connda

To OP, does she have any relatives or friends who you could talk to? Third person, who knows her might be best first option before rushing the white coats in. Describe the issue to this person and try to get him/her to "spy" wether it's mental or just you.

I've been with her five years and have seen her change. It's not just me. She only has one "best" friend. However, her and her husband are of limited help. Been there, done that.

She also has had Thai women friends over the years that is like a revolving door. She'll make friends, hang out for a few months, and using her own words, "Kick them out!" With the exception of her "best" friend, my wife truly has felt superior to all the women she befriends. So, she really doesn't have friends.

Her mom is a vicious psycho, which is part of my wife's problem. Her siblings are equally screwed up. She only talks to her youngest sister and she only speaks Thai. Communicating would be a problem.

I already explored these option, which is why I started considering alternate options, like a psychologist.

If she gives you nothing, what is the point of having a relationship with her? It sounds like she has so much emotional baggage that it would take several years of councelling and motivation for her to get to the bottom of herself...

Actually this started around menopause. She actually was different.

I can't quote details but my understanding is that in the last 5 - 10 years there are massive improvements in medications for menopause induced problems.

In fact a female relative displayed quite a few of the items the OP mentioned, and after just a few days on medication she was a changed woman. From memory she took the medication for about six months.

All depends of course on whether you endorse long terms medications, etc.

I guess (repeat guess - I'm not a doctor, and I strongly oppose the notion armchair / untrained analysts) her internal chemistry is unbalanced from time to time and you see the results of this, but for her it could well be a living hell with she right now can't control, possibly with remorse as part of the 'cycle'.

Good luck.

with remorse

Good luck to the OP.

She's been going to her general practitioner on a regular basis. He's a really good, caring guy. However, treatment for Thais insured under that universal health plan pretty much limits the medication that can be used, i.e., estrogen replacement. She does take that, and we do follow-up with yearly breast exams at a private hospital. But I hear what you're saying. I'll research that angle. It may be worth taking her to a endocrinologist at a private hospital if new treatments are available. I'll look into this. Thanks for the suggestion!

Connda, Washing the dishes and cleaning the house,I think

you are the crazy one.

regards Worgeordie

Why is that crazy? I also do most of the dishes and general cleaning of my house. And we have a maid that comes in once a week to do the deep cleaning.

-Mestizo

Same here - exactly.

When I didn't have a wife, I did household chores like cleaning and washing dishes. I don't like living like a pig. When I first got married, I worked and the wife cleaned. Now, I'm retired. I have the time, so I clean.

So I figure that any single guy who thinks cleaning is "women's work" must live like a slob. If you're married, that's between you and your wife.

I choose to help. That may make me seem less of a man in your eyes -- you're welcome to your opinion. Even if it's a stupid opinion. My manhood doesn't have f*** to do with my cleaning habits. I cook too. I'm sure those who are questioning my "maleness" probably have a steady diet of "take out" and Hungry Man microwave dinners with the used container piled up in a disgusting heap in the insect infested rat-hole you call home.

If she gives you nothing, what is the point of having a relationship with her? It sounds like she has so much emotional baggage that it would take several years of councelling and motivation for her to get to the bottom of herself...

Actually this started around menopause. She actually was different.

So maybe you just have to get her through menopause and she will go back to the way she was before which I trust was okay.

Good luck. Before she can have counseling she has to acknowledge the need and be willing, even if it is just counseling about menopause. Does she have any Thai friends or family that could help? Thai ladies do achieve some peace talking with each other even if it is not directly talking about the problem.

Yeah, her best friend went through something similar. Extreme anger for over 3 years. However, her best friend isn't a real fan of Western expats. And her husband is a nice enough guy. Works for an English speaking international company. But I've talked to him before and he wasn't much help.

If she gives you nothing, what is the point of having a relationship with her? It sounds like she has so much emotional baggage that it would take several years of councelling and motivation for her to get to the bottom of herself...

Actually this started around menopause. She actually was different.

How long have you been together for?

I usually say that I am in a relationship because I feel better than being not in a relationship. If it changes and I feel better without, well then that's it.

However. If you love someone and have been together for may years, and then they suddenly develop a mental problem, you won't drop them like that. Hence my question.

Five years -- I have a vested interest in maintaining the relationship. I don't take marriage lightly. If I only wanted companionship, she'd still be my girlfriend -- or gone.

