FolkGuitar

This explains a lot. Well then, I guess you really don't need to read books! And now we get to the root of the problem... Fear. A fear that reaches deep into the very core of your understanding. It explains a lot. I'm truly sorry to hear it, and I hope you are able to address it successfully.

Have you considered the remote possibility that he's not jogging to lose weight? Perhaps he's jogging for muscle exercise and aerobic conditioning? When many people exercise, weight loss has little to do with their motivation.

Would you take a minute to clear up a few things for us? Which foods are gay and which are straight? I'd hate to be sending out the wrong message. Is it based on the shape of the food? Or is it the country of origin?

Yep! Those eclairs! OMG! You've convinced me. ROTFL!

To a child, all dark corners are scary.

Thank you! I've learned something today! Bread has a gender! Croissants are gay! Won't scientists be surprised! Tell me, is it true that rutabagas are actually trans? Where does one go to find out these things?

I've been a teacher in Asia for half my life (but not teaching in Thai schools.) I have seen companies and schools hire people to teach English who; ... were not Native English Speakers. ... had serious speech impediments (stuttering, strong accents, etc.) ... had zero experience or training to be an educator. ... were taking the job just to stay in the country with a valid visa. ... had the 'idea' that they could communicate well, but in fact, didn't. ... nice 'kids,' but no idea how to reach people of a different culture. Even as a university professor, I watched other lecturers show daily movies in French (to an English class,) another who just gave the students a 5-page writing assignment as their entire semester's work, and another who only wrote on the whiteboard, but never spoke in class... and this was university level! That said, I've also met some of the finest ESL teachers! People who take their craft (yes, teaching is a craft) seriously, continually working to refine their skills. Educators, not job-fillers. People who are in it for the outcome, not the income. Certainly not for the income. Not in Academia. The problem is universal, not just Thailand, although Thailand does take it to another level.

Not for us. We looked around carefully before deciding to move to Thailand. We had plenty of options but decided Chiang Mai would be best for us. It has been.

I moved to Thailand with my wife 25 years ago for retirement. We've never even considered leaving. Why would we?

The trick is... don't stop. 🙂

Yes, you are correct. Thanks for that. I'm sure there were many people confused by my incorrect use of language. I, too, often help others expand their vocabulary. Here is an example you might enjoy: “Pedantic" is a word used to describe someone who annoys others by correcting small errors, caring too much about minor details, or emphasizing their own expertise, especially in some narrow or boring subject matter.” Credit to Merriam-Webster.

I eat three full meals a day, drink 3-5 liters of tea or water every day (I confess I do pee often during the day but not at night,) and drink a large mug of tea in the evenings. I go to sleep around 11:30, fall asleep almost instantly (which really pisses off my wife,) and wake up with the sunrise. At 78, this works well for me.

Free tea and coffee. At 250 Baht for an 'all-you-can-eat' meal with dozens and dozens of freshly-made options (the staff is continually bringing out refills for the various offerings,) it's one hell of a good deal. Add in the fact that the food is delicious, and it just makes it that much better.

While it's not a problem, I've noticed that there are four (4) different weed shops within one (1) block of my house. Certainly convenient for customers! I wonder if weed shops now outnumber the bars? Or 7-Eleven?

I agree. My usual everyday breakfast at home is a package of cold cuts, a block of cheese, and a handful of Kalamata olives. While Auf der Au does have a nice selection of deli meats, I tend to stick to the cooked dishes; various sausages, braised pork leg, chicken in different presentations, and plenty of different salads!