October Blessings...

Two cows on the walk to work...arguing about sharing the bucket...This is India!

 BLOGGING ON A SUNDAY

This week marks the end of October, and almost the end of my third month back in Bangalore. This is a small update to say that all is well, despite occasional setbacks. When I stick to tried and true routines, such as regular swim workouts and mindfulness exercises, proper nutrition and a little social on the side, work goes much better. It is when I forget the basics of physical, mental, and emotional health, I slip in to anxiety which leads to depression.

I have found that blogging helps too!  Sometimes when I write about the challenges and resulting blessings in my life, it helps me appreciate people, events, and  all of the silver linings within the dark clouds.

On Instagram I started documenting #365days of gratitude, another tool I have used to ponder the blessings of life since July 1, and there are many more...

BABY SHOWER
I love weekends!   This weekend started with a baby shower to honour an expectant mother on our staff. This lady happens to be our PYP Coordinator, and she is having twins! The babies are due in January, but with twins, you never know. The staff decided to try to surprise her with a lovely baby shower at a local resort.

Mom to Be and Bee

BTW, she is having TWINS! 

Cute idea for Baby Shower...personalized diapers!

Coffee at the end of a lovely evening! \

HALLOWEEN

After a chat with my hubby on Skype and a swim on Saturday morning, I walked to work with a smile on my face, ready to help decorate the Haunted House. Much of the basic work had already been accomplished by the Extra Curricular Committee and the Halloween Committee, but for me, any excuse is a good one to go into work. Not only did I get to lend a helping had, but I got a first hand view of the display. I can't wait for the BIG day!  Happy Halloween to you...now don't go showing this to any of the students at our school! 

Working hard to scare the children!

One of several ghosts- BOO!

Bats created by children, strung by the committees

FRIENDS

Last weekend I was browsing through Facebook and saw a picture of a woman wearing an Ohio State University sweatshirt. That flipped my brain to Ohio, and memories from primary school exploded in my head. A name came to mind, a girl that who was in my grade 4, 5, and 6 classes in a small town school in Ohio. For fun, I thought I could search for her name on Facebook, and sure enough there she was FOUND! I paused for a few moments and wondered to myself if she would remember me, as we did stay in touch for several years after my family's move to Canada. 

I was thrilled when she responded positively to my message, and it has been fun catching up between our her working hours, and the time difference. We are hoping to Skype soon, when the Indian Internet is a bit more cooperative. 

Sue, my beautiful childhood friend from Ohio. So grateful to have "found" her on FB! 

FAMILY

Never far from my mind are our two grandchildren Everly and MacArthur, who are growing leaps and bounds!  Now in Junior Kindergarten and Grade 1 they were visiting a pumpkin patch (at night) this weekend. These are two pretty brave children!  I am quite fortunate to see their smiling faces on Instragram and Facebook, and to have the occasional chat on Skype. 

Evie and Mac...these TWO- words cannot describe the evoked emotions!

WORK

You may wonder why I am away from these two little ones, my son, my daughter, and her growing family.  Sometimes, I wonder too. Work is important to me at this phase of my life. To have full time work in the same place everyday, no matter where in the world it may be, is fulfilling, challenging, and a blessing. 

I have had to opportunity to teach in Canada, Egypt, Saint Maarten, India, Kuwait, and now back in India, I believe it is important to "bloom where you are planted." I keep saying to myself, only one more year,  and as each year passes, I am reluctant to give it up. Some day, I may have to retire, but for now the plan is full steam ahead, growing daily with the challenges of professional responsibility. 

I will continue to count my blessings, on into November, December, 2018, and as long as my memory can hold the faces of family, friends, and other folks from around the world. 

Until next time, 

Bee Rich

Have a BOO-tiful day!

