Content, for Now!

Bee, on a Good Day!

Today I am feeling so happy- the better word is content, with the accent on the second syllable. My life is changing and so am I. It is refreshing and reassuring to know that progress is being made on a daily basis, especially when it comes to my mood.

Don't get me wrong...there are still dark days... but they are fewer and further between, and I am learning to care for myself so that they are not as damaging as they once would have been. Here are some of the habits which have helped change my mind. I am sharing them not to gloat, but to offer hope for anyone else who may suffer in silence.

1- Daily Meditation- I have begun a ten session trial of mindfulness lessons. It is an application on my phone which enables me to take a time out at least once a day for ten minutes of guided meditation. The ten session trial can be repeated, and it has been quite helpful to clear the clutter from my brain.

2- Back in the Pool- With the recent head injury I was a bit cautious about getting back in the pool earlier that last week. I felt that the bump on my head could not withstand the water pressure. However, about a week ago I returned to the waters of the pool and realized once again how comfortable I when swimming. 3-4 times a week is great fun.

3. Colouring- One of the trends I have noticed lately is the many "adult colouring books" available in stores and online. I picked up a nice set of coloured pencils and printed a few patterns off the internet. I have found yet another creative outlet to pursue.

4. Cat Pats- I am spending quality time with Peekaboo, my cat. She loves to play, cuddle, purr, and knock things off tables and shelves. We have a lot of fun together in the early morning, and it is nice to feel totally responsible for the well being of an animal.

5. Daily Skype- I am so thankful for the Internet and Skype, which allow my family and I to keep in touch even when we're not together.

6. Facebook- I have to admit that time on Facebook can be a pleasant experience, as long as I limit myself to once or twice a day.

7. Time with Friends- Spending time with an old friend or a new friend is comforting, especially when you can be yourself and know you are accepted for who you are at any given time. I am reminded of the lyrics to a Rita MacNeil song...good friends light a candle, whenever they're around; old friends, keep it burning, they never let you down.

8. Healthy Eating and Hydration- Nutrition is a key to contentment. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water aids in a feeling of well-being.

9. Time Alone- time alone is also important. Reading, catching up on work, watching a little television, and simple reflection helps put life in perspective.

10. Taking Risks- travelling, moving, trying new recipes, speaking to strangers, and changing a reaction in a stressful situation, are but a few of the risks that, once taken, can lead to growth and change.

These are a few of the things I have learned in the past few months. Probably the highlight however, was a trip to Ireland with my husband. Pictures and information will hopefully be in my next post. For now, here are pictures of some of the places we visited.

Big old trees

Big old churches

Beautiful natural surroundings

Castles

Estates

More natural beauty

More castles

The Irish Flag

Ancient Burial Site

The Cliffs of Moher

Hands of love

Colourful villages

Towers

The Swiss Cottage

Face Plant!

Me at work!

The news last  week was not good...report card marks and comments were due on Tuesday. I usually take the two Saturdays before the due date to spend finalizing marks, writing comments, inputting marks and comments, and proofreading the information. Unfortunately, the two Saturdays were taken up with other school related events, so I was behind. Having taken on a second class in January I was feeling doubly behind and the pressure was not going away.

The solution? Arrive early at school (5:30 a.m.), leave late from school 6:00 p.m.), and miss swimming. On top of the feeling of pressure, I had a head cold with consequent sinus pain, a cough, and general body aches, fever, and crabbiness. The pace was hectic and I was feeling less than 100%. However, you do what you have to do.

I got up on Tuesday morning and rushed through the morning routine, skipping breakfast and dashing out the door at 5 a.m. a brisk walk and 20 minutes later I am just across the street from the school, trying to decide if I really needed cough drops, as the throat was achy and I had an entire day of teaching ahead. Sure, why not?

I was in a rush. I pulled the 10 Kuwaiti dinars note out of my purse and headed (quite literally) into the pharmacy. Inside I noticed three gentlemen. The first was busily cleaning windows, the second was purchasing his needed items, and the third was the fellow behind the counter. There are two entrances to this shop. I noticed that one of the doors was wide open. I thought that the door I was about to enter was open, too. That was a mistake. In fact, it was very shut, very clean, and very clear,

KAPOW! THUMP! OUCH!

