I guess I will start with a school update. We finished first quarter (1 down 3 to go!) Report cards come out this week and then we have parent conferences. I am a bit nervous about conferences, but hopefully all will go well. I have started seeing some frustration in myself with the language barrier (mostly when speaking with parents). I am not frustrated with them, but I am frustrated with the situation. I don't know what to say or how to say it to make myself clear AND sometimes I make them repeat themselves so many darn times because I am struggling to understand them. I usually have my kiddos translate. They are the best. However this only works if the kiddos are around.
I absolutely adore my kids. I have had many frustrating moments, but man I love them. We read a story about Ellen Ochoa (first woman Hispanic astronaut) and three of the kids went home and researched more about her. My heart melted. I am starting to notice things that I say (whether it be about procedures, content, skills or strategies) FINALLY being regular behaviors among students. They are NOT angels by any means, but I feel like we are over that hump where we have been in school a long time and they are still not doing what I ask. I feel like we have reached the other side. (This usually comes back after Christmas, but fingers crossed!!!) They are also more aware of my pet peeves. I REALLY dislike hearing "MISS MISS MISS MISS MISS" so I started talking about myself in the 3rd person. "Miss Leah is coming around to collect your spelling tests." My students legitimately thought I was crazy. "WHY ARE YOU TALKING LIKE THAT?" I then explained how I like to be called by my name and NOT "MISS MISS MISS MISS MISS" - I really should have recorded how much they say it. Well although it is still around, it is definitely less. One of my students even wrote in her writing (prompt about what would happen if she was the teacher) "If I was teacher, I would have my students call me "Miss Jana" and not "MISS MISS MISS MISS MISS." That kids got an "A" - well written.
First Sandstorm (kinda) The wind wasn't crazy strong,
but there was definitely lots of dust in the air.
Life update. I am doing well, I am recovering from a few days of homesickness, but all is good. It can come in waves, usually unexpectedly. Although I feel homesick at times, it is nothing I can't deal with. I am fine, just miss some things. I noticed in my waves of homesickness that I don't just feel homesick for the great state of Minnesota. I was surprised (okay maybe not that surprised) when I was feeling homesick for the other great state of South Carolina. I am extremely fortunate to have two places to miss. There is a lot going on at home and it is hard to not be a part of it or to be around for others. It is also hard not to be around to celebrate in others successes. HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE HHS XC GIRL'S TEAM FOR MAKING STATE (AND ROCKING STATE) AND BEN FOR QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALLY. Ya'll (yep I am southern) are awesome for sending me video clips of the races, tagging me in photos, and keeping me updated. You have NO IDEA how appreciative I am and how freakin' proud I am of you guys! I really hope you ate cake to celebrate.
It is unbelievable how much my friends and family have communicated with me. Every text, picture, comment, etc. is truly appreciated and makes me smile. One of the SC teachers that teaches my kids from last year texted me saying that one of my student's apologizes for all of the bad things he did last year. I laughed so loud. Kids are great. I also received a snapchat from one of my parents (from last year) informing me that her child made HONOR ROLL! (for the first time I believe) - all of these updates just make my day. I love taking screenshots while skyping (don't stop skyping me because of this!). I can't believe I didn't screen shot Montine! You got so lucky! Next time :)
These kids...
My favorite male asian
My momma is the best.
I have started to become more social (well kinda). Once I got the gym membership I pretty much devoted my life to that place. While I still work out, I also hang out with friends. I am extremely thankful for Allison, Taylor, and Mila. We started hanging out often and it has made me a much more well rounded person. I went with them to the Halloween party. So great to do something that we would do back in the states. I went as Clark Kent (well actually Claire Kent). It was a ton of fun. It was at a chalet on the beach.
Mila, Me, Allison, and Taylor
RANDOM: I have been mistaken for a Canadian A LOT. Once was a taxi driver. I was in the cab with two other girls (both from the states, one was even from Minnesota) and we said something about the states. The taxi driver "Are you all from America?" and we responded "yeah." Cab driver looks straight at me and replies "I thought you were from Canada." I have also met A LOT of Canadians and many thought I was from Canada until we actually talked and they found out I was from Minnesota. So basically I am going to come back from Kuwait with an even thicker Minnesota accent and a great wealth of knowledge on Canada. I swear I learn more about Canada than Kuwait.
I just learned that police officers can approach a man and woman and ask to see your marriage license (if you are giving displays of affection - like hand holding). Pretty crazy.
Drivers here are terrible. I PROMISE you they are the worst drivers in the world. I wanted to video, but it didn't work out the day I thought about it. One of these days though, I will. and you will be terrified. They tailgate like nobody's business. All the cars are so close all the time. They speed. They don't use blinkers. They drive on the shoulder like it's a lane. They honk incessantly. Yet there is very little road rage. I don't get it. Literally - car is too close "HONK" car cuts off a car "HONK" car doesn't respond when the light turned green 0.2 seconds ago "HONK" car is next to a car "HONK" car is behind a car "HONK" car is parked "HONK" car is moving "HONK"
Hopefully something crazy exciting will happen soon and I will be able to write an insanely awesome blog entry. Otherwise, expect another blog post like this one until I finally get to go out of the country and travel in December :)
Love all of you,
Leah
