Another 2 months has lapsed. Let's catch up...
April.
Shortly after my return to work from the Songkran holiday, I secured a position at CMU and left my old job. I never received a new contract as promised (a 3 year contract with a completion bonus). Finishing the month of April was generous on my part because I worked the entire month without a contract. In addition to the lack of a contract, a lot of changes that caused insecurity among teachers regarding their treatment were occurring. Additionally, my old school did not fit my plans and goals for being in Thailand, nor was it convenient or have any benefit making it worth rationalizing continuing to work there. So I moved to CMU!
May.
I didn't do anything. Okay, not entirely true. I worked at my old job a couple days in the beginning of the month. I also had my first collision on a scooter. An oncoming car was not paying attention to police directing traffic and turned across me while I entered an intersection. It wasn't my fault, and the police agreed, as did the driver after the officer explained the blunder. Woody was riding with me, but neither of us were hurt except for bruises and scratches. However, my poor scooter needed some cosmetic work. Pics will be uploaded later. Both the driver and I decided to pay for our own vehicles damage. Even though I could have pushed for her to pay for my damages, I didn't feel comfortable negotiating or want to make things complicated. It cost me about $60, but I gained some valuable experience.
About a week and a half after that, I went to Bangkok for an Ultimate tournament. It was a blast! It was my first team tournament. Chiang Mai Ultimate, aka Lanna.nana, sent 2 teams, Morning Glory, a team focused on being highly competitive and winning, and Elephantastic, a team more focused on having fun and maybe winning, which was my team. Morning Glory got 1st place, and Elephantastic won the Spirit Award. We basically won the best awards at the tournament. Pictures will be posted later.
June.
This month I started work at CMU. It has been very exciting and rewarding. This is a big part, and a major stepping stone and the foundation, of my plans in Chiang Mai. Sadly, because of my new job starting, I was unable to visit Texas and see my baby sister get married. Although it was a disappointment to miss out on this important occasion in her life and for our family, I knew being absent for such things was a possibility and a risk I was taking. However, as a consolation, I was able to go to the wedding of a couple friends I met here.
My Thai has been getting better. I'm learning to read and write, self-taught actually. Things are going pretty well here. I wouldn't mind some visitors! Come check it out!
-Derek
