Florida Trip

I went to Florida on Saint Paddy's day and had a great time. Went to vist my brother Dan, his wife Tina and boys Matt (13) and the twins Danny and Mikey (10). Made my famous chili for them on Friday. Spent the day Saturday at the horse and dog tracks (lost a total of $31). Went to Clearwater Beach on Sunday. It is Spring break at some schools and the beaches did not disappoint. Went to Frenchy's for their She crab soup. It is so good that Mark should add it to the Skyline menu. The boys are on spring break this week so we all hung out together on monday. Made them lunch, played chess and watched the movie Saw. Flew back On Tuesday the 22nd. Plan to return on May 4th and fly from there to Bangkok on the 9th.

ECC did not accept me into their program so have since applied and been accepted into the Text and Tell program. It is a six week 4 to 5 hours per day (4 days during holiday weeks) course. They will also help me get a Visa and an apartment. They also hire their own graduates to teach their English courses. Most of their courses are taught at corporations and companies. You work more as a private contractor and recieve a bonus when you complete a 40 hour block (20 weeks). Get higher pay if the people ask for you to come back. With my afternoons free (except for 1.5 hour grammar classes on Tuesday and Thursday) I will be able to go to interviews if I decide Teach and Tell is not were I want to work.

Phew

Well on Monday (3/7) the condo passed inspection. I am so glad that that is over. It's been hanging over my head since 1/24.

Finally submitted the application and grammar test to ECC on 3/10. I should hear back from them by the end of next week. The application said that they will do an email interview or phone interview. It will be interesting as to when the phone interview would happen. Thailand is 12 hours ahead of us.

Also this week I received my 401K money and it is what I expected. I have budgeted $xx for this move with an additonal $xx in reserve here in the states. One of the best things about this change is when I make this move I will be debt free. That will be a fantastic feeling.

I think I will staying at the A-One Inn for the first 5 or 6 weeks (http://www.aoneinn.com/). I visted the other inns and hotels down this Soi in November. I felt that this place gives me the best value for the baht (figure about 40 bhat per dollar). A-One Inn is family own and run, about a block from the BTS Station (above ground trains) and about 4 blocks from ECC. As I write this there are only 44 days until wheels are up. My next report will be upon my return from my visit with my brother and his family in Florida (3/17 -22).

Last two weeks

The last two weeks have been a bit hectic. My old group at work gave me a lunch at my favorite place (skyline). Over 20 people showed up. They had a cake with an American flag and a Buddha. It said Thailand or bust. Thanks guys it was appreciated and enjoyed.

The next day (Thursday the 24th) my father died of a massive heart attack. He was only 71 years old. He died while he was working. They way he wanted to go. I loved him and will miss him.

The condo cleaning is coming along slowly and will probably pass muster on Monday. Still have alot of work to go before I sell.

Found the travel coupons from United and need to purchase tickets by March 12th. Flying to Tampa (via Chicago) to visit my brother and his family for 5 days. Looking forward to the time away fom everything.

Still working on the grammar test for ECC. Need to finish that by Monday. Checked their web site the other day and they still have the March 7th class and May 2nd class posted. Still should have no problem getting into that May class. At the time I am writing this I have 52 days until wheels are up to my move to LOS. Need to pay CC, car and sell car and condo. Need to get the test done and get a Visa and plane ticket. Hopefully all will get done. When I leave on the 25th I do not want to look back. On to a different life.