Well, I did it.
I survived my first year teaching abroad. It was a challenging year, but through God's strength, I made it. The school year is finally over.
The students' last day of school was officially June 21st, though many stopped coming before then. Unfortunately for teachers, the last day was July 12th. Why the powers that be chose to have that 3-week gap, I don't know, but it was excruciating. At least for me. Many teachers spent the last three weeks doing absolutely nothing. Well except for working out (at school), eating, reading, or chillaxing.
Not us.
Our last few weeks were spent in PDs (professional developments), preparing for the next school year, blah, blah, blah. To be honest, I mentally checked out sometime around week one. I was done working. My body was there, but my mind had already gone on vacation. It was a struggle to get up in the mornings and go to work, but nevertheless, we did. And we're finished. Thank you, JESUS! I'm seriously contemplating getting a shirt that says, "I survived teaching in Abu Dhabi." I have that Destiny's Child song in my head. "I'm a survivor. I'm not gon give up. I'm not gon stop. I'm gon work harder." Describes this year perfectly.
My brain rejects anything school-like, so enough about school.
My vacation will consist of a trip to Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket) Thailand, home (the US), and Puerto Rico. I know, awesome, right???
Tomorrow morning, my friends and I leave for Phuket for a 6-day/5-night vacation. I so can NOT wait. There is fun - and relaxation - to be had. Next week, I leave for home. I can't wait to see my family! Oh, how I miss them so. Then, it's off to San Juan, Puerto Rico with the sis for a 7-day/6-night vacation. Seven days may not be enough, I know but we'll make the best out of the time we have. I can't wait to see the gorgeous men...uh, I mean the gorgeous beaches of Puerto Rico. Heehee. I spend the rest of my vacation back in Houston with the fam before I come back to Abu Dhabi for another great year of teaching.
I'm thinking this summer may turn out to be the best one yet.
I'm a Survivor!
Tickle-Me Tuesday
So a few weeks ago, I took horseback riding lessons for the first time. I loved it so much, I plan to continue when I get back from vacation. Anyway, because I'm vertically challenged - aka short - I had to use a chair to get on the horse. On the first day of lessons, I got on with no problems. I figured the second day would be the same. Mafi mushkela ("No problem" in Arabic), right? WRONG.
The chair we used was a cheap, plastic chair. Genius that I am, I stood in the middle of the chair instead of the sides, like smart, normal people would've done. I hopped once, twice...then the 3rd time, BAM! My foot went thru the chair and I nearly busted my butt. Embarrassing to say the least. The nasty bruise I got is just now going away. It was all in fun, tho. My friend caught it on video. I know, lucky me right?
Enjoy laughing at my expense. It was quite hilarious, I must admit.
Manificent Monday: Pitbull
The weekend before last, I attended the Pitbull concert in Dubai. Besides the fact that he was an hour and a half late, his performance was amazing. He and his voice are even sexier in person! Enough to make him this week's cutie pie.
Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, is a Cuban-American rapper born in Miami, Florida. He came on to the scene in 2004. His hits include "Culo" (with Lil Jon), "Hit Tha Floor" (with Twista), "The Anthem", "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)", "Hotel Room Service", "Bon Bon", and "Give Me Everything" to name a few. He also worked with artists on hits like "DJ Got Us Falling In Love" (Usher), "I Like It" (Enrique Iglesias), and "On The Floor" (Jennifer Lopez). His song, "Back In Time", is featured on the Men In Black 3 soundtrack. One thing Pitbull is known for is his sexy voice with the Spanish accent. *swoon*
Word(s) To Describe: Guapo. Gorgeous. Yummy. Suave.
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| This is one of my pics from his concert. |
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| Pitbull at 17. Pic courtesy of GQ.com |
Inspirational Sunday
Since the end of our school year is very near here in Abu Dhabi, I'm posting inspirational quotes for teachers.
The world seldom notices who teachers are; but civilization depends on what they do. Lindsay J. Stiles
We all need someone who inspires us to do better than we know how. Anonymous
There is no way to judge the worth of a teacher except in the lives of those he has taught. Anonymous
Quality education is not just providing information, it is developing wiser minds. E. J. Oliver
Theories and goals of education don't matter a whit if you don't consider your students to be human beings. Lou Ann Walker
One good teacher in a lifetime may sometimes change a delinquent into a solid citizen. Phillip Wylie
Never give up on a child. Patricia Willis
The best teacher of children is one who is essentially childlike. H. L. Mencken
Everyone who remembers his own educational experience remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the kingpin of the educational situation. He makes or breaks programs. Sidney Hook
I touch the future. I teach. Christa McAulliffe
Manificent Monday: Men of Magic Mike
In celebration of the release of Magic Mike on June 29th, this week's Man Monday features the cutie pie cast. Magic Mike is about a stripper - stage name, Magic Mike - who seeks to leave his stripping days behind. The ever so gorgeous, Channing Tatum, plays the movie's lead character. With cutie pies like Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey, Magic Mike is bound to be quite...delightful. Did I mention my crush, Adam Rodriguez is also in it as a stripper? YUM.
JOE MANGANIELLO
I'm Back!
After a month-long break, I'm baaaack! Did you miss me, mis amores? Yes, yes. I know you did. I know you cried everyday, missing my charm...my voice...my wit.
No?
Hey a girl can dream, right?
Anyway, the month of June will be my challenges month. I'm challenging myself in three areas: physical, writing, and reading.
Physical: I've been inspired by a close friend of the family. Last month, she challenged herself (and those who wanted to participate) to do 5,000 crunches in one month. Everyday, she did 167 crunches. This month, she's doing 5,000 squats. Since I missed last month's challenge, I'm doing both crunches and squats this month. Everyday, 167 crunches and 167 squats. Lord, help me! My body is already sore. Oh, but when I see the results, it'll all be worth it. And to celebrate my success, I'll be treating myself to the Pitbull concert in Dubai on the 29th. Who am I kidding? I'm going to see Pitbull whether I'm successful or not. But seriously. Failure is not an option. I will be successful. And getting to see Pitbull will just be the icing on my low-fat cake. Hehe!
Writing: I've gotten behind on my writing again. So, for this month, I plan to dedicate an hour everyday to my novel. Right now, I'm back to the planning stages. The actual writing will start sometime this week. I have to be done with this novel before the year ends. I'm talking about finished with draft #1, sent in to a professional editor, and back to draft #2 or 3 by the end of this year. I can do it. There's no doubt in my mind. Especially since my first year as a teacher in Abu Dhabi is practically over. Things will be a bit easier for me. Prayerfully.
Reading: I've gotten behind in my reading, also. Shocking, right? My family would think so since I'm such a book nerd. But alas, tis true. I've only picked up books (or my Nook) sporadically these last few weeks. Soooo, I will catch up on my reading. Ten books. That's how many books I will complete by the end of this month. More if I can swing it. Anyone who truly knows me, knows that I can read waaaaay more than that in one month. If the book is good enough, I can finish it in one reading. But this whole year, I've been too drained (physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally) to even think of reading. Or writing. Or anything fun.
So, there you have it. My personal challenges. Of course, cos I know you all are so interested in my life (heehee) I will keep you updated.
Yes, I love you too.
Muah!
