Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Gotta run!
Yesterday, I woke up with a disturbing sensation in my belly. It appeared that the guy who cooked my dinner the previous night forgot to wash the feces off his thumb after he took a shit. I have forgiven him for that because well, shit happens. And unfortunately sometimes, it keeps happening and happening and happening. I'm tired of this shit, let me tell you. But one day, when the water runs dry, the dam will be rebuilt.
I've tried almost everything at this point. I got some Western meds at the pharmacy yesterday afternoon after telling everyone I had diarrhea. That was pleasant. The three girls smiled and asked for my phone number simultaneously. I told them I was busy that night, I had a date with John. And tonight, well I have a date with Loo. They'll have to wait in line, but I might be in there a while.
The Western meds, Imodium and Pepto Bismol, have not yet taken their effect. Usually, Imodium creates a fist out of your rectum and you're unable to shit for days. Pardon me for the unpleasantries, but it must be said. I can't tell you why. I'm happy that I'm not a tight asshole, just the same, normal one you've come to know and love over these years. And the Pepto, what the hell? Come on you guys...
Now, I'm taking this Dragon Elixir, a natural Vietnamese medicine that has also yet to take full effect. I dig its natural origins, but they mean nothing to me if they can't stop or at least slow the flow. Come on, dragons are supposed to be strong! I've also eaten nothing but bread and gatorade today. Isn't that supposed to be good?
I know bananas are supposed to be a natural remedy as well, but I hate bananas. I'd rather suffer the 'rhea. Oh, and I just rubbed some medicinal oil on my belly. That's supposed to have some kind of effect too, but I'm not sure what it does other than give me that warm, burning feeling. I might explode at any minute!
Well, at least it's not painful. I'm getting a kick out of telling people I have 'tieu chay' - it's much better than saying diarrhea. I hate that. But the problem is I have to go to work and well, having this issue presents some problems. So, I will double up the underwear again today just in case because you never know. You don't! I'll relish the freedom of the boxers again when my worries subside.
I'm now down to 80kg, which is 176 pounds. I think that's my lowest since high school. Probably mostly water. Don't worry about me, this will be reconciled soon I believe. And I'll gain back those kilos. Talk to you soon. Thanks for your concern.
I've tried almost everything at this point. I got some Western meds at the pharmacy yesterday afternoon after telling everyone I had diarrhea. That was pleasant. The three girls smiled and asked for my phone number simultaneously. I told them I was busy that night, I had a date with John. And tonight, well I have a date with Loo. They'll have to wait in line, but I might be in there a while.
The Western meds, Imodium and Pepto Bismol, have not yet taken their effect. Usually, Imodium creates a fist out of your rectum and you're unable to shit for days. Pardon me for the unpleasantries, but it must be said. I can't tell you why. I'm happy that I'm not a tight asshole, just the same, normal one you've come to know and love over these years. And the Pepto, what the hell? Come on you guys...
Now, I'm taking this Dragon Elixir, a natural Vietnamese medicine that has also yet to take full effect. I dig its natural origins, but they mean nothing to me if they can't stop or at least slow the flow. Come on, dragons are supposed to be strong! I've also eaten nothing but bread and gatorade today. Isn't that supposed to be good?
I know bananas are supposed to be a natural remedy as well, but I hate bananas. I'd rather suffer the 'rhea. Oh, and I just rubbed some medicinal oil on my belly. That's supposed to have some kind of effect too, but I'm not sure what it does other than give me that warm, burning feeling. I might explode at any minute!
Well, at least it's not painful. I'm getting a kick out of telling people I have 'tieu chay' - it's much better than saying diarrhea. I hate that. But the problem is I have to go to work and well, having this issue presents some problems. So, I will double up the underwear again today just in case because you never know. You don't! I'll relish the freedom of the boxers again when my worries subside.
I'm now down to 80kg, which is 176 pounds. I think that's my lowest since high school. Probably mostly water. Don't worry about me, this will be reconciled soon I believe. And I'll gain back those kilos. Talk to you soon. Thanks for your concern.
Crazy folk
Maybe this will be my last blog ever. You never know. I don't have much to say these days, but this one is too good not to put fingers to keyboard. I was on my way to my Vietnamese class this morning when this girl began talking to me. She immediately wanted to befriend me, to teach me Vietnamese. This has happened before. More likely scenario is she wanted a chance to practice her English.
Here's the problem - it's not a fair trade. Everyone offers this exchange of languages. I mean a private English tutor in Vietnam will run you anywhere from $15-35 an hour. A private Vietnamese tutor? I have no idea, but a friend back-in-the-day offered to teach me for $2 an hour. And I know where to find a quality language instructor for $10 an hour.
