Hey all, (all meaning anyone who actually looks at this which more than likely is no one but hey, borpenyang!)
Someone stole my password and I have had a heck of a time trying to get in here to actually write something.
Things here have had ups and downs, and they continue. I suppose it takes time to get adjusted - which I am realizing more and more as the days pass that I am adjusting, and there are things I could be doing to help myself in the process. So... I am working on it.
Next weekend we leave for Hong Kong! Way cool! I am pretty stoked about that. I have heard from a lot of people that the number one thing to do there is eat... unfortunately I have gained quite a bit of weight since coming here *sigh* which means um... I will work out when I get back?? YEAH, I like that idea ;).
I met a few new people, very cool. Some from the US, some from other various parts of the globe, and it has made things a little smoother for me in the last month or so, being able to hold an adult conversation as opposed to one on only a 9 & 4yr level has been MUCH appreciated!
Um... I guess I probably have done a bit since the last time I wrote, since its been about a month or so...
Eaten some more strange foods like... Pig brain, Cow skin, the inside roof of a cows mouth... careful its pokey!! Um.. no bugs recently which is good I suppose, not that they were bad! Its just um.. not my choice in food.
The boys are GREAT! Tim has been a bit under the weather, and we have discovered that Anakin has some allergies but other than that they are doing well. We have been trying to keep up with reading etc... which is good! They are both SO smart.
Anyway - yeah since I am pretty sure no one reads this I am going to do something else :) Deuces!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
So I have been bad...
Sorry to anyone who reads this! I know I have done a horrible job of keeping it up to date lately.
Mostly everything is the same boring routine, its all day to day stuff...
Every day Mon-Sun I am up by 6am, sometimes earlier if I want to run in the mornings... then its off to the Salon and the school by 7, I usually go have some coffee and read a book, then spend my afternoon doing who knows what for Alex or just relaxing (I know, its rough). After that its home, dinner, TV, Read to the boys or have them read to me, put them to bed, get some more me time in, go to bed... rinse and repeat. I know nothing spectacular. HA HA. Its just life.
But there are some things you should know if you ever travel to a 3rd world country - ready?:
1. ALWAYS HAVE TOILET PAPER WITH YOU - Bathrooms here rarely have a toilet, much less toilet paper, and that is not an exaggeration!
2. HAND SANITIZER IS A MUST - seriously, you dont know who or what touched what you just touched
3. LEARN TO LIVE WITH DUST - at least here in Laos you have to learn to not only breathe dust, but eat dust... it adds flavor ;)
4. ANTS ARE NOT THE ENEMY - Ok, YES THEY ARE... and they are everywhere...
5. AVOID COCKROACHES - Because once again they are everwhere
6. EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN A COUNTRY WITH NO WINTER - and that is not a lie! You see flies as big as your pinky and mosquitos the same size, its sad.
7. CLOSED TOED SHOES IN THE MARKETS - Unless you want who knows what kind of rotten something on your feet
8. ENJOY THE FRUIT - because its amazing!! And its everywhere!
9. LOVE THE SUN - but dont get burnt, it doesnt take long, but its amazing.
10. ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS - like the way the locals live, they are so simple but happy... the way the sun shines on the temples, or how the mangos sound falling from the trees at night.
I like it here, I really do! I am just ready to come home I think :)
This weekend we went to Bangkok, which was A LOT of fun, I forgot what it was like to be in a city and I LOVED IT! *sigh* the dirty air, the loud noises, cars honking everywhere... it was beautiful!
We went and saw the movie UP!on Friday, which I thought was one of the best movies ever! I got caught leaving the movie theatre with the 3D glasses, and the security almost tackled me... ok, not quite. But they did search me and my purse which was sad, those were sweet glasses.
After that we went and ate some amazing sushi, seriously great stuff! It was expensive for Bangkok, but all of us still ate a lot on less than $50, now tell me where in the US you can find a deal like that (and that was for 6 people!).
Saturday we took Anakin to the dentist, while he was in there I enjoyed some starbucks (HELL YES I DID) and like music (this was in the hospital, I think they had 20 different restaurants plus book stores etc...), after that we went shopping! OH SO MUCH FUN! I found this amazing wig that I just had to buy!
We had a concert that night, so Alex watched the boys and Me, Soukanh, Aot & Tui all went to this Fashion4Life Benefit concert, which was fun! Models music men... the three M's and I am happy (hehe, only kind of kidding)
After that it was a dinner of Mama noodles (Lao/Thai version of Ramen... and they eat it all the time) and then bed.
Sunday was a full day as well, got up and went to the Zoo in Bangkok, it was fun! The boys loved it! Then we went shopping, then ate, then shopped some more, then went to see the World Acrobats from Vegas, they were really good. I was told the show is better in Beijing, but I dont know, I havent been there. So... that was fun. After that Seafood that was amazing and then back to the hotel. Soukanh and I got massages, oh lord there is nothing like a full body massage after... um... 5 months of stress ha ha. But it was great, I loved it!
Then bed and then the long drive home. On the way home we stopped by some old ruins which were beautiful! I love History!
Aot made fun of me and told me to m ake up my mind. A few hours earlier I was gushing about how I loved the city and wanted to go back blah blah blah... and then there I was at this old old old country ruins proclaiming my love for history. He said I didnt make sense and that I should choose... ha ha.
I do love both, I love history, and I love the city... so I am thinkin I need to live in Europe he he.
Anyway I am going to sign off here.
Hope everyone is doing peachy!!
:)
Megan
Mostly everything is the same boring routine, its all day to day stuff...
Every day Mon-Sun I am up by 6am, sometimes earlier if I want to run in the mornings... then its off to the Salon and the school by 7, I usually go have some coffee and read a book, then spend my afternoon doing who knows what for Alex or just relaxing (I know, its rough). After that its home, dinner, TV, Read to the boys or have them read to me, put them to bed, get some more me time in, go to bed... rinse and repeat. I know nothing spectacular. HA HA. Its just life.
But there are some things you should know if you ever travel to a 3rd world country - ready?:
1. ALWAYS HAVE TOILET PAPER WITH YOU - Bathrooms here rarely have a toilet, much less toilet paper, and that is not an exaggeration!
2. HAND SANITIZER IS A MUST - seriously, you dont know who or what touched what you just touched
3. LEARN TO LIVE WITH DUST - at least here in Laos you have to learn to not only breathe dust, but eat dust... it adds flavor ;)
4. ANTS ARE NOT THE ENEMY - Ok, YES THEY ARE... and they are everywhere...
5. AVOID COCKROACHES - Because once again they are everwhere
6. EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN A COUNTRY WITH NO WINTER - and that is not a lie! You see flies as big as your pinky and mosquitos the same size, its sad.
7. CLOSED TOED SHOES IN THE MARKETS - Unless you want who knows what kind of rotten something on your feet
8. ENJOY THE FRUIT - because its amazing!! And its everywhere!
9. LOVE THE SUN - but dont get burnt, it doesnt take long, but its amazing.
10. ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS - like the way the locals live, they are so simple but happy... the way the sun shines on the temples, or how the mangos sound falling from the trees at night.
I like it here, I really do! I am just ready to come home I think :)
This weekend we went to Bangkok, which was A LOT of fun, I forgot what it was like to be in a city and I LOVED IT! *sigh* the dirty air, the loud noises, cars honking everywhere... it was beautiful!
We went and saw the movie UP!on Friday, which I thought was one of the best movies ever! I got caught leaving the movie theatre with the 3D glasses, and the security almost tackled me... ok, not quite. But they did search me and my purse which was sad, those were sweet glasses.
After that we went and ate some amazing sushi, seriously great stuff! It was expensive for Bangkok, but all of us still ate a lot on less than $50, now tell me where in the US you can find a deal like that (and that was for 6 people!).
Saturday we took Anakin to the dentist, while he was in there I enjoyed some starbucks (HELL YES I DID) and like music (this was in the hospital, I think they had 20 different restaurants plus book stores etc...), after that we went shopping! OH SO MUCH FUN! I found this amazing wig that I just had to buy!
We had a concert that night, so Alex watched the boys and Me, Soukanh, Aot & Tui all went to this Fashion4Life Benefit concert, which was fun! Models music men... the three M's and I am happy (hehe, only kind of kidding)
After that it was a dinner of Mama noodles (Lao/Thai version of Ramen... and they eat it all the time) and then bed.
Sunday was a full day as well, got up and went to the Zoo in Bangkok, it was fun! The boys loved it! Then we went shopping, then ate, then shopped some more, then went to see the World Acrobats from Vegas, they were really good. I was told the show is better in Beijing, but I dont know, I havent been there. So... that was fun. After that Seafood that was amazing and then back to the hotel. Soukanh and I got massages, oh lord there is nothing like a full body massage after... um... 5 months of stress ha ha. But it was great, I loved it!
Then bed and then the long drive home. On the way home we stopped by some old ruins which were beautiful! I love History!
