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

Babies Grow Up!

Today I am thinking about all of the babies I know. This probably is because my hubby and I spent the evening looking after a four- month-old son of our colleagues yesterday.  From the time he arrived at our flat until the time he left he never stopped smiling!  Even in his sleep there was a little grin on his face.  Such happiness...probably because almost everything is done for him at this point in his life.

Four months and almost crawling!

So adorable when sleeping!

I recently spent four days in Kuwait visiting friends who recently were blessed with a baby girl.  Another shining example of cuteness- blonde hair, blue eyes, beautiful smile and, at three months, dependent on her loving mom and dad.

Four  months and almost sitting- little Nory born in Kuwait!

Then, there is our grandson...it seems like yesterday that he arrived, and yet the calendar says that he will be two years old in July!  Already he recognizes his grandparents on Skype and ably plants high fives onto the computer screen.  Oh, and he is expecting a new little sister in August. This picture is his May calendar picture.

Number 1 Grandson- Calendar pose! Too cute for words...

Facebook is full of young friends of our family who have in the past few years given birth to little babies who have grown to toddlers and then young children.  As time continues to fly by, I know that they will develop into speaking, singing, walking, running, thinking individuals with desires and dreams of their own, just like the children I work with on a daily basis.

Such is the circle of life.  I am so thankful to be a part of this grand scheme.

Until next time,


Bee Rich