What a great break! It was a much needed restful 6 days off of work. I can't believe I have to go back tomorrow. I'm not ready!!
Wednesday I spent the day in Dubai with Cindy. We just went to the mall and walked around for a bit before heading back to the hotel (where she and Craig are staying) to wait for Craig to come home from work. We spent the time catching up and sharing while we were waiting. Craig was supposed to come at 1:00, but that turned in to 3:00, which turned into 4:30 and he eventually arrived around 4:45. No big deal, but kind of funny. When Craig got there we headed back to the mall for dinner and some more window shopping. Dinner was good and then it was time to say good-bye. They would be leaving for Qatar on Saturday. It was nice to be able to spend the day with them because who knows when I'll see them again.
After I left the mall I tried to go see Kristie but traffic was horrible. Not moving at all. So I called her and told her that I'd see her on Friday at church. We were talking about her coming home with me and spending Thursday in Al Ain, but she had things that she needed to do in Dubai on Thursday so we'll plan it for some other day.
Thursday was a nice day out. I went to the zoo with Deborah and Sophia (her 1 1/2 year old). It was nice to be there with a kid! We got to the zoo when it opened at 10 and left around 1:30. When we got there it wasn't too hot or too crowded. By the time we left it was exactly the opposite. At one point I forgot what country I lived it as the zoo was packed with Indian men and families. I think I only saw 1 Arabic family. Yes, I know they are a minority here, but still. Some of the animals were quite active and I really enjoyed watching the baby rhino run after its mom! The white tiger was just getting up from its nap when we got there so it was cool to see him stretch and yawn and move around. Much more than I have seen in the past. The white lion was just laying around, but at least he was in the sun and I was able to see him. The gazelles were running and jumping and the giraffes were too busy eating to be bothered by the bell that was calling them over so some kids could feed them! All in all it was a nice day at the zoo. I'm not sure how much Sophia got out of it, but she was in a good mood and enjoyed walking around.
After the zoo I did some cleaning and then headed to the Hilton for a workout followed by dinner at the pool. A very nice and relaxing way to end the day.
Friday was spent in Dubai with friends from church. Kisha made the trip from Abu Dhabi via bus so she could attend the worship service. That was her second time and I hope she continues. It's nice how that friendship is being rekindled after being away for awhile. I spent the morning teaching the 2-4 year olds about how God chooses people by telling the story of Jacob and Esau. God was amazingly faithful and answered my prayer for focus for the kids and strength for me as I taught. The kids sat through the story time AND sang songs AND even participated by answering some questions! That's the best they've ever been. It was a nice morning with them. I then headed upstairs to meet Kristie and Kisha. Kristie, Vanny, and I typically have lunch together and Kisha came along with us and we were joined by Jane and Lizah (a new attender to the church). We had a nice lunch at IKEA and then we headed to the Dubai Mall so Kisha and I could go to the organic store. Oh the parking! That mall is huge and so is the parking garage, but I didn't think I'd ever find a place to park. I ended up going on the roof and was greeted by many open spaces! What a nice view up there though. We joked that they needed to put a coffee shop on the roof of the parking garage. You could have coffee and see the sights at the same time. Maybe we'll have to open one! We did our organic shopping and then Kisha headed home while Jane, Kristie and I walked around and fought the crowds of Saudi's that were there for 24 hour shopping! We wanted to have dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (newly opened), but the mafia looking men standing outside informed us that you needed a reservation. Oh well. Maybe when they've been there for a while we'll be able to get in without a reservation. So we headed to some French cafe and had sandwiches. I know not exactly The Cheesecake Factory, but it was still good. We had had enough of the crowds so we made our way back to the roof and headed to Bur Dubai to go shoe shopping. Kristie knew of a store that sells size 11 shoes so I was intrigued. Sure enough they do, but they all have high heels or platforms. Bummer. I tried a pair on just for fun and we all got a good laugh at how tall I had become! Oh well I'll just have to do my shoe shopping when I get home. After an exhausting day of "shopping" it was time to head back to Al Ain and fall in bed.