Aot made fun of me and told me to m ake up my mind. A few hours earlier I was gushing about how I loved the city and wanted to go back blah blah blah... and then there I was at this old old old country ruins proclaiming my love for history. He said I didnt make sense and that I should choose... ha ha.
I do love both, I love history, and I love the city... so I am thinkin I need to live in Europe he he.
Anyway I am going to sign off here.
Hope everyone is doing peachy!!
:)
Megan
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Picture update!!
Just a few pictures to update ya'll, I know I havent been on here in a while.
Things are going pretty good! Spent the last few weekends fishing and just hanging out with the fam. My weeks are filled with boredom and ... well thats about it.
Anyway I should probably get to doing something. Hope ya'll are peachy keen.
Monday, May 11, 2009
♫OOOOOOhhhhh what a beautiful mornin, oh what I beautiful day... I've got a beautiful feeling everythings goin my way...♫
Have I ever mentioned I love old musicals lol. Yeah, lame I know.
Not too much has been going on around here I suppose, its raining more and more consistantly - soon the rainy season will start and all the crazy dust will turn to mud. YAY. ha ha.
This weekend we had an Architect come in from Thailand - Soukanh took them, me and a few other people out to dinner and then to one of the night clubs here ... we had a good time! The clubs here are TOTALLY different than those in the US, honest! I know I have said it before but its the truth and I cant get over it... when I get back to the states I will be happy to go into a night club and be able to dance lol.
Saturday I spent in Udon Thani Thailand with Aot, Bie and Nutt - most of the time I spent by myself since they went to the dentist so I spent the day shopping and spending all kinds of money (which I really shouldnt have but... hey)
Aot told me that everyone missed his birthday which made me pretty peeved at him so I bought him a few things, I think he was surprised. I told him if he ever let something like that pass again I would punch him in the face. HA.
Sunday we all went fishing which was lots of fun!
Not too much has been going on around here I suppose, its raining more and more consistantly - soon the rainy season will start and all the crazy dust will turn to mud. YAY. ha ha.
This weekend we had an Architect come in from Thailand - Soukanh took them, me and a few other people out to dinner and then to one of the night clubs here ... we had a good time! The clubs here are TOTALLY different than those in the US, honest! I know I have said it before but its the truth and I cant get over it... when I get back to the states I will be happy to go into a night club and be able to dance lol.
Saturday I spent in Udon Thani Thailand with Aot, Bie and Nutt - most of the time I spent by myself since they went to the dentist so I spent the day shopping and spending all kinds of money (which I really shouldnt have but... hey)
Aot told me that everyone missed his birthday which made me pretty peeved at him so I bought him a few things, I think he was surprised. I told him if he ever let something like that pass again I would punch him in the face. HA.
Sunday we all went fishing which was lots of fun!
Monday, April 27, 2009
"Lately... been thinkin bout you...just sittin away watchin the days go by"
HELLO!!!
Just wanted to update (since I Havent in a while)
I am finally uploading pictures from Louang Prabang- I didnt put all of them on because I have TONS and TONS, but I got some of the better ones for ya'll to see.
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES!!
Things here have been pretty peachy - hot hot hot hot hot! (I could probably fill pages of HOT and it still couldnt express how hot it is here!!)
So I started taking piano lessons, which I am totally excited about - I am going to be Mozart reincarnate by the time I get back lol. I am also teaching my piano teacher how to speak English... its an exchange which is good.
Someone reminded me the other day that I have already been here three months. THREE MONTHS!! Can you believe it?!... I cant, time really has flown! In a way that is good, but on the other hand I need to start working a little harder on accomplishing all the things I wanted to accomplish while I was here. ( I tend to procrastinate)
I finally rode in a tuk-tuk the other day with Timmy... it was as rickity as I thought it was going to be, ha ha. But hey, do everything once right?!
Aot and I have been cooking alot, which is rather entertaining! I think we spend more time laughing at each other than we do actually cooking.
I discovered the morning market - which is similar to a mall only the cool thing about here is if you know how to do it you dont have to pay full price. They tell you a price you cut it in half and negotiate the rest of the way, its kind of fun.I like seeing how cheap they will let me go. I got someone down from 90,000K to 30,000K that was the furthest I have gotten tho - I am working on my skills tho ;)
I got an official Lao skirt today - I guess I really belong here now ha ha. JK
Anyway I am going to run! Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Just wanted to update (since I Havent in a while)
I am finally uploading pictures from Louang Prabang- I didnt put all of them on because I have TONS and TONS, but I got some of the better ones for ya'll to see.
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES!!
Things here have been pretty peachy - hot hot hot hot hot! (I could probably fill pages of HOT and it still couldnt express how hot it is here!!)
So I started taking piano lessons, which I am totally excited about - I am going to be Mozart reincarnate by the time I get back lol. I am also teaching my piano teacher how to speak English... its an exchange which is good.
Someone reminded me the other day that I have already been here three months. THREE MONTHS!! Can you believe it?!... I cant, time really has flown! In a way that is good, but on the other hand I need to start working a little harder on accomplishing all the things I wanted to accomplish while I was here. ( I tend to procrastinate)
I finally rode in a tuk-tuk the other day with Timmy... it was as rickity as I thought it was going to be, ha ha. But hey, do everything once right?!
Aot and I have been cooking alot, which is rather entertaining! I think we spend more time laughing at each other than we do actually cooking.
I discovered the morning market - which is similar to a mall only the cool thing about here is if you know how to do it you dont have to pay full price. They tell you a price you cut it in half and negotiate the rest of the way, its kind of fun.I like seeing how cheap they will let me go. I got someone down from 90,000K to 30,000K that was the furthest I have gotten tho - I am working on my skills tho ;)
I got an official Lao skirt today - I guess I really belong here now ha ha. JK
Anyway I am going to run! Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Pi Mai
This is a video from Pi Mai Lao, I am still working on getting some pictures up and stuff, be patient with me!
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
"you can dance, you can jive having the time of you life..."
Pretty sure I am a dancing queen ha ha. If you know me you know that I am completely uncoordinated... well take that and multiply it when I am on my feet. Yesterday we (me Soukanh and Tui) went to a baby shower, I have said before that Lao people will find any excuse to drink... its the truth! So we went to this baby shower, I think I saw the baby for a total of five minutes tops (no lie!) and then it was on to food and drink and dancing...
Well, Lao dancing is a bit different than what we do in the states, its kind of like line dancing (which I cant do without falling on my face!!) so Lee and Own (two ladies from here) convinced me that we should go try it... I ended laughing so hard at myself that I could barely stand! It was horrible! I was using the wrong feet at the wrong tempo ha ha. It was fun tho!
Anyway after that I went to call my sister (it was her birthday) and so on my way back into the party this older woman stopped me and poured me a beer, its rude not to accept so I downed it and then she literally dragged me back onto the dance floor... if you could have seen this woman you would have laughed, she wanted me to dance sexy, well, I am not sexy by any means and it was really funny to watch this rather large Lao woman trying to get me to dance... my face and my stomach both hurt from laughing too hard... ha ha.
After that me and Tui and Soukanh and Lee went to this little club behind the Novotel here in Vientiane, it was fun! Once again the clubs here are ALOT different than those in the US, but it was fun anyway.
This week is Pi Mai Lao!! YAY! HA HA. It was originally called the dragon festival ( I think... something like that anyway) and its a really big deal here and in Thailand... its also know as the water fest because everything and everyone gets soaking wet! Every store is selling water guns right now and I think Anakin and Timothy have collected about 20 so far.
We are heading to Luang Prabaung (I think I mentioned that last post) I am still excited for the trip, Aot has a few people going too so the more the merrier!
Anyway I just wanted to update really quick, me and Tim are looking at pictures and hanging out... I think its bed time ha ha.
Hope everyone is peachy keen jelly bean!! WOOO!
Well, Lao dancing is a bit different than what we do in the states, its kind of like line dancing (which I cant do without falling on my face!!) so Lee and Own (two ladies from here) convinced me that we should go try it... I ended laughing so hard at myself that I could barely stand! It was horrible! I was using the wrong feet at the wrong tempo ha ha. It was fun tho!
Anyway after that I went to call my sister (it was her birthday) and so on my way back into the party this older woman stopped me and poured me a beer, its rude not to accept so I downed it and then she literally dragged me back onto the dance floor... if you could have seen this woman you would have laughed, she wanted me to dance sexy, well, I am not sexy by any means and it was really funny to watch this rather large Lao woman trying to get me to dance... my face and my stomach both hurt from laughing too hard... ha ha.
After that me and Tui and Soukanh and Lee went to this little club behind the Novotel here in Vientiane, it was fun! Once again the clubs here are ALOT different than those in the US, but it was fun anyway.