It's not about the money or who's getting the better deal. I could care less as long as equal time was set aside for both parties. Cause I do want to learn Vietnamese - despite it's lack of utility on a global scale. But, remind me where I am again?
Anyway, here are the details from our corresponding text messaging bonanza:
When i know you are here to learn VNese. I was so happy. This is the first time i've done sth like this. Don't be afraid of me, please. Can you answer me back in VNese? Hihi.. Talk to me everything you want. I'm really a good teacher. You'll see. It'll not waste your time at all, Tyler. Nice to meet you.
I can't remember what I wrote. It was so long ago. About two and a half hours ago now. I said something like Hi, it was nice to meet u too. I'm not afraid of u, don't worry about that. First time u've done something like this? Haha, i'm not sure about that. Have a good day.
Hihi.. I did it so good, right? Haha.. Whatever.. I just want to make friend with you.. Hope to see you again soon, Tyler.
You have a lot of VNese friends, so you feel nothing. But you r the most special friend i've ever have. I don't know how i did it? What make me so brave? Now, i feel so excited so that i can't take an afternoon naps as usual. Hihi.. Very very nice to meet you, my friend Tyler.
I'm the most SPECIAL friend u have? Haha! Yeah, i think u are skilled at what u did... What about ur teacher, u have his number too? Hehe
No, David is a teacher, not a friend. I can ask him about the lessons but I can talk to him so much. He has a lot of students, so he has no time.
David advised me to get a friend like you. I was trying to think how, and then i met you. Thanks God for bring you to me.
But Tyler, what do you think about me? about my purposes? Why you ask me like that? You make me sad. If you don't want to be my friend, it's ok.
I don't know anything about u and ur purposes. U seem like a very nice person, but maybe a little too forward? I cannot respond to so many messages. Maybe we will be friends, i don't know. Don't be sad about what i ask u, i'm trying to figure u out. It's a little strange. And since i'm not religious, i wouldn't thank god or anyone, i'd say it was coincidence.
I'm sorry to disturb you. Maybe i was so eager and it made you think wrong about me. Carefulness is never unnecessary. Enjoy your time when you r in Vietnam.
Listen...did not disturb me. Makes me a little wary...who is this girl i'm thinking? U don't need to write me a novel for a text message, it's a little frightening. I don't mean to offend u, if something happens, it happens. Don't rush it so much
Yes, Tyler. Thanks for your advices. If i have a chance to meet you (or s.o who is a foreigner) again, i will start in a different way. Now, i have to get back to work. You can go to my bank at...whenever you want, except mornings. In the mornings i'm in VUS school. I AM not a bad girl.
Here's the problem - it's not a fair trade. Everyone offers this exchange of languages. I mean a private English tutor in Vietnam will run you anywhere from $15-35 an hour. A private Vietnamese tutor? I have no idea, but a friend back-in-the-day offered to teach me for $2 an hour. And I know where to find a quality language instructor for $10 an hour.
It's not about the money or who's getting the better deal. I could care less as long as equal time was set aside for both parties. Cause I do want to learn Vietnamese - despite it's lack of utility on a global scale. But, remind me where I am again?
Anyway, here are the details from our corresponding text messaging bonanza:
When i know you are here to learn VNese. I was so happy. This is the first time i've done sth like this. Don't be afraid of me, please. Can you answer me back in VNese? Hihi.. Talk to me everything you want. I'm really a good teacher. You'll see. It'll not waste your time at all, Tyler. Nice to meet you.
I can't remember what I wrote. It was so long ago. About two and a half hours ago now. I said something like Hi, it was nice to meet u too. I'm not afraid of u, don't worry about that. First time u've done something like this? Haha, i'm not sure about that. Have a good day.
Hihi.. I did it so good, right? Haha.. Whatever.. I just want to make friend with you.. Hope to see you again soon, Tyler.
You have a lot of VNese friends, so you feel nothing. But you r the most special friend i've ever have. I don't know how i did it? What make me so brave? Now, i feel so excited so that i can't take an afternoon naps as usual. Hihi.. Very very nice to meet you, my friend Tyler.
I'm the most SPECIAL friend u have? Haha! Yeah, i think u are skilled at what u did... What about ur teacher, u have his number too? Hehe
No, David is a teacher, not a friend. I can ask him about the lessons but I can talk to him so much. He has a lot of students, so he has no time.
David advised me to get a friend like you. I was trying to think how, and then i met you. Thanks God for bring you to me.
But Tyler, what do you think about me? about my purposes? Why you ask me like that? You make me sad. If you don't want to be my friend, it's ok.
I don't know anything about u and ur purposes. U seem like a very nice person, but maybe a little too forward? I cannot respond to so many messages. Maybe we will be friends, i don't know. Don't be sad about what i ask u, i'm trying to figure u out. It's a little strange. And since i'm not religious, i wouldn't thank god or anyone, i'd say it was coincidence.