Saturday was a PJ day!! I haven't had one of those in forever. Well, I can't really say it was a full PJ day because I did get dressed and do some grocery shopping, but after that I was home in my PJs. I did some laundry and that's about it. Reading, watching TV, and playing games occupied my day. Very restful and relaxing and much needed.
Sunday I had lunch with Mary at Bawadi Mall; it was good to see her. Since she's not doing the Bible study anymore I haven't seen her in a few weeks. Good times catching up. I also looked for some shoes at Bawadi Mall. They have "Ecco" and I can typically find shoes there. They had sandals in my size just not shoes; I really need shoes. Disappointing, but kind of expected. Then it was off to the gym followed by another relaxing evening at home. I did get my new seating chart made, but that was the extent of the school work that I did!
Monday (today) I went to Alexandra's for lunch (or rather tea). It was nice to visit with her outside of school. She teaches 3rd grade and is from South Africa. We have been wanting to get together since the beginning of the year and it has finally happened. After visiting for a while I left with the promise of having her, along with Jenn and Linda, over to my place for dinner one night before Christmas break. Then it was back to the gym for a workout and more pool time. I didn't really do much swimming just sun bathing by the pool. I wanted lunch, but I couldn't find anyone to give me a menu or take my order so I just sat and read for a bit.
As I was getting ready to leave the gym I got a call from the post office. My birthday package had arrived!! Happy Birthday to me! I got exactly what I asked for, Cheezits and Jif creamy peanut butter, and more! I got a nice long sleeved blouse and some kitchen towels along with makeup. What a nice birthday box!! Alexa's kindergarten picture was also in the box and she looks like she's 17 (minus the fact that she has 2 missing front teeth:).
Now it's time for my break to end:( Back to work tomorrow. Yes, I'm thankful that I have a job, but I have really enjoyed this time off. I looked at the calendar and it's a nice 7ish weeks until Christmas break. Two and a half weeks and then a day off for Islamic New Year, two weeks and then 2 days off for National Day, two weeks and then 3 weeks off for Christmas!! I can make it!!!!
93 degrees at 5:30 and it sounds like we're having a sandstorm of sorts out there! Glad I'm not at the pool!!
Oh side note. I've been having to wear my sweatshirt at night. I know crazy, but it's chilly here. Maybe if I turned off my air conditioning in the bedroom it wouldn't be so cold, but I need it on so it's cold when I go to sleep. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to survive winter in MI at my parents' house!!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Update
I know it's been quite some time since I have posted, but that's basically because not much has been going on. But, I do apologize for leaving a lot of people hanging about the medical issues. I figured since I posted it on Facebook that would be enough, but evidently there are people out there that read this blog that aren't my friends on Facebook. So this is for you!
The FNA came back totally clear of any cancerous cells! Praise the Lord! I just have to sort of monitor my neck and if I notice anything I have to go back to get it rechecked. So far so good. There was just one week when I thought that the lump had returned, but that was all psychological.
With that medical issue being taken care of I could focus on the fact that I kept coughing and it never went away. Turns out I had chronic bronchitis! Or at least that's what Dr. Shirley diagnosed me with since my cough had lasted for almost 2 months. She gave me some cough syrup and told me if it doesn't go away we would schedule a chest x-ray. Well, it's been 8 days and the cough is gone! Another praise! I think I may be on the road to recovery.
