when not on assignment, we spend out weekends drinking our 33 Baht beers and playing with monkeys- which is perfect for me- but no tropical resort. Our accommodations consisted of a private bungalow with two showers- one indoor and one outdoor- and just about anything we could not have anticipated. I meant to take pictures of the rooms- but typical- we messed it up before I thought to get my camera out. I did post other pictures though. http://community.webshots.com/user/absinth143
There was one downfall to this weekend, as there always is working for this magazine. Our boss, Toss, seems to love having a couple write reviews, so he takes full advantage of this by also making us the token models. 679 pictures were taken of Jon and me in the cheesiest douchebag shots imaginable. I'm talking running out of the ocean holding hands, gazing stupidly into each other's eyes... you name it. I have never felt like more of a douche in my life. It is a sad but true fact that I will be appearing on the cover of this month's issue in my bathing suit with pastey Jon- both of us looking like we are undertaking an uncomfortable colonoscopy. Oh well.... still worth it, hands down.
Other highlights include: me getting bitten by a snake (it was small, I'm fine) and seeing a Komodo Dragon up close and in the wild.
Anyway, I'm back to barfing toddlers and cheap beer. Awesome weekend, but it's good to be home.
Lauren-Roger-If I were stuck in jail, I wouldn't call Mama Murray to bail me out if you were there. I would make that shit romantic. I might ask her to bring me some peanut sauce for... you know...

Address

Quick post to let you (Lex and Kaitlin... and family) know my mailing address. This isn't for my house, it's the address of my school (which could be found online anyway, so I think the issue of revealing too much is moot).

Darasamut Phuket School
13 Moo 5, Wichit Songkram Rd
T. Wichit, A. Muang
Phuket 83000
THAILAND

Happy New Year, by the way. It's 2549 here... I guess I'm a day and 543 years ahead of you.
(Shocking, Lex, I know... but I am in fact in Thailand. Not India.)