Embarrassed, I entered the store. I don't really remember what I said, other than minimizing the injury, But I do remember that the customer was a bit shocked as he exclaimed in Arabic, I am not sure exactly what the reaction was, other than I had dropped the 10kd on the sidewalk and he retrieved it for me!

I bought the cough drops, made some excuse about the glass was too clean and then made my way to school, ready to complete the aforementioned report cards prior to the 3 p.m. deadline. At around 8 a.m. I made my way to the nurse's office to have her take a look at my now throbbing head. The goose egg was large and I was given ice to lessen the swelling and discomfort.

Fortunately it was an "early release" day and I spent the hours from 12:30-5:30 at the computer inputting data and checking spelling. When I was sure I would finish them the next morning before school, I went home.

 I expected a bruise on my forehead, but did not expect the swollen eyelid. Ice did not seem to work, so when I finished the report cards the next morning at 8:15 am, I made my way to the office to arrange for a half day off to go to the doctor for a check up. A checkup and a CAT scan later it was determined that there was not brain damage, but is would swell and continue to bruise for a couple of weeks.

A few days after the Face Plant!

No matter. I was able to teach the next day, right up until a week after the incident. On Wednesday morning this week I woke up with a throbbing head and acknowledged that yes, I needed to stay home. After sleeping until mid-afternoon, I spent the rest of the evening watching the sixth and final season of Downton Abbey, the BBC series.

As I write, I have to admit I have slowed down. I have yet to return to the pool. I am spending quality time with the cat. The only extra event I have attended was a shopping trip last Friday with Emily before she left on her Spring Break trip to Amsterdam, and the Easter Bunny Brunch at Lindsay and Phil's. Both events were much appreciated.

I was invited to an Easter dinner today, but it seemed more appropriate to stay home, take it easy, continue to heal, and catch up with some writing and reading, and perhaps watch the special Christmas edition of that BBC series- the final episode ever.

And while I was at home for the evening, the DVD man, a door to door DVD salesman, tapped on my door. He recommended a new BBC series by Julian Fellowes- Doctor Thorne. just one show a day keeps the doctor away! I will just have to see how that goes!

Until next time,


Bee Rich

Doctor Thorne- recommended by the DVD Man

  

Old School Teacher

You may be wondering about the title of this post. It has multiple meanings, meaning I am and old teacher and I am an "old school" teacher. Yesterday a colleague referred to me as just that- old school.

A lot has transpired since writing on February 5th. It has been a bit hectic mainly because of the many exciting events: I celebrated my 60th birthday, we hit the 100th Day of School, my husband and I had a successful fishing trip on the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait celebrated its National and Liberation Days, we flew to Oman for a brief holiday, and, finally my husband returned to Canada. As well, there is a Kindness Campaign ongoing at our school and we attended our very first Princess Birthday Party for one of our favourite little girls.

So below you will find details of each of these events...

The best secret keepers, ever!  

SURPRISE PARTY

A full week before my 60th birthday, my friend Emily hosted a "Valentine's Day Tea" for our Kuwait family. I thought it a little strange when my husband told me about it, because Emily had not mentioned it to me during our trip to Avenues and Tim Horton's. However, wearing my Valentine dress along with my favourite red scarf, I patiently waited while our mutual friend, Steve, was late picking us up in a cab. When we arrived at Emily's, all of my silent  questions were answered with a big "SURPRISE" and the faces of many loving Kuwait family and friends. I was indeed humbled by the Wonder Woman themed party and decorations, the delicious snacks, the beautiful cupcakes, and the fabulous fun! Thank you to Emily and Lindsay, Phil, Nory and Jet, Steve, Cathy and Shahid, Alex, Mary, Courtney, and all the others who attended. A special thank you to my husband for keeping the secret so well!


PRINCESS PARTY
Later that same week, we went out to the same area to celebrate the third birthday of a little princess. Nory is the first born child of great friends, Lindsay and Phil (see The Pearl Curriculum), who just happens to love princesses. Certainly a happy event!

