Im still here!

Hello-  just wanted to say a little something as some of you have said hey Julie whats up how are you doing?!

Yes I am still here, still alive, although really whacked!

I know I have been quiet on the blog front- even though so many incredible things happen in the day that I really wish I could just directly plug my brain into the computer- simply upload memory files and post on here- but unfortunately I have to actually type my thoughts out and this takes a wee bit of time :)!

All pretty good although I was just saying to a friend I have made over here recently that I have been craving routines! (this is what happens at this point in ones life- despite the love of spontaneity and excitement- there is nothing quite like a good old routine) ahem.

So I have managed to keep some- like reading a little before bed time; drinking a nice cup of tea in the morning after me half hour meditation. But I miss my regular exercise and gym. I am putting on weight too! I am currently trying to join a gym but it is not quite 100% straight forward to do so ( you have to pay upfront whole year and am trying to organise advance at work). And going for a jog in the morning or evening is not exactly like when I lived at home. There are a couple of places to jog, from what I gather, but they are not very close. It is not quite as if I can just go for a run out on my street round the block- doing so would require extreme skill and expertise - in that you would probably spend more time darting out the way of a Tuk Tuk, Motto or large 4 X 4 Driver. Especially being a pedestrian- which is what I have discovered on my bike (it is like there is a ranking of importance by how big your vehicle is- so the bigger you are- the more respected and out of the way people go for you).

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When I went to the market on Saturday I thought I would return to the really amazing food stalls we had be introduced to early on when I arrived with the LSA's- which  you may remember me mentioning in the wordpress blog.

So I did- in between a bit of shopping for household items. I stopped at an incredible stall that looked like he was serving lovely pancakes with lovely filling and salad.

I don't know what I was thinking but I assumed that it would be a delicious meal with no animal content- but realised after taking a HUGE hungry bite that my pancake was filled with minced PORK.

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhgggrrgh

The poor man on the stall! He saw me jump up and go argh whahahahah (as I really have got to not being abe to bear the smell let alone the taste and the horror of seeing all these dead hanging pigs that they sell in the meat stalls here(another story within a story))

Anyway- I reminded myself to stop being so dozy all the time LOL

Apart from that it was a successful shop having purchased rice, noodles, some veg, ordered lamps for my apartment, some material for clothes and my classroom (although this took the best part of a WHOLE DAY.

I have started teaching by the way- and I am pretty whacked has to be said- reason being is that I have not finished setting things up, and am feeling a bit kind of like I have so much to do. After being in my previous job in UK comfortably ( and numbly)  for 5 years-  everything in its place each day, knowing the kids, having all the resources; actually having to start again requires being on the ball, on my toes, paying attention getting up mega early an working really hard to get things in place. Like making the classroom like a proper classroom (no proper displays previously) and setting things up like the Music Website and stuff phew phew. Very tired but kind of trying to remind myself that this is just now and that there will be a point where things are a bit more settled and again that word- routine.

I think it is an age thing. Seriously what has happened? I want a regular timetable of events - I dont remember being like this! Does any one else have this routine illness?

By the way I am sorry about this rather dull blog ranting about routines. Here I am in Cambodia on an adventure of  lifetime!! hehehe!

Maybe it is because I am at work, it has kind of made me feel to make a little nest egg here and get comfortable. Having said that I really want the different stuff too-its just what I am craving more than anything is group meditation (which I got out of moving here- but need to get back to the Wat, and start up a local group ect ect) and getting fit.

Tommorow I am collecting my new lamps from the market. I will try to take my camera with me so you can see a pic of what the market looks like. I keep forgetting to bring my camera as I have kind of got into living here mode which is where the initial excitement of being here has settled a bit and am thinking more practically things like, how am I getting home and what do I need to buy for my apartment- so apologies for not taking loads of pics- it will happen!

And having said all that- I have moments every day which bring me to a state of complete awe. Even just stepping out on the street and noticing the lady on the moped carrying about 1000 pairs of jeans on holding in hands and behind her- or 5 kids. Or then the things people do- such kindnesses. I cant imagine ever taking it for granted. I am so looking forward to exploring more of Cambodia in my holidays.


Lots of love and I cant believe you are still with me- thanks for perservering.


PS I have some sunflower seeds a friend gave me and I have been meaning to plant them for a month now- and here they still are ! I have got as far as getting the initial clear cups to plant them in but need now the soil (which I have not yet a clue where to buy but am sure will become evident) but I AM on the case!

PPS  had the funniest lesson today. My timetable had forgotton to include the fact that I would be teaching Reception (TWICE), so there I was relaxing into really getting some things sorted for my classroom- loads of paperwork spread out all over the floor- me splayed out in an unsightly contorted floorbound position and a group of bout 20 four year olds turn up. I had no plans, or clue what to do with them. So I just pick up guitar and sing a song I know, get them to move around the room dance and then proceed to try to teach them a song that is way to difficult for them as I was a little unprepared. Oh well they were still lovely but that was the most interesting lesson ever and good test on me working in the moment hahah

PPPS- I am learning Khmer- starting Saturday with a teacher- really excited!

PPPPS Can you believe I get up at 5 every morning. And this morning I woke up at 4.30am and thought- what the hell I may as well just get up seeing as meant to be up in half hour!!!  It is however the best time of day here. It is cooler, quieter, and a lovely time of day. Although it is 9pm now and I am falling over my computer with droopy eyes thinking perhaps this should be my new bed time. EXCITING WOMAN I AM!


Night (really this time) :) X