Updates: Privates

Wow.. have I been neglecting my blogging duties or what? When I am old and grey browsing through my former glory years, there will be this huge gap. Well, what can i blame it on this time.. hmm... work. Yes, that is always a good one. Actually, in my own defense, I have been really busy lately. I finished developing the writing course and it has been tried and tested by several teachers (still quite a bit of modifying to be done) and has been commended by many in student surveys as the 'best writing course in Bangkok'.. There, that is good for the old professional ego! To top it all off, I am in demand for private teaching too. It started off as a once off, then when it was put on the grapevine (both at the school where I work and universities) that I am taking privates.. whoooshh.. an avalanche of requests. My work at my company is still my first priority and my director is aware of my plans.

Plans?? Well, we have finally agreed on a date to start the IVF treatment - mid June! This gives me a few months to rake in the dosh. I have made our smaller guest bedroom into a classroom.. with whiteboard and all! It is the coolest thing to have this at home...a real luxury. Of course, this also means that later when I am pumped with hormones to stimulate my ovaries or in a condition where not too much movement is advisable - I can work from home and not die of boredom. I am so excited about the whole thing. Our apartment is bombarded with anxious students who want to excel in the IELTS exam and know from past students at my school that I have a good success rate. The great thing is that they are all really dedicated.. the work is intense.. but very rewarding this way. I may need to hire another teacher to help out..LOL!

Amandio is well.. actually there seems to be an epidemic of headhunters contacting him lately... mostly with things that aren't interesting.. but.. watch this space ;-)

We both have a few days off now. It is Songkran, Thai New Year this weekend.. I have decided to avoid the mayhem of street water fights this year.. We've stocked up on goodies, DVDs, a new book, and have Food-by-phone at the ready if we want to order some takeaway. The doors are heavily barrackaded, entry and exit permited only to battle weary students in the mornings (who have to fight their way here)... or if we want to play tennis or swim in the pool.

Having a chance to catch up with all my correspondence is great.. Facebook, poetry and video sites.... I'll have to neglect them again in the next few weeks as I will be teaching all day every day until IVF D-day.

Oh.. and for a VERY entertaining read.. check out the blog Wanderlustisla (my friend from Scotland) and her adventure in an Ashram in India over the past three weeks. A thoroughly enjoyable read if you are in the mood for a bit of fun character descriptions and whacky experiences.