9 weeks left...

As I read our school's newsletter, I saw that there are 9 weeks of school left.  It's crazy to think about.  I am really excited about the end of the school year and my return home, though I will miss my friends, students and colleagues in Damascus when I am home.

It has been a truly great year.  I have loved everything about living in Damascus, and despite recent uprisings, I am still very happy here.  Rest assured that I am safe.  Although remain cautious, not much has changed in regards to day to day life. It's a good thing that the school is affiliated with the American Embassy, because we don't get a lot of information from the Canadian Embassy.  The U.S. Embassy sends out weekly updates.  There's been nothing from the Canadian Embassy in several weeks.  After my ordeal getting my passport and the lack of communication from from our Embassy, I am very glad to have connections elsewhere.

On the downside, the past two weeks have been a stressful and challenging time for me.  I was supposed to head to Bangkok for a conference on March 31st.  However, due to the Embassy's incompetence (which might seem like strong language, but it's true) I was unable to attend because I didn't have a passport.  On a side note, I find the fact that my passport says it was issued in Damascus, but everything for my passport was done in Ottawa is slightly ironic.  Anywho, as I didn't head to Bangkok, I was in Damascus for spring break.  The first two days were relaxing.  The next two days were not so much fun - I had a migraine as we were having some weather issues here.  Then, as the weather started to clear up, I ended up with a nasty case of bronchitis.  I was sick for the remainder of Spring Break.  I went to the doctor a week ago, and was given a rather hefty dose of antibiotics (but not i.v.), an inhaler, and some cough medicine as well as another appointment two days later.  Three doctor appointments later, a week off work, and a lot of rest and I seem to be on the mend.  The last of my antibiotics was taken this morning.  Cough medicine is all gone (and hopefully so is the cough).  I am stuck with the inhaler for the rest of the week, but all in all I am doing considerably better than I was this time last week.

I am looking forward to getting back to school.  I have missed my students and the routine of work.  In my absence, I also missed parent/teacher/student conferences, so I will need to make those up in the next couple of weeks.  As I spoke with many of my parents just before the Spring Break, I am secretly hoping that I will not have to meet with everyone. Although, I can't really complain.  I only have 16 students.

So as I prepare for the last 9 weeks of school and get ready for the summer (and a conference in Washington, DC and grad school) I know there is a lot that will keep me occupied.  Oh, did i mention that I will also most likely be moving to a new apartment come the beginning of June.  Like I said, lots to do to keep me busy.

I miss you all very much and can't wait for a visit.  Time home will be precious this summer.  Three weeks in Edmonton and a week in DC really takes away a huge chunk of my summer time.  I guess I must make some sacrifices, though, right.

Well, until next time...

Tylene

p.s.  the plan was to use my Spring Break to update my online photos.  HOWEVER, since I was home sick, I was unable to do so.  I will try to get to it this week.