This week is Pi Mai Lao!! YAY! HA HA. It was originally called the dragon festival ( I think... something like that anyway) and its a really big deal here and in Thailand... its also know as the water fest because everything and everyone gets soaking wet! Every store is selling water guns right now and I think Anakin and Timothy have collected about 20 so far.
We are heading to Luang Prabaung (I think I mentioned that last post) I am still excited for the trip, Aot has a few people going too so the more the merrier!
Anyway I just wanted to update really quick, me and Tim are looking at pictures and hanging out... I think its bed time ha ha.
Hope everyone is peachy keen jelly bean!! WOOO!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
...we're only human.
Today I went with Timmy's class to the Mekong, I am burnt lol.
I was told that I should sign up to be a replacement teacher - I am seriously considering it, I just need to check a few things first.
The kids were alot of fun, its pretty cool to see a bunch of 3 &4 year olds all with different accents and different ways of life together and their ability to interact with eachother is way cool.
I had alot of fun.
The other day Tim and I were playing and he said something to me I didnt understand, he is constantly teaching me Lao so I figured this was the case as well so I said " what does that mean Timmy?" He looked at me like I was retarded and said "I wasnt talking Lao Megan" it was so funny, the look on his face was priceless. I was like "OOOOKK!!"
He has become somewhat of my sunshine lately, I love the kid to death. Anakin like I said is a bit harder to reach, he also believes in some way that the world owes him something or so it seems. I am trying to show him a new way to think ... I have time, we will see how it goes.
Its almost Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year).
We were supposed to go to Hong Kong but that trip kinda fell through, we are going to Laung Prabang (I dont know if that spelling is right), its right here in Laos, its the old capitol before the communists took over and Vientiane became the capitol. I hear its very nice, I am excited to see it.
Me and Aot tried to make fried chicken today, it was a mess! But we had a good time doing it... I havent laughed that hard in a while. I havent cooked chicken like that in forever and he had never done it... he was expecting KFC and I gave him something... well, something else! HA HA. It was funny. BUT, now that I know what went wrong we can redo it tomorrow... or sometime, unless he is too scarred lol.
Anyway, once again its pretty late and I think I am tired... actually I know I am :)
Have a good one ya'll!
I was told that I should sign up to be a replacement teacher - I am seriously considering it, I just need to check a few things first.
The kids were alot of fun, its pretty cool to see a bunch of 3 &4 year olds all with different accents and different ways of life together and their ability to interact with eachother is way cool.
I had alot of fun.
The other day Tim and I were playing and he said something to me I didnt understand, he is constantly teaching me Lao so I figured this was the case as well so I said " what does that mean Timmy?" He looked at me like I was retarded and said "I wasnt talking Lao Megan" it was so funny, the look on his face was priceless. I was like "OOOOKK!!"
He has become somewhat of my sunshine lately, I love the kid to death. Anakin like I said is a bit harder to reach, he also believes in some way that the world owes him something or so it seems. I am trying to show him a new way to think ... I have time, we will see how it goes.
Its almost Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year).
We were supposed to go to Hong Kong but that trip kinda fell through, we are going to Laung Prabang (I dont know if that spelling is right), its right here in Laos, its the old capitol before the communists took over and Vientiane became the capitol. I hear its very nice, I am excited to see it.
Me and Aot tried to make fried chicken today, it was a mess! But we had a good time doing it... I havent laughed that hard in a while. I havent cooked chicken like that in forever and he had never done it... he was expecting KFC and I gave him something... well, something else! HA HA. It was funny. BUT, now that I know what went wrong we can redo it tomorrow... or sometime, unless he is too scarred lol.
Anyway, once again its pretty late and I think I am tired... actually I know I am :)
Have a good one ya'll!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Can you believe its April??
I cant believe how much time has flown, its kinda crazy!
Well, I am still here and still alive. YAY ME! :)
The boys are doing great, I am teaching Timmy how to write his name, he writes "t for Timothy" on EVERYTHING. Its cute tho, he has learned O and H too so he is getting there, its a matter of getting them in order and not repeating seventeen T's ha ha.
Anakin is doing well too, he is taking longer to get used to me, probably because there have been so many people come in a out of his life already and he knows I am leaving after a year... so I guess that makes it harder to get attached.
They both want me around them more which is good, I enjoy them alot.
Alex (my Uncle) will be here for the next 10 days or so, I am pretty excited. His last trip here to Laos we played checkers (in the dark because the electric went out again ha ha) and had an overall good time.
I am still keeping up with my basketball, I am in a contest with one of the guys I play with - I will beat him by the time I leave... half court shot and all! HA HA.
The guys are fun to hang out with, most of them speak English pretty well (which I didnt know at first) but now I got them swearing up a storm ha ha.
I feel kinda bad that most of the stuff that I have taught Aot is the bad stuff, lol, I dont know what the kid thinks of me. Poor guy. HA.
I've been running a few miles a day and keeping up on my piano, I am going to record a song soon so when I get that up and running I will post it for ya'll to hear.
I have had a very personally struggle this week that I am trying to push past, I know that I will end up stronger in the end but any prayers would be much appreciated :)
Anyway I was supposed to go to bed an hour ago (I know, a bed time ha ha).
Hope everyone is doing great!!
Megan
Well, I am still here and still alive. YAY ME! :)
The boys are doing great, I am teaching Timmy how to write his name, he writes "t for Timothy" on EVERYTHING. Its cute tho, he has learned O and H too so he is getting there, its a matter of getting them in order and not repeating seventeen T's ha ha.
Anakin is doing well too, he is taking longer to get used to me, probably because there have been so many people come in a out of his life already and he knows I am leaving after a year... so I guess that makes it harder to get attached.
They both want me around them more which is good, I enjoy them alot.
Alex (my Uncle) will be here for the next 10 days or so, I am pretty excited. His last trip here to Laos we played checkers (in the dark because the electric went out again ha ha) and had an overall good time.
I am still keeping up with my basketball, I am in a contest with one of the guys I play with - I will beat him by the time I leave... half court shot and all! HA HA.
The guys are fun to hang out with, most of them speak English pretty well (which I didnt know at first) but now I got them swearing up a storm ha ha.
I feel kinda bad that most of the stuff that I have taught Aot is the bad stuff, lol, I dont know what the kid thinks of me. Poor guy. HA.
I've been running a few miles a day and keeping up on my piano, I am going to record a song soon so when I get that up and running I will post it for ya'll to hear.
I have had a very personally struggle this week that I am trying to push past, I know that I will end up stronger in the end but any prayers would be much appreciated :)
Anyway I was supposed to go to bed an hour ago (I know, a bed time ha ha).
Hope everyone is doing great!!
Megan
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Finally some pictures...
Sunset over the MeKong, beautiful isnt it!
Me and Anakin
Tim, Gong and me
Simanie (Tu Fye), Tui, and I
This is from the storm we had the other night, it was so bad it snapped a tree in half!!
So thats it for now, I will post more soon (I hope ha ha)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Let it rain...
So this week has been interesting, not only has it rained ALOT last night we had a storm to rival any tornado I have seen! The way the wind was blowing it snapped a tree in half, knocked things off the roof, the power was out... it was crazy and I will have to admit I was a little scared.
I was here by myself with the boys and a few of their friends so we tried to read a story - I thought I was A.D.D. you try having 4 kids in a crazy storm, no one pays attention to anything.
I think there will be permanant wax stains all over the house (try keeping a 9yr old away from candles, its a battle to lose...) ha ha.
Timmy is still sick, tho he is much better than he was. We went to the Dr. and got him some drugs. He keeps drinking water and telling me "Meykin (thats how he pronounces my name), doter tell me to eat water..." and then he will change it up sometimes and say that he has to drink it hot or really cold or something like that... he is funny. He gets frustrated with me sometimes and he will just look at me and tell me to go away... I think that is his new favorite sentence lol.
Anakin fell asleep in my room last night - he didnt want to be by himself. We are working out an arrangment... he doesnt do what I say, no cartoon network. I WIN! HA. Is that evil? :/ Anyway, he is a smart kid with a smart mouth and sometimes he needs to learn.
I think he likes me more now than he did before, he keeps asking me if I am going to stay or when I am leaving, told me he will miss me when I am gone. Pretty good feeling, if I do say so myself.
I love these boys I really do - they both have good hearts. They are children so they can be a pain, but I suppose I could have been to my parents too... tho I doubt it he he.
This week past week or so has kind of been a personal breakthrough week for me. I have come to terms with alot of personal issues and I am learning once again to be selfish ha! Seriously tho, I cant find happiness in another human, I cant find it in constantly changing my surroundings - its inside myself... and I think i discovered it.
Anyway I am going to play some ball this afternoon and so I am going to take a nap now while Tim is down.
See ya on the FLIPSIDE... ha haLAME
I was here by myself with the boys and a few of their friends so we tried to read a story - I thought I was A.D.D. you try having 4 kids in a crazy storm, no one pays attention to anything.
I think there will be permanant wax stains all over the house (try keeping a 9yr old away from candles, its a battle to lose...) ha ha.
