American Expat Teacher in the Middle East

So You Want to Sell Your Car?

2017-05-30T09:39:00.003-07:00

You have options. All of which probably suck for different reasons. While driving my car, I prayed she would be ok until the end. With great purpose, I bought a very affordable (AKA cheap) car and enjoyed many years of having no car payment. That is another post for another day (probably not). So yeah, this cheap car had 164,000 miles on her when the time came. Add to that, it was a small hatchback with some cosmetic issues.

Knowing these things I priced her low. Not low enough to not be low balled even further. I found this random site and posted the car with pictures. Calls started pouring in around 8 pm and didn't stop til after midnight. I. Kid. You. Not. Offers were thousands lower than I asked, people called who couldn't speak English, and I was growing weary of answering my phone after the second day of this.

As with moving out of your apartment, you have options. Sites like Dubizzle, Facebook, or sellanycar.com can work for you. I didn't want to pay for Dubizzle (200 I think) and I didn't feel like the hassle of FB so the last option is what we went with. Let me first say that cars do not hold value like they do at home so don't be too surprised or overly hurt when you don't get what you think you might. At the end of the day, I got a free rental car for a week ( I did have to pay for the full insurance option which was 40 dh a day) and we also get the remainder of our car insurance that we paid (came out to 900 dirham). The AMAZING thing about this option is that it is truly hassle free! They walk you through everything and you can walk away in a day.

Tips for using sellanycar:

1. Clean your car inside and out. That means shampoo the seats if they need it among other things.
2. Make sure everything is in working order.
3. Decide if it is cheaper to get something fixed before you take it in. If not, you will lose money over it.
4. Have the owner of the car present or the transaction cannot be processed.
5. The estimate you get online probably won't be what you get-they complete a check of the car.
6. Use if you just want to take what you can get and walk away.
7. BUT don't sell yourself short. If you have a better car, use one of the other options and see how it goes. Give yourself time to see if the other options work out.
8. Some money is better than none.

GET OUT

2017-05-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Brace yourself.

It's coming.

Piles of things with nowhere to go and an impending deadline. You have a million things to do so you begin the arduous task of figuring out what to keep and what to let go of. In the beginning, it seems easy enough. Maybe you don't have lots of things. In which case, the above picture will never be you. In most cases, however, just get your tissue ready. Or your bottle of libation. Whichever suits your fancy.

Let me start with the process of letting things go. Because I am so smart, I began paring down months ago. It felt good and I was so proud of myself for being on top of things. After that, I began to walk around my house and think about what I would post things for when the time came. I decided I didn't want the hassle of bargaining so I would post things for a ridiculous price. Satisfied that I had time, I continued on with daily life. Fast forward some months and we get the paper work. It is so confusing that I set it aside and figured I would get to it later. "We have time, right?"

NO!

After questions from friends about what I had done so far I decided I had better look at a calendar. It was shocking and I quickly shifted into gear! I posted things and people began calling! They didn't even bargain and I was a happy camper having gotten rid of so many things in one weekend. Unfortunately, my selling streak didn't last long and the things they bought were holding containers for things I would need in the coming months. The clutter in my house became a direct representation of the chaos I started feeling inside. My house looks like a mess!

There are several ways moving out can go at this point:

1. Continue to post and get frustrated that people aren't buying your things.
2. Post expensive items for dirt cheap and get a 4th of what you payed for it in return.
3. Give it away.

Now, I will admit that I have some pride-doesn't everyone?-and I just cannot entertain someone who offers me 200 dirham on a 5 month old item that costs 1200 brand new. #wheretheydothatat? Call it what you like but I would rather give it away than to accept insulting offers. For this reason, option 2 is not an option I can live with. I also don't have time to get frustrated over items that don't sell so option 1 is a no go as well. Option 3 has all the benefits without the headache!

There are a few ways to give your things away. Word of mouth is easy. There are so many people who would be grateful for your items and who are in desperate need of things. Try the cleaning staff at your school or in your building. I will put everything out- bath towels, kitchen items, health and beauty items, etc and they can take what they want. In the meantime, I will be waiting for Take My Junk to come and take everything I was unable to sell. They. Take. Everything. Having that appointment has alleviated so much stress! One word of advice-don't count on money from selling items because you never know what you will get!

In terms of packing your personal things, as far as I know you are on your own with that BUT there seems to be someone you can pay for anything you want done here-just don't be mad if something is broken when you get it home. If you have a husband (or lots of muscle), be sure to weigh everything and know if you have overage fees to pay. If you know you are going home in the following year TAKE THINGS HOME IN PREPARATION! You won't regret it.

