I originally posted this on Facebook, but wanted to include my blog readers too in my sentiments…
Today (April 5) was my 3 Year Anniversary of being in Thailand. Among so many other wonderful things, I’ve fought 99 times in those three years (28 the 1st year, 34 the 2nd year and 37 the 3rd year);I’ve met amazing and inspiring people – both in person and online – trained with instructors who have cared enough to push me; and experienced the sunlight and shadows of Thailand. Kevin and I never thought we’d be here 3 years, we came here PRAYING for 6 months. I’m grateful for every second. My hope now is that my “now” continues to be more of this. I want (at least) 3 more years and possibly 100 more fights!
Thank you forever to my family at Lanna: Den, Dang, Nook, Big Neung, Little Neung, Pom, Big, Tor, Off, Robin, Rodrigo, Taywin, and the many folks I shared that home with; to my WKO mentors: Sakmongkol, Mutt, and Sifu; to Giatbundit Gym and Frances for helping me cast a broader net; to satellite promoters like Yo and Putai, Ruang and “Khorat Promoter 2” (as listed on my phone); to Master Toddy for loving Emma enough to believe in me, and to Emma for everything; to my new families in Pattaya at Petchrungruang – especially Pi Nu for letting me be an ugly duckling – my training partners there: Alex, Bank, Dtee, Jatukam, and the reluctant but obedient Lomchoi; to the Meekhun family, Jee Jaa my hero and challenger, Mawin the champ, and Sangwean and Tawan for their different ways; to Ying for being everything she is; to my best friends: Nell and Nyxi, for finding coherence in anything and everything I might be; to the many Nakmuay Ying who have been part of my love and obsession; to my family for being the world to me; to Arjan Pi; to Augie and his crew, to Kaensak and his patience; to my husband – there are not enough words; and to Master K.. everything.
Thank you to my supporters who made 8limbs.us possible, and helped me to my 100 fights as well. You can see them here.