Underdog

Our beloved Underdog (part of Sam's family for almost as long as Sam and I have known each other) passed away last week. She certainly lived a happy life in the Wheeler house and we were all lucky to love her for so many years.

Rest in peace, sweet Undie!

(Photo credit: the wonderful Ginger Wheeler)

Life according to my iPhone

We can't even keep cactuses alive. My sister has officially admitted that I may have a 'brown thumb.'

Pub quiz selfie! Sam was super excited about it as you can see. 

I injured my foot during my commute on the canal boat this Friday. Nothing's broken and I'm feeling much better now. Main worry was infection due to the gross conditions of the canal, but (fingers crossed) it seems to be healing well so far thanks to the iodine you see yellowing the area. Thanks to Sam and Mark for taking such wonderful care of me during the "sausage foot days."

Sunset seen from Chulalongkorn University campus in Bangkok. A fun, new area for me that I hope to explore more soon!

Creamery BKK, famed for its freshly baked cookies and quirky ice creams. Had a farewell date here with a friend who stayed here for a 2-month internship. Ice cream flavors include Guinness, Bacon and Eggs and Chocolate Rum (or 'lum' as the staff pronounced it).

Chocolate chip cookie with "baby milk" ice cream because it was the closest to vanilla tasting. 

So that's the latest from me. Missing you all! Xx

BKK Days

It's been a productive week with Mark teaching at school and adding more fun to our free time. We all attempted pub quiz this week and had a great time despite getting our butt's whooped by some old British dudes (and every other team...)

Today, the same woman who took us on a visa run to Cambodia, Ju, came to pick me up at school at 11:30am. I got in the car with her and her driver, following blindly to the Ministry of Labour and Department of Immigration. First stop to pick up my work permit (like a mini-passport) was quick and easy. We drove about an hour to Immigration and applied for my 1-year visa. Again, quick and easy thanks to the man we hired to do all of the paperwork for us. Of course, he's buddies with all the workers at Immigration so we didn't have to wait in line :) Sam's turn is tomorrow, wish him luck!

I went to Benjakiti Park for the first time tonight for Wednesday Free Yoga. The open green space, breeze in the trees, fresh air and my favorite yoga teacher made for a perfect end to the work day.

Say "eeeeee"

So I came down with a bad case of laryngitis (and pharyngitis, didn't know that was a thing) last week and had to miss 3 days of work because I didn't have a voice! Fortunately, I was able to recover by our lovely pool.

I went to the hospital - where you go for inpatient and outpatient treatment - and played charades with everyone I encountered trying to get to see the doctor. Luckily, my illness was obvious so they just pointed me in the right direction and being the only foreigner in the waiting area they easily found me when it came time for my turn in the doctor's office.

The doctor's office was pretty standard, but I was taken aback when he was examining my ears and nose then moved on to look in my mouth asking me to say "eeeeee." Of course, out of habit I said "ahhhh" anyway, but it didn't seem to make a difference.

He wrote me a doctor's note for missing work and gave a long list of drugs. Then I was shuffled to the pharmacy waiting area where I sat patiently as the female clerks took selfies then decided to call my name.

This sick leave has been my most productive ever: re-arranging the apartment, deep cleaning, a major shopping trip to Ikea and the Mega Bangna mall attached to it. All of this without being able to speak, but I'm used to not being understood verbally anyway, so it was much of the same interaction :)

In much more exciting news, our friend Mark arrived in Bangkok this weekend! He's going to work with us at school and explore all there is to offer here. It's been so fun to have him here and it's only been 1.5 days!

We've done a lot of walking around, showing Mark our favorite spots and  explored an area that was new to me and Sam as well. Lots of relaxing by the pool and beautiful sunsets to end the days. All in all, I lucked out being sick 3 days before my weekend, so I end up having 5 days off in a row :) Feeling mostly recharged and ready for the work week ahead. Now time for movie night with my roomies! Love you all <3

More puppy love and goodbyes

Last weekend, we got to dog-sit one last time for our favorite pups - Mon Cherie, Jovi and Ki Bon. They are so cuddly and loving - especially during heavy rainstorms (see below, all snuggled next to me).

The dogs' owners, Albert and Muffy, have been great friends in Bangkok and I'm really sad to see them go. They're moving to Oman for work so maybe we'll make a trip out there someday :) We went out for a last hoorah this week and indulged in one too many Hoegaarden pints I'm sure, but it was fun!

Goodbye to Team USA for this World Cup. It was a fun run and great excuse to watch the sunrise after being up in the middle of the night for the games. Anyone want to go to Russia for 2018?