And while you are preparing to repatriate, remember to continue to enjoy life and do anything you feel you haven't yet experienced or anything you feel you should repeat. For me, I know there are lots of things I won't be able to eat at home so we made a list of eateries to hit up before our departure. See your friends and continue making those memories! The stress of all of this won't be over until you are on that plane. Aside from xanax, I am not sure there is a cure but make preparations for things to go smoothly!

*When all is said and done, I will post about this all elusive exit process!

The Beginning of the End

2017-04-07T06:12:00.001-07:00

Last week I turned the key and entered my home from a vacation for the last time. I realized that I will miss my apartment. Who wouldn't? We have an amazing place when you think about it. Even if I dont use all the amenities, it is nice to have and I enjoy looking out the window each and every day!

Going home was a success. Taking things home will,no doubt, reduce the stress of packing in the coming months. A RT ticket for 365 was a steal to say the least. Worth such a quick turnaround!

Now comes the last term. It will be over before we blink an eye as Ramadan comes earlier each year. We are trying our best to condense the learning outcomes and lessons so we impart upon their little brains the basics and pray they retain it over the summer!

Ive been here so long Im not even concerned about selling all our things. Im sure some of them will sell but everything else will be donated. I dont have the propensity to concern myself with it. I only wish it was easier to find someone in need rather someone only looking for a good deal but thats the way of the world here. I just hope the transition home is as easy as the transition to come here. A girl can hope but I wont hold my breath!

Ad Nauseam

2017-03-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

As I try to prepare for my impending return home, I find that I am more nervous than when I left. Not because of any political issues that are going on at home-not that those things help the situation. I feel it is because so much has changed in the world of education. Even when I was at home, I was in a Pre-K program and under a different set of rules. Stringent nonetheless I might add. Being that I left before moving up, I am afraid I am at a disadvantage.

I talk to other teachers who point out some of my strengths. It makes me feel better and I am reminded that I shouldn't sell myself short. It is a very bad habit I have yet to leave behind. It takes a lot of a person to stay here for 7 years and to actually work and make a difference. I can honestly say that I haven't had a year where I didn't do either of those things and for that I am proud. It takes skill to get children with little to no English to be able to work in a classroom setting and be successful and excited about learning. I must find the words to explain it because when people ask me how I do it, I often find myself at a loss for words.

I've been telling myself lately that fear is slowing my progress. I know better because fear does nothing to slow time. It will be July whether I improve myself and prepare for the future or not. I do realize that I am prepared to teach a classroom full of English speakers (just as long as they are K-2 grade. I know my strengths! lol ). I know that the love and dedication I have for this profession will propel me forward, inshallah, to great things.

Tears?

2017-02-13T09:23:00.002-08:00

I was thinking of my kids this year and am just so appreciative of the children the parents nurtured and sent to us this cohort. I just might cry this graduation, rotfl. Not sure if I wrote of the embarrassment that was my very first graduation. Im sure that I did! That was a result of all the hard work I put in to make that class manageable with no prior school, A co-teacher for a few months before she left, and maybe 5 Arabic words WITH 25 kids in a barren room. I wish I had pictures and video from that year!

But this? This is the exact opposite. These kids came in with curiosity. They went to centers from day one with little direction from us AND they didn't destroy them. With the help of my amazing co-teacher, we have an amazing class. I am thoroughly enjoying their level of comprehension, their ability to laugh and talk with me even if we aren't speaking the same language, and the fact that they have a good grasp on the language to the point where their simple English messages can be understood easily. I wish I could convey to them just how proud I am of their work and their little personalities. They are certainly the best class I could end this journey with 💜

Repatriation

2016-12-19T07:47:00.002-08:00

I find myself daydreaming of America. In spite of her current situation, there are people there who I miss and will enjoy spending time with more than I would like staying away from the craziness. Im from a town of 30,000 people. I want to go and pick fruit/vegetables with my aunt and grandmother. I want to sit on back porches enjoying wine/tea/cocktails/grilled food and music. I want to drive on streets that lack crazy drivers and beeping horns. I want to let my windows down in a car that isn't so compact that I feel like Im driving a go-cart.

I want to go to any store with the confidence that what I am looking for will be there and it wont cost me triple what it is really worth. I want to feel like I would get help in public if there were some emergency that warranted stranger intervention (God forbid). I want a buffet that doesn't cost 100 dollars. I want to hear rain and participate in layering my clothes without burning up. I want to wear shorts without feeling naked.