Our two children, loving the Jack O' Lantern
circa 1983

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Halloween has a special significance in my life.  Just 37 years ago today, I met the man of my life- my husband.
I was having a relatively bad time of it at school and decided to take the weekend to go home to my mom, catch my breath and rethink my future.
It was during that visit that I was introduced to a very handsome bearded young man at a Halloween party.
We were married almost three years later. Within the next three years we were "settled" and the parents of two cutie children.
Halloweens were always a fun time. We carved pumpkins, prepared treats and waited for the trick-or-treaters to arrive. It was a tradition.
This year is going to be a little bit different. My husband is driving to visit the grandchildren and then staying at the house to give out the treats while my son and his wife take their two children out to gather treats. I am going back to work after a bout with a bad "bug" and then coming home to rest. I will give out treats at our house!
Wishing children and their parents everywhere a very safe and happy Halloween!

Boo! Our grandchildren in 2013

I am so fortunate!

Until next time,


Bee Rich

Happy November First!

Halloween Leftovers

        Yesterday was happy and sad. 
        Happy, because I spent the day doing the regular housework jobs and got a, "The house looks nice...thanks," from my husband.  Happy, because it was Halloween Day, one of my favourite days of the year.  Happy, because I painted our pumpkin's pimply face and he/she was ready in time to greet the Halloween trick-or-treaters.  Happy, because our neighbours came over with their year-old daughter dressed like a turtle.  Happy, because I received a text message from my daughter-in-law picturing grandson in a duck costume.  Happy, because it was a cool yet sunny day, nice enough to go for a walk.  Happy because I kept busy enough not to worry when a call came from the dispatcher saying that I had missed a job for the day, and figured out what the problem was so it won't happen again! 
         The sad part of the day was the phone call explaining that I did not get a job that I had hoped I would get.  It was a long term occasional position for six months and it would have been perfect for me.  However, I discovered that I was not perfect for it.  My resume and cover letter and letters of reference, though strong, were not strong enough to make up for a not so stellar interview, and that is what counts.  The good part about this is that the principal spoke to me for many minutes and passed on helpful feedback, which I will use the next time such an opportunity arises. 
          I am amazed at my resilience.  I woke up in the middle of the night and started preparing for the next interview, by taking the feedback, analyzing it, and then writing down the changes I need to make in my approach and language.  It is a work in progress, but I have taken the next step toward fulfilling my dream.
          While at my sister's home this past weekend I came across a little book entitled, Attitude is Everything, compiled by Peggy M. Anderson, and spent some time writing out the quotes that spoke to me.  My plan is to use them in upcoming blog posts, if appropriate.  Here is an example:

We don't get what we want,

We get what we are.

You are successful the moment your start moving

towards a worthwhile goal.

Chuck Carlson                                   



         May your happies out weigh your sads. 

Until tomorrow,

Bee Rich

End of October Already!

         
          Happy Halloween to my friends and family members.  I am just back from a quick trip to Mississauga to see my sister and then to Guelph to spend time with my favourite grandson.  I left on Friday after teaching in a kindergarten class for the morning. 
          I arrived just before 6 pm and had a pleasant visit with my little sister who is recovering from surgery.  The reality of her situation hit me and I have to admit, I did cry.  (In fact, as I write now, several tears are leaking out of the corners of my usually dry eyes).  Her incision is healing well and her pain level is tolerable. She will find out this week what the next step of her journey will entail.  She is upbeat and positive.  I admire her strength, courage, and enthusiasm for living with cancer.
          On Saturday afternoon I took the 401 further west to Guelph and spend several hours in my happy place-holding my grandson- while he wiggled, hopped on two feet, squirmed and cooed his way back into my heart.  Precious moments!
          Upon my return home on Sunday afternoon, I was greeted by four very happy individuals- my husband, brother-in-law and our two wiggly, waggly dogs.  It feels good to be back home, safe and sound.
          Today I may find out about a potential teaching job.  I am about to carve the pumpkin to greet any potential trick-or-treaters.  And my wonderful husband has gone grocery shopping and he might just bring home some Halloween treats. 
          Things are definitely looking good! My strength is returning :)

Until next time,

Bee Rich