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Archive for January, 2007

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The year of the hermit

Wednesday, January 31st, 2007

If you can get past the image of wanna-be gypsy ladies draped in layers of purple velvet and heavy silver jewelry, the Tarot is actually really interesting. In my mind, it’s not something magical or occult; it’s just a piece of fine storytelling. The major arcana tells the epic story of The Fool’s journey through life. Over the course of twenty-two episodes, he explores many different aspects of himself and, as he grows and evolves, slowly uncovers truths about the nature of existence. Sometimes he is active and sometimes he feels the need to withdraw. He falls in love, he falls apart, he suffers, he feels reborn. He learns that nothing is permanent and that he must take responsibility for his actions. He finally comes to see his life as full and meaningful, after all the lessons and trials. It’s a really good story.
[read on]

Look out Laos, here comes Ham-Cheese!

Tuesday, January 30th, 2007

My name is Sandy but you can call me Ham-Cheese. That’s what the clerks at 7-11 call me, anyway. Every time I go in there now one of the guys smiles, nods and says, “Ham cheese” like it’s our private little joke. Haha funny farang woman who eats toasted ham cheese sandwiches like they’re about to be discontinued forever and ever.
[read on]

The never-ending allure of Somewhere Else

Monday, January 29th, 2007
The similes I’ve often heard applied to children are not, as it turns out, quite true. Children are neither like blank slates waiting to be written on or like clay that can be molded. From my experience in ... [Continue reading this entry]

Oh right, like you couldn’t see this one coming

Sunday, January 28th, 2007
Now I’m thinking maybe I should stay in Nong Khai until my lease is up in April. Sigh. Why can’t it be like good ol’ ancient times when you could just slip some cash to a guy who ... [Continue reading this entry]

Adventures in demolition

Sunday, January 28th, 2007
Yesterday emerged straight out of a Smiths song – a Sunday, silent and gray. “Hide on the promenade, etch a postcard,” I hummed to myself as I sat at the computer trying to find an ending to a new ... [Continue reading this entry]

The perils of being a music snob in Thailand

Wednesday, January 24th, 2007
In the past three months here I have nearly bitten my tongue clean off trying not to scream, “Please God, no!” when people put on Dave Matthews. What I never knew is that he’s made so many records that, ... [Continue reading this entry]

Five Faves! – The Jan ’07 Nong Khai It List

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007
Here are my current Top 5 Very Favorite Things in this glamourdise that is Nong Khai... 1. Melty grilled ham and cheese sandwiches from 7-11 2. A’s Italian boyfriend Antonio playing tres Parisian songs on his accordion from their ... [Continue reading this entry]

Crazy for a day!

Monday, January 22nd, 2007
Have you ever had an anxiety attack? No wait, have you ever had an anxiety attack that lasted for six hours? If so, you will understand how very, very not cool my day has been. I have ... [Continue reading this entry]

Should I stay or should I go?

Sunday, January 21st, 2007
Last week I went to the immigration office in town to apply for a visa extension. It was a breeze and they even gave me a few extra days to push it to a Monday. Unfortunately, because I ... [Continue reading this entry]

Little Miss Writingpants finally posts an update!

Saturday, January 13th, 2007
So you know that two-month writing binge I'm on? Apparently it doesn't involve blogs. But I have been writing short stories up a mother lovin' storm. I've finished five in the past month. This doesn't sound ... [Continue reading this entry]