I want to work longer hours (gasp!) with children who are able to communicate with me. I want to make more of a difference than I already am. I want to have full lessons. I want to hear questions and ask higher order thinking questions. I want to participate in class discussions and not have to wonder what the kids think of me. I want to be a productive member of my community. I want to grow as a professional.

No doubt going back is going to hurt. I see that rent has increased about 300 dollars from the last time I was home. If you can ease back into America by living with someone I HIGHLY recommend it. I don't even know if that will be enough. But it will have to do. Im on a 7 month count down Inshallah.

You Dont Know Until You Know

2016-08-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

I never realized how much I would love seeing new places. I mean, I had an idea and its not like this summer is my first time traveling but it was just made more evident just because of how beautiful this world is. To finally experience it. In one word-amazing. The air, the people, the atmosphere. Nothing compares. Thank God I no longer have a fear of flying. I still go to sleep if its more than a few hours but if I have to stay awake, no heart palpitations.

Im going to update my list of places I want to visit because I have places to add and I have some repeats thanks to that cruise (smh). In the meantime, I will be finishing my book, The Millionaire Teacher, and Im planning on budgeting so that I can continue to travel in some capacity.

It's been forever!

2016-08-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

I refreshed a couple times thinking "surely Dec 2015 isn't the last time Ive posted!". Seems that every year I seem to suck a little more at keeping track. Honestly, though, the longer you stay in a place, the less there is to write about. Unless you're willing to part ways with your dirhams I guess,lol.

This year? This year was great in terms of work. Parents participated. Kids worked well and I even had a small group of readers in KG1!!! The Arabic teachers were on board with things we have been trying to initiate for years and we got an amazing score at our school from the powers that be. It made me think about how a single person or a small group works to make change...how much does that change affect the bigger picture? I won't go into my conclusion because that will change the tone of my entire post. Let's just stick with the fact that being able to see change in our school is always a pleasure.

I've already convinced myself that when I blink a few times it will be December and shortly after that it will be time to go home. For good. That's my current plan. Despite the fact that I'm currently turned off of my home country, I do feel like my time is up here for various reasons. If He decides that it's not time, then there is one thing that will happen. If not, adios.

This year will be full of surprises I'm sure. At this point Im expecting anything-teaching two classes, being transferred...it is anyone's guess. I'm going to roll with the punches. Going six years unscathed is a miracle by some standards.

I will try to make it a point to enjoy life here and do things I've not done, see things I haven't seen,maybe get another trip in while over here. Inshallah. Honestly, my mind is already home. And Ive been here before. I was so ready to go then but I think this is coming from a different place and when you know, you know. Unless you don't,lol.

One thing I know for sure, having a classroom of children who I can actually have a conversation with will be spectacular :-) .

Burned Out?

2015-12-24T00:22:00.001-08:00

I've not taught long enough to be burned out. Honestly, I hope it never comes to that point. I love what I do, I am adamant on the fact that the children need to see someone who they can relate to-someone who looks like them. While we all want to sing Kumbaya and people want us to "all be the same", that really does a disservice to the children who are all unique and different.

I'd be blind not to see that leaving a system so many teachers are growing to despise may have a lot to do with me not tuckering out yet. I taught for two years at home before coming here so Im 7 years in and working on year 8 now. I have days where I feel guilty for not being at home. But the truth is that I need to take care of myself so that I can take care of those little ones that I hold dear to my heart.

Don't get me wrong. I hold these little ones dear to my heart as well. I keep their pictures. We laugh and play together. It's something so sweet when there are students I can have funny jokes with when we are speaking two different languages. It's gratifying when a parent has someone translate to me that their child wants to come back to my class after they've passed on the elementary school.

At this point in my career, I'm not itching to get home but it is definitely on the list. It has helped that my school has continued to improve thanks in LARGE PART to a wonderful HOF. She will be leaving this year so I don't know how I will feel next year,lol. No one is going to run me out of here until I am ready that is for sure.

I just need to continue getting these ducks in order. It is a slow process to dig yourself out from under student loans-thank God Sallie is gone! Now, I feel like it is time to get in more travels and start this repatriation fund because rent and taxes are looming. If you are thinking of coming-or going back for that matter-please remember that being here means you are making almost double what you are at home when you adjust for taxes, utilities, and rent. Now, if you choose to spend big bucks on all the bells and whistles you see here, don't confuse that with making the same amount of money you make in the States because you aren't. The longer you stay here, the more you have to prepare yourself for that reduction in income because it will drastically reduce the ease at which you can repatriate happily. I know of several people personally who are coming back, have come back, or who want to come back. It's real in these streets! lol.

