There used to be a time when forever really meant infinity....

I have had a long love affair with the Parlotones... right since I first saw them perform live at Rocking the Daises back in 2006. I have seen them at least 10 times now, and have all their CDs. They have released a new CD, which I still need to get.

This song is from that new CD, and I am really enjoying it. Their music really speaks to my emotions and stirs up lots of feelings in me.

The Parlotones – Soul & Body

http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=en&client=mv-rim&v=9dE6BlK7YcU

Lip Thespian, so sorry but your eyes can't lie to me

Will you still love him the same when his money is gone?

Electric fingertips used to tremble excitedly

You used to light up the room

And now the magic is gone

Your soul, your soul

Your soul and body

I hope, I hope

You believe me

If your dreams escape your lips

And force your heart and soul and body to commit

Your soul, your soul,

Your soul, your soul and body

Young pretty bride,

You've gone and swallowed your destiny

All for the love of a man,

Who's in love with himself

There used to be a time when forever really meant infinity

It's a two way street,

You're with a dead beat

Afraid of being lonely,

In fact you're really lonely

You gotta get it out, yes you gotta let it out

Your soul, your soul

Your soul and body

I hope, I hope

You believe me

If your dreams escape your lips

And force your heart and soul and body to commit

I hope my second hand opinions somehow inspire brand new decisions

Seduced by the promise of rapture

The magic you will rediscover

I know you will

I know you will

You'll learn to live again

Your soul, your soul,

Your soul, your soul and body

I hope, I hope

You believe me

If your dreams escape your lips

And force your heart and soul and body to commit

I was spoiled on Father's Day

So yesterday morning I walked through to the lounge and both  boys said, 'Hi Mom, Happy Father's Day!' :)

Can I just say that I love my quirky and weird little family of 3! <3 <3 <3

I also got several Happy Father's Day smses for some of the cool guys in my life.

Then later in the afternoon A asked me to stop by his office when I went for a run, because he said he had a gift for me.

Oooh!? I of course obliged the request post-haste. He'd got me ... wait for it. A cordless screw-driver/drill! I LOVE IT! I was seriously thrilled. *squeal* :)

 

I told him next time he visits there'll be holes in everything. He says 'Yeah you'd better keep it away from the boys..' and I was like , 'No the holes will be MY doing!' ;) 

I can't wait to use it tonight! It is going to be SO useful. I have to put a new latch on my gate and it's too far for my power-drill and extension cord to reach and I am not strong enough to screw self-tapping screw that big in with my bare hands.

Best Father's Day ever! :)

Hope you all had a good Father's Day?

Blame it on my A.D.D. baby

Another one by AWOLnation.  I've heard this one a few times now as well and really like it too. Same guys. Not my usual genre exactly, but I really like their sound; it's a little heavy but without being too agrro or over the top.

So herewith SOTD #2!

AWOLNATION - "Sail"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPtSKimbjOU

Sail!

This is how I show my love
I made it in my mind because
I blame it on my A.D.D. baby

This is how an angel cries
I blame it on my own sick pride
Blame it on my A.D.D. baby

Sail!

Maybe I should cry for help
Maybe I should kill myself
Blame it on my A.D.D. baby

Maybe I'm a different breed
Maybe I'm not listening
So blame it on my A.D.D. baby

Sail!

La la la la la la oh!

Sail!

Sail with me into the dark
Sail!
Sail with me, sail with me
Sail! 

It's not your fault

This one caught my ear on the radio on the way to work the other morning....  I think it's cute and catchy. I have checked AWOLnation out a bit further and I really like them. There's another to follow, but first.

Your SOTD...

AWOLNATION - Not Your Fault

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm9-yVdxbSs

She was built with a brain
and some swagger.
A little scream, little cry,
little laughter.
She's a ten,
I'm a joke in my own mind.
But she still loves to dance
with my punch lines.

This love found us
now I see it.
This love up down.
Please believe.

Baby, when I'm yellin' at you,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah and
Baby cuz I'm crazy for you,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah
Maybe I'm a little confused,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah and
Baby, it a wonderful news.
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah

Oh, it's not that you should care.
I just wanted you to know.

I'm a fight with myself
till I'm bleeding.
Just a taste of your skin
starts the healing.
Anyone from my past
get your ammo.
Find my sun in the dark side
of my shadow.

This love found us
now I see it.
This love up down.
Please believe.

Baby, when I'm yellin' at you,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah and
Baby cuz I'm crazy for you,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah
Maybe I'm a little confused,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah and
Baby, it a wonderful news.
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah

Oh, it's not that you should care.
I just wanted you to know.

