Friday in Uttaradit

So this marks my first Friday in Uttaradit and two weeks from when I left the US. I am going to eat sushi with some of my fellow English teachers and then go to a club. Their description of it is some place to relax, drink alcohol, dance and watch out for boys lol. This should be interesting. I went to a club in Lampang but people were too scared to interact with a large group of Americans. We will just have to see how things go tonight.
It really has been a good day for me. I only have to teach three classes on Fridays (so only 150 students) so I got all of my work done to prepare for next week.
Monday I get to go to Lampang for my work permit so that means other TTC people!!!!!!!
I feel like I am learning how to be quiet since so few people understand me. They say my Thai is pretty good, but I don't know enough for a conversation. Explaining what Charades was to my fellow teachers was fun. And they have started coming to me for help grading their papers. These books do not have answer keys. I graded my own stack of papers today and the students come by my office to get them. It is adorable. Also, I was finally able to wear clean clothes today!!!! I have worn the same skirt for the past three days because it took three days to do my laundry. Oh and one teacher said she loved my curly hair. Words I never thought I would hear. My hair has acted differently here. Like if I use conditioner it looks greasy as soon as it dries. And also, it is so hot here that I always have my hair on the top of my head so maybe being pulled up and twisted up has increased the curly. Who knows, but it is amusing.
I think tomorrow I am going to go exploring and see what is around here. They are still looking for my bike so I am still on foot. Yesterday I discovered that I have a swimming pool next door. So incentive for people who want to come visit--soccer field across the street and pool next door and I have an extra bedroom and two extra beds in my flat. I may have company Sunday so I am excited. I still have not seen my Thai waterfall so that is on the to do list. Now that I have pretty much adjusted to my daily school routine, I can plan my weekends and breaks. Oh, and I have my school calendar now. I get New Years Day off so that is cool. They tell me that my big break in October is fluid which is a little disheartening but they said they are talking about making it a little more solid.
Oh, I might have mentioned the Puyiah thing before, but if not I have something to say about it. Whoever is the oldest or higher rank pays for all sorts of things when you go out. So I have had few meals bought for me and I would not be surprised if the same happens tonight. It is something I am not used to but they are really serious when they tell me to put away my money. I am considered a "movie star" so people bow to me and I was instructed that I only slightly nod my head in return or say kaa. It is strange and I am afraid I very well might get spoiled by it. They keep saying "You are so lovely!" And "how do you get your skin so white?" I have seen a woman who resembles Michael Jackson and it just makes me sad that she would damage her skin just to be whiter.
Well just 45 minutes until I am allowed to leave work. I have to stop by 7-11 on my way home to pick up a new charger for my phone. I cannot find mine anywhere. I think between the fire and the moving it was lost. But that is all I have for now. Wish me luck on my Thai club night!