Timmy is still sick, tho he is much better than he was. We went to the Dr. and got him some drugs. He keeps drinking water and telling me "Meykin (thats how he pronounces my name), doter tell me to eat water..." and then he will change it up sometimes and say that he has to drink it hot or really cold or something like that... he is funny. He gets frustrated with me sometimes and he will just look at me and tell me to go away... I think that is his new favorite sentence lol.
Anakin fell asleep in my room last night - he didnt want to be by himself. We are working out an arrangment... he doesnt do what I say, no cartoon network. I WIN! HA. Is that evil? :/ Anyway, he is a smart kid with a smart mouth and sometimes he needs to learn.
I think he likes me more now than he did before, he keeps asking me if I am going to stay or when I am leaving, told me he will miss me when I am gone. Pretty good feeling, if I do say so myself.
I love these boys I really do - they both have good hearts. They are children so they can be a pain, but I suppose I could have been to my parents too... tho I doubt it he he.
This week past week or so has kind of been a personal breakthrough week for me. I have come to terms with alot of personal issues and I am learning once again to be selfish ha! Seriously tho, I cant find happiness in another human, I cant find it in constantly changing my surroundings - its inside myself... and I think i discovered it.
Anyway I am going to play some ball this afternoon and so I am going to take a nap now while Tim is down.
See ya on the FLIPSIDE... ha haLAME
So this week has been interesting, not only has it rained ALOT last night we had a storm to rival any tornado I have seen! The way the wind was blowing it snapped a tree in half, knocked things off the roof, the power was out... it was crazy and I will have to admit I was a little scared.
I was here by myself with the boys and a few of their friends so we tried to read a story - I thought I was A.D.D. you try having 4 kids in a crazy storm, no one pays attention to anything.
I think there will be permanant wax stains all over the house (try keeping a 9yr old away from candles, its a battle to lose...) ha ha.
Timmy is still sick, tho he is much better than he was. We went to the Dr. and got him some drugs. He keeps drinking water and telling me "Meykin (thats how he pronounces my name), doter tell me to eat water..." and then he will change it up sometimes and say that he has to drink it hot or really cold or something like that... he is funny. He gets frustrated with me sometimes and he will just look at me and tell me to go away... I think that is his new favorite sentence lol.
Anakin fell asleep in my room last night - he didnt want to be by himself. We are working out an arrangment... he doesnt do what I say, no cartoon network. I WIN! HA. Is that evil? :/ Anyway, he is a smart kid with a smart mouth and sometimes he needs to learn.
I think he likes me more now than he did before, he keeps asking me if I am going to stay or when I am leaving, told me he will miss me when I am gone. Pretty good feeling, if I do say so myself.
I love these boys I really do - they both have good hearts. They are children so they can be a pain, but I suppose I could have been to my parents too... tho I doubt it he he.
This week past week or so has kind of been a personal breakthrough week for me. I have come to terms with alot of personal issues and I am learning once again to be selfish ha! Seriously tho, I cant find happiness in another human, I cant find it in constantly changing my surroundings - its inside myself... and I think i discovered it.
Anyway I am going to play some ball this afternoon and so I am going to take a nap now while Tim is down.
See ya on the FLIPSIDE... ha haLAME
I was here by myself with the boys and a few of their friends so we tried to read a story - I thought I was A.D.D. you try having 4 kids in a crazy storm, no one pays attention to anything.
I think there will be permanant wax stains all over the house (try keeping a 9yr old away from candles, its a battle to lose...) ha ha.
Timmy is still sick, tho he is much better than he was. We went to the Dr. and got him some drugs. He keeps drinking water and telling me "Meykin (thats how he pronounces my name), doter tell me to eat water..." and then he will change it up sometimes and say that he has to drink it hot or really cold or something like that... he is funny. He gets frustrated with me sometimes and he will just look at me and tell me to go away... I think that is his new favorite sentence lol.
Anakin fell asleep in my room last night - he didnt want to be by himself. We are working out an arrangment... he doesnt do what I say, no cartoon network. I WIN! HA. Is that evil? :/ Anyway, he is a smart kid with a smart mouth and sometimes he needs to learn.
I think he likes me more now than he did before, he keeps asking me if I am going to stay or when I am leaving, told me he will miss me when I am gone. Pretty good feeling, if I do say so myself.
I love these boys I really do - they both have good hearts. They are children so they can be a pain, but I suppose I could have been to my parents too... tho I doubt it he he.
This week past week or so has kind of been a personal breakthrough week for me. I have come to terms with alot of personal issues and I am learning once again to be selfish ha! Seriously tho, I cant find happiness in another human, I cant find it in constantly changing my surroundings - its inside myself... and I think i discovered it.
Anyway I am going to play some ball this afternoon and so I am going to take a nap now while Tim is down.
See ya on the FLIPSIDE... ha haLAME
Monday, March 23, 2009
2 Months and counting....
So, for Arkansas its the 23rd (or now the 24th since its after midnight for ya'll).. and well, that makes it exactly two months since I left! Crazy stuff huh?!
In a sense time has gone pretty quickly... I've adapted to my routine (which is pretty much a whole lot of nothing lol) and well its gone ok so far.
Someone asked me what the difference in what I expected before I got here and what life here is actually like... I told them I dont have a clue lol.
Before I got here, I wasnt really sure what to expect! I didnt know - I guess maybe I thought it would be this quiant little village where the people were friendly and the cows roamed free. LOL. I dont know! Well, Vientiane is ... short. Thats about the only way to put it. There are tons of people here but when you look out across the city - its short! No buildings. The tallest thing here is a Stupa and by law you cant build any taller than it, so everything remains under 5 stories. The people arent as friendly as I thought they would be... the only thing I was right about is the cow roaming... lol.
I've learned a bit, taken some notes... realized alot of the things I have taken for granted.
Things here are very slow paced, they call it Lao PDR (people dont rush or run) and its SO true! If something gets done its time for a party and another day off.
Its interesting - and very different. Its a beautiful place for a vacation and it makes me feel like I am on South Pacific (the movie) sometimes...
The Mekong is in my back yard and the sun sets directly through my bedroom window - its beautiful, it really is. Like something from a dream...
Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream and that I need to get back to the real world.
Anyway this is just an "I made it, I'm still here... " post.
I miss home, and I miss the people that I love - I think of all of you and pray you are safe and doing well :)
Peace and chicken grease (eww!)
Meg
In a sense time has gone pretty quickly... I've adapted to my routine (which is pretty much a whole lot of nothing lol) and well its gone ok so far.
Someone asked me what the difference in what I expected before I got here and what life here is actually like... I told them I dont have a clue lol.
Before I got here, I wasnt really sure what to expect! I didnt know - I guess maybe I thought it would be this quiant little village where the people were friendly and the cows roamed free. LOL. I dont know! Well, Vientiane is ... short. Thats about the only way to put it. There are tons of people here but when you look out across the city - its short! No buildings. The tallest thing here is a Stupa and by law you cant build any taller than it, so everything remains under 5 stories. The people arent as friendly as I thought they would be... the only thing I was right about is the cow roaming... lol.
I've learned a bit, taken some notes... realized alot of the things I have taken for granted.
Things here are very slow paced, they call it Lao PDR (people dont rush or run) and its SO true! If something gets done its time for a party and another day off.
Its interesting - and very different. Its a beautiful place for a vacation and it makes me feel like I am on South Pacific (the movie) sometimes...
The Mekong is in my back yard and the sun sets directly through my bedroom window - its beautiful, it really is. Like something from a dream...
Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream and that I need to get back to the real world.
Anyway this is just an "I made it, I'm still here... " post.
I miss home, and I miss the people that I love - I think of all of you and pray you are safe and doing well :)
Peace and chicken grease (eww!)
Meg
Sunday, March 22, 2009
If you know me....
... you know I have this obscene fear of doctors and dentists (totally not a joke!). So, yesterday we went to Udon (Thailand) so I could go to the dentist, I have to get a crown for one of my teeth... well while sitting in the lobby I started watching what was on TV it was some kind of horror movie and in this movie it has a scene where someone grabs the girl and starts viciously pulling her teeth out of her head... ironic and very disturbing thing to see at a dentists office. Me, having the overactive imagination that I do decided that maybe that video wasnt really on TV but was leading to one of the back rooms... he he. You get the point. VERY disturbing lol.
Anyway I havent really been up to much - just living, thats about all I do :)
Anyway I havent really been up to much - just living, thats about all I do :)
Friday, March 20, 2009
la comparaison est facilement faite quand vous avez eu un goût de la perfection...
"...Je sais juste pourquoi vous ne pourriez pas venir avec moi que ce n'était pas votre rêve mais vous ai toujours cru en moi. Je veux venir à la maison, je suis juste à loin d'où vous êtes… Je reviens à la maison"
Hello everyone!
