I submitted my final grades this morning just before 8:00. Crazy to think that in just three more half-teaching days my school year will be over. In so many ways it seems like we just started. It was just yesterday that I was getting on the plane for Damascus, wasn't it?
It's been a great year. I've learned a lot and continue to learn. I am so pleased with the progress that each of my students made this year. Everyone of them have really challenged and pushed themselves just a little farther. Of course we always have that chunk of time - namely after Christmas - when students stay on extended break even though they are in school, but this morning as my students were working on their ELA assignment I was really proud with how independent and responsible they have become in their learning. I hope those are skills they will continue to carry with them next year as they prepare for the big leap to middle school.
On a personal level, this year has been rewarding and challenging. I miss my family very much. I miss my friends in Canada and in Kuwait very much, but have made new friends here too. I have found a place to fit and continue to move forward in my own personal journey.
The year has been challenging in regards to health. My stupid thyroid has made a big mess of the wonderful weight loss that i accomplished last year. It's really disappointing to be coming home carrying the 10 KG that I had lost last year. More frustrating is the fact that the weight gain has only happened in the last few months in spite of good, healthy eating and exercise. I guess one thing that I can say is that my cardio vascular health is probably in better shape than it ever has been before :)
In terms of allergies, I did really well in Damascus, until April. With Spring came a whole season of respiratory troubles. Nurse Julie and I have a plan in place for next year to ensure that we take allergy shots prior to allergy season as it is apparent that simply my regular allergy routine will not work. Currently I'm on the end of a respiratory/allergy issue...still coughing a bit, but otherwise feeling great.
Other exciting news for this week...I've moved. I spent much of last week packing up the old apartment. I went to Kuwait on the weekend (a loverly time was had...I even got in a Combat workout at the Corniche) and came home Saturday afternoon to finish up the last minute packing. Sunday, while I was at work, the school moved all of my belongings to the new apartment. I went home at 1:00 that afternoon and with the help of my house keeper, one of the school caretakers and my friend Cathy, I began the task of unpacking.
Sidebar: Packing and unpacking is a difficult thing to do - especially when there are other people around. I had so many offers for help, but it was one of those things thatwas just easier to do on my own. Granted, when it came down to it, I was appreciative of the help on Sunday...mind you, I spent a good long while muttering about the apartment that I just didn't know where to start.
It took until about midnight on Sunday to have everything (with the exception of one box of misc. junk) to be unpacked and settled. Tuesday I left school at 1:00 in an attempt to nap, but was too preoccupied with a kitchen that wasn't quite right. So, instead of napping, I fixed my kitchen. It was nice to go home yesterday after school and feel as though I am all settled in. Naema, my wonderful house keeper, was there yesterday working away. Now that everything has a spot, it seems like it really is home. I am debating as to whether or not I will hang pictures before I go home for the summer, or tackle that task when I get back...it's a hard decision...I don't feel very confident in that area. I never quite know where something should go - although I do know how high to hang them :)
And that's life in a nutshell. I am glad to be finishing the year. I am glad to have students who realize that the year didn't finish in April - did I mention that they are great little workers. I am excited for a busy, but wonderful summer. I am excited to begin work on my masters this August, though I am not sure my bank account will be excited. At any rate, it's an investment to further one's education, right?
Until I see you, I wish you all a wonderful end of May. Happy birthday to my momma on Saturday (this is my way of checking in to see if she is reading my blog...tee hee hee...I love you 'Tricia!)
10 more sleeps...
Tylene
1 comment:
Hi, Ty,
Just caught up with your last two blog postings. I was away from Thursday through Sunday at UC SK Conference annual meeting. Great to see people some I see only once or twice a year and participate in determining new directions for the church - but it is a hard working schedule - begin at 8:30 am through to 9 pm. They fuel delegates with lots of home cooked food (delicious!) but that is lethal combined with way too much sitting. Glad to be home even though the basement still needs to be vac-pumped every two hours around the clock.
I'm glad your packing and unpacking and re-organizing is over. I shudder to think of the work!
I'm looking forward to seeing you at home when you have caught your breath. Do come to the last DKG meeting on Tuesday 7 June - dinner at 5:30 at Agar's Corner followed by program planning for next year. The sisters would love to hear all about your year - many have asked about you - the non-blog-readers, I guess.
Travel safe, Lynn
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