December already??!!

2015-12-19T23:17:00.001-08:00

It's been a semester of school and I haven't come here once. Shame on me! Guess Ill do an overview of the year thus far. I'm back in KG1. The place most teachers cringe at because they come.in.CRAZY! screaming for mom, seriously believing we are there to kill them-no joke. But this year was a bit different. The parents came in speaking more English and the children were a bit odd. And I mean that in the best way possible. Yeah, we had some cryers and others who weren't quite sure about this place mom just brought them to without explaining to them that it wasn't a death sentence,lol. They actually went to centers and used the material. I was astonished and proud and excited. It was literally a joy to watch. While other classes were still setting items out on the tables, our kids were wandering through the classroom, talking to each other, using the centers like we had taught them what to do! The only problem with that is when I would prefer for them to stay at the table and do work without leaving. They're like, "I don't want to do this, Im going (insert center here)".

Another great thing I discovered this year is DOJO ! And I love it! No doubt, it wouldn't be possible without my Arabic teacher because she puts the pressure on the parents and doesn't sugarcoat anything. Most certainly you'd be fired in America for the things she says to parents but that is how they do it here. But back to Dojo-Its great because you get to share what you are doing in the classroom and send messages to the parents as a whole or to specific parents. You can see who read the messages and saw the pics. You can see which parents translated the message and they can also respond. Add the fact that we have over half our class on the app and Im loving it!

Aside from that, Im hard pressed to think of what else I can say about this term. We are currently on winter break and soon Ill be gearing up to see them in January. 2016 Ill try to come back monthly.

6 years and counting. Good Lord, we are joking about being here for Expo 2020 but it's looking like that may actually happen. Im not sure how to feel about that!

The Case for a Smaller Place

2015-09-27T07:59:00.002-07:00

Its been forever, I know. It's a wonder I've updated for this long. Life gets monotonous and there is nothing to post aside from a few complaints or surprises. The (not so) recent move was, at first, a minor irritant and a reason to spend money I would have preferred to keep in my pocket. It turned out to fulfill my secret wishes though and I am so happy that we ~~were able to~~ had to move!

Basically, we lost a room. Well, we also lost half of what was already a small kitchen but it is open so we have a bar. We were also losing storage space and I spent months mentally preparing for this change. Funny because I toyed with, even romanticizing, the idea of having a smaller space when I was convinced we were going to move to South Korea or Shanghai. In real life, I was walking from room to room, trying to decide what wasn't going to make the cut and it was driving me CRAZY!

Some things were an easy choice. Other things, not so much. It was a bit cathartic at times and now that we are all unpacked we can enjoy the benefits of everything having a place-or not being a part of our apartment. We have a balcony and that is super exciting! I even called the guy to come put up the shelves and curtains. In the last apartment I think it was well over a year before I got around to getting the curtains installed and shelves weren't a necessity. We've been careful about picking up after ourselves and putting things back where they belong. And maybe that is something some people never have a problem with but we aren't those people and I shall not be ashamed,lol.

So while I have no office, the bedroom is large enough to fit a full sized desk and still have room, we have no storage closet but have a wash room with shelves for our towels. We have no dining room table but instead chose to put in a rug where one would go, place a book shelf behind the couch, and add a side table to hold everything that won't go into the kitchen because our cabinet (and counter) space was cut in half, and use bar stools instead. Other than that, the layout is very similar to the last place only cozier and in a great way! I also got the bed I wanted to begin with along with a nice new mattress!

Maybe Ill add pictures soon because words cant do our "back yard" justice!

You Likey?

2015-05-15T07:09:00.001-07:00

I finished a small group activity with some children, it was really informal. After calling some children I really wanted to work with, I began to call others and some just showed up to the party. Unless the group is just too large you can join in as you like when it's something like this. Shaykha sat down and I was sure she would breeze through, become bored, and move along to another center. It was counting out manips on a 20 grid paper because they'd been having problems adding without recounting what they already had in front of them.