Things here have been very slow and boring the last few days. My uncle is home this weekend for the first time in two weeks, which is good. He is on some medication for his condition - but other than that he is seemingly alright.
Timmy has spent the last few days as "Iron Man", we made him a costume out of paper, trust me its beautiful lol.
I've been working on my piano skills - not that they are that great (which is why I am working on them ha) I think I am getting a little better. I have the option to take lessons but the woman here is from Vietnam and doesnt speak or understand English.
One of my favorite people here, Simanie (or Tu Fie), is trying to teach me a little bit - she is the cook and has taught me some tricks etc... I like her, she is alot of fun. I like people who laugh alot- and tho she is laughing at me most of the time at least she is laughing :)
This past week has been cool, it actually rained quite a bit yesterday - which I hear is out of the norm because its supposed to be the hot season. Oh well, I didnt mind it one bit! I spent most of the day looking out the window... :)
The electricity here at the house is faulty which isnt fun! Its ok when it goes off during the day but its a real pain in the neck when it goes out at night while we are trying to do homework etc... its then that I become the play toy lol.
Anyway I just wanted to update really quick, nothing really new to note.
Hope everyone is enjoying the transition into spring!
Hello everyone!
Things here have been very slow and boring the last few days. My uncle is home this weekend for the first time in two weeks, which is good. He is on some medication for his condition - but other than that he is seemingly alright.
Timmy has spent the last few days as "Iron Man", we made him a costume out of paper, trust me its beautiful lol.
I've been working on my piano skills - not that they are that great (which is why I am working on them ha) I think I am getting a little better. I have the option to take lessons but the woman here is from Vietnam and doesnt speak or understand English.
One of my favorite people here, Simanie (or Tu Fie), is trying to teach me a little bit - she is the cook and has taught me some tricks etc... I like her, she is alot of fun. I like people who laugh alot- and tho she is laughing at me most of the time at least she is laughing :)
This past week has been cool, it actually rained quite a bit yesterday - which I hear is out of the norm because its supposed to be the hot season. Oh well, I didnt mind it one bit! I spent most of the day looking out the window... :)
The electricity here at the house is faulty which isnt fun! Its ok when it goes off during the day but its a real pain in the neck when it goes out at night while we are trying to do homework etc... its then that I become the play toy lol.
Anyway I just wanted to update really quick, nothing really new to note.
Hope everyone is enjoying the transition into spring!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Here I am, and I stand so tall just the way I'm supposed to be....
Hello!
Just another boring old update... HA HA.
Today I went to Udon Thani Thailand, mostly just a shopping trip. Last time I was in Udon I saw a man taking a giant dump on a wall... interesting, sick and yet, very true story. LOL. Today, no such luck ha ha.
I've been doing as much as I can to keep myself busy and entertained - tho life here is so slow I am completely bored most of the time.
Last night Soukanh took us to a little Italian restaurant, it was pretty good... I ate mussels which were freakin fantabulous! I have never liked them, but I really enjoyed them this time around (maybe I am maturing in my taste... or maybe they were just more appealing than bugs lol). But overall it was pretty ok ( I do miss me some OG tho!)
I want to give a shout out to Gabe who has been keeping me entertained, constantly reminding me of the things I dont have *sigh* Taco bell and Jaeger - so not cool ;)JK, I appreciate you talking to me tho! For real!
I have talked to a few people from home this week, which is pretty stinkin awesome! :)
I also got myself a Thai phone number (its cheaper to call the US from that than the Lao one) I am pretty excited about that.
Yesterday Anakin told his dad I was a pretty good nanny - that made me feel pretty good, like maybe I was accomplishing what I came here for.
I bought the boys gifts today when we were in Thailand - Anakin a rubics cube (is that how you spell that?) and Timmy a coloring book and a puzzle. Kin likes his so far, I want to see just how far that mind of his can stretch. And Timmy is passed out so he hasnt gotten his yet.
I like them (most of the time lol)
They both have their own personalities and most of the time they fight like crazy! But when they are brothers they really do stick together... most of the time when they are agreeing with each other they are disagreeing with me lol.
So we booked flights etc for Hong Kong!! YAY! I am super stoked about that trip! There is a slight chance that it may fall through - but I am really hoping it happens!
I have been doing pretty good at studying, which is a surprise to myself because I NEVER studied my whole grade school/high school/college career. LOL Sad but true.
I am pretty proud of myself... its interesting finding out what I know about things tho - I may end up being smarter than I thought lol.
I've decided I am going to record some music... I dont know if I am going to do it here or when I get back to the US but I have written a few songs, and am working on some others and I think that it would be good to do something like that for myself.
Anyway thats todays update. Hope everyone is doing stinkin AWESOME!
Just another boring old update... HA HA.
Today I went to Udon Thani Thailand, mostly just a shopping trip. Last time I was in Udon I saw a man taking a giant dump on a wall... interesting, sick and yet, very true story. LOL. Today, no such luck ha ha.
I've been doing as much as I can to keep myself busy and entertained - tho life here is so slow I am completely bored most of the time.
Last night Soukanh took us to a little Italian restaurant, it was pretty good... I ate mussels which were freakin fantabulous! I have never liked them, but I really enjoyed them this time around (maybe I am maturing in my taste... or maybe they were just more appealing than bugs lol). But overall it was pretty ok ( I do miss me some OG tho!)
I want to give a shout out to Gabe who has been keeping me entertained, constantly reminding me of the things I dont have *sigh* Taco bell and Jaeger - so not cool ;)JK, I appreciate you talking to me tho! For real!
I have talked to a few people from home this week, which is pretty stinkin awesome! :)
I also got myself a Thai phone number (its cheaper to call the US from that than the Lao one) I am pretty excited about that.
Yesterday Anakin told his dad I was a pretty good nanny - that made me feel pretty good, like maybe I was accomplishing what I came here for.
I bought the boys gifts today when we were in Thailand - Anakin a rubics cube (is that how you spell that?) and Timmy a coloring book and a puzzle. Kin likes his so far, I want to see just how far that mind of his can stretch. And Timmy is passed out so he hasnt gotten his yet.
I like them (most of the time lol)
They both have their own personalities and most of the time they fight like crazy! But when they are brothers they really do stick together... most of the time when they are agreeing with each other they are disagreeing with me lol.
So we booked flights etc for Hong Kong!! YAY! I am super stoked about that trip! There is a slight chance that it may fall through - but I am really hoping it happens!
I have been doing pretty good at studying, which is a surprise to myself because I NEVER studied my whole grade school/high school/college career. LOL Sad but true.
I am pretty proud of myself... its interesting finding out what I know about things tho - I may end up being smarter than I thought lol.
I've decided I am going to record some music... I dont know if I am going to do it here or when I get back to the US but I have written a few songs, and am working on some others and I think that it would be good to do something like that for myself.
Anyway thats todays update. Hope everyone is doing stinkin AWESOME!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Momma!!
Today is my momma's birthday! She is one of the most incredible people I know (hello she raised me.. and 7 other kids!) LOVE HER!
Anyway today has been another lazy day. This whole week has been lazy! I cant wait till the boys get back in school (is that bad??). Its been fun most of the time but they are wearing me down.
We went down to the beach again yesterday and the water levels had risen which I guess is a good thing. We were supposed to be hunting eggs but the egg hunt turned into a throwing wet sand at Megan game... which was SO much fun. HA, its not fair when there are 4 boys against me. *sigh* But it was kinda fun.
Timmy decided his favorite movie is "Nacho Libre" - he has literally watched it 6x in the last 2 days. I totally forgot that when a 4yr old likes something they repeat it over and over and.... yeah. Its alright tho.
He always trys to find movies in English so I can watch them too which is nice - it dosnt always happen that way, but its ok.
I am down to my goal weight of 115 but I am still working on toning up etc... I've been "up in the gym just workin on my fitness" he he
Last night was SUPER windy - I havent heard wind like that since I lived in Kansas, crazy stuff! It kept me up most of the night.
We were supposed to go to Udon Thani Thailand today to pick up my uncle and go shopping (you cant really buy anything in Laos, we live in the capitol city and you still cant find anything) but my uncle spent the night in the hospital, its the third time in less than two weeks that he has been in the ER, keep him in your thoughts if you will.
Tonight Soukanh, Tui and I are supposed to go out to a new pub thats opening. Should be fun I think.
Next month is the Lao New Year, for 4 or 5 days people run around splashing water on each other and on statues of Buddha- I hear its supposed to be fun. We might go to Hong Kong during that time tho, which would be great!
Anyway, Timmy is down for his nap and I think my bed is calling my name as well. :)
Anyway today has been another lazy day. This whole week has been lazy! I cant wait till the boys get back in school (is that bad??). Its been fun most of the time but they are wearing me down.
We went down to the beach again yesterday and the water levels had risen which I guess is a good thing. We were supposed to be hunting eggs but the egg hunt turned into a throwing wet sand at Megan game... which was SO much fun. HA, its not fair when there are 4 boys against me. *sigh* But it was kinda fun.
