I started a blog on August 26 to wish my granddaughter a happy birthday. She turned three on August 27 and my plan was to write a little bit about her life so far. I got the title finished and then got distracted. Instead I sent a video on Facebook, hoping her mom would show it to her. In the video there is a young at heart grandma (me!) singing a very flat version of Happy Birthday.
Two weeks ago I elaborated on several goals. This paragraph will provide bit of a progress update.
- Staying in touch with friends and family- trying to write to one or two people each day, and now a blog post.
- Flossing- not doing a very good job in that department!
- Taking care of technology- added to that goal is the computers at school
- Decreasing coffee consumption- one cup a day when at school. One pot a day on the weekend!
- Cutting back on Pinot Grigio- not problem- not available here in Kuwait
- Practicing patience- not bad in that department either- my new class is giving this one a good trial
- Shopping for groceries- once a week, either on Friday or Saturday I shop at either the local cooperative or a more expensive "expat" store, similar to ours in North America
- Getting rid of stuff- I was able to give away a few things from the flat, but my classroom is also too full.
Added to this list of goals is to keep up with the the amount of work at work. Collaborating with colleagues,setting learning objectives, planning, assessing, teaching, and managing 21 grade 1 children at the beginning of the school year are all challenges. I have to admit that it hasn't been my best start up ever, probably due to some strong emotions I am experiencing; however, it is what it is. Daily I remind myself that these a little people who have a right to learn and it is my job to provide an environment conducive to that end. Here are a few pictures of the first nine days of the 2016-17 school year.
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| Welcoming bulletin board |
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| Love these little ones- writing time |
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| Primary colours art experiment |
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| Busy times in EG31! |
I am also trying to up the exercise quotient this year. I am living closer to the pool and to the school so my daily walking time has decreased. This has given more time in the water, so I have increased to five times a week for 45-60 minutes. I am also trying get out and walk on the days when the pool is closed- Fridays. Last weekend at 5:00 am, I went down to the Sea and added some distance along the shore. The cool breeze off the water was refreshing. The only problem with this trip is the cab cost, which is equivalent to around $25.
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| At the shore in front of the Aquarium. |
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What not to do by the Sea- no BBSs, feeding the birds,
walking the dog, swimming, fishing, or smoking shisha! |
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Greenery and scenery down by the Sea.
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This morning at 6:00, I ventured over to a walking park, which is close to the pool. After a couple of rounds, I was pleasantly warm and thought about breakfast. Fortunately the I-Hop is just on the way home. It was peaceful and quiet with some greenery and other amenities.
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| Distribution centre for the government food cooperatives, also near the park. |
On the way to and from school I pass some interesting sights each morning- the neighborhood is seen here, with my apartment building in the middle of the picture. My flat is on the second floor...
Moving along towards school is a police station which displays the newest car accident remains. Unbelievable! I guess that is what happens when there are so many vehicles on the road at the same time.
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| Crunch #1 |
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| Crunch #2 |
Finally I arrive at school at around 5:45 am to get ready for the day. The gate opens at 5:30 and the guards welcome one and all!
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| The School! |
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| Just two of the eight grade 1 teachers on the first day of school. |
News from home- we now have a new screen door on the back of the house. This is terrific because it will open up the kitchen to more light and breezes. Thanks to Clarke for the patient work. By the way, he just turned 65 on the September 2nd, and he is enjoying his retirement.
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| Can't wait to see this in person |
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| The view of the back of our home, which faces the road. |
Final bit of good news! Last weekend, a friend celebrated her birthday at PF Changs- a terrific Chinese restaurant here in Kuwait. It was a pleasure sharing various dishes, dessert, and great conversation with these two lovely ladies. Like fine wine, we all get better with age.
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Happy Birthday KH!! T
Thanks for the invitation. |
So that is the update, wishing you well, and until next time,
Bee Rich