I remember her doing a Dr Jekell to Mr. Hyde

She wears the pants in your household then.

I'm sure she likes to think so. I allow her that illusion.

Connda, Washing the dishes and cleaning the house,I think

you are the crazy one.

regards Worgeordie

Why is that crazy? I also do most of the dishes and general cleaning of my house. And we have a maid that comes in once a week to do the deep cleaning.

-Mestizo

Same here - exactly.

When I didn't have a wife, I did household chores like cleaning and washing dishes. I don't like living like a pig. When I first got married, I worked and the wife cleaned. Now, I'm retired. I have the time, so I clean.

So I figure that any single guy who thinks cleaning is "women's work" must live like a slob. If you're married, that's between you and your wife.

I choose to help. That may make me seem less of a man in your eyes -- you're welcome to your opinion. Even if it's a stupid opinion. My manhood doesn't have f*** to do with my cleaning habits. I cook too. I'm sure those who are questioning my "maleness" probably have a steady diet of "take out" and Hungry Man microwave dinners with the used container piled up in a disgusting heap in the insect infested rat-hole you call home.

I have heard numerous similar tales and actually met a few people who were treated the same way. The funny thing was that the women in question were nice and friendly with other people. They just acted out with their hubbies/boyfriends. All have long since separated.

Hope you get things sorted. But if things do not get better in a few months or so, if it were me, I would start considering walking out, divorce or no divorce. You need to look at the long term and the chances of things actually improving and your own personal happiness/peace of mind.

Thanks, leaving is a possible option. I'm just trying to exhaust all other options before hitting the "Disengage" and "Eject" buttons.

If she gives you nothing, what is the point of having a relationship with her? It sounds like she has so much emotional baggage that it would take several years of councelling and motivation for her to get to the bottom of herself...

Actually this started around menopause. She actually was different.

I hope the TV anti-gun lobby don’t roll in and destroy this thread as they did another recently.

It seems whenever the issue of firearms appear on this board, the anti-gun lobby shows up.

This is the third mention of this infamous anti-gun lobby in this thread . . . yet not a sign of even an individual. You guys sound like the NRA hyperventilating about their rights being abused when a bill is proposed to ban armour-piercing bullets.

I guess one can always create an enemy

Sub started a topic a few weeks ago regarding the laws for foreigners owning a gun. He asked specifically for posters to remain on topic and not let the thread run into a pissing contest between those who pro and those who are anti gun as this had been covered enough in other topics.

His request was ignored and quickly the topic was side tracked and destroyed by what can be termed as the TV Anti-gun lobby. Fortunately those members with strong views either for or against gun ownership have not yet entered into debate and the thread remains on topic.

So, Back on Topic: How easy would it be to purchase, or make your own non lethal projectiles.. i.e. placing something like rock-salt in a shot gun round. Is that even non-lethal?

Rock salt is a badddd idea. Corrodes the barrel of your gun and unreliable. There are non-lethal rounds specifically made for shotguns. If you hit someone, they're not going to be in a hurry to get up. You can get them in the US, but here????

Hello Samran,

Thank you so much for your kind words. In the five years or so I have been on this forum, I can never recall ever being in a disagreement with you (or actually disagreeing with anything you have ever said). This is rather unusual. I respect you and what you have said in your posts very much, and I very much welcome an opportunity to share opinions on this subject.

In regards to what your thoughts, I have certain beliefs. One of my beliefs is that people have always killed one another, since the beginning of time. Before guns were invented, people have killed each other, be it with rocks, sticks, arrows, or swords. I also believe that, even in today's age and even if all guns everywhere were banned, people would continue to kill each other. There was the incident just posted yesterday of an elderly couple murdered by being beaten by a chair. We also know (and I hate to even mention it as it strikes close to home) of another TV member who killed by blunt force trauma to the skull, even though the police found a 9mm Glock in the home. It may be a cliche that "guns don't kill people, people kill people", but I do believe it's true. As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, I know that someone else will commit murder even without a gun being present.

Another thing I believe is that is a fundamental right of every human being to defend himself/herself and his/her family. I believe this "right" to defend oneself eminates from a higher power...whether anyone calls that power God, Buddha, Allah...or whatever name anyone cares to use. There is no religion that has ever made it a sin to defend oneself from violent attack.

