Porthole

36th week of the year 179. 4th week in Thailand.

28 พฤศจิกายน

I told Brandiwyn: "Excuses, excuses... I'm still in Thailand trying to cope with the reality that I'm in Thailand. No alligators but "paradise" is seldom without "surprises"."

27 พฤศจิกายน

A slow day. I'm fading... I ate... now I need a coffee. It could just be old age.

I've been following FIFA. Typical upsets, boring games, thrilling moments.

Spoke to my sister. At least the phone works!

26 พฤศจิกายน

Beautiful rain last night. Came down in crashing buckets. Cooler today and cool nights next week. Alack... I leave in 10 days.

25 พฤศจิกายน

I'm being very careful with my back. Sat with Andre in the smokers gazebo.

Cappuccino and blueberry cheesecake at Cup of You. 180 baht. But colse... and have wifi.

I need to buy a red rose.

24 พฤศจิกายน

I'm on my phone. Can't do what I want to.

My back has gone out. Can barely move at times.

Bought sim card.

Sent 3 postcards. (Elephant stamp)

Rained.

23 พฤศจิกายน
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Today I figured out how to get to Rajabhat University taking the quiet back road. Silly to be out in the heat of the day; but, I'm nursing a cappucino.

Making progress every day.

Also checked out the free fitness room and swimming pool.

I've never lived in a condo. So... I'll adjust.

Slept fine last night but my back is still wonky. My new satchel might help a bit. And not sitting on the couch (it's far too low) might also help.

Sight: grey skies and green shrubbery.
Sound: muted music, soft conversation, coffee-shop sounds.
Touch: Solid metal... I grab onto every railing.
Smell: laundry.
Taste: coffee (earthy), freshly fried chicken strips (juicy).

Rick advised to get out every day. Of course he was right.

Pon did a laundry load.

Now that I have my own key card we both can plan our day better.

3:33... soon I will go to Koala hoping it's open.

Philly cheesesteak at Koala 109 baht. I'm tempted by the butter caramel milkshake for 99 baht but I can wait. Pun will buy me soup for supper. I'm taking it easy after being sick and I don't want to gain weight either.

22 พฤศจิกายน

To Stik: "I will use this (entry on "making time") as a springboard for my own entry... but... I may move to Thailand. I have to 'make time' for learning yet another language, understanding the culture, nurturing a new 'relationship' which will take time to process. I'm in a bit of shock.

My plans were to travel, take pictures, write a travel-log. Now? Life happens and my schedule, priorities, and situation have been turned upside down.

To your point: as a child I never quite learned how to carve out time from my daydreams to actually accomplish something worthy in the eyes of others."

Welllllll..... My back is a tad better. Pon massaged it. As Anni Pon noted, it's nice to have someone take care of me. In this case ... *Blush* I'm not complaining, just thankful and not used to the personal attention. It reminds me of all those who have been kind and attentive to me in the past. Oh. so. many. times. Kevin and Bryan immediately come to mind, but I vaguely remember how Jeanne got me through a rough spot. I should make a list... a very long list, starting with my father making milk-toast for me and my sister when we were ill as children; we were always sick for two years.

It's hard to share personal tidbits. Some folks don't want to know. It's TMI. But... my life has always been TMI for some folks. Many don't want to see me or hear me... forget about knowing me.

Today's goal: find a satchel with a zipper, preferably waterproof with a long strap. I may have to compromise. Also: SIM card. I can't use my phone until I do. Plus, I really want to find coffee beans as a gift to a friend... and cheap instant for myself!

It's a breezy sunny morning. 86 degrees right now. Perhaps not as oppressive as it has been. We may get some rain for a few days.

Update: I did find a satchel with a zipper and an adjustable strap ... kinda ... I'll look for a better one. My back cannot handle any weight at all. Very painful to change positions. Bought two ceramic bowls and two ceramic cups for hot foods. Also Nescafe coffee. Big spender: about 186 baht or $5.

Spoke to Gay about my situation.

Some good news. Weigh 81 kilos. Closer to my goal. Right direction!

21 พฤศจิกายน

I escaped to a coffee shop. Still no appetite.

I'm trying to catch up. No internet at home.

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