Shout Out to My Main Man

Any man can be a father, it takes someone special to be a dad. 

I always gush about my family because frankly I find them to be the best that I have ever hard. I especially consider my dad to be one of the biggest rock-stars that I know. Here is why.

• He is absolutely selfless. He puts his needs last and never considers his wants. He provides so much service for others. From mowing lawns, to fixing cars, to mending roofs, he helps others in need with without them asking. 
• He is hardworking. Hardworking is an understatement. He does not haven off button. 
• He is a leader. He can naturally guide people in an amazing way. He is able to teach and guide while providing an example. 
• He is cheesy. From song lyrics to awful jokes. It never stops. 
• He is supportive. There has never been one thing in my life that I have had to do alone. I can always count on the support of my dad if it's a play that I'm in to a paper that I am writing. He cares what my hopes are, knows what my dreams are, and cheers me on when I don't think I can do either. 

Today is his birthday. I would have bought him a present but I probably would have needed to borrow his own money to do so. So this is my present to you dad! A public announcement! I'll be home soon and we will celebrate then by going to sonic for happy hour but until then know that I miss you but love you that much more! 

ABC Christmas Movies

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."

 -Calvin Coolidge

Christmas is such a big deal that the world changes just because of it. People break out specific decorations, radio stations play specific music, there are even specific movies for this holiday. I particularly love watching the horrible, cheesy, ridiculous Hallmark/ABC Family movies that air the entire month. Anyone else with me? 

Sunday I found a great one on Netflix and started watching it. It was SOOOO good that a couple of my roommates watched it with me. At the end when Michelle found out that it wasn't on TV, but chosen from the plethora of Netflix movies she wasn't a happy camper. "You mean, we watched this on our own free will?"

This statement made me laugh, especially because we've been taught to be such smart consumers of the media lately. I watched the movie because of personal preference (as horrible as my preference may have been). Michelle would have watched the movie because it was on a television station. Do we let what is offered to us control what we watch? We always have free will to turn it off or even find something else but how often do we get trapt into watching something because it happens to be on?

Dang it.

So I have around 6 unpublished post. Whoops. I'm working on figuring out when I wrote them to get them right.

In the mean time, enjoy this clip.

Christmas Music

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

-Buddy the Elf

Growing up I was always against my mother breaking out her Christmas music until AFTER Thanksgiving. Always. But it is becoming more apparent as I get older how much like my mother that I am. I may or may not have busted out of my Spotify Christmas playlist last week and don't even regret it. The snow was falling and hot chocolate was made, of course it was appropriate to listen to Christmas music. 

Plus I'll be honest this Christmas is going to mean I'll be home for three weeks with family and friends, one semester away from graduating, and so many other good things. Hurry Christmas, hurry fast. 

Blogging

"Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia."

-E.L. Doctorow

We had a quest speaker this week that is the ideal of a "Mormon Mommy Blogger." This term cracks me up because it is so true. When this concept blew up in the news awhile back it made me laugh. My non-member sister-in-law even brought it up to me. She finds our LDS culture of house wives fascinating. I guess the concept of living a iconic life at home raising kids, making dinner, and cleaning house is somewhat of a fascinating concept. I've had a blog for a few years now. I even had a Xanga back in the day. There is just something rewarding about posting your personal thoughts on the internet for millions of people to potentially read them. (Hm. Let me think on that.) So why do we blog? I have no idea. I have the excuse that I need to do it for points for Dr. Coyne's class but what about when I'm doing it for fun?

Regardless of my hesitation or my lack of understanding here are a few of my favorite blogs to read. From people, to crafts, to movements, there is a whole world of literature out there for us to read.

Roommates 

Post Secret

Kelle Hampton

Wedding Ideas

Tanner

Derick

Rachel

And I just today found this guy's. I have no idea who he is but the fact that he posted all those pictures of my beautiful home state and talked about how wonderful it makes me so glad that it is only 16 days until I come home. 

Brigham and the GPS

"Stand still. The trees and bushes beside you are not lost."

-Albert Einstein 

I started my Monday morning out exactly how everyone hopes. Lost. I had to go to Payson for a yet another doctor's appointment. I was semi-responsible and looked up directions the night before while planning on leaving early enough to give me some wiggle room. I arrived in Payson without a hitch but ended up driving around the supposed location of the office for about 20 minutes without being able to find it. 

I had to call the clinic multiple times until someone picked up and was able to let me know that they had recently changed locations. (Thanks for nothing Google.)  For the first time this morning I was grateful for Brigham Young's grid system in Utah towns. It made finding where I was suppose to be so much easier. 

As far as technology goes I love being up to look up locations on my phone, plug them in, and getting step by step directions on how to get there. However sometimes technology fails us and we have to go back to the basics. So this one is for you Brigham. 