Timmy decided his favorite movie is "Nacho Libre" - he has literally watched it 6x in the last 2 days. I totally forgot that when a 4yr old likes something they repeat it over and over and.... yeah. Its alright tho.
He always trys to find movies in English so I can watch them too which is nice - it dosnt always happen that way, but its ok.
I am down to my goal weight of 115 but I am still working on toning up etc... I've been "up in the gym just workin on my fitness" he he
Last night was SUPER windy - I havent heard wind like that since I lived in Kansas, crazy stuff! It kept me up most of the night.
We were supposed to go to Udon Thani Thailand today to pick up my uncle and go shopping (you cant really buy anything in Laos, we live in the capitol city and you still cant find anything) but my uncle spent the night in the hospital, its the third time in less than two weeks that he has been in the ER, keep him in your thoughts if you will.
Tonight Soukanh, Tui and I are supposed to go out to a new pub thats opening. Should be fun I think.
Next month is the Lao New Year, for 4 or 5 days people run around splashing water on each other and on statues of Buddha- I hear its supposed to be fun. We might go to Hong Kong during that time tho, which would be great!
Anyway, Timmy is down for his nap and I think my bed is calling my name as well. :)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Back in the saddle again....
Hello again!
I am going to try to be better about updating (ha ha, yeah right)
The boys have been out of school for the last 5 days or so (and will be till the end of the week), its been different- but I think we are bonding a little better.
Monday Soukanh took all of us to eat on the Mekong river, they have these individual restaurant/boat things that you can eat on while you fish and float down the Mekong - pretty cool if you ask me. The menu was, lets just say... less than desirable! For the app there were fried slugs with lemon grass and leaves, yes I know I have eaten them before but there is a difference between eating them as food and trying something crazy just to say you did it. After that they brought out the main dish - live shrimps. They had to cover the plate so the little guys wouldnt get everywhere. I have a video (I will post it soon) of everyone eating them while they are squirming. I just cant handle the idea of live food - sorry not my thing.
We had a good relaxing float down the river - then came back to the house.
Simanie (she is the cook) LOVES to see me freak out about things that people eat so she went to the market and got some ant larve and cooked that for dinner. My adventurous side has diminished since I was sick last week (not sure what I ate but it didnt agree with me) so I did not try the ant larve- tho I was told by everyone it was super delicious.
I have gone swimming in the Mekong 2x this week, it is directly behind the house so we just walk down to the beach. Since its the dry season the water is very low so its easy to keep track of the boys which is good. Its kinda cool to watch the sunset over the water - the last two nights have been absolutely beautiful!
My attempt at learning Lao has been amusing for everyone. I tend to twist the words somehow and make everything perverse, I dont even know what I am saying - but they tell me... and laugh at me. Its interesting. HA.
My uncle got me a bunch of books so I could study while I am here, the plan is to go to school when I get back to the states so I kind of need to review since I havent been in school in years!
Last week I was sick like I said earlier- I was also a little in the dumps.
My gramps left early last week and I guess maybe I was feeling VERY alone - its tougher than I thought being the only one over the age of 10 who speaks English. My uncle is rarely here so I really dont have many people. This is going to be a test for me, of that I am certian.
Anyway I am going to sign off here. Hope everyone at home is doing well!
I am going to try to be better about updating (ha ha, yeah right)
The boys have been out of school for the last 5 days or so (and will be till the end of the week), its been different- but I think we are bonding a little better.
Monday Soukanh took all of us to eat on the Mekong river, they have these individual restaurant/boat things that you can eat on while you fish and float down the Mekong - pretty cool if you ask me. The menu was, lets just say... less than desirable! For the app there were fried slugs with lemon grass and leaves, yes I know I have eaten them before but there is a difference between eating them as food and trying something crazy just to say you did it. After that they brought out the main dish - live shrimps. They had to cover the plate so the little guys wouldnt get everywhere. I have a video (I will post it soon) of everyone eating them while they are squirming. I just cant handle the idea of live food - sorry not my thing.
We had a good relaxing float down the river - then came back to the house.
Simanie (she is the cook) LOVES to see me freak out about things that people eat so she went to the market and got some ant larve and cooked that for dinner. My adventurous side has diminished since I was sick last week (not sure what I ate but it didnt agree with me) so I did not try the ant larve- tho I was told by everyone it was super delicious.
I have gone swimming in the Mekong 2x this week, it is directly behind the house so we just walk down to the beach. Since its the dry season the water is very low so its easy to keep track of the boys which is good. Its kinda cool to watch the sunset over the water - the last two nights have been absolutely beautiful!
My attempt at learning Lao has been amusing for everyone. I tend to twist the words somehow and make everything perverse, I dont even know what I am saying - but they tell me... and laugh at me. Its interesting. HA.
My uncle got me a bunch of books so I could study while I am here, the plan is to go to school when I get back to the states so I kind of need to review since I havent been in school in years!
Last week I was sick like I said earlier- I was also a little in the dumps.
My gramps left early last week and I guess maybe I was feeling VERY alone - its tougher than I thought being the only one over the age of 10 who speaks English. My uncle is rarely here so I really dont have many people. This is going to be a test for me, of that I am certian.
Anyway I am going to sign off here. Hope everyone at home is doing well!
Friday, February 27, 2009
...I'm not as good as I once was....
... nor am I as good as I thought I was going to be. I had this big plan to keep track of EVERYTHING while I was over here and blog about it - but really it has just become life. You know like when you are in the states and driving down the interstate you see someone picking their nose or something like that - well its the same here.... only they do things like stack 6 people to 1 LITTLE motorcycle. (which in itself is dangerous but amusing)
I have seen a motorcycle pulling a trailer that contained a cow... I've seen someone riding on a motorcycle with an IV (yes like the needle kind from the hospital) in their arm just driving down the street.
With as many amusing things I have seen I have seen equally the sad - I grew up with no money, but I guess even then I never understood the TRUE meaning of poverty and its sad.
With as much beauty as there is here there is also dirty and ugly but in its own way its a beautiful reminder.
I guess in my mindseye I saw things a bit differently, not that I am upset that I came or anything like that - I wouldnt trade this time for the world! I am doing my best not to take it for granted. I know not many people have this chance and I am so thankful.
I guess we all come to a point in our lives where we realize the childhood dreams that we had were just that, from the mind of a child.
And I guess you can look at life in a couple different ways - its a small world or its a massive world. And yet no matter how you look at it and no matter where you go things and people are the same. We all breathe and eat, we all need to be loved and cared for. Thats really what it comes down to. You can travel the world and see EVERYTHING there is to see but what difference does it make if you dont have something in your heart that makes it worthwhile. It doesnt mean that you have to have the love of another person, maybe all you need is the love of yourself and that is what drives you - but for most of us we need that someone there.
I've learned a few things about myself since I got here (Its only been a month but I am a fast learner he he)
I've learned that I see beauty everywhere... its kinda funny. I can look at someone who I know is not in any way beautiful and yet I can see something in their eyes - or maybe a smile that makes me see something deeper than the physical. I dont know if thats weird but its the truth.
Driving by the temples here everyday they still amaze me and I cant get enough - they are beautiful to me...
I can just sit for hours and watch people go by, or I can look through all kinds of trinkets at shops, or I can go for long walks - no matter what I see something... deeper. I dont know how to explain, maybe I am completely lame in this matter and I am looking too hard for things that arent actually there. But its very rare for me to go somewhere or do something without finding something especially beautiful - it may be another person or it may be a run down building, but there is always something that catches my eye.
Anyway, enough about that.
I have been happier lately - maybe its the paradigm shift that I have been going through (very few will understand that statment ha ha).
I know what I want in life - which is amazing! I'm still completely indecisive but I have direction that wasnt there before.
I hurt a bit at times over the choices that I have made in the past and the people I hurt - but apologies have been made and now its time to move on and LIVE.
Life and time are both so precious - I dont want to waste any of it. .... which probably means I should go.
Hope you all are very blessed.
Always,
Megan
I have seen a motorcycle pulling a trailer that contained a cow... I've seen someone riding on a motorcycle with an IV (yes like the needle kind from the hospital) in their arm just driving down the street.
With as many amusing things I have seen I have seen equally the sad - I grew up with no money, but I guess even then I never understood the TRUE meaning of poverty and its sad.
With as much beauty as there is here there is also dirty and ugly but in its own way its a beautiful reminder.
I guess in my mindseye I saw things a bit differently, not that I am upset that I came or anything like that - I wouldnt trade this time for the world! I am doing my best not to take it for granted. I know not many people have this chance and I am so thankful.
I guess we all come to a point in our lives where we realize the childhood dreams that we had were just that, from the mind of a child.