That's what I thought until Wednesday when I had one of my dizzy spells (at work). Very scary. I was standing in the pod for assembly and I felt like I was going to fall over. This happened right during the national anthem (that's when you're not supposed to move or anything), not good timing. So I leaned against the pole and when the national anthem was over I asked Jennifer to get me some juice. She brought the juice (which usually works) and Kevin got me a chair. I sat down and drank my juice and then Gursharn walked me to the nurse where she checked my blood sugar. It was fine, which I knew it would be because I do not have low blood sugar. Although I get the symptoms of it relatively frequently. I sat in the nurse's office for a while and then went back to class. Probably shouldn't have, but they don't have subs and the kids just get split up and put into the other 4th grade classes where they sit on the floor and do nothing all day (at least they are supervised, unlike at Ammoryiah). So I went back to class and did my best job of "teaching" that day. Although I must say that the kids were great! I think I should be sick all the time!!! A couple of times I heard one of the girls say "Miss mareedah!" (Miss is sick) to the class and that got them to behave and settle down. I left when the kids left at 2:45 and Jennifer took me to Oasis Hospital (I didn't think I should drive, even though I was feeling a bit better). I didn't have an appointment so I knew I was going to be waiting quite some time, but I needed to try to find out what was happening. I waited 2 1/2 hours only to be told there was nothing that they could do since I had blood work done in Sept. they couldn't do it again (there is a 3 month turn around period before you can have blood work done again). Who knew. So I left with some Panadol (tylenol); 50 dirham Panadol mind you. That is some expensive Panadol. Not very happy. I have decided that I will go for a general physical in December when I can have blood work done.
That brings you up to date with my health issues.
School. Not really much to tell you here. I am just trying to figure it all out. Trying to see how all the "programs" fit together. I think they have too many. They are trying to be IB certified (which is all about inquiry and letting the kids pick what they want to learn) and they have Common Core Standards and ADEC Standards. Too many things and it's causing a lot of stress and headaches as we try to figure it all out. Then they also have the PYP program which is character based education and I have to try to work that in my lessons as well. Can you say headache?!!
When I took the day off to go to the doctor for my cough I stopped by Ammoryiah. What a nice visit I had. It was great to be welcomed by all the teachers and students. Lots and lots of cheek kisses and hugs. Ousha was the best! "Shoo fe Sara, habibti!!" (what's up Sara baby!!). I definitely miss seeing Ousha and Moza and it was great to be able to spend a bit of time with them. The girls were quite surprised to see me and they could not leave me alone! There was a big circle of girls around me and they walked me to my car begging me to stay. Broke my heart! They were sooooo sweet. They actually thought I came back to teach them because they are short a teacher. I'm thanking God that I was loved and appreciated there and I hope that I impacted their lives for the better. I miss them and honestly some days I don't know if I made the right decision. But I am at ENS now and God can use me there for His glory.
Eid starts on Wednesday; Tuesday is my last day of work this week and I don't go back until the following Tuesday. It will be nice to have a long break. Everyone needs it! As of right now I don't have any plans other than going to Dubai. I'll be going on Wednesday to see Cindy and Craig. They really are leaving (tickets are booked and everything). They are leaving for Qatar on Saturday afternoon, but I won't be able to see them Thursday or Friday because they are spending Eid with Mohammed and Khuloud so I am going Wednesday to see them before they leave. Other than that I think I'll just play it some what low key. Kristie has talked about wanting to come to Al Ain so that may happen, but I'm not sure.
The weather is getting to be quite nice now! I love this time of year. Not too hot and not too cold (I know you must think I'm crazy saying it's cold in the desert, but it can really get cold especially in the mornings:).
In less than 2 months I'll be home for Ann's wedding and Christmas. Can't wait! Not sure how I'm going to handle the REAL COLD of MI (better find my winter coat - hint, hint!!).
I think that's about a month's worth of news. Really not much going on. Too busy trying to figure out ENS!!
86 degrees at 10:00pm.
The FNA came back totally clear of any cancerous cells! Praise the Lord! I just have to sort of monitor my neck and if I notice anything I have to go back to get it rechecked. So far so good. There was just one week when I thought that the lump had returned, but that was all psychological.
With that medical issue being taken care of I could focus on the fact that I kept coughing and it never went away. Turns out I had chronic bronchitis! Or at least that's what Dr. Shirley diagnosed me with since my cough had lasted for almost 2 months. She gave me some cough syrup and told me if it doesn't go away we would schedule a chest x-ray. Well, it's been 8 days and the cough is gone! Another praise! I think I may be on the road to recovery.
