30 Days Hath September...

Check the date! The first month of school is now over. We started classes on August 29, taught for 9 days and then had a week's holiday.

And it was a grand holiday!

Post Eid was a two week full on schedule and today is the first day of a three day weekend! Happy Islamic New Year. The date is actually on Monday, but we are getting Sunday off instead. Great idea, as it creates for us a long weekend, instead of being off for a weekend, returning to school for one day, and then a three day week.

The Instagram message that told us that this Sunday is a holiday!

School is fine. There have been plenty of changes this year...classrooms, subjects taught, staff members, program...all for the betterment of the school. I am adapting to the reality that I am no longer the Grade Level Coordinator, and that I have more time to pursue other interests and to get involved in other areas of professional and personal development. I can safely say that I am no longer, living, breathing and overworking my job,, resulting in a more balanced lifestyle. 

One of my favourite things to do is swim. I find myself able to get to the club four five times during a typical week. Swimming has given me an outlet for stress management and weight control. I am also trying to walk to an from school each day, as well as get in a longer walk once or twice a week. I found a walking park not too far from the apartment. The pictures below show the greenery of this little corner in Kuwait. 

The fence is decorated with symbols of Kuwait- the sun, sand and sea.

One of the beautiful flowering bushes. 

The trees are trimmed by an small army of gardeners

This beauty is near the entry gate

Date palms with real dates falling on the ground

The park has a walking path that takes about 8 minutes to walk around, Within the park are trees and bushes, grasses and benches for sitting, a children's area for playing, and several fountain type structures that are not yet functioning. The park is surrounded by a mosque, apartment buildings and various restaurants, gyms, and "saloons" (aka ladies salons).

The view from the middle of the park

The mosque beside the park

Buffalo store!

Sample apartment complex

Men's gym

Another Men's gym

Not sure what this is- maybe a salon?

Where I swim- a ladies club

A Fuddruckers

Lucky Salooon

Children's gym

Yet another saloon

And another

Same mosque, different side

That brings me to the end of this tour. These pictures were taken two weeks ago. Last weekend I was here at the building helping a teacher who is leaving, pack up her apartment. The weekend was a busy one with a couple of swims, tutoring, preparing for classes, and of course, packing lots of stuff. I will try to get a picture of the boxes...

But this weekend is different. I stayed at work late yesterday, marked children's work, and prepared lessons for the four day week ahead, After I publish this blog, I will head out for a walk and a swim, 

After that, if I can't find a good movie on TV, I will turn to channel 10 for the latest BBC news before reading, checking emails, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and finally sleeping (as long as the cat will allow).

"MEOW!"

Tomorrow is the middle of the weekend and I am going to shop for groceries and visit with friends on the other side of Kuwait City. It is always nice to hear someone else's perspective about living in the Middle East. 

For now I remain safe, happy, and taking one day at a time. 

Until next time, 

Bee Rich

Good Morning Sunshine OR The Cat Came Back

It was 3 a.m. on Thursday. Not only am I wide awake, but so is the cat. In fact, it was the cat that necessitated this early rise.

After an eventful Thursday which included a long walk to a new-to-me mall to meet friends for coffee at Tim Horton's, a visit with my dear friend Emily (it was first time we have hung around my apartment), an afternoon with a colleague, a swim at the club, and a massage, I was right ready to enjoy well deserved good night's sleep.

Negotiating computer time...

The cat decided otherwise. A few annoying noises, followed by a bang or two and a small meow, had me up and shaking my head. After a snack and a green tea, I thought I would check emails and other updates on the computer, contact Canada via Skype and then go back to bed.

The Skype calls didn't go through, the cat insisted on sitting on my lap, and despite my effort, this was the end of writing on Friday.

So now it is 3 a.m., on Sunday morning. Yesterday I went in to school and sorted through piles of old copies of papers. Last year, I thought I would keep extra photocopies and they were indeed piling up all over the place- on windowsills, tables, shelves, and any other available flat surface. My thought process was I will go through those some day. And, yesterday was the day. I recycled almost two full bags of white paper, and finally have a feeling of de-cluttered-ness. (My computer is telling me that isn't a word, so I added the hyphens- is that allowed?)

 Again, the cat is on my lap, cuddling and purring, and passive-aggressively trying to control my actions reminding me of some people in my life. Sharing a classroom with a teacher whose teaching style is a bit different from mine, I am attempting to learn a strategy of negotiation without frustration. However in my world of trying to get along with everyone, I am sometimes left feeling flattened. There are some things that I must learn to let go.

The cat has now moved unobtrusively to the table next to me. She is still purring, but much less annoying. Perhaps her needs have been met. I am thinking the life of a cat is pretty sweet. Eat, drink, sleep, annoy...

