The title says it all! Where did the past month go? It is nearing the end of January. The weather prediction several weeks ago announced that winds from the north would be bringing cold temperatures, especially in the early morning hours. And the prediction was correct. I have had to bundle up on my walks to school over the past several weeks. One morning it was so cold that I wore my Canadian hat.
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| Chilly Day! |
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| Bundle Up! |
Agreed, 9 degrees Celsius is not that cold, but when the country is used to well over 40 in the spring and fall, and 50 in the summer, 9 does seem a little chilly, especially when there is a strong north wind.
The good news is that as we approach the end of the month, yesterday's sandstorm in the early hours blew in warming temperatures, Today the high was a balmy 18 C. I had to remove my jacket on the way home from school.
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| After School Program |
The weather is not the only good news here. The blues hit me hard after the Winter Break in Canada and the US. I was looking ahead to the realization that I would be away from my husband for the next five month and a half months, and the prospect frightened me. I sought advice from several friends and professionals, and then made a plan.
The first was that I offered to work after school two days a week, assisting children with their literacy skills. The three boys and a girl have been delightfully attentive and eager to learn. I look forward to the Sunday and Wednesday hours.
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| Shades of Grey- to match the weather |
The second step was to take better care of myself. Wednesday was pay day so I took some time out on Friday this past week for a mini-spa day. After several hours of pampering, my smile was genuine and my soul rejuvenated.
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| This is the only girl who dressed like me on Dress like a Teacher Day- but she nailed it! |
Dress down days are a double-edged sword at our school. The children are excited and really make an extra effort to develop the theme for the day. On Dress Like a Teacher Day, many of the girls dressed like our fashionable Library Teacher, while the boys chose either PE (complete with blowing whistles) or the Islamic teacher. I was lucky that one of my darlings, did consider me as her favourite teacher, if only for a day!
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| A New Circle of Acquaintances |
The weekend passed quickly, but I looked forward to an evening with InterNations, a group of ex-pats in Kuwait from many different countries. I believe there were over 200 people from 60 countries represented at the dinner and social event. This is a world wide network of people, and I was impressed with the level of organization. The people attending were not only from various countries, but from all different walks of life. It was an educational and eye-opening experience, and I look forward to future events.
I look forward to 2017. Despite the tumultuous times, I choose to remain optimistic, to stretch, and to grow, through good times and not-so-good times. I found this little quote on Instagram one morning. It spoke volumes to me and has helped me to focus on what is important for becoming better.
2017 will be a better chapter for you if you:
- think positively
- let go of past mistakes
- make new friends
- stay away from toxic people
- use your talents
- don't hold back
- do good deeds
- speak up for yourself
- know your worth
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| A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside. -Denis Waitley |
Until next time,
Bee Rich
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| I will Bee Rich! YES |
