The adjustment back to Khrungthep local time has been a tough one. I managed to have an upset stomach the day after I returned, possibly caused by jet lag, and then have been waking up at various odd hours the past few mornings: 12:50 am yesterday, 2:40 am today.
I’m not worrying about it, though. The nature of my job is such that I can do my work pretty much at any time. So if I’m awake in the middle of the night, I can work then and nap in the afternoon, instead. Besides, the jet lag will wear off and normal sleeping patterns will return.
The coming of the New Year has brought some sadness to those near us. Two days before the end of the year, Tam and Pune’s mother passed away up in Pan, outside of Chiang Rai. Pune is already living in Germany and Tam is scheduled to move there in the next few months with his husband, Markus. Sadly, this will mean that they won’t have much of a familial connection left here.
Then on Monday we received news that Ja’s father had unexpectedly passed away. He had been suffering some health issues, but nothing that was considered immediately life threatening.
When a Buddhist dies here in Thailand, the funeral events have a way of taking precedence in others’ lives. This is because the (usually) five nights of chanting commence on the first day of death, so there is no postponing things for a few days to allow people time to clear their schedules. It is this custom that really emphasizes the ties that bind families, friends and communities together.
Unfortunately, we were not in town for Tam and Pune’s mother’s funeral ceremonies. But Tawn attended services for Ja’s father on Monday and we’ll both attend this evening.
A reminder of the nature of life: we are born, we grow up, we grow old and sick, then we die.
christao408 
I am sorry to hear thatTake care
I hope you manage to get your sleep patterns adjusted soon. I’m sorry to hear about the recent deaths. Sometimes I think we’re too preoccupied (especially in my case) with other things and forget about the cycle of life.
I’m sorry to hear about your friends’ parents. It’s always hard to lose loved ones.I hope you get back on schedule soon!
This is sad news. Hope everyone is coping.
Ah, but we have wonderful opportunities during this cycle to make the living of our own life meaningful as we relate to all other lives. I’ve been told there are no problems, only opportunities. We choose. Hope you’re back on schedule soon. Condolences to Pune and Tam and Ja in the loss of their parents. It is difficult to lose parents.
I’m sorry that you returned to such sadness!
I am also adjusting to jetnag also. I get sleepy in the afternoon and then wide awake in the middle of the night. Slowly returning to normal. Sorry to hear the sad news, I guess the life cycle does not take breaks for holidays. We know that deep in our heart that this is part of life, but it is still very difficult to cope.
The circle of life! Despite knowing the better, we somehow think we will always live. Sorry to hear about your friends loss.
@Wangium – @ElusiveWords – @TheCheshireGrins – @murisopsis – @jandsschultz – @RakkaRay – @stevew918 – @Dezinerdreams – Thanks for your thoughts. I’ll be sure to let your friends know that there is a network of people around the world who are conscious of their loss and keeping them in mind.