From our interactions throughout the years, I know you are not a violent man. However, I cannot help but feel that if you, or more importantly your family, were ever in danger or threatened, you would do what is necessary to defend them. If you did not have a firearm, I believe you would use whatever was around you, be it a baseball bat, lampshade, a stick or a rock, to defend those whom you love. I believe that this nature is hardwired into every human being, and humanity, as a species, would not have survived without the basic instinct for preservation of oneself and one's family. Regardless of race, creed, religion, nationality or culture, if a man's family is in danger, a man will fight. Always.

I understand what you are saying. However, I believe that there are things that you are not taking into consideration. First off, yes, Thailand does not have a "gun culture". I agree with you. Is Phillipines gun situation a mess? Yes. I agree with you there too.

I think the issue is not whether guns should be completely outlawed, as it is how do we ensure that those who are responsible are able to have access, while simultaneously ensuring that those who should not have firearms are limited. That is the difficult balancing act.

Contrary to popular belief, the NRA does not stand for the position that everyone should have access to a gun. What the NRA stands for is responsible gun ownership. The NRA puts a great deal of effort into sponsoring gun safety, and programs designed to educate youth on how to properly handle a firearm. The NRA and the vast majority of gun owners do not advocate that convicted criminals should have guns, and it do not advocate that the mentally unstable should also have guns. However, those who are law abiding, responsible adults should be allowed to have firearms.

My ex girlfriend is currently a Los Angeles Police Department officer, and has been for 11 or so years. She has guns (obviously) and I have guns. She has seen more shootings than most I am sure. I asked her her thoughts on gun control and whether they should be outlawed. Her response was that if guns were criminalized, then only criminals would have guns. Despite what she has seen (and keep in mind she was on the gang unit for a period of time), she still believed that an honest law abiding citizen should be allowed to have a gun. It was her opinion, which I share, that if a government prohibited all private gun ownership, that criminals would still manage to obtain guns. The only people that gun prohibition laws affect, are those who are law abiding. To criminalize gun ownership would be to turn an honest law abiding individual into a criminal, or, worst yet, a victim.

I would point to Mexico, which has some of the most stringent gun laws in the world. There are actually stories of U.S. police officers accidentally missing their turn offs, straying into Mexico, and being arrested for importing a gun. There are stories of people accidentally leaving a bullet in their car while driving from the U.S. into Mexico and being arrested. Yet, despite the laws, there are daily shootings in Mexico largely due to the cartels. Once again, the laws may be stringent, but criminals by their nature do not follow laws.

What about your other homeland of OZ, or what about Britain? Both have some of the most stringent firearms ownership laws in the world. Have there been shootings there? Who is doing the shooting? Is it the responsible gun owner who keeps his firearm safely stored at the gun club? Or is it the criminals who don't care what the law is.

The fact remains that borders are porous. Drugs are smuggled in and out of countries, guns will be smuggled in and out of countries. There are so many guns in the world, that the genie is already out of the bottle, and cannot be put back.

And in Thailand, with the various shootings that we read about in the news? The various gangs and all. Are the people who are doing the shooting the ones that went to the police, and requested permission to purchase? Or is those people who obtained guns illegally that were smuggled through neighboring countries?

And if we talk about other countries, how do we explain Israel where everyone is expected to know how to shoot to defend the country. The below picture is actually from Israel

Or how do we explain Switzerland, in which every male to age 30 (or 34 for officers) to keep their assault rifle and/or service pistol in their homes, yet has one of the lowest crime rates in the world?

You asked how do we keep guns out of the hands of the paranoid or those who don't need them. I guess the problem I am having is the definition of "needing" them. The first time I ever shot a firearm was when I was 12 years old. In the subsequent 25 years, I have never brandashed one, or ever pointed a gun in the direction of a human being. I guess under some definitions of "need", I haven't "needed" to use it. I "enjoyed" using it at the target range. Trying to put a piece of metal through a sheet of paper I find relaxing. Some people like golf, some people like scuba diving, I like shooting. I don't believe that makes me a nut. (Target shooting is a recognized competition sport.)

I guess my thoughts are that one never knows when they will "need" to use a gun, and because someone may not ever "need" it, or, even though they may be paranoid, I don't believe that is grounds to say that they shouldn't be allowed to have a gun. If being "paranoid" is brought into the argument, then I guess that every single gun owner out there is "paranoid". By that I mean, everyone who has a gun has thought of the possibility that someone may break into his/her house and attack their family, and wishes to be prepared in the event that that happens. The absolute vast majority of gun owners may never (and hopefully never) "need" to use a gun. I have a motorcycle, and I could be accused of being paranoid about wearing a crash helmet. On the days that I do not crash, I did not "need" to wear it. I wear it because I want to be prepared for the day I "need" to be wearing it.

