Flashback Thursday
Today at work = Crazytown…again.
Literally, the only thing I ate today even worth mentioning is this epic scone…
That would be an Apple Cinnamon Honey Almond Scone to be exact.
Since my eats fell far short of being blogworthy (ahem, beer + apple sauce + raw veggies…nothing fun. If it had involved, let’s say, 3 or 4 beers, that would be another story)…I suddenly felt in a reminiscent mood and decided there was no better time for FLASHBACK THURSDAY!!!
Janetha, I know it’s not quite as catchy as Flashback Friday, but I promise it will still be fun 
.
You can catch my first flashback here, FYI.
Otherwise, let’s take a first class ride halfway across the world to beautiful THAILAND! As many of you long-time readers may know, I spent just under a year teaching English in Thailand from late 2007 into mid-2008. Located 45 minutes outside Bangkok, I taught at a school is Saimai and came back to America with TONS (literally!) of hilarious stories.
My adventures included many rides in tuk-tuks…
Ahhh those were the days of my long hair, tanned skin and blonde ambition. *sigh*
Throughout the months, I saw, experienced and explored my fair share of wats (temples)…
…as well as ate myself silly with bla (fish) balls, soups, rice, rice noodles, peanuts, som tam, more rice, fresh pineapple…
Clearly, I was already a food blogger-in-training .
I did A LOT of wai-ing…
I promise I was really good about showing my respect to Buddha. What up homie?!?!
I got my drank and dance on…
Due to some other issues, I didn’t drank or dance as much as I should have. But hey, no regrets, right? I had a couple fantastic nights (see above), and that is something to be appreciated.
Oh yeah! I did some teaching too .
“Poetry sings in my heart.” Yes, that was one of the names of our shows at school. I don’t lie. Can you spot me in the crowd? (It’s not that hard, haha.)
I definitely ate more food (sporting my fave Wisconsin Mom t-shirt)…
Are you saying you don’t believe me when I said I ate? (And ate lots for that matter!)
Take a looksie…
Two thangs: (a) notice the bear-shaped rice, and (b) look at my hand-carved vegetable (by moi!).
I made the best of friends…
Seriously, I love this kid.
I performed in Thai cultural shows…
After my Oscar-worthy performance, I got a multitude of offers from the Thai movie industry. Unfortunately, I had to turn them down. My performances were just too good 
.
And of course, I definitely went a little crazy living in such a new, different country…
But really, how is that any different than now?
So there you go…a total A.D.D. flashback of my time in Thailand! It was fun, frustrating, trying, exciting, hilarious, inspiring, exasperating, adventurous, happy, sad and life-changing all at the same time. If ANYONE is thinking about traveling, studying or teaching abroad, DO IT. I swear it will be the best money you ever spend. I am a firm believer that taking yourself completely out of your comfort zone is a humbling experience we should all have.
With that, I’m out. This has literally been the longest week ever. Buuutttt…I am heading home to the Everythingtarian casa this weekend for some R, R and DVR (rest, relaxation and DVR). SO. EXCITED.
What are the top three things you are willing to spend money on? Mine are travel, food and a fabulous-fitting pair of jeans!
What are you up to this weekend? Catching up on sleep, workouts and trashy TV!
January 28th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Your trip looked amazing! The three things I am will to spend money on: jeans, food, and the gym! This weekend for me will be lots of staying inside and resting! There is snow coming our way so we may not be able to go too many places!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
You are one hot Wisconsin mom.
You would be a total blast to travel with…or just hang with for that matter. Come visit!!! I’ll provide beer and scones.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Oh my amazinggggg! You are so lucky, I am dying to go to Thailand. Your ADD makes my life
no joke!