Spread the Word

"Don't let the low standards and expectations of the world and others cause you to aim beneath your nobility and ability-- dream big! What I know and have learned is that anything worth doing is not easy and that we can do anything that is not easy if we believe."

-Elaine S. Dalton 

Please read this heart felt message written by an amazing individual.

I like Ann. I have nothing against her, nor do I think that the writer did. This issue is just something close to my heart because of my background working with those with special needs. I've blogged about it before but anyone that spends just a few moments with these individuals can feel how special they are. Each time I hear someone use the "R" word I cringe. I know that it is hardly ever being used with deep, hateful, thought against someone with special needs, however to those individuals it hurts. To those of us who love these individuals, it hurts. 

There is a great campaign that is doing a great job making people more aware of their word choice. To help make a difference go to their website and make a pledge to do you best to spread the word to end the word. 

http://www.r-word.org/

The media is being used here in a powerful way. As I share this message and as you share this message we are making small changes. We are using the media in a powerful way to change perceptions and knowledge and understanding. That is pretty powerful. And I think I like it. 

To my home girl...

"Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body." -Oliver Wendell House 

I woke up this morning with one new Facebook notification (no, that isn't the exciting part.) This notification was from my BFF Devaun linking me to our other BFF Taylor's new album being out.

I try to be grown up but when T-Swift bust out the guitar singing silly love/hate songs about ex's you can't help but sing along despite your maturity level. For all your 22 year old girls listen to this song and I double dog dare you to not dance in your living room singing into your wii remotes. Double. Dog. Dare.

You can do what now?

"I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it." -Ann Dibb, 2012 October Conference 

So this weekend was a big Mormon fun day. We stay in our PJs, turn on the TV, and spend our weekend listening to leaders in our church give us guidance and direction.

Saturday an announcement was made in which the age for LDS missionaries was changed. Previously young men were called to serve at the age of 19 and young women were called at 21. Headlines broke when President Thomas S. Monson told us that now young men could leave as early as 18, while young women can now leave at the age of 19.

Immediately after the announcement all sorts of social media went crazy.

From memes, to tweets, to post on my news feed even if you weren't watching the conference you heard the news. I had to laugh just because of my more recent awareness of how the media impacts my life. I also heard that during the weekend that #ldsconf was trending on twitter. (For those of you who don't use twitter that's a big deal. It means Mormons are finally popular/tech savy.)

Let the rock roll on and keep those cheesy memes coming. 

Mormon Messages

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers  and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good." 

-Doctrine and Covenants 122:7 

This is a perfect use of media.

Like Me!

"The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual." 

-Vince Lambardi

I am in charge of advertising for SFLSA (School of Family Life Student Organization). Lately we have been promoting our opening social event and membership to the club. So this is my shout out to be part of the SFLSA.

So join. Get a t-shirt. Be a cool kid. Change the world.

Also like us on Facebook. 

The Simple Things

"brittainy, I know my face is blank and emotionless from my job, but inside I am like a warm mug of hot chocolate with pumpkin pie on the side with plenty of whipped cream." -Ben Thompson

I spend 20 hours a week working a job on campus that forces me to work on a computer. While I am grateful for the job, it at many moments becomes extremely redundant and let's face it- boring. I listen to music, books, and youtube videos to help the time pass. 

If that doesn't keep me entertained then there is gchatting with Ben. Ben could possibly be one of the coolest kids around. 

Thanks gmail for creating an easy way to instant message. You make my on campus job easier to get through. And Ben. Ben makes it easier too. 

Yes. Yes. Yes. Ok. Come here.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

-Buddha

Thailand was nothing like I expected but everything I could have asked for. From the people I got to know to the new experiences that I had. I left a different person than when I went. Words can tell how grateful I am that I got to have this experience. On a much lighter note, here are the top 50 things I learned during my adventure 

50. White rice tastes better with soy sauce if being consumed three times a day.
49. Always ask to turn the meter on in Bangkok taxis. (Quickly leave if driver is non-compliant)
48. Same same can always mean different.
47. Squatter toilets are difficult to use.
46. Toilet paper is not typically used in Thailand.
45. Koy Soy is alloy mak.
44. If a Thai claims it is not spicy then it is.

43. Who John Denver is.
42. Just because someone speaks English, doesn't mean they are speaking the same language.
41. Never pet a wild monkey.
40. Don't cliff dive in low tide.
39. The meaning of "cheeky"
38. 15 people fit into the back of any truck

37. How to count to 10 in Thai
36. Don't point your feet at Buddha
35. The King's color is yellow.
34. There is a man in the Chaing Rai LDS church who has a broken brain.
33. Never take the night bus from Bangkok to Krabi.
32. There is a bathroom on the bus thought by the way.

