8 nights in Bangkok

My friend Carol had to have surgery in Bangkok, and we thought it best that she had a nurse to take care of her when the procedure was said and done.  I will say, she was a fabulous patient.  Below are a series of pictures from our handful of days in Bangkok...again!

Carol is posing to prove she was in fact in the hospital and looking poorly!

In fact, she was feeling pretty good post-op...it was the few days later which proved uncomfortable.

Managed to take a stroll down Khao San Road.  Here I am indulging in some amazing corn and thinking of my friend Michelle the whole time - her fav!

From the BTS(skytrain) platform, here are a few construction workers at noon!!!

  

One afternoon we headed to the IMAX to see "Born to be Wild".  Excellent!

Sadly, this is what I'll look like when I'm 90.  Can you say "blue blockers"???

  

Aside from one other patron, we were the only ones in the theatre!

All You Can Eat Tacos on Tuesdays - we took part!!!  Actually, to be honest, we schedule our day around this.  I guess this is what seniors who wear blue blockers do!!

Glad to be home and in only a handful of sleeps I'm off on a L-O-N-G flight to Phoenix to spend Christmas with my family!!!

The Big 3-4

As many of you know, I absolutely love birthdays - mine and everyone else's.  I'll be honest though, I LOVE mine.  My family and friends know that for days, weeks, and months before November 7th I am sure to remind them of the fast approaching day of my birth.  Those close to me also are aware that if a gift, card, or surprise is delivered to me in the mail prior to November 7th(I figure if I repeat the date, you won't forget it) there is a snowball's chance in hell that I will wait to open it.  My family has tried to fight me on this, but it is a battle they never win.  Okay, maybe only at Christmas. 

My friend Carol is not a huge fan of birthdays, but knows that I love them.  She went absolutely out of her way to ensure mine was great.  Carol took me for breakfast to our favourite little place - Kungs.  I dined on my standard favourite, mango sticky rice pancake and Lao coffee.  YUMMY!

I arrived at work later to find a fabulous birthday greeting!!

Soon after this greeting, my favourite hot bevvy was delivered.  London Fog...mmmm

A week ago I received cards from my sister Ashleigh, her boyfriend Patrick, and my parents.  My friend Carla surprised me with a fabulous Laos watch - it has a Tree of Life on the face and all things Lao on the band.  She also purchased me a fabulous painting of the Tree.  Here are some cards and gifts.  Little did I know this would be just the beginning of my birthday extravaganza.

Like most other days, I met Carol in the staff room for lunch.  Today I was greeted with a treat.  Our favourite western cafe, JOMA makes a turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sandwich for Thanksgiving.  It comes with a side of gravy.  She also ordered me my favourite pumpkin soup and a DC to wash it all down.

Oh, but there's more.  Our nurse, Moe Moe may quite possibly be the nicest woman I have ever met.  Upon request, she whipped up a delicious chocolate cake.  Later in the day, she snuck a bottle of red wine into my purse too.  How lucky am I?!!?

Exhausted from all the spoiling...

Just moments after this shot my principal arrived with the most ginormous bouquet I've ever seen



One would think I would be exhausted from all of the spoils - but I had to get ready for dinner out with friends.  Here is a pre-dinner shot.



Alison, Todd, Carol, Mark, and our new friends Geoff and Emily took me out to La Scala.  Upon arrival I was showered with more gifts.

A glass of wine later and some nice "yellow ribbon" shots!

Here is a snap of all of my treasures from this evening. 



A new backpack

Diet coke

Soda water

Gum

Candles

Facial gift certificate

Foot massage gift certificate

Slippers

Twix chocolate bar

Doritos

At home facial

Scarf

Decorative pipe





I can quite confidently say that I have been blessed with amazing friends and family.  My peeps here in Lao are so unbelievably good to me - I am just so darn lucky to have them all in my life.  Now, only 364 days until 35.  It's never too early to start planning!!