I spend the little moolah, (well, if I had any) I have on travel, food, and mascara. I know the last is a little ridiculous.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Love this flashback post! Enjoy your RR&DVR this weekend – sounds like you more than deserve it
January 28th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
You know how Glamour has some segment about Fun Fearless Women? You should totally be one. In all seriousness, I admire the hell out of you. I wish I had the courage to just get out there. You rock. Over and out.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
*Sigh* Your travel pics never seize to amaze me.
3 things:
1. travel
2. healthy food
3. shoes ( I have waaay too many :/ )
kind of similar lists!
This weekend is going to be the same as other Madison, college-esque weekends- boatloads of beer and good times
January 28th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
I love the pictures! Thailand sounds like it was a lot of fun. If I studied abroad, I think it would be at the top of my list.
Top 3 things I’m willing to spend my money on: Food, clothes, and useless gadgets
January 28th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Travel, clothes and makeup. those are the three things I spend $$$ on.
And once I stop mooching off the ‘rents food will fit in there as well, I am sure.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
ahaha.. this flashback was FABULOUS and i cant wait to link back to it tomorrow! you have had such fun adventures.. it is high time we had one together. i hope work calms down.. ALMOST THE WEEKEND M’LADY!
January 28th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
wisconsin mom? really??
great flashback…i want to go to there. can we go? after i get married, move to CA, win the lottery, quit my job, and vow to visit every country on my to-see list. perfect.
i will never ever ever feel guilty about spending $$ on travel or dining experiences. thats practically the only reason i work. meh, my job is somewhat rewarding i guess…
January 28th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
The pic right under this caption:
I got my drank and dance on…
Holy hottie exotic beautiful YOU! Love that pic of you!!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Love the flashback Holly! Makes me want to go there! (mmm, maybe April?!) This weekend I will be trashytv-ing too, hmm, Onsen with my girl Alesha tonight, and possibly a kite festival on Sunday in Fujisaki! I’ll let ya know via my blog
Have a FABULOUS WEEKEND GIRLY!!!
January 29th, 2010 at 12:04 am
can i tell you that im obsessed w. your hair?! yeah, i am!
January 29th, 2010 at 12:18 am
LOVE the Thailand pictures! I spent seven weeks there over the summer…it is such an incredible country. I can’t wait to go back!! Ever since coming back I’ve just about refused to eat pineapple in the States. Just not as good.
My top three money-spending items are basically the same as yours: Travel, food, fashion (especially shoes). What else is there?
Oh yeah…I guess I also spend a lot of money on books. Other than that…I’m good. (I know, I cheated, I wrote like five things).
January 29th, 2010 at 2:05 am
Glad to hear you had a great experience in Thailand because I just found out today I was accepted to go to India to teach starting this summer!
It’d be great if you’d share more of your adventures in Thailand with me (I’m going to India and Nepal) as I have heard that it is dangerous because I’m 1) a women and 2) blonde …hair color, not brains. =) So any tips and pointers you have would be greatly appreciated! (even though India & Thailand are different, still the same general area of the globe…)
January 29th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Love the scone and the flash back!
3 things I am willing to spend $$$ on:
1. Produce
2. Nut butters
3. Shoes
My weekend: same as yours!
January 29th, 2010 at 5:42 am
Ooooh money…foood, clothes, shoes, makeup…
January 29th, 2010 at 6:11 am
Love this flashback of your Thailand trip! I am super jealous but so happy that you had the chance to experience this.
Hope you have the BEST relaxing weekend. I hear ya on the LONG week! Its definitely time to sit back and chill this weekend.
<3 you Holly!
January 29th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Your trip looks absolutely amazing! What was your major in school, and how did this opportunity come about? One of my majors is English, and this is something that I’ve really thought about doing – and you make it look too fun not too!
Willing to spend money? On just three things? Oh jeeze girl, I am more than willing to spend money on juuuust about anything fabulous, from food to clothes!
January 29th, 2010 at 7:15 am
Sounds like you had a great time in Thailand!
Have a restful fun weekend at home
Jenna
January 29th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Oh how I miss you and your wonderful tales of adventure!
