Soi Dogs

Before I start this blog, I must eat some words about yesterdays blog.  After being a little negative and critical about my job and teenagers I ended up getting wonderful and thoughtful thank you cards and gifts that just made it all worth while again!
Today we had the last morning at school, no kids, just the teachers wrapping up everything for the summer (or in my case ten months!).  After which Luis had planned a special day for me before I leave tomorrow.  In the afternoon we went to Soi Dogs, which I should have gotten to before now.  Soi dogs opened 15 years ago, saving dogs in Thailand from being shipped to Vietnam as food.  Since then, the foundation has pretty much eradicated the business in Thailand (and currently working on stopping the industry in Vietnam).  They also vaccinate and spay and neuter dogs throughout the country.  When they came to Phuket there was 70, 000 Soi dogs (street dogs) and now there is 7000.

 Luis cannot come here on his own, we would definitely end up with many many dogs!

 I loved this one.  They really do a fantastic job and we hope to work more with this foundation or the government pound here once we get back.

Luis then orgnaised a fabulous beach picnic but as the weather looked dodgy we moved it to poolside and then of course the weather was perfect!! But a great spread put on with wonderful friends.  A lovely end to the school year.

Last Lesson for Ten Months

I am not saying that maternity leave is a good reason to have a baby, but I must say it is a HUGE plus.  I think I am ready for some time off to reflect upon teaching,  is it  something I want to do for much longer? and if so in what capacity? There are times I do love my job, but many times that I want to bang my head against a wall in frustration.  So I think a break will be helpful.
What would actually be a dream come true is if I somehow found away to finally fall into the career I was born to do during this leave, social event planner extraordinaire.  Either way I am excited for what the next year holds for me and our expanding family.

Part of my frustration is the lack of appreciation that I feel many times.  I know this is true in many jobs, having not always been a teacher.  But teenagers can be particularly poor at expressing gratitude.  Not that I totally blame them, I was once a teenager and know there are far more important things going on (like who is dating who and what party is happening over the weekend).  It is just the odd 'have a nice summer' or 'thanks for all those extra hours you put in to help me finish my project' that would be nice.  But then a group can surprise you and almost reduce you to tears.  I love my Year 12's and they came in with cards and cakes yesterday to say good bye, good luck and thank you.  They have no idea how much I needed that and how much I do love them!
Let the summer begin!!  4 more hours to go!

Baby's Room

I think the term for what is happening right now is called nesting.  We are busy getting everything ready for baby before I go to the UK on the weekend.  I would be lying if I said I was not more than a little nervous to leave, maybe because we have everything ready here and walking into the unknown there.  Possibly due to leaving Lola and all our other adopted animals for two months.  Who knows, but I am anxious about everything!  Therefore, it was great to get something checked off the list and get the baby's room all set up for our return.

 I think Lola was thinking that she was finally getting her own room, she is in for quite the surprise in August.

 It still seems pretty crazy and sometimes I cannot really believe that it is happening!

Happy Father's Day Luis

Yesterday we celebrated Fathers day, Lola gave him a beautiful mug (that I should have taken pictures of), a brunch and the baby gave him a nice new shirt to wear to the brunch.  We had a wonderful day preparing the baby's room (pictures to follow) and then having the huge meal with Lola.  

 I am not a fan of cold soup but this was the best gazpacho soup I have ever had.  First course and the best one.

 Lola was so happy she was finally allowed into a brunch spot.

 Lola just booked the brunch and told them we were both vegetarian, I had no idea what to expect.  What I did not expect was a 10 course meal!  It was crazy, the dishes just kept coming and they were so good.  It was ridiculous value, especially if you are a non meat eater, as usually we get screwed at these sort of things.

 They basically had to roll us out of there, and to be sure we did not pop we went on a long walk on the beach after.  A really prefect day.

Lola is pretty lucky to have such a wonderful Dad and this baby has no idea.  His or her father loves them so much all ready and is busy trying to prepare everything perfectly for their arrival.  Happy Father's Day Luis, we love you!

Jimmy Sparkles

I have not seen many of the Ecua-Asia family since the pregnancy (not that I blame them as I have become quite a boring person!) so it was great to hear Jimmy was coming for a weekend in Phuket.  We got to have a lovely dinner out together on Friday (but annoyingly have no photos as forgot phone) and lunch with him and his new love Laura yesterday.  As always it was pure joy to see him and we had a great time catching up.  

 Him and Laura

Next year we will make sure that we spend much more time with the Ecua crew.  They are so close by that it is crazy not too!  

Maths Quiz Dinner

Last night we had our Maths Department end of year dinner (I know look at me out all these nights, getting behind on Love Island!).  This year we decided to do something a little different and went to our local pub for quiz night.  As we were too big we had to divided into two teams and unfortunately I ended up on the wrong team (or my poor team members ended up with me!).

 Even as an adult there is something about a big box that makes a gift that much more exciting.  

 The Maths department gave us an amazing gift, a portable cot for trips and also it is the perfect size for Lola too (when baby grows out of it).  So the perfect gift really!

 The teams in action.  No team was ever going to win the quiz (too many weekly competitive teams) but really it was just between the two of us anyways.

A really nice end to another great school year with a great team!

My Non Baby Shower

From day dot I have told everyone how much I did not want a baby shower.  It was not like I did kinda not want one, I REALLY wanted nothing to do with it.  There are many reasons that I did not want one, I am a bit superstitious, I am not into traditional women things and I think it is torture to make a pregnant women drink no wine playing games that everyone else thinks is fun as they are drinking wine! 
Therefore, my lovely friends got around this by having a surprise 'this is not a baby shower get together'.  It was fabulous and I think largely marketable as a new thing.  Instead of doing games, we watched videos that friends and family had made for me, they are amazing.  The food was delicious and I am so grateful for the community I have made here and other places around the world.  This baby is certainly coming into the world surrounding by loads of love.

 Lizzie giving me the BEST baby blanket and hat ever!  The first one she has ever made, I feel so honoured and will treasure it.

 The ladies making a baby mobile, I have not seen it yet and cannot wait to see it completed.

Watching the wonderful videos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=7WC4iwV_w4I&fbclid=IwAR31aPmeM88oSkDrpFwP31pB6s3JCm3P91H4tHfiVvSrM8AEjxkf96byzDU&app=desktop

This is from the Ecua family and the one on Youtube that I can post :)