Well, I am starting my 3rd month back. In some ways time seems to be flying by and in other ways it seems to be creeping by. I am now back to teaching art and not subbing in 5th grade any longer. So thankful for that!
Just a few fun stories since I've been here.
A few weeks back I was hanging out with some friends here. It was about time to leave so I thought I'd use the bathroom before I left. Everyone had been using it all night. When I tried to leave the bathroom I couldn't get the door to unlock. Now, just so you understand- the locks on doors here are a little different. Every door that locks has a deadbolt and key. So this deadbolt is stuck in the door. I kept jiggling the key hoping that it might work but it didn't. Finally one of my friends heard me jiggling the key and handle and started laughing. She asked jokingly if I was stuck and I told her I was pretty sure I was. I slid one of the keys under the very small space at the bottom of the door. They tried the key from the outside with no luck. At this point I could not stop laughing- I was laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face. The next option was for them to try unscrewing the door handle. This did not work either. Meanwhile I am inside trying to figure a way out. There was one window, very small and blocked by a metal pole. Not to mention the fact that we were 2 stories up. So I waited patiently while the 10 people outside tried to get me out. We couldn't take the hinges off the door because there were no pins in them. They tried drilling through the lock to no avail. The only option left was to kick in the door. They told me to brace myself and move everything away from the door while my friend put on his heavy duty boots. The next thing I knew I was huddled in the shower corner trying not to get hid by flying shards of wood. Once the door went flying open it was all over and I was set free from the bathroom after 30 minutes or so. Quite the experience though.
I was walking through a store here when I first got back and saw that they sell MSG by the kilo. Pretty ironic considering most people try NOT to have that in their food. Since then I have seen it in several other stores.
Our older girls basketball team had an exciting first game yesterday. They ended up tied with the other team in triple over time. Needless to say my throat is a little sore from the excited screaming and jumping up and down! The younger boys and girls teams have their last game this afternoon. I am looking forward to seeing them play again.
I'm sure I have more fun stories to share but an drawing a blank right now. I'll be back soon with more!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Finally Updating
For the few of you that read my blog- sorry that I haven't posted since January. It's been a busy time since then.
I have been home since the end of May. I've enjoyed every moment of being in the whirlwind called home. I have seen family and friends, traveled quite a bit, and met many new people. Thank to everyone who has helped me out this summer, new friends and old. I appreciate your hospitality and generosity.
In just 12 days I will be heading back overseas for a 3rd year. As I reflect on my time home this summer I know that it will, once again, be hard to leave my family and friends that I get to see so little during the year. Each year that goes by I realize more and more just how precious my time with these treasured people is. Although it is hard to leave again I am looking forward to the adventures and opportunites of the coming year.
And- I will try to update more often :-)
I have been home since the end of May. I've enjoyed every moment of being in the whirlwind called home. I have seen family and friends, traveled quite a bit, and met many new people. Thank to everyone who has helped me out this summer, new friends and old. I appreciate your hospitality and generosity.
In just 12 days I will be heading back overseas for a 3rd year. As I reflect on my time home this summer I know that it will, once again, be hard to leave my family and friends that I get to see so little during the year. Each year that goes by I realize more and more just how precious my time with these treasured people is. Although it is hard to leave again I am looking forward to the adventures and opportunites of the coming year.
And- I will try to update more often :-)
Monday, January 19, 2009
I have been meaning to post for a while now- it's been a while because for about a month we were having internet troubles and then I went on vacation. So many fun stories, where to begin...
A few weeks ago I was walking to school with some other teachers when we decided to stop at a small corner store for some lunch items. We were inside when all of the sudden this pigeon flies out from behind the deep freeze, into the spinning fan, and lands in a bucket of candy. Needless to say it was killed on impact with the fan. We all screamed in shock and horror and just looked at the thing. Then we proceeded to laugh as the owner of the shop picks the bird up by the tail, looks at it, and promptly throws it in the garbage bin outside without hesitation. It was quite hilarious!
