It is what it is

In the International Teaching scene, four years is a long time to stay in one place, especially if you are young and single and that place is Kuwait. When I arrived in Kuwait, it was the beginning of a whole new adventure. I was surrounded by colleagues I clicked with and soon adored. I miss all of that dearly and daily. I loved my arts team beyond measure, even the moodiness and misguided passion, as it was tempered with a desire for excellence. Over four years, I developed friendships akin to family relations.

I have no desire to return to Kuwait nor the school. I miss my friends and colleagues and wish I had the opportunity to work with one or two (or many more) of them. I find my work situation here is not as fulfilling. Part of that is because I am new to the school and do not have a strong sense of where I belong as I do not know where I can best contribute. My schedule is easy and I am bored.

The best part of the school is certainly the students. I enjoy my classes, even my loud and chatty grade 7 class. The grade 6s are so sweet, they always want to stay in band and not go to their next class. The grade 8s are fun because they have some skills and still so much to learn, plus they are so nice.

As for the school itself, the location is fabulous. I can see the sea from various vantage points, the walk is 6-8 minutes from my apartment (6 on the way there because it's all downhill, 8 on the uphill way home). At least it's not uphill both ways, in knee deep snow. :) As for the details such as management, organization and colleagues, I'm really running cool with it. It is, career-wise, a step down from my previous situation. Perhaps in time that will change, but for now I say most frequently, "It is what it is." Because that's all there is to say.

My life here is shaping up to be okay. Yoga is going well, I have found a place I like to go for classes. My neighbourhood has everything I need and more. In five minutes, I can walk to a variety of produce markets, grocery stores, a cheese shop, specialty nuts shops, plus any number of pubs and coffeeshops, ice cream stops and restaurants.

I have been going on little day trips out of the city with various folks. It's all good. The countryside is lovely and the air is clean and crisp away from the humidity of the coast.

I buggered up my back pretty badly a few weeks ago (moving furniture) and the doctor at school assured me it was muscular. It's back to about 95% now, but I was in pain and pretty grumpy for over a week. It's great to feel better again.

Bashar was here my first couple days, then came back about a month later for a short visit. It seems I won't see much more of him than I did when I lived in Kuwait, at least until January. Now that I've had some time to digest it, heal my back and feel better about life, it's okay. I was quite angry at the thought of seeing him in January and not sooner, but after a series of long talks, he decided he would come back for a couple days now and then, even when it is the busy season for him. I enjoy his company so much when he's around, simple things like him making coffee and lunch, cleaning up, helping me hang pictures, walking around, playing cribbage at the coffee shop. It's nice to have someone around. Again I say,' It is what it is."

I will write more, with details and pictures soon. I must go now to get some things accomplished.

Please write- I am a little lonely.