Week Sarm

Lisa and I went down to this huge market and bought orchids, bryophytes, 4 foot high bamboo and hibiscus plants for our apartment; which by the way has teak floors. We also started a water garden on our balcony with lotus plants and we are in the market for fish. The abundance of plants and flowers at the market was absolutely amazing. It felt like an endless supply of $1 to $2 exotic species. I guess I live in the tropics now, the gecko in my living room should have tipped me off.

I'm doing well the first week of classes has been hectic, I have to beg to get masking tape and fill out an order form for files which I was told not to hold my breath for. The excellent news is my students are fabulous (I'm not yet sure if they measure up to my ARTech students though). They are interesting and diverse. I have students from Korea, Holland, Borneo, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Italy, Japan, I have a lot to learn from them....And hope to teach a thing or two also =)

In my personal life I'm doing ok, well better now. My brother Josh and my close friend Christa decided to get married September 24th. I'm incredibly happy for them but at the same time thinking about missing their union...aaggh, awful. I was feeling sad, disappointed and lonely. I started to rethink my decision to travel so far from home. Why am I doing this, is it selfish, will I gain more than I lose? Then I thought of my dear friend Annie who would ask me to think about what my original intentions were and Rob sent me supportive emails. After a few days of pondering, everything was very clear. I need to be home for Josh and Christa. Individually they are unique, interesting people who have always supported, encouraged and sparked my crazy ideas and together they share a bond that I have looked up to and modeled my own relationships after. So.............I booked a ticket and will be home the 21st of September and fly out the 25th. Christa, what colour dress should I buy? =) I love you guys. See you soon!!!!!

I have attached a few photos the pool is what we see off our living room balcony.

All for now

Jana