I saw this over at Mari’s so I thought I’d give it a go.
And this is the Generation that I belong to.
You Belong in Generation Y
You fit in best with people born between 1982 and 2001.
You are cooperative, flexible, and adaptable.
You know the world changes quickly, and you're eager to change with it.
You are socially responsible, forward thinking, and open minded.
If you’re curious: What Generation Do you belong In.
…..Kari
I saw this over at Mari’s so I thought I’d give it a go.
And this is the Generation that I belong to.
You Belong in Generation Y
You fit in best with people born between 1982 and 2001.
You are cooperative, flexible, and adaptable.
You know the world changes quickly, and you're eager to change with it.
You are socially responsible, forward thinking, and open minded.
If you’re curious: What Generation Do you belong In.
…..Kari
As i sit here in front of my computer, it is so quiet. The only noise is the sound of the keyboard. The clicking of the keys as I type. Even Joshua is napping.
I miss you already. We just said goodbye a couple of hours ago and I miss you already. Thank you so much for agreeing to come. Thank you for foregoing your usual traditional singsing during the Christmas celebrations at home and coming and spending the last 3 months with me and my family.
I have loved every moment. All those mornings where we shared and laughed and even cried together. Even the late nights, the golf cart trips to Starbucks – I will miss that. Above all I will really miss the peace I had when I would leave my kids with you knowing that they are in good hands.
I hope you enjoyed your time here in Thailand. I hope you will remember all that we did and all that we saw together here in this Land of Smiles. It was really great.
Right now my kids and I are sad because you have left us but we also know that your other grandchildren just can’t wait for you to get home. They are all so happy and excited.
Thanks for the laughs, thanks for the memories.
Mum with JJ
I Love you.
…..Kari
As i sit here in front of my computer, it is so quiet. The only noise is the sound of the keyboard. The clicking of the keys as I type. Even Joshua is napping.
I miss you already. We just said goodbye a couple of hours ago and I miss you already. Thank you so much for agreeing to come. Thank you for foregoing your usual traditional singsing during the Christmas celebrations at home and coming and spending the last 3 months with me and my family.
I have loved every moment. All those mornings where we shared and laughed and even cried together. Even the late nights, the golf cart trips to Starbucks – I will miss that. Above all I will really miss the peace I had when I would leave my kids with you knowing that they are in good hands.
I hope you enjoyed your time here in Thailand. I hope you will remember all that we did and all that we saw together here in this Land of Smiles. It was really great.
Right now my kids and I are sad because you have left us but we also know that your other grandchildren just can’t wait for you to get home. They are all so happy and excited.
Thanks for the laughs, thanks for the memories.
Mum with JJ
I Love you.
…..Kari
I know it’s 3am Tuesday in the US right now and 3pm Tuesday here in Thailand and I’m planning to stay up tonight to watch a historic event unfold on CNN International.
I’m loving what President elect Obama has done and will do. Even before he announced his intentions to run for the highest and most powerful office in the world I went out and bought his books, “Dreams of My Father” and “The Audacity of Hope”. Before that I had only watched him speak at the Democrats convention in ‘04. If there is anything I walked away with after that speech it would have to be how inspired I felt – about myself, about people and communities.
As I think about what will happen in a couple of hours I remember why I went out and bought his books. I bought them because it spoke of hope to me.
I’m excited to watch the inauguration late tonight and I can only imagine the buzz that is in Washington and generally around the US today.
Truly a historic time is about to unfold.
…..Kari
I know it’s 3am Tuesday in the US right now and 3pm Tuesday here in Thailand and I’m planning to stay up tonight to watch a historic event unfold on CNN International.
I’m loving what President elect Obama has done and will do. Even before he announced his intentions to run for the highest and most powerful office in the world I went out and bought his books, “Dreams of My Father” and “The Audacity of Hope”. Before that I had only watched him speak at the Democrats convention in ‘04. If there is anything I walked away with after that speech it would have to be how inspired I felt – about myself, about people and communities.
As I think about what will happen in a couple of hours I remember why I went out and bought his books. I bought them because it spoke of hope to me.
I’m excited to watch the inauguration late tonight and I can only imagine the buzz that is in Washington and generally around the US today.
Truly a historic time is about to unfold.
