holiday, shootings, and contests

a week ago i returned from a week's holiday (vacation) to the south island, koh phangan (i went again). it was an extremely lazy, relaxing adventure which included: swimming in the salty, warm, greenish-teal ocean (repeatedly), motorbiking, losing in connect four to lucas (also repeatedly. he is the Lion of the game), lucas (of course), bungalows on a different side of the island, lots of eggs with onions, tomatoes, and cheese (mmmmmm), a lot of walking, long-boat ride to an amazing hidden beach, reading (finished one book), aaaaand lazing in the bungalow hammock for countless hours. it was a true holiday in which distinct events are difficult to remember because of the incredible amount of laziness. after the hustle and bustle of the city for a few weeks, i was ready for a vacation. i took full advantage of the clear air and beautiful beachy views. see photos for visual.

upon return, lucas and i spent several days (me grumpy from laziness ending) wandering the city to dine, shop, and entertain ourselves (mr. bean's holiday is hysterical in old mr. bean fashion). anelda returned from her holiday to chiang mai and we had a third partner in crime, though no crimes were actually committed. not much to note, accept that when lucas finally departed the land of thailandia i was quite sad and a touch homesick. (feeling better now.)

amidst the last few days with luke, there was a devastating shooting, again. you all know about it. i was deeply sad and prayers were necessary. extreme rage and saddness to lose a loved one to a sad human being. i cannot imagine. i still struggle with the idea of placing blame on the school, though it is natural to feel. the blame only goes to the shooter. there were, unfortunately, no heroes this time. my last comment about the madman: please stop playing his videos and showing his photos. THERE ARE IMPRESSIONABLE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WATCH TV. talk about irresponsible.

just to note: Dad is doing well and healing fast. the only problem... you can't hug him as tight as i like to. thanks for your many comments of well-wishes.

songkran festival = thai new year. i am still confused about what year they are now in... they understand and recognize the year 2007, but they have their own year... which is either 2550 or 2551. i thought it was 2550 when i arrived, which would make it 2551. i'm not sure. it's very interesting, though.

songkran festivities were pretty dull in our neighborhood upon arrival home to BKK. there were maybe two or three groups of children that were stalking each other through the neighborhood with their giant water machine guns. the water fighting is a thai tradition to cool off during these excrutiatingly hot weeks of the summer. they also concoct a paste solution from powder and water. the solution is spread over other people's exposed body parts (face, shoulders, arms). it's a contraversial act since buddhists believe the head is the most sacred part of the body and one is never to touch another on the head (feet are the dirtiest and are not to be pointed or touched to others). in effect, some thais believe that paste to the face is an extreme sign of disrespect.

we had an all-school water fight. several, or most?, of the EP staff members participated. it was more fun than i could've imagined. soaked to the bone and battling for over an hour, i was happily exhausted at the end. very fun. private photos are available. send me your email address if you'd like to be invited to the private sector.

just in to school this weekend to finalize some lesson plans for term one and use internet. not much to note about the weekend. hot, sunny, and low-key.

there is a contest to note for those of you who like movies and music. see: www.ourstage.com/go/plug to vote for signed and unsigned musicians, moviemakers, and artists. check it out if you're interested.

hope you're all well and enjoying the flip-flop weather traditional to MN. what a great place! the state fair is coming? please make early arrangements to send me cheese curds and something-on-a-sticks. thank you.

sawatdee kah. (goodbye in this case)