FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT AND HANG ON
This past two weeks has been CRAZY!! I don't know why this always seems to surprise me. I have been teaching for 14 years and I know this happens every year. It isn't supposed to happen to the same extent here, but there are some things different this year. The last couple weeks before Christmas break is what I'm talking about. I guess I came to expect it at home, but the last three years in a Muslim country has caused me to put my guard down a little, and this past two weeks I have been punched in the nose more than once.
First, end of term exams the beginning of December!! Along with this comes reports, reports, and reports. For me in my job the busiest time is the first two weeks of a term and the last two, so end of term one and beginning of term two could have come at a more opoortune time.
Second, I hosted two middle school basketball championships for the city's international schools. To make matters worse, we had to host them at another school because our gymnasium became unavailable at the last minute.
Third, the Mrs., myself, and the couple across the hall decide to host Christmas supper and party for the entire building and a few friends as well. Turned out great, but a lot of added stress and work at a time that was again inopportune!
Fourth, the powers to be in our school decide our department should host a sports day/open house for the entire school on the Saturday before the break. The day turned out great, but again a great deal of added work and stress at a time that is not the most convenient.
On top of all this we have been busy trying to finalize arrangements to fly home at Christmas...passport for the Little Brawn, Visa's, flight arrangements, International Driver's Liscence, 4-month shots for the Little Brawn, etc. Most of this has now been taken care of, but there are still some last minute things that need to happen before we fly out on Wednesday.
On the up-side of all this, I am very excited to go home for the first time in 1 1/2 years! It's a long time to be away and the first time heading home with the Little Brawn to show off. As well, this will be the first real Christmas in three years. Two years ago we spent Christmas day riding camels on a safari through the desert. Last year we spent Christmas day in the Cairo Airpot on our way to Thailand. Christmas is a big deal in both our families and will be especially important with Anaka this year. Both our mothers have been over since she was born, but this will be the first time for the grandpas to see her, so they are really looking forward to it.
As far as training goes, with everything going on I have done pretty well. I have got in all my runs, missed one bike on the weekend, but I will make that up tomorrow. The pool has been a bit of a dissapointment as I have not been able to swim for a week and a half. Hopefully I can get back in the pool tomorrow.
Now, enough time away, I better unlock my door and enter the craziness that is the world outside for another day!
This past two weeks has been CRAZY!! I don't know why this always seems to surprise me. I have been teaching for 14 years and I know this happens every year. It isn't supposed to happen to the same extent here, but there are some things different this year. The last couple weeks before Christmas break is what I'm talking about. I guess I came to expect it at home, but the last three years in a Muslim country has caused me to put my guard down a little, and this past two weeks I have been punched in the nose more than once.
First, end of term exams the beginning of December!! Along with this comes reports, reports, and reports. For me in my job the busiest time is the first two weeks of a term and the last two, so end of term one and beginning of term two could have come at a more opoortune time.
Second, I hosted two middle school basketball championships for the city's international schools. To make matters worse, we had to host them at another school because our gymnasium became unavailable at the last minute.
Third, the Mrs., myself, and the couple across the hall decide to host Christmas supper and party for the entire building and a few friends as well. Turned out great, but a lot of added stress and work at a time that was again inopportune!
Fourth, the powers to be in our school decide our department should host a sports day/open house for the entire school on the Saturday before the break. The day turned out great, but again a great deal of added work and stress at a time that is not the most convenient.
On top of all this we have been busy trying to finalize arrangements to fly home at Christmas...passport for the Little Brawn, Visa's, flight arrangements, International Driver's Liscence, 4-month shots for the Little Brawn, etc. Most of this has now been taken care of, but there are still some last minute things that need to happen before we fly out on Wednesday.
On the up-side of all this, I am very excited to go home for the first time in 1 1/2 years! It's a long time to be away and the first time heading home with the Little Brawn to show off. As well, this will be the first real Christmas in three years. Two years ago we spent Christmas day riding camels on a safari through the desert. Last year we spent Christmas day in the Cairo Airpot on our way to Thailand. Christmas is a big deal in both our families and will be especially important with Anaka this year. Both our mothers have been over since she was born, but this will be the first time for the grandpas to see her, so they are really looking forward to it.
As far as training goes, with everything going on I have done pretty well. I have got in all my runs, missed one bike on the weekend, but I will make that up tomorrow. The pool has been a bit of a dissapointment as I have not been able to swim for a week and a half. Hopefully I can get back in the pool tomorrow.
Now, enough time away, I better unlock my door and enter the craziness that is the world outside for another day!
posted by Brawn of the Oasis at 10:12 AM
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