To my surprise, most of the children who played asked to play again and Shaykha made sure to let me know just how she felt about it when the game was over. "why-ed haloo, wheyyyyyy-ed haloo." Basically, it was very nice. I laughed and told her I was glad that she liked it and we could play it again another day. Now that I think about it, its funny how something so simple can catch their attention. Other times, I can laminate and cut my heart out on something that they couldn't care less about. Those little boogers,lol.

summer time sadness

2015-05-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

Looking back home at all the summer concerts...only summer starts there before we actually get off work. You catch yourself thinking, "man, yet another reason to go home." Which is true, but then you realize that if you were indeed home, you probably wouldn't have the money to go to the concert to begin with.

Ah, such is life.

Still?

2015-04-25T08:24:00.002-07:00

Since being here, Ive been able to slide into the old adage of letting things slide off my back. I don't get too caught up in the (crazy) happenings going on around me. At least I try not to. Still, there are some things that still irritate the living _______ out of me! Thankfully, the list isn't too long or Im not sure how Id cope. Much like others are coping here I suppose.

1. People who bounce from lane to lane as if they were taught that that is the way you are supposed to drive.

2. People who change lanes in SLOW MOTION. Are you getting over or not??!!

3. People who aren't changing lanes. They're just straddling the lane even if someone is IN that lane next to them!

4. "Pharmacists" who don't know the names of medications nor do they know what interacts with what. It is ridiculous for me to have to adamantly tell you that I don't want a medication because they paper inside says X,Y,Z and then you say its not problem. Where did you go to school?!?!?

5. The lack of maintenance knowledge for pretty much everything.I could let it go if it weren't such a health hazard. (If you don't have renters insurance-GET IT!)

There! I can count them on one hand! Im proud of myself. There are many people who can't say the same,lol. 5 years and counting! Inshallah, two more before heading home.

1st Quarter Assessment 2015

2015-02-08T07:08:00.001-08:00

Seems like my last several posts have been about getting the hell outa dodge. I seem to go back and forth but continue to come to the same conclusion which is to stick to my original goals. Ive stayed the course thus far and to veer from it now would mean that some things wouldn't come to fruition and since I won't be making this my permanent home, it doesn't make sense to do that.

I even have a teeny tiny itch of missing America. Though I know Im not ready for all that comes with that right now. Im sure a month of being with family will cure that really quickly. I just have to wait about five months for that to happen. In the meantime Ill just start planning for summer vacation. And if I have my way, its going to be AWESOME! Like, really awesome. This is the year to reward myself for staying said course and I am planning to see a couple really cool places in addition to going home. It is a bit overwhelming so I won't say anything beyond that just yet. Prices and booking and making me feel anxious just thinking about it. Im so type A when it comes to those things.

In school news, this is the first year that I have readers.Well,not quite. One year I had a group who were on the cusp. This year, I have enough time to really guide this process along. Its a bit scary for me as I feel like I need to know more, to do more. I also don't always feel like what Im doing is developmentally appropriate but it is what I am supposed to do. That is an entirely different subject that I won't delve into at this time.

The first quarter of the year will soon draw to a close and so far, so good!

What to Do?

2015-01-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year where you think about your goals.Where it (usually) goes from there is anyone's guess. Except we make goals regularly and work to see them through. And that got me to thinking about something that I keep touching on in my posts about changing jobs. Its such a catch 22 because the two major things I want don't really support each other.
(1) I want to go home in a timely manner AND I want to meet more of our financial goals before leaving. (2) I want to be in an environment more conducive to using the skills I learned and was able to use at home. Initially, I was sure I should just make the move, take the pay cut and just deal with whatever comes. But...isn't there always a 'but'? I got to thinking (think long think wrong) that this is but a blip in time and the things I can accomplish financially I can't accomplish in even half the time at home and there is no guarantee I will be in a better situation if I move.
Having looked at school around the world-literally-it has come to my attention that they have the same gripes that we do. Granted, I understand that most people who rate their schools are extremely happy or dissatisfied with their school situations. Even so, I realize that having an International school doesn't solve all ones problems. And in keeping my eyes on the prize I have to remember that the end goal is home. Whats the fastest route to getting there?
Before today, I thought about the fact that I do like my school, for the most part, and I am a part of something...we are making a difference. But...there it is again...I messaged my teacher today to see if she was coming back-I have a feeling she isn't-and she is undecided. I filled her in on what's happening without her and she does miss us but her baby comes first and that is understandable. But whyyyyyyyyy? It will be a long here dealing with a stand in who isn't an educator or young children.It has already been a long couple of weeks.
Five years strong and I've not had to deal with the craziness that can come with all this but I fear that may come to an end if she doesn't return.Funny because I'm now thinking of how I thought this would be a long year starting out because it was the first year I had to share a class full time with another teacher. It's only the second term, though, and I refuse to drive myself crazy with what might be. I've learned enough about life that I know better.

