And we're off

The school year is officially underway.  It is hard to believe...I am longing still for the days of summer, long days sitting on the deck, afternoons swinging in the hammock, cuddling with my kitty.  Oh wait, that will be next year's summer plans.  This year's summer plans involved three weeks at camp, three weeks at university, a ridiculously long flight back to Indonesia, a good night's sleep and right back into it.

Given the business of my summer and the lack of time I had prior to the start of the school year, I am quite happy with the way the year has started, at least in some respects.  Having taught the units previously, I feel comfortable with the direction we're going.  However, a new school year often brings many challenges, and this year has had its fair share already.

There are many growing pains as we get used to a new administration team.  In spite of these challenges, I am really trying to focus on being more balanced.  This means taking time for exercise, school work, and university work.  More importantly, it means listening to my body and taking rest when needed.

Surabaya hasn't much changed since last year.  It has been strange coming "home" to a place that is rather foreign, given that many people in the neighbourhood have changed.  I am thankful for my friends who are still close by.

In spite of my crazy summer schedule, I had a wonderful time in Saskatchewan.  My time spent in Humboldt with mom (and Ella) was really special.  On my last night in Saskatchewan, my family all got together at mom's house for "the last supper".  It was so nice to get to have one last visit before I left...especially because visits were few and far between this year.  I think I spent a whole 12 hours or so in Regina this year.

Time at camp was also very memorable.  It was a very different summer...the first without Fr. Banga.  But I am so proud of how everyone, especially the kitchen staff, rallied together and made summer really great.  Everyone was willing to give it there all and it made for a super summer at camp.  Other non-kitchen highlights included Norman, Mary Lou, and Joshua, our camp livestock.  Norman, our baby cow (yes, Adrian, I know he's a bull) was too cute and Mary Lou and Joshua were always entertaining.  I really enjoyed my Saturday when I was in charge of the livestock.  I managed to get everyone fed and didn't lose anyone!  Go me!

Camp time led directly into University. It was an intense three weeks, but I have finished the last of my official 'course' work for my Masters.  This fall I will work on my research and in the winter semester I will write my capping paper.  Even though I will be finished my degree in April, I have to wait until November for convocation.  It might mean an extra trip home because after all the work I've put into the stupid degree, I surely want to walk across that stage!

And here we are, right back at where we started...a new school year.  We are two weeks into the year and have the day off today due to local elections.  It's been a quiet day.  I managed to prepare the video for our assembly tomorrow and managed to get a physiotherapy treatment in for my stupid shoulder.  I might not be 40 yet, but I sure am feeling old.

And while I'm on the topic of turning 40, it looks like my 10 km run in Cambodia isn't going to happen...can't arrange flights in the time that is available for work.  So instead, my great friends and I are going to plan our own special colour run right here in Surabaya.  It will be a grand celebration.  Stay tuned for more of the fun event.  And for those who prefer pictures...here's a quick look at some of the highlights of the summer.  Some of the highlights...not inclusive...