January 29th, 2010 at 8:08 am
I want to bike through Thailand sometime in the next few years. Consider this your formal invitation. I have no problems spending money on travel, food, and shoes.
January 29th, 2010 at 8:09 am
LOVE this flashback post. I really enjoy living vicariously through other peoples’ travels, haha.
The top three things I’m willing to spend money on are pretty close to yours: travel, food, and my HURR (aka hair). My “blonde” hair is actually due to highlights….most of my hair is actually still my natural color (brownish). So by spending the big bucks for my highlights I’m not completely killing my hair by bleaching it. Na’ mean? Totally worth the benjamins.
January 29th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Your time in Thailand looks off the heez! Thanks for sharing your photos. It’s true that sometimes the best and life-changing times in our lives aren’t always easy. But seriously, Thailand looks rad. If you ever go back, I’m comin’! I want to ride a tuk-tuk!
Top 3 things to spend $$$ on: food, boots, and silly gifts for people.
This weekend: I’m headed back home for 1.5 days, so friends and fam are at the top of my list!
January 29th, 2010 at 8:29 am
Love the flashback pictures- how fun! My favorites are the one where you’re wearing the Wisconsin Mom and the one where you’re getting your dance on. Have fun at home!! I am hoping to get some relaxing in. I just got back from work travel lateeeeeee last night and then had to get up wayyyyy too early this morning to teach. I have lots of catching up around the house to do then its crash time
January 29th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Travel for sure, some of the best experiences I’ve ever had have been abroad!
January 29th, 2010 at 8:43 am
I Love your flashbacks!
What are the top three things you are willing to spend money on? Mine are travel (even local places), making time/places to spend time with family, and good food
What are you up to this weekend? Probably being snowed in!
ENJOY your weekend
Hope it’s filled with fun + rest!
January 29th, 2010 at 8:59 am
Looks like an amazing time spent in Thialand!! I’d spend my moola on clothes, good food and fun kitchen or fitness gadgets.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:30 am
haha, Holly! this post just made my Friday morning 10x better. love the giant scone. i seriously stood in front of the bakery cases at WF for 10 minutes yesterday – i couldn’t decide whether i should get the chocolate chip, orange currant, or cinnamon. All looked soo good!
Three things I will pay $$ for: good food, running shoes, and trips to see friends!
January 29th, 2010 at 9:49 am
this weekend is gonna be all about training so i can tutor little kiddies on the weekends!
what program did you go to thailand with? i wanted to go to madrid for the year to teach english but then i got a job, sigh (or yay!). i am dying to travel abroad for a year before i go back to school. would love to talk to you about it!
January 29th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I will spend anything on food and heat!
January 29th, 2010 at 10:45 am
I love to spend money on basics- nice jeans and Ts makes life so much better- and Calvin Klein underwear.. just sayin’- tis the season
January 29th, 2010 at 10:49 am
I think mine are actually the same! Travel, good food and clothes are the three things I dream (and do) spend all my hard-earned cash on. LOVE.
You’ve made me miss Thailand. I am REALLY done with this week. Ugh. Speak soon petal.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Thailand! I die. I love Thai food! I would so love to do something similar!
Definitely with you for money on food and travel!
January 29th, 2010 at 11:58 am
That looks like a ton of fun! I would love to teach abroad. I spend most of my money on food, snowboarding, and travel!
January 29th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
sounds like work has been stressful!! i love all these pictures- your traveling adventures are so great to hear about
January 29th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
enjoyed your pix – when i was in bangkok i was only there for a day so i didn’t get a chance to ride around in a tuk tuk! can you believe it?!?!
January 29th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Thailand is probably 1st on my list of where I want to go. (Especially now that I’m the only member of my family who hasn’t been there yet) I. can’t. wait!
Hmm I feel like I spend most of my money on food….but I’m really trying to change that.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
1. ohmigawdaeroexpressmethatsconeRIGHTnow.