Around Christmas time my roomies and I decided to go Christmas shopping together. I had already done mine but was going along for the roomie outing. So the three of us went to the only more western store we know to look around and see what we could find. This was my first time there as it had been closed every other time I had tried to go. I was enthralled at the assortment of items they offered. They had everything from house decor to electronics to kitchen stuff and even more. As we are looking around, we all just sort of got lost in the store. Then, just before we were about to leave one of my roomies finds something she has been wanting for a long time....a hair dryer that can actually be plugged straight into the wall here without a converter. So, after some thought she decides that it's a good price and decided to buy it for herself for Christmas. While she is checking out I jokingly said that she should get it gift wrapped and open it on Christmas day (because the store had free gift wrapping). Well, she took me up on it. Now my other roomie and I are waiting for her to get her "gift" wrapped and the other roomie finds something that she just HAS to have. I went with her to check out and said she might as well have it wrapped, too. About this time I am feeling a bit left out as I have not bought a gift for myself for Christmas. So I went back inside the store and found something I had been wanting for a while, a full length mirror- for an amazing price might I add. And, yes, you guessed it- I got it wrapped!!! By this time we were all laughing so hard the workers probably thought we were crazy but we didn't care. The funniest part of the story is that we had to take public transport home with our gifts in tow, including the fully gift wrapped full length mirror. So we rode home in a richshaw with the mirror accross our laps and sticking out both sides of the vehicle praying that it didn't hit anything! More than likely one memory I won't soon forget ;-)
Christmas was fun and though I missed my family I had people here to share it with. On Christmas morning a bunch of us were together for brunch. The boys came in with a box/present for the girls. The label read "To the girls From the boys". When we finally got around to opening it somehow it ended up on my lap. I was a bit leary about opening this present considering the boys' track record but I opened anyways- with everyone else holding cameras ready. As I opened it I wasn't sure what I was looking at but I unwrapped the inside bundle carefully to find...a sheep's head!!! You can just imagine my reaction. They were considerate enough to sew up the brains for us and after the initial shock of it all it was pretty funny.
I had a wonderful time on my vacation. It was nice to get away and be refreshed. I got to go white water rafting, spend some time in a more western city (which includes a little shopping and R&R), spend some time on the beach and go snorkeling, and attend a much needed retreat. On the way back from this our longer flight was overbooked so some people took vouchers to stay behind. Even after that they had still double booked some seats. After hearing some people in the back keep saying "No you're in my seat....No you're in my seat" I called one of the attendants over and offered to stay behind. He told me and a friend to just follow him. Well, we did and ended up in first class!!! I was pretty excited for the extra leg room, endless refreshments, and good food served on real dishes. It was so nice and such a blessing!
Well, I think I have caught up on most of my fun stories- the ones I can remember right now anyways. Until later...
A few weeks ago I was walking to school with some other teachers when we decided to stop at a small corner store for some lunch items. We were inside when all of the sudden this pigeon flies out from behind the deep freeze, into the spinning fan, and lands in a bucket of candy. Needless to say it was killed on impact with the fan. We all screamed in shock and horror and just looked at the thing. Then we proceeded to laugh as the owner of the shop picks the bird up by the tail, looks at it, and promptly throws it in the garbage bin outside without hesitation. It was quite hilarious!
Around Christmas time my roomies and I decided to go Christmas shopping together. I had already done mine but was going along for the roomie outing. So the three of us went to the only more western store we know to look around and see what we could find. This was my first time there as it had been closed every other time I had tried to go. I was enthralled at the assortment of items they offered. They had everything from house decor to electronics to kitchen stuff and even more. As we are looking around, we all just sort of got lost in the store. Then, just before we were about to leave one of my roomies finds something she has been wanting for a long time....a hair dryer that can actually be plugged straight into the wall here without a converter. So, after some thought she decides that it's a good price and decided to buy it for herself for Christmas. While she is checking out I jokingly said that she should get it gift wrapped and open it on Christmas day (because the store had free gift wrapping). Well, she took me up on it. Now my other roomie and I are waiting for her to get her "gift" wrapped and the other roomie finds something that she just HAS to have. I went with her to check out and said she might as well have it wrapped, too. About this time I am feeling a bit left out as I have not bought a gift for myself for Christmas. So I went back inside the store and found something I had been wanting for a while, a full length mirror- for an amazing price might I add. And, yes, you guessed it- I got it wrapped!!! By this time we were all laughing so hard the workers probably thought we were crazy but we didn't care. The funniest part of the story is that we had to take public transport home with our gifts in tow, including the fully gift wrapped full length mirror. So we rode home in a richshaw with the mirror accross our laps and sticking out both sides of the vehicle praying that it didn't hit anything! More than likely one memory I won't soon forget ;-)
Christmas was fun and though I missed my family I had people here to share it with. On Christmas morning a bunch of us were together for brunch. The boys came in with a box/present for the girls. The label read "To the girls From the boys". When we finally got around to opening it somehow it ended up on my lap. I was a bit leary about opening this present considering the boys' track record but I opened anyways- with everyone else holding cameras ready. As I opened it I wasn't sure what I was looking at but I unwrapped the inside bundle carefully to find...a sheep's head!!! You can just imagine my reaction. They were considerate enough to sew up the brains for us and after the initial shock of it all it was pretty funny.