Whatever happens today is preparing my for my tomorrow. Im sticking to that mantra and will see what lies ahead.

LONG TIME

2014-12-14T04:40:00.002-08:00

There have been several times where I've thought, "I need to go write..." but I never got around to it. So in the spirit of keeping this place updated I figured I should come and write before the year ends. Maybe Ill just recap the highlights of the semester.

This is my first time having a class for a second year in a row. Its quite different from getting kg2s who haven't been to kg1. Every year I felt bad because my kids weren't using English but it was because they hadn't heard it long enough. They did, however, understand English and I was usually satisfied with that. They are using a good amount of English,especially to tell on each other.They also translate for me when they can.
I have a few who are ready to start reading cvc words, that is also a first.
We continue to get more materials for the classroom. Though not much for Arabic. Its unfortunate and if someone were to get into production in that area they would make a fortune!
My teacher is preggers and, therefore, out of school for the next two months. At least. I can't put into words how much I miss her.She's a good Arabic teacher. I had to take a mental step back because I was irritated about my kids not having someone to fill her shoes but it is out of my hands so no need working myself up over it.
I've started looking into International schools and the ~~funny~~ sad thing is that a LOT of the schools suffer from the same issues. And not just in this country. Granted, people who are jaded are much more apt to write a review. Even so, a good school can quickly turn bad when there is a change in administration. I try to keep an open mind about reviews and also hopeful because I still have that burning/yearning for an International school,lol.
I also think about Asia but if I'm honest, I do think I would kick myself for leaving this country. I want to go but the cons make me hesitant. Not sure why the place is still bouncing around in my head. I try to tell myself the smog won't be so bad, that arctic winter winds don't last forever, that I can live off street food and no stove to cook familiar comfort food (possibly), the lack of English being spoken, understood,written in public places, and the fact that there won't be any clothes.shoes in either of our sizes. Oh, and I have to add makeup.Thats important! I think that visit got me. Though I wouldn't want to move to Thailand just bc I had a nice time there. IDK. . .
My HOF is leaving in one year. So even if I wanted to stay at my school indefinitely, Id be extremely leery of who will come in after her. Those are some big shoes to fill as she is great!
Im trying to keep momentum, and I'm not even one to look forward to breaks but I hope this one gives me the restart I need. There is a glass ceiling that I feel is preventing me from doing things I could do if only the kids spoke more English...or if I spoke more Arabic.
Im preparing my brain for the possibility of moving for two reasons. 1 is my landlord is selling to another investor who could raise the rent if they choose.The other is that if I get a new job, we will most likely have to leave. Im looking around wondering what we I will have to give up to make room for a smaller place. I keep telling myself I can live the Ikea life,lol. Maybe we'll find out.

Term 1 Happenings

2014-11-13T05:06:00.001-08:00

I know what must be done and I'm going to put my best foot forward and see what comes of it. I also decided today as I listened to Brazilian instrumentals while on the way to work that I'm going to try one.last.time to contact someone at my old school for a referral using the referral he gave me when I thought I'd go to grad school (again) to jog his memory. *fingers crossed*.

Aside from that, the year continues to go well. Even so, I mustn't let that blind me from the fact that this unhealthy relationship must come to an end as I've completed the goal I initially came with (five years) and it is time to move on. Truth be told, I would have no problem staying if it weren't for so many unforeseen changes that could adversely affect us. It seems that black and white holds no weight and too many "official" things aren't. As they say in the south, "I need to get while the gettin is good!"

The question remains though, get where? Here? Another Emirate?Another country? So many variables to consider while considering that comfort feels good but may also be a hinderance to us. I find myself looking around our house wondering about what I can do without. The same could be said for a new school. I can love a school that doesn't use writing workshop...but I'd LOOOOOVE a school that did,lol. In all honesty, most Title I schools at home have reading programs so I wouldn't be using writing workshop anyway. Who knows, I can't see into the future. I am, however, trying to alter it a little bit by getting out there and testing the waters. I still wish China weren't so polluted! I would've applied to Chinese schools last year. South Korea beckons something in me but something tells me we might wondering what in the world we got into.