That's what I thought until Wednesday when I had one of my dizzy spells (at work). Very scary. I was standing in the pod for assembly and I felt like I was going to fall over. This happened right during the national anthem (that's when you're not supposed to move or anything), not good timing. So I leaned against the pole and when the national anthem was over I asked Jennifer to get me some juice. She brought the juice (which usually works) and Kevin got me a chair. I sat down and drank my juice and then Gursharn walked me to the nurse where she checked my blood sugar. It was fine, which I knew it would be because I do not have low blood sugar. Although I get the symptoms of it relatively frequently. I sat in the nurse's office for a while and then went back to class. Probably shouldn't have, but they don't have subs and the kids just get split up and put into the other 4th grade classes where they sit on the floor and do nothing all day (at least they are supervised, unlike at Ammoryiah). So I went back to class and did my best job of "teaching" that day. Although I must say that the kids were great! I think I should be sick all the time!!! A couple of times I heard one of the girls say "Miss mareedah!" (Miss is sick) to the class and that got them to behave and settle down. I left when the kids left at 2:45 and Jennifer took me to Oasis Hospital (I didn't think I should drive, even though I was feeling a bit better). I didn't have an appointment so I knew I was going to be waiting quite some time, but I needed to try to find out what was happening. I waited 2 1/2 hours only to be told there was nothing that they could do since I had blood work done in Sept. they couldn't do it again (there is a 3 month turn around period before you can have blood work done again). Who knew. So I left with some Panadol (tylenol); 50 dirham Panadol mind you. That is some expensive Panadol. Not very happy. I have decided that I will go for a general physical in December when I can have blood work done.
That brings you up to date with my health issues.
School. Not really much to tell you here. I am just trying to figure it all out. Trying to see how all the "programs" fit together. I think they have too many. They are trying to be IB certified (which is all about inquiry and letting the kids pick what they want to learn) and they have Common Core Standards and ADEC Standards. Too many things and it's causing a lot of stress and headaches as we try to figure it all out. Then they also have the PYP program which is character based education and I have to try to work that in my lessons as well. Can you say headache?!!
When I took the day off to go to the doctor for my cough I stopped by Ammoryiah. What a nice visit I had. It was great to be welcomed by all the teachers and students. Lots and lots of cheek kisses and hugs. Ousha was the best! "Shoo fe Sara, habibti!!" (what's up Sara baby!!). I definitely miss seeing Ousha and Moza and it was great to be able to spend a bit of time with them. The girls were quite surprised to see me and they could not leave me alone! There was a big circle of girls around me and they walked me to my car begging me to stay. Broke my heart! They were sooooo sweet. They actually thought I came back to teach them because they are short a teacher. I'm thanking God that I was loved and appreciated there and I hope that I impacted their lives for the better. I miss them and honestly some days I don't know if I made the right decision. But I am at ENS now and God can use me there for His glory.
Eid starts on Wednesday; Tuesday is my last day of work this week and I don't go back until the following Tuesday. It will be nice to have a long break. Everyone needs it! As of right now I don't have any plans other than going to Dubai. I'll be going on Wednesday to see Cindy and Craig. They really are leaving (tickets are booked and everything). They are leaving for Qatar on Saturday afternoon, but I won't be able to see them Thursday or Friday because they are spending Eid with Mohammed and Khuloud so I am going Wednesday to see them before they leave. Other than that I think I'll just play it some what low key. Kristie has talked about wanting to come to Al Ain so that may happen, but I'm not sure.
The weather is getting to be quite nice now! I love this time of year. Not too hot and not too cold (I know you must think I'm crazy saying it's cold in the desert, but it can really get cold especially in the mornings:).
In less than 2 months I'll be home for Ann's wedding and Christmas. Can't wait! Not sure how I'm going to handle the REAL COLD of MI (better find my winter coat - hint, hint!!).
I think that's about a month's worth of news. Really not much going on. Too busy trying to figure out ENS!!
86 degrees at 10:00pm.
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