Made the very smart move yesterday to take my frustrations out in physical activity, so I marched, er staggered to the highest point on the island in a sweaty, gasping slog. Haven't sweated that much since last year around this time on Koh Phangan, one island to the south of here. And I came down feeling drenched and different, clearer in my mind and more opened up generally. More of the same today, feels like the way to go. Wake up, shower, food, coffee, a little internet, then sweat. Rinse and repeat.
Looks like I'm going to drop a big $25 tomorrow for an all-day, lunch-included snorkeling trip that goes to the five best spots on the island. Hey, I'm here, I've got $25, why not? And then it will be decision time, as in do I stick around the islands for awhile or do I head north to hang with my friends in Chiang Mai. There is a music party on Christmas eve that would be fun to be part of, and my friend Harris will only be around until December 26, so if I want to hang with him, I'd have to get north. We shall see. One thing at a time.
My body is starting to lose the western layer of flab which I seem to carry around back there. Why is that, one wonders. I think it's a one word answer.... (Automobile). It's nice to be without one for an extended period of time. And truth be told, one of the real reasons that I was looking forward to being in Asia was what it does to my body. browner, trimmer and healthier. So yeah, temples? OK, Buddhas? OK, Islands and Sun? yeah, pretty great, Losing weight and loving how I feel? Now we're talking! Yup, my values are of the highest, clearly.
I'm sure I'll do a bunch of writing when I'm in a place that doesn't charge $4/hour for internet access, which is what it costs here. I have a place in Chiang Mai that I use which is 35 cents/hour. That's where the writing seems to happen.
I've been missing the ability and opportunity to contribute musically. It is a large part of my happiness, bringing joy to kids and seniors and whomever. I've been keeping it to myself here, so far, but I did have a great ninety minute session last night in the room, during which time I did some preparation for an ongoing music gig at an elementary school in Eugene. I'll be working full days, once a week beginning in April with 3rd 4th and 5th graders, and I came up with some great ideas to pursue with them. Orff arrangements for some of my tunes, and the kids will dig it. Gonna get them swinging and syncopated on a bunch of different instruments. Nice opportunity ahead.
Starting to find the muse....
