how to keep a 6th grade class quiet for 50 minutes...

easy, have them make Mother's Day cards. Who knew, but Thai kids get really intense about anything involving drawings and coloring. I mean my kids whip out comic books they've hand made that could for sure rival some Marvel. Sunday is Mother's Day here and about a month ago Christina and I were informed that we should do "special projects" for the holiday in English class. By that they meant " here's a stack of printer paper, have your kids make some crapy cards so we can post them on boards for all to see."

I was informed on Saturday by my real boss, Apple, that a doctor is coming to school next month to hopefully diagnose some of the kids with learning disabilities/mental handicap. There are a few in each of my classes, which makes it an interesting task to balance on top of the whole language barrier. It's definitely not very accepted in Thai culture to admit that there is a problem or struggle with your child. So parents are usually in denial, which makes it that much more sad for the kid that has to struggle in school when there is likely easy help for them. What is really sad it that anytime there is a problem the other kids and even some of the teachers say that the kid has autism. I mean I am no expert, but I think I know the difference between a kid who has autism and one who may have dislexia. Any who, I am excited that the doctor is coming. I think only good things can come for the visit.

I can tell I've been here a while since things that should shock me don't even faze me anymore. Lady boys... no biggie. Children with baby powder on their faces...why not? Pigeons in taxis... whatever. Scrunchies as a fashion statement...sure. Advertisements for liquid bird nest (aka bird saliva)...of course. Strange things have become the norm. I truly treasure the moments when I feel like I know what's up. Why would I ever pay a whole dollar for a coffee when I can buy some in a bag on shady back street for 30 cents. Or when the taxi driver tries to go the long way to school and I can call him out on it... what satisfaction it brings. I mean its only two simple words, but they are golden. Tau plat. Those moments definitely make up for the hours I spend listening to my students talk to each other and having absolutely no clue what they are saying. Today I was thinking about how "Lost in Translation" was such a big hit and the main characters where only in Tokyo for a few day. Take two, oh no wait, ten months being completely lost in translation. Now that could be a blockbuster hit.