Monday, September 30, 2013
Officially On Holiday
As of today, I am officially on holiday. That being, not being required to ride into town at seven in the morning, sign my name on a form, and ride all the way back home again. And we're trying to be environmentally responsible? Fuck off. Just another example of, "I'm the boss, and you will do as I command." A foolish attitude which will come to your detriment further on down the road.
Anyway, this morning I set off early to Makro and bought a huge pile of fruit and vegetables and a litre of olive oil (405Baht - about 8 pounds). I also had to spend 20 baht at the cashpoint to withdraw 1000 Baht because the cashpoint of my bank was empty. Weak.
So, the fruits are bathing in water as I write and will soon be atomised and transformed into a delicious and mega-healthy juice. This will be, apples, lemons, carrots and celery. For the first time ever, I'm going to do two juices. I will make another one and drink them both today.
Also, about to be prepared is my studs, onion, chilis, toms, and garlic concoction, all wonderfully fried in, oh so expensive olive oil. This should set me up for the day.
I should try to get out on the bike, but I'm feeling a little delicate after last nights rum baba session.
Young Gracie finishes school in a couple of days. Mater, of course is required to continue working like a slave, thus leaving me to entertain the little one for at least a couple of weeks. I hope I survive this exhausting experience. My current strategy is to get her out of the house, so I think I'll be taking her up the coast to the beach and do some serious outdoor activities. I'm tempted to try to spend the night up there, but we'll see how that one develops.
Anyway, this morning I set off early to Makro and bought a huge pile of fruit and vegetables and a litre of olive oil (405Baht - about 8 pounds). I also had to spend 20 baht at the cashpoint to withdraw 1000 Baht because the cashpoint of my bank was empty. Weak.
So, the fruits are bathing in water as I write and will soon be atomised and transformed into a delicious and mega-healthy juice. This will be, apples, lemons, carrots and celery. For the first time ever, I'm going to do two juices. I will make another one and drink them both today.
Also, about to be prepared is my studs, onion, chilis, toms, and garlic concoction, all wonderfully fried in, oh so expensive olive oil. This should set me up for the day.
I should try to get out on the bike, but I'm feeling a little delicate after last nights rum baba session.
Young Gracie finishes school in a couple of days. Mater, of course is required to continue working like a slave, thus leaving me to entertain the little one for at least a couple of weeks. I hope I survive this exhausting experience. My current strategy is to get her out of the house, so I think I'll be taking her up the coast to the beach and do some serious outdoor activities. I'm tempted to try to spend the night up there, but we'll see how that one develops.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Taking Care of Gracie
My days of leisure have been interrupted by Grace acquiring a very mild cold and her taking some time at home with me. Bike rides put on hold as I attempt to entertain her for 8 hours.
It's tough, my temper shows but somehow I struggle through. Relentless "I want to ride my bicycle, "I want to go to Big C", "I want to feed the fish". Phew! I finally figured out its best not to be at home but out and about. Today, after signing in at the Nazi Boot Camp (whilst all the Thai teachers have been taken to Laos on a holiday I might add), we went to feed the fish in the park and to play on the fancy slides they got there. I met a 60 year old woman who told me how to help my lower back problem. By Jingo it worked! Leaning back over a horizontal beam about 4 foot off the ground and opening the joints of my compressed spine. I did it for about 20 minutes and it really helped. I will do it again tomorrow when I sign in at the empty death camp.
After that, I took Gracie out to the seashore which was great. Nothing like the sea to refresh one's dusty mind. We both loved it. After that we hit Big C shopping mall and she ran around for an hour in the Small World, despite being sick. After KFC and return home she was happy to play Ipad and watch cartoons 'til mummy arrived home. I got in some shandy and World of Tanks.
Weekend looms which now means work for me. I got good reports about last weekends effort and I want to blow their socks off this time around. I aim to get vids, songs and games aplenty to blow their tiny Chinese minds.
Let's see....
Rum, beer, Taj Mahal...
It's tough, my temper shows but somehow I struggle through. Relentless "I want to ride my bicycle, "I want to go to Big C", "I want to feed the fish". Phew! I finally figured out its best not to be at home but out and about. Today, after signing in at the Nazi Boot Camp (whilst all the Thai teachers have been taken to Laos on a holiday I might add), we went to feed the fish in the park and to play on the fancy slides they got there. I met a 60 year old woman who told me how to help my lower back problem. By Jingo it worked! Leaning back over a horizontal beam about 4 foot off the ground and opening the joints of my compressed spine. I did it for about 20 minutes and it really helped. I will do it again tomorrow when I sign in at the empty death camp.