I had a wonderful time on my vacation. It was nice to get away and be refreshed. I got to go white water rafting, spend some time in a more western city (which includes a little shopping and R&R), spend some time on the beach and go snorkeling, and attend a much needed retreat. On the way back from this our longer flight was overbooked so some people took vouchers to stay behind. Even after that they had still double booked some seats. After hearing some people in the back keep saying "No you're in my seat....No you're in my seat" I called one of the attendants over and offered to stay behind. He told me and a friend to just follow him. Well, we did and ended up in first class!!! I was pretty excited for the extra leg room, endless refreshments, and good food served on real dishes. It was so nice and such a blessing!
Well, I think I have caught up on most of my fun stories- the ones I can remember right now anyways. Until later...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Creatures in the Night
Thursday evening one of my roomates and I were borrowing a computer from one of the girls in our building to listen to a specific song. When were done naturally we wanted to return the computer downstairs, plus the battery was about to die. As my roomie walks out the door to go downstairs with the computer she, fortunately, turned on the stairwell light...only to be greeted by a black rat!!!
She came back into our flat screaming and telling me what had happened. At first I was in disbelief but then I realized it had to be true. So, we each grabbed a broom or stick and went back into the stairwell, hoping the creature had gone or was figment of our imaginations. But, no such luck. I walked out first, or rather was pushed out, I can't remember. I looked down the stairs to the next landing and sure enough- there was the black rat staring straight up at me, not even looking like it was about to bolt. Of course I screached and so did my roomie. We used our stick and broom to bang on the walls and railing to try to scare the thing away. I was not nearly brave enough to try to kill the thing. I think it ran away- but are still both afraid that it is living in our walls or building somewhere.
The next night we were both at a gathering where a man spoke of someone waking up with a rat on his pillow next to him. My roomie and I both looked at each other and rolled our eyes- a little close to home! I can handle the MANY geckos and their noises. I can even deal with roaches, yuck! But rats?!?! Umm, no thank you!
Also on the next day we were coming home from being away for the morning. No one had been home all morning. We walked into our flat to this horrendous smell. It literally smelled like something had curled up and died in our flat! The stench was so overwhelming that I had to leave for a few moments to regain my composure. When I came back we searched the whole place to find where the smell was coming from. In the end it was coming from the kitchen. There is a drain in the floor in the corner of the kitchen for any stray water, etc to go. We couldn't tell if the stench was coming from the drain or from somewhere else in the kitchen. Once we decided it was the drain we got 4 pitchers of boiling hot water (straight from the sink of course because that's how our hot water comes out) and poured them down the drain- hoping that would help. It still smelled but not quite as bad. We are still smelling this awful aroma and have no idea where it is coming from. Our next guess is underneath the cabinet that holds all our dishes. I am really hoping that there is not some carcas or something when we move that thing... However I did go to the store and buy some Clorox this morning, just in case ;-)
Just another day in my life- it's always an adventure...
