A new blog entry seems like the ideal thing to do. I've tried to use my time well, but it's Thursday afternoon and my brain is a little mushy. You know how it is, don't you? I mean, it's been several weeks since our last break. It is a couple weeks before our next break. It always seems like October is the longest month of the year - maybe that's just because November has a multitude of holidays with Eid break and American Thanksgiving. Once those are over it's time to start packing for Christmas Holidays.
Funny story - I've been reading all about the snow storm that's hit southern Saskatchewan. I couldn't help but print off a few pics from the Leader Post and share them with people I work with. One of the teacher's reaction was "There's snow - in October!!!" I giggle just a little. How many Halloweens do I remember wearing my winter gear under my costume? Don't get me wrong, my heart is going out to all y'all who are having to deal with the snow, but as I enjoy the sun shining and mild day (a high of 31 and a low of 14) I am somewhat thankful that my exposure to winter will be all of three weeks this year. At the same time I say that there had best be snow when I get home in December - I don't need the blizzardy conditions and blustery winds, just the snow!
The week is a bit of a blur. My voice started being silly again on Sunday, so by Tuesday it was time to stay home and give it a rest. I headed back to work on Wednesday and today was a half day for students. Our morning included a Halloween assembly. I'm not sure what it is, but Halloween just doesn't do it for me. I don't enjoy being scared. I don't like ghosts and goblins and such things. Yet, Halloween is in full bloom here at DCS. I will try to be more positive about the whole experience - but why does it have to be so focused on scariness?
Sunday we'll have a costume parade and students will get to go trick or treating. It will be another crazy day, but one that I am sure the kids will enjoy - and that's why we do it, right? For the children. Next week is also a big one for my students. They will be working in pairs to present mini-lessons to Grades Pre K - 12 on Remembrance Day and the significance of the poppy. I didn't realize how much was involved in trying to get these little gaffers to get a lesson together. They know the information, now it's just a matter of getting them to relax and just "talk" to the other students rather than make it some big production. In the end, all students in our school will create a poppy out of paper. These poppies will be assembled into a wreath that will be presented at the Remembrance Day Ceremony at Commonwealth Cemetery here in Damascus. It's been a while since I've had a Remembrance Day Ceremony. I am really looking forward to it.
Another proud part of being Canadian, The Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research is being held in Damascus on November 4th. I was so excited when I read about it in the Embassy newspaper. Even today, Terry Fox's story makes me teary. We have posters up at school and will hopefully have a few students (and teachers) who will take time next Friday to participate in the run.
All in all it was a good week. I heard from Jessie (my dear friend in Kuwait) that all has been approved for her visa. Now she just needs to have enough time between when she returns from Turkey this weekend and leaves next Thursday to get her passport sent to the embassy in Kuwait so that her visa is put into her passport. Please keep your fingers crossed. I am really excited to have a chance to visit with her.
Well, I suppose that's enough incessant babbling. I will let you get back to your regularly scheduled program. Miss you all very much.
Love and Peace,
Tylene
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