31. Ostriches are stronger than they look.
30. Crickets taste like popcorn- with legs
29. The people movers in BKK don't take lightly to being used in the wrong direction.
28. "Wheely" bags are not backpacker friendly.
27. How to find the best hostels in Northern Thailand.
26. You can't touch monks
25. I love Koy Soy
24. How to dehead a fish
23. I love iMessaging
22. You can be a Mormon in Thailand
21. I'm not the best at balancing motorbikes. (Sorry Sarah)
20. Thai is a tonal language therefore "Ba" has multiple meanings. (throw, forest, uncle, dad, & creepy old man.)
19. How to dance in the night market in Chiang Rai
18. I became a better bargainer.
17. If a Thai won't do it, you shouldn't either
16. Sleeping wrapped in mosquito nets defeats their purpose
15. I will never enjoy having to use a squatter.
14. How to say "I love to walk my dog" in French.
13. Sunya is a sweetheart that loves him some white girls.
12. 18:35 in military time is actually 6:35 pm.
11. Market fruit smoothies are the best
10. There is a distinct difference between a local market and a tourist market.

 9. Jet lag is my worst enemy
 8. Bangkok is sketchy
 7. Never trust Kris to hold a Thai man's hand.
 6. Teenage boys are teenage boys, monks or no monks
 5. Things can the same same, but different
 4. I love my family
 3. The world is a big place
 2. I'm extremely grateful for the gospel
 1. I can do hard things.

Apple

I'll admit it. I'm all about a good apple product. I've had an iphone since the orginally. I've always upgraded with no hesitation. So what about the new Iphone?

It's as the Thais would say "Same same but different." To be honest I haven't even heard a ton about it. I'm focusing more on Adolescent Development now-a-days than I am retina displays.

I guess what I've been thinking about is what is wrong with the Iphone 4s? We always want new, better, and the best. Faster processing, more megapixels, and fascinating apps. Apple has turned me into a technology junkie.

Will I get the newer one? Probably one. One day. When my phone dies, I lose it, or I actually can afford to upgrade. Until now I'll have to deal with my outdated, but still amazing, Iphone 4.

23

When I woke up this morning I had 23 emails.

That is about 18 more than what I would have liked. The worse part is that the majority of those emails were junk emails from Groupon to Urban Outfitters they all had amazing deals to offer me.

Luckily I am able to separate my junk mail pretty well using two different email addresses. Anytime I sign up for something I use a junky one I've had since I was 12 years old. I have my "good" email address for thinsg I actually might possibly need to read.

So this reminds me of my canary post. What the heck is all this junk doing bombarding me daily? Think of all the things deleting those extra 18 emails keeps me from doing in the mornings. Little things like scripture study, prayers, and even actually blow drying my hair could all happen if only I wasn't trying to free up my inbox.

My goal for the week is to fix my inbox to be less cluttered. Thanks media blog. You are keeping me on my feet. :)

The Canary Theory

For one of my classes that I am taking I'm reading a book entitled Raising Children in a Socially Toxic Environment. While the book is a pretty big downer, it gave an analogy that I found amazingily insightful.

During the 1950's coal miners would take Canaries in a cage with them down into the mine. These canaries would sing but canaries are particularly vulnerable to toxins such as methane. If toxin levels in the mine grew to a dangerous level, the canaries would die and the miners would then know to it was no longer safe.

Besides the point that this is brilliant on the miner's part I couldn't help but understand the beauty of the analogy.

What is your canary and has it stopped singing? 

FaceTime

Post #2

I remember watching some teenage show about a girl living in the future that lived in a space station. On her space station they could video call people. I thought that was the CRAZIEST concept I had ever heard of. Mind you at the time a cell phone was as big as a brick and you were super cool if you had more than one phone line in your house.

Now I can literally use my phone to video call my parents in Arkansas or even friends in England. It is so cool that I can see the new improvements my dad made to our kitchen or my mom's latest craft project. It helps me feel more connected to those I love who are so far away. I had an assignment in which I had to interview my family and the media made it so much easy. Think about the planning I would have to use if I were to have had the same assignment 20 years ago. My procrastination problem would have made it almost impossible.

Moral of the story? Technology rocks. 

Cable TV

(Disclaimer- for those of you who read my blog regularly ((AKA- my mom & Devaun)) for one of my classes this semester I am required to blog twice a week about the media. So here it goes.)

Last year our house decided against purchasing cable because we didn't want to spend the extra cash on it. This year Devaun got a sweet deal and signed us up so watch now we can stay connected to our favorite shows. It is funny to think about how excited we are that we can watch fake people's lives unfold every Tuesday at 7:00pm but for whatever reason, the media helps us relate to different people in many ways.

So far the only time I've spent watching it was the day I moved in. We took a break from unpacking boxes to eat Slab pizza and watch Bring it On on HBO. Can you say typical single college girls or what?