Beautiful decorations made this a superb event. 

And who can resist a cupcake!

This will make little girls everywhere just a little envious!

BIRTHDAY DAY

On Saturday February 13, we invited several friends over for "tea" and snacks, chocolate cake and Pinkberry to celebrate my real 60th Birthday. Wow- that is a BIG number. It was great to get together with friends from our school. My husband did an amazing job preparing, serving and cleaning up afterwards!

A gift from a student

A beautiful carrot cake from Grade 1 co-workers

Decorations from Emily and Lindsay- a Wonder Woman theme!  

So where did that time go? 

Cutting the cake is always a SCREAM!

HUNDREDTH DAY OF SCHOOL
Did you know that in Grade 1 the one hundredth day of school is often celebrated with dressing up, special activities, and special foods?  I didn't! But this year was my first celebration, and it was fun!

Making the Hundredth Day of School crowns

Home Decorated T-shirts and completed crowns- the boys from one of the two classes

And the girls, too!

100 Crepe Paper Roses- a gift from a child's nanny 

FISHING TRIP
On my husband's final week in Kuwait, we were invited to go fishing on Friday morning, accompanied by Tom and Kate, teaching colleagues. My husband caught several big fish, Tom and Kate each caught a big one, and again, I was shut out. Afterwards, we went to the fish market to have them cleaned, and later enjoyed a delicious fish dinner. 

Dawn on the Sea

First catch of the day!

So fortunate to be with my honey, even for a few months!

NATIONAL DAY
On February 24 our school celebrated Kuwait's National Day by wearing traditional Kuwaiti clothes, eating traditional Kuwaiti food (plus a few of the children's favourites- Krispy Kreme donuts, being the most memorable), and Kuwaiti music and dancing in the quad. The children were delighted with their day of celebration and even more so with the anticipated four day holiday.

Our quad, dressed up for the holiday. 

A unique flag in the front foyer

In the days leading up to National Day and Liberation Day, three grade one students
 read the English translation of the Kuwait National Anthem, while three others waved the colours. 

So fortunate to work with this beautiful lady

As well as this one...

And kind Khanti...

Children dressing in traditional and colourful Kuwaiti outfits 

One of the precious grade one students and me 

OMAN

As it was my husband's final weekend in the Middle East for this school year, we went to Oman to visit Justine, a lovely lady with whom we taught in Bangalore, India. This was my second trip to this warm and welcoming country. Among the activities we walked along the beach, enjoyed coffee by the water, went desert camping, walked the dunes, viewed the sunset and consequent sunrise, and enjoyed the company of friends. It was awesome! Thank you to Justine and her friends and family, for making our trip so memorable!

Our home for one night

Three amazing friends

On the dunes

Morning cooking fire

Baking baladi bread for breakfast

One of our hosts, striking a pose

Post breakfast camel ride!

My new favourite animal!

Souvenirs from Oman- sparking precious memories

KINDNESS CAMPAIGN      
     Since the beginning of the school year, we have been hearing about the Kindness Campaign, an effort to develop kindness and caring as a way of life for our students and staff members. This campaign included training for "kindness ambassadors", a "kick off "with the distribution of kindness bracelets to each student and staff member, a "High Five" recognition bulletin board, a kindness art contest, and an Instagram account #kindnesscountsatBBS. This unfolding and ever-evolving series of events has been eye-opening, especially at the Grade 1 level.

Many kind kids line up with the kind V-P

Another kind colleague-Alisha

Recognition board, which is now quite full

GRATITUDE 
     Inspired by my sister-in-law, Penney, I have also started my own personal campaign to be publicly thankful at least once a day for the big and little blessings in my life. This has helped me to stay positive and I am hoping that it will lead to further personal growth and contentment.

Gotta love modern technology

The outside of a new pharmacy on our street

Sunset on just another day in Kuwait

The days are long, the temperatures are rising, teachers in Canada are on their Spring Break, and I am officially living in Kuwait with my furry friend.

Peekaboo...my roommate until further notice

Until next time,


Bee Rich