I have guns. I do not "need" to use them. Hopefully there will never be a day I "need" to use it. If, however, I should "need" to use it, I would be thankful to have it.

If you ask, Thailand actually has good gun laws. They require that you be registered head of house on your housebook. I don't know if they still require it, but I know before you had to have a certain amount of money in the bank. This makes sense to me. Why? Because if you are wealthy enough to own a house in Thailand, or have suficient money in the bank, this means you have enough money that you are not the one who is going to go out and use your gun to rob someone. I don't know if you are aware of this, but firearms in Thailand are also very expensive. The Glock that costs about USD$500 in the USA costs USD$2500 to purchase in Thailand. Anyone who has the financial ability to pay USD$2500 for a handgun is also not going to go out and use it to rob someone, take a contract killing out on someone, or what other nefarious uses could be made with it.

I also believe there is a strong cultural issue on Thaivisa...I have to say that those most strongly against guns are those who are British or from British commonwealth countries. I also think the anti-gun sentiment is strongly related to the lack of familiarity of having them be so commonplace. Yes, I know, alot of people used guns in the service. I get that. But what I mean is that I have been around firearms since I was 12. I have always been accustomed to them being around.

What I am trying to say is that I believe the British have this fear that if guns are around, people will go out and start shooting and that they will be constantly dodging bullets. In America, guns are very prevelant. The figures for the U.S. are about 192 million firearms in circulation. The U.S. population is about 300 million. That's alot of guns.

Yet, in my life I have never been shot at, I have never been in a situation where I was in fear because someone had a gun, I have not witnessed someone being shot. For the number of guns vs the population, there is relatively little to fear. Guns are out there in the States, but life still goes on. Alot of people in the United States, who you would never suspect, are also fellow gun owners. I don't fear gun ownership because I know that alot of people have them, and I have not personally witnessed any problems due to gun ownership.

Agreed. Good, thoughtful post.

I routinely carried a gun in the US. I'm trained and understand the laws in my specific State. I also understand the criminal and civil consequences of shooting someone, even in self-defense. It's not something to take lightly.

With that said, I think the gun laws are too lax. I personally believe that everyone who has a gun should have training. And different firearms should require different training. Owning a rifle for target practice is different than owning a rifle for deer hunting. Owning a shotgun for skeet shooting is different than owning a shotgun for home defense. Owning a handgun for range shooting is different than owning a gun with a concealed carry permit and packing it. Different skill sets are involved. In my State, any adult who is not a felon can apply for and get a concealed carry permit. I personally don't think that's prudent. You shouldn't be packing a gun unless you understand the laws and self-defense techniques. A minimum of 24 hours or training should be required plus range qualifications and tests. But that's just my opinion. I wish I could legally own one here.

I come from a country (Canada) which has stringent gun laws. Only criminals and police are allowed to have handguns in Canada, and I'm as afraid of the police as I am of the criminals. Canadians live right nex door to a gun crazy country, so the comparisons are obvious.

I LIKE guns, but mine are all sporting weapons... but are no less dangerous.

That said, I've NEVER felt threatened in any way in Thailand. But, I don't show any outward signs of being a target, either. I don't live an opulent life style and I don't wear gold. I don't flash a lot of cash either, even though I've often got 20,000 baht on my person at any given time. Of course, I often have a weapon available and have no qualms in using it.

If I was really worried about having my family threatened in a family housing unit then I might have some serious construction done to prevent easy entry. But, that said, I still think the wisest choice is to not show any obvious signs of wealth. And, a yappy little dog kept in the room with you is better than most alarm systems. At least it will give you advance warning.

In Canada my family always left our doors unlocked until we moved to an upscale part of the city, but which backed right onto a First Nations reserve. My mother was always generous and bought wooden carvings from the local natives even if they weren't very good. One of the natives became quite famous and when other natives saw his work in our home we became a target. Some native broke into our home and stole the specific carvings done by the well known artist. Unfortunately, the result was my mother never bought another piece of Indian art and she told all future carvers the reason for it. And, our doors were always locked from that day forward.