Hey, hey
na na na na
Hey, hey
na na na na
Hey, hey
na na na na
Hey, hey
na na na na
na na na na
na na na na

Oh, it's not that you should care.
I just wanted you
Oh, it's not that you should care.
I just wanted you to know.
Oh oh oh

Baby, when I'm yellin' at you,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah and
Baby cuz I'm crazy for you,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah
Maybe I'm a little confused,
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah and
Baby, it a wonderful news.
It's not your fault
It's not your fault, yeah

Oh, it's not that you should care.
I just wanted you to know.

Our Holiday Part 5 - Chiang Mai in transit

 On arriving back in Chiang Mai from Pia in our rented car, we proceeded straight to the Chiang Mai Zoo... which is a huge, actually pretty nice as far as zoos go, place. It is not cheap, but is well organised and the animals all have sensible enclosures and decent living conditions. We were all a little tired from the long drive, so less keen on walking than usual, so were grateful for the efficient shuttle bus services that runs all around the zoo and makes the steep hills and long distances between exhibits less of a trek. Personally I would have made it a walking day has we had more time and energy, but having the transport was great at the time.

We were very privileged to see 2 Giant Pandas. They were fed while we were there and it was so cool to watch them eating. They are so animated and characterful. It really was like watching Po from Kung-Fu Panda. They are really adept and dexterous with the bamboo!

This little guy was only a few months old and just the cutest thing ever!

We also saw tigers, Gibbons, a weird Asian Rhino, Koala, and a bunch of other random animals which I forget now...

After we were done with the zoo, we drove up the long and steep winding road (which loads of locals were cycling and running up, no mean feat especially in that heat. I was super impressed!) up to the top of the mountain to Doi Suthep. Which is a magnificent Buddhist temple complex. I love love love the Thai Buddhist culture and am very drawn to the temples Buddhas and monks. I find them literally awe inspiring. We had arrived at Doi Suthep just in time for the sun set, which was lovely and so tranquil and calming up there. I enjoyed some moments of solace while A and the boys ran up and down creating cacophonies on the various gongs and prayer bells around the complex.

We were lucky to be there as the monks came out for their evening devotions and got to sit and watch as they prayed and chanted. That was really special. I also lit a candle and some incense and made a wish for Angelique while we were there. I am very gad we made the time to go to Doi Sethep. It has special memories for me. I just love the photo above which I took of the young monk gazing into the distance...

After Doi Suthep we found yet more night markets, these ones near the university, and they were bustling with youngsters eating from the hundreds and hundreds of food options available as well as shopping for clothes, shoes, make-up, watches, trinkets etc. It was vibey and pretty fun. We eventually made the really tough food selection and had diner and then found the most delicious and decadent ice-cream ever! You got to chose your own flavour and they literally made it in front of you! They had a frozen 'skottle' type thing which they poured chocolate or vanilla 'milk shake' onto and whatever flavouring you wanted and they scrape and mix and chop it up as it freezes and becomes your own unique never to be repeated custom ice-cream. It was flippen DELICIOUS! The boys of course chose Oreos, Sweets, Chocolate, more Sweets, Caramel etc.

After checking into our hotel for our last night in Chiang Mai, A went to the Wororot Night Market to do yet MORE shopping. I was totally shopped out by then so I had a long bath and enjoyed a wine cooler, from  the mini-bar, in bed instead. LOL.

Next up, the last part of our trip, the spectacular Angkor Wat!

I love my new blanket!

And it seems it love ME too!

The thoughtful culprit. :) <3 <3 <3

Our Holiday Part 4 - Pai in the sky!

After 3 nights in Chiang Mai we decided to explore further north so hopped into our rental car and headed up towards Pai.

On the way we stopped at Mae Rim's Tiger Kingdom! Where we were able to get up close and personal with some magnificent tigers. They were beautiful. Such an honour and privilege to be able to interact with them. There is no doubt that they are wild animals, even though these are reasonably used to humans being around. (I know some people don't like this kind of thing, but really these animals seemed really healthy and well treated and I was so grateful to get the chance to see them and even touch the younger ones)

More Tiger Kingdom photos HERE

We then drove on and on and on along the most nausea-inducing windy '762 curves to Pai' road to Pai. Check here and here to see what the road looks like. There was some gorgeous scenery and a surprisingly really large number of coffee shops en route. I mean there were LOTS. It became almost laughable. We stopped at a nice 'Swiss chalet' looking one for lunch. The rest of the drive was spent listening to TED talk pod-casts, which were interesting and inspirational.

