I have turned into the slack, inconsistent Blogger that I didn't want to be! I will try to do better this school year. So, let's recap:
SPRINGish
I resigned from my school in Sharjah around May because I was offered another job close to the capital. My principal seemed very sad, but he didn't fight for me so that reassured me that I was making the right decision. I was sad to leave SOME of my coworkers, but I learned that being in such a transit environment, nothing and no one is permanent. As a result, you get used to people coming into your life and then leaving. This actually causes me SEVERE anxiety. Forming relationships with people is important to me. I hate saying 'Goodbye' and Skype doesn't cut it. I want to be physically close to people. As of now, I am just a two hour bus ride from my teacher friends.
SUMMER
My students stopped coming to school on June 6th because the Holy month of Ramadan was taking place. We were told that we could fly home on the 22nd of June. The accountant scheduled my flight and paid me and I flew Emirates out of Dubai. My friend allowed me leave my things at her place in the city so that I would not have to bring them back to the states. I arrived home in secret for a few days and then I surprised my family while they were out to dinner. Tears flowed. I lied to them and told them that I would be back in the US after the 4th of July. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
My goals for the summer were to get back to Muv Fitness. I love my gym! The people, the equipment, the classes...EVERYTHING! I am proud of my weight loss journey. My sister and I attended Body Pump, Step, and Zumba classes and then we ran or did free weights! Everyday. BOOM! When I wasn't working out, I was parked on the couch watching Power! I did leave to go to a family reunion or the visit friends. But other than that, I was enjoying my carpeted floor, all things Trader Joes, driving my car, vacuuming, and all the other task or chores that I found annoying while in the states.
My parents threw a 'Welcome Home'/ 'Going Away' party for me at their house and it was so amazing to see my sorority sisters, middle school friends, teacher friends, and family show up for me. I was truly humbled.
CURRENTLY
I am at work in Abu Dhabi (typing this since I did not bring my laptop for a second year). Ill be teaching grade 3 (English, Math, and Science). I am at a very progressive school. The atmosphere is family oriented. They even said 'Welcome to our family, Amber.' I melted because this is the exact opposite of the environment that I was in last year. I share a villa (like a condo) with two other teachers. I am surrounded by malls, desert, and man-made island/beaches. The city bus stop is in my backyard and I spent the first week here trying to learn the routes because when I went to the orthodontist, I spent a grip on the taxi. NEVER AGAIN!
On Sunday, the students will come. As teachers, I feel that we can never be ready. We are professionals at going with the flow of things. So when people ask if I'm ready for the kids to come, I say that I am because this is my job. This is what I signed up for (in the US and here). We just leap into the madness.
GOALS
Bank & Body
This year, my focus is on getting my body back together and saving money. I did pretty good last year because I paid off my car, but I'm going to really be intentional about saving because I am aware that this could all end at anytime. Nothing is permanent.