Our home in the village is pretty well secure: wall, barbed wire, iron and windows and doors. It's a deterrent. If someone wants in, they can get in if they're determined. But like you said, we pretty much told every one we know that there isn't anything of value in the house. If someone wants to break-in and steal something, they're gonna be pretty disappointed. I live very simply by choice.

But---

Yaba is a problem in Thai villages. Ours is no exception. I'm more worried about some tweeker cranked up on meth who decides to visit the "rich farang" in the village. That would go badly, more than likely, for all parties. Hence my original question -- I'm more worried about young, male villagers who are temporarily chemically altered (alcohol, meth, smack, whatever). I hope I'm never put in the situation. God forbid. But...it does happen.

My Thai wife is really acting unstable. She goes though excessive mood swings at least once a day. I never quiet know who I'm going to wake up to in the morning. She has issues that I know about: death of a son many years ago; an abusive mother during her youth; menopause; and who knows what else -- probably me. About 2 years into our marriage I remember her doing a Dr Jekell to Mr. Hyde change where she told me that her outside persona was just an act to lure in unsuspecting farang. At that moment I saw something in her that was just ugly - angry, hate, and rage at farang in general, and me specifically.

If I try to be supportive, she ignores me. If I ignore her moods, she blames me for not being supportive In fact, I seem to be the blame for most of what is making her unhappy at any given moment: Mosquitoes in the house -- my fault. Dirt on the floor -- my fault. If I clean the house, the house isn't clean enough, something is always missed and brought to my attention. Room too hot -- my fault. Room too cold -- my fault. Dishes dirty -- my fault. Wash all the dishes in the house but one -- she'll complain about the one that's dirty. There is no making her happy. I seem to be her personal whipping boy. She's emotionally abusive. And when around me, she is dour, sullen, and sulking most of the time.

I've quit work and retired a year ago. I had my problems at first because life without work seem really strange, but I've settled into an acceptance of my new life style. Personally, I'm happy and grounded. So I pretty well let the abuse roll off of me. But it's tiresome. And I feel sorry for her, but I can only stand for so much pent up anger directed at me.

I really think she needs to talk to a Thai speaking, professional psychologist. And I doubt she'll go see someone. I think someone will have to come to her. Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions. Can anyone vouch for a Thai speaking, professional psychologist in the Chiang Mai area? Someone that will make a house call.

I have an electronically operated trap door that drops the intruder into a basement hole full of hungry crocodiles. It takes care of unwanted relatives as well.

I need your contractor's name for digging the basement and installing the trap door. Will the run-of-the-mill Asian crocs work, or do you suggest importing the Australian saltwater variety?

Never mind. Just answered my own question. University students are exempted from the draft, or more correctly, deferred. After graduation, they can volunteer for a six month program that looks something like a reserve program. It's the Hi-So option.

It makes sense now. The security of this country rests on the backs of the sons of the poor. Hi-Sos buy there way out, or send their kids to University.

Yeah, I think I'd be wearing a red shirt too if I was a poor Thai.

But with that said, I'm also ex-military too. I personally think every kid between 18 to 25 should be required to put two year into the military of the country that they are a citizen of. It builds character. Every country has the right to a strong defensive military.

OK, now flame away. I sure I'm going to hear from every liberal, anti-gun, anti-military, tree-hugging liberal on the forum. Fine! Enjoy.

As an ex soldier I agree with you, military service never harms anyone and an ex service person has no problems finding employment outside. If Australia had compulsory military service it would get a lot of these lazy dole budging, tree hugging baffoons out of bed every morning. Instead of whinning about thier government handouts they may just contribute to the community that is supporting them.

Indeed, spending two years at Puckapunyal shaving 20% off my IQ and subjecting myself to regular military hazing something I sure could have done with. I mean, who needs university?

And as we know, Dept of Defence are the last to the table when needing government hand outs. Not a closed shop at all. No sir-ee

Oh, the hypocrisy! Or is it superior military logic we have here?

Well I was buming around fron one dead end job to another having left school at 16. Woke up one morning aged 19 and thought I was wasting my life and went to the local recruitment office. Did my basics at Kapooka, joined my unit in Townsville and completed an education course, within 2 yrs I was asked if I wanted to attend OCS (Officer Cadet School) which I did and commenced a degree in civil engerneering in the end I walked away after 10 yrs at the Rank of Major and 3 degrees under my belt for which I paid nothing for. They actually paid me not bad for a kid who was destined to be a bum at 16. So if that is being a hypocrite then I accept your judgement.