And I guess you can look at life in a couple different ways - its a small world or its a massive world. And yet no matter how you look at it and no matter where you go things and people are the same. We all breathe and eat, we all need to be loved and cared for. Thats really what it comes down to. You can travel the world and see EVERYTHING there is to see but what difference does it make if you dont have something in your heart that makes it worthwhile. It doesnt mean that you have to have the love of another person, maybe all you need is the love of yourself and that is what drives you - but for most of us we need that someone there.
I've learned a few things about myself since I got here (Its only been a month but I am a fast learner he he)
I've learned that I see beauty everywhere... its kinda funny. I can look at someone who I know is not in any way beautiful and yet I can see something in their eyes - or maybe a smile that makes me see something deeper than the physical. I dont know if thats weird but its the truth.
Driving by the temples here everyday they still amaze me and I cant get enough - they are beautiful to me...
I can just sit for hours and watch people go by, or I can look through all kinds of trinkets at shops, or I can go for long walks - no matter what I see something... deeper. I dont know how to explain, maybe I am completely lame in this matter and I am looking too hard for things that arent actually there. But its very rare for me to go somewhere or do something without finding something especially beautiful - it may be another person or it may be a run down building, but there is always something that catches my eye.
Anyway, enough about that.
I have been happier lately - maybe its the paradigm shift that I have been going through (very few will understand that statment ha ha).
I know what I want in life - which is amazing! I'm still completely indecisive but I have direction that wasnt there before.
I hurt a bit at times over the choices that I have made in the past and the people I hurt - but apologies have been made and now its time to move on and LIVE.
Life and time are both so precious - I dont want to waste any of it. .... which probably means I should go.
Hope you all are very blessed.
Always,
Megan
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Just something to think about....
Today I was sitting at a little cafe called JoMa here in Vientiane, I go there often to read and sort out my thoughts. Every day that I am there a woman is also there sitting on the sidewalk with 2 babies. One child is about 2 and the other cant be more than 6 months old. The baby never has any clothes or a diaper and the older is always so dirty. The woman herself is dirty and unkempt, everyday she just sits there and waits for people to give her money... I have seen homeless people before, of course but its different to see a family on the street begging for money. Today a group of boys age ranging from 4-9 ( I am assuming) walked up and down the city square asking everyone they met for money... I gave them some and the look on their faces was actually thankful, I didnt give them much- I didnt have much on me but it made me think about how spoiled we are in the US. Here the average worker makes somewhere around $4.50 per day, and they work ALOT harder than anyone I have ever met. EVERYONE works 6 days a week and they are about 10 hour days, sometimes without a lunch but they dont complain because its the way of life. You work to live.
In the US if you have to stay late at work (where most of the time you dont do much anyway) you complain. If you dont get your raise on time its a travisty ...
It just amazes me how simple these people can live and still be happy. Life here is worth more than money, course everyone wants it... but you can tell that money isnt what drives everyone. Its pretty interesting.
Me personally, I have never really been materialistic, honestly. Course I like to have nice things, but who doesnt? I have never really had alot, but I guess I was never really thankful for what I DID have...
Anyway thats just something I thought about.
Things here have been going... :) somewhere I am sure!
I have been trying to keep myself busy but for the most part the boys are in school and I get bored easily (My A.D.D. gets the best of me at times)
I think I have read like 20 books since I got here which is fun I suppose lol.
I did pose for my uncles partners photoshoot. He owns a salon and was going to have an spread in a magazine over here. So I got my hair and makeup done and got to take a few photos, it was fun!
I went to a cultural food thing the other day which was cool too... I was given something amazing to eat.. a slug ha ha. It tasted kinda like a peanut with the texture of those fried pork skins. Interesting stuff. Today I ate something too... I was scared to ask so it remains a mystery. WOO HOO!
The boys have been really good, for the most part they do their thing and I just spend a few hours with them a day checking homework, making sure they are eating etc... all kinds of "motherly duties" without actually having to be a mom (thank the lord ha ha!)
The time difference about kills me, when I am awake EVERYONE is sleeping, like right now its about 3:15AM for you guys and it is 4:15PM for me. SO weird. But my brother pointed out that I am in the future compared to you guys... so if the world comes to an end I will be the first to know... right??? he he.
Anyway my next blog is going to be a video thing... I think, or at least I am going to try it should be fun...
I am going to run and see if I can do something with my hair (would you believe I havent touched it for about 2 months.. WAY too long)
Adios ya'll! Email me.
In the US if you have to stay late at work (where most of the time you dont do much anyway) you complain. If you dont get your raise on time its a travisty ...
It just amazes me how simple these people can live and still be happy. Life here is worth more than money, course everyone wants it... but you can tell that money isnt what drives everyone. Its pretty interesting.
Me personally, I have never really been materialistic, honestly. Course I like to have nice things, but who doesnt? I have never really had alot, but I guess I was never really thankful for what I DID have...
Anyway thats just something I thought about.
Things here have been going... :) somewhere I am sure!
I have been trying to keep myself busy but for the most part the boys are in school and I get bored easily (My A.D.D. gets the best of me at times)
I think I have read like 20 books since I got here which is fun I suppose lol.
I did pose for my uncles partners photoshoot. He owns a salon and was going to have an spread in a magazine over here. So I got my hair and makeup done and got to take a few photos, it was fun!
I went to a cultural food thing the other day which was cool too... I was given something amazing to eat.. a slug ha ha. It tasted kinda like a peanut with the texture of those fried pork skins. Interesting stuff. Today I ate something too... I was scared to ask so it remains a mystery. WOO HOO!
The boys have been really good, for the most part they do their thing and I just spend a few hours with them a day checking homework, making sure they are eating etc... all kinds of "motherly duties" without actually having to be a mom (thank the lord ha ha!)
The time difference about kills me, when I am awake EVERYONE is sleeping, like right now its about 3:15AM for you guys and it is 4:15PM for me. SO weird. But my brother pointed out that I am in the future compared to you guys... so if the world comes to an end I will be the first to know... right??? he he.
Anyway my next blog is going to be a video thing... I think, or at least I am going to try it should be fun...
I am going to run and see if I can do something with my hair (would you believe I havent touched it for about 2 months.. WAY too long)
Adios ya'll! Email me.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Hello again.
So I have been here about 10 days now, sometimes it seems like time has really been flying, other times the days just drag on and on.
Yesterday I learned how to make a Thai snack, very good! lol I dont know what all was in it (no pigs blood he he) mostly just all kinds of veggies and some peanut. (Thai food has alot of peanut so if you have allergies its not a good place to vacation or visit)
Today is Timmy's birthday, he is now 4 years old. We went to his school to take him a cake and some cookies for his class and he spent the whole time crying, I dont think he got enough sleep last night.
The boys are both great! Both of them are very very smart!
Anakin is 9 (he will tell you he is 10, but his birthday isnt until August) he is probably one of the smartest children I have ever met, and that is the truth. He picks up on things quickly and does great with problem solving. His grades are great! He is a little shy in some areas but clever and funny. We decided to call our grandpa "the toothless vampire", long story but very funny.
Timmy, like I said, just turned 4 days. The boy is SO stubborn! I have never met a child that age who sticks to his word so well, there is no distracting him. What he says goes or it is a mess. He is very well behaved most of the time, typical little boy. LOTS of energy... he likes learning new things. We learned about balloons and static (if you rub a balloon on your hair it sticks....) he enjoyed that. He also had never played with a paper airplane so now every day after school he brings me a sheet of paper and we play airplane for about an hour or so.
My Uncle has another boy staying with him, an older boy by the name of Aot (tho all the names they have are not really their names which I found out today), he is about 19 or 20, very nice. He is helping me learn Lao which I am sure is amusing for him, just imagine me with my silly redneck accent trying to speak an asian language. HA! The idea!
Anyway we are working on one word per day and he is doing SO much better than I am, ha ha. He is a good student tho which is good.
I have been playing the piano alot and trying to write as much as I can. So far I have done well to keep a journal (tho I did forget last night).
Anyway I better sign off here, I have some stuff I need to do. (actual work HA)
Yesterday I learned how to make a Thai snack, very good! lol I dont know what all was in it (no pigs blood he he) mostly just all kinds of veggies and some peanut. (Thai food has alot of peanut so if you have allergies its not a good place to vacation or visit)
Today is Timmy's birthday, he is now 4 years old. We went to his school to take him a cake and some cookies for his class and he spent the whole time crying, I dont think he got enough sleep last night.
The boys are both great! Both of them are very very smart!
Anakin is 9 (he will tell you he is 10, but his birthday isnt until August) he is probably one of the smartest children I have ever met, and that is the truth. He picks up on things quickly and does great with problem solving. His grades are great! He is a little shy in some areas but clever and funny. We decided to call our grandpa "the toothless vampire", long story but very funny.