Bangkok Day One of Two

All I can say is now I know why they call it Bangkok.

We were dropped off at 5:10 am on a random rode in what we hoped to be Bangkok. A little drowsy and a lot of confused, we just followed to crowed down a dark alley way to end up on the infamous Ko Shan Road. Shockingly enough there were still gaggles of partiers sprinkled throughout the littered street and we were lucky enough to find a our hotel just down the road.

For the first time since arriving in Thailand we decided to stay in a proper hotel. The kind with private bathrooms, locks on doors, and beds with sheets. Since it was 5:23 am at this point we basically sat in the lobby of the "Dang Derm Authentic Thai Hotel" until it was light outside and then set out on a adventure.

Luckily enough we stumbled into a travel agency that offered us a great deal to take us to all the major tourist spots and included lunch. We signd up. Traveling in Bangkok is a little sketchy and most of the time you can't trust taxi drivers along the roads. They are notorious for taking you to the wrong location or charging you astronomical amounts so having private transportation for the day was a huge relief.

Mr. Mike and P' Millie made sure we had a great day along with our new Korean friends. We were able to see some amazing sights in Bangkok.

The Grand Palace:
The name is pretty self explanatory but it is where the King lives. He is a sacred symbol here in Thailand and is admired in Thailand more so than Buddha (which is saying something). His campus holds multiple buildings, temples, statues, and ancient relics all holding symbolism and meaning. Maybe I'll get around to posting about different buddhas and Thai symbolism.

Wat Do:
Wat means temple. I'm not sure what Do means but Wat Do is famous for having the third largest Buddha in Thailand. The position in which Buddha is placed means different things. This particular Buddha is reclining, which is the "Tuesday" Buddha. Supposedly on the Tuesday of the week of Buddha's enlightenment he had a dream in which he viewed what heaven was like, therefore this fellow is laying on his side. It is MASSIVE! Around the walls of the temple or drawn images of the human body in both man, spirit, and devil form. This is where Thai's were taught and educated about human anatomy. The images on the wall were how they would learn the art of massage and are still preserved for students to study today. (Don't worry Richard, I took pictures so you'd have a jump on all the other med school students. None of them will have Thai cheats. :) )

Sunset Temple:
Situated right across from the river in Bangkok is a temple reaching miles into the sky. In the top section of the temple sits Buddha statues in which the climber may worship once they reach the top. The view was amazing and we even signed our names on the wall to show that we made it!

Long Tail Ride:
We use the most random sources of transportation here. Along the choppy river go hundreds of these long tail boats. I have no clue how they steer these things with such great precision. We were taken into little channels where people live in shacks with pet iguanas just chilling by the shore. We stopped right outside a temple where monks were making bread. I was a little confused why were all given loafs until suddenly literally thousands of fish swarmed around our boats. As legend has it these fish can only be found in this small section of the channel by this particular temple. If caught they must be released and not harmed. Anyone who harms or uses these fish will bring evil spirits into their homes. But don't worry. I gave feed them my whole loaf which means good luck to my household. You can thank me later Mom and Dad.

After our buffet lunch on the river were were taken back to Dang Derm where we relaxed by the pool in the rain. Such a great day ended with 30 baht street pad thai.

So if you are ever in Bangkok look up my pals Mr. Mike and P' Millie. Best Thai tour guides I've ever had.

Pictures to come soon!

Bangkok Day One of Two

All I can say is now I know why they call it Bangkok.

We were dropped off at 5:10 am on a random rode in what we hoped to be Bangkok. A little drowsy and a lot of confused, we just followed to crowed down a dark alley way to end up on the infamous Ko Shan Road. Shockingly enough there were still gaggles of partiers sprinkled throughout the littered street and we were lucky enough to find a our hotel just down the road.

For the first time since arriving in Thailand we decided to stay in a proper hotel. The kind with private bathrooms, locks on doors, and beds with sheets. Since it was 5:23 am at this point we basically sat in the lobby of the "Dang Derm Authentic Thai Hotel" until it was light outside and then set out on a adventure.

Luckily enough we stumbled into a travel agency that offered us a great deal to take us to all the major tourist spots and included lunch. We signd up. Traveling in Bangkok is a little sketchy and most of the time you can't trust taxi drivers along the roads. They are notorious for taking you to the wrong location or charging you astronomical amounts so having private transportation for the day was a huge relief.

Mr. Mike and P' Millie made sure we had a great day along with our new Korean friends. We were able to see some amazing sights in Bangkok.

The Grand Palace:
The name is pretty self explanatory but it is where the King lives. He is a sacred symbol here in Thailand and is admired in Thailand more so than Buddha (which is saying something). His campus holds multiple buildings, temples, statues, and ancient relics all holding symbolism and meaning. Maybe I'll get around to posting about different buddhas and Thai symbolism.