…..Kari
I consider myself to be a lucky girl living overseas and having that opportunity to experience different cultures and customs and to be able meet many wonderful and interesting people.
Actually, blessed would have to be the correct word to use.
It’s not always easy though having to pick up and move after you work hard to settle down, but when I sit back and think about it, it really ain’t that bad.
Thailand is my 3rd stop in this crazy, yet wonderful “home is where the work takes you” experience.
My first stop was the easiest one only because well, I went to school in Australia so that was cool. Moving to the US was a little bit more scary for me, but at the same time exciting. To live and work in the United States of America – WOW. Things didn’t start off so well, but they definitely got better. I was actually sad to leave. This is our 3rd stop and it has been great – just totally cool.
Anyway I’ve lived here in Thailand for over a year and a bit and I can honestly say this -it really is a unique cultural experience. There is a whole lot to observe and practice out of respect to their customs as we try to make our home here.
When you visit as a tourist (‘farang as they say here in Thai) you are excused from many of their cultural practices and customs. But when you’ve been here for over 12 months, and possibly longer – well you can’t be an ignorant farang, you have to try to fit in!
Hence the beginning of “Thai Tuesdays”.
On Tuesday’s I will endeavor to bring you snippets of the Thai culture or Thailand in general for enlightenment.
So to start, I will share of Thailand’s graceful welcome – the “Wai”. This is Thailand’s traditional form of greeting. Westerners shake hands, Russians kiss and hug, the Maori’s of New Zealand charge at their guests with spears pulling faces – well, the Thai’s wai. 
The Wai is a lovely prayer like gesture accompanied with a little head nodding. It is performed by joining the hands at the palms and raising them to a position somewhere between the chest and forehead. I learnt that social status is indicated by the height of your wai and the depth of your bow.
FYI – social status is a big thing here.
If you are ever wai-ed to and are not too sure how to respond back, just do exactly what the person wai-ing to you did. You can’t go wrong !!
(in the picture – Tanysha and Renee doing the wai pose)
Sawadee!!
…..Kari
I consider myself to be a lucky girl living overseas and having that opportunity to experience different cultures and customs and to be able meet many wonderful and interesting people.
Actually, blessed would have to be the correct word to use.
It’s not always easy though having to pick up and move after you work hard to settle down, but when I sit back and think about it, it really ain’t that bad.
Thailand is my 3rd stop in this crazy, yet wonderful “home is where the work takes you” experience.
My first stop was the easiest one only because well, I went to school in Australia so that was cool. Moving to the US was a little bit more scary for me, but at the same time exciting. To live and work in the United States of America – WOW. Things didn’t start off so well, but they definitely got better. I was actually sad to leave. This is our 3rd stop and it has been great – just totally cool.
Anyway I’ve lived here in Thailand for over a year and a bit and I can honestly say this -it really is a unique cultural experience. There is a whole lot to observe and practice out of respect to their customs as we try to make our home here.
When you visit as a tourist (‘farang as they say here in Thai) you are excused from many of their cultural practices and customs. But when you’ve been here for over 12 months, and possibly longer – well you can’t be an ignorant farang, you have to try to fit in!
Hence the beginning of “Thai Tuesdays”.
On Tuesday’s I will endeavor to bring you snippets of the Thai culture or Thailand in general for enlightenment.
So to start, I will share of Thailand’s graceful welcome – the “Wai”. This is Thailand’s traditional form of greeting. Westerners shake hands, Russians kiss and hug, the Maori’s of New Zealand charge at their guests with spears pulling faces – well, the Thai’s wai.
The Wai is a lovely prayer like gesture accompanied with a little head nodding. It is performed by joining the hands at the palms and raising them to a position somewhere between the chest and forehead. I learnt that social status is indicated by the height of your wai and the depth of your bow.
FYI – social status is a big thing here.
If you are ever wai-ed to and are not too sure how to respond back, just do exactly what the person wai-ing to you did. You can’t go wrong !!
(in the picture – Tanysha and Renee doing the wai pose)
Sawadee!!
…..Kari
Okay I go to this website to help me with my diet, I mean lifestyle change. And I was shocked to see the difference between 300 calories from a home cooked meal and 300 calories from a restaurant. This was hard to accept because I love to eat out. It’s just my favorite thing for a whole lotta reasons but this scared me.
Here is an example of breakfast at home and breakfast out.
