6.15.12

Had my first intestinal problems on Friday morning. I was really worried about the drive to school. However, the trouble stopped as soon as I went downstairs. Where I immediately popped some Immodium. Just in case.

I was feeling very tired. Like, barely-able-to-keep-my-head-up tired. My first class went fine. We had fun. My second class was one that I took over from Patricia. They are a level one class. I don’t think it is necessarily based on their level of English, as it is their age. Patricia has all level one classes. Now I know why she is so frazzled at the end of the day. It was a very large, fairly unruly class. I had two trouble-making boys. One of them seemed to be the class clown of sorts. The other was his partner in crime. I separated them. Then the side kick kept moving seats and I had to keep moving him back. Then he was sleeping and just waved me off when I woke him up. The original trouble-maker asked to use the restroom and I told him “One at a time”. Of course he tried to get me to let the two of them go. Not a chance. I think he was actually just out in the hall on his cell phone. Then a little later, his friend just got up and left class without asking. Neither of them returned. I asked the class for their names and made marks on the attendance sheet. I think they understood that I meant business, because I had no trouble with the class after they left. Actually, had a really productive morning with them.

I made sure to report the incidents to Pi Len later. I wouldn’t be at all upset if those two didn’t return to class. Continue reading →

6.14.12

After closer inspection of the baby lotion, I found that it said “Helps double nourish, for smooth and fair skin”. There’s no getting around it.

So, my class schedule is pretty nice. It tapers off as the week goes on. I have three classes on Monday and Tuesday and then only two classes Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. And all my classes are in the mornings. Today I was done by 11:30am.

I decided to just do my lesson plans for Friday and Monday so that I didn’t have to worry about them tonight or over the weekend. I am basically trying to just teach the same thing in all my classes. However, some of the kids I see a couple times a week, so they will actually be a bit further ahead in the book. Had really great class sessions today. I really love my level 3 Foreign Language group. They are a fun bunch of kids. I have them on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I went downstairs to make some photocopies and there was a large group of boys waiting for the elevator. None of them were my students (I know this because I only have about ten boys total). That didn’t stop them from shouting “Good morning, teacher! I love you! So beautiful!”. Truly, I may never leave Thailand. Continue reading →

6.13.12

Patricia got a text at 11pm on Tuesday night.

Tom’s gotten the sack. Finally. I was wondering how long the school and ABA were going to tolerate his outrageous behavior.

Somehow, the day seemed sunnier… Continue reading →

6.12.12

In a surprising turn of events, I arrived home from school today and did not feel the need for an immediate shower. I know, right?

Yesterday, Patricia and I figured out a cheaper way to get home from school. Motorcycle taxi to the clock tower (30 baht each). Then a wen (mini van) to Songkhla (30 baht each). We were told that the ones with the green stripe were the ones going to Songkhla. At least now we know what to look for. We aren’t willing to risk getting to work late in the morning, so we are still taking a private cab (125 baht each) to get to Hat Yai. When the van drops us at Karnjanavanit 1, we take a motorcycle taxi down the street to Soi 18. Yesterday I walked it to see how long it would take. Twelve minutes. Twelve very sweaty minutes. I think the 15 baht for the ride is worth it. Gonna need to invest in a poncho once the rainy season starts. Continue reading →