Established 2021 in The Stuff That's Not Interesting But Is The Most Interesting Stuff I'll Write

I know it’s been a while, and I’m sorry for not writing, but I’m finally here in Thailand for the long-haul. I know, nearly 5 months after I arrived and I’m finally assured that I won’t be spontaneously deported. I kept getting Covid extensions and that stress was making it impossible for me to focus on anything but work. Add to that the administrative messes of banking and everything else, none of which can be settled until you’ve got the right VISA, and I’ve been on shaky ground for too many months.

I’ve got the bank account, I’ve got my residency. It just boggles my mind that I’m allowed to sign a lease months before I’m assured that I’ll be allowed to stay in the country. Not having a bank account means I was handed wads of cash as my paycheck that I have to carry with me everywhere I go… I was mugged at one point and had more than a quarter of my paycheck stolen, which means I ended up in debt because I had to take out a short-term loan to cover the cell phone and internet bills (once again, with one year contracts despite only being assured I can stay in the country for 30 days at a time).

I think I’ve adjusted to the fact that nothing is ever settled.

I’ve made a good group of friends, mostly Thai, and one good co-worker that I really get along with.

It’s been quite an adjustment. I’ve been mostly alone for the better part of 5 years so having people to do things with really takes getting used to. I haven’t had a chance to leave and explore like a lot of my co-workers, but I’m okay with that. I’m here for a while and don’t really plan to be going anywhere.

The guy from my Quiver entry just had a cameo on a Thai tv show and we’re planning on going to a theme park for Christmas.

I’ve had my doubts, just because of how difficult some of the processes are, but there are many things that I’ve accomplished that I could never have done if I had stayed in America.

But we’ll save that for another day, I have to go teach now.