Thursday, November 19, 2009

Countdown

I'm sitting in front of my computer at work contemplating my schedule. Two weeks from today we will be in the air heading toward Texas. When I think of 13 days and counting, I am completely overwhelmed. So I pause, breathe and think of right now. Last week I pulled out a small notebook and beginning with December 3 I worked back to November 16 documenting the tasks, projects and general minutia I have to complete. It helped. Now I consult my little notebook and draw a heavy black line through each project as it's finished. Today's schedule: Work, Doctor appointment, grocery shopping, friends for dinner.
................I should be working.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Visas, currencies, vaccinations, OH MY!

With less than a month to go, we are now filling out our tourist visa application. http://www.mfa.go.th/internet/consular/Visaapplicationform.pdf
It's not nearly as complicated as I thought it might be. The only part left to do for the application is attaching attractive photographs so the Thai Authorities will welcome us to their country with open arms. I would have used money to convince them, however an exemption of the visa fee is now in effect from June 2009 to March 2010.
Saved another $50!!
Saving $50 USD is comparable to .....??? THB
http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi?Amount=50&From=USD&To=THB&x=43&y=14
That easily buys 5 or 6 Thai reflexology sessions. Or ALOT more Thai iced coffee. The difficulty will be deciding which indulgence will be first.
There is always one more thing on the list that I will be sure to forget. Naturally some are more important than others. Health is one that is more important. The CDC has the recommendations for travel at the following site.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand.aspx
Will and I both are up to date on our vaccinations. Malaria pills aren't necessary. Interestingly, rabies vaccinations are recommended if you are a vet or will be living long term in areas with a high risk of exposure. You know, like bats, carnivores, and other mammals. Rabies myths have created confusion about one of the world’s most frightening diseases. Just hearing the word rabies, conjures up images of foaming, aggressive dogs and animals. It’s nearly impossible not to picture the movie, Old Yeller, and the young boy forced to shoot his beloved rabid dog that suffered with the disease.
Read more: http://mammals.suite101.com/article.cfm/rabies_facts_and_myths#ixzz0VtyVNPfN
For fans of "The Office", please reference Season 4 episode 1 entitled "Fun Run" for more helpful information regarding myths about rabies.