Talk about empty calories.
Oh how I’m thankful for my new best friends.
…..Kari
Okay I go to this website to help me with my diet, I mean lifestyle change. And I was shocked to see the difference between 300 calories from a home cooked meal and 300 calories from a restaurant. This was hard to accept because I love to eat out. It’s just my favorite thing for a whole lotta reasons but this scared me.
Here is an example of breakfast at home and breakfast out.
Talk about empty calories.
Oh how I’m thankful for my new best friends.
…..Kari
I’m so thankful for the way God’s Spirit works. No matter where we are or what we are doing he is here to remind us of God’s Grace, Goodness and Faithfulness.
Lately this song has been in my head and heart. I can’t stop singing or humming this beautiful song. And the words…. well I’m just thankful that the Lord is my Rock and that He really is good to me – and my family.
I cry out
For your hand of mercy to heal me
I am weak
I need your love to free me
Oh Lord, my Rock
My strength in weakness
Come rescue me, oh Lord
You are my hope
Your promise never fails me
And my desire
Is to follow You forever
For You are good
For You are good
For You are good to me
For You are good
For You are good
For You are good to me
…..Kari
I’m so thankful for the way God’s Spirit works. No matter where we are or what we are doing he is here to remind us of God’s Grace, Goodness and Faithfulness.
Lately this song has been in my head and heart. I can’t stop singing or humming this beautiful song. And the words…. well I’m just thankful that the Lord is my Rock and that He really is good to me – and my family.
I cry out
For your hand of mercy to heal me
I am weak
I need your love to free me
Oh Lord, my Rock
My strength in weakness
Come rescue me, oh Lord
You are my hope
Your promise never fails me
And my desire
Is to follow You forever
For You are good
For You are good
For You are good to me
For You are good
For You are good
For You are good to me
…..Kari
Everyday I send my kids off to school knowing in my heart that they are in good hands. This school year both my girls have male teachers. It is a first for us and it has all been good. My girls are really enjoying school and look forward to it everyday and I know a big part of that is because they love their teachers.
We have been fortunate that we have had great teachers. Teachers who love what they do, and even more so love the children.
Today we honored the Teacher’s at Tanysha’s school. It was Teacher’s day in Thailand and kids across the country took flowers and gifts to to honor and appreciate their teachers.
They had a wonderful assembly – very Thai. The kids sang a beautiful song in Thai. I didn’t understand what they were singing but it was beautiful to watch. I was reminded again of what a big role my children’s teacher have in their lives.
Thank you Mr. I and Mr P. You are both great.
It really is a partnership – such an important partnership and it is one that must be solidified over and over again.
“Teacher appreciation makes the world of education go around.”
Helen Peters
Everyday I send my kids off to school knowing in my heart that they are in good hands. This school year both my girls have male teachers. It is a first for us and it has all been good. My girls are really enjoying school and look forward to it everyday and I know a big part of that is because they love their teachers.
We have been fortunate that we have had great teachers. Teachers who love what they do, and even more so love the children.
Today we honored the Teacher’s at Tanysha’s school. It was Teacher’s day in Thailand and kids across the country took flowers and gifts to to honor and appreciate their teachers.
They had a wonderful assembly – very Thai. The kids sang a beautiful song in Thai. I didn’t understand what they were singing but it was beautiful to watch. I was reminded again of what a big role my children’s teacher have in their lives.
Thank you Mr. I and Mr P. You are both great.
It really is a partnership – such an important partnership and it is one that must be solidified over and over again.
“Teacher appreciation makes the world of education go around.”
Helen Peters
And I couldn’t be happier! It has been a long wait. 
Although I should tell you now that after each episode my heart rate will probably remain at an elevated state and I’ll have that sound of the beeping digital clock in my head all night. But I just love the show so much it’s cool. Even the constant split screens are okay – although if that happened on any other show it would just be plain annoying!!
So last night I watched 3 episodes in a row and in bed. Maybe not a good idea because I couldn’t get to sleep after that. I’m so glad Tony wasn’t really a bad guy and that Chloe is a better hacker than the FBI girl. And oh how Jack just messed up FBI Agent Renee Walker so much in the short time she spent with him. I can’t wait for next weeks episode.
Who comes up with this stuff?
…..Kari
And I couldn’t be happier! It has been a long wait.