After that, I took Gracie out to the seashore which was great. Nothing like the sea to refresh one's dusty mind. We both loved it. After that we hit Big C shopping mall and she ran around for an hour in the Small World, despite being sick. After KFC and return home she was happy to play Ipad and watch cartoons 'til mummy arrived home. I got in some shandy and World of Tanks.
Weekend looms which now means work for me. I got good reports about last weekends effort and I want to blow their socks off this time around. I aim to get vids, songs and games aplenty to blow their tiny Chinese minds.
Let's see....
Rum, beer, Taj Mahal...
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Mountain Bike
Monday and just been out on the bike for an hour. It's so flat around here riding is easy. I keep to the farm roads as much as I can and try to explore a bit more each time I go out. I am hoping regular cycling will take away my lower back pain.
Today I went back to the bike shop and bought a super pump complete with pressure gauge, a pair of oh so cool gloves and a silicon water bottle and holder. Just need to get some allen keys to fit the bloody thing. I think this new hobby of mine, I can sink some coin into buying all the cool gear. A helmet will be next and maybe some trainers and a shirt and shorts. Let's see.
I worked Saturday and Sunday and brought in some more cash which I split with Oi. To her its a fortune and can really help us out. I was busting for some rum so I shot off to Big C supermarket to get some. I was hoping for cheepee from India at 325 Baht a bottle, but no, only Captain Morgan from Jamaica at 570 Baht. Laiden with coke and some dry ginger ale I headed for the checkout. "Teacher!", an 8-year old boy who I had taught the day before spotted me and followed me with his parents trolley. I desperately tried to shake him off, but no the little shit monkey pursuded me all the way to the check out along with his parents all watching me as I tried to conceal the bottle of rum on the counter. I gave him a quick, "Are you going to school tomorrow?" and got out of there as quick as I could and back into the darkness and safety of the road home.
Still have to sign in at the school house every day and attend any matters that may arise. I try to control my temper when they phone me up stating that Ploy is unhappy with her score in the test and what am I going to do about it? Still I should get some time off to chill out, watch Breaking Bad, play World of Tanks and go cycling for a space.
Spuds on the boil downstairs. Had best attend....
Today I went back to the bike shop and bought a super pump complete with pressure gauge, a pair of oh so cool gloves and a silicon water bottle and holder. Just need to get some allen keys to fit the bloody thing. I think this new hobby of mine, I can sink some coin into buying all the cool gear. A helmet will be next and maybe some trainers and a shirt and shorts. Let's see.
I worked Saturday and Sunday and brought in some more cash which I split with Oi. To her its a fortune and can really help us out. I was busting for some rum so I shot off to Big C supermarket to get some. I was hoping for cheepee from India at 325 Baht a bottle, but no, only Captain Morgan from Jamaica at 570 Baht. Laiden with coke and some dry ginger ale I headed for the checkout. "Teacher!", an 8-year old boy who I had taught the day before spotted me and followed me with his parents trolley. I desperately tried to shake him off, but no the little shit monkey pursuded me all the way to the check out along with his parents all watching me as I tried to conceal the bottle of rum on the counter. I gave him a quick, "Are you going to school tomorrow?" and got out of there as quick as I could and back into the darkness and safety of the road home.
Still have to sign in at the school house every day and attend any matters that may arise. I try to control my temper when they phone me up stating that Ploy is unhappy with her score in the test and what am I going to do about it? Still I should get some time off to chill out, watch Breaking Bad, play World of Tanks and go cycling for a space.
Spuds on the boil downstairs. Had best attend....
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
The Long Stretch
Finally finished, sort of, marking the exams and writing lots of scribbles in the register that I completely failed to do every class. It's just not in my programming and I won't lie about someone not being it class. Hence I had to fill in hundreds of tiny marks in the huge tome of a registration folder for each of the 11 classes that I teach. Yes, another example of Thais making a simple process extremely complex and important looking.
So now I am looking at an extended time off work, even though I am not officially on holiday, thus have to ride several miles into work every morning to sign my name and promptly get back on my bike and get the Hell out of there before anyone collars me with a "Good morning" or scornful look that they are so good at dishing out. Hey man! It's your crazy rules, so quit with the evil stares.
Cooking is very much on the agenda and I am soon to zip off to Makro to acquire tomatoes, cloves, apples, carrots, parsey and anything else to make chili and juices and ginger beer which should all begin momentarily.