Me thinks I'll just apply to good schools and see what happens. In the meantime, Ill continue to enjoy my little ones who, by the way, are starting to put cvc words together. Well a couple of them. It was so funny today in small group when one student noticed that another girl was sounding out the words before her. She asked me if the other student was good (while holding up a thumbs up) and I said yes to which she replied, "noo!". I smiled and laughed, "It's ok, you're good too". Talking to a bilingual teacher the other day reiterated to me one of the in-house reasons I need to go. While exploring ice outside they began to get frustrated because the ice was melting. A couple students became irritated and angry and one wanted to know where her ice went! Another student talked about how his ice went into the ground. These are the things I miss most. I want to ask questions and hear them talk about their observations.

sigh.

Last year I was all set and then I decided to stay. This year will not be a repeat, Inshallah.

Small gains??

2014-11-05T03:05:00.001-08:00

Wow, I was averaging about 4 posts per month for years...YEARS! I realized recently that I haven't written since August and its not because I have nothing to write about. When things happen I have the thought to but it just never came to fruition.

But now Im here so lets hope this is a sign of things to come. I think I'll just bullet the items that are most pertinent recently...

after a mini lesson about the writing process the children are starting to catch on to furthering their writing. A couple of them are labeling their work. Albeit in Arabic but that is to be expected. The point is that they used the lesson and transferred the knowledge!
I have a little translator. She explains things to the kids after me sometimes and If I ask her what something is she will tell me or act it out,lol. Sometimes she just pokes out her bottom lip and shrugs which means she doesn't have the words to tell me.It's too funny.
Kids who were in my low group last year have made major gains and are easily doing things that got me blank stares last year.
While checking their home notebooks I noticed some English words and this is unusual. I was surprised to see that a parent wrote me a note thanking me for my work with her 'baby' and how he was enjoying the new English books we have sent home with them.
Another parent told my coteacher about how she was noticing his gains at home. He is no longer shy around other people to include his family, he notices letters when they are out and about and attaches them to people's names that he knows and he is about to identify some letters when looking at print at home.

Which reminds me. I was feeling a bit unsure about things a month or so ago. I'm sure its the positive changes I've been privy to along with the ease of not moving.Add in there the fact that each year has been a good one for me and it's a recipe for complacency. I need to shake it off and stick to my guns. Just recently the embassy sent out a message that made me question my next move further. Though I can't stay in the house forever or avoid certain places entirely, it is something to think about moving forward.

At this point, we are well into the last quarter and I need not let it pass me by without completing some very important goals. Once of which is my breakup with Sallie Mae. When it's official I'm celebrating like everyone thinks you do when you're 21.Or maybe they really do and I just missed that boat,lol. In the meantime, I need to get my ducks in a row and make those babies walk.

Summer is Over

2014-08-23T03:40:00.001-07:00

Just as fast as it began for some. Especially for those who were counting on another week to enjoy family, friends, or just sitting around enjoying (insert destination here). Unfortunately, things you would think are set in stone aren't here and either you learn to deal with it or you don't. Such is the conundrum for many people here.

My intention was to write about my time at home while I was at home. I figured it would be interesting, at least to myself, to note the differences (if any) about my feelings after being away for two years. There were many feelings but I was mainly away from the internet so I didn't bother. And with that said, Ill just make a quick list to which many things will most likely be left off.

1.Being unplugged-it felt nice to be 'out of the matrix'. I enjoyed family and tried to soak up every moment of it.

2. Being uber aware of my surroundings-I found myself more aware of the possible intentions of people.In all honesty, I was paranoid that someone was going to try and harm me or take my belongings. I was admonished in Walmart for walking a few feet from my bag to get something off the shelf and then told multiple stories about thefts and crimes to which I feared succumbing to if I weren't careful. It didn't help that I kept the tv on ID which shows non stop crime television.On the flip side, you can leave your purse and your baby and head to another aisle in the Dabs if you so choose.

quick list huh?

Everything else was the normal stuff you do while home. Eat foods you've missed, go places to see and do things you can't while you are away, buy things you 'need' to take back with you,enjoying nature. The usual. Something else stood out to me that I should probably note for future reference: it was like I slid back into my space and time was normal. It didn't creep or speed by. I wasn't dreading coming back or counting the time I still had at home. I just lived in the moment and that told me that I am where I need to be at this time in my life.

The question is now, "will I feel that way in a week or so?"

MOMMY?!