Timmy, like I said, just turned 4 days. The boy is SO stubborn! I have never met a child that age who sticks to his word so well, there is no distracting him. What he says goes or it is a mess. He is very well behaved most of the time, typical little boy. LOTS of energy... he likes learning new things. We learned about balloons and static (if you rub a balloon on your hair it sticks....) he enjoyed that. He also had never played with a paper airplane so now every day after school he brings me a sheet of paper and we play airplane for about an hour or so.
My Uncle has another boy staying with him, an older boy by the name of Aot (tho all the names they have are not really their names which I found out today), he is about 19 or 20, very nice. He is helping me learn Lao which I am sure is amusing for him, just imagine me with my silly redneck accent trying to speak an asian language. HA! The idea!
Anyway we are working on one word per day and he is doing SO much better than I am, ha ha. He is a good student tho which is good.
I have been playing the piano alot and trying to write as much as I can. So far I have done well to keep a journal (tho I did forget last night).
Anyway I better sign off here, I have some stuff I need to do. (actual work HA)
Friday, February 6, 2009
I'm Heeerrrreeee!!
So I made it safely to Vientiane Laos which is where my home will be for the next year or so.
I've been here about 5 days now and its been interesting so far lol.
I've eaten quite a bit of food. I had French spaghetti, Scandinavian coffee and sandwiches and Lao food for dinner every night.
The oddest things I have eaten so far have been squid (about 2 nights ago), they had two options on that not spicy and VERY spicy... (I am thinking that is common because my uncle isnt a big fan of spicy food... or so it seems) the tentacles were a bit chewy but closer to the head was about like tender chicken, really not so bad. And today for lunch I had noodles with pig blood. HA its true! I didnt know what it was so I asked (mistake maybe??) the texture was almost like soft cheese... velveeta maybe?? It wasnt bad, had an interesting flavor, left my mouth a bit dry tho.
For the most part the last few days we (me and my Grandpa) have spent trying to get in the swing of things... the time difference is drastic! 13 hours! Tho I have always said I should have been born in Asia because I LOVE the night in the US, not that I dont like the day I just couldnt sleep at night so now I am sleeping at night! So it works out ha ha.
Today was the first day we went sightseeing, I know I will be here for a long time but I was really excited to finally get to see the city I live in.
We went to what they call a Stupah, we also went to this garden of Buddha which had ALL kinds of statues and things, it was amazing! Someone must have spent forever on it!! Seriously!
We went to this other place too I dont know what it was called but France built it for Laos, it was great too!
There are so many beautiful sights here I dont think my camera will ever do justice to what my eyes see, I am just thankful I am HERE and can expirence it and carry those memories in my mind and heart forever. I wouldnt trade this time for anything.
The world is so big and life is so short! I want... actually scratch that. I NEED to see things! I need to live my life as much as I can, as well as I can. I need to get out there and do EVERYTHING! People may laugh and think I am kidding, but I'm not. I honestly want to do as much as I can with the time that I have been given. No one is promised tomorrow so I am going to make today AMAZING!
The last couple days I have struggled a little bit with missing someone and my old surroundings, but I have to tell myself that this is what life is about. It may hurt, but maybe the pain will make things sweeter in the end (at least that is kinda what I hope). So... I close my eyes and picture myself there with that someone for 5 minutes, hope they are thinking of me too and then I keep moving.
I've been here about 5 days now and its been interesting so far lol.
I've eaten quite a bit of food. I had French spaghetti, Scandinavian coffee and sandwiches and Lao food for dinner every night.
The oddest things I have eaten so far have been squid (about 2 nights ago), they had two options on that not spicy and VERY spicy... (I am thinking that is common because my uncle isnt a big fan of spicy food... or so it seems) the tentacles were a bit chewy but closer to the head was about like tender chicken, really not so bad. And today for lunch I had noodles with pig blood. HA its true! I didnt know what it was so I asked (mistake maybe??) the texture was almost like soft cheese... velveeta maybe?? It wasnt bad, had an interesting flavor, left my mouth a bit dry tho.
For the most part the last few days we (me and my Grandpa) have spent trying to get in the swing of things... the time difference is drastic! 13 hours! Tho I have always said I should have been born in Asia because I LOVE the night in the US, not that I dont like the day I just couldnt sleep at night so now I am sleeping at night! So it works out ha ha.
Today was the first day we went sightseeing, I know I will be here for a long time but I was really excited to finally get to see the city I live in.
We went to what they call a Stupah, we also went to this garden of Buddha which had ALL kinds of statues and things, it was amazing! Someone must have spent forever on it!! Seriously!
We went to this other place too I dont know what it was called but France built it for Laos, it was great too!
There are so many beautiful sights here I dont think my camera will ever do justice to what my eyes see, I am just thankful I am HERE and can expirence it and carry those memories in my mind and heart forever. I wouldnt trade this time for anything.
The world is so big and life is so short! I want... actually scratch that. I NEED to see things! I need to live my life as much as I can, as well as I can. I need to get out there and do EVERYTHING! People may laugh and think I am kidding, but I'm not. I honestly want to do as much as I can with the time that I have been given. No one is promised tomorrow so I am going to make today AMAZING!
The last couple days I have struggled a little bit with missing someone and my old surroundings, but I have to tell myself that this is what life is about. It may hurt, but maybe the pain will make things sweeter in the end (at least that is kinda what I hope). So... I close my eyes and picture myself there with that someone for 5 minutes, hope they are thinking of me too and then I keep moving.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A day and a half....
Close to 36 hours till I fly out! Time really has flown!
Still not quite sure how I feel about this whole thing, I am getting excited but it has also REALLY hit me hard the last day or so that I am going to be GONE... like there is no driving 8 hours to see my family. There is no hanging out with friends... catchin a moving or grabbing a drink. I am going to be a million miles away.
Sound depressing? I guess I am starting to look at it like a challange! I am excited because I know I am going to grow and learn alot about myself!
I already miss some of you like crazy (namely one of you but... :D) c'est la vie suckas!
Anyway I am in Kansas and it has been snowing here pretty much since I got here, crazy since I havent seen snow in FOREVER!
I sang and played at my sisters work for a bunch of elderly folks today, it was interesting. Its been a while since I have done anything like that so it felt pretty good.
Anyhooo as soon as I get to a place where I can work with my pictures and things I will start posting the fun stuff and you can look at something rather than just read ;)
Adios ya'll. Next time I will be in Bangkok.
Still not quite sure how I feel about this whole thing, I am getting excited but it has also REALLY hit me hard the last day or so that I am going to be GONE... like there is no driving 8 hours to see my family. There is no hanging out with friends... catchin a moving or grabbing a drink. I am going to be a million miles away.
Sound depressing? I guess I am starting to look at it like a challange! I am excited because I know I am going to grow and learn alot about myself!
I already miss some of you like crazy (namely one of you but... :D) c'est la vie suckas!
Anyway I am in Kansas and it has been snowing here pretty much since I got here, crazy since I havent seen snow in FOREVER!
I sang and played at my sisters work for a bunch of elderly folks today, it was interesting. Its been a while since I have done anything like that so it felt pretty good.
Anyhooo as soon as I get to a place where I can work with my pictures and things I will start posting the fun stuff and you can look at something rather than just read ;)
Adios ya'll. Next time I will be in Bangkok.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tommorow is goodbye...
I have already said most of my goodbye's to the people I know here in Arkansas, the last few that I have to say are going to be the hardest.
A part of me just doesn't want to say goodbye but I know I have to.
I leave the US exactly one week from today. I honestly cant imagine that one week from this moment I will be on an airplane over the ocean.
Pretty exciting, I am nervous because I dont know what the future really holds all I know is that something wonderful is going to happen... I can feel it.
Below is something written by Dr Suess, its called Oh The Places You'll Go :)
A part of me just doesn't want to say goodbye but I know I have to.
I leave the US exactly one week from today. I honestly cant imagine that one week from this moment I will be on an airplane over the ocean.
Pretty exciting, I am nervous because I dont know what the future really holds all I know is that something wonderful is going to happen... I can feel it.
Below is something written by Dr Suess, its called Oh The Places You'll Go :)
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.
It's opener there
in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.
OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don' t
Because, sometimes, you won't.
I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.
You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.
You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.
And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both you elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.
NO!
That's not for you!
Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.
With banner flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you're that kind of a guy!
Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. there are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Except when they don't.
Because, sometimes, they won't.
I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.
All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.
And when you're alone, there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.
But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike
and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.
You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
So the countdown begins....
Its officially 10 days till I leave Arkansas and 16 till I leave the United States. Time really flies!
I guess I never thought it would actually come to this, but I am excited! I am excited to see what the future holds for me, I know that this trip is going to change my life, hopefully for the better.
Anyway this is where all my thoughts and pictures are going to go while I am overseas. I hope you stay tuned :)
I guess I never thought it would actually come to this, but I am excited! I am excited to see what the future holds for me, I know that this trip is going to change my life, hopefully for the better.
Anyway this is where all my thoughts and pictures are going to go while I am overseas. I hope you stay tuned :)
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