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.

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!

Fall is in the Air

September is over and man am I happy it's already October. It seems that to me August and September always seem to creep by but once I hit October I am alright because time starts to speed up (at least in my head). I also think it has something to do with the fact that I love autumn/fall and my birthday is at the end of October :-)

We have had the past week off for local holidays and it has been very nice. I have visited neighbors and friends and in some ways it has actually felt like fall (which is nice because there is really no change of seasons here). At the beginning of the week some of the girls and I went swimming at one of the clubs here. I had a blast and even got some sun. Tonight I am going to visit another friend and then tomorrow is my last day of rest before returning back to school.

Although I have been enjoying the break and relaxing I am sort of excited to get back to school with the kids. I stumbled upon this great resource when I was planning my lessons for next week. It is a website that has art information and lessons in kids terms, so exciting! It's a great supplement to what I already have.

One fun story before I finish this entry. A friend and I went to visit the neighbors last week to eat and chat with them. We were watching some local TV after eating and started talking about makeup. Somehow we ended up having her put makeup on us and doing an impromtu photoshoot...very interesting as their view of fashion and beauty is extremely different from ours. Pictures are posted on facebook if you are my friend and want to see them.