Although I should tell you now that after each episode my heart rate will probably remain at an elevated state and I’ll have that sound of the beeping digital clock in my head all night. But I just love the show so much it’s cool. Even the constant split screens are okay – although if that happened on any other show it would just be plain annoying!!
So last night I watched 3 episodes in a row and in bed. Maybe not a good idea because I couldn’t get to sleep after that. I’m so glad Tony wasn’t really a bad guy and that Chloe is a better hacker than the FBI girl. And oh how Jack just messed up FBI Agent Renee Walker so much in the short time she spent with him. I can’t wait for next weeks episode.
Who comes up with this stuff?
…..Kari
A couple of days ago I stated that I wanted to take better care of myself. And I’m going too. I don’t want to say I’m going on a diet (because I just hate that d word ) but instead I’m going to start out by making some changes. Small changes that I think should really help me reach that goal of taking better care of myself.
So let me introduce you to my new best friends – friends that will help me achieve my goal.
Yep – Portion Control baby!
I’m measuring everything. Everything. It’s probably going to drive my family crazy but I think as time goes on I should be able to estimate, and estimate well. But for now these are my best friends.
I’ve been doing this the last couple of weeks and I’ve been amazed at how little is needed to to fill my tummy. To feel satisfied – not stuffed but satisfied.
…..Kari
A couple of days ago I stated that I wanted to take better care of myself. And I’m going too. I don’t want to say I’m going on a diet (because I just hate that d word ) but instead I’m going to start out by making some changes. Small changes that I think should really help me reach that goal of taking better care of myself.
So let me introduce you to my new best friends – friends that will help me achieve my goal.
Yep – Portion Control baby!
I’m measuring everything. Everything. It’s probably going to drive my family crazy but I think as time goes on I should be able to estimate, and estimate well. But for now these are my best friends.
I’ve been doing this the last couple of weeks and I’ve been amazed at how little is needed to to fill my tummy. To feel satisfied – not stuffed but satisfied.
…..Kari
Over the past 2 months, well nearly 3 now mom has managed to keep a diary of her stay here in Thailand. I’ve watched her at the end of each day sit down and jot down the events of the day. The funny, the sad and the most interesting things she’s witnessed during the day.
I’ve been impressed. She’s been able to keep that diary and be committed to it – even more so write, not type but write an account of the days happenings.
I know she’ll keep that diary for a long time and she’ll read through it and share with those back in PNG all of what she did and experienced here in Thailand.
I don’t think I could write and I’m glad I don’t. Although I’ve always thought that because I type so much my handwriting is just so horrible now. So horrible it truly looks like chicken scratch!! I use to keep paper diaries but to be able to do it on a computer is just so great.
Thank goodness for technology!! Thank goodness for Blogging!!!
…..Kari
Over the past 2 months, well nearly 3 now mom has managed to keep a diary of her stay here in Thailand. I’ve watched her at the end of each day sit down and jot down the events of the day. The funny, the sad and the most interesting things she’s witnessed during the day.
I’ve been impressed. She’s been able to keep that diary and be committed to it – even more so write, not type but write an account of the days happenings.
I know she’ll keep that diary for a long time and she’ll read through it and share with those back in PNG all of what she did and experienced here in Thailand.
I don’t think I could write and I’m glad I don’t. Although I’ve always thought that because I type so much my handwriting is just so horrible now. So horrible it truly looks like chicken scratch!! I use to keep paper diaries but to be able to do it on a computer is just so great.
Thank goodness for technology!! Thank goodness for Blogging!!!
…..Kari
9 days into the New Year and I still haven’t got any New Year’s Resolutions. And I don’t plan on having any! Because I I’ve never been able to get through the first month without going back on the many resolutions I make.
So no grand resolutions this year, instead I’m setting goal – goals which will be definite and certainly attainable and measurable. Yep measurable!.
So here are 5 goals for this year, 2009.
No resolutions, just goals and more so lifestyle changes.
….Kari
9 days into the New Year and I still haven’t got any New Year’s Resolutions. And I don’t plan on having any! Because I I’ve never been able to get through the first month without going back on the many resolutions I make.
So no grand resolutions this year, instead I’m setting goal – goals which will be definite and certainly attainable and measurable. Yep measurable!.
So here are 5 goals for this year, 2009.