Wat Do:
Wat means temple. I'm not sure what Do means but Wat Do is famous for having the third largest Buddha in Thailand. The position in which Buddha is placed means different things. This particular Buddha is reclining, which is the "Tuesday" Buddha. Supposedly on the Tuesday of the week of Buddha's enlightenment he had a dream in which he viewed what heaven was like, therefore this fellow is laying on his side. It is MASSIVE! Around the walls of the temple or drawn images of the human body in both man, spirit, and devil form. This is where Thai's were taught and educated about human anatomy. The images on the wall were how they would learn the art of massage and are still preserved for students to study today. (Don't worry Richard, I took pictures so you'd have a jump on all the other med school students. None of them will have Thai cheats. :) )

Sunset Temple:
Situated right across from the river in Bangkok is a temple reaching miles into the sky. In the top section of the temple sits Buddha statues in which the climber may worship once they reach the top. The view was amazing and we even signed our names on the wall to show that we made it!

Long Tail Ride:
We use the most random sources of transportation here. Along the choppy river go hundreds of these long tail boats. I have no clue how they steer these things with such great precision. We were taken into little channels where people live in shacks with pet iguanas just chilling by the shore. We stopped right outside a temple where monks were making bread. I was a little confused why were all given loafs until suddenly literally thousands of fish swarmed around our boats. As legend has it these fish can only be found in this small section of the channel by this particular temple. If caught they must be released and not harmed. Anyone who harms or uses these fish will bring evil spirits into their homes. But don't worry. I gave feed them my whole loaf which means good luck to my household. You can thank me later Mom and Dad.

After our buffet lunch on the river were were taken back to Dang Derm where we relaxed by the pool in the rain. Such a great day ended with 30 baht street pad thai.

So if you are ever in Bangkok look up my pals Mr. Mike and P' Millie. Best Thai tour guides I've ever had.

Pictures to come soon!

Teaching P' Katoon

Obviouly the Mirror Foundation is a small NGO but they offer employement opportunties to local staff. From cooks to translators these are great jobs to have since many of their basic needs are taken care of.

I grew to love one translator in particularly. Her name is P' Katoon. (In Thai you had a the prefix "P" in order to show a sign of respect, like Ms. or Mr.) She is from the Akha hill tribe about two hours from the foundation. She is cute, small, and so funny.

One of the volunteers that had been at mirror invited me to teach Katoon at night with her. That's when I really started to get to know her. It is common for Thai people to be shy and generally unapproachable but once I broke the shell with Katoon she was a blast.

One of the funniest moment I had with her was completely random. We had just finished volunteering at the hospital and we were waiting to jump in the back of our truck. Since we were in town we asked Katoon if we could stop at a 7-11 for treats before we went back into the jungle. She said ok. then she got a smile on her face and said "ask me again." (know that the Thai accent is strong here and can not be accurately displayed via the world wide web.) A little bit confused we asked her again. She started to giggle and said "sure why not?" (I'm such a great English teacher I focus on slang. :) )

Katoon has such a drive to learn. She takes each opportunity she has to grow and make a better situation for herselvf. One night when we were working on conversation I asked her what her ambition was in life. Her response was simple, "to know good people." She wants good people to be around her. This simple ambition meant the world to me. She didn't want money or to visit the states or own her own home but just to know and experience good people.

I'm going to miss Katoon but she has forever impacted how I view and view those around me. I've been a little stressed with the fact that I only have one semester of college left but have now been thinking of how that's only the beginning of my learning process. I have a long way to go because like Katoon, I have much to learn.

English Camp

"Quote about knowledge here."

For the past 22 years I have been speaking English. I would like to think that I'm pretty good at it. Yes sometimes my slang words are not exactly lady like and sometimes I even speak with a southern drawl but overall I speak English well.

So when I decided to come to Thailand to volunteer as an English teacher I wasn't so worried. However until there is a communication barrier you never appreciate communication until it has been interrupted.

Each week we are assigned different classes to teach. We were told last week that there would be an "English camp" that we would attend that was pretty far from the foundation so we would spend the day at the school. On Tuesday morning we were picked up in a nice bus (a major change from the back up pick-ups). We arrived at the school and were greeted by a lovely room with fresh cakes and beverages. The director came in and told us in broken English about his school. The teachers were so welcoming and it made us excited to teach. Since the school was not used to volunteers the kids were extra excited and eager for us to teach them. They followed us around, asked for hugs, and loved to say "Hi!"

We were feed a FEAST for lunch including decoratively cut fruit. We were able to learn more about the school from a young Thai girl who recited acts to us in English. The two English teachers chatted with us. The older teacher taught us how to correctly eat and even a few new phrases. Her laugh was so contiagious and I felt so a home there.