2014-07-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

While in waitrose today I heard the familiar sound of crying and saw a child out of the corner of my eye. Its a normal occurrence and I didn't pay it much mind as I was on a mission to find something for a party later. Even so, I had this nagging feeling and was a bit dismayed about the fact that it's commonplace to ignore those crying children when they appear to be lost, or left as it seemed to be in this case as I would find later on. On the one hand, it happens so often that you realize is futile to walk up to a child who (1) doesn't speak English, (2) the mom/caregiver is either right there and ignoring the child leaving you to think there is noone around or (3) they are right around the corner and the child hasn't caught up. In which case they will come back to get them...eventually. And while it's also commonplace to touch a stranger's child here, I don't feel its my place to step into a situation that is deemed normal here.Who am I to vilify you when there is very little chance anything bad will happen to your child?

Today I broke protocol and stopped to ask the child if they wanted their mommy, to which they replied yes. The child kind of looked western so I thought they might genuinely be lost.And I find it quite unnatural to ignore a child who is obviously in distress. I took their hand and tried to verbally calm them while walking down the store,looking down each aisle, and talking to the child. I didn't want anyone to think I was trying to steal the child and I certainly didn't want a confrontation with the mom though I felt there was a low chance of that. Anyway, no mom one way. While doubling back I made sure to watch any women who may be mom and a lady walked up who said she was the child's teacher. I explained the child was crying and alone so I stepped in. She took the child-who I keep referring to as such because he/she had such beautiful,curly hair that IDK what the gender was,lol-and went the opposite way only to double back because the mom wasn't there!!They left the store and by the time I checked out I didn't see anyone.

I just find it so hard to believe that child was in the store alone! insane. And not to mention the chance that that wasn't the teacher. Though I wouldn't know anyway.I also thought about the incident the other week where a man exposed himself to a woman in the store.A rare occurrence but still. (sigh) By now Im sure that moment is long gone out of the child's mind but has lingered in mine long enough that I figured Id write about it.

Bonding Over GMO's

2014-06-28T02:46:00.002-07:00

When school is 'over' you eat.Its just what you do. One day might be Egyptian food,another Indian, and American of course.Every year we serve the same. Breakfast.And every year has been the same.We could never figure out why they wouldn't eat the breakfast outside of the fruit and donuts. So we always made sure that was available since we knew they'd eat it.

This year we prepared the new teachers and I expected there to be so much food left over. Im pretty sure it has something to do with the fact that we have an English teacher who is muslim and speaks Arabic....but they tasted the food!They really liked the pancakes and we had to explain what it was made of, how you cook it, eat it, what you can serve it with,etc. The amount of syrup they put on them was laughable.not even a spoonful! They wanted to see the box it came in and wanted to know the steps.The principal even sashayed to the room wanting to know who brought this thing she was holding and eating like a burrito,lol.For her to come down,it was obviously good.If they ever go to IHOP,its over!

These pancakes excited even the secretary bc she gave me money to bring something for all the teachers to eat the next day.Leave it to me to exceed the amount she gave me but thats neither here nor there.Those who tasted the dip and bread pudding loved it and some took it home for later.I guess food is good for bringing people together.At least until the plate is clean.

Two more weeks of childless school.No eating because Sunday starts Ramadan.I mean,you can eat in your room.Just not with muslim teachers.First working Ramadan,we will see how it goes.

masalama!

Absent much?

2014-06-07T04:11:00.003-07:00

I had to scurry and put in for my absence.God forbid, I get docked for it as a result of procrastination! While doing so,I wondered about my number of absences. There was a job I was interested in last year that wanted to know how many days of school you missed and why. I was a little nervous because I didn't know how many days were acceptable and Im not even a chronic absentee teacher.

Fast forward to today, I learned that I am well below the average for the US.Im happy about that. I have averaged about 6 a year over the past 4 years and I do believe most were in the first year for post surgery reasons. Ive even gone to work with no voice! The second day I realized how ridiculous it was and went home,lol.

I was told that they used to pay for sick days not used. I wish that were the case,Id have a pretty little bonus every year!

If Only

2014-05-25T10:01:00.005-07:00

maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan

They had a 75% off sale today at a jewelry store and there was a sick diamond wedding ring there for 8500 dirham.

Sigh.

Yeah,I have a wedding ring but Im on the quest for an upgrade. More importantly I suppose, is the quest to pay off more debt so that when we do find the one,we can get it!

Responsibilities.

Arab Hip Hop Song

2014-05-05T05:51:00.001-07:00

I thought this was cool.