We're back at work, full swing into things. They do things a little differently here (imagine that!) Upon our return from Winter Break we dive right into report cards. The more unfortunate part is that our report cards are, well, what's the right word...hmmm...tedious!
So, rather than working, I take time to blog, staying true to my new year's resolution to ensure that I keep y'all up to date on the happenings in Kuwait.
Into week two of the "post European Inspiration Tour". I must admit that if I had to choose between Europe for a month or work for a month, I'd pick Europe. Now, what, would happen if I actually worked in Europe. Don't get too excited. I'm not leaving the desert yet...still so much to see.
The first week back, aside from the whole report thing, wasn't too bad. The kidlets were actually quite pleasant. This week (after one day) they are back in full form. I shall remember mom's great wisdom; "They are works in progress!" Let's just say there is a lot of progress to be made!
Don't get me wrong. I like my students...it's just as a class that the chemistry is a nightmare. Meh, what can you do?
The kittens (Well, technically one kitten one cat) have adapted well to having a human in their home again. It took a while for them to warm up to me. Actually, it took Ella about an hour and then she thought that every waking moment (and sleeping ones too) ought to be used to comfort her, as she OBVIOUSLY missed me. She has a wonderful ability to make me feel horribly guilty. She's not allowed in my kitchen, but let me tell you, pulls out all the stops with the "You've abandoned me again" meows that are loud enough to be heard on the entire floor.
I've hardened my heart to Ella, however, in recent days. On Monday when I returned from school, I found my Angel of Learner on the floor. Sadly, Ella knocked her off the bookshelf. What's worse is the little bugger has stolen the head and has stashed it somewhere...her own private "toy box". Now, I know I am smarter than my cat, but really, it's been a week and still no head...headless angels are not a cool decor choice! People are going to start to talk!
Henry has also warmed up to the idea of people in his house. It did take him considerably longer, however. It wasn't until Friday that he chose to remind me of what my role is in our little arrangement. He'd gone for a wee bite to eat (you've seen the pictures...nothing wee about Henry!) At any rate, I was in the bedroom getting ready to go to sleep when all of a sudden he's making these ear shattering meows. As any good cat mamma would do, I lept out of bed (okay, maybe not quite so energetically) to see what the problem was.
As it turns out, Henry was in the doorway to the cat quarters (the spare bedroom/bathroom is where they have their food and litter boxes...they get free roam of the house...except the kitchen!) He was rather traumatised at the prospect of having to walk the 16 feet back to the bedroom, so instead, he sat there and meowed. I realize that I could have just let him be and he'd eventually stop, but I didn't feel like having to listen to this cat for the better part of an hour (I told you, he's stubborn).
So instead, I approach the beast, offered a hand for petting, was politely informed that a lift back to his sleeping quarters (the foot of my bed, infront of the space heater) was needed. I picked up the baby and he curled up in my arms for a 15 minute cuddle fest. Okay, it was cute, but really, when your space heater is in the bedroom, and the rest of the house is freezing, the cat should understand that owners don't like to get out of bed for silliness!
One more kitty story. Usually around 5:30 a.m., just after call to prayer, Ella reminds me that it's almost time to wake up. It's not time to actually get up, it's just time to be awake enough to pet and cuddle her. Her new favourite thing is to curl up in a little ball right beside my pillow so that I can hold her paw with one hand and pet her with the other...such a baby. Anywho, this morning she wasn't getting the desired attention and left. When I got out of bed at 6 I was wondering where she was. As I explored my apartment I found her curled up in the foot wash (looks like a bidet, but isn't one) sleeping in the bathroom. Apparently the space heater was making the room too hot and she opted for something a little cooler. It was really quite cute.
So, that is a week in review. My friends Mel and Jason just got two cats yesterday from PAWS...Dexter and Linus. Both are very cute, let me tell you! Yesterday I got to meet Linus and Dexter and we became fast friends. Tonight we're going to try to arrange for a kitty play date with Ella. Henry's never been a fan of other felines. He barely puts up with Ella.
I'm settled back in Kuwait. Love my apartment, so it makes it almost feel like I am "home"...well, as "home" as I can be in the desert. Might need to ship all my IKEA purchases when I come home, I like them so much...we'll see. Perhaps it will be a lesson in detachment.
Report cards are due on Wednesday morning, so it will be a busy time until then. Glad to have taken a moment to procrastinate now.
Thinking of you and looking forward to coming home in about 23 weeks.
Whoo hoo
Ty, Grover and the feline friends
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