She came back into our flat screaming and telling me what had happened. At first I was in disbelief but then I realized it had to be true. So, we each grabbed a broom or stick and went back into the stairwell, hoping the creature had gone or was figment of our imaginations. But, no such luck. I walked out first, or rather was pushed out, I can't remember. I looked down the stairs to the next landing and sure enough- there was the black rat staring straight up at me, not even looking like it was about to bolt. Of course I screached and so did my roomie. We used our stick and broom to bang on the walls and railing to try to scare the thing away. I was not nearly brave enough to try to kill the thing. I think it ran away- but are still both afraid that it is living in our walls or building somewhere.
The next night we were both at a gathering where a man spoke of someone waking up with a rat on his pillow next to him. My roomie and I both looked at each other and rolled our eyes- a little close to home! I can handle the MANY geckos and their noises. I can even deal with roaches, yuck! But rats?!?! Umm, no thank you!
Also on the next day we were coming home from being away for the morning. No one had been home all morning. We walked into our flat to this horrendous smell. It literally smelled like something had curled up and died in our flat! The stench was so overwhelming that I had to leave for a few moments to regain my composure. When I came back we searched the whole place to find where the smell was coming from. In the end it was coming from the kitchen. There is a drain in the floor in the corner of the kitchen for any stray water, etc to go. We couldn't tell if the stench was coming from the drain or from somewhere else in the kitchen. Once we decided it was the drain we got 4 pitchers of boiling hot water (straight from the sink of course because that's how our hot water comes out) and poured them down the drain- hoping that would help. It still smelled but not quite as bad. We are still smelling this awful aroma and have no idea where it is coming from. Our next guess is underneath the cabinet that holds all our dishes. I am really hoping that there is not some carcas or something when we move that thing... However I did go to the store and buy some Clorox this morning, just in case ;-)
Just another day in my life- it's always an adventure...
Monday, November 10, 2008
She's a maniac, maniac...
Right now I am sitting in my living room while several men are constructing a cell tower on my roof. That's right- a cell tower on my roof. Why you might ask? I have no idea but I heard that the company is paying a generous sum to our landlord in return... They have been here since I got home from school and are still here, shouting and banging around. I haven't even been up to the roof to see what they are doing but I can only guess from the noises and calamity they are making.
Today was a whirlwind of a day. It started out by receiving a phone call this morning from the main school (Monday mornings I get to sleep in a bit and then teach at the preschool before I go into the big school for work). The call was saying that one of the teachers was sick and I was to sub for her. I apparently have become the permanent fill in sub for anyone who is sick- which I don't mind so much as long as I have detailed plans. It always seems to come at the busiest times though when you have the most to do. Anyways, so I got up and got ready, taught the pre-k class and rushed to school to relieve the person filling in until I could get there. Overall the kids were pretty good for me but the whole day consisted of teaching my worst subjects from school- you know, grammar, language arts, writing, reading, etc. I was like come on, where's the math? So, after school was preparing for the Christmas program- which naturally includes making a cardboard camel (pictures to come soon). I finally got home this afternoon, hoping to relax only to find these men banging around making as much noise as possible. Haha- go figure, right? What a day ;-)
My birthday went really well. Thanks for all the wishes, messages, etc. The night before my bday I went to a joint bday/welcome back party- complete with steak and potatoes, mmmm mm good! I also carved a pumpkin- well, it looks more like a gourd but they call it a pumpkin (pics of that soon to come as well). Oh and we played one of my favorite games, jungle speed. The next day, my bday, we went to lunch at one of my favorite Chinese restaurants and then that evening for ice cream and to a new local hotel for coffee. It was great to share the time with friends here.
Everything is going well- sorry it has been a while since I have updated. Things have gotten progressively more and more busy here. And this week is no exception. Until later ;-)
Today was a whirlwind of a day. It started out by receiving a phone call this morning from the main school (Monday mornings I get to sleep in a bit and then teach at the preschool before I go into the big school for work). The call was saying that one of the teachers was sick and I was to sub for her. I apparently have become the permanent fill in sub for anyone who is sick- which I don't mind so much as long as I have detailed plans. It always seems to come at the busiest times though when you have the most to do. Anyways, so I got up and got ready, taught the pre-k class and rushed to school to relieve the person filling in until I could get there. Overall the kids were pretty good for me but the whole day consisted of teaching my worst subjects from school- you know, grammar, language arts, writing, reading, etc. I was like come on, where's the math? So, after school was preparing for the Christmas program- which naturally includes making a cardboard camel (pictures to come soon). I finally got home this afternoon, hoping to relax only to find these men banging around making as much noise as possible. Haha- go figure, right? What a day ;-)
My birthday went really well. Thanks for all the wishes, messages, etc. The night before my bday I went to a joint bday/welcome back party- complete with steak and potatoes, mmmm mm good! I also carved a pumpkin- well, it looks more like a gourd but they call it a pumpkin (pics of that soon to come as well). Oh and we played one of my favorite games, jungle speed. The next day, my bday, we went to lunch at one of my favorite Chinese restaurants and then that evening for ice cream and to a new local hotel for coffee. It was great to share the time with friends here.
