Success

At my Step-Dad's retirement party a few years back I remember one of his friends, Dave, approaching me and telling me how he heard I'd become quite successful.  "Really?!" I asked him.  He told me how I was working at a university, in a steady job, which probably meant I had a nice steady pay check as well.  Dave was right about those things, and I have occupied a few jobs now that I've enjoyed but I can't say I've ever defined myself as successful.  The other day on a bus to Bangkok I asked myself, what does it mean to be successful?

Working at Startek, a call center where angry people in New York called me about their cable, my call times were low and resolution of problems was high.  Working at a public library I designed programs for adult learning, researched topics for patrons, and supervised a staff of nine.  I had an unforgettable time in all the positions I held there.  During my time at the Colorado State University I applied for and managed a grant worth a little over a million dollars (I still think you all are crazy for putting me in charge of that much money.  Have we met?).  Still, I was successful in aspects, but I was not successful.

Is it standing behind a lectern using eloquent speech and having some letters after your last name?  Is it a corner office, a pressed suit, yet still a brown bottle in your desk?  Is it white sandy beaches on your vacation from a cubicle you despise?  My first example of someone with more education, the answer - for some, yes.  And that's what it boils down to, finding yours.  "Working hard" sounds so cumbersome, maybe a passionate diligence is a better idea.  If you're doing something you enjoy, but don't love maybe it's time for a change.  I was content for so long but not truly happy.

One time my brother was telling me about his 12-hour shift in a sushi joint he worked for.  He said he cut up over 200 pounds of fish that night.  I was astounded and asked how he did it.  Derek smiled out of the corner of his mouth and replied, "labor of love I suppose."  Not sure if he was being a smart ass or not but I still like the idea of finding something that you love and pursuing it because it's a passion.  I'm not saying I've finally found a career path but there's a decent chance if/when I come home I will be a teacher State-side too.

**The Notables**

1) My friend, Dave, recently bought a flying squirrel and he leaves the cage open at night so the little guy can run around.  I've seen him a few times; it is pretty neat when he runs around the room and jumps from high places.  He hides from me a lot though and likes small, dark spaces.  I guess Dave woke up one morning and couldn't find the little dude.  He peered around the room and still no sign.  He was about to get up when he thought about one more spot he could be.  Yep, small dark spaces.  He ends his story with, "at least I had big boxers on, but I still had to be careful.  When he gets scared he nips."

2) All of the students have a great respect for the main Thai teacher in my class.  One time she bought them all fried bananas, one of my favorite snacks, after a lesson she gave.  The lesson was immaculate and they were all smiling during their well-deserved break.  I turned to her and said,"Krue Mon, you are a great teacher."  She replied with, "Teacher, you are good teacher too."  I have a great respect for her as well and will never forget that compliment.
(Krue = teacher)

3) While in a club on Koh Chang (koh=island, chang=elephant), my friend Matt stops me with a story.  It is pumping in there so he's basically screaming into my ear about how a man told him he looked stressed and to go to the corner of the room, close his eyes, and dance for one minute without stopping.  "It will work," he says.  "You feel changed."  Matt steps back, the music roars again and I stare at him.  I mouth to him, "And?"  He yells at me, "It did!"






4) During our trip to Chiang Mai our class went on a historical tour around some ancient temple areas.  Absolutely incredible.  During one of our stops my roommate was lighting some incense for his dog that had died.  (still feeling for you Darcy)  When out of earshot, I asked my friend Phil what
the perception was of us, who are obviously not Buddhist, partaking in some of the rituals.  He said, "Mate, fuck religion.  Put something good out there and it will get there."  I like his idea - no matter your subscribed belief, if you put some good into this world, whether it's in your thoughts or your actions, it will get there.

I told Phil my student's father had just passed away.  He has been a teacher in Thailand longer than I have so I asked for some advice on how to help her.  He just said, "...be there.  Just be there and be nice and answer questions for them like you always do."  It was great, simple advice.  Her mother passed last year and now she is moving to live elsewhere.  I am sorry for her Dad, but I am also bummed she won't be at this school again next year.  Phil went on to explain how teachers here are almost a part of the family.  It's been an interesting and wonderful dynamic to watch.  The Thai teacher does look after them as if she was a second mother.  I'm on a bit of a different plane being the foreign teacher but I've developed some great bonds with my 24 as well.  By far, is my class the best class.  : )