Okay... so as you can see Hampton Roads (Williamsburg and area) has been hit with a big snow storm. It started in the wee hours of the morning and just hasn't stopped and it is now 4 pm. We have about 6 or 7 inches right now and it just keeps coming. It's really slick out there (not that I've tried to drive... you can see my car under the snow)and the wind is blowing like crazy! So crazy. But, as a teacher who feels like she needs as many days off as possible, this lovely storm is hitting on a Saturday.*sigh* I am hoping that it lasts all weekend and we can get out of our professional developments on Monday. Isn't it awful that this is what I wish for? Come on, the kids already have the day off, they are playing in the snow and it would be lovely to have just a day extra off. I know it wouldn't make a difference if I went in or not with regards to student contact so... ?
Anyway, just thought I'd share what it looks like here in Virginia at the moment. Enjoy the winter wonderland!

Turkey

Looks like the wait is over. I was officially offered the position today and then I accepted! So it looks like I am taking this blog on the road come late summer and fall. I will be living and teaching and studying in Ankara, Turkey. I am really excited about what is to come and am just a little anxious to sort out all my thoughts, things and whatnot... Thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers!

The Waiting Game

In international education, we go through the hiring process a lot earlier than US and Canadian public school teachers but there is that all important waiting game. Right now, I am in the waiting game for a formal offer for the school that I have interviewed with in Turkey. And while it is an exciting time, it also nerve wracking and I just can't wait to know for sure. So if you are reading this... wish me well, pray for me, and/or send me your positive thoughts!

What to Do...

My good friend Daniela used to always wobble her head and say "what to do, what to do?" when we would talk and a decision needed to be made or when something just seemed ridiculous. Today, I find myself thinking of her and doing the same thing as I contemplate what is next in my life. I have been interviewing and contacting schools in hopes of landing another international job next year. I feel pulled in all kinds of different directions... one: to just stay here and see what life brings me (although I can't afford it), two: move back to Canada and try to find a way to fit in there, three: move to Turkey and take the job there if it is offered, four: not take that job if it is offered and hope for something else to come along. *sigh* I just don't know what to do, so in tribute to my good friend, I am wobbling my head and saying, "what to do, what to do?"

Back to it

Back to teaching, working out, eating right and all that fun stuff!! And off to looking for a job... any ideas?

Finally...

Finally, we are on Christmas vacation!
Finally, I got to hang out with one of my parents from last year who became a friend.
Finally, I got to Busch Gardens, even if it was just for the Christmas Town theme.
Finally, I finished all my laundry.
Finally, I packed pretty much all I needed to pack (and what I didn't pack... OH WELL!!).
Finally, I am going to sleep even though I didn't get around to vacuuming and scrubbing the floors (this irks me beyond belief... odd, I know).
Finally, I am going to drive down to Raleigh/Durham to catch my flight to Texas.
Finally, I am going to get to meet Raymond's family.
FINALLY, I AM GETTING TO HAVE SOME QUALITY TIME WITH AN "OLD" FRIEND!!!

FINALLY!!! :)

Christmas Vacay...

So most of my teacher friends have already started their vacation time for the winter. It is usually 2 weeks (if you work for a public system) or 3 weeks (if you work for a private system). It's wonderful because you get to take a break, recharge and spend some great quality time with the people that you love. However, my school has decided that we should work until the 22nd and be back by the 4th. It is just 10 days exactly... and while 4 days may not seem like a big deal to most people, it is a right pain in the tush! Being there those extra days really cuts into my time to rest (which means get sick, because this is usually when my body gives me the middle finger for pushing it so hard for the last few months and takes a break by downing me with an illness)... it also cuts into the time you would spend preparing for the holidays (so if you live in southern VA, be prepared to see tons of teachers doing the last minute dash to the stores) and it cuts into the time you get to spend with your loved ones. For those of us not from this lovely land, it cuts into our ability to travel. My friends from Europe cannot go home because the expense is too high and the time is too short (you have to factor in the jet lag), and for me... it's just not enough time to make the $1500 for the trip home really worth it. Thankfully, my wonderful friend Raymond and his family are adopting me for the season... I hope I make a good impression and that the illness stays at bay until I get back from Texas... serves the school system right if all the teachers and kids come back ill because we didn't have enough time to do all the things you need to do on winter break!