+1 Roger that SoftGeorge.

Never mind. Just answered my own question. University students are exempted from the draft, or more correctly, deferred. After graduation, they can volunteer for a six month program that looks something like a reserve program. It's the Hi-So option.

It makes sense now. The security of this country rests on the backs of the sons of the poor. Hi-Sos buy there way out, or send their kids to University.

Yeah, I think I'd be wearing a red shirt too if I was a poor Thai.

But with that said, I'm also ex-military too. I personally think every kid between 18 to 25 should be required to put two year into the military of the country that they are a citizen of. It builds character. Every country has the right to a strong defensive military.

OK, now flame away. I sure I'm going to hear from every liberal, anti-gun, anti-military, tree-hugging liberal on the forum. Fine! Enjoy.

As an ex soldier I agree with you, military service never harms anyone and an ex service person has no problems finding employment outside. If Australia had compulsory military service it would get a lot of these lazy dole budging, tree hugging baffoons out of bed every morning. Instead of whinning about thier government handouts they may just contribute to the community that is supporting them.

Indeed, spending two years at Puckapunyal shaving 20% off my IQ and subjecting myself to regular military hazing something I sure could have done with. I mean, who needs university?

And as we know, Dept of Defence are the last to the table when needing government hand outs. Not a closed shop at all. No sir-ee

Oh, the hypocrisy! Or is it superior military logic we have here?

@samran

You quite obviously avoided military service. Seems you have some pretty strong feeling about something you know *zero* about. Let's talk about shaving 20% off my IQ -- I had an average grade point average coming out of high school. Spent 8 years in the military. Went to University after leaving the service. Grade point average of 4.0 and graduated at the top of my class: number 1 out of over 4000 students. Yeah, shaved 20% off my IQ, Sweetpea? Try again.

You do realize that spouting off like you have in your last couple of posts makes you sound totally ignorant. And considering the fact that you refused to support the defenses of your own country tells me volumes about your character. I'll leave it at that. You don't need my help to dig a deeper hole (which I'm sure you will).

And as far as my stepson -- he needs to man up too. With him though, I can cut off financial support if he choose to be a spineless coward.

It seems that every so often there is an article about a farang or farang couple getting murdered within their own home, apartment, condo, or rented room. Happened again at a beach resort south of Bangkok recently.

I've heard that you essentially can not protect yourself in self-defense during a robbery without incurring jail time yourself. So if someone comes into your home with the intention of murdering you or inflicting bodily harm in the execution of a robbery, you don't have a lot of options. Or do you?

Legally, in Thailand, what can I do to protect myself and my family within the confines of our home or property? What's my rights to self-defense in this country?

Which resort and what sort of security do they have in place?

The security guard was involved!

Just about the time I tell my friends in the US that Thailand is a safe place to visit. Well, actually I didn't say that. I said Northern Thailand was about as safe as anywhere compatible in the US. But Pattaya, Phuket, and now other beach side resorts. Life seems to be getting cheaper and cheaper to these pathetic morons.

What can farang do to protect themselves in there own homes (or rented rooms)? I heard that if you kill someone while defending yourself in your own home, you're pretty much going to jail for a long time.

This isn't going to help tourism.

Looks like we're coming around for another round of "Foreigner Bashing". MPs must be bored at the moment. Gotta bang the drum of xenophobia and stir up nationalistic fervor in the masses.

I wonder what they're really trying to attract attention away from? Is some politico up on corruption charges?

I personally think that everything has to be 100% to see optimum results:

100% on the diet (with few cheat meals once in a meal, that will also shock your body - good for metabolism and the mind while being on a diet)

100% on the cardio (with the right heart rate and duration)

100% on the weights

If all of this is 100% then supplements are not that important, they may just speed up things a little - depending on your goal.

I also don't believe that there is one common programme that will apply to everyone - in the end every body is different. I am doing 1.5 hrs of cardio per day now and also do weights 4-5 times per week. I don't have any signs of overtraining even though I am on a almost zero carb diet. Some people like me also have very good recovery - I don't even take any glutamine or other stuff for recovery. So my advice is really to closely observe your body: see how you react to certain kinds of foods and diets, if you don't see results then try to change a little (e.g. only eat chicken or fish as a protein source for 2 weeks). Also don't forget that your body will adapt over time, that's when you will stop seeing results, that's why you need to increase and change things up.

