Taking Control

Five years ago I started investing some money for my later years and I was so proud of myself.  Finally, I was becoming a real life grown up,  my twilight years were going to be fantastic. And then the dream came crashing down when we had a visiting ex-teacher millionaire come to our school.  The first slide in his presentation featured the company that I have been investing in, Generali. This company and about seven other big ones have pretty much been making a lot of money of us International teachers.

Bottom line, today I have surrendered all the money I have invested in them thus far.  Yep, lost it all.  And I cannot even write that figure down on here, as it is very very depressing.  However, all is not lost, this man, Andrew who gave us this devastating news claims all is not lost and I can recoup this money by investing further money properly.  But still very hard to swallow.

But all is not lost, my father sent me a book that I received today and in the next year I am taking control of my financial situation.  By next year I will understand it all and make good sound choices so my twilight years will be spent on a yacht and not a row boat.

I will do nothing until I read and understand this!  Not that I have any money these days anyways!

Number One

I believe I have mentioned a few times that I have written a list of forty things to do this year, all measurable, not anything like 'be a nicer person', too subjective.  Anyways, the other day at a dinner someone pointed out that 40 things is not far off one a week and that I am quickly approaching week four with nothing accomplished.  Also many of these things will take almost a year to accomplish so there is really no time to waste.

Sooooo.. today I had my very first uke lesson (yes, if you are a player you get to use the slang!) and I have to say it is a good thing I have started now, it will take me at least a year to play a song!

My amazing teacher Adam.  If I were Adam I would have stormed out in frustration.  He was totally calm and patient as I struggled with my thumb position.

But we ended the lesson with all smiles.  I have some homework to do for next week and I am pretty excited about my future music career, maybe this is how I will finally meet Madge!

Taking Advantage

The rainy season is upon us once again, although some would argue we did not really have a dry season.  It was drier for sure, but still not what they are accustom too.  It is only the beginning though and still some pretty lovely days that must be taken advantage of.  So on Sunday when we woke to a beautiful sunny day there was no other option really then to head to the beach.

The water is definitely changing, the waves are returning and the huge beach is getting a bit smaller.  But we love the surf, even Lola enjoys the big waves and doing a little body surfing.  It was a beautiful day and a lovely day to end a pretty quiet weekend.

Friday Family Market

After almost a week of silence due to on going health and teeth issues, we are back!  And when I say issues, nothing that cannot be solved, we are pretty lucky people and I know it.  Tonight we had a much needed family night at our favourite Friday night destination, the Friday night Boat Avenue market.

Lola likes to be all high and mighty about wine, but you can see from the progression from photos that she is a wine girl too.

I love this market, I love coming here on a Friday night and I love most that these two L's turn a horrid week to a fabulous Friday night outing together!

15 Years...

I really cannot believe that it has been 15 years.  I can remember it like it was yesterday.  I remember noticing her hair cut right when I entered the hospital having flown back from Barbados.  I remember the endless visitors coming to say goodbye and hoping for a miracle.  I remember sleeping in the family room waiting. And  I remember the day when we had to say good bye to my beautiful mother.

In these 15 years there is seldom a day that she does not cross my mind in some way shape or form.  Sometimes only for a moment and sometimes for much longer.   I hope she would be proud of what I have become and I hope that I can achieve half of what she did in her time here.

Missing my family, as always, and sending loads and loads of love.  Miss you so much Mum.

Teacher Meet and Greet

There are two things that surprised me about this event, one that it has never happened before and two that I did not think to organise it (jealous really!).  There are four international schools on Phuket, which is a huge amount considering the size and population.  Most places this size, at the most would have one, especially as it is not a capital or major city.  Anyways, in all the years (okay to be fair one or two of the schools is fairly new) there has been no event to allow the teachers to meet each other.  Until last night, when Jacqui organised a very successful event at a cider house very close to us.

All four schools were represented, although I was a little disappointed by our representation as we were the host school (but to be fair the quality of the BISP attenders was ridiculously high).  Teachers drove from as far as Chalong to get there, which is at best an hour drive on a Friday night.

 A good turn out with food and drink specials.

 Jacqui organised a meet and greet game, which was very good (usually I hate that stuff).  You got a name tag and had to find your famous trio.

 Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato.  I was bacon, not great for a veggie!

The winning team, the Kardashians.  You won by finding your threesome first.  Really a terrific first night to hopefully many more.

My Fabulous Students

I just love the kids I teach here.  They are possibly the most polite students in the world.  Even when I ask them to come back at lunch to complete some unfinished homework they thank me and after every lesson even the really boring ones.  They always say hello in the halls and ask how I am.  Genuinely they are exceptionally nice students to teach.  They have also been so lovely during 'birth' month (you do get at least a month when you turn 40, two at 50).  I have received lovely treats and cards and today my year 9's had a surprise birthday party for me.  And look at how clever they are, even getting my secret age right on the cake!

  Love the school, love the kiddies!