No, this is the life!

Just as that was written, she is back and I fear this blog post must wait until later.

Living with a cat!

Wishing you a wonderful day of love, light, and wellness. Oh, and let me know if you would like a cat of your own!

Until next time,


Bee Rich

Happy Holiday from Kuwait

Yes it is true!  After only 9 teaching days, many teachers in the Middle East are blessed with a 10 day class free vacation! What?  How can that be? 

Well the Muslim calendar moves back 11 days every year because it is dependent on the phases of the moon. Realizing that this second Eid break was going to fall so early in September, the powers that be at our school determined that we would begin classes during the last week of August, resulting in an early return to Kuwait. 

I have been here since August 19th, started PD on August 22, and began classes on August 29. After just nine days (Monday-Thursday for week 1 and Sunday-Thursday for week 2) we have been set free for two weekends and five school days. It is wonderful. 

Last year, my husband and I met in Germany for this particular break, but this year I decided to stay put and do some exploration of the city on my own. It has been splendid.

 First of all, here is a little bit about Eid from Google:

"Eid al-Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice), also called the "Sacrifice Feast" or "Bakr-Eid", is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. 

• Significance: Commemoration of Ibrahim (Abraham)'s willingness to sacrifice his young first-born and only son in obedience of a command from God.
• Observances: Eid prayers, sacrifice of a sheep, cow, goat, buffalo, or camel." 

When we were in Egypt we were witness to all sorts of animal sacrifices, typically sheep; however here in Kuwait, I haven't seen any of the blood or bones. Actually the streets are somewhat deserted. According to the children in my class, families either travel out of the country or go to their chalets by the Sea. 

That has left me to follow this typical daily schedule...

• 3:45 am- Up and put on the coffee
• 4:00 am- Contact husband in Canada via Skype
• 5:00 am- Go out for a walk (whenever the sun comes up!)
• 7:00 am- Breakfast at the flat or a local restaurant
• 7:30 am- Go back to bed or read or cook or visit with friends or play with the cat
• Noon- Lunch
• 1-4 pm- Work on school planning
• 4-6 pm- Go for a swim (if the pool is open, which is wasn't for the past two days) OR go to the gym in our building
• 6 pm- Dinner
• 6:30-8 pm- Watch TV or read 
• 8 pm- Lights Out

So far this break I have spent time with three new-to-our-school teachers, three teacher-we-worked-with- in-Egypt, a teacher from KES (Kuwait English School), and colleagues from last year, one of whom  just got a new dog!  His name is Jack and he is the most beautiful and docile chihuahua I have ever met. I did not get a picture of him yet, but here are some of the cats from friends in Mahboulah:

Loomi a.k.a. Em's Cat

Parkinson's Cat #1

Parkinson's Cat #2

That brings me to my cat...Peekaboo (originally Picabu) is affectionate, playful, and very hairy. She sheds all over the dark brown furniture and most of her hairs are white. That, plus the dust from living in the desert, keeps both me and a cleaning lady on our toes. She is lovely, but she is also a climber and I have found her in various perches throughout the apartment. 

MY CAT- Peekaboo I LOVE YOU!

The rest of the week looms ahead...the swimming pool opens tomorrow and I will add an evening swim to the mix of activities. On Wednesday and Thursday, the school is also open for a few hours. Tutoring begins on Saturday and then it is back to the Grade 1 classroom. 

Looking forward to classes starting again.  I think it may be like starting all over again, but at least the children have an idea of what to expect from me. And my expectations of them are as high as ever. 

Until next time, 

Bee Rich

PS  Found this bit of nostalgia on my laptop- taken from a bulletin board at school last year...still rings true!

I Like This!

Working Through

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. 

Welcoming bulletin board

Love these little ones- writing time

Primary colours art experiment

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.

At the shore in front of the Aquarium. 

 

What not to do by the Sea- no BBSs, feeding the birds,
walking the dog, swimming, fishing, or smoking shisha!

Greenery and scenery down by the Sea.

 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. 

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. 

Crunch #1

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!

The School!

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.

Can't wait to see this in person

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. 

Happy Birthday KH!! T
Thanks for the invitation. 

 So that is the update, wishing you well, and until next time, 

Bee Rich

New School Year- New Goals!

It's not all about the cat!

 Look at the date!  It's been less than a week since my last post and I am hoping that this will be a weekly event.  It is Saturday night here in Kuwait. I have been here for less than 24 hours, and slept for at least twelve of them.  It is hot.  The AC is not working and I have had several "technicians in and out, but no luck yet.  Keeping cool with a cup of green tea and a wet towel around my neck. The cat, as you can see, is very much alive. She has cried a lot since I have been here; her way of saying "Meow I missed you!"

