Pictures of the Day

Class is in Session: Mind Mapping 101

Today, I was asked to teach a class on mind mapping and graphic recording. As many of you know, graphic recording or scribing is a part of what I do for a living, but I have never taught a class on the subject; much less to an audience of all Thai-speaking individuals. The thought actually made me nervous. (and sweaty!) But once Ame found out that this skill was in my little bag-o-tricks, there was no turning back, she insisted that I teach a class.

Fifteen people, of all different ages and backgrounds, showed up for the class today. There was a graphic designer, a massage therapist, three students, a restaurant owner, an interior designer, a counselor, a secretary, a business owner, an actress, a pastor’s wife, a marketing executive, a retiree, and a make-up consultant. It was a full house. Tony, the gentleman who is in marketing, translated for me. It was awesome!!! I think it really sparked some interest and they asked a lot of great question. They would like for me to teach another class before I leave.

Did I mention I was nervous?!?

Pictures of the Day

Total Tangent Time

I know as soon as I post the following entry I am going to regret ever having uttered such scandalous debasement, but here goes…

Not having turned on, surfed through, “vegged” in front of, or even gazed in the direction of a television has brought my cognitive awareness to a new level. The thought of not having access to cable TV would normally send shivers down my spine. But after surviving the withdrawal symptoms, like itchy index finger, headaches from the deafening silence, starring at the walls hoping for action and the shakes, I have come to enjoy the comfort and smell of a book in my hands. I have read a total of four books and I am currently halfway through the fifth one. I have reached new levels of productivity as well. I've had the time to learn new html code for the web site, research the Burmese history and culture, started planning my next adventure and sat quietly in nature (well, I was quiet, my surroundings were not…stupid two-stroke engine tuk tuks!) I am just amazed. What’s next? A permanent hiatus from Television?!? Should I give up Facebooking too??

(Laurie, don’t get rid of the cable or the TV just yet. Let me get home and settled in before we make such life-altering decisions. I could just be high from all the pollution over here.)

People...

Places...

Things...

“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.”

Still no word on what the future holds for the other volunteer opportunities. It seems there were some misunderstandings and different expectations about this trip from both sides. Again, I am trying to fight the cynicism that creeps in and deal with the disappointment that comes along with hearing this news. As I mentioned before the hardest part about this current situation for me is not being able to take control, stop the clock and make this right. I am learning to accept that this is out of my hands and out of my control.

This trip thus far has been a life-altering experience in many ways. I’ve learned so much about trust, transparency, communication and expectations. I’ve learned where I stand in regards to those and the importance of each. I have had the opportunity to witness sights, sounds and smells like never before. Tasted things I wish I never had! Walked along uneven streets so rich with history. Gazed upon gilded Buddhas and smelled the incense offerings. Seen “old world” and “new world” collide in a cacophonous whirlwind throughout the city. And I will continue to experience everything around me. I will also continue to turn the page, keep my chin up and a smile on my face. After all, I am in the land of smiles!