Check This Out

I was reading the latest edition of reader's digest and I came across this site - a support network.

www.bigwhitewall.com

I just joined it and I'm trying to see what it's about exactly and how it works.
You guys might wanna check it out. It sounds like a good place to reach out to others and let others reach out to us.

Flooded Thoughts

It rained really hard last night and at lunch time too.
This is the result of it all at home:

Before work.

After work.

In the canteen at lunch time. Notice the waterfall?

Anyways, walking the compound I lived in was pretty flooded. It reminded me so much of my childhood days. I used to LOVE it when it got flooded. I'd put on my boots..or not at all..and just run around in the muddy, dirty, worm/snake/frogs/fish- infested waters and have the time of my life.

But today just passing a puddle made me go "EEWWWWWW WORMS!!"
Puh! Grownups...just can't have fun huh? Where are those carefree , no fear days?

And talking about grownups...I also realized that sure payment comes with the job...but with salary comes bills too!! Ahhhhh....Oh well...still loving the life!...but not the worms.

Assembly Time!

Every Friday The Village community gets together for assembly.
A different class does a little something- something for 5 - 10 minutes.
It's usually a skit, play or song. The usual stuff you see during assemblies.

In assembly Mr. Harshi (our director) hands out the different certificates and awards.

It is also a time that touches me and brings tears to my eyes to see those kids up there
doing a show for everyone to see. It made me realize that sometimes we take for granted the kids who go up and do something for assembly. It's not an easy task and to see them brave enough to do that is such an overwhelming feeling.

Everyone gather round!

Sashank gets his reading certificate. 180 books!

The wheels of the bus go round and round...

Student of the month...Mahe!

For Real

Today was the second time I had a conference
with one of my students parents.
I remember the first time we were in the meeting room.
Parents, Counselor, Translator and me The Teacher.
We were there discussing and helping each other.
Trying to see how we can support that child together.

Suddenly it hit me. This is the real thing.
All that studying, case studies, classes, internships, discussions, projects...
That's over and now it's really happening.
I'm really seeing things first hand.
Knowing what it's like to be part of assisting, helping and reaching out to
another person by being a teacher.

What I Love About My Job

• It's one bus ride (green 71 bus!) to and from school. The bus stops right in front of the school.
• It's a 1 minute walk from BTS Ekamai.
• California Fitness is right at the BTS Ekamai station.
• The longest it takes to travel to and from is 15 minutes.
• Okay, in short it's in a perfect location.
• I've had more experience in the 5 months of working there than my 4 years in college!
• The director cooks lunch for the whole school!
• He gives the faculty and staff encouraging words everyday.
• The school dance was one of the most memorable moments in my life.
• The kids are just like any other kid...they drive you mad! But at the end of the day they are so fun to know and be with. I love them!
• The kids accept and support each other.
  
• The staff has a meeting once a week. We choose one student and we can talk for almost two hours about how we can help eachother and this student emotionally, behaviorally, socially, etc. where can you find a school that does that? Even if he/she is not a teacher's student that teacher still comes to the meeting and discusses and helps out.
  
• I actually enjoy the meetings we have each week!
• (This is not listed in any particular order)....

Introducing The Village

In my 3rd year of college I went on a field trip to the Village. I fell in love with the place and the idea of being a special education teacher. I thought it was just another dream of mine.










Now here I am living the dream I had in my 3rd year of college! (spot the difference).


The next few pictures are a mini tour of my working life.









It's lunch break!















My working territory.














My beloved student Puff Kai - She drives me crazy sometimes =)...well, whose students don't?














Chiang Mai Class is going to start selling smoothies next week for life skills class. That's Achis's drawing and coloring.

3rd Culture Kid

I am a Filipino.
My parents are both Filipinos.
I hold a Filipino passport.

I was born in Thailand.
I have lived in Bangkok all my life.
I only speak English and Thai.

My future husband (ooooh!)
is an Indonesian.

I'll be living in Singapore
with my future hubby.

Growing up I have felt like I don't belong anywhere.
Like I'm floating in the middle of the ocean.

Trust me it can get quite complicated when people ask me where I come from.
"Well, I'm Filipina but I was born and grew up in...and... and..." *Phew*
(Dang! What about our future kids? They'll have a longer answer to give! Not that I'm thinking that "the future kids" are coming anytime soon! =P)

Wedding Prep...ahhhhz!

It's October. Already!
My plan is to do as much as I can this month.
So the urgent stuff this month.
The urgent-urgent stuff next month (November!).
(or is it the other way around?)
So when December (the last 2 weeks) comes I won't be going nuts.
(fingers crossed!).

soooo....This month?
Get the bridesmaids material Brook Thonglor.
JJ market for candles, glass, sand and INVITATIONS.
China Town for candies, neck ties, box and guest book.
Platinum for junior flower girl dresses, candle lighters dresses.
Dolly's (Reception Coordinator) deadline for information on the couple.
Bobay Tower for flower girls dresses and stuff.
Confirm catering.
Find a song for Shiz to sing!

OMG. That's just like 1/100 of stuff I need to do.
Thank God I have so much support and help from others.
Hehe. Especially with connections and knowledge on this particular area.