Monday, August 22, 2011

Things I've Learned from the first 30 Days

We have now been living in Chiang Mai for 30 days. Today marks the longest I have ever been away from home...but then again, this is home now, and that's one of the lessons I'm learning.
These first 30 days have been filled with lessons, which I've compiled them into a list in no particular order. I thought I'd share these as I look ahead and look back at what's been a really intense month.

1. Moving to Chiang Mai during the rainy season
has taught me that it's helpful if you're OK with ants... (ants in your sugar bowl, on your furniture, in your trash, etc...)
2. I've also learned that Chiang Mai is on AT (Asian Time) which means everything takes longer than you expect or plan for, so flexibility and going with the flow is essential.
3. I've learned that when it floods, sandbag it, then move on...
4. A smile goes a long way here.
5. I've learned that what they say is true...it's not a matter of "if" you get a stomach bug, it's a matter of "when." (I've been dealing with this over the last few days, as I experience this sensation where my guts feel rotten... TMI, maybe, but true...)
6. I've learned that being relaxed feels good! I've got more time here and I'm trying to sit outside on our 2nd floor patio as much as possible, just relaxing and enjoying the view, the soft breeze, & the sights and sounds of our mooban.
7. The sound of rain is both comforting and distinct as it falls on the plants & trees outside, giving our house a whole added ambiance.
8. I've learned that thinking about moving 1/2 way across the world is a lot easier then actually doing it. And I know that in the end, my growth from this experience will be tremendous!
9. I've learned that friendships change and that for some people, as soon as you're out of sight, you're out of mind...
10. Living among ex-pats has taught me to really appreciate where I'm from. I wouldn't change where I'm from for anything in the world; I'm a still a Michigan girl at heart, and St.Joseph can hold its own as a beautiful place next to anywhere in the world.
11. I wouldn't give up my experiences from 11 years in Chicago either, it's those experiences that prepared me for this journey.
12. Riding a scooter to work can be both fun and scary.
13. Elephants are totally awesome!
14. Driving on the left side of the road makes right turns challenging. When in doubt, go with the flow of traffic.
15. Ticks are difficult to find in the fur of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
16. $5 Thai massages are pretty awesome!
17. Fresh fruit juices and smoothies are awesome drinks, & anything made frappe style is ok by me!
18. In this humid climate my hair does whatever it wants, regardless of how much time or energy or product is put into it. (Mostly it likes to flip up)
19. I've learned that teaching really doesn't have to be so hard!
20. Having the opportunity to start over with a blank slate is pretty incredible...
21. I've learned to deeply appreciate having my husband on this journey with me. Experiencing all this with my best friend is priceless...

Only 30 days in and I've learned so much...with so much more learning to do! Thanks for those of you who've helped us through this process from afar... your support, letters, e-mails, and phone messages have meant a lot.

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