It's Not all Massages

For those of you who think I'm becoming completely spoiled and inept living a life of leisure, I want to assure you that I am remaining productive and involved in meaningful activities.

Last week at a glance...

Monday - After the Boxes 

This is an outreach of the church I attend that assists in helping newcomers adjust to life in Bangkok. They disseminate very helpful information and take us on outings as a way of making us feel comfortable in this new environment.  More to come on our first outing on River Taxi to Bangkok.

Tuesday - Volunteer in Camryn's Class

Camryn's teacher welcomes parent volunteers in her class, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to help out since prior to now, I was unable to with little ones at home.  At the age of 9, Camryn was less than thrilled to hear that.  Upon overhearing me tell someone about this opportunity, she emailed me her feelings regarding it, emoticon and all.

I heard you because i'm in the other room and your not goingin my class.

After I had been there about an hour cutting and organizing papers, she approached me and asked, "Are you going to stay here the whole day?" (I think you can figure out her tone) without me saying)   Fortunately, I was with another mom, so I wasn't the only crazy parent in the room.  She did survive the 1.5 hours I was there, so hopefully she'll get used to my presence once a week.  

Wednesday - Bible Study

I have already thoroughly enjoyed studying this week and then spending time discussing God's word with a group of women.  Plus, I don't feel as guilty sitting around reading the Bible while someone cooks, cleans, and does my laundry, as I would sitting around reading a Danielle Steel novel :)

Thursday - Skipped PTA Meeting to go to Dumpling Making Class 
I had planned to go to the PTA meeting that morning, but when the opportunity arose to learn how to make dumplings in someone's home, I couldn't refuse!  The woman who hosted the class is from China, and while her parents visit, her dad offers a class on how how make authentic dumplings.  He instructed us in Mandarin, while his daughter translated.  Totally worth skipping the PTA meeting!  

Our wonderful teacher!

Pork and cabbage to fill the dumpling

Instructing me on proper technique for kneading the dough.  Apparently I need to use a lot of muscle!

And Voila!  All we need to do now is boil them.  Austin and Camryn especially like the finished product!

Friday - Visit Camryn's class for Writing Celebration and stay to help with reading time.  I think she was okay with me visiting this time, since many other parents were there.

Camryn wrote about our trip to Bangkok.

We toasted their achievement with a brownie.

So as you can see, my mornings were so full (I did also grocery shop twice), I did not have time to exercise this week before the kids got home from school.  Once they get home, it's homework, playdates, pool, soccer practices, gymnastics, etc.

After a week this hectic, I really need a massage!  Oh, and here I am with my friends getting an hour long foot massage for 250 Baht (that's 8 whole dollars!)  I should confess, this actually happened Thursday.

I felt awkward taking a picture of the masseuse while she was actually massaging my feet.  Oh, they also come to your home and offer the same service for the same price.