APIS Idol

So tonight was the American Pacific International School Idol contest (American Idol). It was so much fun! Watching these kids grades 1-12 get up on stage and give it their all. Some of the kids were pretty good, one was incredible, and some just had nothing. All of them were great though. I have some serious respect for these kids. Imagine being a middle schooler getting up to sing in front of big high school kids. I definitely wouldn't have done it when I was their age.

Today was actually surprisingly productive. I had work in the morning, grabbed breakfast, and caught a ride into town with Ms. Nicola. I then took a tuk-tuk to the Indian consulate and applied for my visa (which I'll receive on the 11th), tuk-tuk to the travel agency and made a deposit on my flights to India (could only take out a limited amount from the ATM), then tuk-tuk to the Thai immigration office where I got my re-entry permit which allows me to exit and re-enter the country while keeping my current visa valid. All that in 2.5 hours, allowing me to catch the van back up the mountain to school. Cost me 400 baht for the day.

I enlisted my Dad's help to wire the money to the volunteer agency because apparently I can't do it from here. Once that is done I will have everything about the trip locked down and then I won't have to worry at all about it. My current big task is assembling all the necessary documents and copies for my work permit, which includes 12 1" pictures and 12 2" pictures of myself along with a copy of basically every document on the planet. It's a hassle and I'll be glad to be done with that as soon as I my dad faxes over a few more documents.

So welcome to my first Winter...ever. It is quite literally freezing here. Even in the day under the sun its starting to get pretty cool. I like the cold but I came totally unprepared. I brought 2 sweatshirts, and no jeans - although I bought a pair here last week. So I've got 2 sweatshirts and one pair of jeans. Meanwhile, my bed has one article on it, a very short and rather thin 101 dalmatians blanket that is being loaned to me by the school. I haven't had time to go down to town to buy warm clothes and a blanket...or shampoo for that matter. I need to do that soon, and definitely before India, because it's probably just as cold there.

I just got back from hanging out with Paula, another teacher here, and I collected a TON of new music - mostly roots reggae which I am thrilled about. I love gathering new music, like in Ohio. I'm so excited to start exploring all the stuff.