2. aaah, i love all your pictures. it looks like such a great experience. especially because you were in someplace sunny and warm. and because your school sponsored a show called poetry sings in my heart. mainly that last point will stick with me.
3. i spend my money on food. there isn’t very much else that i’m willing to splurge on…
4. this weekend: hopefully see my friend natasha and clean my apartment.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
How fun! I cant wait until next year when I can study abroad. You make Thailand look like so much fun! I want to go to Paris, London and Italy. Japan would be fun too
January 29th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I love these photos! You look so happy and relaxed… I want to travel with you!
Definitely will spend money on travel and food. And that perfect bag/piece of jewelry/etc.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Love the Thailand pics!
Have a great weekend!
January 29th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Thailand is definitely on the list of places I want to go to!!! I reeeeally want to go live abroad for a year, but I don’t want to teach. So I need to get a little more creative as to what I can do for income. Do they need personal trainers in Thailand??
Travel is the number one thing I don’t mind throwing tons of money down on. Erm, food is probably second on that list :\
I’m doing the exact same things as you this weekend! It’s 6:30pm on a Friday night and I’m already in my PJs
January 29th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Lurrrve this flashback! So cool that you’ve been to Thailand, I bet it was even more amazing that pictures can tell
I’m willing to spend money on good food, a great bottle of wine and when it comes to big things, I agree that you get the most bang for your buck out of travel.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
[...] you participate in flashback friday? i know deb and holly and susan and taylor and jessie and lauren did! let me know if you did too and i will link [...]
January 30th, 2010 at 9:55 am
What up homie?? To the Buddha–love it!! I don’t have anything insightful to say, this post just made me smile
January 30th, 2010 at 11:39 am
I love traveling. And that scone looks perfect!
January 30th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I just found your blog today and perfect timing because I taught in Thailand, also!
I taught 8th grade English in Chiang Mai and love love loved it. I got back in April and if grad school doesn’t work out, I’m considering going back.
I’ve been compiling heaps of pictures for a photo journal of my time there on my blog, and it’s so amazing to see everything that I did. Your pics of the food are bringing back the memories
Thanks for sharing.
January 30th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Can I just say how gorgeous you are Holly?! You look different in almost every single picture/post you put up.. and seriously, you are pretty/hot/hilarious/babealicious all at the same time.
I was thinking “I’m gonna tell Holly how pretty she is today” right as I came upon the picture of you with something up your nose. Case in point. Couldn’t help but giggle.
Hope your weekend was great missy! xoxo
January 31st, 2010 at 12:14 am
what a great adventure and time you must have had! I’ve never ever been very far!
xo
January 31st, 2010 at 9:42 am
Thanks for sharing your time in Thailand with us. Which school were you at? Wouldn’t it be a coincidence if it were the same that I visited? Have a relaxing weekend!
January 31st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Gahhhhh, too many things about this post that I loved. Seriously, reading about your foreign adventure made me want to bolt off my couch, drain my savings, buy a plane ticket to Anywhere, Earth and freakin’ wing it in some place new.
I love this statement/philosophy:
“I am a firm believer that taking yourself completely out of your comfort zone is a humbling experience we should all have.”
Three things I’m willing to spend a lil’ extra on are food, travel, and school.
Love you, I will be on gchat tonight (most likely)!
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
Oh myyy….that picture of you in the black top lookin’ all bronzed with some adorable curls up bun-style on yo’ head–I DIE!!!! You’re so cuteee!!!!!!!!!!!
I can just tell from the way you DESCRIBE the experience that it was just life-changing. It sounds so fun, and so rewarding….i may have to look into it someday!
And what daaa–your ear in that one pic?! What happened senorita?!!?! Hahahah
Oooh, but I agree with you! Fab-fitting jeans are always worth the extra $$$$. I’ve been wearing this one pair since my junior year of high school! Holllla!!! XOXOXO