I was so sad to leave. She offered to kidnap me and I almost complied but told her I'd make it back. Sure enough I was able to go again on the last day of camp! I wore the t-shirt they had given me and she just laughed that I had it. (It might possibly be the coolest blue glittered rooster t-shirt you've ever seen.)

The kids were so fun! We taught nature so we went on an outdoor adventure with them. Afterwards I signed around 150 autographs because they love for us to leave them English messages. It is like we are celebrities. I taught the kids how to pound it. I'm not sure if that was a good skill or not but it made me laugh each time.

After another fantastic lunch we were shown the culture room. Inside it had Thai money, lanterns, and other art. Some of the kids were making bowls and other goods out of banana leafs. I asked so many questions. I couldn't get enough. The culture teacher then showed us how to make decorative designs.

At the end of the day they took us back to the White Temple. The younger English teacher had never had the chance to visit the temple even though she has lived in this area her whole life. I was so grateful for a personal tour guide this time around.

English camp was such a great experience. I enjoyed the children and most of all enjoyed the people that I got to know. The people of Thailand are so giving and loving. I feel so blessed for this opportunity to learn from others and have so many amazing experiences.

No Monkey Business

"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace."  

-Buddha

The first place that I taught here in Thailand has manage to stay extremely special to me over the past six weeks. Since most of the Thai population is Buddhist there are several monks floating around. Most men/boys will be monks at some point in their life. You can choose when that time will be but many boys will be monks early in life because it provides an opportunity for free quality education.

Twice a week I have gone to Fun Min Temple to teach monks ranging in ages from 12-18. They are so fun. I don't know if it was growing up with brothers but I felt at home in a room full of teenage boys. They may have been Thai monks but they still weren't totally different than teenage boys at home. They love to play jokes, be silly, and make fun of teachers.

I had to nick name the two older monks at the school. "Papa Monk" is in his 30's. He has been a monk for "many years" and travels around the world teaching others about Buddism so his English is pretty good. The funniest moment that we had with him is when he brought us eye wash. He had purchased it in the states and wanted to know what it was for. He was a little disappointed that it only helped your eyes but seemed content knowing what it was. Why he bought it? I'm not sure. Maybe it had really cool labeling?

Then there was "Big Brother Monk." When you picture a monk you picture this character. He was round, large, and smiled all the time. His English was limited but he would make sure to greet us and say goodbye each day.

I had so much fun with these kids. Papa Monk would sit in on my lessons and he was impressed with the few Thai phrases that I've picked up. My monks loved when I would tell them to stop talking, listen, or not funny in Thai. I had to be careful of letting them teach me Thai because they were making me say things like "I love you" which could get a female teacher in some trouble. (Women are not allowed to touch Monks. It is a big deal here.)

I will post pictures as soon as I can but living in the jungle keeps you limited on what you can do. :)

As my monks would say "See you again soon! Goodbye!" (Use a Thai accent for affect.) 

How to Stay in a Hostel

An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.

-Gilbert K Chestertron

Backpacker's budget has a whole new meaning for me. Traveling through countries and staying at hostels has always sounded like the most adventurous way to live your young adult life. Let me tell you. It is. Here is my guide to staying in hostels.

How to find a hostel:
Ask others- The key to finding a good hostel to stay in is asking people who have been there or know the area. Usually they are the best resources and can tell you what Loney planet cannot.
Ask to see the room- usually the guy working the front desk is some young chill guy. Ask him to see the room you are getting that way you know what you are in for before you hand the cash over.
See what is around- locations usually tell a ton about what a hostel will be like.

I've stayed in a range of hostels since arriving in Thailand. This weekend we stayed in one of the craziest yet. The room was clean and the guy who owned it was great but to get to you had to go up a fire escape and onto the roof. I felt pretty cool watching the sun rise of the back alley of Chaing Mai but I will have to say that I'd only be able to live this way I'm young. :) The best part about it was that it only cost me $3 a night to stay there! Take that Motel 6!

In the end if it has hot water, wifi, and a flushing toilet I'm sold. Not much convincing needs to be done. Let us just say my standard of what is "good" has dropped significantly since arriving in Thailand.

Crafts at the Hospital

"The sould is healed by being with a child."

-English Proverb

One of the projects here that you can do is crafts at the hospital. The first time that I went I was able to spend my time there with this beautiful Thai girl that has DS. She was so much like Kirsti it was crazy! (Miss you squirt!) She unlike some of the other kids is not sick. Since she has a disability there is no where else for her to go so she spends her time in the hospital. She is so use to volunteers there that she knows to tell our Thai translators what she wants us to know and completes the crafts that we bring so quickly. She told me that I was beautiful and it made my heart melt.

