How things work in Thailand.

  Max and Poo approached me the other day saying that a neighbor had asked if I would tutor English to a couple of students and, if so, how much would I charge?  After some discussion I agree to do it.  More discussion ensued about pricing.  It should be high enough to reflect my status, high, but affordable.  We agreed that I would charge $3.00 per hour per student.
  Yesterday afternoon I had my first session with them.  It was a delightful time. The are  two earnest students, ages 11 and 12, in 4th and 6th grades.  They came prepared to learn...every teacher's dream.
  By breakfast time this morning, 7:00 a.m., the word was already back to Max.  "Mr. Al is jai dee."  I have a "good heart".
  I'm looking forward to doing this  There is significant open time for me that this will fill constructively.

  I was teaching 6th grade this morning second hour.  I was having fun using their nick names (Every child in Thailand is given a short nick name at birth, usually by the mother.  Some of the nick names in my classes are Pet, O, M, Bell, Mata, Noon, Nun, Bass, Kit, Fern, Ning, My, Pla, Arm, Bible, and Da.) to show how adding/subtracting letters change sounds.  For example 'Pla'.  Add y and the a in Pla changes from short to long.

   Suddenly a loud noise made it impossible to be heard. Going to the door I saw that the custodian had decided that this would be a good time to use the gas motor driven weed whipper to do some trimming near my room.  Class ended early.

Why now?

6th grade.