A personal note on the cardio: I also think that to you should eat enough and then burn it off through exercise.Starving and cutting down calories will end up in loosing muscle - that's the worst for me as a bodybuilder

You're still young there Ms. Julia. If you make this a lifelong commitment, you'll find your goals change, your intensity changes, your routines change as your body changes. It's not a bad thing, it just is. If you keep this up over your lifetime, you'll find that you age differently than most people, both outwardly and inward. You maintain a youthfulness. Keep up the work. We don't see enough women doing serious weight training in the gyms. So many gals think they'll end up looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Can anyone please give me an accurate update today? I have a flight to BKK, then connecting to CNX, arriving tonight. Should I cancel my CM connection? How bad is it right now?

This is the best it has been in weeks. We've had winds and light rain which has cleaned the air in the low lying areas out. Looks like we have two more days of this type of weather before high pressure sets back in. Once that happens, it will take some time for the smoke to build back up. A week. Maybe two. Depends on the level of burning. Like Winnie, I'm hoping we've seen the worst.

Good luck.

Never mind. Just answered my own question. University students are exempted from the draft, or more correctly, deferred. After graduation, they can volunteer for a six month program that looks something like a reserve program. It's the Hi-So option.

It makes sense now. The security of this country rests on the backs of the sons of the poor. Hi-Sos buy there way out, or send their kids to University.

Yeah, I think I'd be wearing a red shirt too if I was a poor Thai.

But with that said, I'm also ex-military too. I personally think every kid between 18 to 25 should be required to put two year into the military of the country that they are a citizen of. It builds character. Every country has the right to a strong defensive military.

OK, now flame away. I sure I'm going to hear from every liberal, anti-gun, anti-military, tree-hugging liberal on the forum. Fine! Enjoy.

Isn't the same in most countries ? The lower rungs for the poor/poorer people ?

Yeah probably. I went into the military when the local economy crashed in my State. Otherwise I'd probably still be logging in the US North West. I've got no regrets.

I don't want to increase your stress level, but to make you aware, a lot of the guys inducted by draft into the army are getting sent to the meatgrinder in the South now. Someone I know was just mildly injured (ear damage) in the recent bombing of Narathiwat (4 guys died and others were more seriously injured). So it's not a good time to be an army cadet in Thailand, especially a draftee.

If it was me, and I was that worried -- Thai Navy or Thai Air Force. Less likely to be put into harms way in those two services.

Never mind. Just answered my own question. University students are exempted from the draft, or more correctly, deferred. After graduation, they can volunteer for a six month program that looks something like a reserve program. It's the Hi-So option.

It makes sense now. The security of this country rests on the backs of the sons of the poor. Hi-Sos buy there way out, or send their kids to University.

No it's not just a hi-so option. Anyone can avoid the draft by doing a cadet program, that can be done in high school or college, but that of course requires planning and commitment. He could have gotten out of it in high school if he was willing to do the work. University graduates can also volunteer and they only serve for 6 months, instead of taking a chance on the lottery which would give them 2 years.

Yeah, that really does explain it. I just found out about the cadet programs. If he and my wife have been so worried about this, why didn't he just go into the Cadet Program in Matayom? We're back to lack of motivation and planning. She won't talk to me directly about it -- I don't feel much in the way of responsibility either -- not my son, and quickly becoming not my problem.

In the five years I've know the kid, he hasn't said a full sentence to me. Even offered to tutor him in English. Wife says, "He so shy." But mom's been over protecting this kid all his life. He doesn't do chores, can't get him to take his own trash out to the trash can, I refuse so wife does it. Kid's never worked a day in his life. The kid's never been required to take any responsibility for his life or his actions. I don't support this "hands off" way of bringing up a kid. Heck, I worked from the time I could wash a car or push a mower. I worked from the time I was an adolescent: I wanted things my parents wouldn't buy, so I earned my own money. I've never seen her kid do anything but play on the computer and talk on the phone. Life's gonna give them a big wake-up call pretty soon. I'll pay the kid's tuition through tech school, but not university. And if he get's selected for the Army, he should go. If he didn't want to go, he should have gone into the Cadet Program while he was still in Matayom. Poor kid, maybe he gets lucky and doesn't pull the "you're drafted" number. Too bad, two years in the Army would make a man out of him -- something he is not right now.