No resolutions, just goals and more so lifestyle changes.
….Kari
I cannot believe that my mum and brother have been here for 2 and a half months now and it’s almost time for them to head back home.
Today was the original return date but I figured if their visa’s don’t expire till another 2 weeks why not stay on for those 2 weeks – so we changed their return dates. And I’m glad that I did.
I have really enjoyed having them here and taking care of them and letting them enjoy themselves here. I’m grateful to my husband for making it possible. It is really going to be sad day when it comes time to say our goodbyes.
I’m not looking forward to that day.
…..Kari
I cannot believe that my mum and brother have been here for 2 and a half months now and it’s almost time for them to head back home.
Today was the original return date but I figured if their visa’s don’t expire till another 2 weeks why not stay on for those 2 weeks – so we changed their return dates. And I’m glad that I did.
I have really enjoyed having them here and taking care of them and letting them enjoy themselves here. I’m grateful to my husband for making it possible. It is really going to be sad day when it comes time to say our goodbyes.
I’m not looking forward to that day.
…..Kari
A couple of days ago I blogged of our trip up to the North of Thailand. It was such a great trip and we had such a great time – not only learning and seeing this wonderful country but also enjoying each other and making memories that will forever remain with each one of us in a different way.
Well that is not all that we did. We did do a whole lot of other stuff when we got back home. so much that I would have to do multiple blogs to capture it all but I’ve decided against it – instead here is a list of the other stuff we did:
Took my parents and brother bowling – they have never been and it was fun. Except for all the injuries that they woke up with the next morning.
Went to a floating market – the most popular one here in Thailand called the “Damnoen Saduak - Floating Market”. Oh I loved this trip. Shopping on the water!! The whole experience was great. My kids really enjoyed the boat ride.
watched the most dangerous show – A Cobra Show. I have never seen a man catch a snake with his mouth. It was spectacular but also crazy – on his part!.
We also visited the Grand Palace. and it was grand indeed. The palace, the surrounding temples, the history and the number of visitors was just amazing. Not only were the buildings and the emerald buddha interesting but the sight of the farangs (tourists in Thai) walking into a building and coming out in completely different clothing was kinda funny. There is a strict dress code so many of the tourist had to change.
We took mum, dad and brother for dinner along the river – a buffet dinner so we were totally stuffed by the end of it.
took my parents to the Chatuchak market and went crazy. Yes the shopping has been endless.
It has been so great to have my parents here – not only to have them see all these places and experience Thailand but I am most thankful that my kids are able to spend time with them. Share with them, laugh with them and have them pour out all that loving that comes from grand parents. It is pure joy for me to see my children with their grand parents – pure joy.
…..Kari
A couple of days ago I blogged of our trip up to the North of Thailand. It was such a great trip and we had such a great time – not only learning and seeing this wonderful country but also enjoying each other and making memories that will forever remain with each one of us in a different way.
Well that is not all that we did. We did do a whole lot of other stuff when we got back home. so much that I would have to do multiple blogs to capture it all but I’ve decided against it – instead here is a list of the other stuff we did:
Took my parents and brother bowling – they have never been and it was fun. Except for all the injuries that they woke up with the next morning.
Went to a floating market – the most popular one here in Thailand called the “Damnoen Saduak - Floating Market”. Oh I loved this trip. Shopping on the water!! The whole experience was great. My kids really enjoyed the boat ride.
watched the most dangerous show – A Cobra Show. I have never seen a man catch a snake with his mouth. It was spectacular but also crazy – on his part!.
We also visited the Grand Palace. and it was grand indeed. The palace, the surrounding temples, the history and the number of visitors was just amazing. Not only were the buildings and the emerald buddha interesting but the sight of the farangs (tourists in Thai) walking into a building and coming out in completely different clothing was kinda funny. There is a strict dress code so many of the tourist had to change.
We took mum, dad and brother for dinner along the river – a buffet dinner so we were totally stuffed by the end of it.
took my parents to the Chatuchak market and went crazy. Yes the shopping has been endless.
It has been so great to have my parents here – not only to have them see all these places and experience Thailand but I am most thankful that my kids are able to spend time with them. Share with them, laugh with them and have them pour out all that loving that comes from grand parents. It is pure joy for me to see my children with their grand parents – pure joy.
…..Kari