Everything is going well- sorry it has been a while since I have updated. Things have gotten progressively more and more busy here. And this week is no exception. Until later ;-)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wii would like to play
This week was probably the busiest week I have had in quite a long time. Although busy, it was a pretty good week.
Monday night I went to a student's house to visit with the family (actually 2 of my students because they are siblings). The family was so nice and welcoming. We started out talking and somehow the subject got onto how the boys had a Wii. We started talking about all the games they have come out with for the game system and when they told me about a cooking game (it's just for the girls, of course) I said I had to see it. The cooking game is called "Cooking Mama", hilarious. It was interesting though because you "cook" international foods from all over the world. Once that game was retired it was a MUST that I play other games with the boys. So, after a marathon of cow racing, bowling, tennis, and baseball, I was exhausted. I was relieved when the remotes died, haha- but I did have a blast! I even taught their mother how to bowl on the Wii, something she had never done (because it is always hogged by their children, haha). After the Wii experience we went back into their sitting room where I found out one of the boys would like to be in the NBA when he grows up. I was amazed at their knowledge of the NBA and all it's teams, pretty impressive actually. And how can you talk about the NBA without watching Space Jam? Yep, that's what we did next- haha, those boys crack me up! So, after about a 5 hour visit I finally went home completely exhausted.
Tuesday afternoon we had our first basketball games of the season, both the boys and girls teams. Unfortuantely we lost both games, but our cheering section and support was so much better that it was worth it. I love the community atmosphere we have within our school and families.
Wednesday afternoon was the first day of our Christmas Club at school. The Christmas Club is to prepare for the Christmas program in December because we are not allowed to do anything related to religion in school. The kids seems so excited though- we had about 50 kids show up for the first week!!! Some of them have never even heard the Christmas story but are so excited to sing and make decorations :-) This week we only sang, but in the future weeks we will also be working on dramas and decor and props. And, being the art teacher, of course I am in charge of all the decor and props. So I have been trying to come up with a list of things to make considering all 50 kids raised their hand to work with the art group.
After the Christmas Club on Wednesday, I had another visit at one of my student's homes. It was a very nice visit. The family was so sweet and hospitable. My student has a younger sister about 2 years old. We hit it off and I had fun playing with her and though she didn't speak English I was able to communicate with her and understand what she was saying. This was exciting, but not so sure what that says about me...I guess I have the understanding of a 2 year old in the language here, haha.
Thursday, yesterday, I had an evening meeting and then afterwards another visit with the family of 2 of my students. After such a long and busy week I was pooped by the time I got to this visit. And, I had already eaten at my meeting but had to eat at this visit. The visit was at a local cultural club they have here (they basically have one for every country around the area) where you can and hang out with people from your own part of the world. This family goes to the club about every Thursday night. I arrived around 8:30pm and did not leave until about midnight. Needless to say I came home and crashed in my bed.
Also on Wednesday and Thursday one of the teachers from school was sick. I was chosen as the one to fill in for her and cancel my classes. I was surprised at how well both days went, especially considering that she teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th language arts, haha. And, although the days went well I know that middle school is not my forte ;-)
I am so happy to have weekends to be able to rest and be rejuvenated for the next week.