I'm sorry to disturb you. Maybe i was so eager and it made you think wrong about me. Carefulness is never unnecessary. Enjoy your time when you r in Vietnam.
Listen...did not disturb me. Makes me a little wary...who is this girl i'm thinking? U don't need to write me a novel for a text message, it's a little frightening. I don't mean to offend u, if something happens, it happens. Don't rush it so much
Yes, Tyler. Thanks for your advices. If i have a chance to meet you (or s.o who is a foreigner) again, i will start in a different way. Now, i have to get back to work. You can go to my bank at...whenever you want, except mornings. In the mornings i'm in VUS school. I AM not a bad girl.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Get angry
Today, we reviewed some emotions that the students learned last week. I asked if anyone could volunteer and "get angry." This kid did it so well, I had to take his picture. His enthusiasm was appreciated.
Đậu Hũ
This is what the tofu lady sells: đậu hũ. For about 3,000 dong you can get your hands on a cup of warm tofu, drizzled in a sweet gingery syrup, topped with coconut cream and infused with phytates. I usually hear her moaning away in the morning. Where is she now? Where is she when I really need her?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Anh Buồn
Anh Buồn means "I'm sad." Why am I sad? Thanks for asking. I'm sad because lately I've had too much downtime. Too much time to reflect on my life. Clearly, I can quickly remedy this situation by working more and busying myself with random affairs, but that would be just brushing it under the rug.
I haven't felt this depressed since my early days in Vietnam. When I wondered if I should stay or go. Since then, I've been fairly busy with school, teaching and just hanging out with friends. And not worrying about too much because well, there wasn't a lot of time for that.
Now, this week, I'm changing my schedule. So, I have fewer classes for the time being. In addition to this, three friends have hit the high road and left Vietnam. One of them, my buddy Reuben from Australia, was my partner in crime on Monday nights. We'd go out after work and explore different restaurants and bars.
In the past, I found I really enjoyed my alone time. More recently, I am discovering I want to be around people. I still know, however, when I'm done, I'm done. I need to be removed from my immediate surroundings at once and be placed in bed or be allowed to vegetate in front of my computer.
So, what is my problem? Well, I don't have a lot of friends. Story of my life I think. I seem to know everyone, but am close friends with few. I don't know why this is. Either I am afraid to open up, am unwilling to open up or other people are at fault for those same reasons.
I certainly don't mind eating a meal by myself. Or having a beer by myself on occasion. But I find I do this far too frequently. I want to share more moments. Not every moment, I have to ease into it, but I certainly could stand to be a bit more social.
Loneliness is an interesting thing. It's up to the loner to change the situation I guess. And branch out and put yourself out on a limb. But in my old age, I find it even more difficult to find people whose company I enjoy. And so, more often that I should, I opt to be alone.
I'm also finding I'm tired of sleeping alone and showering alone and motorbiking alone. Time to find a blow up doll or at least a big pillow. Seriously though, I could use some company. I could use a mate from both sexes. I know life is meant to be shared and I'm tired of hogging all the covers.
I haven't felt this depressed since my early days in Vietnam. When I wondered if I should stay or go. Since then, I've been fairly busy with school, teaching and just hanging out with friends. And not worrying about too much because well, there wasn't a lot of time for that.
Now, this week, I'm changing my schedule. So, I have fewer classes for the time being. In addition to this, three friends have hit the high road and left Vietnam. One of them, my buddy Reuben from Australia, was my partner in crime on Monday nights. We'd go out after work and explore different restaurants and bars.
In the past, I found I really enjoyed my alone time. More recently, I am discovering I want to be around people. I still know, however, when I'm done, I'm done. I need to be removed from my immediate surroundings at once and be placed in bed or be allowed to vegetate in front of my computer.
So, what is my problem? Well, I don't have a lot of friends. Story of my life I think. I seem to know everyone, but am close friends with few. I don't know why this is. Either I am afraid to open up, am unwilling to open up or other people are at fault for those same reasons.
I certainly don't mind eating a meal by myself. Or having a beer by myself on occasion. But I find I do this far too frequently. I want to share more moments. Not every moment, I have to ease into it, but I certainly could stand to be a bit more social.
Loneliness is an interesting thing. It's up to the loner to change the situation I guess. And branch out and put yourself out on a limb. But in my old age, I find it even more difficult to find people whose company I enjoy. And so, more often that I should, I opt to be alone.
I'm also finding I'm tired of sleeping alone and showering alone and motorbiking alone. Time to find a blow up doll or at least a big pillow. Seriously though, I could use some company. I could use a mate from both sexes. I know life is meant to be shared and I'm tired of hogging all the covers.
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