I have some weekend work starting Saturday which will pull in a bit of much needed cash. I'm going to do a super job for them and make some handouts etc.
Here goes...
So now I am looking at an extended time off work, even though I am not officially on holiday, thus have to ride several miles into work every morning to sign my name and promptly get back on my bike and get the Hell out of there before anyone collars me with a "Good morning" or scornful look that they are so good at dishing out. Hey man! It's your crazy rules, so quit with the evil stares.
Cooking is very much on the agenda and I am soon to zip off to Makro to acquire tomatoes, cloves, apples, carrots, parsey and anything else to make chili and juices and ginger beer which should all begin momentarily.
I have some weekend work starting Saturday which will pull in a bit of much needed cash. I'm going to do a super job for them and make some handouts etc.
Here goes...
Sunday, September 15, 2013
My Favourite Tank - Hetzer
This really is my favourite tank. An awesome little number and I've got it to elite status which allows me to accelerate crew training, so I can acquire extra cool skills like faster repair and reloading.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
My Favourite Tank - M3 Lee
The M3 Lee. In World of Tanks it has proved to be a joy, despite initial doubts. A wonderful tank.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Holiday relax fun
Had the last exam at school today. We had to go in and "be around" for a while, handing out spare copies of tests if there was a mix up in the system. My co-worker is Karen, a cool American lady of about 40ish from 'Sisco and a lovely soul. We have coffee together now and again and relate our life experiences. A brave lady.
Now I have to sign in for the next few weeks until my holiday officially starts on 1st October until 21st Oct. Hopefully, if Oi's fascist school allows, we can slip away somewhere for a break. Procuring the mountain bike was a great idea for when I need to get some exercise, though the climate dictates morning and evening rides, and then I am taking care of Grace most of the time. We have fun though riding around Sunnyview together. Her bike is quite super for a 4 year old and she can get up quite a speed. I try to warn her about corners and on-coming traffic, but she ain't the best at listening.
Listening to a lot of the Cure these days and The Cat Empire, who I would recommend.
Also, playing a lot of World of Tanks and nearly at reacquiring a KV, as I lost my account details from years before. Also, have a Lee and a Hetzer on the go. Great fun and completely free.
A kind chap at work, Les from Stoke on Trent, in his 50's is proving a rare surprising friend. He makes his own Ginger beer and plays World of Tanks. Very straight talker. When I asked him what he was doing in the holidays, he had no qualms in immediately responding with, "Playing games and masturbating", regardless of who was in the room. He said he brewed some potent ginger beer with hallucinogenic qualities, and he is no bullshit merchant. He was given the role at our school of, "shirt inspector", checking if we are all properly attired.
Working with some great people actually.
5th wedding anniversary tomorrow and I made a supreme effort to get Oi and nice present. Offered it tonight but she very wisely said she would wait for the morrow.
Been frying up onions, garlic and chilies in olive oil and saute spuds. Served with tuna mayo salt and pepper and very yummy. Hoping to get some hummus up and running, some apple and carrot juices and lots of yummy veg cooking - I love the olive oil/garlic combo. Gonna do a bunch of tomatoes soon and make some kind of spag bol as it has been years. Also will get kidney beans up on the menu and some serious chili dishes. Super yummy.
Thought I might do a Mac cheese as I never eat cheese anymore, though I love it. Make a good holiday feast.
Halfway through season 3 of Breaking Bad and loving it, though I guess it always tails off a bit mid season. Actually, I am still kind of astounded I broke season 2 as it took me about 2 years.
Very little stimulates me to watch these days, I have to say. Kind sad. I don't know why. I prefer to sleep.
Now I have to sign in for the next few weeks until my holiday officially starts on 1st October until 21st Oct. Hopefully, if Oi's fascist school allows, we can slip away somewhere for a break. Procuring the mountain bike was a great idea for when I need to get some exercise, though the climate dictates morning and evening rides, and then I am taking care of Grace most of the time. We have fun though riding around Sunnyview together. Her bike is quite super for a 4 year old and she can get up quite a speed. I try to warn her about corners and on-coming traffic, but she ain't the best at listening.
Listening to a lot of the Cure these days and The Cat Empire, who I would recommend.
Also, playing a lot of World of Tanks and nearly at reacquiring a KV, as I lost my account details from years before. Also, have a Lee and a Hetzer on the go. Great fun and completely free.