We finally reached Pai at dusk that evening. All feeling a bit rattled and 'naar'. We found an incredible special on Agoda and stayed at the luxurious Yoma Hotel for about 60% off! A, after having had to drive the whole day, decided he was heading straight to bed. The boys and I grabbed the car and took the short drive into town. Where we wondered around the night market, and had dinner on the street. We didn't stay out late and went back for an early night and decent sleep. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the amenities in their room having long showers with lovely toiletries, blow drying their hair and wearing gowns and slippers etc. They also raided their mini bar! Thankfully these are reasonably priced in Thailand (I wish it was the same everywhere else!) and items cost barely more than the usual price at 7Eleven anyway.

Next morning we decided it was time for a bit of elephant trekking so off we went to Thom's Elephant Camp a few kms outside of town. It turned out that Thom is actually a lady. :) We took 2 beautiful ellies and A and Quinn rode one, while G and I rode the other, each with a guide or 'Mahout' to control the gentle (but sometimes obstreprous) giants. It was surprsiingly high and rather unstable at first, so I found it a but scary and intimidating. I was not so much sacred of the elephant, as being scared of slipping off it! Eventually I got comfortable - and in a better position, as initially I was sitting ON the ellies shoulders which was just too rocking and rolling, when I moved back it was much more comfotrable -mand got into the 'swing' of it and then was able to reax and not hang on for dear life anymore. Quinn was completely at ease and was able to ride without even holding on. We took a long walk through a field and over a hill and once we were fully comfortable we walked down the road to the river, were we 'swam' with them. That was totally amazing! These HUGE giants, being so gentle yet playful. We'd climb on them and they'd sit still until the Mahout signaled them and then they'd shake us of until we were flung into the water. It was really fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we were done riding on the ellies we fed them bananas and sugar cane. They were pretty clever too and you could hide it away, in your shorts or under your hat and they'll find it!

We stayed in Pai for 2 nights. The rest of the time we were there we explored the town and markets, went for a divine massage, and enjoyed the hot springs.

More Pai & Elephant photos HERE

Next the drive back to Chiang Mai , the zoo Doi Suthep.

Our Holiday Part 3 - Chiang Mai and I

Chiang Mai was uncharted territory for me, but A had been there before, and since Quinn was not able to swim so soon after his op, we could not do any Thai Island hoping or beach resort this trip. So off we went North to Chiang Mai. I was not really sure what to expect. The town has 2 parts, the old city - inside the wall, and the new city - outside the wall. We stayed at the Eco Resort a few kms outside town. Which was very nice. We stayed in the old school house building.

After settling in we caught a taxi into the old town and walked around (we did a LOT of walking on our holiday). We went to Wat Phra Singh, which is a beautiful temple. In the evening we explored the night market area, which is thronging with life until at least 12am. There are many many cool wares on offer and beautiful handiwork, and lots and lots of great deals and bargains to be had here. It's good fun and quite exciting walking up and down and negotiating and scoring great deals. We again went to bed exhausted after a full and fun day.

On Day 2 in Chiang Mai we rented a car and decided to head out of town for some adventure. We took a meandering drive to Jungle Flight were we had a super fun and entertaining Canopy Tour with our very animated guides... Job and erm... Keto (not his real name but it should be based on the way he looks and acts!) :) They were like a comedy act and were so much fun. We had a blast with them and it was quite exhilarating. Also because we were not afraid they played with us and clowned around more than they probably would have if we were nervous or timid. I totally loved it. The best was when lowering us from the top of the canopy they would let you free fall for a second or 2. Gives you a huge fright that!

More Jungle Flight Photos are HERE

On Day 3 we went in search of Thai silk and Celadon ceramics for A. And thendid another long walk around a town exploring and shopping. We also relaxed at the resort and swam and read books.

In the evening we went to a Thai cooking class at Baan Thai Cooking School which was really awesome! We were taken to a food market and taught what everything is and what it is for and how it is used etc. Then we were taken back to the school and learned how to make some Thai food! We had such fun and the food is surprisingly easy to make and freaking delicious!!!

We made:
Coconut milk, Green curry paste, Pad Thai, Chicken Coconut Soup, Thai Fish Cakes & Green Chicken Curry. Quinn learned how to make spring rolls, and hot and sour prawn soup, Curried Prawn stir fry and a Penang Pork Curry.

We ate SO much we could hardly walk by the end. It was awesome! We had to walk back home just to walk some of it off!

Cooking Class photos HERE and HERE!

More Chiang Mai photos on Facebook HERE

That was the end of our Chiang Mai leg, next up a road-trip to Pai!