Monday night I went to a student's house to visit with the family (actually 2 of my students because they are siblings). The family was so nice and welcoming. We started out talking and somehow the subject got onto how the boys had a Wii. We started talking about all the games they have come out with for the game system and when they told me about a cooking game (it's just for the girls, of course) I said I had to see it. The cooking game is called "Cooking Mama", hilarious. It was interesting though because you "cook" international foods from all over the world. Once that game was retired it was a MUST that I play other games with the boys. So, after a marathon of cow racing, bowling, tennis, and baseball, I was exhausted. I was relieved when the remotes died, haha- but I did have a blast! I even taught their mother how to bowl on the Wii, something she had never done (because it is always hogged by their children, haha). After the Wii experience we went back into their sitting room where I found out one of the boys would like to be in the NBA when he grows up. I was amazed at their knowledge of the NBA and all it's teams, pretty impressive actually. And how can you talk about the NBA without watching Space Jam? Yep, that's what we did next- haha, those boys crack me up! So, after about a 5 hour visit I finally went home completely exhausted.
Tuesday afternoon we had our first basketball games of the season, both the boys and girls teams. Unfortuantely we lost both games, but our cheering section and support was so much better that it was worth it. I love the community atmosphere we have within our school and families.
Wednesday afternoon was the first day of our Christmas Club at school. The Christmas Club is to prepare for the Christmas program in December because we are not allowed to do anything related to religion in school. The kids seems so excited though- we had about 50 kids show up for the first week!!! Some of them have never even heard the Christmas story but are so excited to sing and make decorations :-) This week we only sang, but in the future weeks we will also be working on dramas and decor and props. And, being the art teacher, of course I am in charge of all the decor and props. So I have been trying to come up with a list of things to make considering all 50 kids raised their hand to work with the art group.
After the Christmas Club on Wednesday, I had another visit at one of my student's homes. It was a very nice visit. The family was so sweet and hospitable. My student has a younger sister about 2 years old. We hit it off and I had fun playing with her and though she didn't speak English I was able to communicate with her and understand what she was saying. This was exciting, but not so sure what that says about me...I guess I have the understanding of a 2 year old in the language here, haha.
Thursday, yesterday, I had an evening meeting and then afterwards another visit with the family of 2 of my students. After such a long and busy week I was pooped by the time I got to this visit. And, I had already eaten at my meeting but had to eat at this visit. The visit was at a local cultural club they have here (they basically have one for every country around the area) where you can and hang out with people from your own part of the world. This family goes to the club about every Thursday night. I arrived around 8:30pm and did not leave until about midnight. Needless to say I came home and crashed in my bed.
Also on Wednesday and Thursday one of the teachers from school was sick. I was chosen as the one to fill in for her and cancel my classes. I was surprised at how well both days went, especially considering that she teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th language arts, haha. And, although the days went well I know that middle school is not my forte ;-)
I am so happy to have weekends to be able to rest and be rejuvenated for the next week.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
I got a package!!!
I was so excited today because I got a package from my grandparents for my birthday...and no I am not waiting until my birthday to open it (my birthday, in case you are wondering, is Oct. 31). That thing was open as soon as I got home. Thanks again, Grammy and Grandaddy :-)
I also found out today that the walk from my house to school is 0.61 miles. Double that and that is what my walk to and from school is, not to mention walking around the city or going to get transport. I always knew the walk had to be at least a half mile but it was actually more. How I found this information out is because one of the girls in my building is training for a half marathon they are having here in December. Yes, a half marathon in the desert...needless to say, I will be a cheering spectator at that event.
Speaking of events our school's first basketball games of the season are Tuesday, for both the boys and girls. I will also be a cheering spectator at that event.
This week is shaping up to be a busy week but I am excited about all of the visits and basketball games. No other really exciting stories from recently. Have a great week!
I also found out today that the walk from my house to school is 0.61 miles. Double that and that is what my walk to and from school is, not to mention walking around the city or going to get transport. I always knew the walk had to be at least a half mile but it was actually more. How I found this information out is because one of the girls in my building is training for a half marathon they are having here in December. Yes, a half marathon in the desert...needless to say, I will be a cheering spectator at that event.
Speaking of events our school's first basketball games of the season are Tuesday, for both the boys and girls. I will also be a cheering spectator at that event.
This week is shaping up to be a busy week but I am excited about all of the visits and basketball games. No other really exciting stories from recently. Have a great week!
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