“Stand in the place where you live…”

I had every intention of diving into retrospective-travel blogging this week, but it’s not exactly where my mind’s resting. Besides, I have a lot of notes and details to sift through and include to be truly satisfied with the results. So instead, a look at where I’m headed.

Last week = happiness insanity. A varied and condensed schedule for four of the five school days as we celebrated and ran crazy circles around each other following the activities of International Week. There were many adorable costumes, kiddos, and antics initiated by the teachers. In actuality, it was a very beautiful celebration of how our differences draw us closer and allowed me and the students to participate in a variety of experiences promoting the cultures and countries that weave us together.

Now we’re in a (in theory) normal schedule. However, I’m planning various activities to celebrate Michael’s birthday on February 8th (and did I mentioned I’m horrible at keeping secrets?). I’ve also signed myself up for stage managing the high school production of Arsenic and Old Lace (remember the old Frank Capra film version starring Cary Grant?). I figure it’s an area that could use some guidance, and I do have the background, so full speed ahead; auditions fall on Michael’s birthday and the rehearsal schedule ties me up four days a week into April. I like the hectic pace; it keeps life interesting and moves me along toward spring break and beyond.

I had a good day with the students, my babies. I’m still missing random children due to illness and what have you (in one case, an unfortunate visa situation that’s keeping the family out of Kuwait for going on two weeks now). I taught the students some Wilda Storm methods today and they melded well with the structure of the writing program I’m trying to initiate and really get moving. I love seeing kids excited about learning – especially writing, and it’s been a while since I saw them so happy about writing only one sentence; good teaching moments today!

I’m off to decompress a little more with some “tea” (but no need for sympathy today).