The day before leaving for Kuwait, I had my teeth cleaned by my dear friend from elementary days, Muriel. She is an independent Dental Hygienist working in west Ottawa on Preston Street. Not only did I have the dental job done, but I joined  Muriel for a walk to a beautiful Thai restaurant, where we caught up with one another's lives (after all it's been more than a year since we chatted) and immensely enjoyed our food and drink. After dinner we went to an Italian bistro for a latte. Although tempted, I skipped dessert, for obvious reasons. This got me thinking about some of my goals for the school year- Goal #1- Stay in touch with friends and Goal #2- FLOSS!

I am so proud of my friend Muriel- almost 40 years as a dental hygienist! 

 My final morning in Canada was spent at home finishing the final packing for travel to Kuwait. My dear husband waited patiently while I checked and double checked for the essentials- passport, Kuwait identification card, toothbrush and floss, sweater and socks for the flight. I said bye bye to dear Mika, loaded the truck and set off to Ottawa to meet my favourite brother for breakfast at Joe's Pizza. No kidding, that is the name of the best breakfast restaurant in his area of Ottawa. Thanks Rick for the breakfast! Goal #3- Stay in touch with family

Now the trip was one of the best I have experienced. After clearing US customs in Ottawa, it was the waiting game. My husband had arranged for my laptop to be cleaned,( while I was having my teeth cleaned),so I was able to putter around on the web, keep track of the Olympics, and enjoy a cup of Tim's. Goal #4- Take better care of technology (laptop, iPad, iPhone, Kindle) and Goal #5- Cut back on coffee consumption

I boarded the plane to Newark and enjoyed the hour trip to Newark airport, just outside of New York City. The three hour layover there passed quickly and with no need to change terminals, I walked for an hour, then settled in to a lovely glass of Pinot Grigio while watching the end of the women's soccer match and the beginning of a men's. Goal #6- Cut back on pinot. 

The second plane ride of the day was a bit late departing Newark, but arrived only a few minutes late in Frankfurt. Upon landing I thought I had picked up some type bug...upset stomach, cramps, and a horrendous headache. It could have been the six hour flight with no bathroom break- window seat- or it could have been the pinot. Long story short, I found a quiet place to lie down and sleep, and woke up with some relief. Happily when I arrived at the gate, a colleague and her friend were waiting for the same flight. Fortunately, he had some extra strength headache medication, which helped. Big thanks to Mike and Hannah! Again, it was a three hour layover, and spent the time walking around, browsing the duty free shops, and a monitoring the Facebook chatter.

Plane number three out of Frankfort had me seated at the back of the plane in an aisle seat, I was happy to be able to get up and go when the need arose. I watched two different inspirational films, both which told the stories of about athletes who overcame great odds- tennis player Althea Gibson and diver Greg Louganis.

Tennis Star Althea Gibson

Greg Louganis is an accomplished athlete, LGBT rights activist, mentor to US divers, and auther

Goal #7- Must read this book!

Now, back to present day...I arrived in Kuwait at around 8 p.m. The line for passport control was extremely large; however, I was so impressed with the courtesy of the other travelers. When my turn came, I was stamped and then able to collect my luggage, which came out almost immediately. The taxis were also available and I was in the apartment by 9:30 pm.

After a bit of unpacking, I decided to get to sleep at 11 pm, thinking I would get up at 7 am and go for a swim. Not to be!  I did not even hear the alarm. A headache woke me up at 10:30 and after a black coffee and about a litre of water, I fell back asleep until noon. I noticed the apartment was a little warm and despite being on, it appeared that the air conditioning was not working. I fiddled with the settings, but could not get the temperature to drop below 27.5. As I write, I am awaiting the technician. Goal #8- Practice patience

In the meantime, I checked out what food was left in the apartment, and was pleased to find some vanilla ice cream and pita bread in the freezer, plus plenty of tea and peanut butter in the cupboard.
Goal #9- Shop for groceries tomorrow morning. 

If you know me, you probably realize that I like change. The rest of the day was spent moving furniture. The apartment is quite small and its furnishings are quite big, plus I had acquired some extra "things", so it was necessary to reorganize. The result is what you see below.  Goal #10- Get rid of (give away or sell) some of the extra things that are not being used. 

The dining room/den

The bedroom/workout room

The living room (TV in the corner)

The reading corner (and cat)

The cozy kitchen/laundry room- fridge is in the corner

That is the end of the apartment tour, the end of the goals (almost), and the end of this blog post. I have landed. I am feeling refreshed after a lengthy trip. I have wonderful memories of summer holidays. Finally, I look forward to a new school year with a class of new children, a new and improved positive attitude, and a long list of promises to keep.

Until next time,

Bee Rich

PS The AC is now working. Present temperature is 25.5 C. YAY!