My next visit to the hospital I was taken downstairs. Keep in mind that Thai hospitals like most things in Thailand are much different than at home. They are obviously not as clean and they require you to look the other way to avoid seeing things you just do not want to see. I was guided into this big lobby area were there were rows of beds. In these beds were some of the sweetest little kids I've ever seen. They had IVS hooked to their arms and scattered family members. I couldn't really ever grasp why they were there but I sat down with a seven year old boy who was receiving a blood transfusion and his two year old little brother. Their mother was napping on the bed next to them and it looked like she was about 5 months pregnant. Their dad assured them I was safe and they did crafts me for the afternoon. They sang the ABC song and counted with me. The dad taught the little boy how to give me a thumbs up. When it was finally time to go home I was waving goodbye when the baby brother started blowing me kisses!!!!!! AH! (I don't have any pictures because we weren't allowed to take them.)

These moments make me so grateful for all I have. I know that I promised mom that I wouldn't bring any Thai children home but who wouldn't want another Kirsti around? :)

Grab Life by the Feathers

"Once Time in Your Life" -Wanna Ostrich Farm

I rode an ostrich.

I knew before I came that I was going to go on an ostrich. My interactions with these creatures have been relatively limited however I mentally prepared to ride a bird.

Upon arriving at the Wanna Ostrich farm you literally walk up to a pin and they rangled up a bird. They asked who was first so of course it was Kristina and I who volunteered. Next thing I knew I was jumping on the bare back of an ostrich asking the little Thai guys what to do. Basically you grab the feathers, lean back, tuck your feet, and ride!

To keep the birds calm the cover their heads with a sack. The bird is just strutting around with this sack on while I'm holding on like there is no tomorrow when I look over at Kristina who was practically laying half on bird half on Thai man because the ostrich was going crazy. This sight was rather alarming. Suddenly the Thai man took the sack off and I was galloping around this pen on an ostrich like a natural.

Not to boast but I received multiple comments like "you made it look so easy" or "you were so good." I'm not sure how you are good at ostrich riding but talk about a resume builder. ;) I will give credit to my southern roots.

Thailand has reminded me to grab life by the horns, feathers, and scales. What's next? Buddah caves, overnight buses, and hopefully a beach at the end. :)

How to Ride a Tuk Tuk

If you thought that Oklahoma drivers were crazy you haven't been to Thailand. They are the WORST and CRAZIEST drivers that I've ever seen. So the first little bit we were here Kristina and I had to try and figure out how traffic worked. We knew that Taxis that are referred to as Tuks Tuks were ways of great transport, but weren't brave enough to try it. The good news is that 3 weeks later we are profession Tuk Tuk riders.

This post is to help all you future travelers know the basics of Tuk Tuk riding.

Step 1: Find a Tuk Tuk. Generally camped out by tourist attractions, bus stops, and banks.
Step 2: Approach with caution. Find a older gentlemen or someone with teeth preferably.
Step 3: Explain your desired location. Most of the time if it's a tourist spot they will have it done. Having a map may or may not help, however if it requires them to read English forget it.
Step 4: Set a price. You are going to get ripped off no matter what because you aren't local, but at least don't get ripped off extremely. Knowing the price before you get in avoids an argument later.
Step 5: Get in and enjoy the ride.

Seven Days of Madness

"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it. Not even if I have said it unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." -Buddha

In the past seven days I have...
- Zip lined through the jungle, completing 22 lines and 2 extremely far drops
-Got a fish pedicure. Fish literally ate the skin of my dead feet. I actually highly recommend it.
- Spent 5 days teaching at a hill tribe school with the sweetest best behaved kids you will ever encounter.
- Deheaded a fish and ate it right off the bones. (The Nicholas would be so proud of me.) I have eaten the crazies things here. No fear.
- Spent the night in a hilltribe village fearful of a crazy grandma and loud noises. Thank goodness I had stuffed animals to snuggle with that the kids gave us.
- Learned how to write my name in Thai
- Joined in on a tradition dance. After a few songs we were told that we were wonderful.
-Visited the coolest modern Thai art exhibit.
- Road and elephant in the river
- Visited the famous White Temple here in Chaing Rai
-Hiked through the jungle to a waterfall during a rainfall.
-Purchased some crazy cool things
- Laughed till I cried.
- Was scared out of my mind, hot, sweaty.
- Took a shower using water bottles.
- Slept wrapped in Mosquito nets (which I found out later does no good to protect from bugs if it is touching your skin so my sweaty nights were for nothing).
-Climbed a mountain to visit a Chedi.

Basically Thailand is wonderful. I can't blog enough about it because the experiences are fantastic. Hopefully during the next week we can avoid leeches, massive rashes, and extreme food. Wish us luck! :)

Welcome to the Jungle

We are literally living in the jungle here north of Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is lush with green tall trees everywhere. Simply beautiful.