A kind chap at work, Les from Stoke on Trent, in his 50's is proving a rare surprising friend. He makes his own Ginger beer and plays World of Tanks. Very straight talker. When I asked him what he was doing in the holidays, he had no qualms in immediately responding with, "Playing games and masturbating", regardless of who was in the room. He said he brewed some potent ginger beer with hallucinogenic qualities, and he is no bullshit merchant. He was given the role at our school of, "shirt inspector", checking if we are all properly attired.
Working with some great people actually.
5th wedding anniversary tomorrow and I made a supreme effort to get Oi and nice present. Offered it tonight but she very wisely said she would wait for the morrow.
Been frying up onions, garlic and chilies in olive oil and saute spuds. Served with tuna mayo salt and pepper and very yummy. Hoping to get some hummus up and running, some apple and carrot juices and lots of yummy veg cooking - I love the olive oil/garlic combo. Gonna do a bunch of tomatoes soon and make some kind of spag bol as it has been years. Also will get kidney beans up on the menu and some serious chili dishes. Super yummy.
Thought I might do a Mac cheese as I never eat cheese anymore, though I love it. Make a good holiday feast.
Halfway through season 3 of Breaking Bad and loving it, though I guess it always tails off a bit mid season. Actually, I am still kind of astounded I broke season 2 as it took me about 2 years.
Very little stimulates me to watch these days, I have to say. Kind sad. I don't know why. I prefer to sleep.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Holiday Looms
Saturday night and still reeling from exhaustion. OI and myself have been running on empty and, for me, just in time. I teach normal classes on Monday and then Tuesday exams start. For this I need to sign in every day and check the kids have their test papers, then I can come home. I have to keep signing in for a few weeks but am free to come home again. I will still my private work at the other place and have taken on weekend work which will bring in another 4K for a weekend stint.
The bike is incredible and I took a ride ay 6 this morning and again tonight. It's very light and I was flying around Sunnyview, utilizing every piece of rough terrian to get the off-road feel I love. Hopefully tomorrow I can head out with Arun and Martin, a couple of teachers in town. Actually, Arun is a great pal, hailing from Blackburn and about 28. His girlfriend runs the office I do the privates. A lovely Northern soul, likes PC games, art, mountain bikes and gin and tonics. These guys ride on the road. I want to get them onto trails which is so much fun. I plan to do a lot of riding in the hols and get some exploring and technical riding underway.
Grace's bike is also top banana, and she loves it. She can pound along at quite a pace. A decent bike makes all the difference. We go out a couple of times a day now bombing around the estate.
I have a high res copy of Cross of Iron, and am on S2E10 of Breaking Bad and progressing at a fair rate. It's all good.
Purchasing the bike set me back, so I am having to budget. I procured a bottle of dark rum made in India today, and I have to say, it tastes as good as Captain Morgans, so it looks like I can save myself 300 a pop. What wilh Gilbey's Gin which I can get at 295 Baht in Makro, I am on my way to setting up a booze cabinet. There's a vodka Don recommended that I want to pick up and I am setting myself up to start making Ginger Beer in the hols.
Downloaded the discography of The Cat Empire. Aussie Ska-Reggae-Jazz and very nice too.
The bike is incredible and I took a ride ay 6 this morning and again tonight. It's very light and I was flying around Sunnyview, utilizing every piece of rough terrian to get the off-road feel I love. Hopefully tomorrow I can head out with Arun and Martin, a couple of teachers in town. Actually, Arun is a great pal, hailing from Blackburn and about 28. His girlfriend runs the office I do the privates. A lovely Northern soul, likes PC games, art, mountain bikes and gin and tonics. These guys ride on the road. I want to get them onto trails which is so much fun. I plan to do a lot of riding in the hols and get some exploring and technical riding underway.
Grace's bike is also top banana, and she loves it. She can pound along at quite a pace. A decent bike makes all the difference. We go out a couple of times a day now bombing around the estate.
I have a high res copy of Cross of Iron, and am on S2E10 of Breaking Bad and progressing at a fair rate. It's all good.
Purchasing the bike set me back, so I am having to budget. I procured a bottle of dark rum made in India today, and I have to say, it tastes as good as Captain Morgans, so it looks like I can save myself 300 a pop. What wilh Gilbey's Gin which I can get at 295 Baht in Makro, I am on my way to setting up a booze cabinet. There's a vodka Don recommended that I want to pick up and I am setting myself up to start making Ginger Beer in the hols.
Downloaded the discography of The Cat Empire. Aussie Ska-Reggae-Jazz and very nice too.
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