With the jungle look comes the jungle feel. We are lucky enough to have beds off the ground (most of the volunteers don't) and we have something called "squatters" for toilets (Google it). I've seen bugs that I didn't know existed a. Look forward to those pictures. We eat rice each meal and I'm not really sure what accompanies it sometimes. Luky enough for me they have a little store that sales things like coke, pringles, and oreos. Perfect diet right?

So far my teaching experiences have been amazing. I've taught Monks that want us to sing Lady Gaga to them, children that are terminally ill, and a class of adorable Thai children.

The other volunteers are from all over the world (London, Ireland, Canada, China, Japan, Scotland, France, Italy, and Spain to name a few). I'm perfecting my British accent and hopefully before the trip is over I'll gget them to call the hogs. The next international trip I take may or may not be already in the works, but don't worry Mom this one involves Double Decker bus rides instead of elephants.

The internet is sparce here so my post will be few and far between but here is what I'm looking forward to in the coming days.
-Weekend trip to Chaing Mai
-Living in one of the Hilltribe villages
-Elephant riding
-Tours of temples
-Hilltribe dance
-Western food.

I love you all! I know that I have loads of people praying for me back home and I feel your prayers everyday!

PS- I tried crickets and larva. No, it does not taste like chicken.

We've Got This

"Today is better than tomorrow."
-As Read from a Temple in Chiang Rai

Perfect. We are having an AMAZING time here in Chiang Rai. We keep having the best little moments that are making this trip perfect.

I could bore y'all with all the little deatils of our day but instead here are the top five moments over the past few days.

-Disclaimer- My blog app won't allow me to put pictures where I want so just follow the pictures with the numbers. :)

5. Unexpected Treat:
It is hot and humid here so us spending our day walking gets tiring. So we finally found a major relic we've heard about. It's a massive golden clock tower in the center of the city (yes, it actually was hard to find). So there were some chairs outside a coffee house and we decided to sit down and cool off for a minute. Kris snapped a picture and the next thing we knew we had this little Thai girl serving us water. We felt obligated to buy something so Kris purchased some cookies (that didn't taste that great) because they were the cheapest thing on the menu. We finished our water and quickly left.




4. How did the American's cross the road?
The roads get pretty crazy here so crossing the road becomes pretty intense. There aren't cross walks so you just go for it when you can. This turns into Kristina doing this odd run/walk thing and leaving me behind. We were waiting on a road to cross and I was talking to her when the next thing I know she darts out into the road leaving me on the sidewalk. I started laughing so hard I had to crouch down because of her random jaunt and how "unique" she looks doing it.

3. Luggage Woes and No Clothes:
We've been waiting for luggage for days now. Our two sets of clothes have gotten old and pretty gross with all our adventures so when we got out of the showers neither of us wanted to put back on our nasty clothes. We were sitting in our room in our towels and made the comment about how funny it would be if our luggage came while weren't clothed. Be careful what you wish for right? The next thing we knew we heard a nock at the door. Goodness. Timing is everything. (Just had to add another cliche for good measure.) We are still grateful for the fact that our bags had a "rush" sticker on them. Thanks Richard Lynn for working magic.






2. "What would you like to drink?"
We've been eating at 7/11 way to often since we couldn't find anywhere with an English menu/don't know how to order food in Thai. We finally came across a Cafe that boasted how they had American food in English. Sign us up right? So we walked in, were greeted, and sat down. The menu was perfect. Cheap, tasty, and English. We were ordering but didn't think the girl knew the only language that we know so we were just pointing at the things we wanted on the menu. She then responded clearly with "and what would you like to drink?" We died. She seemed confused about why that was so funny but that had been the first good English we had heard since landing in Thailand. The Golden Triangle Cafe is our new favorite place to eat.
1. John Mayer in Thailand?
Our top experience isn't so much funny but just all around amazing. While out on our adventures today we ran across a sign that said "Live music " so we made plans to go back tonight to see it. After watching the light show at the clock tower, (much easier to find) we went to this cafe/restaurant where they had a recording of one of Clein Deon's concerts blaring. We thought that might have been the live music they were referring too so we sat and ate. After we asked just to make sure and were lead down the alley to this chic bar that was empty. It looked really clean and safe so we decided to stay. Inside were three guys playing and three more working at the bar. The music was AMAZING. They said "welcome" and that he would play some songs just for us (at least we think that is what he said). He continued to play covers of songs in english and he did it well. The band was so good!

How often do you listen to a practically personal acoustic show in a local bar n Thailand? Not often.

Kristina and I are living the quote we read in the temple grounds. Today is better than tomorrow. We are taking full advantage of the opportunities we are given and the little moments that ocur here in Thailand. We are grateful for all the prayers and support that are coming from home because believe us- we feel it.

Who knows what is next? Elephants? Ostriches? Zip lines? Bring on 7 more weeks of todays.